Star -julkaisun 2026-02-12 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

South Africa’s garment industry could secure an additional 81 million locally produced garments a year by 2030, lifting manufacturing output by nearly R8 billion and creating up to 34 000 jobs, if retailers, manufacturers and policymakers align behind a focused localisation drive. This is the central finding of a comprehensive feasibility study released on Wednesday by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF), which maps out a practical pathway to expand domestic sourcing in line with the objectives of the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan. The year-long study, commissioned by the LSF and conducted by industrial development consultancy BMA, assessed demand among major South African retailers, mapped capacity and capability across nearly 200 local garment manufacturers, and developed a commercial business case and action plans to accelerate localisation. According to…

International financial institution issues warning over spiraling state public money spending The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that South Africa must urgently overhaul how it spends public money, from the public wage bill and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to procurement systems and social transfers, if it is to stabilise debt and restore fiscal sustainability. The IMF warning on Wednesday follows discussions with the government officials on economic developments and policies and comes ahead of the Minister of Finance tabling the 2026 National Budget later this month. In its 2025 Article IV Consultation, concluded this week, the IMF said though Africa’s most industrialised economy has managed to weather renewed global turbulence marked by rising protectionism, trade fragmentation and heightened policy uncertainty, longstanding structural constraints and mounting debt continue to weigh on…

The Southern Africa Power Pool will be linking with the Eastern Africa Power Pool later this year, bringing significant benefits to the electricity sector in Southern Africa, including access to East Africa's hydro electricity generation capacity, according to Andrew Etzinger, GM for Energy Market Services and International Trade at the National Transmission Company South Africa. The Southern African Power Pool is a regional organisation that coordinates the planning and operation of electricity systems across 12 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. The Eastern Africa Power Pool was established as a regional institution in 2005 to interconnect electricity grids, facilitate cross-border power trade and optimise usage among 13 Eastern Africa countries. The question of sufficient electricity transmission capacity has become critical in Africa because many mines and industrial companies already struggle…

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing developments in South Africa’s payment landscape. While card payments remain the preferred option for online purchases, the use of BNPL products reportedly doubled between 2024 and 2025. According to the same report, BNPL is the most requested new payment method, with 34% of consumers asking merchants to implement it. At a practical level, BNPL allows customers to purchase goods by paying a small amount upfront and settling the balance in instalments over a short payment cycle – usually weeks – without interest if payments are made on time. Providers such as Payflex, PayJustNow and Happy Pay generally pay the merchant in full upfront, while taking on the responsibility of collecting instalments from the customer. This is a key distinction…

Anglo American and Kumba Iron Ore launched the Impact Finance Facility (IFF), a catalytic funding facility designed to unlock growth capital for small and medium-sized businesses in under-served South African regions. The launch, which took place on the margins of Mining Indaba 2026, follows the November 2025 partnership announcement between Anglo American and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The facility addresses a critical market gap: early and growth-stage businesses that are commercially viable but chronically under-served by traditional investors due to perceived risk and high capital costs. By providing flexible, low-cost repayable loans, the IFF aims to attract at least three times more funding from other investors for every rand invested. Kumba Iron Ore has committed R51.2 million to the facility over five years (2026–2030) that will…

Since her high-profile divorce from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel Kolisi has been under a microscope. While she’s busy rebuilding her life, some internet trolls think she’s taking too long to “move on”, but Rachel isn’t having it. Taking to Instagram, the mother and businesswoman gave followers a raw look at her chaotic, high-achieving “new normal”. Between snapshots of laptop work and family time, she reminded the world that she isn’t just surviving; she’s thriving on her own clock. In a post that quickly went viral, Rachel listed the number of hats she’s currently wearing. “Building a business. Writing a book. Finishing a documentary. Doing everything from event planning to merch for 5 x upcoming events. “Preparing my biggest talk yet for @forbeswomanafrica. Raising humans. Keeping bills paid. Carrying it…

The man who famously walked the length of the Amazon and survived naked on a deserted island is back, but this time, the greatest danger isn’t the environment. It’s the crushing weight of responsibility, tradition and the agonising physical tests required to be called a “man”. In his groundbreaking new series, Ed Stafford’s Rite of Passage, the world-renowned adventurer pivots from solo survival to deep cultural immersion. From the plains of Ethiopia to the dense jungles of Brazil, Stafford isn’t just filming indigenous rituals; he’s participating in them. For Stafford, the series was born out of a frustration with the modern world. Looking at the global landscape, he saw a decline in maturity that he believes stems from the loss of formal transitions into adulthood. “I think one of the…

The court has rejected an application by Nedbank in four matters in which the bank sought to recover arrears from vehicle owners by default judgment, but the documents notifying the owners of court proceedings were affixed to either the doors or the gates of their domicilium addresses. A domicilium address is the physical address chosen by a party for the formal delivery of legal notices. The Western Cape High Court said affixing to a door or gate without demonstrating how it would reach the defendant did not meet the legal requirements. The court held the view that the amended Uniform Rules of Court do not refer to service of a summons by simply affixing it somewhere on the premises of the defaulter. In one matter where a defendant fell into…

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has condemned the fatal shooting of a Nigerian national in Johannesburg, calling for accountability and a transparent investigation as Gauteng police confirmed that a murder case has been registered. In a statement issued on Monday, NUSA said Emeka Clement Uzor was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle at a garage in Windsor East, Randburg, on Sunday afternoon, describing the killing as “brutal” and “assassination-style”. IOL has recently reported that Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that police were investigating the incident and that a murder docket had been opened. Police have confirmed that the shooting occurred during the filming of an anti-drug operation linked to the television programme Sizok’Thola, and that public order police were later deployed after community members gathered…

A Gauteng police officer has been sentenced to 17 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of her husband in Soshanguve. The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced police Sergeant Kate Lindiwe Hlongwane, 47, of the premeditated murder of her husband, Russel Hlongwane, 40, who was also the father of their three children. Hlongwane was based at the Dube police station in Pretoria, under the visible policing unit. According to Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lumka Mahanjana, evidence presented in court showed that on January 27, 2024, Hlongwane visited a sangoma in Soshanguve IN Block JJ. “Her husband was alerted by the vehicle tracker that the family car was in a high-risk area. He then drove to the location and found Hlongwane consulting with the sangoma,”…

Thabo Bester will have to remain at eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional facility in KwaZulu-Natal – at least for now – after the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria struck his urgent bid to be moved back to Gauteng from the roll. Judge Elizabeth Kubushi found his “extremely urgent” application not to be so urgent as to not afford Correctional Services time to reply to it. She also found that it was not properly enrolled. He argued that Bester’s legal team only gave the department one day to note its opposition to the urgent application and one day to file court papers. But Bester’s counsel, lawyer Benjamin Moafrika wa Maila, argued about his client’s Constitutional rights which have been infringed by his “secret, in the middle of the night” move to Kokstad’s super…

Toyota South Africa has upped the ante in the Land Cruiser Prado range with the return of the VX-L grade, last seen on the previous model, expanding the range to three derivatives. The range now consists of the TX, the VX-R and the VX-L, each aimed at a distinct buyer profile. Three grades, three users The Prado TX remains the entry point and price leader. It keeps the essentials of durability, space and off-road ability while offering a more accessible route into the range. The VX-R continues to serve traditional Land Cruiser buyers. It is the most off-road-focused of the three, with a specification and appearance that prioritise toughness, trail work and long-distance overlanding. The newly reintroduced VX-L is aimed at buyers who will spend most of their time on…

While the flyhalf debate usually steals the headlines, Rassie Erasmus’ biggest headache for the 2026 season might actually be at No 9. With a massive 13-Test schedule ahead – including that mouth-watering four-match series against the All Blacks – the race for the scrumhalf berth is wide open. Here is the “State of the Nation” for the Springbok halfbacks as we head into the 2026 international season. Cobus Reinach (Stormers) After a stellar 2025, Reinach has “come home” to join the Stormers. But after a good start, he hasn’t quite been at his best in the last two matches against the Sharks, seemingly playing with a groin injury that required surgery. Last year he showcased his running ability, and also an improved box-kicking game. He remains first-choice No 9. Jaden…

“Never been that stressed in my life in a cricket game!” Lungi Ngidi’s summary of all the drama that unfolded in Ahmedabad speaks volumes for everyone that sat through yesterday’s insane ICC T20 World Cup clash with Afghanistan. The Proteas are accustomed to putting their supporters through the wringer at World Cups. Think 1999 and 2015 World Cup semifinals. And for the younger generation, the T20 World Cup final just two years ago in Barbados. TV show host and radio personality Dan Nicholl could not have said it better in his post on X. “Forget brandy and Coke, red meat, insufficient exercise, the day to day stress of crime and service delivery. The single biggest contributing factor to heart conditions in South Africa is watching the Proteas play at Cricket…

The African Gold Council (AGC) was launched at the Investing in African Mining Indaba on Wednesday with the aim of building an economic eco-system on the continent around gold, instead of simply exporting the mined yellow metal in unprocessed form. Beneficiation of the continent’s mineral wealth is a buzzword among policy-makers at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town this year. AGC CEO Jude Uzonwanne said the AGC, an organisation that is independent from the World Gold Council, would work towards making the yellow metal a cornerstone of value and beauty in Africa again, putting it back into the role it had many years ago, when many Africa tribes adorned the metal for beauty, and as a store of wealth. In more practical terms, the advocacy agency planned to promote the…

The South African residential property market needs more formal stock in the bands where most households sit. If this does not happen, then homeownership will keep shifting toward rental, informal housing and delayed buying (older first-time buyers) on a long-run trend, says Hayley Ivins-Downes, the managing executive at Lightstone Real Estate. “This requires the formalisation of informal assets. Bringing the estimated 1.7 million unvalued properties into the formal registry would unlock billions in equity.” In the affordable band (R750k), transfer volumes decreased from 78,000 in 2014 to 38,000 in 2023 – a significant contraction. “In the affordable segments, there are currently 4.8 households for every one formal property available. This creates an “affordability trap” where families remain in informal or rental housing despite having the income to potentially service a…

South Africa’s poultry production sector has once again demonstrated its global competitiveness, outperforming European producers and now surpassing the United States in technical efficiency. Historically ranked behind Brazil and the US, South Africa is now the second most competitive poultry producer globally, using less feed to produce a kilogram of chicken than most of its international counterparts. This is according to the latest Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) 2025 Competitiveness Benchmark Report, compiled in collaboration with Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The report found that South Africa’s average production cycle of 31.5 days is the shortest among all countries studied, while carcass weights have increased by 4.5% over the past decade. The cost differential between South Africa and Brazil narrowed steadily until 2023. Although it widened again in…

For decades, corporate social responsibility occupied the comfortable terrain of narrative. Annual reports were populated with carefully curated stories, photographic evidence of benevolence, and broad claims of commitment to “community” and “upliftment.” Many of us who work closely with enterprise and development ecosystems have seen this pattern repeatedly. This era of qualitative assertion is rapidly closing. Since the early 2010s, particularly following the consolidation of ESG standards and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, and more decisively after 2020, a more demanding paradigm has emerged one that builds on earlier quantitative practices but extends far beyond them. Social impact is no longer treated as a symbolic add-on, but as a measurable, strategic, and operational concern embedded in core decision-making. The contemporary market environment is increasingly intolerant of performative…

A stronger rand and firm mineral commodity prices drove up beer and soft drinks volumes for Zimbabwe’s Delta Corporation during the quarter to December while also boosting sales for African Distillers (Afdis), in which South Africa’s Distell has an interest. Prices for gold and PGMs - which are key commodities produced in Zimbabwe - prices have appreciated over the past few months, boosting consumption patterns and economic activity in regional countries. Delta Corporation brews alcoholic products in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia and also manufacturers soft drinks and ready to drink cordials. It said this week that consumer spending during the quarter to December and which encompasses the festive season was firm. This has been attributed to “firm mineral prices, increased mining activity, and improved agricultural” performance. “Diaspora remittances also…

Amapiano DJ Uncle Waffles is taking her sound to some of Europe’s biggest stages after being announced as the official guest on Kaytranada’s 2026 UK and European tour. The DJ and producer will join the Canadian hitmaker across his summer arena run, turning the tour into a shared moment between two artists who have long shown love for each other’s work. Kaytranada’s upcoming run will reportedly celebrate his latest album, Ain’t No Damn Way!, and follows a busy few years that have seen him dominate global dance floors. The tour kicks off in Amsterdam at the Ziggo Dome on June 1 before moving through cities including Berlin, Warsaw, Zurich, Munich, Belgium and Paris. UK dates include London’s The O2 on June 18, Birmingham’s Utilita Arena and Manchester’s Co-op Live, with…

As frustrations rise among residents of Parktown, Melville, and surrounding suburbs, the DA has announced its intention to take the City of Johannesburg to court over its failure to provide essential water services. This declaration comes as protests erupted yesterday, reflecting growing discontent among citizens grappling with severe water shortages exacerbated by a lack of infrastructure maintenance. “We, as the DA in the City of Johannesburg, are going to take Joburg Water and the City of Johannesburg to court over their failure to implement the water turnaround strategy and recovery plan presented to the city over two years ago,” DA federal leader, Helen Zille, said yesterday. Zille cited an infrastructure backlog, water tanker corruption, and other challenges that have led to water shortages, with dissatisfied city residents taking to the…

Two men implicated in the murder of local celebrity Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock made their joint appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday, with the case now postponed to April 1 for further investigation. Yesterday marked the first time Victor Majola, 44, and Armindo Pacula, 25, faced each other in court since their separate arrests in December 2025 and January 2026, respectively. This week, Pacula told the court that he fears for his life and indicated that he intends to plead guilty to charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and violation of the Immigration Act. Majola, who was arrested first, is accused of orchestrating the murder, while police believe that Pacula was the person who shot him. Meanwhile, last month, the same court denied Majola’s bail application. During yesterday’s…

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is stepping up efforts to tackle teen suicide by taking prevention programmes directly into Gauteng classrooms. Through its outreach initiative, “Teen Suicide Shouldn’t Be a Secret,” the organisation engages learners class by class and equips educators with the tools to spot warning signs and respond to students in crisis. As Teen Suicide Prevention Week runs from February 8 to 14, SADAG is sending a vital message to young people: “We are listening. Silalele. You are not alone.” The programme encourages teenagers to speak up, seek help early, and support friends struggling with depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. In 2025 alone, SADAG’s School Outreach Team visited 94 high schools, reaching more than 75 300 learners and training over 2 160 educators. Learners consistently…

A Polish man is lucky to be alive after a Good Samaritan rescued him from rip currents in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal. The National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) St Lucia station commander, Melinda Snyman, said the incident took place on Monday, just after 1.30pm, after an eyewitness reported a drowning in progress on Jabula Beach. “A bystander raised the alarm by phoning NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) – finding the NSRI EOC’s emergency number on an NSRI pink rescue buoy pole. NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene, while NSRI St Lucia duty crew responded to our NSRI St Lucia station 40 rescue base to prepare to dispatch our NSRI rescue vehicle and an NSRI rescue craft,” Snyman said. However, on arrival at the scene, NSRI swimmers found that a…

Despite the turbulent and troubled times the local vehicle manufacturing industry is facing, Volkswagen is steaming ahead with several new car releases over the course of the next 12 months. It’s fitting that the ever-popular Golf GTI begins proceedings in the next month or two. It’s been an on-and-off affair as a result of South Africa’s fuel quality, but finally the vrrrphaa affectionados have their way. It’s fitted with their 2.0TSI petrol engine that provides 195kW and 370Nm powering the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission and reaches 100km/h in a claimed time of 5.9 seconds. T-Roc Arriving in quarter three is the new T-Roc, one of the brand’s most popular SUVs, which has sold more than two million units since its launch in 2020. The second generation has…

Independent Media are the defending champions of the Fortuner Challenge and in fact, have won the gruelling competition two years in succession. We’re looking for someone to continue that momentum for the Fortuner Challenge 2026 powered by Quartz Engine Oil. But before you think you have what it takes, here are last year’s winner Hennie Terreblanche’s thoughts after two days of extreme competition. “I’ve taken part in many events, but the stakes have never been this high — winning a Toyota Fortuner adds a whole new level of pressure. My daily CrossFit, running, and biking prepared me physically, while my engineering background helped with technical tasks like solving puzzles and using our Garmin watches for navigation. “But maintaining composure with such a life-changing prize on the line was the real…

The return of Hacjivah Dayimani could be the panacea the Stormers' ailing attack needs, as the speedy loose forward is tipped for an imminent return to Cape Town after a spell in France. Racing92 confirmed his departure on Wednesday, thanking the South African for his service to the club, saying it was a mutual agreement to terminate his contract early. A club statement read: “This decision, made for personal reasons, will allow the South African flanker to return to South Africa to be with his family. Having always maintained exemplary conduct towards the club and his teammates, Racing 92 gave its approval to facilitate this early departure.” Dayimani (28) is set for a spectacular comeback at DHL Stadium – the venue where he helped the Stormers secure the inaugural United…

The rand strengthened more than 0.6% to R15.84 to the US dollar on Wednesday buoyed by elevated precious metals prices and a softer greenback, as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday. At its highest since March 2022, the currency continued to be supported by positive domestic developments, including structural reforms, fiscal consolidation, credible monetary policy, and a stable governing coalition. Expectations over the SONA have once again converged on a familiar but decisive theme: confidence. Across the economy, stakeholders are looking for tangible signals that South Africa’s fragile recovery can be sustained. Early economic indicators in 2026 have pointed to what many describe as “green shoots.” Interest rates have begun easing, inflationary pressures have moderated, and load shedding has largely receded…

South Africa and the rest of the African continent face a familiar paradox. Agriculture remains central to food security, employment and economic development, yet productivity growth is slow, climate risks are rising, and public resources are constrained. At the same time, Africa has access to some of the world’s most sophisticated international agricultural research institutions — many of them with decades of experience working on African soils and farming systems. The real problem is not a lack of knowledge, but rather our persistent failure to fully exploit it. Across the globe, a dense ecosystem of international agricultural research organisations exists, including the CGIAR network and its specialised centres, such as CIMMYT, ICRISAT, ILRI, IRRI, and WorldFish, alongside leading universities and regional research platforms. These institutions generate cutting-edge work on improved…

South Africa’s unemployment crisis continues to place pressure on the economy, communities and the public sector. While skills development programmes have traditionally focused on preparing people for formal jobs, the reality is that the formal labour market cannot absorb everyone. In the short to medium term, millions of South Africans will not find formal employment, regardless of their qualifications. For many people, entrepreneurship and participation in the informal economy are not choices but necessities. Small businesses, street traders and micro-enterprises provide a critical source of income for households across the country. The key question is no longer whether skills development should support entrepreneurship but whether it can do so in a way that helps businesses survive, grow, and create jobs. Rethinking the purpose of skills development Skills development has long…

Absa Group on Wednesday announced a series of executive leadership changes following the finalisation of its refocused Pan-African strategy, signalling a renewed emphasis on customer-led growth, stronger governance and deeper leadership capacity across the organisation. Absa’s share price rose 0.12% to R260.01 in morning trade on the JSE after the news broke. The banking group confirmed the appointment of Sitoyo Lopokoiyit as chief executive for Personal and Private Banking, effective April 1, 2026. The move is seen as a strategic step to strengthen Absa’s retail and private banking operations while advancing integrated, customer-centric solutions and unlocking new growth opportunities. Lopokoiyit joins Absa from Safaricom, where he most recently served as managing director of M-PESA Africa and chief financial services officer. During his tenure, he led the strategy and expansion of…

As Heineken pivots into a new growth phase – EverGreen 2030 – the company is cutting between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs across the globe to become leaner and achieve as much as €500 million (9.5 billion) in gross savings. However, it looks like South Africa may be spared this shift to aggressive efficiency and futureproofing, given that it was a rare bright spot when compared to its other operations such as Europe. The brewer’s Sedibeng, in Midvaal south of Johannesburg, operation produces up to 8.5 million hectolitres annually and houses the group’s largest solar plant – 14,000 panels generating 30% of its own power to bypass load shedding. It was officially opened in March 2010. While the global headline is about 6,000 job cuts, the South African business is currently…

Marc Anthony has finally commented on the ongoing Beckham family drama surrounding Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding to Nicola Peltz in 2022. Brooklyn had publicly alleged that his mother, Victoria Beckham, disrupted his first dance with Nicola, describing her actions as “very inappropriate” and leaving him “uncomfortable” and “humiliated”. Anthony, who performed at the wedding, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s extremely unfortunate how it’s playing out,” he said. “But (how it’s playing out) is hardly the truth.” The singer has a long-standing relationship with the Beckhams, having known David and Victoria since before their children were born. He is also the godfather to their youngest son, Cruz Beckham, and referred to the family as “wonderful, wonderful”, while choosing not to comment on the details of the incident. Brooklyn’s accusations gained attention…

The 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which is expected to take place tonight, will cost R7 million. This was confirmed by Parliament Secretary Xolile George yesterday. Close to 500 members of Parliament, representatives of local government and invited guests are expected to attend the address at Cape Town City Hall today at 7pm. George was speaking at a media briefing where National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza announced Parliament’s readiness for the annual event. National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane also attended the briefing to provide an update on preparations. George said the main cost drivers were broadcasting and ICT infrastructure. “The budget for this year is R7 025.000 and is largely driven by the cost of hiring equipment that covers all broadcasting and related ICT infrastructure to…

When Ricollin Moodley’s mother required a life-saving leg amputation, the self-taught artist from Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast turned to his unique talent – creating artwork using lipstick, spices, and coffee – to support his family through their most difficult time. What began as a resourceful act born from poverty has now become the family’s lifeline, as they face mounting medical bills and seek disability-friendly accommodation, a sister newspaper has reported. Moodley’s distinctive work, which has garnered attention both online and in local communities, is helping to cover his mother’s escalating hospital expenses and prepare the family for the new challenges that have emerged following her surgery. “I am a self-taught visual artist, and at the moment, my art is not just my passion but also my family’s…

Jetour, a subsidiary of the Chery Group, arrived in South Africa in September 2024 and has steadily been making a mark on the sales charts and on the road. With three distinct SUV lines now on sale – Dashing, X70 Plus and the more rugged T-Series – the brand has quietly pushed its way into the country’s top-10 best-selling manufacturers. It’s not rocket science to see why with generous standard equipment, decent warranties, competitive pricing and a growing dealer footprint. But with several models and trim levels now available, it’s worth breaking down the range to see which Jetour fits which buyer. Jetour Dashing The Dashing is Jetour’s entry point and is a five-seater aimed at urban buyers who want something that looks modern without pushing into premium pricing territory.…

Afghanistan’s players and their coach Jonathan Trott will wonder for the rest of their lives how they failed to beat the Proteas in arguably the most astonishing ICC T20 World Cup match ever yesterday. It will perhaps never be the remotest consolation that it forced history to be rewritten with two Super Overs required to separate the sides by the barest of margins. Equally, the Proteas will reflect in amazement that it was ultimately them that came out on the right side after staring down the barrel as many as three times. In tennis terms, they saved three match points, as they tied the actual match 187-187 by running out Afghanistan’s last man; then went to play two tie-breaks with the first tied at 17-17 all after Tristan Stubbs hit…

The Southern Guards GC are bracing for the sledging and chirps coming their way starting today as they tee it up in Adelaide for the second LIV Golf tournament, knowing there is no love lost between Australians and South Africans on the sporting field. After a mid-table start to the 2026 League, the Southern Guards are looking to improve their standings on the official log as the first-ever LIV South Africa tournament in March creeps ever closer. While it may still be just over a month away, valuable winning momentum will be important for captain Louis Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace. Grace showed some mettle in Riyadh this past weekend, finishing ninth in the opening tournament in Saudi Arabia and bagging much-needed golf ranking points. He, alongside…

Ellis Genge’s remarkable escape for a head butt against Wales will hand the Springboks ammunition to keep in their back pocket for any eventualities during the Nations Championship when they face England, Scotland and Wales this season. The England prop was inexplicably let off the hook with just an in-game penalty after making head contact with a Welsh player during the opening round of the Six Nations Championship this past weekend. There was no intervention from the TMO to review the incident and upgrade it to at least a yellow card, which is considered the minimum sanction for head contact nowadays. Notably, the TMO was Frenchman Tual Trainini – the same official who intervened in the red card issued to Springbok forward Franco Mostert against Italy during the 2025 year-end…

“Coach, why do we have a girl in our team?” This was the inquiry from one of the players in the U15 boys’ cricket team I was coaching. In truth, I was expecting it because we had already had a withdrawal from one of our junior youth provincial boys ahead of the tournament because “I don’t play with girls.” While we can take a deep dive into the toxic masculinity, discrimination, and prejudice of it all, these were, after all, 15-year-old boys who were probably more intimidated by the fact that a teenage girl would see them without face wash and their red, pimply acne exposed. But I digress, for my simple response to the young man was: “Have you seen her bat?” The first ball, the young woman was…