Table of contents for 2025-10-06 in Star

The Public Investment Corporation board said in a statement it has resolved to place its chief investment officer (CIO), Kabelo Rikhotso, on precautionary suspension, with immediate effect. Rikhotso’s suspension follows allegations of misconduct that were levelled against him through a whistleblower report. "Effected in line with applicable labour legislation and internal PIC policies and procedures, the suspension is intended to ensure a fair, objective and independent investigation into these allegations. The suspension does not, in any way, constitute a finding nor is it a pronouncement of any wrongdoing on the part of the CIO," the PIC said. In the interim and to ensure continuity, August van Heerden, chief risk officer, has been appointed as acting chief investment officer. The PIC said it remains firmly committed to the highest standards of…

as Postbank fights with Sassa The South African Postbank has taken issue with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) over what it describes as a unilateral decision to extend their Master Service Agreement (MSA) by three months, arguing that the matter should instead be determined by a Ministerial Inter-Governmental Committee (IMC) directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Last week, Sassa announced a three-month extension to the notice period for the termination of the MSA with Postbank, saying the move would provide “time and space” for the executive authority to deliberate on issues between the two entities and offer guidance. However, Postbank maintains that the decision undermines a presidential directive made after a high-level meeting between the parties and the Presidency, where it was agreed that an IMC would be established…

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) has announced that all pesticide registration applications will move to a fully digital system by April 2026, marking a major step in modernising agricultural regulation and improving efficiency across the sector. In a statement last week, the department said the transition follows years of preparation to replace the manual, paper-based registration system that has long frustrated applicants seeking approval for products such as insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, and rodenticides. The registration and sale of these products are governed by the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947), which requires the department to assess, register, and monitor all agricultural remedies used in South Africa. “Previously, applicants had to travel to DoA offices to file paperwork manually, a lengthy and…

On Tuesday, workers will mark the International Day for Decent Work. In South Africa, workers led by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and its affiliates, will hold activities in all provinces, from marches in Cape Town to pickets in Mpumalanga, to raise the plight of millions and place a spotlight on the call for decent work. The International Day of Decent Work is a rallying point for the trade union movement to push employers and governments to do more to improve the working and living conditions of the working class. South African workers across economic sectors and workplaces have seen substantial improvements in their working and living conditions since the dark days of apartheid, and more especially since the democratic breakthrough of 1994 when workers’ rights…

Amazon.com’s cloud-computing business has helped propel its shares for almost two decades, but increasing pressure from rivals like Microsoft and Oracle is sapping some of the stock’s appeal. The proliferation of artificial intelligence has led to an explosion of demand for cloud hyperscalers, where Amazon Web Services has the biggest market share. It’s followed by Microsoft’s Azure and Alphabet’s Google Cloud Platform, with Oracle’s huge growth suggesting there’s a fourth major player on the field. CoreWeave Inc. is also garnering investor attention. The scope of Amazon’s challenge becomes clear in its dwindling stock market valuation. At roughly 25 times expected earnings over the next 12 months compared with 27 times for the Nasdaq 100 Index, Amazon is close to its biggest discount to the tech-heavy benchmark on record. Oracle,…

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a good, mysterious thriller, and Netflix’s Wayward delivers on all those fronts and more. It is written and created by Mae Martin, who also stars in the main role – a trans man Alex, who returns to his pregnant partner Laura’s home town of Tall Pines. The eight-episode series, set in 2003, explores themes of LGBTQIA+, self-acceptance, coming-of-age, cult ideology and mind control in a small town. We soon learn that there is a prison-like institution in the town for troubled teens called Tally Pines Academy. It is run by Evelyn Wade, who appears in every sense to be less of a principal and more of a menacing cult leader. She is played by the quite brilliant Toni Collette and her performance alone makes…

The University of South Africa (Unisa) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Concert, transforming the ZK Matthews Great Hall into a celebration of African musical excellence. This year’s concert, themed “The Year of the Voice,” marked the culmination of Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula’s first term and drew an audience of dignitaries from the diplomatic corps, academia, cultural institutions, government, and industry. In her opening remarks, Prof Lenka- Bula welcomed guests with a deep sense of pride and reflection: The concert featured an extraordinary fusion of African musical heritage and classical performance, with a particular highlight being the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of isiXhosa compositions, beautifully arranged for full symphonic ensemble. This bold and historic moment placed African language and musical identity on the classical stage. “Sharing our cultural…

The family of slain whistle-blower, Babita Deokaran, is disappointed and shocked by the findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report that more than R2 billion was looted from Tembisa Hospital. Deokaran, who was a Gauteng Department of Health official, uncovered about R850 million in suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital and was killed in August 2021 for exposing this corruption which implicates at least 15 current and former employees. The six men accused of her murder were sentenced earlier this year, but the mastermind behind the hit has not been caught. Deokaran’s brother-in-law, Bishop Tony Haripersadh, said it has been difficult for the family, who still struggles to find closure since her death. He believes that the authorities and law enforcement are not concerned about finding the mastermind behind…

An ANC councillor, sought for the murder of a fellow councillor in uMlazi in KZN, was reportedly advised by an attorney to evade the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) police officers. Concurrently, a senior crime intelligence officer directed one of the coun- cillor’s bodyguards to steal the lawyer’s car in which the councillor was, enabling him to escape arrest by the PKTT. This was revealed by Magistrate JackieJonck, who has since convicted Officer Thulani Obed Thango for defeating justice by helping former eThekwini councillor Mthokozisi Nojiyeza evade arrest for a few hours on December 21, 2018. Nojiyeza was wanted for the murder of uMlazi councillor Sibusiso Maphumulo. PKTT sergeant Sizwe Sokhela testified in the Durban Magistrate’s Court that on December 21, they obtained a warrant of arrest for Nojiyeza. After…

Build One SA (Bosa), the GOOD Party, and RISE Mzansi have announced their unification under a single banner, Unite for Change – a new political party aiming to transform South African politics ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. This historic consolidation signals a major shift in the political landscape. The three parties have now joined forces to offer voters an alternative to the status quo. In an announcement in Johannesburg yesterday, Unite for Change promised “one name, one platform, and one purpose,” stating that it will contest the 2026 municipal elections as a unified movement. The new party will be registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and is actively welcoming like-minded political parties, civil society groups, and individuals to join the initiative. “This is not a…

Eskom reported an average of 9 534MW in unplanned outages in the past week. To put it in perspective, this is roughly the same as the combined output of Medupi and Kusile power stations at full capacity. According to Eskom, the outages are a “significant improvement” from last year and come despite ongoing work under its Generation Recovery Plan. The plan aims to improve plant reliability and reduce unplanned breakdowns. The parastatal also said it was optimistic there would be no immediate load shedding, at least not before April next year. Eskom announced this in a statement on Friday. The utility said the month-to-date Energy Availability Factor, or EAF, stands at 70.45%. It said it reflected “consistent gains in plant reliability and a reduction in unplanned outages – key to…

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx was at a loss for words when asked to describe what the back-to-back Rugby Championship titles means to the side. The double World Cup winner was at the centre of the Boks’ devastating scrum and commanding lineouts that provided the platform for the 29-27 victory. He also scored two crucial tries, one in the corner right after halftime, that brought South Africa back into the game. The score in the corner, off the back of a strong rolling, gave the world champions the lead for the first time in the game after trailing in the first forty. “It still feels surreal. “I don’t know how to quite express my feelings,” Marx said after the win. “I am extremely grateful for everything that has happened over the…

KAIZER Chiefs are a club in a crisis. The drama surrounding the recent departure of coach Nasreddine Nabi has now escalated with Chiefs being dumped out of the Carling Knockout Cup by 10-man Stellenbosch FC 5-4 on penalties in dramatic circumstances at the DHL Stadium on Sunday. Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who was brought in for the in-form Brandon Petersen due to squad rotation, was called to be substituted moments before the penalty shootout with Bruce Bvuma on the touchline ready to come on. But Ntwari, in similar fashion to when former Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga infamously resisted Maurizio Sarri's attempt to substitute him late in extra time of the English Carabao Cup final, refused assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef’s call. The blatant act of defiance saw Bvuma return…

Erling Haaland extended his blistering start to the season as the Manchester City striker sealed a 1-0 win at Brentford on Sunday. Haaland netted early in the first half in west London to give City their third win in their last four Premier League games. The peerless 25-year-old already has 12 goals in nine appearances in all competitions this season, plus six in two matches for Norway, with Tottenham the only team to have stopped him scoring in the current campaign. Thanks largely to Haaland’s predatory instincts, City survived a second-half dip to move into fifth place in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s sides are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions since losing at Brighton in August. City still trail leaders Arsenal by three points but go…

A new White Paper has outlined detailed plans for the development of the Port of Gauteng, a massive inland logistics hub designed to relieve pressure on South Africa’s congested Durban–Gauteng Freight Corridor and transform the country’s freight transport landscape. The document, released at the start of Transport Month, marks a key milestone for the R50 billion project — one of South Africa’s largest private-sector infrastructure initiatives. Developer Francois Nortje said the Port of Gauteng aims to become Africa’s most advanced inland trade gateway, addressing chronic inefficiencies in the national logistics system while creating more than 50 000 permanent jobs. “This premier trade gateway is set to transform Africa’s freight transport landscape by addressing critical inefficiencies in South Africa’s logistics system, while generating over 50 000 permanent employment opportunities and substantially…

Heavily subsidised sugar from countries including Brazil and India is currently displacing locally grown sugar from local suppliers, and this is putting thousands of South African jobs at risk. South African growers produce enough sugarcane that can be processed to supply all of our country’s sugar needs, but for every ton of imported sugar in South Africa, local growers lose a significant amount of income, threatening to lead to job losses and devastation in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal's rural economies. In just June and July this year, 90 000 tons of sugar were imported, leading to a loss of R684 million in revenue for the South African sugar industry. This means that local growers have less to invest in their operations, to pay wages, and to support their local rural communities.…

South Africa has now crossed more than 140 consecutive days without loadshedding. For many, this represents a reprieve, a breathing space after years of rolling blackouts that drained an estimated 3 percent of GDP annually and eroded investor confidence across every sector of the economy. It is also a signal to markets that reform and improvement are possible, though still fragile. Yet the Supreme Court of Appeal’s recent decision to overturn Eskom’s authorisation for a 3 000 MW gas plant at Richards Bay is a reminder that our energy future remains exposed. The court did not reject gas as an energy pathway. It rejected the procedural and governance shortcomings that shaped the project. This points directly to South Africa’s central dilemma: why, in a continent rich with gas reserves and…

Tharisa, the JSE and London stock exchange listed mining and metals company, said transitional capital for its dual underground development project over 10 terms would likely come to $547 million (R9.42 billion). The company said on Friday in an update of its underground mining expansion plans for its flagship Tharisa open-pit mine near Rustenburg, that this capital was expected to be financed by internal cash and external funding lines, utilising balance sheet flexibility. The update was provided as the basis for a presentation to investors on the day. “The phased approach to portal development enables early access to reef, with the bord and pillar design supporting safe, cost-effective ramp-up and long-term operational efficiency. As we continue to innovate with purpose, we are setting the benchmark for multiple generations to come,”…

The long-awaited season 7 of The Kardashians is finally here, and it’s packed with excitement. Set to premiere on October 23 on Disney+, this new season promises to deliver all the drama and fun that fans have come to love, along with some surprise appearances. Get ready for familiar faces like Glenn Close and Sarah Paulson, plus a special cameo from Rob Kardashian, who hasn’t graced our screens in eight years. The recently released trailer gives us a peek into what’s coming up, and one of the biggest surprises? Caitlyn Jenner is back. After a five-year break from the family’s antics, she makes a memorable entrance, waving her arms and greeting everyone as she visits the Kardashian-Jenner clan. “Oh my God!” says Kris Jenner at Caitlyn’s arrival. Meanwhile, Kendall Jenner…

ActionSA’s newly announced Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, has identified several critical issues he plans to address if elected mayor. These include maladministration, the high crime rate, corruption, and pervasive drug problems within the community. Khumalo is vying for the mayorship of a city that houses Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, the busiest one in Africa and which is frequently in the news as a major transit point for drug trafficking. Over the years, the police have seized drugs and arrested scores of people trying to bring drugs into the country or smuggle items illegally. Khumalo is being positioned as a bold alternative to traditional politics ahead of the local government elections. Can he succeed where others failed? Speaking to The Star, Khumalo described his mayoral candidacy as “a great…

The family of the late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, says the involvement of five South African police investigators in the probe into his death brings them hope that no stone will be left unturned in finding out what happened to their loved one. The five officers, whom Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, described as seasonal, departed for France on Saturday to join the probe currently into the former minister’s death conducted by the French police. The Mthethwa family rejects the French authority’s official report that Mthethwa committed suicide by jumping to his death from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris on September 30, 2025. His body was discovered on the pavement outside the 137m-tall Hyatt Regency Hotel, where he had reportedly checked in. A police media statement…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has, over the past two weeks, lifted the veil on a deeply entrenched web of corruption and collusion within South Africa’s criminal justice system. Allegations of political sabotage and state capture have sent shockwaves through the nation, revealing how high-ranking law enforcement officials, politicians, and criminal syndicates have allegedly conspired to undermine the very fabric of justice. President Cyril Ramaphosa established the commission following alarm-ing allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and in the wake of claims regarding political interference in law enforcement and the alleged protection of criminal networks, with accusations reaching as far as the judiciary. The commission started on September 17 with Mkhwanazi appearing as the first witness, where he accused the suspended police minister of disbanding a task…

The South African Medical Association (Sama) has ended its relationship with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA). Sama said it had reviewed its relationship with the IMA and decided to immediately suspend all professional and bilateral contacts. It also asked that the IMA be suspended from the World Medical Association (WMA) until it makes meaningful changes. Sama’s decision comes in response to escalating conflict in Gaza and the detaining of activists aboard a flotilla that was trying to deliver humanitarian aid on Thursday. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which included ships carrying medicine, food, and protestors, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. More than 40 vessels were involved, and many of the passengers have been detained. South Africa’s government, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, hascondemned the interception as a violation of…

Thirteen years after 220 000 spectators gathered at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, the dream of human flight is soaring back to South African shores. On November 2, fifty teams will launch their wildly creative flying machines from a 6m-high platform, transforming the iconic waterfront into a theatre of imagination, engineering, and pure South African spirit. Red Bull Flugtag took flight in 1992 in Vienna, Austria, when daring pioneers jumped out of planes with homemade flying machines powered by nothing more than cardboard, creativity, and courage. It’s thrilled over a million fans in over 50 nations ever since, including 220 000 fans in Cape Town on December 9, 2012. With Red Bull Flugtag’s return to SA, 50 teams represent a remarkable cross-section of the Rainbow Nation. From the townships of Cape…

Legendary Blue Bulls flyhalf Naas Botha famously said: “The Currie Cup isn’t won in May.” Equally ,World Cups aren’t lost in the opening game, ask Argentina’s football maestro Lionel Messi, which is why the Proteas Women’s team will attempt to move on quickly from their embarrassing tournament opener when they face New Zealand in Indore on Monday. If there are any positives to take from being bowled out for a record-low 69, before being thrashed by 10 wickets with 215 balls remaining, is the simple fact that it can’t get any worse. “I think because it’s such a long tournament, I think for us as a team and also as a batting unit, it’s just to accept what has happened,” said Proteas wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta, who was the only Proteas…

While the Springboks clinched back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time on Saturday afternoon at Twickenham in London, the way they scraped through against Argentina shows there's still plenty of work to be done. Despite losing two games in the tournament, they held their nerve at Twickenham to beat Argentina 29-27, making history under head coach Rassie Erasmus. Thanks to their powerful scrum and rolling mauls, the Boks found their attacking rhythm in the second half, scoring three tries to take the game away from the Pumas. A desperately needed try was also rounded off late in the first half to kick-start the Boks’ fightback. Erasmus stated that while they were pleased with the victory and reaffirming their position in the southern hemisphere, they recognise that hard work lies…

As Mamelodi Sundowns licked their wounds following their Carling Knockout Cup exit, head coach Miguel Cardoso reflected on a tumultuous night after his side suffered a heart-wrenching defeat against Marumo Gallants on Saturday. The first-round clash at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium was fiercely contested, with Sundowns battling not only their opponents but also the misfortune of finishing the game with 10 players. Portuguese debutant Miguel Reisinho, brought on in the 79th minute to bolster Sundowns’ midfield, was sent off just six minutes later for a reckless challenge on Gallants’ Siyabonga Nhlapo. After the match, Cardoso addressed the incident, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football. “Look, those moments happen; unfortunately, we have to go so long without one player, but it’s football. What we expect is that he aligns with…

Major poultry producer Astral Foods has welcomed the Competition Commission’s Poultry Market Inquiry (PMI), saying it provides an important opportunity for constructive engagement on the structure and competitiveness of South Africa’s poultry value chain. In a statement on Friday, the JSE-listed company said it supported the inquiry’s objectives and would use the platform to highlight the role of integrated poultry production in strengthening food security and driving sustainable employment. Astral emphasised that the PMI “is not an investigation into anti-competitive behaviour,” but rather an assessment of how the market functions and whether any structural issues distort competition. "Astral will, as a listed poultry producer, engage constructively with the inquiry process. Astral will also participate as a member of the industry body, SAPA," said CEO Gary Arnold. "Astral will continue to…

The 4th Annual B Lab Africa Summit has heard that the continent is increasingly ready to take action to mitigate against climate change, provided solutions are African-led and tailored to local realities. Africa remains the continent hardest hit by the impacts of climate change despite contributing just 4% of global carbon emissions. Africa requires an estimated $277 billion annually until 2030 to implement climate solutions. Speaking during the Summit on Thursday, B Lab Africa CEO Lucy Muiga pointed to Africa’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit as key assets in addressing the climate crisis. “Is Africa ready? Yes. Do we still have a long way to go? Yes, but the solutions for Africa are with Africans,” Muiga said. “The question before us is not whether Africa can rise…

South African financial markets had one of their most positive months since Covid last month. The uncertainty in the US due to surging inflation against unemployment that remain under pressure not only boosted precious metal prices, the Rand and bonds, but also increased the expectations of another US rate with the expected US non-farm payrolls that was to be published on Friday. The All Share index on the JSE recorded record levels for four consecutive weeks up to October 3, 2025. Last week the index increased by 3 008 points, or 2.9%, breaking easily through the 108 000 and 109 000 levels for the first time, testing the 110 000 level at the close (109 778). From the beginning of the year the index is up by 28.5%. All the…

Africa’s oil and gas industry could be entering a new era of exploration, underpinned by breakthroughs in seismic imaging, enhanced subsurface datasets, and faster permitting processes, according to experts speaking at Africa Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 in Cape Town. Emmanuelle Garinet, Vice President of Exploration Africa at TotalEnergies, said advances in seismic and subsurface technologies were transforming the continent’s exploration outlook, particularly in frontier basins such as Namibia. “When we decided to drill the Venus well, it was frontier, but we had a probability of success of more than 50% because of the seismic data and direct hydrocarbon indicators,” Garinet said. She noted that Namibia’s success illustrates how modern data tools can reduce exploration risk and unlock new hydrocarbon provinces. In the Republic of Congo, she…

The Good Party has welcomed the Gauteng High Court ruling which dismissed an application by the South African government to delay the R167 million constitutional damages case brought by families of victims and survivors of apartheid era crimes. On Friday, the High Court in Pretoria ruled in favour of a group of survivors and families of victims of apartheid-era crimes, who, together with the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), had brought a case against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government’s application to indefinitely postpone or stay the R167 m constitutional damages claim case. The case was launched by the group in January this year, with the victory coming more than 20 years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommended that hundreds of apartheid era atrocities required further investigations and…

Three psychiatrists from Sterkfontein psychiatric hospital rejected claims by double murderer Zaheera Boomgaard that she “hears voices” in her head and according to them, she is psychologically sound to face her punishment. Boomgaard, 62, was back in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria on Friday following a stint in the psychiatric hospital. She is due to be sentenced at this stage for the deaths of two elderly people, both in their 70s. They are Jamnadas Harkant Nathvani, a British national whose body was badly burnt, as well as that of her friend, Lynette Mustapha, whose body was also badly burnt. She met Nathvani on an online site and he came to South Africa to visit her. Mustapha and Boomgaard meanwhile met at church. Both bodies were found near a road in…

The EFF, South Africa’s prominent opposition party, could be on the brink of serious internal turmoil after party leader Julius Malema was found guilty of the illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public. Presiding Magistrate Twanet Olivier handed down the verdict on Wednesday, and sentencing has been postponed to January next year. The charges relate to an incident during the party’s fifth anniversary celebrations in 2018 in the Eastern Cape province. The offences carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, placing Malema’s political future and that of the EFF under intense scrutiny. Malema’s former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was charged alongside him, was acquitted. Since its founding in 2013, the EFF has been synonymous with Malema’s leadership and fiery rhetoric. Analysts warn the party may…

Siyavuya Khaya At first glance, My World, My Way is a beautifully illustrated children’s book. But within its gentle pages lies a powerful mission – one born from heartbreak, resilience, and an unwavering love of a mother determined to shift the narrative around autism. Friends and family of first-time author Lisa Witten gathered at Erin Hall in Rondebosch to celebrate the official launch of her book My World, My Way last week. The mother of two never imagined she’d be writing a book that would serve as a bridge between misunderstood children and the world around them. But her daughter Mila, now 8, had other plans. Diagnosed with autism at just 18 months, Mila’s early years were filled with confusing meltdowns, unanswered questions, and a deafening silence from a society…

The Chateau Avery Bishop Narrated by Christine Lakin Audible Originals FEW audiobooks grab your attention as quickly – or hold it as tightly – as The Chateau by Avery Bishop. Released in August as part of the Audible Originals collection, this seven-hour thriller wastes no time pulling listeners into a gripping story set against the backdrop of a luxurious mountain resort. With sharp pacing and an atmosphere thick with tension, it’s the kind of story that keeps you hooked from the first chapter. The plot follows newlyweds Nina and Michael Carr, who are looking forward to a peaceful minimoon at an exclusive retreat in the Catskill Mountains. But their romantic escape takes a dark turn when the body of a young woman is found near the…

Hugo Broos’s pre-weekend worries could well have been realised, with two of Bafana Bafana’s key players failing to complete their club matches. The silver-haired Belgian had openly expressed concerns ahead of the Carling Knockout first-round fixtures, even questioning the necessity of South Africa’s League Cup. “This has nothing to do with superstitions,” he said, laughing off suggestions about the final World Cup qualifier against Rwanda being at Mbombela Stadium – the site of the 2011 ‘Dance of Shame’ when Bafana celebrated qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, only to later learn they had not qualified. “But I am worried because there are still games. Yes, the risk is there that on Saturday and Sunday we might have injured players.” Before Sunday’s matches, there were already two injury concerns. Orlando…

The Lions slumped towards the bottom of the United Rugby Championship points table on Sunday when they lost to the team that usually occupies that sad position — Zebre — who snatched a 22-20 win in Parma. The Lions lost 33-20 to Cardiff last week, and this latest result means they have now lost three matches in a row, going back to the Currie Cup final defeat to Griquas. Last year, the Lions started strongly in the URC before losing their way and failing to qualify for the play-offs — something they have never achieved. So is this to be another year of sorrow for their fans? To be fair, the team from northern Italy are hardly the pushovers they once were. They have been building nicely for two years…

The feisty relationship between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris came to a head at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, overshadowing McLaren clinching their second consecutive constructors’ championship. Piastri was left fuming after Norris made a superb start from fifth on the grid and forced his way past in the opening complex of bends. Sparks flew as the McLaren teammates collided wheel to wheel, with Norris going on to finish third and Piastri fourth. “So, are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way there?” Piastri complained on his team radio. Norris denied he had been too aggressive in an incident that could have put both cars out of the race. “I think if you fault me for putting my car on the inside of a big…