Star的2023-09-18目录

MAJOR banks, Absa, FirstRand, Nedbank and Standard Bank, grew headline earnings 16.8% in the first six months, boosted by record profit from other Africa markets and despite rising credit impairments locally, an analysis by professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed. As an indication of the general dwindling of fortunes of the South African consumer, the banks’ credit loss ratio of 107 basis points (bps) was well up from 76bps in the first half of 2022. Balance sheet provisions also reached “unprecedented levels” in anticipation of forecast risks, the analysis’ authors said. The cost of risk in the form of credit impairments increased across most lending portfolios. There was also heightened sovereign and currency risks in several African territories, which, coupled with interest rate pressure and the impact of load shedding…

IN A FILLIP for Anglo American, the owner of De Beers, the Group of Seven (G7) countries is expected to announce an import ban on Russian diamonds in the next two to three weeks, Belgian officials told reporters on Friday, in a bid to tighten a squeeze on Russia’s capacity to finance the war in Ukraine Anglo’s share price rose by 2% to close at R543.65 on the JSE on Friday. The plan could transform the global diamond supply chain, but implementation will depend heavily on India, whose diamond industry employs millions of people who cut and polish 90% of the world’s diamonds. The ban, proposed by Belgium where the city of Antwerp is the world’s No 1 diamond trading hub, will come into effect on January 1, one…

IN SEPTEMBER we remember the life of Steve Biko and celebrate our heri- tage. One can’t avoid the urge to recall Professor Bongani Mayosi (January 28, 1967 – July 27, 2018) in the black excellence lineage of revolutionaries like Biko, who embodied what they stood for, adopting excellence as their form of protest. In Biko’s I write what I like: Steve makes a call to the black man to return to being most fully human. He says: “The first step for the black man is to walk back towards himself and pump life back into his empty shell.” The life of Professor Mayosi, a rural boy who came from Ngqamakwe and traversed many worlds – through St John’s College Mthatha to Natal University, Oxford and UCT (where he met…

THE CONGRESS of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) welcomes the Public Procurement Bill currently before the National Assembly. The federation has campaigned for many years for this critical bill to reach Parliament. This is a long-overdue progressive bill that will lay the foundation for a single public procurement system across the entire state, eg departments, municipalities, entities and State-owned enterprises. Currently and amazingly, there is no single public procurement framework and, as a consequence, the situation in State institutions is akin to the Wild West, with many doing as they please and little space for the legislatures or the public to hold them accountable. The existing legislative gaps were exposed by the 2022 Constitutional Court finding that the Treasury lacked the legislative power to set local content and broad-based…

Britney Spears has reportedly been dating her convicted felon former housekeeper – but is said not to have cheated on her estranged husband, Sam Asghari. The Toxic singer, 41, is said to be in a relationship with ex-convict Paul Richard Soliz, 37, amid her divorce from Asghari, 29, who filed for divorce in August after 14 months of marriage. Page Six said a source had confirmed the pair’s romance, and added a second insider insisted Spears never cheated on her estranged husband. A source also told the Daily Mail Spears didn’t start seeing Soliz until after her split from Asghari. The outlet’s insider claimed the performer and her former housekeeper had a “short fling”, but have already broken it off and are “no longer” in communication. But another source told…

DJ Zinhle’s award-winning reality show The Unexpected is returning for a third season on BET. The 13-episode season will air weekly, offering viewers an exclusive window into the life of DJ Zinhle, and her circle of friends. This season, DJ Zinhle grapples with the loss of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, the father of her first child Kairo, providing a look into her process of healing. The entrepreneur will share behind-the-scenes stories of her friends and family’s collaborative efforts and the joys of working together. Her recent acquisition of a fun house will be showcased, giving viewers an inside look into her world of creativity and entrepreneurship. “I’m truly excited to share this new chapter of my life with all of you through The Unexpected Season 3 on BET,” she said. “This…

THANKS to the wayste separation efforts of conscientious citizens, businesses, schools and the greater recycling industry, South Africa recycled just under 1.3 million tons of paper and paper packaging in 2022. If baled and laid out, this would cover 161 rugby fields. Communications manager of the Paper Manufacturers Association of SA, Samantha Choles, said the same amount would weigh as much as 208 553 mature African elephants, or fill 1 502 Olympic-sized swimming pools. “More importantly, it saved 3.8 million cubic metres of landfill space, and ensured that the paper industry could re-use the fibre in cardboard boxes, grocery bags, egg boxes, newspapers, and tissue products. We are seeing more paper packaging entering the market as several brands are shifting to paper, especially in primary packaging that contains the…

Multi-award-winning rapper and entrepreneur Cassper Nyovest is once again at the centre of attention as a mixed bag of remarks continues about his latest studio album, Solomon. Having received a string of applause from some of his industry friends about the album, it seems other people have a lot to say about the Mama, I Made It hitmaker’s artistry. Yanga Chief, DJ Sbu, and Shimza are just a few from a pool of fans who pushed his name among trends on X (formerly known as Twitter), hailing the album. Whether he is told that he can’t rap or that his music is not good enough, Nyovest is always prepared to defend his name. Refiloe Phoolo, fondly known as Cassper Nyovest, responded to a post on social media that questioned his…

This past weekend, KwaZulu-Natal was put firmly on the world map when the provincial government hosted former presidents of the Republic of South Africa – Jacob Zuma, Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe. The unity on display across all political lines, leaders and ordinary members of society was a beautiful marketing of KwaZulu-Natal to the community of nations. As we stated, we are indeed deeply honoured that His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the immense impact of departed leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi by declaring his farewell a Special Official Funeral, Category 1. Such a commendation was a testament not just to political formality, but to the rare essence of the leader we have lost. It is true that leaders of rare qualities are hard to come by. This declaration therefore symbolised…

The Springboks got most of the answers they wanted out of the clash against Romania yesterday in Bordeaux, but their attention will immediately shift to Ireland today. South Africa completed a 76-0 rout of the Romanians to remain the only side not to have conceded a try at the World Cup in France. After two matches, the Boks’ defence is still reigning supreme, with only three points scored against them by Scotland in the first game. They’ve stacked up a massive 94 points so far. It was again the scrum and lineouts that laid the platform for the world champions to dominate as they ran in 12 tries. Even after coach Jacques Nienaber made 14 changes to the starting side, there wasn’t any evidence of a disconnect between the players.…

Erik ten Hag urged Manchester United to show some “character” after they plunged deeper into crisis as Brighton & Hove Albion swept to a shock 3-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday. Ten Hag’s side were rocked by a first-half goal from former United forward Danny Welbeck, before Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro put Brighton further ahead after the interval. Hannibal Mejbri’s first goal for the club was no consolation for United, who were booed off at the end. It was United’s second successive defeat after their 3-1 loss at Arsenal before the international break. With three defeats in five league games already this season – the first time they have suffered that fate in the Premier League era – United are languishing in 12th place and have the look…

The Premiership midweek programme will throw up two plumb fixtures that will place the spotlight firmly on South Africa’s most storied clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. After six rounds, perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with a seven-point lead, have turned the league title into a one-horse race. However, when they cross paths with Chiefs or Pirates, fans countrywide will hope against hope that Sundowns will suffer a surprise defeat. On Wednesday evening, Sundowns and Pirates will return to domestic action after Caf Champions League weekend assignments, the Brazilians having returned from Tanzania and the Buccaneers from Botswana. Pirates have made steady progress since the start of the season, and will prove formidable opponents to Sundowns on Wednesday in front of their fans at Orlando Stadium (7.30pm kick-off). After four Premiership…

Johnny Sexton said his son will be talking more about his becoming Ireland’s record points scorer than he will after the captain recorded another remarkable personal milestone on Saturday. The 38-year-old’s first-half try in the 59-16 demolition of Tonga in their World Cup Pool B match took him past Ronan O’Gara, his predecessor as Ireland’s flyhalf. Sexton’s 16-point haul in a single half against the Tongans put him on 1 090 points in 115 Tests, 13 games fewer than O’Gara needed to score 1 083 points. He was uncharacteristically expressive after touching the ball down to round off a fine move and was mobbed by his teammates, who sensed the size of his achievement. “I was just happy to score the try,” Sexton said after the match. “I think one…

It took the Springboks only 11 minutes and 13 seconds to record a bonus point for four tries in their Pool B clash against Romania in Bordeaux yesterday, as they recorded a 76-0 win in their second match of the World Cup. The scoreline ended as many would’ve predicted, with South Africa scoring a mammoth 12 tries and keeping their opponents tryless again. The defending champions remain the only team to have not conceded a five-pointer in France. Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and left wing Makazole Mapimpi grabbed hat-tricks, while right wing Grant Williams chipped in with a brace. A host of tries can probably come into contention for the score of the match, like the one of fullback Damian Willemse after he, with some amazing footwork, stepped through the Romanian…

Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has promised that the electricity supply will return back to “normality” by the end of next year when Eskom has completed the building and synchronisation of two additional generation units at Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga. Ramokgopa yesterday announced that Kusile had resumed generating 800MW at its unit 4 after days of not a single generation unit being operational at the troubled power plant. Kusile consists of six 800MW coal-fired generating units which could deliver a combined 4 800MW, but three units that were in service have broken down, while two others have not been synchronised to the grid. Ramokgopa reiterated that Kusile sits on the “critical path” to significantly reducing rotational power cuts which have crippled economic activity for years. He said…

OUTSURANCE Group (OGL), a growing, short-term insurance group operating across South Africa and Australia, lifted its annual dividend more than 100% to 134.8 cents (6.5c) a share for the year to June 30, and shareholders also benefited from an 8.5c special dividend. OGL’s normalised earnings from continuing operations were up a substantial 62.2% to R2.88 billion. Last December Rand Merchant Investment Holdings (RMI) changed its name and started trading as OUTsurance Group on the JSE, as part of a managed transition following the sale of the group’s interest in Hastings in December 2021 and the unbundling of the interests in Discovery and Momentum Metropolitan Holdings to OGL shareholders in April 2022. As at June 30, OGL owned an 89.8% equity stake in OUTsurance Holdings (OHL), 100% in RMI…

South African and global financial markets eagerly await the decision of the Federal Reserve Open Market Commission (FOMC) on interest rates in the US, on Wednesday. The SA Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy (MPC) will also announce its decision on the repo rate on Thursday. The markets expect in both cases that the two central banks will keep rates unchanged, although some uncertainty and nervousness prevail. Inflation data for most developed countries, as well as their interest rate decisions, will also be released this coming week. In the US, consumer inflation increased more than expected in August to 3.7% from 3.2% in July – higher than the 3.4% that was expected. The sharp annual increase in fuel and other energy prices mostly contributed to the sharp turnaround in prices at shop…

EFFORTS by business to protect and make reparations to whistleblowers are up for the count as the Labour Court last week ruled that the Deputy Director-General in the Department of Labour and Public Administration Colette Clark had been unfairly dismissed by Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet last month. The court decision comes on the heels of the launch of an anti-corruption working guide for South African companies launched with much gravitas by eminent civil society groups in an event where Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, as the main speaker highlighted the need for the protection of whistleblowers and appealed for a fund to help give incentives. This is as another case is pending before the courts of the unceremonious dismissal of the Director-General in the Department of Public Enterprises…

York Timber Holdings’ share price fell 3.41% on Friday to R1.70 after it said in a trading statement that it expected to report a loss per share and headline loss per share for the year ended June 30, 2023. It said earnings per share and headline earnings per share were expected to decrease by at least 90 cents, from 26c for the year ended June 30, 2022, respectively. The share price has fallen steadily from R2.60 a year ago. The integrated forestry group said profitability had been impacted by price increases in external logs purchased and higher operational costs could not be recovered in selling prices. Operational challenges negatively impacted the results. York’s strategy to increase the clear-fell age of its plantations resulted in reduced harvesting from its own…

IF YOU’RE as old as me, or even a bit older, then you are likely to remember when global superstar, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, reality TV star turned businesswoman Kim Kardashian, and South African media personality DJ Zinhle, among a few others, gave birth to their first-born kids. Fast-forward to 2023: the same kids, obviously much older, and so am I, are showing the same star power as their famous parents. Recently, Blue Ivy Carter stunned crowds when she performed on stage during her mother Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. At just 11, Blue Ivy stole the show when she showed off her epic moves as she danced in formation with the rest of the group. Videos of her, taken by those who attended the concerts, made their way online, making the little…

A few weeks after a fire claimed the lives of 77 people in Johannesburg, comparable reports have been spiralling out of control across the province. As many of these events continue to be investigated, there are also growing concerns about motivation and how it can be best prevented as fires continue to ravage Joburg. On Friday, in yet another blaze, a building with more than 200 shacks built inside was gutted by fire at the corner of Delvers and Cornelius streets in Marshalltown, in Joburg’s CBD. Johannesburg Fire Department’s Xolile Khumalo said a fire was reported at around 10 am, and the caller claimed that a 3-storey building that had apparently been hijacked was on fire. “Everybody inside was evacuated to safety and no injuries were reported,” said Khumalo. She…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the church plays a crucial role in fighting social ills, irrespective of the denomination or the community it serves. Mashatile was giving a keynote address during the fund-raising gala dinner for the 100th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa, Alexandra Parish, at Marlboro Community Hall, Marlboro, at the weekend. “As a well-established moral and social leader, the church has effectively addressed social problems through outreach, education and advocacy.” He congratulated the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa on its 100th anniversary. “As the church, you have played an important role in the development and growth of the community of Alexandra. This includes the investment you made in the Lutheran Berlin Missionary, a school that has produced great men and women who are…

The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has committed to ending load shedding by the end of 2024. This comes after he announced a slight improvement to the country’s energy output following the return to maintenance of some generating capacity at the Kusile Power Station. This week, the country was subjected to Stage 6 power cuts in some (areas) due to the failure of generating units. Yesterday, Ramokgopa announced the return of a generating unit at Kusile Power Station, reducing load shedding by one stage. The country was pleased with some of the improvements to its ailing electricity problem, Ramokgopa told the weekly media briefing on the Energy Action Plan. “We are pleased to announce that Unit 4 of Kusile Power Station, which was put on planned maintenance, has been…

Despite South Africa’s headline inflation hitting its lowest since October 2021, the country’s food inflation remains stubbornly high, nearly double the overall inflation rate. This is according to the 9th Essential Food Pricing Monitoring Report from the Competition Commission released last week. 1. Food Inflation and Load Shedding: The commission’s focus has shifted to how quickly lower input costs are passed on to consumers. Slow price transmission is a sign of low competition levels in food value chains. However, the recent load shedding crisis has added a twist. The cost of adapting to these power outages is likely keeping food prices artificially high. 2. Rockets and Feathers: The report highlights the “rocket and feather” effect, where prices rise quickly with cost increases but fall slowly when costs decrease. Evidence of…

Barry Steenkamp, father of slain model Reeva Steenkamp, has died. In a post shared on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation page, the family shared that Steenkamp died in his sleep on Thursday. He was 80-years-old at the time of his passing. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Barry Steenkamp in his sleep, on the early evening of September 14,” the post read. According to reports, he had been battling health complications. He is survived by his wife, June and two children, Simone and Adam. His daughter, Reeva was shot dead on Valentine’s Day in 2013 by boyfriend, Oscar Pistorius, who claimed he thought she was an intruder. She sustained three gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Pistorius received a sentence of…

SPENDING up to 21 days and nights in the bushes while carrying a heavy backpack full of supplies in the face of dangers posed by marauding poachers comes with the territory for rangers. On Saturday, a group of rangers showcased their strength and tenacity at the Hoedspruit Southern African Wildlife College in Limpopo, where they participated in the 21km race known as the Wildlife Ranger Challenge in the blistering heat of nearly 40°C. The challenge required them to put on pairs of boots and full camouflaged regalia and then walk or run on a gravel road with at least a backpack laden with 22kg rice for men and 10kg for women. The challenge in South Africa was part of the continental event which saw 1 500 rangers in 103 teams…

Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter reckons there is more that 23-year-old Marco Jansen has to offer as the youngster helped South Africa seal a 3-2 series victory against Australia at the Wanderers yesterday. The Proteas started the new season on a bad note when they were outplayed by an under-strength Australian team in the T20 series Durban. Questions were asked on the players’ readiness for the 50-over World Cup when Aiden Markram and his T20 squad suffered a whitewash at the hands of the Australians. It was even more concerning when SA went down in the first two ODIs in Bloemfontein. Loss after loss, Walter would go into media engagements with an unmatched calmness, and would state that a few defeats could not define his team or his players. Three…

Royal AM coach John Maduka has expressed his happiness at being able to walk away with a point after frustrating Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs as they held Amakhosi to a goalless Premiership draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Royal AM forfeited their standard ‘front foot’ approach as they let the Glamour Boys have 60% of the ball. The visitors set up in their usual 3-5-2 formation but in a lower block in comparison to their familiar high-pressing style, a strategy that reaped rewards and pleased Maduka. “It’s a very good point for us playing away from home,” he said after the match. Maduka said they worked on a way to counter Chief’s dangerous speed upfront. “They have (Ashley) du Preez, they have (Pule) Mmodi, strikers that are very quick, so…

Junior Dion came off the bench to grab a second-half brace and give AmaZulu a 3-2 victory over Cape Town City at Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday. On his return from injury, the Ivorian showed predatory instincts to score the equaliser and the winning goals in the 92nd and 98th minute. AmaZulu made it back-to-back wins last night, while City suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions. It was a dream start for the hosts as City’s second-choice goalkeeper Bongani Mpandle gifted AmaZulu the opener inside seven minutes. Mbongeni Gumede was the gracious recipient as he reacted the quickest to a loose ball after a well-delivered free kick, and the defender made no mistake in guiding it into an empty net and putting his team ahead. Khanyisa Mayo, who had…

There is something that just hits different about a one-day international at the Wanderers. Perhaps it’s the enthusiastic car guards’ enactment of a textbook Jacques Kallis forward defensive shot to entice you to choose one of them to guide you to the parking lot as you make your way up Corlett Drive. Or the tangible electricity in the air that only a capacity “Bullring” crowd can generate. This is ramped up even further when the opposition are Australia, that gets these Joburgers bristling like no other. Many are not shy to tell you “I was here” on that historic day back in 2006, when Australia were humbled. There are certainly plenty of reminders plastered around this coliseum of South African cricket of its greatest day: From the ‘438’ memorial shrine…

The Springboks predictably put an outclassed Romania team to the sword in their second Pool B match at the World Cup, winning 76-0 in Bordeaux yesterday. It was a sound team effort, but individuals also shone. Here’s how we rated them individually … Willie le Roux, 5/10: He set up Makazole Mapimpi’s first try brilliantly with a switch pass, but it was downhill from there. He dropped the ball after taking an up-and-under, and was about to pass. He was twice steam-rolled by the Romanian wing. Recovered to make a fine pass for the Mapimpi hat-trick, and score a try of his own. Grant Williams, 7: Looked out of position with his aerial challenges. With the ball in hand, he showed blistering pace to score his two tries. Canan Moodie,…

The country’s National Treasury will reopen the R202 (3.45%; 2033) inflation-linked bond SOUTH Africa’s government will soon be going to the capital markets in a bid to raise additional debt to fulfil the 2023/24 financial year’s budget requirements as the State scrambles to cut spending on the back of deterio- rating fiscal metrics. This will likely raise the national debt burden beyond the R4.73 trillion mark, widen the budget deficit above 4.2% of gross domestic product (GDP,) and threaten the budget surplus in the medium-term. The National Treasury has already increased government borrowing to R2 billion a day from the beginning of August to fund its current fiscal deficit and refinance maturing debt on the back of declining tax revenue. The Treasury said on Friday that it would…

PUTPROP Limited, a property investment company, will pay out a dividend of 7 cents per share (6c) for the year to June 30, bringing the dividend for the year to 11.25c (10.25c). The JSE-listed company is active in all property segments. Its portfolio comprises 13 (2022: 15) properties, mainly in Gauteng, with a gross lettable area of 97 601 square metres, valued at about R1.1 billion. Chairperson Daniele Torricelli said on Friday that in the year ahead they planned to continue to realign the portfolio into one containing long-term sustainable tenants occupying properties of high value. This would involve “C” grade properties being disposed of over time and replaced with properties of a higher investment grade with higher contractual rentals from higher calibre tenants. There would also…

FROM 2020 to 2021 the reduced demand for utilisation of electricity was because of Covid-19 and national shutdowns, which led to a slow down of industry activity. However, three years before the onset of Covid-19, load shedding had resurfaced by 2018 after it had been declared ended by both former president Jacob Zuma and his then deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa on many occasions as they wooed investment here at home and in Davos. Concrete evidence is uncontested that the duo of Brian Molefe and Matshela Koko, and their Eskom team had done an excellent job in addressing load shedding. Many a narrative emerged after their subsequent unceremonious departures from Eskom, but the height of a comical Ali-like string of these was unleashed during the tenure of André de Ruyter. This…

A MEETING will be held as a matter of urgency to discuss the critical issues, which caused frustration to the members of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Transnet said in a statement on Friday afternoon. The South African rail, port and pipeline company was responding to the DCCI’s leaked letter, which called for the axing of the entity’s management. “Transnet SOC Ltd (Transnet), has been made aware of a letter from the DCCI, expressing concern about operations at the City’s port, and calling for the removal of the Transnet leadership as a solution. Transnet’s Group CE Portia Derby met with the Mayor of eThekwini, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda and the CEO of the chamber, Palesa Phili, on the sidelines of another engagement in Durban this morning, and the…

Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku has been the name on everyone’s lips since the launch of the new Showmax Original show, Outlaws. Nokwe-Mseleku stars on the show as Sihle Biyela. Outlaws is currently at #1 on the streamer’s Top 20 and has had one of the biggest launches of any scripted series. “It’s OUTLAWS DAY! & we’re no 1, thank you for streaming!,” she shared on Instagram. The modern-day Western tells the story of two families at war with each other: the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eoles. Nokwe-Mseleku, daughter of the legendary musos Bheki Mseleku and Tu Nokwe, has been on screen before, with one of her most notable roles being Mbali in the International Emmy-nominated crime series Reyka. Despite this, Outlaws is without doubt her breakthrough lead role.…

Actor Wiseman Mncube is leaving Uzalo and bidding farewell to his character, Sibonelo, which made him a household name. Mncube joined Uzalo in 2018, playing a medical doctor but fell into criminal activities. Daily Sun reported that the actor had submitted his resignation to the production and would be leaving. Stained Glass Productions have now confirmed that the popular actor will be leaving the most-watched soapie in the country. Production has also confirmed that Nkanyiso Mchunu will be leaving Uzalo following his short stint in the production. “We’ve had the privilege of witnessing Wiseman Mncube and Nkanyiso Mchunu’s incredible journey on Uzalo. “Their commitment to their craft, their ability to breathe life into their characters, and the chemistry they brought to the screen have enriched our show in ways words…

An HIV-positive sangoma, Isaac Motaung, is expected back in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court next month for rape and attempted murder. Motaung appeared in court yesterday for allegedly raping his initiates at his residence in Alexandra while they were going through their initiation rituals. According to locals, there had been reports accusing Motaung of alleged sexual shenanigans, but there was no evidence. NPA Gauteng division spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane told media that Motaung is facing two counts of rape, compelled rape, two counts of attempted murder, and two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Mjonondwane said that a boy aged 12 and a girl aged 14 were allegedly raped by Motaung between 2020 and 2021, and they were then forced to engage in sexual intercourse with each other.…

DIVISIONS among the organisers of the drug-free South Africa march that took place in Pretoria on Friday did not discourage scores of people from joining. The march started at Burgers Park and ended at the Union Buildings. A memorandum handed to police requested the government to implement a drug master plan and harsher sentences for drug-related offences. However, march organisers Put SA First and reality TV presenter and host of the popular Moja Love show, Sizokthola, Xolani Khumalo, were at loggerheads throughout the march. Put SA first leader Faith Mabusela told the Pretoria News that they were the main organisers of the march, but felt Khumalo and his foundation, the Xolani Khumalo Foundation, had hijacked their march because of his celebrity status. She also accused Khumalo of sidelining them from…

Fresh off winning the Basadi in Music Pop Artist of the Year for the second year in a row and winning The Masked Singer SA, Holly Rey has announced the release of her 3rd EP – 3 AM Part 1. This new body of work delves deep into the world of Afrohouse to create a project for both party starters and house music lovers. The Deeper hitmaker said she was in her feelings when she made the EP. “This EP was made for my 3 AM people, the true vibers, the ones that are there for the music and can’t tear themselves away from the dance floor. I also did most of the creative work for this project at 3am when I was deep in my feelings,” said Holly Rey.…

In an alarming turn of events, Matjhabeng Municipality’s executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, has remained mum on accusations that his municipality is failing black-owned businesses. This comes after the mayor and his municipality were reported to be embroiled in a corruption scandal that has sent shock waves across the nation. It has been reported that Khalipha allegedly refused to pay three black-owned companies a total of R88 million for services rendered, demanding a kickback of R4m from each company. These companies include MC Security, which was reportedly owed R26m, Puseletso owed R50m and Motse Warona, which was owed R7m. One of the companies, Puseletso Security and Projects, alleged in a court summons to the Free State High Court served on July 10 that it was owed an amount of R61m…

“Two lovers playing scenes from some romantic play....” – words from Neil Diamond’s ballad September Morning rung true as couple, Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana, gazed deeply into each other’s eyes in an inexplicable alchemy of attraction, displaying a well-choreographed public affection in a Bloemfontein Court for all to see. Both seemed to have regained their sangfroid and psychological acuity. There was not an iota of stress, lethargy or harassment on the convicted murderer and rapist’s face and the sultry doctor’s fresh and rakish charm provoked ambiguity. I never knew that awaiting trial prisoners had access to prison or personal groomers because that’s the impression one got when you saw these two, dolled up to the nines, sporting designer tops by Louis Vuitton and Nike. She is indubitably a…

Orlando Pirates began their Champions League second preliminary round on a sour note by losing 1-0 away to Jwaneng Galaxy yesterday. Having lost at the Botswana National Stadium, Pirates will have to beat Galaxy in the second leg in Orlando on September 29 to qualify for the group stage of the elite African competition. Failure to do that would see Galaxy knock Pirates out in the same phase of the competition for the second time in 13 years. Pirates, though, don’t have time to sulk as they must quickly get back to work and prepare for a tough week ahead. Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premiership at home on Wednesday, before hosting Stellenbosch FC in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals on Sunday, having won 2-1 in the…

Arsenal claimed their first Premier League win at Everton for six years as Leandro Trossard’s second-half strike proved enough to secure the points at Goodison Park yesterday. Everton, still without a win this season, had managed to frustrate the visitors who had a Gabriel Martinelli goal ruled out for offside via VAR in the first period. But the Londoners were eventually rewarded for their domination as Trossard’s shot cannoned in off the post after a clever build-up in the 69th minute. Unbeaten Arsenal joined Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool on 13 points from five games, two points behind leaders Manchester City, who have a 100% record. A third successive 1-0 home defeat left Everton third from bottom with one point. Arsenal face a huge week ahead with their return to the…

Kaizer Chiefs’ goalless draw with Royal AM has added pressure on their strike force ahead of must-win matches this week. Chiefs failed to register their third win in a row in the Premiership against Royal AM on Saturday, having won back-to-back games and drawn an MTN8 match before the Fifa break. But it was not due to a lack of effort from Amakhosi, who were the better side on the night at FNB Stadium with 18 scoring chances, which included two efforts that hit the woodwork. It was a good performance that Chiefs can build on going forward as they replied to the hostile criticism that they’ve received since the start of the season. But the fact that they failed to score is worrying. Chiefs will have to find the…

Carlos Sainz led from start to finish to win a thrilling Singapore Grand Prix yesterday after a charging George Russell crashed his Mercedes from third place on the final lap. Lando Norris was second in a McLaren, with Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes third. Championship leader Max Verstappen was fifth as Red Bull failed to win a race for the first time this season. Sainz controlled the pace of the night race brilliantly from pole position to take only his second career win, the first coming at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last year. It ended Red Bull’s hopes of sweeping every race in 2023 as Verstappen, who has won the last 10 races in a row, could only work his way up from 11th on the grid into the…

For Wales, a tense finish against Fiji and spirited showing from Portugal may have set hearts fluttering, but they have come away with 10 points from their opening two World Cup Pool C games to make a perfect start in their bid for a quarter-final place. There were many questions around the team going into the tournament. Should coach Warren Gatland have come back for a second spell in charge? Is there enough experience in the squad? Was it a risk to pin hopes on players with a poor injury record? It has not been plain sailing by any stretch of the imagination, but Gatland – in his record fifth World Cup as a coach – has guided Wales to two bonus-point wins with a crunch game against Australia to…

Fiji made a huge statement at the World Cup yesterday with their first win over Australia for 69 years, a thoroughly deserved 22-15 victory that blew Pool C wide open and left the twice world champion Wallabies shell-shocked. Denied a likely victory over Wales in their opener by a dropped pass, Fiji overpowered the Australians with direct running, explosive tackling and 11 turnovers. Barring those in green and gold, a packed house at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard cheered each Fiji attack and every single one of the 18 penalties awarded against the Australians. A try from centre Josua Tuisova and five penalties did the damage on the scoreboard, and the Fijians backed their steely defence to keep the desperate Wallabies out in a dramatic last 10 minutes. “It’s history for us ...…