Table of contents for 2025-06-06 in Star

The Health Funders Association (HFA), representing 21 medical schemes and three administrators, announced a legal challenge against critical components of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act during a media briefing on Thursday. HFA's CEO, Thoneshan Naidoo, said the organisation supported universal health coverage (UHC) but criticised the NHI Act as unaffordable, unworkable, and unconstitutional. Key Concerns with the NHI Act The NHI Act establishes a centralised, state-controlled fund that consolidates all healthcare financing, prohibiting medical schemes from covering services reimbursable by the NHI. Naidoo argued that this restriction infringes on citizens' constitutional rights to choose how they access and fund healthcare beyond state provisions. "South Africa deserves an equitable, high-quality healthcare system," Naidoo said. "While we support this vision, the NHI Act is fiscally unfeasible and threatens the stability…

Investment in clean energy technologies is set to strike a record this year despite global economic uncertainty, double the spending on fossil fuels that will dip for the first time since 2020, the International Energy Agency said Thursday. While the Trump administration has been hostile to renewable energy sources and trumpets boosting oil production, the IEA said security concerns as well as rising demand for electricity - including from artificial intelligence and data centres - is driving investment in clean energy sources. “Amid the geopolitical and economic uncertainties that are clouding the outlook for the energy world, we see energy security coming through as a key driver of the growth in global investment this year to a record $3.3 trillion (R59trl) as countries and companies seek to insulate themselves from…

Airline passengers can thank the courts for the replacement of four critical Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) units at OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports. This is as a protracted legal dispute continues involving - the Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS), Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) - over who holds the mandate to provide check-in hold baggage screening (HBS) services at South African airports. The ACS said it had launched the legal action given the risk of service breakdown due to ageing screening infrastructure and manufacturer support withdrawal, which compelled it to seek urgent court relief in 2024 to allow it to replace four back-up Level 3 HBS units at OR Tambo and King Shaka. ACS in November obtained an order barring…

AYO Technology Solutions said Thursday that a share repurchase agreement with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) in 2023 was executed based on advice from advisors at the time and was made in good faith and in alignment with the legal guidance provided. “AYO acknowledges the JSE’s decision to issue a public censure and to suspend the application of a fine for five years and affirms its support for the JSE’s ongoing commitment to market transparency and investor confidence,” the company said. AYO said the period surrounding the PIC settlement was marked by a wave of media scrutiny and speculative reporting, much of which misrepresented the intent and content of the agreement. “AYO remains committed to correcting the narrative by continuing to act in the best interests of its shareholders and…

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra promises to heat up Joburg winter evenings with their renowned compositions this month. This series will see the world-renowned soloists and conductors bring top-notch interpretations to the City of Gold. Where: Linder Auditorium at Wits University. When: Every Thursday until June 26. All shows start at 7.30pm. The Johnnie Walker Blue Polo Elegance and luxury will take centre stage at this event which is returning to Joburg for its second year. The event will be a multisensory journey that fuses the sport of polo with the blended Scotch whisky. With the Sandton skyline in the background, guests will be immersed in a world of fashion, food, drinks and some polo festivities. Where: The Inanda Club. When: Sunday from 10am. Pantone Sundays This event, which is one…

A pilot was killed, and a passenger was left seriously injured after an aircraft crashed in Lanseria, Gauteng. The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) said the accident occurred yesterday around 10 am. “The aircraft departed from Lanseria International Airport (FALA) before crashing moments after takeoff, within the perimeter of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. “There were two on board the aircraft, a pilot and passenger. The pilot was killed, and the passenger was left seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital,” said AIID. AIID said it has dispatched investigators to the site, and a preliminary report will be published on the South African Civil Aviation Authority website in 30 days from the date of the accident. In a similar accident last month, a Mpumalanga couple tragically lost their…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged increased urgency, ambition, and alignment in addressing the global debt crisis that confronts low-income and developing countries, emphasising that the world is racing against time with just five years remaining to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 Speaking ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), Ramaphosa emphasised the need for unified global action to achieve sustainable development and support vulnerable economies. “We must achieve these goals not merely because we have committed them to paper, but because the health, welfare, and happiness of billions of people depend on the progress we make.” He described the conference as a decisive moment for the global community, especially in the wake of the United Nations 2024 Report on the SDGs, which he…

Asset Auctions is hosting a timed online auction featuring the inventory from home, school and business express stores. The auction will start on June 13 from 10am and end on June 20 at 9am. Acting on the instructions of the joint liquidator, in the matter of Afri Pack General SA (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation), items going under the hammer will include: • Generators – ’21 Fangyue FY-k55 50kva generator, 50kva diesel generator, Maverick Faw 41kva generator • Point of sale equipment: Anypos – 100 point-of-sale terminals, Lenovo Core I3 all-in-one computers IT equipment: Argox label printers, HP enterprise servers, server cabinet with switches, CCTV camera systems, PA speakers, UPS systems, biometric clocking systems • Store fixtures: gondola end bases, light/medium duty industrial shelving, trolleys, shopping baskets, balloon-filling stations • Assorted…

Up and coming stage performers and directors from Rondebosch and Observatory are looking for donations to go to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda which starts on Thursday June 26. Founder of a local based Spark in the Dark theatre collective group, Sophie Joans, 28, from Observatory said around 16 stage performers including herself are seeking a total of R100 000 to support them on the journey to Makhanda. She said the funds raised will go towards transport, accommodation, food, marketing materials for their productions and buying stage props. “We have never tried to raise funds like this before on such a big crowdfunding scale. But we believe that people and our networks will see the value of supporting the next generation of South African stars,” she says. Ms Joans…

There has been a steady decline and collapse of support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) under the leadership of Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams since her appointment 1400 days ago. Her tenure has delivered frustration for millions of young South Africans, be they job seekers or job creators. The recent appointment process for the Small Enterprise Ombud, which was due to be debated in Parliament this week, is one more example of political patronage being placed ahead of championing SMMEs. Instead of appointing a credible, independent voice to advocate for struggling entrepreneurs, the process has been marred by backroom deals and insider politics. The very office that is meant to protect SMMEs from government red tape and corruption is being used as a reward mechanism for loyal cadres. Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams…

As South Africa gears up for its upcoming international fixtures, national team coach Hugo Broos is setting the stage for Bafana Bafana to evolve beyond the reliance on Mamelodi Sundowns stars. For almost a decade, Sundowns have formed the backbone of the national team, but they are unavailable due to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. This will allow Broos to run the rule over new players, starting with Friday’s friendly against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane (kick-off at 7.30pm). Broos has a second chance next Tuesday to cultivate a more diverse talent pool that reflects the rich tapestry of footballing capabilities across the nation. Bafana will host Mozambique next Tuesday evening at the same venue. Broos, who took the reins of Bafana in 2021, has been…

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Roger Federer. It was a big moment for me, as I have always admired the Swiss tennis maestro, and on a list of top sporting heroes, he surely would be among my leading considerations. For years, rather tongue-in-cheek, I have claimed him as a South African, due to his ties to this country through his mother. Over many matches before his retirement, I watched his skills and talents in awe, and have even received a threat or two from those who supported his opponents, due to a sense of humour failure and a lack of comprehensive reading on their part. I had known for weeks that I would get to meet the 20-time Grand Slam winner, so I had plenty of time to…

According to the OECD survey economic output grew by 0.7% annually in the past ten years South Africa’s economy remains under significant strain, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth lagging behind population increases over the past decade. According to the OECD Economic Survey: South Africa 2025, economic output grew by a mere 0.7% annually in the past ten years. This slow pace resulted in stagnating or declining GDP per capita, further deepening the country’s entrenched unemployment and inequality. The OECD warned that “economic growth has averaged only 0.7% per year over the past decade, below that of the population,” a key factor in the country’s deteriorating living standards. Public debt, which stood at 31.5% of GDP in 2010, is projected to balloon to 77% by 2025, increasing debt servicing costs…

Turkish mobile network operator, Turkcel, is set to oppose MTN’s bid in the Constitutional Court to appeal a recent ruling that will allow allegations of bribery against MTN to be heard in South Africa. MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, approached the Constitutional Court arguing that South Africa doesn’t have jurisdiction to hear legal bids over alleged corruption in Iran, and the matter should be heard there. In April, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) allowed Turkcell to present evidence alleging MTN committed bribery and corruption to overturn an Iranian GSM licence award. The SCA ruling marked the first time a South African court determined whether misconduct allegations abroad could be heard locally. On Thursday, Turkcell said it was opposing MTN’s application to the Constitutional Court. In a statement, it…

Jubilee Metals, a diversified metals producer with operations in South Africa and Zambia, has received a conditional binding offer from a private mining and metals trading company to acquire the group’s chrome and platinum group metals (PGM) operations in South Africa for a consideration of up to $90 million (R1.6 billion). The shares leapt 4.17% to R1.00 on Thursday morning on the JSE as investors welcomed the news. The offer allows Jubilee to sharpen its focus on expanding its copper strategy in Zambia while retaining exposure to the PGM market through its Tjate Platinum mining project. Under the terms of the offer, Jubilee will retain all current rights to the Tjate Platinum mining project offering Jubilee continued exposure to the potential upside of the PGM market, while focusing to further…

in May, outpacing equity and bond markets The South African REIT sector continued its upward trajectory in May, posting a 4.1% gain, once again outperforming the equity market returns of 3.1% and the 2.7% rise in bonds, said Ian Anderson, Head of Listed Property and Portfolio Manager at Merchant West Investments. Anderson, compiler of the SA REIT Association’s monthly Chart Book, attributed the sector’s improving sentiment to expectations of lower interest rates in South Africa, a small reprieve in global tariff tensions, and growing evidence that property fundamentals are strengthening. “These trends set the stage for higher distributable earnings growth across the sector in 2025 and 2026,” said Anderson. The REIT sector gain in May builds on April’s 6.9% surge, bringing the sector’s year-to-date return to 6.7% - a recovery…

While it may feel intimidating, especially if there are no specific health issues, establishing a relationship with a gynaecologist early can have lasting benefits Medical experts recommend that young women have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15. This may seem early but the initial visit is usually more educational than clinical. It gives girls and young women a chance to ask questions, to learn about their bodies and to get guidance in a supportive environment. Some situations may call for an earlier or immediate visit, such as: l Severe menstrual cramps, irregular periods, or heavy bleeding l Vaginal discharge, odour or itching l Pelvic pain or discomfort l Questions about puberty, body changes or sexual development l Becoming sexually active l Considering or needing birth…

A former senior City of Tshwane official, Tienka Abbort, has been arrested and appeared in court in connection with a R11 million municipal funds fraud case. The city has hailed the arrest as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the theft. This comes three months after the city reported the suspension of a finance department employee amid internal investigations linking him and two colleagues to a R10m-plus fraud scheme that allegedly occurred between May 2021 and January 2022. Two of the employees were arrested and appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where they were each granted R10 000 bail. At the time, the city said the third employee had evaded arrest by hospitalising himself after learning of the impending police action. The alleged scheme involved collusion between city…

City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero has called on the police to find the people responsible for murdering Likhona Fose, 14. Fose, a Grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, was found dead with her body mutilated in an empty field on Sunday, 1 June, sparking reports of possible muthi and hate crime-related murder. Yesterday, Morero joined scores of mourners, including family, friends, learners from various schools and members of the Johannesburg City Council and MEC for education, Matome Chiloane and other officials who mourned the tragic manner in which the child died. The memorial service held at the Nkone Maruping Primary School in Braamfischerville attracted throngs of sympathisers who decried the scourge of GBVF and other violent crimes against women and children. The discovery of Fose’s mutilated…

The business rescue practitioner (BRP) of Mango has announced that the state-owned low-cost airline is a step closer to resuming its operations four years after it was grounded. Chartered accountant Sipho Sono has indicated that Mango Airlines is currently in the final stages of concluding a transaction with the selected investor that will help restart operations for the first time since July 2021. “As part of this process, we need to confirm the value of unflown tickets that were purchased but not used and vouchers that were previously issued but could not be used, as a result of the suspension of Mango’s operations when it entered business rescue,” he said yesterday. Mango passengers who bought tickets and paid in full but could not fly due to its suspension of operations…

The criminal investigation into how over R250 million was misspent by the SA National Defence Force in 2020 on an unapproved anti-COVID vaccine from Cuba is advancing again after significant DA pressure. Both the Hawks and the SIU are proceeding with this investigation, and complainant statements were taken in person this week to support the charges the DA laid with the SAPS in 2022. Because the criminal investigation had gone cold, the DA used Parliamentary Questions to the Minister of Police to prompt him on the delay in the investigation, and wrote letters to the Minister too, and following this DA intervention, the criminal investigation has been revived. The DA will now push for concrete timelines for the full investigation of this case, and we expect that it will be…

Prominent Pietermaritzburg lawyer and sports administrator Poobalan 'Poobie' Govindasamy has stepped into the fray to rescue the South African Football Association (Safa) as it faced relentless criticism from the parliamentary sports portfolio committee. Govindasamy, SAFA's head of legal, was part of the national football delegation that endured a barrage of questions from fuming members on Wednesday. Their concerns were about governance, operations, and overall performance in promoting the sport on both local and international stages. However, a matter that had members seething with anger was the shocking yellow card bungle. As a result, the increasingly popular national team, Bafana Bafana, found itself at the centre of controversy. A few months ago, star midfielder Teboho Mokoena, featured in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, despite being suspended due to…

Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé has acknowledged the mental and physical challenge posed by facing the Sharks in the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final at Loftus Versfeld. Despite the Sharks’ dramatic victory over Munster in the quarter-finals, Nortjé wants his side to remain focused on the task ahead, highlighting the importance of resilience and executing their gameplan on Saturday (6.15pm kick-off). “When we reach the play-offs, we try to always get ourselves in the headspace of Test-match level preparation,” said Nortjé ahead of the clash. “We had the same mentality against Edinburgh, and it will be more of the same this weekend. The fact that it is a South African derby just adds more fuel, excitement, and tension. So, we have to ensure that we are mentally prepared and get…

A place in next season’s Betway Premiership will be up for grabs when the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotional play-offs get underway next Wednesday. Orbit College will host Casric Stars in the opening clash at Olympia Stadium in Rustenburg (kick-off 3pm). The Rustenburg-based side finished second on the NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship table, just five points behind league winners Durban City, who secured automatic promotion after a stellar campaign. The college side's impressive run earned them a spot in the mini-league playoffs, which will see three teams battle it out for one remaining berth in South Africa’s top-flight league. Completing the trio of hopefuls is Cape Town City, who finished second-last in the Betway Premiership and will now be fighting to retain their elite status. The format will be straightforward:…

Sasol has “optimised” its decarbonisation strategy to 2030, but there remain unanswered questions about whether the fuel-from-coal and chemicals group will be able to meet its 2030 emissions targets given its slow pace so far and plans to increase production. This was according to shareholder activist organisation Just Share, which said Sasol’s Capital Market Day last week had raised some serious questions about how Sasol, which generates about 10% of South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), will meet its 2030, 30% emission reduction target with its revised Emission Reduction Roadmap (ERR). Sasol said in response to BR questions on this issue that the new ERR has been carefully designed to meet the 2030 target, while unlocking value, offering optionality, and transforming the group’s asset base. “It supports Secunda’s evolution into…

Hedge funds often occupy a paradoxical space in investors’ minds: widely discussed, poorly understood. The appeal of hedge funds is well established - diversification, agility, consistent risk-adjusted returns, and greater flexibility. However, the path to accessing these benefits is far less straightforward. In an environment shaped by volatility, shifting market regimes, and rapid structural change, the central question is no longer why hedge funds, but how to identify the strategies best positioned to perform. With increased regulation and transparency over time, the hedge fund industry has evolved into one that offers investors a range of strategies and structures tailored to varying preferences, risk appetites, and objectives. Long/short Equity Long/short equity strategies are designed with two core objectives in mind: enhancing alpha and managing beta. By going long on undervalued stocks…

Impala Platinum (Implats) has suspended a strike action by employees under the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) ongoing on issues related to an employee share ownership trust as the parties remain locked in negotiations. The strike action, initially slated for June 6, 2025, would have affected the company’s Rustenburg operations. In a notice to strike served on Implats, Amcu informed Implats “of the protected strike action” that will take place across all the Impala Platinum Limited Operations. “The strike will commence on Friday, 06 June 2025, starting with the afternoon shift as well as all other shifts thereafter. All AMCU members working at Impala Rustenburg across all your Impala Rustenburg Operations will participate in this protected strike action. The last shift will report on duty on Friday, 06…

Spinning, a thrilling motorsport culture, is heading to television screens this August, promising exciting times for enthusiasts. Gush'lyf offers car enthusiasts a fresh and exciting experience, blending the thrill of modern car spinning with a touch of classic style. It’s the latest must-see for anyone passionate about the popular performance stunt. The BMW 325i (Gusheshe) is usually the star of the show when it comes to spinning, and for those who appreciate the meticulousness and skill required to execute flawless drifts, this is a must-watch. Coming to Mzansi Magic, Gush’Lyf promises to deliver adrenaline-fuelled action, showcasing the lives and skills of four expert drivers, including Gift Zulu (Ngozi), Nalo Dzhivhuho (Dankie Darlie aka Queen of Smoke), Mpho Dirolo (Poroza) and Collie Golden (Mzet aka Moruti), as they push the…

The City of Johannesburg has roped in several former bosses to serve in its “Bomb Squad”, led by ANC Veterans League president Dr Snuki Zikalala, to help fix the municipality for the next two years. Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero yesterday announced that Zikalala, a former SABC news executive, would lead the team and be its only member to be remunerated. Three former Joburg city managers, Blake Mosley-Lefatola, Mavela Dlamini, and Professor Trevor Fowler, will be joined by the municipality’s other erstwhile executives, Gerald Dumas (ex-chief operations officer), former community development executive director Philisiwe Twala-Tau, who is a representative of the SA Local Government Association, and former chief financial officer Reggie Boqo. Also part of the Bomb Squad are Morero’s advisor Vicky Shuping, National School Government principal and member of the…

Police have arrested one of the suspects linked to the killing of the newly elected taxi association treasurer in Midrand, Johannesburg. This follows the murder of the Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA) treasurer, Lefa Matemane, who was fatally shot at the Shell filling station on New Road in Midrand, on Wednesday. The shooting occurred in broad daylight, leaving witnesses shocked and devastated. Matemane was declared dead on the scene. The motive behind the murder remains unknown. Yesterday, police announced that one of the suspects linked to Matemane’s murder has been arrested. “SAPS and Midrand Business Watch security officers have arrested one of the shooters linked to the killing of the Ivory Park Taxi Association treasurer, Lefa Matemane. Matemane was shot multiple times at Shell Garage on New Road in Midrand…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is facing a crisis of credibility, with a string of failed cases and allegations of incompetence and corruption. The recent decision by the Free State High Court to withdraw charges against Moroadi Cholota, the former assistant to former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, has highlighted the NPA’s struggles. According to legal experts and political commentators, the NPA’s challenges are deep-seated and multifaceted. According to Richard Spoor, a legal expert, the NPA’s problems are rooted in a lack of leadership, inadequate resources, and a failure to retain skilled personnel. In the Cholota case, the NPA failed to follow the correct procedure for extraditing her from the US, leading to the charges being withdrawn. In other cases, such as the Koko and Nulane cases, the NPA has been…

Global animal organisation, FOUR PAWS has called on South Africa to ban live animal exports by sea. The organisation said despite indisputable evidence of extreme cruelty, global momentum to end this trade, and mounting public opposition, the government has shown no intention to act accordingly. Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, Fiona Miles, said this practice is not only outdated and inhumane but it is also economically flawed and a threat to public and animal health. She said the time has come for South Africa to take a stand. “Animals are suffering. The public is watching. The world is changing. We urge our government to show the leadership and compassion our laws and values demand,” Miles said. The suffering endured by animals exported by sea is harrowing and well-documented: Weeks…

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, prepares for the all-important COSAFA Qualifiers on the 4th and 7th of June. Their success is built on more than just talent and hard work. Behind the scenes, smart technology like the HONOR 400 Lite has become an essential part of the team’s training, communication, and performance both on and off the field. Blending innovation with practicality, the HONOR 400 Lite enhances every aspect of the team’s routine – from capturing match-defining moments to staying connected with loved ones across borders. In high-pressure environments, the AI Camera Button on the HONOR 400 Lite allows players to instantly record crisp 108MP photos and videos – even with sweaty hands or while wearing gloves. With 3x lossless zoom, tactical plays are captured in sharp detail…

Kris Jenner’s “new face” has everyone talking – and it’s widely speculated to be the result of a deep plane facelift, a procedure now dubbed the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Let’s not even get into how Khanyi Mbau’s face broke the internet. The demand for natural-looking, sophisticated facial transformations has reached an all-time high, both globally and here in South Africa. A global weight loss boom, fuelled by miracle diabetes drugs, has led to an unexpected side effect: the ‘O weight loss face’, marked by hollowed cheeks, sagging jowls, and prematurely aged skin. In turn, this phenomenon has sparked a significant rise in demand for advanced facial rejuvenation, and particularly the deep plane facelift – what experts term ‘the facelift that lifts where it matters most’. “One of the…

In a country still navigating the painful legacy of racial division, those entrusted with upholding the Constitution must be held to the highest standards of impartiality, professionalism, and respect. It is deeply concerning that Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, presiding over the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, made a racially charged remark broadcast live. The frustrated judge said: “This is what happens in a South Africa run by Blacks. A White advocate will never have the gall to ask me that,” in response to a formal request by Advocate Charles Mnisi, who had advised the court that he would be unavailable on Monday due to participation in Sunday’s Comrades Marathon. While the judge’s frustration over delays in this long-running and emotionally charged trial may be understandable, resorting to racially divisive language is…

LAST Monday the Western Cape’s Provincial Commissioner advocate Patekile released the crime report for the fourth quarter of 2024/25 following the national public release of the national crime report. Despite the reality that in the Western Cape, the levels of crime are a reflection of the crisis of chronic underdevelopment, the efforts of the police should be commended given some degree of reduction in certain categories of crime such as the murder rate. However, in an attempt to appease international capitalist market forces, some sections of the bourgeoisie media characterised the crime reduction as significant. It is evident that the bourgeois media has once again spun a deceptive tale, one that serves the interests of international capitalist market forces while ignoring the brutal reality working-class communities endure daily. They package…

As the dust settles on a dramatic Betway Premiership season, it's time to take stock of how each club fared — from those who soared against the odds to others who stumbled despite high hopes. Herman Gibbs and Obakeng Meletse reflect on the campaigns of clubs that finished from eighth ninth, unpacking their highs, lows, key figures and what the future may hold. 8th | Richards Bay FC Rewarded for their hard yards The Natal Rich Boys were the surprise package among the top eight teams, securing their spot with the final kick of the season after spending much of the campaign battling relegation. Their troubles began under Brandon Truter, whose departure left the club in urgent need of a turnaround as they were staring at a second consecutive season…

THERE was a moment during the elite athletes’ pre race media conference of the Comrades Marathon at a beachfront hotel here on Thursday when Pie Wiersma and Tete Dijana exchanged glances and a smile flickered across both men’s faces. The smiles were fleeting though, coming as they did immediately after Dijana had declared himself not being under any pressure but loudly saying’ they have pressure’. He looked at Wiersma when he said that and the Dutchman clearly knew his adversary was playing mind games. Given the tough nature and the unpredictability of The Ultimate Human Race, it would be folly to think Sunday’s 98th running of the world famous ultra marathon between the KwaZulu-Natal cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban would be a two-horse race. Far from it, for there are…