Table of contents for 2025-07-04 in Star

A new report from SwissAid has uncovered the extensive involvement of corrupt officials in the illicit trade and laundering of South Africa’s gold. The report, released on Wednesday, highlights the grim reality that both criminal syndicates and complicit high-ranking officials are exacerbating the country's struggle with illegal gold exports, a trade that has turned opaque due to poor accounting of imports and exports. Further compounding the situation is a thriving informal gold sector through illegal miners known as "Zama Zamas", dealers and buyers. This provides a fertile ground for the proliferation of illicit trade in gold which is then officially exported to destinations such as Dubai in the united Arab Emitates. South Africa used to be one of Africa’s largest gold producers. Currently, large scale gold mining in South Africa…

As South Africa is gearing up to host the world’s leaders at the G20 Plenary Summit in November 2025, one question looms large – how can we leverage the world’s attention to boost job creation and grow the economy inclusively? There are many lessons to be applied in leveraging the G20 presidency for job creation - in particular India’s 2023 hosting offers a compelling job creation blueprint for South Africa. By focusing on infrastructure, tourism, foreign investment, SME development, and workforce upskilling, India created over one million jobs before, during, and after the summit. South Africa can replicate and refine this model to leave a lasting economic impact. Here's how South Africa can maximize the G20 opportunity for job creation. Infrastructure Development: A Boom for Construction and Urban Jobs Hosting…

Reinet Investments, after days of media speculation, said Thursday that Athora Holdings had approached it about selling its stake in UK-based Pension Insurance Corporation Group (PIC) as part of a wider deal worth about £5.7 billion (R136.4bn). The deal could push Athora, which operates in the savings and retirement services markets in countries including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, into the UK, believed to be the largest retirement market in Europe. The PIC manages about £50bn in assets and has nearly 400,000 policyholders in the UK. Reinet Investments, which is also listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and Luxembourg Stock Exchanges, said the announcement on the talks followed further press speculation concerning the possibility of a sale of PIC, in which Reinet owns an indirect 49.5 percent interest. Reinet, which had…

The Minerals Council of South Africa has raised concerns over the approval by government of an export tax on ferrochrome concentrates and welcomed the Cabinet's adoption of preferential electricity tariffs for ferrochrome smelters. Chrome mining has been one of the best-performing subsectors of the South African mining sector, with data from Statistics SA showing that chrome production increased by an average of 8.4% between 1994 and 2024 on an inflation adjusted basis. This reflects an accelerated pace of growth than the 1.3% recorded for non-gold production in South Africa over the same period. It was against this backdrop that the Minerals Council on Thursday said it was concerned by the approval by Cabinet of an export tax on ferrochrome concentrates. “A particular concern in the Cabinet statement is the approval…

Abigail Kubeka – Celebrating 68 years of excellence in the industry Renowned musician Abigail Kubeka’s almost seven decades in the industry will be celebrated during a special concert in her honour. The festivities will be kicked off by Zenzi Makeba Lee & Miriam Makeba Band, who will be the opening acts. Attendees can also expect performances from the likes of Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, McCoy Murubata, Condry Ziqubu, Babsy Mlangeni, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Faith Kekana, Stella Khumalo and Mandisa Dlanga. Where: The State Theatre in Pretoria. When: Tomorrow at 6pm. Schalk Bezuidenhout Live Renowned comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout is bringing his signature comedy and hilarious storytelling to Gauteng this weekend. His show will be hosted by Morgan Beatbox and will also feature acts from Cobus van Rensburg and Phuza Comedy. Where:…

Matric dance season is here, and let’s be real, the fashion is getting wilder by the minute! Gone are the days of simple dresses and understated hairstyles. Today’s Grade 12s are bringing the heat, and we’re not just talking about their dancing skills. Think back to your matric dance days, or even just five years ago. The fashion has definitely evolved, with each passing year, the looks get more elaborate, more extravagant and more Instagram-worthy. We are talking about quality human hair wig installations that would set you back with at least R3 000 to R5 000, flawless make-up and gowns that would give celebrities a run for their money. And let’s not forget the luxury cars and chauffeurs, because, why not? In addition to that, the date needs to…

Should a person who steals ten loaves of bread be sent to prison for years, or given a painful walloping and sent home? That’s the debate Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has ignited after suggesting South Africa consider bringing back corporal punishment for petty criminals who can’t afford bail. Speaking during a parliamentary discussion on the country’s 2025 correctional services budget, Groenewald said the justice system was collapsing under the weight of overcrowded prisons, and bold ideas were needed. “There are people sitting in prison for stealing food,” Groenewald said. “Some wait up to three years for sentencing. Isn’t it time we asked ourselves – should we bring back corporal punishment?” He was referring to more than 2 500 detainees who are stuck in prison simply because they can’t afford…

The High Court in Thohoyandou, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate’s Court, has sentenced 34-year-old Musa Walter Chabalala of Tshisaulu village to multiple terms of direct imprisonment, including life imprisonment for rape. Chabalala was also handed 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence. “The sentencing follows the court’s finding that Chabalala was guilty of a heinous attack on a 91-year-old woman in her home on 21 August 2020 in Tshisaulu village,” according to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The court heard how Chabalala forcefully gained entry into the nonagenarian’s home by opening a window and breaking the door to her bedroom. Armed with a knife, Chabalala threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide…

Somehow, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet of (in)Convenience with the Democratic Alliance made it to its one year anniversary about a fortnight ago. There was no confetti, nor were there any clumsy statements about the political leaders eating cake on behalf of the masses, to mark the 365 day mark, which was perhaps apt, since the achievements of the GNU thus far are imaginary at best. The African National Congress and the DA, as the two main parties in the GNU, have been squabbling since day one, forming bruising cracks on an already strained relationship between two historically ideologically opposed protagonists. The third largest political party in South Africa, former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, has suffered its own squabbles as allegations of muthi, witchcraft and all manner of dark arts…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Emfuleni has submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) against the Emfuleni Local Municipality, following their failure to resolve a water crisis that has been going on for numerous weeks in France, Extension 2, Boipatong. Since the day the Emfuleni Local Municipality announced a water shutdown to allow Metsi-a-Lekoa to complete planned maintenance, their taps ran dry. Once completed, water should have been restored. Once the work was completed, those close to the pipe replacement were left with a low water supply, and most of the other households in the high-density area were left without water for two weeks. Residents were forced to buy water, many of whom barely have enough money to make it as is. This is not just an indictment…

Margaret Arnolds has been tipped to take over as the Speaker for the Joburg Council. If elected, Arnolds’ appointment is expected to trigger a broader reshuffle within the Mayoral Committee, as smaller parties continue to press for increased representation in senior leadership roles. This comes following her resignation as City of Joburg Speaker less than one year ago. Former speaker, ActionSA’s Nobuhle Mthembu, was shown the door following a motion of no confidence tabled by Al Jama-ah. Mthembu’s removal has effectively ended the coalition between ActionSA and the African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg. However, both parties have indicated they will continue to cooperate in other municipalities across the country. Arnolds is a councillor with the African Independent Congress (AIC) and serves as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC)…

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has cleared former police minister Bheki Cele of accusations of chartering an SA Police Service (SAPS) helicopter to attend the ANC’s 2024 election manifesto launch in February last year. The DA complained to Gcaleka after Cele was seen arriving at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in an SAPS helicopter. Andrew Whitfield, the DA’s then shadow police minister, accused Cele of making use of the official aircraft as his taxi or e-hailing service to and from a political party event. Whitfield also rejected Cele and the SAPS’s averment that the former minister’s use of the helicopter was in line with his “constitutional responsibility as a Minister of Police”. In addition, Whitfield said should it be found that the SAPS helicopter collected Cele from any location other than its…

Kaizer Chiefs’ former attacker and controversil football pundit Junior Khanye says the “club is not serious” after overlooking local depth and signing unpopular players from abroad for next season. Amakhosi announced the signing of overseas-based trio Flavio Silva, Ethan Chislett and Nkanyiso Shinga. Silva is a Guinea Bissau-born player, but he was based in Indonesia where he played for Persebaya Surabaya, netting nine goals in 33 matches, last season. Chislett and Shinga, meanwhile, are making their respective homecomings as the Durban born do was based in England and Portugal respectively. The trio will be eager to impress and make a name for themselves at Chiefs and in South Africa given the club’s urge to return to the top of SA football next season. Chiefs have fallen from grace in recent…

As the European Commission (EC) gears up to launch plans for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in early 2026, South African industries are left contemplating the potential ramifications of this new regulatory framework. Affecting key sectors such as aluminium, steel, fertilizers, electrical energy, hydrogen, and cement, the proposed measures aim to mitigate risks of carbon leakage while promoting a low-carbon economy. The EC announced on Thursday that it was actively working on proposals to support producers in sectors identified as vulnerable to carbon leakage. Acknowledging the environmental challenges posed by differing climate policies globally, the Commission is keen to ensure that substantial carbon emissions do not simply shift from the European Union (EU) to nations with less stringent regulations. "The proposal, which is expected to be made by the…

Having recently participated in the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), I left with one burning realisation: South Africa’s digital future depends on how quickly and boldly we reform our ICT policy landscape. The IGF discussions revealed a sobering geopolitical reality: ICT infrastructure is no longer just about connectivity or convenience; it has become a strategic asset, a tool of control, and, in many ways, a modern currency in the global power play. Subsea cables, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, radio frequency spectrum, and hyperscale data centres are now at the heart of geopolitical influence. The Global North is rapidly consolidat ing control over these digital arteries, ensuring that data traffic, internet governance decisions, and emerging technologies remain within their sphere of influence. Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, is heavily…

Tongaat Hulett’s (THL) three South African sugar mills, Maidstone, Amatikulu and Felixton, which benefited from capital investment since the group went into business rescue, have ranked as the top three nationally for sugar recovery in the current sugar milling season. The recognition indicates the scale of THL’s operational turnaround since entering business rescue in October 2022 - the group said in a statement Thursday its mills were now not only stable, but leading performance across the broader South African sugar sector. Tongaat Hulett CEO Gavin Dalgleish, together with the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs), recently met with grower representatives in a series of engagements. These meetings focused on sharing updates about the company’s progress under business rescue, as well as the improvements seen across its milling and refining operations. The group’s…

We spend most of our waking hours at work, so it’s no surprise that our jobs can shape our mental health in lasting ways. The average person works about 90 000 hours in their lifetime. This estimate assumes a 40-hour work week from around age 22 to 65, with holidays and sick leave included. But new findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) are shining a harsh spotlight on just how deep that connection runs, especially for men. According to a sweeping analysis of more than 500 000 American workers between 2015 and 2019, some jobs come with a far greater emotional toll than others. Over 80 000 people in the study reported being diagnosed with depression in their lifetime, with workers in certain industries feeling…

Tributes are pouring in for former Deputy President David Mabuza, who served as Deputy President under Cyril Ramaphosa’s first term, who died yesterday, aged 64. Mabuza was remembered as a dominant politician and a committed and humble cadre who dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula yesterday confirmed the news and extended his condolences to the Mabuza family. “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of the former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza,” Mbalula said. He described Mabuza as a patriot, freedom fighter, and leader who served with humility and conviction. “We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served…

A woman who was struck in her right eye with a rubber bullet and had to have it surgically removed will be compensated to the tune of R2.2 million by the Police Ministry. This comes after the High Court of South Africa at the North West Division, Mahikeng, granted the damages claim of the woman who had initially sought costs of R3.5m. The woman was struck by an errant rubber bullet in her right eye on July 11, 2019, while doing chores in her yard, while nearby civil unrest unfolded and police had attended. The woman, who was 19 at the time when the incident occurred and was gaining traction in her entrepreneurial business selling homemade atchar door-to-door with a monthly income of about R3 600 per month, lost all…

The Institute of Race Relations has made written and oral submissions to Parliament in opposition to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Amendment Bill. The Bill, tabled by Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema in 2018, is moving forward to a committee vote on “desirability”. The IRR warned that it is undesirable, uneconomical, unfunded, unconsidered, and unconstitutional. To start, the Bill expropriates the shareholders of the SARB without compensation, which is a direct violation of constitutionally protected property rights. The shares are worth an estimated R20 million, so no one can seriously claim that the Bill would expropriate these shares without compensation to save the fisc money. Rather, the real purpose of such an exercise is to try to set a precedent that any shares in the country can be…

Three men have appeared in court after they were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, for defrauding an unsuspecting woman of her R3 million in a dating scam. Last week, IOL reported that a third suspect was arrested for an intense scam where an unidentified woman lost R3m in the name of love, back in 2024. The victim, whose identity is withheld to protect her from victimisation, said she developed an online relationship with a person she believed was a white man called “Mark Hermanus”, whom she had met on Facebook. Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said after exchanging numbers, the woman and the scammer started chatting on WhatsApp, and once they had “gotten to know each other”, the scammer asked…

The much-talked-about National Dialogue is indeed a national conversation we didn’t know we needed until former president Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki called for it. President Cyril Ramaphosa must be saluted for heeding that call. This gesture affirms that our leaders still speak and listen to one another. It is a tradition of leadership that the younger generation must urgently emulate: speak truthfully and listen earnestly. Accordingly, Ramaphosa has announced that the National Dialogue will take place on August 15 at a venue yet to be disclosed. I will not pretend to be a seasoned logistician, but I would like to propose that Kliptown, Johannesburg, be considered as the location. I make this suggestion because Kliptown was the site where our great-grandparents gathered under difficult, illegal conditions on June 25–26, 1955, to…

On the landscape of South African football, the tale of triumph and resilience continues to captivate and inspire following Banyana Banyana and Amajita's conquests in Africa despite significant challenges. As a result of inadequate financial backing, high operational costs, player bonuses, staff salaries, infrastructure limitations and a lack of proper training facilities all combine to hinder a team's success. These systemic issues strip away the potential for continuous success and leave players reliant on their inner fortitude. South African teams exhibit admirable tenacity and spirit. However, their future success may depend more on comprehensive structural reforms rather than the sheer determination of the players. In May 2025, South Africa's U-20 men's team clinched their maiden Afcon title through a narrow 1-0 win against Morocco in hostile Cairo. This hard-fought triumph…

John Maduka has described it as “a special honour” to be appointed head coach of Magesi FC and expressed his satisfaction at working alongside long-serving assistant coach Jacky Ledwaba. Speaking at his unveiling in the Limpopo capital, the former Malawian international said there was no need to bring in his own technical team, as he did not want to tamper with a successful structure. “You don’t break something unnecessarily,” Maduka said. “I strongly believe that the technical team here has been part of the club for a long time. They helped Magesi gain promotion all the way from the ABC Motsepe League to the PSL, so they are clearly capable and know their job. "If there’s no need for me to bring in someone, why should I?” Maduka takes over…

George Russell heads into his home British Grand Prix this weekend haunted by rumours and unconfirmed reports that fierce rival and four-time world champion Max Verstappen has accepted an offer to replace him at Mercedes next year. As Formula One returns to the circuit that hosted its first world championship race 75 years ago, the 27-year-old Briton may find himself caught on the horns of an extraordinary dilemma as he seeks a fifth career victory to secure both his seat and his future with the Silver Arrows. If he wins – and overhauls Verstappen in the drivers' title race – he may in so doing allow the Dutchman, also 27, to trigger an exit clause in his Red Bull contract, which currently runs to 2028. It is widely believed that…

United Nations says corporations are facilitating system of exploitative occupation The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories has unveiled a report listing up to 48 multinational corporations allegedly complicit in the ongoing war and profiting from the occupation of Palestine. The findings, presented by Francesca Albanese during a media briefing in Geneva on Thursday, accuse these corporations of failing to uphold their legal responsibilities, thereby facilitating a system of exploitative occupation. Albanese's report highlights a troubling landscape where corporations across various sectors—including weapons manufacturers, technology firms, financial institutions, and construction companies—are said to be contributing to what she describes as a “livestreamed genocide.” The findings underscore a broader complicity, presenting a picture where corporate interests overshadow profound ethical considerations regarding human rights violations…

South Africa's private sector economy has signalled a concerning shift towards fragility, as evidenced by the latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The PMI, which serves as a composite indicator of operating conditions in the private sector, revealed a notable decline on Thursday, dropping from 50.8 in May to 50.1 in June. This reading, while remaining barely within the expansion territory, raises red flags as business confidence plummeted to its lowest point in nearly four years. The PMI serves as a crucial economic barometer; readings above 50 indicate an improvement in business conditions compared to the prior month, while readings below this threshold reflect deterioration. This S&P economic indicator corresponds with the Absa PMI released on Tuesday, which showed that the economy remained in contractionary territory for the eighth…

South Africans living and working abroad are being urged to take note of recent changes by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) that significantly alter how non-residency for tax purposes is treated and enforced. According to Thomas Lobban, Director of Tax and Legal at Latita Africa, Sars has quietly amended its Notice of Non-Resident Tax Status to now include the specific legal basis - such as reliance on a double tax agreement - for ceasing South African tax residency. While the change appears administrative, Lobban says it marks a crucial shift in Sars’ oversight of taxpayers living outside the country. Coupled with the 2025 requirement for taxpayers to declare their residency status to Sars, this change dramatically increases the risk of residency audits and backdated reclassification, especially for South…

Mariah Carey is officially making her return to music with a brand-new album! Appearing on an Apple Music special alongside Ebro Darden and Zane Lowe, Carey was quizzed on the status of the project, which is the follow-up to 2018’s critically-acclaimed Caution. Trying to keep coy, she shared that the album will feature “11 to 12 songs.” She also confirmed that the yet-to-be-titled album is “finished”. As for what’s up next, the hitmaker added that there will be “Mariah ballads” and that: “The second single is coming soon. I’m very excited about it. It’s very summery.” Last month, Carey dropped the project’s first single, Type Dangerous, which was met with praise from fans. The song samples the hip hop classic Eric B. Is President by Eric B. & Rakim. Carey…

What does it really mean to be a genius? For many of us, the word brings up images of Einstein scribbling formulas or child prodigies playing Mozart at age four. But according to modern neuroscience and psychology, genius isn’t always about sky-high IQ scores or academic accolades. It’s often hidden in everyday habits, quirks, and patterns of thinking that most people overlook. This list isn’t a formal intelligence test, but it is backed by science. These 10 questions, drawn from real psychological studies, could reveal whether your brain works in ways that match some of the world’s most gifted minds. So, are you secretly a genius? Let’s find out. 1. Did you start reading before the age of five? Early readers might have a cognitive edge. A long-term study published…

With scores of undocumented foreign nationals currently being turned away at Addington Hospital in Durban and other health facilities in parts of the country this week, the leader of the Operation Dudula Movement, Zandile Dabula, has vowed to continue the movement’s anti-foreigner healthcare campaign across the country. Eric Jean Butoki, who represents the Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF), slammed the countrywide campaign, saying it is putting the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, and foreign nationals at risk. This comes as more than 50 patients, believed to be undocumented foreign nationals, have allegedly been turned away at Durban’s biggest hospital since the start of the campaign outside Addington Hospital on Tuesday. “We are concerned about this operation, which has prevented foreign nationals, including asylum seekers and genuine refugees, from accessing…

Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has described the brutally murdered City of Ekurhuleni’s group divisional head of corporate and forensic audits, Mpho Mafole as a dedicated public servant, a fearless champion for accountability, and a staunch advocate for ethical governance. Mafole, 47, died in a hail of bullets on Monday, in what appears to be an execution. He was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting on the R23 in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, while driving home from a meeting. Police in Gauteng are investigating the motive behind the murder, but activists and social media users suggest the cold-blooded murder could have been an assassination meant to silence him, linked to his work for the City of Ekurhuleni. IOL yesterday spoke to Mafole’s grieving uncle, Sonnyboy Mmatli, who said the family…

Editor of Zimbabwe Independent newspaper, Faith Zaba, has spent the second night behind bars after the Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested her on charges of allegedly undermining the authority of or insulting the president. The arrest, which has attracted widespread condemnation from human rights bodies and press freedom watchdogs, stems from a satirical article published under the “Muckracker” column criticising President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). On Wednesday, Zaba appeared briefly before Harare magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe, and her bail hearing was deferred to Thursday morning. Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu requested that the bail hearing be rolled over, as the State needed time to verify Zaba’s medical records. Zaba’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, has expressed disappointment, emphasising that the senior journalist has not been feeling well. The…

The wording “Wheels” in relation to biscuits came under the legal spotlight after a company selling biscuits under the name “Wagon Wheels” objected to a competitor wanting to register its biscuits using the name “Wheels” on its packaging. Burton’s Foods (applicant) turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, as it is opposing two trademark applications filed by Boxer Superstores (respondent) under the Trade Marks Act, to enable it to use the word “Wheels” on its biscuits. The applicant asked the court for an order refusing the respondent’s trademark applications and directing that the trademark applications be removed from the register. The applicant’s opposition is premised on the contention that the respondent’s trademark is highly similar to theirs, and that it covers goods that are identical, or at least highly similar.…

Political parties have rejected the Department of Human Settlements’ R34 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, accusing the department of mismanagement, inefficiency, and making promises that will not materialise. Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Luyuyo Mphiti, quoting President Cyril Ramaphosa, warned that unchecked corruption threatens to erode faith in democracy itself. “If corruption is not arrested, the greatest damage will not be in the funds stolen, the jobs lost, or the services not delivered. The greatest damage will be in the belief in democracy itself.” Mphiti pointed to what he called a “catastrophic collapse” within the department, citing ongoing investigations, suspensions, and resignations of senior officials across major housing entities such as the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), and the National…

The North West Department of Higher Education has been ordered to pay a late senior lecturer over R571 000 after he was underpaid for almost a decade. The man was appointed as a senior lecturer at Orbit College in August 2012. In 2015, the college was transferred to the department of education, but his salary was not adjusted. To get his earnings, the lecturer sought relief at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) where he was represented by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu). The initial hearing took place in May 2024. During the proceedings, both parties aimed for an amicable settlement, which resulted in an expectation to calculate the salary discrepancies and draft a submission to the Director General of the Department for approval by August…

Murder at the Patel Motel Maulik Pancholy, Zackary Grady and Archilles Stamatelaky Narrated by a full cast AUDIBLE ORIGINALS THIS engaging murder mystery, narrated by a talented full cast, showcases the exciting writing styles of Maulik Pancholy, Zackary Grady, and Archilles Stamatelaky. Released just last month, this irresistible production has quickly achieved an impressive 4.6-star rating on Audible, indicating its widespread appeal to a diverse audience. Setting the scene is a family-run motel in Montana, and the narrative unfolds with Milan Patel, who embarks on what should be a routine visit to his parents. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts to a chilling mystery when Milan’s father dies under mysterious circumstances. I enjoyed the blend of suspense and dark humour, captivating listeners right from the start. The twist on the Agatha…

IN Sean O’Casey’s scathing definition, universities have ignominiously become “places where they polish pebbles and dim diamonds”. Thomas Jefferson, one of history’s most persuasive and poetic writers, left an enduring vision for higher education. His words, inscribed on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, remain resonant: “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilisation, it expects what never was and never will be.” Jefferson’s ideas were revolutionary, not just in curriculum or architectural design, but in his belief that universities should enshrine “the illimitable freedom of the human mind … for here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.” He imagined institutions that extended beyond…

Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie’s mission to revive top-flight football in the Free State has taken a major step forward — with his business associate, Calvin Lee John, confirmed as the man behind the pending purchase of SuperSport United through Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd. SuperSport International announced on Thursday that it had agreed to sell the Betway Premiership side to John’s company following a closed bidding process. The deal is now subject to approval by the PSL executive committee before it becomes official. The move brings McKenzie’s long-standing football ambitions closer to reality in his hometown of Bloemfontein. McKenzie has previously spoken publicly about working with a consortium to bring back Bloemfontein Celtic and re-establish professional football in the Free State — a province widely regarded as one of…

Orlando Pirates have made the biggest splash during the transfer window thus far, strengthening the team to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership trophy next season. While the arrival of 10 new players has signalled their intentions, the squad is now bloated and they’ll have to trim some of the fat. I look at five players that the club must offload in the next few weeks to streamline their resources. Phillip Ndlondlo – midfielder The diminutive midfielder is one of the most accurate passers of the ball in top-flight, something that makes him stand out. But while he can easily link up play, Ndlondlo has struggled in defensive situations and scoring crucial goals. As such, those shortcomings in his game haven’t made him that midfield all-rounder. Hence, he finds…

Novak Djokovic crushed British wildcard Dan Evans in the Wimbledon second round as he stepped up his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title. After three days of stunning upsets at Wimbledon, Djokovic avoided becoming the latest star to crash out in second-round action. The Serb needed just one hour and 47 minutes to dispatch Evans with a ruthless 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 victory on Centre Court. “It means I’ve been playing quite a long time!” Djokovic said, when told he had just secured his 99th Wimbledon match victory. “I still enjoy it. This court has given me so much. Wimbledon has a special place in my heart. Any history made here is obviously extra special.” Djokovic is dreaming of putting an exclamation point on his incredible career by becoming…