Inhoudsopgave van 2023-10-11 - Star

Growth for 2023 has been raised, but ongoing power crisis will be a drag in the entire region THE INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised South Africa’s growth forecast for 2023, but warned that the ongoing power crisis in the country will be a drag on growth in the sub- Saharan Africa region. In its World Economic Outlook (WEO), the IMF said yesterday that South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) would inch higher to 0.9% in 2023, a 0.6 percentage point upward revision up from 0.3% previously forecast in July. This IMF growth projection is better than the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) forecast of 0.7%, and might give the central bank reason to be bullish at the monetary policy committee final meeting for the year next month. However,…

THE TREASURY has extended the closing date for the Eskom Municipal Debt Relief Support Programme. In a statement it said yesterday that the closing date for the pro- gramme was set for September 30, but had now been extended to October 31 to accom- modate more municipalities into the pro- gramme. On March 31, the Treasury’s Inter- governmental Relations unit issued MFMA Circular No 124 as part of the Eskom Munici- pal Debt Relief. “The government’s debt relief package for Eskom is intended to im- prove the utility’s balance sheet and facili-tates the proposal for Eskom to write off municipal debt under strict conditions and with the guidance of the National Treasury. The primary problem the government wants to solve is Eskom’s financial and debt crisis which also requires a…

MEGANATHAN “Mark” Gounder, the chief financial officer (CFO) of Hulamin, has been appointed as the CEO with effect from December 1. Aluminium semi-fabricator Hulamin said yesterday Gounder would replace Geoff Watson, who was previously an independent non-executive director and was appointed as the interim CEO on October 1, 2022. Watson would return to the role of non-executive director with effect from December 1. The board said: “Mark joined Hulamin on April 1, 2021, as the CFO. During his tenure as CFO, he has developed a deep understanding of Hulamin and has been instrumental in leading a number of key strategic projects, including successfully implementing an enterprise-wide transformation journey focused on streamlining processes and driving efficiencies across the entire business. “His extensive background and wealth of experience makes him an…

IN A SURPRISING turn of events on Monday, the Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan issued a press release announcing the resignation and departure of Mpho Makwana, the chairperson of Eskom. The press release skimped on the reasons for his resignation. The emphasis was on the cordial manner in which Makwana decided to exit the power utility. Makwana will be finishing his tenure as chairperson and executive director of the board of Eskom at the upcoming Annual General Meeting at the end of October 2023. He was a great Eskom chairperson. I feel that he might have felt a little bit undermined, overlooked and undervalued. But he did a sterling job of pulling Eskom together and giving it direction. This as there are too many captains in Eskom trying to…

AFRICAN leaders should follow China’s example by checking the reli- ability and efficiency of new energy technologies “before we can unbundle old technologies”, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said yesterday. Speaking at the Africa Oil Week conference in Cape Town, he said climate change was “rapidly being weaponised against the least developed. Instead of considering the realities facing each country, climate change standards are set by the developed nations and imposed on the developing nations”. He also took aim at Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) again – he did so in other recent speeches – claiming that they “are also being used to weaponise environmental preservation to block development in developing nations”. “This is a reality that we are faced with in South Africa, hence we demand that…

THE CULLING of infected and in-contact chickens must be done in a humane manner and the assistance of the National Council of SPCAs could be called in if required, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (Dalrrd) advised yesterday in the face of an unprecedented outbreak of avian influenza. This as South Africa contends with a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which the Agricultural Business Chamber told Business Report had infected more than 100 farms. In an urgent request on Monday for the import and/or registration of vaccines to deal with the problem, the South African Poultry Association (Sapa) said the situation in the industry was critical. Sapa said the culling of 7.2 million chickens, with about 11 million affected by the outbreak, highlighted the gravity…

A new show, Bae Beyond Borders, is set to stream on Showmax from October 23. The reality TV dating show will feature eight weeks of “romance, friendships, make-ups and heart-wrenching breakups”, the streamer shared, with new episodes dropping every Monday. Showmax also dropped a trailer for the upcoming show, which sees four South African women looking for a Nigerian man to date (and hopefully marry). “They say true love knows no bounds, we say true love has no borders omo,” they shared on IG, “#BaeBeyondBorders coming soon to Showmax”. The reality TV show sees the women have their pick of 12 Nigerian bachelors from different walks of life. Through online speed dating, the women collectively choose eight men who’ve impressed them the most and then travel to Nigeria to…

A 64-year-old man has been handed an 18-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a minor. The Galeshewe Regional Court delivered its verdict on September 29, finding the accused guilty. Consequently, he was sentenced to 18 years of direct imprisonment. According to the Northern Cape police, the accused had visited a friend in Vergenoeg, Galeshewe. During the visit, an 8-year-old girl was left in the company of the accused when her father briefly stepped out to fetch something from a neighbour’s house. On the father’s return, his daughter reported that she had been sexually assaulted by the accused. Police were notified, leading to the opening of a case docket and the subsequent arrest of the accused on charges of rape. Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape,…

THE recently council-approved report for the City of Tshwane to transfer more than 9ha of land to SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) will make possible Phase 1 of the Moloto Road Corridor upgrades. MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kingsley Wakelin said the imminent upgrades would cover the Moepel Street Overpass across Sefako Makgatho Drive, including roads and interchanges in Eersterust. Tshwane and Sanral have signed a memorandum of understanding as a commitment to see the upgrades completed and to facilitate working relations between the two organisations. Wakelin said the project would be facilitated through a council- approved memorandum of understanding entered into by both parties. “With this progressive step, Sanral will now finalise the next key phases of the Moloto Road Corridor project, which is a crucial development for…

Meta Media, a dynamic full-service media agency, is excited to announce the launch of Curious Conversations. This is a podcast that challenges assumptions, and sparks meaningful discussions by diving into the most debated topics in the media and marketing industry. Hosted by Kagiso Musi, group managing director at Meta Media, Curious Conversations features interviews with an eclectic group of industry experts, thought leaders, business professionals, marketers and creatives who share their expertise, wisdom and insights on topics such as procurement, innovation and creativity; diversity and inclusion; and ethics and accountability. “We are thrilled to introduce Curious Conversations to marketers around the world. In this unique period of change, Curious Conversations is timely and relevant because the media and marketing industry is facing unprecedented changes due to technological, social and economic…

THE Gauteng Department of Health is among several institutions that have distanced themselves from a self-proclaimed social media doctor who has been giving medical advice to his followers. The department said “Dr Matthew Lani”, as he calls himself, managed to weave his way into the system pretending to be in the employ of the Helen Joseph Hospital, where he moved around the hospital corridors curating content for social media. A case of impersonating a medical doctor was opened at the Brixton Police Station in Johannesburg on Monday, after the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) also distanced itself from Lani, stressing that his name did not appear in the register of health practitioners. The council revealed that no authorisation was granted to anyone to make statements on behalf of…

Civil society organisation Right2Justice (R2J) has vowed to defend former SAA board chairperson Dudu Myeni against what it calls political attacks waged against her by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse. Outa has been pushing for Myeni to be sequestrated over the hundreds of millions of rand she allegedly cost the national airline. Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage has accused her of being a delinquent director, responsible for the destruction of SAA following the State Capture Commission report’s damning findings against her. “Much of this was known for several years now. The fact that she got away with this for so long is an example of how accountability has failed society at every level of government, while friends of ex-president (Jacob) Zuma benefited handsomely for their various roles played in the looting,”…

When it comes to World Cups – in any sport – fans and coaches actually often prefer to go with the experienced option when it comes to a tight selection call. Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus face a number of selection headaches for Sunday’s quarter-final against France. Of course, if you had to ask 10 different people, they would probably name you 10 different starting line-ups and replacement benches. But what has been refreshing about this Bok set-up over the last two seasons is that they have been willing to spread the net wider and provide opportunities to new players who have earned their way into the reckoning with outstanding performances. With all of that said and done, the time has come for the Bok…

Belgian attacking midfielder Eden Hazard announced his retirement on Tuesday after failing to find another club following his release by Real Madrid. The 32-year-old endured an injury-plagued spell at Real Madrid after his £89million (about R2.1billion) move from Chelsea in 2019, playing just 76 matches in all competitions across four seasons. “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard wrote on Instagram. “After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.” Hazard had a far happier time at Chelsea, winning both the Premier League title and Uefa Europa League twice, as well as the FA and League Cup from 2012-2019. He was also integral to Belgium’s impressive run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals,…

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is not reading too much into their “Cup specialists” tag as they go in search of their fourth domestic trophy in a row. Pirates successfully defended the MTN8 crown last Saturday to ensure they won the last three Cup finals in South Africa, having also bagged the Nedbank Cup last season. But now the top flight has three Cup competitions, including the Carling Knockout, which was launched yesterday. All 16 teams in the Premiership will compete in the new tournament, which will kick-off next weekend, with Pirates retaining the favourites tag. Riveiro, speaking from Hyde Park, Johannesburg, yesterday said he is focused on reaching another final, having put the past triumphs to bed. “If you want to be in the final, you’ll have to beat…

STATE risk insurer SA Special Risk Insurance Association (Sasria) has asked National Treasury for a six to eight year dividend payment hiatus to build up its reserves to at least R30 billion. The call was prompted by insurance payouts due to the historic July unrest to the tune of R31bn and the looming prospect of youth unemployment, which the entity deems imminent. Sasria CEO Mpumelelo Tyikwe said yesterday, that youth unemployment was a ticking time bomb amongst people who had the capacity to wreak immense destruction, and called for all sectors to address the challenge. “When we talk about State failure implications, it is the level of destruction that can occur and how we would be able to deal with it. There is an exceedingly high level of youth unemployment.…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that the government will implement evidence-driven policies to drive economic growth and create jobs as South Africa’s population has increased by 10.3 million since 2011. This comes as Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) yesterday released the results of its Census 2022, showing that the population of South Africa increased from 51.7m in 2011 to more than 62m in 2022; a growth rate of 1.8% in the intercensal period. This is the largest percentage change in population size since 1996. StatsSA said 50.5 million of South Africa’s population were black Africans. The median age nationally has increased by six-years, from 22-years-old in 1996 to 28-years-old in 2022. The South African population and housing census provides a mechanism for the country to take stock of the…

THE ZAMBIAN government is expected to make a final decision on the sale of Mopani Copper Mines this month, securing a new investor for the assets it bought from Glencore in 2021, a source with knowledge of the matter said. Zambia’s Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe had initially said a new investor for the copper mines, which are struggling to make a profit, would be selected by the end of July. The process has been delayed by complex negotiations, as it also involves Glencore, which Mopani owes money, the source said. Glencore has previously said it will not comment on the sales process as it has exited the assets. ZCCM IH, a unit of the Zambian government, is being advised by Rothschild & Co on the Mopani sale. It has presented…

NASDAQ-listed internet-of-things (IoT) services company Powerfleet Inc aims to attain a secondary listing on the JSE in terms of a proposed share-swop merger scheme with JSE-listed MiX Telematics. MiX Telematics’ share price shot up 15.59% to close at R5.19 on the JSE yesterday. On the Nasdaq, at the same time, Powerfleet’s share price was 25.73% higher at $2.73 (R52.85). The companies said in a joint statement yesterday that Powerfleet intended to acquire all of MiX’s shares by way of a scheme of arrangement, and the scheme would result in the termination of MiX’s JSE and American Depositary Receipts Program listings. After the proposed deal was done, erstwhile MiX shareholders would hold 65.5% of the enlarged share capi- tal of PowerFleet. In terms of the plan between the two companies, PowerFleet…

SOUTH Africa’s master plan to develop its gas market is finally ready after repeated delays as it aims to reduce its carbon emissions, and avoid chronic power outages that have plagued Africa’s most developed economy for years. The master plan will go to the cabinet before public release, a senior official at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) said yesterday.“It is done, it is going through the internal processes to go to ca binet for public comment”, Jacob Mbele, the chief director at the DMRE said. South Africa wants to diversify its energy mix away from ageing coal-fired power plants prone to breakdowns, and help reduce harmful emissions from the continent’s top polluter. The country estimates that it has gas resources of around 60 trillion cubic…

PPARLIAMENT’S Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is playing its last card in the stand-off with retired SA Police Service Brigadier Jaap Burger to voluntarily appear before it to give information related to financial mismanagement and corruption at Eskom by the 25th of this month or face being summonsed for information submitted by former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter. The evidence relates to the allegations made by former Eskom boss, De Ruyter, that high-ranking politicians were involved in corruption at the power utility, information he had submitted to Burger. De Ruyter had also commissioned an intelligence report that allegedly named some of the people involved in fleecing Eskom. This is as legal advise given Scopa by senior parliamentary legal advisor Frank Jenkins shot down Burger’s arguments that Eskom was a…

Streaming giant Netflix has refuted social media “reports” that Kelly Khumalo and Zandile Khumalo-Gumede have signed a R22-million deal to produce a docu-series about the events that took place in the house the day Senzo Meyiwa was killed. A tweet from Joy-Zelda spread like wildfire on X, after they claimed that the musicians had signed the multi- million rand deal with Netflix about the night Meyiwa was shot in their mother’s Vosloorus home. “There is no truth to these ‘reports’, there is no deal between the Khumalos and Netflix,” said a spokesperson. Last year, Ten10 Films produced a five-part documentary series on the murder of Meyiwa, which was screened on Netflix before the trial began. Several witnesses were interviewed, which formed part of the series, and viewers were invited to…

About 3 000 amabutho (Zulu regiments) and maidens are expected to descend on Pretoria to support King Misuzulu’s court battle with his half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu. The long-awaited trial is due to run from Monday to Wednesday next week. It is expected to put to bed the protracted battle over who is the rightful heir to succeed the late King Zwelithini as Zulu king. King Misuzulu and Prince Simakade are biological sons of the late king and are from different mothers. In a letter penned by the king’s office to the Tshwane Municipality, the office said it would be bussing in amabutho to attend the court case, so it was requesting an open field or hall around the court precinct with the capacity for 3 000 people. “The Zulu…

AS NIGERIA marked its 63rd anniversary of Independence Day, several diplomats, representatives of the South African government, members of the academia, local and international media gathered in Pretoria to celebrate the grand occasion. In his keynote address, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in South Africa, Muhammad Haruna Manta said the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries are a testament to the enduring friendship and co-operation between the sisterly African nations. “Your excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – Nigeria and South Africa share a special bond that extends beyond borders. Our countries have a long history of collaboration and engagement, which has evolved into a thriving trade partnership,” he said. “This partnership is not only beneficial to our economies and contributes to the development and…

IT WAS a night of glitz and glamour as sponsors, adjudicators, mentors, members of the public, family and friends gathered at the Joburg Theatre’s Lesedi Theatre on Saturday for the showcase by the Arts & Culture Trust Nyoloha Scholarship Programme. This was for the announcement of the winners of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts categories. After months of mentorship, a week of arts workshops, rehearsals and masterclasses, the 15 finalists selected to possibly walk away with one of two fully paid scholarship valued at R350 000 to study for an arts degree at a South African arts institution of their choice, waited with baited breath to hear who would be chosen the winners of the Arts & Culture Trust’s performing arts and visual arts categories. Excitement mounted as Nyoloha…

Ingredients 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground fennel 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp salt 1 can Lucky Star Pilchards in Tomato Sauce 1 store-bought packet of samoosa leaves 1 Tbsp flour Oil for frying A dash of water Method In a medium saucepan, fry onions in your oil of choice for about 5 minutes or until soft, but not brown. Add the spices and cook for a further 5-10 minutes, then add the pilchards and cook for a further minute, remove from the heat and set aside. To make a paste, mix flour and water to make a smooth, medium-thick paste. To make the samoosas, use the samoosa leaves by taking one part and apply the paste on the straight edges/sides. Now bring the…

IsiZulu remains the most spoken language in South African households, according to the new Census Report released by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) in Pretoria yesterday. About 24.4% of households in the country speak IsiZulu. This is an increase compared to the last three censuses conducted in 1996, 2001 and 2011, respectively. In 2011, the recorded figure for population distribution by language often spoken in most homes stood at 22.7%, compared to 22.8% in 1996. The second-most spoken language in the country is IsiXhosa at 16.3%, with the third-most spoken language being Afrikaans, with 10.6% of households speaking the language. The two least spoken languages in the country include IsiNdebele and Sign Language. Up to 1.7% of households speak IsiNdebele and 0.02% of households speak Sign Language, which was officially declared…

Financial stress can be caused by a worry or unease about money matters, which can be caused by a variety of reasons such as rising interest rates or increases in the cost of living. It is not necessarily related to a lack of funds. Lephoi Mokgatle, the head of product at Momentum Money, says the economic climate further emphasises why it is essential for South Africans to get the most out of their money. Financial stress can be detrimental to your mental health and your health in the long term. In order to deal with it, planning ahead is vital. “Making your money work for you simply means taking practical, uncomplicated steps to make sure you can realise your financial goals,” said Mokgatle. Three ways to make your money…

Beware the wounded Aussie. That’s JP Duminy’s message to the Proteas ahead of their ICC World Cup showdown against five-time champions Australia in Lucknow tomorrow. Pat Cummins’ team went down by six wickets to hosts India in their tournament opener and now face an in-form Proteas team looking to exert even more pressure on the Aussies. Proteas batting coach Duminy, who had his fair share of tussles against the canary yellow and green during his career, believes this is when they are at their most dangerous. “Having had personal experiences against them when their backs are against the wall,” Duminy said yesterday, “they are going to come out firing. Knowing their personality, it doesn’t take them away from their style of play, they are going to come harder. “So, what…

Pakistan made it two wins from two World Cup matches as batters Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique hit centuries in a record run-chase to set up a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Hyderabad yesterday. Chasing a daunting 345 after Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama smashed tons to put Sri Lanka in a commanding position, the 1992 champions got over the line in 48.2 overs thanks to Rizwan’s 131 not out and Abdullah’s 113. Ireland had held the previous record for the highest run chase in World Cups with 329 against England in the 2011 edition. Mendis dominated Pakistan’s bowlers earlier with 14 fours and six sixes to score 122 before Samarawickrama dropped anchor to make 108 as Sri Lanka posted 344/9 in 50 overs, though they were restricted at…

THE ZIMBABWE chamber of mines says softening metals prices are weighing down the viability of the key industry – in which units of South African resource groups, such as Impala Platinum (Implats), Anglo American Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater, among others, are major players – at a time costs have been mounting. Zimbabwe is the world’s number two producer of platinum and boasts significant reserves of other metals such as gold, lithium and chrome, and coal and diamonds, among others. Mineral exports have been pivotal in sustaining the Zimbabwean economy but the industry now says its viability is under threat. “The prices (of minerals) are coming down at a time the cost structure for the mining industry has increased, propped up by high electricity which went up by more than 40% in…

EQUITES Property Fund’s South Africa and UK logistics focused property portfolios were performing well, vacancy rates were at a record low, and there had been an uptick in property valuations in the interim period. However, the dividend per share fell 19% to 65.37 cents in the six months to August 31, in line with market guidance, and distributable net income was down by the same percentage to R511.92 million. These are the first results since Equites announced a revised strategy in May this year, due to the impact of unexpectedly high interest rates and constrained capital markets, on the business, particularly in the UK. Like-for-like property income grew in the six months, but the dividend fell in line with guidance due to cross currency swaps and a 20%…

SEVEN survivors and relatives of victims of the 2021 jihadist attack near a major gas field in northern Mozambique have launched legal action against France’s Total- Energies, accusing it of failing to protect its sub-contractors, their lawyers said yesterday. Islamic State-linked militants killed dozens of people when they attacked Palma in Cabo Delgado on March 24, 2021. The attack lasted several days. The criminal complaint filed on Monday accuses TotalEnergies, which was developing a $20 billion (R387bn) liquefied natural gas project at Afungi near Palma, of involuntary mans- laughter and failure to assist persons in danger. Mozambique’s government said about 30 people were killed in the attack but Alex Perry, an independent journalist who carried out a five-month investigation, counted 1 402 people dead or missing, including 55 Total…

TRANSPORT Month is marked in October in South Africa with the Department of Transport and its entities using the attention on its mandate to showcase transport services in aviation, maritime, commuter transport and roads as well as to advance road safety initiatives and create awareness of the economic benefits of the sector – it is for a good cause. But maybe we should start by renaming it sustainable mobility month and use that to reimagine our future transport sector that is decarbonised while managing demand and improving the efficiency, reliability and affordability of transport. South Africa as a developing country continues to experience rapid urbanisation, intensifying the need for access to reliable transport systems and also increasing the use of private vehicles, as demand for transport is derived from other…

WORLD Bank President Ajay Banga said yesterday that the Israel-Gaza conflict was an unnecessary global economic shock that will make it harder for central banks to achieve soft landings in many economies if it spreads. “It’s a humanitarian tragedy and an economic shock we don’t need,” Banga said on the sidelines of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund annual meetings in Morocco. Central banks were “beginning to feel a little more confident that there was an opportunity for a soft landing, and this just makes it harder”, Banga said. Banga said there was less immediate economic impact than at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, because the Israel-Gaza conflict does not impact exports of oil, grains and fertilisers. But it did transmit through financial markets, with dollar assets…

Jonathan Roxmouth returns to Pieter Torien’s Montecasino Theatre for a return season of his hit show, Key Change! Roxmouth has a plethora of hit productions under his belt, including The Phantom of the Opera, Grease, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Rock Me Amadeus and Chicago. In Key Change!, Roxmouth celebrates piano-based comedians, singers, and entertainers who have shaped and influenced his musical tastes through the different phases of his life. And he has a fantastic 5-piece band supporting him on stage. On making his way back on stage, he admitted: “It’s a new kind of era, I suppose. I’m now going on the stage more than playing a character. It’s a lot of fun, I have to say.” In case you are wondering where he is based, as he…

LIMPOPO Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Nakedi Kekana has been accused of abandoning an arts group alleged to have been sponsored by her department. The cast of Pienaars, the musical from Limpopo, had to spend the night outside the State Theatre in Pretoria on Monday night after they found out their accommodation had allegedly not been secured by her department. An angry cast member, Jimmy Mohlala, took to social media on Monday alleging that Kekana and her chief director for arts, Vero Mokgonyana, had ignored their phone calls when they tried to inquire about a place to sleep for the night. He further claimed it had been the department’s responsibility to see to it that the group was safe and accommodated during their seven-day stay in Gauteng because Kekana had…

THE World White Cane Day walk, which took place in Hatfield yesterday, was used to raise awareness about the plight of the blind and visually impaired people. Nearly 1 000 people took part in the event hosted by the City of Tshwane in partnership with the non-profit organisation called Garden Social Services. Participants, mostly the blind and visually impaired, started walking from the University of Pretoria using canes to feel the ground ahead of their feet while heading to Loftus Versfeld, which was the finishing point. Organisers said the cane symbolised independence and support for the blind and visually impaired. Roads and transport MMC Katlego Mathebe said non-profit organisations and other departments in the municipality, such as health and social development, helped make the event a success. “The purpose of…

FANS complimented local artist Donald Moatshe for his passion for his craft after a video of him performing for a small audience surfaced. The singer of the hit song Over the Moon, is seen performing to a small group of people in the video that has garnered attention, raising questions about bookings. He took to X to respond, revealing his Limpopo ordeal, where he performed in an empty stadium. Despite failing to attract a large crowd in the video, he assured his fans that he was still good, as he was now getting bookings. “In 2012, I was booked in Venda, and the stadium was empty. I refused to perform, the worst decision of my career. I vowed to never do that again. I honour every gig and give 100%.…

THE cost of living is hitting hard, leaving workers who earn the national minimum wage (NMW) of R25.42 an hour unable to afford the three core household expenses of transport, electricity and food. This is according to the Household Affordability Index for September, released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group (PMBEJD). The index looks at data from Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Springbok and Pietermaritzburg. The index showed the average worker, receiving the minimum wage of R25.42 an hour in a 40-hour week, (a monthly wage of R4 067.20), was left with a shortfall of R1 837.13 after paying for transport and electricity. It said for this worker, a return trip to work using taxis cost on average R1 440, and by purchasing 350kWh of prepaid electricity (R906.92), only…

Tatenda Michele Kufakwame A stealthy disaster looms in the soul of Africa, (where) amidst the rich rhythms of life, (there’s) a surge of suicides that demands our immediate attention. Untold stories of sorrow, resilience, and a continent yearning for hope lurk behind the statistics. Suicide is referred to as consciously committing the murder of oneself. While the best-known statistics stand for suicide deaths, these are understated, and the truth is far more serious when attempted suicides are included. Approximately 700 000 individuals (about half the population of Hawaii) die by suicide each year, per estimates in and across Africa. There usually are many more attempted suicides for every suicide according to the World Health Organization. The World Health Organization (WHO) regards suicide mortality reduction to be a public health…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has grown increasingly frustrated with playing hide and seek with PSL clubs who made no attempt to meet him. The fiery Belgian is just over two years into his spell as Bafana coach with the goal to return the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions to their former glory. Broos has had somewhat of an uneasy relationship with PSL clubs ever since he stepped into his role and his outspoken nature has not only rubbed these teams the wrong way but their players, too. The former Afcon winner with Cameroon has identified a need for more collaboration between SA’s clubs and the national team that would aid the progress of his new-look squad. Speaking on Monday ahead of two upcoming friendlies against Eswatini and Ivory…

The growing trend and relationship between South African footballers and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US appears to have opened a new avenue for Bafana Bafana. St Louis City midfielder Njabulo Blom and Minnesota United attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane have ripped through the MLS this season, endearing themselves to the fans. The duo missed out on the previous Bafana camp as head coach Hugo Broos wanted to look at fresh faces who might force their way into his plans at the last minute. Blom, who has been a vital cog in Bradley Carnell’s team, was the more outspoken of the two players, revealing his disappointment at not being able to play against Namibia and the DRC. “Obviously, I'm disappointed. Everyone wants to play for the national team but also when…

There is a jackal in Doornfontein that has been stalking the United Rugby Championship (URC) just beyond sight in the thicket, and now having spied the lay of the land, is ready to pounce into the tournament and take his chance. JC Pretorius joined the Lions in December last year, and after a period of integration could become a major fixture in selection this season. The 25-year-old made his franchise debut for the team in the EPCR Challenge Cup last season; and afterwards was exclusively used in the Currie Cup to ready him for what is to come. The flanker had some impressive outings in the latter tournament, making a noteworthy difference in attack and defence. With the new URC season starting next weekend, it is expected that the former…