Tabla de contenidos para 2025-12-04 en Star

The Central Energy Fund (CEF) says it is preparing to absorb fuel infrastructure and other assets from global oil companies that are scaling down operations in South Africa, as part of its strategy to secure national fuel supply and strengthen its downstream footprint. Acting Group CEO Sifiso Msabala told Parliament that several oil majors, including Shell, have approached the State-Owned Entity with proposals to offload assets as they retreat from the local market. "We have a very clear understanding of how the majors have been behaving in wanting to sell in that space. A number of them are offloading their assets. The State cannot be caught in a situation where the assets are not attended to as we will be the last resort for fuel," Msabala said. "Some of…

South Africa has just come through its most demanding tourism year since the 2010 FIFA World Cup as Johannesburg hosted the G20 Summit. The event brought heads of state, ministerial teams, security units, media crews and technical staff to the country, who depend on reliable logistics and high-quality service, which placed real pressure on hospitality, tourism and events businesses that must deliver at a global standard while managing the usual seasonal peaks. Consider the magnitude of the G20 as an operation; delegations travelled with specialist staff, protocol requirements, and strict security expectations. As such, hotels had to balance full occupancy with seamless guest handling, conference venues had to deliver consistent technical and service execution, and restaurants and travel companies had to accommodate fluctuating demand while maintaining speed and accuracy. This…

The South African Poultry Association’s (SAPA) renewed call for chicken to be zero-rated for VAT has drawn mixed reactions from economists and industry analysts, as pressure mounts to ease the burden of rising food prices on low-income households. SAPA confirmed that it has formally submitted a proposal to the National Treasury, requesting the removal of the 15% value-added tax (VAT) on chicken in the 2026 National Budget in February. CEO of SAPA’s Broiler Organisation, Izaak Breitenbach, said on Wednesday that the proposal follows Treasury’s call for submissions after a parliamentary committee last year recommended expanding the list of VAT-exempt basic foodstuffs. "At present, tinned pilchards are the only meat protein zero-rated for VAT, with the remaining proteins on the list limited to plant-based or dairy options," he said. "These alternatives…

A concerning trend has emerged within South Africa's small business sector as a new report revealed that 67% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) plan to raise prices by up to 10% over the next six months. This shift is largely a response to relentless operational cost pressures, posing significant challenges for the sustainability of these businesses in an increasingly volatile economic environment. The latest Small Business Growth Index (SBGI) report, based on a comprehensive survey of more than 2,000 SMEs, highlights the precarious state of the sector, indicating that fewer than four out of ten of these businesses believe they can withstand the current pressures for more than a year without external support. The SBGI was launched earlier this year through a collaborative effort between Absa Business Banking, the…

The African Rail Industry Association (ARIA) has hailed the R3.4 billion investment in locomotive production by Traxtion as a move that will enable competitive and open-access rail network, and reinforce Transnet’s capacity to support national targets. Traxtion on Tuesday announced that the investment, part of a broader R5bn private-sector commitment made at the launch of the National Rail Policy in 2022, will help expand freight capacity and accelerate sector reforms. The programme includes R1.8bn for locomotives and R1.6bn for wagons, with a minimum 60% local content requirement. Construction and deployment are expected to create 662 direct jobs. ARIA on Wednesday said the investment represents the largest private freight rail commitment in South Africa’s history and provides “definitive validation” of government’s reform efforts. The association said it offers tangible relief for…

The South African government continues to defend the low pass rate of 30% for “Bantu Education in the Modern Era,” which undermines the country’s entire educational system. This is according to Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane, who has consistently advocated for a higher minimum standard, such as 50%, and has made numerous attempts to eliminate the 30% pass mark. This week, he failed again, as Parliament voted to keep South Africa’s 30% pass mark, effectively ending BOSA’s campaign to abolish what it calls “nothing more than Bantu Education in the modern era”. On Tuesday evening, Maimane confirmed the outcome, saying the party had failed in its bid to eliminate the use of 30% as a pass mark at any level of the public education system. Maimane said:…

The South African government continues to defend the low pass rate of 30% for “Bantu Education in the Modern Era,” which undermines the country’s entire educational system. This is according to Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane, who has consistently advocated for a higher minimum standard, such as 50%, and has made numerous attempts to eliminate the 30% pass mark. This week, he failed again, as Parliament voted to keep South Africa’s 30% pass mark, effectively ending BOSA’s campaign to abolish what it calls “nothing more than Bantu Education in the modern era”. On Tuesday evening, Maimane confirmed the outcome, saying the party had failed in its bid to eliminate the use of 30% as a pass mark at any level of the public education system. Maimane said:…

The Joburg Caucus of ActionSA has declared that it will support a motion to remove the contentious R230 fixed electricity surcharge that the ANC-led council imposed on locals. The party claimed that the surcharge, which was approved despite widespread community and civil society opposition, demonstrates a council that is disconnected from the realities of ordinary residents. “These fees disproportionately affect poor and working-class households which are already battling rising food prices, unemployment, and service failures,” said Khomo Mashala, ActionSA Joburg Caucus EISD Whip. He added that the surcharge is unjust, anti-poor, and a blunt tool that penalises residents while leaving municipal inefficiencies unaddressed. The announcement follows Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza’s suspension of a similar fixed electricity surcharge, a move ActionSA said should serve as a wake-up call for other municipalities.…

A Chinese factory reportedly making “childlike” sex dolls sold on major internet shopping platforms is under official investigation, local authorities said yesterday. Online news outlet The Paper reported that several factories in southern Guangdong province were producing customisable dolls with “childlike pornography characteristics”. The items – including some designed to appear “pregnant” – were being sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms like Taobao and the Instagram-like Xiaohongshu, the report earlier yesterday said. District regulators in Huizhou city said a team was investigating one factory allegedly making the dolls and had ordered it to “immediately suspend production”. A public outcry erupted last month after French authorities accused global e-commerce giant Shein of selling sex dolls resembling children. Shein, founded in China but now based in Singapore, barred sales of sex dolls on…

After more than 6 000 kilometres of relentless testing, the Defender Dakar D7X-R is ready to make its debut in the 2026 Dakar Rally starting in January in Saudi Arabia. They will be competing in the new Stock category, launched for 2026, which stipulates what must not be changed from the production vehicle, as well as what and how modifications can be made. The Defender Dakar D7X-R adopts the same D7x body architecture, transmission and driveline layout as the Defender OCTA. The rally version will also be powered by the OCTA’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine – another element that cannot be modified – and will run on an advanced sustainable fuel. Crews will endure more than 80 hours of competitive driving over two weeks and around 5 000 kilometres of…

As the Nedbank Golf Challenge (NGC) begins at the Gary Player Country Club (GPCC) at Sun City, it will come with a host of new challengers for players. As one of the marquee courses in South Africa, GPCC is continually striving to provide a sterner test for the top golfers in the world. The 2025 edition will be no different, with a number of changes to some of the most well-known holes that may just prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the tournament. In an exclusive interview with Independent Online, NGC tournament director Ken Payet spoke about the changes to the famed layout made alongside Gary Player. “When it comes to the NGC, we’re synonymous with providing both a great spectacle and challenge for the players,” said Payet. “Player…

Proteas opening batter Aiden Markram brought up his fourth ODI century in Raipur to lead South Africa to a series-levelling four-wicket victory against India yesterday as the visitors recorded their third-biggest run chase in ODI cricket. Markram (106), after being under a bit of pressure as an opening batter, responded with a statement century in Raipur as he smashed India’s bowlers all around the park to bring up his fourth ODI ton. The 31-year-old struck 10 boundaries and four sixes during his 30-over stay at the crease and put South Africa in a good position to chase the 359-run target. The Proteas’ victory wasn’t without a bit of adversity, as they lost Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi due to injury, leaving the visitors with only eight wickets to chase…

When Fifa president Gianni Infantino first paid a visit to Donald Trump at the White House in 2018, he won over the US president with a gift: an oversized red card, which he jokingly suggested Trump could brandish “whenever you want to kick someone out.” Trump, delighted, wasted no time in flashing the card to the assembled press corps — a gesture that neatly captured his often combative relationship with the media. What seemed a playful exchange between the head of world football and the US leader would prove to be the opening act in one of the most contentious alliances in sport. Tomorrow, Trump and Infantino’s burgeoning bromance will be back on display when they take centre stage at the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in Washington.…

South Africa’s transport and logistics industry has warned of higher operating costs, rising consumer prices and pressure on holiday travel budgets after the government announced steep fuel price increases for December. This comes as both grades of petrol rose by 29 cents per litre on Wednesday, while diesel saw even sharper increases of 65.48 cents per litre for 0.05% sulphur diesel and 82.48 cents per litre for 0.005% sulphur diesel. The timing, coinciding with the height of the festive season, has raised concerns across the logistics, agricultural and labour sectors. Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), said that the increase in petrol and diesel at the beginning of December is not a good omen and will have an immediate impact on transporters who purchase fuel daily. “The…

South Africa’s private sector recorded another month of deteriorating business conditions in November, with the S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) slipping to 49.0, signalling a second consecutive monthly contraction. Although slightly better than October’s reading of 48.8, the second consecutive month of decline highlights a subdued end to 2025 for the economy. The S&P PMI corresponds with the seasonally adjusted Absa PMI released earlier this week, which showed that sentiment plunged by 7.2 points to 42, its weakest reading in several months and well below the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. According to the S&P survey data collected between November 12–26, firms continued to grapple with reduced output and a shortage of new business, particularly in domestic markets. Activity levels dropped at the fastest rate…

What if the difference between a struggling idea and a thriving venture is not money, not technology, but in fact people? Behind every bold vision lies a network of unseen supporters, collaborators, and co-creators who build alongside the dreamer. Across the world, communities have become the invisible scaffolding that allows ideas to rise, take shape, and withstand the uncertainty that comes with starting something new. Entrepreneurship rarely grows in isolation. From iHub to Co-Creation Hub and 22 On Sloane, we see how spaces that nurture belonging become the heartbeat of innovation. These are not just places to work. They are places where entrepreneurs exchange stories of failure and breakthrough, where collaboration becomes the quiet pulse that keeps ideas alive. In Africa, this sense of togetherness runs even deeper. The continent…

Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered an average of 500 000 malicious files per day in 2025, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Certain types of threats saw growth globally – there was a 59% surge in password stealer detections, a 51% growth in spyware detections, and a 6% growth in backdoor detections compared to 2024. These findings are part of the Kaspersky Security Bulletin series where it reviews the key cybersecurity trends of the past year. Windows remains the primary target for cyberattacks. 48% of users on Windows were targeted by different types of threats throughout 2025. For Mac users, this figure stands at 29%. Web threats Globally, 27% of users were attacked with web threats – these refer to malware that targets users when they are online.…

Sizwe Hosmed Medical Scheme says it has made substantial progress towards long-term stability and financial sustainability of the scheme and its members, with the focus now on building membership over the next few months. This was according to the scheme's Curator Lebogane Mpakati, who said Wednesday that since her appointment, she has been managing the scheme to stabilise operations and to access to healthcare facilities for members. Service providers have been engaged to resolve issues, following industry concerns and healthcare access restrictions for members in the past few months, due to the scheme's financial position. "Within a few months after my appointment, the scheme's members are now able to access more healthcare services across most service providers. Most hospital groups have since reopened access to members, supported by more predictable…

Following South African sporting and music successes on the global stage, the team behind David are hoping that the new biblical animated musical will be one of Mzansi’s biggest breakout films internationally to date. Produced in Cape Town, the production features the character of David from the Book of Samuel in the Old Testament. The movie is also a follow-up to the five-part television miniseries Young David, which tells the story of a young shepherd, poet and warrior who is predestined to become the new King of Israel. David’s voice cast includes Grammy nominee Phil Wickham as young David, with Brandon Engman and Young Artist Award winner Sloan Lucas Muldown reprising their roles from Young David. The cast also features two-time Grammy winner Lauren Daigle, award-winning Israeli singer Miri Mesika…

Popular podcaster MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho recently confirmed that he is willing to undergo gender sensitisation sessions. His decision comes after presenter, TV producer and actress Minnie Dlamini filed a complaint at the Johannesburg Equality Court about hate speech and discrimination. The case began after MacG made misogynistic remarks during an episode of Podcast and Chill in April. MacG, along with his co-host Sol Phenduka, discussed Dlamini’s breakup with Dr Brian Monaisa. MacG made comments suggesting Dlamini was only interested in relationships for money, saying things like “she just wanted to secure the bag”. He also commented that the split might be due to Dlamini’s hygiene, making a crude remark about her private parts. Many viewers saw these remarks as slut-shaming. After the episode aired, the comments went viral and many…

Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza addressed numerous pressing matters during the 58th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly on Tuesday, highlighting the significant challenges that tariffs and funding cuts are taking on South Africa’s economy and healthcare system. Didiza opened the discussion by focusing on the harsh realities of tariffs affecting trade within SADC member states. “With regards to the Automotive Industry, it would be recalled that the US is a major destination for South African automotive exports. Proposed or imposed tariffs (e.g., 25% on vehicles) have led to higher costs and reduced competitiveness for South African-made vehicles in the US market, which could potentially slow demand,” Didiza said. She said the steel and aluminium industries have also been affected by the US tariffs, disrupting global supply chains and increasing manufacturing…

Dozens of ANC councillors were absent on the second day of the City of Johannesburg council meeting, many citing ill-health ahead of the party’s three-day regional conference starting later this afternoon. This prompted City of Joburg Speaker Margaret Arnolds to quip that she wondered if the ANC councillors ate the same food as a number of them fell ill, unlike their counterparts from other parties. Council chief whip and ANC councillor Khazamula Chauke read a list of apologies, mostly due to ill-health, not feeling well, seeing a doctor, or leaving early to seek medical assistance. Others asked to leave early if council business is not concluded, while others said they had family commitments, matters, and business to take care of, among other reasons. “On a very light note, I want…

Amapiano producer DJ Nastor is setting the festive season alight with a new track called 40 percent that is already stirring excitement online. Instead of relying on traditional music rollouts, the song is making its debut through a high-energy TikTok launch, engineered to spark dance challenges and tap directly into the pulse of South Africa’s youth-driven digital culture. The track, created through a creative partnership with Miway that allowed DJ Nastor full room to experiment, marks a bold new chapter in his evolution as a producer who understands the power of social influence. Merging his signature sound with a hook designed for instant virality, he said the goal was to create music that lives beyond branding and speaks to the spontaneity, rhythm, and global rise of Amapiano. The first rollout…

It used to be that naturally aspirated V8 engines were commonplace on our roads, but the world’s obsession with being greener, downsizing, using less fossil fuel and consumers looking for smaller, less powerful and thirstier vehicles has almost reduced them exclusively to the race track in most countries. V8 Mustang Locally, the only V8 available off the showroom floor is the Ford Mustang with its 5.0-litre Coyote engine. Before the latest Mustang was released, Ford dabbled with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, which buyers ignored like a stop sign on a quiet street, so they stopped importing them. Fortunately, America still bucks the trend and continues its avid love affair with the V8. You see, V8s are about a visceral experience that speaks to the soul as only a true…

In a year that will be remembered as a turning point for South African women’s rugby, the Springbok Women have done more than make history — they have captured the imagination of a nation. Their run to the 2025 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in England, the first in the team’s history, was not just a sporting milestone but a testament to years of belief and determination. For a side that has often battled for resources, attention, and respect, 2025 has become the year in which everything clicked. At the heart of this rise is a coaching trio who refused to accept the constraints they had to perform under: Swys de Bruin, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, and Franzel September. Their combined influence has reshaped not only the team’s rugby identity but also the…

AmaZulu are still a “work in progress”, which is why they are not getting carried away despite their strong start to the campaign, with coach Arthur Zwane insisting there is still room for improvement — particularly as the club continues to integrate and develop young players. Usuthu are guaranteed a top-five finish to the year after heading into the AFCON break with 24 points from seven wins, three draws and four defeats. That’s an impressive return, given the club’s long-stated ambition of becoming a top-four side. In fact, Usuthu briefly tasted life among the chasing pack when they beat Golden Arrows 1–0 on Tuesday night to climb to third on the log — although Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United were still to play on Wednesday and Sunday respectively. Given all…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has moved to attach PetroSA’s mothballed Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) refinery in Mossel Bay as the state-owned oil company struggles to settle more than R4.5 billion in unpaid licensing and duty fees. PetroSA executives told Parliament this week that Sars officials arrived at the company’s offices last Tuesday to discuss a repayment plan, followed shortly by a formal notice demanding a response by Friday, 5 December. Failure to comply would allow Sars to proceed with attaching the refinery as security for the debt. Nombulelo Tyandela, PetroSA's chief financial office, said the refinery’s book value, R340 million, falls far short of the amount owed. "Looking at the balance sheet, the refinery is sitting at R340m. We owe Sars R4.5bn. The attachment won't cover sufficiently what they want…

South Africa recorded a welcome rebound in business sentiment in the final quarter of 2025, with the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) rising by five points to 44, its highest level this year and three points above the long-term average. The improvement follows two consecutive quarters of decline and reflects a broad recovery across five of the six sectors surveyed. Only building contractors reported weaker sentiment. RMB said the latest uptick represents a “green shoot” - promising, but still fragile - and stressed that continued structural reform and steady demand will determine whether business confidence strengthens sustainably. According to RMB Chief Economist Isaah Mhlanga, the uptick is not a dramatic shift but marks a “meaningful turn in the right direction”. “The key positive is that the improvement is broad-based. Even…

As December ushers in the festive season, the landscape for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa appears cautiously optimistic, thanks to positive developments in fiscal conditions and consumer spending. Miguel da Silva, Group Executive of Business Banking at TymeBank, provides insights into the factors influencing this encouraging outlook for SMEs as they navigate the end of 2025. The forthcoming review by Moody’s on South Africa’s credit rating, scheduled for 5 December, is a pivotal moment for the economy. Currently rated Ba2, just shy of investment grade, Moody’s will consider the implications of recent credit upgrades performed by S&P Global Ratings, which marked a significant milestone for the country. In November, S&P upgraded South Africa’s foreign currency long-term sovereign rating from BB- to BB and lifted the local currency…

World economic activity will remain “subdued” next year amid trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions that are restraining investment outside of artificial intelligence and weighing on government finances, a UN agency predicted in a new report. Global growth will weaken this year to 2.6% and maintain that pace in 2026, according to the report released this week by the Geneva-based UN Conference on Trade and Development. After a 2.9% expansion last year, those projections if realized would be 0.4 percentage point lower than the pre-pandemic average. “The global economy and trade have shown resilience during 2024 and 2025,” Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the United Nations agency, said in an interview. “But the reasons may not be sustainable if we don’t lower uncertainty and we don’t go back to some predictability for…

Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza addressed numerous pressing matters during the 58th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly on Tuesday, highlighting the significant challenges that tariffs and funding cuts are taking on South Africa’s economy and healthcare system. Didiza opened the discussion by focusing on the harsh realities of tariffs affecting trade within SADC member states. “With regards to the Automotive Industry, it would be recalled that the US is a major destination for South African automotive exports. Proposed or imposed tariffs (e.g., 25% on vehicles) have led to higher costs and reduced competitiveness for South African-made vehicles in the US market, which could potentially slow demand,” Didiza said. She said the steel and aluminium industries have also been affected by the US tariffs, disrupting global supply chains and increasing manufacturing…

After nearly 80 years of waiting, Enid Blyton’s popular children’s novel, The Magic Faraway Tree, is set to be transformed into a big-screen adventure. The adaptation will follow the magical escapades of three children and is slated for release in March 2026. Originally published in 1939, the Faraway Tree series has enchanted generations of people with its tales of whimsy. BAFTA winner Simon Farnaby, known for his work on Paddington 2, is leading the adaptation, while Ben Gregor, who has directed shows like Cuckoo and Doc Martin, will take the helm as director. The story will centre on three siblings, Joe, Beth and Frannie, who discover a magical tree after their family moves to the English countryside. As they climb this extraordinary tree, they meet delightful characters like Moonface, Silky,…

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has denied any wrongdoing following allegations that he facilitated donations of vehicles to the municipality from companies linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Mkhwanazi has been accused of facilitating the registration of those private vehicles under the municipality’s name and having them fitted with blue lights. He also allegedly entered into two memoranda of understanding for the city with Medicare 24 and CAT VIP Security, companies tied to Matlala without the consent of the council and city manager. Yesterday, Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the city’s senior management team, which included suspended chief of police Isaac Mapiyeye and heads of departments, were aware of the donations Matlala intended to make to the municipality. He testified that his…

The Auditor-General of South Africa has revealed that more than 59 municipalities spent a staggering R2.32 billion on water tankering services during the 2023-2024 financial year, as the country’s water infrastructure continues to deteriorate. Speaking to the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation on Tuesday, Jolene Pillay, Senior Manager at the Auditor-General, highlighted a series of alarming findings about water service delivery across the country, warning that without urgent action, these challenges will worsen. The Auditor-General’s report pointed to a systemic failure in water service planning and management. While many entities in the water sector, including the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Water Trading Entity (WTE), and the seven national water boards, were found to be unqualified in their audits, the findings also revealed that the majority of South…

The leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC), Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, will remain behind bars after his bail application was postponed during an appearance before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court yesterday. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sandlana informed the court that he was not ready to proceed with his bail application, prompting the magistrate to roll the matter over to March 6, 2026, for further investigations. “The case against the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, 64, was postponed to 6 March 2026 for further investigations because Sandlana was not ready to proceed with his bail application. “His three co-accused, a Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria Judge, Portia Phahlane, 57, her son Kagiso Phahlane, 32, and…

Angels & Demons Dan Brown Narrated by Richard Poe Simon & Schuster Audio UK GATHER around and buckle up for a sci-fi adventure like no other. If you’re in the mood for a captivating story that marries thrilling suspense with thoughtful exploration of science and religion, then Dan Brown’s Audiobook Angels & Demons is the audiobook you won't want to miss. Released late in August, this mammoth listen stretches over 18 hours, offering a rollercoaster ride of brain-teasing entertainment wrapped in an intelligent narrative. In Angels & Demons, we are introduced to the world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who is called to action at a Swiss research facility. Here, he is tasked with analysing a baffling symbol scorched into the chest of a murdered physicist. What begins as a simple…

Y, the heartbeat of Joburg’s youth culture, is turning up the heat this summer with LYFE, the ultimate music experience happening this Saturday, 6 December, at Marks Park, Emmarentia. This year, LYFE brings the vibe with an exclusive performance by international R&B sensation Sabrina Claudio, best known for her sultry hits like Belong to You and Unravel Me. Joining her on the lineup is local favourite Lloyiso and Swazi-born, SA-based artist and producer newcomer Manana. Through their powerful and ethereal singing, both these artists channel deep, emotional insights into love and the ties that bind us. The LYFE’s lineup also includes a mix of Y’s very own Rarri, Fif Laaa, DJ FaeFae, Just Mo and so much more, set to create a full day of pure energy, good music, and…

Audi South Africa has significantly updated their S3 Sportback hatch and the Sedan with styling cues, an increase in power and mechanical revisions that give the pair a true hot hatch and sedan flavour. All about performance Two key changes make these vehicles game-changers in the segment. The first is under the bonnet with the familiar 2.0 TFSI engine upgraded to 245kW and 420Nm, an increase of 32kW and 20Nm. It provides smoother and stronger acceleration and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds for both versions and a limited top speed of 250km/h. The seven-speed S tronic transmission has been tweaked for a sharper take-off and quicker shifts, while the turbocharger has been enhanced with pre-loading and optimised throttle response. The most significant change, especially for those who appreciate…

Kia played it safe with the first-generation Seltos compact SUV, perhaps a little too safe, but that caution goes to the wind with the all-new model that’s set to make its global debut on December 10. The second-generation Kia Seltos, judging by this first drop of official teaser images, takes a somewhat more daring approach with its ultra-wide grille that now incorporates the headlights, while slim vertical “Star Map” daytime running lights flank it on each side. Crafted around Kia’s so-called “Opposited United” design language, the new Seltos has a sleek new shape that seems to take inspiration from the EV4 electric crossover, complete with flush door handles. Love it or hate it, the redesigned Seltos certainly looks a great deal more modern than the current version. Details remain thin…

In the age of generative artificial intelligence, creators, lawyers and companies are asking, “If I prompt an AI system to write an article or generate a picture, is it still my work?” Can that same AI system generate identical content for two different users and leave us both none the wiser? And what rights do I, as a South African creator, have to protect so-called AI-protected work”? These questions are central to authorship, ownership and the future of our cultural economy. Copyright in South Africa is governed by the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 (“the Copyright Act”), which grants the owner of original works the right to reproduce, adapt and distribute them. The Act defines an “author” as a natural person and in limited instances, acknowledges “computer-generated works” where the…

Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis revelaed the team’s focus remains firmly on their objective, stressing that they will not take Marumo Gallants lightly when they contest the Carling Knockout Cup final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Fresh from lifting the MTN8 earlier this season, Pirates are eyeing a second piece of silverware as they look to recreate the type of dominance they last enjoyed during their treble-winning 2012/13 campaign. The team has demonstrated impressive consistency in recent months, showing measured dominance throughout their cup run. They secured their spot in the final with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC in the semi-finals. Although widely considered favourites, Pirates understand that cup finals carry their own unpredictability and pressure. Their earlier 2–1 league defeat to Gallants in…

The Springboks have what amounts to a series of training runs in their 2027 World Cup Pool B matches against Italy, Georgia and Romania, but matters get deadly serious from the quarter-finals onward. As the highly likely winner of Pool B, the Boks are destined to play the winner of Pool A — either New Zealand or Australia — in the quarter-finals, provided they negotiate their way through the new Round of 16 that follows the pool games. This should not be a problem for the top teams because they will play relative minnows in the Round of 16. On current form, it would seem the Boks are on course to play the All Blacks, the opponents they beat in the 2023 final, but a lot can happen over the…

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed he ignores social media to protect himself from abuse, even if it means losing out on lucrative sponsorship contracts. The Portuguese coach has endured a rollercoaster first year in charge at Old Trafford. United finished 15th in the Premier League last season – their worst top-flight campaign since being relegated in 1973/74 – and failed to qualify for European competition. Results have improved slightly in recent weeks, lifting Amorim’s men into seventh place ahead of West Ham’s visit tonight. The 40-year-old said online abuse was now an inevitable part of life for top-level managers, and he avoids social media and punditry shows to shield himself and his family. “I don’t read it. I protect myself,” he told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.…