Table of contents for 2025-10-27 in Star

Harmony Gold Mining Company, which has ended its 2025 year to June 30, with R11.1 billion in cash, said Friday it has completed the R18.4bn acquisition of MAC Copper, securing full ownership of the CSA mine and unlocking immediate copper production. MAC Copper owns the high-grade CSA copper mine in New South Wales, Australia. Harmony is South Africa's largest gold producer and its chairman Patrice Motsepe said in the integrated report released Friday, that they expect copper will contribute around 40% of group production by the 2035 financial year, ensuring structural resilience through commodity cycles and aligning Harmony with global decarbonisation trends. The MAC Copper transaction, first announced on May 25, 2025, was implemented Friday via a Jersey law Scheme of Arrangement. Harmony acquired 100% of MAC's securities at $12.25…

The South African Post Office (SAPO) is preparing to announce a strategic investment partner as it moves closer to exiting business rescue — a turnaround now proceeding without the R3.8 billion in funding initially promised by the National Treasury. Briefing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on Friday, the department’s Director-General Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani confirmed that invitations for potential partners had been published to ensure transparency, even though several investors had already expressed strong interest. "The reason we want to advertise is purely from a transparency perspective. There are so many partners who are absolutely keen to come on board to partner with SAPO. “What we are afraid of, in terms of considering the unsolicited bids, would be if something else is also out there," Jordan-Dyani said. "People have…

If the Minister of Finance, Enoch Gondongwana, decides to propose an increase in the sugar tax in the medium-term budget due to government’s search for additional income sources for the state, the result would be self-defeating. The sugar tax has been shown to destroy jobs, so a hunt for more revenue could well come at the expense of rural livelihoods and reduced state revenue. An increased tax could force many cane growers to go out of business. Godongwana warned in May that the 2026 budget will require “new tax measures, aimed at raising R20 billion”. Increasing the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), introduced in 2018 and sold as a tool to fight obesity, would be a grave mistake. After seven years, there is still no credible, independent evidence that the sugar…

US inflation data is better than expected. Most global financial markets moved sideways and uncertain last week in anticipation of the US inflation rate data that was released on Friday. Expectations were that the annual increase in the US CPI would be 3.1% in September, higher than the 2.9% annual inflation rate increase in August. Analysts and economists anticipate that if the US inflation rate reaches 3.0%, the US Federal Reserve is likely to decrease its Bank rate at its next meeting in November. The US announced on Friday that its annual inflation rate in September has risen by 3.0%, the highest level since January. Energy prices rose 2.8% in the year, the most since May 2024. Annual core inflation slowed to 3% from 3.1%, with markets expecting it to…

4Sight Holdings’ strong performance in the six months to August 31 was led by its Business Environment Cluster, which handles data and AI work, and increased profitability by 264%, reflecting the company’s pivot toward high-value, AI-driven systems and solutions. The JSE-listed technology company’s interim results released Friday showed revenue from operations up by 6.8% to R578.7 million from R542m. Headline earnings per share increased by 30.2% to 6.753 cents from 5.185 cents. Revenue had plateaued in financial 2023, but the company’s earnings per share have continued to climb—suggesting improved cost discipline, margin expansion, and operational leverage. Gross profit increased by 15.3% to R254.1m, and the gross profit margin increased to 43.9% in August 2025 compared to 40.7% in August 2024. The increase is due to the sales mix, whereby professional…

Reality TV rarely disappoints, especially when it features celebrities or offers a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous. Being a fly-on-the-wall to see how they live, what they wear, the wheels they drive, who is in the close social circle and, of course, who they are beefing with, provides ample drama to boost ratings and generate social media buzz. That is exactly why The Real Housewives franchise is one of the most popular offerings. Of course, there are many other shows with similar appeal, as the reality TV landscape is saturated with offerings. In most instances, though, the behaviour of the cast proves that money can’t buy class (cough The Real Housewives of Durban and The Real Housewives of Cape Town). I’ve lost track of the different…

In a blow for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) has lost yet another legal battle in its bid to make South African television more accessible. The organisation earlier took the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to have its Code for Persons with Disabilities Regulations 2021 reviewed and set aside. When it lost its high court bid, the NCPD turned to the Supreme Court of Appeal, which last Friday also ruled against it. In its legal battle to make television more inclusive for those with hearing problems, the NCPD pointed out that in South Africa, the use of a sign language interpreter has been adopted to portray broadcasts to sign language…

Outrage has erupted over whether the perimeter wall, which is intended for a new Boitumelo Clinic in Vaal, was worth nearly R20 million. The spending on the wall that initially started 15 years ago has sparked outrage among community members, as they argued that basic infrastructure, such as functional waiting areas, consultation rooms, and sanitation facilities, should take priority over cosmetic projects. In a written response to questions tabled by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed that the perimeter wall could not be completed due to “community disruptions” and the involvement of multiple contracts. Nkomo-Ralehoko stated that the first contractor was awarded R3 886 307.21, the second R9 593 991.53, and the third R6 134 680.53, bringing the total spend…

Two people miraculously survived a light aircraft crash yesterday afternoon in Alberton, Gauteng. City of Ekurhuleni said an instructor and student were conducting a final evaluation flight test for a private pilot license when they experienced engine failure. They were forced to make an emergency landing at the Hoërskool Alberton rugby field. Spokesperson Tikkie MacDonald said they crashed into the school’s tuckshop.” Firefighters from the City of Ekurhuleni were immediately dispatched to the scene. The instructor and student were conducting a final evaluation flight test for a private pilot license when they experienced engine failure, necessitating an emergency landing on the school’s rugby field. “Fortunately, both the instructor and student escaped uninjured. The incident has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authorities and is currently under investigation.” South Africa’s general…

On a mission to improve heart health in the country, she says that by tweaking certain ingredients, you can ensure your dish is wholesome. The steps to do that are contained in her newly released book, Inkonjane: A Nutrition Guide to Heart Health. Mapholi says that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke are among the top co-morbidities in South Africa, and research shows that at some point, the majority of South Africans will end up with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Apart from the cases she encountered in her practice, the issue is personal. “My dad had high blood pressure almost all my life, and then at some point in 2001, complications related to that claimed his life. In 2016 I lost my grandmother as…

The winner of the R163million Powerball jackpot has come forward to claim their prize. According to National Lottery Ithuba, the winner is based in the Western Cape. He purchased his R30 ticket via the Nedbank banking app using manually selected numbers – a combination inspired by the birth dates of his loved ones. “I usually play using Quick Pick, so I bought one Quick Pick ticket as I always do, and then another one where I chose numbers that mean something special to me,” the winner said. “The morning after the draw, I received a notification saying I had won R10. He said later that morning, on his way to work, he got a call from the bank informing me that he had won a substantial amount on PowerBall. “Because…

US President Donald Trump headed for Asia on Saturday and high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, saying that he would also like to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on his trip. Trump is set to meet Xi in South Korea on the last day of his regional swing in a bid to seal a deal to end the bruising trade war between the world’s two biggest economies. He will also visit Malaysia and Japan on his first trip to Asia since he returned to the White House in January in a blaze of tariffs and international dealmaking. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he hoped for a “very good meeting” with Xi, adding that he expected China to make a deal to avoid further…

Parliament’s Defence Committee Chairperson, Dr Malusi Gigaba, has warned that gaps in personnel, equipment, and technology within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) threaten the country’s ability to secure its borders. Gigaba said these challenges undermine efforts to prevent illegal migration Speaking on 702, Gigaba stressed that those entering the country illegally must be prosecuted. This follows a recent N1 bus crash near Makhado (Louis Trichardt) in Limpopo on October 12, which killed 43 people and left many critically injured. The bus, traveling from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Harare, was licensed to carry 61 passengers, but investigators from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) found it was carrying 91, mostly Zimbabweans and Malawians returning home, many without identification. Gigaba said the issue reflected…

Springbok and Bulls loose-forward Cameron Hanekom is edging closer to a return-to-play date and could be part of the Bulls’ next URC match, against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld at the end of November. Hanekom tore a hamstring tendon in the URC semi-final against the Sharks in early June, robbing him of a place in the URC final against Leinster and ruling him out of all Springbok activity for the year. Last year, the unlucky Hanekom suffered a knee injury early in the year and would make his Test debut in the Boks’ last game of 2024, the 45-12 defeat of Wales in Cardiff. He has not played for the Boks since. “The rehab is going well, and I started running a few weeks ago, so the return date is…

The outcome was never in doubt. Mamelodi Sundowns’ passage into the group stage of the CAF Champions League was already confirmed following their 5-1 first-leg victory over Remo Stars in Nigeria last week. On Sunday afternoon, the Brazilians merely ascertained the inevitable with a 2-0 win, taking the tie 7-1 on aggregate. After Orlando Pirates failed to reach the money-spinning round-robin phase of the continent’s premier club competitions, the Betway Premiership champions will carry the South African flag alone. Beaten finalists last year, Sundowns sent a warning to the rest of the continent that they will once again be serious contenders with this comprehensive defeat of the Nigerian champions. They triumphed on Sunday despite coach Miguel Cardoso resting key players, with both goals coming before the break and hinting at…

Jude Bellingham’s goal helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 to win a tense Clasico and move five points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of La Liga yesterday. Champions Barcelona had won all four meetings between the teams last season, but in his first Clasico as Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso ended that run. Kylian Mbappe, who later missed a penalty, fired Madrid in front, and although Fermin Lopez levelled for the visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham netted a second for the hosts before half-time, which proved decisive. Barcelona playmaker Pedri was sent off in the final stages for a second yellow card as tensions spilled over in the Spanish capital. Madrid’s victory means they have won nine of their opening 10 league games. Alonso’s side demonstrated…

Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter says delisting is a vote of confidence in SA’s progress South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list after nearly two years of intensive reform is being hailed as a milestone for the country’s financial sector—yet experts warn it marks the beginning, not the end, of deeper structural changes. On Friday, the FATF announced that South Africa was among four African countries who had been delisted from its “grey list” of countries under increased monitoring for deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. South Africa was placed on the grey list in February 2023 after the FATF identified 22 shortcomings in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) framework. FATF, the global financial crime watchdog, had instructed the country to…

There has been widespread welcome to the announcement by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) that food inflation has declined for the second consecutive month — offering some relief to consumers after months of high prices. According to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), consumer food price inflation slowed to 4.4% in September 2025, down from 5.2% in August. The moderation comes despite headline consumer inflation (CPI) edging slightly higher to 3.4% from 3.3% in the previous month. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said the decline was driven primarily by lower prices for fruit and nuts, vegetables, oils and fats, milk and dairy products. “The price inflation of cereal products also remained fairly moderate, which illustrates the benefits of the ample harvest and the easing of grain…

The furnaces of Newcastle once glowed like a promise, molten rivers of steel feeding a nation’s industrial dreams. Today those mills lie silent, haunted by at least 3 500 direct job losses and almost 100 000 livelihoods indirectly destroyed. In October 2025, the European Commission proposed cutting tariff-free steel import quotas to 18.3 million tonnes and applying 50 % duties on any shipments above that limit, with plans to take effect next year. The move has tightened the vise on South Africa’s already-fragile sector, threatening to halve export volumes and place another R9 billion in trade at risk. In a country where 34 % unemployment gnaws at hope, steel’s collapse is not destiny; it is the result of decades of policy drift and industrial neglect. What we are witnessing is…

The South African government has dumped employment as a macroeconomic design on the department of labour. This is a serious anomaly that removes an essential component of employment, growth and prices from the main economic actors in macroeconomics, which are namely Treasury, Reserve Bank and trade and industry. To relegate employment to the department of labour is to ignore a yet vexed question of the Phillips curve that addresses the relationship between unemployment and inflation. Whilst questions have been raised around this relationship and Vermeulen in 2017 asked “whether the Phillips Curve is dead?” in a title he penned, the question remains a policy debate in which some central banks including South African Reserve Bank have concluded that perhaps unemployment is not their mandate. As a consequence, and in South…

Procter & Gamble reported better-than-expected sales for its first quarter as consumers brushed off price increases and snapped up its Gillette razors and Secret deodorant. The company also cut its projected impact from tariffs in half. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based company reported 2% organic revenue growth for the period - above the average analyst estimate. That measure strips out currency volatility and the impact of acquisitions. Revenue and earnings per share also surpassed expectations. Both volume and sales increased more than expected for the company’s beauty and grooming categories, leading sales growth in the quarter ended September 30. Those divisions offset weaker performance in other areas, such as baby, feminine and family care. “The consumer environment is not great, but stable,” Andre Schulten, P&G’s chief financial officer said on a media…

In a blast from the past, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has brought back the popular ‘90s educational shows Soul City and Soul Buddyz. While these classic programmes won’t be airing on TV like before, fans can now enjoy them on the streaming platform SABC+. Soul City first captured hearts and minds when it debuted in 1994. Through 12 invigorating seasons, Soul City tackled some of the pressing issues in the country and the broader region, including mother and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, substance abuse, violence against women and girls, disability access, teen sexual health and rights, financial literacy and active citizenship. Late actress Nandi Nyembe and veteran actress Lillian Dube brought to life the characters of nurses Sister Lizzie and Sister Bettina, who showed viewers the…

‘PLEASE CALL ME’ (PCM) inventor Nkosana Makate has pinned his hopes on the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to bring his more than two decades battle with Vodacom to finality when the matter is heard next month. The fresh November 18 SCA case comes nearly 25 years to the day since PCM was invented on November 21, 2000. In February 2024 the SCA ruled Vodacom should pay Makate between 5% and 7.5% of revenue generated over the past 18 years. Vodacom appealed this decision to the ConCourt. The ConCourt referred the matter back to the SCA for a new hearing by different judges. It ruled that the SCA had made a number of legal errors and exceeded its jurisdiction. He goes into that next chapter of his battle faced with…

Former police minister Bheki Cele has highlighted to Parliament the need to relook the granting of bail and parole to offenders who commit other offences upon their release. Speaking on the possible reforms that could be undertaken, Cele said both parole and bail need to be looked at very closely. He said one major problem for the police was bail. “What I am always told is that it is a constitutional right. That thing called bail is a mess,” he said. The former minister was giving his testimony at the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations that were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Cele complained about cash-in-transit heists suspects being granted bail, something he said frustrated the police. He also said there was also the question of corruption that kept…

Nine Dolls Rupa Mahadevan Multi-cast narration Audible Studios RUPA Mahadevan’s audiobook Nine Dolls takes listeners on a suspenseful journey through the complexities of trust, betrayal, and tradition. Released late last month by Audible Studios, this multi-cast narration seamlessly blends elements of Indian culture with the tension of a murder mystery, offering an immersive experience for those ready to dive into a world of dark secrets and intricate relationships. The story centers around a ten-day holiday retreat at a remote Scottish manor, where a newly married woman is eager to meet her husband’s old friends. However, from the moment she arrives, it’s clear that something isn’t quite right. What begins as a celebratory gathering quickly turns into a tense, unsettling affair when one of the attendees is brutally murdered. At the…

Christmas came early for South Africa as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) finally removed the country from its grey list. SA was placed on the list in February 2023 after the FATF pointed out weaknesses in its laws and systems to fight money laundering and terrorism financing. After more than two years of reforms, legal updates, and tighter financial controls, SA has met the FATF’s requirements. The FATF said SA has improved its systems to stop money laundering and terrorist financing. Nigeria, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso have also been removed from the list. The news was announced at a plenary press briefing last week Friday, where FATF president Elisa de Anda Madrazo described the move as “a very positive story for the continent of Africa”. The briefing followed the…

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of court papers that were irregularly served on United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, last week Friday. The papers were delivered by a sheriff acting on an unauthorised instruction issued by an official in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, without the knowledge or approval of either the Minister or the Director-General. “The Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, notes with regret the unauthorised letter issued by an official in the department that led to a sheriff approaching the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, to serve her with court papers yesterday,” departmental spokesperson Terrence Manase said. Manase said the department had since established that proper legal procedures…

The Proteas Women’s team will resist any temptation to curtail their attacking instincts as they prepare for their all-important ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against England in Guwahati on Wednesday. Laura Wolvaardt’s side have suffered major two batting collapses, one at the start of the group phase against England, and another against defending champions Australia in Indore last Saturday. But between these matches, they won five games on the bounce with the batters playing a major role in the hot streak, which included the Proteas’ first-ever total in excess of 300 at the World Cup. They are therefore adamant they will adhere to the refreshing attacking policy, despite many suggesting a rethink may be necessary in a semifinal where the stakes are high. “To lose like that, it does…

The controversy over the nine-week ban given to Bulls forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels has deepened, with his coach, Johan Ackermann confirming to the media that no fresh evidence was made available to the disciplinary hearing that condemned Wessels. The United Rugby Championship hearing said that Wessels was guilty of grabbing Connacht flank Josh Murphy’s genitals during the Bulls’ 28-27 win in Galway. At the time of the incident, the 18th minute of the game, the TMO could find no evidence of wrongdoing after several television replays. “There was no other footage that I was aware of that brought a different view,” Ackermann said on Saturday. “The facts in the hearing were the facts they made the decision on. I’m not going to say too much because the appeal is in, so…

Golden Arrows booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday. Abafana Bes’thende showed character and resilience to overturn an early deficit and end a nine-match winless streak against The Rockets, joining fellow KwaZulu-Natal side Richards Bay in the last four. After a cautious opening in Umlazi, the visitors drew first blood through midfielder Sphesihle Maduna in the 20th minute. The KwaZulu-Natal-born player struck against his home province club, finishing off a flowing move initiated by Puso Dithejane, whose clever footwork opened space before a scrambled clearance fell kindly for Maduna. His deflected effort left goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa rooted as Galaxy grabbed the lead. Arrows gradually grew into the contest and found their…

South Africa’s fiscal outlook is once again under the spotlight as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to deliver the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) next month on 12 November. The statement is expected to set the tone for the remainder of the fiscal year, providing updates on growth forecasts, inflation expectations and government spending priorities. Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG, said the upcoming statement would be a critical moment for assessing whether South Africa’s economic recovery is on track. “The focus will be on revising economic growth and inflation forecasts. The growth was predicted at 1.4% for this year and expected to rise to 1.7% in 2027, but this will likely need to be downgraded,” Blackmore said. According to Blackmore, any downgrade in growth projections will have a…

Transnet has announced a major boost to capacity and efficiency at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 with the introduction of four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes valued at R967 million. The State-owned logistics group said the new cranes are part of a broader effort to modernise its infrastructure, improve turnaround times, and enhance South Africa’s global trade competitiveness. According to Transnet, the cranes—manufactured by Liebherr Africa—will replace an ageing fleet that has reached the end of its operational life. “Two of the cranes are being commissioned, with endurance testing and operational handover scheduled to start in the last week of October 2025,” Transnet said. “The remaining two cranes are being assembled and are planned to undergo commissioning and operational handover by the end of November 2025.” The new fleet…

South Africa received well deserved good news with the United Nations’ Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s announcement that it has been removed from the international grey list. This is a positive victory for workers, the economy, the state and society. Our grey listing in February 2023 was a painful blow. It was a vote of no confidence in South Africa’s governance, law enforcement and financial systems by the international community. It was a loud deterrent to international investors considering investing in our economy. It was not surprising given our painful decade of state capture and corruption. It took an incredible amount of collective work by various government institutions, Parliament and the banking sector to ensure South Africa’s exit from the grey list. We must commend the…

Quantum Foods Holdings experienced a surge in its share price on Friday, climbing over 13% after a trading statement indicated an expected increase in headline earnings per share (HEPS) of between 58% and 78% for the year ending September 28, 2025. This development indicates a significant recovery and improved operational outcomes. Closing at 800 cents on the JSE, Quantum's share price reflects a 13.64% increase, although it still trails behind the previous year's level of R10.07. The company anticipates HEPS to rise to between 127.4 cents and 143.4 cents, up from 80.4 cents reported for the previous financial year. The forthcoming earnings boost is attributed to markedly enhanced trading conditions when compared to the previous year. This stems from a successful recovery of the company's layer flock, increased feed sales…

The Department of Transport has opened the door to large-scale private sector participation in South Africa’s rail network currently operated by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa), inviting investors to help modernise key infrastructure, introduce smart ticketing systems, and roll out fibre optic connectivity along railway lines. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Sunday announced that the department had issued a series of Requests for Information (RFIs) aimed at attracting interest in projects that include: n the modernisation of Prasa’s major maintenance depots at Braamfontein and Wolmerton, n the introduction of a smart, account-based ticketing system across trains, buses, and taxis, n the upgrading of train depots to improve service reliability, and n the deployment of thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cable to support new digital and signaling systems.…

“Hercules! Hercules!” as Eddie Murphy hilariously chanted in The Nutty Professor, and yes, that same energy sums up how the world feels about him finally getting his own documentary. Netflix’s Being Eddie, directed by Angus Wall, takes viewers inside the world of one of entertainment’s most legendary talents. Murphy’s career began in the early 1980s when he joined Saturday Night Live at just 19 years old. That’s where the magic started. His sharp wit, confidence, and ability to transform into just about anyone made him stand out immediately. He became a one-man show, the international version of our very own Leon Schuster, if you will – able to play any character, any size, any personality For example, in The Nutty Professor, he played seven different characters, including the shy scientist…

A statement from a collective of prominent Afrikaans-speaking South Africans has rejected a recent move by the US government to prioritise white South Africans for refugee status, labelling the underlying narrative as “dangerous and false”. This group’s condemnation, articulated in an article titled, Not in our Name: Afrikaners Respond to the Misuse of Their Story in US Politics, published on Saturday, has garnered widespread support, including a strong endorsement from the ANC. The controversy stems from a perceived US decision to offer preferential refugee status to white South Africans, a move interpreted by many as an echo of far-right ideologies. However, the signatories, comprising nearly 50 academics, church leaders, and other professionals, have vehemently distanced themselves from this framing, asserting their identity as integral to a diverse and evolving South…

Fifty-nine of South Africa’s most wanted criminal suspects – including the alleged killers of rapper AKA and suspects in billion-rand fraud cases – could potentially escape justice due to a legal loophole in extradition law. In the case against ex-Free State premier Ace Magashule’s personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, the state alleges that Cholota refuses to give evidence against her boss out of duty or loyalty. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that many seek to take advantage of the so-called Cholota strategy, including Oliver Cauro and Francis Perez who have sought leave to intervene in Constitutional Court proceedings. After Cholota was granted a “get-out-of-jail-free card” in June, the NPA filed its application for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court the following month. The prosecuting authority has since compiled a…

A five-year-old Grade R girl learner from Mamothalo Primary School in Ga-Molepo Village, Capricorn South Education District, Limpopo, has died after being hit by a scholar transport bus last week Friday morning. The Limpopo Department of Education confirmed the news in a media statement last week Friday, October 24. Limpopo Department of Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya said she is deeply saddened by the death of the learner. “The learner was fatally injured this morning after being hit by a scholar transport bus.” She said a preliminary report indicates that the bus drove over the learner, resulting in fatal injuries. Lerule-Ramakhanya said the department is currently awaiting a detailed report to establish the full circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. She extended condolences to the affected family, school community and all those…

A disturbing video showing a Western Cape mother giving her toddler alcohol sparked swift action from local officials and Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs), who tracked down the woman in Woodstock after following multiple leads. The footage, received on October 20, was shared among safety stakeholders to help trace the mother and child. By October 24, NSOs were on the ground, scouring known hotspots and nearby areas until they identified and located the woman. The toddler was immediately removed and taken to police’s victim support unit while awaiting the Department of Social Development (DSD). “DSD arrived within 20 minutes and informed us that the mother already has a case of neglect against her,” said Ward 57 councillor Yusuf Mohamed. “Earlier this year she was allegedly intoxicated and dropped her…

ANC leaders embroiled in multiple controversies will continue to be elected to higher positions of the party to contest state elections because party branches remain indifferent to ethical concerns, say political analysts. The analysts were commenting in reaction to the latest scandal that led to the formation of parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of political interference in police, which implicates suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu. Former president Jacob Zuma was elected while facing numerous corruption allegations, including the arms deal procurement scandal. President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected while also facing the Phala Phala scandal in which a huge amount of American currency, which was not declared to the taxman, was stolen during a break-in at his farmhouse. Now two of the ANC…

A dangerous myth persists in international discourse that Sudan’s devastating conflict is a war between “two equal parties.” This framing, repeated in some international and regional circles and a few media reports, is not only false but also deeply unjust. It blurs the moral and legal line between a national army defending its state and people and a militia waging terror against them. To understand Sudan’s war, one must look beyond slogans and into logic, evidence, and the lived experience of millions of Sudanese civilians. Legitimacy cannot be shared The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) is a constitutionally established institution, recognised by international law and tasked with safeguarding Sudan’s sovereignty and unity. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, by contrast, is not a legitimate national force. It is the rebranded face…

Francke Horn says the Lions will be looking to build on their growing home form when the United Rugby Championship resumes after the international break, after snapping Ulster’s unbeaten start to the season at Ellis Park at the weekend. The Lions started the season with three losses overseas, but over the last fortnight in Johannesburg have beaten the Scarlets (unimpressively) and Ulster (impressively). The team from Northern Ireland had been unbeaten when they arrived at Ellis Park and led at half-time. Horn praised his teammates for fixing the faults of the first half in the second, and then running away with the game in the closing stages. “I am very pleased,” the captain said. “The guys responded well to every message that came through from the coaching staff. We never…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou condemned the unsporting antics of St Eloi Lupopo after their heated CAF Champions League clash, insisting his players will never be taught to behave that way. Pirates won the second leg 3–0 at Orlando Stadium to level the tie 3–3 on aggregate but heartbreakingly bowed out of the competition on penalties. Despite the result, the match was overshadowed by Lupopo’s constant time-wasting, simulation, and deliberate disruption that turned the contest into a spectacle of frustration rather than football. From the very first whistle, the visitors’ players repeatedly went to ground, drawing boos from the home supporters and breaking the rhythm every time Pirates tried to build momentum. The tension reached boiling point after Masindi Nemtajela put the Buccaneers ahead, sparking a dramatic sequence that encapsulated…

Arsenal stretched their Premier League lead to four points as Eberechi Eze’s goal beat his former club Crystal Palace 1-0, while Manchester City lost 1-0 at Aston Villa yesterday. Bournemouth are now the Gunners’ closest challengers in second after they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0. After Liverpool’s latest defeat to Brentford on Saturday, Arsenal enjoyed the perfect weekend as both their title rivals fell further behind, with Mikel Arteta’s side going from strength to strength. Eze left the Eagles to join Arsenal in a £60 million (about R1.4 billion) deal in August, and his first Premier League goal proved decisive as the Gunners were again able to lean on their set-piece prowess and solid defence. The England international blasted in a volley after Palace failed to clear Declan Rice’s free-kick six…