Índex per 2023-07-06 a Star

THE SOUTH African Institution of Civil Engineering has appointed Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane as its new CEO, effective from July 1, 2023. With a seasoned professional career, including as the MD of Refilwe Engineering Solutions, and non-executive director at Gateway Airports Authority, “she brings a wealth of experience, with a remarkable career in transportation planning and engineering, coupled with her impressive academic qualifications,” a statement said yesterday. “My vision for the institution is to foster collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity within the civil engineering community. “Together, we can drive positive change, address societal challenges, and enhance the profession's impact on South Africa's development,” Phayane-Shakhane said. | Edward West…

CONDITIONS for the El Niño weather pheno- menon had developed in the tropical Pacific for the first time in seven years, probably leading to a rise in global temperatures and disruptive weather and climate patterns, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned on Tuesday. “The onset of El Niño will greatly increase the likelihood of breaking temperature records and trig- gering more extreme heat in many parts of the world and in the ocean,” the organi- sation’s secretary-general, Petteri Taalas, was quoted as saying in a WMO statement. He said the WMO’s declaration of El Niño was a signal to governments across the world to prepare to mitigate the phenomenon’s impact on health, ecosystems and econo- mies. “Early warnings and anticipatory action of extreme weather events associ- ated with this…

SENTIMENT in the manufacturing sector in South Africa has ticked up on the back of improved electricity supply in June, in spite of activity contracting for the fourth consecutive month. This comes as the S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remained in contractionary territory in June as it posted below the 50 point neutral mark for the fourth month in a row. S&P yesterday said the PMI – a composite gauge designed to give a single-figure snapshot of operating conditions in the private sector economy – edged up from 47.9 points in May to 48.7 points in June. According to S&P, South African companies signalled an improvement in the performance of supply chains at the end of the first half of the year. This was…

AMERICAN Swiss, a distributor of precious stones and metals, said yesterday the diamond industry has undergone a significant transformation with the emergence of lab-grown diamonds. The diamonds are created in a laboratory environment using technological processes that mimic the formation of natural diamonds. American Swiss produces costume jewellery, watches, clocks, and silverware including platinum, white and tallow gold, solver, diamonds, amethyst, topaz, and garnet. The company operates in South Africa. Head of design and innovation at TFG Jewellery, Shelley Wilkinson-Rorich, said the process for creating lab-grown diamonds is renewable and sustainable and will contribute towards preserving the world’s natural resources. “Lab-grown diamonds are grown in a controlled setting, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain,” she said. She said lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts and…

LAST YEAR WAS my first time at the Durban July, an event I have always deemed to be for the who’s-who in the entertainment industry, other high-profile celebs and wealthy horse breeders. A few days prior, I mentioned to my dad that I was going. He had never heard of it – and when I mentioned horse racing, he was perplexed, asking if I was racing or betting. I allayed his fears, informing him that I would just be a spectator in a demarcated area, networking with my peers. He still could not comprehend the concept of betting on horses. At my second attendance at the July a few days ago, I discovered that the celebs started designing their outfits months ahead. I’ve worn my current outfit once – and…

ELEVEN trillion US dollars (R205.5trln). That was the amount spent by governments across the world in 2018 to purchase public goods and services. Public money, raised through taxes and duties and distributed through contracts with private sector com- panies, is $11trln of a global gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly $90trln. In South Africa, public procurement spending was R926 billion in 2018, according to the National Treasury; that represents 20% of the country’s GDP. In addition to securing value for money and procuring public goods and services that best meet the needs of the people, procurement spending is an instrument by which the government can provide opportunities to expand the market place and advance equality and social justice. And, given the amounts involved, a very powerful instrument. A recent…

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) confirmed it was already investigating charges against VIP Protection Unit officers assigned to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security detail who assaulted motorists on the N1. The officers were caught on camera punching and stomping on a motorist and two passengers; one of them appeared to be unconscious. The video, captured by an unknown motorist, went viral. The incident happened over the weekend in the Fourways area. According to the SA National Defence Union (Sandu), the three victims were members of the SANDF. “The victims were en route from Johannesburg to Pretoria when a black SUV appeared next to their vehicle, and one of the occupants of the SUV was pointing a firearm at the victims’ vehicle,” said Sandu national secretary general Pikkie Greeff. “The…

Founder of Tariomix, Louis Liebenberg, who has been accused of making “racist” fun of President Cyril Ramaphosa following a social media video clip imitating the president’s speech patterns, insists he is not racist and his video was meant to be a light-hearted observation. In the video, the businessman, who was referred to the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over the clip, said he usually posted videos of himself almost on a weekly basis and once posted a video of himself crying. However, in his defence, the SAHRC ruled that the complaint brought by the DA did not meet the hate speech threshold and was therefore rejected in terms of Section 10(1) of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. Last year, reports that the 58-year-old businessman was…

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had received a report on the settlement agreement with trade union Solidarity. Mbalula said the government needed to demonstrate that the allegations put forward by Solidarity were incorrect and damaging to the brand of South Africa. Hence the need for a settlement agreement. He said that this followed claims by Solidarity that the new regulations on the implementation of the Employment Equity (EE) Amendment Bill were biased against minority groups and therefore in violation of the Discrimination (employment and occupation) Convention 111 of 1958. “This meeting between the Minister of Employment and Labour (Thulas Nxesi) and Solidarity was convened under the context of the national mediation processes. This is a new requirement introduced by the International Labour Organisation…

MOTSEPE Foundation chief executive Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe has urged the SA Football Association (Safa) to stick to their word after they resolved the impasse with Banyana Banyana. Fifa has allocated R565 000 to all 23 players of the 32 national teams for playing in the Fifa Women’s World Cup, but it emerged this week that Safa was only keen to pay each player R400 000 and stalled in signing the contracts. That didn’t go down well with the players, who boycotted their send-off match on Sunday due to the revelation and for other reasons – receiving the support of the public, who felt that they deserved the Fifa money and more. Since then, Safa had been deadlocked in negotiations with Sport Minister Zizi Kodwa and the South African Players…

Black tax remains a complex subject that continues to stir up endless conversations as many people from all walks of life share their opinions. Black tax can be dubbed an income that black professionals give to their families as a form of support, with a deeply rooted sense of responsibility. While many people regard it as a proud moment to give back to their loved ones, others view it as a heavy burden on sole breadwinners. Popular actor Jet Novuka was a guest on the Unpopular Opinion podcast, where he explored themes of arts and culture, apartheid, fatherhood, family dynamics, isiNtu and isiXhosa. Speaking about the black tax, Novuka criticised the idea that supporting a family was a burden, highlighting that social media mislead people with some concepts that were…

Spotify has taken its audio experience to Braamfontein in Johannesburg, celebrating Spotify’s leading playlists, culture, community, conversation, creators, fans and greasy South African meals. A month-long experiential pop-up, Spotify’s Greasy Tunes, which pairs South African food with music, kicked off with guests immersing themselves in the experience. Greasy Tunes explores Joburg’s cultural communities, from the aesthetics down to the menu. The venue’s setup borrows from the township kota cafés, with outdoor table tennis tables placed strategically in the venue, while mini pool tables and jenga adorned the tables. True to fashion, the snacks on the tables, decorated café-style, were nuts served in jars and rainbow mealie pops, famously known as ‘skopas’. Food inspired by the melting pot of South African cultures, including pap infused with cheese, was a guest favourite…

WANGA Khumeleni recently celebrated her sixth birthday, a little over two months after undergoing complex heart surgery at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital. Wanga’s father, Takalani Khumeleni, said she has a big personality for such a small kid; she is their only child for the time being, and she amazes them every day. Her birthday, June 21, held special meaning for them this year because of everything she has been through and overcome. “When doctors discovered that our daughter had a heart murmur, the Olievenhoutbosch family was taken aback.” Wanga was evaluated by a team led by paediatric cardiology Professor, Lindy Mitchell, at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. “Professor Mitchell is amazing, and she assisted us in applying for private sector assistance so that our daughter’s operation could take place sooner,” Khumeleni said.…

Why the focus on Banyana Banyana, when we should be supporting our beautiful warriors the Proteas, who as a host nation will be participating in the Netball World Cup in Cape Town? This incredible group have worked hard over the years under the tutelage of their decorated Australian coach. But there has not been support for our warriors who stand a good chance of winning the World Cup. With the nation’s support, these ladies will win this upcoming Netball World Cup. On the other hand, I do not understand the genderisation of the rebellion by Banyana Banyana. As far as it can make sense, there is nothing honourable in the shameful behaviour of Banyana Banyana players over the weekend. Not only did they disrespect our nation and flag, but they…

The spirit of cricket? Pah, what a farcical notion. If there ever were such a thing, it is long dead. It is a spectre of the past, haunting the minds of traditionalists and those who look back at days gone by, while sipping Earl Grey tea in long rooms that shape crescent-moon views across cricket grounds the world over. After all, you reap what you sow. Truth be told, the spirit of cricket died somewhere in 2007, by my estimation, although it certainly had one foot in the grave by then, thanks to the introduction of T20 cricket. Perhaps the final nail was smashed into its coffin in 2014. In 2007, at the Cricket World Cup, the current narrative of the “Big Three” started taking shape. India were knocked out…

From matric completion challenges to cooking challenges, Mandela Month will be celebrated and commemorated with a difference this year. Optimi Workplace, a company dedicated to adult education and training in the workplace, is calling for companies to motivate their employee without matric to utilise the various platforms available to complete their matric, and has launched #Matric4Mandela. Phemelo Segoe, an education specialist at Optimi, said the Department of Basic Education estimated that less than a third of South African adults have their matric. “While this is a deeply troubling statistic, it remains just that, a statistic, until we consider the importance of a matric, and what massive implications not having this qualification has on the lives of millions,” she said. Segoe said if one wants to defy the odds, beat the…

When it comes to double cab bakkies South Africans are spoilt for choice and when GWM entered the market with their well-priced and even better specced P-Series, that really threw the cat among the pigeons. We’re also a sucker for a good looking exterior and with the recent launch of the range topping P-Series LTD, GWM have done just that. Bold and rugged is what we like and it does that very well. The leisure market is a big industry locally and this offering that slots in above the LS and LT models, not only looks the part but backs it up practically as well. They’ve added 18-inch Gloss Black rims shod with decent Cooper All Terrain tyres, black sports bar, a plastic bin liner, steel front and rear bumpers,…

Paris: Tuesday was the hottest day ever recorded as the global average temperature leaped to a record high for the second day in a row, according to reports by US meteorologists published yesterday. The average daily air temperature on the Earth’s surface reached 17.18°C, according to data compiled by an organisation attached to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That far outstripped even the previous day’s record measurement. The global average temperature reached 17°C for the first time on Monday, topping the previous daily record of 16.92°C in July 2022. | AFP…

Brussels: The EU yesterday put forward a plan to impose binding targets on its 27 member states to slash food waste from households, retailers and restaurants 30% this decade. Brussels estimates the bloc generates almost 59 million tons of food waste a year. That represents a loss of some 132 billion euros. “To waste food at this scale while more than 30 million Europeans cannot afford a proper meal every other day … is simply unacceptable,” said the European Commission. The EU’s is also demanding a reduction in waste from processing and manufacturing by 10% over the period. | AFP…

England captain Ben Stokes insisted yesterday it was time “everyone moved on” from Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Australia won the match by 43 runs to go 2-0 up in the five-match series despite Stokes’ stunning 155. But his on-field heroics were overshadowed by the extraordinary fall-out from Bairstow’s unusual exit. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese even traded verbal bouncers over the issue, which started when Bairstow was given out stumped by opposing wicket-keeper Alex Carey during what the England batsman thought was a break in play. Bairstow’s dismissal sparked a chorus of boos at a normally sedate Lord’s and led to three MCC members being suspended for allegedly abusing visiting players in the pavilion. Stokes indicated he…

From experience, Safa officials know that when their national teams play in CAF or Fifa tournaments, their ‘silly season’ kicks in, and players demand more money. True to form, with the national women’s team set to fly out to New Zealand for the Fifa Women’s World Cup, there was an outcry for more money. While this was not unusual, it was a unique situation because never has a team, regardless of gender, been assured of a R570000 windfall just for playing in a tournament. But Banyana Banyana, with the SA Football Players Union (Safpu) in tow, demanded more money or else they would not play in a warm-up fixture. It must be said that they were unhappy about facets of the warm-up game for sound reasons, but had Safpu been…

THE ZIMBABWE Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) recently announced the end of load shedding after revealing that the nation’s power plants are now generating sufficient electricity to fulfil the needs of both domes- tic and industrial consumers, with minimal reliance on imports. Zesa expressed that the enhanced power generation capacity has resulted in a substantial reduction in load shedding throughout the country. This news was welcomed by the business sector which can now effectively plan operational schedules and ensure uninterrupted in- dustrial processes. The improved electricity supply is expected to contribute to smoother industry outcomes and foster a more conducive environment for economic growth. Zesa attributed the end of load shedding to the successful implementation and completion of expansion projects for Units 7 and 8 at the Hwange Thermal Power…

MULTICHOICE, which is banking on economic and monetary policy reforms in Nigeria to offset exchange rate losses, considers Zimbabwe an important market that is better than its West African counterpart in terms of repatriation of earnings. The JSE-listed pay-television and streaming firm’s rest of Africa segment swung back to profitability in the full year to the end of March. Its share price on the JSE has, however, been trending down, after JP Morgan Chase revised its rating from neutral to underweight. The Multichoice share price shed 2.5% in yesterday’s JSE session while it is down by 11% and 29% in the past seven days and in the year to date respectively. On Tuesday, Multichoice plunged by about 12% on the JSE after the announcement of its downgrade by JP Morgan…

THE NATIONAL Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) announced that it secured an above-inflation wage increase of 8% across the board for all workers at Gautrain. In a statement, the union said currently the Consumer Price Inflation is at 6.3%. The Gautrain is South Africa’s first high-speed railway system linking major hubs in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria. The train, which travels at speeds of up to 160km/h, transports about 40 000 passengers per day. The Gautrain bus transports about 12 000 passengers daily. “The union has been engaged in wage talks with Gautrain management since April this year, and we deadlocked in June. “Our members balloted for a strike on Friday, but fortunately, management requested a meeting over the weekend and made an offer to settle…

ANCHOR Capital has launched a fund that invests in agricultural businesses, the Anchor Ndalo Fund, which hopes to raise up to R1.5 billion from institutional investors and ensure the sustainability of the fund by owning as much as possible of the superfoods value chain. The fund would invest in diverse businesses in the horticulture sector, a statement from the company said yesterday. Anchor Group chairperson Mike Teke said: “I am expanding my footprint in investing in food security through agriculture and the Anchor Ndalo Agri Fund is one of the many ways I wish to invest in food security for humanity into the future.” By integrating businesses that comprise the horticulture value chain, the fund aimed to lower investment risk for investors and increase the profitability of the blended…

NONJABULO Sikhakhane launched a financial literacy start-up the same year she completed her MBA – right after the height of the pandemic. As a black woman with an innovative business idea, it hasn’t been easy to establish herself as an entrepreneur, but she’s learned some valuable lessons along the way and is spreading the gospel of better money management and start-up savvy. As a young black woman trying to make it with her own start-up, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, 33, admits that people often question her when she talks business. “I usually encounter two kinds of stereotyping,” she says. “Firstly, on account of being a woman and then, also because I am black. I feel as if I have to prove myself constantly.” But having an MBA next to her name has…

Anticipated changes to the employment equity landscape have been prominent in 2023. The settlement agreement concluded in the CCMA between Solidarity and the Minister of Employment and Labour on 28 June 2023 must be considered in context to determine whether it changes anything for designated employers in South Africa. It is useful to view the legislative developments over the past five years to appreciate where the contents of the settlement agreement come from and then cast a view forward to determine its practical implications. When the Employment Equity Amendment Act (Amendment Act) was first published as a draft bill in 2018, draft regulations (2018 draft regulations) were published for public comment alongside it. Nothing more came of the 2018 draft regulations since, leaving the status of those regulations in question.…

Gender most affected seems to be females SUICIDE among teenagers in South Africa is on the rise, and the gender affected the most seems to be female. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), teen suicide is becoming more common every year in South Africa. “In South Africa, 9% of all teen deaths are caused by suicide. The fastest-growing age is young people under 35, specifically female suicides, which peak between 15 and 19 years,” said Sadag. The group further said research indicated that although more females attempted suicide, more males succeeded. Yesterday, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said that he was saddened by the deaths of a Grade 8 girl pupil from Geluksdal Secondary School in Ekurhuleni and a Grade 12 girl pupil from Nigel…

KwaZulu-Natal ANC Women’s League provincial task team member and ANCWL presidency contender Thembeka Mchunu has urged women countrywide to support the rebuilding of the league. This is ahead of the 13th national elective conference set to run from July 14 to 16. The league, much like the ANCYL, which elected its office-bearers after more than eight years of interim structures, is working towards rebuilding itself into an autonomous structure. Speaking to The Star, Mchunu said she was humbled by the nomination from the Limpopo and KZN branches and structures, and her slate was looking forward to possibly leading the women’s body, should the branches and delegates put their trust in her. She said her slate, made up of the late ANC MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson as her deputy, Lydia Moroane-Zitha…

THE Department of Public Service and Administration has urged departments to implement contingency measures to ensure essential services are not affected during Cosatu’s nationwide strike. Trade union federation Cosatu and affiliates will take to the streets today to protest over a number of socio-economic issues hurting workers, and to call for the creation of decent sustainable jobs and prevention of corruption and crime. Cosatu also wants the high interest rates to be reduced and speedy implementation of the Zondo Commission’s recommendations. The Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa) has also thrown its support behind the strike action. “On the health-care front, the government has constantly failed to meet the expectations of its own commitments when it comes to payment of allowances and performance incentives, filling of vacant positions, procurement of…

A TIP of R150 given to a waitress by a couple who had a meal at the restaurant where she was working, cost the waitress her job – a sanction with which the Labour Court sitting in Johannesburg fully agreed. The woman was employed at Johannesburg-based Chef’s Warehouse at Maison Estate restaurant, which had a policy that all waiters had to declare their tips so that they could be shared among the staff at the end of the evening. In this case it was claimed that the waitress, a Ms Taguzu, pocketed not only the R150, but that on a few occasions prior to this she also took tips for herself. While she vehemently denied that she received the R150 tip, she also told the court that she did not…

TRADE secrets and a restraint of trade undertaking by a design planner who worked for Shoprite Checkers, but had resigned to work for Clicks has been validated in the Western Cape High Court. Shoprite feared its former employee would spill the beans on its trade secrets. Tebogo Kgatle started working for Shoprite as a trainee in their logistics division and in 2021 was employed as a design planner. The retail giant also assisted him via a bursary to help him to obtain his honours degree from the University of Stellenbosch. While Shoprite agreed to retain him even after he had resigned, it had put its foot down to stop Kgatle working for a direct competitor. The court noted that Clicks is one of the largest retail chains selling, among other…

Mediclinic Medforum has completed a 15-year expansion project offering greater access to specialised care for their patients. The upgrades involved some dramatic excavations three floors below ground to increase parking availability and have resulted in an enlarged facility that has far more to offer. The renovated exterior forms a symbol of rejuvenation in a city with a rich history and the new façade on Nelson Mandela Drive acts as a recognisable landmark for the community. “Patients and family members will encounter an enlarged reception with easier access to hospital pharmacy on discharge. A modernised coffee shop, additional bathrooms and upgraded wayfinding and colour-coded basement parking maximise the best possible patient journey,” said Johan Verwey, hospital general manager of Mediclinic Medforum. The upgrades offer a significant inclusion of additional intensive and…

ANC NEC member Dakota Legoete says that ANC members are suspicious of the timing of what seems to be an orchestrated attack on Deputy President Paul Mashatile. South Africa has seen manufactured consent on ANC leaders like this before and therefore should consider these stories for what they are: simply an attack. One of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement in the US, Malcolm X, once said: “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” These words went through my mind recently as one surveyed the flurry of anti-Paul Mashatile articles and opinion pieces published in a wide range of media outlets in our country. Needless to say, they had…

Israel’s army yesterday declared the end of a large-scale military operation in the occupied West Bank that killed 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier over the previous two days. The raid, involving hundreds of forces, drone strikes and armoured bulldozers, targeted the northern West Bank city of Jenin, a centre for multiple armed Palestinian groups. Thousands of Palestinian mourners joined a Jenin funeral procession for those killed, where militants fired gunshots into the air and the crowd chanted “With our souls and blood, we will sacrifice for you, martyr!” Amid the days of violence, a Palestinian attacker in Tel Aviv on Tuesday wounded seven Israelis in a car ramming and stabbing attack before an armed civilian shot him dead. And overnight, Israel carried out air strikes on targets inside the…

Moscow: The Kremlin warned yesterday that Kyiv could be preparing a provocation at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, a flashpoint of concern in the conflict in Ukraine. The comments come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy this week told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Russia was planning “dangerous provocations” at plant, the largest in Europe. Russia and Ukraine have regularly accused each other of putting the plant’s safety at risk since the Kremlin launched hostilities in Ukraine last February. | AFP…

Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter will not be instructing his captains Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram to withdraw an appeal if the wicket-keeper throws down the stumps in an attempt to dismiss a batsman at the striker’s end. A global furore broke out on the fifth and final day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Sunday when Australia keeper Alex Carey gathered the ball and in one fluid motion, under-armed a direct throw at the stumps after noticing England’s Jonny Bairstow had left his crease. Bairstow had evaded a bouncer from Cameron Green and simply touched the crease with his boot before moving towards his batting partner Ben Stokes in the middle of the pitch. Much to Bairstow and England’s surprise, the umpires referred the decision to South…

EMIRA Property Fund has installed 16 beehives at eight of its commercial properties in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu-Natal, and more are planned, where suitable. COO Ulana van Biljon said in a statement yesterday that the project was chosen to address the decline of global bee populations, “which contribute so much to society, as well as the biodiversity of our properties”. Bees are vital for pollinating plants, including food crops. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, a third of global food production depends on bees as pollinator. Bees are also increasingly threatened by human activity, and under grave threat from habitat loss, pesticides, air pollution and climate change. | Edward West…

THE RENEWED institutional interest in cryptocurrency sent Bitcoin (BTC) surging to a new 12-month high, with its price jumping above $31 300 in June. Although BTC lost some of its gains in the last week of the month, it still finished the first half of 2023 with an impressive 85% growth, putting it on track for its best annual performance since 2020. The world’s largest and most expensive cryptocurrency also hit an impressive trading volume in the six months of the year. According to data presented by BitcoinCasinos.com, Bitcoin’s trading volume hit more than $4.2 trillion (R78.47trln) in the first half of the year. After a significant slowdown in December 2022, the last month of one of the hardest years for the entire crypto industry, the global crypto…

WHATSAPP is used by more than a quarter of the world’s population and it has an astounding 98% open rate. A recent Mailchimp study found that the open rate of email is 21.33%. Customers’ journeys with brands are vital, and no matter where you look or which insight report you read, customer experience (CX) generally, and the ability to communicate on a platform of the customer’s choice specifically, is almost always front and centre. WhatsApp is used by more than a quarter of the world’s population and it has an astounding 98% open rate. A recent Mailchimp study found that the open rate of email is 21.33%. The power of WhatsApp is therefore abundantly clear – if you send 1 000 emails, 213 will be opened, whereas of…

Learners who may be experiencing abuse or need counselling are encouraged to contact Childline by simply dialling 116 for assistance. The SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has also encouraged parents, loved ones, family, friends, teachers and guardians to do mental health “check-ins” with their teenage children. Anyone with thoughts of suicide can call the SA Depression and Anxiety Group at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. – https://www.sadag.org/ Government Mental Health Information Line: 0800 567 567 Life Line South Africa: 0861 322 322 Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline. Tel: 0800 70 80 90 Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour. Tel: 0861 435 787…

After four years of taking a break from the small screen, Mrs Mops expressed her excitement about making a return to what she dubs her first love, television. Showmax’s The Mommy Club is centred around motherhood and follows five of Joburg’s wealthiest mommies who create bonds over, well, motherhood. And for The Real Housewives of Johannesburg breakout star, real name Mpumi Mophatlane, the show offers the viewers a window into deeper layers of her life and her personality. “Something that The Real Housewives of Johannesburg didn’t offer much as it was only one dimension. With The Mommy Club, you get to see me in my home, interacting with my kids and husband, and see me at work.” “I said yes to the show because I have never seen anything like…

To create awareness and understanding of the economic impact and contribution of the beer industry within the alcohol industry, South African Breweries (SAB) has launched a digital game. Its latest campaign is a word puzzle game named SABeerdle. It is reported that consumers will need to derive clues from the Oxford Economics report, published by SAB. The game, which has been described as easy to navigate, gives consumers the chance to win beer for a year and can be downloaded at https://social.nexd.com/sabbeerdle Sphe Vundla, corporate brand director at SAB, said: “There is a misperception that all alcohol is the same, and this is simply not true. Beer is unique in that it is a drink of moderation with low or no alcohol options. “Beer is natural, inclusive, and local: it…

SWEDEN’S bid to join Nato has been dealt a critical blow. It brazenly allowed a demented soul the right to burn the Holy Qur’an, before a global audience. It is certain Turkey will veto its membership bid. The burning of the Holy Qur’an in Sweden, is extremely disturbing. Under the guise of freedom of expression, the internet and the 24-hour news cycle gave a single obscure malcontent the platform to make himself heard at the highest level of geopolitics and force his way upon the international stage. Hatred and fear of Islam is the new engine of 21st century demagoguery. Their capacity for more accurate perception and minimal self-awareness is altogether obliterated by their greatest of all fears – that they might have to hold up a mirror to their…

I am deeply saddened by the unacceptable abuse, desecration and burning of the Qur’an in Stockholm, Sweden. Such bigotry and offensive acts of provocation, hate and intolerance only fuel disorder and lawlessness and must be condemned. Desecrating the Qur’an is not only a transgression against the Islamic faith and Muslims but a violation of, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and a crime against humanity. Muslims consider the Qur’an the direct speech and sanctified words of Almighty, and view any intentional damage or show of disrespect towards it as extremely offensive and hurtful. Let us stand together as conscious-driven human beings in condemning this atrocious action of burning the Qur’an. Stop the unnecessary increasing hostility towards Islam and Muslims and promote co-existence, respect, peace, understanding and rule of law. We…

Eshethu Desta Defere, 26, was sentenced to life in prison by the Lichtenburg Regional Court, for raping a 12-year-old minor. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Defere’s conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Scotland, an informal community in Coligny, North West, where he ran a shop, in June 2021. “In court, the complainant testified that she went to the shop to buy some items on the day of the incident, and upon her arrival, Defere, who was alone at the time, dragged her to a shack behind the shop and proceeded to rape her. “The matter was reported to the police, and the accused was arrested three days later and remained in custody until the trial was completed.”…

Inferior quality sex education can lead to a huge societal backlash. Unfortunately, sex education is not given high priority in Zimbabwe’s Second Republic. This neglect, has led to devastating rates of HIV transmissions. The rate of HIV/Aids among teens and young adults continues to escalate, a reality worsened by the rise in teenage pregnancies. This is corroborated by the 2022 Age Specific Fertility Rates in Zimbabwe report, which states that 86.7% of the national conception rate was made up of ages 15–19. The problem is that current methods of sex education are ineffective in reducing the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), teenage pregnancies, and situations of sexual violence. Research reinforces the notion that sexual literacy in Zimbabwe has serious deficiencies. Evidence Chenjerai mentions in her journal article Zimbabwe: Teen…

Addis Ababa: The number of people entering Ethiopia from the violence-hit Sudan is nearing 60 000, the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. “Daily average of people arriving in Metema ranges between 500 and 1 000, it said, adding that there were no signs of a slowdown in the movement of people into Ethiopia from conflict-hit Sudan, with more than 75% of arrivals in the last two weeks being Sudanese nationals. The report cited funding constraints as forcing it to stop giving food to arrivals from Sudan. Over 2.6 million people have fled their homes, with more than 560 000 of them becoming refugees. Nearly 1 000 people have been killed. | IANS…

NEW YORK: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) yesterday declared that Japan’s plans to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean were consistent with international safety standards, but fears over radiation continue. The nuclear authority’s final report concluded that the treated water would “have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment” once it is released. Opinion is divided in Japan. In a poll, 45% of respondents supported the plan, while 40% said they were against it, said the report. | Xinhu…