Table of contents for 2025-07-29 in Star

As US President Donald Trump's sweeping and wide spread tariffs close in on South Africa, the citrus and wine industries have called for action to be taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa to stave off the detrimental effects it could have on them. On Monday, the wine industry said that South Africans should double down on supporting the local wine industry to offset the 30% tariffs that the United States government has slapped on South African wine exports. The industry stated that the tariffs threaten to erode the gains the local wine industry has achieved in the bumper harvest of 2025 and will potentially haemorrhage the jobs in the wine industry ecosystem. Eustace Mashimbye, Chief Executive Officer of Proudly South African said, "Spurred by favourable preferential trade terms from the African…

SARB expected to act in dealing with mounting pressure from rising inflation The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) is expected to moderate its monetary policy stance once more on Thursday despite mounting pressures from rising inflation, export tariffs, and modifications to administered prices. This move would reflect the bank’s responsiveness to an evolving economic landscape, which is increasingly characterised by unpredictability. With the annual headline consumer inflation rates remaining ticking up from 2.8% in May to 3.0% in June, analysts are closely monitoring how the Sarb will navigate the delicate balance between stimulating economic growth and curbing price escalation. The influence of global market trends, particularly those relating to commodity prices and supply chain disruptions, cannot be overstated as these factors play a crucial role in shaping local inflationary pressures.…

In today’s dynamic environment, a board’s effectiveness is measured not just by what its members know, but by how deliberately they continue to learn. Directors may be appointed for their experience, but without renewal, that experience quickly becomes outdated. Yet in many organisations, director education is reduced to a box-ticking exercise, limited to induction packs, technical updates or ad hoc compliance briefings. This is governance at its most passive. In truth, boards should embody the traits of a learning organisation: adaptive, inquisitive, self-aware and committed to continuous renewal. An informed board acknowledges that its fiduciary duties exist in a world of fast-moving risks and opportunities. The pace of change in technology, climate governance, geopolitical tensions, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory shifts demands more than static knowledge. It calls for a governance…

A major disruption is unfolding in global white-collar employment. According to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs could vanish in the next five years due to advances in artificial intelligence. As detailed in Axios’ article “Behind the Curtain: A White-Collar Bloodbath”, this isn’t science fiction; it’s a forecast from one of the leading minds in the AI field. South Africa, already battling youth unemployment and graduate underemployment, is ill-prepared for this transformation. According to StatsSA, South Africa’s youth unemployment rate stood at 45.5% in quarter one 2024, and even university graduates struggle to find meaningful, skills-aligned work. Our economy continues to rely heavily on labour-intensive sectors like mining and retail while offering limited pathways into knowledge work. Now, with AI rapidly mastering entry-level professional tasks,…

Tetra Pak South Africa managing director, Klaus Plenge, has underscored the imperative for food manufacturers to innovate amidst mounting sustainability demands and a heightened focus on food safety. Following a series of alarming food poisoning incidents, particularly impacting young children, the conversation around food safety has reached a new crescendo in South Africa. Tetra Pak suppliers food packaging and processing material in South Africa and Southern African countries such as Zimbabwe. In a recent interview with Business Report, Plenge said that food safety was now a top concern for local food processors. “We have a very young population and a growing need for food in the region with changing demand dynamics that also pose challenges and opportunities for companies,” Plenge said. “People are eager to have safe food and to…

Move over, The Real Housewives franchise – four new families are headed to Showmax next month. The streaming platform recently dropped the trailer for its upcoming reality series, Vaal Riviera, set to premiere on August 22. The series follows the vibrant lives of these families hailing from the Vaal Triangle, denouncing any ideas that tiny communities aren’t filled with drama. As the trailer suggests, the Vaal region offers a unique kind of glamour. Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging, nestled along the banks of the Vaal River, may be smaller in scale, but the drama they host is as vast as the waters that surround them. The first episode promises to deliver an action-packed start, as families prepare for the much-anticipated opening of the Vaal River. Cooler boxes packed into flashy cars and…

A Malawian man who has been unable to meet his monthly bond payments has accused Nedbank of reckless lending after owing over R2.6 million on his home loan. Bonface Tintin Ndawala, an accountant and the CEO of a mobile company in his home country, bought his home in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, in October 2011. He purchased his home with a bank loan of R2.4m. Initially, Ndawala was responsible for paying R27 559.62 each month, but his last payment was made in August 2021, amounting to R20 221.14. The failure to maintain payment resulted in arrears exceeding R977 000. In court, Ndawala represented himself after his attorney withdrew a few hours before the hearing. He told the court that he holds 5 400 shares valued at R1 000 each in Midveldt Investments…

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) yesterdaysaid a serious accident occurred on the M1 highway in Booysens, involving a bus and six other vehicles near Booysens Road. “Multiple injuries have been reported. However, there are no confirmed fatalities at this time,” said JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla. “Preliminary information suggests the bus was travelling south on the M1 towards the Booysens Road off-ramp when a passenger reportedly had an altercation with the driver, and (the passenger) grabbed the steering wheel.” The bus subsequently lost control, veered off the M1 South, crossed the barricades and median, and collided with vehicles on the M1 North. “Law enforcement officials are on the scene. The M1 North is currently closed to traffic at Booysens Road, causing significant disruptions,” said Fihla. “Motorists are advised to…

The Democratic Alliance DA has called for an urgent investigation into contracts awarded by Kenny Kunene. His resignation as a Proportional Representation (PR) councillor and MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg comes amid mounting public and political pressure, following revelations of his alleged association with a suspected member of a murder syndicate, a link now under internal investigation by the Patriotic Alliance (PA). In his resignation letter, Kunene stated that: “I regret to inform you that I have tendered my resignation as a Proportional Representation Councillor for the Patriotic Alliance, effective immediately, and will thus be unable to continue as a member of your mayoral committee, responsible for transport.” He went on to say: “I am stepping aside from public life, for a period, while my party satisfies…

Analysts have weighed in on former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s recent reflections about the emotional toll of presiding over South Africa’s controversial State Capture Commission, stating that it highlights challenges in South Africa’s anti-corruption efforts. In a recent statement that has sparked widespread debate, Zondo expressed the emotional toll of presiding over South Africa’s controversial State Capture Commission. He reflected on the personal discomfort of swearing in officials implicated in corruption, including members of parliament, despite the damning evidence uncovered by the commission. His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of the country’s efforts to combat systemic corruption and the efficacy of commissions of inquiry. Speaking openly last week about his experiences, Zondo conveyed the pain of holding a position that, while vital for uncovering corruption, often resulted in uncomfortable realities.…

The door is open for KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to join the EFF if he is fired from his position within the SAPS. That’s the invitation made by the red berets’ leader, Julius Malema, to the top cop. Malema has thrown his support behind Mkhwanazi, who made damning allegations of corruption and collusion among senior SAPS officials, the judiciary, and criminal syndicates. An ad hoc portfolio committee, which the EFF is part of, has been established in Parliament to investigate the claims. This comes after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa, following the allegations made by Mkhwanazi that top police officials are involved in corruption. Ramaphosa has since appointed Wits University law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister,…

South Africa’s K53 system, when used correctly, is an excellent defensive driving framework. It teaches situational awareness, anticipation and hazard identification – skills that, if applied correctly, can help a driver go decades without a single collision. Yet despite this, our roads remain among the deadliest in the world. According to Lunga Ntsendwana, founder and Managing Director of BlueChevron Driver Training Academy in Port Elizabeth, two key factors are at the heart of the crisis: poor training standards and outdated licensing loopholes. He says that the practice of issuing Code 10 licences to first-time drivers is doing more harm than good and must be urgently reformed. “Around 60% of new licences issued in South Africa are Code 10, intended for light trucks,” Ntsendwana says. “Many learners choose it because they…

With the dramatic shifting of credit from a tool for upward mobility to a survival mechanism for necessities like food, rent, electricity and transport, alarm bells are being sounded about unsustainable debt levels of consumers. The National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO) is concerned about high levels of debt exposure in the wake of the release of TransUnion’s Q1 2025 Industry Insights Report, which confirms a troubling trend: credit products commonly used by lower- and middle-income consumers are experiencing rapid growth in both uptake and default rates. With many households relying on credit just to meet basic needs, the NFO has warned of a surge in retail and non-bank loan defaults and urges consumers to beware of reckless lending, which can only place them deeper in debt. Financial strain…

India captain Shubman Gill praised his team’s character and mental strength after they pulled off a sensational final-day escape to draw the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford this past weekend. Trailing by a mammoth 311 runs in the first innings, India batted through five sessions with three centurions – Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar – to ensure the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series stays alive heading into the finale at The Oval. England, meanwhile, have bolstered their squad with fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton as they look to secure a series victory. It was Gill who set the tone for the rearguard with a gritty 103, forging a 188-run partnership with KL Rahul (90) after India were reduced to 0/2. Speaking to BCCI TV after the match, the skipper…

As the 2025/26 South African football season kicks off, the contrasting ambitions of two Betway Premiership clubs set the stage for an intriguing campaign. Mamelodi Sundowns, the undisputed giants of domestic football, enter the new term with silverware in their sights and continental glory firmly on their radar. In stark contrast, top-flight debutants Orbit College are preparing for a battle of survival, armed with belief, loyalty to their playing identity, and a few strategic signings. From title favourites to hopeful newcomers, both clubs face defining seasons ahead. TOP TRUMPS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS Club Owner: Patrice Motsepe Head Coach: Miguel Cardoso Highest ever finish: Champions Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, CAF Champions League Silverware chances: Excellent for all domestic competitions; one of the favourites for the…

Power utility Eskom argues that a Supreme Court of Appeal judgement has become conflated with an arbitration process and that there are two, separate, matters ongoing at the same time and that the ruling was handed down after it paid the debt. This follows a matter recently heard in the Western Cape High Court during which Eskom challenged what was a rather messy process of arbitration, which led to an order from the arbitrator that Eskom owed Framatome money for breaching a contract. Framatome had been hired to install steam generators at Koeberg nuclear power station. In an October 2021 matter before the Supreme Court of Appeal, Framatome was successful in an appeal to set aside a high court ruling stating that Eskom was in breach of a contract and…

The interdependence of water, energy, and food systems is crucial for securing essential services, fostering economic growth, and protecting vulnerable communities. This nexus is particularly significant in South Africa and the broader Global South, where water scarcity, energy instability, and food insecurity are deeply interconnected issues, each exacerbating the others. Extreme weather events linked to climate change are rendering water scarcer and more unpredictable, according to the United Nations. Unreliable power sources compromise sanitation processes, resulting in untreated sewage contaminating water bodies and increasing water purification costs for service providers. Consequently, water pollution poses significant risks to human health, contributing to waterborne illnesses and severely impacting ecosystems, as toxic elements enter the human food chain through contaminated fish and aquatic organisms. Municipalities’ consistent failure to maintain and expand energy and…

Economists have concurred that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) could help lower the borrowing costs, boost investor confidence, and economic growth by reducing its inflation targeting to 3% per annum. This comes as discussions have emerged regarding whether South Africa’s current inflation target midpoint of 4.5% is consistent with price stability and whether adjusting it to a lower rate might help secure the current trend of low inflation Analyses undertaken by the Sarb, the National Treasury, and other experts highlight significant potential benefits from reducing the inflation target to 3%. Recent comments from the Sarb about potentially lowering the inflation target led market participants to recalibrate inflation expectations downward. According to the Bank of America (BofA) Global Research's latest South Africa Viewpoint on Monday, there is more to gain…

Global leaders have entered the AI race. Last week, the US President Donald Trump announced the US AI Action plan. He described it as, “An industrial revolution, an information revolution, and a renaissance—all at once.” A few days later China proposed a framework to govern AI development. What these superpowers have said and plan about AI is important for all of us who will be affected by this technology. The US plan proposed the “cutting regulations to spur AI innovation and adoption, speeding up the buildout of AI data centers, exporting AI “full technology stacks” to US allies and partners, and ridding AI systems of what the White House calls “ideological bias”. The plan makes it clear that the US will use AI to achieve its political goals. If the…

Zimbabwean beverage giant, Delta Corporation, is experiencing contrasting fortunes in its regional markets after it battled labour disruptions in South Africa and recorded brisk business for its lager beer volumes back home, driven by tobacco sales and resurgent gold prices. In South Africa, Delta's subsidiary United National Breweries volumes fell by 8% in the quarter to the end of June. Delta's company secretary, Faith Musinga, said United National Breweries “witnessed some unfortunate disruptions from labour unions and pressure groups” in South Africa during the quarter under review. However, she said this has now been resolved. In contrast, Delta said it has been experiencing “significant changes to market channels arising from the informal sector growth, operational pressures in formal retail sectors” as well as “varied application of route-to-market” regulations in Zimbabwe.…

French President Emmanuel Macron has made a significant decision to recognise the State of Palestine, aiming to promote peace in the conflict-ridden Middle East. This announcement is anticipated to occur before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September. Before France’s recognition, 10 of the 27 EU countries had acknowledged Palestinian statehood, according to media reports in Europe. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, and Romania recognised Palestine in 1988 before joining the EU. Sweden was the first EU member to do so in October 2014. On May 28, 2024, Spain and Ireland recognised Palestine, aiming to aid peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians, followed by Slovenia’s recognition on June 4, 2024. “We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We…

Legal counsel delivered its closing arguments during the bail hearing of Tiffany Meek in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Meek, 31, from Fleurhof, is charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son Jayden-Lee Meek. In addition to murder, Meek also faces charges of crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. Jayden-Lee was reported missing on May 13, and his body was found a few hours later, metres away from his home. The State has called out Meek for deliberately shifting the focus of the investigation and the court's opinion with her defence tactics. The State alleges that Meek killed her son, went back to her apartment between 4 am and 5 am on May 14, to remove…

A Pretoria couple charged with the attempted murder and abuse of their then 4-month-old son, only identified as Baby M, yesterday pleaded not guilty to the charges and told the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, that the State will have to prove its case against them. It is claimed that the couple, who cannot be named to safeguard their son’s identity, abused the baby from birth until he was eventually admitted to the ICU at the Pretoria West Hospital in 2020. The couple, the biological parents of the baby, were arrested at their Sunnyside flat after the baby struggled to breathe and was rushed to the hospital. The baby had suffered several injuries, including several fractured ribs, a broken femur, respiratory failure, and facial injuries. According to medical findings, there was…

The role of BRICS in the world has been hailed as a positive force driving dialogue and creating strategic conditions for development, rather than opposing any particular nation, including the US. This message was delivered at the Russia-Africa conference, co-hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and the South African Institute of International Affairs in Pretoria. The conference, titled “Realpolitik Responses in a Fractured World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in Global and African Context”, brought together top government officials and academics to share their perspectives on “G20 and BRICS: Assessing Strategic Roles in an Evolving Global Order”. Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the BRICS leadership cycle in the G20 has coincided with a strengthening of its economic positions.…

South Africa will experience a relatively calm start to the new week with no severe weather alerts expected across the country. Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga can expect cool to cold conditions with gusty winds and no rain forecast. The South African Weather Service has issued a “NIL” warning, indicating no significant weather threats, with clear skies and stable conditions dominating the national outlook. Rainfall was limited and isolated on Sunday, with only two small regions to have been expected to receive any precipitation. However, a significant shift is coming midweek. By tomorrow, July 30, a cold front will sweep in from the west, bringing cooler temperatures, strong winds, and rainfall. The Western Cape, particularly around Cape Town and Worcester, will experience widespread showers, with a 60% chance of rain predicted…

IN A HEART-wrenching appeal, two families in South Africa are seeking potentially lifesaving stem cell donors for their loved ones. Oyintando, a two-year-old toddler, and Zachary, a 21-year-old university student, are both in dire need of a stem cell transplant to survive. Oyintando was diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder that weakens the immune system and affects blood clotting. Despite ongoing treatment, his family is struggling to cope with the financial burden of his regular hospital visits. Zachary, on the other hand, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia, a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. He requires weekly transfusions and multiple rounds of medication, but none of his family members is a donor match. According to Palesa Mokomele, head of community…

The Christian Leaders’ Forum, South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), and the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem are painfully dismayed by the latest attack against Christianity mounted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF). Their latest campaign, dressed as the ‘Solidarity in Action Awards’, seeks to award applicants with proposals on ‘creative, courageous, and effective initiatives geared towards challenging Christian Zionism.’ The organisations, among several other parties, are jointly calling for renewed respect for the constitutional right of South African Christians to freely express their religious convictions, particularly regarding support for Israel. This comes amid growing concern about what the groups describe as a troubling ideological drift within the Nelson Mandela Foundation, made clear by its blatant hostility towards Christian Zionism, as characterised by the Solidarity in Action Awards. “It appears…

The Umkhonto we Sizwe Party’s (MKP) growing relationship with the Kingdom of Morocco, as laid out in the document titled ‘A Strategic Partnership for African Unity, Economic Emancipation and Territorial Integrity: Morocco’, was recently strengthened during a high-profile visit to Morocco by MKP leader, Jacob Zuma. This deepening alliance raises serious questions about the MKP’s ideological commitments and political motivations, especially in light of Morocco’s controversial political stance and human rights record. MKP’s partnership with a country with deep links to Israel – and one that has been complicit in the ongoing occupation and human rights violations against the Sahrawi people – is a marked departure from the party’s earlier messaging as a champion of anti-colonialism and African self-determination. Rather than standing in solidarity with the oppressed, MKP now appears…

In their desperation to hang on to wantaway star Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest may have committed a cardinal error. The midfielder was central to Forest’s surprise run in the English Premier League last season. They eventually finished in seventh place, and if it weren’t for a late wobble, they would have been preparing for Uefa Champions League football next season. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team also reached the FA Cup semi-final. Yet, it seemed that their talisman had been lost to Forest, after Tottenham had announced that they had activated the player’s buyout clause with a £60 million (about 1.44bn) bid earlier this month. The club’s billionaire owner, Evangelos Marinakos, refused to let their star leave without a fight, especially after the backlash from some quarters that greeted the departure of…

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says his side will need a shift in mindset if they are to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns, who have dominated the league for the past eight seasons. Pirates appear best placed to have another strong campaign, having emerged as the side most likely to challenge Sundowns after addressing the loose ends — with new player additions set to strengthen the squad this season. The Buccaneers are returning to the CAF Champions League, but with the league title also a major priority — having missed out for over a decade — consistency will be key in achieving their targets. Mabasa, who has been crucial for the Soweto giants over the past three seasons, believes the team needs to adopt the right mentality to overcome what has become…

Kaspersky researchers warned on Monday they have discovered a new wave of scam attacks that use Google Forms to target crypto users. Knowing the email address of the potential victim, the attackers send a scam email through Google Forms, which is designed to appear as a notification from a crypto exchange service. Users are invited to receive an alleged transfer in cryptocurrency by following a link to a website where they are instructed to contact “blockchain support” and make a “commission” payment in crypto to receive the transfer. Following these instructions could lead to the loss of funds, as the whole “transfer” story is a hoax. The attackers used Google Forms – a free tool for online surveys – to create a short questionnaire with just one slot to fill…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is disrupting every phase of the banking value chain – including, critically, the recruitment of a workforce equipped to navigate its breakneck pace of change while sustaining both current and future business resilience. We’re witnessing a paradox in recruitment. While companies rely on AI to filter applications, candidates are also turning to AI to refine and enhance theirs. From autogenerated responses to simulated interviews, technology is influencing both sides of the process. In a country where youth unemployment stands at 45.5% among individuals aged 15-34 years, the proliferation of AI in the workforce not only demands embedding AI fluency early, but also, a more strategic approach to developing young talent. Rethinking Graduate Roles Absa’s graduate programme within Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) reflects this mindset. It’s an…

Valterra Platinum’s half-year profit slumped 81% in a pivotal period of transition that saw the demerger from Anglo American, the launch of a new identity, and a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange. Valterra’s share price slipped 2.19% on the JSE Monday morning to R855.90 after the release of the results for the six months to June 30, but the price is nonetheless 22.5% higher than at the same time last year. Headline earnings per share fell 81% to R4.73 per share, mainly due to demerger costs and lower output. Headline earnings came to R1.2 billion, down from R6.5bn in the same period last year. Platinum group metals (PGM) sales fell by 25% to 1.48 million ounces, due mainly to the impact of flooding at its Amandelbult operations after…

Western Cape-focused Spear REIT has acquired Consani Industrial Park in Elsie’s River Industria for R437.3 million from Adrenna Property Group. Spear directors said the acquisition aligns with their strategy to grow a portfolio of well-located industrial assets within the province. The acquisition would diversify and strengthen their exposure to “highly sought after industrial nodes in the region.” “Consani Industrial Park possesses strong fundamentals and favourable prospects for rental income growth and long-term capital appreciation.” Spear's management said Monday. The precinct was attracting large-format occupiers reliant on energy continuity and organic growth options within Consani Industrial Park, they said. “The acquisition supports Spear's focus on securing assets that generate sustainable income and long-term value through long-dated lease tenures and robust rental growth rates,” they added. The 80 657 square metre industrial…

The rock scene has a fresh heartbeat – and it’s coming from a father and son duo in South Africa that’s turning heads far beyond their hometown. Meet Cantrel, the explosive new band making waves on the global stage with their debut EP, Jump. Made up of Pietermaritzburg-born Neil Breytenbach, the legendary keyboardist and co-songwriter from one of SA’s most iconic rock bands, Prime Circle, and his equally talented son, Jesse Breytenbach, Cantrel is more than just a collaboration – it’s a generational bridge that fuses experience, passion and raw talent into a sound that’s both timeless and thrillingly new. Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with the duo, who opened up about their sound, their relationship and the wild ride they have been on since Jump dropped. A leap of…

The mystery surrounding the alleged death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste has given rise to conspiracy theories, reflecting a growing lack of trust in law enforcement, according to a respected political analyst. As the dust settles on a R6.3 billion agreement between the South African Reserve Bank and Ibex Holdings, the former Steinhoff empire, a far more unsettling question refuses to go away. No one can say where Jooste was buried. While a statement by the SARB confirmed that both parties reached a settlement allowing Ibex to wind down operations, repay creditors, and conclude all related legal proceedings, the nation is still asking: “Where is the proof that Jooste is truly dead?” After the full extent of the Steinhoff scandal came to light, Jooste was fined last March R475…

Police unions have condemned a shocking incident involving one of their own in Protea Glen, calling for urgent action as questions mount over violence within the ranks. This follows a tragic incident in which a police captain allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, a fellow officer, and her brother, wounded three others, and then turned the gun on himself at a private gathering. According to police, the captain served as a Group Commander stationed in Hillbrow, while his girlfriend was a police sergeant with the Yeoville Detectives. The officer allegedly used his service pistol, a Z88, and six spent cartridges were recovered at the scene. Those injured were immediately rushed to Bheki Mlangeni Hospital for medical treatment. The gathering was reportedly held to celebrate the birthday of the captain’s girlfriend.…

The long-awaited trial of six men accused of one of South Africa’s deadliest mass killings began yesterday, at the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court. The case was heard under a special sitting of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court. The trial follows the shocking massacre on September 28, 2024, when 18 people were shot and killed at two neighbouring homes in Ngobozana Village, near Lusikisiki. The accused, Mzukisi Ndamase, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, Aphiwe “AP” Ndende, Bonga Hintsa, Mawethu Nomdlembu, and Songezo Vuma, face serious charges, including 18 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and robbery. The National Prosecuting Authority says the trial is expected to run for 3 weeks until September 19. All six men remain in custody. One of them, Ndamase, who is already serving a life sentence,…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has arrested a 27-year-old Limpopo man for fraud after he allegedly acquired a top-of-the-range Ford Raptor fraudulently. The 27-year-old man who cannot be identified until he appears in court was nabbed by the Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation unit and the Sekhukhune tracing team at Groblersdal in Limpopo. “It is alleged that during April 2023, the accused applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued at over R1.3 million. “The accused allegedly attached the bank statement and the employer’s payslip as requested,” said Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo. “The application was processed and approved.” The dealership then contacted the 27-year-old man and notified him that his application had…

A few weeks ago, South Africans heard the serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement structures. On Sunday, 13 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to focus on the shocking allegations that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi recently made and how the alleged deep-rooted corruption will be dealt with. While I agree that the allegations must be attended to with the necessary diligence and all parties must be given a fair chance to express themselves, citizens are tired of the many costly, time-consuming and unsuccessful commissions of inquiries. The most famous commission of inquiry, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector, also known…

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Emma Powell has resigned from her role as the party’s spokesperson on International Relations following allegations that she spread disinformation about the South African government during a visit to the United States. In a statement released yesterday, Powell said she had decided to step down after more than two years in the role, citing the personal and political toll of her work. “Over the past two and a half years, I have traveled the world on behalf of my party, first as shadow minister and later as national spokesperson, speaking out against some of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world,” Powell said. She claimed that her work defending South Africa’s constitutional values on the global stage resulted in threats, intimidation, harassment, and illegal…

US President Donald Trump’s yo-yoing foreign policy continues to cause unprecedented ructions in international relations, with his sudden adoption of a hard stance against Russia the latest example of the dreaded unpredictability in diplomacy. One expert has likened President Trump’s cantankerous approach to foreign relations to a “monkey playing with a hand grenade”. In a typical flip-flop move the US leader gave Russia 50 days to make a deal on ending the war with Ukraine or face 100% tariffs. In addition, Trump announced that he was immediately undertaking a programme to supply weapons to Nato for use in Ukraine at a cost of up to a trillion dollars. “America will manufacture and supply, and Nato will pay,” he said. Leading Nato member-states – the UK, France and Germany, under…

SAFA find themselves in a race against time as they faces crucial decisions regarding the leadership of the senior national women's football team, Banyana Banyana. With two significant qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) approaching in October, uncertainty looms over the head coach position of Desiree Ellis, who has been at the helm since 2016. Wafcon 2026 will be played in Morocco for the third consecutive time, starting in March next year. Banyana's recent performances, including their historic run at the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, have sparked debates about the team's future path. The pressure is increasing for Safa to either reaffirm their commitment to Ellis or consider a different approach that could bring fresh perspectives and renewed vigour to…

Oscar Piastri continues to prove that his form in the 2025 season is no fluke, cementing his status as a legitimate championship contender in only his second year with McLaren. The ex-Alpine driver clinched victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, stretching his lead in the drivers’ championship to 16 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who followed him home in second at Spa. The battle between the two McLaren drivers has been fierce and free of team orders, with both pushing each other to the limit. So far, Piastri has landed the more decisive blows, but with such a slim margin separating them, any slip-up could become the defining moment in a season that’s fast shaping into a thriller between teammates driving arguably the best car on the grid. While…

Durban City head coach Gavin Hunt has expressed deep concern over the continued erasure of South African football’s identity, following yet another major club sale — this time involving his former side, SuperSport United, now renamed Siwelele FC. Hunt, one of the most successful coaches in the local game, guided SuperSport to three consecutive league titles between 2008 and 2010 and is credited with nurturing a generation of top-flight talent during his time at the Tshwane-based outfit. The sale and rebranding of the club is personal for the veteran mentor — and symptomatic, he believes, of a wider issue plaguing the game. “Club names should not change, that’s the first thing I think is important,” Hunt said. “If people buy clubs, then they should stay in the city the club…

The British Football Academy (BFA) in Pinetown is slowly turning dreams into reality — not just for ambitious teenage footballers in KwaZulu-Natal, but for South African development structures as a whole. Backed by England-based duo John Read and Peter Coyle, BFA has brought a new rhythm to youth development by giving township talents more than hope — they’re offering a passport to the big stage. Since partnering with Pinetown Boys High School in 2023, the academy has been expanding both in vision and impact. The aim? To bridge the gap between raw talent in South Africa and professional football abroad, with clubs like Queens Park Rangers already keeping a close eye on the progress. More than just a pipeline to Europe, BFA has made its presence felt locally. Their team,…