Table of contents for 2025-10-17 in Star

Audi South Africa on Thursday announced the appointment of Markus Schuster as its new country lead, effective September 2025. It said his appointment marks an important new chapter for the brand in South Africa and reflects Audi’s long-term commitment to the local market. Schuster joins Audi South Africa with more than two decades of global automotive experience across Germany, Italy and Singapore. Most recently, he served as managing director of Audi Singapore, where he successfully led the transformation of the subsidiary into Audi’s first direct-to-customer franchise worldwide. The pioneering approach put the customer experience at the focus of Audi Singapore's activities, combining a multichannel sales platform with the Audi House of Progress Singapore. “I feel honoured to take on the role of Head of Audi South Africa,” said Schuster.…

Ministers and central bank governors push for stronger African engagement in governance Finance ministers and central bank governors from the world’s largest economies have reaffirmed their commitment to stabilising global growth, tackling debt vulnerabilities, and enhancing Africa’s voice in global financial governance. The two-day meeting held in Washington, D.C., brought together key global policymakers amid an environment of persistent uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and uneven post-pandemic recovery. The G20 noted that the global economy remained resilient in the first half of 2025 but continues to face elevated uncertainty due to ongoing conflicts, supply chain disruptions, high debt levels, and climate-related shocks. While disinflation is progressing across several economies, co-chair and South Africa's deputy finance minister, David Masondo, said members stressed the importance of maintaining central bank independence and data-dependent monetary policy…

Inkatha Freedom Party’s Mangaqa Albert Mncwango said that “die poppe sal dans” (the situation will become unexpectedly troublesome or chaotic) when the members of Parliament will get the chance to grill suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu next week Tuesday. Mchunu appeared yesterday before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He is expected to appear in front of the committee again today, and next week, on Tuesday, when the MPs will get a chance to question him. Commenting on his testimony thus far, Mncwango said that the minister has been looking at the constitutional imperatives and the definition of roles between the minister and the national commissioner. “Obviously, today and tomorrow is set aside for evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse SC,…

Limpopo police have opened an inquiry following the discovery of several bottles of medication at the scene of the horrific N1 bus crash that claimed the lives of more than 40 people. The deadly tragedy unfolded on Sunday, October 12, when a cross-border bus carrying 91 passengers from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe plunged off the treacherous Zoutpansberg mountain pass near Louis Trichardt. The crash left a trail of devastation, in which 43 people were killed, while dozens of others sustained injuries, some critical. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said authorities in Makhado, Vhembe district, have launched an inquiry following the discovery of what appeared to be bottles of medication scattered at the crash site. “The discovery of the bottles that appear to be medication were found on the…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a formal investigation by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI). The presidency confirmed this in an official statement on Wednesday night. According to the statement, the JSCI recently notified Ramaphosa that it had received a complaint regarding Fazel’s conduct and would launch an inquiry under Section 7(4) of the Intelligence Services Act (Act 40 of 1994). In line with Section 7(5) of the Act, the President holds the authority to suspend the inspector-general during the course of such an investigation. Fazel, who was appointed as South Africa’s Inspector-General of Intelligence in November 2022, was responsible for overseeing the activities of the country’s intelligence services, ensuring they operate within the legal and constitutional…

The University of Fort Hare is counting the cost of a week of violent protests that left its campuses looking like war zones and caused damage estimated at up to R500 million. Vice-Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, who has been accused by some students of being too old for the job, told IOL the attacks were politically orchestrated and aimed at forcing him out so others could “plunder university resources”. “And they want me out of the hot seat,” he said, “so they can take over and plunder university resources.” Students set fire to at least seven buildings, including the student affairs building – once a residence of the late former president Nelson Mandela – as well as the administration block, Faculty of Agriculture and a newly refurbished clinic. Eight students…

Kid Maponya Primary School in Kagiso, west of Johannesburg, celebrated the handover of a brand-new mobile library for foundation-phase learners, a beacon of hope designed to inspire a love of reading and support young learners in developing vital literacy skills. The initiative aims to bridge South Africa’s growing literacy gap by making books more accessible and fostering a strong reading culture within the school and surrounding community. By bringing stories directly to the children, the school hopes to transform reading from a classroom task into a daily habit that fuels curiosity and confidence. Deputy principal Botshinyane Marumo expressed deep gratitude for the donation, saying it comes at a crucial time for families in the area. “We are very humbled by this handover,” said Marumo. “Many of our learners come from…

Proteas Women’s opening batter Tazmin Brits reiterated that the team continues their search for a near-perfect performance in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. South Africa has had a successful campaign thus far, winning three out of four games. However, the team has a number of areas that need serious attention, including batting collapses in the top-order, miscommunication between batters and the lack of ruthlessness in the bowling and fielding departments. Brits revealed coach Mandla Mashimbyi’s favourite phrase, “if you lose, as long as you learn”, as one of the driving forces within the side as they continue their search for the perfect game. The top-order batter revealed that there have been discussions within the team about their shortcomings as they look to put on a polished…

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour between the Springboks and All Blacks has been officially confirmed. The blockbuster series will take place in 2026, replacing the Rugby Championship for that year, with the reigning world champions and World Cup runners-up set to face each other in three Tests on South African soil. New Zealand, the second most successful World Cup side after the Boks, will also face South Africa’s four franchises in midweek matches as part of the International Series. Fixtures are scheduled from August 7 to September 12, with the quadrennial tour kicking off with a Friday clash against the Stormers in Cape Town. The final Test will take place at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 5, while Ellis Park (August 22) will host the opening Test and the…

Orlando Pirates will be aiming to maintain their strong start to the CAF Champions League campaign when they travel to Lubumbashi to face Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium on Sunday. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Buccaneers head into the second preliminary round brimming with confidence after their emphatic 7–0 aggregate victory over Lesotho Premier League side Lioli FC. The win not only showcased their attacking prowess but also underlined their intent to go deep into the continental competition this season. Since their historic CAF Champions League triumph in 1995, the Sea Robbers have relentlessly pursued a second star on their badge. Under the guidance of José Riveiro last season, they came agonisingly close, falling short in the semi-finals to eventual champions Pyramids FC by a 3–2 aggregate scoreline. With Ouaddou…

South Africa’s food security has shown modest progress, according to the latest Shoprite SA Food Security Index, released on Thursday. The Index rose to 56.5 in 2024, up from 44.9 in 2023, signaling an improvement but still lagging behind the 2019 score of 65.8, when hunger levels were significantly lower. While Shoprite and civil society groups have welcomed the improvement, they warn that hunger and malnutrition remain deeply entrenched challenges across the country. Sanjeev Raghubir, Shoprite’s chief sustainability officer, said the findings offer “a glimmer of cautious optimism,” but stressed that hunger continues to affect millions of South Africans — including at least one in 10 children. “This index is designed to monitor the country’s progress in addressing hunger and to close the significant research gap that exists on this…

South Africa’s motor trade sales grew by 1.9% year-on-year in August 2025, according to the latest figures released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday, reflecting steady improvement in the country’s automotive sector. The growth was largely driven by a 9.4% rise in new vehicle sales, which contributed 2.4 percentage points, and a 4.8% increase in sales of accessories, contributing 0.9 of a percentage point. Stats SA said that seasonally adjusted motor trade sales rose 0.5% month-on-month in August, following increases of 0.9% in July and 0.4% in June. Over the three months ending August 2025, motor trade sales were up 2.8% compared with the same period in 2024. The main drivers of this quarterly improvement were 10.2% in new vehicle sales, 6.4% in sales of accessories, and 2.5%…

Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has secured a significant legal victory after the Labour Court dismissed an urgent application by her former Chief of Staff, Zanele Simmons. Simmons had challenged her recent dismissal from the Department of Social Development, but the court’s decision firmly backed the Minister’s stance and actions. The matter began on September 29 when Simmons was suspended with full pay following serious allegations of gross misconduct. Among the charges were claims that she misused Minister Tolashe’s electronic signature and altered a staff member’s curriculum vitae without authorisation. The department labelled the suspension precautionary, citing compliance with Chapter 7 of the Senior Management Service Handbook. Within a few days, on October 3, Director General Peter Netshipale terminated Simmons’ contract, referring to a breakdown in trust and incompatibility…

Five suspects have been arrested in Nelspruit for their alleged involvement in stock theft after 12 cattle went missing. Four foreign nationals and one South African male citizen aged between 18 and 30 were arrested in Leslie, on October 15, for stock theft. Police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe stated that, according to a report, 12 cows were allegedly stolen and then slaughtered in two separate places around Leslie. Police were alerted and followed up on the information received. “Upon arriving at one of the places, members searched and then discovered seven carcasses of slaughtered cows, to an estimated value of R250 000. Further information provided led the astute members to a suspicious vehicle, a brown VW Amarok with Gauteng registration number plates,” said Nonyane-Mpe. Nonyane-Mpe further stated that the vehicle,…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has temporarily adjourned its public proceedings and resumed behind closed doors, citing sensitive evidence tied to ongoing criminal investigations. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who chairs the commission, confirmed yesterday that proceedings will continue in camera today and tomorrow. The public and media are expected to return next week once the sensitive evidence has been handled. “This is the first time those implicated will hear of the information,” Madlanga told attendees before adjourning the session. “Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels will provide further updates on next week’s programme.” Media houses initially opposed the decision for private hearings, but later conceded after learning that the confidentiality is not to protect the witness’s identity – but to safeguard active police investigations. Chief evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC, clarified the rationale:…

Samukelo Kabini is on cloud nine, realising his dreams earlier than expected. But despite the euphoria, he knows he can’t afford to rest on his laurels. Kabini was part of the squad that secured Bafana Bafana’s automatic qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, after finishing top of Group C in the qualifiers. His contribution in terms of game time was minimal – making only one appearance, against Nigeria – but his impact has been significant as part of a united squad determined to restore national pride. His professional career only took off two years ago, after moving from Orlando Pirates’ reserve team to TS Galaxy’s senior side. TS Galaxy later sold him to his current club, Norway-based Molde FK. Kabini never imagined he’d already be playing…

As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for Sunday’s CAF Champions League fixture, a challenging statistic casts a shadow over the club: they have yet to claim a win on Nigerian soil. Sundowns will face Nigerian Premier League champions Remo Stars in a second-round preliminary, first-leg clash on Sunday at the 10 000-seater MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The hosts have announced free entry for the game, ensuring a packed crowd will greet the South Africans. In their previous outings, Sundowns have faced Nigerian opposition three times in the CAF Champions League, each time returning home without a win. The road to success in Nigeria is notoriously difficult – few South African clubs that have ventured into this footballing stronghold have escaped without facing fierce resistance and passionate home support. Since the return…

The Lions’ sledgehammer prop, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, believes the Joburg-based team will snap their three-match losing streak in the United Championship when they host the Scarlets at Ellis Park tomorrow. It is a match the Lions should expect to win, given the Welsh team has issues at home as they negotiate restructuring issues, with Wales Rugby in a state of flux. “It is good to be back at home after three weeks away,” Ntlabakanye said. “Both teams are under pressure this weekend – the Scarlets just got beaten by the Stormers, and Benetton beat us. “We’ll need to rectify that at home, and the prep has been good this week. Obviously, confidence is not something you can talk about; it is something that you go out there and show.” Ntlabakanye is,…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth to hold steady at 4.1% in 2025, with a modest pickup anticipated in 2026, according to its October Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa released on Thursday. While the region continues to show resilience, the IMF warned that global headwinds — including weaker demand, softer commodity prices, and tighter financial markets — are testing its recovery and reform momentum. “Six months ago, our assessment highlighted the region's strong efforts and that growth had exceeded expectations last year,” said Abebe Aemro Selassie, director of the African Department at the IMF. "But we also noted the sudden realignment of global priorities and increasing turbulent external conditions, marked by weaker demand, softer commodity prices, and tighter financial markets. Today, these global headwinds continue…

Herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers that complement each other and are naturally compatible can help your garden grow and thrive. These plants, known as companion plants, help each other grow and produce, and when matched correctly, they can truly make the garden bloom. This approach helps to deter pests, improve soil quality and enhance plant growth without the use of chemicals. Herbs Herbs play a significant role in gardening by providing various benefits such as pest deterrence, enhancing plant health, and improving the flavour of nearby fruits and vegetables. Basil is highlighted for its culinary compatibility with tomatoes, while also repelling pests like mosquitoes and aphids, thus promoting tomato growth and benefiting peppers and strawberries. Thyme serves as a moisture-retentive ground cover that suppresses weeds and deters pests such as…

A neighbour living on the exclusive Sandton street where Hangwani Maumela’s house was raided by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) last week in connection with the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital scandal, claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa is a frequent visitor. Ramaphosa on Tuesday admitted to knowing Maumela during a question and answer session in Parliament, after previously denying ever meeting him. This is not the first time Ramaphosa’s relationship with Maumela has been raised – in 2022 DA leader John Steenhuisen asked the president about the relationship and Ramaphosa denied that it existed. At the weekend Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, after video footage emerged of Ramaphosa outside Maumela’s home, said Ramaphosa did not know him and that this was a coincidence – a claim Magwenya repeated during a media briefing…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report into allegations of maladministration, which resulted in Tembisa Hospital being looted for over R2 billion, has exposed several ethical failures and a lack of tender due diligence by the CEOs, which led to widespread corruption. Under the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999 (PFMA), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a public hospital, as the Accounting Officer or as a delegate of the relevant Accounting Authority, bears a statutory and fiduciary duty to ensure that all financial and operational decisions are taken with due diligence, transparency, and accountability. Section 38(1)(a)(i) of the PFMA expressly requires the Accounting Officer to ensure that the institution maintains effective, efficient, and transparent systems of financial and risk management and internal control. In the context of due…

South African taxpayers are footing a bill of over R14.4 million annually for the salaries of just two Deputy Ministers in the Presidency and their support staff, according to a detailed parliamentary reply from Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong. In response to a question from ActionSA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip, Morolong confirmed that his office accounts for R7 399.868 in salary expenses, while Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli’s office totals R7 028.171, excluding other operational costs such as travel, vehicles, and accommodation. According to the reply, Morolong’s salary is R2 215.220 per year, which includes a Post-Office Box allowance of R10 000 per month. His office includes six staff members with salaries ranging from R163 680 to R1 216.824, with some receiving additional allowances under the Professional Negotiated Performance…

The legal advice obtained by the DA says there is no basis for the party’s MP, Dianne Kohler-Barnard, to excuse herself or be removed from the parliamentary inquiry into allegations of corruption in the criminal justice. The DA sought the legal opinion after KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Kohler-Barnard of disclosing classified intelligence information at the parliamentary inquiry and Madlanga Commission, an allegation she has denied. She has been under pressure from the ANC, MK Party, the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA to excuse herself or be removed. During the meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on Wednesday night, DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach said the conclusion reached by their legal advice was that there was no factual basis to conclude that Kohler-Barnard was biased, conflicted and could not participate in…

The location of Walmart’s inaugural branded store in South Africa has been confirmed: it will open at Fourways Mall in Gauteng, occupying the space formerly held by Game. The announcement follows Walmart’s commitment in September to launch its first own-brand stores in the country before the year end. Walmart already has a substantial footprint in South Africa through its ownership of Massmart, which operates the Makro, Game and Builders Warehouse chains. The Fourways Mall store represents its first retail operation under the Walmart banner, rather than via its existing brands. According to official communications, the new stores are expected to offer an extensive range of merchandise including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. Locally sourced products will also form part of the offering. The stores will be designed with…

For most South Africans, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is more than a line item on a payslip. It’s the difference between survival and despair when jobs are lost, when illness strikes, or when families grow. The Fund’s newly tabled 2024/25 Annual Report tells a story of quiet but meaningful progress – one that deserves recognition, even as challenges remain. In a year defined by slow economic recovery and stubbornly high unemployment, the UIF stood firm. It paid out R18 billion in benefits to 3.1 million beneficiaries, giving millions of workers and their families a measure of security. That’s not charity – it’s a constitutional promise in action, ensuring that social protection remains a lived right, not an abstract ideal. The UIF’s financial position is solid. The Fund closed the…

A herniated disc in his lower back – on two levels – kept young Bulls captain Reinhardt Ludwig out of rugby for almost half a year. After making his return as a replacement in last weekend’s defeat to Ulster, the 23-year-old will now be thrust straight back into the spotlight, carrying the pressure of leading the side against Connacht tonight (kick-off 8.45pm) in a must-win United Rugby Championship (URC) clash. It will be the Bulls’ second away match following their 28-7 loss in Belfast, and Ludwig will share the responsibility with the senior players to help the team bounce back and salvage their tour. This isn’t the first time Ludwig has captained the Bulls in the URC – he previously led the team against the Sharks and Lions last season…

An era surrounded by scrutiny and uncertainty is set to begin as Kaizer Chiefs embark on their final quest to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in Lubumbashi tomorrow afternoon. Chiefs will face AS Simba of the DRC in the first leg of the second-round preliminary qualifiers at Stade TP Mazembe at 3pm. This follows the club’s announcement of their decision to officially part ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi, replacing him with his former assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef for the remainder of the season. Initially, it seemed that Chiefs, Kaze, and Ben Youssef were a match made in heaven. They had led the team on a five-game unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership – winning four and drawing one – during Nabi’s compassionate leave earlier…

I can still recall my first reaction to hearing the official 2010 Fifa World Cup song – and, incidentally, it’s the same reaction I have to it now. A fierce grimace befalls my face whenever I hear Waka Waka by Shakira, even though I’ve been told multiple times that it’s the best of the theme tunes and a banger of a song. I can only shrug my shoulders and wonder why it was that a Colombian – from a country roughly 11 000km away and very much not on the African continent – was chosen to sing a song about Africa and its first Fifa World Cup. Thank goodness Freshlyground were in the studio next to Shakira when she recorded it – or so the legend goes; they are the…