Table of contents for 2025-09-29 in Star

South Africa’s municipalities continue to grapple with mounting debt and underperformance in revenue collection, according to the latest National Treasury fourth-quarter Local Government Section 71 report for the 2024/25 financial year. The report, released on Friday and covering the period ending 30 June 2025, shows that while municipalities collectively spent R597.2 billion, or 89.8% of their adjusted expenditure budgets, revenue collection fell short. Municipalities billed and generated R617.3bn, equivalent to 93% of their adjusted revenue targets. A major concern flagged by Treasury is the ballooning municipal consumer debt, which climbed to R427.7bn, up from R339.9bn in the same period last year. Households account for 71.9% (R307.5bn) of this debt, while government entities owe R24.7bn, a sharp increase from R18.6bn in 2023/24. “The growing debt burden highlights the liquidity and cash…

Starbucks plans to close stores and eliminate 900 jobs in a $1 billion (about R17.3bn) restructuring effort as the company amps up a turnaround plan under chief executive Brian Niccol. The coffee chain, which had 360 000 global employees last year, said its overall store count in the US and Canada will drop by 1% to 18 300. After that, it plans to grow the number of stores it operates and refurbish another 1 000 restaurants. Following a review of its coffeehouses, the company identified a number of stores where it couldn’t see a path toward profitability and decided to close them. It plans to focus on stores that align with Niccol’s plan to make its restaurants a more inviting place to visit. “Early results from coffeehouse uplifts show customers…

In South Africa, the bitter irony of education is that a certificate often signals neither mastery nor mobility. Each year, thousands of matriculants emerge from underfunded schools with qualifications that cannot secure them work or dignity. The OECD reports that nearly 39% of young South Africans with secondary schooling remain unemployed, a reality that mocks the promise of liberation. Three decades ago, economist Thomas Sowell exposed the deceptions of American education: grade inflation, union dominance and ideological capture that prized access over competence. South Africa today represents an even harsher version of those illusions. Our system, celebrated for mass access, hides a deeper truth: access without outcomes chains the poor more tightly than exclusion. What appears as misfortune is, on closer inspection, a careful orchestration of incentives and neglect. From…

Dr Anne Letsebe is no more. She was laid to rest on Friday. South Africa has lost a seasoned civil servant – one chiselled in the Cabinet Secretariat of President Nelson Mandela and refined under the unified Cabinet Committee system led by Reverend Frank Chikane during President Mbeki’s administration. Dr Letsebe’s professional journey reflected a rare blend of intellect, integrity, and dedication to the public good. She took a deep interest in statistics, and when I became the Statistician-General of South Africa in 2000, I worked closely with her. Our relationship continued into retirement, bound by shared commitments to evidence, governance, and transformation. Now that she belongs to the Ages, she joins another departed colleague, Dr Lulama Makhubela, with whom I worked on the South Africa Women In Dialogue (SAWID)…

It’s difficult to go wrong with a series led and directed by Jason Bateman, and crime thriller Black Rabbit, which was released on Netflix last week, is no exception. The show stars Bateman (who directed two of the episodes) as one of the lead roles alongside Jude Law in this intensely riveting and sometimes disturbing tale. The supporting cast of Cleopatra Coleman, Amaka Okafor, Chris Goy, Sope Dirisu, and Forrest Weber all combine for an intriguing watch which explores themes of family, loyalty, addiction and the criminal underworld. The actors portray brothers; Law plays Jake Friedken, a suave womaniser, big-time businessman who runs an incredibly successful bar/restaurant in New York. His older brother Vince is something of a misfit and struggles to keep his life on the straight and narrow.…

I caught up with Francois Jacobs a few days after Khaki Fever debuted on Showmax. He was still over the moon at bagging the Best Supporting Actor accolade at this year’s kykNET Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV. Directed by Brett Michael Innes, the R-rated comedy centres on a group of close-knit game rangers working at Zalisa Lodge, a family-owned private game reserve in South Africa, run by Anel (Trix Vivier), who is a stickler for rules. Although she isn’t a fan of her rangers' reckless behaviour - or their nicknames for each other - she is distracted by Magda (Ilse Klink), an insufferable guest who refuses to leave until they locate her French bulldog, Chardonnay. Meanwhile, her rangers - Marco (Abel Knobel), Daniel (Christopher Jaftha), Albie (Francois Jacobs), Stoffel…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has officially initiated a comprehensive market inquiry into the fixed and capacity charges levied by electricity distributors, including Eskom and various municipalities. This move aims to address growing concerns about the rising electricity costs and the structure of tariff increases, which many consumers and stakeholders have found contentious. In a statement released at the weekend, Charles Hlebela, NERSA’s Head of Communications, said the inquiry was due to the concerns raised by customers. “This market-wide inquiry responds to widespread concerns from customers and stakeholders about the impact of these charges, as well as the level of increase imposed, and the structure and justification of these charges,” he said. NERSA stated that the inquiry will scrutinise the genesis and implementation of fixed charges, generation…

The North Gauteng High Court has ruled in favour of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), dismissing Postbank’s urgent application to halt the termination of a crucial Master Services Agreement (MSA). While Sassa celebrates this victory, Postbank warns that the ruling could have serious implications for the livelihoods of millions relying on social grants. Judge Colleen Collis dismissed Postbank’s urgent application, citing a lack of urgency. The judge concurred with Sassa’s submission regarding the absence of urgency, further noting that Postbank had been aware of Sassa’s intent to terminate the MSA since March 2024. Sassa CEO Themba Matlou said the judgment confirmed Sassa’s long-held position, that the termination of the MSA will not affect or interrupt social grant payments to beneficiaries who receive their grants via Postbank. “We are…

Chinese President Xi Jinping last week Wednesday announced a series of new actions in global climate governance cooperation, calling on all countries to live up to their responsibilities and help curb carbon emissions. Xi made the remarks in a video speech at the UN Climate Summit 2025. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and that all parties are expected to submit their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Xi said it’s imperative to strengthen confidence, take responsibility, and enhance cooperation to move global climate governance cooperation forward. The special high-level event on climate action was hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as part of the high-level week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Xi highlighted some of the main targets in China’s…

As the world marks International Safe Abortion Day, an alarm has been raised over the staggering prevalence of unsafe abortions worldwide, urging decisive action to ensure women and girls have access to safe and legal abortion services. Gynaecologist Dr Koketso Pule, speaking yesterday during an interview on Newsroom Afrika, highlighted the critical risks associated with unsafe abortions, stating that globally, approximately 45% of abortions are performed unsafely. She stated that this contributes to an estimated 3% of preventable maternal deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). “Unsafe abortions are a significant public health issue,” Pule explained. “It means that if safe and regulated access to abortion services is available, women’s lives can be saved. The barriers surrounding termination of unwanted pregnancies – whether legal, social, or economic – are…

Former President Thabo Mbeki has vouched for the courage demonstrated by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, in publicly addressing the challenges within the country’s criminal justice system. Speaking on Saturday during an interview with SABC in Durban, Mbeki stated that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is crucial for South Africa to fully understand and address deep-rooted issues surrounding crime, corruption, and political interference. “I am very glad that the Commissioner had the courage to speak out,” Mbeki said. “At last, we have the possibility, through the Madlanga Commission, to hear evidence from everyone involved and gain a clearer picture of the state of our criminal justice system, the criminals who carry out terrible acts, and how they operate.” Mbeki highlighted the critical connection between crime syndicates, political…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has downplayed his team’s dominant performance in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round, which concluded with a masterclass 7-0 aggregate triumph over Lesotho’s Lioli FC on Saturday. Following their 4-0 win in the second leg at Orlando Stadium, Ouaddou reminded fans and players that such victories should be expected rather than celebrated as extraordinary achievements. He noted that a victory like this was anticipated from a team of the Pirates' calibre. Impressive braces from forwards Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma bolstered Pirates. While the scoreline reflected a dominant performance, Ouaddou emphasised the necessity of treating every opponent with respect, regardless of their stature in African football. “We were never worried about that game,” Ouaddou reflected in his post-match press conference. “I think my players…

Arsenal produced a dramatic late fightback to win 2-1 at Newcastle last night to lay down an early marker in the Premier League title race. The Gunners were heading for a fourth consecutive defeat at St. James' Park after falling behind to Nick Woltemade's first-half header. However, Mikel Merino headed in the equaliser before Gabriel Magalhaes powered in from a 96th-minute corner to lift Arsenal into second and within two points of leaders Liverpool. Liverpool's first defeat of the season at Crystal Palace on Saturday had handed Arsenal the chance to close in at the top of the table. For a long time it looked like Mikel Arteta's men would let that opportunity slip by in a bad-tempered encounter on Tyneside. But the manner of victory will give the Gunners…

The Proteas Women put the finishing touches to their World Cup preparations with a four-wicket win over Pakistan in yesterday’s ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a victory built on strong all-round performances by the South Africans. Pakistan managed to score 229/9 off 46 overs after choosing to bat first. South Africa replied with 233/6 in the 41st over, surviving an early batting wobble as skipper Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp all fell cheaply. Pakistan were 87/2 after 20 overs in their innings. Medium-pace spearhead Ayabonga Khaka claimed the first wicket, that of opener Muneeba Ali. Fellow seamer Nadine de Klerk then dismissed Omaima Sohail, before Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz steadied the ship for Pakistan. The Proteas struck two quick blows, with Annerie Dercksen removing…

The latest World Economic Forum (WEF) chief economists’ outlook for September paints a stark picture of a global economy grappling with persistent disruptions and mounting uncertainty. This analysis, corroborated by South African economists, emerges from a comprehensive survey involving chief economists from various sectors, including Old Mutual Group’s chief economists, Johann Els. In a revealing appraisal, the report highlights a resilience amidst turbulence, yet underscores that growth prospects remain subdued, with significant risks skewed to the downside. Notably, 72% of chief economists surveyed anticipate a deterioration in global economic conditions over the next year – a sentiment echoed across numerous economies facing prolonged instability. The WEF report underscores the impact of recent tariffs imposed by the US on a multitude of countries, initiating a recalibration of global supply chains and…

South Africa’s Policy Uncertainty Index (PUI) surged to a record 81.0 points in the third quarter of 2025, up from 75.9 in the previous quarter, according to the North West University (NWU) Business School. The baseline of the index is 50, with higher levels reflecting greater policy uncertainty. NWU Business School economist Professor Raymond Parsons said the rise in uncertainty was driven by a mix of global and domestic headwinds. “A combination of negative global and internal factors outweighed the positive ones in the PUI over this period,” he said. Parsons added that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will soon update its overall economic forecasts for its annual meeting in October. On the global front, the IMF is set to update its economic outlook at its October annual meetings. Its…

In 2015, when South Africa agreed to American demands to remove anti-dumping restrictions on United States chicken imports, the decision was sold as a narrow concession to secure broader benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). What followed was not a sterile trade technicality but a real economic trade-off: access for US chicken became, for many in the poultry sector, shorthand for jobs lost, transformation delayed, and export ambitions blunted. Agoa was a strategic instrument for South Africa, the poultry concession allowed it to preserve duty-free access to the US for priority exports, from vehicles to citrus. The 2015 Agoa extension expires at the end of this month, and may not be renewed. What will survive, however, is a huge annual quota of US chicken that will come…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) released its latest report on employers defaulting on pension fund contributions to their employees. It raises deeply alarming matters that cannot be left as yet another burden of life for workers to suffer through. Pension funds are workers’ hard earned deferred wages. When employers, public or private, claim to be making them fail to do so, that is fraud and must be treated as the criminal offence it is. Worse is when employers deduct the employees’ contribution and then pocket the money. It is extremely worrying that the number of delinquent employers has seemingly doubled from just under 8 000 in the last FSCA report to over 15 500 in its most recent. This may be due partly to improved reporting since the advent…

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has issued a stark warning about the rapidly growing problem of employers defaulting on pension fund contributions, a breach that threatens the financial security of nearly 600 000 workers across key sectors. In a statement released yesterday, COSATU spokesperson Zanele Sabela revealed that the number of employers failing to pay workers’ deducted pension contributions has more than doubled since last year. According to the latest Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) report, 15 521 employers are now in default – up from 7 700 in 2024 and dramatically higher than the initial 4 000 reported in 2023. “This disturbing trend places the livelihoods and futures of hundreds of thousands of South African workers at risk,” Sabela said. “When pension contributions are withheld or…

Political analysts and experts believe Advocate Terry Motau’s possible resignation from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has raised questions about its independence, warning that this could open the door for more exits. Motau, the chief evidence leader, reportedly told the City Press that he has made a request to leave the commission but refused to share reasons about his departure as nothing has been finalised yet. According to the report, Motau was requested to reconsider his decision and has undertaken to give feedback soon. This could result in serious delays in the operations of the commission while a replacement was being considered. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who demanded the first report within three months, established the commission in July to investigate serious allegations of criminal syndicates infiltrating and corrupting South Africa’s…

Nsikayomuzi Goodman Goqo, a fraudster sentenced to eight years in prison for swindling investors out of more than R70 million, is seeking to appeal his conviction and sentence. He claims the Pinetown Regional Court’s decision was influenced by anger. Goqo faced over 4 000 charges, including fraud and contraventions of the Banks Act. Between 2009 and 2010, he lured over 4 000 investors into a Ponzi scheme through his company, Ingede Mineral Holdings, which had offices in Hillcrest, promising a 30% interest over six months on stock exchange investments. Contracts were signed with investors. Before his conviction, he had been out on R50 000 bail, which was granted in March 2014. Goqo has hired advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, former acting director of public prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, to represent him in his…

Former president Thabo Mbeki has urged the ANC to hold a renewal conference and elect new leaders who have joined the party only to improve people’s lives and not out of a desire for self-enrichment. The former head of state was addressing a political education class in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday. Mbeki suggested that the renewal conference should sift out those who joined the movement to attain power for greed and self-enrichment. He stated that the ANC has not deviated from its original principle of liberating those who were oppressed and change their lives for the better, however, after attaining power it began attracting greedy and corrupt members who saw the party as a vehicle to enrich themselves. “We have been talking about renewal of our movement. After the renewal, we…

The court gave a divorcing woman, who is married to her husband out of community of property, the greenlight to claim her share of her husband’s estate, which she said she had helped built over the years, through emotional support, raising the children and help running the family lodge, without ever being paid. The woman turned to the Mpumalanga High Court, sitting in Mbombela, in a bid to amend her claim during the divorce proceedings to include a redistribution order. She pointed out that they are married out of community of property, excluding the accrual system, in terms of an antenuptial contract. The woman said she has contributed for nearly two decades to her husband’s estate, without even being formally recognised. As her marriage contract excludes accrual, she is not…

THE recent decision by AfriForum to deliver a dossier targeting Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to senior officials at the White House has set off alarm bells regarding the future of South Africa’s already delicate relationship with the United States. Political analysts are expressing concerns that this move could complicate crucial diplomatic and trade relations between the two nations, further exacerbating already tense narratives surrounding racial issues in South Africa. Zakhele Ndlovu, a political analyst, stated that the implications of AfriForum’s actions are profound, particularly as they come at a time when diplomatic ties are essential for economic growth and stability. “This group from South Africa has shown more confidence in the US government than in the South African criminal justice system,” Ndlovu said. He noted that Trade…

The 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) in New York highlighted the extent of global insecurity and fractures in the international system. Leaders of African nations seized the moment to register their discontent with the skewed international system. There was a broad consensus on the legitimacy and relevance of the UN, except for the President of the US, Donald Trump, whose speech largely dismissed the significant role of the UN in international affairs. However, African leaders strongly support the reform of the UN, demanding inclusivity, equal representation, and participation. President Ruto of Kenya unambiguously led the African case for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC), demanding at least two permanent seats with full rights – including the power to veto, to ensure the…

The drama at Kings Park was unrelenting as the Springboks fluctuated between the sublime and the ridiculous in thrashing Argentina 67-30. Here are five takeaways from a memorable Rugby Championship match. Sizzling Sacha A hat-trick of tries and 10 successful shots at goal saw the flyhalf amass a record-breaking 37 points. He beat 13 defenders while accumulating 134 metres from his 14 carries, fashioning three clean breaks in the process. That total of 13 defenders beaten is all the more impressive when you consider that the next best Springboks in this department — Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit — beat five defenders each. Boks score own goals During the week, attack coach Tony Brown spoke about the Boks’ inability to put together an 80-minute performance this season. Against the…

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen felt Saturday night’s 33-20 defeat against Cardiff at the Arms Park in the opening match of the URC season was decided by a few key moments in the closing 15 minutes, and a late downpour that allowed the hosts to take full control of the match. Cardiff outscored the visitors from Johannesburg by five tries to two to bag a bonus point. The visitors had led 20-14 early in the second half, after No 8 WJ Steenkamp powered over from a scrum, capitalising on a red card for Cardiff centre Ben Thomas. “I think it was a game that was in the balance. Probably the result was determined by two or three moments,” said Van Rooyen. “I think we handled and played a good pressure…

Online marketplace OLX will enter the Western European auto market with the acquisition of leading French motors classified platform La Centrale for €1.1 billion (about R22.38 billion), its owner, the JSE and Amsterdam-listed Prosus said on Friday. Prosus, a subsidiary of Naspers, is focused on food and lifestyle e-commerce and in August reported a 54% jump in its e-commerce adjusted core earnings. On Friday it said that buying La Centrale would help it enter the European autos market and strengthen its e-commerce presence in the continent, complementing the recently announced planned acquisition by Prosus of meal delivery company Just Eat Takeaway. “I expect to invest more in AI technology in France,” Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi said in a statement. Prosus expects the deal to close by year-end. OLX CEO Christian…

Gemfields Group said on Friday its free cash flow before working capital movements fell to a negative $22.1 million (about R382m) for the six months to June 30 due to lower auction revenue and capital expenditure at Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) in Mozambique. The JSE-listed miner and marketer of coloured stones said in its interim financial results that total revenue came to $64.2m, well down from R121.41m a year before. The earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation loss came to $4.9m. The net loss came to $24.58m, compared with the $13.67m profit at the same time a year before. "This has been a challenging first half marked by gemstone production difficulties at both mines. MRM experienced lower premium ruby output while Kagem Mining suspended mining altogether at the end…

The dichotomy between US unemployment and inflation, baptised as a process of stagflation, continues to shift investments to gold, platinum and other haven assets. Together with this sentiment of further rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, the decision by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee not to lower the repo rate the previous week, pushed real rates between the US and South Africa to unique highs. This causes portfolio capital inflow and the rand/dollar exchange rate to trade at its strongest level since September 26, 2024. The currency last Tuesday in intra-day trade reached $17.22 against the dollar. Although the rand ended Friday sideways at R17.34/$, the same level as the previous week, it is still 150 cents stronger than at the beginning of the year (R18/84/$). Against the…

Heriot REIT, the AltX-listed diversified South African property company, saw a landmark year after it increased distributable earnings by 26.1%, its most ever, to R389.21 million for the year to June 30. The distribution per share (DPS) increased by 14.3% to 121.91 cents in the year to June 30. The growth in DPS was not directly aligned with distributable earnings, as the Thibault REIT acquisition initially led to an about 4% dilution in DPS, but delivered a 7% increase in net asset value per share. A final dividend of 65.07 cents a share, on a 100% payout ratio, was declared for the six months to June 30, a 14.5% increase compared to the final dividend for the same period in 2024. The company’s management said on Friday that the results…

Do you remember Liquideep, the South African music duo behind hits like Fairytale, BBM, Welcome Aboard, Alone and Something About You? Fans who grew up on their music have often asked where they went, and it now seems the duo is preparing a return. Liquideep consists of Ziyon and Ryzor. They released their debut album, Oscillations, in 2009, which quickly resonated on the streets of Mzansi. That success was followed by Fabrics of the Heart in 2010 and Welcome Aboard in 2013. Their music blended emotion with rhythm, creating tracks that were both radio-friendly and club-ready. Over time, their songs became staples of the South African music scene, with fans connecting to the melodies and lyrics in a way that few acts could match. The duo received several awards…

Residents of Fochville have accused the Merafong Local Municipality of toying with their emotions over what they describe as a “disruptive” water supply. This comes as the residents have claimed that ahead of their protest action last Tuesday, the municipality partially restored their water supply, with the municipality accused of subsequently switching off its water supply, just days after the protest. Last week Tuesday, Residents of Kokosi township in Johannesburg’s West Rand marched from the township to the N12 highway to protest against the area’s lack of water. Following this, the community gave the municipality mayor Nozuko Best, 24 hours to restore their water supply or resign, failing which, they would return to the streets again. Speaking on behalf of the residents, Buti Elliot Mtembu indicated that the community has…

Issues and challenges surrounding the Durban-Gauteng Corridor will be a point of discussion, especially around the proposed R50 billion Port of Gauteng, during October’s Transport Month. The Port of Gauteng (PoG) is touted, by developers, as Africa’s superior inland trade gateway, strategically located at the entry and exit point of Gauteng on South Africa’s busiest freight corridor. The proposed port is expected to provide importers, distributors, rail operators, investors, and developers with a rare, future-ready platform to build world-class warehousing, distribution, and intermodal facilities. A meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow to release a White Paper: Port of Gauteng’s Solution to South Africa’s Most Important Trade Corridor. Francois Nortje, Port of Gauteng developer, said the Durban-Gauteng Logistics Corridor had faced significant challenges. “The National Development Plan of 2012 stated that…

A 35-year-old man who has been on the run for a decade after he was convicted of financial fraud crimes in Gqeberha was rearrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg last week Tuesday. The successful operation was conducted jointly by the Gqeberha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, known as the Hawks, Movement Control Officers of OR Tambo, and the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU) of the National Prosecuting Authority. Eastern Cape Hawks provincial spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said Evaristo Kazingizi Kudaskwashe was wanted for a series of financial crimes committed as far back as 2015. He said between July and August 2015, Kudaskwashe was allegedly working at a fuel station convenience centre in Wells Estate, Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, where he used…

The South African Post Bank finds itself in a prolonged state of uncertainty as it has yet to submit a fresh application for a full banking licence, nearly eight years after its initial application was filed with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). This delay poses serious questions about the institution’s future and its ability to operate effectively within South Africa’s dynamic banking landscape. The pressing issue was brought to light during a recent parliamentary exchange, where DA MP Tsolofelo Bodlani sought clarity on the status of the Post Bank’s licence application. In a response that has sparked further discussion, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi confirmed that no new application has been made to SARB for the banking licence. Malatsi said an application was last lodged with the…

The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s adoption of a motion to rename the Kruger National Park to Skukuza National Park has triggered immediate warnings over the massive financial and economic consequences for South Africa’s key tourism sector. Tourism experts are cautioning that the substantial costs of rebranding, coupled with the potential loss of international goodwill, could undermine one of the country’s most vital economic engines. The motion, which was brought forward by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and adopted by the provincial legislature earlier this week, aims to replace the name of former Transvaal president Paul Kruger with Skukuza. Prof. Elmarie Slabbert, director of the research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU), emphasised the severity of the financial risk. “The change would also bring…

When discussing tourism in South Africa, typical imagery conjures up encounters with majestic wildlife at the Kruger National Park, sun-soaked beaches in Durban, or the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain framed against a sunset. However, for Louisa Jordaan, a master’s student at the University of Pretoria, the tourism landscape paints a far more sinister picture – one that revolves around serial killer tourism. Though it may sound like the premise of a gritty crime drama, serial killer tourism represents a burgeoning niche within the global travel landscape. This form of tourism is characterised by visits to locales associated with infamous serial killers, such as crime scenes, residences, courts, and even places where these criminals faced their demise. While dark tourism, which encompasses various forms of grim travels, has found its…

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed that there is a shortage of interpreters in several courts nationwide. The provinces most affected by the shortages are the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, the Western Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, with dozens of courts not currently meeting the standard of one interpreter in each court. Kubayi blamed the shortage of interpreters on the increased demand for interpreting services. “This increased demand has placed pressure on the existing interpreter pool, particularly in rural and multilingual areas. “The requirement for interpreters to be accredited through the South African Language Practitioners’ Council, in line with the South African Language Practitioners’ Council Act, 2014, has also narrowed the pool of eligible candidates in the short term,” she said. Replying to DA MP Damien Klopper,…

The Springboks were all smiles on Saturday night after they put 67 sparkling points past Argentina in Durban, but Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus said the champagne is on ice until they complete the Rugby Championship job in London this week. The Boks are tantalisingly close to making history by defending their Rugby Championship title, something they have never achieved since the tournament’s inception in 1996. With one round remaining, they top the log with 15 points, followed by New Zealand (14), Australia (11) and Argentina (9). “We’re flying tomorrow (Sunday) and we’re playing at Twickenham next week, and we have to win that game or it’s just another missed Rugby Championship,” Erasmus said after Saturday night’s astonishing display at Kings Park. The Boks scored nine tries, and their handsome…

Kaizer Chiefs’ co-interim coach Cedric Kaze cut an animated figure during the team’s progression into the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary qualifiers on Saturday afternoon. Goldy Lilepo scored the only goal of the match against Kabuscorp in the second leg of the first-round qualifiers as Chiefs levelled the tie before winning 5-4 on penalties at FNB Stadium. The goal and the club's progression meant a lot to the technical team and players, as they went into the game low on confidence following a loss to Sekhukhune and a draw with Kabuscorp away. So, Kaze didn’t take the goal calmly. He celebrated in delight, moving behind the dugout to rally the fans. His decision was understandable — Chiefs needed a lot of celebration, especially amid the difficult period…