Tabla de contenidos para 2025-07-06 en Sunday Tribune

July’s skin health observances remind us that sun protection isn’t seasonal, it’s essential. When the temperatures drop and the skies turn grey, it’s easy to believe your skin is safe from the sun’s rays. Here’s why your winter skincare routine needs a UV upgrade. But winter is not a free pass to skip the sunscreen. July, with UV Safety Awareness Month, World Skin Health Day, and National Love Your Skin Day, offers the perfect reminder: there’s no health without skin health.” Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It protects you from the world, and yet we often forget to protect it back, especially when it’s cold,” says Dr Cebi Sibisi, dermatologist and founder of Dr Cebi Dermatology. “Sun protection should be part of your daily health routine, all year…

KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Elaine Harrison is celebrating some success in solving political killings cases in the province, which is riddled with a high rate of this crime. She expressed her satisfaction with the work of bringing perpetrators to book in response to an inquiry from this reporter about how many political killing cases were solved since the Moerane Commission, which was abolished in 2017 to probe the cause of political killings in provinces, released its recommendations in 2018. “The NPA has been able to finalise approximately 79 political killing cases [of which] in some of these cases, we have secured life imprisonment sentences and there are about three cases which are at the sentencing stage,” said Harrison. She expressed satisfaction with her team’s achievement. “I, as the…

Former Mpumalanga premier, Dr Mathews Phosa, has paid tribute to his counterpart former deputy President David Dabede Mabuza, inset, who hailed from Mpumalanga and also previously served as premier of the province from 2009 to 2018. Mabuza, 64, died in hospital on Thursday. He served as deputy president during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first term at the Union Buildings. On Friday, as tributes continued to pour for the man nicknamed “The Cat” in South African politics due to his survival instinct, Phosa described Mabuza as a shrewd politician who contributed significantly to South Africa. “He was a very shrewd politician. They call him the cat, not for nothing, he had many political tricks which entertained people. It got him where he got at the end of the day,” Phosa said in…

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi has outlined the process to be followed by the Public Service Commission to extend its mandate to the local government sphere. This occurs as the Public Service Commission Amendment Bill is being processed in Parliament. “Over the next two and a half years, the Public Service Commission will work to institutionalise core values in local government, promoting ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism and enhanced service delivery. “By the end of the seventh administration, we expect to have made significant progress in institutionalising these values across all spheres of government, including state-owned entities,” Buthelezi said. The bill was first introduced in Parliament in October 2023 and lapsed at the end of the sixth administration in May 2024. It was revived at the start of this…

For a group of senior citizens on a WhatsApp group, a picture of the construction of the 1860 Indenture Monument in Durban means a thousand words. So said Eddie Poonsamy, 66, who lives in North Beach, each time he updates his local temple WhatsApp group and family on the progress made at the site along the uShaka Beach Promenade. Culturalists and stakeholders regard the monument as a step towards honouring the legacy of Indian indentured labourers who first arrived in Durban from 1860. After several years of dithering, the construction of a monument to recognise Indian indenture was finally going ahead. The monument is expected to encapsulate their sacrifices and contributions ahead of the 165th commemoration of the arrival of the first indentured workers on November 16. Poonsamy, who grew…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on July 30 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first property is a three-bedroom apartment in Upper Glenwood – 12 Benzelia, 276 Helen Joseph Road, Bulwer. Glenwood is known for its blend of historical charm and modern living and is close to educational institutions, transportation routes and healthcare facilities. The property has been recently renovated and is ready to move into. It comprises separate dining and living areas, a fully-equipped kitchen with ceramic hob, undercounter oven, pantry, and back door. There are also three bedrooms with built-in cupboards and two enclosed balconies, one of which has been converted into a laundry/drying area. In addition, there are…

Springboks fans mesmerised by the hammering of the Barbarians would have been disappointed by the 42-24 Bok victory over Italy in Pretoria yesterday, but in truth, this tough work-out against the hardy Italians was just what the doctor ordered. On the eve of the match, there was a telling comment from Bok captain Jesse Kriel, who said the rugby world had got it wrong in writing off Italy and predicting a 50-plus score. This was because Italy had left some star players at home, but they were replaced by hungry graduates from the Italy Under-20 side of two years ago that conquered Europe. The balance of the Italy team was Six Nations warriors who almost beat Ireland. That said, the Boks were seriously under par in some areas, notably the…

Paris Saint-Germain reached the Club World Cup semi-finals as Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele goals earned the nine-man European champions a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in a gripping battle yesterday. The French treble winners had Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez sent off in the final stages but managed to oust the German giants in Atlanta. Bundesliga champions Bayern, who lost Jamal Musiala just before half-time with a horror ankle injury, shared an intense and even battle with the Parisians. | AFP…

As Kaizer Chiefs went through their drills at their base, Apeldoorn, in the Netherlands on Friday afternoon, they were snapped in a huddle, praying in the forest. Amakhosi landed at Amsterdam Airport late Friday morning after an 11-hour direct flight from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. After checking in at Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon, the players enjoyed a loosening up session late afternoon on a grass area just across Het Loo Palace. The Het Loo Palace, where the Dutch royal family used to live, is beautiful with trees this time of the year given that it’s summer in the Netherlands. Chiefs want to be a “force of nature” next season, and challenge for all the trophies up for grabs, including the Betway Premiership. And that’s why they’ve taken their pre-season…

World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super flyweight champion Phumelela “The Truth” Cafu is set for the biggest fight of his professional career when he steps into the ring later this month to take on American Jesse Rodriguez in a high-stakes junior bantamweight unification bout. The clash, scheduled to take place at The Star’s Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, will not only see Cafu defend his WBO belt for the first time, but it will also have the World Boxing Council (WBC) and prestigious Ring Magazine super flyweight titles on the line. With all three belts at stake, the fight represents a massive opportunity for Cafu to further cement his name on the world stage. The South African stunned the boxing world last October when he overcame highly rated Japanese fighter Kosei…

In a decision to promote safety and civility among travellers, Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is putting its foot down on a persistent inflight nuisance: passengers standing up and gathering their belongings before the aircraft has fully parked and the seatbelt sign has switched off. The scenario is all too familiar: as soon as the aircraft touches down, the sound of seat belts unbuckling fills the cabin, followed by a rush of passengers eager to get their hand luggage and leave the plane. This often leads to disarray and frustration for those abiding by the safety procedures. Under the new regulations, violators can face fines of up to 2 603 Turkish lira, roughly R1 185. This initiative aims to enhance safety protocols aboard commercial flights and elevate…

Planning a trip should be exciting, not stressful. Yet, with the rise of DIY travel planning, many travellers are hitting bumps on the road to their dream getaway. While the ease of booking flights and accommodations online is empowering, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience. The vast array of options available at our fingertips can be overwhelming, leading to confusion and uncertainty about the best choices. In today's digital age, where information is abundant but often contradictory, it's easy to make mistakes that can derail your travel plans. From navigating complex booking platforms to understanding the intricacies of travel regulations, the journey from inspiration to reality can be fraught with challenges. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can sidestep these common pitfalls and ensure a smoother…

The youth of 2025 are growing up in a hyperconnected world. Yet many, particularly in South Africa, still lack access to the tools and knowledge that enable them to participate meaningfully in it. Young people have the innate power to shape a nation’s future. Still, in a country where unemployment remains a challenge for this sector of the population, achieving this impact calls for interventions aimed at equipping both young learners and school leavers with the skills and tools for digital and economic inclusion. For this to happen, two questions need to be asked: First, how do we prepare our young people to thrive as responsible, skilled digital citizens? Then, are we equipping them to lead not only in South Africa but also on the global stage? More than just…

Nonku’s no-show and the Londie-Minnie beef The most fulfilling interviews begin with an initial unfamiliarity, evolving into a connection akin to being besties for years by the end of the chat. Such was my interaction with a true Jack of all trades, MaBlerh (real name Mthokozisi Cele), when I called him to chat about the two-part reunion special of The Real Housewives of Durban season five, the day before it dropped on Showmax. Part two will air on Friday, July 11. This is the third year in a row that he’s been hosting the special, and he doesn’t disappoint. He also hosted The Real Housewives of Gqeberha and season three of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg. Having been a die-hard fan of The Real Housewives franchise, it was indeed a…

A Westville doctor is counting his blessings after surviving a shooting outside a hospital. Dr Bernhard Insam, 65, was shot at as he entered the driveway to Westville Hospital on Friday morning. Insam, a gastroenterologist, was shot on his left forearm. “I got to the hospital at about 4.25am and as I entered the driveway shots were fired at my vehicle. It was very dark and I could not see anyone. I just saw flashes of light as shots were fired. There must have been about six shots. “I sped up towards the boom. I thought I could open the boom with my access card, but my window wouldn't open as it had been shattered. I opened my car door and ran towards the hospital. My arm was bleeding,” said…

Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), has postponed a meeting intended to address the alleged “unbearable” conduct of his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is an MP, and Nhlamulo Ndhlela, also an MP and the party’s spokesperson. Sources within the party informed IOL that Zuma had scheduled a meeting for this weekend to address the allegations against the two MPs. However, Ndhlela stated that there was no such thing as a “disciplinary meeting”, insisting that these claims were false and urging people not to spread misinformation. “I never got any call from the president telling me that there is a disciplinary hearing. There’s no such thing,” he said. An insider has claimed that Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela had attempted to approach Zuma to influence him and undermine both Colleen…

Housing beneficiaries will soon be able to apply online for government housing subsidies and be informed about the outcome of their applications. This comes after the Department of Human Settlements partnered with the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) to develop the National Digital Human Settlements Management System. Human Settlement Minister Thembi Simelane announced the new initiative when she presented the department’s R101.2 billion budget for 2025/26 in the National Assembly earlier this week. Simelane said the department developed the Housing Subsidy System a few years ago, which is a portal meant to serve as a housing needs register database and information system. “However, it is a legacy system which is not compatible with the latest technologies and lacks the critical component of citizen engagement,” she said. Simelane also said her…

The Upper Highway community and businesses have rallied together to help the families of two women, who died after they were run over while walking home from work. Pratiksha (Kiasha) Haripersad, 21, and Simone Ganesan, 15, were walking to their homes in Gillits around 3pm on June 23 after leaving work in Kloof, when tragedy struck on the M13 highway. Haripersad died on the scene and Ganesan succumbed to her injuries on Friday night. Haripersad’s father, Sunjeeth, said Pratiksha’s death was a huge loss to the family. “I usually fetch both girls from work. On that day Pratiksha called when I was at work to say not to pick them up. I did not know they were going to take a walk home as it was about 30 minutes from…

One of Durban’s most eyesore buildings, alongside the N3 exiting and entering the CBD, has been given a cosmetic makeover thanks to the eThekwini Municipality’s problem buildings division. Vinay Court, situated on Wills Road, has already undergone window pane replacement and a clean-up of adjacent properties, said Ntando Khuzwayo, eThekwini Municipality ward 28 councillor. Following interventions by the Problem Buildings Division, property owners have undertaken initiatives to improve their buildings, but some owners have ignored the city’s request, explained Khuzwayo. The municipality stated on Facebook that tackling problem buildings was part of ongoing efforts to revitalise the inner city, restore investor confidence and unlock additional investment into the region. “Working together with business, property owners, residents and all those who use the inner city is key to ensure that…

The Transport Department has announced October as the new date for the national rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system in 69 municipalities. This was announced by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa during the department’s budget vote debate in Parliament earlier this week, when he said 69 municipalities would be ready to implement AARTO, and 144 were not yet ready. “The AARTO will be rolled out in different phases according to municipal readiness from October 1, 2025, for the 69 municipalities, which are ready for the rollout,” Hlengwa said. “This is Phase 2 of the AARTO rollout programme, while Phase 3 will be rolled out on February 1, 2026, for the 144 municipalities that will only be ready then,” he said. The AARTO Act was confirmed…

The Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) event was not just a spectacle for horse racing aficionados but also a vibrant celebration of fashion, culture, and camaraderie that drew a star-studded crowd, offering a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment the gates opened, the atmosphere was electrifying. Attendees from all walks of life arrived dressed in their finest, setting the tone for a day packed with glamour. Celebrities reigned supreme on the grounds, showcasing a breathtaking array of haute couture that left onlookers in awe. Bright colours, intricate designs and striking accessories were the order of the day, with many men and women turning the racecourse into a catwalk of elegance and style. Celebrities like Carol Ofori, Jessica Nkosi and Boity Thulo came prepared for this prestigious event. Ofori, who was dressed…

Old Johannesburg Warehouse (Old JW) Auctioneers’ Durban branch has a bumper sale of more than 800 lots of antiques, artworks, collectables, jewellery and coins taking place on Tuesday. Rare treasures on offer include a Renè Lalique ‘Parakeet’ glass bowl, a Clarice Cliff hand-painted teapot, a William Moorcroft ‘Pomegranate and Berries’ Vase, and various other examples of decorative arts from the Art Deco period. There is also a single owner collection of more than 50 Royal Doulton figurines including some rare limited edition models. Artworks going under the hammer include a collection of South African paintings and bronzes from a private collector. There are works from South African stalwarts such as Tinus De Jongh, Erich Mayer, Frans Claerhout and more. One of the highlights is an oil painting by Jan Ernst…

On June 24, the National Treasury released an official statement: “South Africa and the World Bank sign $1.5 billion (R26bn) loan agreement to support infrastructure modernisation and development.” According to Treasury, the loan will “unlock key infrastructure bottlenecks”, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors. The financing terms are said to be generous: a 16-year maturity, a three-year grace period, and an interest rate benchmarked at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) + 1.49%. In simple Development Finance terms, this interest margin suggests that the loan carries relatively favourable conditions compared to commercial borrowing. The World Bank technocrats would have us believe that this Development Policy Loan (DPL) is both progressive and developmental. But behind this clinical language of policy and project finance lies a deeper crisis, a state…

Earlier this year, the DRC President Felix Tshisekedi reached out to US President Donald Trump for security assistance in the form of training and equipment supplies for his forces to enable them to push back the rebel advance in North and South Kivu provinces. In return, US companies would get exclusive access to the DRC’s abundant reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, coltan, lithium and tantalum, among others, which are important for the US industrial competitiveness and technological dominance. This overture led to the Trump administration’s active mediation of the conflict involving Rwanda and the DRC, culminating in a peace agreement signed by the two countries on the June 27 in Washington. Mediated by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the deal seeks to end the deadly conflict…

The Springboks were made to sweat in the second half of their Test match against Italy, fighting hard to secure a 42-24 win in Pretoria. Independent Media’s John Goliath unpacks the Loftus Versfeld clash, which ended up being a rather scrappy affair. Krappies make an impact, but needs to tidy up Morne van den Berg must have looked out of his hotel room window on Saturday morning hoping for clear skies after playing in some horrible conditions in his first couple of matches in a Bok jersey. The Lions scrumhalf got a lovely day to show off his skills. He scored two well-taken tries in the first half and his tactical kicking was for the most part very good. However, at times he was a bit over-eager to get the…

Richards Bay FC are entering a new phase – a team not just content to be top-flight survivors, but top-eight contenders aiming to make their mark. After finishing eighth in the Betway Premiership last season, the Natal Rich Boyz secured their first-ever qualification to the MTN8. It was a remarkable turnaround for a club that had flirted with relegation in the previous campaign. Now the mission is clear: build on the breakthrough and make top-half football a regular feature in KwaZulu-Natal. Central to that progress has been the steady hand of co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, who guided the side through a season defined by tactical discipline, defensive structure and a growing sense of belief. The duo will again lead the team into the new campaign – this time…

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira said he believes teenage prodigy Estevao Willian is ready to take the leap to the Premier League after he marked his farewell appearance for the Brazilian club with a goal against future employers Chelsea yesterday. Estevao, 18, scored a fantastic equaliser in the Club World Cup quarter-final between the teams in Philadelphia but could not prevent Chelsea claiming a 2-1 win thanks to a late own-goal. He will now complete a move to the London club, finally heading to England just over a year after Chelsea agreed to pay Palmeiras a reported 57 million euros, including bonuses, for him. “I don’t have sons, I have two daughters, but he is my son,” Ferreira said after the match at Lincoln Financial Field, adding that he had exchanged…

In the world of sports and fitness, few stories exemplify resilience and passion quite like that of Ashay Sewlall. The 24-year-old former professional football player from Richards Bay has transitioned from competitive leagues to conquering one of the most gruelling endurance races: the Comrades Marathon. Recently relocated to Durban, Sewlall showcases not only a commitment to fitness but also a dedication to sharing his journey through digital platforms. Having played at a professional level with Richards Bay FC in the PSL from 2020 to 2024, sports have been a defining aspect of his life. “Fitness, or should I say football, has always been my passion,” he shares, reflecting on years devoted to the sport. Now, in a bold step that merges his love for athletics with personal growth, he overcame…

Cricket South Africa (CSA) said the sport of cricket plays a huge role in contributing to the South African GDP, tourism, and economy. Speaking to the Business Report, CSA said that India’s tour to South Africa in the 2024/2025 season created a big economic boost. CSA believes that the Proteas' recent victory in the ICC World Test Championship will further elevate the sport in the country. The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) has also welcomed the role of cricket in growing hospitality and tourism. Edward Khoza, Executive, Domestic Cricket (CSA), said that cricket plays a vital part in our economy, especially in transport, playing equipment, maintenance of infrastructure, and keeping individuals employed (especially coaches who operate one-on-one coaching and private academy landscapes). “With the results that the Proteas…

It’s school holidays, and during this period, parents often find themselves facing the delightful yet daunting task of keeping their kids entertained. Adding to the challenge is the need to manage tight budgets, especially with rising costs of living. However, this period also presents an opportunity to unleash creativity in the kitchen. From easy-to-prepare snacks to fun family meals, there are myriad ways to keep young appetites satisfied without breaking the bank. Planning is key One of the most effective ways to stay on budget is to plan your meals. Create a weekly meal plan that utilises ingredients you already have at home and factor in what is on special at your local grocery store. This method not only minimises waste but also allows you to make the most of…

South Africa’s post-apartheid journey has been marked by a bold constitutional promise: to dismantle the economic structures of racial privilege and build a society where the black majority can share in the country’s wealth and opportunities. Central to this promise are the empowerment laws, black economic empowerment (BEE) and Affirmative Action (AA), crafted to drive economic inclusion and redress decades of exclusion. Yet, nearly three decades on, the slow pace of transformation and the growing backlash against these laws reveal a darker reality: a co-ordinated agenda, both local and global, to halt transformation, preserve white privilege, and enrich a narrow elite. At the heart of this crisis lies a deeply troubling collusion between big business and ANC elites. A symbiotic relationship that has subverted the original intent of empowerment laws,…

The family of slain Richmond municipal manager Sibusiso Edward Sithole is hoping that the Pietermaritzburg High Court will sentence the “arrogant” Sabelo Phewa to life imprisonment. Phewa was found guilty this week for the murders of Sithole, Amos Ngcobo and the attempted murder of Lucky Bongani Ngema, unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. Sithole, who was fighting tender corruption in the Richmond Municipality, was gunned down on March 6, 2017, at his workplace while he was inside his car. He died at the scene due to gunshot wounds to the head, chest and limbs. Phewa shot and killed Ngcobo at KwaNyuswa in his home on June 12, 2017. Sithole’s sister, Sibongile Sithole-Hlatshwayo, said the family had given up on the justice system because of how…

An attempt to break the world record for the most number of people braaiing simultaneously will be made on Heritage Day in a bid to provide one million meals on World Hunger Day next year. At least 2 500 people are expected to braai at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane, according to the organisers, Big Save Grocery and Liquor. The company’s head of marketing, Dylan Jardim, said on Friday that the idea for the attempt came about three years ago when he wanted to do something huge, crazy, and exciting but did not know what it could be. Although the idea of breaking a world record came up, he was not quite sure which one to chase. Jardim eventually stumbled on a record of the most people barbequing simultaneously…

Durban pensioner Ronnie Govender, 71, fears he will one day have to fork out an exorbitant fee for electricity consumption if his meter is not replaced. Govender explained that more than a year ago, his meter malfunctioned, and he claimed that the municipal contractors had bypassed it to give him what they termed a temporary power supply. Although Govender is receiving free power, he said he has several reference numbers and also visited three to four municipal offices to lodge his complaint of a faulty meter, but was informed they could do nothing for him because there was no stock of meters. “My wife and I are scared. While some may raise an eyebrow at our complaints, I believe it is wrong to receive something without paying for it. My…

Two police officers were among five people killed in a road crash on the N3 near the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday night. The crash happened just hours after a major roadblock operation took place on Friday, ahead of the momentous Durban July weekend. KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said the crash involved a minibus taxi carrying 17 passengers that veered off the road while trying to avoid a “reckless driver”. “According to our dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate, a minibus taxi carrying 17 passengers, travelling to Ixopo, veered off the road and rolled down 50m down the embankment," Duma said in a statement. “Truck drivers who witnessed the accident have revealed that the taxi driver who was trying to avoid a reckless Polo driver lost control…

When it comes to South Africa’s black pioneers, the name Sanele Mchunu now stands alongside the greats from Comrades Marathon champion Sam Tshabalala, to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and music star Khaya Mthethwa. Hailing from Mpophomeni in Howick, Mchunu has carved out his own place in history as the first black person to announce horse races in isiZulu on national television. The 41-year-old, who now lives in KwaNyuswa, west of Hillcrest, was hired by Race Coast and took to the mic yesterday at the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July, a moment that marks both personal triumph and a step forward for representation in the horse racing industry. Speaking to Isolezwe, the Sunday Tribune’s sister paper, Mchunu reflected on the opportunity that came his way in 2023, when Hollywoodbets sought to revitalise…

THE sad news about the passing of David Dabede Mabuza, affectionately known as “DD”, took many South Africans by surprise. Surely, those who are close to him would have known about his disappearance from the public eye. However, many South Africans thought that his disappearance was part of what he had been known for – being out of the limelight. Mabuza was not nicknamed “the cat” for nothing. He was a difficult person to understand. He seldom talked and was literally “an absentee deputy president” during his two terms after he was first appointed on February 27, 2018, and again on May 30, 2019. The big question we must pose as we pen his obituary is: What legacy is Mabuza bequeathing to the nation and the world? Importantly, what…

On June 26, the United Nations Charter celebrated its 80th anniversary. The current international order is based on its principles, which stand out in its preamble: the prevention of war, equal rights of peoples and nations, justice, social progress and a better life for all. All multilateral institutions subsumed under its creation since 1945, such as the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the UN Refugee Agency, etc. But unfortunately we are seeing the principles of the UN Charter being disrespected in various parts of the world, precisely by the powers that considered themselves the creators and pillars of this order. Today, we live in a very complex international context marked by instability, regional wars, nuclear threats, attacks on the sovereignty of sovereign countries…

There was no two ways about it, Rassie Erasmus was a disappointed Springbok coach after his team spluttered to a 42-24 defeat of an under-strength Italy team at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night. Erasmus, to his credit, did not sugar-coat his dissatisfaction with the performance. “It was a very frustrating game,” he said. “They left some big names at home. They had youngsters who had nothing to lose, and they imposed themselves on us. “They manned up in the scrums, the mauling, defence, and attack. It was a proper Test match and we were exposed in several areas.” Erasmus had picked 13 players from the warm-up match against the Barbarians to give the team continuity, but they did not kick on from Cape Town. “There were few new guys in…

In a country where ultra running is supposedly king, isn’t it ironic that it is in the much shorter distances where the elite athletes are treated with respect and receive the recognition they duly deserve? Elite runners who compete in the renowned Comrades, Two Oceans as well as the Om Die Dam, Loskop and Mangosuthu ultra marathons are treated no differently from the social runners – save for the seeding perhaps. It is the same in most of the renowned standard marathons. But in the much shorter distance, a man with a passion for running is giving elites the kind of treatment they are worthy of. Michael Meyer – a former runner and the Managing Director of Stillwater Sports – is quietly revolutionising running in the country through the 10km…

​Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal bowed out of the Club World Cup on Friday, after a 2-1 defeat to Fluminense, but after an unexpected run to the last eight they have left their mark on the global stage. Simone Inzaghi’s team beat Manchester City 4-3 in the round-of-16, delivering the biggest upset of the tournament and one of the competition's most thrilling games. Al Hilal began their campaign with a draw against Spanish giants Real Madrid and they came through the group stage unbeaten with a draw against Champions League regulars Salzburg and a 2-0 win over six-times CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca of Mexico. With a squad that mixes local Saudi talent with international recruits, the newly appointed Inzaghi was able to take the team to the brink of the…

Honour for celebrated local musician and educator At just four years old, Deshan “Styler” Naidoo embarked on a lifelong journey into music, learning to play the tabla under the watchful guidance of the late tabla vidwan guru, Gopalan Govender. By the age of six, he was singing alongside his parents, Beama and Sushiela Naidoo, established performers in their own right. His passion for music flourished, culminating in the recording of his first song at the age of eight, under the nurturing arm of his mother. Fast-forward to today, and Naidoo has emerged as an internationally acclaimed musician, producer, songwriter and music tutor, garnering accolades from all corners of the globe. The Phoenix-born artist marked his first international concert in 2018 in Chennai, India. “It was just mind-blowing,” he recalled, “being…

Bollywood actress Kajol opened up about her working relationship with husband Ajay Devgn, revealing that the two have never had major fights over their films. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the actress spoke about their professional dynamic, highlighting the mutual respect and understanding they share, both on and off-screen. Kajol revealed that she doesn’t get involved in Ajay’s financial decisions, trusting that he has the right advisors for that aspect. “Economically, I think he has a lot of people to advise him economically as to what he should and shouldn’t do. So, no, I don’t interfere with that aspect of it. “As far as the film Maa is concerned, we did have, you know, some long conversations about it. We’re pretty much on the same page. We haven’t really…