Indice dei contenuti per 2025-05-30 in Star

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has congratulated three newly appointed deputy Directors-General (DDGs) at the National Treasury, marking a significant step in bolstering leadership and institutional stability within the department. The appointments, announced by Cabinet on Thursday, include Ulrike Britton as DDG for Public Finance, Ogalaletseng Gaarekwe as DDG for Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), and Christopher Axelson as DDG for Tax and Financial Sector Policy. “These strategic appointments reflect our commitment to maintaining institutional stability while fostering innovation and fresh perspectives,” Godongwana said in a statement. “Strong leadership and a pipeline of talented public service professionals are essential to serving our nation effectively.” Ulrike Britton, a veteran of the National Treasury since 2006, steps into the role of DDG for Public Finance. She began her career as a Senior Budget Analyst for…

Some economists welcome the cut, others criticise its timidity in addressing issues South Africa Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced a 25 basis point cut to the repo rate on Thursday - that was widely expected - bringing it down from 7.50% to 7.25% with some economists welcoming the cut and others criticising its timidity in addressing the nation’s pressing economic woes. This decision, made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) offers modest relief to borrowers in an economy grappling with sluggish growth and rising unemployment. The decision to cut rates was unanimous, with one MPC member voting a 0.5% cut. Kganyago said they have now trimmed GDP projections and currently expect growth of 1.2% this year, rising to 1.8% by 2027. “The outlook for structural reforms remains…

Mauritania's former economy minister Sidi Ould Tah was on Thursday elected to succeed Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina as president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and tackle the withdrawal of US financing from the institution. In 2015 Adesina took six rounds of voting to become Africa's "super banker" but Tah, 60, secured the prestigious post in only three, winning 76.18 percent of votes. Zambian economist Samuel Munzele Maimbo trailed well behind in second on 20.26%, with Senegal's Amadou Hott third on 3.55%. The winner had to secure both a majority of votes from all 81 member countries and a majority of votes from the 54 African nations who are part of the AfDB. Tah, who headed the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for 10 years, secured 72.37% of…

Adcorp Holdings’ share price shot up 7.4% on the JSE Thursday after it reported annual results that included a doubling of the final dividend to 50.02 cents a share compared with the 24.2 cents per share that was declared last year. The share of the company with operations in South Africa and Australia, that deploys over 45 000 contingent and contractor workers daily, was trading at R6/50 late Thursday afternoon, 52% higher than the price a year before. Headline earnings a share increased to 135.4 cents in the year to February 29, from 83.8 cents a year before, this off a 2% rise in revenue to R13.2 billion. Operating profit increased by 33.3% to R171.6 million, and profit for was 60% higher at R140.9m. The net unrestricted cash position of…

Spice up your weekend at Joburg’s Portuguese Festival which will see MiCasa, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Kurt Darren and Biggy taking to the stage. There will also be helicopter rides, jumping castles, drifting, carousel rides as well as authentic Portuguese cuisine to enjoy. Where: The Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec. When: Today until Sunday from 10am. Beemer Festival 2025 Car lovers are in for a treat in Jozi as this family-friendly event will feature car exhibitions, which will include classic and modern models, as well as an Old School Arena and the Beemer Gallery. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment as Chilli Funk brings his signature R&B sounds along with a variety of food and beverages. Children under eight can enter for free. Where: Casalinga in Muldersdrift. When:…

Two people have reportedly been shot dead at the Zonkizizwe Taxi Rank in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, in what is believed to be a taxi violence-related incident. According to reports, the shooting happened yesterday morning. Police are at the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi could not provide details of the incident when approached by IOL but said he was on the way to the scene. Photos and videos circulating on social media show a vehicle on fire at a taxi rank, with thick smoke billowing from inside the facility. Other images depict two men lying on the ground, reportedly shot dead. This is a developing story and will be updated.…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that there is a syndicate that targets women in and around Gauteng shopping malls. This comes as the police have identified three suspects, Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu, linked to the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, originally from the Free State province. On Wednesday, the SAPS National Crime Intelligence Unit, working with other agencies, confirmed the arrest of the owner of a white VW Polo, which was spotted at the residence of the former Wits University student who was found dead after reportedly going on a date with the alleged driver of the vehicle. Yesterday, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe updated the media on Mongale’s murder case, saying they are on the trail of an alleged syndicate that targets and…

Changing gender norms, speaking about trauma, and getting rid of toxic generational norms is what men need. This was echoed at the launch of the Callas Foundations Men’s Engagement Programme. About 80 people attended the launch of the programme at the Bridgetown Community Centre on Wednesday May 28, under the theme “Reclaiming brotherhood: A journey of healing, connection, and growth.” This will be a weekly programme held on a Thursday afternoon at the Bridgetown Community Centre, for all men. The sessions will include weekly interactive group discussions, personal storytelling, wellness activities, and skills-building workshops, offering tools to help men model healthy masculinity, emotional resilience, and mutual respect. This comes after the launch of their Building Bonding Beyond (BBB) Programme for boys, last year. The new programme focuses specifically on…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng, the official opposition in the province, is committed to safeguarding South Africa’s constitutional democracy, the principles and values espoused in the founding document. Nonetheless, our efforts as the opposition to conduct oversight over the elected executive are increasingly thwarted. The growing barriers to effective and meaningful conduct oversight are deliberate withholding and denial of crucial information, procedural delays and protracted legal battles that severely undermine our oversight role. The affected areas are irregular procurement and contract management, unlawful appointments, and the lack of consequence management due to not enforcing recommendations from disciplinary action. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa explicitly highlights the separation of powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary, establishing much-needed mechanisms for effective oversight, a fundamental pillar of good governance.…

Hlompho Kekana says that Mamelodi Sundowns have what it takes to win the club’s second CAF Champions League title when they come up against Pyramids FC in the second leg of the final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday (7pm kick-off). The Brazilians will head to Egypt’s capital slightly on the back foot due to the away-goals rule, after playing out to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. Sundowns clinched the tournament in 2016, and they are looking to be the first South African side to win the competition twice, after Orlando Pirates became the first club to emerge victorious in 1995. The Buccaneers were also tasked with the difficult situation of having to go to ASEC Mimosas, having played out…

The UEFA Conference League was not where Chelsea wanted to be, but their triumph in Wroclaw could prove to be a turning point for a club that had lost their trophy-winning habit. The Premier League team beat Real Betis 4-1 on Wednesday, recovering strongly from being outplayed in the first half by their Spanish opponents. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s second-half substitutions lifted his team, but an inspired Cole Palmer was the catalyst for victory, producing two pinpoint crosses for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson. Jadon Sancho’s fine finish made it 3-1 and Moises Caicedo added a fourth in stoppage time to give Chelsea their first silverware since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired the club in May 2022 from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. During the past three years the owners…

Lewis Group’s robust 66.9% increase in operating profit to R1.2 billion for the year to March 31 was driven by strong credit sales, expanding margins and good growth in the debtors’ portfolio. The exceptional results saw investors drive up the share price by 6.28% on Thursday afternoon to R83.45, bringing the rally in the price to 83% over 12 months. Satisfactory paying customers for the retailer of furniture, home appliances, electronics and homeware reached a new record high. The operating margin improved significantly by 790 basis points to 22.7% from 14.8%. CEO Johan Enslin said in an interview that sales and collections in April and May were in line with their expectations. He said that exclusive new ranges in August and September would boost sales, and the group was on…

While excluding South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) would have dire consequences, the emigration of real Afrikaner farmers would be even more damaging to the agricultural sector and the rural economy. Since the departure of 49 white people, who are supposedly farmers, seeking refuge in the US, the country and the agricultural sector have been concerned with the potential Afrikaners exodus to the US. Interestingly, the departure of the 49 self-designated refugees to the US coincided with the NAMPO period, the biggest agricultural show in South Africa. For the past 57 years, NAMPO draws attention of farmers, traders, bankers, technocrats, and other service providers to gather in the Bothaville town and celebrate the grain harvest, appreciate new technologies and agricultural equipment, and welcome new research. The…

The Spar Group said Thursday it is exploring the sale of Spar Switzerland and Appleby Westward Group (AWG), the regional distribution business in the southwest of England. The group announced in a trading statement for the 26 weeks ended March 28, 2025, in which flat to lower interim earnings growth was forecasted, that the decision to divest from the businesses had followed a strategic review of its European operations. Consequently, Spar Switzerland and AWG would be classified as discontinued operations in the financial statements. Regarding AWG, Spar’s board said they were in talks with a UK-based business regarding AWG, which was well positioned to develop and grow AWG in South West England. In Switzerland, "established parties with business interests in the region and experience in European food retail and…

When Hollywood finally masters artificial intelligence – assuming the technology hasn’t destroyed us all by then – you can expect a lot of results like Fountain of Youth, a movie that’s acceptably entertaining and completely soulless. There are actual humans behind this globe-trotting action-adventure, an Apple Original appearing only on Apple TV+, among them director Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.), screenwriter James Vanderbilt (Zodiac) and stars John Krasinski and Natalie Portman. Fountain of Youth looks good and moves well; it’s nothing if not a professional piece of work. But it’s also what you would get if you fed the following prompts into the movie version of ChatGPT: National Treasure, The Da Vinci Code, Romancing the Stone, that Tom Cruise Mummy movie and all five installments of…

As the world scrambled to roll out Covid-19 vaccines in 2021, millions of South Africans received mRNA jabs with confidence – unaware that top US health officials were sitting on growing concerns about serious heart-related side effects. A damning new report by US Senator Ron Johnson reveals that US authorities were alerted to a potential link between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and conditions like myocarditis and pericarditis as early as February 2021, yet delayed warning the public for months. Now, as South Africans report similar complications, questions are being raised about whether local authorities were also kept in the dark – and what that has meant for informed consent. As many South Africans continue to report post-vaccine complications, the findings have reignited concerns around the adequacy of information provided…

The Durban High Court is set to sentence two men in June for the murder of Sduduzo Magwaza, who was a loyalist to the former mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Zandile Gumede. Magwaza, an ANC member, was gunned down in his flat in Cornubia on January 12, 2021. He later died at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital due to gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. Magwaza was nominated to become chairperson of the party at Durban Ward 102 in Verulam, in the upcoming elections of the organisation. The court has found Siphamandla Makhanya and Mxolisi Hadebe guilty of his murder. Hadebe and Magwaza were part of a Project Steering Committee that handled tender projects in Verulam, Ward 102. According to the State, Magwaza had tenders, while Hadebe did not. Hadebe,…

Season 3 of Izingane Zes’thembu has returned with another drama-filled and heated season, with the first episode aired on Sunday, May 25. The reality TV show already has viewers talking as the first episode revealed a glimpse of what is yet to come. Two of the cast members who are serving most of the drama are Tirelo Kale and her boyfriend, Mpumelelo Mseleku. The couple, who share a child, Singabakho Mseleku, has been giving their fans plenty to talk about with the latest season of the reality show, hinting there might be more to their relationship than meets the eye. Recently, a picture of Kale rocking an engagement ring has been circulating on the internet, sparking speculation that the two might be tying the knot. X user, @ZeeRight, shared a…

It is utterly appalling, yet unsurprising, that News 24 has seen fit to publish a grossly misleading and factually incorrect article alleging that the Mayor has “buried” the City Power financial report. Despite being provided with a comprehensive explanation of the City’s governance process for financial reporting, the publication has chosen to pursue a reckless and sensationalist narrative that is nothing short of a malicious smear campaign. The City categorically denies these baseless allegations, which are designed to destabilise and undermine the good work being done by the Executive Mayor and his team. It is evident that News 24 has an agenda and is more interested in peddling falsehoods and fuelling misinformation than in engaging in responsible and factual journalism. The Mayor remains unwavering in his commitment to building a…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admits that the glory days are on the horizon for South African football, but he’s pleaded for the nurturing of youngsters and continuity. Bafana and their female counterparts Banyana Banyana ended the 2024 calendar year on a high note as they qualified for this year’s Afcon and Wafcon finals. As such, the junior men’s national teams followed in their footsteps early in the year as the Under-17 men’s team and Bafana’s B team qualified for the World Cup and Chan finals respectively. However, the Under-20 men’s team achieved their own targets in style as they won their maiden Afcon title in Egypt, having already qualified for the World Cup after reaching the semi-final. “These are glory days for South African football, I think,” said Broos…

After the Sharks’ dour 12-3 defeat of the Scarlets a fortnight ago, there was a chance they might have had to call veteran Lionel Cronje out of semi-retirement for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Munster – but the flyhalf injury crisis has lifted. Jordan Hendrikse has been running in the position at training this week, and while Siya Masuku is still struggling with the hamstring problem picked up against the Welsh team, one fit flyhalf is better than none. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Grant Williams will make the Munster party as he continues to nurse a neck injury. This is a pity, because he is the catalyst the Sharks have been missing to get their attack going. They need someone to push the detonator on the ample…

THE Proteas Women won just a single match on the recent tour of Sri Lanka, having been beaten twice by India Women and once by the hosts. However, from the batting point of view, the South Africans made a statement, producing two 300-plus totals during the trip. The side registered five half-centuries and two centuries, with Tazmin Brits, Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen the notable stars with bat in hand. Moreover, the side introduced two young batting prospects, Karabo Meso and Miané Smit, who have been making rounds with big runs in domestic and Under-19 cricket. “I reflect quite positively on the Sri Lanka tour in terms of posting those 300-plus scores,” Proteas Women batting coach Baakier Abrahams told Independent Media. “I think that’s a third 300-plus score in the…

Outgoing national lottery operator Ithuba Lottery is considering the legal implications of Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau’s decision to award the operating licence to Sizakhaya Holdings. Ithuba stated that this decision disregards the progress made in building a truly home-grown lottery ecosystem that empowers small businesses, drives local job creation, and maximizes revenue for good causes. In response to the decision announced on Wednesday, Ithuba expressed deep disappointment, stating that it undermines the principles of localisation and inclusive economic growth outlined in the Request for Proposal. As a fully South African-owned and black-empowered operator, Ithuba has invested significantly in developing the first African Central Lottery System, owned and developed for Africa by South Africans. “Ithuba Lottery has the necessary infrastructure, financial resources, and distribution systems to deliver…

In a remarkable academic achievement, a 17-year-old student obtained a degree in Actuarial Science. Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli graduated with a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Pretoria. The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, extended a heartfelt congratulations to Ntuli, on Thursday. This extraordinary milestone made Ntuli one of the youngest graduates in the university’s history, and a shining example of academic excellence, resilience and the transformative power of education. Originally from Rosettenville in Johannesburg, Ntuli's story is one of exceptional talent, discipline, and vision. Her ability to excel from an early age, her courage to navigate university life years ahead of her peers, and her determination to push through challenges are deeply inspiring. "Her pursuit of a qualification in Actuarial Science, a demanding…

Jennifer Lawrence, known for her fearless roles in films like The Hunger Games, has spoked out about a battle that many women endure in silence: postpartum depression. The actress shared her personal journey during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival for her latest movie, Die, My Love, which explores the unravelling of Grace, a new mother battling postpartum depression and psychosis. “As a mother, it was really hard to separate what I would do as opposed to what (Grace) would do. And it was just heartbreaking,” Lawrence revealed, per Variety. Lawrence, now a mother of two, including her 3-year-old son Cy and a newborn whose name has not been disclosed, admitted that the experience of motherhood and her role as Grace blurred into one. She described postpartum…

Who would've thought that the same year we were all bracing for the world to end in 2012, South African romcom fans were falling head over heels for Semi-Soet? Directed by Joshua Rous and packed with charm, the Afrikaans-language favourite starred Anel Alexander and Nico Panagio and it quickly carved out a soft spot in the hearts of local audiences. The plot followed career-driven Jaci van Jaarsveld (played by James Alexander), an advertising exec desperate to save her boutique firm, Mojo, from being swallowed up by ruthless corporate shark JP Basson aka “The Jackal,” brought to life with effortless swagger by Panagio. When a big deal with a family-run wine estate hinges on her appearing in a wholesome relationship, Jaci ropes in a fake fiancé. The shocker? That charming faker…

IN a serious and urgent appeal, the South African Police Service is calling on the public to assist in locating two dangerous fugitives linked to the murder of Olorato Mongale. The appeal comes as authorities intensify their efforts to capture the suspects, who are considered armed and dangerous. The public is advised not to approach them and to report any sightings immediately by calling Brigadier Nama at 082 778-9035. “The two suspects are on the run, and members of the public are urged to distribute their photos far and wide to assist police investigations. The police are searching for Fezile Ngubane and Philangankosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya,” she added. Meanwhile, earlier yesterday, police tracked down and impounded the white VW Polo suspected to have been used in her killing. National police spokesperson…

“Humility. Ethical leadership. Courage. Wisdom. Integrity.” These were words repeatedly spoken as Kagiso Trust marked the start of its 40th anniversary celebrations with the launch of a biography of its former CEO, Eric Molobi. Former president Kgalema Motlanthe, businesswomen Cheryl Carolus and Kagiso Trust trustee Hylton Appelbaum were among those sharing memories of Molobi, who passed away in 2006. Eric Molobi: A Legacy of Resolute Leadership reflects on the life of a man who helped shape South Africa’s transformation with quiet determination and unwavering resolve. From his early activism in the Black Consciousness Movement to his imprisonment on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela’s journey was defined by his commitment to social justice and empowerment. Upon his release, Molobi played a crucial role in education during the turbulent 1980s, navigating political…

This article draws directly from the official City of Cape Town budget document: Annexure 21 – Projects Over R50 Million: 2024/25. A full sector-by-sector analysis covering Housing, Water and Sanitation, Energy, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure including all Top 20 projects in each category. Cape Town’s 2024/25 budget is being marketed as a record investment in infrastructure, growth, and future-readiness. Glossy graphics showcase R36.8 billion in capital projects from smart city operations and solar grids to road upgrades and wastewater treatment plants. The DA-led City Council proclaims progress. But beneath this polished façade lies a deeper, more uncomfortable truth: this budget reinforces the city’s spatial and economic apartheid, entrenching exclusion while branding it as modernisation. Across five sectors – Housing, Water and Sanitation, Energy, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure – a clear…

SuperSport United endured a nerve-wracking 45 minutes to secure their place in the top-flight next season, playing to a 1-1 draw in the resumption of their Premiership fixture against Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Thursday afternoon. The draw came at a crucial time, allowing Matsatsantsa a Pitori on 27 points to leapfrog Cape Town City on the same amount of points into 14th position, pushing the Cape side down to 15th due to a better goal difference. City will now wait to learn the outcome of an investigation in the NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship regarding Durban City’s alleged use of an ineligible player to determine who they will face in the promotion play-offs. Abafana Bes’thende still had a mathematical chance of reaching the top eight, but it would…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ players have been the epitome of success in domestic football in the last nine years, inspiring every emerging youngster to dare to dream. And that’s why they want to add another feather in their cap by conquering the continent yet again to instil even more belief in future prospects. Sundowns recently won their eighth successive Premiership crown, ensuring they are the best club in the PSL era with 15 titles. As such, that made the dreams a reality of players, coaches and staff who wanted to join football so that they can win league titles over the years. Before the success came, Sundowns were infamously known for ending careers, with players said to be joining the club for big pay-cheques, only to sit in the stands. But thanks…

Max Verstappen returns to the scene of his maiden Formula One victory chasing his fourth consecutive Spanish success this weekend, with his Red Bull team hoping a rule change will end McLaren’s supremacy. The four-time world champion triumphed on his Red Bull debut as a teenager at the Circuit de Catalunya in the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, and will hope another win, his fifth in Spain, will propel him into the thick of the title race. The 27-year-old Dutchman is 25 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri and 22 behind his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who their rivals believe could be hampered by the introduction of strict front wing flexibility tests. “It’s a significant change,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner of the requirement for much stiffer front wings.…

Mandla Ncikazi has devoted himself to being a servant of Orlando Pirates – hence, he’ll serve wherever he’s deployed by the management next season. Ncikazi served as the interim coach of Pirates in the last four matches, following the early departure of coach Jose Riveiro. He did fairly well in the capacity, guiding Pirates to 61 points – their best finish since the 2002/23 title-winning season after one win and three draws. As such, he has all but involuntarily thrown his name in the basket of coaches who may be considered to succeed Riveiro, having shown continuity. Ncikazi, despite serving as a co-coach and then assistant at Pirates, is no stranger to the head-coach role, having held the position at Golden Arrows prior to joining the Buccaneers. However, the 56-year-old…