Indice dei contenuti per 2023-07-27 in Star

Standard Bank exhibited the products of 46 exporting clients from 14 African countries at the third bi-annual China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha, China, which took place from June 29 to July 2, 2023. CAETE is a bi-annual event, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the People’s Government of Hunan Province. CAETE was launched in 2019 to deliver on the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation’s (Focac) commitment to improve the balance of trade between Africa and China. CAETE works to increase the import of African goods and services by building new platforms to promote direct business co-operation at sub-national level. The 2019 and 2021 expos resulted in the signing of 216 projects, accounting for over $43 billion (R750bn) in new trade…

WHILE South Africa managed to avoid a technical recession in the first half of this year, the cost of living for consumers in the country remains high. This comes after data released by the July 2023 Household Affordability Index, compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PMBEJD), showed the average cost of a household food basket costs R5 081.94. Month-on-month, the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R25.48 (0.5%), from R5 056.45 in June 2023 to R5 081.94 in July 2023. Year-on-year, data revealed a more staggering increase in costs, by R333.07 (7.0%), from R4 748.87 in July 2022 to R5 081.94 in July 2023. The following foods increased in price: Foods which increased in price in July by 5% or more, include: white sugar…

Whether you’re putting together a business plan for a start-up, writing a small business proposal or drafting a pitch for small business funding, one of the vital factors that should be crystal-clear is your unique selling proposition (USP). What is a USP and why does it matter? Fundamentally, a USP should outline the key differentiator, benefit or charac- teristic that sets your product or brand apart from competitors. It should provide a compelling reason for customers to choose it over other alternatives. You could think of it as your “X-factor”. Entrepreneurs typically build their USP around factors like competitive pricing, superior quality, an unmatched level of convenience, greater accessibility, and the efficiency of addressing a specific pain point or cutting-edge innovation. Some good USP examples to consider Let’s consider some…

Silverleaf Investments, the first of its kind South African-based cannabis fund, has launched the Silverleaf Business Accelerator. It said in a statement this week that as the cannabis industry in South Africa is gearing up for greater growth as legislation changes take effect, Silverleaf Investments had developed a programme aimed at catapulting the high-growth cannabis small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) into this new dawn. The Silverleaf Business Accelerator would assist high-growth SMEs to be a functioning part of the legal market, across the entire value chain, which is forecast to reach $80-$100 billion (R1.7 trillion) by 2030 globally. The objective of the Silverleaf Business Accelerator Programme is to identify and select the leading cannabis SMEs that have the potential to scale that are not quite investment-ready and put them…

After dishing out a jaw-dropping first season, the cast of This Body Works For Me is returning for another wild run. Much to the delight of viewers, Showmax has renewed it for a second season, premiering on August 21. Wandi Ndlovu has been teasing her followers that she is filming, and now her fans will finally see all she has been up to. The trailer for season two has got them excited as it teases a mix of fun, drama, sisterhood, sexiness and new faces. Diamond, Dione Xanthe and Lebo join returning cast members Bubbly, Gina, Primadonna and Ndlovu. Fans will remember Xanthe, who made an appearance in season one as Primadonna’s friend. She is an adult digital content creator from Bloemfontein who has been independent from a young age.…

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has lambasted e-hailing companies for abusing their drivers. A few days ago, e-hailing drivers protested in regions over complaints about commission structure, crime and other labour-related issues. The drivers held a media briefing yesterday with the leadership of Saftu, where their issues were ventilated. Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said working conditions for e-hailing drivers were so bad that they did not have proper channels where they could relay their complaints. He said it was important for the e-hailing drivers to be organised into unions. “We acknowledge platforms like the e-hailing Partners Council, but this platform remains and acts as a platform to hear the grievances of workers. It can never displace or replace the need for a trade union,” he said.…

A man allegedly had a drink of dish-washing liquid thinking it was a cold drink over the weekend. Start Rescue said that on Saturday, the emergency service received an emergency call regarding a 57-year-old man in the Warner Beach area. “On arrival, Start First responders established that the patient had accidentally drank dish-washing liquid, thinking it was cold drink,” Start Rescue said. “He was assessed, but refused hospital treatment and decided to monitor himself. “Hope he feels better soon,” Start Rescue said. It added that household products were the second leading cause of poisoning. It said to beware of look-alike poisons, especially if young children were present. It gave three tips on the topic: Keep all potentially hazardous items in originally labelled containers, and don’t decant any potentially hazardous items.…

CHAOS broke out yesterday during a march led by the regional South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) outside Tshwane House against the non-payment of salary increases. A group of workers clashed with police who tried to keep them from a stage set up for union leaders to address them. They convened in the morning at the Marabastad old bus depot before they departed to Tshwane House to air their grievances. Workers said they were unhappy with regional leaders whom they accused of corruption following an audio recording implicating former union leaders of being in cahoots with the municipality to weaken Samwu’s activities in Pretoria. City divisional head for labour relations management, Ronald Oppelt, and Nyiko Mahumani from Mahumani Incorporated, a law firm contracted to the municipality, were captured on the…

SALE!SA says that since the announcement by Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, John Jeffery, that the “Prostitution Bill” will not be tabled due to concerns around its constitutionality, we must usher in discussions around partial decriminalisation. According to the organisation, the bill was suggesting “decriminalising sex work,’’ which, more accurately, refers to the full decriminalisation of prostitution. “This would mean decriminalising not only prostituted persons but also those who exploit them – the facilitators, pimps, brothels and sex buyers. “As SALE!SA, we have been taking a strong stand against the full decriminalisation of the prostitution system, and we continue to advocate for the protection of ‘Prostituted Persons’. They are daughters, sisters, and mothers who are being exploited,” added SALE!SA. The civil society organisation said that some are also…

South Africa’s motor manufacturing industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy contributing between five and seven percent of the Growth Domestic Product. They play an even greater role in the regions they operate, providing employment, socio-economic involvement and infrastructure upgrades. This is especially important for the Eastern Cape that has the largest concentration of automotive manufacturing in the country with Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Ford’s Struandale engine plant and of course Volkswagen. The Eastern Cape OEM manufacturers also contributed 53.5 percent of the total 2022 passenger and light vehicle exports of 350 945 units with VW delivering 24.3 percent of that. The VW Kariega plant is one of 121 plants in the global Volkswagen production network and has become a mainstay of the company since the first cars rolled off…

The business of the final Rugby Championship match against Argentina has a much larger narrative playing out than simply beating the Pumas on Saturday at Ellis Park (kick-off 5.05pm) on the final match-day of the tournament. First and foremost, along with the repeat Test next week against the same opposition, it will be the final proewe – trials – for all the Bok squad members playing on the various fringe levels to stake their claim to go to France for the World Cup in September. Secondly, it will be the perfect proving ground for core team members to improve their fitness and form, while the coaching staff can tinker here and there on the game-plan, and perhaps enjoy a bit more freedom to experiment. Finally, if the Wallabies manage by…

I loved the response from SuperSport analyst Swys de Bruin when he was asked about the Springbok halfback selection of Manie Libbok and Grant Williams for Saturday’s match against Argentina in Johannesburg. “With those two, don’t expect a conservative game-plan. If you asked them to play conservatively, it would be like putting a tractor in a 100m sprint,” the former Bok attack coach said. I have to agree with De Bruin that the selection for the first time of Libbok and Williams as a combination is exciting. Each of them is capable of cutting the opposition to shreds and if we have them playing off each other at Ellis Park, there could be a wealth of attacking opportunities for the centres and, especially, the potent wings in Cheslin Kolbe and…

Australia captain Pat Cummins insisted yesterday that his side remain hugely motivated to complete a long-awaited Ashes series win in England, even though they have already retained the urn. The tourists head into a fifth and final Test at The Oval starting today, 2-1 up after last week’s Old Trafford washout denied a dominant England the chance to claim a series-levelling win. Australia, as the holders, are assured of retaining the Ashes. But the goal of a first Ashes series win away to England since 2001, a run that spans five tours, remains in their sights. Australia were 2-1 up heading into The Oval four years ago only to pay the price for some over-exuberant celebrations before they arrived in London as England fought back to square that series 2-2.…

In an extraordinary general meeting held in Amsterdam shareholders supported the company’s proposal to delist AN END TO an era is in sight as Steinhoff shareholders yesterday voted to dissolve and delist the once former billion-rand retail giant from the JSE and Frankfurt stock exchange. In an extraordinary general meeting held in Amsterdam shareholders supported the company’s proposal to delist. The company also resolved to appoint Steinhoff Topco as custodian of the books, records, and other data carriers of the company, with effect as of the dissolution. Steinhoff will be given a three-year debt repayment holiday due to its delisting, which comes after creditors approved a proposed debt restructuring plan in May. Steinhoff owns 44.5% of Pepkor and 75% of European discount retailer Pepco and stakes in US Mattress Firm…

In a month’s time, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the BRICS summit, which will convene the business community and leaders of Brazil, Russia, of about 70 countries to join the summit, planned for August 22 to 24, in Johannesburg. Leading up to the summit, there have been various activities planned by numerous stakeholders, which include, but are not limited to, the BRICS Youth summit, BRICS political leaders forum and many more. I have been part of the digital economy working group on BRICS with a stream that was focused on SMMEs and entrepreneurship. Last week, I was honoured to have been invited by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for the BRICS Youth summit in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. The theme was BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth,…

The nation faces a paradox where soaring unemployment rates coexist with persistent skills shortages, demanding immediate attention and multifaceted solutions. One wonders, though, how such a situation is even possible given that our country has the highest unemployment rate in the world (32.9% in Q1 of 2023), particularly affecting our youth (62.1% in Q1 of 2023). “Learnerships offer a unique opportunity for both learners and employers to address this critical issue,” says Rajan Naidoo, the managing director of EduPower Skills Academy. Learnerships – structured work-based learning programmes that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills development – have gained traction as a viable solution to tackle the mismatch between job market demands and the skills possessed by potential employees. These programmes provide learners with the chance to gain industry- specific qualifications…

Former journalist-turned-author Rudie van Rensburg’s best seller, Hans steek die Rubicon oor has been made into a movie and will be released in September. The cast in the family comedy include Pierre van Pletzen, Tobie Cronjé, June van Merch, Sandra Prinsloo and Nicola Hanekom. The film centres on Hans Kraaienburg, a 90-year-old man whose life is turned upside down when he is forced to move to an old age home. Fans of the popular Hans stories will be happy to see the story finally being turned into a movie. Other cast members include Juan-Pierre Moller who plays Esmeraldus, Danny Ross is Elvis, Diaan Lawrenson plays Karla and Ivan Abrahams stars as Jan Doppies. Film-maker couple Corné and Rene van Rooyen are the producers. The couple are also known for…

UNISA has remained mum on reports that it plans to take on review the recent independent assessor’s report that made damning findings against the institution. Unisa chancellor Thabo Mbeki revealed in a recent briefing that Unisa was going to put the recent independent assessor’s report on review. During this briefing and while in the company of the vice-chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Mbeki spoke out against the scathing report, which found that the country’s oldest university was plagued by issues of maladministration and mismanagement, as well as supply chain problems. The report, which was leaked to the media in May, was compiled by Professor Themba Mosia, who was tasked by Minister of Higher Education and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, to look into the affairs of the university. It subsequently made damning…

The eight “blue light brigade” assault suspects will continue to spend time in custody as they apply for bail. They will appear again in court today. The suspects, who made their second appearance at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday, appear to be of the view that they did not do anything wrong, and want the court to grant them bail of between R1 000 and R2 000. They allegedly assaulted three people who were attached to the military on the N1 highway in Johannesburg on July 2. They were recorded in a video taken by a civilian. The suspects face 12 charges including assault, malicious damage to property, discharging a firearm, contravening the Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.…

A member of the Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa) was lucky to escape dismissal when he tested positive for alcohol after consuming cough syrup. His blood alcohol level was 0.07g of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood after taking a cough syrup that had no disclosure of its content. According to Misa’s CEO for operations, Martlé Keyter, an employee could face dismissal if, based on the evidence provided, they were found guilty of being under the influence of alcohol after using a cough syrup. “In this case, the member was aware that the employer implemented a standard operating procedure (SOP) prohibiting employees from reporting for work after using certain cough syrups that contain 18% alcohol,” said Keyter. The member ultimately received seven days’ suspension and a written warning after…

THIS year, the Imbumba Foundation Trust has taken things up a notch, bringing subsections of the foundation together in celebration of seven women who will summit Mount Kilimanjaro on August 9 to coincide with South Africa’s Women’s Day. This highly anticipated climb will follow the theme, “Super Women Kilimanjaro Trek4Mandela Expedition”, raising funds for sanitary towels to keep young girls in school. The foundation continues to be a beacon of hope by providing relief to schoolgirls from trying backgrounds. The Star spoke to South32’s Fanele Sinqobile Mkhize, who said: “This climb is very important to me because I was also a little girl who lost her mother and needed the support. So caring for girls is an important programme for me.” Elsa Tivane Noordally, who will also summit the mountain,…

A heartbroken man from Bulawayo has turned to the courts, seeking to have his name removed from the birth certificate of a child he had raised as his own for five years. Mkhululi Rodwell Khumalo’s life was shattered when he discovered that the child he had lovingly believed to be his daughter for five years was not biologically related to him. Khumalo and his former wife, Sehliselo Sibanda, were married for five years and were blessed with a child before their relationship ended in divorce. However, doubts began to creep into Khumalo’s mind regarding the paternity of the child, leading him to take a life-altering step. Overwhelmed by suspicion, Khumalo decided to have a DNA test to determine if he was indeed the biological father of the child he had…

THE GAUTENG Department of Health has vowed to continue conducting quarterly surgical marathons targeted at eliminating backlogs. On Mandela Day, July 18, the department carried out more than 700 surgeries in 32 hospitals across the province. Patients had surgical procedures ranging from plastic surgery to neurosurgery, urology, orthopaedics, hernia repair, prostate biopsy, and colostomy closures, among others. The department calculated that it had a backlog of 32 000 patients waiting in line to undergo surgeries at the beginning of the year, but that was slowly being reduced. Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the commitment to tackle the backlog of surgeries was a priority and had to be seen through, after the department carried out a massive 720 surgeries on Mandela Day. “The challenge we have set for the…

As if it did not have enough problems with load shedding, Eskom now has to deal with recruitment fraud, which is what happens when scammers offer fake job opportunities to job seekers. The beleaguered power utility has posted a notice cautioning job seekers against being conned by internet recruitment scammers targeting people seeking work at its power stations. Interim Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokoena said the latest of these scams was directed at the Medupi Power Station where the scammers advertised jobs on the internet. Mokoena said: “Unsuspecting job seekers from all over the country would then apply and be lured to bogus interviews in Gauteng.” She said that as part of the scammers’ modus operandi, job seekers were advised to bring money for expenses such as accommodation and transport to…

The anti-corruption unit in Polokwane has arrested three police officers for alleged corruption after the dagga they seized from a plantation vanished. The arrest of the trio follows an investigation by the anti-corruption unit, after a complaint was made, citing corrupt activities by the police officers. Limpopo provincial spokesperson for SA Police Service (SAPS), Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the three officers aged between 29 and 39, were arrested on Monday, in Polokwane. “The trio is reported to be attached to SAPS Limpopo highway patrol unit. According to the information, the suspects raided a dagga plantation at a plot in Dalmada, outside Polokwane, on July 16,” Ledwaba said. “It is further alleged that the suspects seized eight bags of dagga worth R300 000, which were meant to be used for research…

With the range-topping Hilux Legend variant having recently breached the million-rand mark, it is refreshing to see something new at the less expensive end of the spectrum. But less expensive doesn’t necessarily mean cheap. The Toyota Hilux Raider X is available only in 4x4 guise, and is listed at R674 800 for the manual model and R704 300 for the auto. Although Toyota describes the Raider X as a limited edition model, it appears to replace the regular Raider 4x4 model, which is no longer listed on Toyota SA’s website. Pricing remains the same as the latter, however, while extra features have been added. To that end, the Toyota Hilux Raider X receives unique dual-tone, 17-inch alloy wheels and black over-fenders with red inserts, while the load area gains a…

It’s no secret that Bugatti is discontinuing its famed W16 engine, with the Mistral and Chiron Profilée having acted as its swansong cars. But what’s next for the French hypercar maker? It turns out work is nearly complete on the successor to the Chiron, which is set to be revealed in 2024 before going on sale in 2026. According to Autocar, the upcoming hypercar will be built around a new chassis, with power coming from a hybrid powertrain that hooks up with a V8 petrol engine. The newcomer is also set to be lighter than the Chiron it replaces, and the firm’s new design boss Frank Heyl promises it will be even more amazing than the Mistral. “It’s going to be amazing, proportionally, technologically, in terms of innovation, in terms…

Rampant title contenders Spain and former champions Japan became the first teams to reach the World Cup last 16 yesterday as both won with ease. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas started for Spain following her serious knee injury, and played her part in a 5-0 demolition of Zambia. Japan had been on the brink of reaching the knockout rounds following their 2-0 win over Costa Rica earlier in the day, and the Spain result sent both of them sailing through. In the final match of the day, Olympic champions Canada took a step towards the next round by fighting back from a goal down in soaking-wet Perth to win 2-1 against Ireland, whose hopes of progressing are over. Japan and Spain meet on Monday to decide who wins Group…

Lionel Messi’s instant impact in the United States continued on Tuesday night as he scored twice in Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, firing his team into the knockout rounds of the Leagues Cup. The Argentine World Cup winner was handed his first start for his new club, after coming off the bench and grabbing a 94th-minute winner in Friday’s game against Mexican club Cruz Azul. In his first game against a Major League Soccer club, Messi was simply too much for Atlanta to cope with, and he struck up a fruitful understanding with Finnish winger Robert Taylor, who helped himself to Miami’s other two goals. The Leagues Cup is a tournament which brings together all the top-flight teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX. And with two wins,…

Twelve months ago, the name Siphesihle Ndlovu would’ve sounded familiar to many ears, but forgotten to many eyes, with his time at the Orlando Pirates limited to grandstand observations. Ndlovu played 413 minutes throughout the 2021/22 season, and was frequently restricted to appearances off the bench. The 26-year-old recently sealed a permanent move to SuperSport United following an impressive loan campaign where he helped the team finish third in the Premiership, confirming their return to the Caf Confederation Cup. The KwaZulu-Natal-born player has reflected on his time at the Sea Robbers, revealing some of the “lessons” he learnt during his four-year stay. “It was obviously a huge learning curve for me. I’ll always say that was a lesson for me, because that is a very big institution,” Ndlovu said. “Going…

THE RECENT furore surrounding the sudden closure and subsequent reopening of UK political figure Nigel Farage’s bank accounts sheds light on an increasingly troubling global trend – the arbitrary closure of bank accounts. It’s an issue that not only undermines principles of due process and fair treatment but also inflicts substantial economic damage, particularly in developing economies. In response to Farage’s incident, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak initiated a review to ensure fair and transparent treatment for customers. However, in South Africa, where similar instances of arbitrary account closures have been reported, this issue is exacerbating an already challenging economic situation, contributing to capital flight and economic instability. As pointed out by the Daily Investor, South Africa’s economic landscape is facing an alarming erosion. Foreign investors sold local assets worth…

HEINEKEN Beverages South Africa (HBSA), the new drinks company formed through the takeover of Distell, yesterday announced an employee share scheme that would benefit its almost 5 000 South African employees. HBSA, with brands such as Heineken, Savanna, Windhoek, Amarula and Nederburg, said its employees would participate through a Workers Trust, which will hold a 6% stake in HBSA. The scheme is open to all current and future South African full-time employees as well as fixed-term contractors of the company. The scheme, named Bokamoso, a Sotho word meaning “future”, emphasises the notion of a collective future that recognises employees as vital stakeholders in the company, said Millicent Maroga, Heineken Beverages South Africa Corporate Affairs Director. “Our people are at the heart of our business, and we consider our employees as…

In a world that embraces joyous pregnancy announcements and heartwarming baby stories, the silent pain of miscarriage and stillbirth remains hidden in the shadows. This devastating experience, deeply felt by those who go through it, is often accompanied by stigma and shame. Despite this, US actress Tiffany Haddish, 43, is opening up about her own experience on this ‘taboo’ matter. In a recent interview, Haddish shared her personal journey of eight miscarriages, speaking of her pain and hopes for motherhood in the future. Miscarriage and stillbirth, which affect an estimated 10-15% of women who know they are pregnant, remain deeply private and laden with societal expectations. The World Health Organization identifies the global issue of stigma that prevents open discussions and hinders healing for those experiencing pregnancy loss. With unwavering…

Emotions are running high as the murder trial of slain Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa continues this week. Making the rounds on Twitter is Zandile Khumalo, who took the stand at the North Gauteng High Court as the state’s first witness. In a video clip that has gone viral, Khumalo is heard asking advocate Zithulele Nxumalo during cross-examination: “Please watch your tone when you speak to me. I am not your wife, I am someone else’s wife.” The short clip has left tweeps divided, with some users alluding to the fact Khumalo feels “entitled” to speak in that way despite being in a court of law, while other’s blamed Nxumalo for his disrespectful tone towards her, which prompted her reaction. Verified Twitter user @DR_CEO_ wrote: “I blame judge maumela for…

When a film is described as a passion project, know that a lot of love and hard work went into bringing it to fruition. And that certainly rings true for film-makers Salamina Mosese and Stephina Zwane-Groenewald, who started their own production company, Sorele Media, eight years ago. Talented actresses in their own right, the two are hungry to leave their mark in the industry and, in so doing, the world. In a recent interview with Mosese and Zwane-Groenewald, the sisterly bond between the two was unmistakable. The same could be said of their passion as storytellers, vision as directors and resolve as producers. Their foray into film-making kicked off with the 2016 release of Love and Kwaito. Mosese said: “That was very much self-funded by our company and we were…

A NEIGHBOUR has testified that a third shot was heard in the Khumalo home after three men were seen running down the street. The State’s third witness in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial was another neighbour who was reportedly sitting outside her home in a car on the night the soccer player was shot and killed at the Vosloorus home of Kelly Khumalo. The neighbour, Nthabiseng Mokete, testified after the brief cross-examination of another neighbour, Khaya Ngcatshe, which was concluded in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, earlier in the day. Mokete said she was sitting with a friend known as Yolanda, parked outside of her sister’s home, when they heard a gunshot in the vicinity, after which she saw a skinny man running down the street, heading towards the park.…

The EFF paraded through the city of Durban yesterday celebrating its 10th anniversary. Members clad in red, walked from Curries Fountain Sport ground to the Durban City Hall. The party will celebrate nationally on Saturday at the FNB Stadium, south of Joburg. EFF chairperson in the eThekwini region, Themba Mvubu, said yesterday’s purpose was to celebrate the exact day of the EFF’s formation on July 26, 2013, and to extend an invitation to people to join them on Saturday. “Obviously, the big celebration is on the weekend. So, as the region, since today is the actual birthday of the EFF, we decided to walk up and down in the streets of eThekwini CBD. Everybody, even if you are not a member of the EFF, you are invited.This organisation is for…

Durban snake catcher Nick Evans paid tribute to Warren Friedman, also known as “Mr Palmiet”, following the announcement of his death on Monday. The Palmiet Nature Reserve in Westville made the announcement of Friedman’s death on its Facebook page. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a legend of the Palmiet Nature Reserve, Warren Friedman, our honorary Head Ranger. His knowledge of flora and fauna was encyclopaedic and matched only by his willingness to share this knowledge with others. His death is not only a tremendous loss to his friends and family but also to the world of nature and our own dear Palmiet Nature Reserve.” In a tribute on Tuesday, Evans said he first met Friedman when he was a teenager while walking in the…

The face of unemployment in South Africa is – according to the 2022 National Human Development report – young, black females. The report detailed that during the third quarter of 2021, South African blacks in comparison to other race groups were standing at an unemployment rate of 39%. This was at least 9% higher than that of coloured South Africans and 30% higher than that of white people. It further indicated that youth unemployment in the country was, however, also correlated with the educational levels of the youth. It revealed that a staggering 40% of unemployed youth did not possess a matric certificate, while that figure was 37% for youth with a certificate. In comparison, it added that the number of young unemployed graduates stood at 13%, which was 22%…

THERE IS still no certain conclusion on the source of the cholera outbreak that rocked Hammanskraal in May. This is according to the Water Research Commission, which gave details of their independent analysis of the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal during a National Press Club media briefing in Pretoria yesterday. The investigation’s focus was on the spread of the disease in Tshwane, zooming in on the role of water, sanitation and hygiene in the crisis. The area was hit by a cholera crisis in May that claimed the lives of more than 30 people, with scores showing symptoms of the water-borne disease being admitted to hospitals in Pretoria. There were also minimal infections in other areas of the country, with Hammanskraal having the bulk of the infections and deaths, prompting the…

Wendy Fawkes, the mother of murder-accused former Pretoria resident Lauren Dickason, had significant reservations regarding the family’s move to New Zealand and feared for her daughter’s frail mental state, which was visible in the days leading up to their emigration, the High Court in Christchurch heard yesterday, according to a report by Stuff.NZ. Fawkes confirmed what the court had previously heard about Lauren’s depression during her teenage years, as well as how in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment affected her daughter, mentally and physically. Lauren was haunted by the loss of her and her husband Graham’s first child, Sarah, at 22 weeks, she said. Lauren and Graham lost Sarah before the birth of Liané. “As a mother, I could see when Lauren was down and I tried to encourage her,” Fawkes…

GROWING poverty margins since the Covid-19 pandemic, the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and climate change crisis across the continent reflect a lack of political will in the face of the failure of externally imposed Western neo-liberal strategies and policies, lack of innovation and poor endogenous initiative in confronting poverty. China’s success in the fight against poverty suggests that there is hope if African countries can learn from its experience. The World Bank says that since China began to open and reform its economy in 1978, its gross domestic product grew by more than 9% a year, and more than 800 million people have lifted themselves out of poverty. The trend also accounted for domestic improvements in access to health, education, food, accessible high-quality sanitation, and other services.…

CONGRATULATIONS to Sisisi Tolashe, for being elected as the president of the ANC Women’s League. She thrashed Thembeka Mchunu and Bathabile Dlamini, to win by a convincing margin. Born on 21 December 1959, she is older than her predecessor, Bathabile Dlamini. As we all know, these positions are a guaranteed means to get into Parliament and onto Cabinet, especially within the ANC, should the party win the general elections. However, it is becoming increasingly worrisome that senior citizens are taking up these positions, and younger voices are being silenced. If one looks at the elected leaders of the Women’s League, one will be forgiven for believing these elections were for the ‘Senior Citizens League’. The saying that parliament has become an old age home for elderly ANC politicians…

It wasn’t too long ago that South Africans baulked at the idea of a bakkie costing a million rands, but today there are seven double cab derivatives over that mark, including the flagship Toyota Hilux. Actually you can now make that eight, as the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak X has just been announced for the local market, with a price tag set at R1 013 000. Interestingly, that makes it R13 400 less expensive than the Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 V6 diesel, but keep in mind that instead of the latter engine, the Wildtrak X has the less powerful 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel that produces 154kW and 500Nm. But while it loses out on the bigger engine, the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak X does gain some really cool off-roading hardware for those…

Max Verstappen was left with a broken trophy after Red Bull smashed a Formula One record at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. Red Bull’s double world champion put the porcelain winner’s trophy down while preparing to spray the champagne, but McLaren’s Lando Norris sent it tumbling off the top step when he bashed the ground to open his bottle. Verstappen left, smiling, with the broken pink pot tucked under his arm. “Sorry Max,” McLaren said on their Twitter feed. “We’re gonna need some glue,” Red Bull replied, after a post declaring “Record broken. Trophy broken” with a tick and embarrassed emoji. “We can’t take you anywhere. Glad to have you up there with us though.” Norris, who finished second, and Verstappen are good friends and they could joke about…

Netball is no longer the biggest thing in Karla Pretorius’s life. That prestige now belongs to little Kara Pretorius. The Proteas vice-captain gave birth to a baby girl last year, and she will be in the stands tomorrow evening at the Cape Town International Convention Centre when the hosts begin their Netball World Cup campaign against Wales. “She is coming tomorrow,” Pretorius beamed yesterday. “I can’t wait. I’ve been two weeks without her. It’s the longest we’ve been away from each other. Myself and the team can’t wait to have our little mascot here.” Pretorius’s return to the court after her pregnancy and maternity leave is testament to the way netball has transformed and professionalised in recent years. Many players of a previous generation would have been forced to retire…