Table of contents for 2025-08-08 in Star

Telecoms operator MTN said it expects to report a robust performance for first half 2025, driven by strong commercial execution, disciplined capital allocation and improved macro conditions. Inflation and foreign exchange rates in key markets showed improved stability, which supported the positive momentum in our operational and financial results. It said this on Thursday in a trading statement for the half year ended June 30, 2025. Its larger operations, MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana published strong first half 2025 results on July 30, 2025 and July 31, 2025, respectively, demonstrating pleasing growth in service revenue and profitability. It said as previously indicated, MTN South Africa has faced challenges in the market, particularly within the prepaid segment. However, MTN said it was encouraged by the overall first half 2025 trajectory of…

Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) have strongly condemned Eskom's recent legal challenge against the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which granted five new distribution licences for electricity trading. The two organisations on Thursday argued that Eskom's actions were detrimental to the country’s energy security initiatives and called for urgent governmental intervention. In a statement, BLSA and Busa called on Eskom to withdraw all legal challenges against the five electricity trading licences as this was creating uncertainty and sending a negative signal to investors. They said this was also delaying critical energy projects and may ultimately prolong the devastating economic and social impact of load shedding. The government’s stated policy position is the unbundling of Eskom, encouraging private sector investment in generation and…

Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on semiconductors from firms that do not invest in the United States - sparking volatility in Asian chipmaker shares Thursday. The US president unveiled the levy at the White House on Wednesday ahead of the imposition of sweeping tariffs on goods from dozens of countries, with chips so far exempt. It comes with the United States and China locked in a high-stakes race to develop the high-end semiconductors used to power artificial intelligence systems. "We'll be putting a tariff of approximately 100 percent on chips and semiconductors, but if you're building in the United States... there's no charge," Trump said. He did not give a timetable for the new levy, which he has repeatedly threatened in the past, to be enacted. Arisa Liu,…

Metair Investments, a leading motor component manufacturer in South Africa, restructured, right-sized and closed certain operations in the six months to June 30, which enabled it to navigate market shifts and volume variability. Headline earnings a share from continuing operations for the interim period are expected to decrease between 6% and 10% to between 69 cents and 72 cents a share. Revenue is expected to increase between 52% and 54%, driven by the inclusion of Hesto as a subsidiary from April 1, 2025, and the recently acquired AutoZone, for the full period. "The improvement in Hesto's performance is now well-entrenched, the initiatives to stabilise AutoZone are bearing fruit, and a restructured debt package provides a sustainable platform from which to further reduce debt. “Building on the progress we achieved in…

ADvTECH, the JSE-listed South African private education company that is growing its footprint in other African markets, said Thursday it is acquiring the Kenya-based Regis Runda Academy for about R172 million. The deal means that ADvTECH is further expanding its Makini Schools offering in Nairobi, Kenya. Situated in the fast-developing Runda area, northeast of Nairobi, the school, with a capacity of 2,000 students and a full K – 12 offering, will be rebranded as Makini Schools Runda, adding to the six schools in ADvTECH’s Makini Schools. "We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand's compelling proposition to parents and students in one of the fastest developing regions of Nairobi," said ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte. ADvTECH said it would invest in AI-powered digital…

Boity Thulo has gone viral after a clip of a verbal altercation between herself and a group of unidentified women during her holiday in Barcelona surfaced online. The incident, which took place during an Instagram Live session, shows the media personality in a heated argument with what appears to be a group of unknown women. The cause of the blow-up isn’t clear, as the video posted on TikTok and X does not show what led to the confrontation. In the clip, an agitated Boity is seen swearing and hurling insults. At one point, she turns to the camera and says: “Now they’re laughing. Stupid a** b**ch.” She continues: “I hate white women because they’re stupid.” Towards the end of the snippet, captioned “Boity not having it @Barcelona”, she seems to…

The #RacistBanksMustFall movement in South Africa has called for immediate legislative intervention in the wake of a US executive order designed to prevent banks from closing accounts based on political or religious beliefs. #RacistBanksMustFall, applauded the recent move by US President Donald Trump to combat debanking practices, urging South Africa to follow suit and introduce similar protections for its citizens. The Trump administration’s executive order, expected to be signed this week, aims to tackle the controversial practice of debanking, where financial institutions deny services to individuals or businesses based on political affiliation. The order directs federal banking regulators to remove vague “reputational risk” guidelines that have often been used to justify account closures, particularly targeting conservative and crypto industry figures in the US. Debanking is an umbrella term for when…

Dr. Iqbal Survé, the chairman of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings, has fiercely condemned the apparent weaponisation of Wikipedia to disseminate false and defamatory information regarding him and his companies. In a strong statement, he outlined the organised and malicious nature of the attacks, asserting that this trend poses a severe threat to integrity and truth in the public discourse. Evidence indicates that certain anonymous users are employing the popular online platform to propagate unverified allegations, driven by a campaign that seems to seek to undermine Dr. Survé's reputation. Operating under pseudonyms such as @Gevaarlik and @Joker1Joker, these anonymous accounts have been described as “single-purpose accounts” by Wiki moderators, indicating that they are specifically created for either promotion or denigration of certain individuals or entities. This smear campaign, Sekunjalo Investment Holdings said…

The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane ruled against a man who disputed the existence of his marriage despite paying lobola and going to church to bless the union. The relationship between the couple began in December 2013. In April 2016, the husband sent a letter to the wife’s family to initiate lobola negotiations. Despite the letter being presented as evidence, the man challenged its authenticity. The wife told the court that after her family received the letter, both families met and the agreed amount was R25 000 but the man’s family paid R10 000. In adherence to custom, the man’s family presented two blankets, two cloths, and a tobacco container. The man did not dispute the gifts but insisted that there was no celebration. However, the woman said after the…

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has criticised the Democratic Alliance (DA) for campaigning against South Africa’s transformation policies abroad, saying this has contributed to punitive US tariffs and threats of sanctions against ANC leaders. South Africa faces a potential 30% tariff on exports to the US. He warned the ANC would not abandon its transformation agenda, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), despite pressure from Washington and its political allies. Addressing the media in the post-NEC briefing on Wednesday, Mbalula said the ANC is not prepared to abandon its economic transformation policies to appease the United States. “You must understand that the tariffs imposed by the United States of America are going to negatively affect our economy,” he said. Mbalula accused the DA of lobbying during US visits to have policies…

Caspar Greeff, a 90-year-old, has challenged the conventional view of retirement by graduating from the University of Johannesburg with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy, demonstrating that lifelong learning is possible at any age. The University of Johannesburg pointed out that when most people picture a 90-year-old, they imagine retirement and rest. But for Greeff, the picture is different: it is one of determination, discipline, and a laptop. At an age when most are slowing down, Greeff has sped up intellectually, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He is now a symbol of perseverance and a powerful advocate for lifelong learning. “I believe that everyone should continue learning, no matter how old they are,” says Greeff. “Learning should continue throughout life.” His…

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has opened a criminal case at the Cape Town Police Station following shocking allegations of corruption and bribery involving senior officials at the Independent Development Trust (IDT). This follows a video that emerged showing Tebogo Malaka, the suspended IDT CEO, and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane allegedly trying to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh with R60 000 to suppress a corruption exposé. Addressing the media outside the police station on Wednesday, Macpherson expressed his deep disgust and disbelief at the blatant corruption, stating: “Watching the video of Ms Malaka allegedly offering Mr Myburgh a bribe of R60 000 made me sick to my stomach and left me in disbelief. “It’s one thing to hear about corruption. It’s another thing to see it take place…

A woman who was unlawfully arrested and detained for about a month will be compensated to the amount of approximately R1.1million after the court could not link her to the crimes she was accused of. The woman was awarded this in the High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, Mbombela (Main Seat), after she litigated to claim for damages arising from the unlawful arrest, detention and malicious prosecution. The woman was arrested for burglary/housebreaking on 23 July 2020 after she found herself at a premises where she had asked for water. However, while at the premises of Dumisani Mdluli, people arrived who identified stolen items at Mdluli’s property. She was taken with the group of people and Mdluli to various places where items were pointed out. The woman and Mdluli…

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns are once again the team to beat, with many PSL club coaches tipping them to secure an unprecedented ninth consecutive league title. Since the 2017/18 season, the club has enjoyed an unrivalled period of coaching success under Pitso Mosimane, Rhulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi, and now Miguel Cardoso. Cardoso, who guided the team to league glory during his short stint since December 2024, maintains a laser-focused approach. He said: “We always need to push ourselves to achieve better as a team. Sundowns will continue to be a competitive side, but it will not be easy. The plan is at least to win cups this season, and the CAF Champions League will also be important.” Sundowns' formidable squad, known for its consistency and masterful navigation of the season’s…

Abdeslam Ouaddou is a happy coach, which is why he believes he has a solid foundation on which to build a competitive and entertaining team this season. Ouaddou was appointed head coach of Orlando Pirates in late June, replacing José Riveiro, who enjoyed an impressive three-year spell at the club. He has made an encouraging start to life at Pirates, guiding his team to the MTN8 semi-finals, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns, after defeating Polokwane City in the quarter-finals. Pirates’ progression to the last four of the Wafa Wafa Cup means Ouaddou is following in the footsteps of Riveiro, who had won the last three editions of the competition. And while that may have pleased the team, players, and board alike, Ouaddou is widely expected to build on his…

The Springbok Women were dealt a blow ahead of their Rugby World Cup campaign with experienced flanker Lusanda Dumke taking a breather from the game due to medical reasons. SA Rugby, without divulging more about her condition, announced on Thursday morning that Dumke, captain of the Bulls Daisies, is stepping away from rugby due to health reasons. The 28-year-old loose forward played 33 times for the Bok Women and captained the side on three occasions. Dumke, known for her abrasive style of play, also led the Pretoria side to three consecutive Women’s Premier Division titles, with the last one being this past season. She would’ve played a pivotal role for the Springboks at the upcoming World Cup in England if she were available. However, she hasn’t been part of the…

Export diversification strategy leaning towards China’s R20 billion market The government has reiterated its dedication to navigating trade waters with the United States through constructive engagement and negotiation as the hefty tariffs on exports come into effect from Friday. This comes as the US President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on South African imports, which are anticipated to have a profound impact on critical sectors of the South African economy, particularly the automotive and agriculture industries. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Trump held a telephone discussion on bilateral trade matters with Trump on Wednesday morning, undertaking to continue with further engagements recognizing the various trade negotiations the US was currently involved in. Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday that the Cabinet received an update regarding the Framework…

In a nation where more than 60% of the unemployed are under the age of 35, South Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Yet hidden beneath the grim statistics lies a playbook for hope - one that doesn’t begin in boardrooms or policy briefs but on the dusty fields, township courts, and school playgrounds where dreams are born daily. South Africa’s global sporting triumphs - our back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins, world-beating track stars like Wayde van Niekerk, and champions like Dricus du Plessis - are not isolated miracles. They are symbols of a deeper truth: we are a nation brimming with raw, untapped talent. But talent alone is not enough. What South Africa needs now is a bold, coordinated national effort to invest in community sports as a driver…

Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) said that South Africa’s consumer food price inflation rose to the highest level in 16 months, at 4.7%, in June 2025, from 4.4% in May. Agbiz attributed the recent increases in the price of meat, oils and fats, and vegetables. Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) and Black Sash have echoed similar sentiments. Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz chief economist, said that the increase does not alter their assessment of moderate food price inflation in 2025. “The increase in the meat price inflation was caused by two significant factors, which have somewhat eased. First, the outbreak of avian flu in Brazil led to South Africa temporarily restricting imports of poultry products from the country, and this caused panic in the market.” Sihlobo added that…

The Foschini Group’s (TFG) share price plunged over 7% on Thursday morning after the clothing and accessories retailer reported that June sales in its TFG Africa segment had flattened, following a first eight weeks of strong sales for the 2026 financial year. The share price was trading at R110.96 on Thursday morning, which was also 15.3% lower than the price a year ago. In the first eight weeks of the quarter to end-June 2025, the group reported a strong 9.9% increase in sales due to the timing shift of the Easter holidays into April and favourable winter conditions against a prior-year base impacted by pre-election consumer caution in 2024. However, June 2025 sales slowed and were flat, while total market retail sales reported by the Retail Liaison Committee (RLC) fell…

Award-winning actress Kelley Mack has died after a two-year battle with cancer. The 33-year-old died on Saturday, August 2, in Cincinnati, Ohio, after being diagnosed with glioma of the central nervous system. Her family has shared the news through a statement, as well as on a CaringBridge page dedicated to her journey. Mack was most popular for her roles as Addy on the post-apocalyptic zombie drama The Walking Dead season 9 and as Penelope Jacobs on Chicago Med season 8. Her impressive career also included appearances in the series 9-1-1 and various commercials, and she was set to star in the upcoming film Universal, slated for release later this year. In an emotional Instagram post, Mack’s sister announced her passing. She wrote: “It is with indelible sadness that we are…

Scores of healthcare workers across some of the biggest hospitals in Gauteng participated in lunchtime pickets as they stood in solidarity with the people of Palestine. The pickets, part of the Healthcare Workers for Palestine, have indicated that the public health crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with increasing attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities. According to media reports, Gaza’s already compromised healthcare system is in a state of collapse, with blood banks reported to be running dry while Israeli forces continue targeting clinics and facilities housing patients and displaced families. Al Jazeera reports that healthcare officials in parts of Gaza have been besieged, resulting in a severe shortage of blood as many would-be donors are too malnourished to help due to an Israeli-induced hunger crisis that has so far…

The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has strongly denied allegations that its traffic department has collapsed, following reports that a service provider allegedly removed vital traffic control equipment and data. The municipality has labelled the claims as exaggerated and misleading, assuring residents that traffic operations are still functional. This comes after the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) raised concerns that the absence of functioning traffic control systems could result in a spike in traffic violations and lawlessness on the roads. The party claims the department lost access to all fine records from 2021 to 16 July 2025 after critical equipment was removed. “The removed equipment includes speed cameras and cameras used to record motor vehicle accidents. The service provider removed its equipment before the end of its contract, because the Municipality…

A 38-year-old father will serve life behind bars after he was sentenced for repeatedly raping his biological son between 2019 and 2021. This week the Madadeni Regional Court sentenced the father who perpetrated the crimes at Madadeni, in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said the boy lived with both his parents and brother. “The accused raped the complainant on diverse occasions when his mother was not around. At some point, the complainant, his mother, and his brother went to live with the mother’s family. While living there, the accused would fetch the children and their mother for visits. During this time, the accused continued to rape the complainant. “The matter eventually came to light when the complainant’s teacher noticed a change in the child’s behaviour and asked…

It has been three months since a group of Afrikaner refugees, primarily white South Africans of Dutch descent, fled to the United States under a controversial United States refugee resettlement programme. The programme, established by US President Donald Trump, aimed to provide a haven for Afrikaners who claimed to be facing racial persecution in South Africa. In May this year, 59 Afrikaners boarded a chartered flight to the US, where they were welcomed by US officials and distributed in different parts of the country where they would be settling. About a month later, a dozen more followed. While some of the refugees have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start anew in the US, others have shared stories of struggle and frustration. Charl Kleinhaus, a 47-year-old man who claimed he…

Asher Watkins, a millionaire from the United States of America, was gored to death by a buffalo he was hunting in Limpopo last week Sunday. The 52-year-old hunter had reportedly paid Coernraad Vermaak Safaris around R177 221 for the trip in which he planned to stalk and kill wild animals in the expedition. “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA. On Sunday, while on a hunting safari with us in Limpopo province, Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo. “He was tracking it together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers. This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to…

The Anatomy of Us Leah Hazard Narrated by Jessie Buckley Audible Originals IF YOU’RE on the lookout for an absorbing audiobook that deftly intertwines love, self-discovery, and the chaotic world of medicine, The Anatomy of Us, penned by Leah Hazard and narrated by the splendid Jessie Buckley, is a gem you won’t want to miss. With the charm of classic romantic tales and an authentic portrayal of contemporary struggles, this debut novel shines particularly bright for those who revel in flawed characters navigating the bumpy road to love. Set in Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve, the story opens with Dr. Becca Armitage, a talented yet troubled emergency room physician who finds herself spiraling into a deep depression. Just when she seems to hit rock bottom, Dr. Andrew Maitland, a handsome…

The SAPS, agricultural unions and private security firms have been requested to debunk and correct the misinformation and false narratives circulating on social media and other platforms on farm attacks in South Africa. A policy brief released by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) found that there is no evidence of any form of genocide taking place in the country. The institute added that white people are statistically less at risk of violent crime than other racial groups as it explains why the country is so violent and why there is no evidence of a genocide. This comes after the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) claimed that attacks on farms display a distinctly brutal pattern. The bureau claimed that these were not ordinary crimes,…

City of Joburg mayor Dada Morero has reshuffled his executive committee, appointing Loyiso Masuku as MMC for Finance and Sithembiso Zungu to Shared Services; however, the Transport portfolio remains unfilled following Kenny Kunene’s resignation. Masuku’s appointment follows a vacancy left by Margaret Arnolds, who was re-elected as Speaker of Council last month. Morero also appointed ANC councillor Sithembiso Zungu as the new MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services. According to him, the reshuffle demonstrates his commitment to fostering stability, which is essential for maintaining productivity and labour harmony in Johannesburg. “This dedication positions the city as a high-performing organisation that is responsive, professional, and attuned to the needs of its residents,” he said. Morero said the appointments took effect yesterday. Masuku fills the position left vacant by the African…

This past week, I walked through the carefully curated spaces of Decorex Africa’s Johannesburg showcase, taking in a multitude of vibrant displays of South African designs. Decorex, an annual exhibition highlighting the ingenuity and craftsmanship of South African creatives, reminded me that design is never just surface level – behind each design and installation lies a deeper narrative about heritage, innovation, and who we uniquely are as a nation. Throughout the history of indigenous African societies, arts and culture have always been placed at the forefront. From trade and industry to artistic expression, arts and culture amongst indigenous Africans (and beyond) is not only indicative of a deeply embedded worldview, but also of a sophisticated system of knowledge, identity, and exchange. The artistic expression of a people is reflected in…

Camaraderie and team spirit will stand Bafana Bafana in good stead when they begin their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign against Algeria in Kampala on Friday. Former AmaZulu full-back Wayde Jooste, one of several seasoned journeymen currently ‘free agents’ in the South African squad, believes their time spent in camp has significantly contributed to building a strong team spirit. This, he says, will boost the team's ability to perform as a cohesive and unified unit. “I don’t think it’s been that tough to become a unified group. The majority of us have played against each other in the league, and some of us have been teammates at different clubs,” said Jooste. “We’ve become a little family because, like I said, we’ve been together in camp in South Africa, and now…

Sekhukhune United will be chasing back-to-back league victories over Orlando Pirates when the two sides meet in their 2025/26 Betway Premiership opener at Orlando Stadium this Saturday (kick-off 5:30pm). Babina Noko enter the new season with confidence following another respectable campaign, having secured a fourth-place finish in the Premiership. Sekhukhune narrowly missed out on a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, with Stellenbosch FC edging ahead late in the race to secure the final continental slot after their own deep run in the competition last season. Considering the challenges they faced, including a mid-season coaching change, Sekhukhune’s achievements were admirable. Lehlohonolo Seema departed the club midway through the campaign and was replaced by former Cape Town City boss Eric Tinkler. The experienced coach wasted no time in stamping his…

Agricultural associations believe that the 30% tariff announced by US President Donald Trump coming into effect on Friday will have a huge impact on the industry and operations. Francois Rossouw, the CEO of the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), on Thursday said the tariffs will have an immediate effect on several sectors, particularly citrus, grapes, wine, and nuts, which have been key export products under previously duty-free arrangements. “For many family farmers, this will mean a sudden loss of competitiveness in one of our high-value markets. It’s not just about economics; it’s about stability. Many farmers plan their production cycles and investments years in advance, and overnight, these tariffs shift the playing field,” he said. Rossouw added that the US currently accounted for around 4% of South Africa’s agricultural export…

On Thursday, 24 July, an executive asked me whether they should hedge the Rand below R18 to the dollar. This was my short response: Hi XXX, My thoughts are that USD/ZAR is at peak for the year and we will see weakening from here [due to] USA tariff effects plus latest policy on ANC leaders. Based on that, I think it’s worth us hedging against a weaker rand over next 6-12 months. Speculative but I don’t see a reason for current level beyond a weaker dollar. My best The above is months of news packed into three sentences that reflect more than just the exchange rate. So let’s unpack. South Africa's political scene The first cracks in the Government of National Unity (GNU) emerged at the beginning of the year,…

Sappi reported a $33 million loss for the third quarter to June 2025, versus a $51m profit at the same time last year, but a better result is anticipated in the fourth quarter, CEO Steve Binnie said Thursday. The paper, packaging and pulp group struggled against muted demand and prices for many of its products because of the weak and uncertain global macroeconomy, and trade and tariff tensions, and a later than expected start of the $500 million Somerset Mill project in the US, Binnie said in an interview with Business Report. The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came to a loss of 4 US cents, compared with a 9 US cents profit last year. The share price slipped 1.52% to R26.55 Thursday morning on the JSE. He said however…

Transnet and Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM), a joint venture operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of South32, on Thursday officially signed a 10-year contract under the third phase of the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA3) framework. The contract cements long-term rail and port manganese export capacity for 10 years, strengthening the collaborative partnership between the two organisations and providing operational certainty for one of South Africa’s most established manganese producers. HMM, located in the Kalahari Basin of the Northern Cape, has been a significant contributor to the global manganese supply chain for over four decades. HMM consists of two manganese mines located in the Kalahari Manganese Field in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, namely Wessels and Mamatwan mines. Transnet expalined that HMM and Transnet share a longstanding…

Rosé, the beloved BLACKPINK member, is still reeling in disbelief after receiving a staggering eight nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards – her very first as a solo artist. The recognition comes from her breakout collaboration with Bruno Mars on the track APT – a genre-bending hit that has quickly become one of the most celebrated releases in recent times. The South Korean singer-songwriter, known for her powerhouse vocals and emotional depth, shared her raw reaction in a heartfelt video posted to her Instagram Story shortly after the nominations were announced. “So I’ve just heard that I’ve received eight VMA nominations,” she said, visibly overwhelmed. “I’m beyond shocked and just don’t know what to say. I’m speechless. This is a crazy day. Whoa. It’s wild. What’s happening?” Rosé’s…

Planning an intimate wedding comes with many tough decisions, and as any bride will tell you, one of the trickiest is finalising the guest list. Do you really have to invite that cousin you only see on Christmas or the aunt you know will get drunk and cause a scene? Even after you've sorted through family and friends, you might want to consider your coworkers as well. You spend so much of your life with these people, and it's natural to form friendships. But does every work friend deserve an invitation? For one bride-to-be, the answer was a definite no. She faced an unbelievable situation when a co-worker she barely knew, and wasn't inviting to the wedding, decided to take her grievance to HR. The bride shared the bizarre incident…

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has come under fire following revelations that the province’s public hospitals have only 751 ICU nurses, less than half of the 1 760 needed to adequately serve its population. The crisis was laid bare in a written response by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to the Democratic Alliance (DA) inquiry in the Provincial Legislature, where she confirmed the province is operating with less than half the ICU nurses it needs. This is according to the DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom. Bloom said Nkomo-Ralehoko raised alarm over the ICU nurse shortage, citing increased patient deaths, delayed surgeries, and staff burnout. He added that the crisis is driving experienced nurses away and deterring new ones, putting patient safety at serious risk. “Increased patient…

City of Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) CEO Zweli Nyathi say the pothole crisis in Cosmo City is caused by residents, illegal car washes, and overcrowding, rather than failing infrastructure. Morero led the “War on Potholes” operation in the area yesterday. The initiative aims to repair potholes and resurface roads across the city. Cosmo City is among several areas battling poor service delivery, including pothole-riddled roads, persistent sewer spills, and blocked stormwater drains. Morero denied that the issue was a service delivery failure, instead blaming bylaw violations and illegal developments. “No, it’s not a service delivery crisis. It’s by-law enforcement. All the damages we’ve seen here are the result of the community’s actions, not infrastructure failure,” he said. “There are high levels of encroachment, illegal connections,…

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has revealed that South Africa and Nigeria are bolstering their bilateral relationship through high-level talks aimed at boosting trade, investment, and regional cooperation in the mining sectors. “South Africa and Nigeria’s cooperation in the oil and gas sector. The Cabinet was apprised of the technical resolutions between South Africa and Nigeria following Minister Gwede Mantashe’s visit to Nigeria to discuss cooperation in the mining, oil, and gas sectors as part of the South Africa/Nigeria Bi-National Commission. “Nigeria seeks to develop its mining sector through exploration and production of its vast mineral resources and to leverage South Africa’s vast experience in the mining sector. South Africa has an interest in securing oil allocations and liquid petroleum gas from Nigeria, and also to learn from Nigeria’s…

Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni delivered the Cabinet update to the media yesterday, outlining the key outcomes from recent Cabinet meetings held on July 22 and August 6. Yesterday, the briefing held in Pretoria highlighted the government’s concerted efforts across various sectors to strengthen governance, boost economic resilience, and foster social cohesion amidst ongoing national and international challenges. The Cabinet announced that it welcomes the appointment of the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption within the criminal justice system. Ntshavheni explained that the gazetting of the Terms of Reference reflects the government’s resolve to harness constitutional mechanisms to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, uphold institutional integrity, and restore public trust. “This inquiry is a crucial step toward ensuring accountability and transparency within our justice system,” she stated. In…

Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC on Wednesday signed Tottenham Hotspur legend Son Heung-Min, who will occupy an international roster slot and will be eligible to play upon receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The 33-year old, one of the most talented and popular Asian players in football history, Son joined LAFC after an iconic 10-year run with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he scored 173 goals across all competitions, registered 101 assists, and became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021–22. The 33-year-old reportedly cost a Major League Soccer record USD 26 million transfer fee after a decade in the Premier League where he became a household name. Son became the latest in a…

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus was impressed by the enthusiasm and willingness of the three Junior Springboks who trained with the national team for the past two weeks in Johannesburg. The world champions wrapped up their conditioning camp on Thursday as they continue to lay the foundation for the Rugby Championship starting next weekend against Australia at Ellis Park. Loose forward Bathobele Hlekani, winger Cheswill Jooste and Haashim Pead experienced a Bok setup for the first time after being invited by Erasmus to train with the Boks after their exploits at the World Rugby U20 Championship, where they won the title for the first time in 13 years. “We were very pleased with the way they slotted into the training sessions and used the time to interact with the Springbok…

WHO calls out the most feared man in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, risking his belt, his legacy and unbeaten streak in the UFC? Only Dricus du Plessis. The South African MMA Star and UFC Middleweight Champion has been calling out Khamzat Chimaev since his first title defence, when he finished UFC Hall of Famer Israel Adesanya in Australia a year ago. They call Chimaev "The boogeyman" of the UFC, and rightfully so. After all, the 31-year-old has rag-dolled every single one of his opponents since making his debut in 2020. With unmatched wrestling and grappling skills and the sheer strength of the man, fighters shiver and try to stay as far away from the Chechen-born fighter. However, Du Plessis, as he has done throughout his career, has decided to stare…

POLOKWANE City and Richards Bay enter the 2025/26 season from contrasting backgrounds but yet with almost similar goals, to navigate their way to the next and higher level of the Betway Premiership. Polokwane have in the past two seasons finished in the Top8 and will look to grow some silverware pedigree while Bay will want to not only stay away from the relegation zome but also enter that top half. Polokwane to build on steady growth and rising ambition Club name: Polokwane City Club owner: Johnny Mogaladi Head coach: Phuti Mohafe Highest ever finish: Fifth Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup Silverware chances: None Polokwane City have proven to be a stable and competitive outfit in the Premiership since making their top-flight return in the…