Table of contents for 2025-07-11 in Star

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations' Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967. Albanese last week published a report listing up to 48 multinational corporations in defense equipment manufacturing, logistics, tech, tourism, knowledge production, and agriculture as having profited from “the genocide carried out by Israel” in Gaza by providing cloud and AI technologies to the Israeli government and military, among other things. The decision to sanction Albanese came under President Trump’s Executive Order 14203, aimed at countering actions perceived as violations of US sovereignty and interests. Rubio on Wednesday said the sanctions derived from Albanese's alleged direct engagement with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in efforts that the US considers to…

The Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) has sounded a clarion call to Parliament, highlighting alarming trends in the fiscal drag imposed by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). In a recent presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation, the FFC revealed that direct government transfers to SOEs rose significantly from 1% of GDP in 2015/2016 to 1.6% in 2021/2022. This stark upward trend raises pressing concerns over the sustainability of SOE funding and the need for urgent reforms. The Commission’s damning analysis underscores a decade-long commitment from the government, which, between 2008/2009 and 2019/2020, spent approximately R160 billion to bail out financially troubled SOEs. The FFC's warnings come amid growing anxiety over the potential fiscal repercussions of the proposed National State Enterprises Bill, which it claims fails to adequately address long-standing…

Merlog Foods has voiced concerns over a lingering shortage of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) despite the Department of Agriculture (DoA) lifting an eight-week ban on poultry imports from Brazil due to an Avian Flu outbreak earlier this week. The ban, triggered by a case of bird flu on a single farm in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, had cut off 95% of South Africa’s MDM supply from 15 May Merlog Foods manager, Georg Southey said it was expected to take a few months for supply and prices of the input material for polony and sausages to stabilise. “We, however, believe this situation can reoccur in the case of another bird flu infection in Brazil,” he said. Southey said that what was needed was an agreement between the…

The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has heralded a transformative move as two innovative visa categories, specifically tailored for the film and meetings sectors, are set to take effect. This comes after the Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, on Wednesday announced the launch of two further digital visa initiatives in a bid to support the rollout of the pending Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and building on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). The Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) will simplify visa access for film production companies as the outdated and paper-based systems hinder the industry. "In just one example, a major Netflix production from Mexico was lost due to visa delays, costing South Africa an estimated R400 million in lost income,"…

It’s a standing joke in our house that I could write a comprehensive guidebook titled Bathrooms of the Western Cape: A Personal Journey” As the mother of two daughters, I can confidently say I’ve visited every loo in every petrol station, restaurant, shopping mall and beach we’ve ever set foot in. No outing is complete without a pit stop – or five. Whether they “need” to go or not is beside the point; if there’s a bathroom, they’ll use it – and sometimes twice if it’s a well-decorated and appealing bathroom. While I used to laugh about it, it got me thinking: do women really need to pee more often, or is this something we’re conditioned into from childhood? Do females have smaller bladders than men? Let’s flush away the…

There is widespread hope for curbing HIV after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an injectable drug for HIV prevention recently. Lenacapavir needs to be injected just twice a year. Lenacapavir is a medication used to treat and prevent HIV infection. It functions as a capsid inhibitor, meaning it blocks the protein shell (capsid) that HIV requires to replicate. Lenacapavir is available in both oral tablet form and as subcutaneous injections. It is available as oral tablets and subcutaneous injections, with the injections given every six months after an initial oral and injection phase. The drug comes as relief as it could help overcome barriers such as having to take pills daily, frequent clinic visits and the stigma associated with HIV prevention. Clinical trials, conducted in South…

Emotional scenes played out in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, as apartheid-era policeman Johan Marais was sentenced to 15 years for the murder of Chaipus Nyoka 38 years ago, with the Nyoka family crying, while a packed public gallery shouted “rot in jail”. A defeated-looking Marais on Thursday made his way to the holding cells, while ANC members shouted at him and others sang freedom songs. Two of Nyoka’s elderly sisters, Sarah Nyoka and Alegria Nyoke, hugged supporters while wiping their tears. Alegria, after sentencing, said that while justice had been done for their brother, she is not sure the family is ready to forgive Marais. The emotional woman said they have waited 38 years since her brother’s death for justice and to hear what really happened the night he…

FELLOW South Africans, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a family meeting on Sunday to address allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police leadership are linked to a criminal syndicate with ties to drug cartels. This also included politically connected figures. The meeting follows a bombshell press conference by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of executive overreach, specifically blaming him for orchestrating the task team’s shutdown. The televised address, scheduled for 7pm on 13 July, will provide clarity on explosive claims made by Mkhwanazi during a media briefing held on 6 July. Over the past week, the President has held consultations with key stakeholders and security officials. According to a statement from the Presidency, Ramaphosa will now “take the nation into his confidence” following these…

Two suspects, aged 26 and 22, are appearing before the Bellville Magistrate’s Court today following their arrest in Mfuleni and Strand respectively by the Hawks’ specialised 419 Scam Task Team. The two were arrested on Tuesday in Western Cape. Three other men were previously arrested and they have been appearing before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. For more than a year, IOL has been running the scammed series, where several South African women and men have lost their hard-earned money, including pensions and bank loans, in dating scams. The victims have regrouped and are knocking on different doors, demanding answers. The duo’s arrest emanates from an incident reported in August 2024 at Lyttelton police station in Gauteng, where a woman claimed that a man she had met online had scammed her…

Reeza Hendricks will celebrate his 36th birthday next month, but the veteran Proteas batter is not ready to fade quietly into the background just yet. Named in the squad for the upcoming T20 Tri-Series in Harare, alongside fellow senior Rassie van der Dussen, Hendricks forms part of a transitional South African side that also features rising stars such as 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 22-year-old Dewald Brevis and 23-year-old Nqaba Peter. It will be Conrad’s first assignment since taking over as South Africa’s all-format head coach following Rob Walter’s resignation earlier this year. But with a youthful squad signalling a changing of the guard, questions inevitably arise about the role of experienced players like Hendricks moving forward. In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Hendricks acknowledged the uncertainty. “To date, I haven’t…

KAIZER Chiefs' new signing Ethan Chislett is hoping to bring a fresh wave of creativity and intensity to the club's midfield as they prepare for what could be a pivotal 2025/26 Premiership season. The Soweto giants have been busy in the transfer market, addressing key weaknesses from last season—many of which were exposed through inconsistent performances and frequent squad rotations. Among the most notable arrivals is former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Chislett, whose signing has generated significant excitement. Born in Durban, he left South Africa at the age of six and grew up in the United Kingdom and now returns with ambitions of donning the Bafana Bafana jersey. “Joining a new club is never the easiest thing in the world,” he said. “You have to adapt and express yourself while trying…

Local government and spatial integration have remained the two most pressing issues in which the government continues to struggle to implement reforms at the onset of Phase II of Operation Vulindlela (OV) even though momentum was gaining traction in other areas. According to the OV progress report for the first quarter for the 2025/26 financial year, reforms on these two were facing significant challenges and an intervention is required. OV is a joint initiative of the Presidency and the National Treasury which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reforms. Seven priority reform areas have been approved by Cabinet as part of OV Phase II, including energy, water, freight logistics, visa system, local government, spatial integration and housing, and digital public infrastructure…

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 30% tariff on all goods imported from South Africa, citing “unfair trade practices” and a lack of reciprocity. While the decision has rattled exporters and drawn sharp criticism from Pretoria, it may well be the catalyst we need to rethink our economic destiny. Rather than respond with indignation or fear, South Africa should view this challenge as an opportunity: to accelerate innovation, create new export markets, and, above all, build jobs for our youth - both at home and abroad. We’ve faced shocks before. From sanctions during apartheid to the 2008 global financial crisis, from Covid-19 to greylisting - South Africans have shown resilience in adversity. This tariff shock, while painful, could become a turning point, especially if aligned with…

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods, marking a sharp escalation in a diplomatic feud over Brazil’s prosecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro over his alleged role in a plot to retain power by military force following his 2022 electoral loss. The tariff, effective August 1, opens a new theater in Trump’s ongoing trade war, bringing into the fray Latin America’s largest economy, which had until now remained largely unscathed by the trade measures. If carried out, the tariff would severely affect the Brazilian economy, whose second-largest trading partner is the United States, behind China. In 2024, Brazil sold $40 billion (R711bn) worth of goods - primarily oil, coffee and steel - to the United States. “The way that Brazil has treated former President…

Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of Elon Musk’s X, announced on Wednesday that she is stepping down from the social media platform after two years in the position. She made the announcement a day after the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot launched into an antisemitic tirade and invoked Adolf Hitler. Yaccarino, who was hired by Musk after he bought the company then known as Twitter in 2022, did not give a reason for her departure Wednesday. Yaccarino led the social media platform through a tumultuous period as Musk remade Twitter in his vision - which included loosening content rules and reinstating previously banned accounts that spread misinformation and conspiracy theories. Musk himself frequently used his platform, which he renamed X, to spread falsehoods and post about his own right-wing political views on…

The highly anticipated and erotic thriller Fatal Seduction is making its return to our screens. Netflix officially confirmed this week that its hit series is finally returning for a second season this year, and it is bringing the heat and drama with intriguing, new cast members who are bringing even more twisted storylines. Fatal Seduction is a provocative series that unravels a dark story of unwavering passion and desire, built around a web of lies and deceit. Joining the star-studded cast is acclaimed and award-winning actor Warren Masemola as Minister Vilakazi, a cunning police minister whose aim is to become South Africa’s next deputy president and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Joining Masemola as the new addition to the second season of this thriller is…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially initiated a verification campaign targeting grant recipients who have been flagged for potentially failing to disclose their income. This crucial step comes in response to growing concerns over fraudulent claims and an imperative to ensure that social assistance benefits are received by those who genuinely qualify. “Sassa continues to review social grants of targeted beneficiaries suspected to have other alternative sources of income that were not disclosed,” the agency stated in a detailed announcement. This proactive measure is designed to safeguard the integrity of the social grant system, ensuring funds are allocated appropriately and efficiently. Beneficiaries who find themselves in this situation are strongly encouraged to submit specific documentation to avoid the risk of losing access to their social grants. The…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has adopted an aggressive legal strategy, initiating at least four major court challenges against its Government of National Unity (GNU) partner, the ANC and several of its ministers but maintains double standards when needed. However, this assertive approach has raised concerns about apparent double standards. While the DA frames these legal actions as principled efforts to uphold constitutional democracy, critics argue they reflect a pattern of political inconsistency and selective accountability. High-profile figures such as Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane have been the subjects of DA allegations ranging from corruption to fraud. Most recently, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has come under the party’s scrutiny. Despite the public attention these cases have received, none have resulted in a conviction — prompting…

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found that South African Olympian Caster Semenya was denied a fair trial by Switzerland’s legal system, marking a significant milestone in her ongoing legal battle against regulations requiring athletes with differences of sex development (DSD) to medically alter their natural hormone levels to compete. In a Grand Chamber judgment delivered yesterday, the court ruled by 15 votes to two that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court failed to conduct a sufficiently rigorous review of Semenya’s appeal against the 2019 decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which had upheld World Athletics' so-called “DSD Regulations”. These rules compel female athletes with naturally high testosterone levels to undergo hormone suppression therapy to compete in certain events. The court found that Switzerland had violated…

After being ignored by the Springboks in 2013 after some top performances for the Griquas and Cheetahs, a disappointed Willie le Roux told a journalist that he “just wants to jol …” At the time many South African coaches viewed Willie le Roux as a “rugby leper” because of his maverick style of play. A guy who played what was in front of him and chanced his arm by trying the spectacular. But he is also an emotional character who sometimes had the odd outburst on the field. Even the great Rassie Erasmus, during his time at the Stormers, didn’t want anything to do with him, because he wasn’t seen as the typical South African player, while Erasmus felt he couldn’t keep his emotions in check on the big stage.…

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique savoured his team's performance in blowing away Real Madrid on Wednesday to reach the Club World Cup final and urged them to go on and cap a historic season by claiming yet another trophy. Two goals from Fabian Ruiz either side of an Ousmane Dembele strike, as well as a late effort from substitute Goncalo Ramos, gave PSG an emphatic 4-0 semi-final victory at MetLife Stadium against a Madrid team who have just started working under new coach Xabi Alonso. "It is a beautiful victory and we are happy to be in the final," said Luis Enrique. PSG came into the Club World Cup at the end of a campaign in which they won Ligue 1 and the French Cup before thrashing Inter Milan 5-0…

The Junior Springboks will face off against Argentina when the two Southern Hemisphere sides meet in the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20 Championship on Monday evening in Italy. After a flawless group stage, the South African U20s progressed as the top-ranked side to the playoffs, while the Junior Pumas snuck in as the fourth side after finishing with more points than former champions England. On Wednesday, the Junior Boks completed their second 70-plus point victory after hammering Scotland 73-14, scoring 11 tries in the process. They beat Australia in the opening round 73-17 and tackled their way to a 32-22 win over the English. Now, a rematch against the Pumitas awaits after the two sides played out a thrilling encounter during the U20 Rugby Championship earlier this year. South…

South Africa’s manufacturing sector saw a 0.5% increase in production in May In a tentative sign of resilience, South Africa’s manufacturing sector saw a 0.5% increase in production in May when compared to the same month a year earlier following six consecutive months of year-on-year decline. This reading, released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday, highlights a delicate turnaround following a tumultuous April which witnessed a significant production revised slump of 6.4% year-on-year. Nicolai Claassen, director of industry statistics at Stats SA, said five of the 10 manufacturing divisions recorded upward growth. Claasen said the metals and machinery division was the largest positive contributor, expanding by 4.3% year-on-year and pushing overall growth higher by 0.9 of the percentage point. “Glass and non-metallic metal products, wood paper printing and…

On July 7, 2025, the President of the United States Donald Trump issued a formal letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a 30% tariff on all South African goods and products entering the US. This decision, he claims, is in response to “persistent trade deficits” and South Africa’s own tariff and non-tariff barriers. While the tariffs are not limited to the tech sector, their implications for the South African digital economy, SMMEs, and ICT service providers are especially severe. This is a sector built on fragile margins, export driven business models, and global digital dependencies. The 30% tariff, and the separate 10% tariff on companies aligned with BRICS, threatens to undo years of slow, hard-earned progress in transforming South Africa into a digital player on the continent. So, what exactly…

Southern Palladium has released an Optimised Prefeasibility Study (OPFS) for its 70%-owned Bengwenyama Project that outlines a staged development approach that should reduce capital costs by $173 million (R3.1 billion) to $279m (R4.9bn) compared to the first study, presenting a “highly attractive option” for shareholders. The board of the Australia and JSE-listed company said Thursday that the staged production option provides the best balance between unlocking project value and allows the company to fund project development with minimal future dilution for shareholders. "We are pleased to announce the results of the OPFS for the Tier 1 Bengwenyama Project where our primary aim has been to reduce the initial capital requirement," said MD Johan Odendaal. "The board and its consultants have evaluated a number of options and believe that a staged…

In a dramatic turn at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, Vimpie Phineas Manthata and his company, Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement (ITLE), and bookkeeper Judy Rose were acquitted of all charges in a SARS-led tax fraud case involving nearly R19 million. The charges, stemming from the 2018/2019 tax period, alleged violations of the Tax Administration Act and deliberate submission of false returns. But Magistrate Phindi Keswa ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Delivering a firm yet gracious judgment, Magistrate Keswa commended the defence team for their clarity and legal precision: “Thank you for making my job easy by preparing such good heads of argument,” she said from the bench. “The State could not find error. The State failed to distinguish between clerical…

A dark cloud continues to hang over Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, as he now faces criminal charges against him over explosive allegations of misconduct and interference in police operations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The DA announced it will lay charges today at the Cape Town Central Police Station. The party’s Deputy Chief Whip, Baxolile Nodada; justice spokesperson Glynnis Breytenbach; intelligence spokesperson Dianne Kohler Barnard, and deputy police spokesperson Lisa Schickerling are expected to lead the charge and address the media afterward. The DA has accused Mchunu of misleading Parliament earlier this year when he told the Portfolio Committee on Police that he did not know North West businessman Brown Mogotsi. Mogotsi has since been implicated in alleged political interference in police operations by Mkhwanazi. Mchunu has…

With Mandela Day approaching on Friday, 18 July, Bolander took to the streets to find out what local residents think about the day and how they plan to mark it. According to information on the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s website, Mandela Day, officially declared by the United Nations in 2009, encourages people to spend 67 minutes doing good for others – a minute for every year Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service. Shamiema Rogan from Strand said she was familiar with the day and its purpose. “The day is to celebrate Mandela’s legacy,” she said. While she has no plans this year, she hopes to take part in future. “I would love to visit a shelter and maybe give the children something to eat or toys to play with. If you…

AFTER a life-changing spinal injury in 2023, Demais Pillay’s mother orchestrated a breathtaking helicopter entrance for his prom, celebrating his resilience and recovery. Demais, 18, a Carter High School matric pupil, from Pietermaritzburg, suffered an accident at his school’s fun day in Grade 11. His mother Lorenda Vincent, a businesswoman, said her son was meant to complete matric last year, but the injury set him back a year. “He was 16 years old at the time. He participated in a game at the fun day where he was dunked into a tank of water. Unfortunately, he fell into the tank in an awkward way and hurt his spine. Demais could not walk for many months. “He was in a bad way emotionally as he felt his life had come to…

BANYANA Banyana stalwart defender Bambanani Mbane has cautioned her teammates against underestimating their next opponents, the Twiga Stars of Tanzania, in Friday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C fixture (kick-off 9pm). In their opening group clash, Mbane spearheaded Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON title defence on Monday with a ‘‘Player-of-the-Match’ performance as the South Africans defeated Ghana 2-0 at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco. When the teams return to the same venue on Friday, Banyana Banyana will be expected to overcome Tanzania, who are making only their second WAFCON appearance. However, Mbane has stressed that they cannot afford to undermine the Twiga Stars and has urged her teammates to approach the match with the same mentality they showed against Ghana. Having experienced the fierce competition within African women’s football, Mbane emphasised…

A top European court yesterday said a Swiss court did not give double Olympic champion Caster Semenya a fair trial in a much-awaited appeals ruling over contested gender testing. The European Court of Human Rights' decision comes after a row engulfed the 2024 Paris Olympics over the gender of an Algerian boxing champion. Semenya, a 34-year-old South African runner, is classed as having "differences in sexual development", but has always been legally identified as female. She has been unable to compete in her favoured 800m category since 2018, after she refused to take drugs to reduce her testosterone levels under new rules from World Athletics, the governing body for track and field. Semenya told journalists the ECHR's decision was a "positive outcome". "We need to respect athletes, we need to…

There are some unshakable truths in this world. Elephants, for example, cannot jump. A single teaspoon of a neutron star weighs as much as about 900 Pyramids of Giza. And there are more trees on Earth than stars in the Milky Way. Personally, my favourite fact is this: it’s highly likely – though not impossible – that you’ve only ever eaten one type of banana in your life. The Cavendish banana – which, botanically speaking, is a berry rather than a fruit – has been cloned repeatedly since the 1950s. Every banana you’ve doubtless consumed is a carbon copy of the one before it. And the one before that. And the one before that ... ad nauseam. Christian Horner was one of those facts of life. Much like the speed…