Table of contents for 2025-07-21 in Star

FlySafair is poised for significant flight disruptions in the next two weeks following a decision to lock out around 200 pilots for seven days on the back of industrial action starting on Monday. This drastic move comes on the heels of an overwhelming 90% of the airline's pilots voting in favour of a strike over a wage dispute, igniting a standoff that could see the aviation landscape of South Africa affected for up to two weeks. The turmoil began when Solidarity, the union representing FlySafair's pilots, issued a notice of a one-day strike intended to bring the airline back to the negotiation table. However, the situation escalated when FlySafair responded with its own announcement of a seven-day lockout, which could extend for an additional week if the standoff remains unresolved.…

The National Treasury has fired back that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), saying that it has allocated an additional R10 billion to its R57.2bn budget in the 2025/26 financial year. This comes after Navy Admiral Monde Lobese launched a scathing attack against the Treasury last week, accusing it of sabotaging the operational capacity of the SANDF through inadequate budget allocations. Lobese's appearance before the Joint Standing on Defence on Friday was initially intended to address ongoing disputes between the SANDF and Amscor related to constrained procurement processes. However, it quickly evolved into a broader critique of the Treasury's budgeting practices, which he claims have long stifled the SANDF's ability to fulfil its mandate. "National Treasury can't be allowed to be a super-department or a government on its own…

In a world where development finance is undergoing a profound shift, Africa’s financial institutions are quietly but powerfully redrawing the playbook. Moving beyond traditional models, African Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) are stepping forward as co-architects of an investment-led future. Their contributions are reshaping not only the continent but the very model of global partnership. The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) — created last year by DFIs investing a combined $70 billion (R1.3 trillion) — is helping drive this transformation through sustainable economic growth and financial self-reliance. From cross-border energy platforms to strategic transport corridors, these institutions are pioneering new growth models and credit enhancement initiatives grounded in local capital, institutional strength and global collaboration. Across Africa, now, DFIs are catalysing economic opportunity through partnerships built on co-investment, local…

General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s report card of the 6th of July to the nation was not a statistical release of crime but one which discusses what the drivers of crime and how that plunges South Africa into what would be a failed state. This came 12 days before a globally acclaimed date on the global calendar which is Nelson Mandela Day – a euphoria in which South Africa could legitimately bask, but for reasons of neglect to memorialize we are unable to even if momentarily retire in this memorable vista. Eleven years ago, I was privileged yet again to count the South African population. But this privilege was met with protestations by some communities in the country. Amongst the three that I had to spend time on was one by the…

BHP delivered record iron ore and copper production, demonstrating resilience of the business amid global volatility and uncertainty, CEO Mike Henry said on Friday. BHP’s WA iron ore operations set multiple records, including for full-year production. South Flank exceeded nameplate capacity production in its first year of operation after being delivered on time and on budget in the 2024 financial year, he said in an operational update for the year to June 30, 2025. “The efficiency of our infrastructure hubs continues to strengthen performance, with rail, port, and technology investments delivering tangible production outcomes. Our steelmaking coal business increased production by 5%, with improved truck productivity offsetting heavy wet weather and geotechnical challenges at Broadmeadow,” said Henry. BHP produced more than 2 million tons of copper across the group—its highest…

IN A controversial approach to reduce unemployment, Emfuleni Municipality recently organised a job raffle, which it claims provides equal opportunity. However, this initiative has led to public outcry over issues of fairness and transparency. The selection process was held at the Sebokeng Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), where hundreds of hopeful job seekers lined up in queues so long they resembled an election day, all anxiously waiting to hear if their names would be drawn in the lottery-style selection process. A boy was asked to pick out the lucky names. The job raffle, intended to fill just 100 general worker positions for residents of Wards 36 and 37, follows the Gauteng Department of Transport’s recent allocation of R138 million to fast-track the long-overdue completion of the Sebokeng Driving Licence Testing…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported a groundbreaking influx of applications for its Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) for the 2025/2026 cycle, with a staggering 1 049.998 individuals applying before the midnight deadline on 18 July. This remarkable statistic underscores the growing interest in joining the police force, particularly among young South Africans aspiring to serve their communities. The gender breakdown of the applications reveals an encouraging trend towards inclusivity, with 595 049 applications submitted by female candidates, compared to 454 949 from male candidates. This positive shift indicates an increasing recognition of the importance of diverse representation within law enforcement roles. Geographically, Gauteng emerged as the province yielding the highest number of applications, with 267 031 hopefuls eager to join the ranks of the SAPS.…

Limpopo police have launched a manhunt after a six-year-old boy was fatally struck by a stray bullet while playing outside a shack in Juju Valley, Seshego, on Friday, July 18. The tragedy unfolded around 11.45am and has left the local community in shock. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the young boy had been playing at a neighbour’s home while his mother sat nearby, watching the children. The child suddenly collapsed. Alarmed, his mother rushed to his side and found him bleeding from the head. A nearby resident helped transport the child to a local hospital. Medical personnel conducted an X-ray and discovered a bullet lodged in the child’s head, just above his left ear. Plans were urgently made to transfer him to a hospital in Polokwane for further treatment.…

Gauteng’s MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Matome Chiloane, has launched an innovative online school registration system. This initiative is a component of the province’s R3.9 billion education budget. During a media briefing held yesterday, following the budget vote, Chiloane emphasised that every learner in Gauteng possesses a fundamental right to quality education, irrespective of their geographical location. Chiloane clarified that automatic placement for Grade 1 will not be granted to learners currently enrolled in Grade R at schools. These learners are still required to apply, either at their current school or any other institution. He also stated that foreign nationals seeking school placements for their children must possess legal residency in the country and be able to furnish all necessary compliance documentation. “This Budget Vote not only signifies our…

I admire the KZN police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s courage and boldness. Mkhwanazi has risked his career by exposing the damning allegations against the Minister of police, Senzo Mchunu. The KZN commissioner’s utterances have divided the nation, though, I must say. I don’t want to get into the argument of whether Commissioner Mkhwanazi was right by calling a press conference instead of reporting the matter to the national commissioner of police and the president. He has his reasons why he chose to call the press conference instead. That’s a topic for another day. The other year, an ANC politician, Bathabile Dlamini, said most of the members of her political party have smallanyana skeletons in the closet. Many of us treated her utterance as a joke. But it is becoming clearer by…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially released the August 2025 payment schedule for all categories of social grants. Beneficiaries are advised to take note of their respective payout dates and make the necessary preparations to avoid delays in receiving their funds. According to the SASSA, the payment schedule is staggered to reduce congestion and ensure a smooth process at pay points and ATMs across the country. The official SASSA pay days for August 2025 are as follows: Old Age Grant: August 5 Disability Grant: August 6 All Other Grants (including Child Grants): August 7 “To collect your August payments safely and securely, you can visit your payment point a day after the release date of payment, this way, you can avoid the traffic and crowds of other…

Scottie Scheffler romped to a magnificent four-shot victory to seal his first British Open title at Royal Portrush on Sunday, notching his fourth Major success. The world No 1 eased to a three-under-par final round of 68, finishing on 17-under for the tournament after shooting in the 60s on all four days. It was the 10th successive time Scheffler has converted a 54-hole lead into a win. His dominance over the past two years has been such that, once he birdied the first hole, it seemed the chasing pack had already lost any belief of mounting a challenge. Scheffler, who took a lead he would never relinquish with a seven-under 64 on Friday, extended his run of consecutive top-10 finishes to 11 events. That streak now includes four wins, featuring…

The prospect of stepping into the ring in front of a staggering 90 000 fans at the famous Wembley Stadium, on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk–Daniel Dubois showstopper, must have been an irresistible opportunity for South African boxer Kevin Lerena. The allure of such a grand occasion – coupled with the chance to showcase his skills on a monumental stage – likely played a major role in his decision to accept the fight. However, the challenge posed by British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie, who boasts an impressive record of 21 wins and just one defeat, proved to be a daunting one. Many questioned the wisdom of Lerena’s camp in taking the bout, especially given Okolie’s proven pedigree in the ring. As the contest unfolded, it became evident that Lerena faced…

Golden Fireballs coach Dr Elsje Jordaan was thrilled to finally get the monkey off their backs with a thrilling victory over the Free State Crinums in Sunday’s Telkom Netball League final at the Durban ICC. The Gauteng side ensured the perfect end to a flawless season, having won every game en route to the grand finale, clinching a hard-fought 47-40 win over the defending champions. The result also offered redemption after falling at the semi-final stage in the past two seasons. “We’re very happy. We worked very hard for this, and to see how the players chipped in – and the management – it’s a great reward after a season of really hard work. So we’re really just grateful, thankful and proud,” Jordaan told Independent Media Sport after their titanic…

The Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) has committed to international policy cooperation, aimed at further promoting global prosperity. The gathering, which brought together finance leaders from the world's 20 largest economies, tackled critical shared challenges that have persisted in the wake of economic disruptions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and sustainability concerns. During the discussions, which spanned two days, participants acknowledged the need for collaborative solutions that not only address immediate economic challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term resilience and growth. The finance ministers and central bank governors recognised that only through coordinated efforts can nations effectively manage global economic uncertainties and ensure inclusive development. “FMCBG recognised the challenges posed by conflicts, geopolitical and trade tensions, disruptions to…

On August 1, 2025, South African exporters will wake up to a 30% tariff on all goods entering the United States, a decision announced by the administration of President Donald Trump. This is not a sector-specific sanction, nor the outcome of any formal trade dispute. It is a sweeping penalty imposed on all products, citing trade imbalances and regulatory barriers imposed by South Africa. But this is not the end of trade. It is the beginning of South Africa’s trade adolescence, the moment we decide to grow up or continue being disciplined by our “partners.” The justification provided by the US administration rests on the claim that South Africa runs a trade surplus with the United States. In truth, South Africa exported around R170 billion worth of goods to…

The past week there were international economic indicators and political news influencing the prospects of the South African economy. China is a key market for South African exports, and some good news is that the Chinese posted better-than-expected GDP growth for the second quarter. It grew by 2% year-on-year, which is slower than the first quarter’s 5.4%, but faster than expected. US tariffs are still in the news, but South Africa’s position remained uncertain with negotiations about the 30% tariff set for August 1 said to be ongoing. More broadly speaking, macroeconomic news from the US also influences us through the rand-dollar exchange rate and our repo rate decisions. Analysts are waiting to see some of the impact of the increased tariffs on US inflation, economic growth and employment, and…

The G20 finance ministers stressed Friday that central banks must remain independent, after months of escalating attacks by US President Donald Trump on Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell. It was the first communique under South Africa's G20 presidency and marked a rare consensus for a bloc jolted by the drastic trade policies of its richest member, the United States. "Central banks are strongly committed to ensuring price stability... and will continue to adjust their policies in a data-dependent manner," the group, whose members account for more than 80% of the world's economic output, said after a finance ministers' meeting in South Africa. "Central bank independence is crucial to achieving this goal," it said in the statement, also signed by the United States. Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Powell for…

Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, directors said lower platinum group metal (PGM) production and demerger costs were the reasons for their expectation that headline earnings a share (HEPS) will decrease between 76% and 88% for the six months to June 30. Despite the sharply lower earnings forecast, Valterra’s share price surged 7.24% to R898.20 on Friday afternoon, bringing its gain in 12 months to over 47%. The increase was in line with a sharp 4.28% increase in the JSE Precious Metals & Mining Index at the same time. The share’s gain might also be reflecting the basket price increase of over 30% for PGMs, year-to-date. The group, which completed its demerger from Anglo American only this month, said in its first independent trading statement that HEPS would likely be…

Civil rights organisation, Amnesty International South Africa, has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to redirect the R700 million allocated for the National Dialogue. The organisation advocates for this budget to be invested instead in safeguarding and fulfilling the basic human rights of South African citizens. Ramaphosa formally announced the National Dialogue last month. It is intended to be a platform for reflection on the nation’s current state, envisioning its future, and establishing the foundation for the upcoming National Development Plan. The process, scheduled for August 15, will unfold in phases, including local consultations and sectoral engagements, to provincial and national gatherings, over the period of a year. Ramaphosa also pointed out that this is a chance for South Africans to shape the next chapter of democracy, adding that it is…

A string of tavern mass shootings in recent months has raised serious concerns about community safety in South Africa. The latest incident occurred on Friday night at a tavern in Choba informal settlement, Olievenhoutbosch, claiming six lives. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a gang turf war between Lesotho and Mozambican nationals. Community leaders, police, and political parties have raised alarm about safety and the implications of illegal tavern operations. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) expressed concern that illegal taverns are operating without adhering to safety standards, putting patrons at risk. “The ATM raises serious concerns about compliance with safety regulations, licensing conditions, and the broader role such establishments may play in perpetuating criminal activity within vulnerable communities,” said party spokesperson Zama Ntshona. GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron attributed…

In a world choking on crisis and crippled by false messiahs, principled leadership has become the rarest currency. Dr Iqbal Survé is not a politician, nor does he play to galleries. He is a product of the Struggle, a doctor of the people, and one of the few post-apartheid figures who understood early that freedom without economic justice is a betrayal. In an era where ego masquerades as leadership, Dr Survé represents something dangerously uncommon, clarity of purpose, moral courage, and the spine to act when it matters most. South Africa, like much of the world, is trapped in a leadership vacuum, where opportunism has replaced vision, and moral conviction has been traded for political convenience and infighting, staggering youth unemployment, and a stalled economy have bled South Africa of…

In a bold move to reshape African geopolitics and foster deeper regional cooperation, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has announced its support for a strategic partnership between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco. This alignment is framed as a step towards African unity, economic emancipation, and territorial integrity, themes deeply embedded in the continent’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. With historical ties, shared values, and common security and economic interests, the MK Party’s proposal lays the groundwork for a powerful bilateral alliance that could redefine Africa’s role on the global stage. Pan-African vision: The MK Party is advocating for a robust strategic alliance between South Africa and Morocco. The goal is to enhance African unity, uphold territorial integrity, and pursue economic independence. Shared anti-colonial legacy Both nations emerged…

After a Kentucky teenager died by suicide this year, his parents discovered he had received threatening texts demanding $3 000 to suppress an AI-generated nude image of him. The tragedy underscores how so-called sextortion scams targeting children are growing around the world, particularly with the rapid proliferation of “nudify” apps – AI tools that digitally strip off clothing or generate sexualised imagery. Elijah Heacock, 16, was just one of thousands of American minors targeted by such digital blackmail, which has spurred calls for more action from tech platforms and regulators. His parents told US media that the text messages ordered him to pay up or an AI-generated nude photo would be sent to his family and friends. “The people who are after our children are well organised,” John Burnett, the…

South Africans can expect a chilly and wet start to the week as a cold front sweeps across parts of the country, bringing isolated to scattered showers and significant temperature drops in several regions. According to the South African Weather Service, today, July 21, will bring scattered rainfall with a 60% probability over parts of the Eastern Cape, southern KwaZulu-Natal, and the southern coastline. Isolated thunderstorms with a 30% chance of rain are also forecast in parts of the Northern Cape, Free State, and Limpopo. However, most of the central and north-eastern interior, including Gauteng and Mpumalanga, will remain dry with no severe weather warnings in place. Tomorrow, July 22, the wet weather continues, with scattered showers still expected along the south-eastern coast and into the interior regions of the…

Water in the Limpopo River has been declared safe, despite recent panic sparked by its unusual turquoise colour and chemical stench, after experts found no signs of contamination in lab tests. This comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo and AfriForum raised the alarm over suspected pollution in the Limpopo River, urging an urgent investigation amid growing fears over risks to farming, drinking water, and public health. The Vhembe District in Limpopo, which relies on the river as a source of water, has a population of over 1.6 million. This population is spread across four local municipalities: Thulamela, Makhado, Collins Chabane, and Musina. In a statement, AfriForum said it conducted its investigation by collecting five water samples from key sites in and around Musina. “The samples have been submitted…

The demands placed on South African frail care and retirement villages are tougher than ever. These establishments must consistently provide high-quality care while addressing persistent staffing issues and adapting to an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The limitations of traditional care models heavily reliant on individually employed caregivers can no longer be ignored. In response, a strategic shift towards collaborating with experienced healthcare professional service agencies is gaining momentum, providing a welcome pathway for facilities to greatly enhance care provision, optimise operational workflows, and mitigate potential liabilities. Addressing the shortcomings of traditional models Modern senior care facilities face growing challenges that necessitate efficient resource management. Rising operating costs, stricter regulatory demands, and persistent staffing shortages (particularly for specialised roles) create significant operational burdens. To maintain high standards of care and ensure…

Orlando Pirates wrapped up their Spanish pre-season tour with a 2-0 win over La Liga side Granada – a result that not only boosted morale but gave head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou a clearer picture of his squad’s capabilities heading into the 2025/26 season. Across four matches played at the Marbella Football Centre, the Buccaneers showed flashes of tactical maturity and individual brilliance. While the early stages of the tour were shaky – marked by a 2-0 loss to Bolton Wanderers and a 1-1 draw with Cypriot club Pafos – there was evident improvement as the team held Las Palmas to a goalless draw before closing out with a deserved win over Granada. But it wasn’t just about results. The Spanish leg of pre-season provided a vital window for Ouaddou to…

Tim Wellens of UAE Team Emirates conquered the heat and hills of Stage 15 with a 45km solo charge to victory in Carcassonne yesterday, bringing home a fifth win for the dominant team at this year’s Tour de France. The Belgian, who had been part of an early breakaway, launched a decisive attack that caught his fellow escapees napping. From there, he built an unassailable lead on the approach to the walled citadel and had time to high-five dozens of Belgian fans on the run-in – the perfect prelude to Belgium’s national holiday. “It makes me happier than winning a stage myself,” said overall race leader Tadej Pogacar, who pointed to his yellow jersey and added, “He helps me keep this thing every day.” The victory completed a personal grand…

Trump’s statement triggers panic for countries trading with Russia, including South Africa The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has sought to allay concerns regarding South Africa's trading relationship with Russia in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s recent tariff ultimatum. Following Trump’s statement that US imports from Russia could face a staggering 100% tariff if peace talks regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict do not bear fruit within 50 days, worries have mounted over what this means for countries engaging in commerce with Russia, including South Africa. Russia produces 10% of the world’s crude, and it has been able to sell oil through discounted sales to China, India, Brazil and Turkey. According to the International Energy Agency Russia earned $192 billion from oil sales last year despite western…

The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) has intensified its calls for KwaZulu-Natal to be declared a disaster area, with concerns growing over the escalating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that threatens the province’s livestock sector. As the outbreak tightens its grip, affecting both rural families reliant on livestock for survival and established agribusinesses, Kwanalu believes urgent intervention is critical. In a statement released last week, Kwanalu underscored the dire situation faced by farmers across the province. Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu, said they were witnessing intense pressure across the board. La Marque said that in many rural communities, the sale of a single animal was a family’s only financial lifeline, but with movement restrictions in place, many find themselves caught between survival and legality. “Some of the country’s most…

In a world beset by geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and economic uncertainty, equity markets have continued to surprise on the upside. For South African investors, the post - "Liberation Day" rally has revealed a hidden strength in local equities that defies the broader narrative of emerging market vulnerability. While global headlines have been dominated by tariff threats, war-driven commodity fluctuations, and the resilience of US markets, South Africa's own bourse has quietly delivered exceptional returns. Since the 2nd of April, now dubbed “Liberation Day”, the local and global equity markets have handled the turmoil like a champ. Despite, ongoing wars, oil price concerns and the renewed threat of steep tariffs from President Trump. The US equity market has continued to remain resilient and even rally since the last round of…

South African REIT, Hyprop Investments, on Friday formally entered the bidding for JSE-listed Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) retail and mixed-use property company MAS, by releasing the terms of a share and cash offer. Hyprop said its offer was better for MAS’ shareholders than the last offer by MAS’ major shareholder and joint venture partner Prime Kapital Investments (PKI) because voluntary bid participants in the Hyprop offer could expect to easily convert their share consideration into cash should they wish, after the deal is done. “This is in contrast to the unknown liquidity of the instruments being proposed for an offer to MAS shareholders in terms of the intended bid by PKI Limited,” Hyprop’s directors said. Hyprop and the PKI bids add to the MAS board's current complex workload, as…

It’s been almost 50 years since Christopher Reeve starred in Superman, the 1978 movie that spawned what is now an endless spigot of superhero movies. It didn’t invent the tropes of messiah-like figures with supernatural powers or the building of elaborate on-screen worlds only to reduce them to apocalyptic rubble but its contours have now been imitated, elaborated, iterated and just plain stolen so often that the original looks wan and generic by comparison. Superman has been remade since then, with different actors in the role, and often with directors seeking to contemporise the hopelessly square Clark Kent and his upright alter-ego by giving them a brooding, existential sense of solemnity. The impulse was understandable – hey, it worked for Batman! But the tone was all wrong for a protagonist…

Close to 200 South Africans are currently stranded in Thailand, having fallen victim to a human trafficking scheme. They were lured by the promise of well-paying jobs, advertised through social media and word-of-mouth. This criminal operation is allegedly orchestrated by a Chinese mafia network. The job scams target young South Africans who are fluent in English, computer literate, and have marketing or IT qualifications. They are promised good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses, and other lucrative benefits. When victims/ targets accept the offer, they are given a one-way ticket to Thailand before being trafficked to Myanmar and forced to work in illegal online scamming compounds operated by Chinese mafia networks. Emma van der Walt, founder and chief executive of Brave to Love SA, a counter-human trafficking NGO, stated that…

Trade union Solidarity has called on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table ahead of the pilot lockout today. FlySafair’s flights could be disrupted for two weeks as the company will lock out its pilots from tomorrow. This comes after almost 90% of the pilots voted in favour of a strike. Solidarity gave FlySafair notice of a one-day strike, but FlySafair responded with a notice stating that it would lock out the pilots for seven days, which could last for an additional seven days. This forced Solidarity to extend its strike notice to 14 days as well. In the meantime, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offered to mediate again. “Solidarity has agreed to this, but FlySafair is still refusing,” said union spokesperson Helgard Cronjé. “According to Solidarity,…

Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are currently the provinces with the highest risk for cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies. In the first six months of the year, almost 100 CITs have been recorded in South Africa, according to the Cash-in-Transit Association of South Africa (Citasa). A provincial breakdown of these robberies revealed the following: Gauteng (34%), KwaZulu-Natal (33%), North West (9%), Eastern Cape (8%), Western Cape (6%), Mpumalanga (5%), Limpopo (3%) and Free State (2%). Citasa head Grant Clark said there is a one percent difference between CIT robberies in Gauteng and KZN for the first six months of 2025. “CIT robbers execute CIT robberies across provincial borders,” Clark said. “It is possible that the current trend may continue, but CIT robbers also commit robberies in other provinces, such as the Free State, during…

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has disclosed that the National Gambling Board (NGB) has recorded at least 90 online gambling websites that are currently operating illegally in South Africa. Tau said the illegal gambling websites are registered and licensed overseas. “The National Gambling Board did not engage with the operators of the illegal gambling websites, and operators did not block their illegal sites as the National Gambling Board did not engage with them,” he said. Tau revealed this when he was responding to parliamentary questions from Rise Mzansi MP Songezo Zibi, who enquired about the approaches used by the NGB to identify illegal gambling websites and the engagements undertaken by the board with South African network operators to block illegal online gambling websites in the past five financial…

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula defended the party against criticisms that it has selectively applied its step-aside rule when it comes to the allegations raised against former Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. Mbalula, came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. Mchunu, who was also present at the ANC’s NWC meeting, faces allegations of corruption and malfeasance from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The ANC has previously said it welcomes Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a…

The weekend’s portfolio committee meeting, which Minister Nobuhle Nkabane bunked out of, heard staggering new details about the cover-up of brazen ANC cadre deployment. The evil system of ANC cadre deployment is a web of corruption. There was never an “independent panel” which made the SETA board appointments – as with all ANC cadre deployment corruption, it was done behind closed doors by the ANC and its handlers, one being Luvo Makasi. The son of the ANC Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, a former ANC KZN Premier, former ANC KZN MECs, and ANC office bearers currently serving in internal structures, were not appointed to these lucrative Board jobs by luck or accident. Their appointments were engineered. It is now on record that four out of five named persons have so far denied…

ActionSA has formally written to Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu to seek a detailed disclosure of the government’s reported process to recover the bodies of the Lily Mine workers – Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Nkambule, and Solomon Nyerende – who were trapped underground since the mine collapsed in 2016. While ActionSA welcomes the provincial government’s recent update that confirmed an estimated R18m budget and the involvement of the new investor, we express frustration over the long delays and previous exclusion from meaningful consultation. Our numerous efforts, including through our members of parliament and members of the Mpumalanga legislature, have either been ignored or given the runaround. It is critical that government transparency be coupled with urgency in recovering the remains safely and swiftly. In our letter to Premier Ndlovu, ActionSA emphasised the…

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis cut a calm but proud figure on Saturday night after guiding her team to the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Senegal. It was a tense evening at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, where the defending champions were made to work hard for their place in the final four. After a goalless 120 minutes of football, South Africa held their nerve in the shootout – and Ellis was full of praise for how her side managed the pressure. “I said the game was not going to be easy,” she reflected after the match. “I said it was going to be a difficult game because of the group they were in and how…

FOR someone who has only played three T20 Internationals, Rubin Hermann is showing an impressive ability to assess both the conditions and match situation. It probably stems from the fact that Hermann may have limited international experience but has close to a decade of playing at every level domestically. This is certainly evident in the way Hermann manipulated the field initially before exploding during his 36-ball 63 (3x4, 5x6) that eased the Proteas to their 145-run target with seven wickets and 16 balls to spare against hosts Zimbabwe on Sunday. The only blot on Hermann’s copybook was that he was not out in the middle when the winning runs were struck at the Harare Sports Club. “I think one thing we identified is that the new ball is quite tough…

Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said team unity and passionate defence combined to produce “the greatest day of my life” as New Zealand were beaten 23-15 in the final of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy on Saturday night. It was the Baby Boks’ first victory in the tournament since 2012, when they also beat New Zealand – that time at Newlands. “I’m quite emotional, but I’m just so proud,” Norton said. “The amount of work that we put in after not a great U20 Rugby Championship … "Our backs were against the wall and we just came out and gave it everything. The group is unbelievable – the management, the coaches – we all pulled into a common idea. It wasn’t easy at times, but yes, this is…