Starの 2025-08-22 の目次

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) said on Thursday they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in promoting sustainable energy supply and infrastructure development across South Africa. "This marks a significant milestone in accelerating the country’s Just Energy Transition programme as South African ports are an integral part of this programme," TNPA said, noting that this landmark agreement signifies the entities’ readiness to create a more unified and efficient sustainable energy market while ensuring energy security. To ensure the effective implementationof the MoU, governance structures will be established through steering committees with workstreams, each with a specific focus on either technical, regulatory, or strategic aspects. Under this agreement, the partnership will ensure alignment in the licensing and operation…

Today’s employment landscape has changed drastically, with entrepreneurship at the center of this transformation. SMEs and small business owners have become the backbone of our economy, contributing around 24% of GDP. While South Africa boasts a vibrant start-up and small business sector, the critical question remains: how do we sustain this growth while simultaneously driving job creation? As it stands, entrepreneurship in South Africa is a driving force behind South Africa’s economic growth, especially in the small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) sector, which supports over 13 million employees. However, our SMME failure rate is among the highest in the world. To help stop this bleed, we need to develop school curriculums that equip learners with entrepreneurial skills, giving them the tools and confidence to overcome challenges they may encounter…

South Africa's consumers are bracing for more challenging times as the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has raised concerns regarding a significant rise in consumer food price inflation, which surged to 5.5% in July 2025, up from 4.7% in June. This increase, the steepest seen in 18 months, is part of a broader trend reflected in the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) release by Stats SA on Wednesday, which showed an overall CPI increase from 3.0% in June to 3.5% in July. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, on Thursday pointed out the clear acceleration in food prices. He emphasised that the primary drivers of this inflation have been the continued increases in meat and vegetable prices. Sihlobo elaborated on the factors contributing to the rise in meat…

Zimbabwe-listed hotelier, Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), is expanding into South Africa with the $5.6 million (nealry R100 million) acquisition of a Cape Town commercial property that it intends to turn into a prime hotel. RTG, which runs city and resort hotels in Zimbabwe, said on Thursday that it was in the process of finalising a strategic acquisition in Cape Town through its South African-registered subsidiary, Rainbow Tourism Group (SA). RTG SA has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Elleke Hospitality for this acquisition. Under the agreement, RTG will acquire the seven-storey commercial property located along Buitengracht Street in Cape Town. “The property which is currently a commercial asset, will undergo adaptive reuse and refurbishment to transform it into a branded hotel operated under a leading international hospitality group,”…

From mouth taping to rope-assisted neck swinging, a viral social media trend is promoting extreme bedtime routines that claim to deliver perfect sleep. Influencers on TikTok and X are fueling a growing wellness obsession popularly known as “sleepmaxxing”, a catch-all term for activities and products aimed at optimising sleep quality. The explosive rise of the trend underscores social media’s power to legitimise unproven health practices. One so-called insomnia cure involves people hanging by their necks with ropes or belts and swinging their bodies in the air. Experts have raised alarm about the trick, following a Chinese state broadcaster’s report that attributed at least one fatality in China last year to a similar “neck hanging” routine. Such sleepmaxxing techniques are “ridiculous, potentially harmful, and evidence-free,” Timothy Caulfield, a misinformation expert from…

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola stated that there is no specialised police unit dedicated to handling Operation Dudula and similar movements across the country that prevent undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare services. Although their actions are unlawful, Masemola explained that the police’s Public Order Policing (POP) will only intervene if public disturbances occur. Masemola made these comments during a media briefing in Olifantsfontein, Pretoria, yesterday morning. This marked the first time Masemola publicly addressed the issue, following ongoing reports of Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement denying undocumented migrants access to public health facilities. “On Operation Dudula, we don’t have a unit specifically to deal with them. We have Public Order Policing (POP) countrywide, and their job is to deal with crowd management,” Masemola said. According to…

Gauteng police arrested five learners and a parent yesterday, August 21, for repeatedly disrupting teaching and learning at Tsakane Secondary School. Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the arrests came after a series of troubling incidents, where a group of learners reportedly terrorised the school community through bullying, intimidation, and threats against fellow learners and educators. Mabona stated that a group of boys reportedly hurled stones during Grade 12 camps, causing damage to recently replaced doors. “It is alleged that the perpetrators recently pelted stones during Grade 12 camps, damaging newly replaced school doors, setting fire to toilets. On Wednesday, 20 August, the perpetrators threatened educators and learners with knives; blocked them from moving through passages and extorted them for money and phones during schooling hours.” He added…

South Africa is spiralling into chaos under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Here is a leader who has stumbled from one embarrassing crisis to another, fumbling the ball, seemingly fiddling while Pretoria burns. Most infamous among Ramaphosa’s foibles was his handling of the break-in at his Phala Phala home, a scandal for which he has so far escaped accountability. We’ve never gotten to the bottom of the hundreds of thousands of dollars stashed in couches and other furniture that adorn his Limpopo game farm, with investigations and reports into the matter either conveniently clearing the president of any wrongdoing, or having had their adoption and public release blocked by political machinery. I assume one of the shady deals made to include the DA in the Government of National Collusion…

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) strongly rejects the irresponsible remarks by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who suggested that trade unions are responsible for high unemployment through their wage demands. South Africa’s unemployment crisis is not caused by workers demanding fair wages. It is the direct outcome of poor governance, collapsing infrastructure, load shedding, corruption, and years of austerity that have undermined the economy and stripped critical public services of resources. To blame unions is to mislead the public and shift attention away from the government’s failures. In the police service, as in other parts of the public sector, the real problem is frozen posts, chronic underfunding, and the hollowing out of capacity. Workers cannot be scapegoated for the state’s refusal to invest in safety, security,…

As inflation and rising debt levels across the country continue to soar, a new report has revealed that more than half of South Africa’s working population is turning to gambling in search of financial relief. According to the 2025 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor (OMSIM) a report that tracks the shifting financial attitudes and behaviours of working South Africans, around 52% of employed adults participate in gambling. “A staggering 52% of working South Africans gamble, with incidence being highest among 30 – 49 year-olds (58%) and men (57%),” the report noted. According to the National Gambling Board, South Africans spent R1.1 trillion on gambling from April 2023 to March 2024. During this time, gambling revenue increased by 25.7% to R59.3 billion. “Of more concern is the fact that 40%…

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Dr Mmusi Maimane says his party has not held formal talks with the ANC on expanding the GNU, and will not join any coalition that includes the MK Party, EFF, or “racist parties.” Maimane made the remarks during a media briefing held in Rosebank, Johannesburg, yesterday. The briefing was convened in response to rising tensions within the GNU and ongoing fallout from the National Dialogue. He also outlined BOSA’s political agenda for the fourth quarter of the year. Maimane criticised the GNU, currently led by the ANC and including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Freedom Front Plus, Inkatha Freedom Party, Patriotic Alliance, GOOD, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, and Rise Mzansi - for failing to deliver on its promises. “BOSA…

The Springboks are ready to win ugly, if necessary, in their second Rugby Championship Test against Australia tomorrow in Cape Town. While they’ve steadily progressed on attack under assistant coach Tony Brown, the Boks’ strength has always been their ability to use their forwards in a power game to subdue opponents. From there, space opens up for their backs to work their magic and score tries. More recently, and much to the delight of supporters, they’ve been utilizing a running rugby blueprint alongside their forward dominance. While it has brought spectacular tries, the ease with which they sometimes score has led them to take their foot off the accelerator. That allows the opposition to claw their way back into the game — something that has already happened twice this season.…

thank goodness for small mercies. Like finding a well-placed chair after a day of walking, your feet beating in time with your heart, or that first slurp of cold tap water when your mouth feels like a gravel trap. Or, perhaps, like the blessing of a wedding scheduled on the same day the Springboks lost to the Wallabies at Ellis Park for the first time in more than 60 years. The ceremony unfolded against a waterfall backdrop, and after a short trek up to the reception, the customary speeches regaled us with tales of the bride and groom for much of the match. By the time the formalities had drawn to a close, the Boks had already stumbled to a 38-22 defeat — leaving those of us at the wedding…

Proteas Women’s fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka is pleased with the development of women’s cricket in the country and believes the next area of focus should be grassroots and university level. Khaka, at 33-years old, is one of the senior players in the Proteas side, having earned her first international cap at 20 over a decade ago. The Eastern Cape-born fast bowler is among the few players still active who began playing long before the domestic game turned professional two seasons ago. Having been involved in the women’s game for such a long time, Khaka praised the exponential growth since professionalism began. However, she maintains that grassroots and university cricket require more attention to take the game to new heights. “I think in the country the game is improving, and it’s…

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef says it will be important for his side to carry momentum from their flying start to the season as they prepare to face what will be their biggest challenge of the campaign against Mamelodi Sundowns next week. Amakhosi are one of two unbeaten sides in the league after three matches, having bounced back from last season’s turbulence in fine style with three wins from three games. With the MTN8 taking centre stage this weekend, their next league outing against the defending champions at the FNB Stadium will provide a real test of their early form. Chiefs are expected to have head coach Nasreddine Nabi back on the bench after he missed the club’s first three matches while in Tunisia attending to his wife,…

Exxaro Resources’ share price shot up over 10% on Thursday after the mining and renewable energy group declared its 45th consecutive dividend of R8.43 per share for the six months to June 30 and following the acquisition of manganese assets for up to R14 billion. Headline earnings a share were up by 13% to R17.24. Revenue increased 8% to R20.6bn. Net cash of R12.4bn increased by 27% year-on-year, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation was up 10% to R5.6bn. The dividend was 6% up on the same period a year before. The share price traded at R182.07 Thursday afternoon, up from R166.10 a year ago. On May 3, 2025, Exxaro announced two separate agreements to acquire manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OMH (Mauritius) Corporation. The price was…

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a National Dialogue on Poverty, Inequality, and Crime earlier this month, it was billed as nothing less than a reset of our democratic project. Forty million rand has been allocated to convene stakeholders from across society to address the country’s systemic failures—from unemployment to corruption to the breakdown of public services. Yet, the reception has been mixed. Two major opposition parties have boycotted the process, calling it political theatre. Civil society voices have questioned whether the dialogue will lead to action or simply more words. Business, for its part, has been largely muted—watching from the sidelines, waiting to see what comes of it. That silence is a mistake. Why This Dialogue Matters to Business South Africa’s economic health is inseparable from its social stability. Investors,…

Growthpoint Properties has signed up with Africa’s first open blockchain-enabled Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) exchange, Fuel Switch, to unlock easily accessible, tradeable clean energy certificates for its tenants. South Africa’s largest JSE-listed REIT’s green energy initiative, e-co₂, goes live in October 2025, when it will deliver its first green electrons to 10 Sandton office buildings, with hydropower wheeled over the national grid from the Boston Hydroelectric Plant, newly developed in the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme in partnership with Serengeti Energy. The e-co₂ roll-out puts Growthpoint well ahead in bringing certified renewable energy into daily business use, and e-co₂ wheeled green electricity would be cost competitive for Growthpoint tenants and has a zero-carbon footprint, so tenants could save money and advance their sustainability goals, said Growthpoint’s Head: Corporate Advisory, Werner van…

Indian multinational automotive group, Tata Motors, has sent its first shipment of nearly 500 vehicles to South Africa after a six-year long hiatus. Earlier this week Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), a subsidiary of Tata Motors—India’s largest automotive manufacturer—announced that they had formally re-entered the South African passenger vehicle market. Tata on Wednesday said that this strategic re-entry was underpinned by a strong alliance with Motus Holdings. Shailesh Chandra, managing director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said that their return to South Africa marked a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ global journey. “We are excited to bring our new-generation of vehicles—designed with cutting-edge technology, uncompromising safety, and modern design—to a market that values quality and innovation,” Chandra said. “With Motus as our preferred partner, we are confident in delivering a superior…

Netflix has released the trailer for a new true crime limited documentary series, Beauty And The Bester. The series chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, a celebrated celebrity doctor whose involvement with convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester sent shockwaves across the nation. Friends and family open up in exclusive interviews, each trying to make sense of the strange and unsettling bond between a respected doctor and her convicted criminal partner, Bester. The trailer shows actress, DJ, presenter and businesswoman Pearl Thusi, The Mommy Club reality TV star and businesswoman Happy Simelane and broadcaster and multi-hyphenate personality Penny Lebyane. Lebyane, a South African media personality, was among several local celebrities who unknowingly visited the practice of the criminally-accused skin doctor. She has previously been featured on…

While Standard Bank accused the Competition Commission of “sticking to its bloody-minded ignorance” by continuing to accuse the bank of allegedly being part of a cartel which manipulated the Rand/US dollar exchange, the commission had hit back to say the bank is pulling out all the stops in a bid not to face the music. Advocate Kate Hofmeyr, acting for Standard Bank, told the Constitutional Court this week that in 2017, when the commission told the media about its allegations that the banks were allegedly involved in an international cartel colluding to manipulate the Rand/US dollar, Standard Bank’s share price dropped in a few days by 3.8%, which equated to R8.5bn. She argued that while the commission was investigating the case for a year and a half, it did not…

ActionSA has lodged a criminal complaint with the Boipatong South African Police Service (SAPS) over the collapse of the R28 million Boipatong Old Age Home project. The project, launched by the Emfuleni Local Municipality in 2015, has been plagued by delays, including contractor failures, poor administration, and community unrest. The Star previously revealed that the project came to a standstill nearly a decade later, after the late discovery of a gas pipeline running beneath the site, halting planning and construction. On August 20, ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Funzi Ngobeni presented evidence at the Boipatong SAPS pointing to financial misconduct, fraudulent spending, and gross dereliction of duty by both contractors and government officials. “This project is a textbook case of how corruption and incompetence rob communities of dignity. We will not…

After years of stalled progress, the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development has conceded that the R703 million Johannesburg South Forensic Pathology Laboratory requires a full inquiry, confirming it has now sought legal advice over the delays. This development comes against the backdrop of a deepening crisis in Gauteng, where grieving families have been forced to wait as long as a decade for toxicology results. These delays have stalled prosecutions and burials. The democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng health spokesperson, Madeleine Hicklin, said that the party has been calling for the completion of the vital facility since 2022, even escalating the matter to the National Department of Health in response to mounting pressure from residents. “We have also been advocating for improved treatment of the deceased and their families, many of whom…

I refer to your leading article on the thirteenth anniversary of the Marikana Massacre (“Ramaphosa must face Marikana widows”, The Star, August 19). No sane person would deny that the police reaction on that day was disproportionately lethal, and that some form of compensation should have been made by the platinum mining industry. What has to be disputed is how the editorial in question has been framed. In recent years, there has been a tendency among journalists to whitewash the events that led to the massacre. Those of us who read about this tragedy thirteen years ago, reported by some respected journalists and editors, will recall that the police were provoked, and that the miners were not innocent protesters. Visuals that were published then showed the miners carrying crude weapons…

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya’s report that over 90 000 streetlights have been fixed across the municipality has been met with fierce criticism from residents. The backlash comes after Moya recently reported that the City of Tshwane had made significant progress in public illumination, with 91 581 streetlights fixed across the metro. She said: “The City of Tshwane continues to make progress in the illumination of communities as recorded at our weekly service delivery war-room there have been 91 581 public lights that have been fixed across the city.” She explained that many of the streetlights in the city are vandalised through theft which increases the service delivery backlog faced by her teams. “While these challenges persist, we have made it a priority to ensure that our public areas are visible…

In a move likely to affect thousands of online shoppers, the government is planning to scrap the VAT exemption on low-value imported goods, including items from popular online retailers like Shein and Temu. This change forms part of the 2025 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), recently published by the National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for public comment. “It is proposed that the current tax-free limit on imported goods to be removed, meaning that from now on, low-value imports will be subject to VAT,” the document notes. If passed, all goods brought into South Africa, regardless of value, will be subject to the standard 15% Value-Added Tax (VAT). Previously, items valued below R500 could enter the country without VAT and were instead subject to a…

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has come to the defence of the parliamentary legal services after it came under scrutiny in the Ad Hoc Committee inquiring into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This comes after members of the inquiry were unhappy with remarks made by a member of the legal team that the allegations made by Mkhwanazi were technically not evidence. The remarks have been used as one of the motivations by some MPs to call for the appointment of an external legal counsel to lead evidence in the inquiry. Yesterday, Didiza said she noted with concern certain remarks made during proceedings of the Ad Hoc Committee, questioning the competence and integrity of the legal team assigned to support the committee. She said she has…

“I know him, I know him and I also know her.” These were the words uttered by former President Nelson Mandela when he was asked to autograph a 1996 booklet, The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, lovingly gathered over a few years by retired chef Neels du Plooy. Now the much-travelled booklet is on sale on Facebook Marketplace with a price tag of a million rand, which might seem steep were it not for the fact that it has the signatures of 30 iconic South African political leaders and judicial pioneers who crafted our peaceful transition to democracy. Many South Africans got a copy of the beloved booklet when it was released, but while ours have no collector value, Du Plooy’s is sure to pique the interest of…

SOUTH Africa is spiralling into chaos under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Here is a leader who has stumbled from one embarrassing crisis to another, fumbling the ball, seemingly fiddling while Pretoria burns. Most infamous among Ramaphosa’s foibles was his handling of the break-in at his Phala Phala home, a scandal for which he has so far escaped accountability. We’ve never gotten to the bottom of the hundreds of thousands of dollars stashed in couches and other furniture that adorn his Limpopo game farm, with investigations and reports into the matter either conveniently clearing the president of any wrongdoing, or having had their adoption and public release blocked by political machinery. I assume one of the shady deals made to include the DA in the Government of National Collusion…

As anticipation builds for the MTN8 semi-final second leg clash between arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates tomorrow in Pretoria, coach Miguel Cardoso is keen to manage expectations, downplaying any advantages his team may hold. With memories of a tightly contested first leg still fresh — in which Sundowns secured an important away goal in a 1–1 draw — the stakes are set for a high-octane encounter at home. Reflecting on last week’s performance in Orlando, Cardoso acknowledged the challenges inherent in knockout competitions. “It might be a cliché, but it’s a fact that matches like our competitions with knock-out rounds over two legs are always very tough, both tough,” he stated, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability that define this format. Despite holding the advantage of a home ground and…

FOLLOWING Prenelan Subrayen's reported suspect bowling action, former Proteas bowling coach Vincent Barnes sympathised with the spinner as he was reported in his One Day International debut. Barnes knows this process well, having overlooked the process when former Proteas men's bowlers Johan Botha and Aaron Phangiso found themselves in Subrayen's shoes. The 65-year-old understands that players can take a hit mentally when in such a situation purely because of the reach such a case can have, as it happened in front of the whole world. Barnes told Independent Newspapers that there is no place to hide in international cricket and that worrying about the legality of your action is the last thing any bowler would want at the highest level. "In international cricket, there's no place to hide. You're on…

Despite the numerous changes the Springboks have made, the Wallabies believe they remain a dangerous side ahead of their second Rugby Championship match in Cape Town tomorrow. While his counterpart Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to the Bok starting team for the deciding clash at DHL Stadium (5.10pm kick-off), Australian head coach Joe Schmidt made minimal adjustments to the team that beat their hosts last weekend. Following that 38–22 victory, Schmidt was forced to replace captain and No 8 Harry Wilson with Rob Valetini. Debutant winger Corey Toole comes in for Dylan Pietsch, who suffered a fractured jaw, while Tom Robertson takes the loosehead jersey in place of the concussed James Slipper. With the Boks expected to return to an aerial and forward-dominated game plan, it will be a massive…

SA president praises Japan’s willingness to adjust tariffs for strained partners President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded Japan’s willingness to adjust tariffs for its strained partners, viewing it as a significant opportunity for deeper bilateral tariff cooperation in a bid to bolster South Africa's international trade in the face of evolving global tariffs. Speaking at the South Africa-Japan Business Forum on the margins of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) Summit in Yokohama on Thursday, Ramaphosa said Japan is a key pillar in South Africa's outreach. Ramaphosa made clear South Africa's readiness to engage in strategic sectors such as battery minerals, automotive components, renewable energy equipment, and hydrogen technologies. He outlined how his government has swiftly activated diversification strategies in the wake of recent tariff decisions by the…

The majority of South African consumers who applied for debt counselling in the three months to June were using personal loans to make the ends meet as the cumulative effect of inflation erodes their income. This is according to the DebtBusters' Debt Index for the second quarter, which underscored the harsh financial realities faced by South African consumers amidst continued economic pressure. DebtBusters noted that a staggering 95% of individuals who sought out debt counselling during the quarter had taken out personal loans, while more than half (54%) relied on one-month payday loans. While these short-term loans have become a critical financial lifeline for struggling households, they carry a steep price, with interest rates often exceeding 23% per annum. Despite a slight easing of inflation, families continue to grapple with…

Restaurant franchise group Spur Corporation is accelerating its store expansion program with the planned opening of 42 new restaurants in South Africa and 14 internationally in the year ahead. “Our brands have not yet reached saturation in South Africa or beyond. We will continue expanding our presence on the African continent and are optimistic about the growth potential as casual dining continues to gain appeal,” said Group CEO Val Nichas on Thursday. Speaking at the release of the group financial results, she said they had already in the year to June 25 expanded their local and international restaurant presence to 724 outlets in 14 countries. The group’s share price surged over 6% to R35.20 on the JSE on Thursday morning, indicating positive investor sentiment to the release of the results.…

Malibongwe Arts Festival: Tribute to Women The Malibongwe Arts Festival’s Tribute to Women concert is featuring a line-up of top musical acts. They include Keisha White, Makhadzi, Lloyiso, The Soil, Mi Casa, Thandiswa Mazwai and Ami Faku, who will all take to the stage in this picnic-style, family-friendly gathering this Women’s Month. Attendees are urged to bring their picnic blankets and camp chairs. However, hard coolers and tables will not be allowed. Where: Marks Park in Emmarentia. When: Sunday from 9am. Cape Town International Animation Festival The final leg of the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) will feature a range of offerings. This includes a curated short film compilation featuring the best of South African and African animation. Rorisang & The Gurlz, a new animated series will also…

The United States has on Wednesday evening announced fresh sanctions on four more judges and prosecutors currently serving on the International Criminal Court (ICC). This is the latest move against the court that previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ICC previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. In a statement released by the US State Department on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that two judges and two prosecutors were being added to a list of ICC members sanctioned by the administration of President Donald Trump. The new sanctions are against Judge Kimberly Prost, Judge Nicolas Yann Guillou, Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan…

Johannesburg Flying Squad members have successfully recovered a stolen vehicle and other property in an intelligence-driven operation. This followed a tip-off received while members were on patrol, alerting them to suspects who had allegedly robbed a pawn shop at Dobsonville Mall. Johannesburg Flying Squad spokesperson Raymond Sambo said officers proceeded to 1st Avenue and Bezuidenhout Street in Bez Valley, where they located a white Toyota Corolla matching the getaway vehicle, and recovered the stolen property. “Inside, they found laptops and cellphones worth approximately R700 000. The recovered goods were booked at Dobsonville SAPS, while the vehicle was secured at the police pound for safekeeping and further investigation.” Sambo added that the Johannesburg Flying Squad remains committed to recovering stolen property and vehicles while ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.…

The South African Police Service destroyed drugs and unregistered medicines worth an astonishing R420 million yesterday morning in Gauteng. The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, said this destruction is not just symbolic. “It is a powerful demonstration of our ongoing efforts to dismantle the illicit drug trade and to safeguard the health, safety, and future of our nation. “The fight against drug-related crimes continues to be intensified in all provinces, in particular the gang-infested areas, with a strong focus on supply reduction, as outlined in the National Drug Master Plan.” This is the second drug-destroying operation this year. In March, SAPS destroyed R340mn worth of drugs. General Masemola said that in three years, a total of R5.3billion worth of drugs have been destroyed. Among them are mandrax,…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes Defence Minister Angie Motshekga’s conduct in shielding General Rudzani Maphwanya from accountability is so serious that it deserves for her to be fired. Her latest defence of Maphwanya’s misconduct in Tehran shows she is unfit for office and is causing irreparable harm to South Africa’s image. Instead of holding General Maphwanya accountable for overstepping his constitutional mandate, Motshekga endorsed his version of events and declared herself “satisfied” with his report. By doing so, she has chosen to side with an unelected general who engaged in unsanctioned political diplomacy in Iran. This is a blatant violation of the SANDF Code of Conduct. According to Iranian state media, Maphwanya pledged “common goals” with Tehran, endorsed its stance on Gaza, and promised deeper strategic ties. These are political…

Thousands of ChatGPT users have complained that the rollout of the latest artificial intelligence model has left them distraught, by breaking the AI personas they had grown to see as their partners. AI chatbots, unlike people in real-world relationships, don’t ask for anything in return for the consistent attention, validation, and non-judgmental conversation they provide users. Many people find the interactions habit-forming. OpenAI released their GPT-5 on August 7, replacing the long-running GPT-4o model. Thousands of people on forums like r/AIRelationships and r/MyBoyfriendisAI have since complained that the new model has broken the AI personas they’ve formed long-running attachments to. “Those chats were my late-night lifeline, filled with inside jokes, comfort at 3 a.m... GPT-5 just feels... hollow,” one user wrote. Others complained their AI “soulmates” and “partners” suddenly felt…

Tiger Brands has issued a precautionary voluntary recall of its Benny Beef Flavoured Stock Cubes and Benny Chicken Flavoured Stock Cubes due to inaccurate nutritional labelling on the packaging. The recall applies to products with a best-before date of July 31, 2027 or earlier, the company said in a media statement yesterday. The company added that the decision followed consultation with the National Consumer Commission (NCC), despite no consumer complaints having been received. “This decision is in line with its commitment to the highest quality standards and in the best interests of its consumers.” Tiger Brands said it is working with retail and wholesale customers to remove all impacted Benny stock cube products from store shelves. “This precautionary voluntary recall does not include any other products marketed and sold under…

Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has serving his deputy, Lt-General Shadrack Sibiya, with a notice of intended suspension or temporary transfer giving him until Monday to respond. This is despite Sibiya’s ongoing case to challenge the decision to place him on a leave of absence. This comes after Sibiya was asked to take a leave of absence when explosive allegations were made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Sibiya was accused of conspiring with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the political killings task team. Sibiya launched an application at the Pretoria High Court seeking to have the decision to have him stay at home, set aside. Sibiya said Masemola’s decision to direct him to stay at home pending an investigation, which he took as part of disciplinary steps…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side will have enough resources to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow and reach the MTN8 final. Pirates will visit Sundowns in the semi-final second leg at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, following the teams’ 1–1 draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium last Saturday. With Sundowns’ away goal giving them the advantage, the pressure is on Pirates to deliver a result in hostile territory. Both sides come into the clash high in confidence after midweek victories in the Betway Premiership. Pirates edged Stellenbosch 1–0 at home on Wednesday, a win that provided relief for Ouaddou after two straight defeats at the start of the season. Amid the positivity surrounding both clubs, Ouaddou painted a picture of the type of encounter he expects in Atteridgeville.…

The irony will not be lost on the discerning road running enthusiast that Irvette van Zyl will be running the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K for the first time this weekend. Van Zyl is a Pretorian through and through, and the assumption would be that she would participate in just about any major race taking place in her home city. This, after all, is an athlete who has shone brightest in races such as the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in the country’s capital year after year. But the Hollywood Athletic Club athlete is only going to make her debut in the popular 10km race this Sunday, and her excitement abounds after injury forced her to sit out last year’s edition. “I’m really excited to do this year’s Absa RUN…

Liverpool can expect a hostile reception when they travel to Newcastle on Monday, amid their pursuit of wantaway Magpies striker Alexander Isak. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Tottenham face off in an early test of their Premier League ambitions. Across Merseyside, a new era begins for Everton on Sunday as they welcome Brighton for the first competitive game at their new 53,000-capacity stadium. AFP Sport looks at the major talking points ahead of the second weekend of the Premier League season. Isak saga hangs over Newcastle vs Liverpool clash Isak is expected to sit out the meeting between his current club and his preferred destination, as a stand-off over the Swedish striker's future stretches into the final week of the transfer window. Newcastle maintain that the 25-year-old will not leave unless…

Eric Tinkler wore a weary smile at the PSL offices on Thursday during the pre-match press conference ahead of Sekhukhune United’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against Stellenbosch. The coach’s expression reflected the exhaustion he has endured over the past three weeks due to mounting expectations. Babina Noko assembled a strong squad during pre-season, and there were high hopes for them to build on their fourth-place finish in last season’s league campaign. They duly answered the call, beating TS Galaxy in the MTN8 quarter-final and Orlando Pirates in their Betway Premiership opener. Their impressive league run continued with another victory over Galaxy at home, before suffering a rude awakening with a 2-0 defeat to Stellenbosch in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final away. Tinkler lamented after that defeat that his…