Table of contents for 2025-09-30 in Star

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has called for urgent reforms in the way South Africa’s metros manage their core trading services, warning that years of underinvestment in water, sanitation and electricity have left cities struggling to support growth and attract investment. Speaking at a Metro Trading Services Reform engagement session with executive mayors yesterday, Godongwana said the country’s stagnant economy and rising unemployment had put severe pressure on public finances. The National Treasury implemented these reforms to restore and sustain trading services such as electricity, water, sanitation, and waste services in metros through institutional and financial reforms. Godongwana noted that municipalities are unable to expand bulk infrastructure in fast-growing areas such as Lanseria in Johannesburg, Mooikloof in Tshwane, and Cape Town’s West Coast, limiting property development and revenue generation. “This means…

The Competition Commission has accused regional airline Airlink of aggressive and exclusionary conduct on the Johannesburg–Mthatha route, alleging that its pricing strategy between 2012 and 2016 forced rival Fly Blue Crane (FBC) out of the market and cost consumers more than R100 million in inflated fares. In the ongoing hearing at the Competition Tribunal, economist Jason Aproskie argued that Airlink had demonstrated its ability to sustain prolonged losses to keep competitors at bay. He pointed to the Johannesburg–Namibia route, where Airlink recorded losses for 35 out of 36 months, as evidence of its capacity to remain in unprofitable markets in order to outlast rivals. “Which shows its ability to sort of remain in that territory. If it was engaging in this conduct against a more efficient operator, it shows that…

Eskom yesterday announced that Unit 6 of Kusile Power Station has officially entered commercial operation, marking the completion of South Africa’s largest-ever power build programme. The milestone brings to a close the decades-long construction of Kusile and Medupi, the two supercritical coal-fired power stations that together can now supply 9 600MW to the national grid when running at full capacity. Together, these stations form the backbone of the country’s baseload electricity supply. Eskom said Unit 6 had been synchronised to the grid in March this year and had been contributing electricity since then, but its output is now formally recognised in performance reporting. The additional 800MW will also be factored into Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) metrics. This achievement also marks a key milestone in Eskom’s strategic goal to add…

On February 21, 2024, the first enforcement notice relating to direct marketing was sent to FT Rams Consulting. The main reasons for the notice were that the responsible party did not, (1), stop sending direct marketing after the recipient opted out and, (2), did not obtain the recipient’s consent before sending them electronic direct marketing. The Information Regulator released a media statement shortly before the enforcement notice, which had some very interesting statements. Advocate Pansy Tlakula, the chairperson of the Information Regulator had this to say: “Our leniency regarding direct marketing through unsolicited electronic communications is going to be a thing of the past because responsible parties (public or private bodies) ignore the provisions of section 69 of POPIA and infringe on the rights of data subjects. “In response to…

Amid calls for Babita Doekoran to be honoured for her role in uncovering corruption at Tembisa Hospital, the DA in Gauteng has revealed that it will closely monitor the referrals made by the SIU’s interim report released yesterday into corruption at the facility. This includes 116 disciplinary referrals and the four criminal matters that have been sent to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for disciplinary procedures, with 14 referrals currently under investigation. According to SIU (Special Investigating Unit) head Andy Mothibi, the syndicates involved in Tembisa Hospital corruption siphoned off more than R2 billion through fraudulent tenders and the circumvention of proper tender processes. The interim report was prompted by whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who flagged irregular tenders at the hospital shortly before her assassination in 2021. Deokaran was a senior…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has established an official inquiry into the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions, following serious allegations about his conduct. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed yesterday that the inquiry was initiated in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act of 1998. In July, IOL previously reported that Ramaphosa had suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect, following allegations that threaten the credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and his questionable conduct in office. Calls for his suspension began in August 2023, when National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi formally recommended that he be placed on precautionary suspension, citing concerns over his judgment and potential misconduct in several cases. “The…

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has rejected calls by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for him to appear before a parliamentary inquiry, saying he would not take instructions from Malema or allow him to claim credit for any appearance. Speaking on the sidelines of the Robben Island Former Political Prisoners Union on Saturday, McKenzie responded to Malema’s remarks during Friday’s virtual sitting of Parliament’s ad hoc committee. The committee is investigating serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, including claims of political interference in police operations and links to criminal syndicates. During the meeting, political parties submitted additional names of individuals they believe should be summoned to testify. The EFF proposed over 20 names, including McKenzie, President Cyril…

Johannesburg motorists are being urged to drive with extreme caution as a strong weather system brings persistent rain and afternoon thunderstorms to Gauteng, creating treacherous conditions on the province’s busy roads. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that on-and-off showers are already reducing visibility and leaving surfaces slick, heightening the risk of serious accidents during the morning and evening traffic peaks. In a statement, the weather authority appealed to drivers to remain alert and take extra safety measures as they navigate through the downpours. “With on-and-off rain reducing visibility over the eastern parts of the country, including Gauteng, please drive with extra caution and keep a safe following distance,” the SAWS said. The weather service added that the combination of light drizzle and sudden bursts of heavier rain…

I SIT here, staring at the screen, the glow casting shadows that feel too much like the ones etched into my soul these past months. It’s September, and the world spins on, coffee sipped in cafes, deadlines met in boardrooms, while in Gaza, the earth itself weeps blood. Satellite images don’t lie; they scream. Entire neighbourhoods in Gaza City, once alive with the laughter of children chasing kites now lie as rubble-strewn graves. Over 64 000 souls extinguished since October 2023, a number that is in all likelihood much higher, 163 503 more carrying wounds that fester in the silence of indifference. And the children. One hundred and thirty, starved to whispers by a famine Israel has engineered with surgical cruelty. I close my eyes, and I see them: tiny…

Kaizer Chiefs striker Wandile Duba is determined to rediscover his scoring touch as Amakhosi prepare to host AmaZulu at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. Chiefs began the season brightly and looked to be genuine title contenders, but their ambitions took a knock with a first defeat of the campaign against Sekhukhune United. That result left them in fifth place on the Betway Premiership table, and they will now be looking to bounce back quickly. For Duba, the clash against Usuthu offers an opportunity to reassert himself in a side where competition for places has intensified. The 21-year-old academy graduate has endured a frustrating start, going five matches without a goal and registering just one assist. After being trusted to lead the line in the early weeks, he has since fallen…

It was only the first game of the new United Rugby Championship (URC) season, and despite a runaway victory, the Stormers believe there is still plenty of room for improvement heading into the next couple of rounds. While they thrashed defending champions Leinster 35-0, the Stormers won’t dwell too long on the result, with the Ospreys making the trip to the Mother City for another Friday night clash at the DHL Stadium. The Cape side put in a clinical second-half performance thanks to their forwards and a contribution of 20 points by flyhalf Jurie Matthee, to overpower the Irish giants, but forwards coach Rito Hlungwani insists there are still key areas to work on ahead of their next outing. After facing the Welsh side — who they haven’t beaten in…

Eric Tinkler may have been disappointed at finally losing a league match this season. “I am disappointed, obviously, that we dropped the three points; disappointed in how we conceded the goal because we discussed it ahead of the game,” he said. But the Sekhukhune United coach is not about to be dissuaded from what he has been building. Not when his team have been ticking all the right boxes since the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. The weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Polokwane City was merely an aberration — a small bump on an otherwise promising route that could yet see Tinkler and Ba Bina Noko challenging for the championship. They may have been deposed from the top of the table for now, but Mamelodi Sundowns are only one…

It did not take long for the folly of failing to add depth to the centre-back position to bite Liverpool, with Crystal Palace exposing cracks that had been hinted at despite five wins in their first five Premier League matches. Granted, Arne Slot could not have envisaged the crushing injury blow to young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, who had impressed on his League Cup debut. But the decision to try to wrap up a move for England’s Marc Guehi only on transfer deadline day – when interest on both sides had been apparent throughout the window – may be a rare black mark on Slot’s previously unblemished record on Merseyside. The England stalwart demonstrated exactly what Liverpool had missed out on after the deal collapsed late on the final day…

President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday said South Africa was strengthening trade and investment ties with the US, following a series of high-level engagements with US companies, lawmakers and government officials in New York last week. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and included a South Africa–US Trade and Investment Dialogue, convened by the US Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business advocacy organisation. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said the engagements demonstrated growing confidence in South Africa’s economic reforms and its long-term growth prospects. “The optimistic, future-focused tone of this important engagement underscored how, beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead,” he said. “Many US companies already have operations in South Africa,…

At the heart of good governance is balance. The governance triad of board, chair and CEO alignment has already been identified as a theme critical to organisational success. This means that the boardroom must be a place of stewardship where directors collectively safeguard the organisation’s purpose, resources and long-term value. Yet too often, it becomes an arena where egos clash, alliances form and personal ambitions overshadow fiduciary responsibilities. When this happens, governance suffers. The organisation’s energy is diverted from strategy and oversight to power struggles and personality contests. This challenge is not new, but it is growing more pronounced in an era where boards face unprecedented scrutiny and complexity. Directors are expected to manage global risks, guide digital transformation and uphold corporate citizenship, yet the effectiveness of these responsibilities is…

South Africa’s average net salary edged higher in August 2025, but signs of job losses among higher earners remain a concern, according to the PayInc Net Salary Index (formerly the BankservAfrica Take-home Pay Index). The index rose marginally to R21 222 in August, up 0.2% from July and 2% higher than a year earlier. The upward trend evident in net salaries during 2024 has spilled over to 2025, with the average nominal net salary in the first eight months of 2025 up by 4.6% compared to the corresponding period in 2024. “The recovery in salaries reflects the moderate improvement in economic activity and the economy’s resilience, despite multiple challenges,” said Elize Kruger, an independent economist. Kruger added that the number of salaries paid signals that just more than 216 000…

It’s 8.30am on the dot last Wednesday in Kawasaki, an industrial city in the greater Tokyo area. Half an hour before the Apple Store opens, and already an orderly, curiously-constituted queue of a dozen or so people has formed outside the front door. My wife Sithabiso and I join behind what appears to be a homeless man, standing against the shop’s minimalist glass shopfront in the shadow of Toshiba’s looming new global headquarters. We’re all here hoping to cop one of the latest iPhone 17 devices that Apple has taken to drip-releasing for sale. Limited pre-orders and tiny batches made available at their stores to anyone willing to show up early every morning. Pre-order customers need to wait at least two weeks. Want it sooner? Rise early, join the queue,…

If you weren’t at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz this past weekend, you missed out on great vibes and spectacular music. For three days, the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg came alive with music lovers cheering, singing and soaking up the performances. With four stages, there was plenty of choice, though the toughest part was deciding where to be when two favourites clashed. Beyond the music, the hospitality stood out, with extras like a Coca-Cola photo booth where you could get your name or favourite phrase printed on a can. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, taking photos and enjoying themselves. It was more than a festival, it was a celebration of jazz music. One of the weekend’s standout moments came from Amanda Black. Her set was both uplifting…

EFF leader Julius Malema spent the whole of yesterday in the dock as the East London Magistrate’s Court went through years of evidence in his firearm discharge case. But with time running out, magistrate Twanet Olivier – battling through proceedings with a hoarse, flu-stricken voice – postponed the final verdict to today. Malema and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, are accused of breaking the Firearms Control Act by unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition. The charges stem from the EFF’s fifth birthday rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018. Video footage presented to court showed Snyman handing a rifle to Malema, who then allegedly fired shots into the air before a packed crowd. The case was opened after lobby group AfriForum laid charges. Prosecutor Advocate Joel Cesar argued…

A total of 1 567 suspects were arrested across Gauteng during the latest Operation Shanela, with police targeting serious and violent crimes while stepping up visibility across all districts. The operation, which ran from Friday until Sunday, saw multidisciplinary law enforcement teams mounting roadblocks, conducting stop-and-searches, inspecting liquor outlets, and patrolling known hotspots. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the outcome of the operation. “Among the total arrests, 1 378 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause bodily harm, rape, robberies, and hijackings,” said Nevhuhulwi. She said the crackdown also tackled gender-based violence. “In addressing crimes committed against women and children, the team also arrested 180 suspects on gender based violence related crimes,” she said. Other arrests…

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged coalition partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to act with political maturity and avoid threatening to walk away when disagreements arise, following the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) ultimatum over political appointments in Johannesburg. Speaking to eNCA, Mbalula confirmed that the ANC had not yet met with the PA following its threat to leave the GNU by today if Kenny Kunene is not reinstated as MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg. He said the matter is being handled by ANC structures in Gauteng together with coalition partners. IOL reported that PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced he would resign as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture today as part of the party’s decision to withdraw from all governing coalitions with the ANC at…

Back by popular demand, the Metropolitan Collective Shapers (MCS) has gone national, calling on young entrepreneurs to transform South Africa’s future through opportunities in agriculture and logistics. The national rollout took place at Melrose, Johannesburg, on September 26, where industry experts highlighted the stark reality of South Africa’s staggering 33.2% youth unemployment rate. Now in its fourth iteration, MCS is a powerful youth empowerment and social impact initiative that provides both financial and non-financial support to entrepreneurs. It offers investment funding, business and leadership coaching, national exposure, access to real market opportunities, and ongoing mentorship, branding and media training specifically supporting small businesses in the agriculture and logistics sectors. Metropolitan CEO Peter Tshiguvho said the MCS programme, which began as a regional initiative, has grown significantly due to high demand…

In an era defined by interconnected crises, from the escalating climate emergency and persistent underdevelopment to the proliferation of conflict, the necessity of a robust multilateral system has never been more apparent. The challenges we face are borderless, demanding collective action and a renewed commitment to international cooperation. The theme for the general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly, occurring from September 23 to 29 is ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights’. This theme embodies the essence of the United Nations as the cornerstone of global governance. Its 80th anniversary must catalyse profound transformation, particularly of the United Nations Security Council, so that it becomes fit for purpose in the twenty-first century. The escalating prevalence of unilateral action, often in contravention…

It was upon José Mourinho’s arrival at Chelsea in 2004 that he proclaimed himself a “special one”, although that sheen has worn away two decades on as he returns to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday with Benfica. The Portuguese coach claims he is now more “humble” and “altruistic”, but at his Benfica presentation he still made the point that, even though he is considered to have struggled in recent years, he has led two teams to European finals. Bringing those big nights and silverware to Benfica is the 62-year-old’s new mission, after he was sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahçe in August. Mourinho, who won the Uefa Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as three Premier League titles across two spells at Chelsea and La Liga with Real Madrid,…

The Springboks called up Lood de Jager on Monday as cover for Franco Mostert ahead of the second and decisive Rugby Championship Test at Twickenham on Saturday against Argentina. South Africa find themselves first on the standings, and a victory in London will likely secure the title for a second season in a row. The world champions are top with 15 points, New Zealand one point behind, Australia in third on 11 points, and Argentina on nine at the foot of the log. Mostert remained in South Africa due to a family bereavement, and De Jager has made a full recovery after picking up a niggle during the 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington. After Saturday’s 67-30 demolition of the Pumas at Kings Park, the attention now shifts…

The Bulls are expecting some of their injured stars to return only after they complete their opening overseas tour in the United Rugby Championship (URC). That will also be around the time their Springboks rejoin the squad for a busy December schedule. For now, without the Boks and key injured players such as No 8 Cameron Hanekom, loose forward Elrigh Louw, and flyhalf Johan Goosen, the team has still managed a positive start with an opening victory in the competition. Yes, their outing against the Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld was far from smooth — despite winning 53-40 — and things will only get tougher when defending champions Leinster visit Pretoria on Saturday. It’s a replay of last season’s final, and the Bulls will look to strike the first psychological blow…

South Africa’s agricultural sector is experiencing uneven recovery in 2025, with strong gains in field crops, fruits and vegetables offset by persistent challenges in the livestock industry, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo yesterday said the latest data shows a robust recovery in crops and horticulture, supported by favourable rains, but warned that animal diseases continue to weigh heavily on livestock producers. “From the high-frequency data, we are starting to see mixed fortunes. There is a robust recovery in field crops, vegetables, and fruits, thanks to good rains, but the livestock industry continues to struggle with animal diseases,” Sihlobo said. However, he said the livestock industry continues to struggle with foot-and-mouth disease. “We have also continued to struggle with foot-and-mouth disease…

The global economy thrives on predictability. When that certainty evaporates, businesses have to adapt or perish. South Africa is aiming to do two things: restore some level of predictability by engaging with the US, but simultaneously securing international partnerships and building the infrastructure foundation that enables South Africa to be competitive in global trade. President Cyril Ramaphosa made this case powerfully last week at the United Nations General Assembly. Speaking at a South Africa-USA trade and investment dialogue, he outlined clear goals for our US relationship: sustain and expand trade flows, keep our companies competitive and ensure workers and consumers in both countries benefit from our partnership. The practical steps he announced matter. A South Africa-US Trade and Investment Forum will be held alongside next year’s annual investment conference. The…

Sean “Diddy” Combs has spent part of the past year teaching fellow inmates business management and entrepreneurship. The rapper and producer, 55, convicted in July on two felony prostitution charges, faces sentencing on Friday in Manhattan, and it has now emerged he spent time behind bars teaching a self-devised course titled “Free Game With Diddy”. It has emerged in documents submitted to the court ahead of his sentencing, with Combs’ lawyers saying they have provided Judge Arun Subramanian with material they argue demonstrates the rapper’s positive influence while in custody. They provided a course description, inmate testimonials and an evaluation from a unit counsellor that rated the programme “excellent”, according to Rolling Stone. The publication said in a letter to the judge, Combs’ attorneys wrote: “Notably, the evaluation acknowledges Mr…

A WOMAN who out of the blue discovered that she was “legally married” to her former lover, against whom she had obtained a domestic violence interdict, was successful in her court bid to be restored to her single status. She had turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to have the registration by home affairs of the “customary marriage” overturned. She had discovered two years after the marriage was registered in 2014, that she was indeed married. The applicant, only identified as MM, told the court that she was never engaged nor married to SM (the respondent). In a bizarre set of circumstances it turned out that SM turned to the court behind her back in 2014 to obtain an order directing Home Affairs to register their customary marriage. The…

ActionSA has confirmed the dismissal of several of its Johannesburg councillors due to poor performance, marking a decisive move by the party to enforce accountability within its ranks. Speaking to IOL yesterday, ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont said the decision to remove underperforming councillors was taken during a Senate meeting held last week Friday. While the exact number has not been officially disclosed, IOL understands that at least five councillors from the Johannesburg caucus have been let go. This is part of ActionSA’s commitment to holding public representatives to the highest standards of performance. “ActionSA unapologetically performance manages as a public representative and the fact that we act against underperformance, and don’t reward it, sets us apart from other parties,” Michael said. The dismissals, originally scheduled for earlier this year,…

Two Nigerian nationals, Thinedu Chukwu, 39, and Ikena Obi, 43, have been arrested and charged by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in connection with the kidnapping and subsequent murder of a 49-year-old man in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. The arrests follow a rapid investigation into the disappearance of the victim, Gift Combrinck. Provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, provided details on the sequence of events: “A missing person case was opened on 23 September after Gift Combrinck from Kellysville, Lydenburg, was reported missing.” The search ended tragically soon after. “Tragically, on 25 September 2025, the body of Mr Combrinck was discovered near De Clerq Street in Lydenburg. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was kidnapped, which led to the arrest of the two suspects,” said Magagula. Both Chukwu and Obi have…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s trade and investment relationship with the United States remains strong and continues to deepen, following a series of engagements on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the president said the engagements included a Trade and Investment Dialogue hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, as well as meetings with American companies, members of Congress, and US government officials. He said US companies expressed confidence in South Africa’s economic reforms and showed strong interest in further investment. “Some of these companies already have business operations in South Africa, while others are interested in investing,” Ramaphosa said. “All of the companies commended the reforms being undertaken by the government and the prospects…

Rory McIlroy was not shy about expressing his dislike for Ryder Cup hecklers after a week that included taunts, insults and a beer thrown at his wife, Erica. The situation grew so ugly that extra police with dogs escorted McIlroy over the weekend as he helped Europe beat the United States 15-13 at Bethpage Black in the biennial team golf showdown. “I wish they had have let the dogs off the leashes,” McIlroy joked, on Sunday following Europe’s nail-biting victory. Raucous fans created an intense and unsafe atmosphere, with over-the-top insults aimed at players and their families, and five-time major winner McIlroy emerging as the top target. “The police out there and the amount of security presence was insane,” McIlroy said. “Nothing was going to happen. There wasn’t going to…

South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup have been thrown into uncertainty after Fifa handed Bafana Bafana a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in their March qualifier against Lesotho. The world governing body confirmed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should not have featured in the match played in March earlier this year against Dikwena. The breach of Article 19 of the Fifa disciplinary code and Article 14 of the preliminary competition regulations has now been punished with a forfeiture. As a result, the game – originally won by Bafana 2-0 – has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Lesotho. In addition, Safa have been fined around R215 000, while Mokoena received a warning. Safa expressed deep disappointment with the ruling on Monday, in…

Mamelodi Sundowns welcomed their new Portuguese gem, Nuno Santos, with open arms, and he repaid their faith in style. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined from Vitória Guimarães SC for a reported R20 million, made his mark on the field at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, leading the team to an uplifting victory over Richards Bay. Santos, who made a cameo appearance last week against Golden Arrows, was handed his first start on Saturday and showcased why he is considered a valuable addition to the squad. Earning the Player of the Match award, he delivered a stellar performance that included two significant assists with stunning long-distance passes, which resulted in goals. In a post-match interview, Santos expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his teammates for their warm welcome. Highlighting the support from fellow…

Orlando Pirates are braced for another important midweek Betway Premiership match as they host TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening. Just two days after securing their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League with a resounding 4-0 victory over Lesotho’s Lioli, the Buccaneers turn their attention back to domestic affairs, eager to extend a remarkable run of form. With the season unfolding intriguingly, the clash promises to be an exhilarating contest as both teams look to claim three vital points. Currently, the league table reflects the closely matched nature of the two squads, with only one point separating them. TS Galaxy arrive in Soweto seated comfortably sixth on the league standings, having staged a stunning turnaround following a rocky start to the 2025/26 campaign, which…

The Proteas Women ticked several important boxes in their final World Cup warm-up match on Sunday, sealing a four-wicket win over Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Chasing 230, South Africa reached the target in the 40th over, showing great resilience after a shaky start. With their tournament opener against England looming on Friday, here are five key takeaways from the performance. Chloe Tryon anchors with experience Tryon once gain underlined her importance to the Proteas team with both bat and ball. She conceded a mere 13 runs off her five overs of spin at an impressive economy rate of 2.6, taking one wicket, to keep Pakistan in check during the middle overs. She also struck an unbeaten 45 off 39 balls with the bat to provided the…