Table of contents for 2025-09-12 in Star

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which had anticipated a South Gauteng High Court judgement to liquidate empowerment company BT Industrial Group (BTIG) for an R136 million debt has had to hire private security to guard equipment at the company's premises amidst fears they have already begun asset stripping. The legal matter has been postponed sine die following the late filing of an application to oppose the liquidation order. This is as the matter had been set for Thursday for a final judgement by the Gauteng High Court, which had been expected to grant the IDC authority to dispose of the moveable property of the BTIG to recover the debt. The court could not confirm the order after the BTIG, through its attorneys, filed a notice to oppose, requiring…

Recovery in South Africa’s mineral productivity could help uplift the country’s GDP growth although analysts see further improvements to port and rail logistics as providing impetus to the mining sector, which raised production by 4.4% year-on-year in July. The largest positive contributors to South Africa’s year on year mining sector production growth for July included iron ore, which rebounded 12.2%, platinum group metals (PGMs), which grew 6.2% ‘other’ metallic minerals whose output was stronger by 45.8%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, South Africa’s mining production increased by 1.0% in July 2025 compared with June 2025. This followed month-on-month changes of 0.4% in June 2025 and 3.7% in May 2025, according to data from StatsSA. “Mining production (not seasonally adjusted) expanded by 4.4% y/y in July, accelerating from 2.5% (previously 2.4%)…

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Rev Musa Zondi said that tourism month presents an opportunity to reaffirm tourism’s role as a driver of growth, pride, and inclusivity. The MEC was speaking at the Tourism month launch at the Indoniyamanzi township restaurant establishment in Empangeni in Northern KZN on Thursday. Zondi said that we must recognise the power of rural tourism in shaping inclusive growth. “It is about showcasing our landscapes from the Drakensberg to the Indian Ocean, about telling our stories through heritage and film, and about ensuring that every district in this province benefits from the visitor economy.” Zondi added that they are planning the relocation of the regional airport in Richards Bay due to the growing number of flights to the region. “We…

Many South Africans struggle with debt and meeting their day-to-day living expenses. Yet despite the availability of expert help and practical solutions, they remain trapped by feelings of guilt, shame and uncertainty, which prevent them from reaching out for the support they need. A particular source of guilt is the garnishee order, correctly known as an emoluments attachment order (EAO), whereby creditors can recover unpaid debts directly from a person’s salary. According to Salem Nyati, consumer financial education specialist at Momentum Group, the stigma attached to EAOs prevents honest and hardworking people from seeking help, managing their debts and moving forward with their financial goals. “When people feel embarrassed about their debt or financial mistakes, they typically avoid reaching out for help, delay important decisions and hide their struggles from…

FirstRand increased headline earnings per share by 10% to 748.8 cents in the year to June 30 despite a further R2.7 billion provision for the motor commission legal issue in the UK. The dividend was raised 12% to 466 cents a share. Normalised net asset value per share was up 11% to 3,884.1 cents. The return on equity increased marginally to 20.2% from 20.1%. A consistent approach to new business origination and disciplined financial resources allocation resulted in a strong operational performance, in spite of macroeconomic challenges - all its large domestic businesses delivered “high-quality growth in earnings,” said Group CEO Mary Vilakazi. She said in a telephone interview this enabled the group to absorb the impact of a further pre-tax accounting provision of R2.7bn for the previously disclosed…

Fresh concerns have emerged about the impact of lifestyle-related illnesses on kidney health. According to the South African Renal Registry’s 2022 Annual Report, the number of patients receiving dialysis or transplants rose from 8 866 in 2021 to 9 342 by the end of 2022. While this increase highlights the escalating need for treatment, access remains deeply unequal. The registry notes that prevalence in the private sector stands at 771 per million people, compared to just 45 per million in the public sector. Wthin state hospitals, access is rationed, with strict eligibility criteria often excluding those with severe comorbidities or substance use issues. For many, survival depends on affording costly private care. The National Kidney Foundation of South Africa (NKFSA) reports that kidney failure in adults is largely driven by…

South African sport braces for a blockbuster weekend, with Stellenbosch seeking redemption against Orlando Pirates in a fiery MTN8 final rematch, while the nation’s rugby teams face defining battles against New Zealand. From Mbombela to Wellington and Exeter, the stage is set for contests heavy with history, rivalry and the promise of new chapters. Saturday’s highly anticipated MTN8 final rematch is filled with intensity, as Stellenbosch aim to overcome the painful memory of last year’s match against reigning champions Orlando Pirates. That match was marred by controversy and poor officiating, which saw the Pirates triumph 3-1 in Durban. For Stellenbosch, this contest at Mbombela Stadium goes beyond the pursuit of silverware; it represents a chance for redemption. The frustrations of last year’s final linger in the minds of players and…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) is demanding the immediate resignation of the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, following revelations of substantial payments made to water board chairpersons for attending limited meetings. According to the minister’s own parliamentary reply in the National Assembly this week, chairpersons of several water entities received significant payments, sparking outrage over alleged mismanagement of public funds. Majodina confirmed in her reply that uMngeni-uThukela Water chairperson, Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, earned R1.4 million for 13 meetings, plus R179 000 in travel expenses. Another TCTA board chairperson, Precious Sibiya, received R1.2m for 10 meetings, while Lepelle Northern Water chairperson Dr Nndweleni Mphephu was paid over R1m for 10 meetings, plus R139 000 in travel. She added that Magalies Water board chairperson Keneilwe Sebego earned R920 000…

The Constitutional Court in Bloemfontein has ruled that husbands are now permitted to adopt their wives’ surnames. The judgment was handed down yesterday by Judge Leona Theron. Theron declared that the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 51 of 1992, is declared unconstitutional because it unfairly discriminates on the grounds of gender. The case stems from a constitutional challenge brought by two couples: Jana Jordaan and Henry van der Merwe, and Jess Donnelly-Bornman and Andreas Nicolaas Bornman. Van der Merwe was denied the right to adopt his wife’s surname, while Bornman was not allowed to hyphenate his surname to include his wife’s. The couples argued that these restrictions are based on outdated gender roles and violate the Constitution’s guarantee of equality. The Bloemfontein High Court previously ruled in their favour, declaring…

Gauteng Premi er, Panyaza Lesufi, has relaunched the Nasi Ispani initiative “only for South Africans”, promising to employ about 45 000 young people in the next two months. Addressing the relaunch, Lesufi, these opportunities were limited to Gauteng residents, who are also South African citizens. Hundreds of unemployed young people aged between 18 to 35 were lining up in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, to submit their CVs to the Gauteng government. The job seekers are looking to benefit from the Nasi Ispani programme, which offers training and employment opportunities. “We have taken your names, we are going to check four important things before the officials contact you… You must be from South Africa, if you are from other places this is not for you, we apologise,” he said. “I come to you…

Over the past few years, the Proteas women heave toured India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The team has been able to secure good results in the often slow and spin-friendly conditions in those tours, with the likes of Sune Luus bringing up their maiden ODI tons in those conditions. With the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup set to be staged in India and Sri Lanka, the side heads into conditions that they are very much familiar with, especially given that the likes of Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon and Laura Wolvaardt also play in the India-based Women’s Premier League. The familiarity with conditions has allowed the players to prepare accordingly all year long. “It's been a very good year. I think it (the preparations) started with provincial cricket in the…

A place in this year’s Currie Cup final is the big prize on offer tomorrow when the Lions host Boland in a 5pm semi-final, and the Cheetahs travel to Kimberley to face Griquas at 7:15pm. The Lions secured pole position on the final log with a commanding 37-7 victory over Griquas last weekend, meaning they will be brimming with confidence heading into the semi-final. The Johannesburg outfit’s form this season has been impressive — they finished top of the log thanks to five wins from seven matches. Their only two losses came against the Cheetahs (47-31) and Boland (29-10), both on the road. The latter result will no doubt serve as extra motivation — the Lions will be keen to avenge that loss and continue their dominance at Ellis Park.…

Nottingham Forest's new manager Ange Postecoglou is adamant he can handle the pressure of turning his club into trophy winners as he prepares for his debut against Arsenal tomorrow. Postecoglou was hired by Forest earlier this week, returning to the Premier League just three months after being sacked by Tottenham. The Australian, who lost his job at Tottenham 16 days after winning the Europa League, arrived at the City Ground following Nuno Espirito Santo's dismissal. Nuno fell out with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis over the club's transfer policy and paid the price despite leading them to European qualification for the first time in 30 years. Marinakis hailed Postecoglou's appointment by insisting Forest are ready to challenge for silverware. That might seem an ambitious statement given Forest have not won a…

Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens says his team’s resilience makes them a dangerous opponent in Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium (6pm kickoff). The clash promises to set the tone for the season, with both teams chasing early silverware to inject momentum into their league campaigns. While Stellies remain a club on the rise, the memory of last year’s 3-1 defeat to Pirates in the same final still lingers. Adding to the challenge, the Cape Winelands side enter the fixture on the back of a shaky start to their league season. Stephens, however, believes that contesting back-to-back finals reflects the significant strides the club has made in recent years, with last year’s loss not putting them in a make-or-break situation heading into this weekend. “I have been…

Week-long fair featured 2 148 exhibitors from 132 countries and more than 112 000 delegates The curtain has fallen on the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF 2025), and the event has officially set a new record in trade deals, promising to be a game-changer for Africa’s economic integration. Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), this year's fair facilitated a significant $48.3 billion in trade and investment agreements against the target of $44bn. Algeria accounted for $11.4bn in signed deals, with another $11.6bn currently in the pipeline. This considerable figure eclipses the $43bn in deals from the previous fair held in Cairo in 2023 and the $42bn agreements made in Durban in 2021, spotlighting the event’s critical role in unlocking Africa’s economic potential. The week-long fair attracted a remarkable turnout,…

When South Africa’s Cabinet approved the nation’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix at Kyalami beginning in 2027, it marked more than a moment of motorsport nostalgia—it was a powerful statement of intent for the country’s socio-economic future. The announcement, confirmed on 5 September 2025, commits to a three-year hosting term, fully financed by the private sector, with the aim of catalysing job creation and economic growth. Relighting a Legendary Circuit Kyalami is no stranger to speed. From hosting its first Grand Prix in 1967 to welcoming the final South African races in the early 1990s, the circuit has seen legends like Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, and Jody Scheckter cross its finish line. Now, the FIA has greenlit upgrades to elevate Kyalami to Grade 1 status—without altering its…

Familial financial support – often referred to as “Black Tax” – is common among black South Africans. It teaches and expects income earners to contribute to the general good of the extended family. In seeking to understand this phenomenon better, a University of Cape Town PhD student found that black South African culture doesn’t really subscribe to the Western idea of a “nuclear family” made up only of parents and their children. Instead, family networks are much broader and inclusive, with many people regarded as mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. “From childhood, individuals are raised with a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to the success of this larger family network. This cultural value system makes financial support not just common but expected,” Malilimalo Phaswana contends in his thesis, “Black…

Discovery produced another strong annual financial performance from its busineses and it lifted normalised headline earnings 30% to R9.78 billion. The final dividend was raised 32% to 201 cents. The share price fell by 4.16% to R216.35 on the JSE on Thursday afternoon, but the price is 40% higher than at the same time last year, indicating investors may well have foreseen the good earnings growth. In the year to June 30, normalised operating profit increased 29% to R15.21bn. Return on equity rose to 15.4% from 13.5%. There was strong growth in normalised profit from operations in both composites: Discovery South Africa delivered 22% growth and Vitality generated 70%. Group chief executive Adrian Gore said in a statement the all-round strong performance was generated in an environment of increased geo-political…

The PayInc Economic Index for August 2025 released on Thursday showed a fourth month of consecutive gains, a clear sign of economic resilience amid persistent headwinds. PayInc was formerly known as BankservAfrica before the revamp was announced last month. Shergeran Naidoo, the head of Stakeholder Engagements at PayInc, said that the index level reached 102.8 in August 2025, a growth of 1.3% on July’s level. “Year-on-year, the index is 3.7% higher, indicating that the Q2 uptick has carried into Q3 despite uncertainty and weak confidence. The better-than-expected GDP outcome for Q2 at 0.8% q/q also confirms this narrative of resilience, in line with indications from the PayInc Economic Index.” Elize Kruger, an independent economist, said that the improvement, as reflected in the PayInc Economic Index over the past few months,…

The Mango Groove 40th Anniversary Concert: Memories and Moments To celebrate four decades in the music industry, Mango Groove are hosting a special anniversary concert. It will see them taking to the stage to perform some of the hit songs from their impressive discography, including Dance Sum More, Special Star and many more. There will also be special guest performances from Ross Learmonth and Majozi. Where: The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. When: Sunday from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. Corona Sunsets Festival Enjoy the warmer weather as well as top musical performances at this event which also features art installations, live art murals,food gardens, drum circles, face painting and more. The musical line-up includes Abby Nurock, Dwson, Roz 340ML, AMÉMÉ, Baby Whitz, DBN Gogo, Crazy White Boy ft. Nonku Phiri,…

Protests have flared across multiple townships, including Westbury, Coronationville, Tembisa, Tsakane, and Vlaskfontein, with the government calling for calm. Residents have voiced frustration over water shutdowns and blocked major roads with stones and debris. “Government acknowledges the seriousness of these concerns and is working on long-term, sustainable solutions to ensure a reliable water supply to the affected communities,” according to the Government Communication and Information System’s press statement. The “government respects the right of communities to raise their grievances through protests as enshrined in Section 17 of the Constitution; however, residents have the responsibility to exercise this right peacefully and without property damage. The destruction of infrastructure and acts of violence only delay the very solutions that communities are demanding,” the statement added. This week, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi…

Seven Chinese nationals were sentenced for human trafficking and other charges, a result welcomed by the Justice and Constitutional Development and Employment and Labour Ministries, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). The accused, Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian, along with their company Beautiful City, faced 160 charges. They were convicted of the charges on February 25. A tip-off led to their arrest at a business suspected of harbouring an illegal immigrant. This prompted a DPCI investigation by Warrant Officer Lulama Kona, revealing that on November 12, 2019, officers raided the Beautiful City factory in Ekurhuleni. Over a hundred enslaved employees were discovered, underpaid, and living in appalling conditions. Evidence showed they were smuggled into…

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced on Wednesday that her department plans to publish new regulations this month, which will incorporate e-hailing services into the national regulatory framework. Creecy said the new regulations will require e-hailing operators to obtain operating licenses and to ensure their services are authorised and safe. She was responding in the National Assembly when EFF chief whip Nontando Nolutshungu asked her about measures her department will implement to protect e-hailing drivers and foster harmony within the taxi industry following the surge in violence targeting e-hailing operators, with the recent incidents reported at Maponya Mall in Gauteng. As part of the rollout, Creecy said her department was conducting targeted workshops and public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders on the updated regulatory framework and to clarify the new rules…

Former International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor, has described the survival of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as a “sign of political maturity” and not a failed state. But, she cautioned that the coalition must now focus more sharply on urgent economic reforms and job creation. Speaking in an interview on the SABC’s “Face the Nation” this week, Pandor reflected on the country’s evolving political landscape, especially the significance of a multi-party coalition at the national level. “The fact that the GNU has survived thus far indicates a useful level of political maturity in South Africa,” Pandor said. “It is the first time we’ve had a national coalition of this kind, apart from, of course, at the inception of our democracy.” While commending the coalition’s endurance, Pandor stressed that rising…

Children under 15 in France should be banned entirely from using social media, and those aged between 15 and 18 should face a nighttime “digital curfew”, a French parliamentary committee urged yesterday. The recommendations were put forward in a report by the committee’s lawmakers after months of testimony from families, social media executives and from influencers. President Emmanuel Macron’s office has already indicated it wants to see a ban for children and young adolescents, after Australia last year started drafting its own landmark law with a prohibition for those under 16. Committee chief Arthur Delaporte told AFP he would also file a criminal complaint with prosecutors against the massively popular short video platform TikTok for “endangering the lives” of users. The committee had been set up in March, initially to…

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has again defended the decision to align the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) regulations with the B-BBEE framework. In a written response to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Mazwikayise Blose, Malatsi said the draft policy direction he issued to Icasa sought to ensure that regulations aligned with the empowerment framework as envisaged by amendments to the Electronic Communications Act. He said these amendments shifted the focus from rigid individual equity ownership to a broader approach that includes mechanisms such as Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) and deemed ownership. Malatsi said Icasa’s current regulations, which applied a fixed 30% equity rule, did not reflect the broader scope. “The draft policy direction, therefore, seeks to correct this inconsistency, allowing transformation to be achieved…

“Leave everything on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it. This is the biggest game of your life, go out and enjoy it.” This was the clear and emphatic message from Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin to his charges ahead of their historic Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand’s Black Ferns tomorrow afternoon (2pm kick-off). With this in mind, De Bruin has decided to go with a 7-1 bench split in favour of his forwards for the clash, when he announced his team on Thursday — looking at his big pack of forwards to empty their tanks in their first-ever World Cup knockout match. De Bruin also welcomed back his key players for the match,…

The MTN8 final returns to the Mbombela Stadium tomorrow at 6pm, and all eyes will be on Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch as they battle for the first piece of silverware this season. Pirates, the defending champions, have made this competition their own in recent years, while Stellenbosch are chasing a historic first top-flight trophy. With the stakes high, the spotlight will not only be on seasoned campaigners like Deon Hotto and Andre De Jong, but also on youngsters eager to stamp their authority on the big stage. For some, it is an opportunity to prove that their promising starts are no fluke. For others, it is about reigniting their form after slow beginnings. Finals are remembered for moments, and several fresh faces have the potential to provide them on Saturday…

It’s been eight years since South Africa last won a medal at the World Athletics Championships. After a spectacular showing at the 2017 event, the South Africans have returned home empty-handed from the last four editions of the world champs. In 2017, South Africa won six medals, with Wayde van Niekerk (400m), Caster Semenya (800m) and Luvo Manyonga (long jump) all winning gold. Van Niekerk also claimed silver in the 200m, while Semenya (1 500m) and Ruswahl Samaai (long jump) brought home bronze. Since then, Mzansi’s athletes haven’t stood on the podium, but there is renewed optimism ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships, which begin in Tokyo this weekend. 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist Akani Simbine will lead the 49-strong South African team, which also features track athletes such…

Sunrisers Eastern Cape assistant coach Russell Domingo believes a strong core of local talent acquired at the recent Betway SA20 auction will help the team reclaim the title in Season 4. The St George’s Park-based team are the most successful side in the competition’s history, having won the first two championships before being dethroned by MI Cape Town in last season’s final. The Sunrisers have, however, lost two players that were central to their success in former captain Aiden Markram (Durban’s Super Giants) and seamer Ottniel Baartman (Paarl Royals), which has prompted questions about their ability to remain competitive this coming season. However, they were once again savvy auction operations operators by bringing in the experienced Quinton de Kock to replace Markram whilst also managing to re-sign Jordan Hermann to…

Energy policy experts say the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM), which is expected to unlock new investment in power grid infrastructure should be complemented by clarifications on contracts, tariffs structure and complemented by wider reforms such as the unbundling of Eskom. South African Renewable energy and independent power producer, NOA, believes that SAWEM is a catalyst for the South African energy sector but reckons that more needs to be done for the platform to yield tangible benefits for South Africa’s wider economy. “SAWEM is part of South Africa’s (energy sector) reform journey – it enables transparency, liquidity and efficiency. But wider reforms also matter (including) Eskom unbundling, NTCSA independence, vesting contracts, capacity markets, as well as industry, regulator and public sector collaboration,” said Andrew Taylor co-founder of NOA Group.…

It’s not just death and taxes. Uncertainty and volatility have also become certainties you can count on. This has had significant implications for fund management. Sound investment strategies are increasingly about rigorous processes, identifying opportunities and recognising and learning from missteps rather than trying to get it right 100% of the time. Fund managers try to focus less on the noise and more on making the right choices – and learning from the wrong ones. As Wessel Joubert, investment analyst at OysterCatcher, which manages the Amplify SCI Equity Fund and the Amplify SCI Managed Equity Retail Hedge Fund, points out, Roger Federer won almost 80% of all the tennis matches he played, yet he won only 54% of the points. “Consistently making the right choices over the long term is…

Lesaka Technologies’ net loss improved 386% to $87.5 million (R1.6 billion) in its 2025 financial year, a transformative 12 months with big acquisitions to build out its fintech merchant and payments solutions platform. The big reduction in the Nasdaq and JSE-listed company's loss was largely due to the inclusion of a tax adjusted $49.3m non-operating, non-cash charge from a change in fair value and sale of non-core asset MobiKwik, impairment losses of $18.4m, and once-off transaction costs of $17.8m. During the year, the group acquired payments solutions provider Adumo for R1.74bn, the submetering and payments solutions company Recharge for R507m, while in June, it announced the R1.1bn acquisition of online bank, Bank Zero. The group has also exited MobiKwik for R290m. Chairman Ali Mazanderani said in an online presentation that…

What can R93 million a year achieve for this country? This question arose this week following an oral question session in the National Assembly. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that deputy ministers play a critical role in assisting ministers with their responsibilities and suggested that they should be entrusted with additional duties. It’s reported that the deputy ministers are costing taxpayers R93.2m a year in salaries. For example, R93m could build about 364 RDP houses in South Africa, as the government’s 2023 subsidy increased to R255 364 per house, according to economic estimates. This cost per house includes the subsidy quantum and other infrastructure expenses, like servicing the land with roads, water, and sewer systems. Analyst, Gideon Hlamalani Chitanga, who is also a researcher at the University of Johannesburg, agrees that…

The City of Johannesburg will be taking action against members of its executive management team (EMT) should the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) make adverse findings in its audit for the 2024/25 financial year. Acting city manager Kiba Kekana has indicated that consequence management will be implemented. “The accounting officer issued a directive to the EMT/senior management on the remedial action, which was agreed to by all of EMT. This directive will be triggered upon conclusion of the 2024/25 financial year and the findings that will have been raised by the AGSA,” he said. According to Kekana, the city had delayed in establishing the disciplinary board, which is now in place – current members were appointed in March 2024 after it was dis-established in May 2022 but later re-established. He said…

One person has been arrested in connection with a cannabis raid worth over R30million at a farm in Camperdown in KwaZulu-Natal. An intelligence-driven joint operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and Durban Metro resulted in the arrest of a 56-year-old. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said police swooped on the farm. “During the search, 4 165 cannabis plants, 70 buckets of processed cannabis, and paraphernalia to the street value of approximately R30m were found.” Police also confiscated six firearms and more than 165 live rounds of ammunition. Forensic Science Laboratory experts were called to process the scene. “The arrested suspect will be charged for cultivation of cannabis, dealing in cannabis, unlawful possession of firearms, as well as live rounds of ammunition,” Mhlongo added. He confirmed the…

Former police minister Bheki Cele has ignored a formal invitation to appear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, despite a response deadline of September 10. The committee, which met this week, heard from its Secretariat that Cele was contacted on September 8 but had yet to reply. Committee Senior Counsel Advocate Norman Arendse confirmed that Cele remained the only high-profile witness who had not made contact. Other senior officials, including Acting Minister Firoz Cachalia, Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and suspended police Minister Senzo Mchunu, have complied with requests to engage, said Arendse. Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi, the central figure in the inquiry, remains unavailable due to ongoing consultations ahead of his testimony at the Madlanga Commission next week. His appearance before…

A group of white South Africans called Amerikaners has been asked by Donald Trump’s administration to help find people eligible for his resettlement programme. According to the United States Embassy in SA, consistent with Trump’s Executive Order on addressing egregious actions of the Republic of South Africa, the Department of State is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to consider eligibility for US refugee resettlement for people who are of Afrikaner ethnicity or a member of a racial minority in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination. The embassy explained that access to the Refugee Admissions Programme for South Africans or USRAP is free and includes applicants to complete a Statement of Interest form. USRAP referral partners do not charge fees to applicants for their referral services.…

South Africans remember Charlie Kirk not for his politics in the United States, but for the lies he told about our country. The American conservative activist spent years pushing the false and dangerous narrative that South Africa is experiencing a so-called “white genocide.” He used farm attacks and isolated incidents of violence to claim that white South Africans are being systematically targeted, a claim repeatedly disproven by human rights groups, independent researchers, and even farming organisations themselves. His rhetoric was not only misleading but harmful. It fed international conspiracy theories, fueled racial fear, and distorted South Africa’s complex post apartheid reality into a weapon for far-right audiences in the United States and Europe. Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday at Utah Valley University during an outdoor political…

Donovan Ferreira had been waiting impatiently for 10 months to get another crack in a Proteas T20I shirt. The hard-hitting Titan has spent all this time honing his trade in franchise leagues all around the world, ranging from India’s IPL to MLC in the US and The Hundred in England, in a bid to win back his place in the national team. The main obstacle was, of course, the presence of two of the finest short-format “finishers” in David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen within the Proteas’ middle-order. But with Miller ruled out of the England series after picking up a hamstring strain and Klaasen now retired from international cricket, the opportunity was finally on the horizon. Unfortunately, it was presented on a “shambles of a night” at a rain-soaked Sophia…

If the other 22 Springboks on the field against the All Blacks in Wellington tomorrow have the same hunger as Jasper Wiese, South Africa’s chances of victory look strong. Wiese, finally released from the suspension he incurred with a moment of madness in the second Test against Italy in July, showed a mix of remorse, emotion, and determination when he faced the media yesterday ahead of the return Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand. “I’m very privileged to be back in the mix this week,” said the contrite 29-year-old. “I’ve been frustrated with myself over the past few weeks for doing something so stupid,” he added, referring to the four-match ban he received for a (relatively mild) headbutt on an Italian player. As a result, Wiese was ineligible for the…

Kaizer Chiefs have made a blistering start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, and the coming weeks will put their credentials to the test across domestic and continental fronts. Amakhosi currently sit second on the Premiership table, unbeaten after five matches. Four wins and a single draw, with no goals conceded, have provided the perfect foundation for Nasreddine Nabi’s side. But the next two weeks present a defining stretch. Between September 16 and 27, Chiefs will play five matches across the league and the CAF Confederation Cup. It is a congested run that will test their squad depth, rotation policy and consistency. September 16 – Sekhukhune United (Home, 7.30pm) Chiefs resume action after the international break against Sekhukhune United at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday. Babina Noko have developed a…

During their 1-1 draw against African heavyweights Nigeria, Bafana Bafana showed a temperament never seen before. No longer 'The Boys, The Boys' (the Zulu translation of Bafana Bafana), the team's performance and character changed significantly, becoming more resilient and less like its youthful moniker. They demonstrated an unexpected level of maturity and resilience, showcasing a newfound character that might prove pivotal in the future. Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has been the architect of this transformation, steering the team towards a mentality that prioritises gritty determination over flashy football. Following a match where South Africa frustrated a star-studded Nigerian side, Broos commended his players for their fighting spirit and collective resolve, insisting that it was no longer just about flair, but about battling for every inch on the pitch. Bafana's past…