Innehållsförteckning för 2025-05-24 från Weekend Argus Saturday

Secrets We Keep had my attention with its title alone. I mean, how can you not be drawn in by something that promises buried truths and quiet scandals? And being a six-episode Danish mystery thriller, I knew I was signing up for some serious slow-burn drama, the good kind. Created by film-maker and actress Ingeborg Topsøe, known for her work on Dogma and The Charmer, often exploring themes of identity, marginalisation, and power, the mystery series on Netflix offers an intense, often uncomfortable, look at what happens when a vulnerable person disappears in a world designed to ignore her. At the centre of the series is the disappearance of Ruby Tan, a young Filipino au pair working in a wealthy neighbourhood. The community - all glass homes, yoga mats, matchas…

With health experts ringing alarm bells over the dangers of excessive sugar intake, South Africans are unwittingly at risk, consuming significantly more than the World Health Organisation’s recommended limits. A recent study by Wits University found that local diets harbour alarming levels of sugar, with individuals potentially consuming between 12 to 24 teaspoons daily, far exceeding the recommended six teaspoons. “Hidden sugars are often sneaky and can add up quickly throughout the day without us even realising it,” explained Mbali Mapholi, Laager Rooibos partner dietitian. “Many snacks and drinks that aren’t noticeably sweet still contain sugar, meaning that many of us may be consuming a lot more sugar than we realise.” Understanding hidden sugars When discussing the sugar lurking in our food, it’s vital to differentiate between natural sugars and…

Why are African languages still so rarely used as languages of instruction in our schools anduniversities? Why do we not see more academic research being published in these languages? Despite the fact that Africa is home to more than 2 000 rich and vibrant languages – each offering its own way of seeing and understanding the world- we continue to depend heavily on colonial languages like English, French and Portuguese. What does this say about the value that we place on our own linguistic and intellectual heritage? As we celebrate Africa Day on May 25, it is a fitting time to reflect on the role African languages play in our lives today. For far too long, African languages have been pushed to the margins. They have been excluded from key…

The Cape Town Magistrate’s Court provisionally withdrew charges related to a staggering R1 billion housing tender fraud case against former City of Cape Town human settlements Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Malusi Booi, and nine co-accused. The decision comes alongside the withdrawal of charges against Ralph Stanfield, the alleged leader of the notorious 28s gang, and his wife, Nicole Stanfield. The scandal escalated during Booi’s term in office, as accusations emerged that he, along with the Stanfields, had manipulated housing tenders to benefit companies under their influence. The allegations suggested a web of corruption aimed at misappropriating public funds intended for housing development. Meanwhile, the Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, explained that the charges were provisionally withdrawn because there was new evidence which has been discovered.…

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has declared that the fight against violent crime in South Africa is intensifying, as quarterly statistics reveal both encouraging declines in key crime categories and troubling spikes in others. Presenting the fourth quarter crime figures for the 2024/25 financial year on Friday, Mchunu said while progress is evident, critical challenges remain – particularly in curbing sexual offences and commercial crime. The annual crime statistics will be released in September. “As the Ministry of Police under the 7th Administration, we have clearly outlined our policing priorities, these include: reducing the murder rate, reducing illegal firearms and tightening controls over legal firearms, fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F), dismantling organised crime, including drug trafficking syndicates, cash-in-transit heists, extortion, and kidnappings, tackling gang violence and combating corruption – both…

The world-renowned Real Madrid Foundation announced the launch of its first Johannesburg-based Educational Football Programme site, opening at Generation Schools Taroko in May. This marks the third South African site since the Foundation’s entry into the country earlier this year, and its first footprint outside of the Western Cape. This exciting milestone will be celebrated with a special event attended by Andrés Muntaner Borrajo, Director of the Real Madrid Foundation, who will be in Johannesburg on May 28 to mark the occasion alongside the Spanish Ambassador to South Africa, José Garcia, leadership of Generation Schools, partners, and community stakeholders. Since its launch in South Africa, the Real Madrid Foundation has provided a life-changing platform for aspiring footballers, balancing renowned Real Madrid methodology sport training with a strong academic foundation through…

In a country where youth unemployment, inequality, and social disconnection continue to challenge communities, volunteering is more than feel-good work – it’s a vital tool for building skills, confidence, and civic responsibility in young people. While many IEB schools have integrated volunteering services and Life Orientation volunteering hours into their curriculum, public schools often struggle to offer the same structured opportunities. This gap must close. All learners, regardless of curriculum, deserve access to meaningful, trackable volunteer opportunities. Fortunately, a free local platform, www.volunteernow.co.za, is helping schools, learners, and organisations connect, track verified hours, and create lasting change. Here are the four types of volunteering every school should offer – and why they matter in the South African context: Active Volunteering This is the most visible type of service: helping out…

In a landmark decision that could reshape global health policy, the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva has officially adopted the Pandemic Agreement, marking the first time the One Health approach – a concept that underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health – has been enshrined in an international, legally binding framework. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has applauded this development as a crucial step towards preventing pandemics right at their source, urging all nations to not only sign the treaty but also to swiftly implement its provisions. Nina Jamal, Head of Pandemics and Campaign Strategies at FOUR PAWS, highlighted the significance of this agreement. “Today, WHO member states adopted a historic global instrument and committed to tackling the drivers of pandemics at their source, significantly reducing…

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is rising rapidly across the globe. It currently affects up to a third of the world’s population and could reach 50% by 2050 due to urban lifestyles, high screen time, and reduced outdoor activity. “Poor vision has a tremendous negative impact on a child’s ability to learn,” said Dr Helga Abrahamse-Pillay, president of the South African Society for Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (SASPOS). “A child struggling to see the board, follow sports, or recognise people from a distance may fall behind educationally, socially and behaviourally.” Dr Ed Anderson, president of the South African Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (SASCRS) explained children are especially at risk, with Myopia typically developing during childhood and can worsen until around age 20. “If one or both parents are nearsighted, there…

The Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) has revealed details of how two women, who attempted to abduct two premature newborn babies from Dora Nginza Hospital in the Eastern Cape, tried to escape with the infants. According to the union, the two suspects were caught after a coordinated effort to evade hospital security, ultimately resulting in a tragic but preventable incident. Reports indicate that the women, carrying a large bag, attempted to gain access to the maternity building. When a security guard stationed at the entrance questioned their presence, they claimed to be there to breastfeed. One of the women managed to evade the guard and gain entry to the neonatal ward with the bag. CCTV footage later revealed that one of the women used…

Isuzu Motors South Africa is on the up and up, but its president, Billy Tom strongly believes there’s room for improvement, especially on the African continent. Tom spoke to IOL and Independent Media at the recent launch of the company’s Isuzu MU-X. “It’s going very well, but we’re not immune to the challenges of South Africa. We went through Covid, fortunately, we were not as harshly impacted as some of the other manufacturers. We were beneficiaries of the growth of e-commerce over the period,” he said. “We export only into Africa, and it has been good to us and being new, just over five years as Isuzu SA, we still maintain good relationships with Japan, so yes, we’re in a good space and excited about what lies ahead.” Tom says…

There are many positive actions you can take to improve your financial position – such as furthering your education, investing, using insurance to protect yourself from shocks, and planning for retirement. In this column, I focus instead on actions that, in my view, are likely to set you back financially and you should avoid. They range from the mundane to the philosophical. Don’t spend more than you earn We all commit this mortal sin occasionally. But if it’s every month, then you’re either surviving on debt, which will only increase (at a compounded rate) over time, or depleting your savings. You may know part of Charles Dickens’s famous passage on this matter, but here it is in all its glory: “My other piece of advice, Copperfield,” said Mr Micawber, “you…

MORE than two years ago, South Africa was found to have insufficiently addressed money laundering and terrorist financing, leading to its greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This greylisting has significant economic and reputational consequences for any country, prompting South Africa to set a deadline of January 2025 to fulfil all requirements for removal from the greylist. Unfortunately, two action items remain unresolved following the latest plenary meetings in France in February 2025. One item requires South Africa to demonstrate a sustained increase in the investigations and prosecutions of serious and complex money laundering, particularly those involving professional money laundering networks/enablers and third-party money laundering, aligned with its risk profile. Additionally, South Africa must show a sustained increase in the effective identification, investigation, and prosecution of the full…

Max Verstappen warned that tomorrow’s Monaco Grand Prix could produce a “completely crazy” race as teams decide how to tackle a new rule making two pit stops mandatory. The rule change has been introduced to enliven an often-processional race in which the teams usually made only one stop – to change tyres – on the narrow barrier-lined street circuit where it is notoriously difficult to overtake. “I guess it can go both ways,” Verstappen told reporters yesterday. “It could be quite straightforward or it could go completely crazy because of safety cars coming into play or not – and making the right calls. “Normally, when you have that one stop, once you have a good pit stop and everything is fine, then you drive to the end. “You just have…

As the world emerges from the restrictions of the Covid pandemic, the travel landscape is evolving, particularly for Generation Z, a demographic known for its disregard for traditional itineraries and iconic landmarks. Instead, these intrepid explorers seek out distinct and immersive experiences, often travelling beyond the beaten path to discover the hidden gems of our planet. Their new travel ethos, focused on authenticity, well-being and a sustainable approach to tourism, places destinations that foster such principles at the forefront of their preferences. As this wave of new adventurers rises, Africa stands poised to become their playground, thanks to its unique Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs). For many Gen Z travellers, ticking off bucket-list destinations has become passé. Instead, they lean towards multi-destination trips, coupling nature-based activities with wellness retreats, and prioritising…

As South Africans eye international travel, particularly to the US, apprehensions about visa-related issues are mounting. With diplomatic relations between the US and South Africa under strain, even valid visa holders are questioning their welcome in America. Recent statistics from the US International Trade Administration further underline this anxiety, revealing a nearly 10% decline in international air visitors to the States in March alone, compared to last year. Lynette Machiri, customer experience leader at Flight Centre South Africa, emphasises that “customs and Border Protection officers make the final call at the airport”. Machiri says this assertion rings true not only for the US but for every global destination. She notes that the onus is on travellers to ensure that they meticulously prepare their documentation and understand travel requirements. Here are…

I can’t resist watching high-profile names getting roasted. It’s a therapeutic laugh at the end of a long day. Of course, there are drawbacks and not every roast fires on all cylinders. And The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille is a perfect case in point. The political figure, who is also referred to as GodZille and GogoZille, is no stranger to public scrutiny. Being in the hot seat is commonplace for her. At 74, all I can say is, ‘Wow!’ Her youthful appearance belies her age. If fighting the good fight means ageing backwards, I’m here for it. As far as candidates go, she was a solid choice. However, I am not cosigning the list of roastees. Talk about an oddball line-up of Loyiso Gola, Bongani Bingwa, Rian van Heerden,…

As a cold front descends upon several regions of South Africa, residents are warned to brace for plummeting temperatures, damaging winds, and the possibility of snow in mountainous areas. The South African Weather Service has sounded an alarm of significant weather changes expected to sweep across KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, and parts of Lesotho this week. Forecaster Tokelo Chiloane emphasised the need for caution, particularly for those in KZN, where strong winds could wreak havoc. “We expect these damaging winds to be a concern in some parts of the province, as well as along the coast. If the temperatures are as frigid as forecasted, residents, especially in mountainous areas, might experience snowfall,” Chiloane stated. In light of these weather changes, individuals need to take precautions…

As the City of Cape Town prepares to table its 2025/26 municipal budget, the Cape Town Central Ratepayers’ Association (CTCRA) has accused it of sidelining residential stakeholders and pressing ahead with what they call steep and disproportionate rates hikes – despite a petition signed by over 10 000 residents opposing the move. CTCRA Chairperson Bas Zuidberg said the public participation process was undermined from the start. “We requested an extension of 14 days to allow for broader public input, which was denied. To date, we have had no direct engagement with the City – only through ward councillors and the press,” he said. Zuidberg warned that many residents – particularly those with properties valued between R3 million and R7 million – face increases in the high double-digit percentages, depending…

The meeting in Parliament where Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was to brief MPs about the 2025/26 Budget got off to a bumpy start with calls for its postponement. The EFF and the MK Party raised concern that Godongwana attended the meeting virtually and that each MP was asked to speak not for more than five minutes when making inputs. EFF MP Omphile Maotwe said the arrangement made with Godongwana by the co-chairpersons of the finance and appropriation committees was very wrong. “Why is the minister given a preference of being on a virtual platform which none of us is aware of?” Maotwe said. She asked that the meeting be postponed and Godongwana be called again to come. “He is busy addressing other platforms, not this sitting. He knew about this…

A 16-year-old girl, previously placed at a secure care facility in Elsies River, ran away with six other residents, sparking concerns about the safety and oversight of children in state care. The facility is designated for children either awaiting trial under the Child Justice Act or those placed due to severe behavioural challenges. The incident has drawn criticism from child rights advocate Venetia Orgill, who questions whether vulnerable children are adequately protected – especially during South Africa’s Child Protection Week. Orgill said the teen had been living with her until July last year, at which point she was placed at the facility by a social worker. Orgill recalled the traumatic event of this past Saturday: “I opened the door and was asked if the girl was with me. I said…

Across South Africa, a powerful call to action is resonating through neighbourhoods once more: “My child is your child.” This long-held ethos of collective protection is not only returning – it is being revived with new urgency and passion, as communities take a stand against the rising tide of violence and child disappearances. This renewed spirit of unity was powerfully illustrated in the recent case of a missing nine-year-old girl from Hanover Park. Within hours of her disappearance, community members, alongside local search organisations, successfully located her at the home of a parolee, who had allegedly fed her bread that made her drowsy and raped her. Veronique “Benji” Williams, founder of Faith and Hope Missing Persons Unit, led the search and witnessed first-hand the community’s swift and determined response. “As…

Harvard’s law school library paid $27.50 (R492) in 1946 to acquire what was billed as a “somewhat rubbed and damp-stained” copy of the Magna Carta from 1327 to add to its robust collection of medieval texts. But British researchers now have determined that Harvard’s Magna Carta is in fact an original from King Edward I’s 1300 re-issue of that pivotal document – one of just seven to survive – that forms the basis for the constitutions of many nations. “This is a fantastic discovery,” said King’s College London medieval history professor David Carpenter in a Thursday announcement of the finding, adding that the Magna Carta is among the “most significant documents in world constitutional history”. A Harvard Law spokesperson said the school has not assessed the current value of its…

Giuliana Saladino, a karting marvel, is making waves in the motorsport world and a male-dominated sport. This is a story of youthful determination and speed. Giuliana’s achievements are an inspiration to many. A karting marvel who is following in her grandfather, racing legend’s footsteps. An impressive 2024 season: • Won Prokart SSS Championship in the Minions class • Claimed trophy for the fastest lap • Rok Cup South Africa Nationals Championship in the Tillotson Cadets (P2). Giuliana is set to defend her title in the Prokart SSS series in 2025 and is preparing to take on new challenges in the Rotax Micro Max class. With the support of her family, friends, and sponsors like Supa Quick, Liqui Moly, and NGK Niterra SA, Giuliana is poised to take her karting…

In a tribute to lost loved ones, award-winning South African cellist Carol Thorns has released a new single and music video that captures the essence of grief and healing. The piece, a beautifully rendered version of the timeless hymn Amazing Grace, emerges from a deeply personal experience of loss that Thorns endured in 2024. “I lost not only my mother and my ‘second mother’ (my aunt), but also two very close musician friends: singer Zami Mdingi and composer/producer Helmut Meijer,” Thorns shared. “My heartache felt too much to bear. During that period, the only thing that brought me comfort was playing my cello.” Her connection to Amazing Grace served as a refuge in her time of sorrow, leading her to create a version meant to resonate with those also struggling…

South Africa is facing what conservationists call a growing and coordinated threat to endangered wildlife, following two mass vulture poisoning incidents in the space of just over a week – one in Kruger National Park and another in Lionspruit Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. Combined, these events have killed over 220 vultures, a devastating blow to already fragile populations. Experts warn that such poisonings are not isolated but point to an emerging poaching tactic using laced carcasses to eliminate vultures – which often alert authorities to wildlife crimes – and possibly divert attention from larger operations. On May 18, VulPro and Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre confirmed the deaths of over 100 vultures at Lionspruit near Marloth Park. The site was identified via GPS signals from previously rehabilitated vultures. Responders found…

Denise Joseph passion for public service drew her to the Education Department where she began working as an analyst in 2015. But when Joseph was placed on administrative leave in January – and learned three months later she would be fired – she turned her attention to something else: dogs. Joseph began fostering two mixed German shepherd and Labrador retriever puppies, Wren and Wrigley. “I have a reason to get up in the morning,” Joseph told The Washington Post, “to walk the dogs and feed them and, you know, to help calm me.” Joseph is one of a handful of former federal employees who are taking advantage of an animal rescue’s offer in Arlington, Virginia. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is providing free supplies, including food, toys, bowls, leashes, collars, treats…

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has officially launched the newly renovated Eye Clinic at Eerste River Hospital, marking a major step forward in community eye care services. The unveiling ceremony celebrated the transformation of the clinic into a state-of-the-art ophthalmic facility, made possible through generous contributions from The Gift of the Givers and the Radiance Foundation. “This is the fourth time I’m supporting this hospital, and it is because of their excellence. I appreciate and acknowledge the work done in this hospital. Dr Steven and his teams are doing amazing work,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the Givers. “Ubuntu is in our genetics, and we have travelled to many countries and so our medical skills are untouchable.” “We are a world-class organisation that…

I’ve always maintained that Range Rover makes some of the most desirable and stylish SUVs in the world, and despite having been around for a while now, the Velar is still very much a head-turner. It recently received some interior upgrades, and we had a drive with the plug-in hybrid P400e Dynamic SE version. Yes, another new energy vehicle from the same stable as Jaguar, who have forsaken the internal combustion engine (ICE) completely. If you prefer something more “normal” there are diesel options in the range as well. Upgrades The upgrade sees a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an update to the company’s Pivi Pro system which is certainly one of the best in the industry. It’s easy to use with crisp graphics and almost instant reaction to…

Bill Gates is an optimist. He believes the world will be a better place in 20 years, that diseases like polio, measles and malaria will be eradicated, and that there will be other rich people lining up to fill the void when, as he announced last week, his foundation shuts its doors in 2045. Of all these audacious goals and wishes, it’s the last that might be the furthest out of reach. Gates is right that there will be plenty of rich people in two decades. But what’s far less certain is just how willing they’ll be to give away their money with the abandon and largesse shown by Gates. The announcement that the Gates Foundation will close in 20 years came on the heels of news that Warren Buffett…

The National Budget and an increase in the cost of living will hit consumers, who should reassess their budgets now and start saving as much as possible before more taxes come in next year. On Wednesday, both the inflation numbers and the National Budget came out. The Consumer Price Index showed that inflation climbed from 2.7% in March to 2.8% in April, while Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana indirectly reduced people’s take-home pay and added more subtle taxes. Godongwana had a R75 billion revenue hole, which he needed to fill somehow after two proposals to increase VAT were swept off the table. Harry Scherzer, actuary and CEO of Future Forex, said the National Budget is a “mixed bag for South African consumers. On the positive side, the decision to hold VAT…

When it comes to estate planning, few decisions are more complex—or more personal—than whether to establish a family trust. High-net-worth individuals often grapple with this choice, prompted by advice from financial advisors, legal professionals, or well-meaning friends. While trusts can serve as powerful estate planning tools, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key lies in understanding whether their benefits align with long-term financial and familial goals. Family trusts are often promoted as a silver bullet for wealth protection, but the reality is far more nuanced. A trust can absolutely safeguard generational wealth and provide asset protection—but only if it’s properly set up, actively managed, and regularly reviewed to adapt to changing financial and legal landscapes. The Benefits—and the Catch Trusts offer several well-known advantages: they can shield assets…

Italian tennis is dripping in laurel wreaths, with Jasmine Poalini soaring up the WTA rankings to No 4 after her first clay-court singles title, made more triumphant having been procured in Rome. But World No 1 Jannik Sinner will be less euphoric about his emphatic defeat in the same arena to World No 2 Carlos Alcaraz. This is now as much an established rivalry as the latter’s Herculean clashes with GOAT Novak Djokovic, who is also currently licking his wounds after an opening-round exit in Rome to yet another Italian, Matteo Arnaldi. Sinner will be hell-bent on lifting his first French Open trophy – with the Roland Garros Grand Slam starting tomorrow – where he finds himself in the same side of the draw as Djokovic, whom he is destined…

Miley Cyrus has given fans a sneak peek into her upcoming album, Something Beautiful, which is set to drop on May 30. The 13-track album promises to be a soul-stirring ride, featuring collaborations with notable artists like Brittany Howard and Naomi Campbell. In an Instagram post featuring a 23-second teaser for her album, which includes a short film, she stated, “All 13 songs have a special place in my heart.” According to the track list, the album will take listeners on a journey through themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. With songs like End of the World and More to Lose, she is exploring deeper emotions. The standout tracks, Walk of Fame and Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved, feature the iconic Naomi Campbell and Grammy-award-winning musician Brittany Howard. Cyrus teamed…

In a visually driven world, where social media platforms dictate beauty standards, many individuals find themselves navigating the complexities of skin aesthetics. A surge in skin bleaching practices aimed at achieving a lighter complexion co-exists with increasing popularity for darker skin tones attained through tanning. Yet, both trends present alarming health risks that necessitate a closer examination. Dr Dilshaad Asmal, a dermatologist at Mediclinic Cape Town, says the quest for lighter skin is deeply rooted in socio-cultural and psychological influences. “In numerous cultures, particularly those within Indian, Asian and African communities, lighter skin is historically synonymous with beauty, elevated status and even better marital prospects. Unfortunately, global media continues to amplify this narrative, portraying lighter skin as more desirable,” she explains. The most common bleaching practices In SA alone, a…

Explore social media reactions to the passing of Springbok legend Cornal Hendricks, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, and the rape of a nine-year-old girl in Hanover Park. Passing of Springbok Hendricks •Rushnia Davids: So sad I feel your pain Steffie, Rachel and the family RIP Cornel •Priscilla Hartnick: Strength to everyone •Nigel Hendrick: Strength to Cornal’s family. The Father is with you. •Welda Jeneker: The dead of a child is painful for a mother, be they young or older. May God comfort you during this time. And to his wife and kids, it won’t be easy. You lost your lifetime partner husband, friend and pillar of strength but God will carry you through. Rest well legend, we see you soon. •Marlene Daniels: This is terribly…

Long-distance bus company Intercape appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Police, urging Parliament to intervene as police continue to fail in addressing a wave of violence and intimidation directed at the company. The Committee, chaired by DA MP Ian Cameron, heard evidence detailing the severity of the crisis, including more than 200 cases opened with police – ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion. Despite the volume and seriousness of these cases, Intercape said no arrests had been made and no prosecutions followed. Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC told the Committee that the police’s response had been “a failure… in its statutory and constitutional duties,” even in the face of repeated court orders. Senior police officials claimed for the first time that 11 arrests had been made. However,…

The trio convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin Smith appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Friday. Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith briefly appeared before Judge Nathan Erasmus days before they are expected to hear their fate. The trio, who were being detained at Pollsmoor Prison, were told they would be transported closer to Saldanha Bay, where the proceedings would take place at the White City Multipurpose Hall. Judge Erasmus ordered that Boeta and van Rhyn be transported back to Malmesbury Prison, where they had been held for the duration of the trial. Kelly will be moved to Saldanha. This is to avoid time constraints and bring the accused closer to the venue, the Western Cape High Court. The accused were found guilty on May…

As the sun rose on May 27, 1905, a significant chapter in naval warfare unfolded in an otherwise tranquil sea – the Battle of Tsushima. One hundred and twenty years ago, Japanese admiral Togo’s orders, “The fate of our Empire rests on the outcome of this battle. Let each man do his utmost,” echoed across the waters, foreshadowing a clash that would not only determine regional dominance but reshape the world balance of power. Dr Gustav Hendrich looks at what led to that fateful day. The backdrop to this monumental confrontation was the culmination of escalating imperial rivalries in the Far East. By the turn of the 20th century, Russian ambitions, particularly in mineral-rich Manchuria and the strategically pivotal Korean Peninsula, were coming into direct conflict with Japan's own aspirations.…

Mall of Africa has officially handed over the donation of a new assembly area to Dr Mathole Motshekga Primary School in Rabie Ridge, Midrand, using funds raised through its festive gift-wrapping station held this past December. Sponsored by Netflix in promotion of The Squid Game Experience, the gift-wrapping station offered shoppers a seasonal convenience while also contributing to a greater cause: raising funds to uplift the mall’s extended community. Working in collaboration with the Attacq Foundation and the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Mall of Africa allocated the full R73 833 raised to upgrade the school’s facilities. A new, larger sheltered assembly point has been constructed, offering a much-needed, practical space to accommodate the school’s growing learner numbers. Additionally, the existing assembly area has been refurbished to create a safer…

In the quiet rural stretch between Patensie and Humansdorp, where citrus orchards roll into game reserves, lives a young conservationist whose life has been shaped by the heartbeat of the wild. Justin Terblanche, 27, affectionately known as the “Rhino Whisperer,” has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise R176 000 for a thermal drone that could be a crucial tool in the fight against rhino poaching. His campaign, titled “Eyes in the Sky for Our Last Rhinos,” has already raised over R47 000 through the support of 37 donors – but there’s still a long way to go, and the urgency couldn’t be greater. Justin’s love for animals started long before he ever saw a rhino. Growing up in Patensie, he was the child who stopped to help injured…

In an inspiring tale of resilience and hope, twin boys Sylis and Leo are now safely back home in George, just weeks after being born nine weeks premature. Their parents, Lulani Speed and Jacques Labuschagne, are overwhelmed with joy, thankful for the skilled medical team that fought to ensure their sons have a vibrant future. Born on March 21 at only 1 645 grams each, Sylis and Leo’s journey began with unexpected urgency. Lulani, 34, recounts the frantic morning of March 16 when her water broke, leading to a rapid rush to the hospital in George. “The contractions started a few days later, and it became clear the twins were ready to arrive,” she recalls. The excitement of their birth quickly turned to devastation when doctors revealed that Sylis was…

IT’S well-known that the next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will be all-electric, but now the company’s chief executive has shed some additional light on the performance hatch. In an interview with Auto Express, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer confirmed that an all-new, battery- powered Golf would launch around the end of this decade, based on the company’s new SSP scalable architecture. The current, eighth-generation Golf will continue until then, receiving further updates. “At the end of the decade, we will bring an electric Golf (GTI), and that will be a monster car,” Schäfer told Auto Express. “I’m very happy with the progress.” The new GTI will retain its front-wheel drive layout, the UK publication stated, while a new R version is also in the works, with power going to all four wheels…

South Africa’s healthcare system stands at a crossroads, where ensuring quality of care is not just a goal—it’s a necessity for long-term sustainability. The way patients are treated, screened, and monitored impacts everything from health outcomes to service efficiency. If we want a system that truly serves its people, we need to pay attention to the data. Fortunately, HQA, a non-profit organisation, provides an annual review of how well medical schemes are performing in clinical quality of care. This latest report, which assesses over 84% of insured beneficiaries, paints a picture of how primary care, maternity services, chronic disease management, and hospital-based care stack up. What makes HQA’s review particularly valuable is its independent nature – now in its 21st year, it offers unbiased insights into where healthcare is improving…

As a wealth manager, one of the key principles to understand is that while we cannot control everything, like market performance, we can control strategic decisions that impact a client’s financial future. One such controllable factor is the timing of retirement. Your retirement date is set in your employment contract, but you can choose the date that you want to retire from your employer’s retirement fund. When it comes to retiring and transitioning into a living annuity, timing is not just a detail, it can become a strategy to consider. When you retire, there are three important dates to consider: 1. Retirement date: Your official last day of work. 2. Retirement date of the fund – Date you decide to start the process to convert your retirement fund into a…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is in the starting blocks for the looming international season after a second alignment camp concluded in Cape Town yesterday afternoon. The two-day camp featured a series of boardroom sessions and a gym session yesterday, while a bunch of overseas-based players joined the boardroom sessions virtually. The players also participated in a series of Outfox virtual training sessions to familiarise themselves with the new structures. Outfox is a video game devised by Erasmus. The former loose forward shared the excitement among the players after he and the Bok assistant coaches made a series of presentations over the two days. He said that with the season starting in little over a month against the Barbarians in Cape Town in the first match between the sides in South…

Ikeys coach and former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck had the pleasure of telling Ntokozo Makhaza that Rassie Erasmus was making enquires about him, but the young wing thought Fleck was winding him up. “Rassie called me and asked me questions about ‘Makky’. He wanted his number,” Fleck told Independent Media. “When I told Makky that the Springbok coach would call him, he thought I was joking. “I had to convince him he was getting a call, and to relax and enjoy the experience.” Makhaza is the bolter who was called up to the Springbok alignment camp, which was held in Cape Town this week. The 23-year-old is a third-year social science student at the University of Cape Town, specialising in psychology. Last month, Fleck’s Ikeys side won the Varsity Cup,…

In a move aimed at enhancing the airport travel experience in South Africa, Bolt has launched a new feature known as Flight Tracking for scheduled rides. This innovative update synchronises users’ flight information with their ride bookings, automatically adjusting pick-up times in the event of flight delays or cancellations – all without incurring additional costs. With existing partnerships at over 30 major airports globally, including OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban, app users can now effortlessly pre-book their rides by simply entering their flight number in advance. Once the details are submitted, the app intelligently handles all flight schedule changes, providing peace of mind for both individual travellers and corporate clients alike. “With our new Flight Tracking feature, our…

Venice, the city of canals, gondolas and timeless romance, attracts an estimated 30 million tourists each year – a staggering number compared to the dwindling local population, now under 50 000. While it’s easy to see why the floating city is a global bucket-list favourite, Venetians say their home is at risk of losing its soul. Famous for its grand palazzos, historic churches and dreamy gondola rides along the Grand Canal, Venice offers centuries of art, architecture and romance. But for locals, the day-to-day reality is far less picturesque. Most housing has been converted into short-term rentals, shops cater to visitors instead of residents, and jobs outside the tourism industry have become scarce. The situation echoes what has been seen in Spain, where local communities, especially in hot spots like…