Star2025-07-16的目錄

Eskom's announcement regarding the delay in the return to service of Koeberg Unit 1 has raised significant interest as the power utility confirmed the discovery of defects in the steam generator tubes. This critical setback extends the unit’s downtime by a month, but Eskom is insisting that the necessary repairs have been meticulously completed to adhere to the highest safety and quality standards. In a detailed update on Monday, Eskom disclosed that during scheduled eddy current inspections—a non-destructive testing method used to identify potential failures—defects were detected in four tubes out of several thousand inspected across two of Koeberg’s newly installed steam generators. Eskom’s head of generation, Bheki Nxumalo, assured the public that specialised international teams have collaborated with local experts to address these issues immediately. "Eskom immediately carried out…

The Deputy Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, has advocated for an independent system to review the National Treasury's decisions regarding urgent funding requirements. This call to action follows the controversial rejection by Treasury of a R3.8 billion proposed rescue package intended for the beleaguered South African Post Office (Sapo), which Gungubele on Tuesday argued had successfully navigated the business rescue process. "I wish there would be an independent system that scrutinises that. In our view, with all the calculations we have made, if we were to talk about cost-benefit analysis, had that R3.8bn been paid, a lot would have been saved rather than lost," Gungubele told the Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday. "But it is the thing of Treasury. I am saying I wish…

MC Mining’s share price surged 6.15% after it announced a revised turnaround strategy for its Uitkomst Colliery subsidiary. The share price shot up by 6.15% to R1.38 on Tuesday morning. A year ago, the share price was trading at R1.73. In a statement on the JSE’s news service the company’s directors said the turnaround plan will see significant operational changes that position the colliery for a future growth phase. Uitkomst Colliery, located in Kwazulu-Natal, is part of MC Mining's strategy of supporting South Africa's Steel Master Plan, whilst itself, becoming a significant regional supplier of steelmaking coal products. Uitkomst produces, for the steel industry, pulverized coal injection (PCI) and for the South African manufacturing industry, specialized, high quality-sized coal products, both of which reduce input costs and provide the domestic…

Every July, South Africa comes alive with heartfelt tributes to one of its greatest heroes, Nelson Mandela. Mandela Month not only celebrates his indomitable spirit and lifelong commitment to social justice but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact he left on the world. One of the most meaningful ways to honour his legacy is through literature. Over the years, countless authors have captured Mandela’s life, struggles and the values he stood for in words that continue to inspire. In recognition of Mandela's unwavering belief in education and empowerment, here is a selection of profound books that explore his story, his philosophies and the broader context of his fight against apartheid. Through these pages, Mandela’s legacy continues to breathe, offering timeless lessons on courage, forgiveness and…

A 48-year-old Zimbabwean man, Stephen Nyoni, has been remanded in custody after appearing in a Limpopo court for possessing a stolen vehicle. Last week, IOL reported that police in Limpopo had intercepted and recovered a high-performance luxury sport utility vehicle, valued at over R2.5 million, during a targeted anti-smuggling operation. The anti-crime blitz was conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo in collaboration with private security partners along the N1 highway near Polokwane last week. “Acting on intelligence regarding a stolen vehicle travelling from Gauteng towards the Beitbridge border, the operational team consisting of Limpopo SAPS, ShadowSecure Security, Tshimollo Security and Investigations, and Tracker Connect kept strategic observation along the N1 route,” said Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba. The vehicle matching the description, a Nissan Patrol…

Several areas in Gauteng have been affected by the Rand Water’s planned maintenance scheduled to take effect from yesterday, until Friday. According to Rand Water, the maintenance work is part of its commitment to ensure a sustainable and efficient water supply. The affected municipalities include: City of Tshwane, City of Joburg, City of Ekurhuleni, and the Madibeng Local Municipality. It said the maintenance may also impact water supply to the local municipalities of Rand West, Mogale City, Merafong, Madibeng, Lesedi, Govan Mbeki, Rustenburg, Royal Bafokeng, and nearby mines and industries. The maintenance work has been strategically scheduled during the low consumption months of May to July to minimise disruptions and better manage the potential impact on water supply. It has been confirmed water tankers have been dispatched to severely affected…

Civil society group Black Sash has condemned SASSA for failing thousands of social grant recipients, saying many have had their payments delayed without a clear explanation or proper notice. The watchdog has also called for a pause in the ongoing review process, citing widespread confusion and distress among beneficiaries. “Despite the CEO’s claim that no grants have been suspended, we are witnessing a surge in complaints from beneficiaries who have been cut off without a clear explanation or notification. “Our Community Monitoring teams, based across the country and our national Helpline have been overwhelmed with distress calls from elderly persons, people with disabilities and caregivers, many of whom only discovered their grants had been “flagged” when their money failed to appear.” The advocacy group also argued that the situation was…

Former Public Protector and Umkhonto weSizwe (MK party) Mpumalanga convenor, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, has lambasted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s move to place embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave, and the establishment of a commission of inquiry into allegations regarding law enforcement agencies. IOL reported on Sunday that while the placement of Mchunu on special leave was applauded by some, the decision to establish a commission of inquiry into allegations regarding the South African Police Service (SAPS) was largely criticised. Political analysts said that the commission could be a waste of time and resources, like the Zondo commission, which was established to investigate the allegations of State Capture in 2019. In an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Mkwebane said the resources channeled towards the commission of inquiry could be funneled towards…

While the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, on Monday evening ordered Meta to shut down several anonymous Instagram accounts and WhatsApp channels, which are distributing explicit child pornography depicting South African school children, this has not yet been done yesterday afternoon. Judge Mudunwazi Makamu also ruled that Meta had to, before noon yesterday, furnish The Digital Law Company (DLC) with all information in its possession pertaining to the creator(s) of the WhatsApp channels and Instagram profiles listed in the urgent application. Rorke Wilson of The Digital Law Company yesterday said as the matter was heard on Monday evening, the deadline for Meta to shut down the accounts and channels was set to be midnight on Monday. “However, Meta has not complied with any of the demands and all the deadlines have…

Contrary to the stereotype of universities as bastions of privilege, studies show a different – and often grim – reality for many South African students. At universities across the country, levels of food insecurity range from 11% to 38%, which means a significant portion of our future leaders are trying to study on an empty stomach or are distracted from their books by worries over where their next meal will come from. As South Africa and the world commemorate Mandela Month and emulate the spirit of giving that characterised South Africa’s first democratically elected president, it is an opportune time to throw a renewed spotlight onto a silent crisis that many of us are not even aware of. Food insecurity is not just about empty stomachs: it impacts mental health,…

IN his first engagement with the media since being appointed Proteas all-format coach, Shukri Conrad made it clear that George Linde is one of three frontline spinners as they build for the T20 World Cup in India next year. Alongside Linde, there is 23-year-old leg-spinner Nqaba Peter and slow left-arm orthodox Senuran Muthusamy, with the trio being given opportunities to stake a claim for a spot in the full-strength Proteas side that will travel to India next year. Linde and Peter started well in the ongoing Tri-Series in Harare as they picked up four wickets between them, helping the Proteas seal a five-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe on Monday. Having been backed by Conrad, Linde highlighted that he now plays with freedom. “Look, we (with Conrad) had a good conversation…

Mzwandile Petros suspended over potential misconduct linked to R1 billion tender The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has temporarily suspended its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Mzwandile Petros, amid growing concerns over potential misconduct linked to a R1 billion tender for Smart Security screening equipment. The suspension, announced over the weekend, follows alarming allegations suggesting manipulation of the X-ray screening contract, which allegedly left the OR Tambo International Airport vulnerable without a tactical response team. Inside sources told Business Report that Petros was instrumental in the now backfiring decision made in March to termine contracts with all security providers, including Bidvest, Fidelity, Mafoko, Eagle Eye, Venus Securitas, and G4S in a bid to insource its security requirements by July, which failed due to lack of capacity and a…

The Green Connection, a South African non-profit organisation focused on environmental and social justice, said on Tuesday it notes with deep concern and surprise the recent approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Shell’s proposed Northern Cape Ultra Deep (NCUD) oil and gas exploration project. Shell has been granted environmental authorisation to drill up to five deep-water wells off South Africa's west coast, the company said on Friday, Reuters reported. The oil major applied for authorisation last year and plans to drill exploration or appraisal wells in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block in the Orange Basin, at water depths ranging between 2 500 metres and 3 200 metres. Block NCUD is located off the West Coast of South Africa, roughly between Port Nolloth and Saldanha Bay. This approval…

The spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa has sparked renewed concern among agricultural associations following an alarming announcement from the Department of Agriculture on Monday. The latest outbreak was confirmed on a commercial farm in the Moqhaka Local Municipality, Kroonstad, Free State, marking a significant expansion of an already troubling situation for the country’s agricultural sector. Reported on July 10, 2025, the new outbreak saw the affected property placed under immediate quarantine on July 8, and stringent control measures were implemented swiftly. This development follows earlier announcements that disease management areas in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo would be lifted due to successful containment efforts. However, the optimism surrounding these areas is rapidly overshadowed by the resurgence of FMD in a new locality. As of July…

Last month, Cape Town hosted the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) for the first time in its 27-year history – a significant milestone for South Africa’s growing role in shaping the continent’s energy future. As the global investment meeting for Africa’s power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, AEF brought together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, utilities, development finance institutions (DFIs) and private sector stakeholders. While the forum celebrated just how rapidly South Africa’s energy market is maturing, it also highlighted the critical work that is still required to unlock its full potential. The industry’s maturity is reflected in the growing number of trading licences being issued, as the sector shifts towards a competitive wholesale trading environment. South Africa’s public procurement programme continues to serve as a blueprint for success, underpinned by…

Breakfast with Mugabe Directed by Calvin Ratladi, who scooped the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre honours, this production enjoyed a magnificent premiere at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Now Joburgers will get to see it at The Market Theatre. Breakfast with Mugabe, a play by acclaimed British playwright Fraser Grace, features an outstanding cast. Themba Ndaba stars as Mugabe, with Gontse Ntshegang portraying his wife, Grace. Craig Jackson takes on the role of Mugabe’s psychiatrist, Dr Peric, and Zimbabwean actor Farai Chigudu plays Mugabe’s bodyguard. The script has garnered praise, with many likening it to a modern-day Macbeth. This comparison stems from Mugabe's torment by the vengeful spirit of a deceased comrade. Drawing from reports of the former Zimbabwean president seeking help from a white psychiatrist, the…

Police trust in South Africa has reached its lowest level in 27 years, according to a Social Attitudes Survey released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Monday. The findings come amid a growing political crisis following damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The survey shows that only 22% of South Africans expressed confidence in the police in 2022, with similarly low levels recorded in 2023 and 2024/25. This marks the worst confidence ratings since data collection began in 1998. “A majority of the adult public never expressed trust in the police,” said Dr Benjamin Roberts, HSRC research director and principal investigator of the study. “The findings are expected to inform interventions aimed at restoring public faith in the police.…

The purpose of credit regulation must be seen as encouraging good faith engagement and promoting consumer rehabilitation, not as punishing transient default that has been remedied. This was the message of the Pietermaritzburg High Court in an application by BMW Financial Services (applicant) in which they wanted to repossess a vehicle as they claimed the owner had fallen in arrears with his monthly payment. The financial service provider wanted a summary judgment to be issued against Ndlangia Funeral Services and its owner Lungisani Ndlanga (the respondents). A summary judgment is a request for a court to rule in favour of one party without a full trial. This is usually when the court finds that there are no genuine disputes. But by the time the application had served before the court,…

The country’s eight metropolitan municipalities have shared nearly R17 billion in general fuel levy revenue while the increase announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is still subject to legal action by the EFF. The City of Johannesburg received the lion’s share of the allocation with just under R4.6bn, eThekwini got about R3.9bn, and Cape Town was allocated R2.85bn in 2024/25, according to a notice published by Godongwana last week. Ekurhuleni’s share is almost R1.8bn and the City of Tshwane received about R1.67bn. Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City in the Eastern Cape were allocated R862 million and R798m, respectively, while Mangaung got R427.5m. In terms of the Taxation Laws Amendment Act, an amount equal to a fixed percentage of revenue raised from the collection of the general fuel levy goes…

The City of Tshwane’s waste management department is struggling with poor fleet management, with inadequate supervisory oversight leading to neglected basic fleet control functions. According to a recently approved council report, vehicle inspections are not being conducted, vehicle abuse is rampant, and fuel theft is a regular occurrence at the waste fuel depot. The report, compiled by Abel Malaka, head of the metro’s Environment and Agriculture Management Department, highlights years of underinvestment and inadequate maintenance as the root cause of the problem. This has compromised the reliability of solid waste management services, necessitating significant reforms to reverse the decline. The National Treasury has stepped in, introducing reforms for metropolitan municipalities, including performance-based incentives for good decision-making and performance. Malaka noted that the reforms aim to tackle operational inefficiencies and structural…

A 48-year-old man was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, in Nelspruit, after he was found selling barn owls. The vehicle, a Nissan bakkie, used to transport the nocturnal birds was also seized by the Hawks during the arrest on Monday. “The suspect was arrested after he was found selling wildlife. He was found in one of the shopping complexes in Nelspruit for allegedly selling four barn owls for R1 000 each,” said Mpumalanga provincial Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi. The Hawks were alerted by the Parks Board officials, and a joint operation was conducted, where the suspect was caught red-handed with the owls, without a permit. “The vehicle, a Nissan light delivery vehicle that was used to transport the wildlife, was…

Nelson Mandela International Day, observed annually on July 18th, commemorates Mandela's birthday and his profound legacy. Established by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on July 18, 2010, this day encourages individuals globally to honour his spirit by volunteering their services or offering material support to those in need. Mandela was a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the liberation of our nation, sacrificing personal and family life for the greater good. The most fitting tribute we could offer as a nation would be to strive for the country's progress. Unfortunately, we are falling short as a nation and as leaders. Many view politics as a career rather than a calling, leading to widespread corruption in both the private and public sectors.…

It’s a bright and breezy morning in Durban - a city better known for its golden coastline than for its thriving football infrastructure. But today, the spotlight is firmly on a man who has walked the length and breadth of South African football. A man who’s more comfortable in the dugout than in the limelight. A man who, on his birthday, is still grinding it out, still dreaming, and - most importantly - still coaching. Gavin Hunt turns another year older today, and true to form, he’s back at work, sleeves rolled up, boots on, and eyes fixed on the challenge ahead. Durban may be new territory for him in a coaching capacity, but the hunger, the grit, and the gravel-voiced honesty remain the same. “I’ve been coming to Durban…

AS the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland tomorrow, a quartet of South African golfers will be leading a strong contingent looking to stake a claim for the famed Claret Jug. Top-ranked South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout (68th in the world), who is fresh off some strong performances on the PGA Tour, will spearhead the SA onslaught. He tees off at 2.37 pm (SA time). Former champion Louis Oosthuizen (7.46 am), alongside Stinger GC teammate Dean Burmester, and youngster Aldrich Potgieter (10.47am) will also carry the country’s hopes of another major victory. Another dark horse in the race will be Thriston Lawrence (3.04 pm), who finished tied for fourth at last year’s competition at Royal Troon. SA Open champion Dylan Naidoo (11.53am), Darryn Fichardt (11.53am), Bryan Newman…

Mining activity in South Africa rebounded slightly in May and ended a six-month streak of contraction, buoyed by a double-digit production expansion of iron ore. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday revealed that mining production rose by 0.2% year-on-year in May, rebounding slightly after a sharp 7.7% decline in April. Stats SA’s principal service statistician, Jean-Pierre Terblanche, said the rise was mainly driven by iron ore, which expanded by 12.5%, adding 1.7 percentage points to overall mining growth. The increase in platinum group metals (PGMs) output in May is more a base effect, following production disruptions in April. Moreover, gold, chromium ore, nickel and other metallic minerals added a further 0.8 of a percentage point (combined) to the headline number. “Nickel, diamonds, chromium ore, cobalt, and gold…

Tesla unveiled its first showroom in India on Tuesday, marking its entry into the world's most populous country, as Elon Musk's electric vehicle company seeks new customers amid sagging sales in the United States and Europe. The store opened its doors in India's financial capital Mumbai to select visitors after its inauguration by Maharashtra state's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The company - which is targeting a niche but quickly growing electric vehicle market in India - said that it was currently offering its Model Y car in India and would look to start rolling out deliveries of a cheaper variant later this quarter. "This is the first launch of Tesla in India. It marks a huge milestone for Tesla globally," said Isabel Fan, the company's senior regional director, adding that…

On Friday, the 27th June, I intently followed the 2025/26 budget vote speech by Minister Dion George of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), hoping to hear a decisive shift in how South Africa intends to confront its growing climate crisis, more critically, through climate adaptation to the irreversible impacts already upon us. The speech presented a vision of environmental stewardship, economic inclusion, and climate resilience. While the speech outlined commendable priorities such as biodiversity conservation, green job creation, and regulatory reforms, it sadly fell short in explicitly prioritising and funding climate adaptation measures with the urgency South Africa’s vulnerabilities demand. While the DFFE’s commitments to mitigation and biodiversity are laudable, adaptation remains underfunded and overshadowed, a critical gap in a country where climate impacts are already…

Gagasi FM has announced that the actions of The Real Housewives of Durban co-star and Gagasi FM radio presenter, Minentle “Minnie” Ntuli, left the station “shocked” and “disappointed.” Ntuli co-hosts the morning show The Uprising alongside reality star Felix Hlophe. The station’s statement follows a heated moment on the recent two-part reunion episode of the reality TV show, where an unseen clip was aired showing Ntuli in an argument with fellow cast member Londie London. In the video, the confrontation between London and Ntuli escalated when Ntuli took offence to London’s question about her upbringing, feeling it was a personal attack on her parents. The situation intensified as Ntuli threw a cushion and approached London, accusing her of disrespecting her parents and “dishonouring” them. This followed London asking her who…

As the streets of Durban became a backdrop for impassioned calls for justice, Soweto residents and supporters of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi took to the streets in support of the brave KZN police commissioner, with calls for the Gauteng police to act on crime in the area. Marching from Thokoza Park to the Kliptown police station, the small group lamented the recent deaths of councillors and other activists whose deaths have not been resolved, while crime continues to spiral out of control. In Durban, supporters of Mkhwanazi marched from Curries Fountain to Hoy Park to deliver a memorandum, calling for the police commissioner’s protection. This march followed his recent media briefing, which has lifted the lid on deep-rooted corruption within the SAPS. Convenor of the Soweto march, Kgosi Maropeng, indicated…

Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, the deputy national commissioner for crime detection, has been requested to take a leave of absence, as tensions within the South African Police Service (SAPS) escalate following serious allegations regarding his conduct. According to a report by EWN, Sibiya was summoned for a meeting by his fellow deputy, Tebello Mosikili, yesterday afternoon, where he received direct instructions from National Commissioner Fannie Masemola to remain at home. This unexpected directive comes in the wake of provocative claims made two weeks ago by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi accused Sibiya of colluding with Brown Mogotsi, an information dealer from the North West, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, in an alleged plot to disband the KZN political killings task team that has been at the centre of recent law…

On Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of yet another commission – this time to investigate the failings of law enforcement agencies. But South Africans have every right to ask: Did no one in the Union Buildings remind him that we already spent over R2 billion on the Zondo Commission to uncover exactly this? The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, spent nearly four years documenting how corruption hollowed out our public institutions – and how law-enforcement and intelligence agencies were deliberately weakened to enable it. Zondo’s report didn’t simply expose corruption. It laid bare how SAPS, the NPA, and the State Security Agency (SSA) were systematically captured to protect looters and punish whistleblowers. This wasn’t just administrative failure – it was…

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni yesterday said a panel of independent counsel has begun its work to assess the allegations of malfeasance, corruption and unethical conduct in the State Security Agency (SSA). The High Level Review Panel, the Zondo Commission and internal investigation reports detailed weaknesses and challenges within the SSA and the intelligence community. Speaking during the budget vote the SSA in the National Assembly, Ntshavheni said they remained focused on implementing the recommendations, tracking the progress and reporting same to the National Security Council and the Joint Community Committee on Intelligence (JSCI). “A panel of two independent senior counsels and a counsel has commenced their work to assess the allegations made in various reports with a view to initiate disciplinary actions or recommend referral of cases for…

IN AN astonishing turn of events, a Durban snake catcher has found himself at the centre of a mystery involving a colossal 3.5 metre python spotted near the M19 close to New Germany. Nick Evans, known for his expertise in handling reptiles, was called out by the eThekwini Municipality when a passerby reported the sighting of the unexpected serpent on an island between the off-ramp to Otto Volek Road and the M19. When Evans received the call, he initially expressed confidence that the snake was not a python as they are not usually found in areas like New Germany. “I told the caller there were no pythons there. It would be a black mamba. “There was probably a python population in the vicinity many decades ago, but they have since…

Transport corridors are among the most powerful engines for economic transformation. In Europe, every euro invested in the continent’s Trans-European Transport Network has been estimated to return four euros in GDP. The same – or even greater - potential exists in Africa – if investments are focused and coordinated. That’s according to Paul Riembault of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) at the European Commission. Speaking at the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) on 10 July, Riembault explored how Africa could leverage the European Union’s long and complex corridor development experience. He encouraged African institutions, planners and financiers to continue their coordinated approach to corridor development – and to consider Europe’s successes as well as challenges in transforming fragmented infrastructure into the backbone of a thriving single market.…

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis believes the defending champions are once again walking a familiar path towards potential Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) success — one built on calculated changes, squad trust, and tournament experience. Speaking after her side’s emphatic 4-0 dismantling of Mali, Ellis explained how the current campaign mirrors their title-winning 2022 run — particularly in the way the squad has been managed. “After the first win against Ghana, we did the same thing we did in 2022 after beating Nigeria — we made changes for the next game,” she said. “We didn’t play well but got the results, and that’s what we’re doing in this tournament as well. It’s about keeping the players fresh.” Ellis made several halftime changes against Mali in Monday’s final Group…

SOUTH Africa’s 400m star, Zakithi Nene, returns to the track at Saturday’s London Diamond League meeting ready to build on his status as the fastest one-lap runner in the world this year against tough opposition. Nene, whose time of 43.76 seconds is the world lead for 2025, will take comfort in the fact that none of his challengers who will line up in the starters’ blocks at the London Stadium have come close to that time this year, with season’s best times hovering around the mid-44s. Home favourite and Paris Olympics silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith could be among Nene’s strongest rivals. He is in good form after his win at the recent Eugene Diamond League in the US, in a time of 44.10. That field included US 400m runner Jacory…

LAST year’s losing finalists, the Gauteng Jaguars, secured a crucial 63-51 victory over the North West Flames in Power Week 3 of the Telkom Netball League at the Durban ICC on Tuesday afternoon, as the battle for the semi- final places heated up. The record six-times winners, who are coached by Rozanne Mathysse, came into the final week of SA’s premier netball competition in fourth place, with the Flames one position above them. The win cemented their push for a play-off place but dented the chances of Elsunet du Plessis’ charges, who face a battle for the final play-off spot with the Southern Stings. The Flames had the hotter start in a cagey first quarter where star Jaguars goal attack Kamogelo Maseko struggled to get going. Her usually telepathic link…