Tabla de contenidos para 2026-01-29 en Star

Property Fund is looking to re-allocate capital into highewr growth opportunities in South Africa and in Portugal Vukile Property Fund's Spanish subsidiary Castellana is selling its retail parks portfolio for R5.3 billion so it can re-allocate capital into higher growth opportunities in shopping centres in the country and in Portugal. JSE-listed Vukile said Wednesday its 99.7% held subsidiary in Spain, Castellana Properties, had concluded a share sale and purchase agreement with Ferrel SPV 2025, for Castellana to dispose of its retail parks across Spain for €279 million, cash. The disposal comes barely a week after Vukile announced the acquisition of a 35% stake in Pradera Limited, a leading specialist retail property investment fund and asset manager with a 25-year track record across the UK, Europe, China and the Middle…

The Spar Group was served with legal papers Wednesday from Giannacopoulos Group-owned franchises, who are suing for damages for the botched implementation of SAP enterprise resources planning software in the group's KwaZulu-Natal distribution centre. The claim from these companies comes more than two years after the retailer implemented the software. Spar started rolling out the software from January, 2023, but delays impacted distribution and resulted in stock delivery interruptions to franchise stores, and lost sales. Spar said in statement its legal team is currently reviewing the papers. Reports suggest the Giannacopoulos Group is suing for at least R170 million in damages. Spar meanwhile indicated in its 2023 financial year that the SAP implementation problems had resulted in R1.6 billion in lost turnover to the group. The centre returned to…

Despite the likelihood of El Niño weather conditions later this year, agricultural experts remain optimistic about growth prospects for South Africa’s agriculture sector, citing strong recent performance, improving confidence and supportive medium-term fundamentals. This upbeat outlook emerged during Nedbank’s agricultural webinar on Wednesday, where industry analysts highlighted a better-than-expected performance in 2025 following two consecutive years of decline. Tracy Davids, director of commodity markets and foresight at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), said the sector exceeded early expectations in 2025 despite several headwinds. “Positive factors that shaped a better 2025 include better weather conditions, strong summer crop recovery, and exceptional fruit crops and export volumes," Davids said. "International meat and fruit prices were strong, with strong meat prices and lower feed costs domestically. There were also some…

South Africa heads into 2026 on firmer economic footing than in recent years, with a steadier macro backdrop and modest growth prospects beginning to take shape. That should be positive for the country’s small business sector, which picked up some momentum in the second half of last year off a low base, even as sentiment improves and confidence returns in a measured, cautiously optimistic way rather than with outright bullishness. It comes as a welcome breather for a sector that accounts for the bulk of formalised businesses and employment in the country, and which has spent the years since the pandemic contending with persistent headwinds and rising cost pressures that have steadily squeezed its room to grow. January arrives with fuel costs at their lowest in almost four years, more…

Mr Price Group's 5.9% sales growth in December, the busiest trading period for South African retailers due to the holiday period, was ahead of the market's growth of 3%, the value clothing and homeware retailer said on Wednesday. In a sales update for the 13 weeks to December 27, group retail sales increased by 3.6% to R15.1 billion. The directors said during the period, the group had maintained market share and gained further market share in its core market of South Africa,including in December,, as its retail sales increased ahead of the market's growth of 1.6% per the Retailers' Liaison Committee (RLC). "The base effects in the quarter were mainly driven by withdrawals from retirement savings (from) the two-pot retirement system. While interest rates and inflation have declined, the discretionary…

“I wanted women to hear this song and feel affirmed,” Karyn White said of her new single, You’re Gonna Want Me Back. The track emerges from a place of self-respect, clarity and acceptance. “When you’ve lived, loved, lost, healed and chosen yourself a few times, you stop negotiating your value,” she explained. The song is not about revenge but realisation. It is a statement of confidence without bitterness, strength without apology. For decades, South African audiences have embraced White’s music. The enduring popularity of Superwoman has created a bond that runs deep. “South Africa has held me down in the most beautiful way for decades, and that’s not something I take lightly,” she said. “The love there is deep, emotional and sincere. Superwoman didn’t just become a song. It became…

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona came under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday for sharing confidential police information, including ID numbers, with suspected crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. This was after Senona had emphatically stated during Tuesday’s testimony that he would never share police-held information with anyone, saying he was bound by the SAPS oath. However, yesterday, it emerged Senona had forwarded an affidavit with personal information on alleged kidnapper Esmael Nangy to Matlala. The affidavit in question contained hefty attachments bearing confidential information on some SAPS officers and Hawks officers in KZN under Senona’s supervision. Senona told the commission that he sent the affidavit to Matlala “to sensitise him to be aware of this gentleman in his area (Centurion) that was arrested for kidnapping and extortion”.…

Pikitup will start collecting waste again at all impacted depots, including Randburg, following recent disruptions that left locals buried beneath uncollected trash and at risk for health problems. Following these disruptions, the Democratic Alliance (DA) warned that Johannesburg’s waste management system is in crisis. Casual worker industrial action blocked trucks from leaving depots, leaving residents with uncollected refuse and forcing many to resort to illegal dumping, creating serious public health and environmental hazards. “The ANC-EFF-PA-led administration’s failure to pay service providers has brought waste management operations to the brink of collapse,” said DA spokesperson Tyrell Meyers. Two of the city’s four active landfill sites remain closed, while many others are full or permanently shut, compounding the problem. Meyers called on the city to urgently reopen landfill sites, stabilise labour relations,…

Six alleged bogus investment scammers, along with 25 call centre agents, were arrested on Tuesday during a major crackdown in Johannesburg, Gauteng, They have been charged with contravening the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act. The suspects, aged between 38 and 61, were apprehended during a joint takedown operation involving local and international law enforcement agencies. The operation formed part of INTERPOL’s global Operation JACKAL, which targets online scams and transnational financial crimes. INTERPOL’s Integrated Police Support Group (IPSG), based in Lyon, France, deployed a senior representative from its International Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Directorate to support the operation. Authorities said further investigations are ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow as the probe into the alleged fraudulent investment scheme continues. In a similar case, the Directorate for Priority…

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly rejected claims that it has slashed funding to Quintile 5 schools by 64%, describing the allegations as “false, misleading, and reckless”. The department said no such cut has been implemented and accused critics of deliberately distorting information that had been made public as early as October 2025. “At no point has the GDE implemented a 64% reduction in school funding,” the department said. Instead, GDE explained that it had introduced an interim funding realignment process following severe budget reductions imposed by the National Treasury, which have affected all provinces. According to the department, the changes are aligned with the National Norms and Standards for School Funding set by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and will take effect from April 1. Schools…

The City of Johannesburg, together with City Power, has intensified its fight against illegal outdoor advertising, targeting both static and digital billboards that unlawfully draw electricity from the municipal network. Officials warned that such illegal structures endanger communities, strain the City’s electrical infrastructure, and constitute electricity theft. On Tuesday, the City and City Power carried out a major enforcement operation affecting more than six signs, including high-impact billboards along Winnie Mandela Drive and the N1 corridor. “These connections place the City’s electrical infrastructure at risk, endanger surrounding communities, and constitute electricity theft,” the City said. During the operation, City Power removed illegal electricity meters and associated infrastructure. One sign, completely absent from City records, had its power supply disconnected, while another illegally connected sign was successfully disconnected. Electrical connectivity on…

If you think you’re fit enough, tough enough and calm enough under pressure, the Fortuner Challenge 2026 powered by Quartz Engine Oil is back – and once again the winner gets to drive away in a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, along with a host of valuable prizes. The format remains the same, but just as demanding. Four members of the public will be paired with four sporting heroes, each team representing a major media house, including Independent Media. Over several days, those teams will be pushed through a series of physically and mentally taxing challenges designed to expose weaknesses quickly and reward consistency, teamwork and decision-making under stress. It’s a multi-discipline endurance challenge that demands genuine fitness, solid off-road driving skills and the ability to think clearly when your legs and…

Novak Djokovic admitted he got lucky after opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt yesterday to send the Serbian great into his 13th Australian Open semi-final and a showdown with reigning champion Jannik Sinner. Fifth-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti was well on top and leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 when he retired after treatment on his upper right leg, with his movement badly impeded. It was a huge stroke of luck for the error-riddled 10-time Melbourne winner Djokovic, who will now meet defending Sinner for a place in the final. The let-off kept alive his bid to secure a record 25th major title. Djokovic has been trying to move past Margaret Court and clinch the landmark major since his last one at the US Open in 2023. It has proved increasingly difficult with the…

Spar Proteas skipper Khanyisa “KC” Chawane has warned England’s Vitality Roses that the SA team they will face in the coming Spar Challenge netball series in Johannesburg will be far removed from the side they last faced – fitter and stronger, with more court smarts and tactical savvy. Proteas 2.0, if you will ... Jenny van Dyk’s fifth-ranked side claimed one win and fourth-ranked England the other in the Nations Cup in the UK at the beginning of last year. Yet the tough series against the world’s best netball teams that they have taken part in last year have given Chawane confidence that the SA side can turn the heat up on the Roses on home soil. While they were not able to beat Jamaica, Australia or New Zealand, the…

South Africa’s automotive industry is not calling for punitive tariff hikes on cheap vehicle imports from China and India, but rather for targeted policy adjustments that strengthen local manufacturing without triggering price shocks for consumers. This was the message from BMW Group South Africa on Wednesday after industry representatives appeared before Parliament on the implementation of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) on Tueday. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has called on government to impose steep tariffs on imports from BRICS partners China and India, warning that local industry is under siege and that trade imbalances are deepening. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is currently reviewing measures, including higher import duties and excise taxes, and updating the country’s tariff schedule to align…

Real salary increases are expected this year supported by positive economic developments, record-high commodity prices, a stronger rand, and low inflation, according to an analysis by PayInc The PayInc Net Salary Index, which tracks net salaries of approximately 2.15 million salary earners in South Africa, ended 2025 on a positive note with salaries tracking higher than a year ago, it said in a statement. “Although the average nominal salary flattened in December 2025 at R21 397, it was still 1.8% higher than a year ago,” said Shergeran Naidoo, the head of Stakeholder Engagements at PayInc. The upward trend in net salaries during 2024 continued into 2025, with the average nominal salary rising by 3.7%, compared to 4.6% in the previous year. “The sustained recovery in salaries reflects the gradual improvement…

As the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to weigh on South Africa’s livestock sector, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has called for unity, warning that legal action could undermine efforts to contain the outbreak. The call follows confirmation that business organisation Sakeliga and the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), together with Free State Agriculture, have sent letters of demand to the Department of Agriculture, seeking permission for farmers to privately procure and administer FMD vaccines. The groups have warned that failure to comply could result in court action. Sakeliga on Tuesday said the organisations had formally requested written confirmation that livestock owners and the private sector may vaccinate their animals according to their own risk-management decisions, without being blocked by what it described as State “gatekeeping and red tape”. “Our…

With the 2025 matric results being released, a fresh wave of young South Africans stands on the brink of an unforgiving labour market. With the country’s official unemployment rate recently reported at a staggering 32.9%, one of the highest in the world, the situation appears dire even before these new school leavers enter the workforce. Youth unemployment particularly plagues the nation, with nearly half of individuals aged 15 to 34 currently unable to secure employment or active labour-market opportunities. In this challenging context, the significance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a critical driver for job creation gains even more prominence. SMEs make up a crucial pillar of South Africa’s economy, accounting for 60% of employment and contributing approximately 34% of the national GDP. However, these enterprises frequently grapple…

Maria Williams has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision to dismiss Pick n Pay’s final appeal in her long-running slip-and-fall case, saying the ruling finally brings certainty after years of emotionally draining litigation. Williams is the widow of late Springbok rugby legend Chester Williams. “This has been a long and emotionally draining process,” Williams said. “I’m grateful that responsibility has finally been acknowledged and that I can now focus on my recovery and moving forward.” The SCA ruling brings a decisive end to the merits phase of the case, which stems from a 2017 incident at a Pick n Pay store in Cape Town, and clears the way for the quantification and settlement of damages. In its latest judgment, the SCA dismissed Pick n Pay’s application for reconsideration with…

A single question posed to US President Donald Trump has placed journalist Heidie Giokos at the centre of a fierce online backlash after she challenged claims of a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa. Giokos raised the question during an interview with Trump at the recently held World Economic Forum in Davos, asking what it would take for him to accept that there is no genocide against white South Africans. Trump dismissed the premise, responding that white farmers were being “brutally killed” and insisting the violence amounted to a targeted campaign, despite South African crime statistics showing that violent crime affects all races. On the narrative of “white genocide” in South Africa, he said: “What’s happening in South Africa is a terrible situation and what they are doing to a…

City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has described Andile Mngwevu, the city’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Planning, as a dedicated public servant following his death in Mozambique. Mngwevu went missing earlier this month while travelling in Mozambique, when the vehicle he was in was swept away during severe flooding in the Chókwè area. The Mngwevu family confirmed his death on Tuesday, expressing deep sorrow. Mozambique has been experiencing widespread flooding that has displaced hundreds of thousands and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Details surrounding the recovery of Mngwevu’s body, including the exact location, have not yet been released. Xhakaza expressed shock and sadness over Mngwevu’s passing, highlighting his contribution to mobility, infrastructure development, and service delivery. “Councillor Mngwevu was a committed public servant who…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s (MKP) Sibonelo Nomvalo has said that Paul O’Sullivan does not respect anyone in South Africa, including Parliament. Nomvalo was speaking on the sidelines of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, where they heard presentations from civil groups, which he said “were irrelevant and out of context”. Accountability Now and the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF) made presentations at the Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, where they appeared not as witnesses, but to give insights into the criminal justice system and make recommendations. The decision for their appearance before the committee came from the public submissions that were made to the committee. “I think it was off context because we must remember we’re not a portfolio committee on justice. We’re…

Suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has denied coercing Witness E to lie in his favour, and said he’s willing to make a comeback to the Madlanga Commission to give another side of his story. On Monday, Witness E told the commission that Mchunu personally tried to coax him into lying under oath, producing an audio recording as evidence. An undercover police officer, Witness E, said Mchunu sought to manipulate evidence to falsely implicate Crime Intelligence head, Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo. The recording, captured during a direct phone call, places Mchunu at the centre of an alleged attempt to subvert the commission’s work. In a statement seen by IOL dated January 27, Mchunu denied the allegations as “inaccurate and untruthful”. “I have taken note of the evidence that was presented by the…

Everyone wants a slice of the bakkie pie in South Africa, and while they won’t easily remove the locally built Toyota Hilux, the Ford Ranger and the Isuzu D-Max from the podium, there’s no harm in trying. Global manufacturers, especially the Chinese, understand our penchant for bakkies and continue to enter the market at a rapid rate, one of the latest being Jianling Motors Corporation (JMC) with their Vigus Pro single and double cab offering. JMC is imported by Salvador Caetano South Africa, they currently have 29 dealers in the country. With plans to expand to 40 by the end of the year. Exterior Launched in China in 2017, it’s now in the run-out phase, but it’s not an entirely unattractive piece of sheet metal. The most distinctive feature is…

I came into the world marked by a visible difference long before I understood its significance. My birthmark existed before my identity took shape, before my self-awareness developed, and before I learned how quickly society labels what it sees. It has always been part of me, and for much of my life, it influenced how others viewed me long before they understood who I was beyond my physical appearance. The birthmark itself is a constellation of brown patches and scattered spots across my upper torso – irregular, unmistakable, and impossible to ignore once seen. It is not dramatic in shape, yet its presence carries weight. It rests quietly against my skin. It is a feature that does not announce itself loudly, yet it is often noticed before my words are…

Tshepang Moremi doesn’t let early shortcomings define his journey, as he believes that he can reach his final destination as long as he continues to believe in himself and work hard. Blessed with good technique, pacey legs and an eye for goal, Moremi arrived at Orlando Pirates full of fire in his belly, thinking he would introduce himself to the Ghost in style, especially after a relatively lukewarm reception to his arrival, having been part of nine new signings unveiled by the club. However, instead of being an instant fit at the club, Moremi became a victim of the “boo boys” due to a shaky start, which made some of the Ghost lose hope in him ever looking the part in the famous black-and-white colours of the Bucs. But thanks…

Growing up, I used to think that rich people’s lives were peaceful and better in every way; on a much bigger scale, I applied that same naive logic when comparing countries. Blessed with a vivid imagination, there are few episodes where I would randomly match a person’s face to a particular country or brand based on their social status or simply my perception of them. No doubt, the faces of the rich would find themselves with the body of a first-world country, while the not-so-fortunate in life would — you guessed it — become third-world countries. Heck, even if I say so myself, such a colourful imagination is what Hollywood screenwriters are made of. It is funny Hollywood should pop up there, since the whole reason I find myself recounting…

Aston Villa’s Premier League title bid has suffered a major blow after Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans was ruled out for up to 10 weeks with an ankle injury. Tielemans sustained the problem in Villa’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday. The 28-year-old was replaced in the 74th minute following a clash with Newcastle's Lewis Miley. Tielemans’ extended absence adds to Villa’s mounting list of injured midfielders, with Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn already sidelined. McGinn will be out for two months with a knee injury, while Kamara is not expected back this season due to a knee problem. “We know about Kamara, McGinn and Tielemans. Kamara is a long time, I think he’s not going to play this season. “McGinn, more or less, is 6-8…

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has urged the government to strike a careful balance between protecting the South African automotive manufacturing sector from the growing influx of Chinese and Indian vehicle brands and preserving the strong momentum in the retail motor industry. This comes as the government is currently debating whether to impose higher tariffs of up to 50% on imported cars from India and China as local manufacturers struggle to compete and protect jobs in the domestic automotive industry. However, the move to raise tariffs could result in higher prices for consumers, particularly for entry-level and budget vehicles, which have been the fastest-growing segment of imports from India and China. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is reviewing measures, including higher import duties and excise…

Global exploration statistics often tell a partial story—and South Africa is a prime example. Countries such as Australia and Canada dominate international exploration rankings not only because of their geological activity, but because their junior mining companies are publicly listed on exchanges that require detailed disclosure. This visibility makes their exploration footprint easy to measure. South Africa appears to contribute less than 1% of global exploration spend, but this figure reflects only the work of listed companies. When privately funded and unlisted explorers are included, the country’s true contribution is significantly higher. The reality is simple: a lack of disclosed data does not mean a lack of exploration. The mining sector remains a cornerstone of the South African economy, contributing R444.2 billion to GDP and employing nearly half a million…

SME empowerment organisation Unconventional CA (UCA) has raised concerns that the Transformation Fund offering big black economic empowerment points incentive reflects no meaningful shift from earlier drafts and is unlikely to serve the real needs and requirements of South Africa’s entrepreneurs and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This is in response to the news that the government is getting ready to move ahead with the revamped fund as soon as next week. Government in partnership with the private sector seeks to establish a R100 billion aggregated Fund to support the ever-growing funding requirements for businesses owned and managed by black entrepreneurs to propel inclusive growth across various sectors of South Africa’s economy. The Transformation Fund is anticipated to be capitalised at R20 billion per annum over a five-year period.…

Dubai is planning projects worth more than 100 billion dirhams ($27 billion) to expand the Gulf financial hub as an influx of foreign firms pushes occupancy to limits and leaves global firms struggling to find space. The Dubai International Financial Center will start construction on an additional area across the road from its original location, which first opened in 2004. The expanded section - to be named DIFC Zabeel District - will add 17.7 million square feet to the 11.8 million square foot hub. The completion of the six upcoming phases is slated for 2040, according to a presentation on the project seen by Bloomberg News. The expansion offers a window into the sharp ascent of a financial hub which was established with just 19 firms and 75 employees. In…

Regulatory uncertainty and the rapid expansion of illicit trade have emerged as the biggest challenges facing South Africa’s tobacco industry this year, according to Philip Morris South Africa (PMSA), as industry players react to British American Tobacco South Africa’s (Batsa) decision to place its only local cigarette manufacturing plant on hold. Earlier this month, Batsa said it would suspend operations at its Heidelberg plant, citing the unchecked proliferation of illicitly traded tobacco products. The move has renewed concern over the scale of the illicit cigarette market, which has grown sharply in recent years. South African Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, said this week that significant work still needed to be done to curb the illicit tobacco trade, which is costing the fiscus billions of rand annually. Buena Barnes, Philip…

Episode 1 of the second season of Landman – ostensibly about Tommy Norris, a fixer for an oil company – kicks off with a minute-long rant against breakfast. In Episode 4, a sand hauler plows into a pickup truck on company land. There are multiple fatalities. We basically never hear about it again. In Episode 7, Tommy and his ex-wife-turned-fiancée, Angela (Ali Larter, given acres of scenery to chew), have an unprintable shouting match about the appropriate uses of an omelette. Also, unrelatedly, in Episode 7: His pop scolds him, “I can’t wait till your prostate is the size of a grapefruit,” then urinates on a rattlesnake. It’s ludicrous. There’s nothing like it on television. Each week, I drink it up with the relish of “There Will Be Blood’s” Daniel…

Alcohol bottles and drugs have allegedly been found in a hotel room of controversial social media figure Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda, who was found dead on Tuesday. His body was discovered in the hotel room in Sandton Following his mysterious death, police confirmed that they opened an inquest docket “after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton”. Police said the cause of death is unknown and that investigations surrounding the death are underway. However, police are now probing whether cocaine and alcohol played a part in Vawda’s death, after traces were reportedly found in the luxury Sandton apartment where his body was discovered. This after sources close to the investigation claim that alcohol bottles and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the scene. Hotel guests reportedly…

Police have finally confirmed that Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) CEO Themba Mathibe was arrested and later released on R50 000 bail after appearing in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on money laundering charges. He appeared in court yesterday. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed Mathibe was arrested and had appeared in court. “Following an extensive investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, the SAPS cold case unit and Special Task Force effected an arrest on a charge of money laundering after the CEO was found with a substantial amount of money at his home,” she said. Mathe said the team was acting on a J51 search and seizure warrant where Mathibe’s home and offices were raided. “The accused has already appeared before the Alexandra…

The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, during its oversight visit to the Thohoyandou management area, flagged a significant concern regarding the ratio between offenders and officials, noting it as a “worrying factor” that poses a “serious risk to officials”. The portfolio committee began its first oversight visit of the year on Tuesday, starting with several correctional centres in Limpopo. The programme commenced at the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre. Committee Chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng said their oversight started in the Thohoyandou management area, which houses Medium A, Medium B, Female, and Juvenile facilities with mother and baby. Joining the committee were delegations from the departments of Correctional Services and Public Works, and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services. “The challenges identified in this facility include non-operational laundry machines. All three laundry machines are…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has called on all R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries who do not have access to smartphones, laptops or data to visit their nearest SASSA offices for in-person assistance with biometric identity verification. SASSA says all its offices are fully equipped to help beneficiaries complete the process using on-site kiosks, official laptops and guest Wi-Fi. The move is aimed at ensuring eligible applicants receive their grants on time and without unnecessary delays. Biometric verification is a key part of the SRD grant system, designed to confirm identity and reduce fraud. However, SASSA acknowledged that many beneficiaries struggle to complete the process because they lack digital tools or connectivity. Ms Mpambani also clarified why some applications are declined. “Beneficiaries must note that…

After taking delivery of our new accessorised Ford Ranger XLT bi-turbo 4x4 double cab in late November, Dezemba brought about the opportunity to pack it up and stretch its legs a little. After relishing the calm quietness that makes Joburg so wonderful over Christmas, we headed to a dog-friendly country retreat near Magaliesburg to get the fur friends away from all the bangs over New Year’s. While our vehicle doesn’t have the fancier roller-shutter that’s available on some of the more premium versions of the Ranger, the conventional rubber tonneau cover fitted to our test vehicle is a more cost-effective solution that proved relatively easy to use and kept our luggage dry and free of dust. The large, cavernous load bay swallowed our luggage with ease, including large coolers filled…

Proteas spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde is excited about the squad’s form going into the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. Linde believes that the majority of the players who are in the squad got valuable time in the field during the four-week-long Betway SA20, a feat that the all-rounder believes will bode well for them in the showpiece event next month. The squad is currently facing the West Indies in a three-match series. They beat the visiting side by nine wickets in the first match in Paarl earlier this week, and head into the second match in Centurion in good touch. Linde understands that despite their good form, they are simply going to feel the pressure as soon as they arrive in India…

It’s no surprise that the Bulls’ turnaround in fortunes has coincided with the timely return to form of experienced fly-half Handré Pollard. Pollard had a rather poor start to life back in Pretoria, looking a little rusty and out of sync with his new teammates after rejoining the team after the Springboks’ November tour.It really looked like he was struggling to adapt to Johan Ackermann’s expansive game plan and things didn’t click. Pollard’s normally reliable tactical kicking was off, missing touch on a few occasions from penalties. His passing was also poor, shovelling a lot of balls behind his runners in the wide channels. However, during their recent matches in Europe, when they adopted a more pragmatic approach in the wet and windy conditions against Pau in France and Edinburgh…