Table of contents for 2025-08-05 in Star

The rand stabilised around R18.00 to the US dollar on Monday following a turbulent weekend when it fell to its lowest level in three months at R18.36/$1 on Friday. The volatility came after investors assessed the grim implications of potential higher tariffs on South African exports to the United States, a move that could significantly impact the nation’s economy. The looming 30% tariff on South African goods—scheduled to take effect on August 7—has raised concerns over the viability of a number of critical export sectors. With US imports including an array of products such as cars, iron, steel goods, wine, and citrus fruits, the ramifications of this tariff could reverberate through multiple layers of the South African economy. The US ranks as South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner, following China.…

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has announced optimistic news for consumers as ample grain harvests are likely to ease food price inflation concerns. Agbiz chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo, on Monday shared that South Africa's projected summer grains and oilseed production for the 2024-25 period has risen by 2% since June, reaching an expected 18.74 million tons—a significant 21% increase compared to the previous year. Sihlobo highlighted the annual uptick across various crops, driven principally by favourable summer rains and expanded planting areas. “There is an annual uptick in all the crops, mainly supported by favourable summer rains and the decent area plantings. This ample harvest will likely add downward pressure on prices, which bodes well for consumer food price inflation,” Sihlobo said. However, he acknowledged that while…

Australia’s long-held ambitions to tap its abundant renewable resources and vast uninhabited landmass to become a global green hydrogen leader are fast unraveling. Despite strong government backing and significant private sector interest, at least seven big hydrogen production projects have been delayed, scaled back, or canceled in the last year. Chief among them was BP Plc’s decision last week to exit a $36 billion (R468bn) facility in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which had targeted starting production this decade. Around the world, project withdrawals have accelerated as developers struggle to secure customers willing to pay a premium for the fuel. Costs remain persistently high, unlike the sharp price drops seen in solar and wind that have boosted their competitiveness. That’s raised concerns about the feasibility of using renewable energy…

Lately, I’ve been attending AI events, however, very few of them are answering my deep questions about Artificial Intelligence. One of them focused on food and AI, another about a device as an AI companion and the most recent one of them by a global tech giant. At the Food Indaba I was deeply impressed by just the idea of hosting an event about AI and food. One Chef who was a participant in the event highlighted the need to introduced African cruising into AI. The Chef felt that menus about Umphokoqo, umgqusho do not exist in the AI landscape. It was, therefore, his mission to ensure that African menus can be found in AI. At the Food Indaba, Prof Marivate Vukosi delivered a keynote address that highlighted the importance…

GAUTENG residents will not be spared from the cold conditions as South Africans face a dramatic week of winter weather amid a powerful sequence of cold fronts. The bad weather is expected to unleash damaging winds, disruptive coastal swells, and snowfall in high-lying areas. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple Yellow Level 1 warnings ahead of what could be one of the most turbulent stretches of weather this winter. As the cold front pushes further inland today, temperatures are expected to plummet across much of the central and southern interior. Scattered to widespread rain is forecast for the Western Cape, southern Eastern Cape, and parts of the Northern Cape and Free State. Thunderstorms are expected to develop over high-lying regions, coupled with biting cold and strengthening southerly…

The children of well-known former Constitutional Court Judge Yvonne Mokgoro, who passed away in May last year, turned to court in a bid for the Master of the High Court to accept what they said is the last will and testament of their mother made in 2021. Judge Mokgoro made an earlier will in 2014, but her children told the Kimberley High Court that the earlier will fell away as she made another will seven years later. While both wills are basically the same, the only difference is in clause three of both wills. In the 2014 will in reference to this clause, the late judge left her share in a property to her life partner, Naledi Monyeki. In terms of her 2021 will, she left her share to her…

A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMP) police officer has been sentenced to six years in prison for three counts of culpable homicide by the Lenasia Magistrate Court. The case stems from a tragic incident that occurred in June 2018 when Raymond Nkosinathi Mzizi was driving a state vehicle along the busy Golden Highway when he collided with a Toyota Corolla and a Siyaya minibus taxi. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)’s spokesperson Lizzy Suping said there were five occupants in the Toyota Corolla, a father, his three daughters, and a grandchild. “Two daughters and a grandchild died at the scene while the father and one daughter were transported to Baragwanath Hospital for medical treatment,” said Suping. Immediately following the accident, Mzizi was arrested and faced multiple charges, including culpable homicide,…

Former president Thabo Mbeki and ex-justice minister Brigitte Mabandla have accepted the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria judgment on Friday dismissing their application to intervene in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) case. Mbeki and Mabandla approached the high court in a bid to intervene in the application for R167 million in constitutional damages by families of victims of apartheid-era atrocities in their personal capacities. Max Boqwana, chief executive of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, said they agreed with the judgment that the respondents (survivors and victims of apartheid-era atrocities) cannot rely on allegations from collections of books and journalists’ comments and further that they have therefore no direct information to implicate either Mbeki or Mabandla. “The country would have benefited from both the insights of both President Mbeki and Ambassador Mabandla…

The Public Servants Association (PSA) is alarmed by the prolonged power outage at Charlotte Maxeke Rehabilitation Centre in Botshabelo, Free State, since Sunday, 27 July. In addition, the Centre’s backup generator is non-functional, plunging patients and healthcare workers into an unsafe and deteriorating environment. The power failure has severely disrupted essential healthcare services, placing the lives of vulnerable patients at risk. Employees are forced to operate without lighting, medical equipment, or proper sanitation. These conditions pose serious occupational health and safety hazards, violating basic human dignity. The PSA considers this a service delivery failure and a human rights crisis. The PSA has formally called on the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Public Service Commission to conduct urgent inspections and take immediate remedial…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially outlined the payment schedule for social grants for August, providing essential information designed to assist beneficiaries in managing their payments effectively. Beneficiaries of social grants can prepare for the upcoming month with clarity as SASSA has designated specific payment dates for each grant category. Here are the key dates: Old Age Grant: August 5 Disability Grant: August 6 All Other Grants (including Child Grants): August 7 In a bid to streamline the payment process and decrease congestion at pay points and ATMs, SASSA has introduced a staggered payment schedule. This initiative aims to provide beneficiaries with a smoother and more manageable experience when collecting their funds. Importantly, SASSA advises beneficiaries to consider a grace period before venturing out to collect their…

THE ‘Giant of Africa’ is in bad shape. In a massive humanitarian emergency, over 30 million Nigerians are facing hunger in the worst food shortage in the country’s history. This crisis not only places Nigeria in peril but also poses a threat to regional stability, according to David Stevenson, the Nigerian Country Director for the World Food Programme. Nigeria is a hotbed of instability. The danger of Jihadist insurgency is ever-present, the economy continues to decline, and the hazardous level of political corruption and attrition is eroding trust in the government. The current administration’s response to these interlinked crises will have significant consequences for the people of Nigeria, the well-being of West Africa, and the legacy of President Bola Tinubu. Under his leadership, GDP has fallen, and measures to revive…

Orlando Pirates’ new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou plans to develop Oswin Appollis into a standout player as he embarks on his coaching journey with the Buccaneers. The 23-year-old winger made a sensational debut last Saturday, shining brightly during the team’s 1-0 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals, signalling his potential to become a pivotal figure for the club this season. Despite Appollis’ exhilarating performance, which showcased his ability to influence the game, Ouaddou remains grounded in his expectations and objectives for the promising player. “We need to discipline him,” he stated firmly. Having previously faced Appollis during his time at Marumo Gallants, Ouaddou appreciates the youngster’s attributes but stresses the importance of shaping his developmental path. Now at the helm of Pirates, he aims to implement a clear…

As the new Betway Premiership season kicks off, Sekhukhune United and Chippa United find themselves on very different trajectories. Babina Noko, under the seasoned guidance of Eric Tinkler, are looking to push into the league’s upper tier, while Chippa United, once again rebuilding, hope for overdue stability under new coach Sinethemba Badela. Both clubs face challenges — but with contrasting ambitions. Sekhukhune United Tinkler’s troops target top-tier breakthrough Club owner: Simon Malatji Head Coach: Eric Tinkler Highest ever finish: Fourth in the Premiership Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup Silverware chances: Slim chances in domestic cup competitions, probably not in the running for Premiership honours In the heart of Limpopo, Sekhukhune United, affectionately known as Babina Noko, host their home games at the New Peter…

Despite their rollicking start to the Currie Cup season, with two bonus-point wins, 112 points scored and only 23 conceded, the Bulls are wary of getting too far ahead of themselves at this early stage of the campaign. Last year’s Currie Cup performance remains a stark reminder of the pitfalls of failing to maintain high standards throughout the tournament, after a similarly bright start ultimately yielded no silverware. It is a lesson not lost on Bulls assistant coach Kennedy Tsimba. “This is just the first couple of steps in a campaign that has been looking promising, but we do know that each week brings its different challenges,” Tsimba said, at a media conference on Monday afternoon. “It’s about not getting ahead of yourself and understanding that there are teams that…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the country’s commitment to maintaining market access in the face of the United States' recent decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports. This significant shift in trade policy highlights the urgency for South Africa to navigate increasingly turbulent international trade waters and adapt its export strategies. In his latest newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa articulated a dual approach: not only will the government engage with the US to ensure mutually beneficial trade relations, but it will also accelerate the diversification of its export markets by boosting intra-African trade. Recognising the US as South Africa's second-largest trading partner, Ramaphosa acknowledged the measure's potential to disrupt industries heavily dependent on exports to the US, thereby affecting thousands of jobs and the country’s fiscal stability. "Our…

The government is feeding South Africa’s chickens to eagles swooping in from the United States. Not for the first time, the country’s poultry industry is being sacrificed to secure a trade deal with the US. Worse, it is happening without consultation with the industry on the details or implications of what it is proposing, or possible alternatives. No trade deal has yet been concluded, and there is little information about what South Africa is putting on the table. Yet, as it attempts to avert the 30% tariffs on all South African exports that President Donald Trump has threatened, the government is hinting at yet another blow to the country’s poultry producers. A statement by trade minister Parks Tau gave little away. Outlining what South Africa had proposed – so far…

South Africa’s biggest paper and plastics packaging business and recycler Mpact maintained its interim dividend at 30 cents a share despite lower profit as it is confident of an improved performance in the second half. This was according to financial director Hannes Snyman, who, along with CEO Bruce Strong, was interviewed at the release of the results for the six months to June 30. Underlying earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation fell by 14.5% to R625 million and operating profit lower by 25.5% to R315m. Headline earnings per share decreased to 93 cents from 128.1 cents. Strong said the lower earnings were primarily the result of persistent and lagging demand in South Africa due to the weak macroeconomic environment, traditionally lower sales in the first half in the plastics business,…

The South African automotive industry is reeling from the announcement of a potential 30% tariff on automotive exports to the United States, expected to take effect in the coming days. This move by President Donald Trump has sparked warnings from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of up to 30 000 job losses, with industry leaders voicing deep concerns over the implications for the nation’s economy. Renai Moothilal, the CEO and Executive Director of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam), on Monday said that they were deeply concerned about the potential impact on South African automotive exports to the US. “In 2024, South Africa exported R28.7 billion worth of automotive products to the US, of which R4.4 billion was attributable to automotive components,” Moothilal said.…

Motorists in Johannesburg are increasingly becoming cash cows for the city, as alarming allegations emerged that Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers are being pressured to issue a minimum of R7 000 in traffic fines per day. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the alleged quota system, denouncing it as both unethical and unlawful political interference. The party is calling on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to urgently eliminate all revenue-driven policing targets and reinstate integrity within law enforcement. Michael Sun, DA spokesperson for Community Safety, said JMPD officers are being incentivised with overtime pay, turning law enforcement into a money-making exercise instead of focusing on public safety. “To incentivise compliance with these targets, officers are reportedly provided with overtime payments, effectively transforming law enforcement into a commission-based revenue scheme. This…

Should the current board of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) be dissolved? How much did they know about corruption, questionable suspensions, and looming law enforcement actions? Did they act in the public’s interest or their own? These are the questions now surfacing following explosive allegations from a whistleblower who claims the board is engaged in a calculated cover-up, aiming to protect itself while sacrificing senior executives. In a letter sent on Sunday to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and several media houses, the whistleblower accused the PRASA board of orchestrating a strategy to “throw the CEO, CFO and Head of Legal under the bus” – even though board members themselves allegedly endorsed or approved many of the decisions now under scrutiny. “They are trying to exonerate themselves by…

Those with petrol-powered vehicles can look forward to some relief at the pumps from tomorrow, August 6, but diesel is looking set to increase by a significant margin. Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to petrol price decreases of 29 cents for 95 Unleaded and 33 cents for 93 Unleaded, while diesel prices are expected to rise by between 63 cents (50ppm) and 66 cents (500ppm). This follows July's petrol and diesel price increases of up to 55 cents and 84 cents, respectively. In the case of petrol, 95 Unleaded should recede to around R20.79 at the coast and R21.58 in Gauteng, where the slightly less expensive 93 ULP is expected to retail for R21.46. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel is predicted to reach R19.28…

Despite guaranteed job losses and negative impact on trade volumes, the impending 30% tariffs imposed by Donald Trump’s administration will not result in the total collapse of the country’s economy. This is the view of economic expert Johann Els, following a joint media briefing by ministers of trade and industry, Parks Tau and his international relations counterpart, Ronald Lamola, yesterday. Both Tau and Lamola accused Trump’s administration of negotiating in bad faith by failing to honour an agreement to sign a confidentiality agreement that had been agreed upon following a joint media briefing held at the Germiston Cici Centre, where members of the ANC NEC are gathered for a range of issues of national and international interest. As a result, South Africa is now looking to expand its trade relations…

A radio advertisement regarding new smart technology which is said to be capable of doing a health assessment by measuring blood pressure came under the spotlight by the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) following a complaint by a member of the public. The commercial features Afrikaans dialogue between “Johan” and “clever Werner” of Momentum. Werner proceeds to promote the advertiser’s new smart technology with a “selfie video”. Werner notes that this technology measures heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, and stress levels on your smartphone. The complainant submitted that smartphone applications, such as the one promoted, do not “measure” blood pressure. They can only calculate it by using data provided. It is dangerous to claim that this application can “measure” high pressure, as mistakes could lead to death, the complaint read. The…

New Zealand’s former deputy police commissioner lost the right to anonymity yesterday after he was charged with possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material. Jevon McSkimming was arrested in June and charged with eight counts of possessing objectionable material, but the courts had prevented the media from reporting his name or other details of the case. Appearing in Wellington District Court yesterday, McSkimming opted not to seek an extension of the suppression order. His lawyer, Letizea Ord, told Judge Tim Black, “there is no further application in respect of name suppression. It's accepted that it can lapse today.” He is yet to enter a plea. Asked as he left court if he had a message for the public, McSkimming said: “No.” The 52-year-old is alleged to have possessed child exploitation…

The Gauteng Department of Health will be conducting a province-wide Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign from 4 August to 12 September. The campaign targets all children aged 6 months to 15 years, regardless of their current vaccination status. Whether the road to health booklet or card is available or not, the vaccine will be given. Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to take their children to their nearest healthcare facility for vaccination or to provide written consent for vaccination at schools and early childhood development centres (crèches). Why is this campaign important? South Africa introduced the Rubella Vaccine into the national immunisation schedule in 2024, in combination with the Measles vaccine. Many children have not yet received the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine and remain vulnerable to Rubella infection. Measles and Rubella…

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is mooting the introduction of lifestyle audits in the sphere of local government. Lifestyle audits are currently not mandatory for officials and councillors in the municipalities. But, this could soon be something of the past if the statements made by Cogta minister Velenkosini Hlabisa are anything to go by. Hlabisa made his intention to introduce the lifestyle audits in municipalities when he was responding to parliamentary questions from DA MP Anna Maria van Zyl. “The department is engaging with the South African Local Government Association and the Department of Public Service and Administration to introduce lifestyle audits at municipalities. “The parties are also analysing the existing local government legislative framework to determine if it is sufficient to roll out lifestyle audits…

THE tide is turning – and at a blistering pace – for the recognition of the Palestinian statehood by a growing majority of the nations of the world. As of this year, 147 out of the 193 UN member-states officially recognize the State of Palestine. At the end of a widely publicized conference on the Middle East held in New York this week, 15 predominantly Western nations undertook to recognize the Palestinian statehood. Represented by their ministers of foreign affairs, the following countries nailed their colours to the mast, once and for all. They are: Canada, France, Australia, Ireland, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Norway, Spain, Slovenia, Malta, San Marino, Andorra, and Luxembourg. Why does this matter? It matters the most because, for far too long, the plight of the…

The emergence of recently crowned 100m world backstroke champion Pieter Coetzé as one of the best swimmers in the world right now has given the country’s medal prospects in the pool at LA 2028 a major boost. The 21-year-old Tuks psychology student in Pretoria is fresh from becoming the only man to reach the podium in all three backstroke events at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, which featured the cream of the world’s swimming talent. Coetzé powered his way to South Africa’s first medal of the championships, claiming gold in the 100m backstroke. He fought off Olympic champion Thomas Ceccon and France’s Yohann Ndoye-Brouard in the second half of the final to reach the wall in a sensationally quick new African record time of 51.85 seconds. His time was…

Will he? Won’t he? Liverpool’s attempt to sign star striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle – in a second blockbuster deal of the transfer window for the league champions – has become the trending transfer saga. By all accounts, the lethal Swedish finisher has informed the Tyneside giants that he wants out, after refusing to extend his contract, with Merseyside his preferred destination. He missed out on their recent pre-season tour of South Korea, prompting fears among Newcastle fans that they had seen the last of the lanky striker in the iconic black-and-white kit. It is clear his head has been turned by the attentions of the Reds, who have embarked on a massive spending spree expected to top €500m by the close of the window. Yet Liverpool’s recent £110m offer…

Over 30 000 jobs likely to be impacted by the unilateral US tariffs on SA products About 30 000 jobs in various sectors are likely to be impacted by the unilateral 30% import tariffs to be imposed by the United States on South African products, which is set to come into effect before the end of this week. This was announced on Monday as the government seeks to craft an export diversification strategy leaning heavily towards China's R20 billion market through the offered China-Africa Trade partnership and a special industrialisation memorandum of understanding exclusively with South Africa. Simphiwe Hamilton, the director-general of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), confirmed that thousands of jobs were on the line in a variety of industries that export goods to the…

When an employee leaves an organisation, most leaders focus on succession, handovers and HR paperwork. But behind the scenes, another risk often goes unchecked: the “shadow employee”. Retaining access to company systems long after they’ve left, these ex-staff members pose a serious cybersecurity threat that can lead to data breaches, financial loss and reputational damage, even if everyone parted ways with smiles, hugs and pizza. According to a recent study, 89% of former employees keep valid logins, while 45% retain access to confidential data after departure. Most disturbingly, almost half admitted to continuing to access company systems after leaving. “The shadow employee phenomenon is more common than many realise, particularly in organisations with high staff turnover or fragmented and cloud-based systems,” said Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist…

Ongoing shareholder troubles at JSE-listed Eastern and Central Europe property group MAS continued on Monday after its major shareholder, Prime Kapital Investments (PKI), launched a voluntary offer to acquire MAS shares not already held by it. The offer comes barely a month after MAS shareholders overturned resolutions by PKI at an extraordinary shareholder meeting regarding the sell-off of MAS’s assets and the payment of a special dividend with the proceeds. Just a week ago, a previous bidder for MAS, South African REIT Hyprop, withdrew its offer because MAS and PKI, as the main shareholder, refused to provide documents about a development joint venture (DJV) between PKI and MAS. PKI stated on Monday that their current offer is not contingent on PKI gaining control of MAS. The only condition is that…

Every August, South Africa pauses to honour the courage, strength and brilliance of its women – and in 2025, the celebration feels especially resonant as a new wave of dynamic young women reshapes the music industry with unapologetic talent and fearless creativity. From soulful vocalists to genre-bending producers and sharp-tongued lyricists, these young artists are not only creating music – they are crafting culture. Whether it is the hypnotic beats of Amapiano, the healing power of gospel or the raw truth-telling of hip hop, women are commanding the mic and shifting the narrative. They are occupying space in genres traditionally dominated by men and carving out their own identities in sonic landscapes that have long lacked their voices. Here are six rising stars whose journeys, voices and artistry deserve the…

Activists under the Progressive Forces of South Africa are calling for the repatriation of the late former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s body, as the Pretoria High Court reserves judgment on the landmark case until later this week. This follows the death of former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu on June 5 at Mediclinic Medforum in Pretoria, which has since triggered a tense standoff between his family and the Zambian government. Authorities in Zambia are pushing for the repatriation of former President Edgar Lungu’s remains for an official state funeral, a move firmly rejected by his family, who insist he be laid to rest in South Africa after failed negotiations. The dramatic court ruling was delivered just moments before a private burial was due to take place on 31 July.…

Police have confirmed the two women from Mpumalanga who were torched in July have died. The 35-year-old man arrested for the crimes will now have his charges changed from attempted murder to murder in the Emalahlenu Magistrate’s Court. On Wednesday, July 23, at about 6pm, the suspect set alight the 21-year-old mother of his children and her relative, a 23-year-old woman who allegedly intervened during the incident in Vosman. At the time of the incident, provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the two women sustained serious burn wounds and were rushed to the hospital by a member of the community. The suspect was arrested at about 9pm on the same night of the crime. The two women, who were fighting for their lives in the hospital, died at the…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed its support for the newly established Ad Hoc Committee in the South African National Assembly, tasked with investigating serious allegations of corruption, criminal syndicate infiltration, and political interference within the country’s law enforcement agencies. The committee is set to commence its work today. In a statement issued yesterday by EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, the party lauded the move as a critical step toward addressing the deep-rooted issues plaguing South Africa’s justice system. The party warned that the committee’s formation aligns with the EFF’s longstanding call for a transparent and urgent parliamentary investigation into explosive revelations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. “We welcome the National Assembly’s unanimous resolution to establish this committee, as a necessary first step in unearthing the rot…

Former President Jacob Zuma’s legal team has issued a scathing letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding answers over recent executive decisions, the withdrawal of several key announcements, and his immediate resignation for allegedly breaching the Constitution. In a sharply worded statement, KMNS Inc. Attorneys, acting for Zuma as a taxpayer and concerned, accuse Ramaphosa of “increasingly obscure” and “unconstitutional” conduct relating to high-level government appointments and an ongoing judicial inquiry. This comes as the Constitutional Court unanimously dismissed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party case against Ramaphosa’s decision to place Mchunu on leave. The attorneys fired questions aimed at exposing the rationale behind recent decisions, particularly the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police, and the formation of a commission chaired by the Acting Deputy Chief Justice to…

The National Police Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, is in Lesotho, meeting the Police Chief, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, after claims of Basotho-styled military training camps in South Africa. The one-day meeting is under way in Maseru and follows claims by Lesotho authorities in who insisted they had credible information about Basotho undergoing military-style training in certain farms within South Africa, as part of the growing campaign to fight for the contentious land in South Africa’s provinces. The claimed land included parts of the Free State, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. General Masemola is leading a delegation of senior officials from various government departments under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure(NATJOINTS). The delegation of senior officials from South Africa includes the…

Researchers from Ohio State University have found that people who live by the ocean tend to live longer than those who don’t, especially when compared to those living in urban areas near rivers or lakes. While many South Africans already seek out coastal properties for lifestyle or leisure, the findings offer scientific backing to the idea that living near the sea could be as beneficial for your health as a balanced diet or regular exercise. Published in the journal Health & Place, the study analysed data from more than 66 000 people, looking specifically at the connection between proximity to bodies of water – referred to as “blue spaces” – and life expectancy. The results showed that people living by the coast were expected to live a year or…

Poor administration, corruption, and illegal invasions have severely undermined the integrity of the K206 housing development in Alexandra, leaving many intended beneficiaries frustrated and helpless. Despite being a government-sponsored project designed to provide subsidised housing and promote income generation through rental units, K206 has not achieved its main objectives; instead, it has become a source of confusion, social conflict, and loss of dignity for rightful beneficiaries. This was revealed during a DA oversight visit in Gauteng, prompted by public complaints and the ongoing failure of the City of Johannesburg’s (COJ) Department of Human Settlements to act. Despite being the custodian of the project launched in 2010 under the Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP), the department has failed to address the deepening crisis. Many residents expressed outrage at the lack of transparency…

On Saturday, August 2, the MMC for Housing and Human Settlement, joined by Ward 89 Councillor, Tshepo Malefane, returned to Marry Me Informal Settlement in Soshanguve to provide an update on the formalisation of the informal settlement. The meeting follows the Community Imbizo that was held on 26 March and a follow-up that was held on 15 April. During the community meeting, residents were informed of the following update: 1. 3 208 households were identified and registered during the shack-marking process, and new structures have been erected, leading to further land invasion. The new shacks have been built outside the boundaries of Portion 15 of the farm Wentzelrust 223 JR, owned by the City. 2. Residents were discouraged from building new shacks outside the borders of the informal settlement, as…

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has remained diplomatic amid growing uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile and Khuliso Mudau following their absence from Sunday’s MTN8 quarter-final clash. The Brazilians powered their way into the semi-finals with a commanding 4-0 win over Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium. A brace from Iqraam Rayners, a stunner from teenage prodigy Siyabonga Mabena, and a deflected own goal by Simphiwe Mcineka, ensured Downs continued their winning start under the Portuguese tactician. Their reward? A two-legged semi-final tie against fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, with Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United set to contest the other side of the draw. But despite the emphatic display, much of the post-match discussion centred around the notable omissions from the matchday squad. Shalulile, Ribeiro…

JOHANNESBURG - It would have taken someone with strong convictions to have placed a bet against Laura Wolvaardt walking away empty-handed from the recent Cricket SA Awards. The Proteas Women’s captain has been a perennial winner at the annual end of season ‘Oscars’ since her international debut whilst still a schoolgirl at Parklands College almost a decade ago now. Wolvaardt, along with star allrounder Marizanne Kapp, had to look on as a new brigade of Proteas such as Nonkululeko Mlaba, who claimed four prizes on the night including the coveted SA Women’s Cricketer of the Year, and Annerie Dercksen (ODI Player of the Year) stole the spotlight. But instead of being disappointed about missing out on personnel accolades, Wolvaardt was excited by the youthful energy being infused into the Proteas…