Innehållsförteckning för 2025-11-02 från Sunday Tribune

In an exhilarating lead-up to their maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup final, South Africa’s Chloé Tryon has urged her fellow compatriots to don their Protea shirts and rally behind the team as they prepare to face host nation India in Mumbai today. KwaZulu-Natal-born Tryon says the team has what it takes to bring the coveted trophy home. Tryon expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards South African fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. “We just want to make you guys proud. We wear this badge with honour. We don’t just wear this for our family but the whole of South Africa. Wear those Protea shirts and go out on Sunday and support us,” said Tryon. The Proteas women booked their place in the world cup final by triumphing over England…

Royalty from across South Africa converged on the shores of the Zulu Kingdom for a night of glitz and glamour at the BuKhosi and Business Gala Dinner in Durban on Friday night. This prestigious event, hosted by the Monarchs and Royal Leadership Council NPC and known as the “MONROYAL”, took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga. The gala aimed to drive tangible economic transformation across communities under the management of traditional leaders. It brought together royals, business leaders, investors, and policymakers for a night of collaboration and celebration. While social and economic issues were at the forefront, fashion also took centre stage, with attendees dressed to impress. Among the stylish attendees was Inkosi Mbhengi II kaBonginkosi Mhlongo of eLangeni, who wore a traditional leopard skin robe over his…

The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will on Tuesday start its oral hearings with Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo. Boshielo is among the key witnesses expected to testify. Following her appearance, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia will take the stand on Wednesday, just days after Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale provided his testimony. The backdrop of this investigation is a turbulent one, accentuated by revelations made by Mathale regarding the lack of delegated powers conferred upon Boshielo and him by the suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu. This has ignited a heated debate amongst committee members, raising critical questions about the value added by deputy ministers, their contribution to the ministry’s efficiency, and whether the financial expenditures on their roles are justifiable. During…

It’s been eight years since a Durban man and his wife were brutally attacked at their home in Silverglen, Chatsworth, by an intern property practitioner from a well-known estate agency, together with three accomplices. Loga Pillay’s wife, Gona, 66, the former school principal at Southlands Secondary, was strangled and stabbed multiple times, succumbing to her injuries during the incident on September 20, 2017. Pillay, 77, survived because he had the presence of mind to “play dead” while being stabbed repeatedly by Lungani Basil Underhill, who was working for Pam Golding Properties at the time. “I miss my wife greatly. There is not a day that I don’t think about her. We were together for nearly 40 years until she was taken away from me in a gruesome way,” said Pillay,…

The High Court of Malawi has overturned the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary Bushiri, finding that a magistrate’s decision to hand them over to South Africa was legally unsound, procedurally unfair, and put their lives at risk. In a judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Mzonde Mvula ruled that the extradition process “fell short” of the standards required under Malawi law and that the couple had been denied their constitutional right to be heard. The ruling sets aside the decision of the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe, which in March had ordered the Bushiris’ committal to await surrender to South Africa, where they are wanted on charges of fraud, money laundering, and rape allegations. This comes after the couple fled South Africa in November…

With the festive season just around the corner, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is intensifying its Alufakwa Zero Tolerance campaign, drawing attention to a troubling statistic of more women being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The trend reflects a broader societal issue, as alcohol consumption continues to erode family structures and values. Since mid-August, a total of 960 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving in the province, with 64 arrests occurring since Friday. This ongoing initiative is a response to the alarming road safety statistics, which attribute a staggering 87% of road fatalities in the province to poor user behaviour. MEC Siboniso Duma stated that the erosion of traditional societal powers of censure, coupled with increased alcohol consumption, is destroying families. He urged society to pause and…

A political firestorm has erupted in the country, exposing deep ideological differences within the Government of National Unity (GNU) following the DA’s controversial launch of a billboard on Johannesburg's bustling N1 highway. The billboard, emblazoned with the provocative slogan, “BEE made ANC elites rich, and left SA poor. Choose real opportunities for all! Vote DA,” has drawn the immediate condemnation of the ANC, signalling a renewed clash between the GNU’s two largest political entities. The public statement by the DA, which took aim directly at the ANC’s flagship broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) policy, has effectively reignited long-standing debates about economic transformation and redress in a country still grappling with the profound legacies of apartheid. Mat Cuthbert, the DA’s head of policy, defended the billboard’s message. “This advertisement is telling…

IT is alien to Laura Wolvaardt’s nature to issue rallying cries. She is, by her own admission, loath to speak in front of a group because “it doesn’t come super naturally to me”. She prefers to let others like coach Mandla Mashimbyi do the Coach Carter-like Hollywood blockbuster dressing room motivational talks. This should not be confused though with a lack of ambition or determination. Wolvaardt is fiercely competitive and possesses an inner core of steel that leads by tenacious example through her inspirational deeds. Just re-watch her epic semi-final innings against England. But yesterday, on the eve of the Proteas’ Women’s first-ever appearance in a World Cup final, she had a simple message to her team. “Mandla normally does the really inspirational stuff, the you're carrying your country type…

Siwelele FC are a side riding high on confidence after notching one of their standout results of the season—a determined 1-0 win over high-flying Sekhukhune United at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Friday night. Siviwe Magidigidi produced the decisive moment with a spectacular long-range second-half strike that handed the Bloemfontein outfit their second victory in three matches. The result lifted them to 12th place on the table, giving them valuable breathing space from the relegation zone for the first time since the opening week of the campaign. The Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium has once again proven a reliable home ground for Lehlohonolo Seema’s side, who have collected all three of their league wins this season at the venue. Their form there has been central to their climb up the…

Durban City coach Gavin Hunt says his players must learn to translate good performances into results after narrowly losing 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in a hard-fought Betway Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night. A late header from Portuguese born Fabio Silva denied Hunt’s side a share of the spoils in a match that saw City match their more established opponents for much of the 90 minutes. Hunt admitted the result was difficult to take, given how close his team came to claiming a valuable point. “The dressing room is obviously devastated after being so close but yet so far,” he said. “But as I said to them with regards to the last three games, in football you have to give yourself something to hold onto and…

The Proteas’ top order batters again folded like a pack of cards as they lost the decider in the three-match T20 International series against Pakistan in Lahore yesterday by four wickets after posting 139/9 as the hosts capped a remarkable comeback after losing the first match. Pakistan won the toss for the third time in a row and again sent the South African side in to bat at the Gaddafi Stadium. The decision was vindicated almost immediately when Proteas opener Quinton de Kock played on to a Shaheen Afridi off-cutter off the second ball as he continues to struggle for momentum after his recent comeback. Series debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius then fell off the next ball, caught down the leg side with SA yet to get off the mark. Dewalt Brevis…

Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a breathtaking glimpse from his visit to Jungfrau, the highest peak in Europe. Standing amid the snow-clad surroundings at -7°C, he couldn’t help but admire the grit of Indian actresses who have filmed song sequences at the same location wearing chiffon sarees. Through his post, Kher expressed his respect for their dedication and professionalism while braving such extreme weather conditions. The Tanvi the Great actor this week took to Instagram to share a video of himself braving the extreme cold at Jungfrau. The actor, clad in winter clothes, was seen recording himself amid heavy snowfall and icy winds, capturing the breathtaking landscape around him. With his trademark enthusiasm, Kher marvelled at the beauty of the location while applauding Indian actresses who have filmed song sequences…

In a world that continuously beckons us to explore, travel is as diverse as the myriad of personalities that embark on journeys. Each traveller possesses unique motivations and styles that shape their experiences around the globe. “Travel is deeply personal; it’s about how you connect with the experience and what part of yourself you discover along the way," says Shaun Lamont, managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts. Here, we explore the seven distinct types of travellers, delving into their characteristics, habits, and the essence of their adventures. The serendipity seeker For the serendipity seeker, spontaneity is the name of the game. These travellers thrive on the unexpected, often finding magic in moments that come from wrong turns and chance encounters. They embrace the journey without rigid itineraries, collecting…

Woolworths Beauty has reported a 14.7% increase in year-on-year growth, with over one million South African customers now engaging with its beauty offering. The figures were disclosed during the retailer’s latest financial results presentation, which highlighted the division’s expansion across skincare, fragrance, colour cosmetics, and haircare. The company’s strategic focus on experience-led retail was reflected in the return of Summer Escape, held at Summer Place in Hyde Park. Now in its second year, the event drew a curated guest list of influencers, media professionals, top customers and competition winners. No tickets were sold to the public. “This year marks an exciting step forward for Woolworths Beauty. Summer Escape is not just about celebrating our products, but about connecting with our community,” said Julie Maggs, general manager for Beauty at Woolworths.…

A strong indicator of an exceptional TV series or film is its ability to captivate and sustain your interest. It’s probably a big ask, especially if you are the type who multitasks by scrolling through socials while watching. Admittedly, I am guilty of doing such. However, there are exceptions, and the 24th season of Showmax’s Law & Order is a testament to this. When it comes to the amalgamation of procedural and legal dramas, it is safe to say that this Dick Wolf series has set a wonderful benchmark. While the faces have changed over the years, the crux of the storytelling, the compelling cases, which sometimes walk a very fine line between right and wrong, and the character backstories often leave the viewer with a lump in their throat.…

Some fashion items come and go, but then there are the true classics. Right up there with a perfect pair of jeans is the effortlessly chic white dress. It embodies simplicity, freshness, and instant polish, and honestly, you can never go wrong having one (or two) hanging in your closet.​ Why does this seemingly simple garment hold such power? It all comes down to its incredible versatility and timeless appeal. White goes with everything. It’s the perfect backdrop for colourful accessories, bold jewellery, or even just a killer pair of shoes. White reflects light, giving your skin a beautiful, sun-kissed glow. It instantly makes you look and feel fresh and vibrant. While we often associate it with summer, a white dress transitions beautifully. Now that we still have a few…

THE Road Accident Fund (RAF), tasked with protecting millions of road-crash victims, is facing its worst financial and governance crisis in history. Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) this week confirmed unlawful conduct within the RAF, validating more than a decade of warnings from the Association for the Protection of Road Accident Victims (Aprav). The findings reveal manipulations of liabilities, illegal accounting practices, and the erasure of 80 000 legitimate claims, amounting to hidden liabilities of R230 billion. The crisis has denied justice to hundreds of thousands of South Africans. Scopa is set to summon former CEO of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Collins Letsoalo to appear before its inquiry, following his alleged failure to respond to a final letter of demand aimed at securing his voluntary appearance. The…

The Khulumani Support Group (KSG) has blamed the government for delaying the distribution of “R2 billion” to families of struggle icons, including Inkosi Albert Luthuli, killed by apartheid operatives. The group, which is fighting for apartheid victims, claims that the money, which is the reparation for the apartheid atrocities, has been sitting idle for years in the President’s Fund waiting for the Department of Justice (DoJ) to come up with a reparation policy. However, the DoJ said more than R882.7 million has already been disbursed to the victims. KSG national director Dr Marjorie Jobson made the allegations when she was reacting to the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling that ANC president-general Inkosi Albert Luthuli was actually killed by apartheid law enforcement. Judge Nompumelelo Radebe released the outcome of the National Prosecuting…

eThekwini councillor Andre Beetge has called on the municipal management to exert pressure on the National Treasury to pay about R1.3 billion in grants that are owed for flood-related damages. Beetge made the request at a council meeting on Thursday after the municipality had to transfer funds from the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Southern Aqueduct project to conduct urgent repairs to the Prospection Area waste reticulation network, south of Durban. Between April and June 2023, Durban experienced torrential rainfall, which caused severe flooding and landslides. Infrastructure within the municipality was severely damaged, including the sewer network system. The municipality has allocated R10 million to rehabilitate and repair the flood-damaged works at Avenue East Main across the Prospection Bridge, which is opposite the Toyota SA depot. The Prospection Area Waste Reticulation…

An open garage door and a shattered window were the first signs that something had gone terribly wrong at a Newton Park home – the scene of a brutal murder that left a man dead and his partner led away in handcuffs. Danie de Jager was butchered to death in the early hours of Thursday in what was initially reported as a house robbery. His partner, whose name is known to Independent Media, allegedly told police she had been tied up with a pillowcase placed over her head as intruders ransacked the home soon after 2am. About 40 minutes later, she called the police on Mangold Street. But in a shocking twist, De Jager’s partner was arrested along with two tenants who lived in the backyard. It is understood that…

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled that the precautionary suspension of Sibusiso Madonsela, uMngeni-uThukela Water’s chief governance and compliance officer, was unlawful. Madonsela’s suspension, which took place on October 9, stemmed from his refusal to approve a sponsorship request for a New York Marathon in October 2024. The request had been made by a staff member, Zandile Mhlongo, who had sought the sponsorship under the terms of the uMngeni-uThukela Water Sponsorship and Donation policy. “I will suggest that if we want to support the initiative, we must issue a call to employees and choose from a list of employees so as not to be seen to be favouring some over others. And we must have a separate budget for such,” Madonsela had said, declining the sponsorship. Madonsela, who was…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) held its 30th-anniversary symposium on Wednesday in Sandton, Johannesburg. The symposium was themed “30 Years of Courage: Defending Human Rights, Dignity, Justice and Democracy for All”. For three decades, the SAHRC was more than a watchdog, said Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel. Nel said the SAHRC’s investigations into racial discrimination, service denial and violence in schools had made human dignity tangible. Since its inception, Nel said the SAHRC had probed violations and held power accountable. He said the SAHRC had amplified unheard voices, including those of farmworkers in wage disputes, victims of xenophobia and the LGBTQIA+ community. Its investigative report on the July 2021 unrest stands as a landmark in truth-telling, documenting how racialised violence and governance failures undermined…

The South African government has condemned the US for its new Special Refugee Programme, claiming it is founded on false claims and undermines the nation’s constitutional processes. This follows a Presidential Determination issued on September 30 and published in the Federal Register, in which Donald Trump capped refugee admissions for the 2026 fiscal year at 7 500, the lowest in the country’s history and instructed that the majority of those slots be allocated to Afrikaners from South Africa. “The admissions numbers shall primarily be allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa and other victims of illegal or unjust discrimination in their respective homelands," the document reads. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation said the programme continued to raise concern, as it appeared to be…

The DA has released its economic policy document, “The DA’s Plan to Turbocharge the Economy”, which is widely viewed as an antithesis to black economic empowerment (BEE) and a sharp ideological departure from the ANC’s developmental policy framework implemented over the past 30 years. The document advances a liberal economic thesis grounded in deregulation, market openness and fiscal restraint. Yet beneath its managerial confidence lies a deeper ideological ambition – to redefine transformation by erasing race from the grammar of justice. While the DA’s model may accelerate efficiency, it risks reproducing the structural inequalities that have haunted South Africa since 1910. It situates this argument within the intellectual interventions of Moeletsi Mbeki, Duma Gqubule and William Gumede, whose analyses reveal the moral, structural and political failures of BEE. South Africa’s…

Protests rock Cameroon as its president 1982, Paul Biya, the world’s oldest and longest-serving head of state at the age of 92, is set to be sworn in for another seven-year-long term that will last until he is almost 100 years old. On Monday, October 27, the Constitutional Council proclaimed him the winner of the election held on October 12, with 53.66% of the votes, ahead of Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s 35.19%. Ahead of this announcement last Sunday, Tchiroma’s supporters took to the streets in Cameroon’s commercial capital, Douala, in response to his call for protest, alleging that votes were being manipulated, and demanding that his victory be acknowledged. As the protests spread to several neighbourhoods of the city, the police used force, including live ammunition, to disperse the crowd, shooting…

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) Shalulile 20’ Orlando Pirates (1) Dansin 35’ Mamelodi Sundowns are like a cat. They are showing that nothing will stop them from achieving their ninth life (the title), as the people who were supposed to protect the state, the league, are allegedly in their back pocket. Sundowns drew 1-1 with Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld yesterday afternoon. This was a testament to their intentions to win a record-extending ninth title in a row against a team that’s expected to be their challenger. The Brazilians will take this draw in great stride as they continue to withstand the pressure of ensuring that they maintain their local and continental dominance. They are the league champions and recently qualified for a record 10th CAF…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef says his side’s narrow 1-0 victory over Durban City was a show of character and mental resilience, coming just days after their Confederation Cup win last weekend. A late header from Portuguese born Fabio Silva secured all three points for Amakhosi at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night, ending a four-match winless streak in the Betway Premiership and lifting them to third on the log. Ben Youssef admitted the clash was always going to be tricky after their emotional continental success, with fatigue and focus both key factors. “We expected that this game could be tough for us,” he said. “We expected that it would be difficult to keep the same performance after the cup game and qualifying for the group stage.” The…

THE superlatives, the clichés are unlikely to do Cemran Dansin’s maiden goal for Orlando Pirates justice. Early as it is in the season, we could well have witnessed the best goal of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season already. Granted we have to wait until the end of season awards ceremony to truly fathom the enormity of the cracker the young man scored in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates. But the comment by one of the television commentators that the equalizer that cancelled out Peter Shalulile’s opener was a contender for goal of the season was apt. Upstarts in the professional ranks should not be embarrassing seasoned campaigners the way Dansin did the revered Ronwen Williams like he did. The Sundowns number one is not only South Africa’s national team…

Dana White’s UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) gave South Africa a world champion in Dricus du Plessis, and now he is unearthing another. In a thrilling display of strength and technique, South African super heavyweight Jaco Marneweck made an electrifying debut in the Power Slap League, further solidifying the nation’s burgeoning reputation in the sport of slap fighting. Marneweck took to the stage at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday evening, showcasing his prowess in the cult arena overseen by UFC President Dana White. Fighting under the nickname ‘Groot Wit’, Marneweck made an indelible impression during his debut at Power Slap 17, facing off against Russian contender Denis Vildanov. From the start of Friday’s bout, Marneweck showed why he is considered a rising star in the league.…

I did not see this coming - a South Africa-India final in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. After South Africa booked their spot with a ruthless win over England in their semi-final on Wednesday, I was almost certain that it would be Australia they would be facing in the final. Then after Australia posted 338 batting first against hosts India on Thursday, I was even more convinced it would be the ladies in yellow. In their reply though, hosts India produced something magical - the highest-ever successful chase in Women’s Cricket World Cup history. South Africa’s Remarkable Turnaround: From Being Bowled Out for 69 to a 125-Run Victory Over England This is the same Australia team that bowled South Africa out for 97 less than a week ago. That would…

As travel lovers begin to plan their adventures for 2026, the quest for fresh experiences and novel destinations intensifies. In a world filled with choices, finding the perfect getaway can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Lonely Planet has released its Best in Travel list for 2026, highlighting the must-visit destinations that promise to satisfy your wanderlust. From vibrant cultures to breathtaking natural landscapes, here are the top locations to ignite your travel inspiration for the year ahead. A nature lover’s paradise: Réunion Island For those seeking towering peaks and tranquil shores, Réunion Island is a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean. Known for its dramatic scenery, this French overseas department is home to an active volcano, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls. Adventure lovers can trek through the volcanic valleys or snorkel in…

On the back of Halloween, I felt it was only fitting to include something for the horror movie buffs out there. By now, if you’ve been reading my reviews, you know that I am a huge fan of the genre. I enjoy anything that fits into the supernatural and psychological playground. But I will tap out if it is in your face gore. As such, I recently watched Showmax’s Witchboard. If you watched the Ouija franchise, you will enjoy this. Set in New Orleans’ French Quarter, it centres on Christian (Aaron Dominguez) and Emily (Madison Iseman). He is a talented chef on the brink of opening a new restaurant. And she is a recovering heroin addict. At a recent dinner soiree at their place, Emily, encouraged by Brooke (Melanie Jarnson),…

By any measure, Sir Anthony Hopkins has lived a life worthy of cinema from his haunting portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs to his Oscar-winning role in The Father. But beyond the spotlight, behind the awards and acclaim, lies a quieter, more human story, one about love, loss, forgiveness, and the complicated ties that bind families together. Now 87, the legendary Welsh actor is preparing to release his memoir We Did Ok, Kid, a deeply personal reflection on the chaos, beauty, and heartbreak of his life off-screen. In excerpts shared by The Daily Mail, he opens up about his first marriage, his long battle with alcoholism, and the deep regrets that followed, particularly his estrangement from his only child, Abigail Hopkins. The fracture that never quite…

A recent parliamentary oversight committee visit to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) revealed serious concerns regarding security and risk management at UKZN, a renowned tertiary educational institution, particularly contractual and tender issues. This indicates grave governance matters with strong suggestions of complicity, corruption, collusion and “security capturing”. As state coffers provide much finance to education institutions, it may be appropriate for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the malpractices and rot at UKZN. How can a person who is tainted and has been implicated in serious wrongdoings be at the helm of RMS as de facto head is quite startling. Security and risk management in universities are of paramount importance, noting the need to protect thousands of students, staff, service providers and visiting family and friends, as well as…

Allegations of racial bias have disrupted a key murder trial from the Durban July 2021 civil unrest, pitting the prosecutor against the magistrate and exposing simmering tensions within the justice system. At the centre of the controversy is an alleged statement: “What were Indian people supposed to do under the circumstances because this was a situation of panic?” According to Senior State Prosecutor Advocate Bonginkosi Mbokazi someone had allegedlly overheard Senior Durban Magistrate Betty Rawheath making the remark during the pre-trial stage of the case in which Inderan Malcolm Govender is accused of murder and attempted murder. Mbokazi raised the issue in the midst of the trial at the Verulam Regional Court last week, asking Rawheath for a postponement because he intended to apply for the magistrate’s recusal. To page…

There’s something about beginnings that makes me feel both terrified and alive. After more than two decades behind the microphone in mainstream radio, I’ve found myself in a new but familiar space deeply aligned with who I am. It has been two years since I resigned from East Coast Radio and as much as I have missed being behind the comfort of a microphone I felt like I lost my courage a little bit. I so badly wanted to get back but was really focused on making sure it was for the right reasons and in line with my purpose to love and lift community. For years, I’ve had the privilege of holding space for stories. On air, in community spaces, around kitchen tables, at my children’s bedsides. I’ve come…

Controversial attempted murder accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told police investigators that his bank statements provide evidence that he bankrolled suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's ANC presidential ambitions through one of fixer Brown Mogotsi's companies. The Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry this week heard recordings of interviews with Matlala. The interview took place on May 14 this year with police investigators identified only as Witnesses C, B, and A, at the commission led by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The investigation focused on allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system. During the interview, the officers and Matlala discussed funding Mchunu's ANC January 8 anniversary celebration delegates to Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Matlala said he had evidence through bank account statements showing the funding for Mchunu's…

The community of KwaMashu, north of Durban, has been left in shock following the discovery of a woman’s decapitated body inside her burning home. Police confirmed that firefighters responding to a blaze at a property in K-section on Thursday alerted officers after making the grim discovery. The body of Slindile Mkhize, 33, was found lying on her bed, while her head was later recovered in a bucket inside a backroom building occupied by her cousin, who has since been arrested. According to relatives and neighbours, Mkhize and the suspect, who lived on the same property, had a strained relationship and frequently argued. Mkhize’s sister, Smangele Mgwaba, said the family received urgent calls from neighbours alerting them to the fire. “When we arrived, neighbours were already trying to extinguish the flames.…

Political stability and reliable leadership were two of the reasons the City of uMhlathuze secured 20% of KwaZulu-Natal’s projected investment projects, said Deputy Mayor Christo Botha. The city secured R20 billion out of the R100 billion total pledges made at the recent KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference. Investors proposed 34 major projects with an estimated capacity to create 60,000 direct jobs and more than 240,000 indirect employment opportunities. Among the key investments pledged for uMhlathuze are: n Ukhozi Vanadium Electrolyte and VRFB Manufacturing Project – R1.2 billion n Heritage IHS Graphite Project – R16 billion n Nkosi Phalane Retail Centre – R1.4 billion n New Airport Development – R1.8 billion uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi said, aside from the above-mentioned planned investments, several other development projects are already in the pipeline for the…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring three properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on November 19 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is a liquidation matter and the property is 38 Helmcroft Crescent, Longcroft, Phoenix. The area is about 20km northwest of Durban’s city centre and is easily accessible via the M25 and R102 roads. It is a densely populated community known for its strong cultural roots, schools, local businesses, and active civic life. This well-positioned single-storey, free-standing home offers exceptional space and convenience and features: • Arch-style lounge with tiled floors • Fully-tiled kitchen with built-in cupboards, four-plate stove, extractor fan, and air-conditioning unit • Laundry area with stainless steel double bowl sink and sprayer • Five…

The decision by the ANC, DA and the IFP to work together at the national government level following the 2024 general election paved the way for the IFP’s usurpation of power in KZN from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa confirmed that this decision had no bearing in KZN. However, in the same statement, Hlabisa stated that as the IFP, they had already proposed the name of Thamsanqa Ntuli to be the premier candidate, a proposal both the ANC and the DA supported. When these parties convinced the NFP to join them, this shut the door for the MKP to use its majority to lead the province. Eventually, the IFP’s 15 seats, the ANC’s 14 seats, the DA’s 11 seats, and the NFP’s one seat gave this…

Dancing comes naturally to most South Africans. When we hear music, our bodies instinctively move to the beat. Our music and dance are among our most authentic exports – from the Hamba Nawe and Jerusalema to the more recent Push to Start dance. So it was not unusual to see President Cyril Ramaphosa moving gracefully on a dance floor in Malaysia. It was a light-hearted moment, but also a subtle advancement of cultural diplomacy – a deliberate effort to establish a broader rhythm in international trade. The president’s attendance at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asian summits, which followed official trips to Indonesia and Vietnam, marked a significant moment in South Africa’s trade diplomacy. The trip underscored a clear strategic message: South Africa is…

India women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur lauded the Proteas women for having a balanced team, but insists that her team is charged for the clash between the two teams in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Navi Mumbai today. India women have lost three matches in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup thus far, and one of those matches was against the Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa women’s side. India lost by three wickets with seven balls remaining, courtesy of heroics from Proteas women’s all-rounders Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon. That loss has taught India that the Proteas are a balanced side with depth in the batting department and quality in the bowling attack. Kaur lauded South Africa for recovering from their loss against England in…

The Springboks kicked off their end-of-season tour with an emphatic 61-7 defeat of Japan in London, while firing a warning shot to next week’s opponents, France. Japan coach Eddie Jones' hope of emulating his team's 2015 defeat at the 2015 World Cup was dashed from the outset. Coach Rassie Erasmus arranged this out-of-international window match as a warm-up for the crunch clash against a France team bent on revenge for their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The teams have not played each other since that dramatic one-point win for the South Africans. The heavy rain that poured down not long after kick-off yesterday at Wembley extinguished any Japanese hopes of an upset. Their coach, Eddie Jones, had been hoping for a fast-paced game in which they could avoid set pieces and…

Golden Arrows will look to continue their solid cup form when they return to Betway Premiership duty with a tricky home fixture against Marumo Gallants at the King Zwelithini Stadium this afternoon. Abafana Bes’thende booked their place in the semifinals of the Carling Knockout Cup last weekend with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over TS Galaxy, and coach Manqoba Mngqithi will hope that confidence carries into the league. It has been a stop-start campaign for Arrows, who have shown flashes of brilliance in attack but struggled for consistency. The Umlazi-based side currently sit in midtable and will know that a win at home could reignite their push toward the top half of the standings. Arrows’ defensive organisation and sharp transitions were key to their cup win, with Oumar Comara and…

Arsenal brushed Burnley aside 2-0 yesterday to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League as struggling Nottingham Forest held in-form Manchester United to a 2-2 draw. Mikel Arteta's Gunners have won five league games in a row to position themselves as firm favourites to end their painful two-decade wait to be crowned English champions. Viktor Gyokeres headed Arsenal ahead following a Declan Rice corner in the first half at Turf Moor for his first league goal since mid-September - yet more joy for the set-piece specialists. England midfielder Rice himself headed home to double the visitors' lead in the 35th minute and put them in total control. "The first half was exceptional - we scored two goals and gave nothing away," Arteta told the BBC.…

Amitabh Bachchan called grandson Agastya Nanda ‘special’ ahead of the release of his highly-awaited war drama Ikkis, which is expected to release in cinemas in December. Big B penned a heartfelt note for Agastya in his blog. Recalling how he once held the little one in his hands, he penned, “Agastya!” I held you in my hands as soon as you were born .. few months later, I held you again in my hands and your soft fingers reached out to play with my beard ... TODAY you play in Theatres all over the World ..(sic).” The proud grandfather added, “You are SPECIAL .. all my prayers and blessings to you .. may you ever bring glory to your work and the greatest PRIDE for the family (red heart and…