Innehållsförteckning för 2025-07-20 från Sunday Tribune

Thirty years ago, if you told someone you were optimistic about the future of South Africa, they would lecture you about being a ‘realist’. Well, now that we’re in the future, it’s time for this unrepentant optimist to engage in a little lecturing. The reality of 2025 is that South Africa is today an upper middle income country. Our gross domestic product (GDP) has doubled in 20 years and is similar to that of Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia combined. Our national debt to GDP ratio is heading towards a manageable 75%. The richest nation on earth, conversely, is very good at dropping bombs but clearly hasn’t figured out how to pay for them as it heads towards a debt to GDP ratio of 125%. While attention on mining fixates like…

Oprah Winfrey doesn’t miss her talk show. The veteran broadcaster helmed the Oprah Winfrey Show from 1986 until 2011, and while she loved being able to connect with the audience, she admitted that making the programme and delving into hard-hitting topics became very “hard”. Speaking on the Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa podcast, she said: “I miss the everyday conversation. I miss the conversations afterwards. “As much as I loved the audience, I’m telling you, the nature of what we were doing every day became just so hard.” And Oprah admitted her producers would get “overwhelmed” if the programme didn’t win awards so she eventually stopped submitting herself for the major prizes so her team could focus on “doing the best work possible and she could focus on…

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane found herself at the centre of a parliamentary storm when she failed to attend a crucial meeting of the portfolio committee on Friday. The portfolio committee had invited Nkabane, alongside panel members who recommended the now-cancelled appointment of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) boards' chairpersons. While advocate Terry Motau and chief director for SETA co-ordination, Mabuza Ngubane, made their appearances, Nkabane was notably absent. Also present were deputy ministers Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe, whom the committee wanted to explain the role they played in the appointments. However, deputy director-general Rhulani Ngwenya tendered an apology, Nkabane’s chief of staff, Nelisiwe Semane, submitted a medical note, and ministerial advisor Asisipho Solani did not respond to the invitation. Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie detailed the sequence…

THE coal mining town of Dundee in northern KwaZulu-Natal came alive yesterday for the annual Dundee July, a rural horse racing event. KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, attended the 20th edition of the Dundee July, which was hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The gloomy and cold weather conditions failed to dampen the spirits of the horse-racing enthusiasts who came in large numbers to watch the prestigious traditional horse racing event. This popular event was established in 2005 for the purpose of rural, social and skills development for the people who are from previously disadvantaged communities. At yesterday’s event there was colour, rhythm and excitement as locals and guests took part in a spectacular street parade. The Dundee July has grown into a flagship event that blends…

The hitman accused of killing ANC ward councillor, Zakhele Khuzwayo, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Phathisakhe Thuthukani Ngiba was sentenced in the Ntuzuma Regional Court. Khuzwayo was killed in 2022 while seated in his car and talking with a friend. He was the ANC ward 11 councillor under the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Ngiba was also sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for possession of an unlawful firearm and two years for possession of unlawful ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. According to the State in 2022, the KwaMaphumulo municipality was run by the IFP in coalition with the EFF and the Independent Alliance. “The IFP approached the ANC councillors and convinced them to resign in exchange for money to start businesses. The…

FlySafair passengers could experience flight disruptions and delays as pilots extend their strike action. The tension brewing between FlySafair pilots and management has escalated into a significant labour dispute, with the union Solidarity announcing a two-week extension of strike action originally planned for a single day, tomorrow. The aggressive move comes in direct response to FlySafair’s announcement of a seven-day consecutive lockout of its pilots, raising concerns about the future of air travel in South Africa. In a statement, Solidarity expressed deep dissatisfaction with the airline’s abrupt and assertive tactics, claiming that the company is “opting” for a prolonged and destabilising conflict rather than seeking a resolution. “This means that no flights can be guaranteed for the next two weeks,” the union stated, forewarning the public of potential disruptions on…

Ministers and their deputies in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) executive can now buy luxury official vehicles valued up to R1.1 million after the National Treasury increased the limit from R800 000. National Treasury director-general Dr. Duncan Pieterse revealed the increase in an instruction dated July 11, 2025, and which came into effect on Tuesday this week. Late former finance minister Tito Mboweni announced the R800 000 cap (inclusive of value-added tax [VAT], maintenance plans and security upgrades) for official cars delivering the medium-term budget policy statement as part of government-wide cost-containment measures. Treasury increased and adjusted the R700 000 threshold to R800 000 in the 2019/20 financial year. Pieterse said Mboweni’s successor Enoch Godongwana is required, in terms of the guide for members of the executive…

ANC veteran and former Cabinet minister Mac Maharaj is working on a film about global icon and late former president Nelson Mandela’s life. Maharaj, who served as transport minister in Mandela’s first Cabinet after the 1994 elections, spent 12 years together incarcerated on Robben Island as political prisoners fighting against apartheid. The erstwhile spokesperson of former president Jacob Zuma announced the making of the film during a students’ colloquium convened by City of Tshwane corporate and shared services MMC and ActionSA councillor, Kholofelo Morodi, to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday. “It is interesting for me when I look back that I also have the opportunity today, over the last four years, to have been doing research to help to put together a film on Madiba (Mandela’s clan name),”…

FORTY-FIVE youth from eMbumbulu, south of Durban, will be graduating from a private-public partnership training programme in the built environment. The year-long training programme is accredited by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and is a collaboration between Magnacorp Project Managers (Pty) Ltd with Vumani Civils and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. The graduation ceremony will be at Madundube Hall in eMbumbulu on Thursday, July 24. The graduates have completed a year-long CETA-accredited Further Education and Training (FET) NQF Level 4 in Supervision of Construction Processes, and NQF Level 3 in Construction: Roadworks. Magnacorp managing director, Sanele Ndlovu, said: “Graduates have acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in key construction areas. “These include roadworks, site supervision, health and safety compliance, and quality control. “The training is aligned with…

Hundreds of conservationists and animal rights supporters gathered in Simon’s Town on Friday to protest against the proposed removal of five baboon troops from the Cape Peninsula. The demonstration followed growing public anger over the recent announcement by the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team, comprising the City of Cape Town, CapeNature, and SANParks, which confirmed that nearly a quarter of the Peninsula’s managed baboon population could be removed. Protesters, many dressed in black and carrying signs that read “Stop the killing” and “Baboon lives matter”, marched from Simon’s Town to the local municipal offices. Chants of “Viva baboons” and “Phantsi killing” echoed through the streets as residents voiced their frustration at what they called the authorities’ failure to protect local wildlife. According to the task team, the decision…

In July, South Africa celebrates the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, and Cannon’s Auctioneers will be offering some rare collectable Mandela 24ct, 1oz gold medallions, including a Robben Island Fence Medallion and a Nobel Mandela/DeKlerk medallion. Also on offer is a 1/4oz Mandela Tribute Medallion and a Mandela Father of the Nation silver medallion. Collectors will also be interested in the Union of SA Short Proof Sets, the many silver Crowns, the early 20thC Chinese Dragon Dollar and Fatman Dollar and more. There is also a large collection of art, with works from South African artists including Gerard Bhengu, Gordon Vorster, Errol Boyley, Terrence McCaw, Adriaan Boshoff, Tinus and Gabriel De Jongh and more. Bronze sculptures by Llewellyn Davies, James Tandi, Giovanni Schoeman, Emile Boisseau and Robert…

As the world paused to observe Mandela Day on Friday, we are reminded that this day, solemnly declared by the UN in 2009, stands not as a decorative event on the calendar but as a global summons to political and ethical conscience. Mandela Day was never meant to be reduced to a moment of philanthropy. It is a moral provocation. It demands reflection, honesty and action from all of us, particularly those who profess to walk in the shadows of the long and unfinished journey that began long before 1994. On February 11, 1990, President Nelson Mandela emerged from Victor Verster Prison with his fist raised high in the air, a gesture that immediately entered the symbolic archive of revolutionary imagery. It was not a sign of triumphalism. It was…

The global aid landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Once defined and dominated by Western institutions and priorities, this system is being reshaped by new actors, expectations and geopolitical realities. One of the most important and influential changes is the emergence of China as an alternative development provider, rewriting the way aid is conceived, delivered and valued in partnerships across the Global South. This change is not about replacing one model with another. Its significance runs deeper than that. Fundamentally, it is about alignment – realigning development co-operation and assistance provision to the needs and aspirations of the Global South and aligning global partnerships with the values and imperatives of promoting sustainability, equity and peace central to the sustainable development goals of the UN. For many decades, the rules and…

The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland has proven to be a challenging battleground for the South African 11-man contingent. Only three of the 11 players made the cut after a gruelling two rounds of competition. Leading the pack, Christiaan Bezuidenhout maintained a glimmer of hope for the nation despite falling out of contention on Friday. Bezuidenhout, who shared the early lead after an impressive opening round of 67, saw his fortunes shift as the second round unfolded. Despite starting brightly, the 29-year-old recorded a two-over-par 73 on Friday, landing him at two-over for the championship and tied for 17th place, eight strokes behind American Scottie Scheffler, who surged to the top with a stunning second-round performance. Scheffler, the reigning PGA Championship winner and current world number…

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt said he was proud of the fight his side showed against the British and Irish Lions yesterday, but called on them to improve for the second Test next week. The British and Irish Lions took a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series with a largely dominant 27-19 win in front of more than 52,000 fans at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium. Schmidt said he took heart from the way the Wallabies battled from 24-5 down early in the second half to lose by only eight points. “This time last year we probably would have melted," Schmidt said. "But we fought our way back into the game and got very close in the second half. “I felt if we could get within one score, you never know.…

In an age where digital fatigue is the norm and isolation a creeping epidemic, a South African-born app is striking a powerful counterbalance. The Sociable App, launched in Durban in late 2022, is quickly becoming the go-to platform for people craving real-world connection, community, and meaningful experiences, not just more screen time. From artists and entrepreneurs to students and fitness trainers, over 16,500 users across the country have embraced Sociable’s premise: that being together should feel effortless. Whether it’s hosting a micro-event or finding a spontaneous night out nearby, Sociable says it simplifies the way people meet, plan, and engage in real life. “At a time when everyone is focusing on making life simpler, we aspired to build a platform that made life more meaningful,” says Jason van Dyk, founder…

In the same way that money can’t buy happiness, it doesn’t buy class either. This has never been more apparent than on season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban, including the two-part reunion episode. I wanted to reserve all comments until I’ve watched every episode. But before I could pen my thoughts (harsh as they might be), I found myself drawn to all the off-screen drama post the show. Seriously, what in the world is going on? If you have been living under a rock, here’s what you need to know. Londie London, who made a surprise guest appearance on the show, took legal action against Minnie Ntuli, who was a fresh face on the show. There was clearly more to the beef than was witnessed on the show.…

We all dream of fame – the red carpets, the screaming fans, the luxurious lifestyle. But behind every glittering smile often lies a hidden battle with addiction. While the world sees the glamour, many celebrities silently fight demons that fame itself helped create. Not all that glitters is gold. This is clear from the countless stars who have spoken out about the entertainment industry’s darker side, whether through memoirs or candid interviews. Substance abuse runs rampant in the entertainment industry. The world of high-profile events and endless parties makes drugs and alcohol easily accessible, turning them into common coping mechanisms for stress, loneliness and performance anxiety. When celebrities speak openly about their struggles with addiction, they send a powerful message. Stars like Demi Moore, Bradley Cooper and Jessica Simpson have…

FORMER Economic Freedom Front (EFF) politician Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi argues that a president cannot find anyone guilty. He is, instead, advocating for a “proper” judicial commission of inquiry, led by a judge, with strict timelines. He deems this “proper” for a democracy. However, the subsequent analysis of South African commissions reveals how they often fall short of this ideal, instead perpetuating systemic violence and delaying justice.The Commissions Act, 1947 (Act No. 8 of 1947), used for enquiries like the Zondo Commission on State of Capture, originated under British colonial rule. This embedded a legalistic facade for systemic violence. It enabled apartheid-era enquiries, such as the Hefer Commission (2003) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which probed allegations of apartheid espionage against the then-national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli…

A suspended Standard Bank retail manager and his alleged associate remain in custody following their arrest in what police are describing as a high-level drug trafficking investigation with suspected links to an international cartel and Colombian cocaine suppliers. Raed Cupido and Christopher Carelse appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges relating to the possession and dealing of cocaine, possession of prohibited firearms, including an AK-103 assault rifle and a Uzi Pro machine pistol, and the unlawful possession of ammunition. Police estimate the drugs seized carry a street value of approximately R18 million. According to an affidavit submitted by Lieutenant-Colonel Christiaan Daniel Dirk van Renen of the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit, Cupido was arrested on June 10, 2025 after police received intelligence about suspicious activity at a…

A Gauteng businessman has been jailed for an effective five years in connection with R66 million Transnet fraud. Yakub Ahmed Suleman Bhikhu and his company, Homix (Pty) Ltd, were convicted in the Pretoria Regional Court on 81 counts that include fraud, forgery, uttering, money laundering, and the Contravention of the Tax Administration Act. According to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Bhikhu pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment, of which five years were suspended for a period of five years. He was further ordered to reimburse an amount of R300 000 to Transnet, which he received as gratification. His company was sentenced to a fine of R500 000, which was suspended on the condition that it does not commit a similar offence. Henry Mamothame, IDAC spokesperson,…

The Freedom From Poverty Bill, introduced by the Institution of Race Relations (IRR) as a replacement for the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and the Employment Equity Act (EEA), has been met with mixed views. Under the bill, there is Economic Empowerment for the Disadvantaged (EED), which is codified as an alternative to BEE and a proposal for true transformation, as it will be based on need, not race. It was launched this week as part of the #WhatSACanBe campaign in a webinar discussion between IRR Head of Policy, Dr Anthea Jeffery, and IRR Strategic Engagements Manager, Makone Maja. The BEE aims to correct past inequalities and is governed by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act. Its application is limited to people who are black, of mixed race, and Indian, and…

The Nelson Mandela 8th Annual Lecture in India had speakers at a loss for words on how to describe the visionary and former great statesman. The lecture, which took place on Mandela Day on Friday, was organised by the India International Centre, South African High Commission and the Working Group on Alternative Strategies. The Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 was celebrated under the theme: It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. Sedula Mamabolo, counsellor at the South African High Commission in New Delhi, said the theme is a call to action that reminds us that Mandela's legacy is not confined to history. “It is a living challenge to each one of us. Mandela was not only a statesman but a symbol of ethical resistance. A man who…

KwaZulu-Natal Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) called for permanent solutions to address flooding and displaced families. The MPLs were this week debating on a report tabled in March by Premier Thami Ntuli on communities in distress owing to the province being engulfed by floods. There were also concerns about the KZN Department of Transport and Human Resources’ purchase of the Montclair Lodge from Transnet for R33 million to house flood victims as one of their interventions. IFP chief whip Blessed Gwala said the refurbishment of the Montclair Lodge should be expedited to meet the December deadline. He also called on traditional leaders to exercise greater responsibility when allocating land near riverbeds or flood-prone areas. According to him, municipalities should enforce existing by-laws to prevent high-risk developments. Gwala stated he…

The first World War wrought significant destruction to towns and infrastructure in many European countries. South Africa was spared such damage, where it was not spared was the loss of life, injuries and illness unleashed on its soldiers, the overwhelming majority of whom were volunteers. The Union Defence Force’s first campaign was in German South West Africa (Namibia) in 1914-15. Despite the hardship, only 266 men died by the time the Germans surrendered their colony on July 8, 1915. Enthusiastic crowds greeted the returning troops as they disembarked from troop ships at Durban’s docks. What followed in the next three years of the war darkened the mood as the death toll rose. The number of soldiers who were wounded or suffering from disease and shell shock overwhelmed the health facilities…

DESPITE the loss to New Zealand earlier this week, South Africa, across all three formats, is in a really good position with regard to the quality of the talent pool. Yes, the country has been rocked with sudden retirements, including that of Heinrich Klaasen recently; however, there are players in the system who have shown good signs. Currently, in the ongoing Tri-Series in Zimbabwe, Rubin Hermann has taken up space in the number four position in the batting order, and so has Dewald Brevis in the middle-order. At the top of the order, Lhuan-dre Pretorius looks as good as any of the top T20I opening batters in the world. Moreover, outside of the newbies in international cricket, Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee have returned from injury and immediately showed good…

Superstar singer Arijit Singh, who has been consistently belting out chartbusters, is embarking on a new chapter in his professional life. The singer is set to enter a new territory and make his debut as a Bollywood film director. According to a source, the film is touted to be a jungle adventure film, and will be bankrolled by Mahaveer Jain. The source said, “Arijit Singh is all set to direct a unique jungle adventure film. “Mahaveer Jain is the producer and he’s excited about this ambitious project. He’s going all out to ensure that the film appeals to the Pan-India audience”. The source added, “The casting and prep are underway. The team plans to announce the film once the casting and title are locked. “Until now, Arijit Singh has rocked…

With the crisp winter air sweeping across South Africa during June, July and August, many people find themselves retreating indoors, seeking warmth and comfort. But why hibernate when you can embark on a delightful winter escape? Though July is noted as one of SA’s coldest months, you can still find warmth in various experiences around the country. From the sunny shores of KwaZulu-Natal to the breathtaking landscapes of Limpopo, SA’s winter offers a myriad of warm travel destinations that will lift your spirits and chase away the winter blues. If you’re on the lookout for a winter getaway, here are some top spots to consider. Embrace the warmth of Durban’s beaches Even in the depths of winter, Durban is a beacon of warmth. With average temperatures ranging from 14°C to…

Jay Cutler, former American football quarterback and ex-husband of TV personality Kristin Cavallari, is once again making headlines. This time, a hunting safari in South Africa has drawn the ire of wildlife enthusiasts, putting him in the spotlight. The retired bodybuilder and NFL player shared a photo on his Instagram over the weekend where he was posing over a dead Sable antelope, with the caption, “Kicked off the Africa hunt with a beauty. Sable down”. According to TMZ Sports, his prowess behind the sights of a rifle left many disgusted. One user posted: “This is nothing to brag about.” On Instagram, bradleyhides posted: “I went to Africa on a safari and saw the most incredible wildlife and never once thought about murdering them.” Another posted: “Wow, Jay. You killed a…

As South Africa’s economic landscape shifts with increasing complexity, all eyes are on the South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) as it prepares for its pivotal interest rate decision at the end of July. If the MPC bases its decision purely on data, the country could enjoy a rate cut, however, many other factors are at play which could see interest rates remaining unchanged at the end of the month, offering no financial relief for consumers battling the cost of living crisis in the country. The current repo rate sits at 7.25%, following a slight reduction of 25 basis points earlier in May. Despite the central bank's move, Governor Lesetja Kganyago has continued to adopt a hawkish stance, underscoring the significance of maintaining price stability and addressing…

Tyler Perry needs to consider retiring the Madea franchise now. I recall him saying he was going to do so a while back, but he clearly couldn’t kill his ratings magnet. However, after watching Madea’s Destination Wedding, the 11th film in the franchise, cameos in other offerings notwithstanding, I can confidently say it has lost its appeal. Mabel “Madea” Simmons has been a hit for being a tell-it-like-it-is grandmother. She’s unfiltered with her comments and isn’t afraid to tackle family dramas while also instilling important values. This championing of societal issues struck a chord with viewers. Madea is also inherently funny, as are the regular characters in the franchise, where Perry, aside from playing the titular role, also slips into the skin of Joe and Brian Simmons. The film centres…

Looking good doesn’t have to mean spending half your salary on beauty products. In fact, some of the most effortlessly chic people out there rely on smart habits, not expensive products. It’s all about knowing where to spend, where to save, and how to use what you already have in clever ways. If you’re trying to upgrade your beauty routine without draining your bank account, here’s how to look polished, confident, and put-together using affordable tricks that really work. Healthy skin comes first Great makeup starts with great skin. Instead of chasing the latest skincare trends, stick to the basics that actually matter. Cleanse gently, moisturise daily, and never skip sunscreen. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration and niacinamide for smooth, even skin. You can boost circulation and…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported a groundbreaking influx of applications for its Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) for the 2025/2026 cycle, with a staggering 1,049,998 individuals applying before the midnight deadline on 18 July 2025. This remarkable statistic underscores the growing interest in joining the police force, particularly among young South Africans aspiring to serve their communities. The gender breakdown of the applications reveals an encouraging trend towards inclusivity, with 595,049 applications submitted by female candidates, compared to 454,949 from male candidates. This positive shift indicates an increasing recognition of the importance of diverse representation within law enforcement roles. Geographically, Gauteng emerged as the province yielding the highest number of applications, with 267,031 hopefuls eager to join the ranks of the SAPS. KwaZulu-Natal followed closely with…

The Durban Commercial Crimes Court had to postpone the more than R3 million corruption case involving former eThekwini officials following the state's request for additional time. The State requested on Friday additional time to prepare a comprehensive defence, raising concerns about the selection of a forensic firm that looked into the alleged corruption. Nhlakanipho Ziphozinhle Mthembu, Inhlanzi Catering and Events (PTY) LTD, Sandile Ngcobo, his wife, Vuyiswa Ngcobo, and Mndeni Mkhize were charged with fraud, corruption, conspiracy to commit corruption and money laundering. The forensic company, Integrity Forensic Solutions CC (IFS), was appointed by eThekwini’s City Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU) to probe the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender irregularities after it received a stack of documents anonymously alleging irregularities. As the IFS was conducting the DSW investigation, it also…

In a landmark move to restore dignity and improve service delivery for South Africans living overseas, the Department of Home Affairs has launched a series of new international service centres, drastically reducing passport turnaround times from over a year to just five weeks. Announcing the rollout, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber said the initiative aims to resolve long-standing frustrations experienced by citizens abroad who previously faced delays of up to 18 months for documents such as passports. “Home Affairs is now closer than ever before for South Africans living abroad,” said Schreiber. This week, the first service centres officially opened in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, with a third in Perth scheduled for September. Two additional centres launched in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. These join the already operational…

Nearly 400 senior civil servants that underwent lifestyle audits in both the national and provincial government were referred for internal investigations by their departments over the past three financial years. None of the officials were reported to the police for criminal investigations during the same period. This is according to Public Service and Administration minister Mzamo Buthelezi when he was replying to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Sixolise Gcilishe. Gcilishe enquired about the total number of senior government officials who have been formally charged, disciplined and/or dismissed as a direct result of lifestyle audits conducted since 2021. Buthelezi said the lifestyle audits comprised three steps that included lifestyle review, lifestyle investigation and lifestyle audit. “These steps follow on each other and require the unit to conduct interventions to address each…

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has asked that President Cyril Ramaphosa be given time to determine the process to follow in appointing the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). Kubayi also said NDPP Shamila Batohi will vacate office when she completes her seven-year term in early 2026 when she reached the retirement age. She was responding to parliamentary questions from DA MP Damien Klopper and EFF MP Carl Niehaus. In her written response, Kubayi said the National Prosecuting Authority Act expressly indicated that an NDPP must retire at the age of 65. “The provision is peremptory. Thus, the NDPP’s tenure cannot be extended for a further period after she turns 65 in order for her to complete a full 10 years. “This means that on 31 January…

Hundreds of volunteers made their mark at the FoodForward SA (FFSA) packing event held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Friday. The Mandela Day initiative met the target of packing 500 tonnes of food, the equivalent of two million meals for the FFSA network consisting of over 2 500 beneficiary organisations. This, in turn, would fe ed more than 935 000 food-insecure individuals daily. These include orphans, vulnerable women and children, the elderly and frail, those suffering from disabilities and chronic diseases, at-risk youth and the homeless and indigent. Sunday Tribune partnered with FFSA for the Mandela Day activation. Some of the food packs will go towards one of the Daily News Milk Fund beneficiaries. In honour of Nelson Mandela, volunteers joined hands to help FFSA pack food items…

The Msunduzi Municipality stated that the first draft of the revised Airport Master Plan had been completed to transform Pietermaritzburg Airport into a strategic aviation hub. The municipality stated that this is a broader economic development strategy to boost local investment, tourism, and infrastructure growth. ‘The municipality added that a key milestone in this revitalisation effort was the recent hosting of the Pietermaritzburg Airshow, after more than a decade, in partnership with Fuze Aviation Academy. Nelisiwe Ngcobo, Msunduzi’s Municipality acting municipal manager, said that the response prompted the municipality to make this an annual event, reinforcing the city’s re-emergence on South Africa’s aviation map. “Presently, the airport handles four scheduled arrivals and departures daily, alongside charter and training flights from two flight schools. Demand is steadily increasing, validating the airport’s…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on July 30 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is a multi-unit investment property at 49 Blundell Crescent, Escombe, Queensburgh. The broader district, comprising Malvern, Escombe, Northdene and Moseley, is known for its quiet residential streets and a sense of community. Schools are in close proximity and connectivity is a standout feature. This investment opportunity comprises three separate buildings on one property. The main house is a free-standing, well-maintained residence with two bed rooms, an open-plan lounge and dining area, a fully-fitted kitchen, a study area and a double carport. Building one is a two-bedroom residence with one bathroom and a separate toilet, a lounge,…

South Africans live in hope. For seven nerve-wracking days, they waited patiently for President Cyril Ramaphosa to address them on one of the most pressing crises the country has faced since 1994. A week earlier, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi had placed the entire criminal justice system on trial. Mkhwanazi implicated the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, top brass, correctional services, senior politicians and members of the judiciary in an intricate web of crime syndicates and drug cartels. The allegations put the country on the knife-edge. This is the stuff that collapses governments. When Ramaphosa finally faced the nation, the address was characteristically and predictably underwhelming. All opposition parties took potshots at Ramaphosa. Those who were disappointed in Ramaphosa’s utterances have themselves to blame. First, Ramaphosa is not a man of…

Kenya is going through turbulent times. In less than a month, the country has seen two rounds of youth-led anti-government protests on June 25 and July 7. The first wave of protests, concentrated mainly in the capital, Nairobi, was a commemoration of the deadly June 2024 protests in which young people thronged the streets to express their disapproval of a government-proposed bill to increase taxes. About 60 protesters lost their lives, and scores of others were injured, largely due to a heavy-handed police response. The protests were effective as the bill was withdrawn, and President William Ruto dismissed his cabinet en masse. The issues at the centre of this year’s June protests included police brutality, human rights abuses and government corruption, with some of the protesters calling for the president’s…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be unsure whether to laugh or cry as his team were poor and wonderful in equal measure on their way to beating Georgia 55-10 in Mbombela last night. Either way, the Boks were put through a serious examination by the Lelos, and perhaps it was the ideal way for the Boks to finish their four-match block of games that warm them up for the Rugby Championship, which kicks off in a month. Ideal because they will know they are some way off their best form, and a mountain of improvement is required if they are to beat the All Blacks in Auckland on September 6, the match which is the climax of the Boks’ international season. We know the Georgians are tough — their national…

Kaizer Chiefs returned to South Africa on Thursday, having completed a demanding pre-season tour of the Netherlands that offered plenty of encouraging signs as they prepare for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. While results were mixed, with a hard-fought win over PEC Zwolle and narrow defeats to strong sides like Vitesse, NEC Nijmegen and FC Twente, the overall progress shown by coach Nasreddine Nabi’s squad was clear. The tour was an important step in building team chemistry and testing new signings against quality opposition in a challenging European environment. Chiefs looked more cohesive and sharper as the trip progressed. The midfield showed great resilience, with Sibongiseni Mthethwa impressing alongside both Thabo Cele and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo. Their ability to control tempo and break up opposition play improved match by match, giving…

Two of South Africa’s top sprinters struggled to repeat their recent heroics at a wet and gloomy London Diamond League meeting yesterday afternoon, as 100m star Akani Simbine’s winning streak ended and 400m ace Zakithi Nene had to settle for bronze. The 100m at London Stadium with a capacity crowd of 60 000 had been billed as a showdown between Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles and 200m champion Letsile Tebogo of Botswana. Yet the star-studded field – with Simbine boasting the world lead this year – was upstaged by Jamaican Oblique Seville, who took the gold in a fast 9.86 seconds. Lyles finished second, in 10 seconds flat, while British runner Zharnel Hughes was third in 10.02. Simbine was fifth, in a time of 10.08 while Tebogo finished in seventh.…

Mandala Murders, a mythological crime-thriller, will premiere on Netflix on July 25. Set against the backdrop of an eerie town called Charandaspur, the series will show detectives Rea Thomas (played by Vaani Kapoor) and Vikram Singh (played by Vaibhav Raj Gupta) attempting to resolve a series of ritualistic killings linked to a centuries-old secret society. Aside from Kapoor and Gupta, Mandala Murders will also see Shriya Pilgaonkar, Siddhanth Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, Raghubir Yadav, and Monica Choudhary in key roles. Talking about Mandala Murders, Gopi Puthran, creator and director said, “From the start, our goal with Mandala Murders was to create a world that feels unknown yet grounded — where every truth has layers and every answer leads to more questions. "Crafting the tension, weaving in symbolism, and watching this brilliant…

IN a recent episode of The Iced Coffee Hour podcast, American political activist Charlie Kirk shared a thought-provoking piece of advice for couples. “You should go on a road trip with the person that you love.” His assertion resonated with listeners, sparking a lively discussion about how travel can impact relationships. Kirk's recommendation revolves around the idea of intentionally placing oneself in “uncomfortable, high-pressure travel situations” rather than opting for luxurious trips that may mask underlying relationship dynamics. He suggests that navigating the challenges of travel can reveal much about a partner’s true character and compatibility. Many netizens chimed in, reflecting on their own experiences. One user, @Beryl, pointed out, “Road trips really test your bond, but they also create amazing memories and bring you closer together.” This sentiment was…