Índice para 2024-07-02 em Star

SENTIMENT in the manufacturing industry in South Africa has risen to its highest in more than two years as business conditions are expected to improve significantly in the next six months. This is in spite of manufacturing activity shrinking for a second month in a row in June and remaining in contractionary territory amid subdued demand conditions. The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) inched up by 1.9 points to reach 45.7 points in June compared to 43.8 in May, remaining below 50 points which separates contraction from expansion. This May and June manufacturing print followed a very strong start to the second quarter of 54.0 points in April, which was also reflected in solid growth in official manufacturing production data. Absa said insufficient demand seemed to have weighed…

Labour has roundly welcomed the announcement of a Government of National Unity (GNU) by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night. The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (Cosatu) has given approval to the surreptitious disbandment of the State-owned enterprises (SOEs) portfolio, which barely went noticed as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that it would now report directly to the Presidency with reference to line departments on policy matters while government reviews its shareholder position in the entities. Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks said it had long advocated for the department’s closure as part of streamlining the government and ensuring greater coherence. “Having two or three ministers covering one entity just created chaos. The Department of Public Enterprises only supervised seven state-owned enterprises and so its continuation did not make sense,” he said,…

The EU accused Facebook owner Meta on Monday of breaching the bloc's digital rules, paving the way for potential fines worth billions of euros. The charges against the US tech titan follow a finding last week against Apple that marked the first time Brussels had levelled formal accusations under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The latest case focuses on Meta's new ad-free subscription model for Facebook and Instagram, which has sparked multiple complaints over privacy concerns. Meta's "pay or consent" system means users have to pay to avoid data collection, or agree to share their data with Facebook and Instagram to keep using the platforms for free. The European Commission said it informed Meta of its "preliminary view" that the model the company launched last year "fails to comply"…

Orion Minerals plunged nearly 10% on the JSE yesterday despite announcing that it had completed a R92.3 million capital raise to advance its South African copper and zinc operations. Trade in Orion Minerals shares on the JSE had been voluntarily suspended since last week pending announcement of the capital raise. When it resumed trading yesterday, shares in the company traded 9.09% lower at R0.20, extending its slide to 4.35% in the past week. Earlier, the company said the R92.3m capital raise would be used to accelerate infrastructure development at Okiep and to fast-track development of the Prieska Copper Zinc Mine, all located in South Africa. The company had received firm commitments for a share placement to investors comprising about 513 million shares. The shares will be issued at a price…

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has expressed concern after youth made up 44% of its claims in 2020 to 2022. Sunday, June 30, marked the last day of Youth Month. The RAF said that it wanted to remind young people that road safety rules should be adhered to throughout the year. RAF said this figure is a startling reminder that the youth would have to change their behaviour when using the roads. During the same period, the RAF paid out R43.13 billion for injury benefits to young accident survivors between the ages of 15 and 34. That is an average of R14.37bn a year. Additionally, a total of R2.86bn was paid over the same period for death-related benefits, at an average of R956 million a year. RAF said the youth,…

Newly-appointed Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has promised to stop gangsterism through sport and pledged that “spinning” is going to be an official sport. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his long-awaited Cabinet made out of Government National Unity (GNU) partnerships, which was formed after no political party received no outright majority vote in the May elections. McKenzie, who from the beginning of the talks with the ANC, said he was interested in home affairs but was open to other posts. McKenzie took to social media platform X to share his plans and promised to hit the ground running. In most townships, spinning takes place on public roads. Police view this as an illegal gathering or activity. “Spinning and stance is not a crime and you are going to…

An EASTERN Cape couple who hired three people to kill their domestic worker and her husband for an insurance payout have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Shocking details of the murder emerged in the Eastern Cape High Court, sitting in Nxuba (Cradock). The five involved were Zizipho Pani, 34, her husband Siyathemba James, 39, hitman Sinethemba Pani, 34, Sizwesethu Jonas, 34 and 19-year-old Masixole Sokoyi. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said before the crimes were committed, the couple had employed the victim as their domestic helper. “The mastermind, Zizipho Pani, acquired funeral policies on the life of the victim, respectively with Standard Bank and Absa Bank in 2021. “In the event of her death, the policy would pay out R200 000.” The NPA said Pani solicited the help…

Private banking and wealth management group Investec has set minimum pay for its South African employees at R21 000 a month. In its annual report the company said: “We increased our minimum salary for employees in SA to R250 000 per annum, with effect from June 1, 2024.” However, the rise in minimum pay for the company’s lowest earners does not close the gap between the top 5% best-paid SA employees and the bottom 5%. Fani Titi, group CEO, was paid £5.2 million for the 2023/24 year, down from the £7.5 million he received the previous year, while Nishlan Samujh, CFO of the group was paid £3 million, lower than the £4.5 million he was paid the year prior. This drop in pay was due to a 44.6% decrease in…

Sandile “Young Stunna” Msimango has joined a group of local stars honoured by the Official South African Charts for their remarkable contribution in the entertainment industry. The first week of June focused on Tito M and Yuppe, the duo behind the smash hit Tshwala Bam, while other weeks spotlighted internationally acclaimed music sensation DJ Uncle Waffles and gave Kelvin Momo flowers. Having wrapped up Youth Month with young entertainers who are significantly impacting the music scene, Young Stunna has also been hailed on the charts. Msimango’s journey is cited as one of talent and tenacity, having been recognised as one of the great young performers. Over the years, he has grown to be a shining example of South Africa’s vibrant music scene and a testament to the power of pursuing…

Andile Mngxitama is an interesting but controversial figure. Mngxitama, considered an intellectual, advocates uncompromisingly for land expropriation without compensation. Ever since I have known him, he’s been preaching the “return of land to blacks” gospel. Previously, he was a parliamentarian under the EFF banner. However, he did not last long, as he was at odds with the Red Berets’ leadership. He struggled to submit under the leadership of Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu. For a time, he was in the political wilderness. Then on May 29, he joined the new kid on the block, the MK Party, which won 58 seats in Parliament. Last Tuesday, the party members were sworn in as parliamentarians. Mngxitama was among them, along with former Western Cape judge president Dr John Hlophe. A few days…

The decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to finally announce his Cabinet is a welcome development. He will no longer be the political head of all departments as has been the case. This will bring much-needed stability and the markets will appreciate it. But while this is commendable, it marks the beginning of another episode. The 2024 general election brought much drama. First, it was preceded by a series of court cases. These litigations delayed the printing of ballots. Eventually, this episode came to an end when the ballots were finally ready. In no time, there was another moment with allegations that some of the trucks transporting IEC materials were not accompanied by the SAPS, as should have been the case. This episode pitted the IEC and the ANC on the…

On Monday morning, Cape Times readers were greeted by the banner headline, ‘Cyril expands gravy train’, as the newspaper reflected on the announcement of the country’s new Cabinet. The gravy train is a slang term often used in politics to refer to people or a group who enjoy undeserved privilege or excessive advantages with little or no effort. This has been especially true about many of the country’s previous ministers of sport and other politicians who hardly ever missed an opportunity to be present at many of the world’s leading sports events. Some politicians may have qualified their presence at world sports events by referring to Nelson Mandela’s iconic appearance at the 1995 World Cup final in Johannesburg. Mandela’s appearance at the final of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations…

For a 2024 season that was built up as the one that could unleash the best of Brad Binder as one of the leading racers in MotoGP, KTM have struggled for pace so far this season and they have fallen well behind the frontrunners. A sixth-place finish in both the Dutch MotoGP sprint and the main race on Sunday brought Binder within two points of KTM Tech 3 rider Pedro Acosta after collecting 14 points from the weekend. Despite the challenges faced so far this season, the South African is still 67 points ahead of teammate Jack Miller, who finds himself 15th and on his way out, with the 20-year-old Acosta set to make the move up to the factory team next season. “Quite a hectic race,” said Binder afterwards.…

THIRD seed Carlos Alcaraz endured an early test in his Wimbledon title defence but the Spaniard quelled the challenge of Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2 and moved into the second round yesterday. The 21-year-old, bidding to add a fourth Grand Slam trophy to his cabinet after his maiden French Open triumph last month, dropped serve midway through a high-quality opening set before battling back to clinch it in a tiebreak. Lajal broke Alcaraz again early in the next set but the dreadlocked world number 269 was unable to make the advantage count and his opponent broke back to love immediately, before pouncing again in the 11th game. With the momentum having swung, Alcaraz continued to reel off the points for a two-set lead and raised his game further…

Domestic new vehicle sales fell substantially in June by 14% to 40 072 units compared with the same month a year ago as the ongoing downward slope in the market that started last August continued. The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) said yesterday the decline was due to the constrained economic environment in the country, amplified by weak consumer and business demand. Monthly export sales increased marginally by 3.6%, to 28 306 units in June over the same month a year ago. The motor industry association congratulated the appointment of the new Cabinet in the Government of National Unity, and said the challenge was to put narrow political differences behind and for the seventh administration to create positive momentum and bring about tangible impact in the lives of South Africans. Naamsa…

South Africans breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday night after a Cabinet was announced that was a mix of good and bad, and came a whole month after the election results. And although South Africans are well known to relish the finer details of political arguments and hold a robust debate, on the whole, the entire nation was getting fatigued waiting for the Cabinet announcement. And as per usual, media and citizens were fed up by the “normal” delay once more in waiting for the actual announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The delays again tell a cautionary tale of how implementation of policy by the Government of National Unity (GNU) is going to be difficult. The joke of the day was that South Africa didn’t elect a Cabinet, it…

MINING analysts yesterday said Gwede Mantashe, newly appointed to the rejigged portfolio of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has to work in tandem with fellow economic cluster ministers to end infrastructure bottlenecks and regulatory uncertainty negating growth in South Africa’s mining industry that is heavily bleeding jobs and capital. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday opted for continuity when he re-appointed Mantashe to the mining portfolio and flipped off the Department of Energy to a fully-fledged ministry. Ramaphosa retained Enoch Godongwana as finance minister, now with two deputies. Seleho Tsatsi, investment analyst at Anchor Capital, told Business Report yesterday Mantashe would be faced by challenges that South African mining companies were experiencing. “One of the most pressing issues for the mining sector remains infrastructure, particularly the performance of Transnet,” said Tsatsi. Transnet’s…

A few months ago, I was stunned by an admission from one of the smartest people I know – a brilliant African fintech founder operating at the cutting edge of crypto innovation and advanced AI deployment. The man’s work is truly groundbreaking. Despite his impressive accomplishments, he admitted that high-functioning white-collar professionals like himself are among those most likely to be caught off guard by the widespread adoption of AI in everyday work life. Apparently, such professionals, despite their expertise are at risk of having their livelihoods eroded by less-skilled or less-experienced individuals who recognise their need to adapt and are open to using AI tools to fill in their expertise gaps. Ironically, it is often their own misplaced pride and prejudice that prevents these high achievers from embracing AI’s…

The Clicks Group said yesterday that it would sell its stake in Unicorn Pharmaceuticals following a Constitutional Court decision, in March 2023, on regulations that prohibit pharmacies from owning pharmaceutical manufacturers. South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled in favour of the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA), which had argued that Clicks’ ownership of Unicorn violated these regulations. The sale will pave the way for Clicks to resume the opening of new pharmacies, as the Department of Health (DoH) had advised that no new retail pharmacy licence applications could be processed until the DOH director- general was satisfied that Clicks was compliant with the Constitutional Court judgment. “As part of a constructive engagement process with the director-general and the DoH, Clicks Group proposed to regularise its position by the group divesting…

South African-born superstar Tyla has added more prestigious accolades to her name. The Truth or Dare hitmaker, whose real name is Tyla Lauren Seethal, won the Best New Artist and Best International Act categories at the 2024 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards in Los Angeles in the US on Sunday. The 22-year-old missed out on the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist prize, which went to SZA, as well as the Viewers Choice Award, which was won by Beyoncé for her hit song, Texas Hold ‘Em. Tyla’s BET success comes after her Grammy win in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category for her viral hit, Water. Accepting the Best International Act Award, Tyla said: “Guys, I did not prepare anything but I just wanna say thank you so much to my…

The Progressive Caucus will undoubtedly remain effective despite the small number it now has, African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyolwethu Zungula said. Zungula was speaking to The Star yesterday during an interview on the future of the Progressive Caucus. “We have committed to uniting on common progressive legislative issues and ensuring we hold the executive accountable. “Our effectiveness is not only a continuation of our previous efforts in Parliament, but is now bolstered by our increased numbers. We are confident in our ability to be successful and impactful,” he explained. On the question of whether he doesn’t feel betrayed by other parties that had initially thought of joining the Government of National Unity (GNU), the ATM leader said he would consider it betrayal if those parties would abandon the progressive…

The City of Ekurhuleni has announced that Rand Water is conducting infrastructure maintenance which will result in low water pressure and dry taps in certain households. The city has assured that water tankers will be provided for affected residents. The areas expected to be affected are Tembisa, Germiston, Katlehong, Boksburg and Alberton. According to EWN News, the utility was expected to start its maintenance in the area yesterday. Residents have voiced their displeasure with the maintenance plan. @Sunush28 commented: “The hardships we face don’t bother them! How is one supposed to cook, clean, wash clothing and bathe with no water? Washing our hands is not a luxury.” @Iam_Brics added: “Most parts that are not supposed to be affected are… Address this issue!” The municipality has assured that water tankers will…

The Southern Africa Migration Network (Samin) conducted a two-day conference in Gauteng that brought together leaders and various groups from the southern Africa region to discuss multifaceted migration-related issues. Last week, some speakers gave moving accounts of the difficulties faced by migrants and refugees in southern Africa, including discriminatory policies, limited employment opportunities, social security, sexual assault, a lack of documentation, difficulty accessing medical facilities, and language hurdles. Samin, a network advocating for southern African refugees and migrants’ rights, focused on gender- responsive, right-based migration policies and the development community region at this year’s conference. The network intends to chronicle migration patterns and difficulties through research collaborations with academic institutions, addressing the core reasons for forced migration, and advocating for equal treatment of migrants and citizens. Speaking with The Star,…

On June 25, Wits University announced the latest phase of the Rhisotope Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at deterring rhino poaching through the use of radioisotope technology. After three years of research, the project has successfully inserted low doses of radioisotopes into the horns of 20 live rhinos. Professor James Larkin from Wits University’s Radiation and Health Physics Unit (RHPU), leading the project, explained that this final phase involves closely monitoring the health and vital statistics of the rhinos over six months. This aims to determine the viability of using nuclear technology as a conservation tool. The Rhisotope Project’s strategy involves inserting small, measured quantities of radioisotopes into rhino horns, making them detectable by radiation detection portal monitors at international borders, including airports, harbours and land crossings. This innovative method…

A POPULAR Bellville eatery has again set the bar for their record-breaking attempts at meal creation. Based in Stikland, Western Cape, Annies Ladies Bar was the talk of the town when they showed off their unique 4-metre long gatsby, weighing in at a whopping 65.2kg, and prepared under the watchful eye of in-house chef Michael Steyn. Owners Joe, 63, and Annie Redelinghuys, 64, also made the news in 2019 when they made and served a gigantic 79.5kg burger, which crushed the Guinness World Record of 74.6kg. The burger went on sale at the eatery for R13 950. On Saturday, the couple from Penhill invited 100 witnesses for the occasion when they laid out four specially made buns measuring 1m each, creating the 4m base. This was then layered with…

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs continue to deliver eviction notices at the club, and with many more expected to come in the coming weeks, experienced coach Cavin Johnson has suffered the chop this time around. Johnson initially joined the club as the head of development in September last year, before being moved to the role of interim head coach after the club relieved coach Molefi Ntseki of his duties early on in the campaign. The 65-year-old coach could not steady the Chiefs’ ship and, instead, saw the club to their worst finish in the DStv Premiership as Amakhosi finished a ninth year without a trophy and in tenth spot in the standings. The Glamour Boys announced their decision to part ways with Johnson yesterday. “Kaizer Chiefs have agreed to an amicable…

England’s quest to end 58 years of hurt at Euro 2024 remains alive thanks to one moment of Jude Bellingham brilliance, but the Three Lions failed to look like future European champions in sneaking past Slovakia 2-1. Another embarrassing exit for English football at a major tournament was looming in Gelsenkirchen until Bellingham’s acrobatic effort in the 95th minute broke Slovak hearts. A minute into extra-time, Harry Kane then completed the comeback to set up a meeting with Switzerland on Saturday in the quarter-finals. However, any excitement among the England fan base at ending up on the perceived weaker side of the draw was drained away by another turgid performance from Gareth Southgate’s men. England arrived in Germany hyped as pre-tournament favourites thanks to a squad stacked with attacking talent.…

Following a tense few weeks last month as the Government of National Unity (GNU) seemed set to fall apart given that the ANC and DA could not agree on ministerial positions, the Cabinet announcement helped lift both the local currency and the stock market yesterday. Particularly good news for the market was the return of Enoch Godongwana as finance minister, while President Cyril Ramaphosa allocated ministerial posts to business-friendly opposition parties, which provided certainty in terms of fiscal policy. Stocks on the JSE started the week off on a solid footing with the all share index rising 1.1% to near record highs at 80 581 points, halting three consecutive sessions of decreases, before moderating at 79 995 points by 5pm. The rand strengthened to its highest in a week and…

South African Revenue Services (Sars) commissioner Edward Kieswetter has been re-elected as chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for a second term, 2024-2025. Kieswetter was re-elected over the weekend during the 143rd/144th sessions of the WCO Council, the highest decision-making body of the organisation, which saw the participation of directors-general of customs representing the WCO’s 186 members in Brussels, Belgium. At the meeting, the WCO council examined the work carried out by the WCO Secretariat and working bodies throughout the year in line with the WCO strategic plan 2022-2025. The review covered the technical work done in various areas that related to the main strategic objectives of the organisation, such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, protection of society and organisational development. Particular attention was paid to the progress in…

The South African Communications Ministry for the first time is led by a young person in the form of Solly Malatsi. The youthful factor alone is enough to suggest that there’s change on its way for organisations such as the (1) SABC, (2) SA Post Office, and (3) State Information Technology Agency (Sita). He will face tough issues that require maturity and leadership with youthful flair. He will be faced with the challenge of taking the SABC into the future, something that requires a young leader with imagination. The SABC is a dinosaur that has remained with the same infrastructure developed during the old order. In recent years the entity has tried to introduce innovations such as the SABC Plus app, however, this is not enough to make the…

JSE-listed Kibo Energy’s UK subsidiary, Mast Energy, has lined up the acquisition of an operational 10MW power generating site in south-western England to help the company quickly generate revenue at a lower investment cost. Mast Energy has completed the second phase of the refurbishment of the power-generating sets at its Pyebridge site in the UK. It said yesterday that the Pyebridge gensets had been successfully completed, within budget and expected timelines. The energy company is focusing on the potential acquisition of the operational 10MW “flexible power generation site” in England. “The main rationale behind acquiring an existing operational site is to achieve a lower investment cost per installed MW and a shorter timeline to revenue generation compared to a new-build,” said Kibo. However, the acquisition was subject to final due…

Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has cleared former Transnet chairperson Popo Molefe of impropriety in a R350 000 purchase of a sponsorship package from his Charitable Foundation by Mncedisi Ndlovu & Sedumedi Attorneys (MNS Attorneys) who were already service providers to the entity in 2019. While exonerating Transnet for not investigating the corruption allegations, Gcaleka strongly recommended that the entity set up and monitor standard operation procedures (SOP) for investigating non-executive directors in the next 120 days. In a report released on Sunday night, Gcaleka found that there could have been no material benefit in the donation to the Popo Molefe Foundation, as MSN were already receiving instructions to do work before his appointment. She also found no evidence to suggest the firm had an unfair advantage emanating from…

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) has criticised President Cyril’s Ramphosa’s appointment of the DA’s Siviwe Gwarube as the new Minister of Basic Education. According to the national teachers union, a DA member’s appointment to the basic education office was an extension of apartheid, where black people were entrenched in a poor and unequal education system. Sadtu claimed that the DA had long declared war against the union. Sadtu general-secretary Mugwena Maluleke said: “The DA has always made Sadtu its enemy number one. Even its election manifesto declared war against Sadtu, lamenting that the union was too strong and must be dealt with. They said they believe that the failures of the education system is because the ANC has allowed our education system to be captured by the vested…

The issue of transformation in the agricultural sector has come under the spotlight as DA leader John Steenhuisen takes over as minister of agriculture. Steenhuisen was announced as one of the 32 ministers taking up Cabinet positions in the Government of National Unity (GNU). His appointment has been met with mixed reactions in the agricultural sector. President of the Black Association of the Wine and Spirit Industry (Bawsi), Nosey Pieterse, said there was a level of disappointment. “We anticipated that the DA would want this and I have indicated to government officials that we did not want the DA to have (this ministry). The main reason … is that the DA is against the labour law regime of the Republic of South Africa.” Executive director of the Rural and Farmworkers…

NESTLE Nespray, a leading global food manufacturer, has reflected on the path to low carbon emissions and sustainable milk production methods as it marked Sustainability Month and in commemoration of World Milk Day in June. It announced the expansion of its groundbreaking, low-carbon dairy farming initiative in South Africa, building on the success of the Skimmelkrans Dairy pilot in George, in the Western Cape. It is revealed that 96 farms along the Garden Route are adopting innovative practices for sustainable milk production, transforming traditional dairy farming into regenerative agriculture, and supplying fresh milk to the Nestlé Nespray factory in Mossel Bay. According to data from the Skimmelkrans Dairy project, there have been 500 metric tonnes of processed manure, 14.5 million litres of recycled water, and 6 000 metric tonnes of…

AFTER the City of Tshwane was slated by opposition parties in council for its culture of underspending, it has clarified that it spent more than 90% of its capital budget for the financial year which ended on Sunday. The criticisms by the opposition parties stemmed from a council report on the spending of its allocations by March this year. The report in question noted that the National Treasury had slashed its R5 billion conditional grants by R346 million because of underspending of its capital budget at the time. “The total adjusted operating transfers and grants amount to R5bn and the total capital transfers and grants amount to R1.8bn, reflecting a decrease of R346m because of fiscal reduction implemented by the National Treasury,” the report said. ANC councillor Floyd…

A former bank manager who was the mastermind behind a robbery at her workplace with the help of her estranged husband and three others has been found guilty – eight years after their arrest. Carmen Kolbee was the branch manager and team leader at Standard Bank Kuils River in Zevenwacht Mall at the time of her arrest in 2016. From Blackheath, she was arrested along with her ex-husband, Kensley Kolbee. The duo had been living together at the time of their arrest and were divorced. The State proved that Carmen had been the mastermind behind the heist that took place in November 2014, and had initially planned to steal R3 million from the bank, but only managed to get away with R520 000. Kensely had recruited three others – Ebrahim…

India bid farewell to three of their most celebrated superstars after the victorious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday. Captain Rohit Sharma, premier batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravi Jadeja all called time on their T20 International careers. It will undoubtedly usher in a new era with a host of Indian Premier League starlets waiting in the wings for their opportunity to continue the Indian legacy. Rajasthan Royals run machine Yashavi Jaiswal and Gujarat Titans captain Shubnam Gill are ready-made replacements at the top of the order for Sharma and Kohli, while India have an abundance of spin options. With the champions set to re-energise their team, how will the Proteas head into the future? In the immediate aftermath of their loss in the final, it…

THE Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, birthed a superstar in the making for South Africa, and a few years later he will carry the hopes of his country into the Paris Olympics. For many teenagers, life is a roller-coaster, and with high school life nearing an end, most would be trying to figure out what life after high school has in store for them. For Matthew Sates, all the pieces of the puzzle came together when he qualified for the Olympics while he was still a minor. Without a lot of expectations, the journey to Tokyo three years ago was a life-changing experience and one that would be more about learning and building up to the future. As he nears his second…

The Proteas women displayed a lot of grind, application and determination, but India ultimately emerged triumphant as they beat South Africa by 10 wickets in the one-off Test match at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai yesterday. South Africa set India a target of 37 after following on, and the home side needed only 9.2 overs to maintain their perfect record in the tour. Laura Wolvaardt (122) needed seven runs to add to her overnight score of 93 to reach her maiden Test century. Having shown a lot of resistance with South Africa asked to follow on, the 25-year-old became the second South African centurion in the match after Sune Luus’ maiden ton on day three. The pairing of Wolvaardt and Luus put on a 190-run partnership, the highest in Proteas…