Indholdsfortegnelse for 2026-04-21 i Star

As the clock ticks down on the ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran, Brent crude oil prices surged by more than 5% to above $95 per barrel on Monday. Uncertainty loomed over global markets as investors braced for potential volatility following Iran's weekend announcement that it will not engage in talks with the United States until the current ceasefire expires on Tuesday. This development has prompted President Trump to adopt a more aggressive stance, raising eyebrows and concerns on Wall Street and beyond. On Friday, Wall Street celebrated a record week, with the S&P 500 ending the trading session up by 1.2%. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, Senior Analyst at Swissquote Bank said that last week was marked by a questionable rally on hopes that peace was just around the corner,…

Ministers hail R9.2 billion project’s shift from preparation to full-scale construction The second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project has entered a critical new stage, with the official launch of a second tunnel boring machine (TBM) marking accelerated progress on one of Africa’s most ambitious cross-border infrastructure projects. Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, on Monday unveiled the Polihali TBM in Mokhotlong, Lesotho, a milestone that underscores the R9.2 billion project’s shift from preparation to full-scale underground construction. Phase II of the project is designed to significantly boost water supply to Gauteng while simultaneously strengthening Lesotho’s energy capacity through the planned Oxbow Hydropower Scheme. At its core is the construction of the 38.5-kilometre Polihali Transfer Tunnel, which will channel water…

A sharp decline in soybean and maize prices is delivering mixed fortunes across South Africa’s agricultural sector, easing feed costs for poultry producers while tightening margins for grain farmers. According to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), soybean spot prices have dropped by around 12% compared to a year ago, while white maize prices have plunged by as much as 39% year-on-year. Yellow maize prices are also under pressure, down roughly 28% over the same period. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said the price decline comes amid a period of strong agricultural activity. “In the northern regions of our country, farmers are beginning to harvest soybeans and other summer grains and oilseeds,” he said. Since the start of the current marketing season in March, farmers have delivered over 245,000 tons of…

In the unfolding story of artificial intelligence (AI) in South Africa, moments of clarity often arrive not through policy documents, but through provocation. One such moment came in the form of an open letter by Stafford Massie, whose intervention on the country’s draft AI policy has drawn wide attention. While much of the discussion has centred on energy constraints, it is his emphasis on national security that lingers, and rightly so. To understand why, one must look beyond South Africa’s borders, to the laboratories where the future is being quietly assembled. In recent days, Anthropic announced the deployment of a new model, Claude Mythos Preview, as part of an initiative called Project Glasswing. Its stated purpose is defensive: to protect critical software infrastructure from cyberattacks. But, as is often the…

Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber Project in Finland, a lithium operation being established at a cost of about R15 billion, has completed its construction phase on schedule and lithium mining started at the Syväjärvi mine in the first quarter of this year. This was according to the JSE-listed Sibanye Stillwater’s International and Recycling capital markets day presentation released on Monday. Hannu Hautala, senior vice president of the Keliber project, presented on the lithium operation that combines mining, concentration, and refining in the Central Ostrobothnia province. It is Europe’s first integrated lithium project. Lithium is a backbone of the global energy storage and electronics industries, and the Keliber project, first announced by Sibanye in 2021 when it took a 30% interesr, will see the group transitioning from a gold-focused miner into one of the…

A road rage confrontation in Emmerentia escalated into a fatal shooting in broad daylight, leaving one man dead, a woman injured, and two young children traumatised after witnessing the attack on their parents. The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, began as an altercation between two male drivers before spiralling into gunfire. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the confrontation escalated when a female passenger, believed to be the wife of one of the drivers, allegedly retrieved a firearm from a vehicle, prompting the other driver to also draw a weapon. The exchange of gunfire left one man dead at the scene, while the woman sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to hospital. The second driver escaped with minor injuries. “It is alleged that a female passenger suspected to be…

Gareth Mnisi, the suspended City of Tshwane CFO, has dismissed allegations that EFF leader Julius Malema provided him with a list of seven companies vying for a R2.9 billion security tender in the city. This comes amid accusations of tender rigging within the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD). This occurred during his second appearance at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday, where he faced intense questioning following his testimony last week Friday. Mnisi was grilled over his role in the alleged security tender rigging and his relationship with Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, whom he described as his friend. He told the commission that Nkosi forwarded him a list of seven companies from suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini to check for compliance. The message was followed by another that read in…

A man shot dead eight children -- seven of them his own -- early Sunday in the southern US state of Louisiana in an incident of domestic violence that spanned three locations, police said. The early morning massacre at a gray house in the city of Shreveport was the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in more than two years, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive. Two women were shot and seriously injured, including the mother of some of the slain children. Three boys and five girls aged between three and 11 were shot and killed, the Caddo Parish Coroner's Office said. Seven of the children were siblings, and one was a cousin. A ninth child escaped with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. Police identified the gunman as…

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has unveiled a comprehensive “Local Government Action Plan,” committing R54 billion over the next three years to address the water and electricity crises paralysing South Africa’s major metropolitan areas. Speaking from Luthuli House, Mbalula outlined the governing party’s roadmap to stabilise local government ahead of the upcoming elections. The briefing followed an extensive review of the party’s performance at the municipal level, which Mbalula described as the “most urgent intervention point” for the state. Central to the plan is a massive capital injection aimed at infrastructure repair. Mbalula confirmed that 13 major water projects are currently under “active implementation”. These include the long-awaited Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the uMkhomazi Water Project. In a move to bypass traditional bureaucratic bottlenecks, Mbalula highlighted…

THREE foreign nationals have been arrested following an incident involving the alleged theft of copper cables on a farm in Hanover in the Northern Cape. According to police, members of Hanover SAPS responded to a complaint from local farmers last week Friday after several men were seen running in different directions on the property. Officers arrived at the scene and, with the assistance of farm workers, arrested two suspects aged 31 and 43. Police said the men were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence on the farm. Further investigation indicated that the two suspects were allegedly part of a group of six individuals. The remaining suspects fled the scene and have not yet been apprehended. The farm owner contacted police again to report that a third suspect,…

Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader and founder Jacob Zuma said his party is contemplating making a call for the postponement of the local government elections until the party’s disputed 2024 general election case against the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has been finalised. Addressing the party’s eThekwini consultative forum on councillor candidate selection on Sunday evening, Zuma spoke at length about the alleged rigging of the 2024 elections that his party is challenging, questioning the IEC’s rationale in preparing for another election while his party is still challenging the previous elections legitimacy. Zuma asked why the party members were not demanding that before any new election, the electoral body must first deal with the party’s dispute. “We were robbed in the previous elections. We might call for the postponement…

The Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng has called on the City of Tshwane to urgently table a Public Protector report into alleged maladministration and to make its findings public without delay, warning against any attempts to suppress accountability. The party said the report, which was released to the City on March 31, relates to an investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment and selection process that led to the appointment of Moshema Mosia as Chief of Emergency Services. According to the EFF, the report is understood to raise concerns about administrative failures at senior level, including the role of City Manager Johann Mettler, who chaired the selection panel. “The Public Protector is reported to have found that the City Manager failed to ensure compliance with mandatory recruitment regulations, including proper…

South Africa’s plan to implement body-worn cameras for police officers is delayed by a year, according to the DA. The party argues that this setback undermines accountability in law enforcement. DA MP Mzamo Billy noted that the SAPS had promised to roll out the technology by April 2025. “A year later, this deadline has passed without implementation or explanation,” Billy said, placing responsibility on Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. Billy argued that the absence of body-worn cameras continues to weaken oversight mechanisms within policing. Billy said their concerns are supported by parliamentary data showing a widening accountability gap. According to replies to questions submitted in the National Council of Provinces, nearly 1 000 suspects have been killed during police operations over the past two years. In the same period, only…

Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) well-rounded bowling attack has emerged as a defining force in their IPL 2026 campaign, drawing high praise from former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis. The 41-year-old believes the side’s strength lies in their ability to deploy a variety of wicket-taking options at different phases of the game. Following PBKS’ dominant 54-run win over the Lucknow Super Giants, Du Plessis highlighted how the team’s diverse bowling arsenal allows them to stay one step ahead, adapting seamlessly to match situations while maintaining an attacking edge. “When we are talking about putting bowling attacks together, you want variety. As a captain, you’ve got all the different guns at your disposal that you can just pull the trigger at different stages, and that’s what gives them very, very great variety…

The injury-plagued Springbok Women’s Sevens face a mountain to climb in their bid for promotion after finding the intensity of the Hong Kong Sevens a bridge too far. Missing “big guns” like captain Nadine Roos and winger Patience Mokone, the side struggled to adapt to the intensity of the top-flight teams. A lack of cohesion was evident in the opening pool matches, where heavy defeats to powerhouses Canada and Australia highlighted the gulf in class. Coach Cecil Afrika acknowledged the challenge of jumping from the second tier to the world’s premier stage. “We are not used to that intensity and could not respond well enough. Our kick-offs and kick-off receipts were not up to standard and that is an area we will work on one once we come back…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has ruled out calls for personal income tax cuts and the expansion of VAT zero-rating on additional essential goods, saying South Africa’s current fiscal position does not allow for major tax reductions. Godongwana said this in a parliamentary reply to questions posed by uMkhonto weSizwe MP Sithembile Nkosi, who had asked whether the National Treasury would consider lowering personal income tax or broadening VAT zero-rating to ease financial pressure on working-class households. "Budget 2026 aimed to limit the tax burden on individuals and households, within the limitations of the fiscal framework. In this regard, personal income tax (PIT) brackets, tax rebates, as well as several tax thresholds and limits, were adjusted for inflation in order to reduce taxpayers' tax liabilities," Godongwana said. "South Africa’s personal income…

South Africa’s already moribund industrial base is set to come under further pressure because of the war in the Middle East, the economy could see growth slow even further. Manufacturing is a key push side driver of the economy and ideally should be a bigger growth driver than it is. Currently, almost two thirds of gross domestic product (GDP) is consumption based through consumer spending. Industrial output creates a virtuous cycle in that manufacturing provides structural, sustainable growth by driving high-quality employment, generating technological progress, and improving a nation’s trade balance. Consumer spending, conversely, primarily drives the service sector, which often relies on rising debt and can result in high consumer debt levels, which are unsustainable in the long term. As an indicator of manufacturing’s importance, it contributes about 12%…

The South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (Sambra) has welcomed early concessions by insurers aimed at easing mounting cost pressures in the motor body repair (MBR) industry, as steep fuel price increases intensify strain across the sector. The latest fuel hike, which saw diesel prices rise sharply by over R7 per litre this month, has added to an already difficult operating environment for repairers. Many workshops are grappling with escalating expenses, constrained margins, and lingering supply chain disruptions, pushing some businesses to the brink. With fuel costs remaining volatile and economic pressures persisting, the MBR sector’s ability to adapt — and the willingness of insurers to support that adaptation — may prove decisive in safeguarding the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s automotive repair ecosystem. According to Sambra on Monday, the…

There's a critique doing the rounds in African tech circles that I find myself both sympathetic to and mildly exasperated by: that there's no original innovation happening on the continent… especially in fintech. Our appetite for the novel and the whizzy has a way of crowding out curiosity about the craft that actually holds things together. I’d hazard that most of the work Oluwatosin Adelaja has done across his career wouldn't make headlines. He's a software developer, UK-based, originally from Nigeria, with nearly a decade spent building things people depend on. Think international remittance platforms, B2B payment systems, and workforce tools for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). What follows is a first-person account of a specific and decidedly unglamorous problem he lived inside as lead frontend engineer on a…

The JSE has censured the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) and imposed a R500,000 fine, suspended for three years, following the latest failure to timeously inform the market of changes to the board of directors. The JSE said in an announcement on its news service that KOBWA had failed to publish the announcement of the appointment of the executive operations director on August 11, 2025, timeously, and the announcement was only published on November 19, 2025. An online search by BR showed KOBWA has registered loan stock listed as debt securities on the JSE Bond Exchange, a 13.5% coupon rate bond with a principal amount of R375 million maturing on October 31, 2027. KOBWA is a bi-national entity formed in 1993 through a treaty on the development and utilisation of…

Gareth Mnisi, the suspended City of Tshwane CFO, has dismissed allegations that EFF leader Julius Malema provided him with a list of seven companies vying for a R2.9 billion security tender in the city. This comes amid accusations of tender rigging within the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD). This occurred during his second appearance at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday, where he faced intense questioning following his testimony last week Friday. Mnisi was grilled over his role in the alleged security tender rigging and his relationship with Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, whom he described as his friend. He told the commission that Nkosi forwarded him a list of seven companies from suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini to check for compliance. The message was followed by another that read in…

South Africa is mourning the passing of veteran actress, former beauty queen, and cultural icon Cynthia Philisiwe Shange, who has died at the age of 76 after a brief illness. The news was first confirmed by her daughter, media personality Nonhle Thema, who shared the family’s grief on social media, saying: “With a heavy heart, I share the news of our Dear Mother. Please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time.” According to the family, Shange passed away in the early hours of yesterday, at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal after facing illness. Shange was a defining figure in South Africa’s cultural and entertainment landscape, with a career spanning decades in modelling, television, and film, during which she established herself as one of the country’s most recognisable and…

The troubled Emfuleni Local Municipality is under fresh scrutiny after it emerged that nearly R24 million has been paid to suspended officials, including one accountant who has reportedly received close to R6m while sidelined for years at taxpayers’ expense. The revelations, uncovered through questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, have ignited outrage over what the Democratic Alliance (DA) described as a blatant failure of governance and accountability in one of Gauteng’s most troubled municipalities. DA Emfuleni mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala said the figures expose a shocking misuse of public funds at a time when residents are battling collapsing infrastructure and poor service delivery. “The municipality has spent nearly R24m paying employees who remain on suspension,” Chabalala said. “Even more disturbing is the case of a single accountant who has reportedly…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is calling on grant recipients to utilise the eLife Certification self-service platform to confirm their eligibility. This digital system allows beneficiaries to fulfill the legal requirement of proving they are still alive using biometric verification, helping to prevent the immediate suspension of social grants and reducing the need for physical visits to local offices. Under the Social Assistance Act, life certification is a mandatory process used to protect public funds from fraud. The e-Life Certification is a self-service digital platform that allows beneficiaries to complete their life certification from the comfort of their homes. This platform is accessible via the Sassa online services portal, offering a user-friendly interface and secure biometric verification through the electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) system. This process is…

Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader Jacob Zuma has warned his party members that there will not be ‘self-appointed’ councillor candidates as the party prepares for this year’s local government elections. Addressing the party’s eThekwini regional consultative forum on Sunday, Zuma told the gathering that it has come to the party’s attention that there were already members who have already appointed themselves as councillor candidates, without the approved processes of the party. He said that only the party can appoint people. “We hear that there are people who are going around claiming that they are councillor candidates for the party. We must stop fighting for petty things and we must not lose our important task, which is to take over the country ... we must stand united. We are selecting candidates…

A series of high-speed arrests on the N1 near Modimolle have triggered renewed warnings from transport authorities after three motorists were caught travelling at extreme speeds of up to 221km/h in separate incidents over two days. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed that Modimolle Traffic Officers carried out the arrests last week Friday and Saturday along different stretches of the N1, with all drivers now facing charges at Bela Bela Police Station. In the most severe case last week Friday, a Mercedes-Benz was recorded travelling at 221km/h. The driver was immediately arrested. A second motorist was also arrested the following morning on the N1 South near Settlers after being clocked at 171km/h, while another driver was stopped on Saturday afternoon at 191km/h in the same Settlers area,…

The launch of a centenary coffee table book at Livingstone High School earlier this month, brought generations of alumni together in the school hall, blending celebration with reflection as the institution marked 100 years of history, resilience and community. Held at the school itself, the event drew families spanning decades, many bound by deep-rooted ties to the institution, as former pupils, educators, and supporters gathered to honour a legacy shaped across a century. Among those paging through the publication was Gadija Fakier Vallie, Class of 1965, who paused as memories resurfaced. “It brings back so many mixed emotions, sadness, and joy. My brothers were also here, and my husband. We all met here at Livingstone,” she said. Her reflection captured the spirit of the afternoon, where the turning of each…

The Stormers face what backline coach Dawie Snyman has described as a “Test match” when they host log leaders Glasgow Warriors in a blockbuster United Rugby Championship clash this weekend. With first playing second in the standings and the regular season entering its decisive phase, Snyman acknowledged the magnitude of the encounter – not just in terms of points, but as a benchmark for the Cape side’s title credentials on Saturday (kick-off 1.45pm). “Glasgow are doing really well this season. They’re top of the log and we’re second, so it’s a big clash which will probably decide who can push on and finish at the top,” Snyman said, yesterday afternoon. While the fixture also marks the Stormers’ final home game before a crucial tour – they face Ulster and Cardiff…

KwaZulu-Natal’s representatives in the Betway Premiership experienced a weekend that perfectly captured the unpredictability of the run-in – moments of promise, but also harsh reminders of how quickly momentum can shift. At the positive end of the spectrum, Richards Bay FC and Golden Arrows delivered results that could prove decisive in shaping their respective finishes this season. The Natal Rich Boyz continued to underline their resilience, building on their reputation as one of the more stubborn sides to break down. Their recent form has quietly lifted them to 10th on the standings with 30 points, creating breathing room between themselves and the relegation scrap. Having already frustrated the likes of Orlando Pirates in recent weeks, Richards Bay are beginning to look like a side that has found the right balance…

Labat Africa has issued a trading update indicating a sharp improvement in its financial performance for the year ending 31 May 2026, with revenue expected to more than double compared to the previous year. The tech investment group on Monday said it has reasonable certainty that its results will differ by more than 20% from those reported for the year ended 31 May 2025. The group, which previously focused on cannabis sector investments, expects revenue to rise by between 146.78% and 166.78%, reaching approximately R511 million, up from R199m in the prior year. This surge reflects increased operational activity across its portfolio. However, earnings per share (EPS) are projected to decline by between 12.85% and 32.85%, to around 8.17 cents per share, compared with 10.59 cents previously. Despite this dip,…

Recent regulatory action against an audit partner in the VBS Mutual Bank audit has again drawn attention to the role of assurance in governance. These moments are often framed in terms of individual accountability. They also invite a broader reflection on the place of assurance within the governance system itself. Modern governance is supported by a layered architecture of assurance. External auditors provide independent opinions on financial statements. Internal audit evaluates the effectiveness of controls and risk management. Legal advisors interpret regulatory obligations and provide guidance on complex matters. Consultants bring specialised expertise, often shaping strategic and operational decisions. Professional bodies set standards, enforce discipline and sustain the credibility of the professions that operate within this ecosystem. These mechanisms exist to strengthen confidence, enabling boards, management and stakeholders to operate…

As South Africa grapples with a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the narrative surrounding women in technology is shifting dramatically. No longer is the focus merely on increasing access, the pressing issue now is whether women are genuinely influencing the systems, decisions, and innovations steering the future of work. Seugnet van den Berg, co-founder of Bizmod, shed light on the imperative for women to move beyond mere representation in the tech sector. "Having women present is not the same as giving them real influence. If women aren’t actively shaping decisions and outcomes, then digital transformation simply reinforces the same structures organisations are trying to move away from. Inclusion on its own isn’t enough," van den Berg said. Beyond corporate tick boxes Closing the digital gender gap requires a profound commitment that…

MTN and Cell C have shared co-leadership in an intensely competitive South Africa mobile market this year, with MTN posting the highest download speed at 41.3 Mbps and Cell C maintaining the best latency (ms) for the fifth consecutive year. The latest nPerf annual mobile barometer for South Africa, which covered the year to end March 2026, also showed that there has been broad-based improvement across all the operators in download speeds. nPerf is an independent French Internet performance measurement platform, powered by user experience, which helps operators improve their networks and contributes to building a faster, more reliable internet. Latency refers to the delay between sending and receiving data over a mobile network. Cell C recorded a 15% improvement in upload speed (MB/s) overall, versus the previous period, while…

JSE-listed telecoms giant Vodacom is investing $100 million to further improve its network and technology platforms in Tanzania, following up on a similar amount capital outlay last year. Philip Besiimire, the CEO of Vodacom’s unit in Tanzania, said in an interview on Monday that this investment will help with shoring up the mobile operator’s network resilience. Earlier this month, Vodacom Tanzania also completed a $28m upgrade of its mobile money platform, M-Pesa, helping to transition the operation into a smarter artificial intelligence (AI) driven mobile money ecosystem that is able to respond to growing demand for digital transactions. Besiimire revealed that Vodacom Tanzania is investing $100m into network improvements and upgrades during its new financial year, which kickstarted this month. “As we start our financial year, we plan to invest…

Top Billing has finally got a date for its comeback season, and it’s days away. Viewers have been waiting patiently since last year’s announcement, and now it has all been revealed. Top Billing, South Africa’s longest-running and most iconic entertainment and lifestyle programme, returns to screens on April 30. As anticipation builds ahead of the premiere, one question remains on everyone’s lips: Who will be the new faces of Top Billing? The channel is keeping things tight-lipped, with a reveal announcement teased for “soon”. Batsetsana Kumalo, the original executive producer who steered Top Billing under the Tswelopele Productions, shared in a video on Instagram. “There are brand new faces joining Top Billing, and I think you’re going to love them. Trust me, this is next level.” The much-loved brand returns…

A road rage confrontation in Emmerentia escalated into a fatal shooting in broad daylight, leaving one man dead, a woman injured, and two young children traumatised after witnessing the attack on their parents. The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, began as an altercation between two male drivers before spiralling into gunfire. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the confrontation escalated when a female passenger, believed to be the wife of one of the drivers, allegedly retrieved a firearm from a vehicle, prompting the other driver to also draw a weapon. The exchange of gunfire left one man dead at the scene, while the woman sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to hospital. The second driver escaped with minor injuries. “It is alleged that a female passenger suspected to be…

Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala will remain in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru Maximum Security Prison until next month. Matlala appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where the court ruled that he will remain at the facility until May 13 for consultations. Earlier this year, Matlala was transferred to the Ebongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre, in Kokstad. At the time, Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said officials followed Standard Operating Procedures when he was relocated. IOL reported that Matlala was relocated from Kgosi Mampuru on December 21, 2025, to Kokstad, a move that prompted him to seek relief from the Johannesburg High Court amid challenges in conducting proper consultation with his legal team. Matlala was arrested on charges of fraud and corruption relating to a police tender, valued…

The Kuruman Regional Court has sentenced two brothers, Omphile and Keolopile Thamage, both 29, to life imprisonment for multiple counts of rape. The brothers, from Bankhara in the Northern Cape, were convicted following a series of attacks between 2022 and 2023, including the assault of a teenager and a 19-year-old woman. The provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said this sentence has been widely welcomed. According to information before the court, on January 14, 2022, Omphile Thamage attempted to rape a 15-year-old girl after she rejected his advances. He chased the girl to her home, which he entered and forced open a bedroom door to gain access to her, but he was interrupted by her parents before he could complete his crime. On March 18, 2023,…

The Constitutional Court is gearing up to hear the legal challenge regarding the National Health Insurance Act and whether Parliament acted in accordance with the Constitution when it passed the NHI Act. The legal challenge will be heard from May 5 to May 7 during which the Board of Healthcare Funders and the Western Cape Government (WCG) will argue they were not properly consulted during the Bill’s development and the Act’s assent. The litigation that has been initiated against the President and the Minister of Health has meanwhile necessitated that President Cyril Ramaphosa, following consultations with Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, agreed to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments in the two challenges. The Department of…

Despite widespread non-compliance with SABC TV licence payments across South Africa, only a narrow group of individuals and institutions are legally exempt from paying. IOL previously reported that as debates around the relevance of the SABC TV licence continue to intensify, not paying your TV licence could still land you in serious legal and financial trouble. The TV licence, which costs R265 a year, was originally intended to fund the public broadcaster and support local programming. However, over the years, it has increasingly been questioned, with many South Africans doubting its relevance in the era of streaming services. Less than 20% of South African households are paying their TV licence fees. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has previously said the government is exploring new funding models…

A small protest dubbed “Hands Off Malema” took place in New York City on Sunday, drawing together activists linked to the Partisan Defense Committee (PDC), the Spartacist League, and the Internationalist Group. The East London Magistrate’s Court sentenced EFF leader Julius Malema to an effective five-year direct prison term after finding him guilty on multiple firearm-related charges linked to a 2018 Mdantsane rally. His legal team was granted leave to appeal the sentence, meaning he has not been immediately imprisoned while the matter continues through the courts. The protest took place outside the South African Consulate-General in Manhattan, a common site used for solidarity demonstrations targeting the country’s political issues. Protectors claimed that US President Trump had a hand in the sentencing. “Malema has been sentenced to five years in…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a stark warning that the publication of leaked affidavits in ongoing drug investigations is placing the lives of witnesses and their families in danger. This follows a front-page report in the Sunday Times that published details from an affidavit by Seunkie Mokubung, also known as DJ Vetty, linked to the murder of Oupa Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the circulation of such sensitive material carries serious risks. “The publication or dissemination of leaked affidavits, especially those containing details of witnesses, informants, and evidence, poses a direct and dangerous risk to the safety and lives of individuals who have come forward to assist police investigations. “It’s not only the Witnesses lives at risk but their…

The Devoted Wife Sarah A Denzil Narrated by Sheridan Smith AUDIBLE ORIGINALS THIS was one of those listening experiences that I simply could not help but devour in one sitting. Sarah A Denzil's The Devoted Wife is a psychological thriller that demands your full attention, and boy, am I glad I didn’t miss a second of it. Clocking in at just over seven hours, the story unfolds to create an immersive world full of unexpected twists and deeply compelling characters. From the very first moment, Denzil skilfully intertwines the glamorous facade of political life with the depths of inner conflict. As I settled in, I felt the pulse of the narrative quicken, Maya Stone's life might seem picture-perfect on the outside, yet beneath the surface lies a journey of loyalty…

On November 10, 2025, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations Regarding Efforts or Attempts to Stop the Investigation or Prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Cases (TRC Cases Inquiry), chaired by Judge Sisi Khampepe, began its proceedings. The President established the commission in May 2025 to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. The Presidency stated, “the establishment of this commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes”. The Khampepe Commission was established exactly 30 years after the TRC, established in 1995 as a basis for exposing abuses and atrocities during the apartheid era, aimed to both offer a semblance of truth and closure for families…

An in-form Connacht travel to Johannesburg later this week, desperately looking to keep their Top 8 hopes alive in the United Rugby Championship (URC). For the Lions, the objective will be to ensure the Irish franchise do not spoil their play-off ambitions ahead of a final stretch of matches that also includes Leinster and Munster. After soundly beating the table-topping Glasgow Warriors 54-12 this past weekend, head coach Ivan van Rooyen intimated that the men in green were the team to beat. “We are playing two former champions and Connacht, who are probably the in-form team in the competition at the moment,” Van Rooyen said. “They have won six or seven in a row now after beating the Stormers. It is really a tough block of fixtures. Connacht are physically…

Liam Rosenior said yesterday that Chelsea’s owners had been “magnificent” in their support despite an alarming slump that has left their Uefa Champions League qualification hopes hanging by a thread. The Blues are seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool after four straight English Premier League defeats and their chances of finishing in the top five look bleak. Boos greeted the full-time whistle following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge after some supporters staged a street protest against owners BlueCo ahead of kick-off. Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali last week said the club were still behind Rosenior and remained optimistic about long-term success under his management. Asked yesterday if he felt that support, Blues head coach Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca in January, said: “One-hundred percent. “They have been supportive…