Star2025-09-17的目錄

Walmart wants another shot at cracking the Africa market. This time, it’s staking its name on it. About 15 years after the world’s largest retailer got a foothold on the continent with the purchase of a controlling stake in South Africa’s top food and household goods seller Massmart, its failure to gain ground is prompting a change in approach. The company - which sells everything from fashion and fishing rods to frozen peas and prescription medicines - is opening its first Walmart branded stores in the country this year in what could become a model for a continent with the planet’s fastest-growing population. The retailer, which has had success with branded stores in emerging markets like Mexico and China, is banking on its famed low prices to lure cost-conscious…

Court sets aside decision by Nersa to approve pipeline tariffs for 2023/24 financial year The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ruled in favour of Sasol Oil, setting aside a decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to approve petroleum pipeline tariffs for the 2023/24 financial year. Judge D. Makhoba found that Nersa acted unreasonably and irrationally when it imposed a uniform tariff across Transnet’s crude oil and multi-product pipelines, despite their significant cost and operational differences. Nersa had approved the tariffs on 23 February 2023, relying on a “rolled-in” tariff methodology adopted in 2011, which treats the entire network as a single system. Sasol challenged the decision under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), arguing that the approach unfairly disadvantaged users of the crude oil…

Growth in global innovation funding has fallen to its lowest rate since 2010, UN projections showed Tuesday, as high inflation eats into research and development spending and as venture capital deals slump. In its annual ranking of the world's most innovative economies, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) placed Switzerland at the top of the list for the 15th consecutive year. Sweden and the United States retained their second and third place positions for the third year running, while China edged its way one spot higher and into the top 10. But while the ranking picture largely resembled that of recent years, the United Nations patent agency cautioned that global innovation funding growth had notably slowed. "The fuel powering the engine of innovation, which is capital, which is financing, is…

If South Africa is to realise its growth and development ambitions towards and achieve a just transition and inclusive economy, we must consider a critical aspect – and that is the green technology landscape. Technology will remain a key driver for developing green energy solutions, optimizing renewable energy sources, advancing climate adaptation, and improving sustainable practices in agriculture and waste management. Innovative, green technologies will allow South Africa to follow slow and fast paced transitions, where every innovative, market ready technologies jettison business-as-usual and outdated practices that lock South Africans into unsustainable futures, whilst allowing for the incubation and emergence of novel technologies. Green and innovative technologies provide a concrete geo-spatial, technical and outcome directed pathway with direct links to the finance and investment ecosystem, project development and the creation…

Attacq, the JSE-listed Real Estate Investment Trust and visionary behind the iconic Waterfall City precinct, has recorded remarkable financial growth in its latest fiscal year, with distributable income per share (DIPS) soaring by 25.6% to 108.3 cents. There was corresponding uplift in the annual dividend for the year to June 30, 2025: it increased 26.1% to 87 cents per share. Attacq has forecasted DIPS growth of between 7% and 10% for the upcoming 2026 financial year. This outlook reflected an anticipated dividend payout ratio of 80%, with growth expected to be driven by several strategic initiatives, primarily rising market rentals, effective cost management, and successful leasing strategies for vacant areas and newly completed developments. Electricity costs are anticipated to decrease further in the new fiscal year, thanks to solar…

What was meant to be a turning point for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s image has become a quiet failure. The national dialogue he launched earlier this year has lost momentum, raising serious questions about its future and purpose. The dialogue was introduced as a platform for all South Africans to come together and talk openly about the country’s challenges. It was meant to bring unity, build trust, and find solutions. But today, the conversation has stalled – and barely anyone is talking. At the centre of the problem is money. The government allocated R700 million to fund the dialogue. The amount shocked many and sparked fierce debate. Critics said it was far too much, especially given the country’s struggling economy and urgent service delivery issues. As the funding controversy grew, several…

The Sedibeng District Municipality has blamed poor police investigation after the case into the 2023 theft of its R465 000 mayoral chain was closed. Police closed the matter in July this year and informed Sedibeng municipal manager Motsumi Mathe via e-mail. In the e-mail, Mathe was told by the police that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute the case. Mathe then wrote back to the senior officer in charge of the investigation to request the reasons given by the NPA when it decided to withdraw the case. According to the municipality, to date, no reasons have been furnished to it, and the municipal council is yet to deliberate on the matter. “The investigation was conducted poorly as there were no updates or feedback to the municipality, thus the…

Botswana and southern African peers that built much of their prosperity on diamonds are scrambling for alternatives as cheaper, lab-grown stones threaten their economies. Diamond-dependent Botswana is leading the way and launched a sovereign wealth fund this week to lay the “foundation for a more resilient, sustainable and diversified future beyond diamonds”. It is exploring other avenues too, like boosting luxury wildlife tourism, launching into the medicinal cannabis market and exploiting its abundant sunshine for solar power. President Duma Boko has even mooted taking a majority stake in industry giant De Beers and selling Botswana’s diamonds independently. “Countries such as Angola, Namibia and South Africa are all exposed but not to the same degree as Botswana,” economist Brendon Verster at the Oxford Economics Africa think tank told AFP. The stones…

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he is bringing a $15 billion “defamation and libel lawsuit” against The New York Times. “The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding the lawsuit was being brought in Florida. AFP has contacted the New York Times for comment. Trump decried the newspaper as a “virtual ‘mouthpiece’ for the Radical Left Democrat Party” and accused it of lying about his “family, business, the America First Movement, MAGA, and our Nation as a whole”. He provided no evidence for his claims. The news outlet reported last week that Trump had threatened legal action against it in relation to articles on a lewd…

So-called “on the road fees” (ORT fees), where vehicle credit providers add these extras to the financing deal, came under the legal spotlight in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) wanting to halt this practice. The ORT fees are usually added to the financing agreement, which includes additional fees covering licensing, pre-delivery inspections, roadworthy certificates, number plates, and additional fuel. The credit regulator appealed against the orders of the majority of the full court (three judges) of the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in which it was found that the credit providers did not charge consumers the OTR fees. The High Court found that vehicle financing providers merely financed the purchase of vehicles on credit, the purchase price of which included the OTR fees agreed…

Questions exist about the long-held belief that the United States is a democratic nation. The assassination of political activist and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk last week has raised questions about American pride as a democratic and politically tolerant country. Before the killing of Kirk, experts had warned about the US sliding into autocracy. Scientific American published a critical opinion piece about Donald Trump’s autocratic traits, claiming he meets all the warning signs of a dictator. Last September, the publication warned of Trump’s “nonsensical conspiracy fantasies,” that he “ignores the climate crisis” and has a fondness for “unqualified ideologues,” whom he would appoint if he became president again. This is one of the examples cited about Trump. Even his deputy, Vice President JD Vance, appears to share similar views. Vance has…

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has hailed the character of his teammates, praising how quickly the squad has come together despite limited time to prepare for a demanding campaign. The Buccaneers entered this season after a busy transfer window, strengthening significantly with a host of new arrivals to boost depth for a campaign in which they are targeting both domestic and continental success. Already crowned MTN8 champions this past weekend, the Sea Robbers will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League and their pursuit of a second star on the badge. Last season, Pirates’ continental run ended at the semi-final stage against eventual champions Pyramids FC following a 3-2 aggregate loss over two legs. They will now look to build on that experience when they open their new…

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy believes the problem with Manchester United does not lay in the system that is being implemented by head coach Ruben Amorim rather the individuals he has in the team. The Red Devils were second best at the Etihad Stadium as Phil Foden’s first-half header and Erling Haaland’s second-half double gave Pep Guardiola’s side the victory at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. “I’m not a fan of the shape, but after the first four games I think it has improved - they look like they know what they are doing more. Their bigger problem has been the individuals he has been playing in that system. Bruno Fernandes has been one of the best number 10s in Europe, Amorim wants him to play as an Eight and do…

ZakithI Nene stormed into the final of the men’s 400m on Day 4 of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo yesterday, the South African one-lap star maintaining his composure after two restarts, but compatriot Lythe Pillay failed to advance to tomorrow’s decider. Nene looked relaxed before and during the first semi-final, which he won in a fast time of 44:20, despite coasting over the final 100m. Lee Bhekempilo Eppie of Botswana finished in second in a time of 44.51. Pillay, the reigning World University Games champion, could only manage sixth place in the second semifinal in a time of 44.82. Young Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana was the surprise winner in a remarkable time of 43.61while pre-championship favourite Jaccori Patterson of the US faded badly to finish fourth, and only…

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that it is nearing completion of the long-awaited upgrade of Newark Road, a critical access route to the Port of Richards Bay, with 75% of the works already finished. The Port of Richards Bay has long been plagued by traffic congestion, particularly as the roads leading to the port are heavily utilised. Valued at approximately R20 million and scheduled for completion in December 2025, this capital project forms part of TNPA’s ongoing drive to modernise port infrastructure to enhance the safety and efficiency of cargo movement for port users. “This strategic investment will ensure that the Port of Richards Bay continues to operate as a world-class logistics hub," said port manager, Captain Dennis Mqadi. "We will continue to engage withport users on these…

Ashor Sarupen, the deputy minister of finance, has made a compelling case for the potential of South Africa’s informal sector to address the persistently high unemployment rate and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector. During his speech at the Global SME Finance Forum, Sarupen noted that while the informal sector contributes significantly to the economy—representing 6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing 17% of employment—it remains largely unsupported, struggling with growth and productivity. Sarupen said that microfinance is a proven tool for promoting inclusive growth and alleviating poverty. “By offering small loans and savings accounts, it empowers individuals to start businesses and improve their financial standing. The Grameen Bank in Bangladesh exemplifies this success—providing small loans to individuals, especially women, who…

Energy prices are rising worldwide, putting real pressure on businesses, especially those in energy-intensive sectors like mining, manufacturing, and large-scale industrial operations. For these companies, energy is more than a consumable; it is a critical part of daily operations. As such, finding ways to reduce consumption without compromising productivity is essential. Expanding electricity generation capacity or not Expanding electricity generation capacity to meet demand might seem like the only solution, but it’s not the first step or only solution. A smarter, more sustainable approach is to focus on how, when, and where energy is used. By shifting to intelligent energy management strategies, businesses can optimise consumption, reduce costs, support sustainability goals, and shield operations from ongoing energy market volatility. As part of any energy security or energy savings initiative, understanding…

Hyprop, the South African retail-focused real estate investment trust (REIT), has announced a sturdy 9.9% increase in its dividend, buoyed by robust earnings growth from its portfolios in South Africa and Eastern Europe. The dividend of 307.7 cents per share, announced for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, comes on the back of an impressive recovery that saw distributable income per share (DIPS) rise to 378.8 cents, exceeding initial guidance of a mere -1% to 2% growth. CEO Morné Wilken expressed satisfaction with the financial performance during a recent telephone interview: “We were on track and in line with expectations. We are starting to see the benefits of the last few years of repositioning and improvements in our portfolio starting to bear fruit.” Notable shopping centres within their South…

For around seven million South Africans, Afrikaans plays a defining role in identity, community and culture. But what happens when that same language also carries pain, alienates people and raises questions about belonging? These are the questions at the heart of Jou MASE taal, a new documentary series that starts on Sunday at 8pm on kykNET (DStv channel 144). The series explores the complex relationship black and coloured Afrikaans speakers have with the language: how they live it, how it makes them feel, and whether they embrace or reject it. Romantha Botha, the content producer of the series, got the idea from her frustration with the way people talk about Afrikaans, especially among black and coloured South Africans. “If I had to hear one more time: ‘Wow, you speak Afrikaans…

This may be exactly what the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been waiting for: a public endorsement of its governance from ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. In a stinging moment of honesty, Ramaphosa admitted this week that DA-led municipalities often outperform those run by the ANC, an extraordinary concession from the head of the ruling party. His comments, delivered at the ANC’s councillor roll call event in Soweto, have triggered shockwaves inside the ANC and sparked accusations that the president is sacrificing the ANC to collapse single-party governments and strengthen the GNU. “It hurts me deeply when I continue to see that our municipalities sometimes tend to move even backwards,” Ramaphosa told more than 4 000 ANC councillors and mayors. “We cannot forever stay at the bottom.” Referring directly to the DA,…

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria yesterday dismissed, with costs, the Edgar Lungu family’s application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal regarding the repatriation of the former Zambian President’s remains. This decision confirms the high court’s prior ruling that authorised the Zambian government to repatriate Lungu’s body for a state funeral and burial. In their application, the Lungu family held that the matter raised important legal questions worthy of adjudication by the country’s highest court. However, the court rejected these claims, stating that there were no reasonable prospects of success in their appeal. Furthermore, the court indicated that the nature of this case is closely linked to specific factual circumstances, suggesting that similar cases are unlikely to arise in the future. Last month, the high…

The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has sentenced two witchdoctors to two years and six months’ imprisonment with hard labour after they were found guilty of possessing charms and practising witchcraft in a plot to harm President Hakainde Hichilema, The Daily Star Zambia has reported. The convicts, 43-year-old Leonard Phiri of Sinda and 42-year-old Mozambican national Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, were arrested in December last year. According to the news outlet, the court heard that their mission was to attack the head of state within five days. Delivering judgment, Magistrate Fine Mayambu reportedly said the plan, if successful, would have caused economic losses for Zambia and serious consequences for its citizens. He added that although both men were first-time offenders, their intention was nothing but to kill, making a custodial sentence unavoidable. The…

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s admission yesterday that “those municipalities that do best are not ANC-controlled municipalities” and are “often DA-controlled municipalities” represents nothing short of a catastrophic betrayal of the African National Congress and the broader liberation struggle. Speaking before over 6 000 ANC councillors at FNB Stadium while draped in the party’s colours, Ramaphosa delivered what can only be described as a campaign speech for the Democratic Alliance. His public praise of DA-governed municipalities as models to emulate reveals a president who has fundamentally lost faith in his own party’s capacity to govern. This is not leadership – it is capitulation. At a time when the ANC should be rallying its troops and addressing service delivery failures with concrete solutions, Ramaphosa instead chose to publicly humiliate his own organisation. The…

The South African community has become desensitised to the ongoing crisis of teenage pregnancy, despite alarming statistics. In 2024 alone, 68 813 births were recorded among teenagers. Of particular concern, 1 424 of these births were to girls between the ages of 10 and 14. This means that, on average, nearly 365 adolescent girls give birth every day in South Africa, with approximately 10 of them being under the age of 15. These figures underscore the urgent need for renewed attention and action to address this societal challenge. On Saturday, June 29, Africa Unite, in partnership with the Western Cape Government, Cape Town Museum, and the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund, hosted a dialogue at Rosendaal High School in Delft, Cape Town. This youth-led event focused on empowering learners…

Bayern Munich’s revamped line-up faces an early test in their Champions League opener at home against Club World Cup winners Chelsea tonight. A rematch of the 2012 final at the same venue, won on penalties by the English club, Bayern have little time to settle after a summer of upheaval, particularly up front. Forwards Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Thomas Mueller and Mathys Tel all left in the summer. Only two replacements have been brought in: Luis Diaz, from Liverpool, and Nicolas Jackson, from Chelsea on loan. With Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies out with long-term injuries, the lack of summer activity earned Bayern some rare criticism from talisman Harry Kane. Not known for controversial statements, the 32-year-old Kane called Bayern’s squad “thin” adding “maybe one of the smallest I’ve had…

Mamelodi Sundowns have gradually regained control in their defense of the Betway Premiership title and will make the long trip to face Marumo Gallants at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium today (7.30pm kickoff) as they look to build on recent momentum and reaffirm their dominance in the league. Although international breaks are often disruptive, the pause in fixtures provided the Brazilians a timely opportunity to regroup after early-season setbacks, including dropped points and their MTN8 elimination at the hands of Orlando Pirates. The extended break was particularly valuable, as the club had not enjoyed a regular preseason due to Fifa Club World Cup commitments. The start of the season presented Sundowns with several hurdles. Key players were absent—most notably last campaign’s Player of the Season Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who sought…

Stephen Fleming has seen it all. The former New Zealand captain is one of the most successful franchise coaches in the world, having guided the Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles. So, what motivates the 52-year-old Kiwi to pack his bag and spend his festive season in South Africa, coaching the Joburg Super Kings in SA20? “I was really keen to watch an All Black Test in South Africa,” Fleming joked after the recent Season 4 auction in Johannesburg. “No, seriously though, it's part of my DNA. It's a privileged job to be able to travel to places like this and be part of competitions that each have their own personality. “It's at the cutting edge of the game, and to still be involved in the game after years…

Dominoes are continuing to fall at the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) over a series of allegations of maladministration and financial misconduct. This comes as the newly appointed acting CEO of the GPAA, Job Stadi Mngomezulu, on Monday suspended two senior executives, the acting chief financial officer (CFO) and the acting chief director of client relations management, who are implicated in the allegations. In an announcement sent to the GPAA staff on Monday night, which Business Report has seen, the suspension of acting CFO Kgaile Molebatsi and Eric Morudu, acting chief director for client relations management, was announced. "This decision follows the widely publicised allegations of maladministration of several projects at the GPAA. The Minister of Finance has since instituted an investigation into these matters. Following his appointment as the…

On 17 September 2025, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is hosting a Just Energy Transition seminar, where I have been invited to contribute to a panel discussion titled: “Power Talk: Renewable Energy Deployment & Access – Scaling Solar, Wind and Hydro Energy.” The Just Energy Transition is a significant topic, and in South Africa it is an urgent one. The energy transition is accelerating, perhaps too quickly for many of the stakeholders involved. Yet speaking about a “just” transition in a fundamentally unjust society presents a challenge. We cannot expect the energy industry to resolve all of South Africa’s deep social inequalities, nor should the industry be blamed for conditions it did not create. Recent headlines underline the scale of the problem: “973 children die of malnutrition in…

Libstar Holdings has seen its share price soar by 16.56% on Tuesday morning, closing at R4.43, buoyed by the publication of its robust first-half results, marking the company's most impressive performance since 2022. This surge comes amid reports that the food company is engaging in preliminary talks regarding a potential takeover. The company has cautioned investors that, while discussions with interested parties are ongoing, there is no certainty that these engagements will culminate in a binding offer to shareholders. A year ago, the share price was reported at R4.01, reflecting investor confidence amidst a turbulent economic landscape. Libstar's growth trajectory has been particularly pronounced in the Ambient Products super-category during the six months leading up to June 30. Notably, branded revenue from Cape Herb & Spice's export channel surged by…

India's Jindal Steel International has made an offer for Thyssenkrupp's steel division, the German company said Tuesday, in what would be a mega-deal for the struggling industrial titan. Once a symbol of German manufacturing might, Thyssenkrupp has fallen into crisis in recent years as it battles high manufacturing costs at home and fierce competition from Asian rivals, particularly in the traditional steel business. The sprawling conglomerate - whose businesses range from auto parts to submarine-making - has long been seeking to get rid of the loss-making steel unit which is in the midst of a painful restructuring. It confirmed in a statement that it had received a "non-binding" offer from Jindal Steel International for the purchase of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE). The group said it would "carefully review" the offer…

A disturbing video circulating on social media highlights the increasing theft of manhole covers in Soweto. The footage, taken in Zola, shows three elderly men allegedly caught stealing, subjected to violent punishment by community members. In one clip, the men are seen pulling a horse-drawn carriage loaded with manhole lids while residents force them to promise never to steal again. The trio is also shown returning the lids to their original locations. The situation becomes even more disturbing in a second video, where the same men appear beaten but still pulling the carriage stacked with manhole covers. Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that no cases had been opened against either the alleged perpetrators or the community involved in the mob justice incident. “While we are aware…

While water supply is slowly returning to some parts of Westbury and surrounding areas, residents have not ruled out a return to the streets should Mayor Dada Morero fail to live up to his promise of a full water supply restoration by tomorrow. This comes as Joburg Water has dispatched new water tank trucks to service affected Westbury and Coronationville, following the adoption of a masterplan and targeted interventions to resolve the challenge. In Westbury, Coronationville, and Claremont, some residents who have endured prolonged water outages, sparking violent protests in the area, have revealed that of the 15 new trucks, only five are servicing their area, with reports that the city does not have enough drivers to operate the rest of the new fleet. Bianca Olivier, a resident of Westbury,…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has explained how people whose R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant applications were declined can submit an appeal. The SRD grant, established in 2020 as a temporary measure to provide financial support during times of economic hardship, continues to serve as a vital lifeline for unemployed and vulnerable South Africans aged 18 to 59. According to reports, SASSA receives around 80 000 new SRD grant applications each month and has processed approximately 17.4 million applications since the grant’s introduction. However, not everyone who applies is successful. One of the most common reasons for declined applications is the detection of “alternative sources of income”. According to Kelle Howson from the Institute for Economic Justice, many eligible applicants are being unfairly excluded due to…

Darren Wilken (35) and his girlfriend, Tiona Moodley (25) who face charges related to the possession of child pornography, returned to the Randburg Magistrates Court yesterday, where their matter was postponed to October 22 for further investigation. Moodley, however will return to court on October 9, for the appeal application related to her bail. It was revealed in court that Moodley is set to approach the High Court to appeal the decision not to grant her bail, with the State indicating that this application was received on Monday. The court indicated that the postponement was to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions time to decide on their application to oppose Moodley’s appeal. With the court having previously denied bail to the accused, the pair was remanded in custody until their…

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has announced its deputy president, Kenny Kunene, as the party’s mayoral candidate for Joburg, while Liam Jacobs has been named as its new mayoral candidate for Cape Town – just a month after being sworn in as a councillor in Joburg. Kunene’s appointment comes despite an ongoing internal investigation into his alleged ties with suspected underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe. PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced a Facebook Live video on Monday night. “Then, the issue of Gauteng – we are not winning so far. The investigation of the DP (deputy president) will probably be done. Eugene will tell us tomorrow when the investigation will be done. He has done good work,” McKenzie said. “He has done very good work in the City of Joburg, and the…

The issue of climate change and its associated impacts, especially on African cities, is a critical topic that demands urgent attention. Every day, Africa faces the consequences of something it did not cause. While 7 out of the 10 world’s most climate vulnerable countries are in the African region, Africa only emits about 4% of greenhouse gases, and in terms of historical contributions, the continent ranks even lower – according to the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate report 2022. Heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts, which are some of the effects of climate change, are having devastating impacts on communities and economies, with increasing numbers of people at risk across the continent. Africa’s rapidly expanding cities are hotspots of this vulnerability and impact. According…

After Damian Willemse went over to score — with a few players on his back — for one of the defining tries in the Springboks’ demolition of the All Blacks, he thumped his chest in celebration. It seemed like an emotional release after a tough couple of years since his starring role in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against the same opposition in Paris. Willemse had missed the Springboks’ entire 2024 calendar with injury and looked rusty at the start of this year’s Test season. But against the All Blacks, at inside centre, he looked like a man on a mission — a man determined to show his undoubted ability and class. In the process, he also gave Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff some food for thought with…

The Springbok Women are celebrating a landmark achievement at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, completing their campaign with unprecedented success and rising to a historic 10th place in the World Rugby rankings. At the heart of this breakthrough stands utility back Byrhandré Dolf, who not only finished as South Africa’s top points scorer but also etched her name into the record books. Dolf kicked a superb 27 points, leading the Boks’ charge to their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. Along the way, the team secured two defining victories: their maiden win over Italy and their biggest triumph to date, a 66-6 demolition of Brazil in the opening round. The scoring spree of the utility back carried extra weight in history. She eclipsed Zandile Nojoko’s long-standing record of 26 World Cup…

Five minutes before the end of the Springboks’ record-breaking win over the All Blacks, I told my wife I wasn’t going to bother hanging up the washing. As an All Black supporter from Namibia, she thought I was being smug about the ongoing trouncing in Wellington. But, as André Esterhuizen bumped Beauden Barrett into the stands for the Boks’ sixth try of the match, I explained to her that if I did hang up the washing, we’d be going to work on Monday smelling of boerewors and chops marinated in Six Gun Spice. Yep, as a veteran braaier myself, I knew the country’s finest kameeldoring would fill the air with smoke when scrumhalf Cobus Reinach kicked the ball into touch to put the All Blacks out of their misery. A…