Table of contents for 2025-06-20 in Star

Moody's Ratings has warned that Transnet's ratings will remain under review for downgrade until the South African government completes the process to allocate additional guarantees by the end of July. This comes after the government announced on Thursday last week that it had entered a process to allocate additional guarantees to allow the State-owned freight and logistics company to cover at least all debt redemptions over the next five years and enable it to fund its capital expenditure program. The Minister of Transport, with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, approved a R51 billion guarantee facility for Transnet’s capital investment programme and debt obligations. The facility will enable Transnet to refinance maturing debt and ensure the organisation’s continued access to adequate resources and facilities to be able to continue…

Reserve Bank identifies climate change as one of three major threats to the stability of SA The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) has issued a stern warning regarding the perpetual risks that climate change poses to the financial sector. In its latest Financial Stability Review (FSR) published on Thursday, the Sarb identified climate change as one of three major threats to the financial stability of the nation, alongside the looming spectre of cyber incidents and persistently low economic growth. In the review, the Sarb highlighted a growing consensus within academic and regulatory literature that climate change introduces two primary types of risks: physical risks and transition risks. Physical risks are defined as the economic losses stemming from the increasing frequency and intensity of adverse weather events, such as floods, droughts,…

Google suffered a legal blow at the European Court of Justice on Thursday, when the body's adviser recommended upholding a record fine imposed on the company for anti-competitive practices. The US tech giant has been trying to overturn on appeal a €4.3 billion (R89bn) fine imposed by the European Commission in 2018, which was later reduced to €4.1bn. But in its opinion, Juliane Kokott, advocate general at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), said "the legal arguments put forward by Google are ineffective", the court later said in a statement. Although not binding, such advice carries weight and is often followed by EU judges in their rulings. The commission, the EU's antitrust regulator, had accused Google of abusing the popularity of its Android operating system to restrict…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delivered a cautiously optimistic assessment of Zimbabwe’s economy, suggesting that it was stabilising despite ongoing policy and monetary challenges that have historically plagued the nation. South Africa’s northern neighbor has long struggled for stability, with consumers and companies hard done by policy inconsistency that has distorted pricing. South African companies in Zimbabwe include platinum group metals producers Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater, Pick 'n Pay and Old Mutual, among others. The IMF this week said Zimbabwe was now “experiencing a degree of macroeconomic stability despite lingering policy challenges” after emerging out of “successive bouts of hyperinflation” over the past few years. Zimbabwe yearns to return to a single local currency regime by 2030 and the IMF has been supportive of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) local…

South African film Don’t Give Up has received international recognition at the prestigious 64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival. Don’t Give Up, which is produced by Anant Singh and directed by Darrell James Roodt, recently screened at the popular festival. It went on to win Best Creation in the Fiction category at the coveted Golden Nymph Awards. Don’t Give Up stars legendary Mzansi actress, Leleti Khumalo, who plays Faith, a single mother struggling to provide for her two young sons, Lucky and Siyabonga. She begs for money from disinterested commuters on her corner and lives in an abandoned car in an alleyway of central Johannesburg. She tries to increase her takings with a sign, but has to beg for the cardboard for the sign from antagonistic newsvendors. She cannot write so has…

South Africa’s reported 62.4% youth unemployment rate has made young women vulnerable to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and psychosis due to substance abuse as a result of transactional sex borne out of limited employment opportunities. This is according to the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA), following a study presented by Clinical Psychologist Sibongile Sibanyoni, which revealed shocking evidence that economic hardship, gender inequality, and social media trends are driving the “blesser/blessee” relationships between older men and young women and girls in South Africa. While politicians and some in the private sector ponder the country’s economic hardships due to high levels of unemployment, NSMSA National Coordinator, Anisa Moosa, stated: “Our biggest concern about these blesser/blessee relationships is their contribution to gender-based violence. The dependency…

Five men who gunned down eight people at Glebelands hostel in uMlazi have been sentenced to eight life terms each and an additional 15 years in prison, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal said yesterday. The Durban High Court handed down the sentences on Wednesday, following the men’s conviction for the mass shooting that took place in the early hours of June 3, 2023. According to police, at least 12 men were inside one room at the hostel when the gunmen stormed in and opened fire. Seven victims died at the scene, and an eighth succumbed to injuries in hospital days later. Four other men survived the attack. Police said the convicted men Bongile Mabele, 35, Bongani Mboyiyane, 39, Sibusiso Manyisa, 41, Siyamthemba Mthwana, 41, and Nkosayikhethi…

zelda.venter@inl.co.za A damages claim of R2 million by a Mpumalanga man against the police for unlawful arrest and detention and “severe” assault resulted in the court only granting him compensation of R130 000. This, after the Mbombela High Court found that Lwazi Mdluli exaggerated somewhat about the injuries he had suffered at the hands of the police. Mdluli claimed R1m from the police for his suffering in being locked up in a police cell for two days, as well as another R1m for the assault he said he endured. He told the court that in January 2023, near Newscom Trust in Mpumalanga, he was travelling in his car with his wife and daughter. He was stopped by the SAPS at Kabokweni Police Station on allegations that he had committed robbery…

The Eskom board of directors was paid more than R10 million in board fees during the 2023/24 financial year, while the entity’s employees pocketed R3 billion in overtime during the same period. This was disclosed by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa when he was responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Mandla Shikwambana, who enquired about the annual expenditure on overtime for Eskom employees and the circumstances under which overtime was paid. Shikwambana also wanted to know whether the 22 board meetings, averaging two meetings per month, as reported in the 2024 annual report, were pre-planned and the reasons for not planning them. He also asked the total remuneration of each board member and whether the board members were subject to individual performance reviews. In his written response, Ramokgopa…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned the United Kingdom’s decision to deny its leader, Julius Malema, a visa, calling the move a blatant act of political censorship and “cowardice.” In a statement, the party said it was “not surprised” by the UK Home Office’s confirmation that Malema’s visa application was denied due to his political views, particularly his support for Palestine and his stance on racial inequality in South Africa. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the UK had “effectively banned the President of the EFF due to his position about the genocide of the Palestinian people, his expressed support for the resistance movement fighting against the genocidal Israeli regime, as well as his and the EFF’s stance on racial inequality in South Africa.” The party said Malema was initially…

Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ 1-0 win over Ulsan HD in their Fifa Club World Cup opener this week, coach Miguel Cardoso went to great lengths to explain the inclusion of veteran playmaker Themba Zwane in the starting XI. This was the first time that Zwane had started a match since the Portuguese mentor Cardoso arrived at Sundowns. For the greater part of Cardoso’s stewardship at the Brazilians, Zwane was recovering from an injury sustained in October 2024 while on Bafana Bafana duty. The national team stalwart returned to action in April 2025, four months after Cardoso’s appointment in mid-December last year. There was a massive outcry from Sundowns’ supporters after Cardoso left the 35-year-old Zwane on the bench in both legs of the CAF Champions League final, which they lost 3-2…

WHEN Aiden Markram walked in to open the batting alongside Dean Elgar in Potchefstroom almost a decade ago, there had been a lot said about his potential, with many dubbing him the next Graeme Smith. After all, Markram had led the South African Under-19s to World Cup glory a few years prior, and sent the country into a state of happiness. On that day in Potchefstroom, Markram’s 97 on debut further gave the country hope that it had found its next run machine, one that could potentially reach the heights that Smith achieved in his career. For the next couple of years, he would prove himself against India and Australia at home, bringing up big centuries as he solidified his place as a Test-match opener. However, a couple of years…

British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has insisted selection for the Test series with Australia remains wide open after naming his side for tonight’s pre-departure warm-up game with Argentina in Dublin (9pm SA time kick-off). Maro Itoje, already named tour captain, will lead the Lions for the first time at the Aviva Stadium, with several of the England skipper’s international teammates in the starting line-up. Marcus Smith has been installed at fullback behind an all-England halfback duo of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong has a chance to prove his fitness after being named on the bench, following a calf strain that has sidelined him since early May. Up to 14 players could make their Lions debuts before the squad departs tomorrow for a three-Test series…

Cape Town City will need to dig deep in their final two fixtures to secure their place in the Premiership for next season. Their hopes of claiming a first win in the Premier Soccer League promotion/relegation playoffs were cruelly dashed in the dying minutes of their clash against Casric Stars at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Mpumalanga on Wednesday. Now, heading into the last two matches of the mini-league, City find themselves in a pressure-filled situation where at least one victory is vital to maintain their top-flight status. The Citizens took the lead in the first half through a goal from Prins Tjiueza, but after Casric Stars fought back, Sphamandla Mlilo calmly converted from the penalty spot to earn the hosts a share of the spoils. City assistant coach Roger…

Proteas Women big hitting all-rounder Annerie ‘Big Dawg’ Dercksen looked eager to sink her teeth a little into the West Indies in the upcoming T20 series. Dercksen is coming off a somewhat dull ODI series, having not enjoyed the same level of success with the bat as she did in Sri Lanka. But the conditions in the Caribbean were something different entirely, and so too, the situations she batted in. Dercksen scored her maiden century against Sri Lanka in the final game of the tri-series last month, but said she had to play a more high-risk style of batting against the Windies. Regardless, the Proteas claimed the ODI series 2-1, with a comfortable 166-run victory via the DLS method in the deciding match this week. The 24-year-old’s bowling has been…

Trade union Cosatu on Wednesday lauded the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) for surpassing R3 trillion in assets under management, marking what it described as a historic milestone for the continent’s biggest investment fund. The PIC, which primarily manages assets on behalf of the Government Employees’ Pension Fund (GEPF), has seen significant growth from R2.7trl a year ago and R1.8trl during the Covid-19 pandemic. Roughly 87% of the PIC’s funds are sourced from the GEPF, with additional contributions from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund, among others. "It is sacrosanct that at all times the PIC invests and manages these funds, workers’ hard-earned monies, in a manner that expands and enables them to fulfill their legislative mandates of allowing public servants to retire in security and comfort, to…

Welcome to Prosper Nation, a weekly column dedicated to reshaping the narrative about South Africa’s potential - and charting a new path to sustainable prosperity. This platform is born out of a belief that our greatest national resource is not mineral wealth or coastal beauty but our people and our untapped collective ambition. Each week, I will unpack the ideas, strategies, and stories that hold the power to turn South Africa into one of the Top 10 most prosperous nations on earth. Why Prosper Nation and Why Now? South Africa is brimming with potential. Yet we stand at a crossroads: high youth unemployment, structural inequality, and political fatigue have made many South Africans lose faith in our collective future. But I’ve seen what’s possible when belief is restored. In 2010,…

Poultry product producers and agriculture associations have welcomed the news by the Department of Agriculture that it has partially lifted the ban on imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil from Thursday. The ban was imposed due to an outbreak of Avian flu in Brazil. The Department of Agriculture has since said that the ban has been contained to one state in Brazil. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced that South Africa will partially lift the suspension on imports of all poultry and poultry products from Brazil, effective on Thursday. “This decision follows the receipt of a second report from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, confirming that the outbreak has been contained to a single state,” Steenhuisen said. “However, this partial lifting remains conditional and may be revoked…

Standard Bank Group on Thursday said its earnings for the five months to May 31, 2025 rose 10% year-on-year in rand terms, supported by a resilient performance across its African operations despite a challenging global and domestic macroeconomic environment. "Standard Bank group's operational and financial trends were strong, reflective of the continued momentum in the underlying transactional franchise across both South Africa and Africa Regions. Despite the considerable uncertainty and market volatility, the group's established and well diversified franchise continued to deliver a resilient performance," it said in a voluntary trading update. Africa’s largest lender by assets said group headline earnings rose at a similar pace as in the first quarter. On a constant currency basis, headline earnings increased in the mid-teens compared with the same period last year. Return…

As the world of entertainment continues to captivate audiences with its highs and lows, this week has been marked by startling news and significant events impacting some recognised figures. From legal troubles to profound personal revelations, here’s a look at the biggest stories making waves in the celebrity sphere. 1Tyler Perry’s legal troubles Renowned film and television mogul Tyler Perry has found himself embroiled in a serious legal battle, facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon. The suit, submitted in a Los Angeles court, entails allegations of sexual assault and harassment allegedly carried out by Perry during the production of his popular television shows The Oval and Ruthless. Dixon alleges Perry promised him a successful acting career but then subjected him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and…

Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert This acclaimed musical event is returning to Pretoria this weekend. It will see the likes of Judith Sephuma, Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin and Presss taking to the stage. Other musicians who will perform include the Jaziel Brothers, DJ Young, Somizi, Tbose Mokwele and Musa. Where: The SunBet Arena at Time Square. When: Tomorrow at 5pm. Goliath & Goliath: The Happiness Economy Jason and Nicholas Goliath are bringing their comedy special to Joburg. The show dives into the minds of these comedic powerhouses as they explore the hilarities of daily life, relationships and the quest for joy in their signature. Where: The Pieter Toerien theatre at Monte Casino. When: Every Wednesday and Saturday until July 6. Show times differ, depending on the day. Worthogs’ Winter Beer…

Meat importers and processors have welcomed the government’s decision to partially lift the ban on poultry imports from Brazil, saying it will help stabilise local food production and avoid shortages of affordable protein products. The Department of Agriculture confirmed that as of yesterday, imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil will resume, excluding the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, where a bird flu outbreak was reported in May. The South African Meat Processors Association (SAMPA) said the move would help avert major disruptions in the manufacture of staple products such as polony, viennas, and braai wors, which depend on Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) sourced almost entirely from Brazil. “We are grateful for the urgency displayed by the Department of Agriculture and especially Minister John Steenhuisen, Deputy Director-General…

A Grade 11 boy learner, Lethabo Matula from Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, an informal settlement in Donkerhoek, Pretoria East, was allegedly stabbed to death by a Grade 12 learner on Tuesday, raising concerns about learner safety in schools. According to preliminary reports from the Gauteng Education Department, the suspect had not attended school that day, but arrived after school hours, just as learners were boarding scholar transports, and carried out the attack outside the school yard. The victim was rushed to the Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The department reported that law- enforcement authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. In the wake of the tragic incident, the Soil of Africa civic movement has sounded the alarm about the growing crisis of…

The health challenges facing our youth require immediate attention, especially regarding resources for sexual health and accessibility to medical care, including mental health support. Free condom distribution remains inconsistent across the province, leaving young people at risk of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This gap undermines efforts to promote safe sex among youth. Moreover, access to medication and surgical care is severely constrained. Chronic conditions like diabetes require consistent medication, yet public facilities frequently face shortages. Surgical backlogs in Gauteng’s hospitals delay critical procedures, prolonging suffering. This shortage leaves many young people facing mental health issues without sufficient support, which increases the risks of substance abuse and, ultimately, suicide. The Gauteng Department of Health must ensure that condoms are distributed effectively across the province, particularly in underserved areas.…

The Transport Department is racing against time to wipe out backlogs totalling more than 700 000 outstanding driving licence cards to be printed after its printing machine broke down in February, when its electronic cards were damaged. Responding to sets of parliamentary questions from parliamentarians from Rise Mzansi, EFF and MK Party, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the driver’s licence card machine has now been fixed and is currently dealing with the backlog of driving licence cards that must be printed. “As of 15 May 2025, the backlog count is estimated at 733,000 cards,” said Creecy. The backlog was down from 747 748 outstanding cards recorded on May 2. The machine has had major breakdowns totalling 129 days from 2022/23 to date, with only 38 days recorded in the current…

South Africa just got its first close-up look at the new HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro. Judging by the immediate reaction, it did not disappoint. The series was launched at the Kyalami Racecourse in Midrand. Here, the unveiling of the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro brought together tech, creativity and speed in a way that hit home for local users. But behind the fanfare and flashbulbs, one feature stood out, AI SuperZoom. It’s the kind of innovation that quietly shifts how we take photos. More than just digital zoom, it’s a smart system that brings detail forward without the blur. Whether you’re photographing Table Mountain from Sea Point, trying to capture elephants from a safe distance in Pilanesberg, or zooming into the lights of the Jozi skyline, AI…

Have you ever received a weather warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and wondered what it really means? While the warnings use colours and numbers, you might be asking yourself: is it just a little rain, or something serious enough to cancel school, flood your home, or even threaten your life? We look into the meanings behind these weather warnings, how they can impact you, and how the Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning System transforms the way SAWS communicates weather risks. How it works The warnings follow a colour-coded system designed to show the severity of expected weather impacts. Green indicates a low-impact event with minimal disruption, yellow signals a minor impact that may require some caution, orange indicates a significant impact that could pose risks to safety and…

Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for their biggest Fifa Club World Cup challenge tomorrow, when they lock horns with Borussia Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio (6pm SA time kick-off). Despite being deemed underdogs in this high-stakes encounter, the South African champions are brimming with confidence, ready to make their mark on the global stage. Zimbabwe international Divine Lunga, one of the stand-out players when Sundowns secured a crucial 1-0 victory against South Korea’s Ulsan HD in their opening Group F match, said Dortmund are the “big guns”. Lunga, who was a surprise inclusion ahead of the seasoned Aubrey Modiba against Ulsan, is acutely aware of the formidable reputation of their opponents, but is unfazed by the challenge ahead. Lunga has received great praise in Zimbabwe’s media since…

After a frustrating United Rugby Championship campaign, where injuries derailed his participation in crucial matches for the Sharks – including the semi-final against the Bulls – Eben Etzebeth is ready to put all his energy into the Springboks’ season. The centurion played a small part in the URC after a concussion and recurring symptoms kept him on the sidelines for a couple of months, before a calf strain and a knock kept him out of other games. The Sharks bowed out at the semi-final stage at Loftus Versfeld, and although he could not be part of the match, Etzebeth is fired up to get the international season going. He says he is cleared of the concussions, and will approach the international season fresh and injury-free. “I’ve recovered from everything... it’s…

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola hailed the impact of the new signings who came straight into the team for the 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in their opening match at the Club World Cup on Wednesday. Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and France attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki both started the game on a hot afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia after joining in the run-up to the tournament from AC Milan and Lyon respectively. “He is a really, really good player. You feel it, you smell it. The pace, in the final third, with the ball, when he will get a little bit more rhythm, he will be top,” Guardiola said of Reijnders, 26, who played the whole game in sapping conditions. Brought in to help fill the huge void…

Teams built on unyielding defence often find the sweetest victories, proving that the fewest goals conceded translate into the most valuable points. South African football has been graced by a remarkable blend of emerging young stars and battle-hardened veterans, each rising to the occasion this past season. Together, they’ve formed the backbone of their teams, standing resolute as the last line of defence. After a season fraught with fierce battles and narrow margins, we turn our attention to five defenders whose performances have shone brightest to have earned their place in the conversation for the Premier Soccer League Defender of the Year... Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates The Orlando Pirates defender stood as a steadfast pillar in the Buccaneers’ backline, playing a crucial role in what became one of their…

Manufacturing business confidence dipped in the second quarter amid domestic and global uncertainty. This was revealed in the second quarter 2025 Absa Manufacturing Survey. Business confidence declined marginally to 33 points, down from 34 in quarter one, an outcome some noted could have been significantly worse given prevailing conditions. The manufacturing survey was conducted by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) drawing insights from approximately 700 manufacturing businesses. Economists have echoed similar sentiments. The confidence index ranges from 0 (no confidence) to 100 (extreme confidence). Absa said domestically, manufacturers also faced several challenges. These included subdued product demand, rising electricity tariffs and water supply disruptions – particularly in Gauteng, compounding to the sector’s strain. Sachin Chanderdhev, a sector specialist for the Manufacturing Sector at Absa Business Banking said…

South African markets traded on the backfoot on Thursday on the back of geopolitical risks arising from the war in the Middle East and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) revised down its growth forecasts for the US. The rand fell 0.6% to R18.12 against the US dollar during early morning trade but still remained above the R18-mark by late afternoon while the JSE All Share Index eased by 0.2% to 94 785 points. The markets have remained on edge across the world as the war between Israel and Iran has intensified, pushing global oil prices to their highest in four months. An Iranian missile barrage left at least 240 people wounded as they struck several sites across Israel, damaging a hospital in the country’s south while targeting a military site.…

South African food producer Libstar Holdings said on Thursday its revenue rose 10.1% in the 21-week period to May 30, 2025, boosted by strong volume growth across both its Ambient and Perishable product categories. The shares rose 8.12% to R3.33 in morning trade on the JSE on Thursday. This as consumers remain under pressure despite moderating inflation and lower interest rates. "Import and export supply chain volatility persisted, evidenced by extended import lead times and intermittent delays in securing export container availability. Against this backdrop, Libstar's category and channel revenue growth exceeded market growth during the five-month period ended 30 May 2025," Libstar said. Libstar, with brands including Cape Herb & Spice, Lancewood, Cook 'n Bake, and Roma, said volumes increased 5.2%, with price and mix changes contributing a further…

Africa-focused crypto payments firm Yellow Card has partnered with global payments giant Visa to accelerate the adoption of stablecoins in cross-border transactions across emerging markets, the companies said on Thursday. Yellow Card, a licensed stablecoin payments platform operating in more than 20 African countries, said the collaboration will explore new use cases for stablecoins in treasury operations, liquidity management, and international remittances. The partnership is part of a broader push to modernise financial infrastructure in regions with limited access to traditional banking systems. “Traditional payment companies continue to question not ‘if’ they need a stablecoin strategy, but how quickly they can deploy one,” said Chris Maurice, the CEO and co-founder of Yellow Card. “We are thrilled to partner with Visa to help realise the potential of stablecoin technology in emerging…

June is World Infertility Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a global health issue that impacts millions yet remains largely unspoken. Infertility weaves a complex narrative, one that reaches beyond mere biology and touches the emotional fabric of lives across diverse backgrounds. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 1 in 6 adults worldwide will face infertility at some point in their life, making it a shared challenge deserving of our attention. Often, infertility is mistakenly assumed to be solely a women’s struggle. However, Dr Anthony Picton, a fertility specialist at Vitalab Fertility Clinic, elucidates a broader perspective. “Male factor infertility is responsible for about 40% of cases,” he states. “Yet, it’s often ignored. In many African communities, women are still blamed first, even when the issue…

A paternity dispute and DNA testing resulted in a legal wrangle after four people claimed they are also the biological children of their now deceased “father”, and that they also have a right to share in his estate. However, they want the deceased’s body to be exhumed so that DNA samples can be taken from him to prove that they are his children. The two children of the deceased (the applicants) agree that DNA testing should be done, but they are refusing to have their father’s body exhumed. The two turned to the Eastern Cape High Court, sitting in Mthatha, where they asked for an order directing that DNA testing be done using their DNA samples. The respondents, in opposing the application, insisted that the testing be done using the…

Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, who on Wednesday night led a crime-fighting operation in Houghton, Sandton, has confirmed the arrest of more than 90 illegal immigrants at a hijacked house in the area. According to the MMC, the 90 undocumented foreign nationals were found to be paying rent to another undocumented foreign national, who in turn reports to a third-party figure said to be a white male. It was revealed that while there were concerns about human trafficking and exploitation, authorities found no concrete evidence of these allegations during the operation. As a result, the authorities have marked the premises for closure while the remaining residents were processed for either deportation or legal proceedings. Tshwaku indicated that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and other law enforcement…

Editor Sifiso Mahlangu wasted no time in announcing Helen Zille’s age and race in his opinion piece, “In the DA, upward mobility is conditional” (The Star, June 17). This smacks of ageism, racism and selectivity. He forgot to mention Zille’s struggle credentials and her sterling work on the anti-apartheid newspaper, the Rand Daily Mail, under the stewardship of the late Allister Sparks. Mahlangu also seems to have forgotten that black DA (Democratic Alliance) candidates have been given the chance at the mayoral seat. One male DA mayor left for reasons of his own, while one young female medical doctor, Mpho Phalatse, was hounded out of office before she could even prove herself. After Phalatse, we saw some incompetents warming the mayoral seat, one or two with dubious credentials. Under their…

THE ball is now with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) advocates to give Judge Nompumelelo Radebe a convincing argument that Inkosi Albert Luthuli was killed by apartheid operatives, not a goods train as it was found soon after he died in 1967. Advocates Ncedile Dunywa, Annah Chuene, Siyabonga Ngcobo, and Xolani Msimango concluded, leading several people with evidence on June 11. Since the beginning of the inquest at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on April 14, the advocates have led an array of witnesses with evidence. Those who testified included South African Police (SAPS) members, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) officials, scene reconstruction and simulation experts, forensic analysts, medical evidence, family members of Chief Luthuli, anti-apartheid activists, and friends of Luthuli. Former justice minister Jeff Radebe also testified. The matter…

WHEN German pensioner Angelika Stibi got the keys to her new home in the southern region of Bavaria this year, a huge financial weight was lifted from her shoulders. Stibi has to pay just 88 euro cents (R17) a year for her apartment in the social housing complex known as the Fuggerei, where rents have not gone up since the Middle Ages. Founded in 1521 by the wealthy businessman Jakob Fugger and believed to be the oldest such project in the world, the Fuggerei in the city of Augsburg provides living space for 150 residents facing financial hardship. Consisting of several rows of yellow terraced buildings with green shutters and sloping red roofs, the complex still resembles a medieval village. “I had a truly wonderful life until I was 55,”…

Damian de Allende has this strong urge to end his illustrious career under Table Mountain for the Stormers. With his contract in Japan set to run until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the Springbok inside centre pinned his hopes on staying fresh and healthy to have his international swansong at the tournament Down Under. If everything goes according to plan and he can help the Boks to a third title in a row, he will look to move back home to have one last hurrah in the blue-and-white hoops of the Cape side. “A third World Cup win would be great to finish off a long career,” De Allende said this week during the Bok camp in Johannesburg. “I have about two seasons left in…

Judging by the comments online under the news about Kyalami’s new “Grade 1 FIA approval”, it seems as though South Africans are convinced that we are set to host the grandest race of them all. Just to be clear, the announcement made this week by Kyalami Circuit boss Toby Venter was about them taking a step closer to hosting a F1 race. There is still a ton of work that needs to be done, and even after that costly work, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) can still close the door on South Africa’s face. So, nothing’s really set in stone at this point, but Kyalami Circuit does appear to be the front-runner ahead of the Cape Town bid when it comes to hosting the race. What was said this…

Shubman Gill will be in the spotlight as a new-look India, without star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, bid to end their 18-year wait for a Test series win in England. Gill succeeded Rohit as captain after the latter announced his retirement from Test cricket last month. Just days later, Kohli said he was bowing out of red-ball internationals as well. Gill also has the additional responsibility of filling Kohli’s shoes at No 4 in the batting order. India vice-captain Rishabh Pant on Wednesday revealed that was where his new skipper would bat in the first of a five-Test series against England starting at Headingley today. The 25-year-old Gill has a modest Test batting average of 35 in 32 matches, a figure that drops to 29 in away games,…

Thembinkosi Lorch continued his resurgence with another eye-catching display for Wydad Athletic Club, even as the Moroccan giants fell 2-0 to Manchester City in their opening Fifa Club World Cup fixture on Wednesday night. Facing the former English champions in their group-stage opener, Wydad were always in for a tough night, but the 31-year-old South African winger emerged as one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise frustrating outing. The former Orlando Pirates star looked lively from the outset, offering an attacking threat both wide and on the inside, and remained one of Wydad’s more consistent outlets throughout the 90 minutes. The result leaves Wydad with plenty to do in their remaining group-stage fixture if they are to keep their tournament hopes alive, but Lorch’s individual performance gave South…

THROUGHOUT the Proteas’ two-year cycle, including heading into the World Test Championship final, the batting unit came under intense criticism and comparison. Many looked at Australia’s batting unit and identified their experience, including that of Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Travis Head – who are some of the best in the world – and compared that to South Africa’s young line-up. There were questions and doubts on the unit’s ability to hold their ground against a strong Australia attack, forgetting the centuries that the batters have scored throughout the cycle, be it here at home in South Africa or away from home. Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince commented on the batters’ potential upon arriving in South Africa this week, and told the media that they are yet to reach their…