Indice dei contenuti per 2025-10-08 in Star

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has noted recent media reports regarding the establishment of a KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA Pension Fund for Amakhosi and denies it has approved the application. It was announced in media earlier this week that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs announced the official approval of the KZN COGTA Pension Fund for Amakhosi by the FSCA. This structured savings mechanism is designed to support the social standing of amakhosi by providing them with financial resources upon retirement, thereby recognising their lifelong service and commitment to their communities. However, the FSCA says the reports suggest that it has approved the registration of this fund.The Authority said it wishes to clarify that it has not received any application for the registration of this pension fund,…

World Bank says SA GDP growth is projected to accelerate from 0.5% in 2024 to 0.9% in 2025 South Africa’s economy is projected to grow modestly in 2025, supported by easing inflation and improving investor confidence, but structural weaknesses and persistent joblessness continue to weigh on the country’s recovery. This is according to the World Bank’s latest Africa’s Pulse report released on Tuesday, which provides economic analysis for Sub-Saharan Africa. The World Bank said gross domestic product (GDP) growth in South Africa was projected to accelerate from 0.5% in 2024 to 0.9% in 2025 and further speed up to an annual average rate of 1.2% in 2026–27. The biannual report forecasts regional growth to edge up to 3.8% in 2025 from 3.5% in 2024, driven by easing inflationary pressures and…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged corruption within South Africa’s police service is more than an investigation into misconduct. It is a moment of reckoning for the country’s democratic values and a test of whether transparency can restore trust in institutions that have long struggled with credibility. At its core, the inquiry exposes the fragility of South Africa’s law enforcement institutions and how far they have drifted from their constitutional duty. The Commission, led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has captured national and international attention because of the seriousness of the allegations. The fact that a sitting Minister of Police and senior police generals are accused of colluding with criminal cartels to subvert justice strikes at the very heart of state integrity. For ordinary South Africans, it raises painful questions…

When Eskom was formed in 1923 by visionary industrialist Hendrik van der Bijl, its purpose was to supply low-cost electricity as the foundation for South Africa’s industrialisation and diversification away from the gold mining industry, then the country’s dominant economic sector. Van der Bijl believed that the functions of an engineer could be embodied in one sentence: the promotion of the wellbeing of humankind. He played a pivotal role in the development of wireless telephony and authored the Van der Bijl equation, which defines the mathematics of the thermionic vacuum tube. His credentials were extensive—PhD, DSc, LLD, and Fellow of the Royal Society. Eskom was established as a vertically integrated utility responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity, maintaining system balance, and collecting revenue to sustain its operations. It was…

Tharisa Minerals, a subsidiary of the South African mining group Tharisa, has scored a significant legal victory in its dispute with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) over mining royalties. The Tax Court of the Republic of South Africa has ruled in favor of Tharisa Minerals in a case related to the calculation of mining royalties under the 2008 Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Act. The court set aside Sars’s assessments for the 2015 and 2017 years of assessment, ordering the revenue service to review its methodology for determining Tharisa Minerals’ gross sales and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT). Specifically, the court ruled that Sars must factor in "operational realities" such as the grade recovery curve used by the company. The judgment, which affects both the 2015 year of…

Three trade unions that represent medical workers and nurses have called for tougher action against the syndicates and Gauteng Department of Health officials fingered in the alleged manipulation and exploitation of lower-level workers in the massive corruption that took place at Tembisa Hospital. The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSASA), and the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) called for those who were responsible for the looting to be prosecuted and for the state to seize assets so that funds could be returned to the government purse. The unions were responding to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report on corruption at the hospital, which revealed that R2 billion was stolen through the manipulation of procurement processes. Last week, SIU…

Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appeared briefly at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) moves to consolidate multiple dockets from various jurisdictions, with plans to transfer the matter to the Johannesburg High Court. Matlala, 49, a businessman, was joined in court by his four co-accused, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, his wife Tsakani Matlala, and Mabusela’s daughter, Nthabiseng Nzama. He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. The charges relate to the 2023 shooting of his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, on the N1 highway near Sandton. Thobejane, known for her role in Muvhango, was shot in the foot during the incident. A female passenger in the vehicle suffered a severe spinal injury and has since been…

Police Sergeant Xolani Sibiya, arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) last week for allegedly soliciting a R1,000 gratification from an alleged thief, has been released on R1,000 bail. The 41-year-old sergeant, attached to the Whiteriver SAPS, appeared in the Whiteriver Magistrate’s Court for his formal bail application. Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, confirmed the court’s decision. “Sergeant Xolani Sibiya was granted R2,000 bail by Whiteriver Magistrate’s Court,” Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi said. “The matter was postponed to 26 November 2025 for further investigation.” As a condition of his release, the court imposed strict measures to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Nkosi confirmed the restrictions, adding: “Sibiya was ordered not to contact the witnesses and must not use anybody to be in contact with…

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has dismissed claims that they were considering to field the former Johannesburg Council Speaker, Colleen Makhubele, as the party’s mayoral candidate. Speaking to IOL, MKP spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said that they were far from even selecting candidates for the job, adding that they will shock everyone once they announce. He said they were still assessing candidates who would be able to take up the role. “We are far from that and we are not going to rush the hype of political parties for their candidate. We are not rushing. We do a proper assessment and shock everybody,” he said. This is as political parties are announcing their candidates for the mayoral seat in preparation for the 2026 local government elections. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has…

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which started with its interviews yesterday to fill various vacancies in the superior courts across the country, kicked off with interviewing candidates for the two positions open at the Constitutional Court. First of the six candidates to take the hot seat, gunning for the apex court, was Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) Justice Nambitha Dambuza-Mayosi, and her interview lasted for nearly three hours. She has been in private practice for 12 years and has been a judge since 2005. She acted for 12 months at the Constitutional Court before she took up office as a justice at the SCA. Dambuza-Mayosi told the panel, headed by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, that she opted to go to the SCA rather than remain at the Concourt at that…

Section27, representing the Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF), has approached the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, seeking an order for various government departments to discharge their constitutional and legislative obligations to maintain and implement the National Child Protection Register (NCPR). The matter stems from a 2022 case that Section27 was involved in, where it represented a learner who a caretaker at a school in the North West province had raped. It is said that the school’s governing body and the North West Department of Education failed to take all steps necessary to hold the caretaker accountable. Section27 successfully intervened in the Mahikeng High Court, where it sought a mandatory order against various education authorities to act in accordance with their constitutional, legislative, and policy obligations. After securing the order, a disciplinary hearing…

Across Africa lies tremendous potential, a growing youth population, a spirit of innovation, and communities determined to build a better future. With the right support, this potential can drive inclusive growth, peace, and resilience far beyond the continent. However, as the planet grapples with rising insecurity, climate shocks and humanitarian crises, nowhere are these converging challenges felt more acutely than in Africa, where communities stand on the front line of vulnerability. At the International Labour Organization, we believe that work is not just about livelihoods. It is the foundation of resilience, peace and security. It is how communities rebuild, how displaced people regain dignity, and how countries can avert the next crisis before it begins. Japan has long recognised this. As a global leader in disaster risk reduction and a…

Lions forwards coach Barend Pieterse praised the impact the bench made in bringing them back into the weekend’s match against Zebre, even though the Joburgers were unable to hold out and lost the second-round match by two points at the death in Parma. The Lions trailed 12-3 at half-time, but the introduction of fresh legs in the second stanza injected new life into their play, stabilising the set piece and ensuring they enjoyed more front-foot ball. Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was immense in the tight phases and open play, often requiring two or more Zebre defenders to bring him down. The hard-running Morne Brandon was also a handful for the Italians and his try was no more than his efforts deserved. Of the backline replacements, flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela was able to…

In a display of market confidence, the share price of Datatec, a JSE- and US-listed international information and communications technology (ICT) company, surged by 9.9% on Tuesday following the release of a trading statement heralding a strong performance across all its divisions in the first half of the 2026 financial year. By midday, shares were trading at R66.39, marking a substantial 75.49% increase over the past year. Datatec, which operates inmore than 50 countries supported by more than 11 000 partners, attributed the interim performance to the impressive results of its subsidiaries. Westcon, a leader in technology distribution and financial services, showcased an expanding margin along with strong profit growth. Meanwhile, Logicalis International demonstrated improved operational leverage, resulting in notably enhanced profitability through its collaborations with industry giants like Cisco,…

Industry leaders have warned that South Africa’s poultry sector faces mounting pressure from unfair US trade advantages, uncertainty around the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), and anti-dumping exemptions that undermine local producers. These concerns were raised during a webinar hosted by the FairPlay Movement on Tuesday, where stakeholders discussed the implications of US trade policies, avian influenza regulations, and the future of South Africa’s poultry industry. Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), said it was concerning that the US continues to export chicken to South Africa without paying anti-dumping duties, despite the country losing its Agoa benefits. “That is actually and effectively allowing for dumping of chicken in South Africa. That agreement was reached during the Agoa negotiations of 2015,” Breitenbach said. “Subsequent to that,…

The South African mining industry has entered a new phase of resilience and reinvention, according to PwC’s SA Mine 2025 report, which highlights a sector balancing short-term headwinds with long-term transformation. The report shows that mining’s contribution to GDP held steady at around 6%, even as the sector grappled with rising costs, infrastructure bottlenecks, and policy uncertainty. Market capitalisation climbed by 8% to R1.3 trillion, driven largely by strong performances in gold and platinum group metals (PGMs). Gold was the standout performer, hitting record highs as investors turned to safe-haven assets amid geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Despite flat output and deep-level mining challenges, higher prices bolstered miners’ financial performance. PGMs also staged a comeback after a tough start to the year. Platinum prices surged above $1 600/oz, while palladium…

What do we want to show the world? Do we want to show that we are ready to embrace our energy-transition responsibilities and open Africa to the potential of nuclear energy, or are we going to continue neglecting to lead and simply follow? On 9 October, South Africa will take centre stage in the global energy conversation when the Department of Electricity and Energy co-hosts the 2025 G20 Nuclear Energy Ministerial Conference in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Are we ready for this responsibility? I will be serving as both programme director and moderator during discussions that will examine the opportunities and challenges of scaling up nuclear deployment, advancing technology, and ensuring readiness for implementation. This is our moment to prove that South Africa is not merely…

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has described the ongoing impact of poverty, unemployment and the high cost of living on South Africans as “unacceptable”, as he unveiled a 10-point plan aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation. Ramaphosa presented the plan during the ANC’s special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni, where discussions focused on key interventions to accelerate inclusive growth and employment. “The discussion was informed by the three strategic priorities of the seventh administration: firstly, to drive inclusive growth and job creation; secondly, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and thirdly, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.” Ramaphosa said the ANC had identified specific interventions to advance the vision of the National Development Plan and the…

Former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) CEO Lucky Montana has taken the extraordinary step of laying criminal charges against the South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, accusing him and other SARS officials of fraudulently doctoring a fake court judgment to justify a hefty tax bill. Montana, who is also a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in Parliament, formally opened the case at the Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria on Monday. He alleges that SARS fabricated a court order to justify a tax debt he disputes. Speaking to IOL outside the police station, Montana outlined the origins of the dispute and the reasons for pursuing legal action against SARS. “I’m here to open a case of fraud against the commissioner of SARS, Mr Edward Kieswetter,…

A fire broke out at the female psychiatry ward of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital on Monday, but no injuries were reported, the Gauteng Department of Health confirmed. According to the department, the fire was started by a mental health patient who “set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged”. “Fortunately, there are no injuries sustained as a result of this incident,” the department said. Hospital security personnel responded promptly, and the City of Johannesburg Fire Department also attended the scene to extinguish the fire and clear smoke from the affected area. As a precaution, patients were temporarily relocated from the ward to allow for a thorough investigation. Police were on-site to assist. The department emphasised that hospital management and staff acted swiftly to safeguard the well-being of…

Service providers supplying meals to schools in Gauteng have raised serious allegations of corruption surrounding the province’s school nutrition programme, warning that thousands of pupils could go hungry as payments to suppliers remain outstanding for months. Lisa Sukdev, spokesperson for affected service providers, revealed to IOL yesterday that there are many irregularities in the procurement and payment processes, accusing the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) of failing to adhere to transparent procedures. “A few companies registered on CIPC were awarded bids, but in some cases, we couldn’t find records of these companies on the CIPC database,” explained Sukdev. “One unsuccessful bidder was even compelled by a court order to provide documentation to the Department, but failed to do so. Despite this, the bid proceeded irregularly.” She further accused the Department…

Workers affiliated with Cosatu in Tshwane took to the streets to mark the International Day for Decent Work by demonstrating outside the Department of Labour head office against unfair labour practices in both the government and private sectors. Gauteng Cosatu deputy chairperson Mogomotsi Seleke joined demonstrations to push for workers' rights and policy changes that benefit the working class. He emphasised that the day provides an opportunity for workers to unite and demand accountability, particularly regarding decent work and fair labour practices. Workers also targeted Shoprite and Pick n Pay supermarkets in the inner-city, where they delivered a memorandum of demands for better wages and fair working conditions. Seleke expressed concerns over Shoprite's dismissal practices, citing cases where many workers were let go due to minor infractions, including discrepancies in…

INTERNATIONAL oil prices tested four-month lows late last week, and that could bring good news for motorists in November with early data showing significant fuel price reductions could be on the cards. Unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to petrol price cuts in the region of 48 cents for 95 Unleaded and 51 cents for 95 Unleaded. Diesel looks set for a more modest reduction in the region of 10 cents per litre for both grades. However, if we see a continuation of current trends, as portrayed by the latest daily data, price cuts in the region of 30 cents for diesel and 70 cents for petrol could be on the cards. This significant over-recovery for fuel prices is being driven by a stronger rand and…

FOR a generation of children spinach had magical powers. Their favourite cartoon character, Popeye the Sailor Man, would gobble it down, and instantly be charged up with superhuman strength to fight off villains. Tazmin Brits, the superhero of the Proteas Women’s team, has now revealed that she also has a secret food that gives her extraordinary talents. Only it’s not green spinach smoothies for Brits, but in actual fact South Africa’s favourite doughy deep-fried sweet treat. “I want to say maybe koeksisters,” Brits responded, when asked what she’s been eating that has led her to becoming the first women’s cricketer to score five centuries in a calendar year. It’s a well-known secret that batting coach Baakier Abrahams has a sweet tooth, and often keeps a few koeksisters in his kit…

ZIMBABWE know Bafana Bafana like the back of their hand – and that’s why, if underestimated, they — not Rwanda — could derail South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes. A rivalry rooted in the southern part of the continent, Bafana and the Warriors are no strangers to each other. Beyond competing in regional tournaments, the two nations have clashed in continental and international fixtures over the years. Of course, it goes without saying that Bafana have historically had the upper hand. In their last 10 meetings across all competitions, South Africa have won six, drawn two, and lost two. So, as the two teams prepare to face off in the penultimate World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night (6pm kick-off), it’s easy to see why…

South Africa faces the world’s most severe and persistent unemployment crisis, with more than 12 million people actively seeking work, according to a new report by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) released on Tuesday. The report, titled “South Africa’s Unemployment Catastrophe: A Call for Urgent Action,” paints a stark picture of an economy that has failed to generate sufficient jobs for nearly two decades. CDE executive director Ann Bernstein said the figures reflect a long-term structural failure. “For 17 years, 1 000 people have joined the unemployment queue every day. Over nearly two decades, South Africa’s labour force grew by 42 per cent, while total employment increased by barely 15%. The result: millions more work-seekers chasing far too few opportunities,” she said. This comes as the latest…

Developing economies can grow fast from low-income per capita bases if they implement economic reforms, which support human capital development and sound economic infrastructure. The latter is a catch-all, not only for physical infrastructure, but also sound government institutions, which uphold the rule of law and promote prudent financial management. In the early stages of development, mobilization of savings and capital accumulation are prominent. Fast-growing developing economies typically have high levels of investment. But investment requires funding. It is in this context that we should explore the role of insurance in economic development. In this regard, insurance companies play a vital role in financial intermediation by helping to overcome the problem of asymmetry of information that exists between savers and borrowers, which facilitates the collection and channelling of savings towards…

Good as we are in declaring days, weeks, and months of celebration, observation and of focus, we as a country spotlight October on transport and mobility. While of bona fide intent, year after year these spotlights have become nothing but short-term public relations campaigns, primality championed by government, selectively by the private sector and the development and donor community, depending on the issues and its priority on the global stage. Following energy, water and communications, transport remains a critical do-or-die enabler and a fundamental necessity for any major economic transformation in any society. From the invention of the wheel, the first steam rail engine and the Wright brothers’ first flight, to our first landing on the moon, innovation in mobility has altered the course of human development. South Africa’s transport…

Afrimat, the mid-tier mining and materials powerhouse, saw its share price climb by 2.87% on Tuesday morning, buoyed by an impressive forecast for its headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the six months ending August 31. The company revealed it expects HEPS to soar by between 90% and 95% compared to the same period last year, a promising sign for investors despite the stock’s recent struggles. Trading at R40.53, Afrimat’s shares have experienced a decline of roughly 40% since reaching R67.60 last year. However, the anticipated HEPS figures, projected to range between 100.7 cents and 103.4 cents—up from 53 cents in the previous year—may have sparked renewed investor interest. The positive outlook extends to earnings per share (EPS), which is expected to increase by 74% to 79%, projected between 101.4…

If you thought the drama in Boskruin couldn’t get any juicier, think again. This month, Diepe Waters introduces a wave of new characters, each bringing their own secrets and tensions. For those who haven’t been following, Diepe Waters is the Afrikaans telenovela that’s been keeping some of you glued to your TV screens since it premiered in 2022. Set around the competitive swimming club Die Swartmarlyne, it dives headfirst into the messy, dramatic lives of the families involved. Right now, the Viljoen family is at the centre of it all, dealing with tensions that threaten to shake their household and test loyalties in unexpected ways. In Boskruin, nothing is ever simple. Gys is probably getting himself into trouble as usual, either trying to help someone and making it worse, or…

After a very successful run at the Zwakala Festival, Fatherhood has made its way to the Market Theatre. Performed by a youthful cast, it explores the collective crisis of absent fathers. Written by Mike Dzova and directed by Archie Oupa Matsetela, under the mentorship of award-winning playwright and director Ntshieng Mokgoro, this production shines a spotlight on the mothers who have had to fill the void of runaway fathers. To provide some context, a 2024 report on the State of South African Fathers revealed that a mere 35.6% of South African children live with their biological fathers, and 24% reside in households with no male figure present. Matsetela describes this production as “a work that is as much urgent as it is edgy, innovative in how it confronts the emotional…

The Johannesburg High Court has delivered a sharp rebuke to the City of Johannesburg and City Power, imposing a cost order after ruling that the recent demolitions in Alexandra were carried out unlawfully. The ruling comes in the wake of demolitions that took place in August and left several families homeless near the intersection of Far East Bank Drive and Shibobo Drive in Alexandra, where homes had been erected close to City Power’s electricity servitudes. The 27 affected residents have been living in the area since 2017, when they established their homes and communities over the years. The court ruled that residents must be immediately returned to the peaceful and uninterrupted enjoyment of their homes. Any materials destroyed during the demolitions must be replaced with habitable alternatives. The city is…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Despatch in the Eastern Cape has arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with the murder of Shervago Hanse, 29, who was fatally stabbed during an altercation in Reservoir Hills, Despatch, on Saturday morning. “It is believed that the victim was fatally stabbed after he accidentally hit a two-year-old toddler with a stone, following a heated argument,” SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg. The incident reportedly occurred at around 4am after a night of heavy drinking at a residence on Albatros Street. Police records indicate that the homeowner had asked her children’s friends to leave her property when tensions flared. “As friends were vacating the premises, one of them started to argue with the homeowner’s daughter and threw a stone, but missed and…

Gauteng’s ambitious Rapid Land Release Programme (RLRP), which was initiated with a budget of R2 billion, has come under heavy scrutiny. Despite its aims to address the pressing housing shortage in the province, only 26 homes have been constructed out of a staggering 10,000 serviced stands earmarked for development. This comes after MEC Tasneem Motara’s startling revelation in the Gauteng Legislature that, despite billions being poured into the RLRP, only 26 houses have been built across areas such as Palm Ridge, Westonaria Borwa, and Wiltsbodal, with other beneficiaries having opted to place a fence to protect their stands. The RLRP was introduced as a pilot initiative to provide serviced stands and title deeds to qualifying middle-income households; those earning between R3,501 and R7,000 per month who fall outside traditional subsidy…

The City of Tshwane has vowed to take action against illegal occupants of government-built low-cost houses, known as RDP houses, through a newly-formed dispute resolution committee. The committee is tasked with resolving disputes arising from ownership of the houses, and those found to be occupying the properties unlawfully will face eviction. Aaron Maluleka, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing and Human Settlements, said the committee will provide a platform for residents to voice their complaints and grievances related to the rights to occupancy or ownership of low-cost residential houses. The dispute over RDP house ownership in Tshwane housing projects stems from allegations that illegitimate beneficiaries have purchased these properties from some community leaders. In 2017, Mandla Nkomo, the former MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, took a firm…

The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) is poised to take a stand against what it describes as the unilateral actions of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission). This declaration comes amid rising concerns regarding the impact of the Commission's decisions on religious freedoms in the country. IOL reported on Monday that the establishment of a new consultative body to oversee churches and faith institutions in South Africa has reignited a national debate about the state’s role in religion, with critics warning that the initiative could pave the way for government control over matters of faith. Last week, the CRL Rights Commission introduced a Section 22 Committee, described as a peer-review mechanism aimed at promoting…

For a second consecutive year, the Auditor-General of South Africa has issued an unqualified audit opinion on the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2025 The SABC’s audited annual report has had several key achievements, that include TV licence revenue growth by 10% year-on-year, compared to a 7% decline in the prior year. This growth was supported by improved performance from debt collection agencies, the onboarding of additional agencies, and stronger renewal and GIS collections. It may be difficult to get people to pay for TV licenses, especially those who purchase new devices, but it seems strides are being made. SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli, previously briefed the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on its audit outcomes and financial performance and reported that less…

The safe return of Mandla Mandela and his fellow South African activists from Israeli detention has brought immense relief to their families and supporters. Yet their ordeal demands far more than quiet celebration. It calls for accountability and clarity on how humanitarian workers came to be detained while engaging in a peace-driven mission. Their safe return, however, cannot be the end of the story. It must mark the start of a serious conversation about how humanitarian work in conflict zones is being criminalised and what protection South African citizens can expect when acting in good faith abroad. The Global Sumud Flotilla, of which Mandela was a part, sought to deliver aid to Gaza and to draw attention to the continuing blockade that has left millions trapped in hardship. Whatever one’s…

Thabang Matuludi was only two and a half years old the last time Bafana Bafana secured their ticket to the FIFA World Cup through the qualifiers — which is why he’s thrilled to be part of the team that could make history on Tuesday night. Bafana are vying for a spot in the 2026 global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They are not far off from sealing their ticket, as they need to convincingly beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers — in Durban on Friday, and in Mbombela next Tuesday — to boost their chances of finishing top of Group C. With their rivals — Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda — also set to play each other, expectations are high for…

There’s something fascinating about watching greatness reinvent itself. It’s one thing to reach the summit, but quite another to risk it all in pursuit of staying there. That’s what Tiger Woods did when he rebuilt his golf swing — multiple times — while still sitting on top of the world. In 1997, Woods won the Masters by a record 12 strokes with a score of 18-under-par, as he dominated Augusta National with his driver, hitting the ball 20 to 30 metres further off the tee than the rest of the field. Tiger’s initial swing changes were about generating more speed and power, while the later ones — following knee and back problems — were about longevity and adaptability. Each rebuild sought to iron out inefficiencies, reduce strain on his body,…