Tabla de contenidos para 2/16/2020 en Sunday Sun

THE Constitutional Court has refused Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) leave to appeal a judgment ordering the company to pay back R316 million to the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa). The court ruled CPS’s appeal had no reasonable prospects of success and “did not qualify as a constitutional matter for consideration”, according to anti-corruption organisation, Corruption Watch. The matter spans back to 2014, when Sassa paid CPS the money after the company claimed it had enrolled more grant recipients and beneficiaries than it had been contracted to do, News24 previously reported. SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Thandi Modise, has 22 candidates to choose from for the three members of the independent panel that will determine whether there’s a prima facie case for the removal of Busisiwe Mkhwebane from the position…

EFF leader in Gauteng Mandisa Mashego has stared down the barrel of a gun and come out alive! Mashego, according to the case she opened at Bramley Police Station, was threatened by a police officer with a firearm. This during the eviction of Setswetla residents in Alexandra, north of Joburg. Asked for comment, Mashego yesterday told the SunTeam the last time she engaged with police was in September. According to the fighter, she was informed a complaint was laid with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid). Said Mashego: “I’d also laid a complaint with the public protector but haven’t received a response. “So far, I don’t know anything about where the case is now.” Ipid spokesperson Sontaga Seisa promised to respond to the SunTeam after a written enquiry was sent…

MPUMALANGA tycoon Sam “Mshengu” Chabalala’s inmate status has been bumped up a few notches. This following his weekend stint behind bars. Sam faces two fresh counts of corruption. This follows an alleged attempt by the mogul to corrupt a senior cop in Mpumalanga in a bid to get his impounded flashy Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon released without following proper processes. The second corruption charge relates to his attempts to bribe the same official to help him make his other case from last year disappear. The new case was postponed to 21 February for a formal bail application. This after his brief appearance in the Middelburg Magistrates Court on Friday. The 24-year-old was initially arrested last year and later charged for fraud, corruption and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was out on…

CONTROVERSIAL radio star Phat Joe has been muted by the SABC. This for allegedly constantly missing work. Phat Joe co-hosts the breakfast show Phat Joe and The Family on Radio 2000, alongside Nala Tose. But his silence on the airwaves has been deafening for the past three weeks, as he hasn’t been reporting for duty. SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo confirmed that the DJ, real name Majota Khambule, was shelved. Said Seapolelo: “The SABC can confirm that Mr Majota Kambule (sic) is currently on special leave, details of which we’re unable to comment on out of respect for the contractual relationship between the two parties.” Phat Joe referred questions to the public broadcaster. According to SABC insiders, the loudmouthed DJ was suspended following a string of bunking work, including after the…

MZANSI’S beloved actress Nomzamo Mbatha has allegedly left Isibaya. Sunday Sun has learnt that Nomzamo, who plays Thandeka Zungu, has resigned from the much-loved Mzansi Magic telenovela after more than eight years with the show. According to an insider, Nomzamo who is also part of the popular American comedy sequel, Coming to America 2, is too busy for the show and has a lot on her plate. “Nomzamo doesn’t put her eggs in one basket. She’s always in the US for shoots and auditions. Also, her foundation keeps her busy. According to the source, Nomzamo’s busy schedule always clashes with her shooting schedule, which sometimes delays production. According to an insider Nomzamo’s constant travelling is a problem as she can’t be at different places at the same time. “She has…

THE Bassline Live Series kicks off with one of Mzansi’s favourite acts, Lira. Book your seat to watch this amazing performer at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre, south of Jozi, on 7 March. Said the coach and mentor on the reality show, The Voice, who has recently been exploring career possibilities and recording in the US: “My ultimate dream is to win a Grammy, and having experienced my first Grammy ceremonies. I feel like the dream is attainable. “I’m writing new music constantly and am working with some of California’s best producers.” Lira, whose music career spans 16 years and includes six studio albums, three live DVDs, an autobiography, a seven-part documentary TV series and a full feature movie, has established herself as one of the foremost female artists in…

THIS week was all about glitz and glamour. And yes, it’s been a while since I’ve sniffed “wealth” at close proximity! And it’s not surprising, really. I’ve been attending low-budget events lately and mingling with influencers who get paid by goodie bags. So, I’d like to send a heartfelt thanks to former MTV boss, Alex Okosi, for adding a touch of class to my social calendar. This as I was invited to his farewell party. Everything about this soiree ticked all the right boxes, as the food was amazing and the booze budget was approved all the way from the US. Not surprising, people were dressed to the nines. I even shed a tear during the goodbye speeches. Must be the alcohol. • It was refreshing to see my old-time…

BLACK LEOPARDS new coach Allan Clark wants to prove to the sceptics that he can do the job. This after Lidoda Duvha boss David Thidiela made a bold move when he appointed him on a permanent basis. The inexperienced Clark replaced Cavin Johnson last week. He started his tenure at Leopards on a high note after winning two consecutive matches, beating Chippa United 2-1 in an Absa Premiership encounter and knocking out ABC Motsepe outfit North West University with a 4-0 victory in the Nedbank Cup. In those two matches, Clark was an interim coach. And today, the relegation-haunted Leopards host high-flying Soweto giants Orlando Pirates in a league showdown at Thohoyandou Stadium (3.30pm). Said Clark: “I know this is a big test for me as a young coach. But…

HIGHLANDS PARK coach Owen Da Gama was allegedly accused of gifting Kaizer Chiefs the three points on their birthday anniversary celebrations last month. But he’ll be hoping to redeem himself when the two teams meet in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 round. Da Gama was accused of throwing the game when his team lost 3-0 at the FNB Stadium on 8 January. But he strongly denied the allegations and blamed a series of injuries that rocked his charges in that embarrassing defeat. This week, Highlands were drawn against Amakhosi in the biggest knockout football competition in Africa. The Tembisa-based outfit will host the Soweto giants at their fortress at Makhulong Stadium at a date yet to be decided by the PSL. Amakhosi have beaten them twice in the Absa Premiership…

UTHONGATHI FC majority shareholder, Nompumelelo Nhlumayo, wants out of the club. Nhlumayo, who owns 60% of the club’s shares, is said to have taken the other directors to court after they denied her the opportunity to sell her 60% stake. Nhlumayo is a former partner of the club’s late chairperson Nicholas Mkhize, who was gunned down in 2018. While she denied having taken the other directors to court, Nhlumayo revealed her stake is, indeed, up for grabs. “I haven’t taken the club’s directors to court, but maybe I’m going to do it,” she said in a feisty response. “But for now, I haven’t done it. I’m still the director of Uthongathi. I haven’t got a buyer right now but maybe I’m still going to get one. Other offers have been…

AFTER Safa confirmed that Bafana Bafana will face São Tomé and Príncipe on match day three of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the FNB Stadium on 23 March, they have sent a team to inspect the venue in the return leg. Team manager, Levy Ramajoe, leads a delegation to inspect the pitch and conditions in the island nation. The game is likely to be played at the Estádio Nacional 12 de Julho. The stadium has an artificial turf and the capacity of just 6 500. Bafana will visit Adriano Eusebio’s side, who are based in central Africa, on match day four (31 March). It is the venue Sao Tome have played their last three matches, including a 1-0 loss to Ghana in November in the Afcon qualifiers…

THE adage goes, the only thing in life better than bucks is bigger bucks. And Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane . . . IS IN A QUEST FOR MORE CASH FROM MASANDAWANA! This was the sentiment among the SunTeam’s insiders, who claimed contract negotiations between the coach and the Chloorkop-based club had seemingly reached a permanent deadlock. And Sunday Sun can exclusively reveal the financial offer made by Sundowns lay at the centre of the protracted talks. This and a counter offer made by the prominent coach, in which he allegedly demanded that the multi-league champions double his salary package. According to three insiders (two of whom are attached to the 2016 Caf Champions), the pay package wasn’t the only stumbling block. It’s public knowledge that Caf giants Al Ahly…

SOCIALITE Khanyi Mbau’s latest small screen adventure has set tongues wagging. This as the much-publicised reality TV show, I Am Khanyi, has mysteriously been canned. Khanyi’s show was to air on Mzansi Magic. It was announced with much fanfare last year when Kelly Khumalo and Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize were also advertised. But the SunTeam has learnt Khanyi’s show will no longer air. This due to reasons that aren’t yet clear. Asked for comment, Khanyi confirmed she’d no longer allow the public into her private life. She blamed the channel for prematurely announcing the show. Explained the 34-year-old: “The channel had announced me having a show prematurely. “I was surprised when my brand strategist, Dylan Kardashian, shared a link with me. “This because I’d only been in talks with them…

SPIRITUAL guru and radio personality Thami Ngubeni is the latest celeb to join Newzroom Afrika. Sunday Sun can confirm that the Metro FM talk show host has landed a midday slot on the 24-hour news channel. Thami will co-host the daily news programme with gospel artist and TV presenter Thabo Mdluli. The former Generations actress told the People’s Paper: “I’m very excited to be part of a team that strives for excellence and integrity in reporting news and hosting different analysts’ voices and industry leaders to help dissect events and developments and what they mean to Mzansi.” According the channel’s founder and CEO Thokozani Nkosi, the Daytime Update is the new lunchtime slot from midday to 3pm, hosted interchangeably by the duo. Said Thokozani: “The show will focus on the…

CURVY Muvhango actress Buhle Samuels was lucky not to have her house cleaned out after thugs broke into it. Tsotsis allegedly broke into her house, but were scared away by a Good Samaritan, who alerted the cops. The 29-year-old, prominently known for her role as Matshidiso on one of Mzansi’s most watched soapie, received a call from her mum, who had received a call from a neighbour alerting her that her house had been broken into. At the time, the thugs had already disconnected her 75-inch TV set and were about to steal it. According to a police statement seen by the SunTeam, the bootylicious soapie actress found one of her windows shattered when she returned home. Subsequently, she opened a case of house robbery at the Mondeor Police Station,…

PNEUMONOULTRAMICROSCOPICSILICOVOL CANOKONIOSIS might be a mouthful, but not for Uzalo’s detective Nyawo. He’s known for pronouncing big words in the English language on the popular SABC1 soapie. But in real life he’s not much of an English person. Nyawo is played by the talented Cebolenkosi Mthembu, who is from Manguzi, in the north of KZN. Although he joined Uzalo in 2014, his character only gained momentum recently, thanks to his concept of pronouncing big English words. Speaking to Sunday Sun, Cebolenkosi, who is also known as Mr Vibe, said he has been asked if the big words he uses really do exist. “Yes, they exist and have meaning. Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a synonym for the disease known as silicosis. “I’m not going to tell you where I get these words from,…

TITLE: Becoming AUTHOR: Michelle Obama PUBLISHER: Crown Publishing PRICE: R350 REVIEWER: Teboho Selatile MICHELLE Robinson was born in the south side of Chicago, Illinois in the 60s. Her parents kept a full Encyclopedia Britannica set and dictionary in the house. The house was always filled with music, with Michelle taking up piano lessons. She was naturally drawn to her dad, whose qualities assisted her become extroverted. Michelle and Barack had been dating for two years at the time. As she puts it, she knew then that she was loved by this man (Barack). When she started working, Barack was still studying at Harvard and, when he finished, they both worked at the same law firm. All things equal, Michelle would have made a better lawyer than Barack. She took a…

M-Net Movies Smile Neigbors, today at 8.30pm Heartthrob Zack Efron takes off his shirt more than once in this fun comedy about a young couple with a baby who is forced to live next to a fraternity house. 1Magic Startup, tomorrow at 9pm As Wes scrambles to hide the rest of his cash from Stroud, Ronald and Nick butt heads over how to carry on as co-CEOs. M-Net Movies Action Plus Queen of the Damned, Tuesday at 9.35pm Aaliyah and Stuart Townsend bring Anne Rice’s novel to life in this supernatural film. Sundance TV Jackie Brown, Wednesday at 9pm An air hostess smuggles cash into the US for a notorious gunrunner. Cops bust her at the airport and pressure her to help them bring down the gunrunner. Moja Love Rea…

MZANSI’S golden girl Caster “Cobra” Semenya is keeping herself busy on the track by setting new records. Semenya is locked in a fierce battle with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) over her participation at the Olympic Games, starting on 24 July until 9 August in Tokyo, Japan. The IAAF introduced a new regulation that prevents female athletes with high testosterone levels from competing in the 400m, 800m and 1 500m races. She challenged this decision and awaits the outcome for her appeal, which will be heard at the Swiss Tribunal Court later this year. To compete in her favourite event, Semenya would have to take hormone blockers to lower her testosterone levels or not compete in any events above the 1 500m distance. Most athletes would have broken…

THE Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services has confirmed that a review of the Domestic Violence Act and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act has been prepared. “A review of the Domestic Violence Act, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, in relation to the register of sex offenders, and legislation pertaining to the Criminal Procedure Act to tighten bail and sentencing provisions for perpetrators of gender-based violence, has been prepared,” spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told News24 on Friday. “In due course, the ministry will undertake a process of consultation before the draft legislation will be taken to Cabinet to approve its introduction in the first half of this year,” Phiri said. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his State of the Nation Address that fighting the scourge of gender-based…

ISITHEMBISO actress Winnie Ntshaba was hit by merciless tsotsis when they cloned her SIM card and swindled her friends a total amount of R8 000. Winnie (44), who shot to fame through her role as Khethiwe on SABC1’s Generations, opened a case of fraud at the Honeydew Police Station on Monday, after she was notified by friends who had received strange WhatsApp messages from her account, saying she was jailed for driving under the influence of alcohol. Speaking to the SunTeam, Winnie said she had taken the necessary steps with Vodacom and was adamant the suspects would be nabbed. “They messaged two of my friends from Durban and Joburg, who sent money because they believed I was in trouble. I don’t want to say much because police are investigating the…

THE Real Housewives of Johannesburg season 2 cast member, Brinnette Seopela, has opened up about her deep desire to have a kid. Brinnette was at MiclnGrace Studios for an interview with Grace Norman in the Oh Gee! Show. She revealed that she was feeling broody and longed to have a child of her own. The 40-year-old reality-star-turned businesswoman is her parents’ only child. She said she was feeling that time was against her as her biological clock was ticking fast. “I’m feeling so broody. I feel I’m getting old. As an only child I also feel the pressure to make my mum a grandmother. She’s been telling me how happy she would be to be a grandmother,” she shared. Fresh from a marriage that lasted for five months, Brinnette is…

THE 14th annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) nominees were announced at the Mall of Africa on Friday. Hosted under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the awards seek to celebrate Mzansi’s local film and TV talent, under the theme #LoveSATal ent. The foundation joined forces with 205 industry experts from across the country to form a judging committee that spent over two months deliberating and rounding off the final nominees of the 70 categories that were audited by Nexia SAB&T. Leading this year’s nominations is telenovela The River, with 15 nominations across numerous categories. Close on its heels was Isibaya and prison drama Lockdown S4 and the feature movie Fiela se Kind who all clinched 11 nominations each. The Republic rounded things off…

WHILE stars from some of Mzansi’s top soapies attended the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) nomination event at the Mall of Africa in Midrand, north of Jozi, on Friday, those from Generations: The Legacy were nowhere to be seen. This as the soapie boycotted the event – again. This will mark the third consecutive year the serial drama, which is the country’s second biggest, has snubbed the awards ceremony by not submitting work for consideration. The soapie’s creator Mfundi Vundla (73) doesn’t regret not entering, and is sticking to his guns. He said he was unhappy with the selection process, which he claimed was flawed. Said Mfundi: “Our position remains unchanged. The selection process is not in accordance with the international best practice.” He said he wouldn’t enter…

Aquarius (21 Jan – 18 Feb) Love: When a previous lover returns excitement and old quarrels return with them. Are you prepared? Self: You grow and change as the years pass by, so maybe you’ll be able to sort out more differences now. Life: Maturity determines your ability to forgive and forget. The past belongs to the past. Pisces (19 Feb – 19 Mar) Friends: No one who is serious in love will approach you while you’re surrounded by a large group of friends. Money: Expect finances to slow down. Paperwork is covered in ‘red tape’ and frustration mounts. Aries (20 Mar – 19 Apr) Work: Decide if you really need to allow your personal boundaries to be crossed by colleagues. Family: They’re unhappy with the time you’re devoting to…

MPUMALANGA’S emerging farmer is ploughing ahead! Njabulo Mbokane (24), owner of a 200-hectare non-genetically modified organism yellow maize farm, was recently named the South African Breweries (SAB) and FarmSol Young Emerging Farmer of the Year. The Ermelo-based female farmer already leases two farms – one in her home town where she grows crops, and the other in Lothair where she raises sheep. She has already won a substantial contract for her maize. Njabulo is already taking giant leaps toward becoming a successful commercial farmer. Despite only starting farming in 2016, Njabulo has a year-on-year maize contract with SAB. She is seeking funding to purchase a tractor which will allow her to expand her business. Said Njabulo: “FarmSol mentors us and trains us. It also helps us in taking samples of…

TOP local boxing trainer Colin “Nomakanjani” Nathan has embarked on a journey to help aspiring fighters in the continent. Nathan, who also heads international boxer management company MTK Global in Africa, believes there’s a lot of potential in Africa. The only thing up-and-coming boxers need is someone to give them a platform to display their talents. The reigning Boxing South Africa (BSA) Trainer of the Year, who has been accused of poaching boxers by his colleagues, said his focus is on unknown entities and guiding them to international stardom. “I feel there’s so much untapped potential in the African continent, particularly in countries that have national amateur strong teams. “A lot of these countries don’t have the platform for these fighters to proceed and carry on in their professional boxing…

CHELSEA’S forward Christian Pulisic has stepped up his recovery from an adductor injury. But tomorrow’s Premier League game against Manchester United comes too soon for the American, manager Frank Lampard, said. Pulisic has not played since the 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year’s Day. Striker Tammy Abraham will be assessed before the game, while midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is close to returning. “Christian trained with the Under-23s today, so he won’t be fit. Ruben won’t be fit for this game. “He’s getting closer. It’s great to have him nearly back,” Lampard told reporters. “Tammy’s still feeling the effects. We’re hopeful but he’s to be assessed over the weekend.” Lampard earlier said winger Hakim Ziyech would add the spark that has gone missing from their midfield after the…

TS Galaxy will begin life after Dan “Dance” Malesela today. They will face the University of Pretoria at the Absa Tuks Stadium (3.30pm) in their first match since Malesela’s departure. The 54-year-old stepped down from his position last week, following a string of poor results. Muisi Ajao and Essau Mtsweni have been tasked with steering the team to calmer waters. The Rockets’ participation in the Caf Confederation Cup meant that they could not give the championship their full attention. But their woes were compounded by a first-round elimination from the Nedbank Cup at the hands of Chippa United, which proved to be the final straw for Malesela. And now, the Mpumalanga outfit are looking to pick up the pieces and get their season back on track. Defender Terrence Mashego reckons…

• THE Hurricanes’ lengthy unbeaten run at home against South African teams in Vodacom Super Rugby looked under threat at half-time, but they launched an impressive surge in the third quarter to secure a comprehensive 38-22 win over the Cell C Sharks in Wellington yesterday. At half-time, the teams were locked at 17-all and at that point the Hurricanes, who had toured to South Africa and Argentina before this game, were starting to look tired as they made heavy weather of converting their forward dominance into a proper advantage on the scoreboard. • IN the second consecutive match to go to the final ball, England roared back into the T20I series when they beat Proteas by two runs in front of a big crowd of 14 766 at Kingsmead in…

MARITZBURG United blew the Absa Premiership title race wide open when they stunned log leaders Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the FNB Stadium last night. They came, saw and collected six points in one week against championship hopefuls Chiefs and Bidvest Wits both in Joburg. What a week it has been for coach Eric Tinkler and his charges. On Wednesday, the Team of Choice shocked Wits 1-0 at Milpark as they left Joburg with lots of damage as they had their say in the championship title race. Daylon Claasen was the hero of the day as he bagged a second half brace to break Amakhosi hearts. Samir Nurkovic pulled one back for Amakhosi with 12 minutes remaining to make it a nerve wrecking finish. But the Team of Choice hung on…