Innehållsförteckning för 2025-10-26 från Sunday Tribune

South Africa’s fiscal outlook is once again under the spotlight as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to deliver the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) next month on 12 November. The statement is expected to set the tone for the remainder of the fiscal year, providing updates on growth forecasts, inflation expectations and government spending priorities. Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG, said the upcoming statement would be a critical moment for assessing whether South Africa’s economic recovery is on track. “The focus will be on revising economic growth and inflation forecasts. The growth was predicted at 1.4% for this year and expected to rise to 1.7% in 2027, but this will likely need to be downgraded,” Blackmore said. According to Blackmore, any downgrade in growth projections will have a…

If you're on the lookout for an exciting show that mixes mystery with drama, The Hunting Wives on Netflix is the perfect pick for you. Set against the backdrop of Texas, this series explores the lives of women caught in an intricate web of secrets and scandals. The opening scene kicks off with a gripping murder mystery. We witness a woman sprinting through the woods until she is unexpectedly shot. Before we can find out what happened, the story takes us back in time to reveal the life of Sophie O’Neil (Brittany Snow). Sophie and her husband, Graham (Evan Jonigkeit), move to Texas for his work. Once a lively publicist and a Democratic activist, Sophie is now a stay-at-home mom who struggles to adjust. She doesn't drive or consume alcohol.…

ANC leaders embroiled in multiple controversies will continue to be elected to higher positions of the party to contest state elections because party branches remain indifferent to ethical concerns, say political analysts. The analysts were commenting in reaction to the latest scandal that led to the formation of parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of political interference in police, which implicates suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu. Former president Jacob Zuma was elected while facing numerous corruption allegations, including the arms deal procurement scandal. President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected while also facing the Phala Phala scandal in which a huge amount of American currency, which was not declared to the taxman, was stolen during a break-in at his farmhouse. Now two of the ANC…

A senior investigator for the eThekwini municipality has again dragged the City to court for failing to comply with a Labour Court order. The investigator claims the municipality is reassigning him to the Supply Side Area Based Operations Directorate instead of returning him to his original position at City Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU), like the court ordered in August. The investigator cannot be named due to a court order prohibiting the media from naming state witnesses in the R320 million tender corruption case involving former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede. The investigator was dismissed in December 2024 following an internal disciplinary hearing. The dismissal stemmed from misconduct allegations related to the contract with Integrity Forensic Solutions (IFS) – a forensic company that investigated Gumede and 21 others. The controversy that…

THE pupils linked to a shocking bullying incident at Milnerton High School in Cape Town that sparked widespread outrage must not contact the complainants and witnesses directly or indirectly. If they see the complainants, they must avoid them. This is according to the bail conditions issued during their appearance in court yesterday. They are also prohibited from entering the school yard or the school until the case is finalised, and must submit their cellphones and pins. The eight learners appeared at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court following the assault of a Grade 10 learner that was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. Six of the accused appeared in Court 26 and two others appeared in Court 19 as they are juveniles. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the…

It was a day of fancy footwork and loud cheering at the Cato Manor Sports Grounds, Durban, this week when Bolt South Africa and members of KwaZulu-Natal’s e-hailing community came together for a friendly soccer tournament, and a deeper conversation about the future of their industry. Held this week as part of Transport Month celebrations, the event brought together drivers, partners and transport stakeholders for a day of camaraderie, competition and open dialogue. Beyond the light-hearted matches, the gathering provided an opportunity to tackle serious issues affecting the e-hailing sector, including the implementation of new National Land Transport Act (NLTA) regulations, driver welfare, and ongoing efforts to improve safety and accountability across the industry. Building stronger partnerships Bolt South Africa’s senior operations manager, Simo Kalajdzic, said the company valued opportunities…

IN the summer of 1812, the legendary French general Napoleon Bonaparte led an army about half a million strong to invade Russia. The Russians retreated but burned the countryside as they withdrew, using scorched-earth tactics that eventually left Napoleon’s troops occupying a ruined Moscow. By fall, his ill-fated troops began to leave for encampments along the Russian border, where an estimated 300,000 of them were eventually mowed down not by military might, but by illness coupled with extreme cold, starvation and exhaustion. Historical accounts of Napoleon’s campaign to invade Russia have focused the brunt of the blame on a louse-borne disease, typhus. But a new study of bacterial DNA preserved in the teeth of 13 soldiers adds two new diseases – paratyphoid fever and a relapsing fever – to the…

The year 2027 will be a watershed moment for the ANC. It is during this year that the party will elect its new leadership. The ANC’s elective conference will find the party wounded and bleeding profusely. Since the 2019 general election, the ANC has been falling out of favour with the electorate. In 2019, for the first time, the ANC obtained less than 60% of the national vote, only managing 57.50%. This continued in the 2021 Local Government Election (LGE), where the ANC’s popular vote was 45.59%. During the 2024 general election, the ANC performed dismally, only recording 40.18% of the national vote. These figures point to a party that is in constant decline. But why is the ANC losing support? There are several plausible answers to this question. One…

The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) is fast approaching. In Belém, where the Amazon River meets the Brazilian coast, diplomats must agree on a package of outcomes that keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, centres on nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which are non-binding pledges that outline domestic climate targets. Per the agreement, NDCs should be communicated every five years, represent the highest possible ambition, progress over time through the “ratchet mechanism” and respond to a series of global stocktakes that monitor collective progress. This is a pivotal year for the NDCs. States are required to submit enhanced pledges – so-called NDCs 3.0, following the initial pledges around the signing of the…

Under the fading Orlando sun, hope burned brightly — but not brightly enough. Orlando Pirates’ African journey came to an end yesterday as they bowed out of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, falling 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw to the resilient Railmen of Saint-Eloi Lupopo. The Buccaneers fought with heart, winning the second leg 3-0 at home, but the ghosts of their 3-0 defeat in Lubumbashi returned to haunt them. For all their dominance in Soweto, the mountain they had to climb proved just too steep, leaving heartbreak in Orlando. With generations of talent over the years, few Pirates teams have managed to recapture the magic of the 1995 Champions League-winning side. Many have tried, but none have matched that class or carved their own…

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen praised his team for a supreme effort in dismantling the previously unbeaten Ulster side 49-31 at Ellis Park yesterday. It was hot and humid in the early afternoon encounter, and the Ulster side visibly tired as the Lions cranked up the pressure. The altitude also took its toll on the Irishmen. “The guys played really well today,” Van Rooyen said. “There was a lot of effort. As tough as it was for them at two o’clock in the afternoon, it was tough for us. But I think as the game progressed, we got more efficient, our error rate went down.” Van Rooyen said he had asked his players for a response after a difficult start to the URC, which saw the Lions lose their first…

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) recently held its inaugural conference on sustainability to mark the 50th anniversary of His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s arrival in South Africa in 1975. The founder’s historic visit set in motion a trajectory that has seen ISKCON become an established presence in South African civic life, contributing to social cohesion across a cosmopolitan membership and advancing initiatives in food security, education, and culture. The conference, held under the theme “Creating a Unified Foundation for Sustainable Development in South Africa”, paid tribute to Srila Prabhupada’s 1975 address to students at the then University of Durban-Westville, now known as the University of KwaZulu- Natal. Dr Andrisha Beharry-Ramraj, Senior Lecturer at UKZN’s School of Commerce and Chairperson of the Conference, described the gathering…

When you think of a safari, you might picture the dry, golden landscapes of winter, where animals congregate around dwindling water sources. However, summer in South Africa offers a unique and vibrant experience that is often overlooked. With lush greenery, a "baby boom" of wildlife, and fewer tourists, summer safaris provide an enchanting adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. A summer safari in South Africa offers a unique and unforgettable experience filled with vibrant landscapes, abundant wildlife, and fewer crowds. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, the allure of summer in the bush is undeniable. Here’s why you should consider a summer safari and some of the best destinations to explore. Lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife Summer in South Africa is characterised by the arrival of…

Let’s face it: WhatsApp has become the unofficial national archive of South Africa. From birthday wishes to business deals, from gossip to government scandals, if it’s not on WhatsApp, did it even happen? But as our thumbs tap away, crafting messages, sending voice notes, and sprinkling emojis like confetti, a curious legal question arises: Can your WhatsApp messages land you in court or save you from it? Gone are the days when evidence was all about dusty files, coffee-stained contracts, and witnesses who “don’t recall.” Today, it’s about screenshots, voice notes, and that one message you sent at 02h03 that you didn’t mean to send. South African courts, ever the pragmatic bunch, have increasingly accepted WhatsApp messages as corroborative evidence. Yes, your “LOL” and “I’m on my way” texts could…

Of late, it’s been difficult to find a TV series or film that can hold my attention. However, I was piqued by the Netflix trailer of The Women in Cabin 10; it gave me the psychological thriller vibes of Jodie Foster’s Flightplan and Emily Blunt’s Girl on the Train. Those films were exceptional. Now I’m not the biggest Keira Knightley fan, which was a drawback. But, overall, the film has plenty of suspense to sustain curiosity. The premise centres on Laura “Lo” Blacklock (Knightley), an investigative journalist, being invited to cover an altruistic story of terminally ill billionaire Anne Bullmer (Lisa Loven Kongsli) and her fundraising gala in Norway, which entails her being among the wealthy guests on their luxury superyacht to the event. Much to Lo’s surprise, her photographer…

Bubble tea has exploded in popularity here in South Africa – schools, shopping malls and weekend outings now often include a stylish cup, wide straw and chewy pearls. Particularly among children and teenagers, it’s become a fun treat, a way to hang out with friends and enjoy something “different”. But while it might look harmless, this trendy drink carries a range of health risks that many of us simply don’t realise. The “fun” side of those cute bubbles and sweet syrups hides a set of health risks – from heavy metals to digestive issues, kidney stones, high sugar intake and choking hazards. Heavy-metals At the heart of bubble tea are the tapioca pearls – the chewy “bubbles” that make the drink playful. These are made from the starch of the…

The appearance of Minister Senzo Mchunu before Parliament’s ad hoc committee was meant to steady the waters after weeks of damaging allegations by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Instead, it has deepened the crisis of credibility surrounding not only Mchunu himself but also the ANC as a governing party. What unfolded was not the testimony of a leader confident in his decisions but the performance of a man cornered by his own contradictions, evasions, and lapses in judgment. In the process, he has reminded South Africans why trust in the ANC has eroded so profoundly: because accountability is always deferred, and because those entrusted with power appear more concerned with protecting themselves than with protecting the public interest. Disbanding the PKTT From the outset, Mchunu’s testimony was marked by a defensive posture.…

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele concluded his fiery two-day testimony on Friday before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating alleged political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS). Cele’s disclosures shed new light on the inner workings and turmoil within the police force, raising fresh questions about leadership, accountability, and the handling of sensitive investigations. Cele raises doubts over the death of Anele Tembe Perhaps most startlingly, Cele suggested foul play might have been involved in the death of Anele Tembe, the first fiancée of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who fell from the 10th floor of the Pepper Club Hotel in 2021. He was asked for his views on the case by MK Party MP David Skhosana. “There is an inquest into the death of Moses Tembe’s daughter. Police believed…

Frustration and despair echoed through a church in Hillary, south of Durban, last week as residents from Mount Vernon and Memorial Park engaged directly with representatives from the eThekwini Municipality. The meeting was called following a severe four-day power outage that left households scrambling for answers amid discontent over chronic electricity and water supply issues. Memorial Park resident Jasper Cecil expressed the community’s primary concerns – faulty apps that incorrectly mark fault reports as closed, inaccurate communication from official channels and contractor incompetence, which leads to misdiagnoses and residents having to direct technicians. Cecil highlighted that the app and WhatsApp service repeatedly state “fault is closed” or “file is linked to another fault”, even when power has not been restored. The web app links provided for more information are often…

The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) unveiled its Annual State of Safety Report (ASoSR) for the 2024/25 reporting period showing that 81 people died and 336 injured in rail related incidents. RSR CEO Brian Monakali led a panel discussion featuring industry leaders, including the CEOs of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), and the Group CEO of PRASA, reflecting on the annual safety achievements and the obstacles still ahead. The ASoSR is not merely a regulatory formality but a comprehensive, data-driven examination mandated under the National Railway Safety Regulator Act No.30 of 2024. This year’s report indicates that the sector recorded 9,200 safety-related occurrences, representing a commendable 7.2% decrease from the previous year. Yet, this positive figure is clouded by a significant 10.9%…

The Sharks were not at their most fluid in attack but relied on forward firepower to subdue the Scarlets 29-19 for their first win of the United Rugby Championship season at Kings Park yesterday. Skipper Eben Etzebeth led from the front as the Bok-stacked Sharks dominated the early exchanges in the Durban sunshine, laying the platform for a hard-fought victory in an extremely physical encounter. It was telling that all four of the home team’s tries came from their big men. The first came in the fifth minute after a strong break and fend by flank Siya Kolisi. A pop over the top by lively Grant Williams found No 7 Vincent Tshituka, who dotted down in the far right corner. Fly-half Jean Smith was unable to land the conversion. Scrum-half…

Coming in with South Africa 1-0 down and five wickets lost and still 148 runs in arrears in the first innings of the second Test against Pakistan earlier this week, it seemed like Senuran Muthusamy would be part of a losing cause. The second Test in Rawalpindi had been following a similar script to the first in Lahore. Like the first match, Pakistan had made a decent first innings score of 333 and South Africa were battling in their reply. When the allrounder Muthusamy strode to the middle, it seemed any lead of around 100 for Pakistan in the first innings would have been a decent effort from that position. Muthusamy’s Gritty Performance Revives South Africa’s Hopes on Rawalpindi Pitch However, that would still leave South Africa way behind the…

Following India’s dominant nine-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared heartfelt reflections on their long-standing partnership, adding that the enjoyment of playing cricket together has meant they have been able to stitch memorable stands. Yesterday, Rohit’s strokeplay was crisp in hitting 13 fours and three sixes in his 121 not out off 125 balls – his 33rd century in the format. Kohli’s composure was unwavering in hitting an unbeaten 74 off 81 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries, and he became the second-highest run-getter in ODIs. Together, the duo stitched an unbeaten 168-run partnership in an absolute chasing masterclass and ensured India ended the series with a statement win by completing a chase of 237 with 11.3…

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus has singled out Tests against France and Ireland as the most "challenging" during a five-international tour of Europe in November. The record four-time Rugby World Cup winners arrive in London this weekend to prepare for the first match, against Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Then, on consecutive Saturdays, the Siya Kolisi-captained Springboks face France in Paris, Italy in Turin, Ireland in Dublin and Wales in Cardiff. France want to avenge a one-point World Cup quarter-final loss to eventual champions South Africa two years ago after an epic encounter. Ireland have won the last three Tests against South Africa in Dublin, including inflicting a humiliating 35-point defeat on the tourists in 2017. “The matches against the French and Irish will be like World Cup knockout games,”…

South Africa’s passport has fallen from 48th to 53rd place in the latest global passport rankings, according to the Henley Passport Index. This ranking has remained at 53rd for the past three years, but it briefly improved to 48th in January 2025. The recent update in October has seen the total number of countries that South African travellers can enter visa-free decline from 103 to 102. The Henley Passport Index evaluates the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations. Each passport earns one point for every country that allows visa-free entry, as well as for countries where travellers can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority (ETA). However, if a visa is required before departure, including government-approved electronic visas (e-Visas),…

As the year concludes, many of us are battling end-of-year fatigue. With only a few weekends left before the festive season, it can be challenging to muster the energy to maintain our routines. However, one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate your spirit is through spontaneous travel. Embracing the unexpected can not only refresh your mind but also enhance your overall well-being. The thrill of last-minute getaways According to Samantha Pillay, director at ekko, there’s something undeniably exhilarating about booking a last-minute trip. The rush of excitement, the break from routine, and the sense of freedom can be incredibly liberating. Pillay notes, “We’ve become so good at planning every minute of our lives that we forget how good it feels to just... go.” The best trips aren’t always the…

When Dr Judey Pretorius founded Biomedical Emporium, she set out to change the way people think about skincare. What began as a fascination with the human body’s cellular processes evolved into a pioneering biotechnology company focused on healing, regeneration, and confidence. From a young age, Dr Judey was captivated by how every cell and molecule in the body worked together to sustain life. “I was always fascinated by the fact that the answers to health, beauty, and longevity lie not on the surface, but within the microscopic systems of the body,” she said. “During my studies in biotechnology and medical sciences, I realised that genetics and molecular biology could be applied not only to treat disease, but to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate.” Her passion took…

Before the arrival of Covid-19 and streaming platforms becoming a lifeline during those dark days of lockdown, I remember religiously sitting in front of my TV on a Monday night, waiting for the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy to drop. On most days, my bestie was right beside me, revelling in the ride-or-die bond between Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) and Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). In those days of swooning over McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey as Dr Derek Shepherd) and McSteamy (Eric William Dane as Dr Mark Sloane) was a thing. If you know, you know. But I’m not going to lie, Shonda Rhimes had me in my feels. I loved her and hated her (in the best way, of course) for it. But such is the showrunner-cum-creator’s Midas touch: she will…

“I dated a narcissist.” “My mom is a narcissist.” “You’re being so narcissistic.” We’ve all heard or maybe even said these words before. Lately, the word “narcissist” gets thrown around a lot, especially in therapy circles. With social media trends and talk about toxic relationships, the term has started to lose its real meaning. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is much more than taking lots of selfies or wanting attention. It’s a serious mental health condition that shapes how someone sees themselves and connects with others, often causing real pain. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), NPD is defined by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration and lack of empathy. But beneath that confidence often lies a fragile sense of self and an intense…

Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has revealed shocking governance failures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where a private security company allegedly “captured” the university’s Risk Management Services. A former employee facing disciplinary charges reportedly returned to control campus security operations, raising serious concerns about student safety and financial irregularities. Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie made the finding during an oversight visit to the university’s Westville campus on October 9, describing what he called a “shocking collapse of governance” within UKZN’s internal security operations. At the heart of the scandal is Ungoti Security Company, a little-known firm with alleged ties to senior figures inside the university. According to Letsie, Ungoti’s rise inside UKZN’s security structure was no coincidence. The committee heard that Bhekithemba Lovemore Khumalo, a former UKZN employee who resigned…

Former police minister Bheki Cele has taken a step back from his earlier assertions regarding his relationship with attempted murder-accused tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Cele had previously insisted he knew Matlala “very well”, but during questioning on Friday, he conceded that a mere acquaintance of three months may not validate such a claim. He testified on Thursday with confidence, claiming familiarity with Matlala after having stayed at his Pretoria apartment on two separate occasions. However, under questioning from Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls, Cele changed his tune, admitting that referring to their relationship as “very well” was an overstated description. “On reflection, very well would have been an overarching kind of a term,” Cele remarked, revising his earlier assertion. This happened amidst a discussion about Babita Deokaran, a whistleblower in…

The R3.6 billion Beachwood Coastal Estate, heralded as a transformative initiative for the Durban North area, has officially been launched following a series of development hurdles. Set on an expansive 430 333 square metres of prime beachfront property, the Beachwood development not only promises to elevate the area's skyline but also aims to bring significant ecological rehabilitation and economic upliftment. Phase 1 of the development will comprise 52 freestanding plots and 37 drive-up three-and four-bedroom apartments, duplex villas, and forest duplexes. Vacant plots are priced between R6.1 million and R20.675m, while apartments range from R10.575m to R16.075m and duplex villas and forest duplexes are priced from R18.675m to R25.15m. The Beachwood development was given the green light at the end of 2023 by the eThekwini Municipality after an appeal lodged…

The family of slain ANC veteran Zibuse Mlaba has expressed gratitude to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and prosecutors for making sure that the killers of Mlaba face the full might of the law. The family spoke after one of the hitmen pleaded guilty on Friday and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by the Camperdown Regional Court. Zibuse was a regent traditional healer in the KwaXimba area in Camperdown. Additionally, he served as an ANC deputy chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal and was a member of the legislature. He was killed on October 21, 2021, at Wareing's Shopping Centre, outside his office. Nhlanhla Hlongwa, 31, confessed on Friday to having participated in the plot to kill Zibuse, further implicating Zibuse’s cousin Mzamo Duncan Mlaba ,63, as the mastermind behind the…

Eskom smart meter programme kicked off on October 6, and aims to modernise the national grid and improve customer experiences, with 800 000 customers expected to benefit from the rollout. Eskom plans to install 7.2 million smart meters throughout South Africa over the next three years. The power utility has addressed various enquiries from the public. It clarified that the rollout served a key to empower customers in managing their energy consumption and costs more effectively. The first area where contractors are already on the ground is Msunduzi Ward 23. “The local leadership and the community were engaged prior to the arrival of the contractors on the ground. This is a process that will be followed for all areas to ensure communities will be engaged prior to the rollout in…

South Africa has officially been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, marking the end of nearly two years of intensive scrutiny and signalling renewed confidence in the country’s financial integrity and governance. The decision follows the FATF Plenary meetings held this week in Paris, France, after an on-site evaluation in August. During that visit, Deputy Finance Minister Dr. David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel reaffirmed government’s political commitment to strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) systems. South Africa was placed on the FATF grey list in February 2023 after the global financial crime watchdog identified 22 strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT framework. The listing subjected the country to increased international monitoring and raised concerns about its financial credibility. On…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring three properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on October 29 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first property is 53 Valley View Avenue, Morningside – a charming suburb in Durban, situated about 2km inland from the coast on the southern bank of the Umgeni River. The property is within walking distance of Mitchell Park Zoo, several Islamic Centres, the famous Florida Road, and many other landmarks. It is divided into five fully self-contained sections. • Section A features two bedrooms, an open-plan lounge and dining area, a kitchen with built-in cupboards, granite tops, hob and oven connector, and two bathrooms – main en-suite. • Section B’s upper level has an open-plan lounge area…

As the Madlanga Commission proceedings unfold, the ANC faces its most defining moments since the 1969 Morogoro Consultative Conference – a test of conscience, survival and renewal. The movement, once redefined its moral compass in exile, today must confront the erosion of that very moral foundation within its own house. The unfolding events around the Madlanga Commission echo that earlier moment of reckoning, demanding honesty, courage and self-correction. The recent raid on the Rustenburg property of controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi has opened another troubling chapter in the intersection between politics, money and morality within the liberation movement. What appeared to be a poorly co-ordinated police operation has now evolved into a potentially explosive political scandal. In an interview with Xoli Mngambi on Newzroom Afrika, Mogotsi issued a chilling warning, “abanye…

Walled in by war-torn Sudan’s paramilitary, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), over 200 000 civilians in North Darfur state’s besieged capital, El Fasher, “have nothing left but resistance and a collective death”, warned the city’s Resistance Committees (RC). Traders report having completely run out of food supplies as famine closes in on the malnourished population, cut off from food aid since the RSF laid siege on the city in April 2024 to oust the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) from its last foothold in the Darfur region. There were “only some secret points to enter and exit the city”, through which small quantities of food supplies were being smuggled through the siege, reportedly with the collaboration of some RSF troops, said Saleh Osman, president of the Darfur Bar Association. However, severe…

Richards Bay (0) 3 Mutizwa 84’, Nombengula 100’, Mahala 120’ Durban City (0) 1 Mokwena 52’ Richards Bay produced a dramatic late surge to defeat Durban City 3–1 after extra time in their Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex yesterday. The Natal Rich Boyz booked their spot in the semi-finals for the third season in a row in the tournament with a huge second half performance in front of their home crowd. It took until the second half for the visitors to break the deadlock when Trevor Mokwena stunned the home crowd into silence with one of the strikes of the tournament. The 24-year-old winger latched onto a clever knockdown from Saziso Magawana and unleashed a thunderous first-time…

MIGUEL Cardoso doth protest too much, me-thinks. It was akin to a fish expecting to be praised for swimming really. At the pre-match media conference for Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg tie against Nigeria’s Remo Stars this afternoon (3pm kick-off), the Portuguese struck one as a man not fully understanding the kind of job he’s in. The bald-headed former Esperance coach took offence yet again to what was a legitimate question regarding the Brazilians’ failure to win last year’s premier continental club competition. The reality of that defeat to debutants Pyramids FC in the 2024 final was that Cardoso and Sundowns failed. Period! But no, Cardoso found it somewhat offensive that a member of the media corps saw things that way. To him, Sundowns reaching the…

No English player has featured in El Clásico for Barcelona since Gary Lineker in the 1980s, but Marcus Rashford is poised to end that run today at the Santiago Bernabéu. An injury to winger Raphinha opened the door for Rashford to prove his worth in the first months of his loan from Manchester United. Rashford has been thriving, accumulating five goals and six assists in 12 games for Hansi Flick’s side, mostly operating on the left wing. The 27-year-old struck twice in the Champions League on Tuesday as Barça routed Olympiacos 6-1 to gear up for the match against bitter rivals and league leaders Real Madrid. Intriguingly, Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to return from injury to Los Blancos' squad for the Clásico, meaning Rashford could end up facing…

DURBAN architect and vocalist Kerolin Govender has curated and directed an Indo-African fusion concert that celebrates shared humanity through the language of music. His mission is to use music as a force for peace, togetherness and healing at a time when the world is overshadowed by war, conflict and injustice. The One World, One Sound concert will take place on November 9 at 3pm at the Milkwood Theatre in Durban North. Curated and directed by Jivanmukta Music, under the creative vision of Govender, the concert aspires to bridge continents, rhythm and melody, tradition and innovation, creating a space where art transcends difference and fosters deep cultural appreciation. “My vision is to encourage people to experience, value, and learn from one another’s languages, arts, and ancient traditions, recognising that these expressions…