Índex per 2023-09-12 a Star

STANDARD Bank is set to close Independent Media’s bank account shortly. While it cites “reputational risk” as the primary reason behind its decision, many are left wondering whether the bank itself poses a significant reputational risk to citizens’ money instead, especially considering its role in several high-profile controversies. Independent Media, a significant publishing organisation in South Africa with the largest share of voice catering to the country’s broadest citizen groups, has found itself at the centre of a maelstrom that raises questions about the influence of competitors in the banking sector. Standard Bank’s assertion that closing Independent Media’s account is due to “reputational risk” has been met with scepticism by many observers. Critics argue that the decision appears to be influenced by Independent Media’s adversarial reporting and criticism of…

CONSUMER price inflation (CPI) in South Africa is expected to remain contained within the midpoint of the target range in the third quarter in spite of upward pressure from rising fuel prices and the impact of load shedding on food prices. These are expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions surveyed by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) on behalf of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) ahead of its interest rates decision next week. The BER yesterday said the average headline CPI inflation expectations of the surveyed individuals had started to decline significantly in the third quarter after having seemingly peaked in the second quarter of 2023. This was the first drop in average 2023 expectations in two years. BER economist Nicolaas van der Wath said lower expectations…

ON SEPTEMBER 7, the day that news broke of the passing of business stalwart Raymond Ackerman, key figures in the franchising industry attending the Fuel Retailers’ Association (FRA) Conference paid tribute to one of franchising’s staunchest supporters, expressing their deep respect for a man that did so much for business, entrepreneurship, skills transfer and job creation. Nelia Kirsch, the group executive, Franchise at Pick n Pay, a speaker at the event and the chairperson elect of the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa) for 2025/2026, took to the podium to give a heart-felt tribute to a man who led from the front and who imbued not only his corporate staff and franchisees but the nation with his sense of fairness, his commitment to entrepreneurship and his community and…

TESLA’S Dojo supercomputer could power a near $600 billion (R11.46 trillion) jump in the carmaker’s market value by boosting the adoption of robotaxis and its software services, Morgan Stanley analysts said. The electric-vehicle (EV) maker started produc- tion of the supercomputer used to train artificial intelligence (AI) models for self-driving cars in July and plans to spend more than $1bn on Dojo through next year. Dojo can open up new addressable markets that “extend well beyond selling vehicles at a fixed price”, Morgan Stanley analysts, led by Adam Jonas, said in a note on Sunday. “If Dojo can help make cars ‘see’ and ‘react’, what other markets could open up? Think of any device at the edge with a camera that makes real-time decisions based on its visual…

London-based South African artist Toya Delazy, real name Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi, and her family are mourning the death of her grandfather – Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The IFP founder died at age 95. Delazy is among the Buthelezi grandchildren who had a strong relationship with Buthelezi and his late wife Princess Irene. The Love Is In The Air hitmaker in a previous interview with City Press expressed that her grandfather was “woke”, amid criticism she received for wearing an ibheshu (traditional Zulu attire commonly worn by men) at a ceremony celebrating her grandfather’s 90th birthday. “My grandfather gives me hope that it is possible for tribalism to end. He is a 90-year-old man who is woke, understanding, who is not judgemental and accepted me for who I am. “If a Zulu…

EVERY day we generate millions of bytes of information and this data is stored (somewhere) and is used to profile us – whether we have consented to this or not. This is a fact. Chief among the data profilers determining our lives is the financial sector. Banks are mandated to assist the economy of a country by making their services accessible so that this financial equality can occur. With so many people in the system, it stands to reason that mistakes can happen, and they do. Although having a bank account is now a necessity, there is also a downside. Our every move is tracked and monitored by our banks. This data is also used by the global financial industry to supposedly prevent financial transactions that may infringe on laws,…

THE Mzansi Youth Choir from Soweto have advanced to the season 18 finale of America’s Got Talent. They will be battling for the title with a 17-year-old blind Indonesian singer-songwriter, Putri Ariani, in the final episode to be aired on September 26. They are the only two acts who made it through to the finals after nine other acts were eliminated. The choir took to their Twitter page to share their excitement: “It’s been a week!! Still cannot believe we went from auditioning in @AGT, to performing in the semi-finals ... and now have the chance to perform at finals for the chance of a lifetime.” The first time they auditioned, they earned judge Simon Cowell’s first extra Golden Buzzer, after covering the late Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewksi’s original song It’s…

In a move to make it easier for people to detect their HIV status and to act on it as soon as possible if the results are positive, several pharmacies across the country are now offering self-screening kits. In a collaborative effort aimed at combating the spread of HIV and promoting community health, independent community pharmacies across South Africa have united to launch an innovative HIV awareness and testing campaign. This initiative, driven by the Independent Community Pharmacy Association of South Africa and in collaboration with Population Services International South Africa, aims to amplify awareness about the importance of HIV testing and testing as a routine while ensuring its accessibility to all South Africans. About 400 local community pharmacies across the country, many of them in Gauteng, which are affiliated…

Ingredients 15g butter 2 shallots, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 1cm root ginger, chopped 10 savoy cabbage leaves, stem removed 350g ground beef 30ml mango atchar 30ml fresh basil, finely sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper to season 1x 400g tin whole cherry tomatoes Pinch fructose Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Heat the butter in a large frying pan. Add the shallots, garlic, ginger and chilli and sauté until the shallots are soft. Remove and set aside and leave to cool. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water and refresh in ice water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry. Once the shallots are cool, add them to the beef together with the atchar, basil and a generous amount of seasoning. Roll the meat into 10 equal- sized…

The Proteas have faced Australia in eight matches across formats over the past few months, and have lost seven of those encounters. Another defeat today in Potchefstroom (1pm start) will also consign them to a third straight series defeat. It is fair to say that Australia have kept up the pressure on their rivals, and during the one-day international series especially, the visitors have looked very much like the No 1-ranked team in the world, in comparison to the Proteas’ lowly sixth place. But why have the Australians, who are without five of their first-choice players, been so much better than the Proteas? “I think if we keep playing like the way we’re playing at the moment, we are probably going to shift down (the rankings) even more,” Proteas middle-order…

Novak Djokovic, who won his fourth US Open and record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title on Sunday, is driven on through controversy by his determination to be the greatest of all time. The Serb’s victory over Daniil Medvedev at Flushing Meadows – his third major triumph of 2023 – took him two Slam titles clear of great rival Rafael Nadal at the top of the list of men’s major champions. For 36-year-old Djokovic, it matters to be the best, and he has a strong sense of his historical place in tennis. He also keeps ploughing on through the highs and lows because it is “a great school of life”. “I would like to send a message to every young person out there. I was a seven-year-old dreaming that I could win…

Wout Weghorst kept the Netherlands on course for the 2024 European Championship as he came off the bench to bag the decisive goal in his team’s 2-1 qualifying win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. Ronald Koeman’s team suffered an early shock when Adam Idah’s penalty put Ireland ahead in Dublin in their Group B game. But Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo netted a penalty soon after, and the visitors wrapped up the points thanks to Weghorst’s second-half strike. Currently on loan at German side Hoffenheim from Premier League club Burnley, the towering Weghorst’s introduction at the interval proved a masterstroke by Koeman. Weghorst had scored in the victory against Greece last Thursday night, and he showed no signs of sulking, despite being initially left on the substitutes’ bench at the…

England’s players got back to work at their base on the northern French coast yesterday with a spring in their step, but the party line after the Argentina win was that it didn’t give them a confidence boost because they didn’t need it. The squad came into the tournament promising they would deliver a steep improvement from the dire performances in their warm-ups and, against the odds after Tom Curry’s third-minute red card, they duly did. Although they failed to score a try, or look close to getting one, the intensity, discipline and tactical awareness – alongside George Ford’s superb kicking – was off the charts in comparison to August and the 27-10 victory was hugely impressive. Asked if it had proved the doubters wrong, the players were united in…

Coach Warren Gatland said Wales’ nerve-wracking 32-26 victory over Fiji on Sunday in a pulsating World Cup match was “pretty significant”, although he added he had been “pretty angry” at his team’s chaotic end to the match. The New Zealander admitted there had been some “dumb decisions” taken on the pitch by his players as Fiji stormed back from 32-14 to make it an edge-of-the-seat thriller. Had Semi Radradra not spilled the ball in the last move of the match with the tryline begging, Fiji would have had a kick at goal to win it. The extent of the Fijians pressure was reflected in Wales totalling 248 tackles. “It is pretty significant for us as everyone expected Fiji to win,” Gatland told reporters. “What I am pleased about is there…

There had been no official investigation into the cause of the disaster SOUTH African communities living near mine tailings dumps are faced with potential disasters, one year after the collapse of the Jagersfontein slush dam, which led do the death of one person and destroyed livelihoods and infrastructure. The Jagersfontein: One Year Later report by Bench Marks Foundation released yesterday found that there had been no official investigation into the cause of the disaster. It is just a blame game, according to the research. While officials have shifted blame on to each other, the plight of affected communities has grown worse. The Department of Mineral Resources has shifted blame for the collapse of the tailings damp on to the Department of Water Resources. Rights campaigners and researchers say this has…

THE OUTLOOK for manufacturing output in South Africa remains precarious, as the sector began the third quarter of 2023 on a slower positive growth, indicating the extent of damage caused by load shedding on the economy. Data from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) yesterday showed that manu- facturing production rose by 2.3% year-on-year in July, following a down- wardly revised 5.5% increase in June, and missing market estimates of a 4.4% surge. This marked the fourth consecutive month of positive year-on-year growth in industrial activity, albeit at a modest pace, in part due to fading low-base effects. StatsSA’s director of industry statistics, Nicolai Claassen, said six of the 10 manufacturing divisions recorded a rise in economic activity. “Petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products, and the automotive division, drove much of the…

IN RECENT years, drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, have taken the world by storm, transforming the way we live, work, play and, unfortunately, how we make war. Once considered a futuristic concept, the unmanned aerial (as well as land and sea) vehicles are a common sight in our daily lives, with applications ranging from recreational pursuits to serious industrial functions. The rise of drones has opened exciting possibilities and sparked numerous discussions about their impact on society. Drones have swiftly transitioned from being military tools to versatile industrial and commercial instruments. Their affordability and accessibility have paved the way for innovative uses in various sectors, including delivery services, logistics, emergency response, agriculture and photography. Delivery services Spurred by the rising cost of transport, traffic congestion, environmental concerns and…

CITY LODGE Hotels yesterday reported that it doubled its annual profit after the Covid-19 pandemic and now plans to invest back into the group by recommencing its refurbishment programmes. Andrew Widegger, the CEO of City Lodge Hotels, said: “We are now seeing our recovery playing out. We expect this growth trajectory to continue as we roll out several significant developments aimed at boosting the bottom line by enhancing the guest experience. “Our drive is reflected in our new group slogan, ‘Life is hard. Check into easy’.” Group occupancies were up 18 percentage points to 56% from the prior year’s 38%. “Occupancies have been on a rising trend, with monthly occupancies since October 2022 exceeding those of 2019 (excluding January 2023). Similarly, average room rates for the year have increased meaningfully…

MUSIC icon Bra Hugh Masekela and Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most innovative steel orchestras, have released the second single, Mango Tree, off their forthcoming album, Siparia To Soweto. “One of Trinidad’s most popular meeting places is under the mango tree. It’s where politics, economics, history and culture are discussed,” said Siparia Deltones’ band leader and executive producer, Akinola Sennon. “Some even claim to find love under the mango tree.” The third single, Dingolay, dropped on Friday, providing music enthusiasts with another opportunity to experience the fusion of Hugh Masekela’s musical prowess and the Deltones’ talent. The collaboration between Masekela and the Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra is a fascinating fusion of musical cultures that brings together the diverse sounds of Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa.…

Nasty C wasn’t too impressed when a fan jumped on stage and tried to dance with him while he was performing during a show in Zambia over the weekend. In one of several videos circulating online, the 26-year-old is seen punching and kicking a fan who appeared to suddenly hop on stage and approach the Hell Naw rapper. Security quickly intervenes as the fan falls to the ground before Nasty C tries to get in one more kick. The music is then cut as the fan is dragged off stage and back into the crowd. “Nasty C punches a fan in Zambia during his performance,” shared SA Hip Hop Feeds. Fans have largely been divided about whether the rapper’s reaction was justified. One tweep commented, “Nasty C wants to act…

THE legal team representing humiliated Dr Nandipha Magudumana did not rule out appealing judgment denying her bail application. The Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court denied Magudumana bail, saying she was a flight risk. Magudumana appeared in court yesterday, hoping to be granted bail, with her legal team telling the court that she posed no threat as the State had confiscated her passport. She was arrested in April in Arusha, Tanzania, with her boyfriend, convicted Facebook rapist and killer Thabo Bester. The government spent R1 million to transport the pair back to the country. Magudumana was shattered, and her body language displayed disappointment when judgment was delivered. She has been in custody at the Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre in Kroonstad for five months now, and last week she celebrated her 36th birthday behind…

Former Generations actor and gospel show presenter Thabiso Mokhethi has renounced his sangoma calling and returned to his Christian faith. Mokhethi recently announced via social media that he would not be consulting sangomas or using his gift of prophecy to further the traditional healing route, but would instead channel his energies into returning to his Christian faith. “I have taken the decision that I am resigning from being a sangoma. I am resigning from consulting. I am resigning from the bonds that I allowed myself to enter into when I was seeking healing, spiritually, emotionally, physically … I will no longer serve as a sangoma, and this is my form of public resignation,” he said recently on social media. While speaking during a podcast interview, Mokhethi said after losing his…

The Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service has managed to identify additional people from the 62 who had been unidentifiable from the Johannesburg inner-city fire last month. Salvaged fingerprints of the dead were processed through the digital fingerprint system to identify 11 more people. Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Health, Motalatale Modiba, said after autopsies were done and the deceased cleaned, further body examinations were done where another seven bodies were identified by families through features such as tattoos and other body marks. “This means 18 more bodies were identified, bringing the number of identifiable bodies to 30 when combined with the 12 that were originally identifiable. “The number of unidentifiable bodies is now 44,” said Modiba. As of Sunday, Modiba said 76 families have presented at the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology…

The only time the Springboks will look at Ireland this week is when they analyse Romania ahead of Sunday’s second Pool B clash of their World Cup campaign. After the Boks dispatched Scotland 18-3 at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille in their first match of the tournament, the South Africans will shift their focus to the Romanians, who lost heavily to Ireland in their opener. Said Bok coach Jacques Nienaber, they will only look at the Irish then and not focus on the match that only happens next Saturday, again in Marseille. They overcame the Scots, which Nienaber described as the “slippery” game in the pool, and will most likely be contending with Ireland for top spot. But the Boks won’t slip up by trying to focus on the…

Mamelodi Sundowns, who have made a perfect start to the season, have once again continued to set the standard, placing their Gauteng rivals on the back foot. The Premiership will once again take centre stage this weekend, with defending league champions Sundowns at the top of the standings, with the likes of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United already wobbling. The Brazilians, under the guidance of the energetic Rulani Mokwena, have accumulated 18 points out of 18 in their first six league outings, already establishing an eight-point gap on second-placed Golden Arrows. The Chloorkop-based side are the highest-scoring team in the division, and have conceded the least goals, while also competing in the MTN8, where they’re in the semi-finals. Sundowns will be back in action in the Caf Champions…

The All Blacks are taking a cautious approach to captain Sam Cane’s recovery from the back injury that forced him to miss the World Cup opener, forwards coach Jason Ryan said yesterday, making him unlikely to face Namibia on Friday. The three-time world champions will be desperate for a convincing win over the Africans after losing 27-13 to hosts France last Friday but Ryan said they would not be taking any chances with the health of openside flank Cane. “He didn’t train today. He got through a little bit of running work and we’ll reassess him tomorrow,” Ryan told reporters in Lyon. “We’ve got to get him right and now’s the chance to do that. We won’t be taking any risks with the skip, because he’s important to us.” Centre…

Australia wing Mark Nawaqanitawase celebrated his 23rd birthday at a French primary school yesterday morning, the gaggle of children mobbing him a reflection of his growing profile after an outstanding World Cup opener. Nawaqanitawase’s name was on many lips after his eye-catching performance as the Wallabies beat Georgia on Saturday, even if the pronunciation of it (Na-wang-a-nee-ta-wa-say) is still a daunting prospect for many. Pacy, hungry for work and with a prodigious boot that he illustrated with an early 50-22, Nawaqanitawase scored one of Australia’s four tries in the comfortable 35-15 win at Stade de France. It is in the air that the tall outside back really catches the eye, however, offering a constant threat under the high ball that resembles that of former Wallaby Israel Folau. Nawaqanitawase said he…

THE SOUTH African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (Saasoa) has called for a major injection of new equipment at all South African ports as ships are rerouted away from the country because of port congestion, impacting businesses and hamstringing the economy. The call comes hot on the heels of a report last week by Transnet, the state-owned logistics firm, that it had incurred a massive R5.7 billion loss for the year ended March 31, 2023, down from a R5bn profit a year before. Peter Besnard, the CEO of Saasoa, which represents maritime interests in South Africa on behalf of its members, said severe windy conditions along the coast was hampering the discharge and loading of vessels in the ports. “This together with equipment breakdowns to tugs, pilot…

FITTING tribute was paid to Pick n Pay former chairperson, entrepreneur, innovator, business leader and social advocate Raymond Ackerman at a memorial service for his passing last week that was held at Clovelly Golf Course in Fish Hoek, Cape Town, yesterday morning. It was held at the golf course that was founded by his father Gus, together with other business partners, in 1920, as Jewish people were not allowed at other golf courses in Cape Town at the time. In 1976, at the behest of Ackerman, the government allowed the club to become the first non-segregated golf club in the country, allowing it finally to meet its founding principles of not debarring anybody on the basis of nationality and religion. This reporter, who had interviewed Ackerman many times…

“IT’s free and always will be” is no longer a Facebook slogan as you register or sign up for the social media platform. Now the slogan on the homepage is: “Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life”. What is behind this change? To understand what is behind this change, at least in the EU, you have to go back to an explanation that was once provided by Sheryl Sandberg, a former Meta executive. In 2018 she indicated that “members of the social network would have to pay if they didn’t want to receive data-targeted ads”, according to reports by Cnet. It seems that moment has come as Facebook responds to EU policies and court rulings to restrict Meta’s data-collection practices. According to The New York…

THE MARKETS yesterday welcomed Sun International’s robust results after it posted an 11.7% increase in income to R5.8 billion, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, in spite of incurring R60 million in net diesel costs to mitigate the impact of load shedding. The markets cheered a 68.2% dividend hike to 148 cents per share. The share price closed 6.82% higher at R39 on the JSE yesterday, having risen a whopping 196.59% in three years. The JSE-listed hotels, gaming and entertainment group said yesterday that the Sun City Resort and The Table Bay hotel on the V&A Waterfront were strong performers during the period. Total resorts and hotels income was up 26.9% to R1.4bn compared to the same period last year, as Sun City’s income…

Cases and convictions of teen rape are on the rise. On Sunday, SAPS reported that a 28-year-old woman in the Free State was arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old boy. According to police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, it was alleged that on September 1, at about 12.30pm, the boy was playing in the street when the woman called him to her house. “On his arrival, she undressed and allegedly raped him and gave him some cash. He related the incident to her mother, who immediately reported the matter to the police. He was taken for a medical examination. On Friday, September 8, the woman was arrested and detained,” said Mophiring. The woman appeared in Tseki Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Still in the Free State, an 18-year-old man was arrested near…

IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa disapproves of those who want to tarnish the memory of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Buthelezi died in the early hours of Saturday at his home in KwaZulu-Natal. It had been almost two weeks since he celebrated his 95th birthday. Amid the announcement, several people, and media houses, accused Buthelezi – known as Prince of KwaPhindangene, the traditional prime minister of the Zulu and nation, and the founder of the IFP – of leaving behind a legacy marred by violence that tore through townships in the country in the late 1980s and 1990s. Hlabisa said it was unfair that Buthelezi has been portrayed as the face of violence while the ANC remained blameless. He described Buthelezi as a peacemaker. “You will agree with me that the…

musician and EFF Member of Parliament Ringo Madlingozi has rubbished reports claiming he had left the political party to continue his music career. This news came to light after it was revealed he had inked a deal with Sony Music Entertainment. According to social media page PSALIVE, Madlingozi had quietly quit the EFF to regain his relevance in the music industry. “EFF fighter Ringo Madlingozi quietly quits EFF to regain his relevance in the music industry. Seeing that the EFF is not growing and MPs are getting fired by Julius, he had to do the right thing,” reported the page. Responding to the claims that caught the attention of many people on social media, the Ndiyagodola hitmaker made it clear he was still part of the EFF. He wrote: “Ur…

THE City of Tshwane’s bid to be exempted from paying salary increases to workers has been scuppered as the South African Local Government Bargaining Council yesterday dismissed its exemption application. The ruling was made on the back of the ongoing unprotected strike by workers affiliated to the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), demanding a 5.4% salary increase for the 2023/24 financial year. The City has repeatedly pleaded poverty, saying it was in a precarious financial position, struggling to afford a R600 million budget annually towards salary increases. Municipal spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the bargaining council’s ruling provided grounds for review. The City “will immediately begin the requisite work to approach the Labour Court on an urgent basis to review this ruling”. “This is disappointing as the City has presented solid…

THE CAUSE of a fire that engulfed a Pretoria CBD building and saw two children being rescued last Thursday morning is still unknown. Two rooms at the residential building were on fire when the fire department arrived. According to Tshwane Emergency Services there were no injuries when the fire broke out at Koopkrag Building on the corner of Johannes Ramokhoase and Paul Kruger streets. Emergency services deputy chief and acting spokesperson Peter Matolla said they received a call at 10.05am and rushed to the scene where they rescued two children, unharmed, from the burning building. He said investigations were under way as to what the cause of the fire could have been and that the cause would be communicated. “Residents with any information pertaining to this fire are encouraged to…

Durban rescuer Nick Evans and University of KwaZulu-Natal researcher Euan Genevier have reached and surpassed microchipping 50 Nile/water monitor lizards. Evans shared reaching the landmark in their study on Friday. He said Genevier started his research project just over a year ago, focusing on the monitors of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. He is looking at a whole host of various aspects of their ecology and behaviour. “I’ve been eager to collaborate from the Durban side,” Evans said. He said one of the aspects of Genevier’s project is collecting data such as measurements and weight from rescued lizards, and micro- chipping them. Evans explained that the microchips were not trackers but were for identification purposes. The same ones are used in pets. “So we’ll know if the lizards are ever caught again.…

South Africa lost an architect of moderation with the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who now belongs to history, which was his companion during his long life. He held strong principles and defended them with dogged determination. He was a warrior of principles who dedicated his life to combating racism and extremism in our strife-torn environment for over 70 years. He lived and worked for peace in a volatile environment, refusing to be silenced or intimidated by those in the corridors of power. A towering political leader and an unwavering champion of equality for all. A devout champion of peace, justice and the rule of law. South Africa will never forget his supreme dedication, calmness and resolute approach to formidable matters, nor the strength of his commitments. Buthelezi made a…

The Springboks will wrap star lock Eben Etzebeth in cotton wool after he sustained a shoulder injury in their first World Cup match on Sunday against Scotland. Etzebeth was replaced shortly before halftime, and looks set to miss out over the next seven to 10 days as he recovers from the shoulder niggle. South Africa face Romania in their next clash at the tournament on Sunday (3pm kickoff), but Etzebeth was always likely to sit out to ensure he is fit and ready for the likely Pool B decider against Ireland next Saturday. The Boks started their world title defence with a strong 18-3 win over the Scots in Marseille, and have already shifted their focus to their second pool encounter on Sunday in Bordeaux. Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus…

Nadine de Klerk took the Proteas Women home with the bat after earlier producing a superb bowling display that set up the visitors’ six-wicket victory and a first one-day international series win on Pakistan soil yesterday. De Klerk (24 not out) and Marizanne Kapp (29 not out) shared an unbroken 54-run partnership for the fifth wicket as the two all-rounders steered the Proteas past Pakistan’s paltry 168 all out in the second ODI in Karachi. The home team were placed on the back foot early on, with De Klerk producing a devastating spell of 4/30. The ginger-haired medium-pacer tore the heart out of Pakistan’s top order by picking up the first three wickets to fall. After a searching new-ball spell from Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka – with captain Laura Wolvaardt…

Nine months before next year’s European Championship kicks off in Germany, the hosts have turned to Rudi Voeller to get the team back on track before today’s friendly against France after coach Hansi Flick was sacked. Flick became the first Germany coach in history to be relieved of his duties after his side slumped to a 4-1 loss to Japan in Wolfsburg on Saturday, the latest in a run of poor results which included a group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar last year. The German Football Association (DFB) have turned to 1990 World Cup winner Voeller to take over on an interim basis for the friendly against 2022 World Cup finalists France in Dortmund. While Voeller’s first point of call will be to inject some pride and stability…

Spain’s football federation chief Luis Rubiales, who on Sunday said he will resign following the scandal over his kiss on the lips of a Women’s World Cup player, is a former attacking midfielder who went on to become a combative players’ union head. The controversial 46-year-old has been under fire after he cupped star player Jenni Hermoso’s head, and forcefully kissed her after Spain beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Australia last month. Born on Spain’s Canary Islands, but raised in Motril on the country’s Mediterranean coast, Rubiales played for various lower-division teams before finishing his football career in 2009 at Scotland’s Hamilton Academical. “He was a modern defender, physically very strong. He liked to attack. He was always a model of dedication and loyalty with everyone,”…

French authorities have already come under fire at the World Cup after fans faced problems getting into stadiums in scenes that briefly evoked memories of last year’s Uefa Champions League football final fiasco. With the Olympic Games in Paris less than a year away, Rugby World Cup organisers have faced questions over the access to the stadiums in Marseille and Bordeaux. In May last year, the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Stade de France in Paris was delayed by 37 minutes as fans struggled to get into the stadium after police funnelled them into overcrowded bottlenecks. Police then fired tear gas at thousands of mainly Liverpool supporters who had tickets but were locked out of the stadium and were desperate to get in. On Saturday in…