Inhoudsopgave van 2023-08-04 - Star

Dr TSHEPO Mokoka has been appointed acting CEO of the Petroleum Agency SA (Pasa), effective August 1. Pasa said in a statement yesterday that Mokoka would take the reins from Dr Phindile Masangane, who has joined the private sector. Pasa also said its board was completing the recruitment process for the permanent CEO. Pasa said for several years, Mokoka had been an integral part of its oversight body, the Central Energy Fund (CEF). “He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and deep industry knowledge during his tenure as CEF’s chief operating officer. With a track record of successful projects and initiatives, he is well-equipped to steer the company confidently and competently through this transitional period,” it said. In response to his appointment, Mokoka said he was honoured and humbled by the…

Wealthy South Africans are leaving the country, and there doesn’t seem to be any stopping the trend. The numbers suggest one in every five high-net-worth individual (HNWIs) has sought greener pastures over the past decade, with around 1 500 heading for the exit in 2022. Why are they going? And where? Coreen van der Merwe, a director at Sovereign Trust SA, says there’s been a sharp uptick in interest in destinations such as Singapore, Canada, Australia and Malta, which all offer various options for relocation, are highly diversified economies and are supportive environments in which to do business. Other popular emigration destinations include the UK, the US, France, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland and the UAE. “HNWIs are actively focused on the flexibility that a foreign or second…

Party reaffirms its pledge to ensure the financial sector transforms THE ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has slammed Standard Bank’s (SBSA) continued attempts to shut down the bank accounts of Independent Media and 30 other subsidiaries of its parent company, Sekunjalo Holdings. Responding to detailed questions sent by the Daily News yesterday, the party’s provincial spokesperson, Mafika Mndebele, said Africa’s oldest liberation movement was opposed to any form of censorship or interference with the editorial independence of media houses. “We view Standard Bank’s decision to close down the bank accounts of your parent company Independent Media very seriously. In particular, we remain concerned that Standard Bank intends to close down bank accounts during the month of August. A period dedicated to observing Women’s Month and to promoting women’s empowerment,” he said. The…

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande has remained tight-lipped on his next move on the future of Unisa. A report compiled by Professor Themba Mosia in May was scathing in its findings following allegations against the VC (vice-chancellor) and maladministration and supply chain challenges at the institution. Mosia subsequently recommended that an administrator be appointed for Unisa, the council be disbanded and Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula be relieved of her duties. Many political parties have reacted to the report, with students, workers and workers’ unions, including the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union, calling for the resignation of LenkaBula and the university council. However, reports indicate that after months of applying his mind to the future of the troubled Unisa, Nzimande will be making…

This could be us Claire McGowan Loot (R265) Cosair This Could Be Us is a book about loss, family and redemption. Kate has failed at life. Once she had everything – a great job in journalism, a happy marriage to Andrew and a baby on the way – but when her second child, Kirsty, is born profoundly disabled, it all starts to fall apart. Five years on from Kirsty’s birth, Kate is at the end of her tether, smarting from a disastrous affair, unable to love her children, furious with her husband, mourning the career she lost. She decides the only way to survive is to do the unthinkable – and leave her family. Years later, when Adam and Kirsty have grown up, Andrew publishes his memoir about Kirsty learning…

Death of a Bookseller Alice Slater Loot (R377) Hodder & Stoughton I KNOW some wonderful booksellers in Cape Town so when I saw the title of this book, Death of a Bookseller, I was on it immediately. Not because I wanted to see a dead bookseller (heaven forbid), but because I was intrigued as to who in their right mind would want to kill someone who sells such precious items as books. But, of course, it goes far beyond book selling. Steady your nerves, as this is a novel that is unsettling, menacing and morbidly addictive. It has protagonists who needle you, a clever plot that has you guessing and some surprisingly quirky and funny moments. Where author Alice Slater got her inspiration from, I hesitate to think, but she…

“Curiosity killed the cat!” This is an appropriate idiom to grasp the dynamics involved in accident investigation after a natural disaster. Many people were curious about what caused the Bree Street explosion. This is understandable, given the fatality, injuries and the damage to infrastructure. The accident investigation report revealed that the explosion was caused by methane gas. The challenge is to reposition Johannesburg as a global leader in resilience. Expending efforts on accident investigation, while relegating resilience to the background is tantamount to playing tennis with the net down. Incident investigation is a titanic labour and, at times, investigators make erroneous conclusions based on available facts. The early Titanic investigations were no exception. The initial joint accident investigation between Britain and America concluded that the cause of the accident was…

SOLUTIONS, and not mudslinging, is what members of the legal fraternity pleaded for yesterday when they faced the Road Accident Fund (RAF) during a National Press Club media briefing in Pretoria yesterday. This followed an earlier memorandum they had issued regarding what they call “a state of emergency” at the RAF. “RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo should come to the party. We are not concerned about egos. We are concerned about members of the public, many of whom are the poorest of the poor who are victims of accidents. Let’s leave egos aside and find solutions,” was the overall message to the RAF. The legal fraternity pointed out that there was simply “a mess” at the RAF. Various stakeholders in the legal fraternity last month pleaded for urgent intervention to…

LIMPOPO MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has sent a team to investigate circumstances surrounding the death of a man who collapsed and died on his way home after he was allegedly turned away at Rammupudu Clinic. The man had visited the healthcare centre seeking medical attention. “Some community members allege that the man was denied medical assistance at the clinic,” said Thilivhali Muavha, Ramathuba’s spokesperson. “However, preliminary reports from the nursing staff indicate the patient was seen by the staff at the clinic who recommended that he be transferred to Groblersdal Hospital for further medical care and management.” In the nurses’ version of events, the patient refused to immediately go to the hospital, insisting that he first needed to consult at home before he could go to the hospital.…

THE saying dynamite comes in small packages epitomises deep house DJ and producer Slaga, whose stage name is not all that known, but has shared stages and studios with big names in the music industry since his career began in 2012. In fact Pretoria-born Lucky Mashigoane’s last performance was sharing a stage with arguably the best musician in the country at the moment, Makhadzi, at the South African State Theatre. He performed at the same event with DBN Gogo and amapiano king Kabza De Small. The 31 year old is also working with big names such as Black Motion and Lady Zamar. The humble musician describes himself as a visionary producer who passionately showcases the skill of underdogs of South African deep house music and celebrates the creativity and…

Banyana Banyana’s historic win at the Fifa Women’s World Cup has seen thousands of supporters, including celebrities, show their support on social media. The SA team smashed Italy in the knock-out rounds in their Group G clash in Wellington on Wednesday, attracting a massive celebration countrywide. Messages congratulating the team have been flooding in, with many expressing excitement ahead of their match. Esteemed media darling Bonang Matheba and award-winning radio personality Anele Mdoda were among many of those who hailed the women’s team for its victory. “We’re within! Re Tseeeene, knock-out stages! Congratulations, banyana ba rona! Wow, wow,” wrote Matheba on Twitter. Mdoda also posted a video of the team chanting a popular song, Hamba Wena, highlighting how they made the country proud. “Nguweeeeee igondo yam. Ladies, you have made…

The ANC, which governs South Africa, finally held its postponed Western Cape provincial elective congress in June. This was after painstaking years of electing branch and regional executives. The new executive is the first elected ANC Western Cape provincial executive in six years. These are among the first essential steps the ANC needed to take to be on a better footing to make gains in this province – the only one of nine it doesn’t control. But, the odds are stacked against the party making serious inroads in the province, let alone winning it. By history and demography, the ANC in the Western Cape faces tougher challenges than anywhere else in the country. In all other provinces, black Africans constitute the majority of voters. But in the Western Cape the…

Thousands of people rallied yesterday in Niger’s capital in support of the coup that toppled the democratically elected government, as security concerns mounted among Western nations. Demonstrators in the heart of Niamey, some brandishing giant Russian flags, chanted anti-French slogans at the rally called to mark the anniversary of the west African nation’s 1960 independence from France. Issiaka Hamadou, one of the protesters, said that it was “only security that interests us”, irrespective of whether it came from “Russia, China, Turkey, if they want to help us”. “We just don’t want the French, who have been looting us since 1960 – they’ve been there ever since and nothing has changed,” he said. The crowd at the rally around him was shouting “Down with France”, “Long live Russia, long live (Vladimir)…

Brasilia: At least 45 people have died in police raids targeting drug gangs across three states in Brazil, the media reported. In the latest operation yesterday in Rio de Janeiro, the police said that 10 people were killed during a shoot-out in the Complexo da Penha, a group of favelas in the north of the city. The victims included a drug trafficking kingpin, while four people were also injured. Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s most violent states. Meanwhile in the north-eastern state of Bahia, clashes between police and gang members occurred between in three cities of Salvador, Itatim and Camacari. | IANS…

Mamelodi Sundowns begin their quest for a seventh success Premiership title tonight (kick-off 7.30pm) with what many would see as an easy clash away against a Sekhukhune United outfit they have never lost to. In four clashes between the two sides since Ba Bina Noko entered the elite league, the reigning Premiership champions have won three times, all 2-0, while the other match ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Granted, stranger things have happened in this game of billions, but you will struggle to find a betting fan who will put his or her money on a Sekhukhune victory, the fact that coach Brandon Truter’s outfit are hosting the game at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane notwithstanding. In any case, home-ground advantage is unlikely to be a factor, with Sundowns…

AmaZulu FC and Royal AM have suffered mixed fortunes in pre-season and this makes for an unpredictable derby clash tomorrow (kick-off 5.30pm) in their DStv Premiership opener at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. Last weekend, Royal AM defeated AmaZulu 1-0 in the final of the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final in Ulundi. Usuthu played most of the match with 10 players after midfielder Sphesihle Maduna was red-carded just past the half-hour mark. A week earlier, AmaZulu were crowned KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Cup champions after defeating Richards Bay in the final. At the same tournament played at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, AmaZulu defeated Royal AM in the quarter-finals. AmaZulu’s new coach, Spaniard Pablo Martin, urged his players to be resilient and adapt to the match conditions. He reflected…

The Springboks play Argentina in Buenos Aires tomorrow (kick-off 9.10pm) in a Rugby World Cup warm-up game that doubles as the ‘Last Chance Saloon’ for the handful of players who are teetering on the brink. Looking at the precedent of the last World Cup and the way Bok bosses Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber typically select, a total of 14 or 15 of the 33-man squad will be backs, and the balance made up of forwards. You would think the following are safe: Utility backs Willie le Roux and Damian Willemse; wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe; centres Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, André Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel; flyhalves Handré Pollard and Manie Libbok; and scrumhalves Faf de Klerk and Grant Williams. That would suggest that in the Bok team…

We chatted with women across South Africa from all ages and walks of life to determine the invaluable wisdom that they would share with their younger selves about money and investments. Here are the top five recommendations: 1. Improve your financial literacy. Most women wished they had started sooner. This applies not only to saving and investments but also to improving their financial literacy. For many, this can feel tedious and like a mammoth task. Often, we fail on the first hurdle of “where to begin”. The best place to start is with yourself. Understand your spending habits better by budgeting and paying attention to what drives your spending decisions. Another simple way is to follow reputable people on social media and begin reading what they read and understanding their…

For hundreds of years, banks have put financial excellence at the heart of their operations. But as traditional banks rush to compete with the nimbler fintechs and digital-only challenger banks, too many leaders are neglecting the human element of their digital transformation programmes, and the result of this neglect could end up costing them far more than many imagine. A 2022 EY research report has found that businesses that put humans at the centre of their transformation efforts are 2.6 times more likely to succeed. For many banks, paying attention to the human element simply means designing the best possible user experience and making great talent decisions. But the same EY study showed that a transformation’s success or failure is rooted in human emotions, saying negative emotions among workers increase…

Ikapa Group Express Auctions will be hosting a South African Revenue Service Customs online auction on August 16, from 8am to 12.30pm. The auction will consist of items from the Durban warehouse, including Persian rugs, backpacks, umbrellas and mop and broom heads, solar water geysers, hairpieces and goods, money tins, new tyres, base oil, coveralls, dinner and glass cup sets, false nails, wallets, accessories and more. Viewing is on August 14 and 15 from 9am to 2.30pm. For more information, contact the auctioneer Johan at 082 854 4685 or visit www.ikapagroup.co.za. |…

SENZO Meyiwa’s childhood friend Mthokozisi Thwala faced a gruelling day on the witness stand as legal counsels for the five men on trial for the murder of Meyiwa accused him of tailoring his evidence and pointing out suspects “willy-nilly”. As the trial resumed in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria yesterday with the cross-examination of Thwala, he faced gruelling cross-examination from three of the defence counsels for the men on trial for the 2014 murder of the soccer player. Advocate Charles Mnisi, the counsel for the third accused, Mthobisi Mncube, questioned Thwala as to why, in his version, Meyiwa was allegedly lying next to the couch in the living area after he was shot by the intruders, whereas a neighbour, Khaya Ngcatshe, earlier gave evidence that he saw Meyiwa lying…

God is an octopus Ben Goldsmith Loot (R299) Bloomsbury Wildlife Struggling to comprehend the shocking death of his teenage daughter, Ben Goldsmith finds solace in nature by immersing himself in plans to re-wild his farm. In 2019, Goldsmith lost his 15-year-old daughter, Iris, in an accident on their family farm in Somerset. Iris’s death left her family reeling. Grasping for answers, Ben threw himself into searching for some ongoing trace of his beloved child, exploring ideas that until then had seemed too abstract to mean much to him. Missing his daughter terribly and struggling to imagine how he would face the rest of his life in the shadow of this loss, Ben found solace in nature, the object of a lifelong fascination. As Ben set about re-wilding his farm, nature…

Never Alone Natan Sharansky Loot (R457) Barnes & Noble In 1977, Natan Sharansky, a leading activist in the democratic dissident movement in the Soviet Union and the movement for free Jewish emigration, was arrested by the KGB. He spent nine years as a political prisoner, convicted of treason against the state. Never Alone reveals how Sharansky’s years in prison, many spent in harsh solitary confinement, prepared him for an extremely public life after his release. As an Israeli politician and the head of the Jewish Agency, Sharansky is described as bringing moral clarity and uncompromising honesty to the table. On one level the book can be seen as a series of public issues that Sharansky addresses with strong conviction such as his belief that Palestinian democracy must precede Palestinian statehood;…

The controversy surrounding EFF leader Julius Malema’s singing of the Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer revolutionary song at his party’s 10th anniversary rally in Joburg has ignited a fierce debate in South Africa. The DA leader has approached the UN while the Freedom Front Plus has laid charges against Malema. Even South African-born billionaire Elon Musk has weighed in on the issue. As a South African citizen, I believe that the singing of this song is controversial and potentially divisive. To someone who does not understand the historical context of the chant, it seems racist and deepens racial discord in the country. Political leaders have a duty to promote reconciliation and harmony and encourage unity among all South Africans. Malema used his rally as a platform to exercise the…

In the heart of Pretoria Central, a ray of sunshine breaks through the hustle and bustle of city life. Siyanda Manda has made it his life’s mission to share love and comfort with people through hugs. His heartfelt gestures have touched the lives of many, offering a glimmer of hope to those going through tough times. Manda, a 32-year-old happily married father of two who lives in Sunnypark, Sunnyside, was inspired to become the “hug-giver” after experiencing his fair share of personal struggles. “After my dad passed away and my mom was unlawfully arrested, we lost everything. I found myself homeless, staying at my grandparents’ home and friends and relatives for a place to stay. “Sometimes people just want a hug and to let them know that everything is going…

To the outside world, he was seen as a God-fearing man who attended church on Sundays. He was a preacher at an Apostolic church, but at home he abused his wife and strangled her to death. He then buried her body in a shallow grave along a riverbank. The reason for the murder was that he no longer wanted to be married to her. But, he was not prepared to share their joint estate – the RDP house in which they were living – with her following a divorce. Judge Daniel Thulare’s judgement not only ensured accused Babsy Ntamehlo will serve a life imprisonment term, he also declared that the patrimonial benefit – the house – will be forfeited by him in favour of the child. The judge also…

7de Laan fans are in for a treat as some cast members embark on a farewell tour. This follows the announcement of the Afrikaans soapie coming to an end after its 24th season in December. “Join us for the farewell roadshow! Gqeberha (PE) is the place to be on the first weekend of September!” read a post on the 7de Laan Instagram page. It continued: “Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with dance, singing, and cherished memories with your favourite actors! Mark your calendars for 1-2 September. “Eager fans can meet their favourite actors in a meet and greet at the Walmer Park Shopping Centre in Gqeberha (3pm-5pm) on September 1, Corkwood Square Mall in Uitenhage (10am-12pm) and Fountains Mall in Jeffreys Bay (3pm-5pm) on September 2. “Cast…

According to data shared by the consumer advocacy group, Vaping Saved My Life (VSML), over half of the participants in the 12-week vaping trial quit smoking. The group reveals that in a follow-up survey conducted a few weeks after the 12-week challenge period had ended, 41% of respondents were still not smoking. It added that among those who had relapsed, 46% said that although they still smoked a little, it was a small fraction of their prior consumption, and they felt optimistic about their ability to successfully quit in the future using vaping products. All of the close-out survey participants said they would recommend switching to vaping to friends or family members who smoke as a means of reducing their harm exposure or helping them to quit smoking entirely. In…

Standard Bank South Africa’s notice to shut down Independent Media’s bank accounts is a severe affront to media freedom and a dire warning of the dangers when financial institutions are co-opted and used as a political cudgel. Worse still, when banks are used as a weapon to fight political battles and muzzle those who question, hold a different view or are opposed to the establishment by shutting their bank accounts. Standard Bank SA issued letters to Independent Media and 30 other Sekunjalo Group companies, informing them of the closure of their business bank accounts on August 21. The bank decided to terminate the accounts based on fear of reputational damage following unfavourable media reports on the AYO and the PIC matter. But a settlement in the Western Cape High Court…

Tokyo: At least two people have died and over 60 have been injured as the powerful typhoon Khanun continued to batter Japan’s southern island prefecture of Okinawa yesterday. Triggering severe outages in the prefecture, the sixth typhoon of the year left 24% of households in Okinawa without electricity, an official said. About 61 people were injured due to the typhoon, which also caused traffic light malfunctions. At least 314 flights and over 40 000 passengers were expected to be affected. With a maximum wind speed of 60m per second, the typhoon is projected to head west-northwest today while maintaining its strength over the East China Sea. | IANS…

DARFUR: The estimated number of people facing acute food insecurity in Sudan has risen faster than expected to 20.3 million, or 42% of the population, as a conflict between rival military factions deepens a humanitarian crisis, a food security body said. Khartoum, Darfur and parts of Kordofan have seen fighting, attacks and looting since the war broke out in mid-April, according to the Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC). Aid agencies have struggled to deliver relief. Amnesty International said extensive war crimes were being committed. | Reuters…

Stock markets have traditionally been the place where investors, retail and institutional, have had access to the most successful asset class for inflation-beating growth – listed shares or equities. But stock markets globally are facing a crisis. Fewer new companies are listing on them and existing companies are leaving them, resulting in a shrinkage of listed equities available for investment. In a report for London-based asset manager Schroders, Duncan Lamont, the firm’s head of strategic research, notes that the number of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange is down 60% since 1996, from 2 700 companies to 1 100. The US stock market has shrunk by 40% since 1996, and there have been similar drops in Germany (down 40% since 2007) and other bourses. Lamont says that in the…

It’s Women’s Month and the ladies are out in full force to paint the town red. Let’s kick it off with an active start, where you can join the Secret Sunrise Women’s Day Dance. Get ready to dance and shine this Women’s Day (August 9) at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, where you will meet women from all walks of life as they embark on one mission: to get fit and celebrate life. The event aims to celebrate life through music, movement and connection. Skilled and qualified facilitators will guide you through a journey that encompasses mindfulness, improvisation and movement. From 9am to 10am, the Secret Sunrise Women’s Day Dance will be a vibrant and invigorating experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and connected. So gather a group of…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has noted the statement made by EFF president Julius Malema during his press conference on Wednesday at the party’s headquarters in the Johannesburg CBD. The Revenue Service noted Malema saying that there was a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter where Ramaphosa gave Kieswetter an instruction to investigate the tax affairs of those that attended and sponsored the EFF gala dinner held on July 27. “Today’s statement was preceded by the statement made by Mr Malema on Saturday at the EFF rally that Sars is ‘harassing’ his family with a view to find anything unlawful against him for nefarious purposes,” said Sars. Sars said it did not usually comment on statements made about it in the party-political realm. However, it…

FOLLOWING an appeal to anyone who might help find Bidvest Protea Coin company’s working dog Shiba, a tip-off from a Crossroads resident led to her discovery. She had been sold to a man living in that area for R300. The German shepherd working dog was found safe and unharmed after she was taken during a hijacking in Philippi, Cape Town, on July 25. According to the company’s dog handler, Gerrit Levin, they received a tip from someone living in Crossroads. Together with the police, they followed the lead to a man’s house in the area. “After we shared that someone saw Shiba with two African men crossing over to Crossroads, yesterday we received a call telling us a German shepherd had been spotted at a house in that area. “When…

Kala Colin Walsh Loot (R400) Doubleday Six teenagers, perched on their bikes, preparing to hurtle down a steep hill and through a narrow gap at the bottom where the path meets the main road. “The idea is to go cycling down the hill and then pedal blind through the gap, cutting clean and unscathed across the road.” We think: “Oh, no! Something terrible’s going to happen!” And it is. But not now. Kala, Walsh’s debut novel, is a master class in building suspense. When “the gang” reassembles, two are missing: Kala, who disappeared in 2003, and Aidan, who – well, we don’t know. His funeral is mentioned, and “everything Auntie Pauline went through” with him. Once Joe’s return and an impending wedding bring the old friends together, the discovery of…

Impossible Skies Life with my brother, the artist Walter Meyer Frans Meyer Loot (R275) Melinda Ferguson Books For as long as I can remember I have been a fan of Walter Meyer. His sensitively portrayed and highly evocative landscapes, quintessentially South African are almost immediately identifiable as his. Meyer was a complex man who lived for his art and creating scenes inspired by his never-ending love of open spaces and the stillness and peace of nature, the place where his soul could rest, often at odds with the raging demons within. Frans, Walter’s beloved brother, offers an honest and often emotional account – here were two brothers who lived up to the phrase of brotherly love in the most intense way, and if anyone knew Walter, it was Frans. They…

Abracadabra! Boom! Six-thousand jobs are to be created every month till July next year. Who was hoarding all the job opportunities? It’s the penultimate year of elections. The youths from the other eight provinces must descend on the gold rush. It’s an inexplicable mystery and contradiction. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s boss, President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the government doesn’t tread on the job creation terrain. We’ve been fooled for far too long. It is key that we monitor these crunched numbers. What happens at the end of the employment contract? Let’s stop glamourising this acute unemployment by giving populist’s name, Nasi iSpani. Simply deliver jobs to the desperate and idling youth without unnecessary hype. Unemployment is a crisis in SA and not a spectacle. The ANC needs to seriously tackle corruption…

THE Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, has sentenced 41-year-old, Anwar Gaffor to 45 years’ imprisonment after convicting him on three counts of fraud. Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane, said the court ordered that sentences imposed on counts 2 and 3 run concurrently with the sentence for count 1, resulting in an effective 15 years’ jail time. “Gaffor and his company, Ceiling and Partitioner Installers, were charged with three counts of fraud. During the period (from) September 9, 2019, the accused submitted fictitious VAT 201 returns to the SA Revenue Service (Sars). He unduly benefited from VAT refunds worth over R2.9 million,” Mjonondwane said. “Any person who carries on any enterprise is compelled … to register for VAT with Sars. Once…

SEOUL: A man in a South Korean commuter town rammed his car into passers-by yesterday then got out and stabbed some, killing one person and injuring another 12, police said. The unexplained attack in the commuter town of Seongnam near the capital Seoul came days after another rare stabbing attack which killed one person and wounded three others. Police said yesterday’s assailant – reportedly a man in his twenties with a delivery job and suffering from mental health issues – was arrested after apparently hitting people randomly. | Reuters…

WASHINGTON: Hyundai Motor and Kia said yesterday they were recalling more than 91 000 newer vehicles in the US because of fire risks and urged owners to park outside and away from structures pending repairs. The recall covers Hyundai 2023-2024 Palisade, 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles and 2023-2024 Seltos and 2023 Kia Soul, Sportage vehicles. The Korean automakers said electronic controllers for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat. | Reuters…

Retired NFL great Tom Brady is now a minority owner of English second-tier football club Birmingham City FC. The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback’s partnership with team owner Knighthead Capital Management LLC was announced yesterday, Brady’s 46th birthday. “I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham,” said Brady, who becomes a chairman of the club’s advisory board. A Birmingham City news release said Brady, who retired in February after 23 seasons in the NFL, will apply his “extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club, including working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programmes”. Brady won six Super Bowl championships with…