Inhaltsverzeichnis für 2025-09-10 in Star

Shareholders will receive a R73-per-share special dividend on top of other benefits South African shareholders in Anglo American will receive a R73 per share special dividend in addition to other economic benefits after the global miner agreed to a tie-up creating a merged entity with Teck Resources more than a year after turning down an offer from BHP. Teck Resources is a Canadian mining company. Its merger with Anglo American will be under a merger of equals is expected to yield $800 million in pre-tax recurring annual synergies. South African shareholders in Anglo American stand to get a windfall from the transaction, said analysts. Anglo American has been re-strategising after it rebuffed a buyout offer from BHP. “South African shareholders will receive the economic benefits of the merger without paying…

South Africa is a water-scarce country, facing profound water security challenges that are now being compounded by climate change. South Africa’s climate story is in many ways is a water story. Droughts and floods arrive in the same breath, shifting from one extreme to the next with devastating consequences. As climate impacts intensify, water emerges not merely as a casualty but as a catalyst shaping emissions, resilience, and social justice. If South Africa fails to integrate water into its climate response, it risks compounding crises of scarcity, inequity, and fragility. The Climate Crisis as a Water Crisis At its core, South Africa’s climate crisis is a water crisis. Floods, droughts, and crumbling infrastructure are no longer distant risks they are lived realities. The 2015–2018 Cape Town drought, culminating in the…

SUPER Group paid out a substantial special dividend of R16.20 for the year to June 30, arising principally from the sale of SG Fleet in Australia, compared with 60 cents a share paid out a year before. The special dividend amounted to R5.54 billion in total, and the per share payout was more than the share price of R14.12 on Tuesday. Tuesday’s share price was also well below the R24.15 it traded at one year before. The group did not, at the release of annual results on Tuesday, declare an ordinary dividend. The sale of SG Fleet in Australia had unlocked R7.47bn in capital and also enabled a R1.96bn repayment of interest-bearing debt. This dramatically improved the group balance sheet, reducing net gearing to 20.6% from 136.3%. Marking a transformative…

If you haven’t had a chance to catch Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, remember it ends on September 28. Meanwhile, JOMBA! @ The Market Theatre is currently in full swing. Kicking things off tonight is KANYAR Epilogue, which is the first solo work by Didier Boutiana. Based in Reunion, he developed a deeply sensitive and emotional journey of a soul in the quest for its own path. This new solo performance, KANYAR Epilogue, is envisioned as a post-version of KANYAR. It explores the evolving dialogue between the dancer and opens a shifting world, opening up new possibilities. Where: Barney Simon, Market Theatre. When: Today at 6.30pm. Manyabolo Set in Kwamavovo, a village grappling with a mysterious curse and a recent death, the story unfolds through the experiences of three…

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has condemned in the strongest terms a horrifying incident in which eight boy learners from Khomani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, were allegedly raped. Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the incident happened on September 1 after a fellow Grade 7 learner from the school allegedly drugged the eight learners and an adult raped them. “Preliminary reports indicate that the instigating Grade 7 boy learner allegedly stole a bottle of cold drink at a local shop, which was reported by the shopkeeper. It is then alleged that the learner drugged this drink and gave it to the eight boy learners to consume.” Mabona further said that the school has also suspended the Grade 7 boy learner who allegedly orchestrated the incident. “A disciplinary…

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has commended South Africa for its efforts in finding new ways to fund HIV/Aids programmes following the recent USAID funding cuts. On Monday, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered his message of support to local and international guests gathered at the 12th South African AIDS Conference, currently taking place at the Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni. “I congratulate South Africa in the face of major disruptions and dramatic cuts in aid. I commend the government for moving quickly to analyse the impact of these cuts. South Africa has tried to develop and find contingency plans for each province. “These cuts also bring opportunities. I commend South Africa for its commitment to strengthening domestic funding for HIV/Aids and tuberculosis (TB). We welcome the new HIV/Aids…

Jozi kota festival is well known for its pride in celebrating and embracing the famous township food delicacy, famously known as Kota, across the country. The event is set to return at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 4. It will be supported by the line-up of various Kota businesses, ice cream, soft drinks and different merchandise as a way of boosting the local economy and showcasing food creativity, with the record-breaking of at least 15 000+ attendees. Kota festival is proudly presented by Albany, with Clover, Thomson Meats, and Sunfoil as the official supporting sponsors. This year’s festival reinforces its position as a leading platform for culinary innovation, exposure for small businesses, and culturally rooted brand engagement. The Project manager of Kota festival Buyisile Nkosi says:…

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for urgent disciplinary measures against Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga and Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana. This, over the repeated failure of Motshekga and Godongwana to attend parliamentary committee meetings crucial for overseeing South Africa’s defence and military expenditures, the party said. Nontando Nolutshungu, EFF National Chairperson and Parliamentary Chief Whip, raised the party’s concerns in a letter sent to the Speaker on Monday. The letter highlights what the EFF terms a “pattern of disregard” by Ministers Motshekga and Godongwana towards their constitutional and parliamentary obligations. “The EFF writes to raise grave concern about the conduct of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Hon. Angie Motshekga, and the Minister of…

The Department of Home Affairs has spent nearly R80 million on the deportation of undocumented immigrants in the 2024/2025 financial year, revealing a sharp increase in expenditure over the last three years. The figures were disclosed in a written parliamentary response by Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, to a question posed by Patriotic Alliance Member of Parliament Millicent Mothapa. “What total amount has his department spent on the deportation of illegal immigrants in the past three financial years, and the number of illegal immigrants who were deported?” Mothapa asked. In his written reply, Schreiber confirmed that the department’s expenditure on deportations has risen significantly: 2022/2023 financial year: R32 237 558 was spent on deporting 22 560 undocumented foreign nationals. 2023/2024 financial year: Expenditure jumped to R67 614 902 for…

In a response to questions raised in a parliamentary committee meeting recently, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, stated there had been 36 illegal online gambling cases that had been reported to the police over the past five years. The online gambling industry made profits amounting to R59.3 billion, with a trillion worth of wagers recorded last year. This represents the highest record of profits made, indicating an increase in the prevalence of gambling in South Africa. This is largely attributed to the boom in online betting platforms and the increasing presence of gambling adverts in public spaces and on social media. The growth of smartphone proliferation in the market means younger audiences are connected to the internet and remain exposed to different forms of online…

The search for the right player combinations and pairings for next year’s T20 World Cup continues for the Proteas as they take on England in three T20Is this week. Since coach Shukri Conrad took over the white ball teams, the side has lost five out of eight matches, including losing a Tri-Series in Zimbabwe before going on to lose 2-1 against Australia Down Under. Conrad has made several changes since those two tours, dropping spinners George Linde and Nqaba Peter, and batter Rassie van der Dussen, while Keshav Maharaj, Lizaad Williams and Donovan Ferreira have all been called back to the squad for the England series. With the first of three T20Is set to get underway at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff today, Markram emphasised that the team continues to build…

Last year, my mate and sports agent Shafiek Mouton phoned me and asked what my day looked like. I told him I was off and about to head to the shops, nothing exciting. Then, casually as ever, he dropped a bombshell: I was one of his “phone-a-friend” lifelines on the Afrikaans version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Everything was hush-hush, of course. He’d been sworn to secrecy, as we were in July and the show would only air in November. Not long after, a woman called asking me to sign an NDA. It all felt very cloak-and-dagger, as if answering a quiz show question was national security stuff. I nearly forgot about it, until the call came through while I was leaving the shop, soaked in the pouring…

South Africa’s economy gained momentum in the second quarter of 2025 as it delivered its strongest growth in two years, largely driven by strong production side, household consumption and softer imports. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday showed that real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0.8% between April and June following a marginal increase of 0.1% in the first quarter. Stats SA’s chief director for national accounts, Dr Bokang Vumbukani-Lepolesa, said eight out of 10 industries registered growth, with manufacturing contributing the most, followed by mining and trade. Vumbukani-Lepolesa said the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector saw a 2.5% rise during the period, thanks to stronger activity in both horticulture and animal products. “After two consecutive quarters of decline, manufacturing and mining turned positive. Manufacturing production…

Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, the first female CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is a trailblazing leader who officially took office in February 2025. Her star shines bright. In an interview with Business Report, shortly after presenting the IDC’s annual results, Lekhethe reflected on the path that led her to head one of South Africa’s most influential development finance institutions. The IDC’s mandate is to drive sustainable economic growth and build inclusive economies by promoting industrialisation, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering job creation, particularly for black-owned businesses, women, and youth. Lekhethe was born in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. She grew up in a family of five children, the only girl among four brothers. At the age of five, she moved with her family to Burgersfort, a small mining town in Mpumalanga. Her mother was…

South Africa’s solar energy sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years. This has been driven by falling equipment costs, technological advancements, and a shortage of electricity. Globally, the cost of solar panels and batteries has dropped by as much as 40% to 60% over the past two years, in addition to improvements in panel efficiency and battery power density. This means users can now install fewer units to achieve the same output. Combined with a more easily navigated regulatory framework and the risk of loadshedding returning, solar energy has become an increasingly viable option for households and businesses across the country. One of the most significant advantages of solar energy is how quickly it can be deployed. Residential installations can be completed in a single day, while larger commercial…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Tuesday for "more flexibility" from the EU in the transition to electric cars as resistance grows over plans to phase out combustion-engine vehicle sales by 2035. Merz made the appeal at the opening of the IAA motor show in Munich, as Europe's struggling automakers line up to plead for the bloc to reconsider the plan aimed at combating climate change. German titans VW, BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well as US-European giant Stellantis have voiced concerns as they struggle to build up competitive electric vehicles (EV) against Chinese rivals like BYD. While he did not openly criticise the EU's deadline to halt sales of new combustion engine cars in a decade, Merz said he wanted to see "more flexibilty" in European regulation. "We are of course…

Charlie Sheen has lived much of his life in the public eye. After starring in some of the biggest films of the 1980s and 1990s, he found a new following in the early 2000s through television comedies. But his career was soon overshadowed by years of substance abuse, public breakdowns and an HIV diagnosis. For a time, both Hollywood and Sheen doubted whether he would live to see 60. Now, with his 60th birthday behind him, Sheen is preparing to tell his story in his own words. His memoir The Book of Sheen was released yesterday with a two-part Netflix documentary charting his life and career premiering today. Sheen explained his motivation for writing the memoir in a statement from his publisher: “My stories have been told for far too…

The stay-at-home order issued by Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya was suitable, necessary and reasonable under the circumstances, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria found in dismissing Sibiya’s urgent application to return to work. Sibiya’s attorney, Ian Levitt, has since confirmed to Eyewitness News that they would be appealing the ruling. “Whilst our client respects the decision of the court, and after consultation with our client, it is his instruction to appeal the judgment.” In a 34-page judgment, penned by Judge Norman Davis, the court said the argument by Sibiya’s counsel that the stay-at-home order is a disguised precautionary suspension is not supported by the facts. Judge Davis said the instruction to stay at home was not unlawful. Sibiya turned to court for an…

South Africa’s youngest learners are falling behind before they even reach Grade R, with fewer than half of four-year-olds enrolled in Early Learning Programmes (ELPs) developmentally on track. This is according to the Thrive by Five Index, the country’s largest survey of preschool outcomes, released this week. The survey, conducted every three years, assessed 5 000 children across 1 388 ELPs in all nine provinces. A smaller sub-study also looked at children from low-income households who are not enrolled in any ELPs. The findings paint a stark picture. “Too many young children in South Africa start school without the skills needed to succeed in the foundation phase and beyond,” the Index states. According to the results, only 42% of enrolled four-year-olds are on track for early learning, while 28% are…

As South Africans celebrate Heritage Month, much of the focus turns to culture, food, and tradition. But the country also has a legacy of innovation that has left a mark on the world, from medical breakthroughs to everyday household tools. Here are five inventions that were proudly developed on South African soil. One of the most recognisable is the Kreepy Krauly, the automatic pool cleaner that became a household name worldwide. It was designed in 1974 by Ferdinand Chauvier, a hydraulics engineer from Springs. Today, it remains one of South Africa’s most successful exports. Another is Pratley Putty, a strong adhesive invented in the 1960s by George Montague Pratley. Its durability was so trusted that NASA used it on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, making it the only South…

SuperSportBet has transformed one lucky football fan’s life, handing over the keys to a fully furnished R1.5 million home in Soweto through its Sta’Playa campaign. Launched in February, the campaign was designed to celebrate football fans who stand by their teams through every victory and defeat. With spins starting from as little as R1, every play counted, entering fans into weekly draws and keeping them in the running for the ultimate grand prize: a fully furnished R1.5m home. Through a rigorous draw overseen by Cypress Financial Group, Sposihle Mabusela’s entry rose above thousands of hopefuls, turning her dream of homeownership into reality. From the stands to the spotlight, her passion for the game has now been rewarded with the ultimate prize. Mabusela described the win as life-changing, fulfilling a long-held…

Prisons are jammed at more than 50% above capacity. Figures presented to parliament’s correctional services portfolio committee yesterday show that SA prisons held 163 179 inmates in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, compared with an approved bed space of only 107 067. This means correctional facilities are overcrowded by 52%. Of the total inmate population, 104 957 (64%) were sentenced offenders and 57 891 (36%) were remand detainees, including 331 state patients. The presentation showed that overcrowding was straining various aspects of prison management. Deaths among inmates remained a serious issue, MPs heard. In the past three years and the first quarter of 2025/26, a total of 1 718 prisoners died. Of these, 1 144 were from natural causes, 152 were confirmed as unnatural deaths, and 422…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence on the controversial visit by SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya to Iran, saying that South Africa does not have military relations with the Middle Eastern country. Ramaphosa was responding to a parliamentary question posed by Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader and MP Dr Mmusi Maimane, who had demanded clarity on the nature of South Africa’s relationship with Iran and whether any action had been taken against Maphwanya. “We do not have any military operations with Iran,” said Ramaphosa. He explained that Maphwanya’s visit was part of a pre-determined itinerary arranged almost two years ago. However, he acknowledged the poor timing of the trip given global geopolitical tensions. “I had a long discussion with him, and we both agreed that the timing could…

The tradition of splashing water is part of the Śmigus-Dyngus celebration on Easter Monday in Poland. It is also practised during the Wattah Wattah Festival in the Philippines, as well as various water festivals such as Songkran in Thailand and Thingyan in Myanmar. These celebrations often revolve around themes like fertility, purification, and the New Year. They are symbolically done to bestow good fortune, cleanse the spirit, and promote communal celebration. In South Africa, a similar tradition is observed, especially in townships, to welcome spring on the first day of September by splashing water. However, there is increasing concern that this practice has, at times, caused unintended consequences, as it occasionally involves unwilling participants. A recent viral Facebook video shows an individual, formally dressed, being doused with water against his…

Could earlier clashes against the Black Ferns XV hold the blueprint for a potential Springbok Women’s victory over New Zealand in Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park in Exeter? Few expect Swys de Bruin’s team to cause another upset at the tournament in England where they have already accounted for Italy and reached the knockout round for the first time, their 57-10 loss to France notwithstanding. However, the matches in Cape Town in July and early August against players deemed to be on the fringes of selection for the New Zealand first team may prove instructive, especially the way the Bok Women fought back in the second match after being outplayed in the first. The DNA of the two New Zealand teams is the same, with…

Limpopo’s provincial government has put its best foot forward to attract investment from multilateral financial institutions for critical infrastructure development projects that could yield economic growth and create jobs, including the protracted intra-provincial high-speed railway project. This comes as Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, participated in the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algeria this week where she made a business case for the province to prospective investors. Business Report witnessed a closed-door meeting on Saturday Ramathuba had with Denys Denya the executive vice president of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which organises the IATF. In an interview, Ramathuba confirmed that the IATF2025 allowed the provincial government the opportunity to engage with the bank and gave some details about what they engaged on. “We had a one-on-one session…

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has announced a significant regulatory measure aimed at aiding exporters as they grapple with new tariffs imposed by the United States. This is as the US additional tariffs require exporters to coordinate their activities in developing joint infrastructure for exports, sharing of market information and coordination of activities to achieve economies of scale and efficiencies that enable them to be competitive, which may have contravened the Competition Act. During the 19th Annual Conference on Competition Law, Economics and Policy on Tuesday, deputy minister of the dtic, Zuko Godlimpi, revealed that the newly introduced Block Exemption for Exporters will allow businesses to collaborate effectively, without contravening the Competition Act. Godlimpi said the Competition Commission has contributed to policy changes in response to…

On August 27, 2025, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) announced that it had reached an out-of-court settlement with Eskom after errors were made in determining revenue for the current and following two financial years. This triggered sharp responses from across the industry. Stephen Grootes described it as “the electricity pricing farce”, while Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busisiwe Mavuso said it had the “farcical effect of allowing Eskom to charge tomorrow’s customers for yesterday’s costs.” Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramakgopa responded that government intends to change the entire system. The problem is that this recognition comes too late. It is evident that the Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD) methodology is outdated and not fit for purpose. Designed by Nersa in the early 2000s, it functioned reasonably…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has greenlighted a significant adjustment in the maximum gas price set by Sasol Gas, raising it from R87.04 to R90.57 per GigaJoule (GJ) for the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. This 4% increase comes in response to various market pressures, including the rising costs of gas imported from Mozambique, fluctuations in oil-linked derivatives, exchange rate movements, and shifts in the US Producer Price Index (USPPI). This quarterly adjustment is part of an ongoing strategy put in place by Nersa on June 30, 2025, granting Sasol Gas the authority to revise its maximum gas price every three months, based on changes in gas acquisition costs. Sasol Gas is required to demonstrate the rationale behind price changes by providing relevant cost and…

At the age of 27, Pretoria-based author Kamogelo Masoga published her third book, a children’s story titled Jane & Ruby: The Interaction Between Humans and Dogs. The book is written for readers between the ages of eight and 12, focusing on teaching compassion, empathy and responsibility toward animals. The story begins when a lost dog arrives at the home of Jane, a seven-year-old girl. Her parents expect her to be happy to welcome the new companion, but Jane carries a fear of dogs due to limited exposure and misunderstanding. Instead of bonding with the animal, Jane initially mistreats the dog, showing both emotional and physical cruelty. Her parents intervene, sitting her down for a serious conversation about kindness and the need to respect animals. From this point, Jane starts to…

The legal action against the City of Johannesburg’s controversial CCTV by-law is on hold following its withdrawal by the council last week. The SA Property Owners Association (Sapoa), AfriForum and the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) had all filed Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg challenges to the CCTV by-law. Sapoa chief executive Neil Gopal said the association is yet to receive a formal response from the municipality. AfriForum’s Jacques Broodryk said the organisation was still waiting for the municipality to repeal the by-law. “We welcome the fact that they have written to us and told us they are planning on repealing the by-law but until that has been officially done our position will not change regarding court action,” he said. Outa said it would not proceed with its legal action but…

Police in Limpopo are hunting three suspects after a 14-year-old girl was subjected to a day of horror, first allegedly raped by her boyfriend, only to be attacked again by two other men in a separate incident as she tried to make her way home. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on September 5, after the 14-year-old did not return home from school. According to police, her boyfriend, a taxi driver from Shayandima, allegedly took her to his residence and raped her later that afternoon. Ledwaba added that after the initial raped, the alleged boyfriend drove the victim for a while before forcing her out of the vehicle to walk home. As she made her way at around 18:30, another vehicle stopped, and she was dragged…

Johannesburg Water reported constrained systems yesterday, resulting in low pressure or no supply in some parts of the city. In areas with no water, the entity promised to supply water through coordination with ward councillors. The Johannesburg Water central system was constrained but supplying fairly to critically low, with some areas receiving poor pressure to no water. Over the weekend, Rand Water’s Vereeniging raw water treatment plant experienced power supply challenges, and this resulted in reduced capacity at the Eikenhof pump station. This affected the Commando system, which includes Crosby, Brixton and Hursthill, Waterval tower, Quellerina tower, Crown Gardens, Eagles Nest, and Naturena reservoir. DA councillor and shadow Environment and Infrastructure Services MMC Tyrell Meyers said Rand Water assured residents that the system is stabilising at Vereeniging. He said there…

Former occupants of buildings demolished on Boom and Kgosi Mampuru streets in Pretoria are outraged, demanding compensation from the City of Tshwane for damages and loss of livelihood. The group, including informal traders, claims they were not properly consulted or notified before the demolition. In a meeting yesterday with attorney Mametlwe Sebei from Lawyers for Human Rights, the group expressed their outrage and frustration. Sebei condemned the city’s decision, calling it an “injustice and an act of violence” against the former occupants. “It cannot be right that the city’s administration is throwing away the livelihoods of people who are trying to make an honest and decent living,” he said. He said many of those impacted are traders struggling to earn a living. He added that Lawyers for Human Rights intend…

In a world where automation and artificial intelligence are shaking up industries, the question on many South Africans’ minds is: Are we heading toward mass unemployment or a new way of working? The answer, like many things in Mzansi, is layered. Jobs are not dying – they’re transforming. And how we respond to that shift will define the future of work for generations. South Africa finds itself in a critical moment. With an unemployment rate lingering above 32% and youth unemployment soaring over 45% (Stats SA, 2025), the anxiety is real and justified. From cashiers in Diepsloot to call centre agents in Durban, many fear being replaced by bots, algorithms, and machines. The emergence of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, robotics in warehouses, and digital financial services has started to…

Alexander Isak stated “not everyone has the full picture” of his move to Liverpool after Sweden’s 0-2 defeat against Kosovo. Isak joined the Premier League champions as their new No.9 on a long-term contract, which he signed on deadline day in a move for a British record transfer fee of £125 million. Isak made his intentions of leaving Newcastle clear and did not participate in the pre-season. The tensions then arose which led to him being excluded from Eddie Howe’s first team training, which ultimately led to Newcastle United’s faithful turning on the 25-year-old. His first appearance of the season came as a second half substitute in Sweden’s loss against Kosovo. “Not everyone has the full picture, but that’s something for another day. I can’t control everything that’s said or…

Springbok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen believes their issues at the breakdown are not as dire as many are making them out to be – despite again appearing second best in that area against the All Blacks at Eden Park. The attacking breakdown has been a thorn in the Boks’ side this season, with both Italy and Australia exploiting it to great effect before the South Africans travelled to New Zealand. At Eden Park, it seemed a familiar story as the All Blacks slowed down Bok ball, pounced on counter-rucking opportunities and secured crucial turnovers throughout the match. Italy flooded the breakdown in their opening match at Loftus Versfeld and could well have stolen the result had they not fallen so far behind in the first half. Against the Wallabies at…

Veteran sprinter Wayde van Niekerk is confident that a South African team boasting a good blend of youth and experience can end their long medal drought at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, starting this weekend. Van Niekerk, the 400m world record holder, will tackle the men’s 200m and will form part of the men’s 4x400m relay team in the Japanese capital. The 33-year-old, a two-time former world champion in the one-lap sprint, is one of the most experienced athletes in the team. Van Niekerk announced his return to form with a 200m qualifying time of 20.07 on August 12 at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Budapest, but the time was outside the fastest times in the world this year. He knows it will take an extraordinary effort to reach…

Durban’s Super Giants have significantly bolstered their squad with some high-profile signings, including that of Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram at the SA20 Auction held in Johannesburg yesterday. After reaching the final in the second season, the Durban-based side endured a dramatic fall from grace in the third edition, finishing bottom of the standings with just two wins from ten round-robin fixtures earlier this year. As a result, head coach Lance Klusener found himself under pressure, although the franchise opted to retain him for the fourth season, which is set to kick off on Boxing Day later this year. Held at The Galleria Conference and Events Venue in Sandton, the auction saw the Super Giants come out firing, clearly determined to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. In…