Table of contents for 2025-09-05 in Star

B20 South Africa tables recommendations that encompass the “hopes of millions” across Africa Business leaders under Business 20 (B20) South Africa have made recommendations to G20 governments calling for policies that spearhead infrastructure development and funding, job creation, empowerment of small to medium enterprises, as well promotion of investment into industrialisation and digital inclusion. B20 serves as the official business community dialogue platform with the G20, an international forum bringing together the world’s major economies, with South Africa currently chairing the G20 and handing over to the United States in November. B20 South Africa, with input from other business leaders across the continent, on Thursday tabled policy recommendations that encompass the “hope of millions” across Africa. “These recommendations are not just policy proposals. They form a blueprint for the transformation…

Cash-strapped and in dire need of 30 000 naira (about $20), Mariam Ogundairo turned to a loan app, downloading it and registering her phone number. The money was quickly sent over but came with a 21.6 percent interest rate, due in two weeks. Like many in Nigeria, battered by inflation, Ogundairo was too broke to pay back what she owed. Then came a deluge of harassment - a tactic that has become the hallmark of many loan apps in Africa's fourth-largest economy. "They started calling my phone contacts when I couldn't pay back on time, saying I owed them," Ogundairo told AFP. "I lost my security, and it makes me so sad and scared." Such loan apps in Nigeria, branded "predatory" by campaigners, are texting threats and leaking sensitive photos…

As South Africa grapples with an unemployment rate at 32.9%, young people are responding not with resignation, but with innovation. One of the most promising shifts emerging in the digital economy is the rise of personal shoppers — a model that is quietly reshaping the face of e-commerce across the country. Traditionally viewed as a premium or niche service, personal shopping is evolving into a powerful bridge between formal retail and underserved markets. Defined by SME South Africa as individuals who buy goods and services on behalf of others, personal shoppers are increasingly filling critical gaps in access, logistics, and digital literacy —particularly for consumers in townships and rural areas. Entrepreneurs like Jabulile Ngcobo, widely known as The Joburg Runner, exemplify this trend. Using platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, she…

Sanlam’s strong annualised return on group equity value of 18.2% for the six months to June 30 was well above its 14.7% hurdle rate and reflects strong value creation from high levels of new business and positive experience variances. The results were achieved in a challenging operating environment marked by global trade tensions and shifting investor sentiment. Group earnings, the net result from financial services, increased by 15% per share, demonstrating satisfactory performance across all operations. “The balance sheet remains healthy, our operating businesses all have tremendous momentum, and we continue to gain market share,” Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty said in an online presentation. New business volumes increased by 7% in a challenging economic environment for customers, reflecting the benefit of the group’s diversified portfolio. The South Africa business…

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed the deaths of two trainee candidates who were participating in the department’s recent recruitment and selection process. The deaths occurred after the JMPD began its physical assessments on August 25. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said Marvellous Michael Nyambi, 24, from Rabie Ridge, became ill from heat exhaustion while taking part in the selection programme on Thursday, August 28, at the Ruimsig Stadium. “He was immediately attended to by Emergency Management Services personnel and was later transported to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital,” said Fihla. “Sadly, Mr Nyambi passed away on Friday, August 29.” Fihla confirmed that another trainee, Zwelethu Tekete, 26, from Braamfischerville Phase 1, also died during the programme. “On Monday, September 1, during the recruitment process at the stadium, he was brought…

A suspect linked to the murder of Eastern Cape State Prosecutor Tracy Brown appeared in the Gqberha Magistrate’s Court this week. Ayabulela Busakwe, 31, made his first appearance in court. He appeared alongside his co-accused, Sithembile Xungu, 33, who made his first appearance on August 25. The suspects face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of two firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The 42-year-old prosecutor was gunned down on July 31, 2025, outside her home in front of her partner and minor child. At the time, police reported four masked suspects involved in the murder. Busakwe abandoned his bail application; however, his co-accused, Xungu, who previously abandoned his bail will not be bringing a bail application before the court. The matter was thus postponed to September…

An ordinary pavement upgrade at Evaton’s Levai Mbata Clinic has exploded into a tender scandal: the opposition party alleges lucrative work and site posts were steered to politically connected insiders, some with family ties to ANC figures in Emfuleni. This comes after the DA called on Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to immediately terminate what it described as a “fishy tender” and to take firm action against all individuals who may have benefited improperly. According to DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head Kingsol Chabalala, Evaton residents have been shut out of job opportunities in the Levai Mbata Clinic pavement project, which he says has been tainted by nepotism, cronyism, and possible corruption involving the appointed service provider. Chabalala added that the appointed subcontractor is owned by Sipho Ncwadi, the ANC Branch…

The City of Tshwane's administration has come under serious scrutiny after a municipal council report revealed a staggering R336 million in irregular expenditure in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. The report showed that the irregular expenditure stemmed from extension of tenders in several departments, including group property management, roads and transport, water and sanitation, group legal services, and the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Councillors from different political parties have blasted the city’s administration officials for failing to adhere to proper tender-awarding procedures as stipulated in the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA). They believed the report on irregular expenditure raises questions about the city's financial management and accountability. EFF councillor Trevor Moloisane said it was unacceptable that a whopping R336m in irregular expenditure was incurred in just three…

Gold is back in the spotlight. This week the yellow metal surged past the $3 500 an ounce barrier, hitting an all-time high of $3 578.50 before easing back on profit-taking ahead of key US economic data. For Johannesburg, gold is more than a commodity price on a trading screen. It is the foundation on which the city was built in the late 1800s, when fortune seekers rushed to the Reef and a shanty town grew into a financial hub. Mining towns such as Pilgrims Rest and Barberton, now heritage attractions, still allow tourists to pan for alluvial gold. There’s even an underground pub at Gold Reef City. Dr Azar Jammine, director and chief economist at Econometrix, has said the surging price carries a “psychological” effect that continues to benefit…

The annual Santa Shoebox Project is back and aims to supply 80 000 children with shoeboxes. The project, which has been ongoing for 19 years, has helped reach more than 1.3 million underprivileged children in South Africa and Namibia with personalised shoeboxes filled with school supplies, toiletries, and clothing items (practical necessities families cannot afford). Deb Zelezniak, the Santa Shoebox Project's chief executive officer (CEO), said small acts of generosity can make a tangible difference. “The impact is deeply felt in communities across the country,” she said. Busie Thuli from the Sakhisizwe Community Development Centre and Creche said this project has brought immense joy to the facility’s 100 children, many of whom are disabled for come from unemployed families. “Since 2019, the annual shoebox distributions have provided a lifeline of…

Wandile Duba always wears his heart on his sleeve whenever he takes the field for Kaizer Chiefs – something that has made him both a hero and a villain at the same time. Duba burst onto the professional scene at the Glamour Boys two seasons ago, scoring a peach of a goal on debut against Golden Arrows in the league. The 21-year-old showed his bravery in the post-match press conference, warning rivals Orlando Pirates that he was coming for them in the next game. Alas, he didn’t start the game. But it was clear that Duba was fearless despite his tender age. Last season, he was back at it. He scored the equaliser in the 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final and walked away with the…

Coach Swys de Bruin is set to make several changes to the Springbok Women’s side to face France in their final Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool D match in Northampton, England, on Sunday. The Springbok Women emerged from their historic win over Italy last Sunday with a number of sore bodies – a result that saw them qualify for the quarter-finals of the showpiece event for the very first time. A number of bench and fringe players could be handed a run against France, allowing many of the first-choice players some more recovery time ahead of a potential quarter-final clash against New Zealand or Ireland. The winner of the Franklin’s Gardens clash between South Africa and France will face the team finishing second in Pool C. France are heavy favourites…

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Monday backed new Liverpool recruit Florian Wirtz to return to his best form after a low-key start to his Premier League career. Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for €125 million plus bonuses, but has not stood out despite the Reds winning their first three matches. Speaking to reporters in Bratislava before Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia yesterday, Nagelsmann called the 22-year-old midfielder “a key player for us”. The coach said Wirtz had “not been incredibly dominant”, and added he needed time to adjust at Liverpool. “You have to look at the whole gang playing around him. They’ve spent a few euros on the top squad they’ve got there and you don’t always stand out as an individual. “Rather it’s the…

Sharks fans have double the reason to go to Kings Park this afternoon, with one Sharks team taking on English giants Saracens at 4pm, and another Sharks side hosting the Pumas in a Currie Cup fixture at 7.10pm. There have been change-ups in both squads, with many United Rugby Championship players and even a few Springboks thrown into the mix across the two teams. The hit-out against Saracens will feature many of the usual suspects from the Currie Cup in the curtain-raiser to the clash against the Pumas, with the team comprising of a mix of players featured in both squads. There are also several new faces, with Paarl-born front row twins Kayden and Cohen Kiewit packing down on either side of hooker Willem van der Hever. The pair are…

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has vowed that the government was doing everything it can to control the spread of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that is affecting the red meat industry. Speaking while visiting communal area in North West to oversee a Cattle Vaccination Campaign on Thursday, Steenhuisen said that they secure close to a million vaccines against FMD. “They have arrived in South Africa and we are rolling out a vaccination programme in the provinces. There is a particular focus on KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and North West. We have 274 live cases around the country," he said. "We need to get on top of this as it is causing huge uncertainty and economic harm to the red meat sector." Steenhuisen added that the visit to the North West…

South Africa’s greatest untapped resource is not buried beneath our soil - it is the 10 million young people who stand at the gateway to adulthood, eager to contribute but too often locked out of the world of work. The debate has rightly focused on education, training, and skills. But there is a harder, less glamorous question we need to answer: how do we connect our youth to actual opportunities in the global economy? Beyond Skills: The Access Gap Today, the barriers facing South African youth are not only about what they know but who they can reach. A young coder in Khayelitsha, a designer in Soweto, or a logistics talent in Durban may be technically trained, but without connections to employers in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, their skills…

Trellidor Holdings has declared a 12 cents a share dividend at the end of the first phase of its strategy to restore shareholder value. Directors of the custom-made security barrier manufacturing group said at the release of financial results on Thursday that the dividend for the year to June 30, which compared with zero dividend last year, was paid out because of successful cash generation and debt reduction over the past 24 months. They said restoration of shareholder value remains their foremost focus - the first phase had been successfully completed, being the significant reduction in debt and stabilising the balance sheet. This coupled with the disposal during the year of the Tylor shutters and blinds business and NMC interior decorative products business for R51.9 million, meant the group was…

Galaxy 947 Joburg Day Some of Mzansi’s top musicians are set to deliver electrifying performances at this annual music festival. Those who will take to the stage include Kelvin Momo, DJ Maphorisa, Will Linley, Nasty C, Goodluck, Mörda and DJ Kent. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets as they enjoy this fantastic local line-up under the spring sky. There will also be food and beverages available for sale. Where: The Crocodile Creek Polo Club in Lanseria. When: Tomorrow from 9am. FNB Art Joburg Africa’s longest-running contemporary art fair is returning to the City of Gold for its 18th consecutive year at the Sandton Convention Centre this weekend. FNB Art Joburg will feature the work of some of the continent’s top artists and galleries as it seeks to…

Gauteng Premier and ANC leader Panyaza Lesufi's recent stance is perceived by political analysts as an attempt to attract voters with growing anti-migrant sentiments, echoing groups like Operation Dudula. This strategy comes as the ANC's support wanes in anticipation of the 2026 local elections. This comes from Lesufi's announcement that the provincial government plans to demolish illegal informal settlements, with a particular focus on those occupied by undocumented foreign nationals. Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday following the Gauteng Executive Council (Exco) meeting, Lesufi raised concerns over the rapid increase of informal settlements across the province, saying they would be demolished in the early hours, at 2am. However, he did not specify a date. He revealed that more than 400 new informal settlements had recently emerged in…

So-called “free visits” and an inmates annual quota of visits in prison came under the judicial spotlight in the Gauteng High Court, when an inmate at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre complained about the management’s sudden restriction on his visitation rights. Xolani Zulu launched an urgent application in which he challenged what he deemed correctional services’ unlawful and arbitrary restriction of his visitation rights. Zulu explained that his family recently arrived at the prison to visit him and was turned away. After this incident he sought clarification from the acting head of the prison on why he was not allowed a visit. He was told that visits previously granted under the free visit policy were being counted against his annual visit allocation. As of March 1 all free…

The motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa by the MK Party is still being processed for approval before it is tabled for consideration by Parliament. This development comes hot on the heels of the party having to resubmit the motion in an effort to ensure compliance with parliamentary rules. This emerged when MK Party chief Colleen Makhubele enquired at the meeting of the National Assembly Programme Committee on Thursday. The motion is not included in Parliament’s programme for the term, which ends with the constituency period from September 22 until October 5. “We submitted a motion of no confidence. We would like to know when it will be tabled and how far it is," Makhubele said. "I know there are amendments that were submitted. I don’t see it…

Floyd Shivambu, the leader of the burgeoning Mayibuye Movement, has officially confirmed that the nationwide consultation process for his new political party has ended, with a clear focus on contesting the crucial 2026 local government elections. Shivambu has also announced that the new party would likely be launched this month. Shivambu made his intention to contest elections three weeks ago, following extensive engagements across the country, signalling his firm intent to re-enter the political fray after his recent departure from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Shivambu, who has been the national convenor of the Mayibuye consultation process, revealed that the movement is already in the process of registering as a political party with the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC). Speaking during an address in Gauteng, he said consultations so far…

The 2025 South Africa-Cape Town Chinese Theme Book Fair officially opened, bringing a vibrant celebration of literature and cultural exchange to the city. The event, held in Cape Town last week, aims to deepen the connection between China and South Africa through the power of books. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Li Nan, who chaired the meeting on behalf of the Chinese Publishing Delegation, emphasised the role of books as a “bridge to promote mutual understanding and communication between different countries and different nations.” “We are especially proud to present this China-Cape Book Fair, adding brilliant hues to this already vibrant bridge of cultural change,” Li stated. “Through these books, we hope to build a bridge that crosses time and space, so that South African friends can get to know…

Trust is a rare commodity in South African football. When you have been in the game long enough, you know that back-stabbing is par for the course. And it happens all round, often within the same club. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos appears to have discovered this for the first time this week. At his arrival press conference ahead of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, the Belgian resembled a man who had just seen a ghost when he spoke about the lack of information from the clubs. Having worked hard to develop a relationship with them, the silver-haired coach was stunned by the response he received from one club when he enquired about the condition of a player he was interested in. “Their reaction was, ‘we…

The 2025/26 Betway Premier League season has already delivered its share of surprises. As the campaign pauses for the Fifa international break, the stage is set for another thrilling season ahead. Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs have set the early pace and remain two of only three unbeaten sides, with Mamelodi Sundowns sitting close behind in third place, just two points off the leaders. The Brazilians once again entered the season as the team to beat, having set the benchmark for close to a decade. With rivals desperate to end their eight-year dominance, many of them wasted no time strengthening in the transfer market. The opening weeks have put these new recruits under the spotlight, testing whether they can justify the investment. With five rounds of fixtures now complete, and…

Lewis Hamilton is in the midst of a crisis of confidence and results that the Formula One icon has never known in his storied career, as Ferrari’s fans hope for a sharp turnaround at the Italian Grand Prix. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello made Ferrari’s vociferous support dream of an end to an 18-year wait for a world title to be won by a driver in red. Instead, the 40-year-old trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by a whopping 200 points after a disastrous campaign with Ferrari which has not brought him any GP wins, nor even a single podium finish. Last weekend’s Dutch GP was the lowest point of the year for the Scuderia, with both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc crashing out of a race which had been…

REIGNING champion Jannik Sinner marched into the US Open quarter-finals of the US Open, looking as strong as ever going into the last weekend of the Slam. World No 1 Sinner swept aside 10th seed Musetti 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the first all-Italian men’s quarter-final in Grand Slam history. “It was a great performance, very solid. I started the match very well,” said Sinner, who faces Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals today. Auger-Aliassime has won two of three previous meetings, but Sinner thrashed him for the loss of just two games in Cincinnati last month. “Every player who is in the semis of a Grand Slam can say they’re playing their best tennis,” added Sinner. The 24-year-old Sinner also tied Nicola Pietrangeli for the most Grand Slams…

South African households are grappling with an increasingly severe economic strain as rising inflation in essential goods and services continues to outpace wage growth, eroding purchasing power and amplifying financial vulnerability. This alarming trend disproportionately impacts low-income communities, as highlighted in the latest Cost of Living Report (CoL) published by the Competition Commission on Thursday. According to Competition Commission economist Andiswa Sibhukwana, low-income households are among the hardest hit as they spend a significant portion of their earnings on necessities. The ongoing energy crisis has exacerbated these challenges, driving electricity tariffs significantly higher, and causing additional strain on those already burdened by economic hardship. Sibhukwana pointed out that consumers face persistent inefficiencies in price transmission within the food value chain. "While some staples like canned pilchards have shown signs of…

amidst global economic uncertainty Absa Group has signalled a steady outlook for South Africa's growth despite a rocky start to the year. In its latest Quarterly Perspectives report for the third quarter of 2025 released on Thursday, Absa said available data suggested a more encouraging second quarter, with an anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0.3% quarter-on-quarter. Absa is forecasting 2025 GDP growth of 0.9%, just 0.1 percentage point lower from its last Quarterly Perspectives in May. Assuming no further external shocks, it expects real GDP growth to improve to 1.6% in 2026 and average 2.1% in 2027-29. Miyelani Maluleke, senior economist and head of South Africa Macroeconomics Research at Absa Group, said that the external environment was showing some resilience, but uncertainty was high. “Economic activity has looked…

After stunning the oil world with a slew of production increases, OPEC+ is preparing to decide its next move at a key meeting on Sunday. Saudi Arabia and its partners have yet to decide how to proceed after completing the fast-tracked addition of 2.5 million barrels a day that was finalised at its previous gathering, several delegates said on Wednesday. Bloomberg reported at the time that the group would consider all options going forward including increasing further or maintaining current levels, and that remains the case, according to one of the delegates. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies shocked the oil market in April with the accelerated revival of a large tranche of halted supply - abandoning years of effort to shore up prices. People familiar…

The international net continues to close in on the controversial Gupta brothers, long accused of state capture and corruption in South Africa, with fresh raids on their properties in India and the recent auctioning of their assets in Johannesburg. According to a report by India Today, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided multiple locations in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and the Guptas’ ancestral home in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The operations were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a Mutual Legal Assistance Request (MLAR) from South African authorities. Investigators reportedly targeted businesses linked to brothers Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh Gupta, along with companies tied to Indian businessman Piyoosh Goyal’s World Window Group and an associate, Ram Ratan Jagati. Jagati is alleged to have used a Dubai-based…

Police in Gauteng have recovered copper cable worth about R3 million at an unregistered scrapyard in De Deur, leading to the arrest of five foreign nationals. According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to curb non-ferrous metal theft and crimes targeting essential infrastructure. “On 3 September 2025, a team comprising members of the Sedibeng Infrastructure Unit, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, and private security companies operationalised intelligence information which led them to a scrapyard in De Deur,” said Nevhuhulwi. “The team discovered large quantities of copper cable and further seized homemade stoves reportedly used to burn the copper. Five suspects were arrested at the scene, and it was later confirmed that they are undocumented foreign nationals.” A preliminary investigation established that the recovered copper…

Build One SA (BOSA), GOOD Party and Rise Mzansi are expected to announce their one big political party this weekend but it’s unclear who will be the leader. Although the three parties remained tight-lipped about their actual plans, sources told IOL that the announcement will be made on Sunday. A source said talks have been ongoing between the parties but there is no clear direction on who is going to be the leader of the party and also how the party will work. Even the name is not yet known, the source said. “Yes, talks are in a good stage, they share the same vision but they don’t know the name, the leader and also how it will work out.” Another source said, “It looks good and I hope it…

A new Ipsos study, ‘‘What Worries the World,’’ has revealed a dramatic return to pre-election pessimism about the country’s direction, marking a sharp decline from the initial surge of optimism that followed the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) formation in mid-2024. With a staggering 80% of South Africans believing the nation is on the ‘‘wrong track,’’ opposition parties have seized upon the ‘‘chilling revelations’’ to voice their outrage and condemn the GNU, highlighting its perceived failures and the ongoing infighting between its main partners, the ANC and the DA. The data, which tracks online South African sentiment over 20 months, shows how public mood, initially lifted by the prospect of a united government, has now plummeted to levels mirroring the uncertainty before the May 2024 national elections. Service Line Manager…

Following this week’s admission of 16 amici curiae (friends of the court) who will assist the Western Cape High Court with insights concerning the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development welcomed the court’s decision. In its litigation, the applicants challenge the constitutionality of provisions under the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 (SORMA), and the City of Cape Town By-Law on Streets, Public Places, and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances (the By-laws), insofar as they criminalise the provision and solicitation of sex work. The main application, brought by S.H. and Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), against the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, will be heard on…

Unfollowed Christian White, Summer DeRoche Narrated by Anna Skellern Audible Originals INFLUENCERS are on the rise, excuse the pun. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have allowed for anyone to become a sensation overnight. But where lives are meticulously curated and presented for admiration, the stakes can become chillingly high. The newly-released audiobook Unfollowed, authored by Christian White and Summer DeRoche and narrated by the captivating Anna Skellern, plunges listeners into the world of influencer couple Jess and Nick Brooks, whose lives are turned upside down in a nightmarish twist on what it means to be “social media famous.” As they navigate the challenges of parenting two young boys, Oliver and Archie, Jess and Nick’s once-aspirational existence crumbles. During a free luxury getaway to a Balinese resort masked as the ultimate…

Timeless South African: Celebrating 101 Iconic Dishes Ilse van der Merwe Loot.co.za (R428) Penguin Random House Acclaimed author Ilse van der Merwe officially launched her newest cookbook, Timeless South African: Celebrating 101 Iconic Dishes, published by Penguin Random House South Africa in August. The launch took place at Workshop17, Watershed, at the V&A Waterfront. Timeless South African beautifully curates a selection of 101 dishes deeply woven into the South African culinary fabric – whether staples or celebratory fare, each dish stands as a testament to our nation’s warmth, diversity, and shared heritage. From vetkoek and amagwinya to koeksisters and gatsby, and the storied origins of bobotie, hertzoggies, and Durban bunny chow, the book marries rich storytelling with stunning full-page photography. The launch in collaboration with Loot.co.za unfolded with the charismatic…

Playing in leagues like The Hundred in the UK is not only valuable experience but also vital for understanding the minds of the world’s best cricketers, Proteas Women all-rounder Chloe Tryon believes. Tryon returned this week from England alongside Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt, who also featured in the short-format competition. She and Wolvaardt represented Southern Brave and reached the final, only to fall short. “It was a bit disappointing not to win the final, but I cherished the experience nonetheless,” Tryon said in an exclusive interview with Independent Media. The Durban-born all-rounder has a few days’ rest before she and the rest of the squad head to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series, which will also double-up as warm-up matches for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Playing in…

Bafana Bafana central defender Siyabonga Ngezana has candidly acknowledged the mounting pressure on the South African national team as it gears up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Nigeria. The 28-year-old Ngezana plays for Romanian SuperLiga giants FCSB. Before that, he played seven seasons for Kaizer Chiefs after featuring in Orlando Pirates’ youth system. Last weekend, Ngezana, who has been flying the South African flag with distinction abroad for the past two seasons, played a full 90 minutes for FCSB in their 2-2 league draw against CFR Cluj. “It is clear we have pressure, having not qualified for the World Cup in so many years,” he remarked, underlining the historical significance of the upcoming fixtures. “This sentiment echoes the frustrations of a nation that last…

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has pledged his commitment to the club after a much-discussed move away failed to materialise, insisting he is ready to fight for his place in the team. The Brazilians endured a challenging transfer window, marked by several departures and uncertainty around key players’ futures. For coach Miguel Cardoso, having his star striker available again comes as a major boost as Sundowns chase domestic dominance and an elusive second CAF Champions League title. The club has made significant changes to the squad, letting go of some players while welcoming new faces, including former Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien. Shalulile was one of the most talked-about players of the window, with strong rumours linking him to a move to North Africa. At 31, and with his starting…

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt predicted yesterday a “super tough” clash in humid conditions against a rampant Argentina, with no room for complacency in a wide-open Rugby Championship. Australia welcome back skipper Harry Wilson for tomorrow’s showdown in tropical Townsville while playmaker Tom Lynagh returns at the expense of James O’Connor. In the only other change, Andrew Kellaway got the nod to fill the shoes of injured wing Tom Wright. Wilson played a starring role in the Wallabies’ shock 38-22 victory over world champions South Africa in Johannesburg last month, scoring two tries, before missing their loss in Cape Town with a knee niggle. But he will again lead from the front against a Pumas side on a high after stunning the All Blacks 29-23 in Buenos Aires, the first time…

Springbok lock Ruan Nortje says it has not fully sunk in that he is about to achieve his childhood dream of playing for the Springboks against the All Blacks in New Zealand. The 27-year-old featured in the Boks’ two home victories over the All Blacks in last year’s Rugby Championship, but he has not faced the old foe on their own soil – let alone at Eden Park, the New Zealand fortress where the All Blacks have won their last 50 matches, stretching back to 1994. In fact, of the match 23 selected for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash in Auckland, only veterans Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi have played at Eden Park before. “It is an unbelievable privilege for me to play against New Zealand in New Zealand,” Nortje said.…