Table of contents for 2025-08-19 in Star

The Minerals Council South Africa has raised concerns regarding the recently published Mineral Resources Development Bill, arguing it fails to foster an environment conducive to investment and job creation. The draft Mineral Resources Development Bill, published for public comment in May until 13 August, aims to transform South Africa's mining industry by strengthening regulations, promoting inclusive growth, and enhancing the legal governance of mineral exploitation. The Bill addresses various aspects of the mining sector, including artisanal and small-scale mining, transfer of mining rights, and empowerment requirements. However, concerns remain regarding the impact on agricultural land, investor confidence, and the potential for unintended consequences. Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, Minerals Council’s CEO Mzila Mthenjane emphasised that the bill, in its current form, cannot drive the necessary transformation and…

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has denied reports that it has made an expression of interest to an identified strategic partner to take over operations of Goodyear tyres manufacturing plant in Kariega, Eastern Cape. This comes after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) on Monday announced that the IDC had made an offer to buy the plant as Goodyear was very upfront that it will not allow anybody to use their intellectual property to manufacture tyres. However, the IDC told Business Report that it acknowledged the challenges currently facing Goodyear in Kariega and was monitoring the situation as a key stakeholder in South Africa’s automotive sector. "At present, IDC has not made any formal or informal offer to purchase, finance, or partner with Goodyear. We note recent…

The Bureau for Economic Research (BER) has revealed that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) may no longer be pursuing an inflation target of below 4.5%, which could have substantial implications for the nation's economy. In a recent analysis, BER indicated a growing consensus among economists that the Sarb's focus has shifted away from the previous benchmark, suggesting a potential move towards a lower target of around 3% over time. This development follows a year in which South Africa encountered three national budgets, signalling a period of significant economic recalibration. While the Sarb's inflation target technically remains unchanged, BER remarked that it was evident the central bank was not committed to the 4.5% aim any longer. “The inflation target shift has big implications for the economy. Our (mid-July) baseline assumes…

The search for a perfect AI hardware is on and takes many forms. One of them comes in the form of eyewear products that are touted as the next outlet for rendering AI services. Tech companies have tried eyewear devices, however, they were lacking in style and game changing technology. This time around many have improved on the looks and technology. The Meta RayBan collaboration is one of the great examples of merging technology and fashion. It is packed with AI that features technology in ways we’ve not seen before. In June this year, Xiaomi officially entered the smart glasses market with the launch of its first AI-powered eyewear, positioning itself as a rival to Meta’s Ray-Ban collaboration. The glasses are powered by Xiaomi’s XiaoAI assistant, enabling users to…

South Africa's agricultural exports to the United States have shown significant growth in the second quarter of 2025, against a backdrop of imminent tariffs announced by President Trump. This surge in export figures has been celebrated by industry associations and government officials alike. According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), South Africa's agricultural exports to the US amounted to $161 million (R2.8 billion), reflecting a robust 26% increase from the same period in 2024. "This is not a matter of base effects, but a better performance. And remember, this comes after another exciting quarter at the start of the year, when South Africa’s agricultural exports to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025 were at $118m (R21bn), up 19% year-on-year," Sihlobo…

Gauteng MEC for transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has revealed that the province is working towards establishing its own e-hailing platform. Diale-Tlabela met with the management of the Maponya Mall, taxi drivers, and representatives from the e-hailing industry ahead of her visit to the Mvelase family, which lost its son following an attack against e-hailing drivers at the mall last Wednesday. IOL reported that the family of Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase, 27, an e-hailing driver who was shot and burned at Maponya Mall last week, is still in shock after the e-hailing company Uber said it had no record of him working as a driver on its platform. Diale said this platform will ensure the safety of commuters as it will eradicate criminality associated with this transport service. “It is now time for…

The parents of 4-year-old ‘Baby Nikita’ told the Protea Magistrate’s Court yesyerday that they were abandoning their application for bail as they face charges of child abuse and murder. Baby Nikita was admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital more than two weeks ago, after her screams of being beaten sent shockwaves across the Eldorado Park community, resulting in the arrest of her parents. The child later died from her injuries. According to police, the man was arrested after officers responded to reports of screams coming from a backyard shack. Inside the home, police discovered the young girl with severe head injuries, bruises and a swollen eye. The matter has been postponed to October 9 for further investigation. The child’s uncle said his brother, one of the suspects, was not raised…

The family of Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase, 27, an e-hailing driver who was shot and burned at Maponya Mall last week, says they are in shock after the e-hailing company Uber said it had no record of him working as a driver on its platform. In a statement, Uber said it was deeply saddened by the incident but confirmed the drivers involved were not registered on its platform. “We are deeply saddened by what has happened – this incident is beyond tragic, and our thoughts are with all those affected during this incredibly difficult time,” Uber said. “While the drivers affected have been confirmed not to be registered on the Uber platform, the safety of every driver and rider using any e-hailing service should always be a priority, and it is…

Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast has cautioned the ANC for allowing embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to continue to do party work while under investigation for serious corruption allegations. On July 6, KwaZulu-Natal Police provincial commissioner, Lieutenant- General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell, revealing that he had information which suggested that Mchunu was secretly working with underworld criminal syndicates in Gauteng. Mkhwanazi further claimed that by disbanding the police’s political killings task team, Mchunu was shielding a murder suspect, businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala from prosecution. Furthermore, the provincial commissioner claimed that there were invoices which suggested that Mchunu’s trip to the party’s 113th birthday bash in Cape Town was bankrolled by Matlala. Mchunu has since denied these allegations, however, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed him on immediate special leave and…

The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) took a closer look at a complaint by a movie lover regarding Ster-Kinekor’s Morvies Club advertisement, which he said promised “bottomless movie tickets per month”, but this is not entirely true. The complainant said upon closer inspection, IMAX and Cinema Prestige experience, which includes 2D and 3D films, were excluded. The complaint alleged that the Morvies Club advertisement for subscription, which appears on the advertiser’s app and in the lobby to its theatres, is misleading. According to the complaint, apart from not disclosing that IMAX and Cinema Prestige formats are excluded, the booking interface does not clearly distinguish between included and excluded formats until late in the process. It was also said that a three-month minimum subscription commitment (price lock) was not disclosed in the…

One of the accused who faces attempted murder charges after filming a toddler smoking drugs appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The suspect is one of four accused who also face charges of child abuse and attempted murder. This, after the group filmed a video of a toddler smoking drugs laced with mandrax from a bottle neck. The video went viral, and the group was tracked down by community activists and subsequently arrested by police. The mother of the child and two other men abandoned their bail application. However, accused number two in the matter had his legal counsel argue for bail. The reasoning cited for his release was that he cooperated with the police and there was no likelihood that he would evade his trial or pose a…

The South African agricultural sector has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience in the face of significant global trade headwinds, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen notes as recent data show South Africa’s exports have not only remained competitive, but have increased in the second quarter of 2025 to US$161 million, up by 26% from the same period in 2024. “However, it is important to examine this performance with a forward-looking perspective. The recent imposition of a 30% tariff on our exports by the United States (US) has brought to light the urgent need to diversify our export markets – and enhance our competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access.” Minister Steenhuisen says the results of the second quarter of 2025 also highlight how urgent it is to resolve…

MK Party said the inaugural lecture, aimed at challenging the narrative that former president Jacob Zuma’s tenure was marked by “wasted years”, will continue despite the party’s current situation. Initially set for 12 April and later postponed to 26 June, the lecture has experienced several delays, reflecting the instability affecting the party. MKP spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, told IOL that despite the delay, the lecture will be restructured and will be conducted with a new format. “There have been some delays, but it will go on. The party has been restructuring, and we will give it a different approach,” Ndhlela confirmed. This was introduced by the former secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, who has since been expelled from the party. Shivambu stated that the public lecture on Zuma is important because the party…

Kaizer Chiefs have been on an upward trajectory, and assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef is demanding even more from his squad as they prepare to host Richards Bay at FNB Stadium today (7.30pm kick-off). Amakhosi have made a strong start to the season, winning both of their opening two matches. As they look to build on that momentum, they face a Richards Bay side that defeated them 2-0 the last time the teams met earlier this year. Both sides recorded victories over each other last season. While Chiefs enter the clash with the confidence of a perfect start, the Natal Rich Boyz come off back-to-back defeats. The result could prove crucial for either team and may set the tone for the rest of their campaigns — a tone the KwaZulu-Natal…

Thungela has net cash holdings of R6.3 billion, and is in a position to pursue strategic investments Thungela Resources remains in a strong financial position despite an 80% plunge in interim profits for the period to end June, with its stronger balance helping it to continue with strategic investments after paying a R2 per share half-year dividend. Shares in Thungela were 2.74% weaker at R88.17 in afternoon trade on the JSE on Monday, extending the stock’s 6% and 5% fall in the past seven and 30 days, respectively. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the half-year period to June 30 fell by 80% to 192 cents on the back of lower coal prices on global markets, although its strong balance sheet brightened up future prospects. “Despite challenging markets, Thungela’s balance…

The phenomenon of directors serving on multiple boards, known as interlocking directorships, is one of governance’s most enduring features. Celebrated for connecting organisations to wider networks and knowledge, interlocks are also criticised for perpetuating power imbalances and governance failures. In truth, they are neither good nor bad. Their value depends on how they are governed. Boards face a central question: when do interlocks enrich governance, and when do they undermine it, if ever? In an era where scrutiny of boards has never been higher, interlocking directorships raise questions about fairness, inclusivity and accountability. Shareholders, regulators and the public increasingly want to know not only who sits on boards, but how many other commitments they carry and what networks shape their judgement. This is no longer a niche governance debate; it…

While payments may not literally make the world go round, the world certainly functions through the transfer of value for goods and services. As we all know, the world is on a one-way express train into a fully digital era. What was once a straightforward process - cash or card - has evolved into a complex, dynamic ecosystem with evolving technology, shifting consumer expectations, and global economic forces. This evolution isn’t happening for its own sake; it is driven by a simple truth: consumers want (more) choice, and merchants who fail to provide that choice risk being left behind. Anyone who is involved in the payments space, in any capacity, be that a retailer or a software partner, understands that today’s payments environment is no longer defined by a handful…

An Australian court fined Qantas Aus$90 million (US$59m) on Monday for illegally laying off 1 800 ground staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, ending a five-year legal battle over the workers' rights. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee said he wanted the penalty to be a "real deterrence" to firms that might be tempted by the financial rewards of breaching employment law. Qantas decided to sack the workers and outsource their jobs in August 2020, a period of lockdowns and border closures when no Covid-19 vaccine was widely available. Australia's Federal Court subsequently found that Qantas had acted illegally despite its stated "commercial imperatives" because it prevented staff from accessing their rights to collectively bargain or take industrial action. It later dismissed an appeal by the airline. Long-dubbed the "Spirit of Australia",…

A Political analyst says Julius Malema’s call for Zimbabweans in South Africa to seek employment in their home country signals a policy shift to align the EFF with the aspirations and interests of the majority of South Africans. Addressing supporters at an EFF rally in Seshego, Limpopo, over the weekend, Malema stressed that South Africans must be prioritised for job opportunities, particularly within local municipalities. Malema emphasised that while Zimbabweans are welcome in South Africa, it is unjust for locals to be sidelined in their communities. When we say we want jobs where we pay for services, we are not saying we don’t want Zimbabweans. We are saying we should be given first preference before everyone else to get jobs,” Malema said. “We don’t disagree that Zimbabweans should be given…

Residents of Soshanguve Extension 5 are fed-up with the persistent water and electricity outages in their area, feeling that the municipality’s recent service delivery initiatives have fallen short of addressing their concerns. Despite the City of Tshwane’s recent service delivery drive in Region 1, which includes Soshanguve Extension 5, residents claim that their area was not prioritised. The drive focused on cosmetic issues such as grass cutting, tree pruning, road marking, weeding, branch removal, and litter pickup, leaving residents feeling neglected and excluded from the municipality’s plans. Resident Rachael Phefo, 65, expressed her frustration, saying: “We are struggling with water issues, and I request that the government address the problem so that we can have access to water.” She suggested that installing water meters would be a step towards resolving…

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi said South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) “needs a reset instead of lurching from crisis to crisis while the country itself is in crisis.” Zibi was briefing the media yesterday about the party’s first year in Parliament and addressed pressing national issues in Johannesburg. Zibi, who chairs Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), was joined by Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa and National Assembly Whip Makashule Gana. They used the briefing to account for their work in the GNU, the Gauteng Provincial Government of Unity (PGU), and to respond to rising public concerns around leadership, service delivery and national security. Zibi was critical of the current arrangement in the GNU, warning that the coalition is undermined by internal squabbles,…

Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit, which concluded here recently, has secured over $10 billion in commitments, signaling a significant step toward closing the continent’s annual $30bn water investment gap. The three-day summit, opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, gathered 1 690 delegates, including Heads of State, Ministers, and investors, to accelerate investments in climate-resilient water and sanitation. South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, expressed her satisfaction with the summit’s outcome. “In the last three days, we have identified governance, finance, capacity and data gaps in the water sector and together we commit to pay focused attention to these matters,” Majodina said. She noted that 80 priority water investment projects from 38 countries were identified, attracting an estimated projection of $10 to $12bn a year in investments. Minister Majodina…

Dubai police said yesterday they caught three thieves just hours after they stole a precious pink diamond worth $25 million (R440 287 225.00). “The Dubai Police General Command has foiled the theft of a very rare pink diamond, valued at $25m,” the police said in a statement shared by the United Arab Emirates’ official news agency WAM. A diamond trader who had brought the jewel from Europe was lured to a villa by a crime gang under the pretence of a viewing by a potential wealthy client, police said. But the gem was stolen when the diamond dealer arrived for the bogus inspection, the statement added. Within eight hours three people from an unspecified Asian country were arrested “thanks to the efforts of specialised and field teams, and by using…

Such is her commitment to the cause that Springbok women’s Zintle Mpupha is unconcerned by which position she plays, as helping the team out any way she can is always the main objective. That quality could stand her in good stead at the Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) in England, as the SA outfit is optimistic about making it out of the pool stage. South Africa kick off their Group D campaign on August 24 against Brazil in Northampton. Their next matches are against Italy, in York, on August 31, and France, in Northampton, on September 7. The match against Brazil could be pivotal for the Bok women, as it will be their only clash as favourites. “Being able to play multiple positions is a big advantage, especially in a…

Following ActionSA’s decision not to participate in the National Dialogue Convention but to deploy observers, ActionSA has noted the outcomes of the Convention, which, instead of charting a clear way forward with a defined end state, quickly descended into a stage-managed talk shop that was heavy on rhetoric and empty on solutions. The lack of proper organisation was glaring from the outset. It soon became clear that Ramaphosa’s Convention was nothing more than a venting session without answers, met with youth rejection and no plan to confront corruption. From the start, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s weak and uninspired remarks set the tone for what became a complaints session masquerading as a national renewal project. Citizens once again listed the failures of the State, but this time, with no pathway to solutions.…

“EVEN Tiger Woods loses his swing sometimes.” This is the view of Warriors coach Robin Peterson in relation to Tristan Stubbs’ recent frustrations. Stubbs, 25, featured strongly in the T20I series against Australia. He was the Proteas’ third highest run-scorer in the series with 93 runs at an average of 31 and strike-rate of 129.16. These are decent enough numbers, and he formed solid partnerships with new hot shot kid on the block Dewald Brewis in two matches. But that’s just it. Stubbs is the Proteas’ crackerjack. The “generational talent” who, in his first turn at bat for the Proteas, blasted 72 off just 28 balls against England in Bristol back in 2022. Unfortunately, that remains Stubbs’ biggest contribution with the bat 31 innings later with only one further half-century…

Title challengers Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all made winning starts but in contrasting fashion on the first weekend of the Premier League season. Defending champions Liverpool required late drama to beat Bournemouth 4-2 on an emotional night at Anfield, City cruised to a 4-0 win at Wolves, while Arsenal fought a rear guard action to hold on to a 1-0 victory at Manchester United. A new-look Liverpool attack already appears an upgrade on the one that fired Arne Slot’s men to the title with four games to spare last season, but an array of attacking weapons has come at a cost. Hugo Ekitike scored and provided an assist for Cody Gakpo on his Premier League debut. But the Reds needed two late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah…

After back-to-back Premiership defeats in the opening rounds, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou sparked hope with a spirited performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Stadium. As a result of the early-season struggles, the Moroccan has been under fire as fans demand that Pirates rekindle the spirit of success witnessed during the victorious tenure of fan favourite Spaniard Jose Riveiro. However, Pirates showcased an impressive performance against the formidable Sundowns on Saturday, signalling a potential turning point for Ouaddou and his squad. Pirates displayed resilience and tactical acumen, suggesting that the Moroccan’s approach may be beginning to take root. With a solid 2-0 victory against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals, hopes were high for Ouaddou’s Pirates. Yet subsequent defeats against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants…

Absa Group’s frequent leadership changes over the past few years mean its business units and operations may be running on “auto-pilot,” and the bank’s strategy will be sharpened over the next two months, the bank’s CEO Kenny Fihla said on Monday. Speaking at the bank’s online interim results presentation, Fihla, who has been CEO since June 17, said there were a “whole range of initiatives” underway at the group, which gave him confidence that it would reach a return on equity (ROE) of 16% - although the ROE target for the 2026 financial year had not formally been set yet. However, he said these initiatives were designed to stabilise the group, and a “reset” was needed to “sharpen the focus” of the organisation. He said since he had become CEO,…

Months after cybercriminals broke into the Asian subsidiary of Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton announced on July 2 that their Korean database had been hacked, and sensitive files stolen. The incident is the third attack against LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, in recent months. The LVMH-owned brands notified customers that unauthorized parties had accessed parts of their client database, revealing their contact details and shopping preferences. In both cases, impacted consumers in China and Korea were assured that bank information and credit card data were not stolen as part of the breach. Under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and many other local cyber laws, companies must swiftly notify authorities and customers if data is compromised, and obey rigid requirements for how data is collected, stored, and used. Even…

MTN’s share price plunged over 9% on Monday, even though it reported growth in its first half topline, profitability, and free cash flows, which were largely boosted by a turnaround at subsidiary MTN Nigeria, and despite lagging sales in South Africa. A significant number of board changes were announced. The share price traded at R155.89 on Monday afternoon, a price still well above R90.28 a year ago. Sales at its South Africa unit, its home market, dropped 3.7% in the six months to June 30. Group adjusted headline earnings a share increased by 76.1% to 657 cents per share. Reported HEPS increased by 352% to 645 cents. No interim dividend was declared. The board said it has been evaluating their “Ambition 2025” strategy and, considering the evolving geopolitical, macroeconomic, and…

The Competition Commission has approached the Constitutional Court this week in yet another chapter of the ongoing saga following allegations that the banks conspired with each other to manipulate the foreign exchange rate in respect of the US Dollar and the Rand. The Competition Commission has approached the Constitutional Court for leave to appeal the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) judgment handed down in January last year in which it upheld the appeal by the majority of the respondent banks accused of price-fixing. The Constitutional Court is due to hear legal arguments over four days, starting today. In June 2020, the Commission had referred the case regarding the alleged rand fixing against 28 local and foreign banks to the Competition Tribunal. The banks were ordered by the Tribunal in March 2023…

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has hit back at viral social media claims accusing it of preventing motorists from carrying more than one passenger, dismissing the allegations as false and misleading. Several posts circulating online suggested that motorists would face violent repercussions if they ignored this supposed rule. One viral video showed taxi drivers stopping a private car, demanding a permit to transport passengers, and attempting to assault the driver, until police intervened to prevent the situation from escalating. SANTACO national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala expressed concern over these misleading claims, which falsely allege that the Council instructed South Africans to forgo private vehicles and travel only with their families. “Like all other paid transport services, taxi operations are voluntary and remain a choice for commuters,” she said.…

The corruption case against embattled former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has been postponed to November 21, by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria. The postponement was granted to allow her attorney to consult with her on the docket provided by the State. In a statement released by IDAC on Monday, it said: “Her attorney indicated that they may file representations with the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions pending the outcome of the consultation process.” Mapisa-Nqakula is facing a total of 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The charges fall under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Preca) and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) respectively. She is accused of soliciting R4.5 million from a defence contractor,…

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has dismissed the National Dialogue convened at Unisa on August 15 -16 as an illegitimate “talk shop” that cannot resolve the country’s more profound crisis. The union’s statement comes in the wake of a gathering that drew a range of participants, from self-styled civic leaders to a chorus of critics and government officials. Mametlwe Sebei, President of General Industries Workers Union of SA said the National Dialogue cannot resolve the crisis of capitalism. He argued that the platform was “masquerading as the assembly of the representatives of all sectors of South African Society” but in practice excluded core voices and was “widely boycotted by all main opposition parties, in and out of the GNU, many trade unions, community civics, and youth…

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) urged the government to implement an aggressive industrial blueprint to reposition the country’s manufacturing base. In a press briefing by General Secretary Irvin Jim yesterday in Johannesburg, the union called for higher tariffs on automotive, tyre, steel, and engineering sectors, stringent procurement rules to boost localisation, and decisive steps to curb imports and unfair practices. NUMSA’s stance comes as fears of deindustrialisation and mass retrenchments loom over a sector that has struggled with competition from cheaper imports and policy gaps. The union proposed immediate protective measures and a longer-term strategy to strengthen local content and investment. “Given that National Treasury has already passed the Public Procurement Act to support manufacturing and industrialisation, it is essential that National Treasury move swiftly to…

Gauteng expects mild weather under partly cloudy skies, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS). Generally, the country will have a week of changing weather patterns as winter’s chill collides with warmer conditions across the country. According to SAWS, yesterday kicked off with mostly fine and cool conditions in the central and western regions, while warmer weather lingers in the far north. Light showers are expected over parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with a 30% chance of rain extending into KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coastline. Winds will sweep strongly across many provinces, adding to the chill in areas like the Free State and Eastern Cape. By today, the weather takes a turn as clouds gather along the southern coast, bringing isolated showers and a 30% chance of rain around the Eastern…

The National Oversight Coordinating Committee and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) will roll out an awareness campaign on the provision of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA) on 21 August at the Bahurutshe ba ga Moiloa Traditional Council in Dinokana. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of safe, lawful cultural practice, including the right of initiates, the role of traditional leaders, parents and initiation schools’ principals. The campaign follows the mushrooming of illegal initiation schools during the past winter initiation season, which led to over 100 initiates being rescued and the tragic death of six initiates. The campaign is also targeted at attaining zero deaths during initiation seasons as well as eradicating unnecessary fatalities through strict enforcement of the CIA and by fostering collaboration between government,…

THOSE pupils who have been resilient enough – some in difficult educational environments – and have meandered through the previous 11 years of schooling, the matric examination is a just reward. This milestone in the pupil’s academic journey creates anxious learners, teachers, and parents. Matric marks the completion of secondary education and is often regarded as a gateway to tertiary education and future employment opportunities. However, the dream of obtaining a matric certificate is not a reliable indicator of tertiary acceptance and entrance into the job market. The matric examinations are intended to evaluate a pupil’s knowledge and competence across a range of subjects after 12 years of schooling. Often, the intention is to assess the pupil’s deep conceptual understanding of information pertaining to the different disciplines. The results obtained…

Orlando Pirates’ draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 might have been a stalemate on paper, but it could well prove to be the spark that launches their season. A lot could have gone wrong over the weekend. Pirates entered the clash on the back of two consecutive league defeats that sent shockwaves through the Premiership, and facing a Sundowns side heavily tipped to be their strongest challengers this campaign. Another loss could easily have sparked a full-blown crisis. Against a well-oiled opponent whose squad continuity has been the foundation of their dominance for over a decade, the writing appeared to be on the wall. Yet, the Buccaneers rose to the occasion, delivering what was arguably their most convincing performance of the season so far. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is still…

Australia won’t fear any retaliation from the Springboks as they head into the second Test of the Rugby Championship in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon. That was the guarantee from 22-year-old outside centre Joseph Sua’ali’i on Monday morning as the Aussies brace for a full-on onslaught from the world champions after their Ellis Park disaster this past weekend. The Wallabies opened the tournament with a resounding 38-22 victory and will come into the Test at the DHL Stadium as favourites to claim a back-to-back victory over the Boks for the first time in years. After trailing 22-0 at a stage in Johannesburg, they scored 38 unanswered points to complete a shock comeback win over their hosts. However, they are acutely aware of the Springboks’ ability to dig deep and put…

Brad Binder rediscovered some of his form at the Red Bull Ring this past Sunday, soaring beneath Austrian skies in a performance that turned a difficult season into a weekend of promise. Binder’s season has been a series of ups and downs, and he entered the summer break with more questions than solutions. Yet his performances since the restart hint that the latter half of the year could still produce some of his strongest showings. The weekend in Austria demonstrated noticeable improvement. His sprint race in particular caught the eye, with a fifth-place finish on Saturday marking his best result in a sprint this season. The summer break seems to have worked wonders for the South African, who returned refreshed and focused. Although he didn’t crack the top ten in…