Inhoudsopgave van 2024-10-30 - Star

Shoprite Holdings’ share price increased up to 4.2% on the JSE yesterday after it reported increased sales by 10.4% in its first quarter to end-September 2023, over the same time last year. The sales increase is strong considering sales rose by 12% in the group’s 2024 financial year to end-June to R240.7 billion, driven by their core South African supermarkets segment, while yesterday, Shoprite’s nearest rival Pick n Pay reported only a 3.7% increase in turnover in the 26 weeks to the end of August. The share price was trading at R303.13 yesterday afternoon on the JSE, which represented a 25% increase over 12 months and 61% increase over three years. In an operational update, the group said that 68 stores were opened during the first quarter. The majority of…

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana will today deliver the 2024 Medium- Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). The MTBPS plays an important role by providing a mid-year review of fiscal performance around the targets set in the February Budget, noting any reallocations or adjustments to spending that have become necessary since the Budget was approved. The 2024 MTBPS is being presented amid a moderately improved economic outlook and the establishment of the Government of National Unity, which has pledged its commitment to prudent fiscal policy aimed at stabilising debt. Here is the 2024 MTBPS wish list of some organisations: n Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF): National government must announce two interventions to improve the affordability of private health care. 1. Permitting medical schemes to offer low-cost benefit options. Over nine million…

In the first article of this 2-part series, we explored several common reasons that agricultural loans are frequently declined, including farmers’ eagerness to start too big, lack of security and weak balance sheets, insufficient repayment ability, lack of experience and mentorship, and poor financial literacy and bookkeeping. While these issues present significant obstacles for many farmers seeking financing, there remain additional challenges that can frustrate approval chances. Gaining a well-rounded perspective of lender considerations can empower farmers to make improvements that will transform rejections into approvals. In part 2 of this series, we take a deeper look at several other factors that influence loan decisions in the agricultural sector. Poor deal packaging and incorrect information Loans are often declined due to poorly packaged deals with incorrect information about yields and…

Professor Patrick Bond, from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has critiqued the BRICS 2024 Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, as an exercise in “hype, hope and hopelessness”. He criticised BRICS nations for producing 51% of the global emissions yet generating only 29% of global gross domestic product (GDP), under- scoring the economic imbalance that BRICS embodies. As a climate-focused economist at UJ’s Centre for Social Change, Bond anticipates a united front between BRICS and the West at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference. What it means is that next month, when the BRICS countries go to Azerbaijan for the COP29 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate Conference, we will find that BRICS and the West are aligned. Renowned economist Richard Wolff, the author of Understanding Capitalism…

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has taken a stand against the Labour Court’s decision to deny its urgent interdict aimed at halting disciplinary proceedings tied to alleged fraud within BMW’s medical aid offering. The union’s frustration stems from the potential termination of approximately 500 workers, a situation it claims lacks the necessary transparency and due process. In a statement yesterday, Numsa’s national spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said the union went to the Labour Court to seek an urgent interdict on the basis that it had not been given sufficient information regarding the potential termination of about 500 workers over allegations of medical aid fraud at the company. In the middle of last month, about 300 workers at BMW’s Rosslyn plant north of Pretoria went on strike over…

Multi-Grammy Award-winning musician James Bay is set to bring his soulful melodies to South Africa for the first time in March. Fans can expect an electrifying performance from the internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter when he takes to the stage in Cape Town and Joburg. The UK artist’s tour will feature a mix of new tracks from his latest album, along with beloved classics. “Each performance promises to be an intimate experience, showcasing Bay’s incredible talent and emotional depth,” a statement read. The Let It Go hitmaker is renowned for fusing soulful storytelling with modern musicianship. He broke into the industry with his single, Hold Back the River, which was released in 2014 and certified platinum. His debut studio album, Chaos and the Calm went to number one in the…

R1.3 billion and almost 25 years after the launch of the Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP), which was intended to provide accommodation for numerous families, the initiative remains in limbo. Initiated by former president Thabo Mbeki in 2001 to revitalise historic townships, the project struggled to gain traction amid allegations of misappropriation of funds. The ARP was designed to house around 70 000 people, but it currently accommodates nearly half a million residents, creating a ticking time bomb for the community. In 2019, former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and the South African Human Rights Commission found that both the Gauteng provincial government and the City of Joburg have consistently failed to implement the ARP effectively. The Chapter Nine institutions recommended remedial actions, including a probe by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)…

All eyes will be on the City of Ekurhuleni Council Meeting tomorrow, where one of the topics will be Isaac Mapiyeye, the embattled chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), who is being accused of sexual misconduct and other serious charges. Mapiyeye, who is currently suspended, is accused by a female EMPD officer of alleged sexual misconduct. Investigations reveal that he is also charged with harassing and intimidating a victim’s relative. Other accusations have been made against him. Last Friday, although he wasn’t there, he was represented by Advocate Vusi Masinga before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, while the victim was represented by Dino Lopes, a candidate lawyer. Her family and GBVF Brigades supported her. The interim order was made/endorsed as a final protection order on GBV allegations against Mapiyeye.…

The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had a dog owner from Edgemead in Cape Town arrested for ear cropping. The owner of the American Bully was arrested on Friday. The SPCA said this case emerged from the community after residents reported seeing a four-month-old puppy named Troy with intact ears and then with his ears removed just days later. Inspector Werner Taljaard headed the investigation and through his probing, the owner admitted to hiring a third party for R3 500 to perform ear cropping at his home. The owner further informed Inspector Taljaard that the procedure took place in the entertainment area within his home and lasted for about an hour. “In terms of Section 2(1)(a) of the Animals Protection Act 71…

THE City of Tshwane is pinning its hope on the Minister of Electricity Kgosientso Ramokgopa to assist the metro with ways to settle the outstanding R6 billion debt it owes to Eskom. This was the sentiment expressed by Mayor Nasiphi Moya yesterday during a joint media briefing with Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile in Sandton, where the pair met with delegations from the two institutions to deliberate on the state of finances and governance in Tshwane. The meeting, according to Maile, also sought to make a comprehensive assessment of the role that the Gauteng Treasury should play in stabilising the finances of the City as a means of improving its audit outcomes and financial governance. Parties expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting, describing it as being “successful”. Moya,…

Tygerberg Hospital has collaborated with Smile Foundation and BigShoe to provide life-changing corrective surgeries to eight children during their annual Smile Week. Among them, seven-year-old Liyana Vazana received groundbreaking craniofacial surgery under renowned surgeon Professor Frank Graewe. From October 28 to November 1, this initiative aimed to change the lives of eight deserving children through vital corrective surgeries. Tarri Parfitt, CEO of the Smile Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for their partnership with BigShoe foundation, highlighting how their generous support has been crucial in making this Smile Week and many others possible. “We would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the remarkable surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff at Tygerberg Hospital who are selflessly dedicating their time and expertise to give these children the critical surgery they need,” Parfitt…

Chattogram has been a happy hunting ground for Proteas’ batters over the years. Two of the highest partnerships in South African cricket history have both been accumulated in the Asian seaside port town, then known as Chittagong. And the trend continued yesterday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium with a new generation of Proteas’ batters imprinting their mark. Tony de Zorzi (141 not out) and Tristan Stubbs (106) both struck their maiden Test centuries on the opening day of the second Test, which was completely dominated by the visitors, who finished on 307/2 when play was called off nine overs early due to bad light. When the call was made, it certainly came as a relief to the Bangladeshi bowlers, who were forced to toil on a surface that offered…

I don’t know when last Manchester United were in 14th place on the Premier League table, but that position alone was bad enough to justify Erik ten Hag’s departure from the club on Monday. Yes, the likes of Paul Scholes and others are correct to question the timing of the United board to get rid of their manager – especially as the recent international window would’ve made more sense. However, it had to be done after yet another loss, this time 2-1 to West Ham at London Stadium. Sure, it was a controversial result due to a stoppage-time penalty that should not have been awarded – what is VAR there for if it can’t prevent such poor decisions from being made? But even if it had been a 1-1 draw,…

Shareholders in Centamin have passed resolutions giving approvals for AngloGold Ashanti’s acquisition of the company for $2.5 million (around R44 million). This comes as AngloGold Ashanti last month announced that its board had approved its decision to acquire Centamin, which operates Egypt’s biggest gold mine. The Egyptian mine has produced over 5.9 million ounces of gold since production started in 2009. “Today’s transaction will add a Tier 1 asset to our portfolio,” said AngloGold Ashanti CEO, Alberto Calderon. “The transaction is free cash flow accretive in the first full year of production and net asset value accretive from day one; it will also offer additional upsides as we leverage our corporate infrastructure and our core competencies in exploration, operations and asset optimisation.” Centamin yesterday confirmed that shareholders had, at meetings…

South African farmers intend to plant 4.47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024-25 season, which is narrowly up mildly by 1% from the previous season, as reported by the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) yesterday. The intentions for white maize stand at 1.58m hectares—up by 1% year-on-year—while yellow maize is projected to decline slightly to 1.06m hectares, a reduction of 2% from the prior year. The overall maize planting intentions total 2.64m hectares, marking a minor rise of 0.2% from the previous year and aligning with the five-year average area. In a notable trend, soybean planting intentions have reached a record high of 1.2m hectares, reflecting a 0.2% increase. Sunflower seed planting intentions are set at 540 000 hectares, a 2.1% increase but still falling slightly short…

With global temperatures hitting record highs, and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22 , is an opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis. The Baku Summit, builds on COP28 held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which recognized the importance of multilevel action and the role of local and subnational governments in advancing global climate action as outlined in the United Arab Emirates Consensus whose solid outcomes included the conclusion of the first global stocktake, the establishment of a dedicated fund under the UNFCCC—and the setting of targets for the Global Goal on Adaptation. While the negative impacts of greenhouse emissions…

Orion Minerals has appointed Nick Fouche as project manager to oversee the completion of a feasibility study that will allow for further upside potential from the optimisation of scheduling and design of the Prieska mine. Fouche is a prominent project manager and has been tasked with managing the completion of the Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) feasibility study. He will also oversee project execution for Prieska. Already, an internal review of the Prieska Mine feasibility study has identified “the potential for further upside that may be realised from the optimisation of mine scheduling and design” processes, said Orion. “As a result, LMMS has commenced a further mine schedule optimisation program, which is scheduled for completion in the current quarter. Outcomes of this work will be incorporated in the final Prieska…

The ANC has taken decisive action to alleviate the burden of soaring food prices on South African consumers, instructing the government to expand the list of zero-rated foodstuffs. This announcement was made by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula during a media briefing at Luthuli House yesterday, following the national executive committee (NEC) meeting held from October 25 to 28. Currently, the zero-rated foodstuffs list comprises 19 essential items, including brown bread, maize meal, and various pulses. Grain SA economist Heleen Viljoen has suggested that the list could be expanded to include other staple foods such as poultry, white bread, and sorghum, which are vital for many households across the nation. “All these products can be considered as staple foods for the majority of South Africans,” remarked Viljoen. Recent findings from the…

In a significant development for the South African labour movement, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), led by former president Jacob Zuma, has welcomed a new ally with the formation of the Radical Action Federation of Trade Unions (Raftu). The union, founded last week, aims to advocate for the rights of workers who are supposedly “undervalued and mistreated in a competitive labour market”. Durban-based Bishop Timothy Ngcobo, Raftu’s secretary-general and a die-hard supporter of Zuma, expressed ambitions for the newly formed union to become a “haven” for the “ill-treated” workforce in South Africa. “We have formed this union to fight against the injustices that are meted out against the workers in the country. Our role as a new labour movement is to ensure that we liberate the workers who are being…

Gauteng police have taken three men in for questioning following the kidnapping and murder of a Gauteng mother and daughter. The bodies of Hester Flemming, 52, and her mother Cecilia Johanna Flemming, 82, were found inside an old mine shaft hole on Monday. The two women were reportedly kidnapped following a farm attack and robbery between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident took place at a farm in Eikenhof, south of Joburg. Private investigator Mike Bolhuis from Specialised Security Services said since the women were reported missing, every lead was pursued and countless hours dedicated to the case. “It is with deep sadness that we inform the public the women were found deceased,” said Bolhuis on Monday afternoon. The South African Police Services (SAPS) search…

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has given its sentiment on the Ukraine visa agreement debacle which has been a major talking point after Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced the deal on his social media account. The deal outlines an agreement for visa-free access between South Africa and Ukraine for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, told broadcaster Newzroom Afrikathat protocol dictates that such announcements would be made by officials after the president has signed any deal on behalf of the nation. “I think we are dealing with a bit of breakdown in a bit of protocol because ordinarily an agreement gets announced once the president has signed a presidential minute, then…

“VICTIMS need justice as well,” was the message conveyed to the National Prosecuting Authority by the family of the Life Esidimeni victims and other stakeholders when they handed over a memorandum yesterday to the NPA in which they demanded that the prosecuting authority prioritise the prosecution of officials implicated in the tragedy. It has been over three months since Judge Mmonoa Teffo ruled that the deaths of Virginia Machpelah, Deborah Phehla, Frans Dekker, Charity Ratsotso, Koketso Mogoerane, Terrence Chaba, Daniel Josiah, Matlakala Motsoahae, and Lucky Maseko were unnatural. Judge Teffo found that Qedani Mahlangu and Dr Makgabo Manamela caused these deaths, which were among the 144 deaths resulting from the Life Esidimeni disaster. In marking the end of mental health awareness month, the Life Esidimeni families, joined by members of…

The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria has transformed into a hive of activity over the past fortnight as it celebrates its milestone 125th birthday. This weekend saw excitement peak as the first 125 visitors were granted complimentary access to the sprawling wildlife venue, while all tickets offered a generous 50% discount, encouraging families and wildlife enthusiasts to delve into the wonders of the zoo at an accessible price. Adventure awaited guests at every corner, with a plethora of daily activities designed to inform, educate, and entertain. Young visitors benefited from specially tailored school lessons, while animal talks sparked interest in the incredible creatures that thrive within the zoo. Immersive sessions gave guests a chance to witness the thrill of lion feeding, interact with the zoo’s gentle giraffes, partake in gorilla…

A survey of 3000 South Africans by “Top10OnlineCasinos” discovered that Sandton ranked in the fourth place among the top 30 most envied lifestyles across the nation. Located in the heart of Johannesburg, Sandton represents the height of sophistication and opportunity. Sandton is a balance between the luxurious lifestyle of its inhabitants and a hub of the corporate world, where professionals seek economic opportunities every day. Filled with a string of luxury apartments and top-rated schools, with a vibrant dining scene; Sandton combines the best of modern city living with an unmistakable sense of affluence and aspiration, making it one of the most desirable places to live in South Africa. Waterkloof, located in the City of Jacarandas, Pretoria, grabbed the ninth spot. The area boasts its proximity to government diplomatic hubs…

Human trafficking is one of the gravest human rights violations of our time, and its grip on Gauteng has been highlighted in recent years. According to various reports, this scourge has become more entrenched, driven by organised crime, corruption, and the desperation of those seeking a better life. As the country’s economic heartland, Gauteng attracts both opportunity seekers and, tragically, opportunistic criminals. To tackle this crisis, it’s crucial to recognise that Gauteng is not just a passive recipient of trafficking – it has become a thriving hub for this illicit activity. The promise of jobs and prosperity in cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria draws vulnerable individuals from across South Africa and neighbouring countries. Often, these are young women, children, and migrants lured by traffickers with false promises of employment, only…

Inacio Miguel has been Kaizer Chiefs’ best buy this season, wearing his heart on the team’s sleeve whenever he took the field of play. His dedication to his craft has been evident, and he ended the match with a bang on his head when Chiefs beat SuperSport United 4-0 in the Carling Knockout last 16. However, he cut a dejected figure, stretching his head in disbelief when they lost 1-0 to SuperSport in the Betway Premiership reverse fixture last Saturday in Polokwane. While the Angolan international's primary role is to ensure he’s part of a unit that keeps out goals, he has already scored for his new team. Miguel also captained Chiefs momentarily against SuperSport, but the youngsters believe he’s a born leader, considering his incredible guidance in the dressing…

The first block of United Rugby Championship (URC) games has ended with the South African challenge standing in good shape, though the Stormers are currently languishing in the lower reaches of the points table. This table, however, does not accurately reflect how well the SA teams are performing since they sat out the first round of the URC due to a conflict with the Currie Cup final. With a game in hand, the Bulls (sitting in third place) and the Lions (fourth) are particularly pleased with their start to the tournament. Meanwhile, the ninth-placed Sharks have showcased their strength when their Springboks are on the field. Both the Sharks and Stormers have completed their three-match overseas tours, although they did so without the services of their Springboks. Though this has…

Mobile network operator was set to own between 30% and 40% of the entity Vodacom, South Africa’s second- largest mobile network operator, could well appeal a Competition Tribunal ruling prohibiting a proposed multibillion-rand merger between it, Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) and Vumatel to create what would have been South Africa’s largest fibre operator. In a statement issued yesterday, the Tribunal said its reasons for the decision would be issued later. The Tribunal’s order follows the Competition Commission’s initial recommendation in August last year that the proposed merger be prohibited. Vodacom sought to buy DFA and Vumatel from Remgro through a combination of R6 billion cash and the contribution of some transmission access fibre network infrastructure at a valuation of R4.2bn, which would have expanded Maziv into the largest fibre infrastructure…

Demand for credit by businesses and households in South Africa is expected to ramp up in the months ahead as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has begun its interest rates easing cycle on the back of slowing inflation. Private sector credit extension (PSCE) data from the SARB yesterday showed that private sector credit slowed to 4.6% year-on-year last month, easing from a more than one-year high of 4.9% increase in August. However, the figure was stronger than the market’s expectations of 4.0% growth, marking the 39th consecutive month of growth in private credit albeit at a softer pace. Credit uptake by corporates, which constitutes more than half of total PSCE rose by 5.7% when compared to the same period last year, just moderately below August’s elevated reading of 6.4%.…

As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to deliver the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) today, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has urged him to prioritise measures promoting green-powered EVs to curb South Africa’s carbon emissions. This call from CHARGE adds to recent industry demands for a comprehensive EV policy framework to support South Africa’s shift to low-emission transport. According to Naamsa, EV registrations surged 55.2% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, with 419 units registered, up from 270 in the same period last year. Joubert Roux, CHARGE’s executive chairman, said yesterday that incentives could play a crucial role in boosting EV sales, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent pledge to explore incentives for EVs. “We hope that Minister Godongwana provides more detail on these incentives in…

Top executives at DRDGold remain optimistic about the future, forecasting 2024 as a favourable year despite a notable decline in production. The gold producer is committed to a substantial R10 billion capital investment programme aimed at increasing output over the next four years. Currently, DRDGold anticipates an output of approximately five tons of gold, but aims to enhance this figure to six tons as part of its ambitious strategy. DRDGold chairman Tim Cumming, and CEO Niël Pretorius, said in the company’s annual report released this week that despite the production setback, 2024 was proving to be favourable for the company. “As an unhedged producer, we enjoyed the full benefit of the higher gold price of R1 248 679 per kilogram received over the year. This increased year-on-year revenue by…

Thembinkosi Mthembu continues his winning streak. The celebrated actor has been making waves lately for his stellar performances in shows such as Adulting, Outlaws and Shaka Ilembe. He recently won the Best Actor Award at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) for his outstanding portrayal of King Dingiswayo in Shaka Ilembe. The epic drama also scooped 11 other wins in various categories including Best Wardrobe, Best Directing, Best Script Writing and Best Cinematography, making it the most awarded drama series in Saftas history. Mthembu’s first Saftas nomination and win comes off the back of an extremely successful year. Earlier this year, Mthembu scooped Hunk of the Year at the Feather Awards, the People’s Choice Award at The GQ Men of the Year Awards and Best Actor at…

After touring locally and internationally for the last few years, Gregory Maqoma’s Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero returns to the Market Theatre, where it premiered in 2017, for a limited run. The production is inspired by the character Toloki in legendary novelist, poet and playwright Zakes Mda’s novels Ways of Dying and Cion. Interestingly, the production coincides with Vuyani Dance Theatre’s 25th anniversary programme. In a recent interview with Maqoma, who, aside from his numerous awards over the years, is celebrated as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer, curator and artistic director, he remains as animated about this dance production as he was when he first introduced it. He said: “It is inspired by two books and the character that was penned so wonderfully by writer and novelist, Professor Zakes Mda.…

Punctuated by sobs, cries, and moments of poignant remembrance, the memorial service for six-year-old Amantle Samane, who lost her life to an act of unimaginable violence, unfolded in the DOCC Orlando Communal Hall, Soweto, yesterday. The community came together to celebrate her short life through music and poetry, shared by her peers in an emotional tribute that embodied both grief and resilience. Amantle’s life was brutally cut short after she was allegedly raped and murdered by a 24-year-old Mozambican national, Peta Sara Simiao, who allegedly lured her to his rented shack in Orlando East last Monday. As community members united in sorrow, Masete Ramokgobathe, speaking on behalf of local school principals, called for divine intervention and immediate governmental action to safeguard children. “We don’t need this. This to us as…

What started as a campaign to get learners off their cellphones at Holy Rosary School in Edenvale, Johannesburg, blossomed into a heart-warming initiative that has changed the lives of two children forever. In a world where the pull of smartphones is strong, the school’s effort to break this cycle of dependency turned into a mission of compassion, resulting in a medical team working with The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa to perform two life-saving heart surgeries for children suffering from congenital heart disease. The surgeries on baby Tamia Amy Mathebula, eight-months-old, and Okuhle Olivia Zuma, nine-years-old, were performed by Dr Darshan Reddy, a leading cardiothoracic surgeon specialising in paediatric cardiac surgery and a team of specialist nurses at Durban’s Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre this week. At the heart…

Luke Smith, who died following an assault in New Zealand, was laid to rest in the Eastern Cape on Saturday. The 21-year-old died following an assault in Wellington on October 7. He was the only child of his parents Natasha and Brian. The family had emigrated to Upper Hutt earlier this year. Smith’s body was repatriated last week, following a fundraising initiative. His funeral took place at Breidbach Civic Centre in Qonce, formerly known as King William’s Town, and he was buried at the Breidbach Cemetery. “Everything went smoothly. It was a very difficult time for the family but we are thankful that we could lay Luke to rest,” family spokesperson Nicole Sylvester said. She said his parents were grateful for the ongoing support they have received from everyone. Smith’s…

Ingredients 2 cups canola oil 4 - 6 baby onions or shallots, thinly sliced 1 packet spring onions, sliced 2 bulbs garlic, peeled and cloves thinly sliced 8cm knob ginger, cut into matchsticks 1 stick cinnamon 6 star anise 4 cardamom pods 1 bay leaf 2 packets green chillies, chopped 2 packets red chillies, chopped 1 tsp ground cumin 1 cup desiccated coconut 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp honey or sugar 1 tbsp miso paste (optional) ½ cup (50g) roasted peanuts, chopped Method Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Deep-fry baby onions or shallots and spring onions in batches for about 8 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside. Drain on kitchen paper. Fry garlic for 3 - 4 minutes and…

THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party adopted its constitution on September 26 and publicly issued it on October 11. The MKP’s constitution is possibly one of the most important political documents in South Africa’s struggle and resistance against colonialism and apartheid. The constitution sets a clear political and ideological agenda to achieve total emancipation from colonialism and its vestiges. Empirically, the constitution bases its political thesis on the correct observation that South Africa’s oppression has multiple manifestations, which must be fought and defeated in totality. Black and indigenous people remain colonised subjects with little political rights, no economic freedom, and cultural freedom. Their institutions of governance have been relegated to insignificance. The most important highlight of the constitution is that colonial conquest happens because the “white colonial settlers defeated and subjugated the…

Mamelodi Sundowns face a test of their character tonight. Beaten 1-0 by Polokwane City at the weekend, the Brazilians are going to have to prove they have the mental fortitude to get back to winning ways. Their abilities playing-wise cannot be questioned, the slip-up at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium notwithstanding. But it is the fact that they are facing the one team that managed to beat them and thus stop them from completing an unprecedented ‘invincible’ season last campaign that tonight’s match will be more about Sundowns’ mental strength than their football capabilities. The clash with Cape Town City was always going to be a difficult one for Sundowns, who are surely still smarting from those final day blues when the Citizens spoiled their incredible season at Loftus Versfeld…