Inhaltsverzeichnis für 2025-06-04 in Star

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has launched a six-month rehabilitation project for Bayhead Road at the Port of Durban, aimed at enhancing road infrastructure, safety, traffic flow, and operational efficiency. "As a vital link to port terminals, warehouses, and industrial facilities, Bayhead Road handles around 13 000 vehicles daily, nearly half of which are heavy trucks, leading to significant wear, congestion, and safety issues," it said in a statement on Tuesday. The project includes milling existing asphalt, laying new asphalt on both carriageways, repairing stormwater structures, and installing road signs and markings. “Bayhead Road is one of South Africa’s busiest cargo routes, serving major container terminals and the Island View precinct,” said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, the acting Port Manager. “We’ve developed a traffic management plan to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth…

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) livestock farming community has called on the government to declare KZN a disaster area due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Leadership representing pork, dairy, beef, sheep, and game industries in KZN convened this week under the banner of Kwanalu (the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union) to address the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province. In a joint statement, they called on the government to formally declare FMD a disaster as KZN grapples to contain the spread. “In 2021, affected areas in the province were declared a Disease Management Area (DMA); the latest resurgence in 2023 has spread beyond this area and necessitated the expansion of the DMA; however, the spread continues outside of these areas.” As reported to the World Organisation for…

Luis von Ahn hoped to send a clear message to his 900 employees at Duolingo: Artificial intelligence is now a priority at the language-learning app. The company would stop using contractors for work AI could handle. It’ll seek AI skills in hiring. AI would be part of performance reviews, and it’ll only hire people when things can’t be automated. The details, outlined in a memo in April and posted on professional networking site LinkedIn, drew outrage. Some cringed at AI translations suggesting that learning languages need human context. Many users threatened to quit Duolingo. Others blasted the company for choosing AI over its workers. The backlash got so loud that three weeks later, von Ahn posted an update. “To be clear: I do not see AI as replacing what our…

Tongaat Hulett has appointed Gavin Dalgleish as CEO from June 1, 2025, an appointment the sugar group says is a significant step in the final implementation of its business rescue plan. The group said on Tuesday that his appointment sets the stage for "a seamless transition of the business, assets, and people to Vision, the consortium acquiring the group." Dalgleish was appointed by the business rescue practitioners (BRPs) to the company’s management team (not as a director) to assist in executing the business rescue plan. His leadership will be critical in facilitating the complex transaction and ensuring continuity and stability as the group moves into its next chapter, the BRP's said. They said that Dalgleish brings deep sector experience and a proven leadership record in the sugar industry, with particular…

A group of pupils reportedly sustained minor injuries after a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi allegedly lost control and collided with six other vehicles at the corner of Spine Road and Merrydale Road in Portland. The exact number of pupils injured could not be independently confirmed, as figures provided by officials varied. Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said eight pupils were involved, while spokesperson for the provincial Department of Health and Wellness for the Klipfontein Mitchell’s Plain substructure Samantha Lee-Jacobs said ten were treated at the Mitchell’s Plain Community Health Centre (MPCHC). Mitchell’s Plain police spokesperson Brigadier Brian Muller said that eleven pupils sustained minor injuries. Brigadier Muller said the white Toyota Quantum was dropping schoolchildren at their respective schools and the taxi was allegedly coming down…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the Bloemfontein High Court judgment upholding Moroadi Cholota’s special plea of lack of jurisdiction will not impact the trial of the rest of the accused. It will meanwhile consider its options, including possibly appealing against the judgment. “The NPA will specifically consider options to appeal considering the potential impact of the judgment in respect of the case against Ms Cholota, and broader extradition processes,” NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said. He explained that it should be noted that this judgment has no bearing on the trial against the other accused that is expected to resume on Wednesday (June 4) as Cholota was an accused person and not a state witness. The NPA remains confident in the strength of its case against the accused and said…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is probing widespread corruption in several projects across the country funded by the Housing Development Agency (HDA). According to the proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SIU investigation will focus on serious maladministration in the HDA’s affairs in projects for provincial Human Settlements departments in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, and the Western Cape. This includes the identification, acquisition, holding, development, and release of state, communal, and privately owned land for residential and community purposes by the agency, in its name, or for and on behalf of the provincial departments or by the departments in their name. The unit will also investigate whether the contracts were awarded in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable,…

A SWEDISH mother has found herself facing legal consequences for participating in a notorious TikTok trend that involves cracking raw eggs on unsuspecting family members’ heads. The 24-year-old mother was convicted of harassment after she filmed herself smashing an egg on her young daughter’s forehead and then shared the video online. What might have been intended as a playful family moment now raises significant ethical questions about the use of children in viral stunts. Although the daughter did not initiate the complaint, an anonymous tip-off prompted authorities to investigate, culminating in a court ruling that deemed the act “degrading” and “reckless”. Prosecutor Emma Olsson did not hold back in her condemnation of the prank, stating: “You simply don’t do that to a child. To record and humiliate the child and…

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) will this week write to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, requesting clarity on a crucial matter related to the Expropriation Act, for which the Minister is responsible. The Act grants sweeping powers to expropriating authorities to expropriate any form of property below market value. It offers weak and contradictory measures to property owners to protect their rights through the courts. Yet, just how many authorities in South Africa are granted expropriating powers by the Act is unclear; by IRR calculations, the number could exceed 400. Says Makone Maja, IRR Strategic Engagements Manager: “The Expropriation Act is an unpopular piece of legislation. IRR opinion polling in March and April this year found that 68% of registered voters oppose the Act. It’s…

South Africa, being a water-scarce country and one of the 30 driest countries in the world, calls for responsible citizens who always practise water conservation and protect water supply infrastructure to prevent unnecessary loss of precious water, ensuring water security and sustainable and reliable water supply for all. The rainy season is over in most parts of South Africa, except the Western Cape, where they are receiving rain and experiencing flooding, as was the case in other parts of the country. The heavy rainfall in most parts of the country led to overflowing dams, rivers and streams, which led to the notion that we have enough water. With the rain gone, it is time to remind each other that South Africa remains a dry and water-scarce country, which calls for…

WITH Mamelodi Sundowns players not being included in the current Bafana Bafana setup ahead of two friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique, it is not a secret that a lot of the weight to lead the side will be carried by Orlando Pirates’ stars. Bafana play Tanzania at Peter mokaba Stadium on Friday night, 7.30pm kick-off before taking on Mozambique at Loftus on Tuesday. The positive news coming from Polokwane, where the national team set-up camp, is that they - Pirates players themselves, seem to understand the duty upon their shoulders quite well. Bafana coach Hugo Broos himself made it all clear on Monday when he named Pirates defender and one of the Betway Premiership side’s leaders, Nkosinathi Sibisi, as his stand-in skipper in the absence of Sundowns goalkeeper, Ronwen…

Jake White, director of rugby at the Bulls, had a chat with flyhalf Keagan Johannes during half-time of their quarter-final against Edinburgh. His simple words to the inexperienced utility back were to back himself in the second half, play his natural game, and not to hand the kicking tee over to one of his teammates, but to take the responsibility. Those were the only words the 25-year-old needed to hear, and he took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half, assisted fullback Willie le Roux with their attacking play and delivered a flawless performance off the kicking tee to help steer the Bulls to a comfortable victory over their Scottish opponents. He contributed 17 points in the 42-33 win. He scored a brilliant solo try…

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Paris Olympics champion Zheng Qinwen began their French Open quarter-final in front of a small crowd on Tuesday, prompting calls for such high-profile matches to be moved to later slots to showcase them better. A sumptuous lunch often takes priority for fans in Court Philippe Chatrier’s corporate seats, and the Parisian cultural practice leaves many seats unoccupied in the showcourt when matches begin at 11am. Sabalenka overcame her Chinese opponent 7-6 (3), 6-3 in just under two hours, leaving her with the rest of the day off, but the Belarusian said organisers could do better to improve the atmosphere. “I didn’t really look in the crowd, but it felt like it was a lot of people. Yeah, it was a big match and it…

Around 20 000 Volkswagen workers in Germany have so far agreed to take voluntary redundancy as part of a major overhaul aimed at cutting costs, the struggling auto titan said Tuesday. Europe's biggest carmaker, hit by fierce competition in key market China and a stuttering shift to electric vehicles, struck a deal with unions last year for massive job cuts in its home market. About 20 000 workers had so far accepted redundancy offers, out of a total of 35 000 due to be shed by 2030 under the agreement, the 10-brand group said. The jobs are being cut at the carmaker's core Volkswagen brand, and amount to about 30% of its workforce in Germany. "We are on track," VW board member Gunnar Kilian said at a meeting with staff…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has implemented provisional anti-dumping duties on new pneumatic tyres imported from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia as of 29 May 2025. This action comes after an anti-circumvention investigation initiated by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC), responding to concerns that Chinese tyre manufacturers were evading existing tariffs by distributing products through affiliates in Southeast Asia, a practice often referred to as "country hopping." The newly imposed dumping duty stands at 41.47% on all exporters not specifically named in the Government Gazette, effective for a six-month period from late May to late November 2025. This measure targets various tyre types categorised under specific tariff subheadings including motor car tyres and bus and lorry tyres. This situation stems from a prior investigation launched by ITAC in 2022,…

South African (SA) equity markets followed global equity markets higher in May with the FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX Index up 3% month on month (m/m). Gold stocks have buoyed the performance of the local bourse in the year to date through April, but they were a minor detractor from May’s performance as the yellow metal price paused after a two-year, 70% rally. Chinese tech conglomerate Tencent (+5% m/m) boosted the return of domestic investment holding companies Naspers and Prosus (+6% m/m) as a de-escalation in China/US trade policy combined with a solid earnings announcement from Tencent during the month. Food producer, Tiger Brands, up 20% m/m, was one of May’s standout performers as management continues to execute well on its turnaround plan. The maker of Albany bread’s first half 2025 strong…

Dutch technology investor Prosus said on Tuesday that Ervin Tu, the group's President and Chief Investment Officer will step down from his role. Tu will remain in his role as an advisor to the group, the company's statement added. Prosus' vision and strategy has changed significantly over the past 10 months under CEO Fabricio Bloisi, transforming the company from an investment holding group into an operating technology company, focused on lifestyle e-commerce, within its key markets of Latin America, India and Europe. As a result, Tu feels that now is the right time to move on, said the company, controlled by South Africa's Naspers. "I have enjoyed my time with the group immensely, I've accomplished what I wanted to achieve, and the Group is in very good hands," Tu said.…

The tragic case of a two-year-old boy allegedly sold by his mother for R75 000 has sent shockwaves through South Africa, reigniting urgent questions about the country’s deepening social, psychological, and spiritual crisis. Keneilwe Shalaba, 28, appeared this week before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. She is accused of selling her toddler son, Kutlwano, last November. The boy’s body was discovered last week following the arrest of a traditional healer allegedly connected to the case. According to police, the money – R75 000 – was deposited into Shalaba’s bank account on the same day the child went missing. The transaction and the months-long silence that followed left the local community stunned, and the courtroom was packed with outraged residents demanding…

A NEW Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has become the dominant strain in China and is beginning to surface internationally, prompting public health experts and global agencies to issue fresh warnings and vaccine guidance. The NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and was first identified in April in travellers from China and several other countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, according to data from GISAID. It is now fueling a surge in hospitalisations and emergency visits in China. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the variant was detected through random airport testing of travellers arriving in the United States since late March, with cases now reported in California, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially…

Joseph and Joyce Ellwanger have lost count of how many times they’ve been arrested. But at 92 and 88 years old, the veteran civil rights activists are still on the front lines, this time protesting what they see as dangerous overreach by Donald Trump during his second term as US president. “Inaction and silence do not bring about change,” said Joseph, standing with a walker at a rally near Milwaukee in late April. The demonstration, attended by several hundred people, was in support of Judge Hannah Dugan, who was recently arrested by the FBI. Dugan is accused of helping an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities’ charges, her supporters say, and this is politically driven. As always, Joyce stood beside her husband, holding a sign that read “Hands Off Hannah.” The…

As the 2026 local elections draw nearer, political analysts expect a rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric – but caution that parties banking on such sentiment may face disappointment. This follows ActionSA’s submission of a series of proposed constitutional amendments aimed at tightening provisions the party says have been exploited, contributing to South Africa’s immigration crisis. The party claims that existing constitutional clauses have enabled abuse of limited public resources, particularly in housing, healthcare and education. ActionSA’s parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, said the proposals were intended to guide Parliament’s Joint Constitutional Review Committee, while still upholding the Constitution’s core principles. “Our proposed amendments recognise the noble aims of the Constitution as a living document,” said Trollip. “But we must also prioritise protecting the rights of genuine residents and close off interpretations…

The core aim of SDG 11 is to achieve Sustainable Cities and Communities by making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This is premised on cities investing to achieve responsible urbanisation, reducing the environmental impact of cities, and improving the quality of life for all. This goal finds resonance with the City of Johannesburg because we have an ambitious plan to address and invest in such critical economic and social interventions as providing affordable basic services, sustainable transport, creating green spaces and ensuring a carefully managed urbanisation that benefits all. In this regard, we’ve made encouraging and compelling progress to address some of the key challenges we face in the city, particularly spatial inequality and historical housing backlogs in our townships. An example is the Orlando eKhaya…

The unveiling of 14 of the 100 cherry pickers recently purchased by the City of Tshwane on Tuesday marked a step in the right direction towards building its internal capacity and reducing dependence on private contractors. This was the sentiment shared by Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who officiated at the event hosted at Pretorius depot in Pretoria East, where she announced that the metro has decreased expenditure on contracted services by 7%. “What this means is that we must increase the equipment and the tools of trade that we are purchasing as the city. This is an example that these cherry pickers must be given to officials of the city to drive, and that there are no contractors who come with cherry pickers to work for the city,” she said. She…

Sustainability has become the watchword for South African corporates, as they grapple with both the public’s demand for environmentally friendly products and the demands of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting. However, this shift is now not only fostering collaboration between waste producers and managers to develop solutions that meet both environmental and regulatory expectations, but is also reshaping business practices for a more circular and responsible economy. And it’s not hard to understand why. Globally, 1.05 billion tons of food go to waste, and in South Africa, almost 10.3 million tons of food go to waste annually; however, the packaging that accompanies this waste has exacerbated the strain on our waste management systems. As a result, to manage these numbers, companies are now examining business models that allow them…

In this day and age, with lucrative T20 leagues around the world, the lack of Cricket South Africa’s financial muscle, and a host of other factors, it comes as little surprise to see a player of Heinrich Klaasen’s calibre call time on his international career at just 33-years old. As it stands, the calendar for the average international cricketer is already demanding. It becomes even more taxing when you are one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the world, as Klaasen has become over the past three to four years. With T20 leagues worldwide eager to secure his signature, the choice has become increasingly difficult: sign a four-week T20 deal worth millions of rands, or accept a national contract worth only a fraction of that — one that obliges…

The incident involving Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and that wink towards Munster opponent Jack Crowley, as the flyhalf lined up a kick at goal during their United Rugby Championship quarter-final this past Saturday, raises serious questions about sportsmanship and the spirit of rugby. While such moments may appear minor or even amusing to some, they strike at the core of what distinguishes rugby from many other sports, especially football: its great culture of respect. "The Wink", which looked harmless on the surface, represented a subtle yet intentional act of gamesmanship that undermines the integrity and sportsmanship that rugby prides itself on. Of course, it’s caused widespread division and arguments for and against it. However, at the core of the sport’s values is mutual respect – between opponents, for referees, and…

Experts united in their concern about stagnation in the economy, as country narrowly misses contraction South Africa’s economy narrowly escaped contraction in quarter one 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) growing by a mere 0.1%, down from 0.4% in quarter four 2024, according to Statistics SA Experts were united in their concern about stagnation in the economy. Maarten Ackerman, the chief Economist and Advisory Partner at Citadel, said the figures are “not something to celebrate,” as the country remains in a prolonged per capita recession, with full-year growth at just 0.8%. Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 15.8%, contributing 0.4 of a percentage point to the positive GDP growth. This was primarily due to increased economic activities reported for horticulture and animal products. The transport, storage and communication industry…

The OECD slashed its annual global growth forecast on Tuesday, warning that US President Donald Trump's tariffs blitz would stifle the world economy - hitting the US especially hard. After 3.3% growth last year, the world economy is now expected to expand by a "modest" 2.9% in 2025 and 2026, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said. In its previous report in March, the OECD had forecast growth of 3.1% for 2025 and 3% for 2026. Since then, Trump has launched a wave of tariffs that has rattled financial markets. "The global outlook is becoming increasingly challenging," said the OECD, an economic policy group of 38 mostly wealthy countries. It said "substantial increases" in trade barriers, tighter financial conditions, weaker business and consumer confidence, and heightened policy…

Vodacom Group has appointed Mohamed Abdallah as CEO of Vodacom International Markets and Vodafone Egypt, an appointment the group views as key to its efforts to simplify its operating model, drive growth, and enhance customer experiences. Currently serving as CEO of Vodafone Egypt, Abdallah will assume a broader regional executive leadership role aimed at driving growth across Vodacom’s International Markets portfolio, a statement from the Pan Africa telecommunications group said Tuesday. On the JSE Tuesday morning, Vodacom's share price was 0.02% firmer at R137.14. Under the expanded structure, he will oversee operations in Egypt as well as additional African markets, including operations in the DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania, unifying these markets under a single leadership framework. Mohamed joined Vodafone Egypt in 1998 and has held several senior leadership positions,…

British American Tobacco (BAT) is likely to generate 1% to 2% revenue growth in its 2025 financial year, as first-half revenue to June 30 was likely to be slightly ahead of previous guidance, CEO Tadeu Marroco said on Tuesday. He said in a trading statement that the full-year revenue growth would support 1.5% to 2.5% growth in adjusted profit from operations. The cigarette and non-combustible tobacco product group said their US operations were expected to return to revenue and profit growth in the first half, driven by strengthening combustibles delivery and “an excellent Velo Plus performance.” There has also been strong global growth from Velo in Modern Oral, the fastest-growing New Category segment. The performance in Asia and the Middle East remained strong, led by Brazil, Turkiye, and Romania, but…

The lead investigator in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has returned to the witness stand amid renewed scrutiny and controversy, as the State admitted on Tuesday that crucial vehicle tracking reports requested by the defence are “not available.” Brigadier Bongani Gininda, the lead investigator in the high-profile case, resumed testimony in the Gauteng High Court following a tense period of delays and legal wrangling. The trial, which has captivated the nation for years, centres on the 2014 murder of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa, who was gunned down at the Vosloorus home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. In yesterday’s proceedings, defence counsel pressed Gininda on various aspects of the police investigation, including inconsistencies in witness statements and the alleged suppression of key evidence. One of the central issues raised…

The airline industry’s plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is under threat due to a global shift towards fossil fuel-friendly policies, according to a major aviation group. Speaking at an annual industry meeting in India on Sunday, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that climate progress could slow down significantly. Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s top sustainability official, pointed to leaders like US President Donald Trump, whose policies promote oil and gas over renewable energy. “The return of leaders who support fossil fuels and roll back climate regulations is clearly a setback,” said Owens Thomsen. “It puts the 2050 goal in danger.” Even so, she believes the industry will continue to move towards greener practices, just more slowly. “It’s not going to stop us, but it will delay…

Motorists visiting Jubilee Hospital in Hammanskraal have long been plagued by crime, including theft, vandalism, and damage due to the lack of secure parking. Fortunately, this is about to change, thanks to the City of Tshwane's donation of a two-hectare land parcel next to the hospital to the Gauteng Department of Health. Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodim announced that the City has transferred the land parcel to the department in an effort to combat crime in the hospital's vicinity. She said the move is expected to bring relief to motorists whose vehicles were often vulnerable to theft, vandalism and damage due to the lack of secure parking. She added that this move also marks a decisive step towards restoring dignity and safety…

The Gauteng Department of Economic Development, in collaboration with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), hosted a successful Youth Stakeholder Engagement at the AIDC facility in Tshwane. The event brought together youth, industry leaders, civil society, labour, and government stakeholders to deliberate on the critical role of young people in shaping the future of South Africa’s automotive industry. Trish Masango, a learner at Lethabong Maths Science and ICT School of Specialization attended the event. Masango speaking to IOL shared she learned that getting opportunities as a young person is very good as she comes from a very poor family. “Not being able to get all the equipment and everything that I need to get into school and get everything that I want is impossible because the people I live with…

A few weeks ago, when the world focused on South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to his counterpart, Donald Trump, in the Oval Office, two staffers from the Israeli embassy in the US lost their lives most brutally. Some happy-trigger Elias Rodriguez shot dead Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky as they were leaving the event at the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington, DC. It is reported that the couple were to be engaged, tragic ending for the lovely young couple. This past Sunday, another tragic shooting targeting Jews took place in America. This time in Colorado, where a suspect made it clear that he was shooting as a sign of solidarity with the people of Gaza, the Palestinian Territories. Mohamed Sabry Soliman was charged this week with one hate crime…

On May 11, South Africa took a moment to celebrate and remember mothers, acknowledging the comfort, care, and boundless love that mothers embody. Those fortunate enough to have experienced this special maternal love should indeed treasure those memories. However, the recent news surrounding two deeply disturbing cases stands in stark contrast to this sentiment. A 6-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy became victims in profoundly troubling ways. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the 2-year-old, Kutlwano, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this week, accused of selling her son for R75 000. Tragically, Kutlwano, who had been missing since November last year despite extensive searches, was found dead last week. A traditional healer is also expected to be implicated in this heartbreaking case. Adding to this sorrow is the case of…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2024/25 campaign ended on a bittersweet note. While the club clinched a record-extending eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, another failed bid for the CAF Champions League has reignited debate around the future of head coach Miguel Cardoso. Some believe his failure to deliver continental glory warrants immediate dismissal, while others argue that his back-to-back appearances in the final show promise and justify more time. Here, MIHLALI BALEKA and OBAKENG MELETSE present their opposing views. No excuses for failure – Cardoso must go Miguel Cardoso’s first season at Mamelodi Sundowns disappointingly ended with only the Betway Premiership title, as he missed out on the coveted CAF Champions League crown. Given the standards that Sundowns have set for themselves over the years, the Portuguese coach does not deserve to be…

Going into the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next week, Proteas opening batter Ryan Rickelton believes they have enough experience to adapt to red-ball cricket, despite last playing a Test in the New Year’s fixture at Newlands six months ago. There were concerns around the Proteas’ Test team preparations ahead of the showpiece event, as key players had been focused on T20 cricket in the IPL, while others were in their off-season at home over the past few weeks. However, Rickelton told the media, before the team's departure to England last week, that every player in the squad possesses the necessary experience to make the required mental and technical shift back to Test cricket. The 28-year-old highlighted that leaving the IPL early was crucial, as it allowed time to…

As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season, the spotlight shifts from the title chase to the turmoil at the bottom of the table. In the first part of our season review we look at four clubs faced humiliation, heartbreak and hard lessons in survival — or in Royal AM’s case, expulsion. From chaotic boardrooms to sacked managers and historic cup wins, here’s how it all fell apart at the bottom of the Betway Premiership 16th | ROYAL AM Royally messed up the standing of the league Royal AM were a disgrace to top-flight football. Their season was marred by administrative ineptitude, culminating in their expulsion — and leaving the PSL with egg on their face. What should have been a sporting story turned into a legal circus,…