Table of contents for 2025-06-17 in Star

The agricultural landscape of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is currently grappling with the relentless spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has sparked significant alarm among local agricultural associations. As the ramifications of the outbreak unfurl, the Department of Agriculture is ramping up vaccination efforts while aiming to manage the crisis effectively. David de Jager, CEO of Tip-Top Milk—one of South Africa's leading raw milk logistics providers—last week said that the continued spread of FMD was placing South Africa’s dairy sector under severe strain. “Last week, the broader livestock industry, under the umbrella of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu), urgently called for the formal declaration of FMD as a provincial disaster. When farms are quarantined inside Disease Management Areas, animals can't move. It affects breeding cycles, which could lead to overstocking and spikes…

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has found itself at the centre of controversy after the recent withdrawal of Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 18.19, which regulates engine overhauls for aircraft across the private flying sector, light commercial operations, aerial work, and flight training. This controversial decision raises concerns about potential paralysis in the aviation industry, with operators warning that it could ground up to 1 400 aircraft and threaten an astounding 300 000 jobs nationwide. The aviation regulator over the weekend insisted that the withdrawal of the notice, which did not affect commercial airlines, had been implemented after sufficient notice given two extensions since December 2023 that made the longest allowed time for an exemption from applicable regulations. The aviation industry's bone of contention is that there was no…

SA Canegrowers has cautioned once again that the local industry was facing many challenges, not least of which is the increasing risk local growers face from unfair global trade practices. Higgins Mdluli, SA Canegrowers chairman, last week said foreign sugar was currently entering South Africa at prices below the cost of production and below the global sugar price, owing to some foreign governments either heavily subsidising their industries or countries dumping their excess sugar at a loss. Mdluli said for every ton of imported sugar, local sugarcane growers lose R6 000 in income and jobs were imperilled. According to Mdluli, local sugarcane growers were unable to compete with such unfairly subsidised imports, particularly at a time when the industry was also facing a host of other challenges including unpredictable weather…

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has enlisted the legendary designer behind the iPhone to create an irresistible gadget for using generative artificial intelligence (AI). The ability to engage digital assistants as easily as speaking with friends is being built into eyewear, speakers, computers and smartphones, but some argue that the Age of AI calls for a transformational new gizmo. "The products that we're using to deliver and connect us to unimaginable technology are decades old," former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive said when his alliance with OpenAI was announced. "It's just common sense to at least think, surely there's something beyond these legacy products." Sharing no details, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said that a prototype Ive shared with him "is the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever…

Vodacom has expanded its footprint across Africa as part of its Vision 2025 strategy, acquiring Vodafone Egypt and extending network connectivity into Ethiopia through a Safaricom-led consortium, CEO Shameel Joosub said in the group's annual report released on Friday. The move has helped Vodacom nearly double its customer base, from 115.5 million in 2020 to 211.3 million in 2025, including Safaricom. Revenue rose from R91 billion to R152.2 billion over the same period, while the company’s profit and revenue profile increasingly reflects its broader, more diversified operations. To meet growing data demand, Vodacom invested R20.3 billion in network infrastructure during the 2025 financial year, down slightly from R20.4 billion the year before. Improved energy availability reduced the need for resilience investments, enabling the group to focus more on network expansion.…

As we celebrate Youth Month in South Africa, a period dedicated to recognising and uplifting the voices of young people, it’s only fitting to spotlight the trailblazing musicians who are shaping the future of our music scene. This month offers a perfect stage to highlight a talented group of young artists who are not only making waves locally but are also ready to captivate global audiences with their unique sounds. Here’s a round-up of some of the hottest young musicians you should not miss. Kamo Mphela Breaking through the noise of the music industry is Kamo Mphela, born Kamogelo Matona in Durban and raised in Soweto. She shot to fame as an amapiano dancer, making her mark on social media with captivating dance videos that highlighted her infectious energy and…

SPEAKING on the sidelines of the G7 summit yesterday, US President Donald Trump said if Iran wants to talk about de-escalation it should negotiate with Israel "before it's too late." "I'd say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately," Trump told the media during the start of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The bloody conflict entered its fourth day yesterday. According to reports, Israel's strikes have killed at least 224 people inside Iran, including top military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians, according to authorities in the Islamic Republic. On the other hand, the death toll in Israel rose by 11 yesterday, the prime minister's office said, bringing the total since Friday to 24. Yesterday, Iran's state broadcaster in Tehran…

South Africa is reeling from the devastating impact of widespread flooding that has left at least 88 people dead in the Eastern Cape, including a two-year-old child, as communities struggle to come to terms with the destruction caused by last week’s torrential rains. A powerful cut-off low weather system swept through large parts of the country, bringing days of relentless rainfall that triggered landslides, road collapses, and the destruction of homes, with the Eastern Cape bearing the brunt of the disaster. Rescue teams, supported by police, SANDF personnel, and volunteers, continue to search for the missing. Temporary shelters have been erected to house displaced families, some of whom lost everything in a matter of hours. The emotional toll has been immense. “We are sleeping in a hall with no mattresses,…

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) spent an estimated R131.5 million on paid sick leave in the 2023/24 financial year. The figure covers extended sick leave taken by more than 600 officers, highlighting deep-rooted concerns about the health and welfare of the country's law enforcement personnel. Responding to parliamentary questions, Mchunu disclosed that 618 SAPS employees were on paid sick leave for a period exceeding six months during the financial year. This amount of prolonged absence has placed renewed focus on the physical and psychological toll of policing in South Africa. Each SAPS member is allocated either 22 or 30 annual leave days per year, which are distributed monthly. When leave taken exceeds the accrued amount, it results in overdrawn leave balances, costing…

Youth Month (June) in South Africa prompts a critical examination of the political and economic realities faced by the youth today, highlighting disillusionment, unemployment, and the urgent need for reform. Youth Month is a time to commemorate the courageous students of 1976 who stood up against an oppressive regime. Their fight, most vividly captured in the tragic yet galvanising Soweto Uprising, was not just about language policy but about systemic injustice, inequality, and a yearning for dignity and opportunity. Fast forward to 2025, we are now 31 years into a democratic dispensation. But the question worth asking is: where are we now – politically and economically as youth of a democratic South Africa? It’s a question that demands uncomfortable honesty. In 1994, political freedom was the defining achievement of our…

FORMER MAMELODI SUNDOWNS wingback Isaac Shai believes the Brazilians would have long put the disappointment of losing the CAF Champions League final behind them when they open their FIFA Club World Cup account against South Korea’s Ulsan midnight on Tuesday. The South African champions are one of four clubs from Africa participating in the inaugural 32-team global soccer showpiece in the United States. Grouped along with the Koreans, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund as well as Fluminense of Brazil, Sundowns are going to be hard-pressed to produce some of their best performances yet to progress into the knockout stage. And the fact that they were recently denied the chance of adding a second star above their club crest when they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids FC in Africa’s premier club knockout…

It is that time of the year when domestic coaching achievements are under the microscope as Premier Soccer League’s panel of judges look at who has made a strong case for the coveted Premier Soccer League (PSL) 'Coach of the Season' title. In the competitive landscape of domestic football, a few coaches like Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates), Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Steve Barker (Stellenbosch FC) have captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. However, after a stellar two-and-a-half-year tenure at the helm of Pirates, the Spanish mentor, Riveiro has undeniably made a strong case for the coveted gong. Despite his excellence, a debate in the football community is raging regarding who truly deserves the title. Sundowns' coach, Miguel Cardoso, has also been lauded for his achievements. However, the…

As South Africa commemorates Youth Day on 16 June, a wave of youthful talent has emerged in the nation’s football landscape. These young players are not just taking the pitch by storm, but also igniting hopes for Bafana Bafana as they prepare for pivotal tournaments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year in December. This Youth Day, we highlight the promising prospects that South Africa has to offer. 1 Mbekezeli Mbokazi (19 years, Orlando Pirates) At just 19 years old, Mbokazi has swiftly made his mark in South African football, gaining recognition as a leading contender for the left centre-back position in both Orlando Pirates and Bafana. National team coach Hugo Broos had long expressed the urgent need for a…

Mercedes found their rhythm at the Canadian Grand Prix, with both drivers not only successfully navigating the daunting 'Wall of Champions', but also securing significant points, as George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli both delivered strong performances on a rare off day for McLaren. The high standards set by the Surrey-based outfit have positioned them as the team to beat this season, having dominated much of the campaign. However, after enduring one of their most challenging weekends on the calendar so far, McLaren may have received a timely reminder to address some areas that still need refinement. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen continues to carry the Red Bull Racing banner alone, as Yuki Tsunoda still struggles to fully adapt to the demanding RB21 car. This has added further intensity to the battle…

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that it will be establishing a new shipping route on the western coast of the continent among a plethora of measures aimed to facilitate the movements of goods between Namibia and Nigeria and boost intra-Africa trade. This comes as intra-African trade still remains very low at around 15% to 18% compared to nearly 70% in the European Union and around 50% in Asia. Afreximbank's director for trade facilitation and investment promotion, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, on Thursday said the continent was now in a good place to actually see a rapid increase in intra-African trade with the full operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA). Zanamwe said the Afreximbank has been putting in place a number of interventions that are breaking…

As much as I do not want to add another voice to the fiasco at the recent White House meeting between Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa it is a starting point for an article about how corruption, crime and food security end up in a concoction of another disaster for the citizens of the country. Ramaphosa stated, in defense of farm murder and genocide accusations that it is not a unique situation as South Africa has a serious problem with crime at all levels. All crime victims and citizens will agree with that statement, although it is the last thing foreign investors want to hear who at consider us as an investment destination. On August, 27, 2024 Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuizen launched a forensic audit into a R500 million…

The so-called sandwich generation, people aged between 30-50 years old, are juggling school runs and zoom meetings, managing grocery lists for two households, and now, trying to make sure mum gets her blood pressure checked while helping their adult children find stable footing in an unforgiving economy. It’s a full-time job. And no one’s really talking about it. “It’s this silent pressure that people in their late 30s to 50s are shouldering. You’re not just raising kids anymore, you’re also parenting upwards. You’re emotionally and often financially responsible for your parents, especially if they couldn’t save enough for retirement. It’s a lot,” Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health said. South Africa’s sandwich generation is feeling the squeeze. Many elderly parents rely on their children for essentials, not just food and…

US President Donald Trump pocketed more than $57 million from token sales by the crypto venture he and his sons helped launch last year, according to federal financial disclosure forms released by the White House. The more than 230-page document issued by the Office of Government Ethics, dated Friday, lists the US president's holdings including stocks, dividends, real estate and investment portfolios. It showed that Trump, who during his first presidential election campaign in 2016 broke with the long tradition of candidates publishing their income tax returns, raked in $57.4 million from the sale of World Liberty Financial tokens. Trump and his sons helped launch the cryptocurrency investment and lending platform ahead of last year's election, raising conflict of interest concerns especially after he went on to win. He lent…

In a wide-ranging interview, Hannes Wessels, General Manager for Southern and Francophone Africa at Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, said while South Africa's conduct regulator, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), has made strides by extending existing financial advisory frameworks to crypto firms, the process remains under-resourced and delayed." "I do believe, though, that a lot more work needs to happen to tailor regulation specifically for crypto asset service providers because our business is very different from, say, insurance brokers," he said. “We’re in the last batch of firms still waiting for our crypto license approval,” Wessels said. “The FSCA has good people who know what they’re doing, but they’re simply under-resourced. You can only do so much with the bandwidth you have.” Wessels touched on…

True crime fans can prepare to delve into a harrowing chapter of legal mishaps and personal tragedy with the upcoming limited series, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. Disney+ recently announced that the eight-episode journey, inspired by one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent history, will premiere on Wednesday, August 20. The gripping story will follow Amanda Knox, an American student wrongfully accused of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher in 2007 while they were studying abroad in Perugia, Italy. Twenty-one-year-old Kercher’s body was found in her bedroom, partly undressed and with multiple stab wounds. She had been sexually assaulted. The series chronicles Knox’s unsettling odyssey – from being sentenced to 26 years in prison alongside her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito due to inadequate circumstantial evidence, to navigating the Italian…

On a day meant to honour the courage and sacrifice of South Africa’s youth, the communities of Westbury and Eldorado Park are instead mourning the young lives lost to violence and gangsterism. Residents say gunfire has become a daily soundtrack in their neighbourhoods, with children and teenagers bearing the brunt of ongoing turf wars. While some youths are lured into gangs, others — far too many — are simply caught in the crossfire. This Youth Day, instead of celebration, Westbury residents were due to take to the streets in protest. Marches and community-led demonstrations had been organised to demand urgent action against the escalating violence that has turned their streets into war zones. “We are tired of burying our children,” said a tearful mother in Westbury, holding up a picture…

On this Youth Day, we pause to remember a generation that dared to confront injustice. Their defiance in 1976 was not merely about language policies; it was about the right to a future. Nearly five decades later, the struggle has shifted from political oppression to economic exclusion. The question before us is simple: do we have the courage to give our youth the future they deserve? South Africa today stands at a dangerous precipice. Our youth unemployment crisis, now surpassing 60% for those aged 15–24 — is not just an economic statistic; it is a threat to the very stability of our democracy. No nation can afford to leave the majority of its young people without purpose, without opportunity, and without dignity. This is no longer a challenge we can…

Police in the Eastern Cape have arrested two suspects in a shocking human trafficking case involving 10 children, believed to have been smuggled illegally from Lesotho. A swift police response led to the rescue of 10 children and the arrest of two men, aged 40 and 20, in Matatiele on Saturday. The arrests came after a tip-off from a vigilant community member who noticed an adult male with several children near a fuel station in the Matatiele CBD. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the 40-year-old suspect, a Lesotho national without valid documentation, initially claimed he was transporting the children to meet their mothers in Pietermaritzburg. This narrative quickly unravelled when the children contradicted his story. ‘‘However, the children contradicted this, stating they did not know the man and…

On the occasion of South Africa’s Youth Month, I wish to extend my sincere festive greetings to all our young friends. The youth are the future of nations and the future of China-South Africa friendship as well. I have been deeply impressed by the confidence, optimism, and ingenuity of the young South African people. Our nations, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, enjoy traditional friendship characterised by a strong “comradeship plus brotherhood” bond. I firmly believe that the hope for a lasting China-South Africa friendship rests with the young generation. Both China and South Africa attach great importance to youth development and exchanges. In September 2024, at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, the President of the People’s Republic…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes Bulls bruiser Cobus Wiese has a big future at the Springboks because of his sheer bulk, skill, and ability to play in the second and back rows. The 28-year-old younger brother of No 8 Jasper ticks all the boxes for Erasmus and in the future could be a vital pillar in the Bok engine room. Wiese last year returned to South Africa after five years with the Sale Sharks and has been a significant part of a Bulls team that have been United Rugby Championship finalist for two years in a row. Erasmus called Wiese up to the Bok squad in 2018 but did not play him. Wiese, who was playing for the Stormers at that time, left for England in 2020. Erasmus says the…

Prior to the Lord’s Test the odds on Proteas captain Temba Bavuma hitting the only six of the World Test Championship final would have been fairly long. But, then again, what would the odds have been of a young man hailing from Langa in the Western Cape leading the South African national cricket team to the Holy Grail at the Home of Cricket? I suspect significantly longer. It's almost as if the geographical plates of world cricket have shifted this past week in St John’s Wood. But whether it was just a slight tremor or a full blown earthquake will be seen in the coming months. The World Test Champions are only home for a few days before they cross the border for the first time in more than a…

Hindsight is a scurrilous science because it is easy to be a genius when you have it, yet when we saw how a Leinster team containing 12 British and Irish Lions obliterated the Bulls, you wonder why many South Africans thought the South Africans had a realistic chance in the URC final in Dublin. The Bulls were shut out, shut down and shut up by a Leinster team masquerading as the Ireland national team. And the Dubliners did it from the first minute. They smashed the Bulls back in every aspect of the game and 80 minutes later, the Bulls had not fashioned one single attacking movement comprising more than four phases. In short, they did not fire a shot in crumbling to an embarrassing 32-7 defeat, their third loss…

Resurging war may force the SA Reserve Bank to put interest rates cut on pause in July The resurging war in the Middle East may force the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) to put interest rates cut on pause in July as the escalation of oil prices to a three-month high may affect both global and domestic inflation outlooks. This comes as the Sarb last month reduced the policy rate by 25 basis points to 7.25% per annum, and the prime lending rate to 10.75% per annum, and revised down its inflation forecasts as consumer prices remained below the lower band of the 3-6% target range, currently at 2.8%. The Sarb said this reflected the lower starting point, as well as a stronger exchange rate assumption and lower world oil…

In the theatre of corporate leadership, strategy is often presented as a management exercise, being something crafted by executives, presented in compelling slides, and approved by the board before being shelved until the next annual review. But governance theory, particularly King IV, challenges this view. Principle 11 is unambiguous: the governing body should govern risk in a way that supports the organisation in setting and achieving its strategic objectives. That is, strategy cannot be separated from risk, and boards cannot be passive participants in either. From observations of governance practice, it appears that the board’s involvement in strategy tends to be more reactive than generative. Strategic plans are often presented for endorsement rather than developed in close partnership with the board. Even multi-day strategic planning workshops, intended to promote alignment…

In the fast-paced, metrics-driven digital landscape, hard skills often dominate the conversation. Proficiency in coding languages, data analytics, AI implementation, and cloud architecture are seen as the essential, teachable competencies that tech leaders put a strong focus on when hiring and scaling their teams. But as the digital world continues to evolve with increasing speed and complexity, a surprising truth is emerging: soft skills are the true differentiators of success. For digitally led businesses, failing to prioritise soft skills isn't just an oversight, it's a competitive disadvantage. In a space where innovation, speed and adaptability are the currency of success, technical brilliance alone isn't enough. Without the ability to communicate clearly, collaborate across functions, build trust or lead through change and disruption, even the most sophisticated digital solutions can stall…

Primary Health Properties (PHP) has renewed its push for a merger with rival Assura Plc dismissing financial concerns raised by Assura’s board and underscoring strategic benefits in an intensifying battle over the future of Britain’s largest primary care real estate groups. PHP is a UK-based Real Estate Investment Trust specialising in the acquisition, development, and management of primary healthcare facilities. PHP and Assura are secondary listed on the JSE with primary listings on the London Stock Exchange. On Friday afternoon PHP shares rose 6.7% at R25.01, while Assura's shares were up 6.17% to R12.21. PHP said on Friday it continues to believe a combination with Assura represents a “highly compelling proposition,” providing shareholders with long-term value and enhanced exposure to resilient healthcare property assets amid improving macroeconomic conditions. The renewed…

Transnet has signed a three-year wage agreement with its majority union, the United National Transport Union (UNTU), following a protracted negotiation process that required intervention from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). In a statement on Thursday, Transnet said that the wage agreement would see an increment of 6% for the 2025/2026, 2026/2027, and 2027/2028 financial years. Transnet stated that this above-inflation agreement corresponds to an overall wage increase of 18% across the three years, encompassing increases to basic salaries and additional components, such as the 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, medical aid subsidies, and housing allowances. “The finalisation of the three-year wage agreement provides labour stability and will enable the company to focus on its immediate strategic priorities of improving operational and financial performance, while positioning the…

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has found herself at the centre of a heated controversy following the release of her provocative album cover for her upcoming project, Man’s Best Friend. The Grammy-winning artist unveiled the cover and announced the album’s release date through social media recently, much to the dismay of a segment of her fanbase. In her post, Carpenter, now 26, communicated her excitement: “My new album, Man’s Best Friend (paw emoji) is out on August 29, 2025. I can’t wait for it to be yours.” However, it was the accompanying image that set social media ablaze. The photograph depicts Carpenter in a black dress and high heels, kneeling on the ground in a dog-like pose, while an unidentified individual stands nearby, pulling her by the hair. The image drew…

The South African government’s plan to spend R700 million on a national dialogue, labelled “Codesa 2.0,” has sparked public criticism and deepened concerns over the country’s leadership priorities. Announced as a nation-building platform to address South Africa’s social and political divisions, the initiative promises community dialogues, a national convention, and a 30-year action plan. Yet for many South Africans facing poverty, unemployment, and a failing public service system, the plan feels disconnected from everyday realities. “Dialogue is important, yes, but R700m for what?” asked political analyst Sibongile Mafu. “To talk while people are unemployed, hungry, and living without basic services?” The programme includes a National Convention in August 2025 involving over 1 000 delegates, followed by six to nine months of public engagements. An Eminent Persons Group will also be…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has raised the alarm over Operation Dudula’s latest planned activities in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, and has reported the group to the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, and the Hawks. This follows social media posts by Operation Dudula, in which the group called on members of the public to join them on 16 June to “reclaim hijacked properties from illegal foreigners.” The post, shared on the group’s Facebook page, claims that a Nigerian national has taken control of over 100 properties and alleges, without evidence, that several white South Africans have been murdered in the process. The planned gathering was expected to start at 9am at the Moffettview police station. It forms part of the group’s ongoing efforts to mobilise communities around their anti-immigration…

The ANC has come to the defence of its Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, after Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse filed criminal charges against him. Pieterse, represented by AfriForum’s Private Prosecuting Unit, alleges that Mbalula, along with EFF leader Julius Malema and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade, violated his dignity by falsely accusing him of raping a child. Pieterse claims the trio publicly accused him of raping a 7-year-old girl, known as Cwecwe, after her mother suspected that she was raped, however medical reports had since found that there were no traces of sexual assault. However, the ANC has slammed AfriForum’s decision to pursue the matter, calling it ‘‘disingenuous, ideologically driven, and flawed." The party maintains that defending outrage against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV-F) is not a crime. "We will…

A call has been made for South Africa’s Department of Agriculture to seek a new trade agreement with Brazil that would allow for the continuous import of safe chicken products despite outbreaks of avian influenza. This comes as a similar year-long trade arrangement was reached with the US by South Africa for chicken imports. The local food industry said such an agreement was needed with Brazil which is the country’s biggest supplier of mechanically deboned meat (MDM). According to a letter released by the Department this week, the agreement empowers the US to manage its own internal export bans at the state level. This means chicken can continue to be exported to South Africa from unaffected states, while those experiencing bird flu outbreaks are temporarily excluded. Georg Southey, General Manager…

A third group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers was expected to arrive back in the country yesterday, marking another significant phase in South Africa’s withdrawal from a volatile peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The troops, part of a broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional force, were due to land at Air Force Base Waterkloof between 3pm and 5pm. They are among more than 2 000 SANDF members who were deployed to the DRC to support efforts to combat the M23 rebel group, which has seized key territory in the country’s eastern provinces. This latest return follows the second batch of soldiers who touched down in South Africa last week, amid mounting instability in the eastern DRC. The M23 rebels, believed to…

On the sidelines of the bedlam that exploded at Lord’s after the Proteas’ etched their names into the history books with a maiden World Test Championship title stood Andrew Breetzke. The South African Cricketers Association chief could not believe what he was witnessing. The outpouring of emotion and joy on every South African’s face within the hallowed ground was a world away from the turmoil he was embroiled in just a couple of months before. Kagiso Rabada had tested positive for recreational drug use, and with the WTC Final on the horizon, Breetze needed to act swiftly in piecing together the best team of legal and medical experts that could formulate a plan to ensure Rabada’s participation at Lord’s. The fact that in a previous life Breetzke was the Chairperson…

The Springbok Women returned home on Monday relieved and proud that they executed their mandate in Madagascar at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup after wins over Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar. This resulted in another continental title and trophy for the South Africans. According to Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September, the planning stages for this tournament were one thing, but the execution thereof was another and they are pleased that the young team delivered on several objectives planned. “We came here with a clear view of what we wanted out of the tournament,” said September. “It was part of our Rugby World Cup preparations, but we also wanted the players to express themselves out there. “We decided to bring a number of uncapped players here but there was never…

The rise of varsity student Ntokozo Makhaza from nowhere to the Springbok squad is a heartening story that gives the youth in South Africa hope that their dreams can come true. The 23-year-old from Harrismith in the Free State is studying for a degree in psychology and social development at the University of Cape Town where he has also been an amateur rugby player for Ikeys in the Varsity Cup. A month ago, Rassie Erasmus called Makhaza to invite him to the Springbok alignment camp, but he thought it was a prank call at first. Ikey’s had won the Varsity Cup and Makhaza was the Player of the Tournament, as he was last year, too. Erasmus has been watching and was so impressed with the wing’s performances — yes, Big…