Innehållsförteckning för 2024-10-10 från Star

Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) and Tourism Business Council of South Africa yesterday welcomed the publication of the Department of Tourism’s White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. Fedhasa said the paper acknowledged the tourism sector’s significant contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product (8.2%) and job creation (employing 1.7 million people in 2023), looks at current challenges and opportunities, and provides a strategic roadmap for the industry – so it can realise its full potential. Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa national chairperson, said the publication of this white paper had come at an exciting time. “Minister Patricia de Lille retained her portfolio as Minister of Tourism in the Government of National Unity, which has brought consistent leadership, a new Board at South African Tourism,…

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, with Iran’s Kharg oil terminal being shut and potential disruptions to the transport of oil via the Strait of Hormuz on the cards, the price of oil is rising and could quash any chance of another fuel price cut next month. At the same time, the rand continued losing its gains yesterday as the US Federal Reserve (Fed) becomes more cautious on rate cuts, which has benefited the dollar. Yesterday, having started the day at R17.59 against the US dollar, the rand weakened 0.6% to R17.66 by 4pm. This, economists noted, meant a higher spike in oil prices in the local currency. In South Africa, fuel prices have been cut for five consecutive months until October. Brent crude oil has been steadily increasing,…

Running a small business can be mentally exhausting. With the pressure to succeed, the constant decision-making and the financial risks piling up, business owners could become overwhelmed. In this relentless hustle, mental health is often neglected, even though it plays a crucial role in business success. The truth is, you can’t lead effectively if your mind is constantly under strain. As we mark World Mental Health Day today, it’s time to acknowledge the impact of mental well-being on business success. Here’s how you can take control of your mental health and build a more resilient business: Lean into support networks It’s common for small business owners to feel isolated, which can take a toll on their mental health. Rather than carrying the burden alone, reach out to your support network.…

South Africa's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business is poised for a boom, industry executives say, as new distribution hubs, rising power prices and a shift away from dirtier charcoal and paraffin stoves boost demand. State-owned power utility Eskom's plan to raise next year’s electricity tariff by 36%, the latest above-inflation rise, has prompted outrage and made imported or locally refined cooking gas look comparatively cheap. Last month LPG operator Petredec announced plans to set up South Africa's first rail-supplied LPG project. Gas consumption rose to half a billion metric tons this year from 425 000 last year, Argus global statistical review figures show. “We expect exponential growth over the next five years,” Michael Kelly, chief advocacy officer for the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) told Reuters. Ghana and Tanzania, where…

Moonchild Sanelly has announced the details of her new studio album, Full Moon, set to drop on January 10, under Transgressive Records, an independent label in London. The announcement comes alongside the release of Do My Dance, the fourth single from the album. Also announced is her 2025 headline tour in the UK and Ireland. The tour will kick off in Manchester on March 18, with dates in Dublin, Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol, before a return to London for what promises to be an unforgettable night in London, on March 26. Full Moon is Sanelly’s third studio album, produced by Johan Hugo (Self Esteem, MIA, Kano) and recorded in Malawi, the UK and Sweden. The album features 12 tracks that highlight her singing style, joyous energy and ability to…

Copyright Amendment Bill demand made CIVIL organisation Section27 has hauled President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Constitutional Court over the signing of the Copyright Amendment Bill. The public interest law centre, representing Blind SA, approached the apex court yesterday on an urgent basis accusing Ramaphosa of failing to sign the bill. This significant move comes two years after the Constitutional Court ruled that the Copyright Act was unconstitutional, as it restricted access to reading materials for the blind and visually impaired. The Copyright Act required individuals with visual impairments to obtain consent from copyright holders to convert books into accessible formats like Braille or large print. However, the Constitutional Court deemed this requirement unconstitutional and ordered Parliament to amend the act by September 21. The court also introduced an exception to…

FORMER judge Willem Heath, who was internationally recognised for his expertise in corruption and fraud, has died. He was 79. An impeccable source confirmed his passing to IOL yesterday afternoon. Heath was born in Boksburg in 1945. He studied at the University of Pretoria where he acquired two degrees. One was a BA in Law which he got in 1966 and the other one was the LLB degree in 1968. His career began as a prosecutor before starting his own private practice in Pretoria as an advocate. In 1995, former president Nelson Mandela appointed him to head the Heath Commission of Inquiry into maladministration and corruption in the Eastern Cape which he chaired until 1997. After the commission, Heath headed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) until 2001. Following his departure…

THE DA has been warned to do some self-introspection after losing control of Tshwane yesterday. The party previously governed Joburg and Ekurhuleni, but was sent packing by the alliance of ANC, ActionSA, EFF and other smaller parties, the same scenario that played out in Tshwane yesterday. Former deputy mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya of ActionSA came out tops against ousted mayor Cilliers Brink. She got 122 votes against Brink’s 86. Sharing 117 seats, ActionSA, EFF and ANC were supported by the Good Party, African Transformation Movement and Defenders of the People. According to Tshwane-based political analyst Dr John Molepo, the loss called for the DA to look at its relationships with other political parties. Molepo, the Associate Professor at the North West University, told the Pretoria News politics at local government…

Director of China’s National Financial Regulatory Administration, Li Yunze, who is on a visit to South Africa has pledged Beijing’s support to assist Pretoria to achieve its economic goals through working together on programs like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The embassy of China in South Africa, led by Ambassador Wu Peng, hosted a briefing dissecting the outcomes of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, where Li was given an opportunity to decode what the conclusions mean for China-South Africa relations in the new era. “For the Chinese people, South Africa is a partner in mutual assistance and in the same boat through thick and thin, and the two sides have shared a common vision…

In an outpouring of grief and admiration, tributes are flowing for Pastor Ray McCauley, the esteemed founder of Rhema Bible Church, who died on October 8 at the age of 75. Known for his profound influence in the South African evangelical community, McCauley’s legacy resonates deeply among the hundreds of thousands of believers within and beyond the Rhema community. Throughout his life, McCauley has been recognised for his remarkable ability to pioneer inclusive worship, a concept that was ahead of its time. Confirming the news, the McCauley family announced their loss, revealing that he was surrounded by his loved ones at his home. “It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley, founder of Rhema Bible Church, an evangelical leader. Pastor Ray…

The problem of teenage drinking in South Africa has once again come into the spotlight after pictures of underage girls proudly consuming alcohol outside a local tavern started circulating on social media last week. The pictures, which have gone viral on social media, show teenagers holding cans of alcohol, seemingly carefree, at a tavern. Public outrage has followed, with calls for accountability from tavern owners, parents, and the government. Experts believe teenage drinking is a multifaceted issue, with societal, parental, and economic influences all contributing to the crisis. In June 2022, more than 20 teenagers died at an overcrowded Enyobeni Tavern pens down event which was mainly young people under the age of 18, with the youngest victim at least 13. The parents were told their children died from…

Political chameleons led a national shutdown parading as champions of the poor and working class but live in opulence. These so called pro-poor hypocrites drive million-rand cars and stay in the most expensive hotels and in world-class leafy suburbs in the land. During election time, Cosatu perpetuated the myth of a pro-poor ANC notwithstanding all evidence to the contrary. After elections they complain and talk of a ‘predatory state’ and hyenas. It is not the state that is predatory, it is the ruling elite. It is Cosatu who continue to deceive the public to vote for an ANC which has since the Arms Deal of 1999 been characterised by self-enrichment and corruption. This is a wake-up call for all the workers! Go out to communities, your families and friends and…

I’ve long bemoaned the lack of grunt from Mazda engines which makes scratching their beautiful, timeless designs off my list of prospective vehicles to buy a heartbreaking shame. Mazda make some of the most drool-inspiring cars around – there’s hardly a hatchback anywhere in the world to compete with the gorgeous Mazda 3, the CX-30 is one of the most attractive and sleek crossovers, the CX-5 could easily have had a Jaguar badge on the grille, and the MX-5 is the top-selling roadster of all time. Mazda’s interiors are also a place of beauty and understated elegance, with flowing lines and practical functionality taking precedence over gimmicky fads. But the go in recent years has not really matched the show, until now. I recently took the exceptional Mazda CX-60 Takumi…

FOR all their incredible dominance of the domestic championship, which they have won a record seven times in a row now, Mamelodi Sundowns suck when it comes to knockout competitions. The Brazilians last won a knockout title in 2021, when they lifted the MTN8. It is a situation that somewhat undermines their standing as the kings of South African football. Their recent defeat to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-finals even got many to start believing they will be stopped from making it eight league titles in a row. Manqoba Mngqithi and his crew could silence the doubters by having a successful run in the second edition of the Carling Knockout Cup, and Neo Maema says they intend doing just that. Speaking after the draw of the league cup in…

THE good news for Hugo Broos and his Bafana Bafana team as they seek to bag maximum points from their back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo is that their opposition are in chaotic mode. South Afriica’s senior national team is looking to seal qualification for the biennial continental soccer showpiece to be hosted by Morocco late next year and in early 2026 in the two matches to be played in Gqeberha tomorrow (7pm kick-off) and away in Congo next Tuesday. And they could well be in luck, if the situation their adversaries’ camp is anything to go by. By late yesterday, Congo were yet to publicly release their squad for the two matches. Last week, the country’s football association was kicked out of its headquarters by the police…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) yesterday warned it was cracking down on non-compliance of crypto assets and for taxpayers to disclose related activities on a voluntary basis. This comes as more than 5.8 million South Africans hold a crypto asset, with southern Africa boasting the largest uptake of Bitcoin in the world. Normal income tax rules apply to crypto assets and affected taxpayers need to declare crypto assets’ gains or losses as part of their taxable income. The onus is on taxpayers to declare all crypto assets-related taxable income in the tax year in which it is received or accrued. Failure to do so could result in interest and penalties. “Sars is concerned that these crypto assets and trades are not being declared on the tax returns of taxpayers.…

Always having his mother tell him to take pride in his appearance was one of the foundations laid for Lorde Ndlumbini to start his career in fashion design. Today, his label, ‘House of Lordes’ launched a collection at retail giant, Pick n Pay Clothing. What began as an expression of individuality in high school in Kuils River, Ndlumbini said he gained recognition for his experimental take on streetwear. The designer said that his passion for fashion was sparked by his mother’s keen eye for style and, finally, an ultimatum by her. "I was really into video games as escapism when I was around 13. I wasn’t looking my best in terms of fashion, and my mother always encouraged me to focus more on how I dressed. She taught me the…

Rap star Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori are reportedly headed for divorce. TMZ broke the story that the couple have “hit a rough patch in their almost two-year marriage”. The 47-year-old rap star and Censori, 29, had wed under a confidential marriage licence. According to the publication, multiple sources told them the couple have been “telling people around them they split up a few weeks ago, with the Yeezy architect heading down to Australia to spend time with her family since the split”. The rapper, who now goes by the name Ye, is said to be moving to Tokyo and has been spotted without his better half. Censori and West were last spotted together during a shopping trip in Tokyo on September 20. DailyMail.com had previously revealed that…

Rita Ora is set to host the MTV Europe Music Awards next month at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena. The Ask and You Shall Receive singer is said to be in advanced talks to present the ceremony that will take place at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena next month. A source told The Sun newspaper, “Rita couldn’t be more excited. She is spinning a lot of plates at the moment but her first love will always be music, which is why when she was asked to present the ceremony, she jumped at the chance. “Talks between MTV and Rita’s management are ongoing and they’re just ironing out the finer details. “The ceremony is taking place on November 10 so there isn’t much time to spare, but Rita is up for it.”…

It would be absurd for an employer to be expected to pay a gratuity – being a token of appreciation – to an employee who left office in disgrace, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, said in turning down former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s application for an order that she is entitled to a R10 million gratuity payment. Judge Omphemetse Mooki also slapped Mkhwebane with the costs of the legal proceedings before court against her former employer and the current public protector, Kholeka Gcaleka. Both Gcaleka and Mkhwebane asked the court to issue a punitive costs order against the other, which the judge declined to do. Mkhwebane wanted Gcaleka to foot a punitive costs order from her private purse, as she claimed the decision to deny her gratuity followed Gcaleka’s “bias,…

A 45-year-old man arrested in connection with the mass shooting incident that claimed 18 lives is a convicted killer who is out on parole. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said 45-year-old Siphosoxolo Myekethe appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court yesterday. He faces 18 counts of murder and one count for possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK47 assault rifle. Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said Myekethe was arrested on October 7 at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini area in the district of Lusikisiki. Eighteen people – 15 women and three men – were shot dead in two separate incidents on the evening of September 28. Five people also sustained injuries. “During his brief appearance, the accused elected to be represented by a Legal Aid attorney and stated his…

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, has aggravated netizens after confirming she will be attending Chris Brown’s much anticipated two-day concert. The renowned musician will be performing at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on December 14 and 15. Phakeng’s post, on X, excitedly expressed her readiness for the long-awaited music festival. In the post, she said: “14 December, FNB Stadium, siyabangena.” The professor’s post quickly gained traction, sparking a debate among users. Phakeng’s statement follows calls from Women for Change, an anti-gender-based violence organisation, demanding the cancellation of Brown’s concert. The organisation is petitioning that relevant organisers reconsider the decision to allow Brown to perform in the country, following a reign of domestic violence cases against several of his romantic partners. Women for Change…

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has thrown his weight behind the award-winning star Makhadzi as she gears up for her much-anticipated show scheduled for December 21 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Speaking with enthusiasm, McKenzie expressed his commitment to not only attending the concert but also purchasing 200 tickets for fans eager to join him in celebrating one of South Africa’s most prominent musical talents. “I will be there and will buy 200 tickets for those that want to accompany me to Peter Mokaba (to watch) one of our biggest stars in the world,” he proclaimed on social media. Makhadzi recently unveiled a diverse line-up of supporting artists including Nkosazana Daughter, Kharishma, Lwa Ndlunkulu, Janesh & Abi Wa Mampela, Pleasure Tsa Manyalo, Sho Majozi, Malaika, and Zola…

The heart-wrenching deaths of five schoolchildren in Naledi, Soweto, have stirred outrage and grief across Gauteng as political parties and community leaders unite in mourning. After allegedly consuming poisoned snacks from a local spaza shop, the tragic incident has once again raised alarms about food safety standards and the welfare of vulnerable communities. On Tuesday, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) expressed its condolences to the families of the young victims, who all reportedly died on Sunday. The incident follows the deaths of three other children in the same area under similar circumstances a year ago. IFP Gauteng provincial chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, condemned the ongoing operation of “unscrupulous spaza shops” that continue to sell expired and unsafe food products to unsuspecting children. “The fact that these fatalities are not the…

IN a sea of newcomers and tough competition it’s satisfying to see that the traditional manufacturers are still vying for a place in the South African market. It’s an uphill battle to be sure but Mercedes-Benz is hanging in there despite struggling sales and talk of 700 retrenchments at their East London plant as they grapple with local and international challenges. They’re still very much a player though and having recently tested the GLA 200 let’s hope they continue to fight the good fight. With SUVs now accounting for most of its sales, the GLA 200 is the gateway to the three-pointed star and it’s a pretty decent entry to be sure. It recently received a slight nip and tuck with a new grille with vertical louvres and horizontal fin,…

THE facelifted Nissan Magnite compact SUV has been revealed in its home market of India. Built in Chennai alongside Alliance partner Renault’s mechanically similar Kiger, the Magnite receives enhanced exterior styling as well as new cabin trimmings and features. At the front end we see a wider grille with black elements flowing into the LED headlights, and a more pronounced lower skid plate element touching it from beneath. The updates are subtler at the back end, but the revised model does gain fresh taillights with a darker tint. Furthermore, the facelifted model rolls on new 16-inch ‘diamond cut’ dual-tone alloy wheels. The cabin retains its familiar design, including a 17.8cm driver information cluster and 20.3cm infotainment system, but there are new trimmings and features, at least in the Indian-market version.…

In an era where loyalty is a rare commodity, it is becoming increasingly evident that many are opting out of relationships altogether. More individuals are realising the importance of self-reliance, prioritising drama-free lives that allow them to concentrate on their demanding careers and personal growth. But is this shift in perspective a reflection of our growing maturity or just a symptom of our fear of intimacy and vulnerability? Perhaps, the answer lies in our newfound emphasis on mental well-being which has awakened a healthier awareness of our emotional boundaries. We appreciate the beauty of emotionally supportive relationships built on healthier, stress-free connections. Surrounding ourselves with positive uplifting people makes our journey to short and long-term goals developing an untroubled journey rather than a rocky road paved with distractions, sufferings, loneliness…

The Proteas Women recorded a mammoth 80-run victory over Scotland at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai yesterday. Ongama Gcwabe highlights three takeaways from South Africa’s performance in their third fixture... Repositioning Kapp Throughout the T20 World Cup campaign, and during the tour to Pakistan before the start of the showpiece event, batter Anneke Bosch has been promoted up the batting order at No 3, ahead of the experienced Marizanne Kapp. While the decision may have worked in Pakistan, it certainly has flopped in the ongoing World Cup. All it has done is leave Kapp with a lot more pressure as she comes in to bat with fewer overs left and without much contribution from Bosch, who has batted slower than what is required in the shortest format.…

Acquisition of Schumacher Packaging to be financed from Mondi facilities Mondi’s footprint in Europe will almost double with the announcement yesterday of the acquisition of packaging assets of Schumacher Packaging in the region, for €634 million (R12.3 billion), to be financed from Mondi’s existing facilities. Mondi said in a statement yesterday the deal with the family-owned Schumacher would strengthen its corrugated converting footprint in Europe with “highly complementary assets”, increasing capacity by over one billion square metres. “This acquisition significantly increases our corrugated converting capacity, extends our reach across western Europe, and offers strong downstream integration opportunities, while broadening our customer offering with a complementary fibre-based product range,” Mondi’s CEO Andrew King said in a statement. Schumacher’s directors said on the company website that the deal with Mondi was part…

Digital asset infrastructure like blockchain, digital currencies, and unified ledger technologies are consuming the attention of central banks around the world with new central bank digital currencies (CBDC) pilots popping up almost monthly. Despite the regulators’ fascination with the new technologies, local banks seem to remain fairly cautious about their adoption. The reasons for the incongruous response are varied, but banks should be aware that they could be missing out, and that playing catch-up later could prove difficult. There are currently 44 countries piloting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and, according to the Atlantic Council’s Central Bank Digital Currency Tracker, 134 countries and currency unions (amounting to 98% of the global economy) are now actively looking into digital versions of their national currencies. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has…

I recently wrote about so-called "boring businesses”—like pharmacies, pest control, and dry cleaners—that offer entrepreneurs stable and promising opportunities. More and more, entrepreneurs are realising that these traditional "meat and potato" businesses present real money-making potential. One of the many strengths of South Africans is our inherent entrepreneurial spirit, often born out of necessity. We are natural problem-solvers, adept at making the most of what we have, which makes these solid, reliable business ventures all the more appealing. These businesses are often highly profitable and because they have been managed by seasoned professionals they have stable foundations with established operations, making it easier to forecast future performance. I’ve read that on average buying an existing business can cost up to 40% less than starting one. A start-up has upfront expenses…

Afrimat warned yesterday its headline earnings per share was expected to decline significantly between 75% and 85% for the six months to end-August 31, 2023 after being impacted by lower iron ore prices, higher shipping costs, a stronger rand and local rail issues. The open pit industrial materials and bulk commodity mining company said in a trading statement it expected headline earnings (HEPS) per share to be between 65.9 cents and 39.5 cents, compared to 263.4 cents reported to August 31, 2023. Smalltalkdaily Research analyst Anthony Clark said in a note that the depth of the forecast slide was “far greater than even my anticipation. There are some positive touchpoints, I understand, into the second half of the year that will aid, but certainly not recover the earnings side in…

The final moments of Todd Phillips’s Joker (2019) remain among my most terrifying moments at a movie, as much for what was happening in the theatre as on-screen. As Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck gave into the madness of his costumed alter ego, Joker, and shot out a preening talk show host’s brains on live TV, the crowd at my screening erupted in applause and a man a few seats down from me leapt to his feet, screaming “Yes!” and pumping his fist in triumph. There was a lot of loose talk around the release of Joker, about the heroification of psychopathy and the spectre of copycat violence, but in that instant, I saw a malignant spark arc from screen to audience, and I was afraid. Maybe Phillips was, too, because…

Chaotic scenes of looting and protests erupted in Naledi, Soweto, yesterday following the deaths of five children after allegedly consuming snacks laced with poison on Sunday. The recent tragedy has fuelled widespread protests and violent backlash against spaza shops reportedly run by foreign nationals, reigniting an ongoing national debate about food safety and the growing tensions surrounding migrant-owned businesses. Monica Sebetwana, 6, Ida Maama, 7, Isago Mabote, 8, Karabo Rampou, 9, and Njabulo Msimanga, 7, tragically lost their lives on Sunday after snacking on crisps that were allegedly tainted with poison. As the loss of these young lives resonated throughout the community, the anger and frustration reached a fever pitch just two days later with protesters, including scores of pupils from Johannesburg and Soweto, marching to the Jabulani Civic Centre…

The Gauteng Legislature Portfolio on Education has raised concerns about the number of accidents involving school transportation. This year alone, more than 12 children have died while travelling to school. On Monday, 42 learners from Relebogile Secondary School in Carletonville were involved in a pupil transport accident. Six of the learners sustained injuries, while two of them suffered serious fractures as a result. “We are deeply concerned about the well-being of the affected learners and we will ensure they receive the necessary medical care. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this challenging time and we wish learners speedy recovery,” said Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane. Chairperson of Gauteng Legislature Portfolio Committee on Education, Moipone Mhlongo, said the Gauteng Department of Education…

Raffle winner drives away with UP’s beloved 1967 VW Beetle THE University of Pretoria (UP) celebrated the conclusion of its iconic Beetle raffle, which is part of the Giving Matters campaign. On September 30, the classic 1967 Volkswagen Beetle was handed over to the winner, June Petersen. This year’s raffle has been one of the campaign’s highlights, with the VW Beetle symbolising UP’s rich history and its commitment to uplifting the community. Once owned by former Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof C.H Rautenbach, the Beetle carries significant sentimental value, making it a fitting prize for such a meaningful initiative. “Winning this Beetle is incredible, but what truly matters to me is the chance to support students in need,” Petersen said. “I bought a ticket with their futures in mind, not just…

Ingredients 3 cups wholewheat flour 1 cup oat flour 12g instant dried yeast 4 sachets Huletts Equisweet 250ml lukewarm water 250ml low fat yoghurt 1 tbs oil 1 tsp salt ¼ cup pumpkin seeds ¼ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup chia seeds ¼ cup poppyseeds ¼ cup linseeds Method Mix the flours with the seeds, yeast and Equisweet in a large mixing bowl. Add the water, yoghurt and oil and mix until it starts to come together but is not overly sticky. Knead for 6 to 7minutes or until the dough starts to feel elastic. Oil a large bowl and shape the dough into a ball. Cover with cling film and place in a warm, sunny area. Allow to rise until double in size, about 1 hour. Line a large…

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) CEO Andrew Kirby has warned that the country’s automotive industry could be entering a phase of reduced industrial output. This is something that the government needs to look at very seriously, Kirby warned last week during a seminar hosted by the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam). The CEO warned that the quantity of imported vehicles was increasing as a percentage, while average local content from the country’s vehicle manufacturers was declining. While he acknowledged that the industry would go through cycles, he said these could very well be the early signs of de-industrialisation, and that it was something the country would need to take “very seriously”. Kirby said the current Automotive Production and Development Programme II (APDP II), which is aimed…

A disciplined all-round effort has ensured the Proteas’ ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign is back on track following a comprehensive 80-run victory over Scotland in Dubai yesterday. Laura Wolvaardt’s team had two objectives coming into this crunch tie: firstly, beat the Scots, and then win by a large-enough margin to improve their net run-rate (NRR). It was mission accomplished on both accounts. The Proteas moved up to four points from three matches, and crucially boosted their NRR to 1.317, compared to the Windies’ 1.154. Although the batting unit may feel that they left at least 20-30 runs still out there – with Tazmin Brits (43 off 35 balls, 5x4, 1x6), Marizanne Kapp (43 off 24 balls, 6x4) and Wolvaardt (40 off 29 balls, 5x4, 1x6) all making stealthy contributions…

Hookers often score a healthy number of tries if their team have a strong maul. But sometimes, those are regarded as ‘easy’ touchdowns as they are five metres out and the player just have to fall over from the lineout. Springbok Women front-rower Micke Günter, though, didn’t have it as straightforward in last Saturday’s WXV 2 clash against Australia. With just two minutes to go and the South Africans trailing 33-19, they set up a maul about 15m out from the Wallaroos tryline, with Günter ripping the ball from lock Vainah Ubisi. Normally it would be too far out to go all the way to the tryline, but Günter showcased her ball-retention skills to hold onto possession until she was close enough to dot down. “The thing about a maul…