Star -julkaisun 2025-09-18 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

South Africa welcomed 5.85 million international tourists between January and July 2025, a 14% increase on the same period last year. While the figure brings the country within 1% — or just 33 000 visitors — of its 2019 pre-pandemic peak, analysts have warned that the apparent recovery masks deeper structural challenges that demand immediate attention. According to the BDO South Africa’s Tourism Trends Report released on Wednesday, global tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, growing more than 12%. Lee-Anne Bac, advisory partner for tourism at BDO South Africa, said South Africa’s recovery has been far slower, with arrivals expanding just 5.1% in 2024, leaving the country 13% behind its 2019 performance. "More troubling still, we've ceded ground to our African competitors. Kenya returned to 2019 levels in 2023,…

Tourism and hospitality bodies have responded well following the announcement that Durban and Johannesburg will host Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years commencing in 2026. The Department of Tourism said that Johannesburg and Durban have officially been confirmed as the host cities for Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba, respectively, for the next five years commencing 2026, following a rigorous and competitive procurement process led by South African Tourism. Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, said these events were not just about tourism but were about economic opportunity, job creation, and positioning Africa as a globally competitive destination. Nandipa Zondela, chairperson of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, said retaining Meetings Africa for five more years cements the city’s status as a global player. “This demonstrates Johannesburg’s…

Global trade discussions often remain at a high level, focusing on geopolitics and national strategy. But across Africa and emerging markets, the real-world impact is felt in the liquidity of local markets. For countless businesses, the most pressing challenge is consistent access to U.S. dollars. Now, as new trade policies like U.S. tariffs enter the picture, they risk deepening this dollar scarcity, making it even harder for businesses to operate globally. In this environment, the rapid adoption of dollar-backed stablecoins is not a political statement, but a pragmatic response to a clear economic need. When tariffs are imposed on a nation's key exports, such as on automotive and agricultural goods from Zambia or textiles from Lesotho, it can reduce the inflow of U.S. dollars into the national economy. This puts…

In May 2013, African leaders signed a 50th anniversary solemn declaration during the Golden Jubilee celebration of the formation of the Organisation of African Union (OAU), now called the African Union. The declaration marked the re-dedication of Africa towards the attainment of the Pan African Vision of ‘an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena”. It also launched Agenda 2063, which is the concrete manifestation of how the continent intends to achieve this vision within a 50-year period from 2013 to 2063. The continent is richly endowed with many potentials and resources, with 500 million of its youth aged 18-35 being the youngest globally. The continent’s youth population is projected to grow by over 1billion people by 2050, making…

Mining exploration company Orion Minerals’ share price leapt over 21% after it announced a financing agreement for up to R4.35 billion, along with an offtake agreement, with global commodity giant Glencore. "This is a watershed moment for Orion, with the proposed Glencore funding enabling the company to transition into a producer. I am pleased that an industry major such as Glencore will be working with us to move to a binding agreement over the next four to six weeks,” said Orion’s MD and CEO Tony Lennox. The share price gain of the mining exploration company, which focuses on copper and zinc in South Africa and Australia, rose to 23 cents, representing a rebound after the price had declined steadily from 20 cents a year ago to as low as 12…

Our favourite moms from Monterey are returning. HBO recently confirmed that the popular crime drama Big Little Lies season 3 is officially in the works, six years after the last season aired in 2019. Francesca Sloane, the co-creator of Mr & Mrs Smith, will write the first episode and serve as an executive producer alongside David E Kelley, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, who are also on board to produce. Though the full cast hasn’t been announced yet, it is expected that Kidman, Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley will reprise their roles as Celeste, Madeline and Jane. Woodley stirred up more excitement with an Instagram post saying, “We ARE so back ... cause ... it’s happening.” The post featured her with co-stars Laura Dern and Zoe Kravitz. The new season will…

The Gauteng Health Department has allocated a staggering R46.7 million over the past three years to two contractors responsible for implementing fire detection and suppression systems across provincial hospitals. This substantial investment raises questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of these measures, particularly as the healthcare sector grapples with numerous challenges, not least of which is ensuring patient safety and compliance with stringent fire safety regulations. In a written reply to the Gauteng Legislature, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed that Modipadi Nokaneng and the Ngwato and Manzi Group (NMG) received R28.8m and R17.9m, respectively, between 2022/23 and 2024/25 for “services rendered by the service provider.” The Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom, raised concerns over the companies’ links to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s sons and questioned why they…

A KAAPSE trip to celebrate their cousin’s graduation turned into a nagmerrie for the Moodley family from Johannesburg. On their way home on Sunday, three sisters Cassidy, 23, Connor, 25, and 27-year-old Storm Moodley were involved in a horrific car accident in the Northern Cape which claimed the lives of Cassidy and Connor. Speaking to IOL, their uncle and family spokesperson, Lance Poonawassy, said the loss was a devastating blow to the small and close-knit family. He explained: “It was my son’s graduation at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). We had such a wonderful day celebrating. “They are just five cousins, we’re quite a small family, and they really wanted to celebrate with him, and drove to Cape Town.” Poonawassy confirmed that the accident occurred in the Klein…

Tiffany Meek made a brief appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng yesterday. Meek, 31, from Fleurhof, is charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son Jayden-Lee Meek She also faces charges of crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and attempting to defeat or obstruct the administration of justice. Jayden-Lee was reported missing on May 13, after he failed to return home after school. His lifeless, half-naked body was found on May 14, near the staircase in the Swazi Place complex just metres from the front door of his home. Jayden-Lee’s mother has been in custody since her arrest on July 11. Meek is expected to appeal her bail ruling. During her bail application, Meek pleaded with the court to grant her bail as…

The South African government and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have both issued urgent calls for international intervention after a United Nations commission found Israel responsible for acts of genocide in Gaza. “The Government of the Republic of South Africa takes solemn account of the findings of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel,” said the spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Chrispin Phiri. The UN report found that Israeli authorities and security forces had committed four genocidal acts defined under the 1948 Genocide Convention, including killings, serious bodily harm, and conditions designed to bring about the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned the atrocity, accusing world powers…

BMW’s all new Neue Klasse iX3 revealed at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, is the first of 40 new or updated models set to be released by 2027. “You will remember that back in 2021, I promised we would lead BMW into a new era with the Neue Klasse. Today we stand here and we deliver on that promise,” said Oliver Zipse, the chairman of the board of management of BMW AG at the global reveal. “Early this decade, we recognised an opportunity, a chance to set new benchmarks across all relevant technologies in the car. It was an opportunity that only comes once in a lifetime, a perfect BMW moment. “The Neue Klasse is much more than just a new vehicle. It marks a completely new model generation,…

The hills around the Langkloof Valley of the Western Cape will come alive this weekend with the sound of the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) cars as the series reaches the halfway mark. New route The Outeniqua 400 based at Louvain Guest Farm near Uniondale is a new addition to the calendar and follows a route through the Kammanassie, Kouga and Outeniqua mountain ranges. With the championship finely poised, Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) arrives in the Garden Route in a strong position. Saood Variawa and French co-driver Francois Cazalet lead the overall standings by 15 points, while teammates Guy Botterill and Oriol Mena lie in third place, just three points adrift of second. Both crews will contest the event in the latest evolution of the GR Hilux IMT…

Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is currently healing from a heel bruise that he sustained during the South Africa ‘A’ One-Day matches and joins the seemingly growing list of injured Proteas bowlers. Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad finds himself in a challenging situation with two senior bowlers, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj, currently nursing injuries. The two sustained their injuries during the recently concluded tour of England. With Coetzee also on the road to recovery, Conrad now has Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who have also recently returned from injuries, to lead the attack in Pakistan next month, in what will be the team’s first Test series after being crowned the World Test Champions. Coetzee is eyeing a return in the first or second round of the CSA Four-Day series,…

Zakithi Nene will be looking to end Team South Africa’s eight-year medal drought at the World Athletics Championships today when he lines up in the men’s 400m final. Nene stormed into the final in Tokyo after winning his heat on Tuesday, the South African one-lap star overcoming two restarts to put himself into medal contention. Nene cruised home in a fast time of 44.20, despite coasting over the final 100m. He has consistently clocked sub-45-second times, with his standout performance being a personal best and world-leading 43.76 in Kenya this past May. He also had a solid Diamond League campaign, finishing second in Rome behind Olympic champion Quincy Hall. However, his time was only the fifth fastest in the semi-finals, with Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshibi emerging as the favourite after…

South Africa’s retail sales climbed by 5.6% year-on-year in July 2025, the fastest pace in three months, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported on Wednesday. The rebound follows a modest 1.7% increase in June and reflects stronger spending across most categories. Stats SA's deputy director for distributive trade statistics, Raquel Floris, said five of the seven retail trade groups registered gains. "Textiles and clothing increased by 10.0% and general dealers by 3.3% year-on-year. Together, both retail groups pushed overall growth up by 3.1 percentage points," Floris said. "Retailers in food and beverages and pharmaceuticals and medical goods registered a weaker month, both recording a year-on-year decline in sales." Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation recorded 5.2% year-on-year, down from 5.7% previously. Monthly deflation of 0.1% reflected meat and non-alcoholic beverages inflation…

In a revealing look into South Africa's auto financing landscape, WesBank has reported a notable increase in the adoption of balloon payments among vehicle finance agreements. As the financial strain on consumers escalates, car buyers are increasingly turning to this payment structure to alleviate monthly repayment pressures. The latest data indicated a rise from 27% of new finance deals incorporating a balloon payment option in July 2025 to 35% in August 2025. Additionally, the average size of these balloon payments has also surged, going from 33% in July to 37% in August this year. In comparison to last year, the trend appears stable; in August 2024, balloon payments constituted around 35% of finance deals, with an average size of 37% per arrangement. Lebo Gaoaketse, the Head of Marketing and Communication…

The issue of climate change and its associated impacts, especially on African cities, is a critical topic that demands urgent attention. Every day, Africa faces the consequences of something it did not cause. While 7 out of the 10 world most climate vulnerable countries are in the African region, Africa only emits about 4% of greenhouse gases, and in terms of historical contributions the content ranks even lower – according to World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate report 2022. Heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts, which are some of the effects of climate change, are having devastating impacts on communities and economies, with increasing numbers of people at risk across the continent. Africa’s rapidly expanding cities are hotspots of this vulnerability and impact. According to…

Momentum Group delivered record, normalised headline earnings (NHE) of R6.26 billion in the year to June 30, up a remarkable sector beating 41% on the prior financial year, which was already a record year. Operating profit increased by 52% from R3.6bn to R5.48bn, very strong growth for a large insurance-based financial services group in South Africa’s currently weak economic environment. Competitor Sanlam, for instance, reported 20% growth in normalised net results in the six months to June 30, while Old Mutual grew its adjusted headline profit by 29% for the same period. “I am satisfied our results reflect the strength of the diversified portfolio and disciplined execution of our Impact Strategy,” said CEO Jeanette Marais in an online interview. She said that the 2026 financial year is likely to be…

There’s no disputing that Charlie Sheen is a world-class entertainer, and his Netflix documentary entitled aka Charlie Sheen certainly delivers on that front, but the man himself does not take responsibility for the devastation he has caused in his life – most notably for his abuse of his ex-wives. For a three-hour two-part documentary which marketed itself as being brutally honest, it still falls way short of the mark in the show produced by the 60-year-old himself. Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller are among Sheen’s three ex-wives, both of whom he was accused of physically abusing. As for being accused of raping Corey Haim in 1986, Sheen just flat-out denies it. That’s not even counting the “accidental shooting” of his then-girlfriend Kelly Preston in the arm in 1990, which was…

Legal team led by Adv. Terry Motau at the Madlanga Commission yesterday, laid bare the chilling allegations that have rocked the country’s justice system – claims of deep political interference, corruption, and criminal infiltration that, if proven true, strike at the very heart of the rule of law. Motau’s address marked the formal commencement of public hearings following the explosive July 6 media briefing by KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. That briefing prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish this high-level commission to investigate whether criminal syndicates, including drug cartels, have infiltrated key institutions such as SAPS, the NPA, the Judiciary, the SSA, and even Parliament and the Executive. “These revelations – especially coming from a sitting provincial commissioner – are of significant national importance,” Motau told the packed…

Five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), including a female soldier, have been arrested alongside two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals after they were allegedly caught conspiring to steal a consignment of illicit cigarettes near the Limpopo River. Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the suspects, aged between 26 and 42, were nabbed on Tuesday, during a joint operation by the SAPS Limpopo Beitbridge task team and military intelligence. The seven arrested people are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. Police said the arrests followed an incident in Artonvilla, along Malaladrift road, where the group allegedly conspired to intercept and steal cigarettes being smuggled…

As the City of Johannesburg accelerates cleanup efforts in preparation for the highly anticipated G20 leaders’ summit scheduled for November, residents remain wary about persistent safety issues in the city, famously known as the “City of Gold.” An Independent Online (IOL) city preparedness assessment on Tuesday highlighted noticeable improvements in some of Johannesburg’s notorious crime hotspots, including the Hillbrow area. Streets continue to be cleared of litter, and potholes are fixed in some areas to improve the city’s appearance for international visitors. However, the recent clean-up follows months of unrelenting media scrutiny exposing a city in decay, three decades after the end of apartheid. President Cyril Ramaphosa launched a sharp rebuke earlier in March this year aimed at Johannesburg’s municipal leadership for allowing infrastructure and public services to collapse. “The…

Gauteng’s e-tolls system, abandoned over a year ago, is still milking the national fiscus of substantial amounts of public funds and could also result in motorists being held liable for the R29 billion debt incurred. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has given Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile permission to borrow R4.1bn to finance the maintenance and rehabilitation of phase one of the e-tolls, officially known as the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), in line with the approved business case and fiscal framework. According to the minister, the loan shall be repaid over a period not exceeding seven financial years, commencing in the current year (2025/26) and concluding in 2031/32. “The total interest to be incurred in any financial year shall not exceed 1% of the province’s total budgeted…

It may have been the penultimate round of the Toyota GR Cup Challenge and the second race for us at the Killarney Raceway in Cape Town at the Extreme Festival, but that doesn’t mean it was any easier. When the first race of the season took place in March at the same track, my nerves were frayed as I began my racing journey with the manual GR Yaris. It was the first-ever outing in a stripped-out race car, and it took a while to get used to the noise, the heat, the speed, and 24 other GR Yarises, dealers in GR Corollas and Toyota Gazoo Academy GR 86s all vying for a place. Subsequent races at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Aldo Scribante, Zwartkops Raceway and East London Grand…

Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League campaign was ended in heartbreak last season, and as they embark on another journey in Africa’s premier club competition, the pressure will immediately return with the mission to improve on last year’s semi-final exit. The Buccaneers will take on Lesotho Premier League side Lioli FC at the Free State Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The club has undergone a wholesale of changes, but those adjustments have not altered their ambitions – not only to be the best in South Africa but also to make their mark across the continent. The responsibility will now fall squarely on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to guide the team effectively. With their midweek clash against Magesi FC postponed, the Buccaneers will arrive for Saturday’s match in improved shape, having enjoyed a…

A day after Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs were humbled 3-1 by league leaders Sekhukhune United, the club have reportedly parted ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi. This move comes as little surprise, as speculation was rife when the season kicked off that he had fallen out with management during the club’s pre-season tour to Europe. According to reports, the club are expected to announce imminently that assistant coaches Cedric Kaze and Youssef Ben Khalil will take over the running of the team in the meantime. The two were previously in charge when Nabi was given leave by the club following his wife’s accident. The duo was praised for the way they ran the team as they managed a 100% win record in Nabi’s absence. Chiefs’ first dropped points of the…

Stats SA says that on a month-to-month basis, CPI declined by 0.2% South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation (CPI) eased to 3.3% in August from 3.5% in July, Statistics South Africa reported on Wednesday. The softer-than-expected outcome has raised hopes for an interest rate cut when the South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on Thursday. Headline inflation edged closer to the Sarb’s new 3% target announced in July, while core inflation — which strips out food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy prices — rose marginally from 3.0% to 3.1%. Stats SA said that on a month-to-month basis, CPI declined by 0.2%. Food prices were a key driver of the slowdown. Overall food inflation fell from 5.5% in July to 5.2% in August, with cereals and vegetables…

Pharmacies, especially ones in rural areas, are often the cornerstone of their communities. Beyond filling prescriptions, they provide medication, medical equipment, and counselling, sometimes serving as multi-service clinics in small towns and outlying areas. When people cannot wait weeks for a doctor’s appointment, or need trusted advice, the local pharmacy is their first stop. In many outlying areas, it is not just the most practical option, but often the only one. With the country’s high and rising burden of chronic disease, this role will only grow in importance. The sector is indeed expanding. In just two years, 2020 and 2021, about 648 new community pharmacies opened across South Africa. By 2021, the total number stood at roughly 3,580 outlets, and nearly 70% of these were independent rather than corporate-owned. That…

Legal matters can be confusing within the business landscape and particularly so for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From contract drafting to intellectual property protection, doing business in accordance with the law can be complex. Mistakes can be costly and can even lead to more serious consequences, such as significant financial loss or business closure. For example, in 2019, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) revealed that 80% of its cases were from small businesses. This statistic highlights the significant legal and compliance challenges faced by SMEs – challenges that can lead to costly financial setbacks for businesses. Too often, SMEs fall outside of compliance not due to negligence but simply because they are unaware of essential legal requirements involved in running a formal business. This lack of…

Africa's hotel industry is undergoing a transformation unlike any seen before, with 577 new hotels and resorts currently under construction across the continent, promising an addition of over 104,000 new rooms. This remarkable surge represents a 13.3% increase, far exceeding global growth rates, and is largely driven by the dynamic sub-Saharan African region. “We’re witnessing clear market signals across sub-Saharan Africa indicating significant expansion opportunities, particularly with the sector's potential to generate $168 billion in revenue and create over 18 million jobs by 2033,” Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development Southern and Eastern Africa at Radisson Hotel Group said. The data underscored a burgeoning optimism in a sector that has often been overshadowed by economic and political uncertainties. Among the most noteworthy stories is Zimbabwe’s rise as a focal point…

Controversial businessman and murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain in custody after the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court denied his bail application yesterday. Matlala is accused of orchestrating a 2023 hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane. He is charged alongside his wife, Tsakane, and three others, facing charges including attempted murder and money laundering. The high-profile bail application has drawn national attention, coinciding with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s testimony before the police commission of inquiry. In a media briefing in July, Mkhwanazi revealed that Matlala was awarded a R360 million SAPS contract in 2024. He also alleged that Matlala had funded political activities linked to suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu. The contract was later cancelled. The 49-year-old businessman has become a figure of growing public scrutiny amid…

Nigerian nationals Kenechi Ndukaife Atuchukwu, and Michael Okoya have appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court in North West, facing charges of possession of and dealing in drugs. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said Atuchukwu and Okoya’s appearance is the result of a lengthy investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, with guidance from the National Prosecuting Authority’s Organised Crime Component. North West spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, said the investigation, which began in 2022, included an undercover operation where the 45-year-old Atuchukwu was allegedly caught red-handed selling drugs. Following legal processes, a warrant of arrest was issued against Atuchukwu and executed on Friday in Klerksdorp. “Atuchukwu is linked to a case involving his fellow countryman, Michael Okoya, who was…

ANC alliance partner Cosatu has slammed president Cyril Ramaphosa for praising DA-governed municipalities in the Western Cape. Ramaphosa recently highlighted that some of the country’s best-run municipalities were under DA control, a move that seems to be backfiring within the ANC’s tripartite alliance. He said: “I can name it here because there’s nothing wrong with competition. They are often DA-controlled municipalities. We need to ask ourselves, what is it that they are doing that is better than what we are doing? “And there’s nothing wrong with us saying we want to go and see what Cape Town is doing. We want to go and see what Stellenbosch is doing.” But Cosatu leaders say this undermines the ANC and its allies, particularly at a time when service delivery challenges and coalition…

When it comes to some of the world’s most dangerous places to drive, it’s no surprise that South Africa is the fourth most challenging country. Anyone who has spent time on our roads can attest to that, and it was recently confirmed with the World’s Best Drivers Index 2025 from Compare the Market. The study, completed in Australia, tracked 56 different countries and considered our high road deaths (17.9 per 100 000 people), below-average road infrastructure quality and high levels of congestion that made our streets and highways among the most dangerous to navigate. “The study from Compare the Market underlines that drivers should be ready for the unexpected on our roads. Unpredictable drivers, potholed roads and thundershowers are just a few of the factors that make driving in South…

Following the release of the facelifted “leisure” versions of the GWM P300 bakkie range earlier this year, the Chinese manufacturer has launched an updated version of the SX “workhorse” model. As before, the SX has different front end styling to the more upmarket LS and LT variants, and the entry model receives a fresh face for the “2025.5 model year”, with a large black grille being the standout feature, along with a resculpted bumper and new headlights. The SX continues to be available in both single cab and double cab variants, with the former costing R414 950 in 4x2 guise and R471 950 as a 4x4. The double cab kicks off at R446 950 for a 4x2 manual, and getting into the auto version will cost R489 950. The 4x4…

As the Springboks prepare for their decisive two-Test series against Argentina, confidence in the squad remains strong as the world champions set their sights on securing back-to-back Rugby Championship titles. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for continuity in selection, retaining the core of the squad that thrashed the All Blacks in Wellington. That emphatic 43-10 victory propelled the Boks into second place on the standings, just one point behind Australia (11), and gave them crucial momentum heading into the final stretch. However, the build-up has not been without setbacks. Injuries to key players Lood de Jager (lock), Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), and Aphelele Fassi (fullback) have forced adjustments. In response, Erasmus has turned to hooker Bongi Mbonambi, whose leadership and composure could prove vital against Los Pumas. The…

The Lions will name a new captain this week when they unveil their matchday 23 for the Currie Cup final against the Griquas on Saturday at Ellis Park (kick-off 3pm). Hooker PJ Botha, who led the Joburgers in their semi-final rout of Boland Kavaliers, will miss the game due to a knee injury. That will surely see Franco Marias start in the No 2 jumper for the final, as Jaco Visagie is also battling injury. Currie Cup coach Mzwakhe Nkosi, however, is confident that the team has a strong leadership core to call upon come the final, as he and the technical team ponder their skipper options. “We’ve got a couple of candidates,” said Nkosi yesterday, at the Lions Awards at Ellis Park. “Quan Horn is one of them. Chris…

WHEN the Proteas Women’s squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Pakistan and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, there were concerns around the average age of the team. With a team age average of 29, seven of the players, all of whom are generally starters in the team, are above the age of 30, with all-rounder Marizanne Kapp being the oldest in the squad at 35 years of age. Many were concerned whether the all-rounder Kapp, with age not on her side and her recent struggles with fitness, would play the all-round role the world has grown accustomed to. However, on Tuesday, Kapp put all those concerns to bed, having bowled seven overs in the scorching sun, before blasting an unbeaten 121 to guide South Africa women to…