Table of contents for 2025-10-09 in Star

The Minerals Council South Africa has reiterated its warning that the proposed Minerals Amendment Bill, in its current form, could undermine the sector’s ability to attract investment, create jobs and stimulate growth. The 2025 Mineral Resources Development Amendment Bill (MRDB), published for public comment on May 20, proposes significant amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) of 2002. The draft law seeks to formalise artisanal mining, strengthen environmental and community consultation, promote mineral beneficiation, and enhance regulatory certainty for investors. Among the proposed changes are a new licensing regime for small-scale mining, clearer definitions for “community” and “interested and affected parties,” and tougher enforcement mechanisms. The Bill also addresses associated minerals, historic mine dumps, and suggests that petroleum resources may be separated into their own legislation. Speaking…

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have said that Eskom workers are preparing to demand a 15% wage increase, along with higher housing and other allowances, ahead of the upcoming round of salary negotiations with the power utility. NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu confirmed that formal wage talks had not yet begun but said preparations were underway. “The wage negotiations haven't yet started," Mammburu said on Wednesday. The wage talks come as Eskom returns to profitability for the first time in eight years, reporting a R23.9 billion profit before tax in its latest financial results — a sharp turnaround from the R25.5bn loss the previous year. This marked the first return to profitability since the 2017 financial year. Economists have cautioned that a 15% wage hike is unrealistic and unaffordable for…

South Africa’s agricultural machinery market continued its upward momentum in September, signalling renewed confidence among farmers and a broadly positive outlook for the 2024–25 production season. Data from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) shows that 758 tractors were sold in September, up almost 15% from 660 units in the same month last year. Year-to-date tractor sales are now 22% higher than in 2024. While combine harvester sales slipped to eight units in September from 17 units a year ago, cumulative sales for 2025 remain 17% ahead of last year’s pace. "Winter crop predictions, with the exception of barley, are marginally up on last year," said Willie Human, chairperson of SAAMA. "Looking ahead, weather predictions are that a weak La Niña will affect summer and winter cropping areas in…

Advertising has always been about being seen. Yet the uncomfortable truth is that most ads online are not. The latest wave of attention research from Karen Nelson-Field’s Amplified and Connect (part of The Up&Up Group, Africa’s largest independent group of creative companies) shows that up to 80% of digital ads never register with a human audience. For years, the industry has comforted itself with tons of funnel impressions, as if buying them guaranteed impact. What we now know, and probably what you always suspected, is that viewability does not equal attention. This gap is more than a technicality. It is costing brands globally an estimated $200-billion a year. Worse still, it is not just wasted spend. When people half-see an ad or scroll past it too quickly, their brains often…

Alphamin Resources Corporation has announced a robust 26% increase in tin production for the third quarter leading up to the end of September. The company, which operates the Bisie Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is listed on the JSE AltX and the Canadian TSXV markets, reported on Wednesday a total output of 5 190 tons of tin over the quarter, aligning closely with its target of 5 000 tons. As a result of the strong production performance, Alphamin has raised its annual production guidance for the financial year 2025, now projecting output between 18 000 and 18 500 tons. This revision marks an increase from the previous forecast of 17 000 to 18 000 tons, reflecting the company’s optimistic outlook following operational improvements. In terms of…

If you’ve been hearing the term “slay queen” tossed around on TikTok, Instagram, or local chat shows, here’s the lowdown. The term originally emerged in popular culture to describe women who use fashion, social media and charm to navigate the social and economic landscape, often flaunting designer clothes, hairstyles and lifestyles to make an impact. You know, slaying! Now, Showmax brings this phenomenon to the screen. The original series Slay Queens, premiering on October 31 with new episodes every Friday, dives deep into the lives behind the label. It explores the glamour, ambition and grit of slay queens themselves, alongside the men who orbit this world. Ballers, as they’re sassy-ly known, give audiences a full picture of the social, cultural and economic ecosystem that fuels this lifestyle. DJ and influencer…

Calls are mounting for the South African government to act tough against the Israeli government following the return of activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. The mission was recently intercepted by Israeli naval forces. On their return, these activists urged the South African government and the international community to escalate their efforts in imposing sanctions against the Israeli government. The six activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, were abducted in international waters while on their way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. As scores gathered to welcome them, the group was treated to a hero’s welcome as pro-Palestine supporters turned up in their numbers to welcome them back from the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday morning. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Jared Sacks, one of the…

In a move bringing relief to thousands of Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber has extended the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) until May 28, 2027. The announcement was formalized through the Minister’s Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025, seen by IOL, and affects approximately 180,000 ZEP holders living in South Africa. The ZEP programme, first introduced in 2017, was designed to regularize the status of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa under the previous Zimbabwean Dispensation Permit. However, in December 2021, the Department of Home Affairs announced the discontinuation of ZEP, giving holders until December 31, 2022, to transition to other visa categories. That decision faced legal challenges, and in 2023, the Johannesburg High Court ruled that the termination of ZEP had been unlawful,…

The EFF has written to Mzwandile Masina, chair of Parliament’s Trade and Industry Committee, raising concern over Minister Gayton McKenzie’s meeting with fashion giant SHEIN during South Africa Focus Week in Singapore. The EFF questioned the meeting's appropriateness, stressing that it appeared to encroach on the jurisdiction of the DTIC and the Department of Small Business Development. According to the party, the discussions touched on market access, manufacturing partnerships, and investment frameworks - areas traditionally overseen by the DTIC. “While collaboration with international partners in creative and sports industries can bring opportunities, this engagement raises serious issues regarding ministerial authority and alignment with South Africa’s trade and industrial priorities,” the EFF said. The party highlighted that such discussions must be conducted within a properly coordinated process led by the DTIC.…

One of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists who was detained by Israeli forces en route to Gaza has described being denied medication, food, and access to a doctor, along with experiencing humiliation, physical violence, and sleep deprivation while in custody. The group of six activists was detained by Israeli authorities last week while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. They returned to South Africa on Wednesday, landing at OR Tambo International Airport to a warm welcome. Supporters of the South African participants gathered in large numbers at the airport, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs that read, “Welcome Home.” From young children to elderly citizens, the crowd sang songs and chanted in solidarity as they awaited the activists’ arrival. Ciarrie Shelver, originally from Johannesburg, but based in Geneva where…

Students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) say their residence meals are sometimes raw, mouldy, expired or crawling with insects. So bad is the situation that many students said they no longer trust the food they are served. IOL reported on the issue last week. The report carried complaints from students who said the food served in catered residences often fell short of basic safety standards. Since then, more students have come forward, sharing photos and personal experiences. UCT has more than 10 dining halls across its campus, serving thousands of students each day. “I’ve been living at this catered residence for nearly two years now and I’ve had enough,” one student wrote on Reddit. “I don’t mind if the food is bland or inconsistent with the menu. “But…

South Africa’s new vehicle sales surge continued in September, with a lofty volume of 54 700 units recorded by Naamsa. Not only is this 24.3% higher than the same month last year, but it’s also the highest monthly figure recorded since September 2015. Passenger vehicle sales rose by 28.0% year-on-year to 38 603 units, the segment’s highest volume since October 2014. Buoyant rental sales played a key role here, accounting for 20.1% of the passenger car volume. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies, gained 19.7% versus September 2024. However, medium commercial vehicles were down by 1.9%, while the heavies saw their volume increase by 5.9%. 80.1% of new vehicle sales took place through the dealer channels in September, Naamsa said, followed by rental sales (15.2%), corporate fleets (2.7%) and government sales…

“IND-YAAA, IND-YAAA!” This is the chant that will reverberate around Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VCDA Cricket Stadium whenever Smriti Mandhana elegantly strokes the ball through the covers. Drums will beat, trumpets and whistles blown, flags waved, and grown men fully painted in the tri-colours will create a cacophony of noise that the Proteas Women have yet to encounter. Facing India, in a World Cup, at home, is simply a different beast to any other challenge, but one the Proteas are looking to embrace. “It’s always a challenge, but I think it's also nice,” Proteas allrounder Nadine de Klerk said on the eve of this mouth-watering World Cup clash. “I think we were here last year, and it was also quite a big crowd. So, I think it's a nice thing…

Former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes ego and club rivalry prevented the Three Lions from winning international tournaments during his time as a player. Branded a “golden generation”, Gerrard was part of an immensely talented squad that failed to get beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament under a number of different managers. The 45-year-old, who won 114 international caps, led Liverpool to the Champions League in 2005. Manchester United’s crop of England stars, including the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney and the Chelsea contingent of Ashley Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard also enjoyed Premier League and Champions League success at club level. But Gerrard said those club divisions prevented England from gelling as a team. “We were all egotistical losers,” Gerrard told…

Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos is a forthright man. It’s a characteristic that has earned him the respect of both his players and the often-fickle South African media during his time in the country. Earlier this week, Broos issued a public warning to Sundowns duo Jayden Adams and Fawaaz Basadien that their lack of gametime at the Betway Premiership champions will negatively affect their chances of making the trip to Morocco for AFCON at the end of the year. Broos has already shown his hand by not including the pair in recent Bafana squads competing in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Belgian-born coach stressed: “For players, it’s important that you play, and not directly where you play. But you have to play, and this is not the case…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has announced a R1.35 billion funding allocation to support early-stage mining opportunities across South Africa and the rest of the African continent. The largest asset manager in Africa with over R3 trillion in assets under management said on Wednesday that this move was aimed at boosting exploration, supporting the just energy transition, and driving inclusive economic growth. The PIC said the funding will target mining projects that are well advanced — from post-scoping to bankable feasibility study (BFS) stage — providing critical capital at a stage often considered too risky for traditional investors. According to the PIC, the strategic allocation will enable it to back the growth of South Africa’s mining sector through indirect investments, primarily via private equity, venture capital, specialist mining funds, and…

A new private-sector proposal has reignited debate about how South Africa might simplify transformation. The concept is simple: companies pay 3% of gross revenue in exchange for automatic Level 3 B-BBEE status — a neat alternative to the complex scorecard system. On paper, it sounds practical. The model offers predictability, reduces red tape and could channel significant funding into the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC) proposed Transformation Fund. For small and mid-sized businesses, particularly those with turnover under R200 million, it could turn empowerment from an administrative task into a straightforward contribution. However, this is not government policy. The idea was developed by Alan Knott-Craig Jr. and his NGO, Kululeka.org, and submitted privately to the DTIC. While Minister Parks Tau has said “challenge accepted”, there has been…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Sub-Saharan African countries to accelerate structural reforms and deepen regional integration to unlock growth potential and create jobs for the continent’s fast-growing youth population. Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of a new policy center ahead of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings next week, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that while the global economy has shown resilience in the face of multiple shocks, deep transformations in technology, geopolitics, and demographics were creating uncertainty — and opportunity — especially for emerging regions such as Africa. “In this multi-polar world of rapid change, policymakers must do much more to capture and deliver opportunity so they can meet the aspirations of their citizens, especially young people,” Georgieva said. Georgieva noted that Sub-Saharan Africa…

In a significant turn of events, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially lapsed on 30 September 2025, ushering in a new era for South African trade relations with the United States. This development comes amidst renewed U.S. tariffs and proposals for a potential, albeit short-term, extension of AGOA, further deepening uncertainty around the future of U.S.-Africa trade interactions. Despite this challenging landscape, opportunities are emerging for South African businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At the recent G20 meetings, two vital Memoranda of Intent were solidified with Brazil and Japan, promising to enhance trade, technology exchange, and agricultural cooperation. John Steenhuisen, South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, hailed these agreements as a testament to the shared vision for food security and competitiveness. Particularly notable is the agreement with…

Google on Wednesday announced a major initiative to support higher education across Africa by offering its premium AI subscription, Google AI Pro for free to university students for 12 months. The offer is available to eligible students aged 18+ in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, providing them with access to Google's most advanced AI tools to enhance their learning, research, and creative work. Through Google’s most capable model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, this initiative will equip the next generation of African leaders, innovators, and creators with fundamental AI literacy. By placing powerful generative AI tools directly in the hands of students, Google is helping to prepare them for a workforce where AI proficiency is increasingly essential. “We are seeing a new wave of innovation in Africa,…

Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene says Democratic Alliance's (DA) Helen Zille should stay home and look after her great-grandchildren if she has them, instead of running for Johannesburg mayor in 2026. Kunene called her “a Cape Town reject” who knows nothing about the city’s challenges. He made the remarks on Wednesday in Diepkloof, Soweto, where he led a pothole-patching operation alongside the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) board and CEO Zweli Nyathi. Kunene has officially returned to his position as the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, following a swearing-in ceremony officiated by Council Speaker Margaret Arnolds on Monday. He previously resigned from his council and MMC positions in July 2025 amid controversy after he was found at the home of Katiso “TK” Molefe,…

Johannesburg Council Speaker, Margaret Arnolds, has dismissed growing speculation that the city’s fragile multiparty coalition is on the brink of collapse, insisting the alliance remains intact despite recent tensions among its partners. “There is no coalition that has or is collapsing,” Arnolds, an African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor, told IOL yesterday. Her comments come in the wake of allegations that several coalition partners abruptly left the WhatsApp group used by coalition members for coordination and communication. Arnolds described the situation as an “internal matter” that was receiving urgent attention from all parties involved. “This is an internal matter that is currently receiving the utmost priority and attention from all coalition partners. It would be premature and irresponsible to comment further at this stage, as discussions and deliberations are still ongoing,”…

Johannesburg has a new destination for events, high performance and purposeful recovery. The Edge, launched by the all-female team at The Networking Company (TnCO), has officially opened at the iconic DP World Wanderers Cricket Stadium, signalling a new chapter in the way events are hosted in the city and the way people work. The Edge is designed as a 300m² environment where work, recovery and meaningful connection come together. This upmarket new venue boasts a large events space for functions and special occasions, an intimate co-working space for up to eight people and two boardrooms with capacity for three and twelve guests. The decor blends light wood and natural finishes with soft oak furnishings, creating an environment that is classy, contemporary and soothing. The progressive facility also features a recovery…

An Eastern Cape farmer has been ordered to apologise to two National Council of SPCAs inspectors and pay the animal advocacy group R50 000 after he was found guilty of making a racial slur against the officers. The matter was brought before the Equality Court for the District of Stutterheim against Gregory John Miles. NSPCA spokesperson, Jacques Peacock, said Inspectors Singh and Khumalo went to Miles’s farm in March following a complaint about the farmer’s sheep farm. “The officers found that the premises was empty and as they were leaving, Miles confronted them. During the exchange, he shouted, ‘You f*****g c***s want to stop farmers from exporting live sheep.’ He then locked the gates and refused to let the men leave,” Peacock said. Inspectors Singh and Khumalo opened a case…

With fuel prices on a rollercoaster and household budgets under constant pressure, South African drivers are looking for ways to squeeze more kilometres out of every tank. While you can’t control global oil prices or geopolitical tensions, you can control how you drive – and that could make a noticeable difference at the pumps. “Defensive driving is not just about safety; it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption,” explains Eugene Herbert, the CEO of MasterDrive. “Adapting your driving style can cut costs, protect your car and ease the strain on your wallet.” Here are six practical tips to help you save fuel without spending a cent: 1. Anticipate the road ahead Anticipatory driving is at the heart of both eco-driving and defensive driving. By looking 10…

Bafana Bafana’s 1998 FIFA World Cup squad member Willem Jackson has drawn some similarities between his generation and the current crop of players vying for a spot at the 2026 global showpiece. Bafana first qualified for the global event 27 years ago in France, followed by the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan. Since then, they returned to the world stage in 2010 when they hosted the tournament. Now, the current generation is in the running to top Group C in the qualifiers and secure their ticket to the World Cup via the qualification route for the first time since 2002. While Bafana haven’t been perfect — having recently been docked three points and handed a 3-0 defeat by FIFA for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena in the qualifier…

The Bulls have never beaten Ulster in Belfast, and they will face the tricky task of trying to change that statistic on Saturday as they aim to kick off their first United Rugby Championship (URC) tour match on a winning note. After two bonus-point victories in Pretoria, the Bulls sit at the top of the URC log, but they know how quickly things can change if they don’t start well away from home. They had some relative success in Europe last season; however, winning in northern conditions remains a major challenge for South African teams. Following the clash with Ulster, the Bulls will also face fellow Irish side Connacht and former Scottish champions, the Glasgow Warriors — a demanding start to their tour. The Loftus-based side has travelled to Belfast…

Former South African U20 Men’s national team coach, Thabo Senong, has underscored the vital importance of developing youth coaches as a cornerstone of South Africa’s football growth. Speaking at the official draw of the 2025 Engen Champ of Champs, held on Tuesday, Senong highlighted the need for consistency, collaboration, and continuous learning in youth football coaching. This year’s Engen Champ of Champs finals will introduce a dedicated Coaching Workshop for all qualified teams from across the country, an initiative aimed at upskilling grassroots coaches and aligning local coaching standards with global best practices. Senong, who will lead the coaching segment of the workshop, said the platform, which will see a total of 18 Youth Coaches attending the Engen Champ of Champs in Pretoria this week as an invaluable opportunity to…

England and Portugal are in pole position to win their respective 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying groups with two games to spare, with several other European nations also hoping to secure berths at the finals in the upcoming matches. Norway may also be only one victory away from reaching the tournament for the first time since 1998, which would leave Italy staring at a third successive World Cup watching from the sidelines. Thomas Tuchel's England laid down a marker last month with an impressive 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in Belgrade and are yet to concede a goal in five qualifiers. They are not in Group K action until Tuesday when a victory over Latvia in Riga would secure a place at next year's finals in the US, Mexico and Canada,…

Deal to acquire Teck gives Anglo access to the Canada-based company’s portfolio of copper mines Anglo American said $50 billion (R858bn) merger terms with Teck Resources would remain unchanged, this barely a month after the deal was announced and after Teck revised downwards its production guidance of its Quebrada Blanca (QB) copper mine. Teck on Wednesday lowered its guidance for the QB copper mine high in Chile’s Atacama desert, as part of a wider operational review, to between 170 000 to 190 000 tons, from previous guidance of 210 000 to 230 000 tons. The deal to acquire Teck crucially gives Anglo access to the Canada-based company’s portfolio of copper mines - copper has become a sought-after mining commodity given its soaring demand arising out of the global energy transition.…

Philip Morris International (PMI) said on Wednesday that South Africa’s new regulatory process for the tobacco industry could mark a turning point for the country’s harm reduction agenda, as government considers how to regulate new smokeless and alternative nicotine products. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, currently under discussion in Parliament, has reignited debate about the future of tobacco regulation in South Africa. Big tobacco companies — including PMI and British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) — recently made submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, calling for differentiation between combustible and smokeless tobacco products. PMI has argued that treating all nicotine products the same would be a missed opportunity to reduce smoking-related diseases, while BATSA said the proper regulation of less harmful alternatives could help…

Countless studies confirm the relationship between poor mental health or even a negative mood and lost productivity, but many of these focus on employees' productivity. What happens if you, as a business owner, are struggling with your own mental wellbeing? If this is the case, the impact on your business can be profound. Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health. Just as no one should continue running a business with an untreated injury, ignoring your mental wellbeing shouldn’t be an option either. A healthy entrepreneur is generally more resilient and better equipped to navigate the challenges they will inevitably face. Here are five ways to put your wellbeing first and help your business in the process: Recognise that burnout is a business risk Entrepreneurs are…

The Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, is set to visit the families of the victims of the tragic mass shooting that left five people dead and six injured at the Zithobeni Tavern in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Tshwane Municipality. The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, sparking renewed concerns over violent crime and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Gauteng government confirmed that Premier Lesufi will offer his condolences and reaffirm the provincial government's support to the affected families and the community during this difficult time. “The Premier will convey his condolences and affirm the Gauteng Provincial Government's support to affected families and the community during this time of loss,” the statement said. “As part of his visit, Premier Lesufi…

The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Tshwane is not backing down on its recent threat to disrupt the much-anticipated G20 Summit to take place in Johannesburg in November under South Africa’s presidency. Regional union secretary Donald Monakisi said yesterday that efforts are underway to mobilise support from all Cosatu-affiliated unions as Samwu contests the City of Tshwane’s attempt to exempt itself from a collective bargaining agreement that includes salary increases of 3.5% for 2021 and 5.4% for 2023. “We are still of the view that while our issues are not resolved we are not going to have the G20,” he said. This comes after Samwu regional chairperson Lehlogonolo Maphatsoe recently warned that if the council does not reverse the 5% salary increase for councillors, “there will be no…

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in partnership with the Government of South Africa, has announced the dates for the 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025), taking place from October 22 to 25 in Durban. This year’s conference theme: “Moving Towards Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa.” As a convergence point for political leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, civil society organisations, and youth, CPHIA 2025 is aimed at defining Africa’s pathway towards more resilient health systems and reducing reliance on foreign aid. “CPHIA is a vital part of ongoing efforts by African countries and Africa CDC to build stronger, self-reliant health systems,” commented H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC. This year’s conference holds strategic global significance,…

The South African new vehicle market is booming, with sales having hit a 10-year high in September, and with that, there has also been a surge in vehicle finance applications, with this number having grown by 65% over the past decade. Yet while these are all positive economic indicators, amid growing business confidence in the economy, a somewhat disturbing trend is brewing in the background. According to ABSA, monthly vehicle instalments now consume 16.1% of the average household income in South Africa, up from 14.3%. These insights were shared at the recent SA Auto Week, hosted by Naamsa, where the finance institution expressed concern that vehicle prices continue to outpace income growth in South Africa. This is despite an increasing array of imported brands from China and India, offering high-value…

I’ve had a soft spot for Honda for a while. A few years ago, my parents were involved in a horrific accident on the N3 just outside Harrismith in a Honda Jazz. When the assessor came by, he commented that had they been in any other similar-sized car, they would have ended up in the morgue rather than the hospital. The Jazz has been replaced by the Fit, which isn’t the subject of this review, so we’ll stick to the subject at hand, which is the Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort auto. It’s their entry-level sedan, which is a bit of an anomaly in a world populated with crossovers and SUVs. Built in India, the third-generation Amaze is a relatively popular sight on our roads, having recently received an update to…

With the automotive world rapidly hurtling towards electrification and emissions reduction, the muscle car is now officially on the endangered species list. Even more so, the muscle car with a V8 engine. The Chevy Camaro is dead. The Dodge Challenger’s successor, the Charger, was initially launched as an EV, with six-cylinder petrol versions later joining as a “we changed our minds” afterthought. They could just as well have introduced it with a kale juicer built into the dashboard. Not that any of this matters to South Africans, as the only muscle car we’ve been offered in modern history is the Ford Mustang. And it is heartening to know that Ford’s pony car has been renewed for a new generation that follows the same basic recipe as before, just with a…

Kaizer Chiefs, the newly crowned champions of the DStv Diski Challenge, are set to take on English giants Manchester United next month. Having clinched the DDC title for the first time in the tournament’s history, amassing an impressive 70 points, Chiefs will embark on an 11-day tour of the United Kingdom, scheduled from November 25 to December 7, 2025. The team will test their skills against international competition, including matches against Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers (QPR) U21. Chiefs’ UK tour will kick off with a highly anticipated fixture against the Red Devils on Friday, November 28. Following the clash with United, the team will face Leeds United on December 2, before concluding their UK adventure with a showdown against QPR U21 in London on December 6. Chiefs will…

The refrain “I thank God” has been uttered so may times before by footballers – and sports stars in general – that you wonder when it's really heartfelt or just another cliché. Yet, when Sphephelo Sithole said it, you knew he was not just regurgitating a phrase he had picked up from watching post-match interviews. This was a man truly grateful for his faith; a man thankful for a second chance; a man aware that it could well have ended a year ago. Back in the Bafana Bafana squad for the first time since he was stretchered off the pitch in South Sudan in September 2024, the man fondly referred to as “Yaya” could understandably not hide his delight. “I thank God for the opportunity he has given me to…

Valtteri Bottas has spent the past year observing Formula One from the sidelines, officially as Mercedes’ reserve, attending briefings, analysing data, and staying fit in case he was needed. Unofficially, he has been waiting for another chance — a chance that comes in 2026 with Cadillac’s first F1 team. “Getting this seat has been my target for a while,” Bottas says. “This opportunity opened up, and I feel 100% good about it.” Bottas joined the Silver Arrows in 2017 to replace Nico Rosberg and quickly learned the scale of the task. For five seasons, he played the perfect lieutenant: scoring points, podiums, and occasional wins, while never threatening Lewis Hamilton’s authority. Together, they secured multiple constructors’ titles. Bottas won 10 Grands Prix but always in Hamilton’s shadow. When Mercedes chose…

Lions flyhalf Chris Smith has enjoyed linking up with former Springbok star Morné Steyn after returning to South Africa this season. Former Bulls flyhalf Smith joined the Lions in the off-season for their United Rugby Championship campaign and started his first match in the narrow 22-20 defeat against Zebre Parma on Sunday. Smith, who left the Bulls two seasons ago for French club Oyonnax, missed their opening match against Cardiff after suffering a head knock in the Currie Cup final against Griquas. But he was back in the No 10 jersey against Zebre, who won the match late on after a much-improved performance from the Joburg side. Smith has been working closely with Bok legend Steyn, who, as an assistant coach for the Lions, has been far more open in…