Table of contents for 2024-08-08 in Star

Although it took an impairment knock of $611 million (R11 billion) from its South African coal mining operations in the first half of this year, Glencore has so far invested $175m in the Cape Town oil refinery and related projects after acquiring Astron Energy. Glencore made commitments to invest up to R6bn or $329m with the Competition Tribunal and the South African Economic Development Department, when its 75% acquisition of Astron Energy was given the go-ahead in 2019. Yesterday, Glencore confirmed that Astron Energy “has made several investments amounting to R3.2bn or $175m in qualifying expenditure, related to the Cape Town oil refinery as at September 30, 2023. The refinery was rocked by an explosion in 2020 but Glencore has said in the past few months that it was…

MTN, Africa’s largest cellular operator, said yesterday that it would report a headline loss per share of between 271c and 217c, while the basic loss per share would be between 434c and 383c for the half year to June. The JSE-listed mobile operator said while it had encouraging results from both Ghana and Uganda – with South Africa set to show encouraging progress in key areas – the company’s results were adversely affected by several factors, not least of these being further devaluation in the naira against the dollar, which impacted MTN Nigeria’s financials. MTN did note that Nigeria posted a strong underlying operational performance in its first half. The naira devaluation will affect MTN’s results by 90c a share, up from the 4c it reported in the prior comparative…

Zimbabwean businesses adjudged to be manipulating the new ZiG currency face new stiffer penalties while they are also now mandated to open bank accounts and to use point-of-sale machines as the government clamps down on resurfacing parallel market exchange rates. Roiled by hyperinflation in previous years, Zimbabwe this year introduced the Zimbabwe ZiG currency which it says is backed by foreign currency and gold reserves held with the central bank. While the ZiG has maintained pricing stability since its introduction in April, parallel market exchange rates have started to resurface. The government of President Emerson Mnangagwa says this is frustrating efforts to dedollarise in a nation where up to 80% of all transactions are US dollar-based. “Penalties are being enforced against all perpetrators of unjust price hikes, manipulation of the…

Growing up in a rural village and watching her parents toil to make ends meet for the family was one of the reasons that inspired Maggie Mojapelo to become a success. Mojapelo is the founder of her management consultancy, The Human Touch. The 60-year-old told Business Report that she grew up in a home that had no running water or electricity and began her journey into the world of entrepreneurship at the tender age of 10. She said her mother juggled three demanding jobs as she raised seven children. Mojapelo was inspired and that was when she started selling tomatoes. Mojapelo said: “It started with my father. He was a man who struggled every day of his life but refused to let hardship stop him from being a provider…

British multinational wealth management company Quilter’s core net inflows increased 164% to £1.7 billion (R39.6bn) for the six months to June 30, reflecting a good performance from its Quilter channel in both high net worth and affluent segments, and much improved independent financial adviser (IFA) channel flows onto the Quilter Platform. The share price gained a strong 4.24% to R30.97 on the JSE yesterday afternoon. Assets under management and administration (AuMA) of £113.8bn increased by 7% on December 31, 2023, driven by net inflows of £1.5bn and positive market movements of £5.6bn. The 1.7 pence per share interim dividend was equal to one third of last year’s total dividend, and was also 13.3% higher than the first-half dividend of last year. Adjusted diluted earnings a share increased 21% to 5.2…

Global commodities trader Glencore has retained its money-spinning coal business as well as the carbon steel-making operations despite growing pressure from environmentalists to demerge the two units. Coal has been a major income earner for Glencore, with energy and steel-making coal accounting for $2.7 billion (R49.6bn) of the company’s total earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of $6.3bn for the half-year period to June, 2024. Bruce Williamson, a resource analyst at Integral Asset Management, told Business Report “coal is the biggest contributor” to Glencore’s earnings. However, low prices have been impacting the company’s earnings, with Glencore’s coal operations recording a $2.7bn lower contribution to its industrial category adjusted Ebitda of $4.5bn, which was 39% softer in the half year to June compared to the previous year. The earnings…

Former Gauteng MEC for Social Development Mbali Hlophe has described DA MPL Refiloe N’tseke as a “cigar lounge gossiper”. Hlophe said N’tseke failed to address the pressing issues facing Gauteng citizens and those of various NGOs, but instead focused on tarnishing her reputation. This comes after N’tseke accused the former MEC of collapsing a number of NGOs, saying she oversaw the establishment of parallel procurement of food to NPOs and food banks. Hlophe said she expected no less from N’tseke, as she was in charge of a “project” to destroy her political career with false accusations. “She (N’tseke) claims the department violated a court order. Perhaps I should remind member N’tseke that this claim is not new. “In fact, the department was taken to court over the same allegation, and…

THE Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has written to South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago to request a rehabilitative intervention for local company The Drip Group (Pty) Ltd. This is according to a statement from the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. The footwear company is currently facing challenges of non-compliance with domestic tax laws. According to the statement, Drip is under investigation for the contravention of the provisions of the Exchange Control Regulations, made under section 9 of the Currency and Exchanges Act, 1933 (Act No. 9 of 1933). In the letter to the Governor, the MEC expressed commitment to the rule of law which extends to the investigative process the SARB has undertaken in its legal matter with the company. The investigation, which…

The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, in collaboration with the US Embassy, hosted Dr Sian Proctor, mission pilot of the first all-civilian orbital mission, SpaceX Inspiration4, on the university’s Hatfield Campus. She shared her experience with an enthusiastic audience fascinated by space travel. The event was organised by the University of Pretoria (UP) Aerospace Society. It launched the faculty’s Women’s Month activities. Proctor is the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, and the first African American commercial astronaut. She is a geoscientist, who is a professor at the South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, where she teaches geology, sustainability and planetary science. She is also one of The Explorer’s Club 50 – 50 people changing the world. She explained that travelling…

Teenage pregnancy is trapping young girls in a vicious cycle of poverty, lack of educational prospects and making them dependent on the government for survival. That is the warning issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education following a news report that showed the province has the highest number of teenage pregnancies in the country. Almost 120 000 girls aged 15 to 19 have given birth in just 12 months, according to figures released by the national Health Department. KwaZulu-Natal led other provinces with 30 478 pregnancies, followed by Gauteng with 19 406, Limpopo 16 262, the Eastern Cape 15 827, Mpumalanga 11 524, the Western Cape 9 622, North West 7 525, the Free State 5 395 and the Northern Cape 3 538. More than 2 700 girls aged 10…

Following months of steady decline before the general election and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), South Africa’s new vehicle sales finally bounced back last month. Although the gains were modest, with the market improving by 1.5% versus the same month last year, Naamsa – the Automotive Business Council – said this could be the turning point that leads to an improved performance in the second half of the year. Passenger cars led the recovery by growing 6.8% year-on-year, with buoyant rental industry sales accounting for 17.1% of the pie, while light commercial vehicle sales dropped by 8.8% versus July 2023. Medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales declined by 6.6% and 3.7% respectively. Vehicle sales for July totalled 44 229 units, with passenger cars accounting for 29…

THE Springboks have admitted that they have not always had the best of mindsets when they have toured Australia, but that will not be the case when they play the Wallabies on Saturday (6.30am SA time start) before a sell-out crowd in Brisbane. Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach conceded that the Boks have been guilty in the past of having one eye on an impending game against the All Blacks, or that they were mentally drained from playing in New Zealand the week before. The Boks’ failure to “switch on” in Australia was best illustrated when a disinterested team lost 49-0 in Brisbane in 2006, only to win the World Cup a year later. The Boks’ last win at Suncorp Stadium was in 2013, and this remains their only victory in Brisbane…

Brazil reached the Olympic women’s football final as they claimed a stunning 4-2 win over world champions Spain in Marseille on Tuesday night, and will face the US for the gold medal. Playing in their sixth Olympic semi, Brazil capitalised on a number of Spanish defensive mistakes to reach Saturday’s final at Parc des Princes, where they will seek a maiden title against four-time champions USA. Brazil prevailed despite being without captain and all-time leading goal-scorer Marta, who received a two-match ban after a red card in a 2-0 loss to Spain in their final group stage game. They went ahead six minutes into the game after an attempted clearance by Spain keeper Cata Coll deflected off captain Irene Paredes into her own net. The South Americans doubled their lead…

LOOKING back at South Africa’s last five Test series – against England, Australia, West Indies, India and New Zealand – the weak link in the team has undoubtedly been the batting department. In this two-year period, the Proteas have scored only one 400-plus total in 12 matches and 20 innings. Given that established Test batters including Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock and Dean Elgar have retired in the past five years, one could be lenient and say the Test team is in a rebuilding phase, hence the struggles in putting together the big scores Furthermore, many batters have made their debuts, struggled and got dropped from the Test side, including Rassie van der Dussen, Keegan Petersen and Khaya Zondo, which adds to the instability in the Test…

Brandon Truter was yesterday announced as the new head coach of Richards Bay FC for the 2024/2025 season. The 46-year-old mentor has taken over the reins at the club after the departure of Vusumuzi “Kanu” Vilakazi by mutual consent in recent days. This appointment has put an end to several weeks of speculation that saw names like Rulani Mokwena, Pitso Mosimane and Benni McCarthy linked with the job. Truter is expected to lead a new-look side, with the club having received a bumper R100 million sponsorship from Phakwe Gas. The Natal Rich Boyz expressed their delight and welcomed the well-travelled Truter back into their dugout. “Richards Bay Football Club would like to announce the appointment of Brandon Truter as the club’s new head coach for the season 2024/2025, with…

The board of IT service management company Altron yesterday announced the passing of its non-executive director, Robbie Venter, on Tuesday at the age of 64. The board described Venter as a remarkable individual, steadfast in his commitment, generously sharing his wisdom and experience as a member of the Altron board. “His contributions to Altron since 1997 were invaluable, and his presence will be greatly missed. His outstanding contributions and leadership have made a lasting impact on the technology industry, and business at large,” it said. Venter joined the Altron board on May 15, 1997. He was a member of its nomination committee; a member of its remuneration committee, the social, ethics and sustainability committee, and the investment committee. He had extensive experience in senior management positions of which 27 years…

CIVIL society in the alternative reform agenda of the Just Energy Transition yesterday called on South Africa to join the G77 Group of countries in calling for the COP 29 Summit in September to push demands for a $5 trillion (R92trl) annual downpayment for climate debt owed by the Global North to the Global South. The Group of 77 totals 134 countries with members including Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and China. At a webinar co-hosted by the Institute for African Alternatives, participants said there was a need to call for climate damages. “The demand provides a realistic attainable figure in addressing the urgent escalating climate needs. We know it’s doable and…

A family-owned farm about 3km from Malelane in Mpumalanga now faces an energy secure future thanks to the owners’ decision to keep production on track and reduce escalating energy costs, resulting in a sizeable solar-powered solution. Renald Radley, who co-manages the farm with his brothers Wilscott and Henno, said load shedding was the primary reason they had decided to go solar with the estate’s 1 900 hectares of land. “Load shedding was a significant obstacle that created uncertainty and disrupted our daily farming activities. Traditional power sources and outages impacted our ability to irrigate crops, power essential equipment, and maintain productivity,” Radley said. The farm, which has been in the family for about 80 years, produces a variety of farming operations, including 157 hectares of citrus orchards; 536 hectares…

EVERY great entrepreneur is a great competitor! In both the arenas of Olympic sports and the business world, the quest for perfection is a common thread. Every great entrepreneur, much like an Olympic athlete, is a fierce competitor. The entrepreneur comes up with an idea, tests the idea, refines it and then commercialises it, aiming to be the best in what they do. The core aim of every entrepreneur is to service its customers by providing a perfect product or service, then generate revenue from doing this and grow the business to greater heights. Entrepreneurs are perfectionists, waking up every day and thinking how they can improve, outsmart their competitors and have more clients desire their product, more than any other. I skipped work last week for dental surgery, which…

Discovery Group plans to create a single global composite, with the same strategy, product and technology, which it will simply name Vitality, outside of its existing South Africa composite. The group has traditionally been made up of three business composites: Discovery South Africa; Vitality UK (VUK); and Vitality Global (VG). “The group’s evolution provides the opportunity today to create one global composite, Vitality, comprising VUK and VG, alongside Discovery South Africa,” the group said yesterday. The share price gained 2.54% to R139.50 in the afternoon, at a time when the JSE All-Share Index was up only 1.1%, signalling that shareholders appeared favourably disposed to the move. The group results for the six months to December 31 showed that in terms of operating profit, the UK composite increased its contribution 13%…

A MAN, 33, who brutally robbed and killed a street vendor, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. Prince Hlangoma Chauke was found guilty of robbing and killing Mamatlou Salome Mashiloane in December 2021. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the victim was a street vendor in Mamelodi where Chauke was selling cigarettes on the streets. “On December 9, 2021, she went with Chauke to his home in Cullinan on the pretext that he wanted her to view the furniture that he was selling. “On arrival at his residence, Chauke robbed the deceased of her phone, R8 000 in cash and her vehicle, a Nissan NP200.” Chauke then killed Mashiloane and dumped her body in the veld in Hartbeespoort. “On the same day,…

ONGOING misinformation and confusion continue to fuel conversations about vaping. As South Africa moves toward establishing a legislative framework for these products, the importance of dispelling the confusion on these products will assist public policymakers and users of these products to make informed decisions. In perhaps the most pervasive refrain, vaping is often said to be a replacement for smoking, but there is a huge difference between these two. Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco, releasing harmful chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide that have been directly linked to lung cancer, heart disease and other severe health issues. On the other hand, vaping heats a liquid that contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavouring and sometimes nicotine. “Despite many studies supporting these products as an effective tool for those wishing to stop…

FINANCIAL literacy is crucial for women managing family and caregiving responsibilities, as it promotes personal empowerment and financial independence. The rise of women breadwinners According to the most recent SA General Household Survey by Stats SA, almost 40% of South African households are financially led by women. This finding reflects the significant societal changes taking place, driven by the global call for gender equality and greater recognition of women’s contributions both at home and at work. Mariné van Brakel, deputy CEO at RCS, a financial wellness platform, emphasises the importance of financial literacy in empowering women to secure their futures and those of their families. “Equipped with a clear understanding of basic financial concepts and how to master aspects like budgeting, saving, and managing debt responsibility, women can make more…

The bail application for a 34-year-old Ethiopian man, accused of raping a 7-year-old Diepsloot girl in his tuckshop, has been postponed owing to the absence of his lawyer. The man was set to file his formal bail application at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, but it has been postponed to Tuesday, August 13. The court postponed the bail application because the accused man’s lawyer was absent, having requested to be excused from the proceedings due to unexpected circumstances. The Ethiopian man was arrested after he allegedly lured the girl and a boy, 10, inside his shop with snacks and then gave the boy R5 and told him to cover his face. He then allegedly raped the girl. Last week, IOL News reported that the young girl’s mother said she…

Suzuki Auto South Africa has hit back at the recent negative findings on their Ertiga in the #SaferCarsFor Africa report issued by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) in partnership with the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA). In the latest crash tests report the Ertiga received a one-star adult occupant rating and two-star ratings for the Kia Pegas and Renault Triber. GNCAP said the structure of the Suzuki Ertiga, which is also sold as the Toyota Rumion in South Africa, was rated as “borderline unstable”. Although head and neck protection for adult occupants was good, the footwell area showed injury to the driver’s lower legs. This has prompted Suzuki to respond by accusing the organisation of not being completely transparent with its findings. “We believe that the most…

Women’s Day marks the emergence of a transformative blueprint in the heart of human connections. This design thrives as a tribute to the pioneers. It is rooted in the soil of women’s collective wisdom which has fearlessly forged new paths – empowering us to rise. Their contribution to the essence of humankind as visionaries and pioneers has been phenomenal. By pioneering new directions, they have offered beacons of hope to others by shining with their inner power. This year, Women’s Day aims to honour past triumphs, encourage development and emphasise the need to educate and shape the upcoming generations. For generations, South African women have faced discrimination, inequality and oppression. But, what if we could create a world where women are valued, supported, and empowered to craft a more inclusive…

It was a difficult night for Wayde van Niekerk and Shaun Maswanganyi on the track, but Jo-Ané van Dyk will hope to follow in South African javelin legend Sunette Viljoen-Louw’s footsteps after qualifying for the Olympic final to be held on Saturday in Paris. Viljoen-Louw won the silver medal at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and still holds the African record of 69.35m. Van Dyk, who is the current African champion, was in imperious form yesterday when she launched the javelin into the Parisian sky for a career-best 64.22m to automatically qualify for the final. The 26-year-old’s effort topped Group A and was the fourth-best overall on the day. She was visibly excited by her effort as she gave off a shriek of delight and two thumbs-up to the cameras…

Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas wanted to walk away from athletics on several occasions, she said after her dominant victory in Paris on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old American, who captured bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games and silver at last year’s world championships, secured her first global title after beating 100m champion Julien Alfred and compatriot Brittany Brown to win gold. “Running track in college, there were many times where I thought I would quit,” Thomas told reporters. “When I went pro, growing pains of joining a professional training group are real – there are a lot of egos ... I didn’t think that I was going to be cut out for it. “I told my agents ‘I’m out and I’m done’. I wrote an email, I said ‘I’m done…

Bafana Bafana striker Khanyisa Mayo, who recently scored a move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad, has opened up about his decision to snub local interest for a surprise move to north Africa. Mayo, 25, has been one of the most sought after players in the Premier Soccer League for the past two seasons, with names like Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns linked with him. However, he has elected to follow in the footsteps of Percy Tau, Phakamani Mahlambi, Fagrie Lakay and most recently Elias Mokwana (who has joined Esperance) by electing to spread his wings further in north Africa. The SuperSport United academy graduate has racked up 35 goal involvements in 93 appearances for Cape Town City, and attracted the attention of numerous clubs – but the reported R20 million…

POLOKWANE City captain Cole Alexander says they are comfortable with their overwhelming underdogs tag as they head into Sunday’s MTN8 quarter-final clash with Mamelodi Sundowns. The teams clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium (3pm start) looking to progress to the semi-finals of the season-opening competition that now carries a massive R10 million winner’s cheque. Speaking after the club’s training session at the rugby fields between the two Peter Mokaba Stadiums in Polokwane yesterday, Alexander said they are going to use that status as a motivating factor. “Ja, I think so (it is good to be underdogs) because – and that’s what our players need to know – we shouldn’t put unnecessary pressure on ourselves,” he said. “Look, we have done well to achieve to play in this prestigious tournament. “I am…

Impala Platinum (Implats) expects to report a loss at the basic earnings-level of between R16.9 billion and R17.8bn in its full-year results due to significant impairments totalling R19.8bn – most of which is the result of write-downs because of lower platinum group metals (PGM) rand pricing, it said yesterday. This comes despite increasing production in the year to June 2024. Electricity issues affected its operations in Zimbabwe, and lower prices were achieved for each PGM ounce, with sharply lower average palladium and rhodium pricing. In dollar terms, it achieved 34% less revenue per ounce sold. Implats said it “navigated several serious challenges and a constrained operating environment to deliver guided production volumes. While its local operations benefited from “a notable reduction in the frequency and intensity of load curtailment in…

Everybody wants it. But it’s hard to find, and even harder to keep. While female representation has improved generally across the financial services sector, most board, CEO and C-suite roles remain male-dominated. Whether it is to achieve black economic empowerment targets, driven by a moral imperative or rooted in the fact that diversity is good for business performance, the doors to the industry are certainly open to women. So, why is it so hard to get women into leadership positions? The answer to this vexing question lies in the convergence of various factors. Those financial services companies trying hard to attract, develop and retain female talent must synthesise a sustained, multi-faceted approach, which is not simple or easy. Even before entry-level, there don’t seem to be sufficient South African…

Women over the age of 55 are the fastest-growing segment of the property owners in South Africa, bond origination company BetterBond said yesterday. “More specifically, single women are purchasing property from about middle-age onwards. Single women over the age of 40 are increasingly interested in freehold homes in the R500 000 to R1 million price band,” the company said in a statement. Bradd Bendall, head of sales at BetterBond, said: “The South Africa picture aligns with the global scenario; women above the age of 55 are the fastest-growing demographic of home-buyers. They increasingly value home ownership and stability later in life.” In a market of more than 7 million South African homes, single women own 83 418 more homes than single men, with females mostly purchasing as repeat…

THIS quick guide provides an overview of everything you need to know to manage your tax efficiently and ensure that your operations are tax compliant. Tax basics for SMEs Most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not always liable to pay tax due to a low level of profit or not meeting the minimum threshold to pay tax. However, it’s still important to be registered with SA Revenue Service (Sars), within 21 business days after becoming an employer, unless none of your employees are liable for normal tax. Getting registered from the outset and submitting tax returns timeously will ensure that as your business grows and your tax obligations change, the process of paying tax is set up and that you won’t incur unnecessary penalties in future. These are the…

The JSE reported a slow start to 2024, but value traded in the equity market started to recover in the second quarter to end-June, with the trend extending into July, group CEO Leila Fourie said yesterday. Higher trading activity was reflective of positive market sentiment stemming from the outcome of the national elections and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Fourie said at the release of the interim results of the operator of the JSE. “We remain on track … to position the JSE as a diversified and sustainable exchange, through next-generation technology, expanding our range of products and services, entering new markets, providing fair and transparent regulation, and strengthening our operational capabilities,” she said. Net profit after tax of R493 million, the same as at the…

The Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) has confirmed its action against banking group Nedbank awaits the president’s signing of a proclamation for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Acsa said it was in the process of determining the exact quantum of losses in financial and other terms that it would require as a refund from Nedbank. The Zondo Commission recommended in 2022 that the law enforcement agencies should investigate Nedbank for its alleged role in a corrupt deal involving interest rate swop transactions it concluded with Acsa between 2009 and 2011 involving the Gupta-linked Regiments Capital. Last week, Transnet and the SIU finally announced they intend to sue in a bid to recover R2.7 billion in interest rate swops dating back to the State Capture-era in 2015/16. Acsa too wants…

TWELVE days after 95 Libyan nationals were arrested at what is alleged to be a “military training camp” in Mpumalanga, authorities have more questions than answers. Questions about how the nationals got to the camp and why they were being trained are yet to be determined, despite the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) having declared the facility to be illegal. The oversight body, during a media briefing in Tshwane yesterday, informed journalists that investigations found that the training facility was illegal. It was considering legal action against the trainers and individuals linked to the facility. The Libyans, who could be facing more charges, are being prosecuted for contravening the South African Immigration Act after provincial police raided the White River facility last month. The men were found to have…

Three City Power employees from the Reuven Service Delivery Centre have been nabbed along with two other people for stealing R20 000 worth of copper materials from its Johannesburg offices. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the five suspects, aged 32 to 49, were arrested on Sunday, after a sting operation by Security Risk Management and law enforcement agencies. Mangena said the team received a tip-off about suspicious activity at City Power’s offices, that led to a swift response and the arrest of the suspects. “During the course of the arrest, one suspect, who is among three City Power employees, fled the scene. He was apprehended on Monday.” He said all the suspects face charges of theft after they were caught in possession of stolen copper brazing rods taken from…

Celebrated each year, National Fresh Breath Day serves as a friendly reminder that oral hygiene and the fresh breath are part of healthy, daily habits. In celebration of national fresh breath day, IOL has compiled a list of eight practical tips to keep your breath minty fresh all day long. Brush your teeth and floss regularly For optimal oral hygiene and fresh breath, it’s essential to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once a day. This routine effectively clears away food particles and harmful bacteria that get trapped between your teeth and gums. Clean your tongue Your tongue can also accumulate germs, dead cells, and food particles, contributing to bad breath. For this reason, it’s important to brush your tongue with your toothbrush or use…

The new advocate representing convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester, Lerato Moela, has achieved his dream of appearing on TV after expressing his desire for fame. In a Facebook post dated January 14, 2024, Moela revealed he has always been chasing fame and believed a career in law would be his golden ticket. “I just want to be famous and I am not apologetic about it. I tried VenRap, soccer, marathon and accounting. LLB is going to make me a celebrity lawyer. Please ask them to televise me … ” he wrote on his post. Moela also posted a clip on his Facebook page showing himself addressing the judge in the Bloemfontein High Court, where he advocated for relaxed incarceration conditions for Bester. Some of Moela’s posts include pictures of…

What, an LDV? That’s right, another Chinese bakkie is on the showroom floors hoping to tap into our predilection for all things double cab. LDV is owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC Motor) and with more than five million vehicles sold last year it is a serious player in the global automotive industry. SAIC Motor is also the Chinese vehicle partner of General Motors and Volkswagen. There are 10 double-cab variants starting at R480 000 to the top-of-the-range Max Luxe 4x4 automatic we had on test priced at R790 000, which is a shot across the bows of South Africa’s big three; Toyota, Ford and Isuzu as well as Nissan, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi and Peugeot. It’s also almost R100 000 more expensive than the Chinese-manufactured P-Series, which has…

It seems when it comes to cars and methods of propulsion, the world is still struggling to decide if it wants to go all-electric. Companies that promised to screech down electric avenue at full throttle are now easing back on their investments as demand is proving to be slower than expected. Amid all this indecision, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are starting to make more sense as a bridge between the two worlds that could offer the best of both. Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus were pioneers in the hybrid space, so it’s no surprise that the carmaker is now upping its game in the plug-in hybrid segment. Following the introduction of the Lexus RX 450h PHEV late last year, the luxury brand has introduced a second plug-in hybrid, the…

Imane Khelif, one of the two boxers at the heart of a gender dispute at the Paris Olympics, vowed to put the controversy behind her and make Algeria and the Arab world proud. Khelif delivered a flawless performance against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng on Tuesday night to reach the final of the welterweight tournament in front of the massed Algerian fans at a repurposed Court Philippe Chatrier. When Khelif was announced as winner, the crowd, waving Algerian flags and scarves, let out an ear-splitting roar. “I don’t want to talk about the controversy,” Khelif told reporters. Khelif, a silver medallist at the 2022 world championships, and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting have been in the spotlight at the Paris Games as part of a storm that has dominated headlines and been the…

IT HAS been done before, so it is possible. But can it be repeated? Can South Africa win Olympic gold in the men’s marathon? The immediate and honest answer would be no – and with good reason, too. After all, what chance do South African marathoners stand against the great Eliud Kipchoge, who is going for a third successive victory at the Games? None would be the answer, right? Add Kenenisa Bekele to the mix, and our Stephen Mokoka and Elroy Gelant have very little chance of emulating Josiah Thugwane, who was victorious 28 years ago at Atlanta 96. The marathon, though, is a strange beast of an event where surprises cannot be ruled out. After all, unlike the marathon majors where the fastest usually win, the Olympic marathon is…

Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo has thrown down the gauntlet to his teammates ahead of their MTN8 quarter-final against Cape Town City at the weekend. The two teams will battle it out for a place in the last four of the Wafa Wafa competition at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (3pm start). With Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC already in the mix, Babina Noko are looking to become the third ball in the semi-final bowl, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City also set to collide on Sunday. Mntambo, 35, has seen and done it all in the Premier Soccer League, with stints at Pirates and Chippa United in the past. Now captain at the Limpopo-based club, he spoke to the media this week ahead of their first competitive game…