Innehållsförteckning för 2025-02-23 från Sunday Tribune

Ian Wyles would like to feature two properties that will go under the hammer during their auction on February 27 at 11am. The first is a renovator’s dream at 50 Mimosa Drive, Mtunzini. The area is 45km from Richards Bay and 90km from Ballito and enjoys a host of outdoor activities from golf, squash and tennis at the country club, to deep-sea fishing. There is also a range of amenities, schools and shops. The property is situated on a large, level plot with distant sea views and comprises six bedrooms, six bathrooms, one office/flat, two reception areas, a large open-plan kitchen, a dining room and a lounge, a patio, a double garage, a double carport, and approved plans for a lapa. The property is fully tiled and features air conditioners…

The postponement of South Africa’s 2025 Budget Speech from February to March has reignited discussions about the country’s economic challenges, particularly its narrow tax base and sluggish growth. From the data pulled from the National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service’s 2024 tax statistics report, an estimated 2.6% of South Africa’s population pay 76.2% of all personal income tax. In terms of company tax, just over 1 000 companies paid 72.3% of all company income tax. This limits the government’s efforts to invest in the country while providing services that encourage growth and job creation. A narrowing tax base leads to difficult discussions and decisions such as the much-maligned 2% increase in VAT. To chart a better economic path to growth for the country, it is clear that increasing…

In a world increasingly dominated by the quest for a flawless yet natural-looking complexion, the beauty industry is witnessing the rise of a transformative trend: soft focus make-up. The beauty of soft focus make-up goes beyond technique. It embraces a philosophy that urges us to move away from the rigid, overly polished looks we’ve associated with make-up in the past. Instead, soft focus allows room for smudges and smears, turning imperfections into assets. With the rise of this trend, it’s all about looking beautifully undone, yet intentionally styled. Soft focus make-up is quickly becoming the go-to choice for everyday wear and experts believe its popularity will extend far beyond 2025. Celebrity make-up artist Nikki Wolff was reported online describing this trend as, “Radiant, sculpted and effortlessly flattering with a touch…

The postponement of the Budget has escalated into a political skirmish among parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The Budget, now set for March 12, was delayed after an agreement was reached that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana redraw the Budget and enable consultation within the GNU. However, allegations of political gamesmanship have surfaced, with various parties taking jabs at each other regarding the reasons behind the delayed tabling of Godongwana’s speech. DA leader John Steenhuisen was the first to claim that his party’s staunch opposition to the ANC’s proposed VAT hike forced their hand. “The last-minute postponement came about because of the failure by the ANC, and specifically Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s failure, to engage meaningfully with the alternative proposals tabled by the DA,” Steenhuisen said. He also…

Former Finance ministers Nhlanhla Nene and Malusi Gigaba have shed light on the unique political factors that contributed to the postponement of the national Budget. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was forced to delay the announcement of the national Budget until March 12 after the cabinet failed to agree on the measures he had proposed. National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza said the lack of consensus may have been linked to the two percentage point increase in VAT which Godongwana was expected to announce. Gigaba said the postponement of the budget was an unprecedented situation. “The international markets and ratings agencies would have been watching carefully how the first Government of National Unity’s budget was going to look. The postponement is a blow,” he said. Gigaba said his understanding from…

As South Africa faces a cost of living crisis and a growing list of national priorities, we stand at a critical juncture where revenue generation strategies must prioritise equity and social justice. We, the Budget Justice Coalition (BJC), reaffirm our position that a VAT hike is a regressive and unjust approach. Instead, this moment calls for progressive fiscal policy proposals that foreground the rights and livelihoods of the most vulnerable. The decision to postpone the tabling of the 2025 budget reflects deep cracks in the budget process, highlighting the need to democratise further the process, which has been left to a few technocrats for far too long. Despite the confusion surrounding this unprecedented event, the postponement also offers a great opportunity to open the discussion about alternative ways of raising…

THE Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday ruled in favour of a service provider of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Nombela Investments, of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife - del and ordered the State entity to cover all legal costs. Nombela filed an appeal against the decision by Judge N Radebe in December 2022, after Ezemvelo had brought a legality review against its own decision to award Nombela a tender in 2017. Ezemvelo took this decision on September 16, 2021. On January 24, 2025, this appeal was heard in this court before acting Judge Sibisi, Judge President Thoba Poyo-Dlwati, and Judge Robin Mossop SC. On September 8, 2017, Ezemvelo advertised a tender for the supply and delivery of liquid petroleum gas and the installation of related connections to the Ezemvelo resorts for five years. The…

Some of eThekwini residents will have to relocate inland as the municipality is fast becoming one of the worst affected by climate change-related flood disasters in the world, warned the city’s deputy mayor, Zandile Myeni. However, the city faced challenges as many residents living in flood and landslide zones refused to relocate inland to safer, solid ground. Speaking while the city and provincial government officials were assessing damage caused by the violent weather last week, Myeni said the municipality was trying to convince vulnerable residents to shift from the coastal areas. Durban had for the past couple of years been identified as the most prone to disastrous floods. According to the National Sea Rescue Institute, the April 2022 floods were among the most devastating in the province’s history, resulting in…

Ilitha Labantu, an anti-gender-based violence (GBV) organisation, has called for immediate action following the brutal kidnapping and rape of a paramedic by seven men in Khayelitsha. According to Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the 25-year-old woman was with her colleague when a branded patient transport Toyota Quantum was hijacked in front of Matthew Goniwe Clinic. “Report suggests that the complainant, aged 25, and her colleague, both deployed on a local ambulance, were static at a medical facility in Makhaza on Friday at around 3.20pm when seven men hijacked the vehicle. “The complainant reported that she was raped and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The vehicle was recovered in nearby QanduQandu. The suspects are yet to be arrested.” Swartbooi said Makhaza police registered cases of…

Looking out over the smooth, clear waters of Playa El Quemado this month, a wiggling object caught Robert Hayes’s attention as it headed toward the shoreline. Hayes had been walking the beach in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, and thought he had spotted a small alligator; his wife guessed maybe a little shark. Neither of them could have guessed it was an oarfish - a deep-sea creature rarely spotted on the surface whose infrequent appearances have inspired centuries of folklore that the fish are both good omens and harbingers of doom. Hayes, a 64-year-old from Boise, Idaho, said he was about to walk away after exchanging pleasantries with a Canadian fisherman when he spotted the oarfish with its head raised up from the water by a few inches.…

Alarming findings on Eskom in Scopa briefing IN A damning virtual briefing to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) this week, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) laid bare the extent of corruption, maladministration, and systemic failures at Eskom, South Africa’s embattled power utility. The revelations – which included collusion with state capture actors, procurement fraud and widespread conflicts of interest – have raised urgent questions about accountability and the recovery of billions of rand lost to corruption. The SIU’s investigation into the state-owned power utility has uncovered a labyrinth of corruption involving senior executives, employees and external vendors. According to advocate Andy Mothibi, the head of the SIU, the unit has identified 5 464 Eskom employees who failed to complete declaration of interest forms, with 334 employees found to…

COMMITTED to the ambitious Nelson Mandela Bay Target, the G20 First Employment Working Group (EWG) ended its first meeting on Friday in a key action to fight young unemployment. Aiming for a 5% drop in the “not in employment, education, or training” (Neet) rate by 2030, this new endeavour is part of a whole plan meant to open doors for young people joining the workforce. The G20, a conference of the biggest economies in the world, provides a setting that emphasises the need for group effort in tackling worldwide issues. Originally founded in 1999, the G20 brings central bank governors, finance ministers, and leaders of state together to promote world economic stability and growth. The group’s emphasis has changed with time to include urgent societal concerns, including youth employment. This…

ORLANDO PIRATES (0)(2) Mabasa 67’, Mosele 87’ CAPE TOWN CITY (1)(0) Domingo 20’ Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa kept the team’s chances of adding a “value-added-title” to their trophy cabinet alive yet again! Mabasa's brilliance up front was not cancelled as he scored and assisted a goal as Pirates beat Cape Town City 2-1 in Orlando yesterday. This result ensured they kept the pressure on log leaders and the ruling party Mamelodi Sundowns as they went into the match 12 points behind and with three games in hand. It was the sort of result that proved that they were mic’d up for the title and would allow no commissioner to…

The 27-year-old “Flying Dutchman” Max Verstappen will be chasing glory this year as he gets the opportunity to chase down a fifth straight World Championship title, equalling Michael Schumacher. Verstappen dominated the last four years, putting the likes of Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes and Ferrari in his rear view when it comes to world titles. An ice-cool Verstappen does not enjoy the spotlight as much as his counterparts and often portrays an apex predator persona. The “Prince of Formula 1” will have to compete against the reigning king, Hamilton, who made an earth-shattering move to Ferrari this year. Hamilton is also vying for the gold, looking to win his eighth World Title in a Prancing Horse of all things. Hamilton is currently tied with Schumacher at seven world titles and…

There is something uniquely enchanting about watching the sunrise. The act of greeting the day with the dawn’s first light carries numerous benefits for both body and mind – from improving mood and bolstering the immune system to instilling a sense of awe and perspective on life. Psych Central highlights that witnessing sunrises not only helps decrease anxiety and stress levels but also enhances concentration and emotional well-being, creating a powerful case for those early mornings spent outdoors. A recent study by Heepsy ranked the world’s most popular cities for sunrise views, taking into account social media markers, particularly Instagram hashtags, as a reflection of the locations’ allure and beauty. As travel increasingly gets influenced by the digital realm, these ten cities provide magnificent morning vistas for locals and visitors.…

In2assets will be auctioning a number of exclusive commercial units in the uMhlanga Ridge precinct on March 18 at 11am. Up for auction are Sections 1, 105, 106, 107, 109, 115, 122, and 123 within the sectional title scheme Aldrovande Palace. The units form part of a mixed-use development comprising commercial, retail, and residential spaces in uMmhlanga’s vibrant New Town Centre. Aldrovande Palace is in a prominent position along Millennium Boulevard, Jubilee Grove, and Solstice Road, within walking distance of the renowned Gateway Theatre of Shopping. This bustling business hub is just 15 minutes north of Durban’s CBD and Harbour, with excellent connectivity to major road networks and King Shaka International Airport, approximately 25km away. The unit details are as follows: • Section 1 (±353m²) is located on the lower…

The postponement of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech this past week left the nation in a state of shock, especially after it came to light that the government had planned on increasing Value Added Tax (VAT). The speculation about a possible VAT increase raised alarm bells for millions of South Africans already battling the cost-of-living crisis Neil Roets, the CEO of Debt Rescue, told Business Report that higher taxes on everyday essentials would be devastating. “A VAT hike in the current economic climate would be catastrophic. Consumers are already drowning in debt and struggling to afford essentials such as food, transport, and electricity. Increasing VAT would push consumers into even further financial distress,” Roets said. A VAT increase will be harsh on lower-income households, who already spend most…

The much-anticipated Taylor Swift vs Scooter Braun: Bad Blood documentary premières today on TLC. This latest addition to the channel’s popular ‘vs’ format follows in the footsteps of Johnny vs Amber, Kim vs Kanye: The Divorce, and Vardy vs Rooney: The Wagatha Trial. The two-part documentary, produced by Optomen, takes an in-depth look at the headline-grabbing dispute between global pop icon Taylor Swift and music mogul Scooter Braun over the rights to Swift’s first six albums. In June 2019, Braun’s company acquired Big Machine Label Group for millions of rands, securing ownership of Swift’s masters. The singer, who had been vocal about her desire to own her music, claimed she was not given the opportunity to purchase the rights herself. In a social media post, Swift described Braun…

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” – Nelson Mandela ONE of South African broadcasting’s reassuring and pioneering voices, Ayanda Msweli, is one of our household’s famous traffic anchors. His friendliness, self-deprecating sense of humour, and lack of pretence of any kind have endeared him to millions of South Africans. He is a natural man. That's why he is liked and trusted. He is very calm, cool, and collected; a very good ad-libber; very calm in any crisis; has a good voice; and is intelligent. A voice that is used by SABC to alert both commuters and motorists about traffic incidents and alternative routes that could be used to circumvent traffic obstruction. In short, when traffic starts…

As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to present the 2025 Budget next month, tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU) have surged. Parties are rallying to submit their proposals, each grappling with the implications of a contentious 2% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) that has emerged as a major sticking point. The Cabinet has sent Godongwana back to the drawing board following the GNU partners’ inability to reach a consensus on the budget. With the DA threatening to withhold their support unless their proposals are taken seriously, the ramifications of the upcoming budget have never been more significant. Freedom Front Plus chief whip Wouter Wessels expressed concerns over the nation’s budget deficit, urging the importance of economic growth. “We have to get economic growth so that we can…

Phoenix councillor Samier Singh has successfully garnered council approval for the construction of boreholes at eight local schools. Singh is the first eThekwini councillor to have secured funding for the much-needed resource in the community where water cuts have become a daily occurrence. The initiative, part of his Constituency Infrastructure Project (CIP) for 2024/2025, aims to ensure a reliable water supply for pupils and the surrounding community. The schools set to benefit from this project are Phoenix Heights Primary, Lenham Primary, Crystal Point Secondary, Westham Secondary, Northmead Secondary, Earlingham primary, Whetstone Primary and Esselen Heights Primary School. The project, which carries a budget of over R3.3 million, will be overseen by the eThekwini Water and Sanitation team. Singh said the reason he proposed the boreholes was because he wanted…

THE ANC, once revered as the vanguard of the poor and marginalised, has once again demonstrated its staggering ineptitude and betrayal of its core constituency. The recent debacle surrounding the postponement of the Minister of Finance’s budget speech is not just an embarrassing blunder; it is a damning indictment of the party’s inability to govern effectively, its disregard for the poor, and its failure to prioritise the needs of ordinary South Africans over its own political survival. The ANC’s mishandling of this critical moment in South Africa’s fiscal calendar exposes a party that is rudderless, out of touch, and indistinguishable from the right-leaning opposition it once claimed to oppose. The budget speech, which was postponed at the eleventh hour, was supposed to outline the government’s plans to…

The Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA) is sifting through a 524-page document on the intended rezoning of the suburb into a logistics park. The land development plan document details the eThekwini Municipality’s vision for the Clairwood area while preserving historical, religious and burial sites. Rishi Singh, the honorary life president of the CRRA, who has lived in Clairwood for 67 years, said they were taken by surprise when they came across the notice informing the public of a series of meetings. The eThekwini Municipality has made an application for the amendment of the eThekwini municipal land use scheme: central sub scheme by the introduction of a new zone to be known as a special zone 40: Clairwood logistics park and associated masterplan for the study area. The public has…

The KwaZulu-Natal Health Portfolio Committee’s recent visit to Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg has unveiled alarming challenges that are contributing to the decline of healthcare services in the region. With a two-year waiting list for orthopaedic implants, inadequate suturing equipment, and significant infrastructural issues, the sole district hospital is under increasing strain to provide effective patient care. Committee chairperson Imran Keeka said that after a formal engagement and presentation last year, they committed to visiting Northdale Hospital to witness their challenges firsthand. Keeka said the portfolio committee visited the hospital on February 11. Instead of discussing the report, the committee toured the facility and was guided by facility management towards specific areas. The leaking roof was a major infrastructural issue at the facility, and they also discovered several problems in the…

ENCOUNTERS between baboons and people are common in parts of South Africa. WhatsApp groups often share stories of baboons raiding a kitchen and stealing all the food. And stories appear in the media about the torture and killing of baboons. Sandra Swart researches animal and human history, often with a focus on baboons. She told us the fascinating and cruel history of these encounters in South Africa. Why are baboons so often badly treated in South Africa? People expand their settlements into areas where baboons once lived freely. They create secure spaces behind high walls, razor wire fences and security systems: they fear burglars, and they want them removed. But they cannot get rid of the human intruders – so they take their frustration out on the baboons. For a…

THIS YEAR will forever be remembered for the classic commentary of the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who declared that the era of unipolar hegemony was over. This probably means the ushering in of a new or acknowledgement of an already existing multipolarity of the globe’s political architecture. And the path to the inevitability of such multipolarity, must as of necessity pass through the painful catharsis of deconstruction. To be sure, it would be the deconstruction of lies and propaganda that undergird the narrative that either the US worldview or democracy, or both, as the case may be, are ideal for all countries on terms only the Americans can approve. There has been a voluble amount of deliberate lies churned out to prop up the Western hegemony. For one,…

IN a time when digital gadgets are almost a part of every day life, a recent study by global cybersecurity company Kaspersky has illuminated the tech practices of the younger generation in South Africa. The results expose a startling reality – many children lack the direction to properly negotiate the internet world even while they are depending more and more on devices. The poll, taken in 2023 by research agency Toluna, shows that 91% of South African parents use devices to entertain or occupy their children, especially when travelling or looking for personal quiet. Between the ages of three and seven, half of the youngsters in the nation get their first personal gadget – a tablet or smartphone. Still, 26% of South African parents confess they have not talked with…

CHINESE Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, visiting South Africa for the G20 meeting of the organisation’s foreign affairs ministers, has heaped praise and expressed gratitude for the hospitality of his hosts, the South African government. Of greater significance, Wang acknowledged the hosting of the G20 summit for the very first time on African soil, just as his host, President Cyril Ramaphosa, had done earlier while delivering a keynote address to the geopolitical gathering. Wang said: “This year represents an Africa moment at the G20. After welcoming the African Union as a full member, the G20 is going to have a summit on the African continent for the first time.” He also called on the international community to listen with greater care to Africa’s standpoint on global affairs. ”China firmly supports…

Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge suffered a massive blow as the 10-man Gunners were beaten 1-0 at home by lowly West Ham yesterday. Jarrod Bowen headed in the only goal just before half-time and an injury-hit Arsenal had no reply after Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off on 73 minutes. The defeat leaves second-placed Arsenal still eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool. The Reds can extend that advantage to 11 when they visit a diminished Manchester City today. Any pressure that had built up on Liverpool after drawing two of their last three Premier League games was eased as Arsenal failed to cope with an injury crisis that has depleted Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. Midfielder Mikel Merino stepped up in the absence of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo…

The Springbok Women are determined to be on the right side of the law at the World Cup in England in August, to avoid conceding costly penalties. They made huge strides in this regard at their latest training camp at Stellenbosch Academy of Sport that concluded on Friday. Law interpretation was a key aspect to the week’s preparation and focus. According to Bok Women’s assistant coach Franzel September, they worked on their fundamentals. “We want to be the most disciplined team at the World Cup and made it part of our planning from the start,” said September. He said experienced match officials Aimee Barrett-Theron and Dylan November played a key role to this end at the camp. “At this camp, we had Aimee Barrett-Theron with us all week and Dylan…

Filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria recently praised actors Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha for their involvement in presenting TAPS, an LGBTQ+ drama. Saria said that having a straight couple take on the responsibility of presenting such an important LGBTQ+ story added a unique and powerful touch to the narrative. He described their contribution as the “cherry on top of the cake”, emphasising how their participation enriched the project and made the storytelling even more impactful. Sudhanshu said: “In fact, getting Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha to present the film made everything 10 times sweeter. I have shared a long relationship with them and admire them as individual artists and together as a couple. The idea of a straight couple presenting the story of queer love felt like the cherry on top…

Old Johannesburg Warehouse (Old JW) Auctioneers’ Durban branch has a bumper sale of 700 lots of antiques, artworks, jewellery, and fine wines taking place on March 3. The sale includes the contents of an old Durban mansion in Sir Arthur Road, Morningside, which is filled with a lifetime’s collection of antique furniture, artworks and treasures. A variety of decorative pots, outdoor furniture and garden sculptures from the formal garden will also be up for sale. For wine aficionados, the contents of a climate-controlled wine cellar will be up for grabs, with nearly one hundred lots of wine and spirits. The lots include scarce and sought-after estate wines such as Meerlust Rubicon (2006 vintage onwards), Chateau Libertas (1995), and French Chablis (Louis Latour 2003). The property owners enjoyed travelling and there…

The Minister of Finance has not had it easy in 2025 and the Budget Speech not read yesterday pays testament to this. Postponing the speech to March 12 is unprecedented, and is due to the Government of National Unity (GNU) not reaching consensus on a way forward to tabling a budget. It seems as if the fallout was based largely on a proposed 2% increase to VAT that was rejected by two parties. I personally would not have supported this proposal either as the tax burden shifts disproportionally to the poor. My initial response of the postponement was frustration and disappointment. But I soon realised that it is the outcome of a new government dispensation made up of many voices, and many dissenting at that, becoming more important. In principle,…

Have you heard of Chef Big Zuu (real name Zuhair Hassan)? Well, he’s new on the TV block, so to speak, and his Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes in 12 Hours premiered on Tuesday. If you missed it, check the channel for repeats and be sure to check episode two this week. Zuu’s rise to stardom was in the music space, strumming his skills as a rapper, singer, songwriter and DJ. It was circa 2018 that he veered into television. A larger-than-life personality, his charisma has endeared him to viewers. And our recent interview was no different. On bagging his own cooking show, which, despite the proliferation of shows on the small screen and streaming platforms, is no cakewalk. He shared: “I started on Snapchat, cooking for vibes, and I…

US President Donald Trump has set global power relations on a tailspin, leaving all of Europe reeling in confused shock and disbelief and the future completely uncertain. A mere one month in office, Trump has signed countless executive orders and flipped America’s foreign policy from his predecessor Joe Biden’s globalism to his election promise of the inward-looking MAGA revolution, or Make America Great Again. Like him or hate him, with Trump one thing is certain: what you see, or hear, is what you get! Such are the traits of a businessman-turned-politician—he runs the civil service as if it were a profit-orientated private business venture. Trump assumed office only on January 20, and his new foreign policy has allies and foes shaking with trepidation due to the unpredictability of the new…

RECONFIGURING the ANC provincial structures in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng was not an attack on certain provincial top leaders who had now been demoted to ordinary members, but was intended to rebuild the party, said Mdumiseni Ntuli, national working committee (NWC) member. Ntuli was one of several top party leaders sent to visit KZN and Gauteng to explain the newly adopted changes to the provincial executive committees. The meeting was not to debate the already sealed decision, but to inform and listen to the views. Hundreds of regional and branch executive members of the Moses Mabhida Region gathered at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall desperate to hear whether they would also be restructured. The reconfiguration has led to KZN and Gauteng former provincial secretaries Bheki Mtolo and Thembinkosi Nciza respectively being reduced…

A Durban businessman has been forced to close his liquor shop and pursue legal action against the Verulam police for confiscating his alcohol for no apparent reason. Obola Abayineh Asirat, a foreign national, has now turned to the courts to have his stock of whiskey, vodka, gin, wine, ciders and beers valued at R150 000 and R29 000 taken from his cash register by the police returned to him. More than a month later and with no charges against him, Asirat is confused about why he cannot get his goods and cash back. Asirat said his troubles began on January 16 when three officers from the Verulam SAPS entered his shop, Zamani Liquor Store, in Verulam. “They pulled off the liquor licence that was displayed on the wall at the…

Galleria Mall Challenge in partnership with East Coast Radio and the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club will take place on March 9. The start and finish will be at Galleria Mall and the event features three race distances – 5km, 10km, and 21.1km – catering to runners of all levels. Runners can expect a race with scenic routes, ample watering stations and entertainment at the finish line. The event also supports a local charitable organisation, reinforcing Galleria Mall’s commitment to the community. Entries close on March 5. For updates and entry details, follow Galleria Mall on social media or visit their website – www.galleria.co.za…

STRONG doubts about proposed tax rises have been voiced by the SA Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner Edward Kieswetter, who contends it might not be able to adequately handle budgetary problems facing South Africa. Rather, he calls for more SARS funding to boost tax collecting and retrieve around R800 billion in uncollected taxes. Kieswetter’s comments are especially relevant now that the nation struggles with low economic growth, high unemployment and ongoing income deficits. Kieswetter cited the 2018 VAT hike as proof that increasing taxes did not ensure a notable income rise – although the increase suggests different approaches are required since predicted financial gains were not completely fulfilled. Modernising SARS will, he underlined, help to improve compliance, widen the tax base and increase tax collection. A good amount of uncollected taxes…

THE “illegal” Zanzou Bar Lounge in Pretoria is under siege after horrific acts of sexual abuse, assault and torture of patrons were recently captured on several viral videos. In the shocking videos, several young black men can be seen subjected to severe beatings, waterboarding, and sexual assault by Zanzou personnel. The Tshwane Metro has this week declared that Zanzou Bar Lounge does not have the necessary permits to operate as a “nightclub”. The viral videos from the controversial bar lounge have sparked widespread outrage across the nation and beyond, calling for swift retributive justice. This has led to an investigation into the establishment, met by an immediate shutdown and suspension of their liquor licence. Several criminal cases have now been opened in relation to the incident – including cases opened…

The Bulls and Lions were collectively poor at Loftus Versfeld yesterday and that suggests the Sharks are South Africa’s best shot at winning the United Rugby Championship. Truly, the standard of rugby was underwhelming, and if this was the best South Africa could produce, the likes of (unbeaten) Leinster would be scoffing. We already know that the Stormers are losers this year, so let’s steer them to where the donkeys nuzzle their hay, and hopefully next year they rediscover the food of champions. The Sharks had a break this week after beating the Bulls at Loftus the previous week and a backlash was expected in Pretoria but it was more of a yawn than a celebration. I backed the Lions to win this one on the basis that they were…

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (2) 4 Shalulile 1’ Rayners 7’, 47’ Adams 37’ TS GALAXY (1) 1 Mahlangu 10’ MAMELODI Sundowns got their revenge on TS Galaxy with a resounding 4-1 victory yesterday. The steam from their shock 1-0 defeat by the Rockets last Tuesday was yet to dissipate as the record South African elite league champions got even at the Lucas Moripe Stadium yesterday. And they did that with a victory so emphatic an uninformed observer would have found it hard to believe they were beaten by the same team just the other day. Iqram Rayners made it rain goals with a brace that was tucked in between…

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will host league leaders Liverpool today searching for victory that could resurrect their season, but perhaps without their most important player. Striker Erling Haaland has 19 league goals this season, but he may not be healthy in time to try to add to his total. Haaland, who sustained a knee injury late in City's 4-0 win over Newcastle United last weekend, already missed the team's 3-1 loss at Real Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout round series. However, manager Pep Guardiola didn't completely rule out the Norwegian marksman. “Don't know yet. (Saturday) we will know," Guardiola said Friday. "It's better to have Erling on the pitch. ... Everybody is responsible for the good things and bad things…

Andy Birkett won a record-equalling fifteenth Dusi Canoe Marathon title at Blue Lagoon on Saturday while Christie Mackenzie made it four in row in the women’s race. Sbonelo Khwela, who had pushed Birkett hard on the Thursday’s first day and early on the second, came home in second place. “Sbonelo was very close on the second day. He was taking a lot of risks,” Birkett told Independent Media Sport at the finish line. “And hats off to him for doing that and making all those obstacles successfully yesterday. He closed it (the gap) down to 18 seconds. “Today I had a five-minute lead at the start, which was a nice gap but not enough to port at some of the big obstacle like Tops Needle. “So yesterday evening I went…

The magic of summer and the allure of South Africa’s beautiful coastline has once again mesmerised holidaymakers as they flocked to coastal towns during December 2024. According to the latest findings by Lightstone, the country’s idyllic seaside getaways proved to be the preferred holiday destination last festive season, with notable increases in petrol station activity along major national roads leading to these beloved hubs. Lightstone’s comprehensive analysis compared data from October to December 2024, utilising anonymised telemetry data made available by Tracker. Mohit Narotam, managing director at Lightstone Retail, although acknowledged the trend of beach-goers, but pointed out that many South Africans opted to stay closer to home as well. The run-up to Christmas saw remarkable activity at shopping malls, with four of the top 10 large malls based in…

As the trend of digital nomadism continues to grow, the list of the top 10 countries for digital nomads has been released, with South Africa once again leading the pack. Research conducted by Nebeus delves into the demographics of digital nomads, their preferred destinations, and the factors that make these locations appealing. Paradise sought: the global allure of digital nomadism The research highlights that the most sought-after destinations for digital nomads in 2024 are primarily located in Southeast Asia, Central and Southern Europe, and Latin America. These regions are particularly attractive due to their significantly lower cost of living compared to the home countries of many nomads. This affordability allows individuals to embrace a lifestyle that is both adventurous and less stressful, while also enabling them to save money. Digital…