Indice dei contenuti per 2024-09-12 in Star

MUSTEK said yesterday its headline earnings a share (Heps) were expected to be between 70% and 80% lower for the year to June 30 after the cessation of load shedding led to an end to the renewable energy boom that fuelled the technology distributor’s growth in the prior year. The share price fell 8.9% to R12.29 following the release of a trading statement. Heps were expected to be between 75 cents and 112.5c compared with 374.99c in the 2023 year. Basic earnings a share were expected to be between 85% and 95% lower at between 18.63c and 55.89c compared with 372.61c in 2023. The difference between headline and basic earnings was due to an impairment of the investment in Zaloserve (Sizwe IT Africa), which had been classified as an…

PRICE increases for poultry products in South Africa are expected to ease following double-digit hikes over the past two years, bringing relief to financially- constrained consumers who have faced rising food inflation. According to the Absa AgriTrends Report released yesterday, these good news to the consumer come as a result of a stronger rand and robust growth in production by key global suppliers such as Brazil, possibly seeing average price of chicken products increase by just over 1% this year in some instances. Dr Marlene Louw, senior Economist at Absa AgriBusiness, said in recent times, the outbreak of diseases like Avian Influenza had caused a global shortage of this protein source, which put upward pressure on prices. “While potential new disease outbreaks may change the price outlook going forward, all…

TRADE conditions in South Africa are expected to gradually improve from a depressed territory, despite subdued economic performance, after a notable surge in trade expectations as a result of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said yesterday that trade prospects particularly benefited during July, as reflected by the Trade Conditions Survey, with the Trade Expectations Index (TEI) increasing by 11 index points to 66 points – a level last recorded at the beginning of 2006. Expectations, however, moderated somewhat in August, with the TEI at 62 index points. Sacci said the July and August surveys nonetheless reflected a more positive outlook for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. Sacci economist Richard Downing said prevailing trade conditions, however, remained constrained. Downing…

Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, made her first appearance in the high court in Bloemfontein yesterday. The 37-year-old faces charges of fraud, money laundering and corruption pertaining to the R255 million Free State asbestos roofing case. The matter was set for a pre-trial conference, but was adjourned. Cholota was extradited from the US in August where she had been living for the past five years. She landed in South Africa on August 8 and was released on bail of R2 500 a week later. In her bail affidavit, Cholota denied the charges levelled against her, saying the State’s case was weak. Subsequent to her successful bail application, Cholota launched an urgent application against the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to dismiss charges against her. Cholota also wanted the court…

Floyd Shivambu, who ditched Julius Malema’s EFF and joined the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) last month, has shrugged off rumours of bad blood between himself and his long-time ally, Malema. Shivambu, who is the MKP’s national organiser, has faced unrelenting mudslinging from prominent EFF members and leaders on social media, accusing him of selling out the Red Berets, a party he helped form in 2013 after he and Malema were expelled from the ANC. Speaking to The Star’s sister paper, the Daily News, Shivambu dismissed claims of a rift between himself and Malema. “He remains my brother and a comrade. People must understand that there might be differences in politics, but that does not mean that in our personal lives there are differences.” On the attacks from EFF…

In collaboration with the Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Unisa hosted the prestigious Dr John Langalibalele Dube Annual Public Lecture on September 6 at the Southern Sun, Elangeni Hotel in Durban. Chaired by Professor Puleng Segalo, this year's lecture was themed "Community engagement and collaboration: Fostering active participation and teamwork within communities to tackle challenges and drive positive change". The lecture highlighted Dube's enduring vision of collective empowerment and active participation in overcoming societal challenges. The event featured keynote speaker, Faith Khanyile, a renowned business mogul and advocate for women's empowerment, along with esteemed guests, including the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli, and Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula. In her welcoming address, LenkaBula highlighted the profound legacy of Dr John Langalibalele Dube, fondly known as uMafukuzela.…

Ingredients 2 extra large or jumbo eggs 60ml butter, melted 125ml canola oil 125ml hot full-cream milk 1 x 550g Ina Paarman Chocolate Brownie Mix 100g whole pecan nuts Method Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 180°C. Butter a 24cm fluted flan dish. Beat eggs, melted butter and oil together for 30 seconds on high speed until well blended. Add milk and beat until well blended on medium speed. Add dry brownie mixture and chocolate chips. Fold in carefully with a spatula. Blend until just combined, do not beat. Folding by hand gives the best result. Pour and scrape the mixture into the buttered dish. Arrange the pecan nuts in a circular pattern on top to cover. Bake for 35 minutes until done.…

Volkswagen have lifted the lid of the new Tiguan, now in its third generation, having seen the light for the first time in 2007. Since then it has become their best- selling SUV with more than 7.4 million sold, and since its introduction to the local market in 2009 more than 4 000 of them have found homes. It’s a whole new package and, whereas the model it replaces was boxy with some sharp angles, the new one has more curves and smoother lines. As a result of the more aggressive front end with integrated LED headlights, a glass-covered horizontal bar with an integrated LED strip that replaces the radiator grille, the drag coefficient has improved from 0.33 to 0.28. A new horizontal LED strip between the tail lights dominates…

South Africans will soon be able to get their hands on the seventh-generation Ford Mustang, with the new muscle car scheduled to go on sale in October. Just one model will be offered initially, with the Mustang GT Fastback 5.0L V8 listed at R1 300 000. The more ferocious Mustang Dark Horse is expected to reach local shores later in 2024. Although it is still available with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine overseas, Ford SA has thankfully opted to stick with the V8-only policy for our market – because why would you want anything else in a Mustang? Ford has also made it easier to appease those friends and onlookers who want you to give it a good rev. Now you can do so remotely via the key fob while the…

IT may not have been the six points he’d bargained for, but Hugo Broos was not complaining after the opening two matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers. As he looked ahead to the upcoming matches for the right to earn a ticket to the biennial continental showpiece, which will be hosted by Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026, the Belgian coach of Bafana Bafana foresees a much more handsome return for his team. “In October (when they play back-to-back matches against Congo Brazzaville), we will be much sharper than we were. We are first (in Group K) with Uganda with four points, and we are in a good position,” Broos said after the 3-2 victory over South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday, with a brace from…

This past Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of THAT no-look cross-kick by Manie Libbok for the Springboks against Scotland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Rugby stars are normally celebrated for a no-look pass that can catch the defence off-guard, but Libbok took it a step further at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on September 10 last year. After receiving the ball just inside the Scottish half, Libbok kept his focus on Scotland lock Grant Gilchrist, and then delivered a perfect chip into the hands of Kurt-Lee Arendse. The Bok right wing had maintained his width and claimed the ball just outside the 22 before running it in easily for a five-pointer. Libbok’s moment of magic became an instant meme on social media, and showed the world just what the…

A FORMULA One car last powered at top speed through ‘The Kink’ in 1993, and since then South Africans and the continent have been bereft of hosting any Grand Prix, much to the disappointment of many fans. That year, Alain Prost won the last GP on African soil when he guided his Williams to victory at Kyalami, in the north of Johannesburg. An African Grand Prix has remained conspicuously absent from the F1 calendar ever since. Post-Covid, there were major rumours that a GP would return to Africa after a 30-year absence, with Kyalami and Cape Town enjoying audible whispers, while Morocco and Rwanda have also been touted as possible hosts. The murmurs were not unfounded, as it is understood that F1 owners Liberty Media desperately want a footprint on…

THE Betway Premiership season finally kicks off on Saturday when Royal AM face Cape Town City (3pm start) at Harry Gwala Stadium. We choose who we think will finish in positions five to eight in the league ... CAPE TOWN CITY | MODERATE Where home is at: Cape Town Stadium The man in the hot seat: Eric Tinkler Tinkler is renowned for managing to get his teams to play like he did as a player – with great heart, grit and determination. Star Player: Haashim Domingo He should be itching to get in on the action following an uneventful spell at Raja Casablanca last season, when he played just nine matches. THE OUTLOOK Fifth last season, it is unlikely they will do any better this time around, although they should…

ANGLO American plc may have quickly moved to place shares in Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) on the market after completing a bookbuild that raised R7.5 billion earlier this week as a result of persistently lower platinum group metals (PGM) prices and a less rosy outlook on demand. The London and Johannesburg- listed group, which rebuffed an unsolicited offer from BHP earlier this year, on Tuesday sold 13.9 million ordinary shares in Amplats at R515 per share. This represents about 5.3% of the South African PGM producer’s total issued ordinary shares that plunged by 11.15% on the JSE yesterday to close at R506.95. Analysts have told Business Report that Anglo American may have felt pressured to place some shares in Amplats on the market ahead of the planned…

FROM SEPTEMBER this year, several central banks globally are expected to deliver their first interest rate cut in many years. US Federal Reserve chairperson Jerome Powell was the latest to offer his blessing for the start of interest rate cuts, recently telling an audience of economists and policy- makers that “the time has come for policy to adjust”. An interest rate cut would depend on the US consumer inflation rate reaching its central bank’s 2% target and the state of the labour market. However, market watchers have interpreted Powell’s comments as the US central bank preparing to cut interest rates at its mid-September meeting by between 25 and 50 basis points. The South African Reserve Bank will watch the US central bank’s moves closely. It appears the Reserve Bank has…

HAVING a braai is one of the best ways to celebrate South Africa’s heritage. Entrepreneur, Given Ngwamba, capitalised on this when he faced the harsh reality of unemployment. Ngwamba developed a sustainable method of producing biochar, which he makes with slow-burning, eco-friendly charcoal briquettes. Marketed under the brand name “Ndzilo” which means “fire” in isi- Tsonga, the briquettes are available at major retailers such as Pick ’n Pay and Spar. Ngwamba’s company, TNK Greenhouse Technology, has thrived and he now employs 17 people. What began as a “stop-gap income solution” in Ngwamba’s garage in Mpumalanga, has blossomed into a flourishing business, making significant strides in the eco-friendly charcoal industry. Despite holding a diploma in sound engineering from the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, Ngwamba was…

Love it or hate it, Twilight has earned its place on countless watch lists. The saga of a love triangle between a human, a vampire and a werewolf has stolen many hearts since its debut. And for those who still can’t get enough of this supernatural love story, there’s exciting news on the horizon. According to Variety, Netflix has just greenlit a new animated series based on the Twilight companion novel, Midnight Sun. Fans of the original series will be thrilled to know that this new adaptation brings a fresh twist to the beloved saga. Released in 2020, Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer, offers a unique take on the Twilight universe by retelling the story from the perspective of Edward Cullen, Bella Swan’s enigmatic vampire love interest. While the original…

With amapiano gaining momentum worldwide, there was bound to be a production that centres on the musical genre. Netflix, with production house Black Brain Pictures, took the lead with Piano Love. Directed by Mandla N, it sets out to be a vibrant story of love, ambition and the unifying power of music. The romance-drama stars rapper Senzo “Kwesta” Vilakazi, who made his acting debut alongside choreographer Bontle Modiselle-Moloi. It sees their romance blossoming amidst the challenges and heartaches of living in Soweto. Kwesta plays Sipho, a destitute hip hop musician who is dropped by his record label in favour of amapiano artists. With his career on the brink of collapse, he returns to live with his uncle. Meanwhile, aspiring dancer and musician Lerato (Modiselle-Moloi) also goes back to her Soweto…

About 186 hopefuls from different areas in Gauteng are crying foul regarding Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s crime prevention warden posts, dubbed Amapanyaza, and are demanding employment after completing the recruitment processes. Frustrated residents staged a protest outside Lesufi’s office in Joburg yesterday, demanding answers about what happened during the recruitment process of the 6 000 job posts. The 6 000 crime prevention warden posts are part of Lesufi’s plan to combat crime that was launched in 2022.Among other responsibilities, Amapanyaza wardens conduct stop-and-search operations and maintain law and order. Residents claimed that they completed all the recruitment procedures for the posts, but had since had no feedback regarding their applications. In an interview with IOL News, protest leader Sibusiso Ngema, from Ekurhuleni, said he suspected foul play in the recruitment process,…

SAA has left the door open at the possibility of getting another strategic equity partner after the collapse of the Takatso Consortium transaction. This comes after the termination of negotiations for the transaction to sell 51% of SAA to the Takatso Consortium in March, following three years of negotiations, as a result of a disagreement on the revised transaction structure. In a letter to SAA staff and the broader stakeholder community on Tuesday, SAA interim CEO Professor John Lamola said the state-owned airline was currently executing a business plan that allowed it to thrive from revenues generated from its operations. Lamola said the question of whether there would be another strategic equity partnership was tied to SAA’s future growth plans and remained the prerogative of the shareholder. “As with any…

The Health Department has set its sights on introducing “fairer compensation” for patients who experienced medical injuries as one of the ways to reduce medico-legal claims. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi disclosed this when briefing the joint meeting of parliamentary committees yesterday, saying a “fairer compensation” mechanism could be designed. He urged Parliament to support their planned move towards mediation of medico-legal claims as they are busy training mediation officers. “Panels of retired judges, retired senior medical and nursing staff, solicitors, social workers and others are put together. Their purpose is to determine … a fair compensation for those who have experienced medical injuries rather than a ‘legal shout in court’,” he said. He argued that this method guaranteed many people who were deserving were compensated, rather than being subjected…

AWARD-WINNING DJ and music producer Oskido, real name Oscar Mdlongwa, has stepped up his lifestyle endeavours with the recent announcement of his latest lifestyle festival venture, titled ‘Big Day Out’. The hitmaker says this event, set for November 30, will celebrate South Africa’s vibrant music scene over the past three decades. Having pioneered kwaito, House and many other sounds, the festival will help rekindle the golden era of kwaito by showcasing performances by a line-up of legendary artists while also tracking the journey of local House music from then to now. “Big Day Out is not just about the music, it’s about celebrating our rich culture, our colourful history. Together with my team, we are excited to bring together some of the greatest talents in the country for a day…

THE City of Tshwane has asked the Gauteng SAPS to join forces with it in a fight against criminal attacks on waste removal trucks allegedly perpetrated by disgruntled former service providers. At least 60% of the previous waste contractors failed to meet the stringent tender specifications, which required them to own trucks not older than nine years, fitted with tracking devices and have valid e-Natis documents. The new tender known as the SS01 waste removal contract was met with resistance from former contractors after it was implemented on July 15. The plea by the municipality comes in the wake of an attack this week when two trucks were pelted with stones, damaging their windscreens. An official was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment after sustaining head injuries. The latest…

Global technology brand HONOR has earned 39 Best of IFA awards after showcasing its technological leadership with multiple innovative products at the IFA Berlin 2024 in Germany last week Thursday. The Magic V3’s first appearance on the global stage at IFA 2024 has garnered praise from leading global tech media. TechRadar awarded the device “Best of IFA 2024”, noting that “it is absolutely wild to hold it in hand and feel how thin it is”. Trusted Reviews highlighted the Magic V3’s groundbreaking 9.2mm thickness, stating: “This is up there with the thinnest foldables we’ve ever held, and it feels all the better for it.” The buzz continued with Android Authority, which emphasised the Magic V3’s potential to reshape the foldable market, remarking: “The HONOR Magic V3 is…

The latest Opel Corsa is nothing like that bubble-shaped second-generation hatchback South Africans first got to know in the 1990s, but its cheeky spirit remains in the way it looks and feels. Priced from R374 900 in 74kW “Lite” guise and reaching up to R459 900 for the 96kW “GS Line” flagship, the Corsa is no longer what you’d call entry-level, but it does have a feeling of sophistication and refinement. The GS Line rolls on 16-inch two-tone, diamond-cut alloy wheels and is further distinguished by its black roof and badging. The basic cabin architecture remains as before, but the steering wheel gets a redesign and the GS Line is available with heated front seats. Both models get a 10.0-inch Intellilink infotainment system and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The…

There is a sense of reserved confidence in the Lions at the moment, and it is an optimism that the Joburgers will dearly wish to hold on to in the coming months. For the first time in the 2020s, the Lions have a handful of Springboks roaming the halls of Doornfontein. In the United Rugby Championship (URC) last season, they only missed out on top-eight qualification because they had won a match less than the Ospreys. Meanwhile, in the current Currie Cup season – coached by Mziwakhe Nkosi – the Lions will contest a semi-final for the first time since the 2020/21 Covid-hit season, when they host defending champions the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday at Ellis Park (2.30pm kick-off). The Lions finished the regular season having lost one clash…

Harry Kane admitted he is fuelled by a burning desire to silence his critics after the England captain marked his 100th cap with a double in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win against Finland. Kane produced two typically lethal finishes in the second half of the Nations League Group B2 tie at Wembley. It was the perfect way for the Bayern Munich striker to celebrate becoming the 10th man to make 100 appearances for England. The 31-year-old is England’s all-time leading scorer with 68, and also set Tottenham’s record goal tally before joining Bayern. But, despite all the plaudits thrown his way on the night he reached his England century, Kane still carries the hurt from a disappointing personal campaign at Euro 2024. He scored three times in Germany but rarely impressed…

IT has been a tough last four months for Stedman Gans, but he is bigger and better, and determined to earn his spot back in the Bulls team. He is physically bigger, and can’t wait to get stuck into the Sharks in Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld (5pm start). “Yes, that is the case (I have bulked up in the gym),” Gans said yesterday. “I used the opportunity (to get bigger). In season, you don’t always get the opportunity to do it, so I had the four months to do exactly that. I don’t know actually (how much I weigh) – I don’t weigh. It’s a mind-game! Former Blitzboks captain Gans was just regaining his best form last season before a knee injury ended his campaign. The Bulls…

THE THREE-WEEK strike at Premier FMCG’s confectionery plant, Mister Sweet, is set to continue after the Johannesburg Labour Court shot down its attempt to interdict and halt the strike. Employees at Premier’s Wadeville confectionery operations embarked on a protected strike last month due to a wage dispute as they demand a living wage of R19 500 from the current R6 000 per month for the lowest paid workers. In a statement yesterday, the Simunye Workers Forum union said it had defeated Mister Sweet’s attempts to bring an interdict against the crippling strike at its factory in Johannesburg, which began on August 19. Johannesburg Labour Court Judge J Daniels had ruled on Tuesday that the employer was unable to show any link between the alleged violence they complained of…

THE GLOBAL community will be closely watching the upcoming Shanghai Co-operation Organisation meeting (SCO) in October as pundits continue to speculate whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the event in Pakistan. Out of the 24 member countries that are part of SCO, four of the country’s are BRICS member countries, with China, India and Russia being the most significant in terms of their economy and global standing. The SCO was established in 2001 by Russia and China to consolidate European and Asian countries on issues ranging from economic, political, security and defence. However, the organisation has been grappling with multilateralism, which Washington seemingly intends to exploit. Dr Rashid Alimov, the Secretary General of the SCO, maintains that the organisation was “established as a multi- lateral association to ensure security…

WHILE the race to shrink the transport industry’s carbon footprint has also taken centre stage in South Africa, the local automotive ecosystem’s sluggish transition to low-emission alternatives meant its sizeable contribution to economic growth hangs in the balance. This is according to Justin Coetzee, CEO of GoMetro – a fleet management company, headquartered in the UK – who said yesterday that commercial players and government bodies can both do more to safeguard the industry. “The transport industry is South Africa’s third largest source of emissions, representing almost 11% of the country’s aggregate,” Coetzee said. “The only way to reduce emissions in this sector is to move away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs, and some say also hydrogen vehicles (HV). The HV dream is not something we believe…

In the DYNAMIC world of small business, where resources are often limited and competition is fierce, account- ability is not just a virtue – it's a necessity. Businesses that embrace accountability not only survive, but thrive by building stronger teams, fostering trust, and creating a culture of ownership that propels them forward. Too often, accountability is misunderstood as simply taking the blame when things go wrong. While acknowledging mistakes is part of it, true accountability is far more proactive. It involves taking responsibility for one’s actions, choices, and the outcomes – whether positive or negative. In a small and medium enterprise, this means that every team member, from the founder to the newest, most junior employee, understands their role and is committed to fulfilling their responsibilities with integrity. Accountability is…

Netflix has enlisted the services of some of the world’s most experienced boy band and girl group alumni for their new musical reality show. Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussycat Dolls, One Direction’s Liam Payne and Kelly Rowland from Destiny’s Child will bring their unparalleled expertise as mentors and judges on Backing the Band. AJ McLean of The Backstreet Boys will host the series. According to the streaming giant, the show seeks to form the next great music group without any of the members ever seeing each other. “A group of talented singers will enter the competition for the opportunity of a lifetime: to find their perfect bandmates solely based on musical compatibility, connection, and, most importantly, merit,” it explained. Filming started during the US’s summer but an official release date…

Beyoncé did not receive a Country Music Association Awards nomination when the nods for the 58th edition were announced recently, even though her Cowboy Carter album proved a cultural phenomenon when released this year. The absence of Cowboy Carter among the slate of nominees was conspicuous: Texas Hold ‘Em, her sprawling album’s first single, soared to the top of the charts, including the country list, and the album was widely considered a smash. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter is a full-throated ode to her southern US roots, a rollicking revue that also deals a vital history lesson on the black lineage of country music. Nashville’s gatekeepers have long tried to promote a rigid view of country music that’s overwhelmingly white and male – Cowboy Carter skewered that notion. She leads listeners through…

The battle for justice surrounding the unfair treatment of a Grade 8 pupil at a public high school in Pretoria has brought to light the widespread issue of bullying in schools. A growing number of parents, emboldened by recent events, are seeking help in dealing with similar problems, highlighting a crisis that needs immediate attention. On Tuesday, parents, learners, and activists came together outside the gates of Hoërskool Die Wilgers for a peaceful protest. Organised by Felicia April, chairperson of Ward 41 for the Patriotic Alliance, the protest aimed to hold the school accountable and demand justice. Protesters called for the principal’s dismissal, the expulsion of the perpetrator, and the integration of more pupils of colour into the school. April, who has taken it upon herself to confront bullying and…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the Government of National Unity (GNU), which was formed after the May elections, is here to stay. Mashatile said despite widespread criticism, the GNU would endure the five-year term despite critics saying its collapse was imminent. Among those who have been vocal against this new form of government alongside the DA and other “colonial forces” is the EFF, the MKP and the SACP, particularly SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila who slams the GNU on every public platform. Mashatile, in an interview with SABC political editor Mzwandile Mbeje on Tuesday evening, said the GNU offered stability. “The so-called Left parties were given the first preference priority and our negotiating team met with the EFF four times and with the MK Party, maybe three times. They chose…

THE organisers of South Africa’s leading jazz festival, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, have unveiled a glorious line-up of leading South African artists and music industry practitioners who will lead a music workshop at the Joburg Theatre’s Lesedi Theatre on September 18. Billed as the JazzWise Music Business Workshop, the day of insightful music business-related experiences will be facilitated by, among others, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mi Casa, Vusi Nova and Lulo Cafe. Inspirational talks aimed at empowering artists and aspiring music business practitioners will touch on such topics as PR and marketing, talent scouting, and the entire music industry value chain. Festival organiser and CEO at T-Musicman (Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival Producers), Mant- wa Chinoamadi, said the JazzWise Music Business Workshop was designed to provide information and resources…

SOUTH African Air Force sergeant Antoinette Ndishishi has asked the Pretoria Magistrates Court to send a strong message by imposing the harshest possible sentence on the man who raped her. AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit has represented Ndishishi since 2018 and ensured that her case was properly investigated and prosecuted. In June, the court convicted former South African National Defence Force member Leon Santos Conga of rape and attempted murder for infecting Ndishishi with HIV. Barry Bateman, the unit’s spokesperson, says Ndishishi testified on Monday during sentence argument. “This marks the final time she will be called as a witness in a case that has dragged on for more than six years. The Private Prosecution Unit has supported her throughout this difficult journey, but her quest for justice would never have…

The neglect of the historic Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, which cost over R160 million to construct, continues un- abated. On Tuesday, DA Shadow MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Kingsol Chabalala and his team visited the site and witnessed first-hand the continued state of decay. Reacting to the visible dilapidation, Chabalala slammed the provincial government. “The historic Walter Sisulu Square remains in disrepair following four years of neglect by the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng provincial government. “This neglect has left the once vibrant and significant square in a state of ruin, depriving the community of economic opportunities and a valuable historical landmark. “Nothing has changed since our last visit as the facility remains vandalised and abandoned,” he said. According to the DA, the facility is still…

PepsiCo South Africa says the incident where a woman discovered part of a rodent in her loaf of bread, is an isolated occurrence. Durban woman, Nombulelo Mkumla, took to social media last week to share how she discovered the rodent. In a lengthy Facebook post, she said she purchased the loaf of bread from a local shop after work on August 27. For the next days, Mkumla proceeded to use slices of bread from the load to make toast. “Then, on the morning of August 31, I took the bread out of the fridge to make toast and noticed something disgusting and scary. I took a picture and sent it to my friends, and one of them said, ‘Yi mpuku leyo tshomi’ (That’s a rat friend). “I was in…

South Africa’s vehicle exports hit a record high of 396 000 units in 2023 thanks to strong international demand for locally made products such as the Volkswagen Polo, Mercedes C-Class and Toyota Hilux. However 2024 is turning out to be an export year some manufacturers would rather forget, with the industry recording year-on-year declines for six of the eight months to date. Monthly figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) show South African vehicle exports declined by 17.7% from January to August 2024, versus the same period in 2023. July and August saw particularly worrying year-on-year drops of 34% and 33% respectively. Naamsa attributes the decline to weak regional economic activity in Europe, the country’s main export destination. SA’s export decline comes in spite…

Don’t we all aspire to be the hero of our own stories, emerging victorious over personal challenges or professional hardships? But in our eagerness to win, are we forgetting the true cost of conflict and the importance of choosing our battles wisely? Yet, there are times when we find ourselves struggling to reason with others, as if we are on two different pages unable to find common ground. It’s like trying to read a book backwards – we’ve been there; we know how this plays out. But when someone’s reading from a different script, we are forced to hit the reset button, re-reading the pages of our narrative. This is when we need to select our battles wisely, recognising that not every page is worth re-writing. Sometimes, it is better…

QUESTIONS were asked when the young Matthew Breetzke was left out of the Proteas T20 side that toured the Caribbean last month. After all, the 25-year-old batter had been decent in the two series he had played up to that point, and had displayed good form in the T20 domestic tournament in England before South Africa toured the Caribbean. Breetzke told Independent Newspapers this week that Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter communicated with him about the reasons for leaving him out. “Yes, there was communication,” he said. “The squad was quite a big squad, and if I were to have been picked, I would have had to bat at a position that I’m not comfortable with, at five or six. “So, Rob wants me to bat in the top three,…