Sommaire pour 2025-12-22 de Star

In a historic move that signals the end of an era for traditional television, the Academy Awards are officially heading to YouTube. On Wednesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a massive multiyear deal that grants YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars from 2029 through to 2033. This marks a major pivot for Hollywood’s most prestigious night, ending a partnership with ABC that dates all the way back to 1976. For movie lovers around the world, this is incredibly exciting news. The move is designed to meet audiences where they already are: online. By shifting to a platform that boasts over two billion users, the ceremony will now reach a far greater number of viewers than ever before. This isn’t just about moving a broadcast…

Vin Diesel has confirmed via an Instagram post that a script has been written for the famous football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, indicating that another Fast & Furious film is in development. Following the intense conclusion of the latest sequel, fans are eager to know what the next instalment will bring. The possibility of another film has been confirmed by an announcement. Diesel’s post, which fuelled the speculation, was captioned: “Everyone asked, would he be in the Fast mythology… I gotta tell you, he is a real one. We wrote a role for him… @cristiano.” The Fast and Furious franchise has featured numerous powerful actors and actresses as villains, who often end up on the same side as Dom Toretto, played by Diesel. However, the villain from the last one, called…

Numerous roads in the Centurion area were underwater after heavy rains battered Gauteng yesterday morning. This followed Level 4 warnings for disruptive rainfall that were issued for the province. Emergency response company CERT SA said it rescued a middle-aged man and his elderly father from their vehicle, after it was trapped in floodwaters on Rooihuiskraal Road. Various images and videos circulating on social media showed flooded roads and parking lots across Centurion. Suburban Control Centre warned that Rabie Street was closed between Von Willich Avenue and Embankment Road yesterday morning, due to a flooded low-lying bridge at End Street. According to CERT SA, other affected roads included Nelmapius Road in Irene, Lenchen Road North and South, as well as West and South streets in the Centurion CBD, Panorama Road in…

In a decisive move to address long-standing promotion backlogs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has promoted 9 548 officers to higher ranks, signalling a boost for morale and operational capacity across the force. The promotions, effective December 1, target officers who have spent ten years or more in their current rank, spanning constables, sergeants, warrant officers, and other key personnel. This strategic initiative forms part of the SAPS’s Human Capital Strategy, designed to retain critical skills, nurture leadership talent, and strengthen service delivery. The breakdown of the promotions is as follows: 4 605 constables were elevated to sergeant; 3 989 sergeants to warrant officer; and 954 warrant officers received promotions to higher salary notches. Among the beneficiaries were crime intelligence operatives, detectives, uniformed officers, and support staff, reflecting a…

Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers has recommended a 4.1% salary increase for public office bearers for the 2025/2026 financial year, as millions of citizens battle rising debt and food insecurity. The recommendation, published in a government gazette this week, proposed increases at the highest levels of government. If approved, the President’s annual salary would rise by about R137 000 to approximately R3.4 million. The Deputy President would receive an increase of just under R130 000, taking his earnings to around R3.1m a year. Cabinet Ministers stand to benefit from an increase of about R110 000, pushing their annual pay to roughly R2.8m. Deputy Ministers would earn more than R2.3m per year under the proposed adjustments. The announcement comes at a time when ordinary South Africans face…

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) is calling on all consumers to exercise strict financial caution during the festive season to avoid starting 2026 overwhelmed by debt and financial distress. With approximately 10 million South Africans already over-indebted, the organisation has warned that impulsive spending, social pressures, and easy access to credit continue to push many households into unsustainable financial situations. The NCR noted that although the South African Reserve Bank’s recent 25 basis-point repo rate reduction to 6.75% may provide short-term relief, consumers should not misinterpret this as a licence for miscalculated spending. “Each year, thousands of consumers begin January already burdened with unpaid debt, school expenses, and increased living costs, often worsened by festive overspending,” said Lynette De Beer, Interim Chief Executive Officer at the NCR. “We are urging…

Refuse removal schedules in the City of Tshwane will remain unchanged this festive season with an exception of Christmas Day when businesses and residents can expect service interruptions. Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said refuse collections proceedings will continue as normal, including on public holidays, but customers must not take out their bins on Christmas Day. “Customers whose refuse collection ordinarily takes place on Thursday, 25 December 2025 Christmas Day, are requested to place their bins out for collection on Friday, 26 December 2025. As a result, refuse normally collected on Fridays will be collected on Saturday, 27 December 2025. The standard refuse collection schedule will resume from Monday, 29 December 2025,” he said. Additionally, all municipal waste disposal facilities, including landfills and garden refuse sites, will be closed on Christmas…

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann cut a frustrated figure after his side once again let a winnable game slip through their fingers, going down to the Sharks 21-12 in a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash in Durban on Saturday. The Pretoria outfit showed enough intent and control for large periods of the contest, but a familiar problem returned to haunt them – an inability to convert pressure and scoring opportunities into points. That lack of execution proved costly as the home side rallied late, sparked by the impact of replacement scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse. His injection of pace and sharp decision-making created two decisive tries that swung the momentum firmly in his team’s favour and sealed another memorable victory over the Bulls. For Ackermann and his coaching staff, the defeat was particularly…

The much awaited fourth edition of the SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 competition, is set to get underway on Friday, and Independent Media’s Ongama Gcwabe selects Six Batters To Watch. Lhuandre-dre Pretorius - Paarl Royals There will be high expectations for the 19-year-old top-order batter, having topped the runs charts with 397 runs, including three half-centuries and a high score of 97 in his debut SA20 season. This year, the youngster returns with a lot more experience having played international cricket across three formats. The Paarl Royals will be looking to the opening batter to get them to a flying start throughout the competition. Heinrich Klaasen - Durban’s Super Giants Klaasen has been by far the best white ball batter in the last three to four years. This year, with…

It’s already been more than 24 hours since BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia repeated India’s squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, where he again called Axar Patel as the side’s vice-captain. That also confirmed that Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, was axed from the T20I team with less than 50 days to go for the mega event to begin. Gill’s omission capped weeks of speculation on whether his return unsettled the established opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Despite making just 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25 and strike rate of 137.26, many felt Gill’s place in the squad was all but certain until Saturday’s late twist happened. Multiple sources familiar with the matter told IANS yesterday that the call to…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said his side have to learn to kill games off while they are winning after reclaiming top spot in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Everton. Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal from the penalty spot to register his first goal since November 1 as the Gunners moved two points clear of Manchester City. But after needing a stoppage-time own goal to beat bottom-of-the-table Wolves last weekend, Arteta was again made to sweat for the 96 minutes on Merseyside against a depleted Everton. The Toffees rarely threatened, but had strong appeals for a penalty themselves turned down in the second half when William Saliba caught Thierno Barry. "The margin should have been bigger," said Arteta. "We have to learn while we are winning." It…

South Africans are hopeful that Bafana Bafana will conquer the continent three decades after Neil Tovey and Co. were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions on home soil. The wait for a second African title has been too long, punctuated as it was by some disappointing performances that saw Bafana becoming the laughing stock of the continent. Who can forget the embarrassment of 2006 in Egypt when the squad led by the late Ted Dumitru lost all three of their group matches without scoring a goal? Bafana had plunged into such low depths it could only get better thereafter, right? Only it didn’t. South Africa missed out on the next two tournaments, failing to qualify. The return to the biennial, continental showpiece came courtesy of us hosting in 2013 but…

Nearly ten years after three workers were buried alive at Lily Mine, their families are still seeking justice. Shamila Batohi, the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has come under fire from ActionSA for not pursuing justice, claiming that her leadership is solely to blame. The tragedy, which occurred in 2016, claimed the lives of Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi, and Solomon Nyirenda, whose bodies remain trapped inside the mine. Despite a 2023 magistrate’s ruling that criminal investigations were necessary against the mine owners, senior Minerals and Energy Department officials, and Barberton police officers, the NPA has yet to act. Families have been camping outside the mine, demanding answers and the retrieval of their loved ones ever since. ActionSA has now signalled its intention to take Batohi to court for…

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is considering postponing its elective conference to 2027 in order to avoid divisions ahead of the local government elections next year. Two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said postponement is being discussed by the national leadership and the decision would be taken when the leadership meets early next year. “We have heard that there will be no conference next year as was expected. No party would want to hold an elective conference on the year of elections so I suspect it is the same reason why the leadership wants to postpone it,” said a local leader. The leader, who is a known backer of IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa, said he would welcome the decision because he does not see the reason for a conference…

They survived the bombs and bullets, but many lost an arm or a leg when M23 fighters seized the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo nearly a year ago. Lying on a rug, David Muhire arduously lifted his thigh as a carer in a white uniform placed weights on it to increase the effort and work the muscles. The 25-year-old’s leg was amputated at the knee – he’s one of the many whose bodies bear the scars of the Rwanda-backed M23’s violent offensive. Muhire was grazing his cows in the village of Bwiza in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province, when an explosive device went off. He lost his right arm and right leg in the blast, which killed another farmer who was with him. Fighting had…

Polokwane International Airport is set to give the festive season a creative boost, unveiling a special incentive for performing artists travelling by private charter from 21 December 21 to January3, 2026. The initiative, spearheaded by Gateway Airport Authority Limited (GAAL), aims to support the arts, attract high-profile cultural events, and stimulate local tourism and entertainment activity across the region. GAAL CEO Mokgadi Matli said the initiative is designed to position the province as a preferred destination for premium events and celebrations during the holiday period. “We recognise the important role artists play in driving economic activity, particularly during peak festive periods. Their talent enriches our cultural landscape, and they deserve our support,” she said. Under the incentive, qualifying artists will receive free-landing fees and selected airport services, including parking and…

Troubles for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality continued to pile up in 2025 following damning revelations at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry. The municipality’s now-controversial ex-city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, achieved infamy after her testimony at the commission of inquiry investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Mashazi’s evidence precipitated the suspension of the head of human resources, Linda Gxasheka, who was fingered for allegedly protecting Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) boss Julius Mkhwanazi. The municipality confirmed that Gxasheka has been placed on precautionary suspension, with immediate effect. Evidence tabled at the commission stated that Gxasheka, as relayed by suspended EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, was that Gxasheka and legal boss Advocate Kemi Behari allegedly blocked Mkhwanazi’s…

Emerging technologies, such as the internet of things (IoT), big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly evolving, with the potential to transform society and the economy.Africa stands a unique opportunity to reboot its development by leveraging new technologies and reliable tech- partnerships for mutually beneficial socio-economic transformation. AI and emerging technologies are projected to contribute around $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030 through rapid tech adoption, accelerated sustainable growth and development. Advances in renewable energy, broadband infrastructure, and digital public services are strengthening resilience and fostering more inclusive tech adoption for development. The African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) provide crucial frameworks which could benefit from the growing adoption of new technologies and supportive tech partnerships to leapfrog the continent into…

In a moment that resonates deeply in the annals of South African football history, coach Hugo Broos will lead Bafana Bafana for the 50th time this December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. The national team’s journey under the Belgian mentor has enjoyed significant progress, ambition, and a renewed hope amongst the nation’s passionate supporters. The highly anticipated match against Angola will kick off at 7pm tonight (South African time). Broos’ tenure began on a promise of better days for Bafana Bafana when the South African Football Association (Safa) appointed him on May 5, 2021. His first match at the helm, a thrilling 3-2 victory over Uganda at Orlando Stadium on 10 June 2021, not only set a winning tone but also ignited optimism in a fan base…

IT WOULD be stretching it a little to suggest Hugo Broos resembled a kid in a sweetshop as he anticipated the start of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Yet for a coach going into his third tournament, the old man’s excitement was palpable. And that’s a good thing as South Africa seek to win only their second title in three decades. There was no air of ‘been there, done that’ - as would have been the case with some coaches - as the Belgian coach of Bafana Bafana addressed the media ahead of their Group B opener against Angola in Marrakech tonight (7pm kick-off). Instead, there was a glint in the septuagenarian’s eye as he reflected on his previous two experiences which yielded medals. A winner with Cameroon back…

Following South Africa’s penultimate bilateral T20I series before the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the 1-3 series loss in India, several players have questions marks hanging over their head in terms of making the Proteas squad for the showpiece event. South Africa were poor in some games during the India series, especially the opening game where they were bowled out for 70-odd in Cuttack, their lowest total in T20I cricket. They were also brilliant in some games, with the second match in New Chandigarh where they beat India by 51 runs to level the series being their highlight of the series. Two players stood out, and it’s the vastly experienced fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock. Ngidi was not only South Africa’s best bowler but was…

Pride and momentum will be at stake as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gets underway, with Bafana Bafana beginning their pursuit of a second continental crown when they take on Angola at the Marrakech Stadium tonight (7pm kick-off). Since lifting the trophy in 1996, Bafana head into this clash having met their Southern African neighbours four times, including during that historic title-winning campaign, and have yet to suffer defeat in those encounters. Hugo Broos and his side will be determined to maintain that record tonight, and drawing confidence from their last Afcon showing, they arrive at this tournament carrying high expectations to match – or even surpass – last year’s impressive third-place finish. The current squad has regularly been likened to the class of 1996 and, with the solid…

US First Lady Melania Trump is opening herself up to the world, giving an inside look into her life before her husband’s second swearing-in in an Amazon documentary. The teaser for Melania, which comes out January 30, shows the famously private Slovenian-American former model fixing the camera with an unflinching gaze and summing up her husband’s comeback in four words: “Here we go again.” Amazon’s licensing deal for the film is reportedly valued at about $40 million. Melania, who served as an executive producer, is set to receive 70% of that amount, a figure that has drawn scrutiny from her critics, according to The Wall Street Journal. Amazon MGM promises “unprecedented access” in the documentary, which chronicles the 20 days leading up to Inauguration Day in January, from transition…

Gauteng is facing a worsening violent crime crisis, with the delayed release of first and second quarter crime statistics for 2025-2026 highlighting the scope of the problem. Every day on average, 63 people are murdered, as violent and organised criminal networks continue to operate with impunity. Yesterday, the situation worsened when gunmen opened fire at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal, a township in the Gauteng province that is located 14 km south of Randfontein and 7 km east of Westonaria. There were ten injuries and at least nine fatalities. There has been more bloodshed in the province just this month. On December 16, in the Johannesburg CBD, near Carlton Centre, Warris Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras (40) lost his life during a broad daylight shooting. In another high-profile killing,…

Over the weekend, two more illegal miners were arrested in Bapong, bringing the total number of arrests to five. Authorities continue to crack down in the area. After police detained the first three suspected illegal miners who were discovered in possession of substantial amounts of chrome, tensions broke out in Bapong, escalating resentment in a community long impacted by illicit mining. Frustrated residents claim the arrested individuals were merely collecting leftover ore to support their families. “They have done nothing wrong,” said one community member, calling for their immediate release. At least 13 individuals have been arrested in recent weeks. Police have also seized and removed over ten excavators and other heavy mining equipment from the sites. Illegal mining, often conducted by Zama Zamas, has long plagued the North West…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it expects to surpass six million travellers during this year’s festive season, after processing just over five million in previous years. Speaking to the media, BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said: “Last year we were just around 5 million. So we do believe that this time around we should be able to surpass the 6 million number.” He highlighted that only ten of South Africa’s 71 ports of entry process over 75% of travellers, including OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and key land ports such as Beitbridge, Lubombo, Oshoek, Ficksburg, Maseru Bridge, and Caledonspoort. Masiapato warned that the authority is operating under severe staff shortages and ageing infrastructure, requiring collaboration with other departments. He said festive operations began on December 10…

City Power has welcomed the arrest of three suspects by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) for impersonating City Power officials and extorting money from a building owner. The suspects were apprehended at Evette Court on Jeppe Street after allegedly demanding and receiving R3 500 under the false pretence of inspecting electricity meters. According to the City, two of the suspects were City Power interns who were not authorised to perform any field or metering work, while the third falsely claimed to be a City Power manager. City Power confirmed that the suspects’ uniforms and the cash obtained through extortion were recovered during the arrest. City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said the arrests highlighted how criminal syndicates continue to exploit electricity infrastructure and the City Power…

The eThekwini Municipality has announced that three of the four Durban beaches that were closed due to pollution being detected, have been reopened. All four beaches were closed last week Thursday due to high E.coli readings, according to the City’s beach water quality report. The municipality said in a statement on Saturday that the EThekwini Beach, Country Club Beach and Battery Beach have now been reopened after further water quality testing. It did not indicate what the test results showed and the Beach status report on municipal website has not been updated since the closures. The City added that Blue Lagoon Beach remains closed. The municipality said on Saturday that 22 bathing beaches that are open, are monitored by lifeguards, Metro Police officers and South African Police Service members to…

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it received 893 849 applications from first-time university and Further Education and Training (FET) college students for the 2026 academic year. The application period opened on September 16 and closed on November 15 and decisions on funding eligibility are currently being communicated to students. NSFAS explained that continuing students are not required to reapply for NSFAS. “NSFAS is pleased to report significant progress in the assessment process. To date, 481 128 from SASSA beneficiary applications have been successfully assessed and issued with funding eligibility decisions. In addition, 49 132 non-SASSA applications have been assessed with other applications continuing.” Students who applied for funding are advised to log in to their myNSFAS portal to view their current application status and any updates related…

One or two missed moments ultimately proved costly for the Lions, but head coach Ivan van Rooyen was full of pride in his side after their narrow 34-27 United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday. The Johannesburg outfit pushed their hosts all the way to the final whistle and were still hunting a potential draw in the dying moments of the contest. That late surge was halted deep in Stormers territory when Springbok eighthman Evan Roos produced a crucial turnover under his own posts, stopping the Lions’ momentum and effectively sealing the win for the home side. The visitors had plenty to be encouraged by, particularly after a strong first-half showing in which they enjoyed much of the territory and possession. Their tempo and…

Cape Town is home, and for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, that matters more than anything else. While rugby teams from across the world were lining up with big offers and promises of lucrative contracts, he chose to stay where it all began. Money and overseas interest couldn’t compete with the connection he feels to the city, the team and the people who support it. Feinberg-Mngomezulu (23) has committed his future to Stormers Rugby until 2029, turning down strong interest from Japan and other major rugby markets. As his form has improved and his profile has grown, so too has the attention. But instead of chasing the biggest deal, he decided to back the environment he knows and believes in. That decision was shared with supporters in memorable fashion on Saturday afternoon at…

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which kicked off in Morocco last night, will highlight the depth of talent emanating from African football clubs. As major leagues across the continent take a break for the continental showpiece, it is no surprise to see strong African representation on the tournament roster. Sudanese football powerhouse Al-Hilal leads the charge, contributing an impressive 11 players to the tournament. The renowned South African sides, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have collectively 17 players who will don the South African national jersey. Pirates have nine players, and Sundowns are fielding eight. Sundowns’ seasoned goalkeeper Denis Onyango will be rallying the Ugandan squad. Afcon 2025 will not exclusively showcase players from Africa; it features talent from across the global football spectrum. However, French Ligue 1…

BAFANA BAFANA against Angola in the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is there a more familiar fixture? South Africa’s senior national team begins their campaign at the 35th edition of the biennial, continental showpiece against a foe they’ve met many times before. Monday's clash between the COSAFA nations will be the fifth such since South Africa’s return to international football in 1992. Back in 1996 when Bafana Bafana reigned supreme on the continent, one of the countries we beat en route to that glory was Angola. I remember that match vividly. It was a few days after we had smashed Cameroon 3-0 in the tournament and many of us descended upon the old FNB Stadium anticipating a similar outcome. I was a cadet journalist at The…