Índex per 2022-05-17 a Star

ANTI-shack dweller movement Abahlali baseMjondolo (Shack Dwellers) is losing leaders and activists following the killing of three of the movement’s activists in the past three months. Since its establishment over 17 years ago, the movement says more than 23 of its members have been killed, most of them in violent manner. This weekend, Abahlali buried Nokuthula Mabaso, who the spokesperson of the movement, Thapelo Mohapi, said was “a powerful leader”. She had worked tirelessly for her community in the area of eKhenana, Cator Manor, Durban. Mabaso, also leader of the Women’s League, was assassinated in eKhenana on May 5 and laid to rest on Saturday, with at least 500 people in attendance. “The funeral of comrade Nokuthula Mabaso was attended by more than 500 people and there was a lot…

SPRINGBOK flyhalf Elton Jantjies has been released on bail after being arrested at OR Tambo Airport on Sunday morning in connection with an alleged in-flight incident. Jantjies’s agent James Adams, from In Touch Sports, confirmed yesterday that the flyhalf has been released from police custody and that he was doing okay. “I can’t comment any further on anything at the moment but we will release a press release in a couple of hours. I’m just waiting to speak to my client,” Adams told The Star. This comes after the Rugby World Cup-winning athlete was reportedly arrested at OR Tambo Airport on Sunday morning after an alleged in-flight incident between Dubai and Johannesburg. Details are sketchy at this point and a spokesperson for SA Rugby said they were investigating. “We…

Publishing a condemnation of Israel accused of killing an Al Jazeera journalist, devoid of facts and pre-empting the guilty party even before the Palestinian authorities have, must speak volumes for South African foreign affairs. Has Dirco (Department of International Relations and Co-operation) even less shame by publishing a condemnation knowing no accurate investigation has been undertaken. Over the past two months almost 20 journalists have been killed in Ukraine without a word of condemnation or criticism from Dirco’s Zane Dangor and his minister about these tragedies despite his statement about targeting of reporters. What a contradiction and blatant show of bias exposing the superficiality of a country’s foreign policy. Dangor and his foreign service have reached depths that any respectable and responsible democratic government would dare tread without authenticating facts.…

On April 18, the National Bureau of Statistics of China released a report on the performance of the national economy in the first quarter of 2022. Facing the complicated and changeable environment at home and abroad, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the Chinese government and departments at all levels earnestly implement the decisions and deployments made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, scientifically co-ordinate epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development; adhere to the priority of stability and development; take multiple measures to stabilise the economy; ensure people’s livelihood, promote employment, expand consumption, and enlarge investment, resulting in a good start of China’s economy in 2022. Given the severe impact of the…

The Kremlin is concerned about the decision of Finland and Sweden to join Nato, and will conduct a deep analysis of the consequences, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. “We have already said that for us, of course, this is the issue that we are monitoring most carefully. There is reason for a very deep analysis of the possible consequences. We do not think that the entry of Finland and Sweden into Nato will anyhow strengthen and improve the security architecture on our continent,” Peskov said. | Sputnik…

The Stormers, Sharks and Bulls have everything to play for in the final round of United Rugby Championship matches this weekend. The three South African teams booked their spots in the play-offs with home victories in the penultimate round of regular-season action, setting up what should make for thrilling action abroad given the permutations. Having already secured a place in the quarter-finals, the goal for the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers shifts to finishing in the top four and earning hosting rights to a home play-off. The Sharks will face Ulster in Belfast, while the Bulls clash with Ospreys in Swansea, both on Friday. On Saturday, the Dragons host the Lions in Newport before the Stormers take on Scarlets in Llanelli. In-form Leinster have a tally of 62 points after bagging…

The Blitzboks’ performances at the last two World Sevens Series tournaments sure were uncharacteristic, but their recent stumbles can certainly be seen as a case of “rather now than later”. Sevens action returns this weekend with South Africa scheduled to face Samoa, Ireland and Spain in Pool D in Toulouse. Argentina, who won in Vancouver, will travel to France as top seeds and will face England, Canada and Japan in Pool A, while Fiji, France, Wales and Kenya will contest Pool B. Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and USA make up a very competitive Pool C. The Springbok Sevens team have won four of the six tournaments played so far and lead the series with three tournaments remaining. They made light work of the opening four tournaments, winning both legs in…

The Billboard Music Awards returned to Las Vegas for its 2022 edition, delivering a star-studded evening in celebration of music's most chart-topping artists. According to Variety, before the awards ceremony aired, Billboard announced many of the night's winners, including Drake, who took home five awards for top artist, male artist, rap artist, rap male artist and rap album. Olivia Rodrigo took home the most awards of the night with seven, including new artist, female artist, Hot 100 artist, streaming songs artist, radio songs artist, Billboard Global 200 artist and Billboard 200 album. Meanwhile, Ye was honoured with Christian artist, gospel artist, Christian album, gospel album Christian song and gospel song. Sean “Diddy” Combs hosted the awards show, which featured performances from controversial figures Morgan Wallen and Travis Scott. In an…

THERE has been national outrage against a white Stellenbosch University (SU) student, after a black student’s room was broken and had his property urinated on. The white student has since been suspended, the university said. The incident reportedly occurred at the Huis Marais university residence on Sunday at 4am. The black student, who was sleeping, heard a noise, and said he saw the white student urinating on his desk, books and laptop. When asked why he was doing this, he allegedly said it is what they do to black boys. SU senior director: student affairs Dr Choice Makhetha said the affected student was in shock after his upsetting and painful ordeal. “He is still trying to process what happened and was offered counselling. He will be supported as and when…

International Relations and Co-operation Minister Naledi Pandor has revealed that the South African government loaned Cuba R147.6 million over the past four years. DA leader John Steenhuisen wrote to Pandor enquiring about the full details of all money, loans, aid and goods and services that have been spent on Cuba since President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected to office in February 2018. Steenhuisen also asked why the government had chosen Cuba as a beneficiary of South African aid and assistance. In her written reply, Pandor said a R147 631 000 loan was made available to Cuba under an economic assistance agreement for agricultural development projects as well as reconstruction of infrastructure. She said the loan was divided into two tranches. “The first tranche of R63 million was made available in 2018.…

DESPITE the outcry by South African citizens, the Sports, Arts and Culture is going ahead with their R22 million monumental flag project. Yesterday, the department confirmed it was working on a project to install a massive flag and flagpole to be known as the South African National Monumental Flag. The department’s spokesperson, Masechaba Khumalo, said the project was approved by Parliament. “The SA National Monumental Flag project was approved by Cabinet in the last financial year 2021/2022. This project is now at pre-construction phase. “It is anticipated that this project will be completed at the end of the 2023/24 financial year,” Khumalo said. She said this project is a component of a broader campaign, “#I am The Flag” which utilises national symbols to advance a common national identity. “This…

ADDRESSING intimate partner violence could lower rates of mental illness as intimate partner violence significantly increases the likelihood of a person developing mental health problems. This is according to a new report looking at the interrelationship between intimate partner violence and mental health problems, published by the Lancet Psychiatry. The Lancet Psychiatry Commission report was compiled by an international team of mental health experts, including Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Professor Soraya Seedat. The authors suggested that reducing levels of intimate partner violence experienced by women and witnessed by their children could go a long way to bringing down the number of people who experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The report revealed that 27% of women and girls aged 15 or over have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner…

Tony Yengeni has rightly exercised his right to criticise by taking Chief Justice Zondo to task by laying a complaint at the JSC for his comments that Cyril Ramaphosa saved the country by rescuing the Treasury. He argues that Zondo is involving himself in ANC factional political battles. But this criticism is flawed for various reasons. For one, Yengeni argues Zondo cannot say anything positive about Ramaphosa’s rule because, among others, crime and unemployment have escalated, power outages are a way of life etc. But what do these have to do with Zondo’s observations, which were strictly limited to the issue of the Treasury and not Ramaphosa’s overall performance? This is a classic case of a critic who misrepresents fact, so that they fit their own views. Yengeni also alleges…

IN SOME countries, mop-up processes following natural disasters like floods are always swift and done within days. Critical to everything, authorities always rush to restore services like water and electricity because those are the most critical essentials. If you don’t restore water, you risk having another disaster of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and scabies. And if you don’t swiftly restore power, you risk having frustrated citizens resorting to looting businesses. Hence, it is critical that in every disaster the process to restore those services is always fast. Now, come to South Africa, the Durban floods and mopping up process is moving at a snail’s pace. It has exposed the weakness of the ANC government at national, provincial and local government level. How? It took the ANC government almost a…

Somalia’s international partners yesterday welcomed the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who takes office after months of political instability and faces crises including a violent insurgency and devastating drought. Residents in the capital, Mogadishu, raced through the streets banging metal cans and fired guns into the air in celebration as the result of the marathon poll was announced around midnight. Many hope the vote – which concluded peacefully but was dogged by claims of irregularities – will draw a line under a political crisis that has lasted well over a year. Outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s term ended in February 2021 without an election and the protracted tussle for power that followed turned violent at times and caused divisions at the highest levels of government. Somalia’s international partners had…

A heavy sandstorm in Iraq, the latest of what Iraqis say is an unprecedented number to hit the country in recent weeks, closed some state schools and offices and halted flights at Baghdad International Airport yesterday. Authorities in Baghdad, including the Education Ministry, declared a day off for local government institutions, with the exception of health services. Hundreds of people across the capital and southern cities went to hospitals with breathing difficulties, medical officials said. | Reuters…

Richards Bay FC secured promotion to the Premiership for the first time in the club’s history after playing to a goalless draw in their final match of the season and were crowned GladAfrica Championship winners of the 2021/22 season on Sunday. In the midst of all the celebrations at the King Zwelithini Stadium, the Natal Rich Boyz owner Sfiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela took time to address the club’s supporters and assured those present that the club was not up for sale at any price. “This club is not for sale, this is my club and there’s no offer on earth that I could possibly consider,” Biyela stated. “Therefore, to anyone that’s even dreaming about making an offer for this club, I can assure you now that you are wasting your time.”…

Liverpool were yesterday still assessing the fitness of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk ahead of tonight’s Premier League trip to Southampton, where they could close the gap on leaders Manchester City to one point, manager Jurgen Klopp said. Forward Salah and defender Van Dijk were substituted during Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea, which Liverpool won on penalties to lift their second trophy of the season. “The process is not finished yet because we only played the 120 minutes two days ago… We have a lot of decisions,” Klopp said. “Those extra 30 minutes (of extra time) made a big difference… We will have to make changes, I don’t know how many.” Klopp added that defensive midfielder Fabinho, who missed the win over Chelsea with a hamstring injury, will…

ORLANDO Pirates will have a hectic schedule when they return home after Friday’s CAF Confederation Cup final in Nigeria. The Premier Soccer League have not announced the details of the three matches that were postponed because of Pirates’ CAF commitments, but they have listed the three fixtures on their website. Apart from Pirates’ three outstanding fixtures, the rest of the Premiership matches will be completed on Saturday. Pirates’ remaining opponents are Royal AM, Maritzburg United and SuperSport United, and the outcome of these matches will no doubt have a bearing on the final positions on the Premiership log. Pirates’ rescheduled Premiership fixtures are on May 25 (Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium), May 29 (Royal AM, Chatsworth Stadium, Durban) and June 1 (SuperSport United at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium). The…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos yesterday announced a 37-man preliminary squad that will face Morocco and Zimbabwe in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month. After missing out on Bafana’s last two international friendlies against Guinea and France due to an injury, vice-captain Percy Tau has been recalled to the team by the Belgian coach. But perhaps the most notable inclusion in Broos’s preliminary squad is that of Orlando Pirates attacker Thembinkosi Lorch, who hadn’t been called up to the national team since he took over the reins last year. Lorch is one of six Pirates players, along with Fortune Makaringe, Bandile Shandu, Innocent Maela, Thabang Monare and Goodman Mosele, who could be in the final squad to face Morocco in Rabat on June 9 and Zimbabwe at home…

AUDIT firm KPMG South Africa has been roped in to clean up the struggling Ubank’s balance sheet as the bank’s capital resources are on the brink of drying up. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) yesterday placed the Ubank under curatorship with immediate effect while the finance minister appointed KPMG as the curator. Ubank Group Limited is owned by Teba Fund Trust and administered by the National Union of Mineworkers to service the unserved and underserved market. It operates in the microfinance sector which mainly targets lower- income blue-collar workers in the mining industry, with more than 4.7 million active accounts. SARB governor Lesetja Kganyago said Ubank has had significant challenges over the years. He said the SARB’s Prudential Authority had been monitoring corporate governance concerns at Ubank…

Social media tributes are pouring in for veteran gospel artist Dr Deborah Fraser, who died on Sunday, May 15, after a short illness which left her in a wheelchair for a few months. Fraser was 56. Her family confirmed the news on social media and since yesterday tributes have been pouring in for the multi-award-winning artist. “It is with deep sadness to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, and gospel musician, Dr Deborah Fraser, following a short illness. She passed today (Sunday, May 15) after midday, in the presence of her family and friends. “As Dr Deborah Fraser’s family, we would like to be given space to process and deal with this very tragic situation,” said the family. The Abanye Bayombona album hitmaker’s…

Joburg Health and Social Development MMC Ashley Sauls has rubbished claims that his new Gates Must Balance recruitment drive was meant to employ more coloureds in the city’s clinics and offices. Last week Sauls announced that he had challenged senior staff in his office to balance the employment scales after finding out that the race ratio in his department was not a true reflection of South Africa. At least 1 000 jobs were to be advertised with the hope that those who get employed will ensure that race quotas in the city were balanced. The Goetes Moet Balance/Izinto Mele Zilingane recruitment drive seeks to address the hopelessness which has been experienced by race groups who have been left feeling as though their applications to work in the city are never…

No South African with a heart could have sat down to dinner with a clear conscience last Sunday after reading about starving adults and children – some eating sand to survive – in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, as reported extensively in a Sunday paper. This is what is happening in a country where the well-heeled drive Ferraris and Beemers and where some filthy rich socialites wash their hands in expensive alcohol and send photos of this obscene act to their girlfriends. It is scandalous people have to starve in a country with its much vaunted notion of Ubuntu. Don’t we have such support structures across the provinces of KZN and Eastern Cape anymore, or are we too busy “getting and spending” as Wordsworth once wrote? What has happened to our…

MOM WAS supposed to go first. After two years of bravely fighting breast cancer, my dad, heroically by her side, believed all would be well, and just as hope surfaced, it spread to her lungs. More cancer. More tears. Dad was the strong one. The healthy bull. He was the quiet one. He loved her with all his heart. The only retired couple in their neighbourhood who held hands when they walked Ringo. The dog has become my most prized inheritance. Riana, a supportive neighbour, told me that the day they first found the lump, he told her, white in the face, “My wife has cancer”. It was a Friday. I was invited over for a curry and a glass of wine to celebrate my mom’s health after what…

The first commercial flight in six years took off yesterday from Sana’a, Yemen’s capital under the control of the Houthi rebels, as an essential part of the ongoing truce between the Yemeni warring sides. A Yemen Airways flight, carrying 151 passengers, took off from the Sana’a International Airport bound for Jordan’s capital Amman, airport officials said, adding that another flight is scheduled to arrive in Sana’a from Amman later in the day. Earlier, the Yemeni national carrier’s plane had arrived in Sana’a from the southern port city of Aden to pick up the passengers. Water cannons sprayed Sana’a airport’s runway when it landed, giving the plane a ceremonial “water salute”. Many of the passengers are patients who seek urgent medical treatment in Jordan as the crumbling health system in Sana’a…

Wheat prices surged to a new record high in European trading yesterday after India decided to ban exports of the commodity as a heatwave hit production. The price jumped to €435 (R7 335) per ton as the Euronext market opened, up from the previous record of €422 euros reached on Friday. Global wheat prices have soared on supply fears since Russia’s February invasion of agricultural powerhouse Ukraine, which previously accounted for 12% of global exports. The spike, exacerbated by fertiliser shortages and poor harvests, has fuelled inflation globally and raised fears of famine and social unrest in poorer countries. India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, said on Saturday that it was banning exports after its hottest March on record, with traders needing express government approval to enter into new…