Table of contents for 2025-10-21 in Star

China's economic growth slipped below 5 percent in the third quarter of 2025, official data showed Monday, the slowest pace in a year in the face of trade headwinds and a stubborn domestic consumer slump. The data was released just hours before state news agency Xinhua announced the start of a closely watched four-day meeting in Beijing with top Communist Party officials focused on long-term economic planning. It also comes ahead of in-person discussions later this month between top Chinese and US trade officials - as well as a potential meeting between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Trump earlier this month threatened blistering 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods from November 1, in response to Beijing's sweeping export controls in the strategic rare earths sector. Gross domestic product in…

Eskom has welcomed the release of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, describing it as a critical roadmap for balancing energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development as South Africa advances its transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources. This comes after Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on Sunday announced that the newly unveiled the IRP 2025 will unlock R2.2 trillion in investment over the next 15 years — a programme he described as the largest infrastructure build initiative in South Africa’s democratic history. Ramokgopa said the investment would be an off-balance sheet intervention, largely funded by the private sector through opportunities outlined in the IRP, which seeks to shift the country’s energy mix toward cleaner sources. The IRP outlines the addition of 11 270 megawatts…

Enko Capital, an Africa-focused alternative asset manager with $1.3 billion in assets under management, has announced the first close of its new impact-focused private credit fund, raising $100 million (around R1.7 billion) toward a $150m target, with a hard cap of $200m at final close. The fund attracted commitments from several high-profile investors, including British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution; the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group; SICOM Global Fund Limited; a leading European impact investor; and a number of African pension funds and family offices. The Enko Impact Credit Fund will provide US dollar-denominated private credit to mid-market companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting established, cash-generating businesses in resilient sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications, manufacturing, renewable energy, and financial services. By delivering…

Africa’s gaming sector is expanding rapidly, attracting attention not just for its entertainment value but for the social and economic opportunities it presents. Across the continent, lotteries and gaming operations are already funding community projects, education and infrastructure, showing that revenue from gaming can have a tangible impact. Yet, Africa continues to face pressing challenges and the sector’s potential is far from fully realised. The question is: how can gaming contribute more deliberately to the continent’s development? The statistics speak volumes. Africa is the fastest-growing gaming market in the world. According to a report by Carry1st, an African gaming and digital content publisher and Newzoo, a PC and console gamer research platform, Africa’s gaming market experienced significant growth, reaching a revenue of $1.8 billion in 2024. Last year, South Africa…

Spear REIT’s distributable income increased by a commendable 5.21% to 43.78 cents for the six months ending August 31, 2025, after a period of notable property acquisitions. The growth in revenue has been even more pronounced, with a 27.47% surge to R395.36 million, and a big reduction in loan-to-value, which fell from 27.09% to 13.85%. The performance highlights a robust operational strategy and keen market positioning in the competitive South African real estate sector. “Robust rental collections, growing letting activity, tenant retention, and hands-on financial, debtors and vacancy management remain the key building blocks for the entire Spear team,” said CEO Quintin Rossi. Occupancy rates stood resiliently at 95.03%, which was credited to successful marketing and letting initiatives within Spear’s core portfolio, setting a firm foundation for ongoing growth. During…

As 2025 draws to a close, award-winning musician Kyle Deutsch is hoping to inspire connections through his brand-new single titled Calling. The pop track, featuring Willem Stander and infused with emotive lyrics which evoke strong feelings of nostalgia, was released on Friday. It also features the Durban-born artist’s distinct ability to modernise retro sonics with an upbeat tempo. During an interview with Independent Media Lifestyle, the former Idols South Africa contestant explained that Calling is open for interpretation. “This song is applicable for anyone – if you have someone in your life or even if you have a calling yourself.” He added, “If your best friend calls you or anyone that you love, someone that you enjoy spending time with, if they call, you are going to be ready to…

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, alleged mastermind behind a series of contract killings and a controversial businessman, is set to learn the fate of his bail appeal this Friday. Matlala’s legal team has been battling to secure his release from custody, arguing that he deserves the opportunity to contest the charges against him while out on bail. This comes as the State and Matlala’s legal team presented their heads of argument before the Gauteng High Court, sitting in Johannesburg, yesterday, where the presiding judge indicated that he had decided to reserve his judgment, which he will make known on Friday, October 24. “Judgment has been reserved in this matter. I am not going to hand down the judgment today, but promise to do so on Friday, which is my open day for…

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has urged education authorities to tighten security ahead of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams to prevent paper leaks. The 2025 NSC exams begin today. SADTU also wished all candidates sitting for the 2025 NSC exams the best of luck. “To the learners, we say: remain disciplined and avoid any conduct that could jeopardise your chances of obtaining that all-important National Senior Certificate. Believe in your abilities, stay focused, and finish strong,” the union said. “To our teachers, we call on you to continue displaying professionalism and integrity as you invigilate and mark these examinations.” SADTU further encouraged families to provide learners with the necessary emotional and physical support throughout the examination period. “We urge provincial departments of education and schools to…

The City of Tshwane has come under fire over the R777 million reportedly spent on water tankers during the financial year ending June 2025 under Mayor Nasiphi Moya’s multiparty coalition government. The spending has sparked concerns as it significantly exceeded the allocated budget by R457m, with critics raising questions about financial management and accountability. Bongani Ramontja, leader of the Soil of Africa Civic Movement, has called for immediate transparency and accountability from the city regarding its expenditure on water tanker services. He demanded that the city “must immediately publish a full breakdown of expenditure on water-tanker services for the last three fiscal years, including number of tankers deployed, volume of water delivered, cost per litre, locations served, and timeline of service contracts”. He highlighted the stark contrast between the city’s…

Lessons From My Father Melinda Ferguson and Steve Anderson Melinda Ferguson Books In a country where fatherhood is often defined by absence, silence and struggle, a new book titled Lessons From My Father seeks to rewrite that story. Published by Melinda Ferguson Books and co-edited by author and publisher Melinda Ferguson and educationist Steve Anderson, the collection gathers thirty-two essays from prominent South Africans who reflect on the men who shaped their lives. The contributors include Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, Springboks legend Nick Mallett, Olympic champion Chad le Clos, activist Zelda La Grange, musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, singer Zolani Mahola, Lindiwe Hani, chef Karen Dudley, radio personality Darren Simpson, humanitarian Imtiaz Sooliman and television presenter Maps Maponyane, among others. Each essay offers a personal story about fatherhood – not as…

THE dismissal of Lumka Oliphant, the former chief director of communication in the Department of Social Development, is more than a simple personnel matter. It is a stark microcosm of the systemic corruption, political protectionism, and targeted silencing of whistleblowers that continues to thrive under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership. Her case, emerging just days ago, serves as a clarion call, revealing an administration that, despite its promises of a “New Dawn”, is enshrined in moral decay. Oliphant’s dismissal, following her exposure of Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s R3 million New York trip, reveals a political system that punishes integrity and rewards loyalty. Oliphant’s account of a sustained “humiliation” campaign underscores a chilling reality for whistleblowers. Her statement: “Many Black professionals have been purged and silenced because we fear for our lives,” connects…

Julian Alvarez has established himself as Atletico Madrid’s key player, but the club still need to prove to the Argentina international that they belong among Europe’s elite and can fulfil his ambitions. The Rojiblancos’ visit to last season’s semi-finalists Arsenal in the Champions League today is a prime opportunity to test their mettle. Diego Simeone’s side are unbeaten in six games across all competitions since their last-minute defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in September. Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner left Atletico with a familiar sinking feeling and compounded what had been a poor domestic start, following a trophyless 2024/25 campaign. In the days that followed, renewed speculation emerged that Barcelona were interested in signing the striker next summer as a replacement for veteran Robert Lewandowski. “People always talk,” said Alvarez,…

There is a “changing of the guard” feel to the 36-man Springbok squad about to depart for Europe, with some World Cup winners relegated to the sidelines and a growing group of youngsters replacing them. Ageing veterans such as fullback Willie le Roux, scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and tighthead prop Vincent Koch have not made the cut, while another two senior Boks, Bongi Mbonambi and Makazole Mapimpi, have been placed on standby. The uncapped Stormers prop Zachary Porthen is the latest young Turk to get the nod from Rassie Erasmus. He joins an exciting new wave of players under the age of 24 in Ethan Hooker, Canan Moodie, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Erasmus is determined to finish the year on top of the World Rugby rankings as the draw…

Banyana Banyana’s road to redemption begins this week as Desiree Ellis’ side kicks off their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 2022 African champions are no longer the continent’s queens after finishing a disappointing fourth at the most recent WAFCON in July. That result ended their reign and raised tough questions about the team’s trajectory. The upcoming qualifying campaign, therefore, offers Ellis and her players a fresh chance to rebuild pride and reclaim their place among Africa’s elite. The first leg takes place at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Wednesday (6pm kick-off), with the decisive return leg set for FNB Stadium six days later. The winner on aggregate will move a step closer to Morocco 2026 –…

While Ruben Amorim may have achieved a number of firsts in securing a rare victory at Anfield, it is the nature of the 2-1 win that the Portuguese manager will find most pleasing. It wasn’t just the scoreline – though ending nine years of frustration on Merseyside matters to Red Devils fans starved of recent success – but the measured, controlled way they did it. Under Amorim, United finally looked like a side with a plan and purpose, one they were able to execute with dogged determination. Where previous managers approached Anfield as a damage limitation exercise, Amorim brought courage and conviction, buoyed no doubt by the home side’s faltering recent form. His team pressed in waves, controlled the midfield corridors, and turned Arne Slot’s structure inside out, exposing obvious…

OBP 2024/25 Annual Performance Report shows a “collapse” of the State-owned vaccine producer The Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) has raised serious concerns about the performance of Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), following the release of its 2024/25 Annual Performance Report, which the organisation says signals a “collapse” of the State-owned vaccine producer. According to Saai on Monday, the report — presented before the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture — shows that OBP achieved only 62% of its performance targets, missed R100 million in revenue, and again received a qualified audit opinion with four unresolved findings. Profit reportedly declined from R231m in 2023/24 to R186m in 2024/25, while vaccine production dropped by 24%. Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai, said these figures reflect a deepening crisis rather than isolated administrative problems. Rossouw said…

One of the challenges of the structural reforms we have been working with the government to deliver is the patience required for the payoff. Reforms take time to translate into measurable economic outcomes, and the lag between implementation and impact can test the resolve of even the most committed stakeholders. For example, the remarkable success in reforming our electricity sector will only really deliver in GDP growth terms when firms are confident again to invest and expand capacity. A stable power supply removes a constraint, but it takes time for businesses to assess the new landscape, secure financing and commit capital to long-term projects. Similarly, an efficient logistics system pays off when companies find they can efficiently supply new global markets and build the plant or expand capacity to do…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said that the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) is proving to be a step in the right direction for the agricultural sector. Steenhuisen on Monday said that the latest figures emerging from the AAMP Progress Report indicate that agricultural production volumes have steadily increased from 11% in 2015–2019 to 13% in 2019–2023. “This growth is attributed to the inclusivity and transformation agenda that the AAMP seeks to achieve. Data indicates that there has been significant growth in production volumes of various agricultural commodities," he said. "For example, maize production has increased from 34% to 65%, soya bean from 72% to 80%, wheat from 17% to 53%, deciduous fruits from 17% to 49%, viticulture from 25% to 62%, and tomatoes from 8% to 94% over…

Last week offered a striking juxtaposition. Entrepreneurial financial services innovator Prince Nwadeyi celebrated his academic paper's publication in the International Marketing Review. It’s research unpacking how insurance brokers in South Africa systematically maintain information asymmetries that keep base of the pyramid (BoP) consumers trapped in suboptimal products. Meanwhile, SME investment asset class builder Joshua Bicknell's LinkedIn update suggested something between resignation and frustration about the capital his organisation, Balloon Ventures, has (and hasn't) managed to secure for backing East Africa's unglamorous SMEs. Two founders. Two different immediate concerns. One uncomfortable parallel. Intermediary issues Nwadeyi's research, conducted with professor of international management and strategy at the University of Sussex, John Luiz, reveals how brokers leverage symbolic work - invoking dignity and cultural obligation around funerals - to reinforce consumer dependence on…

Sirius Real Estate plans to acquire a defence-anchored business park near Munich for €43.7 million (R878.17 m), the owner of branded business and industrial parks in the UK and Germany announced yesterday. The JSE and London Stock Exchange listed group said Monday it has notarised the acquisition of a business park in Feldkirchen, Germany. This transaction means Sirius will have acquired around €340m (R6.9 billion) of income-producing assets across the UK and Germany so far in 2025. This has included properties in Dresden, Lübeck, Munich, Reinsberg, Monchengladbach, Hartlebury, Bedford, Oldham and Chalcroft. “In our first half trading update earlier this month, we noted that we expected our acquisition programme to be more weighted towards Germany in the last six months of our financial year, and this transaction underscores that sentiment,”…

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and the Joburg Fresh Produce Market have failed to fulfil their constitutional duties to provide safe, hygienic, and functional municipal services at the market. It is in a state of disrepair, posing risks to traders, consumers, and the public. These were the findings of the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, which has placed the City of Johannesburg and Fresh Produce Market on terms to turn things around. This followed an application by the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa), which successfully turned to court for an order directing the City of Johannesburg and the Joburg Market (the respondents) to submit a precinct plan in respect of the market, which shall include a risk assessment and recovery plan/report. This draft precinct plan is to be…

A former patient at the Potchefstroom Hospital for a second time lost his legal bid to claim damages from the MEC for Health in the North West Province after a portion of a drip mechanism broke off in his arm. Magiel du Plessis turned to the Mafikeng High Court, where he claimed damages from the Health authorities in the province. He alleged that as his right arm was damaged by the faulty drip, he can no longer work as a boilermaker, as he has to use this arm to operate heavy tools. The High Court earlier dismissed his claim and concluded that it is not the fault of the medical practitioners that the drip was faulty and that a portion broke off in his arm. Unhappy with that finding, Du…

A former Standard Bank employee has been debarred from working in the financial industry after it was found that he used his own money to activate clients’ accounts to reach a target. Curtis Arthus Abrahams provided financial services including selling MyMo accounts to clients. These accounts require clients to activate them by making a mandatory deposit. Around September 2020, the bank sent emails explaining the rules of the MyMo account activation process. One of the rules stated that a client in whose name the account is opened is required to activate it by depositing a minimum amount. The email specifically stated that bank representatives were not allowed to use their own funds to activate the accounts. In order to meet his sales target, Abrahams had to sell a certain number…

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) of Namibia has declared an outbreak of Mpox following the confirmation of the first case in Swakopmund, Erongo Region, on 18 October. The patient, who is being treated at the Swakopmund District Hospital, is stable and currently isolated, undergoing comprehensive medical care. The preliminary investigation into the outbreak has indicated that this transmission may be linked to cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. In accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols, the detection of even a single confirmed case necessitates the declaration of an outbreak, prompting health authorities to launch an immediate response. The MoHSS has assured the Namibian public that the country’s robust surveillance system is primed to identify and monitor individuals exhibiting signs of mpox. Additional…

The consequences of the Israeli regime’s genocide in Gaza, backed by the United States, are far more devastating than the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, leaving Gaza a complete disaster zone. Even if the current so-called ceasefire holds, which remains doubtful, rebuilding will be painful and long-term. Gaza’s infrastructure has been utterly destroyed, requiring reconstruction to begin from ground zero. At a talk on October 17 at Nizamia Hall in Pietermaritzburg, Dr Fatima Hendricks, a Capetonian activist aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, posed a haunting question: What will construction teams find when they begin clearing the rubble? Recovery efforts will inevitably uncover the grim truth beneath the destruction – the bodies of thousands of innocent civilians, including children, buried under the ruins. Beyond the human cost…

Fans were left in shock during the highly anticipated The Boy Is Mine Tour, which brought together R&B legends Monica and Brandy for the first time in years, when Brandy abruptly exited the stage mid-performance, forcing Monica to carry the show alone. The superstar duo abruptly ended their Chicago concert on Saturday, October 18, after Brandy suddenly walked offstage mid-performance and did not return. Before leaving, she told fans: “Give me one second, y’all, I gotta get my...” but never came back, leaving the audience concerned. The unexpected exit was especially shocking as the tour had been selling out venues across the US, celebrating both artists’ iconic hits and highly anticipated reunion moments. Monica, was forced to perform the rest of the set alone, except for the duo’s hit duet,…

The Fortress of Lost Memories William Yamaguchi Dobson Multi-cast narration AUDIBLE ORIGINALS THIS month, The Fortress of Lost Memories by William Yamaguchi Dobson hit the audiobook shelves. Running just under six hours, it’s a tale that mixes heart, imagination, and a touch of magic. What we get is a story that dances between fantasy and the familiar pain of losing someone we love. At the center of it all is twelve-year-old Jonty, a boy whose world is shaken when his beloved grandfather begins slipping away into the haze of dementia. That moment – watching someone you love start to forget – becomes the spark for Jonty’s daring journey through the mysterious Gate of Memory. It’s not just a fantastical adventure, though. It’s a heartfelt quest to bring back his grandfather’s…

Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League ambitions hang by a thread after a humbling 3–0 defeat to St Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi. For a side that had strung together ten straight wins in all competitions, this was a sobering reminder of how quickly momentum can evaporate on the continent. The Buccaneers were simply second best in every department despite being the favourites having made the semi-finals of the competition last season. Outfought, outpaced, and outmanoeuvred, they now find themselves needing one of the greatest comebacks in their proud history to avoid an early and humiliating exit from Africa’s premier club competition. Lupopo’s intensity and physicality proved too much for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men, who looked uncharacteristically nervous and disjointed. The Congolese side capitalised on every lapse, with goals from Wanet Kashala, Dramane…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze is determined to see his side rediscover their winning touch when they face Siwelele FC outfit in their Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off). Amakhosi return to league duty after a demanding few weeks on the continental stage, where their CAF Confederation Cup campaign has provided moments of promise so far. Their most recent outing – a goalless draw against AS Simba of the Democratic Republic of Congo – kept them in contention for qualification to the group stages, but also highlighted their ongoing struggles in front of goal. Chiefs have collected just two points from their last three matches, a dip that has disrupted their strong start to the season. Having gone unbeaten in their opening five games, the…

Mamelodi Sundowns sent a resounding message across the continent on Sunday with a commanding 5-1 victory over Nigeria’s Remo Stars in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. However, head coach Miguel Cardoso remains vigilant, insisting that the job is far from finished as the team prepares for the second leg later this week in Pretoria. The emphatic victory not only showcased Sundowns’ attacking prowess but also reinforced their ambitions in Africa’s premier club competition. After finishing as runners-up last season, the South African giants are determined to reclaim the trophy they last hoisted in 2016. Despite the emphatic result, Cardoso has chosen humility over hubris. “My impression is that we took it very seriously, that we related to a need that we had to approach…

South African businesses have been given a clear roadmap for international expansion into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the country is actively seeking new trade corridors and investment opportunities. This was during a high-level investment briefing hosted by the Creative Zone by Encor, the United Arab Emirates’ business setup advisory firm, and Azanyah Trade Hub, in partnership with the UAE Embassy in South Africa on Monday. The UAE’s status as a global business and investment hub—offering 100% foreign ownership, a favourable tax environment, investor-friendly regulations, and access to international capital—was presented as an attractive gateway for South African industries such as mining, agriculture, ICT, healthcare, logistics, real estate, and manufacturing. The event brought together senior government officials, investors, corporate leaders, and small and medium enterprises representatives for strategic discussions…

Governance is often a dance between movement and stillness. Decisions, debates and deadlines create a rhythm that can easily overwhelm the deeper discipline of reflection. Yet, within that motion, there must exist what the poets have called a "still point"; a centre of clarity where judgment is not rushed by noise and perspective is not lost to pace. The most effective boards learn to find this balance. They move with purpose but pause with intention. Balance in governance is not neutrality. It is the wisdom to act without haste, to lead without domination and to decide without losing sight of principle. The modern board operates in constant tension between risk and opportunity, regulation and innovation, duty and empathy. These tensions are not flaws in the system; they are its pulse.…

There’s no question that technology companies have been impactful in society. What’s interesting is that their success and impact can be attributed to more than just technology but also their management and leadership approaches. The leadership model applied in some tech companies is becoming a subject worthy of attention. Recently, Yoco announced a leadership transition that also highlighted a move towards a co-CEO model. Two of the company co-founders were appointed as co-CEOs. Both Lungisa Matshoba and Bradley Wattrus while the former CEO, Katlego Maphai, will also remain in some way. It’s an interesting move by one of the most successful technology startups in South Africa. It’s a move that will be studied for many years as this company grows. Yoco is not alone in adopting the co-CEO model. Spotify…

Nintendo has asked suppliers to produce as many as 25 million units of the Switch 2 by the end of March 2026, setting the company up for record first-year sales of a console that’s already reached high-water marks for the global gaming sector. The Japanese company is asking its manufacturing partners to ramp up output, counting on demand to persist over the coming holidays and into the new year, according to people familiar with the matter. Nintendo, which began assembly of the Switch 2 around the end of calendar 2024, may still adjust the final production figures when it gets a clearer reading of demand during the critical holiday shopping season. As of now, Nintendo is likely to comfortably surpass analysts’ estimates for sales of 17.6 million devices in the…

Optasia, an innovative player in AI-enabled micro financing and airtime credit solutions, revealed its plans to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) this November, targeting revenue growth exceeding 50% for its financial year ending in 2025, and over 25% in 2026. The group is also targeting low to mid-twenties revenue growth percentages over the medium term, according to the pre-listing statement released Monday. Optasia is looking to raise about R1.3 billion through a share issuance aimed at bolstering both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Additionally, a further R5bn through a secondary share sale will be procured via a private placement to selected institutional investors. The company plans to offer up to 83.95 million shares, with an expected price range of R15.50 to R19 per share, making up 30.4% of…

Snoop Dogg is making a significant move towards inclusivity in children’s entertainment. The rapper has revealed that he is more at ease including gay couples in children’s films, even featuring them in his own animated series, Doggyland. Dogg teamed up with GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), an NGO that supports LGBTQ youth and spoke to The Voice contestant Jeremy Beloate about why kids need to see all types of families as special. The Young, Wild & Free hitmaker said: “It’s a beautiful thing that kids can have parents of all walks and be shown love ... Love has no bounds”. In Doggyland, he introduced a song called Love Is Love, which captures this message. The lyrics say: “Our parents are different. No two are the same, but the…

The class of 2025 is getting ready for their final matric exams today, and worries about South Africa’s persistent school dropout problem are very real. While over 715 000 learners are registered for this year’s exams, almost 450 000 have already left the system since starting Grade 1 in 2014, highlighting a persistent challenge in the country’s education sector. As students across the province receive uplifting messages from political parties and community leaders, Siviwe Gwarube, the Education Minister, will be asked questions orally in Parliament. Roger Solomons, Build One South Africa (BOSA) spokesperson, said that on October 15 the party launched a nationwide accountability campaign, “Where Are They Now?”, to expose the full scale of South Africa’s school dropout crisis. The campaign aims to hold Gwarube accountable for the hundreds…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is gearing up for round two in its fight against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso’s rape acquittal – this time trying to take the battle all the way to the Supreme Court of Appeal. On Monday next week, the case returns to the Gqeberha High Court, where the state will ask for permission to approach the appeals court in Bloemfontein to challenge parts of Judge Irma Schoeman’s ruling that cleared Omotoso and his co-accused of rape, human trafficking and racketeering earlier this year. Omotoso’s attorney, Peter Daubermann, said he would oppose the application. He said the case should be left to rest. The application is a standard legal procedure when the prosecution seeks leave to appeal. In SA law, a party must first obtain the court’s…

A 56-year-old police officer has appeared in court after he was arrested for allegedly defeating the ends of justice by releasing a confiscated vehicle linked to a suspected theft case without following proper procedures. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Warrant Officer Tikishi Gilbert Makofane, stationed at the Ohrigstad police station in the Sekhukhune District, appeared before the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court. Mafokane was granted R500 bail and is expected to make his next appearance at the Leboeng Magistrate’s Court on 28 October. Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the charge stems from an incident that occurred on 15 November 2024, when members of the Ohrigstad SAPS Crime Prevention Unit intercepted a minibus suspected of transporting stolen water pipes. “The suspects could not provide satisfactory answers…

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education will conduct an urgent oversight visit to the University of Fort Hare’s Alice Campus today, 21 October, following violent student protests that caused extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupted academic operations. Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie said the destruction at the Eastern Cape campus was estimated to be between R250 million and R500m. He blamed the university’s management for not engaging with students and for failing to hold Student Representative Council (SRC) elections. “The violent student unrest could have been avoided if the university management had engaged with students and allowed the Student Representative Council (SRC) elections to take place as requested,” Letsie said. “Instead, the university management decided to appoint an Interim SRC after the term of the elected SRC expired.” He said critical…

THE SOUTH African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed the payment schedule for November, ensuring that millions of South Africans who rely on social grants receive their much-needed financial support on time. Grant payment schedule: Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, November 4. Disability Grant: Wednesday, November 5. Children’s Grants and all other grants: Thursday, November 6. These grants provide essential support for elderly citizens, people with disabilities, and vulnerable children, helping them meet their basic needs and maintain a minimum standard of living. Sassa reminded beneficiaries that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant will be paid separately in batches rather than on a fixed date. Northern Cape outreach initiative Meanwhile, the Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Nontobeko Vilakazi, will lead a major Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in…

A spectacular daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris has shocked the world of art and history. At about 9.30 am local time on Sunday, while tourists were already streaming through its grand halls, a small team of thieves entered the gallery housing the French crown jewels and in a matter of minutes slipped away with a trove of Napoleonic-era regalia. The audacity of the raid, executed in broad daylight yet completed before many realised what was happening, has left France reeling. Authorities have now launched a major manhunt as the full magnitude of what’s been lost begins to emerge. These are the jewels, their history and value. Crown of Empress Eugénie One of the most iconic pieces in the haul is the imperial crown of Empress Eugénie, consort…

ONE of the unique strategies that Mandla Mashimbyi has implemented in building the Proteas Women, since taking over as head coach, is to put a lot of emphasis on team culture. Coach Mashimbyi planned culture camps earlier this year, with the vision and understanding that successful teams work within a healthy team environment, just as much as they do on their skills and gameplans. The results of those camps have already started to show now at the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The team seems unbeatable at the moment. They look a tight knit unit and they have shown plenty of character during the competition. Different players have carried the team over the line on numerous occasions in the showpiece event. Furthermore, they have had an impressive turn around…

Series leader Oscar Piastri has called for a calm review of his recent frustrating form and rejected calls for McLaren to prioritise one driver after he finished fifth in Sunday’s US GP. The 24-year-old Australian, without a win in four Formula One races since the Dutch GP in August, admitted concern over both his qualifying and race pace. “I think it is very important wherever you go to get qualifying right and today I think race pace could have saved you – but I didn’t have that either,” he said. “So, obviously, it's something I want to work on. Apart from Baku, this has been the first weekend where I have felt it has been a real letdown. “It’s been sub-par before, but I felt it was pretty good so…

Keshav Maharaj acknowledged the Proteas were disappointed to have dropped four catches but refused to apportion blame after the tourists had to settle for limiting Pakistan to 259/5 on an opening day of the second Test. Captain Shan Masood led the way for the hosts in Rawalpindi scoring 87, with opener Abdullah Shafique grinding out 57 and Saud Shakeel still there on 42 along with Salman Agha. Maharaj and fellow spinner Simon Harmer took two wickets apiece and Kagiso Rabada one late in the day with the second new ball, but it could have been better for the tourists had a collection of chances not been put down in the morning and afternoon sessions. It started with the luckless Tristan Stubbs putting down a straightforward catch at slip off the…