Star -julkaisun 2025-07-22 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has decried the country’s level of preparedness to deal with the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This comes as the agricultural industry is reeling from the economic toll of the ongoing FMD outbreak, with losses that run into hundreds of millions of rand and threatened food security. Speaking at the FMD Indaba on Monday, Steenhuisen said the disease has brought sobering lessons to light, exposing weaknesses in the response system during the most recent outbreak. “What we saw was a response system stretched to its limits, with breakdowns in communication, severe delays in vaccine availability, confusion over movement controls, and an alarming lack of readiness at several levels of government. Farmers were unsure of the measures. Provinces were uncertain of the protocols.…

The rand moved back towards R18.00 to the dollar on Monday as investors remain on edge ahead of the August 1 American tariff deadlines. At 4.50pm the local currency was at R17.73 to the dollar. The rand has seen increased volatility since July 14, when President Donald Trump announced a 30% tariff on US imports of South African goods to start on August 1, according to Trading Economics. South Africa is facing an extra tariff threat from the US as a member of BRICS. Annabel Bishop, the chief economist at Investec, said the rand continues to be led by the US dollar’s movements in the rand-dollar cross, weaker by 1.8% this month, but flat against the euro and the UK pound, with markets seeing some uncertainty on the approach…

South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand at a critical crossroads, grappling with the looming spectre of a 30% import tariff on most goods entering the United States. This decision, signed into effect by President Donald Trump, will come into play on 1 August 2025, raising alarm bells for several sectors, particularly agriculture, automotive, and mining, industries heavily reliant on exports to the US market. The consequences of these tariffs threaten to reverberate throughout the broader economy, with experts warning of potential job losses in the thousands. Miguel da Silva, Group Executive of Business Banking at TymeBank, pointed to the tariff implications as not just an isolated issue but rather a reflection of the shifting geopolitical landscape that South Africa must navigate. “As a nation, we have to rethink…

"Three weeks in Beijing and Shanghai," I tell April Long before the mics come on for our podcast chat. "When?" she asks. "2011," I reply. "Oh," she laughs, "different country." No kidding. I wasn't a car person then, and I'm still not now, but I couldn't help but be floored by Xiaomi's recently unveiled YU7 SUV. Long gets it, though. She's spent 12 years watching East Africa transform, but her journey from a “no-name Chinese town” (her words, not mine) to co-founding an Africa-focused fintech called Pyxis tells quite a story about transformation. Listening to her share gave me a fresh appreciation for what it must be like building in Africa while Chinese, and what locals might tend to overlook in our own backyard. Presidents and pictures Long's Africa story…

Jubilee Metals Group performed strongly through its fourth quarter to June 30, with chrome concentrate production up 19.9% from the same time last year, exceeding annual production guidance. Quarterly production came to 505 578 tons compared with 421 698 tons in the 4th quarter of 2025. Recent increases in platinum group metals (PGM) production offset the impact of recent lower chrome prices. Since May 2025, the chrome price had depreciated by about 11.4%, which, for Jubilee, had been buffered by platinum prices that appreciated by nearly 33%, further supported by a significant increase in chrome production. “Over the past quarter, we have seen large fluctuations in the price of chrome. The company's revenue and earnings exposure to chrome prices have significantly increased in line with the increase in operational output,…

Netflix has released the first teaser trailer for Stranger Things season 5, and it is packed with action, suspense and a glimpse into the final showdown between the Hawkins crew and the forces of evil. The trailer drops exactly nine years after the beloved series first premiered on Netflix, launching the streaming giant’s massive cultural phenomenon. Stranger Things is gearing up for a thrilling finale, with its three-part final season wrapping up with a bang on New Year’s Eve. The fifth and last season is set to premiere with the first four episodes dropping on November 26. Volume 2 will follow on Christmas Day, and the series finale will conclude the saga on New Year’s Eve. The series wraps up with a 139-minute finale on New Year’s Eve, which will…

The “tools down” protest by FlySafair pilots has plunged operations into chaos, grounding flights and sparking a storm of outrage across social media. The chaos was triggered by failed wage talks, leading pilots to stage a tools-down protest that left scores of travellers stuck at airports nationwide. In a statement, FlySafair said that while most of their services remained on schedule, several flights were cancelled due to pilots who had initially agreed to work but later informed the airline, at the last minute, that they would no longer be flying. “FlySafair confirms that operations continue largely as scheduled today, but unfortunately, a quantity of flights have had to be cancelled today. “These flights were assigned to pilots who had confirmed their availability to fly, but who, late last night, reported…

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the cost of electricity in South Africa is “unsustainable” and is driving many households into energy poverty. “We are revising the electricity pricing policy to address the issue of the cost of electricity. It’s unaffordable,” Ramokgopa said in an interview with broadcaster eNCA over the weekend. “I mean, it’s dealing a major blow to the disposable income of households.” He said that for many families, the choice comes down to buying a loaf of bread or replenishing electricity units. “The choice is easy. They are going to buy a loaf of bread,” he said. Ramokgopa reiterated the government’s responsibility to intervene. “The state has got a duty not to be retrenched, but to be at the forefront of the resolution of this preeminent…

A 40-year-old pastor has been arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl inside a church in Limpopo. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident allegedly happened on July 9, when the suspect asked the 14-year-old girl to come to the church, but once she arrived, he reportedly locked her inside his office. “The victim found the pastor alone in the church office. It is alleged that the suspect locked the door and forced the victim to perform sexual acts before repeatedly raping her.” Ledwaba further stated that the pastor allegedly told the victim to keep the incident a secret. Despite this, the 14-year-old bravely reported the incident to her family, which led to an immediate rape case being opened. “The victim courageously disclosed the ordeal to her family…

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has criticised journalist Paula Slier for what it describes as a “reckless” and “baseless” amplification of conspiracy theories in her recent Times of Israel blog posts. DIRCO, spokesperson Chrispin Phiri issued an open letter addressing Slier’s reliance on discredited sources and failure to uphold journalistic integrity. Phiri singled out Slier’s July 11 blog post, where she chose to platform Justin Lewis, described by Phiri as a man “well-versed in the art of name-dropping”, and his “dangerous and unsubstantiated assertions.” According to Phiri, Lewis’s claims that the South African government had prior knowledge of the October 7 Hamas attack are not only unverified but easily debunked through “rudimentary desktop research.” Slier’s follow-up post on July 13, in which she acknowledged the allegations…

As a mother to a tween daughter I’ve come to know “that look” all too well. You know the one: you’re in the middle of asking a question or trying to start a meaningful conversation, and in response, you’re met with a blank, expressionless stare. No nod, no blink, no grunt. Just silence. I find it infuriating. At first, I thought it was teenage attitude, but it turns out this vacant expression has a name; the “Gen Z stare”, and it’s driving not only parents, but managers and colleagues across workplaces, absolutely mad. It’s the latest generational behaviour to catch attention on social media, particularly TikTok, and it’s fast becoming one of the most talked-about frustrations in multigenerational offices. The “Gen Z stare” refers to the blank, often unreadable facial…

On behalf of SAFI (the South African Friends of Israel), I must share how deeply dismayed we are by the shocking absence of evangelical representation on the panel of “eminent persons” selected for President Ramaphosa’s R700 million National Dialogue. While the President insists the dialogue is meant to be citizen-led and non-partisan, the deliberate exclusion of evangelical voices, such as those of Pastor Bert Pretorius, who represents over 19 900 churches and half of South Africa’s Christian population, raises serious concerns about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the initiative. This glaring omission undermines the credibility of a process billed as a path toward national unity. Faith-based organisations have always been central to South Africa’s moral and political awakening, from resisting Apartheid to fostering reconciliation. Ignoring their contribution today suggests this…

The recent BRICS declaration on artificial intelligence marks a critical shift in the global digital agenda. In their joint statement, BRICS leaders reaffirmed each nation’s sovereign right to develop and govern digital technologies, particularly AI, in alignment with domestic priorities and legal frameworks. They called for strengthened capacity-building, robust data governance, and technological autonomy, stating: “We firmly support the right of all countries to harness the benefits of the digital economy… to develop capacities in AI research, foster technological autonomy and innovation, ensure data protection, and promote their own digital economy.” This affirmation is welcome and timely. Yet, in the face of growing digital inequality, platform gatekeeping, and regulatory imbalance, should we not be thinking about how to move beyond high-level diplomacy toward more tangible, enforceable measures? Perhaps…

A trademark of the Springboks’ recent success has been the remarkable depth and versatility of their backline. From fullback to scrumhalf, South Africa can call upon different world-class players, each offering unique skills while maintaining a consistently high standard as seen during the four mid-year internationals. It says a lot about the side if players of the quality such as veteran outside centre Lukhanyo Am and Jaden Hendrikse, both World Cup winners, and Jordan Hendrikse are left on the outskirts and unable to crack a nod to be part of a match-day squad. Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus will need to cut a few players for his Rugby Championship squad, despite every player putting up their hand during the matches against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. Fullback At No 15,…

Liverpool have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million (about R1.587 billion), according to reports on Monday. The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike after Newcastle United refused to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150m (R3.6bn) by the Magpies. Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool appear set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars. It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a further £10m (R230m) in potential add-ons to secure the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall fee could rise to £79m (R1.82bn). Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will join Arne Slot’s side on their pre-season tour of Asia. Ekitike scored 22 goals in…

Over the weekend, excitement rippled through the football landscape in Eswatini as Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, the prominent figure behind the now-defunct Royal AM, officially stepped into her role as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. It surely felt less like a football announcement and more like the start of a new era — one driven by image, ambition, and no small amount of controversy. This pivotal moment unfolded during a spirited gathering at CODEC Hall in Ezulwini, south of the capital, Mbabane, where a packed audience listened as Mkhize laid out her ambitious vision for the club. Her address resonated deeply with attendees, making the front pages of local newspapers. Mkhize’s appointment has become a hot topic across the nation, stirring the enthusiasm of fans and football stakeholders alike, who…

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has been roped in to mediate the dispute between FlySafair and trade union Solidarity, in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act. This comes as around 200 pilots represented by Solidarity embarked on a 14-day strike at FlySafair on Monday after wage negotiations deadlocked. The pilots are demanding a 10.5% baseline increase alongside adjustments to flight pay and bonuses for the next financial year, and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. They rejected the proposed 5.7% salary increase by FlySafair. Solidarity deputy general secretary of public sector, Helgard Cronjé, on Monday expressed cautious optimism following FlySafair's turnabout to engage in mediation at the insistence of the CCMA. Cronjé said the negotiations could have begun earlier, potentially…

South Africa has positioned itself to take a leading role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation within the global startup ecosystem. This was revealed on Monday by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) at the StartUp20 (SU20) Midterm Engagement Meeting as part of the first-ever Global Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting organized by the International Trade Centre, the UN small business agency, in partnership with the South African government. Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, said the Engagement Group was unwavering in its mission to propel innovation, digital transformation, and policy collaboration. Ndabeni said this initiative aims to forge robust connections between global startup communities, ultimately better equipping local enterprises to navigate international markets.“We have identified five priority areas for the StartUp20 Engagement Group.…

“As others are building walls, we are building bridges” said Saadiq Khan, the Mayor of London as he was wrapping up his historic visit to the African continent. He uttered those words in Cape Town last week where technology startup founders from London and Cape Town were in attendance. He was in Cape Town to boost trade links with London and build on extensive connections between the region and the capital’s growing African diaspora. His delegation was here to seek new opportunities in Africa. His visit was also aimed at bringing together London and South Africa’s dynamic tech sectors, developing opportunities for collaboration between the two cities in driving innovation, attracting investment and scaling transformative technologies. A look into startup companies that were part of the delegation shows that locally…

South African fund managers emerged this month as overweight on local equities, with banks and apparel retailers the most preferred stocks while real estate, healthcare, and telecoms topped the rankings among the disliked ones. Despite the wider preference for local equities, the South African fund managers are worried about subdued corporate earnings per share, noted Bank of America (BofA) Research in its July SA Fund Manager Survey released on Monday. The survey revealed a net 53% of managers overweight on equities and 20% underweight on cash, showing that “they want to buy” equities. “Preferred sectors are banks, apparel retail, software and diversified industrials. Disliked: real estate, healthcare, telecoms… food producers, tobacco and life insurance (defensives) gain ground,” said the report. Nonetheless, for the second month, the fund managers exhibited a…

South African hip hop just got a serious dose of bold energy, power and unapologetic flair with Juicy – the latest high-octane single from rapper Rouge, featuring fellow heavyweights Nadia Nakai and Moozlie. Produced by the ever-reliable Wichi 1080, Juicy is a bass-thumping celebration of womanhood, lyrical excellence and unity in a genre that has often sidelined women. For the first time, these three rap titans come together on a song that embodies their collective strength. Each voice is distinct, each verse electric. Rouge delivers her signature sharpness, Nakai brings charisma and attitude, and Moozlie comes through with fearless confidence. The result? A song that commands attention and demands replay. Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with the musicians to discuss the making of Juicy, sisterhood in hip hop and why…

Political parties have expressed approval of the decision to remove Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from her role as Minister of Higher Education and Training. One party has accused her of showing an “unrepentant disregard for what it means to serve the people of South Africa.” Nkabane found herself at the centre of a parliamentary storm when she failed to attend a crucial meeting of the portfolio committee on Friday. The portfolio committee had invited Nkabane and the panel members who recommended the now-cancelled appointments of the chairpersons for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) boards. Advocate Terry Motau and Chief Director for SETA Coordination, Mabuza Ngubane, attended the meeting, but Nkabane was notably absent. Also present were Deputy Ministers Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe, whom the committee wanted to question…

Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has temporarily suspended a controversial electricity tariff increase for the metro, following protests by residents in Tembisa over a R126 fixed charge. Speaking to a crowd of residents who had taken to the streets in protest outside Rabasotho Hall, Xhakaza acknowledged their frustration. “It had been painful since last night and this morning, when you decided to protest,” he said. “We would like to thank you for being peaceful. No property was burned, and no one was injured. Xhakaza emphasised that the municipality’s tariffs had gone through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation process, but acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction. He said the municipal tariffs are based on Eskom’s pricing structure, as approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). “In the meantime, we…

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as the incoming Minister of Police, despite mounting criticism from other parties such as EFF, MK Party and DA, saying that he’s the right man for the job. Hlabisa defended Cachalia’s appointment and argued that President Cyril Ramaphosa acted appropriately by naming an acting minister following the decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave following the growing scandal. “The IFP made a proposal through a press statement that Minister Mchunu must be placed on leave, which the president announced,” Hlabisa said during a media briefing following the IFP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting Monday. “There could have been no way to leave a vacancy,” he added. Ramaphosa recently appointed…

Former mineworkers who retired from the industry due to occupational diseases, without receiving compensation, could soon be able to claim their long-awaited benefits. The Gauteng Department of Health has called on the former miners to register for Phase Two of the Ex-Mine Security Benefits Programme in Ekurhuleni. The registration process started yesterday and is expected to run until August 22. The families of deceased mineworkers may also be eligible to claim benefits. The initiative, in partnership with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and other stakeholders, aims to trace, register, and screen ex-mine workers with occupational diseases, ensuring that those who qualify can access their unclaimed benefits and medical surveillance. Many former mineworkers left the industry due to occupational lung diseases, such as silicosis and tuberculosis (TB), without receiving…

A Nigerian university has ignited an online row after a video showed female staff members touching the breasts of women to check if they were wearing bras before taking part in an exam. Hundreds of thousands of people have viewed the video of staff at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in the southwestern Ogun state enforcing the policy that female students must wear bras during exams. In the online row sparked this month, some denounced the practice as archaic and sexist, while others likened it to sexual assault. “This is harassment. People have different reasons for not wearing bras,” a user identified as @kaysheila posted on X. “That’s human rights violation. Sue them!!!” added another user, @kastrotwits. But others have defended the checks, saying it is “inappropriate” for women to go…

With three days left before the opening of the 2026 Grade 1 and 8 online admission applications, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has yet to make public the list of 81 decentralised walk-in centres to assist parents without internet connectivity to register the children for school admission. This lack of transparency is creating unnecessary anxiety for parents who need this information to prepare in advance. The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng reiterates its call for the GDE to urgently publish the complete list of decentralised walk-in centres, including operating times, and to ensure these facilities are operational from the beginning of the application process. Parents must have certainty and access to assistance from the start, not after the system collapses due to pressure. Last year’s application process was marred by…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) says it has issued auto-assessments to 5.8 million taxpayers this year and paid out around R10.6 billion in refunds, most of which were processed within 72 hours. According to the revenue service, this is up from 5 million in 2024. The tax season officially began on July 7, with the auto-assessment period running until July 20. From July 21, the filing period opens for taxpayers who were not auto-assessed or who wish to update their returns. “The successful completion of the auto-assessment period, which ran from July 7–20, will be followed by the tax filing period via eFiling and the Sars MobiApp for individual taxpayers from Monday (yesterday) to October 20,” Sars said. According to the revenue service, 99.6% of auto-assessments issued were accepted…

Scottie Scheffler dismissed comparisons between his current dominance and Tiger Woods’ prime as “silly” after storming to his first British Open title on Sunday. The world No 1 added a fourth major to his tally — three of which have come in the past two years — moving him within a US Open victory of completing the career Grand Slam. Rory McIlroy lauded Scheffler’s two-year run, which includes 10 PGA Tour wins and an Olympic gold medal, saying it had only been matched by “two or three players in the history of the game.” However, the American was quick to downplay any suggestion that he belongs in the same bracket as Woods. “I still think they're a bit silly. Tiger won, what, 15 majors? This is my fourth. I’ve just…

Two of Africa’s premier women’s football nations will go toe-to-toe on Tuesday evening when South Africa meet Nigeria in a blockbuster WAFCON semi-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca at 6pm. At stake is more than just a spot in the final — the winner secures automatic qualification to the 2026 Fifa Women’s World Cup. It adds another layer of urgency and intensity to a rivalry that has grown into one of the continent’s fiercest. Recent history gives Banyana Banyana reason to be confident. In the last five meetings between the two nations, South Africa have registered two wins, Nigeria have claimed one, and two matches have ended in draws. This includes Banyana’s famous 2-1 group-stage triumph over the Super Falcons in the 2022 WAFCON — the same tournament…

In a twist seemingly scripted for the romance of South African football, Lehlohonolo Seema has returned to where it all began — not to marshal the defence, but to call the shots from the dugout. The former Bloemfontein Celtic captain has been appointed head coach of Siwelele FC, the newly formed side rising from the purchase of SuperSport United’s Betway Premiership status. Pending league approval, the team will relocate to the Free State capital, where football hearts have long ached for the return of their beloved green and white. For Seema, this is more than just a coaching job. It’s home. It's a legacy. Since retiring, Seema has taken the scenic route to Bloemfontein’s technical area — weathering boardroom chaos at Chippa United, pushing young talent at Golden Arrows, and…

Acquisition poised to strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater’s foothold in precious metals recycling market Sibanye-Stillwater has made a strategic move by acquiring Metallix Refinery, a US-based precious metals recycler, for an impressive $82 million (just above R1.4 billion). This acquisition is poised to not only strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater's foothold in the precious metals recycling market but also to drive additional revenue worth approximately R4bn, bolstering its financial performance as it navigates the complexities of the current market. Bruce Williamson, mining analyst at Integral Asset Management, told Business Report on Monday that at spot refined prices, revenues from Metallix’s financial year ending 31 December 2024 production would likely top R4.2bn, which would be fairly significant for Sibanye-Stillwater. “I think that it is strategic for the dominant SA platinum group metals (PGM) miners to maintain control…

The decision by S&P Global to downgrade Transnet’s credit rating was disappointing news for those of us in business eager to see the utility performing better. This downgrade is not just a reflection of Transnet’s financial distress – it is a damning indictment of years of failed leadership, union militancy and a government that continues to bail out state-owned enterprises without demanding fundamental reform. S&P believes that Transnet is burning cash without the prospect of turning around its operating performance and that Transnet Freight Rail will fail to reach its volume targets. The business has high fixed costs, major capital expenditure requirements and significant debt. S&P’s downgrade reflects its concern that its ability to service that debt is weakening. The rating agency’s assessment is that Transnet is “entirely dependent on…

Generative AI is well embedded in the daily lives of millions, but a shift is underway that deserves closer scrutiny. In 2023, most conversations focused on how Gen AI would transform productivity. Streamlining tasks, automating workflows, and accelerating innovation were our bread and butter. But by 2025, the data is telling a different story: the most common use of Gen AI is now personal and emotional support. This may seem like progress. Technology is stepping in to help people cope with loneliness, anxiety, and the pressures of modern life. But there is a deeper question worth asking: why is there such a widespread need for emotional support in the first place? Covid-19 lockdowns left more than an economic and health legacy. Those seismic months fundamentally changed how we interact, work,…

South32, the diversified mining and metals group, exceeded annual production guidance following a 20% increase in copper production and a 6% rise in aluminium. The announcement in an operations update saw the group become one of the top gainers on the JSE early Monday morning, with the share price gaining 7.25% to R35.37. The group warned again it is reviewing its production guidance for 2026 because it is, after six years, still in negotiations with Eskom and Mozambique authorities about a new electricity tariff agreement for its Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique. On Monday, the group said it was assessing the extent of animpairment to be written down on the smelter, due to the uncertainty. "Australia Manganese successfully resumed export shipments in the quarter, marking a significant recovery from…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has responded to accusations from the ANC and the EFF that their leader, Jacob Zuma, is a “sellout” following his recent visit to Morocco. The controversy stems from Zuma’s expression of support for Morocco’s control over Western Sahara during his visit on July 16, where the South African flag was displayed alongside the Moroccan flag. The ANC recently condemned the use of the South African flag in Zuma’s meeting with Moroccan officials, stating it was a “reckless and provocative act” that constitutes a “flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms”. The party demanded that Morocco apologise for the incident and called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest. During the ANC’s National Working Committee meeting in Cape Town…

THE 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18 million allegedly found in possession of a suspended Standard Bank manager were linked to multiple international cartels. This emerged when Lieutenant-Colonel Christiaan van Renen, the investigating officer, testified in the ongoing bail application by Raed Cupido. The 40-year-old was arrested on 10 June over the 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18m, an AK 103 Rifle, Uzi Pro Rifle, five semi-automatic firearms and 130 rounds of ammunition inside a storage unit in Roeland Street. His alleged accomplice, Christopher Carlese, 38, was arrested just over a month later, on 13 July. He claims he wasn’t at the scene that day but at his home in Kensington. During their recent application in the Cape Town Magistrates…

The Gqeberha Regional Court has handed down a five-year prison sentence to Lusanda Gloria Qose, a former sales and service consultant at First National Bank (FNB), for her involvement in a sophisticated fraud scheme that exploited a vulnerable senior citizen’s banking profile. The court’s ruling comes in the aftermath of Qose’s conviction for fraud, cyber fraud, and the unlawful use of access credentials, a crime which threatened the integrity of the financial sector and allowed her to siphon off a staggering R245 000 over a period of three months. Qose, 35, abused her position at the Pier 14 branch, unlawfully accessing internal bank systems between January 22 and April 24, 2024. With her employee credentials, she manipulated account details belonging to 68-year-old complainant Mlungwana Maranti, changing his registered cellphone number…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government’s ambitious reform programme, Operation Vulindlela, is steadily unlocking South Africa’s economic potential by addressing longstanding constraints to growth and investment. In his weekly newsletter to the nation, Ramaphosa highlighted that the initiative is already delivering tangible results and ushering in a second wave of reforms to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development. “We established Operation Vulindlela in the Sixth Administration to remove the binding constraints that have long held back our economy’s growth: an unreliable energy supply, inefficient rail and ports, high data costs, and a visa system that had deterred investors and tourists,” he said. Ramaphosa noted that reforms in key sectors are already yielding positive outcomes. Load shedding has been significantly reduced, thanks to measures that opened electricity generation to private investment. In…

In a significant development, a Gauteng businessman was arrested yesterday in connection with the grim murder of renowned artist and musician Oupa John Sefoka, famously known as DJ Sumbody. The arrest took place at the suspect’s residence in Sandton, as confirmed by a senior police officer speaking to IOL. DJ Sumbody, a beloved figure in the South African music scene, was tragically killed in a hail of bullets in November 2022 in Woodmead. The shooting also resulted in the death of another person, and a third person was left injured. While the police have remained tight-lipped regarding the specific details surrounding the motives and circumstances of the murder, the arrest marks a crucial step in what has been a protracted investigation into the case This is a developing story.…

Kaizer Chiefs marketing and commercial director Jessica Motaung has never been one to mince her words. In a candid press briefing at Naturena on Monday morning, she laid bare the club’s ambitions, preparations, and unwavering belief that Amakhosi are on the brink of a new golden era — one stitched not only into their freshly unveiled jersey, but woven deep into the club’s strategic DNA. The jersey launch was more than a nod to aesthetics. For Motaung, it represents a return to heritage and intent. “It’s bold, it’s African, it’s combat-ready,” she said of the new Kappa kit. “The collar takes us back to our roots, while the African print sleeves say we’re ready to fight on the continent.” And fight they must — Kaizer Chiefs have their eyes set…

Calvin le John, the son of South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has added his name to a long list of businessmen who have followed their passion for football by acquiring the status of an elite league club. In purchasing SuperSport United — whom he has since renamed Siwelele United — Le John follows in the footsteps of numerous wealthy individuals who have taken advantage of South African football’s disturbingly lax club ownership policies, which have contributed to the demise of several historically significant teams. Le John’s decision to take over SuperSport’s status is actually an attempt to resurrect Bloemfontein Celtic, a club that vanished from the professional ranks after its status was sold. Unable to reclaim the original name, he has opted for “Siwelele United FC”, adopting the…

Laurian Johannes-Haupt feels when she faced up to the mighty Black Ferns haka at the Women’s Rugby World Cup back in 2010, the women’s game was virtually unrecognisable from the high-impact professional sport it has now transformed into. The Springbok Women’s assistant coach is the embodiment of the change within the game after the 40-year-old swapped her classroom at Athlone High School in Cape Town for a Bok tracksuit on a fulltime basis at the beginning of the year. Johannes-Haupt can now focus all her energies on preparing the Boks for their all-important clash against the Black Ferns XI in her hometown when the traditional rivals meet at the historic Athlone Stadium on Saturday. “We played them in the 2010 World Cup and from where the game has gone to,…

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote says he must still pinch himself at what the team achieved as they arrived back in South Africa with the World Rugby Under-20 Championship title. The Baby Boks defeated the Junior All Blacks 25-13 in the final on Saturday in Italy to claim a second title after years of coming close. Foote and his fellow coaches led the team to a first victory in 13 years. The coach said on Monday, as the team arrived back home, that the feeling of what they’ve achieved, still comes and goes, although it has not fully sunk in yet. “Sometimes the feeling is you can’t believe it, and then you settle down and come here and see the people. It is special,” Foote said. “For now, it…