Innehållsförteckning för 2025-12-28 från Sunday Tribune

Netflix has finally released Love and Wine, which has, quite surprisingly, been met with excitement and a shift in opinion from fans, despite an earlier backlash and claims of copied storylines. Mzansi was initially quick to criticise the movie before watching it because the premise, as presented in the trailer, seemed to resemble that of the Brazilian film Rich in Love, which follows a similar storyline involving a wealthy heir who hides his identity to win over a love interest. Upon its release, the film was instantly recognised by fans as being a masterpiece, with many already hailing it as the top movie for the Christmas season. The plot centres on Owethu Sikeba, played by Ntobeko Sishi, the heir to a wine empire, who makes a bet with his best…

A 74-year-old driver from Port Shepstone is among motorists arrested for drinking and driving on the Day of Goodwill. More than 100 motorists were arrested on December 26 for breaking road rules. This was revealed by Siboniso Duma, the MEC for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements. Duma said the highest number of arrests – 38 motorists – were in Port Shepstone followed by 32 arrests in Newcastle as well as in Groutville in Stanger (KwaDukuza). Duma said among the arrested drivers in Newcastle were a policeman, a firefighter, two teachers, and a paramedic. He hailed the Road Traffic Inspectorate team for the good work. “The level of commitment displayed by our highly energised team from Road Traffic Inspectorate is unmatched. The people of KwaZulu-Natal are encouraged by…

IT is a calendar that does more than count days. It counts voices. Each month reflects a story that began in a different language, crossed borders through careful translation, found its way to thread and is now featured in the Phansi Museum’s calendar. The 2026 edition, The Voices of Women, draws from a remarkable body of work gathered over more than a decade by renowned artist and sculptor Andries Botha and his team. Nearly 3,000 stitched testimonies, either spoken or written by women across the province, form a vast archive, of which the calendar offers a tantalising glimpse. These fragments of lived experience will soon hang in some 2,000 offices, museums and schools, many of them in rural areas, doing what calendars rarely do: asking you to pause. The stories…

THE discovery of gold in 1886 on the Witwatersrand led to “a delirium of gold fever” with countless gold mining companies being floated. In Natal, prospectors hoped to find similar riches, if not gold then diamonds. Over the next two decades, there were frequent announcements of promising new discoveries which invariably amounted to nothing. In Zululand, there were periods of intense prospecting but most of the small rushes failed. Although there was gold, the reefs were difficult to access and there was nothing to equal the Witwatersrand reef. The Mfongosi gold rush of 1886 in the Nkandla district grew so quickly that a weekly mail service was instituted from Greytown to the Mfongosi goldfields. With 2000 claims registered, a digger camp became a village. A year later, it was all…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was seething with emotion over the “poor decisions” that went against his team during the 1–0 loss to Egypt on Friday night, saying they had motivated his side to “go for the kill” against Zimbabwe on Monday. Bafana endured their first loss in the group stage of the AFCON - and their first in 27 games overall - when they were beaten by the Egyptians courtesy of a first-half Mohammed Salah goal. As a result, they are now second in the group with three points, three behind leaders Egypt, who have qualified for the knockout stage. Amid putting up a gallant fight, Broos felt his team were hard done by referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana and his VAR team. The Burundian referee, after consultation with VAR and…

Duan Jansen delivered a game-changing performance to lead the Joburg Super Kings to a remarkable 22-run victory over the Pretoria Capitals yesterday. It was the Super Kings’ first win against their Highveld rivals on their home turf in four seasons. Jansen, the brother of Proteas star Marco, wreaked havoc on the Capitals’ middle order, finishing with impressive figures of 4/23. “I’m very excited and very happy,” Jansen said post-match. “It's been good to make a statement having not been involved in the last tournament, and also to add value to the team. I always knew I belong here, but it was nice putting the performance for the team.” The Capitals, who won the toss and opted to bowl first, had got off to a promising start in their run chase…

The 2026 Formula One season will usher in a new era for the sport, defined by the most comprehensive regulation overhaul since the turbo-hybrid rules reshaped the grid in 2014. With new power units, radically altered aerodynamics, an expanded grid of 11 teams and a full 24-race calendar, Formula One enters a period of reset that could dramatically reshuffle the competitive order. A clear break from the 2025 formula Compared to the 2025 season, the 2026 regulations represent a fundamental shift in philosophy. While the 2025 cars remain heavy, aerodynamically complex ground-effect machines powered by V6 turbo-hybrids dominated by internal combustion, the new generation is designed to be lighter, simpler and more electrically driven. The most striking change is to the power units. In 2025, the internal combustion engine remains…

Bafana Bafana may have gone down 1-0 to Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations clash on Friday, but the team left the field with their heads held high. Hugo Broos’ men have a right to feel they were robbed during the encounter after Egypt were awarded a dubious penalty and had one denied to them late on. VAR just wasn’t on South Africa’s side on the day. One man who will be happy with his performance is Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who for the first time in his short career, faced some of the world’s top attackers in Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush and more than held his own. In the 24th minute of the game, he times his challenge perfectly in the 18-yard area to snuff out an Egyptian attack.…

Morocco missed the chance to guarantee their place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after Lassine Sinayoko’s second-half penalty earned Mali a 1-1 draw with the hosts on Friday. The match was a tale of two spot-kicks, with Brahim Diaz giving Morocco the lead from a penalty deep in first-half injury time, and Sinayoko replying on 64 minutes. The stalemate at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat ended Morocco’s world-record winning run, which had reached 19 matches following their 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament opener. It also means Morocco have yet to confirm their place in the knockout phase, although they top Group A with four points from two games. Mali sit on two points, alongside Zambia, who drew 0-0 with minnows Comoros…

Several TV shows dominated the headlines in 2025, each for unique and often surprising reasons. Here is a list of the ones that left audiences stunned, whether in disbelief or pure awe. All’s Fair With Kim Kardashian at the helm of this star-studded legal drama, it attracted eyeballs around the globe. Although critics panned All’s Fair, the show’s ratings defied their opinion and went through the roof. Not only did it see Disney+ smiling all the way to the bank, but it was greenlit for a second instalment. Of course, creator Ryan Murphy probably had a few “take that” moments to naysayers. After all, he bagged a crème de la crème cast of Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Teyana Taylor, Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close. Given Kardashian’s passion to follow in…

Every year in December something extraordinary unfolds in the heart of uMsinga, deep in rural KwaZulu-Natal. On Christmas Eve, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, breadwinners who have returned home from Johannesburg, Durban, Richards Bay and other cities of labour, converge in places such as Keate’s Drift, Tugela Ferry and Pomeroy. What follows is not merely a homecoming but a cultural ritual steeped in memory, pride and survival. The event is known as iHlamvu, a tradition dating back decades to the era of migrant labour, when men would leave their homesteads for months, sometimes years, to earn a living far from home. Christmas Eve became a ritual where the celebration of safe return, of life preserved against the odds of dangerous work, violence in the…

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is among key institutions under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) over alleged irregularities in South Africa’s Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing Strategy (VIMS), following a presidential proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The sweeping probe targets the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), its entity the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), UKZN and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and centres on allegations of serious maladministration, improper conduct and potential violations of procurement laws linked to critical vaccine research and manufacturing projects. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande has welcomed the SIU’s intervention into concerns surrounding how the country’s vaccine strategy was developed and funded. SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the unit has been mandated to investigate the procurement and…

South Africa’s 2025 saw numerous groundbreaking judgments being delivered – from paving the way for new legislation to making life a bit easier for some. The High Courts in Gauteng – said to be the busiest division in the country – were as usual buzzing, while the Constitutional Court, although behind with some judgments, saw numerous headlines made. Probably one of the most significant changes for South Africans came from the apex court, which not only established universal shared parental leave, a major win for gender equality, but also paved the way for husbands to take on their wife’s surnames, if they so wish. The ConCourt in September declared part of the Births and Deaths Registration Act unconstitutional, granting people freedom in choosing surnames. The ruling allows husbands to adopt…

As the clock approaches midnight on December 31, millions around the world prepare to bid farewell to the past and welcome a fresh start. New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, reflection and new beginnings. In South Africa, cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban offer some of the most vibrant and diverse parties to ring in the New Year. Whether you’re looking for a glamorous rooftop bash, a beach party under the stars, or a cultural celebration, Mzansi has it all. Here’s your guide to the top New Year’s Eve destinations and parties you won’t want to miss! Embrace the ‘endless summer’: Durban With its inviting beaches and balmy weather, Durban’s New Year’s Eve festivities are synonymous with summer vibes. The Golden Mile and uMhlanga become festive hotspots,…

South Africa’s conduct in international relations during 2025 reflected a sustained effort to preserve integrity and strategic focus amid an increasingly unstable global environment marked by geopolitical fragmentation, economic strain on developing countries, and weakening multilateralism. These dynamics were exacerbated by Donald Trump’s second term as US president and the America First doctrine, which favoured unilateralism. Against this backdrop, South Africa adopted principled, consistent positions rooted in its long-standing foreign policy. While this drew resistance from powerful actors, it strengthened South Africa’s standing in the Global South and multilateral forums, demonstrating discipline internationally. A major source of tension emerged from South Africa’s decision to file a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over its atrocities in Gaza. While the case carried significant symbolic and moral weight,…

As Donald Trump’s second presidential term approaches the completion of its first year, renewed expectations have emerged that a recalibration of US foreign policy might finally force an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump’s return to office has revived familiar assumptions: that a more transactional diplomacy, reduced ideological framing or diminished American enthusiasm for alliance commitments could compel negotiations or impose a settlement. Yet such expectations misread the nature of the conflict as it now exists. The war has evolved beyond discretionary diplomacy into a structurally entrenched confrontation sustained by domestic legitimacy imperatives, military equilibrium, ideological absolutism and global strategic signalling. This analysis argues that the war cannot easily end, not because peace is undesirable, but because peace, as currently imaginable, imposes prohibitive political, strategic and ideological costs on all…

The quick turnaround of matches at AFCON in Morocco is not ideal for Bafana Bafana ahead of their crucial final group-stage match against rivals Zimbabwe tomorrow night (6pm kick-off), but coach Hugo Broos is not sulking or moaning about it. Bafana will face the Warriors at Stade de Marrakech in the final Group B clash, needing a result to be certain of securing a place in the knockout stage. This pressured situation comes on the back of the team’s 1–0 loss to Egypt at Stade Adrar on Friday, courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s penalty — a result that divided the football fraternity, with pundits split on whether South Africa lost on merit or were robbed. The debate stems from referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana awarding the Pharaohs a penalty after consulting VAR and…

Sadio Mane’s equaliser earned 2022 champions Senegal a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations clash on Saturday. Cedric Bakambu had given the Leopards the lead just after the hour mark in Tangiers, but Al Nassr forward Mane responded soon after, ensuring Senegal remain top of Group D with one round of matches still to play. Both teams have four points, but Senegal hold a superior goal difference ahead of their final group match against Benin on Tuesday. Benin sit on three points after a 1-0 victory over Botswana earlier on Saturday, with the visitors bottom of the group without a point or a goal scored. Sebastien Desabre’s Congolese side were seeking revenge after a dramatic 3-2 World Cup qualifying defeat to…

It is a measure of how consistently good the Springboks were in 2025 that it is difficult to nail down one iconic performance from their 14-Test season. Just two Test matches were lost — against the Wallabies in Johannesburg and the All Blacks at Eden Park — and among the 12 wins there were some outstanding displays. In trying to crown a season-defining match, we also have to take into account that the Boks used contrasting methods to defeat their opponents. In this eighth season under Rassie Erasmus, the Boks are a substantially different side from the one that started gingerly under the new coach in 2018. In those early days it was all about the box kick and forward strangulation, but now the Boks can use a variety of…

With less than six months to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, organisers are bracing for what could be their most challenging opponent yet: extreme heat. Soaring temperatures across the United States, Mexico and Canada pose safety issues for players and fans, along with a host of logistical challenges that remain far from settled. In the depths of the US$5.5 billion SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which will host eight World Cup matches, around 15 industrial misting fans more than two metres tall sit in storage, waiting to be deployed. If temperatures climb above 26.7 Celsius, the fans will be rolled out around the stadium. A roof suspended some 45 metres above the SoFi Stadium pitch offers shade for spectators, while large openings along the sides of the…

With 2026 on the horizon, we’re not only wrapping up another year but also moving on from fitness trends that no longer work for us. The annual Fitness Report from PureGym, which analysed global Google search data for nearly 200 trends, reveals fascinating shifts in how we approach health. Some fads, once heralded as revolutionary, are now falling by the wayside. And honestly? It’s about time. This isn’t just about workouts; it’s about how we live, what we prioritise, and the values that shape our relationship with fitness. Whether you’re a single parent figuring out what “me time” looks like or someone navigating life’s relentless curveballs, these shifts in fitness culture may just resonate with you on a deeper level. Let’s unpack what’s changing and why it matters. The fitness…

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is facing a US$110 million (about R1.83 billion) lawsuit over the running aground of a cargo vessel at its Richards Bay harbour more than a decade ago. MV Smart ran aground in August 2013 near the entrance of the harbour, which led to the vessel losing its cargo. The owners and underwriters of the MV Smart want to recover damages from TNPA of about US$110m, claiming the loss of the vessel was due to negligence on the Transnet subsidiary’s part. The TNPA also faces two other lawsuits – one by the charterer of the vessel (Minmetals Logistics Zhejiang Co. Ltd) and the other by the cargo interests, which is a claim relating to the loss of the cargo of coal it carried at the…

Like many years before it, 2025 proved to be a defining year for South Africa’s criminal justice system, marked by high-profile court cases, parliamentary inquiries, and commissions of inquiry. From long-running State Capture prosecutions to shocking allegations of police infiltration by criminal syndicates, the year unfolded across courtrooms, magistrates’ courts, and public hearings nationwide. The year began on a high note, with renewed momentum in several State Capture matters and arrests by the Political Killings Task Team. We have compiled a snapshot of some of the most significant legal developments of the year. Here is a look back at 2025 before judges and magistrates. JANUARY 1. Transnet State Capture corruption case resumes Former Transnet executives returned to court on charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering linked to the controversial…

In 2026, South African voters will go to the polling booths to elect local government structures, the spheres of government situated at the coalface of service delivery, notwithstanding the political and administrative pandemonium that has come to characterise this critical arena of grassroots governance. Certainly, these elections will not be routine. Undoubtedly, they will constitute a decisive test of political credibility, institutional endurance, and the capacity of political parties to reconnect with communities whose daily encounters with the State are mediated almost entirely through municipalities. Local government has become the most intimate expression of State power and State failure. It is here that citizens experience water interruptions, electricity outages, deteriorating roads, refuse backlogs and housing delays. Accordingly, electoral judgement at this level is increasingly shaped not by ideology or historical…

While economic projections point to modest growth in Africa for 2026, ongoing governance deficits, armed conflict, climate shocks and rising debt levels will continue to weigh heavily on the fate and fortune of many countries on the continent. The African Development Bank forecasts that Africa’s economy will grow by 4.3% in 2026. This is marginally up from the 4.2% growth in 2025. This growth is expected to vary across regions and is highly susceptible to security, political, economic and climate shocks. Across Africa, many governments will continue to face pressure from their citizens to address unaffordable living costs, raised unemployment rates, and degenerating public infrastructure and services. Confidence in political institutions has plunged, raising concerns about the quality and outlook of democracy and elections on the continent. The 2025 Edelman…

Rayan Cherki bolstered Manchester City's title charge as the France star capped a superb display with a late goal that sealed a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest yesterday. Pep Guardiola's side survived a scare from Forest to move to the top of the Premier League, thanks to the inspired Cherki. He set up Tijjani Reijnders' second-half opener at the City Ground and blasted the winner after Omari Hutchinson had equalised with his first goal for Forest. City have now won eight successive games in all competitions, including six in a row in the league. Forest paid an emotional tribute before kick-off to their former Scotland winger John Robertson, who died aged 72 on Christmas Day. Capable of dazzling dribbles and predatory finishing, Robertson was vital to Forest's European Cup triumphs…

Let the cards fall where they fall. That’s Ryan Rickelton’s approach to the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The Proteas opener kickstarted the Betway SA20 in sensational fashion with a thrilling 113 for MI Cape Town against Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands. But having been dropped from the Proteas T20 squad since Quinton de Kock’s comeback, Rickelton is not focused on his national aspirations at the moment and only wants to perform for MI Cape Town. “In all honesty, I've kind of just made peace with where I am at the moment,” Rickelton said after MI Cape Town’s 15-run defeat to DSG. “I was just trying to find my feet again with the bat and contribute to this team. I'm at peace so that whatever happens, happens. Obviously, this…

A surprise Springbok call-up in July for Boan Venter has caused a 180-degree change of direction in his life, which will ultimately see him swap Edinburgh for Johannesburg. Earlier in 2025, Venter was on the brink of being selected for Scotland by coach Gregor Townsend, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus threw a spanner in the works. Venter made his Bok debut against Georgia and went on to play eight Tests for South Africa. The loosehead prop ended the year with his stocks soaring after doing a superb job filling in for the injured Ox Nche. Venter started in the epic defeats of Ireland, Italy and France in November. The son of Griquas great De Waal Venter, he captained Griquas at Craven Week level before earning selection for the South African…

Ruben Amorim conceded that Manchester United were fortunate to beat Newcastle 1-0 on Friday but said his under-strength squad showed impressive spirit to withstand a second-half onslaught. Missing injured captain Bruno Fernandes, as well as Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim was forced to adapt. Patrick Dorgu started in an unfamiliar role on the right side of the attack and the Dane scored his first United goal to secure Amorim’s first home win in two months. After a promising first half, the Red Devils were forced to defend for almost the entirety of the second period. But they held on for just their second clean sheet of the season despite Newcastle having 67 percent possession and 16 shots on goal. “We…

The Betway Premiership summer transfer window is set to open in the next few days, with players largely out of contract or on the fringes seeking new opportunities. That will not be the only factor. The second half of the season is the final chapter of the campaign, with teams chasing titles, a top-eight finish, or survival from relegation. Clubs will need a strong squad at their disposal. Below, we look at five players who should seek new clubs in the new year to revive their careers. Tshegofatso Mabasa – Orlando Pirates When the season began, Mabasa was aiming for redemption. He wanted to win his maiden championship and surpass the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi, as he currently sits second on the list. While Pirates are on…