Table of contents for 2025-08-15 in Star

a big blow for Mozambique economy South32 said its Mozal Aluminium facility, the biggest industrial employer in Mozambique with over 2 500 staff, will be put on care and maintenance when its electricity agreement expires at the end of March 2026. Apart from the employees and contractors that were employed at Mozal in 2024, an estimated additional 21 000 jobs had been created through multiplier impacts on the economy, the mining group said. South32’s share price plunged 5.83% to R33.41 on the JSE early Thursday morning. South32 said in a notice on Thursday that it had continued to engage with the Mozambique government, Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), and Eskom on securing additional electricity, as it has been trying to secure an agreement for over six years. South32 also operates…

A bid by billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s investment company, African Rainbow Capital (ARC), to have South African courts hear a dispute over a graphite mining deal turned sour has been rebutted by Pula Group, which argues that the case should continue to be heard before the Tanzanian High Court. Pula Group is a US company with interests in Tanzania. It is suing Motsepe owned companies including ARC and African Rainbow Minerals for R3.4 billion for breaching agreements related to a graphite mining deal in Tanzania. Motsepe and his companies - who have now sought to have the dispute heard in the South African High Court - are accused by Pula of reneging on the Tanzanian graphite mining deal by allegedly investing in a similar project by an Australian rival of Pula.…

The Cirk presents Worlds Away This weekend is your final chance to escape into a mystical universe with this production. The family-friendly show ventures into the world of a brave young star who embarks on a thrilling quest to find his lost sparkle. Through dazzling landscapes and mystical realms, he encounters daring obstacles and otherworldly creatures, all while uncovering truths about light, love, and belonging. Attendees can also look forward to acrobatics, different dance styles and aerialists. Where: The Cirk at Cresta Shopping Centre. When: Runs until Sunday. Show times differ. Kurt Schoonraad’s Funny Side Up After a hugely successful run in Cape Town, renowned local comedian Kurt Schoonraad is bringing his latest stand-up act to Joburg. In this one-man show, Schoonraad tackles the absurdities of modern life, from navigating…

Nearly two years after the deadly Boksburg tanker explosion, justice is now being sought in court. LHL Attorneys Inc. has filed a R65 million claim on behalf of 67 victims of the December 24 2022, tragedy, a catastrophic event that shook the local community and left a permanent mark on the families affected. The devastating blast claimed 41 lives, injured more than 100 people, and destroyed homes and businesses in the area. The tragedy occurred when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, unable to clear a low railway bridge, became wedged and exploded in a fireball near Tambo Memorial Hospital. The force of the explosion partially destroyed the bridge and sent shockwaves through the surrounding residential area, leaving a scene of destruction and grief. LHL Attorneys Inc. has launched legal…

The City of Tshwane’s legal action against private firefighting services in the city, especially targeting those it deems to be operating illegally, took a turn even before the main matter has been enrolled, with an interlocutory judgment that the metro’s legal team did not obtain the necessary mandate in time to act on behalf of the metro in the court application. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, imposed a costs order against the municipality due to its bungling in their case against the Sinoville Firefighting Association (SFA). AfriForum, whose legal team is assisting the firefighters in their legal bid, said the money will now be used to strengthen private and civilian firefighting capacity in this metro. The SFA, as well as one other private firefighting service, is embroiled in a legal…

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has publicly defended the ongoing controversy surrounding the award of the highly anticipated fourth national lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings. Tau was legally obligated to disclose his reasons for selecting the company in an affidavit, doing so in response to two court challenges requesting a review of the award. Tau has finally disclosed his reasons for awarding the contract to Sizekhaya citing the consortium’s well-balanced bid, impressive technology partners, and high projected revenue as the reasons for its selection. He also commended Sizekhaya’s plans to rejuvenate the suite of current lottery games and its broader marketing plans and spend. Tau’s affidavit, filed in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, also reveals that Sizekhaya Holdings “pipped the others to the post” due…

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa Gayton McKenzie has called for the Open Chats podcaster to attend 'race sensitivity classes' following their racist remarks towards Coloured people. "They should go to race sensitivity classes," he said on The Konvo Show. "I will not allow those kids to go to jail. We have restorative justice in our country. They should have no (criminal) records." McKenzie is currently embroiled in his own racist scandal for using the K-word numerous times on social media. He went on to say that the Open Chats podcasters' lives were threatened but that he called off those who were issuing threats. "This is deeper than what transpired between us and them. These kids don't know that there are people who take things out of…

A 41-year-old police officer has been convicted and sentenced in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Limpopo on charges of corruption. Godfrey Avhasei Matheledza from Muila Village was sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, which means he will effectively serve eight years in prison. The second accused in the matter, Fululhelo Mathada, died before the trial commenced. The provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said in July 2014, in Morebeng, the accused used a marked state vehicle to escort individuals transporting illicit cigarettes through their policing precinct. In return, they received gratification of R1 830 from the smugglers. This allowed the offenders to evade arrest and avoid law enforcement in terms of the Customs and Excise Act No.…

The Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has announced that two more banks have signed up to join the department’s digital partnership to offer Smart ID and passport services, further expanding access for South Africans across the country. It was previously reported that Home Affairs had teamed up with Capitec and FNB to offer these services at hundreds of bank branches across the country. Schreiber revealed that he had also extended an invitation to the CEOs of other major banks, including ABSA, Discovery Bank, Standard Bank, and others, to join the initiative and help broaden access even further. According to the department, more banks have now joined the partnership, including ABSA, Discovery Bank, and Standard Bank, bringing the total number of participating banks to five. “Capitec, First National Bank, Standard…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou concedes the club’s fans are not living up to their ‘Happy People’ moniker at the moment — something he and the team are determined to change. Pirates were expected to start the season strongly, and early signs supported those expectations after they progressed to the MTN8 semi-finals. However, that promising start has proven to be a false alarm so far. The Buccaneers began their Betway Premiership campaign on a sour note, losing their first two games. Those defeats have increased the pressure on Ouaddou to turn things around quickly or risk being sacked even before the quarter mark of the campaign. Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of their MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash at home to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon, Ouaddou acknowledged the…

Mamelodi Sundowns will have the chance to further cement their status as the country’s top team when they face Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Both sides are widely regarded as the strongest in the league, and after their dominance last season — where they stood head and shoulders above the rest — the start of this campaign has been less smooth for both. The Brazilians enter the clash as the more confident outfit, with their recent league form surpassing that of the Buccaneers, whose only bright spot has been a 2-0 MTN8 win over Polokwane City. Pirates have otherwise endured a difficult start, losing both of their opening league matches. Sundowns head into Saturday’s showdown off the back…

Springbok legend Bryan Habana is thrilled that South Africa's dynamic wingers are being given the freedom to shine on the rugby field, a sentiment he expressed as the Boks prepare for their Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday. Habana, known for his own phenomenal wing play, is especially excited about the talents of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe, who, alongside the experienced Makazole Mapimpi, are setting the rugby world alight with their performances. Arendse and Van der Merwe are primed to feature as the wings in this crucial match in Johannesburg (5.10 pm start), marking a significant moment in their careers. Habana, speaking at the Peregrine Capital X Rugby Centurions launch party, is excited for what is to come from the Boks…

Eskom has announced plans to deploy Large Conventional Nuclear Power Reactor (PWR) units at the Duynefontein Nuclear Plant, a critical step forward following the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment's (DFFE) recent decision to allow this development. With the anticipated new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) set to be released soon, Eskom stated its intention to maximise the capacity permitted under this new framework, potentially adding an extra 4 000 megawatts (MW) to the site. This plan follows a tumultuous period surrounding previous nuclear procurement strategies, notably when Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa withdrew a Ministerial determination to procure 2 500MW of new nuclear capacity after widespread public consultation concerns. The ensuing legal challenges led to the determination's revocation, highlighting the necessity for transparent dialogues around sensitive energy projects.…

This week, the celeb world has kept the internet talking - serving plenty of sparkles and jaw-dropping scandals. From A-list weddings to glamorous engagement rings and gossip, here is your weekly celeb round-up: 1 Davido and Chioma’s luxurious wedding Award-winning Afrobeats star Davido held his luxurious white wedding celebration to his longtime partner, Chioma over the weekend in Miami. This highly-anticipated white wedding comes after the couple’s traditional wedding in Lagos in June last year and a court wedding in March 2023. The wedding was not only a celebration of love but also a luxurious affair as Davido gifted his wife a factory iced-out Richard Millie wrist watch worth $300 000 (R5 335 695.00) as a wedding gift. 2 Cristiano Ronaldo engaged to Georgina Rodriguez The Portuguese footballer and his…

Maponya Mall has been forced to shut down after a deadly attack on Wednesday night that claimed the life of one e-hailing driver and left two others injured. Residents of Soweto have vowed to prevent the taxis from using the rank inside the mall until an amicable solution is reached between the feuding parties. Throughout yesterday, residents sang songs in solidarity with the attacked drivers as they barricaded the busy main road situated along the mall with stones and objects to voice their anger and displeasure about last night's horrific incident. E-hailing drivers are demanding urgent arrests regarding the attack that has sent shockwaves through the city’s transport community, reigniting fears over safety as tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers continue to escalate. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi…

The Western Cape High Court on Wednesday dismissed the application for leave to appeal brought by all three people in the case of the missing Joshlin Smith. Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced on May 29, and are currently serving life plus 10 years for trafficking in persons and kidnapping. Judge Nathan Erasmus said that a sentence of life imprisonment, especially in human trafficking of a child, even when a person has shown no remorse, is inappropriate to impose a lighter sentence or allow an appeal on the sentence. “Turning to the merits and the attack on that, this court made factual findings and drew inferences from circumstantial evidence, and had the benefit of observing witnesses on which I made credibility…

The National Convention says it is unaware of concrete reasons behind a wave of withdrawals from the National Dialogue, even as several prominent foundations pulled out and major political parties condemned the process as impractical and wasteful. This follows several organisations withdrawing their participation due to concerns over transparency, funding, and the intentions, alleging that the government had hijacked the process. Several high-profile foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, FW de Klerk Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group, Spokesperson Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu told IOL that thirty sectors were identified to constitute the first National Convention. “Our organisers now face a challenge of battling with people who want to come in, but we don’t…

IN South Africa, sexual violence is so widespread that it forms the background noise of our lives. It is not a distant threat. It is in our homes, in our churches, in our schools. It comes from the hands of men we know, love, and trust. It is part of the daily choreography of being a Black woman, calculating routes, glancing over shoulders, making sure the skirt is not too short, declining invitations, leaving gatherings early. This regulation of our bodies is not new. It is not accidental. It is a continuation of a long history of control. Pumla Dineo Gqola calls it the “female fear factory”, a system that keeps women in a constant state of alertness, limiting their freedom while excusing the violence of men. In colonial South…

The Springbok Women’s team departed for England and the World Cup on Thursday evening with excited coach Swys de Bruin describing himself as a kid before Christmas. De Bruin, speaking after his team had had one last training session at Parktown Boys High in Johannesburg, said: “It is like Christmas Eve for me and I’m wondering if Santa has left that shiny bicycle under the tree. “I woke up at 3am this morning, going over moves and selection. You are always wondering if there was that little bit more you could have done because these girls are so coachable. They soak up information like a sponge.” The Bok Women have had a busy week of farewells. And now it's showtime with their first game next Sunday against Brazil. “It is…

Eric Tinkler is an ambitious coach who wants to instill that trait in his Sekhukhune United players and challenge for silverware during his tenure at the club. The coach is in his first full season at Sekhukhune, having arrived earlier this year after taking over the reins from Lehlohonolo Seema. The former Bafana Bafana midfielder hit the ground running despite not having a pre-season with the team, leading them to a fourth-place finish in the Betway Premiership. Now, with Tinkler having recently completed a full pre-season with the team, expectations are high for him to win the club’s first silverware since their promotion in 2022. The 55-year-old coach is more than capable of winning trophies, having earned such accolades at former clubs, the relegated Cape Town City and the now-defunct…

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says he would love to be a fly on the wall when Rassie Erasmus has his coaching meetings with innovative assistants Tony Brown and Felix Jones. Schmidt, a New Zealander, knows former All Black Brown well, while as director of rugby at the Ireland Rugby Union, he regularly met with Munster men in Erasmus, Jones, and defence coach Jerry Flannery. Erasmus reported to Schmidt when he coached Munster in 2016 and 2017. “I am an admirer of Tony; he is very innovative, so are Felix and Rassie. The three of them must have some interesting coaching meetings where they come up with good ideas. If anybody has a recording of those meetings, I’d love to get them,” Schmidt laughed. “But for us, we are a little…

Mamelodi Sundowns has resonated louder than any other club in the vibrant world of South African football over the past decade. This football club has carved an indelible mark on the local game, combining a rich history with an unparalleled streak of success that has set new standards in local football. However, the Chloorkop-based side is embroiled in a storm of transfer speculation that threatens to shake the very foundation of the squad. As the new season unfolds, whispers of discontent have emerged, particularly surrounding three standout players: Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau, Lucas Ribeiro, the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season, and Peter Shalulile, Sundowns' all-time leading goalscorer. Recent comments from head coach Miguel Cardoso shed light on the unsettling climate within the team. With Sundowns kicking off their 2025/26…

Kaizer Chiefs — they’re everywhere And by everywhere, I mean especially after they won their first two matches of the Betway Premiership. Even more so if you are caught wearing an Orlando Pirates shirt after those victories, with my side of the aisle looking rather grim following the opposite results — two losses in as many matches. Walk around town in the iconic black, the skull and crossbones embroidered on your breast, and you are more than likely to get the customary greeting — arms crossed at the wrist — or a sardonic smile from those who follow the Glamour Boys, challenging you with an “Amakhosi for life.” Find yourself in a pub, and you might just be forced to shoot a grim shot of tequila, crowned by a slice…

Viewers must be loving the Indian TV content in isiZulu, as a new channel has been launched on DStv with JioStar. The channel Star Khanya, which launches on Monday, is an exciting general entertainment channel in isiZulu, blending rich storytelling with the heart and soul of South African culture. Khanya, meaning “to shine” in isiZulu, sets the tone for the brand and offers a rich line-up of Indian telenovelas and soapies, all dubbed in isiZulu and subtitled in English. “We’ve made meaningful improvements to DStv this year with more channels, more value, and greater streaming flexibility,” said Byron du Plessis, the CEO of MultiChoice South Africa. “Star Khanya brings more local relevance to our content mix, offering engaging entertainment in a language that feels like home for millions of our…

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has come out swinging, laying the blame for the city’s deepening financial crisis squarely at the door of the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led coalition, which he says left behind a legacy of “mismanagement, neglect, and non-compliance.” Addressing the media at the Joburg Theatre yesterday, Morero unpacked the city’s R23.6 billion in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFW), calling it a “direct consequence of failures by the previous administration to follow financial laws, fix broken systems, and take accountability.” Morero’s remarks follow a damning letter from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, sent on July 30, raising alarm over Johannesburg’s apparent failure to comply with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). The minister gave the city 14 days to respond – a deadline Morero says his office met with…

Eskom has announced that parts of Gauteng will be without electricity today, August 15, as it carries out maintenance on its distribution network. The planned outage will affect customers in Zonkezizwe Zones 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 from 8:30am to 6pm. The utility said the interruption is required to perform essential work on distribution power lines. Eskom further cautioned: “Please note that, should circumstances beyond the control of Eskom arise, the planned electricity maintenance may not proceed as communicated.” Residents are urged to treat all electrical appliances as live during the outage for safety reasons. Eskom has apologised for any inconvenience caused and noted that the work may not proceed as scheduled if unforeseen circumstances arise. Customers can contact Eskom through the following channels: Download the self-help ‘MyEskom Customer’…

A woman’s infidelity came at a high cost for her, after the Limpopo High Court, sitting in Polokwane, confirmed an earlier order that she forfeit her half of her husband’s Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) in a divorce action. The woman turned to court to appeal an earlier ruling by the lower court which ordered the forfeiture. But Judge Mariska Naude-Odendaal found that the woman (the appellant) had no grounds to stand on and she turned down the appeal. The appellant submitted that the lower court misdirected itself in law, in respect of making a finding that the infidelity is a ground for forfeiture. She argued that there are many case law findings which state that a spouse who is asking for a forfeiture order must demonstrate financial misconduct committed…

A 39-year-old former accounting clerk at Curro East Lynne in Pretoria has been released on R15 000 bail for R2.8 million alleged theft. Haranet Chunisa Ullow Loetries appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday where she was released on stringent bail conditions. Some of the conditions include that she must report to the Villieria Police Station every Monday and Friday between 6am and 8pm. “She may not apply for a similar position, may not interfere directly or indirectly with witnesses, and may not leave the district without informing the investigating officer,” said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana. Mahanjana added that Loetries faces a charge of theft which allegedly occurred between August 2024 and July 2025 while she was still employed as an accounting clerk at Curro…

FROM TikTok reels to #BookTok shelves at local bookstores, “Sad Girl” books have become the literary obsession of a generation. The novels, often moody, introspective and emotionally raw – centre around young women navigating mental health struggles, societal pressure, alienation and the quest for identity. But while some hail these books as honest portrayals of the modern female psyche, others worry they glamorise depression and self-destructive behaviour. So, are “Sad Girl" books empowering or harmful? And what does their popularity say about the times we’re living in? What is a “Sad Girl” book? A “Sad Girl” book is a type of contemporary literature that centres on emotionally complex, often troubled female protagonists who are navigating the messy, painful and sometimes mundane aspects of life. These stories are typically told from…

Game of Nines James Patterson, Max Dilallo Performed by a full cast Audible Originals ANYONE who has followed along my literature journey would know that I am a fan of most of Patterson’s work, so starting this audiobook was a no-brainer. It immediately did not fail to impress. All my favourite topics are here within the first few minutes: murder mystery, a genius serial killer, psychological twists, and nail-biting turns. Released earlier this month, Game of Nines is a thrilling audio drama that delivers an immersive experience in under four hours of listening time, boasting a solid 4.7-star rating on Audible. In Game of Nines, we meet FBI Agent Sarah Cole, who receives a harrowing invitation to participate in the infamous “Game of Nines”. With the chilling proclamation, “I have…

Kaizer Chiefs are enjoying a dream start to their Betway Premiership campaign, but second assistant coach Cedric Kaze has warned the team against getting carried away. Chiefs have won their first two games on the trot since the start of the league season last weekend, beating Stellenbosch and Polokwane City. The two matches, played last Sunday and Wednesday, saw Chiefs register back-to-back clean sheets, winning 2–0 and 1–0 respectively. It has been a fantastic start to the season for Amakhosi — so much so that some staunch supporters are convinced the club will return to their best this season. But while the technical team and players would want nothing more than to build on last season’s Nedbank Cup triumph, Kaze has called for calm. “It’s true that we are confident,…

Stellenbosch FC’s slow start to the Betway Premiership season continued after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Magesi FC at the Seshego Stadium on Wednesday night. The Cape Winelands side have only managed to collect one point from their opening two fixtures. They got off to a fast start through a Langelihle Phili strike, but Dikwena tsa Meetse hit back soon after via Kgomotso Mosadi. Stellies coach Steve Barker was content to leave with a point, acknowledging that Seshego is not an easy venue to visit. He admitted his side had to make several adjustments that took them away from their natural game. “It’s not an easy place to come and play,” Barker said after the match. “I wish we were like some of the bigger…

Real Madrid, featuring several new signings, approach the new season with fresh hope under recently-appointed coach Xabi Alonso, looking to turn the page on a disappointing end to the Carlo Ancelotti era with "ambitious" football. Former Liverpool and Los Blancos midfielder Alonso saw at the Club World Cup in the United States this summer that there is plenty of work to do, as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Madrid 4-0 in the semi-final. "Things are going to be different... we are starting from scratch," said Alonso, although some of his findings from the tournament will undoubtedly influence his approach. Madrid fans also got their first glimpse of the Basque tactician's plans, and also of England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alonso showed tactical flexibility, utilising both a four-man and three-man defence, whereas his predecessor…

PROTEAS batter Tristan Stubbs had a century stand for the third wicket with centurion Dewald Brevis at the Marrara Stadium in Darwin earlier this week, a partnership that saw South Africa beat Australia by 53 runs and level the three-match series 1-1. Standing at the non-strikers' end, Stubbs had the best seat in the house to witness Brevis' record-breaking knock, one that saw the 22-year-old batter strike eight sixes and 12 fours for his unbeaten 125. Stubbs told the media on Thursday that he was not batting with Brevis for the first time in Darwin earlier this week and that he understood that his only job was to give him the strike as he was the aggressor in their partnership. Stubbs praised Brevis for his skill, talent and confidence, calling…

Proteas legend and now Lions Men's and Women's High Performance and fielding coach, Jonty Rhodes, wants to impart the knowledge that he has gained working in the Indian Premier League for the past 15 years to the South Africa set-up. Earlier this year, it was announced that Rhodes would join the already stacked Lions coaching staff — one that includes former Proteas and Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo, former star Proteas batter Hashim Amla, and former Proteas fast bowling legend Allan Donald. Having spent almost two decades working in the IPL, Rhodes aims to empower the Lions' players for the betterment of South African cricket. "What I've seen with the IPL — I've done 15 out of the 18 seasons — and what we're seeing with the SA20 is that…