Star的2025-01-23目录

Stats SA says inflation for 2024 overall was substantially lower year-on-year at 4.4% As inflation continues to grow at a manageable rate, at the bottom end of the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB’s) target range, economists expect a 0.25 percentage point cut in the interest rate next week, which would take the prime lending rate down to 11%. Statistics South Africa reported on Wednesday that inflation for 2024 overall came in substantially lower year-on-year at 4.4% compared with the comparative print of 6% in 2023. While December’s figure was marginally higher than that of November, the 3% recorded was substantially lower than the 5.1% number recorded in the last month of 2023. Investec chief economist, Annabel Bishop, said the SARB’s Monetary Policy Committee was expected to trim interest rates next…

FlySafair has reaffirmed being steadfast in maintaining its efficiency as it confirmed making final representations to the International Air Services Licensing Council (IASLC) earlier this week. This comes as both Domestic and International Air Services Licensing Councils are currently deliberating on possible sanctions on the airline for breaching the foreign ownership threshold in both its operational divisions. The appearance this week, scheduled from a court ruling last year, was for the airline to make further submissions as the councils draw close to the matter, which may shift the South African landscape due to the airline’s dominant position. “FlySafair remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering uninterrupted service throughout this process. Our flights continue to operate as scheduled and are receiving strong customer support,” said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair chief marketing officer.…

Retail activity in South Africa is expected to continue surging as consumers get more disposable income from the interest rates reprieve offered by the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) and Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that retail sales advanced by 7.7% over a year in November 2024, following a downwardly revised 6.2% rise in October. This marked the ninth consecutive month of growth in retail activity and the strongest since July 2022, surpassing market forecasts of a 5.5% increase. Excluding the disruptions caused by Covid-19 and the July 2021 riots to the data, this marks the strongest print in approximately 14 years (since June 2010). Stats SA said the uptick in shopping activity was broad-based across most retailers as six of the seven categories included in…

As we shake off the Christmas hangover, complete with the lingering crumbs of Choice Assorted Biscuits, and settle into 2025, we are called to embrace fresh opportunities with purpose and resolve. South Africa’s historic assumption of the G20 presidency offers just such an opportunity: a platform to rewrite economic narratives and shine a long-overdue spotlight on the unsung champions of economic growth: Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises. As Donald Trump assumes the presidency this week, the geopolitical landscape is undergoing significant shifts, bringing economic priorities into sharp focus. South Africa stands poised to amplify Africa’s voice and ambitions on the global stage. For the first time, Africa has a chance to shape the G20 agenda from a uniquely African perspective, making this presidency a milestone of immense responsibility. SMMEs, the…

Mr Price Group’s share price fell up to two percent yesterday after it said sales reached double-digit growth in the 13 weeks to December 31 and that it has gained market share for six consecutive months, with stronger sales in December. In December, traditionally the strongest month for retailers due to the festive season and holidays, group retail sales increased 12.8%. Mr Price Apparel and all acquired businesses saw double-digit growth in the month, and 70 basis points of market share were gained, the group directors said in a trading statement yesterday. “The 2025 economic growth outlook for South Africa is anticipated to improve. A steadily improving consumer environment, aided by decreasing inflation and lower interest rates, continues to build a solid platform for growth in comparison to recent years,”…

Apple Music has identified five emerging African artists who are set to make waves in the global music scene. The Africa Rising initiative has announced their Class of ‘25, a list of the next generation of African superstars. Since its inception in 2020, this artist development programme has provided a vital platform, allowing rising stars to reach global audiences and connect with music lovers all over the world. This year’s recipients hail from across the continent and include South African singer-songwriter Lusanda, Nigerian Afrobeats artist and producer KAESTYLE, Kenyan indie-soul sensation Njerae, Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer FOLA and rising Ghanaian beatmaker AratheJay. For these artists, the recognition from the streaming platform signifies more than just an honour, it’s a unique opportunity to amplify their music and story. Lusanda shared:…

COUNSEL for Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge, who is accused of sexually harassing a junior judge’s clerk, told the complainant that the judge has never sent her a picture of his private part or of any private part. “He never sent you a picture of his private part or any private part. This allegation by you has embarrassed my client for all this time, actually for years,” Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane told Andiswa Mengo. Mengo was on the witness stand before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal, which is hearing her complaints regarding Judge Mbenenge. Sikhakhane started questioning her on Tuesday and continued yesterday, in a bid to prove that she was never a victim of harassment and power play, as claimed by her. Sikhakhane told Mengo he now wanted…

An unmissable collaboration between HONOR and a host of Mzansi celebrities are about to be stunningly revealed. Going live next week, South Africans can expect to be surprised and dazzled by both the stars and the revolutionary HONOR X9c Unbreakable AI smartphone. HONOR South Africa is teaming up with sports icons such as Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane from the Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns, to launch a series of short videos on social media. These clips will showcase the device's capabilities by putting it to the test in thrilling extreme sports scenarios. Renowned TV actresses and fan favourites, Thembi Seete (Adulting, Gomora) and Gaisang Noge (The Wife) have joined in the challenge to set the stage for what promises to be an eye-opener for everyone…

MANGO business rescue practitioner (BRP) Sipho Sono has been unable to indicate whether or not the troubled state-owned low-cost airline will challenge the decision to cancel its licences. The Air Licensing Services Council cancelled Mango's licences in November. “Unfortunately I don’t have answers to those questions. We report progress to creditors on a monthly basis,” said Sono in response to whether or not a decision has been taken to review or appeal the council’s cancellation of the licenses and by when he is hoping to finalise arrangements with the potential partner to get the airline back in the skies. In his latest monthly update, Sono wrote: “The BRP regrets to inform creditors and affected parties that on November 15, 2024, the Air Services Licensing Council issued a letter notifying its…

Mazda has reaffirmed its commitment to the South African market, with the importer confirming new strategic partnerships and four new vehicles for the local market. Mazda South Africa has also refuted rumours that it plans to exit the South African market. The company’s Head of Marketing and Communications Deolinda Da Costa said that these false rumours were the work of social media trolls. “Categorically we can state that we’re here to stay and we are excited about the products we are bringing,” Da Costa said. She acknowledged that Mazda had become smaller in terms of sales but stated that this had been expected as the brand was moving more into the luxury space, a process that started with the introduction of the CX-60 premium SUV in 2023. In a statement…

Formula 1 fans and journalists piled up in the cold and misty weather on a bridge overlooking the Fiorano circuit in Italy where Lewis Hamilton was taking his first lap in a Ferrari. Fans braved the cold to hopefully catch a glimpse of the seven-time World Champion steering the crimson horse around the Ferrari test track. Scuderia Ferrari shared visuals on X showing Hamilton leave Enzo Ferrari’s famous farm home and getting into his new car. Visuals from Sky News showed a thick layer of mist over the track, as Hamilton could barely be seen weaving his way around the circuit. Fans voiced their opinions about the 2025 Ferrari pair, which includes Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and hopes for the upcoming season. “Charles is a little bit faster on the…

Defending champion Jannik Sinner raced into the Australian Open semi-finals yesterday in imperious fashion, after Iga Swiatek was equally ruthless to close on a first Melbourne crown. Italian world No 1 Sinner swept aside an out-classed home hope Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to silence Rod Laver Arena and set up a meeting with 21st seed Ben Shelton. The other semi-final is between 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and world No 2 Alexander Zverev, with both taking place tomorrow. Sinner had dizzy spells in the scorching heat of the afternoon during his four-set win against Holger Rune on Monday. But in much cooler evening conditions, the 23-year-old was back to his brilliant best against eighth seed De Minaur, who has still never beaten Sinner in 10 matches. "(Yesterday)…

The beleaguered Ithala Development Finance Corporation Bank, on the verge of liquidation, has won an order to claw back more than R10 million from Loyisa Consulting and Projects, which had been granted as a loan in 2011 ostensibly for a milk processing plant. This comes as the ANC and its alliance partners in KwaZulu-Natal will picket outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday when the Prudential Authority and Ithala Bank exchange legal blows inside. The High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday has ordered that the company, along with company principals Luyolo Lennox Makaula, Liziwe Pepeta and Donald Luthando Loyiso Pepeta, pay Ithala R10.1m jointly and severally and also pay interest at Ithala’s lending rate minus 2% or the maximum rate. The court also ordered that an over 810 hectares…

If you want to link that at all to Trump and his policies, I would argue that, well, if Trump hits us with some trade tariffs as well, that will immediately add another layer to anybody that would like to come and open a factory here or make investments in South Africa, because then over and above just the normal local challenges that we face, those kind of investors will need to take into account that then they also need to deal with additional tariffs over another hurdle if they would like to trade and operate from. On inflation trends, maybe more broadly, I think some of the most important policy changes that's on the table is around trade, as we already said. Trade is generally growth negative because it…

As the incoming managing director of Business Partners Limited, the start of this year is particularly exciting. It’s a true new beginning. It’s also a chance to reflect on the year that was and set strategic goals for the coming 12 months. But as every entrepreneur knows, New Year’s optimism can quickly revert to the daily grind if there isn’t a deliberate practice in place to review and revise those goals. Reviewing your goals allows you to reconnect with your business’s purpose and make sure you’re still on the right trajectory. Are there gaps that need to be addressed? Are there opportunities that haven’t yet been identified? Revising those goals ensures they remain relevant and aligned with your broader vision and mission. Let’s unpack how this process can set you…

Copper 360 has reached an agreement with Mulilo Reneweable Project Developments for the acquisition of a wind energy project in the Northern Cape for an initial cash consideration of R5 million. Copper360 said last month that the company was now transitioning towards steady state production at its recently commissioned Rietberg mine in the Northern Cape as it eyes improved grades. With copper emerging as a highly sought after commodity, Copper360 already has “offtake agreements in place for all the ore” to be produced from Reitberg. Further aiding its prospects, the company has now signed an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of Mulilo Springbok Wind Power, a project that was owned by Mulilo Renewable Project Developments. The Mulilo Springbok Wind Power project is establishing a 55MW wind energy generation facility…

UK-based wealth manager Quilter’s share price shot up 6% on the JSE after its strongest quarterly financial performance for the year saw Assets under Management and Administration (AuMA) rise by 7% in three months to December 31. Record core net inflows of £5.2 billion (R119bn) in 2024 from the company that separated from Old Mutual in 2016 were reported, with the fourth quarter inflow at £2bn, Quilter said in a trading statement Wednesday. Record quarterly Platform net inflows of £1.9bn represented 9% of opening AuMA of the company that has paid out regular dividends at an average growth rate of 12.5%. The share traded at R36.85 Wednesday afternoon, 55% higher than a year ago. “Our performance accelerated with each quarter incrementally stronger than the immediate prior quarter. Fourth quarter core…

Social media is entertaining, especially with people so confident in saying stuff that they wouldn’t dare to say to the person’s face. Brian Monaisa’s baby mama, Neema Aloyce recently accused media personality Minnie Dlamini of stealing her man. Monaisa is a celebrity aesthetic doctor who is rumoured to be in a relationship with Dlamini. “I am saying Minnie is coming after my family since she knows about me and Brian made it very clear what we had, our family and our business. “Live in Tanzania and we have an arrangement of seeing each other every 3 or 4 weeks, where one of us would go to the other side. “In Joburg, I had half of the closet full of my things and always posted when I was there and she…

The National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) financial troubles continue as it fails to pay accommodations for students. The Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) has warned that students may not be able to return to their rented rooms if the financial scheme fails to pay the outstanding debt within the next 14 days. The association, which provides accommodation to more than 80 000 students, said NSFAS owed a sum of R44 million to its members from 2024. The association warned this could potentially disrupt the academic year’s resumption for 2025 and create a “nightmare scenario” for both students and their parents. In a statement issued on Monday, the PSHA board said the non-payment compromises the sustainability of running private accommodation businesses. Chief Executive Officer Kagisho Mamabolo said the PSHA members…

Residents of Mamelodi have vowed to push back at the City of Tshwane’s threat to crack down on those found guilty of electricity meter tampering. They have been advocating for the municipality to waive the R29 000 penalty fee for people who bypass electricity meters. Recently, residents in Mamelodi West marched to municipal offices in the township to demand free registration of meters on the new system known as the token identity rollover (TID) programme. Community leader Joseph Kgatlhe said people have resorted to bypassing electricity meters due to financial constraints. He said during the march the affected residents complained that the City's exorbitant penalty fee for those caught tampering is unaffordable. He warned the City not to dictate oppressive tactics reminiscent of apartheid-era strategies and expect people to comply.…

THE University of Cape Town (UCT) is still the country’s leading university, with the University of Pretoria and other local institutions of higher learning lagging behind. This is according to recently released world rankings that have come under intense scrutiny and criticism from some academics. According to the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, UCT’s highest rankings are 81st for clinical and health, and 92nd for education in 2024. UCT was ranked 180 among more than 2 000 institutions from 115 countries and territories, the rankings reveal. However, only 14 of South Africa’s 26 public universities feature in the rankings. Stellenbosch University and Wits University are both ranked between 301 and 350 while the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is placed between 401 and 500. The University of KwaZulu-Natal is…

Internationally acclaimed comedian and former host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, is set to host the Grammys — one of music’s biggest nights — for the fifth consecutive year. In addition to hosting the ceremony, Noah will also serve as a producer and is nominated for Best Comedy Album for his special ‘Where Was I’. He will be competing alongside comedians like Dave Chappelle, Ricky Gervais, Jim Gaffigan, and Nikki Glaser. Last year, he was nominated in the same category for ‘I Wish You Would’ but lost to Dave Chappelle. This marks his third nomination from the Academy. He first received a nomination in 2019, for his stand-up special ‘Son of Patricia’, which was a finalist for Best Comedy Album. Noah is no stranger to international accolades, having been…

Rumours are flying thick and fast about more new Chinese manufacturers waiting in the wings to take a bite at the South African market. GWM though, has become a household name and has been around for almost 20 years, proving that they’re in for the long haul. Their sub brands include Haval, P-series bakkies, Tank and Ora electric vehicles. The latest offering comes in the form of the new Haval H7 which, unsurprisingly, slots in above the H6 and it is built on the same platform, but has a completely different look about it and according to GWM brings together two of their areas of technical mastery: luxury and off-road capability. What’s new with the Haval H7: It’s wider, taller and longer than the H6 and has an attractive cubed…

Whenever it is a Jukskei or any South African derby and you still need to hype your players up for the week, then they are in the wrong sport. That was the straight answer of Lions defence coach Jaque Fourie on the importance of getting in the zone for their all-important United Rugby Championship (URC) derby against the Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday (2.45pm kick-off). After a resounding 60-10 win at their fortress this past weekend in the EPCR Challenge Cup over the Dragons, the Jozi pride will be full of running confidence ahead of facing their Gauteng rivals. “We know the importance of the game and what we want to achieve, coming from the Dragons game, there is plenty of confidence the guys can take into the match,”…

The PSL must be kicking themselves for having allowed it. When Shauwn ‘MamKhize’ Mkhize purchased the status of Bloemfontein Celtic, there was some resistance from the fans of Siwelele about the club being moved from Mangaung. But, as PSL Chairman Irvin Khoza always says, the league cannot afford to have the livelihoods of employees being affected, and when Max Tshabalala told them that he could no longer afford to run Celtic, they had no choice but to let it be taken over by someone who could. Mkhize was the one with the money, and Celtic ceased to exist as Royal Andile Mpisane (RAM) came into being. Having failed to win promotion to the elite league in 2021 after Sekhukhune United won a boardroom battle, MKhize did what is generally considered…

Thirteen prominent industrial clusters from around the globe have recently joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative. This global coalition now encompasses 33 clusters across 16 countries and five continents, showcasing an unprecedented commitment among co-located companies and public institutions to tackle greenhouse gas emissions while fostering economic growth and job creation. Initially launched at COP26 in 2021 in collaboration with Accenture and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the initiative represents a significant collective might, with the 33 signatories poised to reduce carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by an impressive 832 million tons—equating to the annual emissions output of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, they contribute approximately $492 billion (R9 trillion) to global gross domestic product (GDP) and sustain 4.3 million jobs worldwide. This month, a new report, co-produced by…

Port congestion frequently makes headlines, as bottlenecks exporting and importing goods constrain multiple sectors of the economy including retail, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. For years, systemic issues at the ports have remained unresolved, stifling growth, job creation, and tax revenue generation. Clothing retailers at times bemoan reduced sales due to insufficient seasonal or fashionable inventory in store as clothing stock gets stuck on ships waiting to enter the ports. Similarly, mining firms have been unable to fully capitalise on commodity booms, such as the surging coal prices of 2023 with minerals remaining in the ground despite demand for them abroad. Agriculture suffers equally. Fresh fruit or even wine destined for international markets frequently gets stuck in South Africa’s ports, arriving overseas too late to be sold. Cancellations and contract terminations…

In a move set to make the life of business owners in the country easier, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) granted regulatory approval for a groundbreaking partnership designed to revolutionise SME banking in South Africa. This collaboration, powered by Access Bank South Africa Ltd and driven by Sava, will introduce Africa’s smartest digital banking platform, enabling SMEs to take full control of their financial operations and unlock new growth opportunities. Established in 2022, Sava is a digital banking platform tailored to the needs of African businesses. The Prudential Authority (PA), a division of SARB tasked with regulating banks, formally approved Sava’s digital banking platform, marking a significant milestone in financial innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises. Sava said it recently partnered with Mastercard to leverage Sava’s payment transaction system…

Zimbabwean Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, is concerned that inward looking policies under newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump could result in higher inflation, elevated interest rates, and a stronger greenback, which could hurt emerging market currencies and capital flight as investors chase treasury bills. Trump is adopting policies that prioritise the United States’ interests. He has already signed Executive Orders withdrawing the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and limiting foreign aid, among others. Emerging market finance ministers meeting in Davos for the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meetings are concerned that this could have implications for their economies and funding flows for critical sectors such as healthcare. Ncube told a media briefing from Davos on Wednesday that he was concerned that higher interest rates and a stronger…

We should all have as much fun going back to work as Cameron Diaz does in the appropriately titled Back in Action, the actress’s first movie since Annie in 2014. Premiering on Netflix, the film itself is piffle, a Mom-and-Dad-are-spies action-comedy that’s not so much a retread as rolling on rims. But Diaz, having taken more than a decade off from acting to get married, write a few books and start a few businesses, jumps back in the saddle with an energy and a playfulness that’s infectious and she’s well matched with her co-star Jamie Foxx, who knows how to breeze through prefabricated junk like this and give us as good a time as possible. She plays Emily and he plays Matt, black-ops specialists for the CIA who are…

Justin Bieber has claimed his Instagram was “hacked” after his account unfollowed his wife Hailey Bieber. The Love Yourself hitmaker took to his Instagram Story to confirm that it was not him who hit the unfollow button on the Rhode Beauty founder’s page – amid speculation the pair were heading for a divorce. He wrote: “Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife. S*** is getting suss out here." The 30-year-old pop star – who has five-month-old son Jack Blues with the 28-year-old model - also re-followed his wife on the social media platform. The couple has faced a string of rumours that they were splitting since they married in 2018 but Justin recently brushed off the gossip in a New Year post. He commented on a series of…

City Power disconnected the illegal electricity supply at Princess Informal Settlement in Roodepoort on Tuesday during a cut-off operation. The operation also led to the confiscation of over 150 kilograms of aluminium wires worth half a million. The disconnection operation targeted illegal connections within the informal settlement, including a panel beater, bakery and crèche along Albertina Sisulu Road, among other properties. During the cut-off operation, the power utility discovered that a network of aluminium wires was illegally connected to the local street lights, which ran through fences. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena sounded the alarm about illegal connections endangering people’s lives. Mangena said several people have been electrocuted, including children and the elderly, due to illegal connections at Princess Informal Settlement. “These illegal connections often tapped from formalised houses and…

Renowned actress and model, Phuti Khomo, is urging the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to regulate the modelling industry. Khomo highlighted that modelling remains underrated as a sustainable career in present time. “Everybody sees modelling as a pastime and some frivolous thing that kids just want to partake in. You cannot have such a mentality in a world that is evolving, especially with social media being as huge and life changing,” she said. The former Miss Teen South Africa who grew up in Soshanguve and Mamelodi mentioned that regulating the industry would protect models’ rights and eliminate their exploitation. Khomo emphasised that the modelling industry has for a long time been a haven for human traffickers and scammers, who lure victims by selling aspiring models pipe dreams. “Our children…

A revelation has emerged that the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (GDSACR) has squandered public funds by renting a state-owned monument through a service provider. According to a reply by MEC Matome Chiloane, the department paid R449 618 to Mahloko Makhetha Trading and Projects for organising the commemoration of the Boipatong Massacre in June 2024. The Boipatong Massacre took place on the night of June 17, 1992, in the township of Boipatong in the Vaal, where about 45 people died. The DA in Gauteng said that the most egregious aspect of this expenditure was that R94 300 was paid to the service provider for hiring the Boipatong Monument, a venue that the department owns. The DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Kingsol Chabalala,…

What should have been a normal two-week stay at a kennel turned tragic for English bulldog George, that died a few hours after being fetched at home. Now, a top Durban advocate is planning to sue the Durban-based kennel owner after his beloved George died. Speaking to IOL, Paul Jorgensen said he left his dog in the care of the kennel owner, based in Umhlanga. Jorgensen said he was going to Cape Town for a two-week holiday and had entrusted both his dogs, George and Coco, a labrador, to her care. Jorgensen said he has been dealing with the kennel owner since 2011/12 and while he initially did dog training sessions with her company, George would go for playdates. Speaking to the day of the incident, Jorgensen said the owner…

The next-generation Toyota Hilux is surely one of the most highly anticipated bakkies of the decade and the Japanese carmaker is remaining extremely tight lipped about it. Although it was widely speculated that the next Hilux would be modelled around the new US-market Tacoma, graduating to the TNGA-F platform that also underpins the Land Cruiser 300, spy shots emanating from Thailand imply that the upcoming bakkie could instead be an extensive facelift of the existing model. The images, published by Thai publication Headlightmag, show a prototype vehicle with the same bodyshell and doors as the current Hilux, but with front and rear sections disguised by camouflage material. The current generation Toyota Hilux has been around internationally since 2015, launching in South Africa the following year, and has received numerous…

South African motorists will be hit with significant petrol and diesel cost increases when the next fuel price adjustments take effect on February 5. The latest numbers released by the Central Energy Fund are showing significant under-recoveries for both fuel types, pointing to increases of 88 cents for 95 Unleaded petrol and 95 cents for 93 Unleaded, while diesel is looking set for hikes of between R1.08 (50ppm) and R1.11 (500ppm). This would see 95 ULP petrol rising to around R21.68 at the coast and R22.47 inland, where 93 ULP should land around the R22.54 mark. However, this appears to be the upside scenario at present. With the most recent daily data having moved further into the red, the aforementioned under-recoveries look set to grow between now and month-end,…

Ruben Amorim sought to clarify yesterday his bombshell statement that his Manchester United side are “the worst team” in the club’s history, with the manager accepting a share of responsibility for the crisis at Old Trafford. United’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton on Sunday was a sixth loss in their past nine Premier League games under Amorim, who arrived in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag. The club, languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table, face Scottish giants Rangers in the Europa League tonight, a competition in which they are well-positioned to qualify for the knockout stages. Former Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, 39, addressed his post-Brighton comments during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday. “I was talking more about me than the players,” he said. “I also…

When Twenty20 cricket started it was nothing more than a “silly game”. Kevin Pietersen even referred to it in those very words. The Indians certainly wanted nothing to do with it. Not least because how broadcasters were going to squeeze a 100 overs of advertising revenue garnered from an ODI into 40 overs of a T20. But yet here we are almost 20 years on and it’s the biggest money spinner in world cricket. “KP” has also been long converted and is now a mouthpiece for the shortest format. That brings me to the SA20. Where does it sit in the eco-system of South African cricket? Firstly, it should never be viewed to be in competition with international cricket. The Proteas are a world renowned brand. And when they are…

IT is as close to karma as it can get. As the curtain seems to be falling on flamboyant Durban club Royal AM, their sworn enemies Durban City FC are on an upward trajectory as they prepare for the Nedbank Cup clash with calmness. Royal AM were scheduled to face fellow KwaZulu-Natal side Milford FC in the Nedbank Cup last 32 on Monday. However, the fixture has been suspended indefinitely due to Royal facing problems with the taxman, which has led to their finances being frozen. On the side, Durban City – who changed their name from Maritzburg United after Royal AM forced them out of their Pietermaritzburg home Harry Gwala Stadium – have the win at their backs as they prepare to face ABC Motsepe League side Lerumo Lions…