Inhoudsopgave van 2022-06-22 - Star

After gaining years of experience in construction and tired of being seen as a “paper pusher” in the male-dominated industry, Kokeletso Moiloa decided to use her know-how to start her company, Blue Dot Consulting. Founded in 2015 and based in Johannesburg, Blue Dot Consulting is a construction company that focuses on building construction, building renovations, development, maintenance of infrastructure, engineering, and consulting quantity surveying. Moiloa told Business Report, “After working in the construction industry for a while, I saw that it’s one of the industries that are still not really welcoming for women to operate in it. “Women are just viewed as ‘paper pushers’ only suitable for roles in administration and finance. There are fewer women in managerial positions and other top positions within the industry,” Moiloa said. “The future…

THE Gauteng Traffic Police High-Speed Unit has vowed to clamp down on speedsters with the assistance of the latest technological devices. In fact, the unit reported that its recent successful arrest of speedsters were due to the use of the latest devices such as the Moving Violation Recorder. The recorder was a much welcomed boost to law enforcement’s efforts to curb speeding on South African roads, as the device recorded the average speed measured over a minimum of 500 metres, it said. The speeding event was recorded and downloaded for investigation and prosecution purposes. Just this past weekend, Gauteng Traffic Police had arrested seven drivers caught speeding during high-speed unit operations conducted along major provincial routes and freeways. The average speed of the drivers arrested ranged from 166km/h to 215km/h,…

Musicians Chicco Twala and Owen Ndlovu have joined forces with other artists to compose a song titled Izikhukhula in the hope of raising R15 million to assist the victims of the KwaZulu-Natal floods. Ndlovu, who is the executive producer and founder of the initiative, said one of the conventional ways Africans use to honour any situation is through music. With Izikhukhula there is a profound message directed to those who are victims and gives comfort to their ordeal, he said. “We thought let’s sit down and come up with a song that will comfort the people. We believe the song we came up with is a good song to support people who are going through hard emotions right now. “We will never know the extent of their loss, and we…

MORE health practitioners, frustrated by conditions at home, are increasingly toying with the idea of looking for greener pastures. Tempting as it might be, it is not without challenges. In one country, a successful gynaecologist and obstetric consultant was recruited with a promise of a huge salary, accommodation and many other attractive perks. Excited, he sold his house, furniture and everything he owned. He emigrated with his family. In his host country, where he was to become head of the department, taking over from an expatriate who had worked there for years, a plan to sabotage him was hatched. During the six-month probation period, he was not given an opportunity to perform surgery. At the end of the probation He was said to be incompetent because he had never performed…

With the country’s youth wrapping up their month next week, perhaps the time has come for the ANC-led government to take unpopular decisions and make education compulsory to solve the high unemployment rate among young people. We make this call because the problem of unemployment is mostly structural – meaning people lack skills or hold qualifications not demanded by the economy. The bigger portion of unemployed graduates hold teaching qualifications but there is a surplus of teachers; and even if posts become available it is for scarce subjects – maths and science – but many youths avoid these subjects. So even if the government intervenes by applying expansionary fiscal policies – increase spending and reduce taxes – it would not significantly reduce unemployment because most youth do not have the…

ROSEBUD: US President Joe Biden yesterday announced his intention to appoint Mohegan Indian Tribe Lifetime Chief Marilynn Malerba as US Treasurer, marking the first time a Native American’s signature will appear on US currency. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who was visiting the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota yesterday, also announced the creation of a new Treasury Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, which will report to the treasurer and administer tribal relations. Malerba’s appointment by Biden also will allow Yellen’s signature to be added to the US currency, as this was prohibited without a US treasurer in place. Dollar notes have been printed since Yellen took office last year with former Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin’s signature on them. “Chief Malerba will expand our unique relationship with tribal nations,…

Seoul: South Korea says it has launched its homegrown space rocket and placed a payload into orbit in a “giant leap” for the country’s quest to become an advanced space-faring nation. The Korea Satellite Launch Vehicle II, nicknamed Nuri, achieved its target altitude of 700km, and it separated a performance verification satellite and put it into orbit. South Korea is the seventh nation in the world to launch a space vehicle with homegrown technology. It plans to launch a moon orbiter in August, and land a probe on the moon by 2030. | AFP…

TWO more churchgoers drowned while two survived after being baptised at Masetheko Dam in Maleboho near Polokwane on Sunday. According to police, a pastor and a congregant drowned in a similar fashion last week at Mogol River in Lephalale. The pastor was reportedly conducting a baptismal ritual in the dam when four people, who were to be baptised, fell into the dam. One of them managed to swim out. A woman was rescued and the remaining two drowned. Elvis Ramakgaphola, 21, and Michael Rampa, 29, of Mohodi Ga-Mathabatha drowned on Sunday. Police spokesperson Mamphaswa Seabi said the two bodies were retrieved by divers from the SAPS search and rescue unit at about 4.30pm. “Two cases of inquest have been opened and police investigations are continuing,” Seabi said. In the incident…

The ANC in Joburg has called on the party’s top leadership in Gauteng under David Makhura to exert pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet to scrap e-tolls and attend to rising food prices in the country. The region, led by chairperson Dada Morero, is of the view that such a move would result in the ANC regaining control of the City of Joburg and an increase in their party’s membership, which has been dwindling over the years. Now, Morero and his supporters are hoping that the Gauteng ANC will adopt their resolutions at its upcoming provincial elective conference, possibly this week. Yesterday, Gauteng ANC secretary Jacob Khawe said his region would announce its state of readiness for the conference today. However, it is unclear whether the conference will…

THE past weekend news headlines were all about the cattle auction at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. If you had not followed the news closely, you’d be forgiven for not being aware that for the Magadla family in Dlamini, Soweto, this weekend marked one week since their son, Khayalethu, 7, went missing after he slipped and fell into an uncovered manhole nearby. Such is our concern for our children. We would rather debate endlessly about the sale of the Ankole cattle, the media being denied access to the auction of these animals, and everything related to the so-called Farmgate, than be concerned about the life of a young boy who is missing. In June – Youth Month – when everyone makes the obligatory comments about how…

THE popular set and concept designer Gift Kgosierileng is set to honour his mother by exhibiting his creative collection of art, costume, and set designs on 25 June in Sandton Central Square. His passion and affinity for art have earned him several accolades that he prides himself on, and that has given him a reputation as a steward of the authentic African Expression. Kgosi’s work tells you everything you need to know about his roots, as some of his creations give a hint of his heritage which reflects the rich and iconic aesthetic of the Khoi people. As a fashion/ set designer and creative director, his work ideas are brought to life through nature, various textures, intriguing imperfect shapes and endless pools of colours and shades. The talent hailing from…

Two young South African scientists will be jetting off to Tunisia to compete in an international science fair. They will be competing at the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia with their research. The festival will be held in Monastir, Tunisia, from Friday to June 30, and is organised by the Tunisian Association for the future of Science and Technology. The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists selected Kutlwano Tshatiwa, a Grade 12 learner at Gabonewe High School in Madikwe, North West, and Ethan de Wet, a matric learner at Curro Durbanville in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to represent South Africa. The Eskom Development Foundation said Tshatiwa was selected to participate in the festival because of his vast knowledge and experience in machine learning. “He is a resourceful, quick…

The refurbishment of the Sedibeng Fresh Produce Market has the potential to create 4 000 new job opportunities in the area. During a recent oversight visit, I had the opportunity to see, first-hand, the difference this market can make to the economy of this province, including boosting food security. This refurbishment of this market also offers the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA) an opportunity to show the residents of our province that they are able to add value to important projects in our province, that will provide job seekers with much-needed job opportunities. Should this project be successfully implemented by GIFA and restored to its former glory, the market will once again be the goose that lays the golden egg.…

While KZN was still recovering from the huge loss of billions of rand in damage to infrastructure, and much more from the loss to the economy when factories could not operate and goods could not be delivered and many shops were burned to the ground, another calamity hit the province when we had the terrible floods of two months ago in the second week of April. The floods added billions of rand in damage to infrastructure over and above the damage done by the July 2021 riots. Just last week, for the first time since April 8, Tongaat had fresh water after the Gift of the Givers drilled boreholes and provided filters for the community. The boreholes were installed outside schools to facilitate access for all community members. A greater…

Israel’s unlikely coalition government, the first backed by an Arab party, was forged a year ago to oust right-wing premier Benjamin Netanyahu, but ultimately collapsed over the Palestinian conflict. As a result, Israel looks headed for new elections – the fifth in less than four years – and the threat of widening fissures between the groups that made up the eight-party “change” alliance. The veteran Netanyahu, some observers predict, will battle for a comeback in part by exploiting divisions between the right-wing Jewish and Arab-Israeli groups that had managed to co-operate for 12 months. During that time, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held together the ideologically disparate coalition of hawks, centrists, doves and Arab Islamists, united chiefly in their desire to oust Netanyahu after 13 years in power. Bennett, who is…

BEIJING: Two provinces in south China upgraded flood warnings yesterday as rivers overflowed their banks and waters reached record levels, forcing people from their homes and disrupting work after weeks of pounding rain, state media reported. Guangdong province’s Shaoguan city, where average rainfall since late May has broken records, raised its flood alert to the highest, Level 1. Authorities asked residents of communities along river banks and in low-lying areas to move to higher ground, after floodwaters hit a 50-year high. | Reuters…

Malé: Islamic extremists stormed an India-backed public yoga session in the Maldives yesterday, with police in the South Asian tourist paradise firing tear gas to clear the mob. Dozens of people waving white flags emblazoned with religious slogans chased out a crowd sitting on gym mats and preparing to mark International Yoga Day at a football stadium in the capital, Male. Police responded with tear gas and arrested six people after the mob smashed billboards advertising the event, organised by the sports ministry and the local Indian Cultural Centre. The mob claimed the meditative practice was against the teachings of Islam. | AFP…

Kaizer Chiefs continued to lead the surge in transfer-window activity from Premier Soccer League clubs as they released two more players yesterday after announcing seven new recruits the previous night. Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya were the latest pair to be shown the exit door at Naturena, with the remodelling of the squad in full swing. Amakhosi stepped up their preparations for the 2022/23 season by adding seven more players to the squad on Monday. The arrival of Dillan Solomons, Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Lehlogonolo George Matlou from Swallows FC, Ashley du Preez and Zitha Kwinika from Stellenbosch and Siyethemba Sithebe from AmaZulu FC are a signal of intent from Chiefs, while 18-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala was also rewarded with a three-year first team contract for his fine displays in the Diski…

In the aftermath of the United Rugby Championship final, Bulls director of rugby Jake White was asked whether he thinks the Springboks should pick overseas-based players. White reiterated his stance that he doesn’t agree with the current policy allowing Bok coach Jacques Nienaber to choose whoever he wants to. White felt that making overseas-based South Africans eligible for Bok selection gives top local players little reason to stay at home, as they can earn big salaries in foreign currency and still play Test rugby – the proverbial have-your-cake-and-eat-it scenario. But of course, some of those players Nienaber does utilise are among the best in the world in their positions, and most certainly the best South Africans. Here we are talking about Cheslin Kolbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Eben…

A WEST Rand family has opened a criminal case following an alleged bullying incident at their son’s Krugersdorp school which left the Grade 8 learner with a concussion. On June 15, the Krugersdorp High School learner, who cannot be named, was walking with his friend to look for a teacher, who was supposed to look after his class for physical education, following an exam when they were approached by three other Grade 8 learners, who had allegedly threatened him the night before. He told The Star yesterday that the boys proceeded to push him and call him names before one took out his phone and started recording a video. “One of them started hitting me, and he slapped me on my face. When I tried to ask him what’s wrong,…

From page 1 “We have written to the minister of public works about the subsequent security upgrades at the president’s Phala Phala farm, and whether they were paid for, in full or part, using public funds. “We have written to Tina Joemat-Pettersson, the chairperson of the portfolio committee overseeing the police, requesting that Major-General Wally Rhoode appears before the committee,” announced Steenhuisen. Approached for comment, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Ngwenya refused to comment on the matter. Independent political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said the DA was actively forcing state institutions to do their job. “There is a reasonable apprehension that law enforcement agencies are implicated. As such their ability to investigate this matter without fear is questionable. Ramaphosa may have fooled many people by presenting himself as holier than thou. Reality…

Religious minorities in Asia are stealthily being ethnically cleansed, with the threat of genocide looming ahead as an unconcerned world looks on passively. Since the early decades of the 20th century, minorities have witnessed persecution and prosecution while the International Order remained mute and docile when war crimes and violations of The United Nations Charter were brazenly enacted. Whenever and wherever intolerance looms, and wherever there is impunity for unspeakable crimes, humanity must be on the lookout for the warning signs of approaching genocide. It is well known the UN is not the repository of world power, which still resides with major powers, who have their own political agenda’s. It is these selfish and gutless powers who have failed humanity over the past 50 years as genocide took place in…

We often reflect about the true meaning of happiness, and how to attain lasting joy and fulfilment in our lives. We see, all around us, people trying to discover answers to the question. Many try to find happiness through material objects: by acquiring a better house, a newer car, a faster computer… The happiness resulting from these activities is temporary. “Happiness,” according to the Bahá’í Writings, “consists of two kinds – physical and spiritual. The physical happiness is limited; its utmost duration is one day, one month, one year … Spiritual happiness is eternal and unfathomable. This kind of happiness appeareth in one’s soul with the love of God and suffereth one to attain to the virtues and perfections of the world of humanity.” Happiness is being filled with joy,…

In parts of Africa, a small bird called the Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator), helps people search for honey. It approaches people, chatters and flies in the direction of a wild bees’ nest, urging the person to follow. When bird and human reach the nest together, the human honey- hunter knows just what to do: they subdue the bees and harvest the honey with smoke and tools. When that’s done, the bird feeds on the beeswax and larvae left. This scene has been playing out in Africa for thousands of years. It might even date from up to 1.5 million years ago, when hominins are thought to have gained control of fire. The human-bird partnership is a remarkable example of co-operation between people and wild animals that has arisen through natural…

Phnom Penh: A fisherman on the Mekong River in Cambodia has hooked the biggest freshwater fish ever recorded, scientists said, a 300kg stingray. The giant freshwater stingray, which measured 4m from snout to tail, was caught and released back into the wild after being fitted with a tag to track its behaviour. The monstrous bottom-dweller beat the previous record for biggest recorded freshwater fish, held by a 293kg Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2005. More than 1 000 fish species call the Mekong home. Scientists have warned that plastic waste threatens wildlife even in the deepest stretches of the Mekong. | AFP…

London: The UK is facing the biggest rail strike in 30 years after 50 000 union members walked out demanding an 11% pay rise, affecting millions of commuters across the country. Yesterday’s strike is the first of three national rail strikes across England, Scotland and Wales, with two more planned for tomorrow and Saturday. Authorities have advised the general public to try not to travel as only a fifth of trains are due to run on half of the network. London Underground workers also went on strike over pensions and job losses, forcing commuters to take alternate transport. | IANS…

Orlando Pirates have done Bafana Bafana a massive favour by signing 21-year-old Baroka FC striker Evidence Makgopa, a key player in the national team’s rebuilding plan. Bafana coach Hugo Broos has come under fire for including Makgopa in the most recent Afcon qualifier squad to face Morocco after the striker had a lean spell of three league goals in 28 matches. In his defence, Broos said: “I keep confidence in him because if I let him down now, he’s gone, and I don’t want that because this is a young guy with qualities. “I hope that he will one day go to a club where they will work with him, and you will see, he will be a good striker.” At Pirates, Makgopa will be training far more intensely and…