Tabla de contenidos para 2026-01-28 en Star

There is a marked improvement on the coal export rail line to Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), which said on Tuesday it was eyeing expanded export volumes, with Transnet attributing the improved shipments to implementation of solutions to end train delays, stoppages and inefficiencies. Logistics logjams related to Transnet’s rail constraints have been blamed for lower export performance by South African bulk miners although the freight rail operator has started to improve. RBCT board chairperson, Nosipho Damasane, said they had sought to accelerate efficient movement of coal to the terminal pending finalisation of reforms for Transnet. The terminal had joined hands with Transnet on implementation of short-term measures to short circuit challenges that were slowing down coal shipments for export. “So we moved away from diagnosis of the problems to…

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has called on government to impose steep tariffs on imports from BRICS partners China and India, warning that local industry is under siege and that trade imbalances are deepening. Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim made the remarks during a parliamentary briefing by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and automotive industry stakeholders on the implementation of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) on Tuesday. While labour supports investment and does not oppose South Africa’s BRICS membership, Jim said government must reassess the value of its trade partnerships at a time when the domestic auto sector is facing intense import pressure and heightened global trade tensions. "We are not against BRICS. We are not against China. But if Chinese…

AVI's revenue increased 4.9% in the six months to December 31 supported by volume growth in several brand categories and higher selling prices to offset inflationary cost pressures. The owner of household brands in food, beverages, frozen seafood, personal care, footwear, and fashion apparel said in a trading update Wednesday that the trading environment had remained challenging. Nevertheless, consolidated headline earnings per share were expected to increase between 10.5% and 12.5% over the prior year, translating into an increase from last year's 407.5 cents to a range of between 450.3 and 458.4 cents a share. Revenue growth of 4.5% in Entyce, the hot drinks and coffee unit, was achieved across all categories. Tea demand was sound with sales volume growth across both the Freshpak and Five Roses brands. Creamer demand…

The devastating flooding that took place last week in Limpopo and Mpumalanga resulted in tragic loss of life, destroyed homes, damaged critical infrastructure, while severely disrupting fragile ecosystems and disrupting livelihoods. Simultaneously, Knysna faced extreme drought and heatwaves, pushing dam levels dangerously low and prompting a local disaster declaration. Though floods and droughts differ, both reveal intensifying climate volatility that we are experiencing. Climate risk may be global in origin, but its impacts are local, thus making municipalities essential for building resilience. A Just Transition Requires Adaptation and Local Capacity South Africa is already experiencing more frequent floods, prolonged droughts, extreme heat and wildfires. The Presidential Climate Commission’s (PCC) Adaptation Readiness in South Africa Synthesis Report finds that the country’s readiness to respond to climate change remains very low relative…

A federal court in San Francisco began hearing a case Monday brought by fishermen against tire companies over a chemical additive which plaintiffs allege can be deadly to endangered salmon. Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli and 10 other tire manufacturers in the United States are facing off in court against the Institute for Fisheries Resources and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, who are represented by the environmental group Earthjustice. Plaintiffs argue that usage of the additive 6PPD can devastate coho salmon and other fish populations who live off the coasts of California and Alaska. The suit charges that the use of the additive constitutes an illegal "taking" under the US Endangered Species Act, affecting 24 populations of coho, Chinook salmon and steelhead trout listed as threatened. The 13 tire companies…

Higher gold prices of over $5 000 (more than R80 000) per ounce will help Pan African Resource, which expects the current pricing levels to be sustained for long, to invest further into production and reduce its debt obligations. Gold prices reached a new all-time high and surpassed $5 000 per ounce this week, notching up a rally of about 50% year to date and bringing excitement to precious metals markets as investors shifted focus to safe haven assets in light of global economic and geopolitical upheavals. For Pan African Resources, the higher gold price rally represents a structural change and pricing in of the metal’s full potential. “This gold rally means that our margins can improve significantly and we can invest more in our operations to grow production, as…

The rise of AI-generated music has not landed well with many local South African artists and continues to spark debate among the creatives and fans. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a touchy subject within the music industry, especially among the artists who still maintain the organic way of creating music. South African R&B singer Nanette has taken a firm stance against the use of artificial intelligence, making it known that she does not support its use. This comes after the controversial podcaster Rea Gopane’s hit song Suka! sparked debate on social media about how AI is causing a huge shift in how music is created. Gopane was accused of using AI to create his music. The Painfully Happy creator recently wrote on X that AI is no substitute for…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, have launched a comprehensive provincial response to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that has affected over 261 000 animals. Yesterday, during a joint media briefing, the MEC indicated that the province’s accelerated multi-stakeholder approach includes R16 million in funding, nearly 300 000 vaccine doses, and strict quarantine measures as the province battles one of South Africa’s most severe livestock health crises. The recurring disease, which has persisted for several months, has necessitated national and provincial interventions. Consequently, there are reports that the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has proposed that the national government should consider declaring a national state of disaster in response to this outbreak. Officials have tracked the origins of the Gauteng outbreak to April…

The Durban High Court has set the trial dates for the 62 people accused of instigating the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said the case was certified trial-ready on Monday and is set to be heard from July 20 to September 18, 2026. The accused face charges of conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence, terrorism, sedition, and conspiracy to commit murder. In July 2021, violent protests and socio-political unrest resulted in widespread looting of shops and businesses and the burning and destruction of public facilities and private properties, mostly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. More than 300 people were killed in the riots and looting that cost the economy billions of Rand. Meanwhile, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president…

The Gauteng provincial government has dismissed claims by the DA linking the planned closure of British American Tobacco South Africa’s (BATSA) Heidelberg facility to Premier Panyaza Lesufi, calling the allegations disingenuous and politically opportunistic. Provincial government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the DA’s statement attempts to shift blame for what he described as a complex national crisis onto the Gauteng government. “The statement is a disingenuous and politically opportunistic attempt to blame Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the Gauteng Provincial Government for a complex, national crisis, while the DA itself is a partner in national governance structures failing to address the root causes,” Mhlanga said. He said the DA’s accusations were factually misleading and exposed hypocrisy in the party’s policy positions and political responsibilities. “Attempts to portray the illicit cigarette trade as…

The City of Tshwane has confirmed it has received R91 million in payments from the National Department of Public Works, marking a significant step forward in efforts to recover billions of rands owed to the municipality by government departments. This comes after the launch of the TshwaneYaTima initiative, led by City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, which is aimed at recovering more than R1.9 billion owed by national and provincial departments to help improve service delivery to residents. The city said it “welcomes confirmation it received that the National Department of Public Works has processed payments totalling R91 million in respect of municipal accounts in arrears.” “These payments relate to a range of government properties, including some sites visited by city officials in recent weeks as part of credit control…

The Advertising Appeals Committee has dismissed an appeal by MTN South Africa, confirming that its Shesh@600 product, which claims to offer a “free-to-use” router, was not always “free”, thus this statement was misleading. MTN was ordered last year to either remove or amend its “free-to-use” router advertising. This followed a complaint by a consumer that he was charged an “activation fee” of R553 before MTN could activate the router for use. MTN subsequently appealed against the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) Directorate’s ruling, which upheld the consumer’s complaint by finding that the “free-to-use” router claim in MTN’s Shesh@600 home internet advertising was misleading. The advertising in issue is a campaign promoting MTN’s Shesh@600 5G/LTE Home Internet package, offering uncapped data with tiered speeds for a monthly subscription of R399. The offer…

Mobile data expiration has long been a controversial topic, especially for South African prepaid users who risk losing money when unused data bundles disappear after just 30 days. In response to a rising tide of discontent, the country’s communications regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), has unveiled a new set of regulations that promise to transform the mobile data landscape. The amended regulations, formally titled the End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Amendment Regulations, were published in the Government Gazette and are expected to come into effect in early 2027. This announcement follows years of pressure from political and civic groups advocating for changes that would protect consumers from the unpredictable whims of data expiration. Widespread outrage over escalating mobile data costs has been fuelled by numerous complaints…

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said his Real Madrid counterpart Alvaro Arbeloa was like a child to him ahead of their Champions League battle tonight. The veteran Portuguese manager coached Arbeloa at Madrid during his time at the helm of Los Blancos between 2010-2013, and had a strong relationship with the former defender in a dressing room that was splintering. After a comment from Mourinho last week about being “surprised” when inexperienced managers lead big European clubs was viewed as a dig at new Madrid coach Arbeloa, he said he would never try to make life hard for his former charge. Former Inter Milan coach Mourinho said in Italy his words were also being taken as criticism of the appointment of Cristian Chivu at the Serie A side last summer. “There…

Bulls skipper Marcell Coetzee feels a return to the Bulls DNA has helped reignite a campaign that had threatened to implode with a seven-match losing streak across the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup. The Bulls players return from their recent European tour with a spring in their step after back-to-back wins against Pau and Edinburgh, and their place in the Champions Cup play-offs secured. They are now gearing up for a fierce URC derby against the Lions at Ellis Park this Saturday (2.30pm kickoff). Coetzee said they always felt like they were about to turn the corner, even in the midst of their wretched run of losses that piled the pressure on coach Johan Ackermann. “We always knew we were in the fight in those previous games and I…

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has announced that South Africa has resumed submitting Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) field strains to the Pirbright Institute in the United Kingdom, marking the first time since 2011 that the country has sent samples to the global authority. Steenhuisen said the Pirbright Institute serves as the World Reference Laboratory for FMD. While the institute does not manufacture vaccines, it plays a critical role in determining whether vaccines used globally match the virus strains currently circulating in the field. Steenhuisen noted that over the past year, the Department of Agriculture had already sent various materials to the Pirbright laboratory as part of routine sharing among World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reference laboratories, most recently in the last quarter of 2023. “The reason WOAH reference laboratories share circulating…

A new Bureau for Economic Research (BER) survey suggests South Africa’s infrastructure and investment environment is beginning to move in a more positive direction, with economists cautiously welcoming the improvement. Craig Lemboe of the BER said the results of the fourth-quarter civil construction survey are the most optimistic seen in years. More than half of respondents reported satisfaction with prevailing business conditions, while views on the availability of work and profitability were notably upbeat. “Even more encouraging is that respondents are significantly positive about the current availability of work and, consequently, their profitability. (A net balance of 14% reported higher growth compared to the same period in 2024 versus a long-term average of –28%).” The latest First National Bank (FNB)/BER civil construction confidence index indicates that activity in parts of…

When it comes to transitioning to sustainable energy, many South African businesses are caught between ambition and affordability. Clean energy remains the end goal, but for most, capital scarcity, tariff uncertainty and operational risk make large, upfront investments difficult to justify. The real challenge is not whether to transition, but how to make meaningful progress without compromising balance sheets. With the recent observation of International Day of Clean Energy, it’s worth reframing the conversation. The transition does not need to start with large, upfront investments. In fact, the most resilient strategies begin with quick, low-risk interventions that stabilise performance, reduce waste and unlock immediate financial value, creating the conditions for larger investments later. Not all energy investments deliver value at the same pace Not all energy investments deliver value at…

Bitcoin adoption in South Africa offers the opportunity to state-proof one's money against currency devaluation that might arise from the government printing too much money or other authoritarian actions, Free Market Foundation CEO David Ansara said Wednesday. With 80% of the world's population still living under dictatorship, Bitcoin offered the opportunity for cross-border trade, saving and investment, without gate keepers, in an open-ledger, transparent system that can by-pass sanctions and third-party interference. For example, there was much increased Bitcoin use by both dissidents and governments, in the recent political upheavals in Venezuela and Iran, he said. Iran had seen mass withdrawals of Bitcoin from exchanges to self-custodied personal wallets, as Iranians sought harder assets and protection from a violently repressive state. Ansara said "state-proofing" as a strategy was relevant in…

The man believed to be Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda, a controversial X commenter who used to discredit and insult politicians, has been found dead in his hotel room in Sandton. This was after police said an inquest docket had been opened after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton. His body was found today. “The police have opened an inquest docket after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton on the morning of 27 January 2026,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, who added that the cause of death is not known at this stage as they are awaiting post-mortem results. Nevhuhulwi added that police investigations surrounding the death are under way. Although police did not identify the…

While his beats usually do the talking, DJ Black Coffee is finally picking up the mic to address the legal storm that’s been brewing off-stage for years. In a move that has social media buzzing, the world-renowned producer took a rare, public swing at the narrative surrounding his split from actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, specifically targeting the “customary marriage” label that could cost him half his empire. The timing isn’t accidental. On January 21, the Constitutional Court handed down a landmark judgment clarifying how prenuptial agreements apply to customary marriages. The court confirmed that these marriages can be governed by antenuptial contracts, provided they are properly registered. While the ruling was meant to provide clarity for thousands of South Africans, it inadvertently reignited Black Coffee’s own divorce saga, which has…

South Africa’s tourism sector has crossed a major milestone, welcoming more than 10 million international visitors in 2025 and reinforcing its role as a key engine of economic growth and job creation. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the country recorded 10.48 million international arrivals between January and December 2025, a 17.6% increase on 2024 and the highest number ever recorded. “Tourism is working. Tourism is delivering. And tourism will remain a cornerstone of inclusive growth, investment, and job creation in South Africa,” De Lille said. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the Minister emphasised that tourism policy is economic policy, pointing to a strong recovery, rising investor confidence and expanding job opportunities in the sector. According to the Department of Tourism, South Africa’s global appeal was further boosted…

South Africans will enjoy further fuel price relief in February, with late-month data showing petrol and diesel price decreases are on the cards for next Wednesday, February 5. South African fuel prices are already at four-year lows following January’s price cuts. As of January 27, unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) was pointing to petrol price reductions of between 66 cents (95 Unleaded) and 64 cents (93 Unleaded) and diesel price cuts of between 60 cents (500ppm) and 67 cents (50ppm). This could bring the price of 95 Unleaded down to around R19.26 at the coast and R20.09 in the inland regions, where 93 Unleaded will cost around R20. A buoyant South African rand, which this week appreciated to its strongest level against the US dollar in four…

Following learner-related road fatalities and service disruptions, Gauteng Roads and Transport has issued a stern warning to scholar transport operators: comply with licensing regulations or face enforcement. Over 1 000 application forms were handed out, along with clear guidance, as the department moves to protect learners and ensure lawful operations. On Monday, more than 500 operators gathered at the department’s headquarters to raise concerns over delays and obstacles in obtaining operating licences. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to resolve long-standing licensing issues that have prevented many operators from formalising and sustaining their services. Addressing the operators, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela acknowledged the legitimacy of their concerns but stressed that compliance is non-negotiable. “The Department is willing to work with scholar transport operators who genuinely want to…

The inquiry into the fitness of suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, is set to resume on Monday, despite ongoing disputes over Advocate Shamila Batohi's legal representation. Justice Bess Nkabinde, presiding over the inquiry, urged evidence leaders to find a way to proceed with the case while addressing issues related to advocate Batohi's legal team. The dispute centers around whether Advocate Garth Hulley, a member of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) legal team, may have a conflict of interest, further delaying the testimony of key witnesses. Hulley leads the NPA’s internal legal team and he's representing Batohi in the inquiry. During the proceedings, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Chauke's lawyer told the panel, “We discussed the matter internally as well as in collaboration with the evidence leaders. Perhaps…

The South African Local Government Authority (SALGA) has called for a complete restructuring of municipal funding models, highlighting that municipalities deliver nearly half of all public services but receive only 10% of national fiscal resources. This bold call for transformation comes on the heels of the ANC establishing a "war room" at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, to prioritise local governance and address the persistent challenges that plague municipalities nationwide. With local government elections looming, this strategic initiative underscores the ANC's commitment to improving service delivery and tackling the systemic issues that have long hampered sustainable progress in communities. President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the NEC gathering, emphasised the importance of enabling residents to report service delivery failures and corruption. According to Ramaphosa, this mechanism…

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed an attempt by Pick n Pay Retailers (Pty) Ltd to reopen a long-running slip-and-fall case, confirming that the supermarket chain remains liable for injuries suffered by a customer who fell on a slippery substance inside one of its stores. The ruling supports earlier judgments holding Pick n Pay responsible for injuries sustained by Maria Williams at its N1 City Mall store in Goodwood, Cape Town. The case dates back to November 13, 2017, when Williams, widow of late rugby star Chester Williams, was shopping with her sister when she slipped and fell in the store. She had briefly left the checkout area to retrieve an item she had forgotten and was walking briskly—but not running—through an aisle when she lost her footing.…

As the Lions jogged out onto the Johannesburg Stadium pitch yesterday, a degree of relief and optimism permeated through the team — both during the training session and their off-field duties thereafter. The sun was out and a comforting humidity clung to the air. Moving in from the south, a head of thunderclouds had begun rolling in, teasing a good old-fashioned afternoon storm, their cotton-like bellows scattering the heat every so often. One suspects the Bulls, some 60km up the road, have had similar feelings of comfort this week. Both teams, after all, have just returned from Europe, where they played in testing conditions. The Lions, especially, were lashed by rain in their games against Perpignan and, most recently, the Ospreys. Both matches ended in hard-fought draws: the former a…

Rassie Erasmus has added his influential voice to the growing chorus calling for a unified global rugby calendar, suggesting that a total realignment of the international season could solve the sport’s most persistent headaches. According to a report in France, a World Rugby meeting is set to take place in London next month to discuss the matter. Speaking this week, Erasmus revealed his excitement regarding a “synced” schedule, with discussions moving from boardroom theory into serious practical consideration. “There’s real talk about it” Erasmus told reporters on Monday. “When you’re in meetings and you start looking at calendars and you think what can work and what can’t work — some people voiced it out publicly, then some people took the route to get it done. It looks like everybody’s taking…

Trade and industry department confirms that discussions on proposed changes are under way Tongaat Hulett is seeking policy and regulatory reforms it believes are critical to the survival of South Africa’s sugar industry, with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) confirming that discussions on proposed changes are under way. The embattled sugar producer, which has been battling to recover from a financial and debt scandal, remains under business rescue and is struggling to implement its turnaround plan. Now, knowledgeable sources within South Africa’s government and industry have told Business Report that Tongaat Hulett could be forced to halt business rescue implementation and availing of funding should the company fail to secure reforms related to the South Africa Sugar Association (Sasa). “The winning bidder is dangling a carrot…

South Africa’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and European Union’s (EU) grey list was rightly met with both relief and some pride. It signals that, after two years of intense scrutiny and reform, South Africa has made tangible progress in strengthening its guardrails to counter terrorist financing, and combat fraud and money laundering. But, as significant as this is, it’s only the end of the beginning. South Africa’s real financial reputation test starts now as the global system that judged us moves into a much stricter era. The FATF may have cleared South Africa, but its scrutiny will continue into 2026 and 2027 to ensure that the actions taken deliver measurable outcomes and enforcement. Heavier paperwork, slow processing, heightened scrutiny and even disrupted payment flows will…

Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson on Tuesday announced that after a thorough search, the company has appointed Mark Sergeant as chief operating officer: gaming, responsible for land-based revenue across the group. Sergeant will head up the casino operations from February, reporting directly to the CEO. He also brings over 25 years of credible leadership experience across all spheres of Sun International’s operations, from gaming to leisure and hospitality, having led two of the UK’s largest casino groups. As the group managing director at Genting Casinos he oversaw a portfolio of 35 casinos across the UK, an international casino operation in Cairo, a UK integrated gaming and leisure resort, and two online gaming businesses. Sun International said the appointment marks another giant leap forward for the group as it pursues…

Lewis Group's revenue increased 11.1% in the 9 months to end-December 2023, driven by strong growth in credit sales and other revenue, the furniture, appliances and homeware retailer said in a trading update Tuesday. It was "a solid performance, despite constrained discretionary consumer spending," the directors said. It is important to differentiate between credit and cash sales when assessing the financial performance of companies, as credit sales carry more risk for the retailer. Group merchandise sales grew by 7.1%. Credit sales increased by 9.1%, accounting for 69.4% (Dec 2024: 68.2%) of total sales. Cash sales increased by 2.8% for the 9 months. Group merchandise sales for the third quarter to December 2023 increased by 7.8%, supported by strong Black Friday sales across all brands, following growth of 8.9% and 4.6%…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, have launched a comprehensive provincial response to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that has affected over 261 000 animals. Yesterday, during a joint media briefing, the MEC indicated that the province’s accelerated multi-stakeholder approach includes R16 million in funding, nearly 300 000 vaccine doses, and strict quarantine measures as the province battles one of South Africa’s most severe livestock health crises. The recurring disease, which has persisted for several months, has necessitated national and provincial interventions. Consequently, there are reports that the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has proposed that the national government should consider declaring a national state of disaster in response to this outbreak. Officials have tracked the origins of the Gauteng outbreak to April…

“Storytelling is a powerful tool,” said author Emily Child. “Through stories we can shift the way people feel and think, and we can effect change.” That belief sits at the heart of Libo and the Leopard: Keeper of the Stars, a children’s book that brings together Lozi cultural heritage and leopard conservation through a narrative rooted in oral tradition, memory and place. The book was created after Panthera approached Imagnary House with a clear intention: to develop a story for the Lozi community that honours culture while encouraging conservation. For Child, the task was not about delivering a lesson but about shaping a story that could live beyond the page. She wanted something that felt timeless, a tale that could be told by firelight and shared across generations, with or…

The man believed to be Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda, a controversial X commenter who used to discredit and insult politicians, has been found dead in his hotel room in Sandton. This was after police said an inquest docket had been opened after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton. His body was found today. “The police have opened an inquest docket after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton on the morning of 27 January 2026,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, who added that the cause of death is not known at this stage as they are awaiting post-mortem results. Nevhuhulwi added that police investigations surrounding the death are under way. Although police did not identify the…

The release of dashcam footage from the Vanderbijlpark crash that claimed the lives of 14 schoolchildren has sparked anger, grief and speculation. Beyond the debate about blame, the footage forces a harder, more practical question of what to do if you found yourself in the same situation? Head-on collisions are among the most violent crashes on South African roads. They happen fast, often with little warning, and they leave no margin for error. According to defensive driving specialists, the key is not panic, but preparation – training your mind to override instinct in the critical seconds before impact. There’s no doubt that many drivers have had close calls or even worse, considering our diabolical road accident statistics, and if you do find yourself in that unfortunate position, here are a…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has issued an urgent appeal to the public for help after a shortage of dogs began hampering crime-fighting and life-saving operations within its K9 units. The SAPS has appealed for suitable dog donations, warning that the lack of trained and trainable animals is undermining critical functions including crime detection, search-and-rescue missions and specialised operations across the province. “Only dogs that are healthy, confident and energetic, and not fearful of people or loud noises will be considered,” said provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli. “Preferred breeds include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bloodhounds, Border Collies, Jack Russells and Dutch Shepherds,” he said. He added that dogs selected for detection and search tasks, including narcotics, explosives, firearm detection, or…

The ANC Greater Johannesburg Region has rejected allegations of vote rigging at its 16th Regional Conference, saying ballot papers allegedly found at a house in Pretoria have nothing to do with the region and dismissing the claims as a “movie.” The controversy follows the ANC’s Greater Johannesburg elective conference held in December, where Loyiso Masuku narrowly defeated Dada Morero to become regional chairperson. The conference has since been clouded by allegations of bribery and election manipulation, now under investigation by police and the party’s national leadership. Police on Sunday visited a Pretoria property after complaints were lodged, where ballot boxes and ballot papers were allegedly discovered. A video later circulated on social media showing officers opening a black plastic bag in the backyard of the property, with what appeared to…

The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has refused an application by a husband seeking an immediate divorce without first resolving the division of a substantial joint estate, holding that a marriage in community of property cannot be dissolved independently of its proprietary consequences. The applicant, identified in court papers as TSY, approached the court asking for a separation of issues in his long-running divorce from his wife, LEY. The couple married in 1989 in community of property and share a single joint estate. Although they separated in 2011 and both agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, disputes over maintenance and the division of assets have stalled the proceedings since 2024. LEY counter-claimed for maintenance to the tune of R150 000 every month, which was to be index-linked…

A widow is seeking the death benefit due following her spouse’s passing, alleging that the Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers' Union pension fund has delayed and failed to respond. The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator has condemned the fund’s silence, describing it as “concerning,” and referred the matter to the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) for investigation and potential penalties. The OPFA reported a 13% increase in new complaints for the 2024/25 financial year, rising to 10 331 complaints from 9 177 the previous year. Non-compliance by employers failing to pay contributions remained widespread, accounting for 44.34% of complaints, while withdrawal disputes made up 38.79%. The Financial Services Conduct Authority has flagged 5 830 employers who are not meeting their legal obligation to pay pension deductions within seven…

When you wake up and dread going to work, or if you are working from home and you don’t want to switch on your laptop, you may be suffering from workplace anxiety. A form of stress that is related to your job, colleagues, or work environment that, without a doubt, hinders your performance, happiness, and health. This can cause depression about your tasks and deadlines and nervousness about interacting with your boss and colleagues, which can lead to burnout, tension, and coming up with excuses rather than solutions. Persistent worry can cause mistakes, missing deadlines, and physical symptoms such as stomach problems, sleep issues, over- or under-eating, and so forth. A risky cycle. High-pressure environments, especially sales roles, toxic cultures, uncertainty about job security, and having oversold your skills will…

Betway SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith believes the Proteas’ recent experience in India will stand them in good stead leading into the ICC T20 World Cup. The Proteas finished off last year with an extensive three-format tour to India, while the majority of the 15-player World Cup squad have also played a number of years in the IPL. “I think the exposure to the subcontinent now that players get is extremely different. You know, they spend an immense amount of time in the subcontinent through IPL or touring,” Smith said. “So, you know, the exposure to the conditions, certainly it’s not foreign to any of these players. They’ve spent, I’d probably say years of their life now playing on the subcontinent. “When I look at the team, I think there’s…

In South African sport, there is nothing we love more than a generational talent. We crave the mavericks, the players who can turn a game on its head with a moment of magic. Currently, the two posters on the walls of every young fan in Mzansi belong to Proteas star batter Dewald Brevis and the Springboks’ mercurial flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Both Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Brevis possess an almost frightening amount of natural ability at the tender ages of 23 and 22 respectively. We are certainly blessed to have these two “generational talents” burst onto the scene around the same time. But as their careers converge at a critical juncture, Feinberg-Mngomezulu would do well to take a leaf out of the young cricketer’s book. Brevis was initially a “victim” of his own…