Table of contents for 2026-01-16 in Star

Global luxury brands group Richemont saw slow sales growth in China in the third quarter to December 31, 2023, despite global sales showing "strong momentum" with an 11% increase. The group said in an update Thursday its overall sales had seen a "very solid calendar year end", especially compared with "demanding double-digit comparatives in the prior-year period." Sales in China, Hong Kong and Macau combined had increased by 2%, mostly led by activity in Hong Kong, the group said. Growth elsewhere in the group's Asia Pacific operations however was "robust", with noteworthy performance in the South Korean and Australian markets, directors said. China has been a critical growth driver for luxury goods companies over the past two decades, but the market slowed sharply in 2024 after years of double digit…

Scammers Target South Africans as New Year Expenses Mount As South Africans return from the festive season with renewed energy, many households face the financial realities of a new year. For thousands of families, January is marked by registration fees, textbook purchases, and accommodation deposits for students entering universities and colleges, according to the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS). It says yet, alongside this excitement, fraudsters are seizing the opportunity to exploit vulnerable consumers.“Continuing from Black Friday and the Festive Season, this is one of the busiest times for scammers. The combination of high expenses and the urgent need for cash makes people more susceptible to scams,” says Manie van Schalkwyk, CEO of the SAFPS. Loan Scams The SAFPS says fraudsters lure victims with promises of quick loans and…

Love in the Eleventh Hour Lizzy Berger, Gillian Melton (translator) Narrated by Kristen Atherton, Stefano Braschi Audible Originals AUDIOBOOKS offer a special kind of immersion, pulling listeners into stories that can evoke laughter, tears, and contemplation. One such audiobook is Love in the Eleventh Hour, where the authors create a tale about embracing life amid chaos. With Kristen Atherton and Stefano Braschi lending their voices, this Audible Original takes listeners on a whirl of emotions. Jana is a successful investment banker whose life appears meticulously planned. However, everything changes when she is diagnosed with a brain tumour that not only threatens her life but also alters her very essence. What follows is a transformational journey that encourages her to step outside her controlled existence and embrace spontaneity, leading her to…

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has moved to calm fears among grant beneficiaries after false claims circulated on social media suggesting that the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is about to be terminated. The department denied the claims, describing them as misinformation with no basis in any government decision. “The Department wishes to categorically state that these claims are false. There is no such decision, announcement or directive from the Department or government regarding the termination of the SRD.” According to the DSD, videos and graphics currently being shared online are misleading the public and have the potential to cause unnecessary panic among social grant beneficiaries who rely on the support. The department also warned that some of the misleading content unlawfully uses official government branding and…

Former acting national police commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane, has detailed how a coordinated campaign, allegedly driven by former IPID head Robert McBride in collaboration with Paul O’Sullivan, led to the creation of the so-called “Phahlane Task Team” to destroy his reputation. Addressing an ad hoc parliamentary committee on Wednesday, Phahlane said a special investigation team was created with the sole purpose of targeting him, despite the absence of affidavits or direct evidence linking him to criminal conduct. Phahlane said the campaign relied on public accusations, media leaks, and investigative theatrics rather than lawful process. “If you accuse me, come directly with an affidavit setting out the elements of a crime,” he told MPs. “Instead, a team was established to investigate allegations even when there was nothing directly against me.” He insisted…

Asked a direct question by the CNN award-winning journalist, Christiane Amanpour, on whether he has “any information that might implicate President Zuma in any acts of corruption”, the late Pravin Gordhan responded matter-of-factly. “No, I don’t have any personal information, but as I said, there are all sorts of suggestions not just about the president”. Interestingly and embarrassingly so, Amanpour asked the most basic question that had escaped South Africa’s journalistic fraternity. Hoodwinked by the so-called state capture narrative, the media fraternity eagerly lapped up everything coming out of Gordhan’s mouth. In the end, Gordhan was exposed as nothing more than a petty, jealous, and probably racist state capture propagandist. It didn’t help at the time that, for the media fraternity, South Africans were divided into saints and demons. Anyone…

Hosts Morocco will face Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after both emerged victorious from tense semi-finals on Wednesday, as Mohamed Salah’s dreams of winning the title were again dashed. Morocco beat Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a semi-final showdown of few chances in the capital, Rabat, finished 0–0 at the end of extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou performed heroics by saving twice in the shoot-out. Bounou, of Saudi side Al-Hilal, denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations among over 65 000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. As well as joy, there was relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick — Morocco's second in the shoot-out — was…

The firing of Scott Robertson as coach of the All Blacks could have a direct impact on the Springboks, as it may result in the loss of attack coach Tony Brown. Robertson was dramatically sacked on Thursday, 15 January 2026, after a New Zealand Rugby (NZR) review of his performance — fuelled by dissent from leading players such as Ardie Savea — resulted in his exit midway through a four-year term. The early favourite for the All Black reins is Jamie Joseph, whom Robertson beat to the job when Ian Foster exited after the 2023 World Cup. It was a two-horse race then, and Robertson won based on his record of seven straight Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders. Crucially, from a South African point of view, Brown was on…

The legendary Samuel Eto'o has been hit with a four-match stadium ban and a significant fine following a fiery outburst during a high-stakes AFCON match, raising critical questions about officiating and governance in African football. Eto'o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) and one of the continent's most celebrated icons, was overcome with emotion last week during the clash between hosts Morocco and Cameroon. Known for his passionate defence of the Indomitable Lions, Eto'o reacted strongly to a series of contentious refereeing decisions. The former striker’s frustration reportedly reached boiling point when the initially appointed Egyptian referee, Amin Mohamed Omar, was replaced by Mauritanian official Dahane Beida less than 24 hours before kick-off. This late change followed a formal appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation to replace the…

France superstar Antoine Dupont says six-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse "do not have a choice" but to beat Sale Sharks and score four tries or more tomorrow if they hope to reach the last 16. Dupont's side have lost two of their opening three pool games in the tournament so far, including a worrying 20-14 loss at Saracens last Sunday. The French giants and their galaxy of stars currently sit fourth in Pool 1 and need at least a win to reach the next stage, with the South African Sharks — who host Clermont — threatening to overhaul them. "We know we don't have the choice if we want to qualify," scrumhalf Dupont told reporters after the defeat to Saracens. "We have to claim the five points. We will concentrate,…

Dr François Bonnici, Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and a member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Executive Committee, has warned that the world’s emerging “age of competition” must not descend into paralysis, calling for stronger partnerships between governments, business, philanthropy and social innovators to confront escalating global risks. Speaking in response to the WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026, Bonnici said the findings confirm what social innovators and entrepreneurs are already experiencing on the ground: a convergence of geopolitical shocks, climate disruption and an information-integrity crisis. “The age of competition must not become an age of paralysis,” Bonnici said. “We urge governments, business and philanthropy to partner with social innovators to turn risk into resilience at scale. We must back leaders who champion business models that are…

As South African children return to school, parents and caregivers are urged to place road safety at the top of their back-to-school checklist. Road accidents remain one of the most serious threats to children in South Africa, with devastating and often lifelong consequences for families. Road crashes are the leading cause of death for otherwise healthy children in the country, with an estimated three children under the age of 15 losing their lives every day. They are also the second leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 14 years. Many of these tragedies are preventable and linked to factors such as failure to wear seatbelts, overcrowded vehicles, unsafe scholar transport, and poorly maintained cars. Beyond fatalities, road accidents frequently result in Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and other serious…

The Mseleku family, Mzansi’s beloved polygamous household, is set to return to screens in February with season 9 of Uthando neS’thembu. Tensions are notably high as season 9 begins. The preceding special, #Uncut: Uthando neS’thembu, offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look with exclusive, never-before-seen footage that revealed the beginnings of a serious breakdown within the family. The four wives – MaCele, MaYeni, MaNgwabe, and MaKhumalo – are still grappling with individual marital struggles. A central issue remains Musa Mseleku’s addition of MaKhwela (or ‘Number 5’) to the family, a move some are yet to accept. The season will explore how MaKhwela is managing this ongoing rejection and how long she can endure the situation. During season eight, MaKhwela received a frosty welcome. The wives have always been vocal about not wanting…

Police in Mpumalanga have arrested two suspects for possession of suspected stolen motorcycle parts following an operation along the N4 near Waterval Boven. The arrests were made on Sunday, January 11, when police officers stationed in Waterval Boven were conducting patrols between Machado Toll Plaza and Waterval Boven. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said police received information about a taxi with Mozambican registration plates allegedly transporting a stolen motorcycle. Officers carried out stop-and-search operations and stopped a white Toyota Quantum towing a trailer. During the search, police discovered stripped Big Boy motorcycle parts hidden under bags of potatoes on the trailer. Additional motorcycle parts were found concealed inside a container. Two Mozambican nationals, Sitefane Hani Zimba, 29, and Jeofris Jorge Nhuvunga, 25, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.…

US President Donald Trump has been filmed raising his middle finger and appearing to mouth “f**k you” at a Ford autoworker who heckled him during a factory visit near Detroit. The insult was linked to the controversy over the Epstein files, which Trump has sought to play down after previously promising transparency. The confrontation happened on Tuesday at Ford’s F-150 assembly plant in Dearborn, Michigan, after a worker shouted “pedophile protector.” According to a video circulating on the social media, Trump turned toward the worker, uttered several expletives, and briefly flipped off the heckler. White House communications director Steven Cheung did not comment on whether Trump had actually raised his middle finger, but confirmed the authenticity of the video. “A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of…

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing shortage of locally based goalkeeping talent in South Africa’s top flight, warning that the lack of exposure for upcoming goalkeepers could pose a long-term problem for the national team. South Africa has traditionally been well stocked in the goalkeeping department, with current Bafana Bafana number one Ronwen Williams regarded as one of the best talents in recent times and widely considered among the continent’s top shot-stoppers. However, despite his presence and the other experienced performers in the Betway Premiership, Baloyi believes the bigger issue lies beneath the surface — the absence of young local goalkeepers coming through the ranks. This season, approximately 50% of goalkeepers who have seen regular action in the Betway Premiership are foreign nationals,…

For years Senuran Muthusamy has been content to sit in the shadows. Initially at the Dolphins, and subsequently with the national team. But over the last period, Muthusamy, who is the ultimate team man and always putting the needs of others ahead of himself, has almost been pushed into the spotlight. The allrounder was a revelation on the two subcontinent tours to Pakistan and India recently, contributing significantly to the Proteas’ Test side’s success. Player of the Series in Pakistan due to his significant feats with bat and ball, Muthusamy went on to score a maiden Test century to help the Proteas complete a historic 2-0 clean sweep in Guwahati. It’s clear that Muthusamy’s confidence is at an all-time high, especially after he was honoured with the ICC Player of…

Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals showcased the skills of the continent’s finest footballers, alongside the rich history and fervent passion that define the tournament. As teams vied for a spot in Sunday’s final, every moment on the pitch was charged with intensity. With the sun setting on the Moroccan skyline, anticipation for the finale has reached a fever pitch. The victors will now take to the field not only for glory, but to represent their nations in the pursuit of the prestigious AFCON 2025 crown. Here are five talking points from the semi-finals. Egypt’s finger wave Following Senegal’s victory over Egypt on Wednesday, some Senegalese fans and media mocked the Egyptian team as they left the field. In response, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and his players remained composed, raising…

The Sharks’ Champions Cup clash against Clermont Auvergne at Kings Park tomorrow (3pm kick-off) may have arrived early in JP Pietersen’s interim reign, but his former Sharks and Springbok teammate Odwa Ndungane believes it represents a valuable checkpoint rather than a defining moment for the young coach. Pietersen took over from veteran John Plumtree in December 2025 and enjoyed a positive start to his reign with back-to-back wins, before the Durban side slipped to consecutive defeats. It was a fairly young and experimental side that fell 26–10 to Sale Sharks in the last round of Champions Cup fixtures in Manchester last weekend, despite putting up a brave fight. While results have been mixed, Ndungane insists Pietersen has not been placed under undue pressure, arguing instead that the context of the…

The Stormers will be under pressure to rediscover their trademark attacking flair when they face Leicester Tigers in Cape Town on Saturday, with their Champions Cup survival hinging on a must-win final pool encounter. In their last two matches, the Cape side’s normally potent backline has been kept in check by Harlequins and the Bulls, who gave them little room to work their magic on attack. However, they are ready to address those issues and fire on all cylinders as they face a desperate Tigers side at the DHL Stadium (5.15pm start), looking to clinch a playoff spot in the competition. The Stormers currently sit third in the pool and must win the encounter to progress, while a five-point victory would give them the best possible chance of securing a…

Closure of BATSA plant seen as damning proof that authorities have failed to curb illicit cigarettes The planned closure of British American Tobacco South Africa's (BATSA) manufacturing plant is damning proof that authorities' failure to curb the illicit cigarette trade is destroying jobs, draining public revenue, and eroding the rule of law, according to Tax Justice SA (TJSA). BATSA announced Thursday it will shut its factory in Heidelberg, Gauteng, after years of plummeting sales caused by the illicit cigarette market, which now accounts for an estimated three out of every four cigarettes sold in the country. The cease factory shut by one of the country's largest tax contributors puts at least 230 jobs at risk, and threatens the livelihoods of employees' families and their wider communities. The illicit cigarette trade,…

Raising any child is costly, but when a child has special needs, the financial planning process takes on an added layer of complexity. Every diagnosis, prognosis, and expectation around life expectancy shapes the plan, and in many cases, the time horizon must extend beyond your own lifetime to include that of your child. Financial planning for a special needs child is therefore both deeply personal and highly specialised. Mapping an expense timeline: Before putting a budget in place, it is useful to plot a timeline of expected expenses unique to your child’s condition. By mapping out anticipated treatments, therapies, medical equipment, and possible hospitalisations, you can identify the large costs that may arise in the short to medium term. This timeline can then be overlaid on your household budget to…

Calum Scott – The Avenoir Tour Internationally-acclaimed English singer and songwriter Calum Scott is set to grace the stage in Gauteng this weekend. The former Britain’s Got Talent star is no stranger to South Africa, having toured the country several times before, in 2018, 2022 and 2023. During a previous interview with Independent Media Lifestyle, Scott explained that he is also excited to be performing brand-new music when he visits the nation, including from his third studio album,which is also called Avenoir and was released in September. Known for his soulful, piano-led ballads, Scott has become one of the most successful solo artists to emerge from the talent show circuit. Where: The SunBet Arena in Pretoria. When: Tomorrow at 7pm. Imagine Visionary Animals This site-responsive temporary exhibition by Icelandic…

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced yesterday that 1 427 people died from 1 172 crashes over the 2025/26 festive season. This represents a 5% reduction in road fatalities compared to the previous festive season. She said the figures mark the lowest number of crashes in five years and the same number of fatalities as in the 2023/24 festive season. Creecy was briefing the media in Pretoria on the release of the Road Safety Report for the 2025 and 2026 festive season, joined by her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. She provided an update on the progress and preliminary results of the 2025/26 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, as well as overall road safety outcomes for 2025. “Preliminary data indicates a 5% reduction in both fatalities and crashes compared to the same period…

South Africa’s public universities will once again be unable to accommodate all qualifying matriculants in 2026, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has warned, citing persistent leadership instability and financial constraints that threaten a smooth start to the academic year. Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the new academic cycle, committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie said public universities have capacity for approximately 235 000 first-year students, while more than 245 000 candidates obtained bachelor-level passes in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. “The number of candidates passing matric is higher than the opportunities available in these types of institutions,” Letsie said, attributing the shortfall to limited government subsidies and funding pressures affecting the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). To avoid disruptions at the start of the year,…

SECTION27 has launched legal action in the Limpopo High Court on behalf of 50 former Baphutheng Senior Secondary School learners, challenging the withholding of their 2024 matric results after being found guilty of “group copying” in Business Studies Paper 1 and Economics Paper 2. According to Patience Phiri, spokesperson for SECTION27, the decisions taken by the acting head of department and upheld by the MEC for Education in Limpopo have left the learners’ results withheld for more than a year, putting their education, job opportunities, and future plans on hold. “The allegation against the learners is based solely on the fact that their examination answers were similar. The Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE) has not furnished any evidence of cheating or group copying.” She added that no learner was found…

South Africa’s roads may seem busier than ever, but beneath the surface, a persistent threat is quietly draining the economy. Car theft and hijackings remain a costly undercurrent, not just for motorists but for businesses, insurers, and the broader economic landscape. Numbers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) show some improvement. In the three months to September 2025, 4 778 carjackings were reported, a 12.3% decline quarter-on-quarter. Vehicle thefts also fell, with 7 726 cases, down 10.1% over the same period. Yet these statistics only scratch the surface of a problem whose impact extends far beyond the immediate loss of a vehicle. Beyond the police reports Police statistics capture only part of the picture. Many crimes go unreported, creating gaps in the official data. Statistics South Africa’s Governance, Public…

While the debate continues to rage around the Proteas’ T20 World Cup squad — specifically the inclusion of Tony de Zorzi ahead of the in-form Ryan Rickelton — South African legend Vernon Philander has come out to bat for the dreadlocked left-hander. Critics of De Zorzi’s inclusion have pointed to SA20 statistics in a head-to-head comparison, highlighting season averages and strike rates where MI Cape Town’s Rickelton clearly holds the edge. De Zorzi, who featured for Durban’s Super Giants and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in his two seasons, has struggled to match those numbers. Rickelton has become the first batter to score multiple centuries in South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition, topping this season’s batting chart with 324 runs at an impressive average of 54. Furthermore, De Zorzi hasn't played since…

The Lions are on a two-fold mission to Europe — to sneak into the Challenge Cup playoffs and to consolidate their position in the top eight of the United Rugby Championship (URC). After a dreadful start to the season, the Lions have been on an upward trajectory for some time, barring the odd lapse. They are alive in both competitions, and coach Ivan van Rooyen says there is excitement ahead of their Challenge Cup match against Perpignan tomorrow and next week’s URC match against the Ospreys. The Lions are coming off a convincing 42-33 win against Lyon in a Challenge Cup match at Ellis Park. “There is a nice flavour to the tour — one week in the Challenge Cup, and one week in the URC — and we can…

Orlando Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana says the club’s chances of claiming the league title will hinge on how quickly their new signings adapt to the demands and expectations of the team. Following an intense early-season transfer window that saw more than ten players join the Soweto giants, the Buccaneers have wasted little time further strengthening their squad, particularly after losing key defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. Currently locked in a fierce battle with Mamelodi Sundowns, the resumption of the league in less than a week will test the Buccaneers’ character — the same test they struggled with last season. Despite a strong start in the 2024/25 campaign, they failed to maintain momentum and ultimately fell short in their pursuit to end their league drought. This season…

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says his team is not wasting time calculating Champions Cup permutations, choosing instead to focus their energy on improving “minute by minute” in tonight’s clash against Pau. The Bulls are currently enduring one of the worst slumps in their storied history, having lost seven games on the trot. They sit at the bottom of Pool 4, while their opponents, Pau, are fourth in the group and fly high in second place in the French Top 14. Mathematically, the Bulls could still slip into the Round of 16 with a victory at the Stade du Hameau, provided other results — specifically the Scarlets’ trip to Northampton on Sunday — go their way. However, qualification remains a distant prospect unless they can refine a game plan that has…