Índex per 2024-11-14 a Star

A group of leading multilateral development banks (MDBs) have estimated to make $170 billion (approximately R3 trillion) in collective climate financing contributions in response to Loss and Damage for low- and middle-income countries until 2030. This comes as the 29th 2024 UN Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, yesterday heard that the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage was now ready to accept contributions after the signing of key documents and is now expected to start financing projects in 2025. Loss and damage has been a key priority in the COP29 Presidency’s plan to enhance ambition and enable action. The Fund will serve as a lifeline by providing critical and urgent support for those impacted by the devastating consequences of climate change. Africa receives only 3–4%…

Treasury considers increasing guideline tax burden for all the alcohol categories or scrapping it South Africa’s beer industry has applauded the government for proposing to make adjustments to the guideline benchmarks framework for taxation of alcoholic beverages in South Africa. The National Treasury published a policy review yesterday on the taxation of alcoholic beverages, which builds on the previous excise tax policy review in 2014 and proposes adjustments to the current policy framework. In September, the lucrative industry raised issues about its sustainability amid ongoing economic pressures on the back of recent above-inflation increases in excise duties of between 6.7% and 7.2% on alcohol, which deviated from established excise policy and have resulted in beer tax burdens exceeding the targets set by this policy. Over recent years, excise duties on…

The value of all electronic transactions cleared through BankservAfrica at seasonally adjusted real prices showed a steady recovery in October this year following September’s weaker performance. In October, the BankservAfrica Economic Transactions Index (BETI) climbed to an index level of 136.5, reflecting a 0.3% increase from September's 136.1. This marks a 4.5% rise compared to the same time last year. Following two months of lower volumes, the number of transactions cleared through BankservAfrica in October spiked to 167.8 million compared to 156.7 million in September, representing a 7.1% year-on-year growth and an all-time high. The standardised nominal value of transactions increased by 1% moderately to R1 317 trillion in October 2024 from R1 303 trillion in September. Shergeran Naidoo, BankservAfrica’s head of stakeholder engagements, said this latest movement indicated the…

In an era where urbanisation often overshadows the potential of rural areas, Letlhogonolo Quinton Ditshwene, CEO of Entle Media Holdings, stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the North West province of South Africa. With deep-rooted pride in his background and a firm belief that world-class service can emerge from beyond the nation’s main cities, Ditshwene's journey from a small village to a preferred vendor for Sun City Resort epitomises the power of resilience and opportunity. The 33-year-old’s company provides services such as videography and photography services to corporates in the province, including Sun International’s flagship Sun City Resort. He started his company in 2012 and have been a Sun City vendor since the beginning. The self-taught audio-visual professional now employs five full-time employees and uses local freelancers…

The South African economy has recorded a notable shift in employment trends, with the official unemployment rate decreasing to 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results released recently, this reflects a positive shift as the number of employed people increased by 294 000, reaching a total of 16.9 million. It is revealed that this rise is coupled with a notable reduction in unemployment, with 373 000 fewer individuals classified as unemployed, bringing the total to 8.0 million. Despite an overall decrease of 79 000 in the labour force, it is reported that the landscape remains challenging, especially for specific demographics. Notably, the data shows a rise in discouraged job seekers, a concerning statistic that increased by 160 000 (5.0%) during the…

Museum Africa in Newtown is unveiling Fashion Accounts, a thought-provoking exhibition that explores the politics of collecting, archiving, and memorialising history through dress. Curated by South African designer Wanda Lephoto, fashion academic Dr Erica de Greef, and UK-based curator Alison Moloney, Fashion Accounts presents installations that examine memory, resistance, and preservation. The exhibition features new commissions by The Sartists and Mimi Duma, as well as works by South African designers Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo, addressing colonial influences in Museum Africa’s collection. “Fashion Accounts is both an account of fashion practices, historic and contemporary, which represent resistance and liberation and a stage to hold fashion to account as a tool of colonialism,” said Moloney. Museum Africa’s collections, including a 14 000-piece ethnographic archive and 11 000 photographs, highlight untold histories…

Jo-Anne Mahlobo’s journey to becoming the youngest graduate at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in the 2024 Spring Graduation Ceremony is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 22, this dynamic young woman earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences and embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and ambition that defines SMU’s exceptional academic community. Raised in the heart of Pretoria, Mahlobo’s upbringing was shaped by a blend of humble beginnings and immense family support. Her parents, navigating their own growth while raising four children, instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. “We had a humble beginning, but as my parents grew, so did our family and our lives,” she reflects, underscoring the tenacity that would come to define her educational journey. Her academic trajectory at…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has used the deadly Joburg CBD gas explosion which caused massive road infrastructure damage along Bree Street (now renamed Lillian Ngoyi Street) to take a jab at the ANC. The July 2023 massive explosion killed one person, injured several others, caused extensive infrastructure damage and disrupted services around the Joburg CBD area. On Tuesday, with just a single caption, “breeze”, the DA posted a lively picture taken from its led municipality in Bree Street, Cape Town and placed it opposite to the ravaged Bree Street in Johannesburg. The picture was posted on the party’s social media platforms where it garnered different reactions. “The DA hates South Africa and South Africans. The DA is the only political party that will celebrate people’s suffering in one region in…

It should be noted that the purpose of the two diagrams in the “brick wall” question is to show the pattern of the bricks, and one should not read more than this into it. The examiner should therefore not misleadingly assume that more information is provided. The caption above one of the diagrams states, “Incomplete diagram showing the pattern of how the bricks should be laid, with the first two rows completed.” Hence, the diagrams were only included to indicate HOW the bricks should be laid, and nothing more. Further, the first diagram displays the brick patterns and essentially depicts that the bricks on successive layers should overlap the bottom ones by half. The second diagram clarifies two aspects: 1) that the second wall has the same pattern as the…

ON the day America had a new, let’s just say, more conservative president-elect, we slipped in behind the wheel of one of the most iconic US cars built. Not his Orange Highness’s most ardent fan and owner of the all-electric Tesla, but a good old-fashioned naturally aspirated V8 Ford Mustang GT. While Elon Musk and many other manufacturers continue to espouse the virtues of electric as the future, Ford, the Mustang Mach E notwithstanding, thinks it good to cater to those of us who hanker for the sound of a good old-fashioned muscle car. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say the Mustang is the most famous of them all, having had a starring role in films, documentaries and pop culture. In its 60th anniversary, the best-selling sports car…

Starting as a concept car called the Audi Pikes Peak quattro in 2003, the brand’s first SUV was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show as a car that was suitable for driving on all roads including some moderate off-road use. In 2015 the second generation received all-wheel steering with further upgrades in 2019 and now Audi has given it a second upgrade with a honed exterior and new LED technology and a number of refreshed features. South Africa gets two petrol derivatives; the 55 TFSI and the more potent SQ7 TFSI variant. The 55 TFSI is offered in Platinum and Black Edition trim lines while the SQ7 can be specced in Black Edition trim line that includes a black styling package, black mirror housings, a singleframe surround in black…

As Bafana Bafana prepare for two pivotal Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, head coach Hugo Broos is revelling in the rich vein of talent bubbling beneath the surface of South African football. Under Broos’ stewardship over the past three years, the team have shifted from being Mzansi’s sport ‘black sheep’ to a formidable outfit capable of competing on larger stages. Once considered a powerhouse in football, South Africa had endured two decades of under-performance, casting shadows of doubt over the capabilities of their players. This period of stagnation has now begun to wane, as Broos has infused new life into the national team, uncovering a plethora of talent eager to don the SA colours. The absence of players like Percy Tau, who has been sidelined for consecutive qualifying camps…

CAPE Town lost out big time at the National Soccer League’s Quadrennial General Meeting yesterday, with both John Comitis and Rob Benadie being deposed as members of the Premier Soccer League’s executive committee. The Cape Town City (Comitis) and Stellenbosch FC (Benadie) bosses had been on the exco for the previous four years, along with Black Leopards’ David Thidiela, who did not get a nomination. The trio have now been replaced by TS Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi, Johnny Mogaladi of Polokwane City, as well as Richards Bay’s Sifiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela. Chairman Irvin Khoza, who was re-elected unopposed, declared his appreciation for the members who were not elected: “They were very competent members of the executive committee, and their services won’t be lost. “They will be incorporated into strategic committees because…

Prosus sold Swiggy shares worth more than $500 million (R8.99 billion) as part of the successful IPO of the India-based on-demand convenience platform yesterday, the second largest listing in that country this year. In the IPO, the Bombay Stock Exchanges of India (BSE) valued Swiggy at $11.3 billion (R203.4bn). Amsterdam-based and JSE listed Prosus, 43% owned by Naspers, has been a major investor in Swiggy since 2017 and will be left with 25% of the India company after the IPO, with two seats on the board. Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi said they had supported the Swiggy management team since Naspers’ first investment in 2017 with a 31% stake, and have seen the company flourish in the post-pandemic era. Swiggy listed its shares at ₹390 (R82.83) per share during its IPO.…

Last week saw Unit 6 at Kriel Power Station explode, with Eskom’s official press statement saying, “A preliminary investigation revealed that an oil pipe had broken, causing an oil spill on the hot surfaces of the turbine, which triggered a fire.” But what Eskom, through its Censorship by Omission, does not appear to tell the public is that this risk was already identified in the VGBE Energy Report. They have known about the risk since last year. Readers of this column may recall that between February and August of 2023, the South African Treasury contracted independent teams, led by the German company VGBE Energy, to assess the status of the coal fleet. Initially, the Treasury attempted to withhold this information from the public. However, after significant public pressure, especially following…

The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) has warned that smallholder farmers were struggling to make their mark in a market largely dominated by the major cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, and Durban. The NAMC recently released its Smallholder Access Estimates (SMEAs) for the second quarter of this year, revealing fluctuations in revenue and volume for fruits and vegetables from June to August 2024 that underscore both the challenges and opportunities faced by these farmers. The data shows a notable increase in total revenue, rising from R526.5 million in June to R650.6m in August, indicating heightened market activity. However, more than 84% of this revenue is concentrated in four key markets, highlighting the need for greater access for smallholder farmers who often lack the necessary resources to thrive in such…

Despite reports that early-stage entrepreneurial activity is declining to pre-pandemic levels, South Africa is still producing entrepreneurs who are driving meaningful change in various sectors throughout the country. Luke Mostert, Nompumelelo Madubedube, and Esethu Cenga are three such entrepreneurs, leading transformation in manufacturing, tech, job placements, retail and sustainability. Their efforts are shaping their industries and inspiring social and economic upliftment. These budding business moguls illustrate the power of South African entrepreneurship and demonstrate how innovation, resilience and a strong commitment to social good can lead to transformative change. Their stories are testament to the unlimited potential entrepreneurship offers for positive impact. As they continue to make strides in their respective fields, they inspire the next generation of leaders and prove that success and social responsibility can go hand in…

Montauk Renewables believes there is rising demand for renewable natural gas (RNG), which attributable to growing public support for non-fossil energy sources and United States’ government support enhanced energy independence as well as environmental concerns that are underpinning demand for natural gas-powered vehicles. The company also sees rising job creation in RNG sector on the back of increasing investment in the renewable energy sector. Montauk Renewables, which rose 1.19% in afternoon trade on the JSE yesterday to R94 per share, has cited regulatory and policy initiatives such as the national-level low-carbon fuel program in California and Oregon as driving demand for RNG. “As we commonly use modular equipment; our RNG processing equipment is more efficient than its fossil-fuel counterparts,” explained the company yesterday. “The RNG we create is pipeline quality…

Sting has publicly stated that the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs do not affect his feelings towards the song Every Breath You Take. The Police’s 1983 chart-topping hit was sampled by Diddy for his 1997 track I’ll Be Missing You, featuring Faith Evans which was a tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. Diddy was arrested on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution, in September. Sting says the legal issues surrounding Diddy haven’t changed his perspective on the song. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Sting said: “No, I mean, I don’t know what went on with Diddy. But it doesn’t taint the song at all for me. It’s still my song.” He said fans still “absolutely” loved hearing the song performed. Interestingly, Diddy sought…

The Station Strangler, a true crime Showmax documentary, delves into one of South Africa’s most chilling serial killer cases. Between the 1980s and 1990s, Norman Afzal Simons, dubbed “the Station Strangler”, murdered 21 young boys in the Cape Flats, leaving a community terrorised and justice delayed. The film takes viewers through the brutal crimes, the emotional toll on families and the long search for answers. Directed by Nadine Cloete, a respected figure in South African filmmaking, The Station Strangler combines gripping storytelling with profound social commentary. Through a careful retelling of events, the documentary places viewers in the unsettling atmosphere of the Cape Flats as it was back then, exploring how the serial killer evaded capture while the community struggled to protect its children. The documentary’s disturbing core themes touch…

In A heart-wrenching plea to the South African Department of Home Affairs, Atputharajah Gopal, a former Sri Lankan citizen now residing in South Africa, is left in limbo as he awaits the finalisation of his citizenship application – more than 13 years after being granted permanent residence. Gopal, who fled from a backdrop of persecution in his homeland, recounts a life marked by trauma, imprisonment, loss, and relentless bureaucratic challenges. Gopal’s journey began in 2000 when he arrived in South Africa as a refugee, escaping from a dire situation that saw him unlawfully detained for years in Sri Lanka. His imprisonment commenced in 1991 when he was registered and held by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegates at the Gampola police station in the Kandy District, before being…

THE AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit secured yet another victory in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) with the conviction of Irvin Thabo Ngobeni for the assault on his neighbour, Nthabiseng Sebothoma. On Wednesday, the Mamelodi Magistrates Court sentenced Ngobeni to a fine of R6 000 or three months imprisonment wholly suspended for five years. Sebothoma approached AfriForum earlier this year because the police failed to properly investigate the case, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) later declined to prosecute it. In the early hours of 23 September last year, Sebothoma was woken up by Ngobeni, her neighbour in Moretele View, claiming that someone had thrown his car keys onto the roof of her house, and he wanted access to the property so he could find them. When Sebothoma told him…

For the fish tikka: 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground fennel 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp garam masala ½ tsp turmeric ¼ - ½ tsp chilli powder (optional) 2 cloves garlic, finely grated a knob of ginger, finely grated finely grated zest and juice of a medium lemon ½ cup plain yoghurt salt & pepper 600g firm white fish, cubed 15ml vegetable oil, for frying For assembling the taco: 1 cup plain yoghurt a generous handful fresh dill, finely chopped 6 medium-size soft flour tortillas about 2 cups sliced tomato 1 small red onion, finely sliced a handful fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped Prepare the fish tikka: Add the cumin, fennel, paprika, masala, turmeric, chilli (optional), garlic, ginger, lemon zest and juice and yoghurt to a ceramic or…

Education experts have called for learning materials to be more challenging and creative for Grade 3 pupils to improve their numeracy skills and better prepare them for higher grades. They were reacting to a recent study by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) titled “Spotlight on Basic Education Completion and Foundational Learning South Africa”. The second instalment of the spotlight series reviewed the curriculum and teaching and learning materials. In South Africa, this review specifically focused on the framework of the Teaching Mathematics with Understanding (TMU) project as well as the content to be taught, the learning and teaching support materials (LTSM) which are stipulated in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (Caps). The study found that while the Department of Basic Education has shown a commitment to…

Volkswagen is set to build a new compact SUV in South Africa from 2027, and now we’re getting a clearer picture of what it might look. The carmaker confirmed in April that it was investing R4 billion to produce this “third model” alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo at its Kariega manufacturing facility in the Eastern Cape. Volkswagen SA CEO Martina Biene said the new model would be based on the Polo’s MQB AO platform and that it was being developed in conjunction with VW of Brazil, but that some adaptations would be made for Africa. But hold all those thoughts for a moment, because VW’s Skoda brand has just revealed a new sub-4m SUV in India called the Kylaq and international media are reporting that it is closely related…

Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) wrapped up the 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) at the KEC Renault 400, held at Legends Adventure Farm near Bronkhorstspruit at the weekend. Despite a challenging start, Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings secured victory in the final race of the season. During Stage one of the race their GR Hilux IMT Evo suffered a broken driveshaft but they managed to post the second-fastest time of the day, finishing just over a minute behind Fouché and Bertus Blignaut, driving a privately entered Toyota Hilux. Working late into the night the mechanics repaired the vehicle and the pair drove impressively over both stages finishing the race with a total time of 06:10:13, claiming their fifth win of the season and solidifying their place as 2024…

CENTURION: A combination of flying ants, a fused light pylon and Tilak Varma’s maiden T20I century proved to be the undoing of the Proteas on a balmy night at SuperSport Park. It was just 18 months ago here at this very ground that the Proteas chased down a world-record 258 against the West Indies. But that was always going to be the exception to the rule, with India’s 219/6 proving to be ample last night as the South Africans went down by 11 runs. If a 25-minute delay due to flying insects hovering over the pitch after the Proteas’ first over of the run chase was not distracting enough, the home team were always going to need a strong start if they were to construct another memorable chase. Openers Ryan…

Fixed-odds lotto betting platform Lottoland South Africa has won an interim order in an antitrust case against Alphabet’s Google, with the Competition Tribunal ruling that the internet search giant must allow Lottoland SA to access Google Ads locally and in Ireland. This ruling comes hot on the heels of an almost decade-long battle between Google and the European Commission over restrictions the European body said the search engine had placed in online search advertising. In 2019, Google was fined €1.49 billion over its online advertising practices, which the commission said included preventing its competitors from advertising on the search engine, as well as reserving the best spots for its own adverts. That fine was overturned in September by the European Union General Court. Lottoland SA, which has been in existence…

Donald Trump has secured the presidency of the United States for a second time, marking a remarkable return to power after a tumultuous first term. His victory over Vice President Kamala Harris has ushered in an era of uncertainty and prompted widespread discussion about the potential economic implications of his policies. My best-case scenario includes a soft landing in the US, further easing in inflation, further rate cuts, and a somewhat weaker US dollar. That would generally be good for emerging markets, emerging market currencies, and South Africa, as well as the rand, which under that scenario would strengthen. Trump’s policies wouldn’t be good for that. His policies on trade tariffs would mean higher consumer goods prices. His immigration policy would limit labour supply and thus higher wage and salary…

On October 8, 22 On Sloane hosted a transformative workshop focused on leadership with an African perspective. The event featured a keynote by Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, the vice chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, who drew extensively from his new book, From the Baobab to the Mosquito. In his address, Mpedi emphasised the importance of African culture and indigenous knowledge in challenging societal norms. His message inspired entrepreneurs to rethink leadership and business approaches, encouraging them to draw from their cultural roots to innovate and challenge existing systems. During the workshop, Mpedi highlighted the importance of understanding one’s identity as a leader. When asked about the qualities of effective leadership during the Q&A session, he said that to lead, one must first know how to follow. People…

Municipal service delivery failures, particularly such as for water, are “massively value destructive” and the problems need to be dealt with as soon as possible, Dipula Income Fund CEO Izak Petersen said yesterday. Dipula Income Fund reported a solid set of results for its year to end-August, and its portfolio produced growth and increased by 4% in value to R10.2 billion, contributing to a 5% rise in net asset value. Petersen said in a presentation at the release of annual results that South African trading conditions and consumer sentiment were improving post the May 29 national elections, and “things are a lot more positive.” However, he expressed concerns about municipal service delivery problems, particularly in Gauteng. Property owners were not just sitting back “hoping for the best,” he said. For…

The global diamond industry is seeking “essential reforms” as it grapples with significant challenges stemming from declining gem prices and the increasing scrutiny over conflict diamonds. Feriel Zerouki, president of the World Diamond Council, yesterday delivered her opening address to the 2024 Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary Session with a compelling call for unity and action, stressing industry challenges and the need for essential reforms. In her keynote speech, Zerouki emphasized the Council’s commitment to strengthening the KP - which brings together civic organisations, industry producers and government administrators - and promoting an equitable and sustainable diamond industry. The global diamond industry has been struggling, with major producers affected by falling prices of the precious stones. Companies such as Anglo American are are proceeding to dispose of their diamond operations such…

AS ANTICIPATION builds ahead of the crowning of Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City, South Africa is rallying behind Mia le Roux who is the first deaf contestant in the Miss Universe finals. Currently in Mexico, Le Roux is embracing the vibrant culture, while also engaging in a packed schedule of rehearsals and events. She expressed her joy in experiencing her surroundings and meeting contestants from various countries. “It has been a jam-packed schedule, but I have enjoyed seeing some of Mexico and how beautiful it is, experiencing some of its culture, and meeting contestants from around the world,” Le Roux said. She also acknowledges the of support she has been receiving back home. “I want to thank South Africans for their messages of support – it has meant the…

AS SOUTH Africa readies to embark on the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), key figures in Parliament have stepped up to address the alarming rates of violence against women. Among them is Bosa deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, who voiced a compelling argument for the public availability of the National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO). Hlazo-Webster described the ongoing violence as a war waged against women and called for actionable solutions to combat this pervasive issue. “This house cannot afford to offer platitudes where real solutions are needed,” Hlazo-Webster asserted during her address in Parliament. “Gender-based violence is a war that threatens the very fabric of a dignified society, one that treats all with equality and respect.” Further emphasising the need for cultural change surrounding GBV, Rise…

With former US President Donald Trump returning to the White House for a second term, many people across the globe are speculating why and how Americans could possibly vote a fascist contemptible demagogue like Trump back into office. Americans seem to have forgotten the chaos of January 6, 2021, the fact that Trump was charged for various crimes and convicted, and that he is a racist, misogynistic, genocide-supporting psychopath. It seems, dynamics in South Africa determined the outcome of our election in the same way. Americans were upset about the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, the genocide in Gaza and the retrogressive policies of the Democratic Party and wanted to punish the Biden/Harris administration for that. However, whoever is in the White House should not define our activism and work on issues…

The time is now to address an issue that continues to claim the lives of children on our roads: the lack of proper child passenger safety. Crashes remain the leading cause of death for healthy children in South Africa, and the deaths are preventable. Yet only 25% of children in private vehicles in Gauteng, and a staggering 8% in the Western Cape, are properly secured in car seats. The numbers represent more than just statistics – they are lives cut short and families forever changed. The barriers to car seat usage are primarily affordability and ignorance about their life-saving benefits. Many families, especially those facing financial strain, struggle to afford even the most basic car seat. Others, despite their good intentions, remain unaware of how crucial the seats are in…

As the Chinese charge continues, it seems a warranty war of sorts is brewing between the new players in our market. Chery set the cat among the pigeons when it relaunched in 2021 with a 10-year or one million kilometre engine warranty for first owners, and now its rival GAC is aiming to top that with what it calls a lifetime engine warranty. This warranty applies to all GAC products purchased in 2024 and onward, but there are a few caveats. Firstly, as with Chery’s million kilometre coverage, GAC’s lifetime engine warranty only applies to the first owner of the vehicle. Sell the vehicle and this generous coverage falls away, although the five-year or 150 000km general vehicle warranty still applies for its natural duration. The second condition is that…

What if you had the power to rewrite your past, take different risks, make different choices and forge a different path? What would you change and what would you keep the same? What if, you could learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the present moment instead of dwelling on “what ifs”? What if you could trade regrets about the past for gratitude about the present and worries about the future for excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead? It is as though we are taking a detour, a scenic route, one that has evolved at an accelerated pace, with development aligned with a renewed focus on mental well-being. This perspective allows us to recognise that mental health is not just about the absence of symptoms but about the…

We now have a much better idea of what Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ thought process is after the men in the Green and Gold overcame a spirited Scotland last weekend. This Saturday, a beleaguered England await at Twickenham (7.40pm kick-off). With the match-23 to be announced today, Morgan Bolton runs the rule over the squad to select his team for the 47th meeting between the two nations. Unsurprisingly, it is a much more traditional selection this week. Front row: Let them eat cake… Props – Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp; Hookers – Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi The festive season came early for the Boks against the Scots at Murrayfield, as they feasted at scrum-time. England will arguably be a tougher examination when…

Richards Bay FC finds themselves at a pivotal junction as the club rush to identify a successor for head coach Brandon Truter, who is set to exit following a disappointing start to the Premiership season. The KwaZulu-Natal-based club, which hoped to build on new-found investment, are struggling in the current campaign, having secured just a single victory in open play from their 10 matches played so far. This underwhelming performance has been compounded by a recent exit from the Carling Knockout Cup at the semi-final stage— a bitter blow that has intensified scrutiny on Truter’s managerial capabilities. Truter, who took the reins shortly before the season began, was appointed after the controversial departure of his predecessor Vusumuzi Vilakazi, whose falling out with the club created a backdrop of uncertainty. The…

MAMELODI Sundowns Ladies are not going to let go of their CAF Champions League title that easily. Shock 1-0 losers to SC Masar in their opening Group B match of the continental club tournament, the Brazilians bounced back in style yesterday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco. Sundowns smashed the Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) 4-0 to get back into contention for a spot in the knockout phase and remain in line for a successful title defence. The two-time champions (2021 and 2023) could well have won the match by a much wider margin had they not taken the foot off the pedal after the break. They scored all their four goals before halftime, and even had a fifth one ruled out for offside after the referee consulted…