Tabla de contenidos para 2025-09-28 en Sunday Tribune

South African consumers are feeling the pinch as food prices eased only slightly in September, while petrol prices face upward pressure and the Reserve Bank kept interest rates steady. Despite small reprieves, families continue to struggle to make ends meet. The September 2025 Household Affordability Index showed that the average cost of a basic food basket for a family of four was R3 689.64, a figure still well above what many households can afford. While prices for some items fell slightly, essentials such as chicken gizzards, beef liver, bananas and butternut increased, leaving families juggling tight budgets. At the same time, motorists were warned to prepare for modest increases in petrol prices next week as global oil fluctuations continue to affect the local market. Tando Ngibe, Senior Manager at Budget…

There’s a new show coming to Mzansi Magic that might just turn your ideas about love and relationships upside down. Ngicel’iVisa takes a daring look at relationships, inviting couples to test old flames and new feelings. Starting next month, the show will take viewers on a rollercoaster ride as partners dive back into their past relationships to see if they still have any lingering feelings for an ex or a crush. If you don’t know, “I-visa” comes from South African slang that means asking for permission to “step out” of a relationship temporarily. Why would anyone want to do this? It seems to be for various reasons. “It could be a marriage proposal, with one partner feeling they might still have unresolved feelings for an ex, or it could be…

I have been following the rise of AI in music with both curiosity and concern. While some AI-generated songs impress me – one has stayed on repeat in my playlist – the growth of this technology raises important issues for traditional musicians. Despite AI music’s growing popularity and commercial success, the challenges it poses to traditional artists are becoming impossible to ignore. As technology advances, questions arise about its impact on creativity, fairness and the music industry as a whole. Some artists experiment with AI, exploring its possibilities, while others speak out against its growing influence. Recently, Kehlani and SZA addressed AI artist Xania Monet and the multimillion-dollar deal she secured. Monet is an AI R&B artist created by Talisha “Nikki” Jones, a designer and poet from Mississippi. Jones feeds…

When a child’s ribs start showing or their energy suddenly drops, it’s easy to dismiss it as “just a phase”. But in South Africa, health officials are warning that these could be early signs of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), a life-threatening condition that’s quietly affecting thousands of children every year. The Gauteng Department of Health recorded more than 1 000 cases of SAM in the past financial year, with the highest numbers in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni. “Even though malnutrition can be treated, many cases are only identified when children are already in severe distress,” spokesperson Motalatale Modiba told local media. By the time a child is hospitalised, complications like hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, and sepsis may have set in. That’s why the department is urging parents and caregivers to report suspected…

Ramhory Lutchman’s call in the 1970s to declare Curries Fountain a national monument forms part of the motivation to have the football ground declared a KwaZulu-Natal heritage site in 2025. Curries Fountain Heritage Preservation Foundation President Maya Singh said that they had submitted a comprehensive document to the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute (The Institute) to have the sports ground declared a provincial heritage site. The foundation referred to Lutchman’s statement as valuable information that would hopefully stand out in their lengthy and detailed submissions to the institute. Lutchman was the former president of the Durban Indian Sports Ground Association and, at the time, commented in the Graphic newspaper after the size of the grounds decreased from 9.3 hectares in 1925 to 2.4ha in the late 1970s. The sports fields…

Evaristo Kazingizi Kudaskwashe, who has been on the run for a decade after he was convicted of financial fraud crimes in Gqeberha, was rearrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg this week. The successful operation was conducted jointly by the Gqeberha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, known as the Hawks, Movement Control Officers of OR Tambo, and the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU) of the National Prosecuting Authority. Eastern Cape Hawks provincial spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said Kudaskwashe, 35, was wanted for a series of financial crimes committed as far back as 2015. He said between July and August 2015, Kudaskwashe was allegedly working at a fuel station convenience centre in Wells Estate, Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, where he used a skimming…

Political killings and assassinations are prevalent in KwaZulu- Natal and the province has earned the unenviable tag of being the motherland of hired assassins. Professor Nirmala Gopalal, criminologist and an academic leader in the School of Applied Human Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal weighs in. Q. What factors have entrenched the culture of political assassinations? A. Political assassinations in KZN carry a chilling and complex history, reflecting a deeply entrenched pattern of violence that has persisted for over four decades. This tumultuous region has been marred by the targeting of anti- apartheid activists, local civilians, political party members, and public office holders. The scope of this violence extends beyond political circles; it also includes the tragic assassinations of esteemed local leaders, such as chiefs, and is intricately woven into…

THROUGHOUT the 19th century and well into the 20th, a safari was associated with expeditions into Africa’s interior in search of hunting riches-ivory, hides and meat. Today, with an emphasis on nature conservation, a safari now means exploring the African wilderness with the expectation of encountering wildlife in its natural habitat. A walking safari is an expertly guided walk in a conservation area where not only some big game “stars” might be seen, but also the smaller creatures, their burrows or nests, and flora which is often missed – an entire ecosystem. It is an immersive experience enabling the walker to disconnect from the modern world and enjoy the serenity of wild Africa. In a new book, Walking Safaris of Africa: Guided walks from the Cape to Kenya by Denis…

Kaizer Chiefs clawed their way into the final round of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary qualifiers after defeating Kabuscorp 5-4 on penalties in the second leg of their first round qualifier. Chiefs won 1-0 at home yesterday at FNB Stadium, cancelling out the 1-0 defeat in Angola last week. The win will bring a sigh of relief to Amakhosi. They’ve been under scrutiny in the last few days after suspending head coach Nasreddine Nabi and handing the reins to his former lieutenants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Kaze explained in the pre-match press conference that they have Nabi's blessing, which is why they stayed put at the club. They aim to reach the next round of qualifiers to make him and the club proud. Chiefs converted all their penalties…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that some harsh words were exchanged in the Kings Park change room after South Africa gifted Argentina a raft of points before regrouping to storm home 67-30. “There were a few things we did stupidly that gave them tries,” Erasmus said. “Cheslin Kolbe’s drop goal from the in-goal area to a Pumas player was a brain fart, and then there was the unnecessary yellow card Malcolm Marx gave (for pulling down a scrum). “At half-time (with the Boks leading 25-23), the game was not dead and buried. And then some individual brilliance made a massive difference...” The coach was, of course, referring to the astonishing performance of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who racked up 37 points to seal the win and set a new record for…

Polokwane City put a huge dent in Sekhukhune United’s early Betway Premiership run as they handed them their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 win at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday. A first-half goal from Simon Ramabu delivered Phuti Mohafe and his charges their third win of the season, while Eric Tinkler’s side suffered their first loss. Local pride was at stake, and while Sekhukhune entered the contest as the team to beat, City — with a decent start to their campaign — carried just enough threat to challenge for derby day bragging rights. Babina Noko were forced out of the comfort of the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, where they remain unbeaten, and relocated next door to the smaller Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. With less than a…

A journey from journalism to podcasting Gilda Narsimdas, a 43-year-old public relations manager and business owner, has carved a unique niche for herself in the travel and podcasting industries. As the owner of Entourage Media, a PR agency, and co-owner of Neon Pineapple, an influencer agency, she has successfully navigated the complexities of media and communication. Her journey is not just about professional success; it is also a testament to her passion for travel and culture. Narsimdas’s love for travel began early in her career as a journalist. “I worked as an entertainment editor for several years and travelled quite a bit locally and internationally for work,” she recalls. “Needless to say, travel is addictive.” This addiction to exploration led her to start the Curated Wander podcast, where she engages…

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan may very well be the eternal bachelor of the Hindi film industry but he has a fondness for children. The actor appeared on the first episode of the streaming chat show Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, along with fellow superstar Aamir Khan where he spoke about his perspective on life and parenthood. Salman expressed his wish to become a parent when the show’s host, Twinkle Khanna, asked him about adopting or having his own children. “Children, I will have one day soon. It’s just that eventually one will have kids, but let’s see,” he said. He then went on to explain how he has a whole “village” to take care of his children when they are born. “There’s a whole village, a district, my family.…

Seven-time National Award-winning Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu penned a heartfelt poetic tribute this week to one of India’s iconic singers, the late S P Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) on the occasion of the legend’s death anniversary. Taking to X, Vairamuthu wrote: “Paasamulla Paatukaara! Nenaivu naalil alla, unnai ninaikaadha naal illai. Nee paadumbothu udan irundha naatkal, nimmadhi nimidangal. ‘Ponmalai Pozhudu’ - un kuralin azhagiyal vassegaram. ‘Sangeetha Jaadhimullai’ - kanneerin thiruvizha. ‘Kadhal Rojaave’ - Kavithai katharal.’Vannam Konda Vennilave’ - Kadhalin Advaitham. ‘Panivizhum Malarvanam’- Shringara sirpam. ‘Kadhalé En Kadhalé’- Tholviyin kondaatam. Vovoru paatilum unnakul irrundha nadiganai karithu kuzhaithu poosi iruupai. Un varaval thirai paadal poochoodi nindrathu. Un maraivaal velladai choodi nirkiradhu.” The poem, when loosely translated into English, reads: “Dear affectionate singer! Not just on your remembrance day, there is no day that goes by when…

“Women don’t just want to check places off a list; they want to be moved by them.” This sentiment, expressed by Doni Bleu, travel expert and CEO of Girls’ Guide to the World, encapsulates the evolving landscape of solo travel for women aged 50 and above. As women in this age group seek more than just a holiday, they are looking for opportunities to rediscover themselves. Bleu emphasises that these journeys are not merely vacations; they are chances to connect with beauty, belonging, and a community of like-minded women. A recent study conducted by a travel company surveyed over 330 women primarily in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. The findings reveal a significant shift in travel aspirations among older women, highlighting a growing desire for cultural immersion, meaningful connections, and…

While the shift toward cashless payments is gathering pace globally, with just 16% of in-store transaction value being made in cash in 2023, the picture in South Africa remains noticeably different. Despite high levels of bank account penetration, many South Africans still rely heavily on cash. For this reason, we should be creating a ‘cash-smart’ society that caters for those who want to use money, while also promoting the development of cost-effective and widely accessible digital alternatives. Let’s face it, the use of cash isn’t just a habit, but a deeply practical choice for millions of South African consumers, many of whom put more trust in physical money that is both tangible and familiar. Currency is immediate; there is no specific account, device or password or internet connection needed for…

It’s always fascinating to see real-life stories, especially those involving high-profile individuals or subjects, adapted into a screenplay. And Swipe is definitely up there with Steve Jobs, Blackberry and The Social Network. I was curious about the Disney+ film because it centres on a formidable girlboss, Whitney Wolfe Herd, and, in the same breath, delves into sexual harassment and toxic workplace culture. Seriously, we need more empowering offerings. For those unfamiliar with the name or history, this is an excellent introduction to Wolfe Herd, co-founder of Tinder and founder/CEO of Bumble. Co-written by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, who also directs, Bill Parker and Kim Caramele, the script does a surface-level run-through of her background and trailblazing exploits as the world’s youngest female billionaire. I do feel it could have been so…

On Sunday mornings, townships, suburbs, and villages across KwaZulu-Natal come alive with the rhythm of Catholic life. Families rise early, children tug at polished shoes, elders clutch rosaries in their uniforms, and the scent of incense drifts from parish halls as the faithful congregate for Mass. For many, however, the spiritual week does not end at the church doors. At home, ancestral rituals continue, goats and chickens are slaughtered to honour the ancestors and traditional healers are consulted. For generations, the two practices have sat side by side, a rhythm of faith and culture woven into everyday life. But now, KwaZulu-Natal’s Catholic bishops have issued a stern warning that such blending of traditions, known as syncretism, is no longer to be tolerated within the Church. In a rare joint pastoral…

AfriForum's decision to deliver a dossier on EFF leader Julius Malema to senior officials at the White House has raised warnings about potentially undermining the already fragile relations between South Africa and the US. Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said the move risked complicating diplomatic and trade engagements while feeding narratives of racial tension. “This group from South Africa has shown more confidence in the US government than in the South African criminal justice system,” Ndlovu said. He noted that Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau was in Washington trying to repair ties strained by trade tariffs, while AfriForum and its partners were sending a contradictory message abroad. Ndlovu also discussed the contentious “Kill the Boer” chant, which has been at the centre of AfriForum’s campaign. “The courts have made a…

Dr Nonjabulo Ndaba has made history as the youngest PhD graduate and the first black South African woman to obtain her doctorate in the Discipline of Occupational Therapy (OT) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The 33-year-old celebrated the historic academic milestone of being awarded her doctorate for her thesis titled: “Adapting Occupational Therapy Education in Response to Disasters: A South African Higher Education Perspective During Covid-19”. A lecturer at UKZN’s School of Health Sciences, Ndaba’s study examined how Covid-19 transformed occupational therapy education in South Africa by exploring experiences of educators and students during the unprecedented disruption. The study culminated in two comprehensive frameworks for disaster management and educational support, providing evidence-based strategies for future preparedness. The findings advocate for sustainable, blended learning models that enhance flexibility, accessibility and student…

The intricate tapestry of gender and culture finds an intriguing thread in the research of Nico Nehaal Ramdhani, a dancer and academic whose study delves into the world of Nagara dancers in Durban and how they navigate their masculinity before, during and beyond performance. In his Master’s thesis, titled “Queering Masculinity: Engaging the Performance and Meaning among Nagara Dancers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal”, Ramdhani unravels the complexities of masculinity as expressed through the devotional and performative acts of these dancers, who typically don women’s clothing while performing religious dances. Ramdhani, 32, from Reservoir Hills, graduated with a Master of Theology in Gender, Religion and Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His decision to explore queering masculinity within the context of Nagara dancing emerged from a personal and scholarly intersection. The roots…

The remark by ANC insiders that President Cyril Ramaphosa had “quietly entered the departure lounge” arguably expresses a growing sense of disquiet about his leadership. Ramaphosa found himself having to backtrack after he urged ANC members to learn from the DA. Ramaphosa remarked that in terms of the auditor-general reports, “municipalities that do best are not ANC- controlled municipalities… they are often DA-controlled municipalities”. For Helen Zille, the DA’s Federal Council chairperson, this was manna from heaven. The timing couldn’t have been perfect. For Zille, this was an unequivocal endorsement of the DA and for her campaign to be the next mayor of Johannesburg. This is not the first time Ramaphosa’s authority has been found wanting and undermined. Two years ago, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe refused…

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is locked in a conflict with the unionised workers and drivers of his Nigeria-based oil refinery. After violating an agreement with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (Nupeng), signed earlier this month to end its strike, Dangote Refinery secured a court order on September 18, restraining the union from returning to strike for seven days. Operational since January 2024, the Dangote refinery is the largest on the continent, built for US$20 billion R347.4bn) on the outskirts of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, by the Dangote Group. After dominating sub-Saharan Africa’s cement production and cornering large portions of its market in sugar, salt and packaging industries, the Nigerian multinational conglomerate is moving fast to take over the oil sector. “This is not philanthropy, it…

The wait is almost over. Eight of the top nations in the world have gathered in India and Sri Lanka for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, set to take place from September 30 to November 2. The showpiece event returns to the subcontinent for the first time since 2013, when India hosted the tournament. However, this time, the tournament returns even bigger, with a record total prize fund of $13.88 million — more than that of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 — with the winner’s purse worth $4.48 million. Without surprise, the seven-time champions, Australia Women, are favourites to win the tournament. However, many are also backing the hosts, India Women, and several other strong teams from the subcontinent, including Sri Lanka Women,…

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered a defining flyhalf performance as he steered the Springboks to a commanding 67-30 victory over Argentina in Durban on Saturday. While the Boks only truly sparked to life in the second half, they had already laid the foundation in the opening 40 minutes by grinding down Los Pumas with relentless physicality. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, alongside fullback Damian Willemse, orchestrated play with precision and flair, while replacement playmaker Manie Libbok provided the finishing touches to a dominant display. Here’s how the players rated: 15 Damian Willemse: (9): Secure under the high ball and sparked one of the tries from a sublime take. He was solid as the Boks’ final line of defence and put in another strong display that shows he is back to his sparkling best. 14 Cheslin Kolbe…

Delegates from around the world gathered in Canada to discuss the classical Tamil literature, the Thirukkural. Dr Rajendran Govender, a commissioner on the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission of South Africa, was among the 200 delegates who reaffirmed the universal relevance of the Thirukkural, the timeless masterpiece authored over two millennia ago by the sage Tiruvalluvar. The 6th International Thirukkural Conference took place last weekend at the University of Toronto in Scarborough. It was hosted by the Institute of Asian Studies in collaboration with the Toronto Tamil Sungum, Tamil scholars, cultural leaders, and the Tamil chair at the University of Toronto. The Thirukkural, a collection of 1 330 couplets, is regarded as one of the most profound works of classical Tamil literature. Govender said it was an enriching experience…

Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor Khan, who has been a part of the Hindi film industry for 25 years, has begun shooting her 68th movie with filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Kareena took to Instagram, where she shared a video from the script- reading of the film. The clip also featured photoshoots of the two actors. “Day 1 68th film Daayra with the most amazing @meghnagulzar and @therealprithvi … Send love and blessings,” Kareena wrote. Daayra delves deep into the complexities of today’s society, confronting urgent and unsettling truths that resonate with the times. This gripping crime-drama thriller unravels the timeless conflict between crime, punishment, and justice, with Kapoor Khan and Sukumaran bringing raw intensity and gravitas to their powerful roles. Kapoor Khan made her debut in 2000. Earlier this…

With the sun shining brightly and the weather warming up, adventure beckons. For those torn between the allure of sandy beaches and the thrill of wildlife safaris, Africa offers a unique solution: the beach to bush experience. This travel concept combines the excitement of wildlife-focused safaris with the relaxation of coastal getaways, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or with family, here are some of Africa’s best beach-to-bush destinations that promise unforgettable journeys. A harmonious blend of wilderness and coastline: Kenya Kenya is a premier destination for those seeking a beach-to-bush experience. The country seamlessly blends thrilling wildlife safaris with serene tropical beach relaxation. From the majestic wildlife of the savannas to the vibrant coral reefs along the coast, Kenya offers…

When Shirley Phiri joined her first group tour at the age of 20, she was the youngest traveler in the group. That experience planted a seed that would later grow into Travel Generation, a company she founded to make travel more affordable and accessible for young people. “I remember thinking to myself, I want to start a company that doesn’t just encourage travel, but makes it affordable and accessible for other young people like me,” Phiri said. “I wanted my age to be a weapon, not a disadvantage. I dreamed of creating a company that would grow alongside me, and I’ve been seeing that growth over the past four years.” Her own journeys shaped the foundation of Travel Generation. Volunteering in Zambia taught her that travel was less about the…

Am I alone in finding it absurd to wait a full week for a new episode to land on a streaming platform? This is precisely the pattern we abandoned when Covid-19 arrived in 2020. Moving on, High Potential is back for a second instalment on Disney+. Now I’m a sucker for unusual partnerships. It’s probably why I enjoyed shows like Castle, Bones, The Mentalist, Psych, iZombie, Lucifer and Elementary. And this show has a compelling hook: Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson), a cleaner with an IQ of 160, unwittingly helps provide vital clues on a complex case at the Los Angeles Major Crimes Division. Her knack for spotting useful details doesn’t go unnoticed with the unit head, Selena Soto (Judy Reyes), who offers her a consulting gig. The single mother of…

We all know that water is the cornerstone of good health. It helps regulate body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, and provides essential building blocks for our cells. Yet, despite its importance, many people don’t drink enough of it each day. Health experts generally suggest aiming for around 30-35mm of water per kilogram of body weight daily, with higher amounts needed for those who exercise regularly. Over the years, water has been reinvented to make it more exciting – think sparkling water, flavoured infusions, cucumber slices, and even alkaline water. The latest trend to take over TikTok, however, is “loaded water”, a creative way to stay hydrated with added nutritional benefits. What exactly is loaded water? Loaded water is essentially plain or sparkling water “dressed up” with ingredients such as coconut…

Some of the Moerane Commission’s recommendations are bearing fruit as they led to the police’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) formation and the reduction of murders in Glebelands Hostel, south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, said a former secretary of the commission. The former secretary, who asked not to be named to protect his business’s integrity, said the commission completed its work and handed the report to the premier’s officer, who had a mandate to implement the recommendations. When contacted, Advocate Marumo Moerane SC declined to comment on the implementation of his recommendations. He said he often gets calls from journalists seeking his comment on the implementation. “Each time I give the same answer, for professional reasons, I don’t comment on the work that I do. We submitted the report, which is…

Nsikayomuzi Goodman Goqo, a fraudster sentenced to eight years in prison for swindling investors out of more than R70 million, is seeking to appeal his conviction and sentence. He claims the Pinetown Regional Court’s decision was influenced by anger. Goqo faced over 4 000 charges, including fraud and contraventions of the Banks Act. Between 2009 and 2010, he lured over 4 000 investors into a Ponzi scheme through his company, Ingede Mineral Holdings, which had offices in Hillcrest, promising a 30% interest over six months on stock exchange investments. Contracts were signed with investors. Before his conviction, he had been out on R50 000 bail, which was granted in March 2014. Goqo has hired advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, former acting director of public prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, to represent him in…

On September 20, the DA officially nominated Helen Zille to be its mayoral candidate in Johannesburg in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Election (LGE). This announcement finally confirmed speculation that had already started making the rounds about Zille’s candidacy. Like any political party, the DA has the right to decide who to deploy as a mayoral candidate. It has become fashionable for some political parties to nominate someone who does not reside in an area for the mayoral position. Some people (especially party members) applaud this practice for preferring talent and skill instead of one’s residency. Others, however, cry foul and question this decision, which undermines local talent. This is an ongoing debate. But what does Zille’s nomination mean for the ANC? This question is more important than its counterpart,…

In an era defined by interconnected crises, from the escalating climate emergency and persistent underdevelopment to the proliferation of conflict, the necessity of a robust multilateral system has never been more apparent. The challenges we face are borderless, demanding collective action and a renewed commitment to international co-operation. The theme for the general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly, from September 23 to 29, is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”. This theme embodies the essence of the UN as the cornerstone of global governance. Its 80th anniversary must catalyse profound transformation, particularly of the UN Security Council, so that it becomes fit for purpose in the 21st century. The escalating prevalence of unilateral action, often in contravention of Security Council…

Orlando Pirates marched into the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League with yet another strong showing against Lesotho’s Lioli FC at Orlando Stadium yesterday. A brace of goals from Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma handed the Buccaneers a 4-0 win in the second leg of the first preliminary round, completing a 7-0 aggregate victory following last week’s 3-0 triumph at the Free State Stadium. Mbuthuma broke his duck for his new side, rounding off a perfect afternoon for the Buccaneers. It was another box ticked for Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who so far seems untroubled by the pressure of the hot seat he occupies. With expectations high following last season’s narrow CAF Champions League semi-final loss to Pyramids FC (3-2), he is tasked not only with producing results…

There was a time in this game when the 50,000 present expected a Boswell Wilkie big top to be thrown over Kings Park as their team fluctuated between the sublime and the ridiculous, but eventually the world champions rolled up their sleeves and delivered a performance for the ages. Few could believe their eyes as the first half an hour of a low-scoring arm wrestle exploded into a scoring extravaganza as the Boks scorched to a 67-30 victory that places them emphatically in pole position to win the Rugby Championship. With one round to go, the Boks are in first place, one point in front of New Zealand. The latter travel to Perth this week for a return fixture against the Wallabies, while the Boks and the Pumas renew hostilities…

Siyanda Ndlovu again proved the difference for Golden Arrows as they secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Orbit College at the King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday. The 22-year-old midfielder has been in sparkling form, fresh from his man-of-the-match display against Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek. He carried that momentum into this clash, first creating the opener before finding the net himself with a stunning finish. Ndlovu’s first contribution came inside four minutes when he combined with Ivorian forward Sede Dion, slipping a clever pass into the striker’s path. Dion did the rest, poking home from close range after Arrows had worked the ball patiently from the back. It was his third goal in as many games, underlining his growing importance to Manqoba Mngqithi’s side. Eighteen minutes later, Ndlovu made his own mark…

Glenrose Xaba cemented her status as South Africa’s queen of the 10km with yet another compelling performance to win the Gqeberha leg of the Spar Women’s Challenge 10km on yesterday morning. The Boxer Athletic Club star has now triumphed in four of the five races in the Spar Grand Prix Series and need only line up at the final leg in Johannesburg next Sunday to capture the overall title. In doing so, the Mpumalanga athlete will become the first black runner to win the popular series three times, joining fellow South Africans René Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl on that illustrious list. Namibia’s Helalia Johannes and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare have also been crowned champions on three occasions. Xaba’s victory yesterday was never really in doubt. Her decision to skip Wednesday’s…

In recent years, travel trends have shifted toward experiences that combine relaxation and personal growth. One of the fastest-growing trends is the reading retreat. Unlike traditional vacations centred on sightseeing or nightlife, reading retreats allow travellers to disconnect from daily routines and immerse themselves in books. They appeal to people seeking quiet reflection and a slower pace of life, offering a space to pause in a world dominated by constant activity. The appeal of reading retreats is simple. Many people feel overwhelmed by constant digital noise. Emails, social media and streaming services demand attention throughout the day, leaving little time for focused reading. Reading retreats provide spaces free from distractions, allowing participants to read uninterrupted. Some retreats offer quiet rooms, libraries or cosy reading corners. Others integrate outdoor areas where…

Are airlines using older aircraft to service routes in Africa? A growing number of international travellers are expressing concern over the noticeable disparity in the quality of aircraft servicing routes to Africa compared to those serving Europe and the Americas. Many passengers report finding themselves aboard older, worn-out planes, often with malfunctioning infotainment systems when flying to African destinations – contrasting starkly with the newer and more luxurious aircraft seen on flights to wealthier regions. On social media, travellers are increasingly vocal about their experiences. On Reddit, a user identified as @alex1b shared an alarming observation: “I have noticed a pattern when flying with flagship airlines that the aeroplanes going to developing countries are in much worse condition, older, often dirty, and tend to have broken infotainment systems. “For example,…