Índex per 2022-03-01 a Star

Bongani Nkosi bongani.nkosi@inl.co.za A LESBIAN couple in a permanent relationship have succeeded in their court bid to have only themselves recognised as the parents of their child conceived through artificial insemination. The country’s legislation, under section 40 of the Children’s Act, legally recognises only the mother who conceived as a parent, to the dismay of the couple. But what pushed them to challenge section 40 was the insistence of the sperm donor that his parental rights should be recognised. Before the matter was heard in court, the man was known to the partners before the artificial fertilisation. He sought to have his parental rights recognised after the birth of the child, violating a standing agreement between them that he would not seek recognition as a father, or be involved in…

Staff Reporter After a week of reports of learners experiencing ancestral callings while in school, a teacher asked colleagues how they dealt with pupils that said they were undergoing an ancestral journey. Some pupils burn incense and snuff in school bathrooms while others even ask school management if they can attend school in their regalia. This comes after IOL reported that at least three KwaZulu-Natal schools reported incidents of ancestral callings. The latest incident was at PR Pather School on Friday, where it was reported that learners appeared to be displaying movements resembling a seizure. In Reservoir Hills on Thursday, learners at the Dr AD Lazarus Secondary School were dismissed after several began experiencing ancestral callings. In Pietermaritzburg, pupils at Dunveria Secondary also experienced callings. According to reports, children were…

RUSSIA’S military adventure in Ukraine with potentially huge consequences for the region and the world as a whole, has also unleashed a torrent of fault lines posing challenges to the credibility of the West. Predictably, as Russian missiles struck parts of Kyiv leading to fear and panic among Ukraine’s population, Western propaganda upped its hysterical rhetoric. It was a reaction beyond belief, in which the propagandists, ranging from mainstream media to analysts, suddenly began invoking international laws and conventions which outlaw illegal wars, invasions and occupation. To many, especially among anti-war campaigners who protested in their millions across most Western capitals against America’s unjust wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the sudden about-turn by those who spurned international laws, sounds hollow. Can one blame them for expressions of outrage and dismay…

Thousands of people have been ordered to leave their homes after heavy rains smashed Australia’s east coast, submerging towns and stranding residents on rooftops. The death toll rose to at least eight yesterday after a man was swept away trying to cross a flooded road, emergency services said. The Brisbane River in Australia’s third largest city neared its peak with about 15 000 homes there impacted by rising waters. The storm moved to New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state. | Reuters…

Morgan Bolton morgan.bolton@inl.co.za The objective for Brad Binder is quite clear for both his supporters, team and himself: Challenge the top three as often as possible, where possible and when possible. That is not merely an educated guess, or a pie-in-the-sky aspiration drummed up by those who have followed his career, but rather the frank assessment from the Red Bull KTM rider himself. Binder expressed this view yesterday while speaking to Independent Media; and while he revealed this particular ambition, he also expressed confidence that he now has the package to attack the 2022 MotoGP season, more so than last year. “It was good to see that the pre-season testing was positive,” Binder said. “We made some small steps forward from last season so I am going to (the season-opening…

Chulumanco Mahamba chulumanco.mahamba@inl.co.za SOUTH AFRICANS have weighed in on why the country should not get involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in a petition that is gathering momentum. The petition, calling on the government to stay out of the conflict, had received more than 27 400 signatures by yesterday afternoon. One respondent said: “South Africa cannot afford to be involved in a war! Russia is a very ‘strong’ country weapon-wise … Our defence force used to be the best but sadly not any more. Any South African that you send to go and fight, and dies, that person’s blood will be on your hands. I say no, don’t send our soldiers to go and help.” The petition started circulating late last week after Russian President Vladimir Putin gave…

Anita Nkonki FASHION month is in full swing, and the buzz around it is high as designers and models prepare to exhibit their outfits on the global stages. Media personality Minnie Dlamini is among those delighted to be part of the prestigious Paris Fashion Week, where she will be walking in designer Jessica Molebatsi garments for JessicaJane’s French-Xhosa-inspired range. The duo say the collaboration is also about women supporting women on their journeys while making South Africans proud and making dreams come true. “I am so excited to be walking Paris Fashion Week as the JessicaJane show stopper,” said Dlamini. “We’ve been on this journey together for such a long time, and I’m so proud of the work she’s done. This new collection is a true representation of South Africa…

Until a few days ago, I thought the ANC Youth League had died. The last time I heard about it was when leader Collen Maine disappeared from view. Suddenly a fighting statement was issued by important ANCYL members, Stanley “AK 47” Letsoalo, the provincial co-ordinator and Ntsako Mogobe, provincial convenor. Letsoalo’s nickname is surely intended to convey the impression he is a warrior of some note. If he is young enough to be in the ANCYL, then he hardly qualifies as a war veteran. Perhaps he is another faux soldier like Julius Malema, who risibly styles himself the “Commander-in-Chief,” to the amusement of around 90% of South Africans. Be that as it may, these young warriors certainly declared war – against their party, the ANC. The leaders of the ANC,…

KUDZAI CHIKOPWORE | London It is offensive, Zanu-PF continues to prohibit the opposition parties from doing door-to-door campaigns for the by-election next month. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members were detained in the city of Masvingo, 300km south of the capital Harare. Police also issued a statement saying that while the CCC rally was granted permission, the party was not allowed to provide transport for its supporters. The by-elections are a high-stakes event in Zimbabwean politics. They serve as a dress rehearsal for the general elections due to be held in 2023. There’s a total of 133 elective vacancies that have to be filled. They comprise 28 parliamentary seats and 105 council seats emanating from recalls, deaths and dismissals. Since its independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has experienced…

One of the innovations in post-apartheid governance has been the designation of each month of the year to a specific theme around which the government rallies society to raise awareness and promote united national action. It is an effective way of mobilising popular participation, which ought to be strengthened throughout the public sector, more so the local government sphere. As Human Rights Month dawns, the country will again commemorate the Sharpeville massacre, a politically seismic event on March 21, 1960. Human Rights Day was declared as testimony to the country’s commitment to a human rights culture. It is, therefore, an opportunity to reflect on our record of building this culture since 1994. Appraisals may differ in their emphasis, but they will no doubt be unanimous that South Africa has so…

North Korea yesterday said it had carried out a test of “great significance” for developing a reconnaissance satellite, a day after Seoul said it had detected a ballistic missile launch. The development of a military satellite, along with the recently tested hypersonic weapons, is one of the key defence projects of leader Kim Jong-un. Analysts say such a satellite would provide the North with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles, as long-range rockets share the same technology. | AFP…

Stuart Hess stuart.hess@inl.co.za By various accounts, there was no panic in the Proteas’ ranks after they had lost the first Test to New Zealand. There was more than one reason to hit the red button, and outside of the team bubble there was huge criticism of a performance that saw South Africa suffer their second worst innings defeat in a match that lasted just seven sessions. One week later, there have been two centuries, a ‘five-for’, wickets for the front-line spinner, and lots of smiles and chirps on the players’ faces again. It does lead to the question: Why were South Africa so bad only a week ago? The answer seems to be: The players still don’t know. The best offer in answering that question came from Kyle Verreynne yesterday.…

Eshlin Vedan eshlin.vedan@inl.co.za Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung jr has said that the club have some exciting implementations which are set to occur in the near future. “For me, assuming the role of sporting director is exciting because it is the core of building long-term, sustainable plans for the organisation,” Motaung is quoted as saying. “There are different touch points on my side which are not just focused on the football side of the business. What’s important is that it’s given me the last couple of months to do a proper assessment. You are inheriting a squad, seven years of certain strategies that clearly aren’t working, and it’s being true and honest to the process and saying, ‘what are the ways to bring proper change?’” After many years of…

THE ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup starts in New Zealand on Friday with the hosts taking on the West Indies. There are a host of women ready to shine over the coming weeks. Here, Zaahier Adams picks five players to keep an eye on… Mithali Raj (India) The leading run-scorer in the history of women’s cricket with over 7 500 one-day international runs, Raj has seen and done almost everything in the game. However, the one prize that still eludes the veteran is a World Cup winner’s medal. She has come close on two occasions, having previously led India to the final in 2005 and 2017. The 2017 defeat was particularly heart-breaking as India went down by just nine runs in a thriller to hosts England at Lord’s. At 39,…

Edward West edward.west@inl.co.za THE BIDVEST Group, having recently built one of the biggest LPG (liquid petroleum gas) facilities in the world at Richards Bay, is to spend another R500 million to establish an inland LPG terminal in Isando, Ekurhuleni, chief executive Mpumi Madisa said. “This is twice the size of our original ambitions, and we anticipate commissioning towards the end of 2025,” she said in a phoneinterview at the release of the group’s results for the six months to December 31, 2021, yesterday. Madisa said the decision to build the Richards Bay facility was at a time of a shortage of LPG gas in SA, and even then the facility was not big enough. The group now expected demand for its LPG facilities to also increase with the closure…

Bang Showbiz KANYE West doesn’t want Kim Kardashian to use his social media posts in her divorce documents and objected to her claims that he has used his platform to spread misinformation. The 40-year-old beauty filed new paperwork on February 23 repeating her request from December to be declared legally single and also accused her estranged husband – who she split from last February – of causing emotional distress by “putting a lot of misinformation regarding our private family matters and co-parenting on social media”. But two days later, Kanye – who has made public swipes at Kim and her new boyfriend Pete Davidson on Instagram in recent months – filed his own documents, insisting no evidence was submitted to back up her accusation. His lawyer wrote in an…

Kennedy Mudzuli kennedy.mudzuli@inl.co.za DJ Llenter SA has come a long way from when he used to play music during events in his primary school days. Back then, he would use his uncle’s equipment at those events. He also played in taverns. He was supported by his late grandfather Johannes Mahlangu. “May his soul continue to rest in peace,” said the Limpopo-based Afro house/tech DJ, producer and recording studio owner. DJ Llenter SA, real name Collen Lerobane, was born on April 25, 1993, in Legolaneng and later relocated to Sephaku. He has since established a record label called Llenter Musiq Records. His career began in 2012 and he has over the years released an album, EPs and few singles through Reeds Music Promoter and his record label. Also under his name…

Liesl Van Der Schyff liesl.vanderschyff@inl.co.za Ingredients 600g mutton/lamb, pieces washed and drained 2 tsp cooking oil 2 onions, peeled and chopped 1tsp salt 1-2 green chillies, chopped 2 pieces stick cinnamon 1 large cauliflower floret, cut off and broken into pieces 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters Method Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan and fry the onions until golden brown. Add meat and cinnamon. Brown the meat, ensuring it is well browned, not burnt. Add a little water, cover and reduce the heat. Simmer until meat is nearly tender. Add cauliflower, potatoes, chillies, salt to taste and simmer until potatoes are tender. Chef’s tip: Add carrots for variation.…

Anita Nkonki anita.nkonki@inl.co.za MULTI-TALENTED songstress Yolande de Klerk, fondly known as Lola Clerke, is brimming with pride as she is set to showcase her talents and represent South Africa this coming June in New York City. The 26-year-old will grace the International Models and Talent convention with her array of talents which includes being an actress and a commercial model. Clerke’s ability to stretch herself has proven her to be a veritable jack of all trades, something that has enabled many to recognise her for her stunning work. Her determination and hard work also saw her make appearances in numerous national television shows such as 7 de Laan, Binnelanders, The Last Days of American Crime and Lewe in Lubbe Straat. As a result of her efforts and dedication to the…

Peter Bachtis | Lakefield, Benoni This so-called minister has seen fit to grant trophy hunters licence to shoot and kill 10 rhino, 10 leopard and 150 elephant, citing good conservation practices as the reason. Creecy’s head must roll, her shameful behaviour is tantamount to murder, as she allows bloodthirsty cowards with high-powered rifles to obliterate our magnificent wildlife. It is of course all about the money … big bucks paid to her department by both local and international game hunters. Are these people fit to be called human beings, as they traipse through the veld, pointing their expensive weapons at our unsuspecting wildlife? Shame on you Mrs Creecy. Your actions speak volumes, that of a human being that has no conscience, thirsty for the blood of innocent animals.…

HANIF A PATEL | Gujarat, India RUSSIA’S unprovoked and unjustifiable incursion into Ukraine is a dreadful moment for the world. War is not the means to peace and stability. If there is no immediate ceasefire and military action is continued, then violence will escalate and there will be a devastating toll on human life and property in Ukraine. Such situation makes the lives of ordinary people miserable. Ukrainians are seeking support from the international community for defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty. They are willing to die to keep democracy alive in their country. Many protesters have taken to the Russian cities to condemn President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In Europe and other parts of the world, leaders took all possible efforts to de-escalate the crisis but could…

Italy’s foreign minister is visiting Algeria with the head of energy group Eni to discuss energy co-operation in light of the Ukraine crisis, the ministry said yesterday. The move comes as Western governments step up efforts to tap alternative gas supplies to reduce their reliance on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. Eni has a series of gas contracts with Algerian gas monopolist Sonatrach. Italy, which generates 40% of its electricity from gas, imports more than 90% of overall gas consumption. | Reuters…

The Kremlin yesterday accused the EU of hostile behaviour towards Russia, saying weapons supplies to Ukraine were dangerous and destabilising, and proved that Russia was right in its efforts to demilitarise its neighbour. The West has stepped up arms supplies to Ukraine to help it defend against a Russian invasion that Moscow calls a “special military operation” that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour’s military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists. Talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials were under way on the Belarusian border, Moscow said, as Russia’s diplomatic and economic isolation deepens four days after invading Ukraine, the biggest assault on a European state since World War II. The Russian army said yesterday that Ukrainian civilians could…

The Orlando Pirates versus Kaizer Chiefs showdown was first played in Soweto in January 1970 when the teams featured in a curtain-raiser on the occasion of the Rogue Beer Cup third-place play-off, which the Buccaneers won 6-4. No one then would have foreseen that these two clubs would grow in stature to the extent that over the next decade they would attract fans from near and far. The 1970 Rogue Beer Cup final was played between Moroka Swallows and Pimville United Brothers (Pubs). Before 1970, these two teams ruled Soweto, with Pirates rising to prominence thereafter after they had attracted only the finest players. One of those players was Kaizer Motaung. In 1969, Motaung tried to settle a dispute with the club after Pirates punished their players for playing in…

Zaahier Adams zaahier.adams@inl.co.za The Rocks have painted the South African cricket landscape pink and purple again after their T20 Challenge triumph in Gqeberha, but captain Pieter Malan believes the best is yet to come. The Rocks are a new addition to the South African first-class system after the six-team franchise system was disbanded at the end of last season when the domestic structure was reverted to provincial unions. The six major provinces were included in Division 1 along with the Rocks (Boland) and North West in the expanded eight team league. The (Paarl) Rocks were formerly only a T20 franchise that competed in the Mzansi Super League, while Boland was a semi-professional union. But due to the success the Paarl Rocks achieved by winning the last MSL title in 2019,…

MATSHELANE MAMABOLO Comment IT’S Soweto Derby time and I cannot help but notice that the excitement of the past is no more. Granted, Covid-19 has ensured that nothing is how it used to be. Back when things were still ‘normal’ and a clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates used to capture the imagination of a nation, yesterday would have marked the beginning of a thrilling week. For us in the media, our reviews of the previous weekend’s fixtures would see us analysing the clubs’ games in view of their upcoming encounter. Football pundits would willingly and excitedly offer opinions on what they foresaw transpiring in ‘The Derby’. Rarely would there be a midweek match like Pirates’ league game with Cape Town City to interrupt the flow of the build…