Starの 2023-07-24 の目次

Sugar producer says negotiations with Tanzania sugar firm are at an advanced stage TONGAAT Hulett, southern Africa’s biggest sugar producer which is in business rescue, said Friday shareholders would vote on bringing a “strategic equity partner” (SEP) into the group, Kagera Sugar. The group’s business rescue practitioners (BRP’s) had advised on March 31 already that negotiations were underway for an equity partner. Although the percentage shareholding of Kagera was not disclosed, strategic equity shareholders usually take anything up to a 50% stake of the shares in a company. Tongaat said on Friday the potential deal also comprised the acquisition of Tongaat’s sugar division in South Africa, in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. Kagera Sugar is a sugar manufacturing company situated in Kagera, in the north-west of Tanzania. It is part of…

Pick n Pay’s Zimbabwean partner, boosted by firming sales volumes in the TM Pick n Pay chain and the ability to internally fund a store expansion programme, has declared a final dividend of $0.80 (R14.38) per share, bringing up the total shareholder payout for its 2023 full year to $1.65. Despite rampaging inflation, higher interest rates and other economic headwinds, Pick n Pay’s operations in Zimbabwe are proving resilient. Pick n Pay competes against ZSE listed OK Zimbabwe, Choppies and Spar outlets in addition to smaller indigenous players and informal retailers mainly trading in foreign currency. The South African grocer, and its Zimbabwean partner, the ZSE-listed Meikles Limited, have been using internally generated finances to rapidly expand the retail chain, bumping up…

In establishing who the culprit is, probability games abound. For instance, in the Sesotho folklore a king’s delicacy was devoured by one of the wives and none was coming forward to declare. So, the king decided that for establishing who among the wives ate his tortoise delight he ordered for the construction of a bridge with a tight rope. On this rope the wives would each walk singing that: “I did not eat the tortoise, but if I did let me fall in the pool infested with crocodiles below”. And, therefore, the one who ultimately falls in the pool will be the culprit. The tango moment captured on video between a duo of man and machine on the pavement in Bree Street, central Johannesburg CBD, was nothing short of spectacular…

Energy ministers from the group of 20 nations (G20) meeting in India on Saturday failed to agree on a roadmap to phase down the use of fossil fuels in the global energy mix. A final statement after the meeting did not even mention coal, a major contributor to global warming. The dirty fuel is also a key energy source for many developing economies such as India – the world’s most-populous country – and China, the world’s second-largest economy. Campaigners were dismayed by the failure to reach agreement in Goa on COP goals, including the trip- ling of the world’s renewable capa- city and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. It came despite G7 leaders agreeing in Hiroshima in May to “accelerate the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels”. Global temperatures are hitting…

Johnny Depp fans can get their hands on the Hollywood actor, musician and artist’s signed self-portrait, the creation of which helped him heal during a challenging five-year period of his life, with $200 (about R3 500) from each painting sold going to a mental health charity. The Pirates of the Caribbean star came up with the idea for Five in the studio of his close friend, social caricaturist Ralph Steadman in 2021, and it wasn’t until this year that he got the courage to share the artwork with the world. Depp, 60, said in a press release: “It’s not the most comfortable thing doing a self-portrait. “If the piece resonates with even just one person, this art has purpose.” The $200 donation will go to Mental Health America, a leading…

Twelve hopefuls have taken on the ultimate baking challenge in a chance to wow chefs Siba Mtongana and Paul Hartmann and, at the end, one will be crowned South Africa’s best amateur baker. The Great South African Bake Off season four starts on Wednesday, August 9, on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) at 8pm. Hosted by comedians Lesego Tlhabi and Glen Biderman-Pam, viewers will be guaranteed a fun-filled offering. But The contestants are: Amber Govender From Alberton, her favourite bakes are cakes and breads. She finds making pastries most difficult. Describing her time in the competition, she said: “The other bakers would describe me as the stressed one. I was always stressing about everything! I expected the time not to be a problem because I’m quite a fast baker…

Saving on your grocery bill does not have to mean cutting back on flavour or nutrition in your meals. Cooking with seasonal ingredients is one way to keep the cost of food down. Eggs are always in season. Previously thought of as just a breakfast food, they are also perfect as the hero of your next quick and easy dinner. They are rich in protein and packed with nutrients essential for healthy ageing. Here is a quick recipe featuring this versatile ingredient that you can make for lunch or dinner courtesy of the South African Poultry Association. Creamy ham, cheese and egg pasta Serves: 4 Ingredients ½ x 500g packet spaghetti (for a healthier option: whole-wheat spaghetti) Olive oil, for frying 1 onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed Salt…

The ANC says it has no plan to remove Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan. This comes after ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula took a swipe at Gordhan on Saturday, saying he should be removed should he fail to act fast on restoring ailing state rail entity, Transnet. “The Reserve Bank says the repo rate stays as it is, and it says fix load shedding and fix the logistics of the country. It also says to move the heavy vehicles off the road and to the rail, and that is the policy of the ANC. I was once a minister myself, and now I am saying, comrade Pravin, move faster on Transnet or we will move you,” said Mbalula. However, in a statement issued on Saturday, Mbalula said his comments were…

The Modise brothers have united to oust Michael Bhekumuzi Sandlana, whom they say is an imposter attempting to steal their father’s church and estate. Bishop Leonard Modise, the head of the 3 million-strong International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), and his brother Tshepiso Modise have unified against the controversial leader of the IPHC Jerusalem faction, calling on him to get a public DNA test to prove that he is in fact their father’s long-lost son. Since MG Modise’s death in 2016, the church has been involved in a succession debacle, with Sandlana claiming to be the legitimate successor. Sandlana’s light has been cut off by the two brothers uniting against him. Sandlana is currently embroiled in two court cases at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court and the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court. Early…

A man was sentenced to an R80 000 fine or a two-year prison term for illegal mining in Limpopo. Cheng Liang Tom Chen, 48, pleaded guilty on two counts of the illegal mining of chrome. He was sentenced in the Thabazimbi Regional Court. According to the Hawks, on August 23, 2022, the Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team, Local Criminal Record Centre, Illegal Mining Task Team, as well as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy conducted an illegal mining disruptive operation at Zwartkop Zone 1 in the Northam area. “The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects who were caught in the area transporting chrome without a permit. Chen was amongst the arrested suspects,” said Hawks spokesperson,…

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has welcomed a decision by the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) to keep interest rates unchanged. SARB’s Monetary Policy Committee did not hike the interest rates. They left the repurchase (repo) rate at 8.25% and the prime lending rate at 11.75%. The announcement from the Reserve Bank governor was met with a sigh of relief from many consumers and home and vehicle owners. “Saftu is opposed to using interest rates as tools to fight inflation. As we have explained previously, interest rate hikes are inhumane, with dire consequences for the living standards of ordinary workers, creating unemployment, pushing small business traders out of business, and dampening the productive sectors of the economy as a whole,” the federation said. They said they found the…

THE Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) in Tshwane has called for a suspension of a high-ranking municipal official linked to an alleged plot to “capture” a rival workers’ union by luring their leaders with promotions and financial benefits. The Pretoria News reported last week that the official, Ronald Oppelt, and Nyiko Mahumani, head of a law firm called Mahumani Incorporated, contracted to the city, were captured in an audio recording bragging about the strategy employed by the city to tame the union’s activities. Oppelt, who is the city’s divisional head for labour relations management, implicated Samwu national general secretary, Nkhetheni Muthavhi, as having benefited from the alleged strategy to manage the union through his appointment as a municipal director three years ago. Muthavhi previously served as regional Samwu…

Renowned media personality Unathi Nkayi has shown more determination to pursue Kaya 959 after requesting information shared publicly by Sizwe Dhlomo. The pair had a fallout that led to Nkayi being booted by the broadcaster in 2021. After nearly two years of working with the broadcaster, the media personality’s contract was terminated last year amid allegations that her conduct was intolerable. Nkayi claimed she knew she would be sent packing, but her dismissal was unjust. She recently shared a video on Instagram requesting screenshots of rants allegedly made by Dhlomo on social media. “If any of you screen-grabbed the Twitter rants of Sizwe Dhlomo from the 17th of November to December 2021 about my wrongful termination, two of them he dedicated to a Q&A, he has deleted everything, we are…

Warning: This story contains graphic details and may be triggering to some readers. After a week in a High Court in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Lauren Dickason murder trial has exposed some of the gruesome details and events leading up to the murder of three girls, Liane, 6, and two-year-old twins, Maya and Karla, on the night of September 16, 2021. Here is a look at the case so far, according to copies of the court proceedings by Stuff.NZ. According to evidence given before the court, at around 9.40pm, cries of a man were heard at the Dickason family home on Queen Street in Timaru. Officers, Alexandra Schrader and William Turnbull, were first on the scene and upon inspection, found cut cable ties on the floor of the Dickason home.…

The idea of breaking something as entrenched and endemic in South Africa as poverty can be daunting. There’s also a very real chance that someone would read those words and shrug it off – a publicity stunt, perhaps? Pie in the sky? On the other hand, if you zoom into the question, it becomes absolutely apparent that leaders, especially business leaders, can make very meaningful contributions that, if it happens at scale, really can break the cycle of poverty. Everyone reading this will have moments etched into their memory, where they can remember in vivid detail how an event or person made them feel. One particular day I remember vividly, my mother had packed a special lunch for me and said a prayer for me before I left the house.…

PUBLIC Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has hailed Eskom containerised electrification microgrid project in Swartkopdam as a new approach of the future in which renewables bring electricity to remote areas even without transmission cables. This comes as Eskom Distribution on Friday rolled out its first microgrid technology at Swartkopdam in the Northern Cape in a bid to achieve universal access to electricity using clean and reliable technologies. The microgrid technology at Swartkopdam will provide electricity to 39 households who did not have access to electricity prior to this project. The electricity networks around the area are constrained and practically impossible to extend and connect the area. Speaking at the launch on Friday, Gordhan said this was the beginning of a fascinating future for the community. Even if the long wires could…

VODACOM Group said on Friday that despite the ongoing uncertainty impacting global markets and economies its revenue increased by 36.9%. In its trading statement for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the mobile operator said group revenue increased 36.9% to R35.7 billion, posi- tively impacted by the acquisition of Vodafone Egypt and rand depreciation against its basket of international currencies. Vodacom reported that group service revenue was up 43.8%, or 9.8%, excluding Vodafone Egypt. South Africa service revenue grew 3.9%, underpinned by the contract segment, fixed and financial services. “International service revenue increased 23.8%, driven by data revenue growth and a weaker rand. Vodafone Egypt grew service revenue by 27.6% in local currency, as financial services revenue more than doubled. Group service revenue growth including Vodafone Egypt on a…

Sasol Gas, recently alleged by the Competition Commission to have overcharged prices for years, does not agree with an initial conclusion by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) that the maximum price of R120/GJ that the company had applied for, for the 2023 year, is excessive. Nersa has published Sasol Gas’s Amendment Maximum Gas Price (MGP) application for the period July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (FY2023). It also published Sasol Gas’s MGP application for July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 (FY2024). The pricing application follows the methodology that Nersa published in February 2023. Two weeks ago, the Competition Commission referred a complaint against Sasol for excessive pricing of natural piped gas to the Competition Tribunal, after the Commission found Sasol Gas had contravened the…

Leaders and ordinary citizens alike took to the streets to fight for what we know today as freedom. Our democracy was born out of violence and destroying economic infrastructure became an effective tool to fight against the apartheid government. In a country where you are voiceless and you are an economic minority despite being numerically a majority, destruction became a voice that could not be ignored. Destruction, therefore, became acceptable as it was an effective means to an end. As soon as democracy was attained with all the means and platforms to theoretically give a voice to all equally, violent methods of communication were supposed to end. Unfortunately, in practice, ordinary people continue to feel powerless and excluded from mainstream economy. As such, South Africa has for years been a…

May residential buildings plans passed showed further significant year-on-year decline due to the series of interest rate hikes impacting demand for new residential units, while a slowing economy has exerted pressure on household income growth, FNB Commercial Finance senior economist John Loos said in the bank’s latest Property Insights. With the SA Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee keeping interest rates on hold this month, the country may have reached the end of the interest rate hiking cycle, he said. However, FNB only expected interest rate cutting to start in 2024, and the full impact of the recent rate hiking and economic slowdown likely still had to be felt on residential demand, he said. “We expect some ‘levelling out’ on the level of residential building plans passed in the second half…

The former members of Jamali are getting back together to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Jacqui Carpede, Mariechan Luiters and Liesl Penniken shot to fame as 20-year olds in 2003 when they came second to Ghetto Lingo on the reality show Coca-Cola Popstars. They said they are “amped” to be getting together to celebrate with fans at the Jamali 20-year Legacy Celebration at the State Theatre on August 5 at 8pm. Carpede said the idea of doing the concert was inspired by the murder of rapper, AKA. “I was really saddened by this and in that moment I thought to myself that life is really short and that we have to do what we love all the time just as he was happy to be going to perform to his…

Rising inflation, increasing electricity tariffs, and the possibility of an interest rate hike are causing financial stress for many South Africans. This stress can have a significant impact on well-being and relationships. However, according to Lee Hancox, the head of channel and segment marketing at Sanlam, there are certain financial habits that can help alleviate some of the stress and empower individuals to feel more in control of their finances. Financial stress can have a debilitating effect on emotional and physical wellness, making it crucial to address it head-on. Hancox suggests seeking the assistance of a financial planner who can provide a practical step-by-step plan to navigate tough times without compromising future financial goals. One effective strategy to minimise financial stress is goal setting and creating vision boards. By documenting…

AFTER this year’s Diageo World Class bartending competition, Julian Short has been crowned South Africa’s best bartender after competing in gruelling challenges alongside 10 of South Africa’s top bartenders. By winning the competition, the 31-year-old has just secured his second South African Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year title, having previously won in 2017. Ballito’s Richie Nahlaka, bar manager at Alchemy Bar, came second, and Johannesburg’s Maynard Boozen, bar manager at Ethos, claimed third spot. Short will represent South Africa in the global final of the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from September 23 to 27. “I’m overjoyed about winning this year. I feel as though as you grow older, entering big competitions becomes about your ego. A lot of…

Prominent geologist brands lack of fire after gas leak ‘strange’ there is a possibility of more collapses in the City of Joburg according to acclaimed geologist Chris le Roux. This follows an underground blast and collapse in Lilian Ngoyi Street on Wednesday night. There are many theories as to what caused the collapse, but Le Roux indicated in an exclusive interview with The Star, that he would not rule out terrorist strikes that might lead to political unrest. Le Roux, who has over 20 years experience in Geology and Metallurgical exploration, said it may be possible that a gas explosion caused the collapse, but it was strange that the collapse had no remnants of fire, which would naturally follow a gas leak if an explosion were to happen. Le Roux…

Police in Limpopo, working with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and the SA National Defence Force, have seized counterfeit goods valued at over R5 million during an intensive operation conducted in Musina. Last week, the Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation members based in Musina received intelligence about illicit cigarette storage at premises in Musina. A sting operation was immediately conducted, according to Limpopo spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa. “The investigation led the team to a suspicious house in the area. When they arrived at the identified address, they found three vehicles, a Toyota Quantum, Toyota Corolla and a Nissan bakkie, parked inside the yard,” he said. “The Toyota Quantum was searched and the team found 29 master cases of Chele Chele illicit cigarettes, six loose packets…

The NFP expresses its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the recent suspected gas line explosion in Bree Street, Johannesburg. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community impacted by this unfortunate incident. We repeatedly raised concerns regarding the potential risks of gas line explosions in the greater Gauteng area, stretching from the East Rand to the West Rand, including areas like Riverlea, which are known for illegal mining activities. The possible link between illegal mining activities and the vulnerability of gas lines necessitates immediate attention. These activities pose a significant threat to gas lines, as they can damage and compromise the integrity of the pipelines. The NFP has been advocating for comprehensive measures to mitigate these risks and prevent potential disasters such…

Desiree Ellis wore a bright smile that could very well have solved South Africa’s energy crisis after seeing some familiar faces in the auditorium of the Wellington Regional Stadium yesterday morning. It seems to put the Banyana Banyana coach at ease, who must have realised after contemplating their opening World Cup match that they were their own worst enemy. South Africa lost 2-1 to Sweden in their first game in Group G after being in front. Early in the second half, Banyana took a surprising lead through Hildah Magaia before Fridolina Rolfö equalised and Amanda Ilester rose above the South Africans to score the winner in the last minute. This was a game that Banyana should have and could have won, given their chances in the first half when both…

Park Eun-seon was “humiliated” a decade ago by unfounded claims about her sex but has put the episode behind her to reach a third Women’s World Cup. And now the 36-year-old South Korean forward, who played her first World Cup 20 years ago, has one more ambition in what will be her farewell to the tournament. “I’ve never scored a goal at the World Cup and I’m training hard with the aim of scoring a goal,” Park said, in the lead-up to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. “As I always say, I’m really working hard now thinking this is my last World Cup.” South Korea begin their World Cup campaign tomorrow against Colombia in Sydney. Park’s long career has been marked by exceptional highs but also real…

MR PRICE flagged a growth in retail sales on the back of a strong performance by the recently acquired Studio 88 (S88). Mr Price acquired Studio 88, a retailer of branded leisure, lifestyle, and sporting apparel and footwear in October in a R3.6 billion deal. In its trading update for the 13 weeks ended July 1, 2023, the group said on Friday that it recorded growth in retail sales and other income of 21.4% to R8.4bn. The retailer said soft retail demand experienced by the sector during the second half of the 2023 financial year had continued into the first quarter of the 2024 financial year, aggravated by the highest levels of load shedding in the calendar year recor- ded in April and May 2023. “Consum- ers continued to…

The release of South Africa’s Inflation rate for June and the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to not increase the repo rate further – against market expectations of a 0.25% hike – did not contribute to a more bullish movement in equity, the bond, and the foreign exchange rate market. The all share index on the JSE ended the week 1.9% lower, while the Top40 lost 1.2%. On the back of a stronger rand since the previous Friday and the MPC decision, the Financial 15 index gained 1.5% last week. On news of a decline in South Africa’s retail trade – by 1.4% in May year-on-year following an upwardly revised 1.8% fall in the prior month and compared with market estimates of a 1.1% – the Industrial 25…

One of the crucial topics the BRICS nations will consider at their summit next month is the establishment of long-term payment systems for cross-border commerce, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. “Given the current international situation, this issue will be addressed during the upcoming meeting of the bloc’s leaders,” the Russia-based global TV news network RT reported the ministry as saying on Friday. The summit will be in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. The use of national currencies in cross-border commerce is hindered, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, by things like their restricted convertibility and higher volatility than the US dollar. The government also admitted that it would be a “delicate” process to possibly launch a new BRICS common currency. The BRICS nations have been seeking to shift further…

The recent ban on rice exports by India, a central global rice trade, could lead to an upswing in global rice prices, depending on the duration of the ban, the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) said on Friday. The ban on India’s rice exports was announced on Friday with a focus on non-basmati white and broken rice. This affected category typically accounts for 45% of the 22 million tons of rice that India exported to the global market annually. Agbiz earlier last week said India’s government was reportedly worried about inflation ahead of the upcoming elections. “However, the problem with this view is that India faces far less inflation pressure than other regions. For example, in June 2023, India’s annual consumer inflation was at 4.8%, down significantly from the start…

Only time will tell if Gqeberha: The Empire is on the chopping block or not, but is another season really needed? Television channel Mzansi Magic has refuted claims Gqeberha: The Empire will not be renewed for another season. Filmed entirely in the Eastern Cape, the show made its debut on local screens in January filled with a star-studded cast, featuring top names such as Zikhona Sodlaka. While the show had a slow start with viewers noting there was room for improvement, over time they started warming up to the show, resulting in numbers improving. According to a report by ZiMoja, not all is rosy on the production set of Gqeberha: The Empire and the show’s future is in the balance. “The show is said to be allegedly coming to an…

Theo Kgosinkwe’s wife, Vourné Kgosinkwe, is on her journey to possibly becoming the next Mrs South Africa. The mother of one entered Mrs South Africa 2023 and made it to the top 30 finalists. Taking to Instagram, she expressed gratitude to her husband, who’s been her biggest supporter. “To my biggest supporter: @theo_kgosinkwe. WE MADE IT TO THE TOP 30!! Thank you for all your love, support and for allowing me to be me!! My heart is honestly so full, and I’m so PROUD of myself!! Thank you all for the support, the beautiful DMs and just for believing in me,” she wrote. The Mafikizolo member responded: “Congratulations, my wife, for making it to the finals, I’m here to support you all the way. I’m proud of you – @vourne…

Kim Kardashian has admitted she “jumped into” her relationship “so fast” with comedian Pete Davidson. In the latest episode of The Kardashians, she told sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner: “It got my mind away from like stuff and that’s not a way to like run from things. It’s better to like, deal, heal… that’s a good one. Deal, heal, and then [feel].” Kardashian and Kanye West – who have kids North, 10, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four, together – finalised their divorce in March 2022 after six years of marriage, having been together since 2011. She and Davidson started dating in late 2021, months after she filed for divorce. They split after nine months, and earlier this year she opened up about the end of their romance. On…

THE Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, plans to visit the Grootvlei power station, Eskom’s oldest power station, after a fire broke out on Saturday, resulting in the loss of two units. Ramokgopa made the announcement yesterday while he was providing the media with a weekly update on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. The minister said he would be visiting the station to observe first-hand the extent and degree of the damage and to get an explanation beyond the written explanations and technical reports he was expecting. The Grootvlei power station, built in 1969, supplies 1 200 megawatts to the national grid. “I have been advised it’s not a major or catastrophic failure, and the fire was contained and extinguished with minimal essentials damaged. The team anticipates it should…

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has roped in technicians and engineers to help in the rebuilding of structures that have been damaged in Johannesburg after an explosion ripped through Bree Street last week. He said he has asked the Council for the Built Environment to get geologists, engineers and other experts to help in the process of fixing damaged buildings. The City of Johannesburg was still assessing the extent of the damage and how this will be addressed. The Department of Public works was also involved in the project of the restoration of parliament after it was damaged by a fire last year. The process is already under way for the restoration of the institution. Zikalala said they need to support the Gauteng province and the…

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), 2022 report for South Africa’s infrastructure shows where the cracks in the surfaces are, in terms of maintenance, communication between state entities and differences in financial reporting standards. SAICE is the industry body for South African civil engineers. Last week, a powerful explosion beneath Bree Street in the Joburg CBD threw minibus taxis into the air and opened up a huge crevice over some 50 metres. One person lost their life and at least 48 people have suffered minor to serious injuries and were hospitalised. In light of this disaster, we’ve decided to take a look at the state of South Africa’s road infrastructure to determine whether or not this could have been one of the contributing factors in the destruction of…

THE City of Tshwane’s lack of financial management, especially in the wake of the auditor-general’s (AG) adverse opinion incurred by the metro for the 2021/22 financial year, has been highlighted as a cause for concern for the parliamentary select committee on co-operative governance and traditional affairs, water and sanitation and human settlements. Committee members expressed the view during last week’s oversight visit to Tshwane and other municipalities in Gauteng. The lack of financial management in the City “requires urgent action to resolve”, the committee said. During the visit, the City outlined its plans to improve its dire financial position and the committee emphasised the necessity of effective implementation. However, the committee said the risk to achieving this was the lack of capacity and skills, especially in strategic roles within the…

Former Kaya FM presenter and founder of SHE, an online sex toy store, Katlego Mabusela, said more than 5 000 hours of podcast conversations also confirm that women want low-risk pleasure and meaningful connection. Mabusela’s start-up, SHE, has in the past two years produced podcast content that backs up the research into the insights of black women and their sexual desires. He says research by SHE indicates that sales of sex toys shot through the roof since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, resulting in an 8% surge in sales. Vibrators are said to be the biggest-selling sex toy online, accounting for up to 40% of monthly sales in the sex toy market. “Our customers range from single people to couples who want to spice up their…

South Africa’s world record-holder and 2016 Olympic champion Wayde van Niekerk continued his climb back towards podium potential by winning the 400m event at the Diamond League in London yesterday. Van Niekerk powered to his second victory in as many weeks in a time of 44.36 seconds, just edging American Bryce Deadmon (44.40), on the track where he won the second of his world titles in 2017. “Physically, I’m ticking all the right boxes, so hopefully I can just constantly improve and grow. Then, when I get to Budapest I can compete for medals,” Van Niekerk said after the race. Marie-Josee Ta Lou, meanwhile, showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with at next month’s world championships as she claimed another 100m win in a scorching 10.75…