Table of contents for 2026-01-12 in Star

Sashen Ramlal, a Crawford International Lonehill matriculant, has balanced national-level academic competition with a demanding subject load, through discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus. Sashen’s matric year was both demanding and rewarding. Managing an intensive academic programme alongside external commitments required strict discipline and consistency, particularly during the final examination period. Reflecting on the year, the 18-year-old said his matric journey was defined not only by achievement, but by significant personal growth. Representing his school at a national mathematics competition stood out as one of the most meaningful highlights of his schooling, reinforcing both his academic confidence and his appreciation for the journey itself. “One of the biggest highlights of my matric year was the journey,” he said. “It was demanding, but deeply rewarding, and it taught me to enjoy the…

From academic disappointment to well-earned distinction, Tshegofatso Mashatola of Crawford International Ruimsig turned one of her toughest matric lows into a powerful comeback story defined by resilience, reflection and reward. The 18-year-old describes her matric year as the most demanding academic chapter of her life, a journey that tested not only her intellect, but her emotional endurance. While the first term unfolded with confidence and ease, the momentum shifted sharply during the June and preliminary examinations. “The marks I received were not the ones I had hoped for, which was very discouraging. That period pushed me to isolate myself, reflect deeply, and work ten times harder for finals.” Rather than allowing disappointment to derail her, Tshegofatso used it as fuel. The setback became a turning point, forcing discipline, focus and…

In a world where academic excellence is often reduced to numbers, 18-year-old Refiloe Mohlabi is redefining what it truly means to succeed. For Mohlabi, the past year was nothing short of a marathon, a journey defined by discipline, study sessions that stretched through school holidays, and late nights spent battling fatigue and self-doubt. “There were moments when I felt incredibly proud of myself for staying disciplined and consistent, especially during exam preparation,” she said. Despite the challenges, Mohlabi accumulated several prestigious honours, including full rhetoric colours, a distinguished White Honours Blazer, and the title of Top Student in Business Studies. She also maintained her position in the school’s Top 10 consistently from Grade 8. “My biggest highlights included receiving my White Honours Blazer for academics, rhetoric, and leadership, as well…

Beyond the pressures and challenges of the matric year, one experience reshaped Anya Oommen of Crawford International Pretoria’s sense of purpose entirely. While academic demands tested her resilience, it was her family’s community service at a children’s home in Buccleuch that emerged as the most defining highlight, exposing her to the harsh realities faced by neglected and abused children and igniting a lasting commitment to service and medicine. Reflecting on her academic year, Anya described it as demanding yet ultimately rewarding. She said navigating three major exam periods, the June exams, preliminary examinations and final IEB assessments, required discipline, endurance and mental strength, particularly in subjects she found most challenging, including Further Studies Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Music. “It was quite taxing to study throughout three exam seasons. However, the…

India is aggressively seeking trade deals to open markets for exporters and soften the blow of steep US tariffs, as efforts to secure an agreement with Washington remain elusive. Relations between Washington and New Delhi plummeted in August after President Donald Trump raised tariffs to 50%, a blow that threatens job losses and hurts India’s ambition of becoming a manufacturing and export powerhouse. That pressure, experts say, has pushed New Delhi into a rapid diversification drive beyond its biggest market. India signed or operationalised four trade agreements last year, including a major pact with Britain – the fastest pace of dealmaking it has seen in years – and is now eyeing fresh deals. Negotiations are under way with the EU, the Eurasian Economic Union, Mexico, Chile and the South American…

CONAKRY: A high-level member of a main opposition party in Guinea was abducted from her home in the capital, her party said at the weekend, the latest disappearance in a country accustomed to kidnappings of junta opponents. Nene Oussou Diallo, a member of the UFDG party’s national executive bureau, was taken by “uniformed agents wearing balaclavas and arriving in unregistered pickup trucks” from her home in Conakry on Friday morning, the party said in a statement. “Given the modus operandi, it is reasonable to believe that Ms Diallo is the victim of enforced disappearance”, the UFDG said. The party’s exiled leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo, condemned the abduction on Facebook, calling for an immediate release and holding the junta responsible “for anything that might happen”. Efforts to locate Nene Oussou Diallo…

Sashen Ramlal, a Crawford International Lonehill matriculant, has balanced national-level academic competition with a demanding subject load, through discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus. Sashen’s matric year was both demanding and rewarding. Managing an intensive academic programme alongside external commitments required strict discipline and consistency, particularly during the final examination period. Reflecting on the year, the 18-year-old said his matric journey was defined not only by achievement, but by significant personal growth. Representing his school at a national mathematics competition stood out as one of the most meaningful highlights of his schooling, reinforcing both his academic confidence and his appreciation for the journey itself. “One of the biggest highlights of my matric year was the journey,” he said. “It was demanding, but deeply rewarding, and it taught me to enjoy the…

From providing answers in just one click to writing lyrics, making beats and cloning people’s voices, AI is now making people question what it really means to be a creative in the music industry. While AI is quite helpful, it is also causing a stir in the music industry and many singers and producers have spoken out against it. Just recently, Prince Kaybee, whose real name is Kabelo Motsamai, voiced his opinion on the use of AI to create music. The DJ and producer shared on X: “I can’t wait for the downfall of AI, people who are musically illiterate are making music and it pisses me off.” AI has been quite an advanced tool that has infiltrated almost every industry in the world. Now, we are seeing how AI…

Tiaan Labuschagné of Maragon Mooikloof described his matric year as “a rollercoaster”, filled with pressure, sacrifice, and unforgettable moments of triumph. “Matric feels like a never-ending year of exams, assignments, and constant pressure. But by taking it day by day, there is nothing that you can’t achieve,” he said. ‘The 18-year-old explained that late-night studying and difficult choices were part of daily life, but the effort felt worthwhile, culminating in a season of personal growth. “Standing on stage and claiming the success of my own hard work made every sacrifice worth it,” he added. The year delivered standout highlights in both academics and sport. On the rugby pitch, Labuschagné scored the match-winning try in the final of the rugby league competition and was selected for the Rooikatte team, which won…

Seventeen-year-old Mukundi Mudzingwa has concluded his matric year, marking the end of an intense and demanding academic journey. Describing the year as nothing short of hectic, Mukundi said the early excitement of matric quickly gave way to pressure and fatigue. “By May, my academic confidence had reached an all-time low and everything felt overwhelming,” he explained. “At one point, I even wrote four papers within 24 hours. It was exhausting, but I persevered.” While the final exams brought significant stress, they also offered a sense of relief. “When I finished my final paper, I reached a personal high, with a small sense of regret wondering if I could have done more,” he added. Among the year’s highlights, Mukundi cited the impact of his teachers at Southdowns College. “The barrier between…

Zachary Williams celebrated an outstanding academic accomplishment during his matriculation year at Trinityhouse Little Falls, setting the stage for an incredible tale of tenacity and resolve. Williams showed what it takes to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Throughout the school year, Williams had a lot of highs and lows. He pointed out that while the final exams were challenging, there were also encouraging moments. “This academic year was definitely challenging and stressful,” he said. “However, there were good times too, like spending time with my friends, and the feeling of relief after writing my final exam was unbelievable. So overall, I would say it was a nice year and an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.” Among the highlights of his matric year were moments of…

The ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, delivered the organisation’s January 8 Statement on Saturday in 30-degree summer heat at Moruleng Stadium in the North West province. From the very beginning, something felt profoundly wrong. It was not even the half-hearted “Viva ANC, viva” chants. It was the contrast. It was the spectacle of the poor, seated in their poverty under the unforgiving midday sun, facing a stage crowded with billionaires expecting rapturous applause. That applause never came. Instead, there was silence – heavy, unmistakable, and deeply revealing. After desiccated, shopworn speeches of congratulations from its alliance partners marking the ANC’s 114th anniversary, it became clear that the party’s collective reservoirs were empty. The revolutionary spirit that once animated the movement had evaporated. These choreographed gatherings, designed to manufacture enthusiasm for a…

ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia at the weekend started building what the prime minister says will be Africa’s biggest airport when completed in the town of Bishoftu, south-east of the capital Addis Ababa. The massive travel hub is expected to cost around $12.7 billion and eventually be able to handle some 110 million passengers a year at full capacity. Construction is expected to take five years. Partly financed by national carrier Ethiopian Airlines, the Bishoftu hub is expected to replace the capital’s Bole Airport, which can handle up to 25 million passengers annually. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the weekend announced construction of “the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history” had begun. “This multi-airport strategy aims to future-proof Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway,” he said in a post…

For Celia Falconer Wentzel of Crawford International Sandton, the matric year unfolded with an uncommon sense of calm rather than chaos. While many learners found exam season overwhelming, she described studying and writing exams as a peaceful and focused time. “I enjoy writing exams and studying for them; it’s usually a peaceful time for me,” she said. That sense of control was tested during the June examination period. Writing all her Further Studies final examinations the week before, followed by her National Benchmark Tests during June, left her physically and mentally drained. “My biggest highlight was that I became good friends with people that I really admire and respect. “Without them, I would have lost focus very quickly,” she added. Looking ahead, the 18-year-old hopes to receive provisional acceptance to…

For Celia Falconer Wentzel of Crawford International Sandton, the matric year unfolded with an uncommon sense of calm rather than chaos. While many learners found exam season overwhelming, she described studying and writing exams as a peaceful and focused time. “I enjoy writing exams and studying for them; it’s usually a peaceful time for me,” she said. That sense of control was tested during the June examination period. Writing all her Further Studies final examinations the week before, followed by her National Benchmark Tests during June, left her physically and mentally drained. “My biggest highlight was that I became good friends with people that I really admire and respect. Without them, I would have lost focus very quickly,” she added. Looking ahead, the 18-year-old hopes to receive provisional acceptance to…

Aria Sudu from Southdowns College has concluded her matric year after a demanding, high-pressure academic journey. Reflecting on the year, Aria described it as “challenging overall,” noting that assignments and tests came in rapid succession. “It often felt like we were running from the very start. “Finishing prelims was a huge high for me,” she explained. “They were extremely demanding, especially while balancing rehearsals for the school musical, but I persevered and was proud of what I achieved.” Despite her success, the year was not without difficulty. The 18-year-old acknowledged experiencing unexpected stress and anxiety, particularly during exams. “It was a major low,” she said, “but I didn’t let it take over and continued to push myself academically.” Her highlights extended well beyond academics. Aria earned her white blazer, served…

Tongxin Cui of Crawford International Sandton navigated the highs and lows of his matric year with determination and humility. Excelling in subjects such as Science, IT, and Maths, he faced challenges in English and Afrikaans, proving that growth often comes not just from success, but from confronting areas where expectations fall short. “In most subjects, such as Science, IT, and Maths, I feel I performed fairly successfully. I had no major gaps in knowledge or understanding for any of them, but for other subjects like English and Afrikaans, I feel I did not live up to expectations,” he said. A standout highlight was gaining entry into the selection camp for the International Maths Olympiad, a privilege reserved for just a handful of students. “Despite my lacklustre performance, I was unable…

For Shweta Singh of Crawford International Lonehill, the matric year unfolded as a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey, defined by intense pressure, disciplined preparation, and countless late nights of revision. As exam season reached its peak, perseverance took centre stage, culminating in a moment she described as one of the most fulfilling of her school career. Shweta said the academic year required constant balance, with both highs and challenging moments shaping her experience. Exam season, in particular, tested her discipline and time-management skills, often pushing her to her limits. Yet, completing her final exams stood out as a defining highlight. “Finishing my final exams was without a doubt a highlight. It felt incredibly fulfilling to see years of hard work, growth, and perseverance come together in each paper, almost like…

Eduan de Jager from Maragon Mooikloof has finished his matric year with an achievement that is nothing short of remarkable. More than academic success, his results reflect resilience, balance, and purpose. De Jager described the academic year as demanding and, at times, emotionally and physically draining, especially during exam season. However, through disciplined time management, consistent effort, and the unwavering support of his teachers, family, and friends, he persevered. “Hard work and a strong support system made all the difference,” he said. Beyond the classroom, De Jager’s matric year was marked by several standout highlights. “Winning the Blue Bulls Rugby League was incredibly special,” he said. Being part of, and winning, his school’s first-ever Mr & Ms Maragon competition was also an honour. In addition, he represented his school on…

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 set the stage for a series of encounters that are set to go a long way in redefining the narrative of African football on the global stage. The continent, long considered a sleeping giant in soccer, is entering a pivotal moment marked by unprecedented talent depth and competitive opportunities. The historical backdrop is familiar: the hopes of a continent that have echoed since the legendary Pelé predicted that an African nation would clinch the World Cup title before the turn of the millennium. While the clock may have ticked past that landmark, there remains a belief that the moment will eventually arrive. The question lingers, however: can Morocco, which dazzled at the 2022 World Cup, build upon their impressive run, or will another contender…

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of listening to victims of clerical sex abuse during a meeting with cardinals from around the world this week, according to comments released at the weekend. In a speech concluding the two-day, closed-door consistory, the US pope said the abuse of children and vulnerable adults by priests was still a “wound” in the Catholic Church. “Listening is profoundly important,” Leo said, according to a Vatican transcript, adding: “We cannot close our eyes, nor our hearts.” He noted that abuse was not a specific topic for discussion during the consistory, his first since taking over as head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in May. But he said he wanted to raise it in his closing remarks, saying the scourge was “a problem…

Siwelele’s season now enters a phase that will define not only their league position, but their psychological resilience. Sitting 11th on the Betway Premiership standings, five points clear of the relegation zone, and with the second round set to resume on January 20, the club occupy a space that can either become a platform for stability or a gateway to renewed anxiety. On paper, that buffer suggests breathing room. In reality, it is a fragile margin. The opening stretch of the campaign was unforgiving. Siwelele lost six of their first eight matches, a run that dragged them into uncomfortable territory and raised early questions about direction, balance and belief. Confidence drained quickly, leaving a squad reacting to results rather than shaping them. To his credit, coach Lehlohonolo Seema has since…