Star -julkaisun 2026-04-22 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

With the ceasefire deadline between the United States (US) and Iran set to come to an end, global markets have been left on edge with the next steps in the conflict remaining unclear. Tensions escalated this week when reports suggested that Iran might decline a second round of talks with the United States. This uncertainty drove the S&P 500 down by 0.2%, reflecting a cautious sentiment among traders. However, the mood brightened slightly following emerging reports indicating Iran’s potential willingness to participate in discussions. “The market’s response has been somewhat bipolar, fluctuating between apprehension and optimism. This instability contributes to an atmosphere of unpredictability as global investors try to gauge the future landscape. Adding to the intrigue, this week also saw Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Federal…

South African Reserve Bank (sarb) Governor Lesetja Kganyago has stressed that policymakers have “learnt their lesson” from past crises and will remain firmly committed to the country’s 3% inflation target, even as a fresh global shock threatens to derail the outlook. Speaking at the release of the April 2026 Monetary Policy Review yesterday, Kganyago acknowledged that the year began on a more optimistic footing, with global inflation easing and economies adapting to earlier tariff shocks. However, that progress has been disrupted by the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which has driven sharp increases in oil, gas and fertiliser prices and reignited uncertainty. “Today, we are in the midst of yet another shock,” Kganyago said, warning that rising commodity prices and heightened uncertainty are increasing both growth and inflation…

South African business confidence weakened in March, with economists warning that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to filter through to the domestic economy. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) Business Confidence Index (BCI), released on Tuesday, declined by 3.3 index points to 131.3 in March, marking the second drop recorded this year. Despite the monthly decline, the index remained significantly higher than a year earlier. Sacci noted that the BCI stood 7.8 points above its March 2025 level, with the index averaging 132.4 in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 123.1 in the same period last year. The latest dip follows a mixed start to the year, with the index edging down by 1.8 points in January before rebounding to 134.6 in…

In a notable move towards enhancing sustainable energy practices, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has initiated high-level discussions with City Power, Johannesburg’s municipal power utility. Their collaboration aims to resolve the longstanding backlog in Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) registrations while laying the groundwork for a more stable and efficient distributed energy framework in the city. The discussions focused on addressing the technical and administrative challenges that have been impeding the growth of solar energy in Johannesburg. Presenting at the meeting was Justin Hendricks of the SAPVIA Residential PV Working Group, who shed light on the hurdles facing the industry and underscored the pressing need for a solution. Resolving a pressing registration backlog One of the primary issues discussed was the “legacy” SSEG applications that have been lodged between…

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has strengthened its push to accelerate infrastructure and industrial development across the continent after securing a $100 million, five-year loan facility from the Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank). The agreement, signed during AFC’s recent Investor Day in London, marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and highlights growing financial cooperation between Africa and India. The facility will provide medium-term capital aimed at supporting critical infrastructure projects across sectors such as power, transport, telecommunications, and heavy industry. The transaction comes at a time of heightened global market volatility and shifting investor sentiment, conditions that have made access to affordable, long-term financing increasingly challenging for emerging markets. Against this backdrop, AFC’s ability to tap into alternative liquidity sources beyond traditional capital…

South African-born US actress Charlize Theron has opened up in an interview with the New York Times’s The Interview, about the night her mother fatally shot her father in self-defence. The Oscar-winning actress detailed how her father drunkenly threatened her and her mother, Gerda Maritz, at their home in South Africa in 1991 when she was 15 years old. Theron detailed how things began at her uncle’s house when she needed to use the bathroom and entered the home without greeting anyone. “He took that as me being rude, because I didn’t stop and say hello to everybody,” Theron explained. “Big thing in South Africa, the kind of respect that you have to have for elders, and he was in a state where he just spiralled. Like: ‘Why didn’t you…

Jonathan Roxmouth is a revered name in the world of musicals and tribute shows. And he has returned to the stage for another run of his highly acclaimed show, Key Change. The production is a tribute to the comedians, singers and entertainers who have shaped his musical journey. He honours them with his piano-based renditions. If you are a fan of iconic names like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elton John, Billy Joel, Liberace, Richard Clayderman, David Foster, Carole King, Burt Bacharach and Freddie Mercury, you are in for a treat. Roxmouth, true to form, delivers a performance injected with his signature, playful, tongue-in-cheek humour. The phenomenal talents of Kieran Woolmington, Michael Wilson-Trollip, Cole Matthews, Wian Joubert and Lindzi Moore make up the show’s live band. The show is two and a…

The National Prosecuting Authority has decided not to prosecute – at least for now – the 58-year-old man arrested for fatally shooting a motorist in a road rage incident in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, on Sunday. He was supposed to appear in the Johannesburg magistrate’s court yesterday after being arrested for the murder of Faisal ul Rehman, 48, and the attempted murder of his wife, Tehseen. “After careful consideration of the evidence of the alleged road rage incident which occurred in Emmarentia, the NPA has decided not to prosecute the matter pending further investigation,” NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said. The man’s legal team had submitted representations to the state arguing that their client acted in self-defence. In his warning statement, the man claimed that Rehman and Tehseen had verbally abused and physically…

Organised crime syndicates smuggling high-profile stolen vehicles across South Africa’s borders continue to pose a significant challenge, with the majority of the recovered vehicles being popular 4x4s and bakkies, according to a recent parliamentary answer. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed that 36 stolen vehicles were recovered through joint Interpol operations in neighbouring countries. “Organised Crime Investigations repatriated a total number of 36 vehicles, which were recovered during the last six months,” Cachalia said. He said the following types of vehicles were recovered: Toyota Fortuner (8) Toyota Hilux (7) Ford Ranger (6) Nissan Navara (2) Toyota Cross (2) Mercedes-Benz Vito (2) Isuzu D-Max (2) Toyota Prado (1) Toyota Rav 4 (1) Mercedes-Benz (1) FAW Truck (1) HAVAL H6 (1) Range Rover (1) Volvo Truck (1) Institute for Security Studies (ISS)…

Amnesty International says the global rules-based order is no longer simply weakening but “in a state of active collapse,” warning that the world is entering what it calls a dangerous and “predatory” new era. The organisation’s 2025/26 annual report, The State of the World’s Human Rights, released on April 21, paints a bleak picture of rising lawlessness, impunity and the steady dismantling of international legal norms. Secretary General Agnès Callamard described the moment as unprecedented in modern history. “We are confronting the most challenging moment of our age,” she said. “This is a direct assault on the foundations of human rights and the international rules-based order by the most powerful actors for the purpose of control, impunity and profit.” Amnesty argues that the shift is no longer gradual; instead, it…

SA’s anti-corruption hotline, meant to give whistleblowers a direct way to report corruption in the public sector, is itself in trouble after a test call rang unanswered for about 20 minutes before the line dropped. IOL put a range of government emergency and support hotlines to the test over the first three weeks of April to see how quickly they respond. The results varied widely. The SA Police Service emergency number, 10111, was answered within one to seven seconds across four test calls made at random. Ambulance and fire services on 10177 responded in between 21 and 42 seconds over two calls. The SA Depression and Anxiety Group hotline picked up within three seconds, Childline SA answered in five, and the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre answered in 41 seconds. But…

As the world prepares to mark Earth Day today, the Seriti Institute is leading a citywide campaign to promote environmental awareness and action in schools across Johannesburg. Working with Breathe Cities, the City of Johannesburg and 33 community-based organisations, the initiative will take place across Regions A to G as part of the Breathe Better Together project. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” the programme will focus on air quality and practical steps to protect the environment. Activities will be held during the school day, with each session lasting about two hours. Participating learners will be involved in tree planting initiatives, recycling demonstrations, and insightful discussions on air pollution and its detrimental effects on health and communities. Nokuthula Dubazane from Breathe Cities highlighted the local consequences of…

The legal proceedings involving Fannie Masemola, alongside businessman Cat Matlala and other accused persons, have placed South Africa’s policing leadership under an unavoidable spotlight. This is a test of institutional credibility at the very top of law enforcement. The matter, linked to a SAPS tender, has entered the criminal justice system, with allegations concerning public procurement processes and compliance with financial management rules. While no court has made a final determination on guilt or innocence, the fact that the National Police Commissioner is required to appear in proceedings creates a governance dilemma that cannot be ignored. At the heart of the issue is public trust. The SAPS is responsible for enforcing the law, investigating corruption, and maintaining order. Its legitimacy depends not only on its operational capacity but also on…

With nearly a decade of service to the Lions in his repertoire, one of the teams’ most underrated servants will reach a major milestone if selected to play against Connacht this weekend. PJ Botha does not receive nearly as many plaudits as he arguably deserves, but on Saturday against the visitors at Ellis Park (4pm kick-off), the 28-year-old will more than likely run out to earn his 100th cap at franchise level. With the focus squarely on teammates Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter, Francke Horn, Morne van den Berg, Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn, it is often easy to overlook the workmanlike and consistent impact that Botha has had on the teams over the years. This season, once again, Botha has been solid — never in the limelight — but…

The selection headache facing coach John Dobson this week ahead of the Stormers' crunch United Rugby Championship clash with the Glasgow Warriors is where to utilise Springbok star Damian Willemse. As the Cape side prepares to host the Scottish giants in a top-of-the-table clash, the question reverberating around Cape Town is whether it is time to shift the versatile back to the No 15 jersey or closer to the action at inside centre. Willemse has played on the wing over the last few matches because of his aerial ability and the amount of contestable kicks being put up in this year’s URC competition. If he moves to fullback, it will potentially be at the expense of the mercurial, yet increasingly erratic, Warrick Gelant. Gelant’s ability to conjure magic from nothing…

This weekend against the Scarlets, Marcell Coetzee moves into fifth place on the Bulls’ all-time list of captains, something of an irony because early in his career, the Pretoria union did not want him. Growing up on the KZN south coast, Coetzee was a massive Bulls fan, but after school at Port Natal, he was turned away by the Bulls and taken in by the Sharks, where he quickly excelled. He was accelerated through the Sharks Academy into the senior team by coach John Plumtree. He debuted for the Sharks in 2011 and was a Springbok a year later. Saturday’s vital URC game in Llanelli will be Coetzee’s 73rd match as captain, overtaking Anton Leonard. “I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown,” said Coetzee, who joined the Bulls…

Parliamentary committee hears that R155 million profit for the year was due to routes being sold South African Airways (SAA) may have reported a profit in 2024/25, but the Auditor-General (AG) has left no doubt that the airline is out of control financially and is crashing, that its financial figures cannot be trusted, and that its staff are operating without consequence. Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport members, clearly amazed at the severity of the details that lay behind the AG’s disclaimer on the airline’s financial statements, responded to the AG presentation yesterday with words such as: “This was difficult to listen to” and “it is clear the AG does not believe most aspects of the financial statements to be true,” and “people are clearly doing as they wish at SAA,…

The ongoing conflict in Iran has cast a long shadow over the global economy, igniting significant fluctuations in oil prices and raising alarm bells for consumers across the globe. Following a recent surge that saw Brent crude oil prices reach as high as $107 in early April, experts predict a troubling landscape ahead, with projections indicating prices may linger above $95 per barrel in the near future. As fuel prices climb, the ramifications ripple through the economy, impacting individuals and businesses alike. The pressing inflation crisis is exacerbated not only by higher petrol costs but also through indirect channels, as fuel constitutes a crucial input across various sectors. With inflation currently eroding disposable income, consumers are likely to find it increasingly difficult to maintain their living standards, particularly as real…

Volatile currency markets are emerging as a major threat to the profitability of fruit importers and exporters, with a new report by Verto warning that foreign exchange (FX) fluctuations are increasingly undermining already thin margins in global agricultural trade. According to the report, the traditional risks associated with fruit trading—such as weather, logistics and harvest cycles—are now being overshadowed by financial pressures linked to currency movements and outdated payment systems. “Harvest cycles are short, logistics are complex and margins are thin. But increasingly, the greatest risks facing importers and exporters are not in orchards or shipping routes, they are in currency markets and financial infrastructure,” stated the report. The report added that fresh produce shipments can take 30 to 60 days to move from orchard to retailer. “During that period,…

Global volatility has created gaps in the supply of oil to the world, which is a massive opportunity for Africa to step forward. Several countries on the continent have notable reserves of oil and gas, but up until now, there have been significant delays in leveraging them. The current crisis is providing the impetus needed to accelerate production, and many ventures are ramping up their operations. The oil crisis is also increasing demand for minerals essential in the global energy transition, such as cobalt, nickel, copper and lithium, as well as for renewable energy solutions. With its abundant natural resources, advantageous geographic position and emerging infrastructure corridors, Africa is well positioned to respond to this demand and become a central player on the global stage. The question is whether it…

Farmers are being urged to prioritise regular maintenance and early risk detection to avoid costly damage and insurance claims, as even minor oversights can quickly escalate into major incidents. Thabo Twalo, chief underwriting officer at Santam, on Tuesday said small issues on farms often spiral into significant problems if left unattended. “A cracked irrigation pipe, a seized bearing, or a build-up of debris on machinery can quickly escalate into a major loss event,” he said. “For local farmers operating under tight margins and demanding seasonal conditions, recognising and acting on early warning signs can be the difference between routine maintenance and a significant insurance claim.” He highlighted harvester fires as one of the most common and costly risks during harvesting season, often caused not by a complete lack of maintenance…

The legal proceedings involving Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner of South Africa, alongside businessman “Cat” Matlala and 12 other accused, have thrust the country’s policing leadership into a spotlight. This is no ordinary court case; it poses serious challenges to the credibility of law enforcement in South Africa. Masemola was charged with four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) during his brief appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The case was rescheduled for May 13th, when he and the other accused will appear. “A defining moment” was how national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe has described the court appearance of her boss, Masemola. He will face charges related to violating the PFMA. The legislation is aimed at modernising financial management in the public sector, ensuring efficiency,…

Controversial self-styled prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng is facing more legal woes, this time over his failure to fully settle a R600 000 loan from a former member of his Incredible Happenings Ministry. Motsoeneng entered into a verbal agreement with former Incredible Happenings Ministry member Khulu Radebe, whose wife was the church’s treasurer, for a loan of R600 000 in June 2012. In terms of their agreement, Motsoeneng would pay back R100 000 from July 2012 but failed to effect payments and Radebe confronted him. The two men then agreed that Motsoeneng would pay R10 000 from August 2015 and continued until August the following year, by which time he had paid R130 000. Motsoeneng still owed R470 000 and in January 2017 he sent a letter of demand, in which…

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has confirmed the successful disbursement of April 2026 allowances to more than 200 000 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, marking a significant step in maintaining funding stability across the sector. In a statement issued this week, NSFAS said a total of 203 653 qualifying TVET students received their allowances on April 17, with payments amounting to R621 million. “This disbursement was executed in line with planned timelines and forms part of NSFAS’s ongoing commitment to efficient and reliable funding support that enables uninterrupted teaching and learning across institutions,” the scheme said. The payment comes amid continued efforts to ensure that students dependent on financial aid are not disrupted in their academic programmes due to funding delays. However, NSFAS revealed that approximately…

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is making extensive preparations for the 2026 local government elections with electoral body’s chairperson Mosotho Moepya describing the preparations as being in “earnest”. Briefing the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee yesterday, Moepya said they received a report on the survey commissioned concerning the possible participation by voters and challenges. “This requires of us to put extra ordinary amount of work to ensure we reach the voters, get the voters to look forward to registering and vote. Work is underway earnestly in relation to the upcoming elections,” Moepya said. IEC CFO Dawn Mbatha said the commission received R3.1 billion, including the R1bn provided during the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement for the upcoming elections. Mbatha said R1bn will be spent on administration, R1.4bn electoral operations, R23 million…

A row has erupted at Houghton Golf Club after a man claimed he was kicked out for displaying a Palestinian flag on his car. But management insists the issue is about neutrality, not politics. A frequent visitor to the club claimed he was abruptly barred, not for misconduct, but for displaying the flag. The incident quickly went viral and sparked debate about political expression at private venues. Louis Seeco told IOL the confrontation happened while he was preparing for a round of golf. He said the flag was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a long-standing expression of solidarity. “On April 17, I arrived at Houghton Golf Club with a Palestinian flag visibly affixed to my vehicle,” he said. He added that he had displayed it consistently since early 2024 as…

A Gauteng consumer’s attempt to cancel a purchase of a newly bought vehicle has been dismissed by the National Consumer Tribunal, which found that the car was not defective and that the dispute stemmed from the buyer’s misunderstanding rather than unlawful conduct by the dealership. The tribunal ruled against Matome William Matlakala after he brought a case against Motus Nissan Centurion, the National Consumer Commission (NCC), and MFC, a division of Nedbank. The case centred on Matlakala’s purchase of a Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta EZ-Shift, which he financed for just over R293 000 and took delivery of it in February 2024. Matlakala returned the vehicle within four days, claiming it was unsafe and defective because it rolled backwards on inclines. He argued that he had not been given an opportunity…

When “conflict of interest” becomes ambiguous, governance becomes vulnerable to loopholes. This text argues that clarity in ethical language is essential to prevent accountability failures. There are moments in public proceedings when a question is not simply a question. The chairperson’s interrogation on the conflict of interest was a pivotal moment. It tested whether ethical language in governance still holds substance or has become merely performance. This distinction is central to the main argument: when ethical terms become hollow, governance loses its ability to safeguard accountability. Do you understand what a conflict of interest is? That question should be easy. That is precisely where the concern begins. Suspended Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi’s response arrived wrapped in the confidence of familiarity. The definition was correct. The vocabulary was intact. Yet something…

Oswin Appollis is not surprised by his impressive start to life at Orlando Pirates, but insists that prioritising the team’s objectives is more important than chasing personal glory. Appollis has been one of Pirates’ standout signings this season, fitting seamlessly into both the club’s system and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s philosophy, thanks to his work rate in front of goal. His contributions have paid dividends, helping the team secure a cup double – the MTN8 and Carling Knockout – while also remaining in contention for the Betway Premiership title. He has registered 11 goals and nine assists in 38 matches across all competitions. His form has also translated to the South Africa national soccer team, where he has played a key role in their Fifa World Cup qualification campaign. Given that…

French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz insisted Monday he would rather miss defending the Roland Garros title in May rather than rush treatment on a "serious" wrist injury. The 22-year-old pulled out of the Barcelona clay-court tournament last week when he felt his wrist "give out on a return" and then revealed the injury to be "a more serious injury than any of us expected". He then pulled out of the Madrid Open on Friday, casting doubt on his participation in Paris as of May 18. On Monday that doubt deepened when he told the press at an award ceremony he was taking a long term view. "I'd rather come back a little later but in great shape than come back early, rushing around, and unwell." "God willing, I have a…

One of the most interesting social media comments last week, as far as Mzansi football is concerned, came from none other than a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. It read: “Sundowns think we’ll beat Pirates for them so they can win the league. Pirates think we’ll beat Sundowns for them so they can win the league. But the reality is, we’ll beat them both and win the league.” Ah, the mighty Amakhosi! Someone in that thread, though, retaliated with some serious shots — the kind that would make even Donald Trump shake in his cowboy boots, thinking, ‘Iran now has new and overly militant allies’. It read: “I have never seen a team win five games in a row and still not be able to catch the teams above them.” LOL! The…

Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips has painted a stark picture of the State-owned logistics company’s challenges, telling Parliament that years of infrastructure decline, rising debt, and governance failures have combined to undermine both operational performance and South Africa’s broader economic growth. This comes after a report on the audit outcomes of Transnet tabled before Parliament last month revealed that the group was facing mounting financial and operational pressures, with rising debt, missed volume targets and a growing maintenance backlog casting doubt over the sustainability of its turnaround efforts. Appearing before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts yesterday, Phillips said Transnet’s difficulties were the result of “a convergence of factors” that have created a self-reinforcing cycle of operational and financial decline across rail and port operations. “We’ve seen a convergence of…

The latest Debt Rescue consumer survey has revealed that South African consumers are on the brink of a financial crisis. The survey was conducted amidst the April 2026 fuel and electricity price hikes, which revealed the impact of the latest price surges and how it has added financial pressure to consumers in the country. 9 out of 10 respondents polled in the survey reported that they are under serious financial strain. People are cutting back on essential goods and services to make ends meet, with 52% of those polled saying they are facing severe financial pressure and don’t know how they will cope, while 32% will now struggle to afford the basics. According to Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, South Africans have valiantly attempted to weather the storm…

Hot off the heels of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference, followed the Gauteng Province and last week the Northern Cape Province also hosted its first ever Investment and Jobs Conference in Kimberley as a flagship investment mobilisation platform designed to unlock job-intensive industrial development aligned with South Africa’s green economic transition. Through these investment drives, South Africa once again opened its doors to global investors, policymakers, and business leaders at the annual Investment Conference. Billions were pledged, promises were made, optimism filled the room but outside the conference halls and the networking booths, people in places like Tembisa, eMalahleni, Komani, Galeshewe and rural villages across Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and the Kgalagadi the question remains, what does this mean for us? Because for the majority…

An Alabama-born engineer seen as a supply-chain savant, Tim Cook took on the daunting challenge of succeeding Apple’s iconic boss Steve Jobs 15 years ago. While Cook is not known for the culture-changing “one more thing” gadget reveals that Jobs fans came to expect, he guided the company to a stunning valuation of some $4 trillion based on its share price. Cook built up Apple’s lucrative business selling digital content and services to lovers of its devices, and his legacy is marked by the success of Apple Watch and Airpods, as well as strong ties with China as a manufacturing hub and a major market. Apple had a market valuation of $350 billion when Cook succeeded Jobs, who died in October 2011. While Jobs launched the iPhone in 2007, it…

Afrimat, which supplies construction materials and bulk commodities, saw its share price fall by over 12% on Tuesday, even though it forecast annual headline earnings per share (HEPS) to increase by between 27% and 37,1%. The JSE-listed mid-tier mining and materials company said in a trading statement on Tuesday that its directors anticipate HEPS to be between 91,8 cents and 99,1 cents, compared to HEPS of 72,3 cents reported for the previous year. However, the share price traded lower at R31,79 on Tuesday morning on the JSE after the release of the earnings forecast. The price has fallen steadily by 41,4% from R54,28 a year ago, and it has fallen very sharply from R54,28 in July 2024. The company said earnings per share (EPS) is expected to be between 76,9…

The National Prosecuting Authority has decided not to prosecute – at least for now – the 58-year-old man arrested for fatally shooting a motorist in a road rage incident in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, on Sunday. He was supposed to appear in the Johannesburg magistrate’s court yesterday after being arrested for the murder of Faisal ul Rehman, 48, and the attempted murder of his wife, Tehseen. “After careful consideration of the evidence of the alleged road rage incident which occurred in Emmarentia, the NPA has decided not to prosecute the matter pending further investigation,” NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said. The man’s legal team had submitted representations to the state arguing that their client acted in self-defence. In his warning statement, the man claimed that Rehman and Tehseen had verbally abused and physically…

April 23 marks World Book Day, a global celebration led by Unesco to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. At its core is a simple goal: to ensure that every child and young person has access to a book of their own. The day also invites readers to reflect on stories that shape identity, memory and belonging. In South Africa, literature has long served as a record of struggle, change and everyday life. From memoir to fiction, certain books stand out for how they capture the country’s past and present. 1 One such work is Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane. First published in 1986, the memoir traces Mathabane’s childhood in Alexandra township during apartheid. It presents a direct account of systemic racism and its effects…

The legal proceedings involving Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner of South Africa, alongside businessman “Cat” Matlala and 12 other accused, have thrust the country’s policing leadership into a spotlight. This is no ordinary court case; it poses serious challenges to the credibility of law enforcement in South Africa. Masemola was charged with four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) during his brief appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The case was rescheduled for May 13th, when he and the other accused will appear. “A defining moment” was how national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe has described the court appearance of her boss, Masemola. He will face charges related to violating the PFMA. The legislation is aimed at modernising financial management in the public sector, ensuring efficiency,…

The City of Tshwane’s tender document control measures were scrutinised at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday following testimony that Sergeant Fannie Nkosi possessed the Bid Evaluation Committee’s (BEC) draft document for a multimillion-rand security tender at the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD). This occurred during the testimony of suspended city’s Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi, who declared that Nkosi was his friend. Mnisi has been accused of conspiring with Nkosi and suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini to rig a R2.9 billion security tender. Mnisi told the commission that Nkosi received the BEC document from Dhlamini, who might have gotten it from an official involved with the BEC as the document was not for public consumption. He initially told the commission that the document falling into Nkosi’s hands was…

Lwanda Mxolisi Zungu, a former soldier accused of fatally shooting his wife, Tania Zungu, eight times, has told the Pinetown Regional court that his wife is the one who pulled the trigger and shot herself multiple times; however, in contradiction, he maintains that Tania did not kill or shoot herself. During his cross-examination by State prosecutor Rowan Souls, Zungu testified about the fateful day, January 3, 2024. He stated that while he was searching for his takkies to go to the gym, he heard his gun being cocked by his wife. Simultaneously, his wife screamed for her mother, who was inside the house, alleging that Zungu was assaulting her. According to Zungu, he jumped onto the bed to protect himself by trying to ensure the gun barrel was not pointing…

A quiet Karoo village has been put on the market, with agents effectively inviting buyers to purchase an entire town in one of South Africa’s most remote and atmospheric regions, and the auction window is now officially open. Home and Hectare Real Estate is offering Middelpos, a small settlement, describing it as a rare opportunity to acquire a fully functioning rural village with development potential across multiple sectors. “Buy your own town of Middelpos, close to the Tankwa Karoo National Park.” The listing presents Middelpos as a place largely untouched by modern development, positioned between Sutherland and Calvinia along the R354 in the Upper Karoo region of the Northern Cape, where its isolation and landscape are central to its appeal. “Middelpos is considered one of the few remaining authentic Karoo…

As South Africa intensifies its focus on new HIV prevention strategies, including the rollout of long-acting, six-monthly prevention options, public and policy attention has once again turned to what the next phase of the response could look like. Against this backdrop of renewed national momentum, the launch in late January of a new South African-led HIV vaccine trial, BRILLIANT 011, in Cape Town is not simply another research milestone. This development has genuine scientific and societal significance. It is important, however, to interpret this moment appropriately. This is not the announcement of a licensed vaccine, nor does it mean that the challenge of HIV prevention has been solved. Rather, it marks an important step in a long and complex scientific process. In that sense, it should inspire cautious optimism: optimism…

Mamelodi Sundowns may be overwhelming favourites heading into the all-important Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versveld tonight, but defender Kegan Johannes is not taking anything for granted. Sundowns are in exceptional form with the league champions unbeaten in 10 straight matches, whilst also fresh off progressing to the CAF Champions League final for the second consecutive season. Equally, Stellenbosch have yet to overcome Sundowns in 15 league encounters. However, Miguel Cardoso’s team cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal with Orlando Pirates having overtaken the Brazilians at the summit of the Premiership table whilst they were on continental duty. Sundowns now trail Pirates by two points, but they do have two games in hand, and have the opportunity to reclaim top spot with a victory…

The Proteas Women’s have left behind the sun-lit skies of Durban and the calming sounds of the Indian Ocean for the bustling city noise of Johannesburg where they will hope to seal a morale-boosting T20I series win over India at the Wanderers. Although conditions have been fairly balmy over the past couple of days on the Highveld, the temperature is set to drop to an alarming 14 degrees and even lower when the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 6pm this evening. Considering there is also a 70% chance of thunderstorms, it would be fair to suggest that a truncated game may be on the cards. This could prove problematic on many levels, especially with the Proteas Women’s team having only ever played two previous T20Is at the…

The final whistle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday should have triggered a debate about tactics and the volatility of a Premier League relegation scrap, after Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Brighton left them in the bottom three. Instead, it served as another grim indictment of sport in the digital age. Austrian centre-back Kevin Danso, who has been a rare shining light in a difficult season for the North London club, found himself at the centre of a storm that had nothing to do with football and everything to do with the unchecked toxicity of social media. For a player at the elite level, the smartphone is a double-edged sword. It is the primary tool for brand building and fan engagement, yet in the wake of a mistake, in this…

The Sharks’ colourful defence coach, Joey Mongalo, has likened his team’s chances of surviving in the United Rugby Championship to a dying patient in hospital with a faint pulse, but a pulse nonetheless. Most folk had pulled the white sheet over the corpse after the Sharks lost a “must-win” match against the Ospreys at the weekend, plunging them to 11th spot on the URC points ladder and 11 points behind the eighth-placed Bulls. Just three rounds remain in the URC before the top eight finishers contest the quarter-finals. This week, the Sharks visit Edinburgh before completing their URC schedule with home matches against Italian teams Benetton and Zebre. “After losing that game (21-17), we thought we were dead and out of the URC. But if you look at it now,…