Table of contents for 2025-05-10 in Saturday Star

As Mother’s Day approaches, the quest for the perfect gift is on the minds of many. While flowers and chocolates have their charm, a thoughtfully selected book can create a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of mothers everywhere. This year, we’ve curated a diverse list highlighting titles that celebrate motherhood, empowerment, self-discovery, and a bit of escapism – books sure to resonate with every type of mom. Cupcakes & Couscous: From My Kitchen to Yours Teresa Ulyate Start your Mother’s Day gifting journey with Cupcakes & Couscous by Teresa Ulyate. This enchanting cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a reflection of Ulyate’s cooking and eating style, artfully blending nostalgia-inspired dishes with accessible new recipes. “I believe in balancing wholesome nourishment and special treats,”…

Durban is ready to host thousands of fans from across the country for the Nedbank Cup Soweto Derby final between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium today. The highly anticipated final between the arch-rivals kicks off at 3.30pm. Chiefs fan Bongekile Zalakwande stated that she could not wait to watch the game live at the stadium with her friends. “I am so excited. I haven't watched a derby live at a stadium for a while… I wish Kaizer Chiefs good luck,” she said. Zalakwande predicted a 2-1 victory for Chiefs in the final. Dave Nyamane, who is also a Chiefs supporter, said he was disappointed that he did not receive tickets to the match that he had paid for. “I will be watching from a bar, and…

The South African labour market is set for a significant transformation with the publication of the new Employment Equity (EE) Regulations. These regulations, published on April 15 aim to promote greater transformation and inclusivity within workplaces nationwide. Employment Equity Specialist at Strata-g Transformation Solutions, Mandilakhe Gcilitshana, underscored the significance of these changes in advancing equitable representation across various sectors. He highlighted the importance of these regulations: "The new EE regulations are a pivotal step in South Africa’s transformation agenda. They aim to ensure equitable access to opportunities for previously disadvantaged groups such as black people, women, and persons with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive economy." The regulations establish five-year sector-specific numerical targets for designated groups across 18 key economic sectors. These targets focus on increasing representation at upper occupational…

Researchers at Dartmouth College believe artificial intelligence can deliver reliable psychotherapy, distinguishing their work from the sometimes dubious mental health apps flooding today’s market. Their application, Therabot, addresses the critical shortage of mental health professionals. According to Nick Jacobson, an assistant professor of data science and psychiatry at Dartmouth, even multiplying the current number of therapists tenfold would leave too few to meet demand. The Dartmouth team recently published a clinical study demonstrating Therabot’s effectiveness in helping people with anxiety, depression and eating disorders. A new trial is planned to compare Therabot’s results with conventional therapies. The medical establishment appears receptive to such innovation. Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation at the American Psychological Association (APA), described “a future where you will have an AI-generated chatbot rooted in…

There is no denying the Suzuki Jimny is the coolest car on South Africa’s roads. It’s giving “honey, I shrunk the G-Class”. It’s functional and highly customisable too, and with the introduction of the five-door version, far more practical than ever. I had the honour of testing the Jimny five-door immediately after spending a week in the spectacularly luxurious Range Rover Velar, and when the Suzuki arrived, I was more excited than I was when the footballer’s ride pulled up. Clad in black, with its charcoal grey alloys – the Suzuki Jimny, not the Velar – it was incredibly easy on the eye. And there’s no doubt about its off-road capability too, with a proper low-range gearbox and four-wheel drive, its skinny wheels helping with manoeuvrability in the rough stuff,…

Australia’s federal election, held less than a week after Canada’s, has produced a shockingly similar outcome. Commentators all over the world have pointed out the parallels. In both countries, centre-left governments looked like they were in serious trouble not long ago. On February 23, a Resolve Strategic poll found the Coalition leading Labor 55-45% on a two-party-preferred basis. An Angus Reid poll in December found voting intention for Canada’s Liberals dropping to just 16%, compared to 45% for the Conservatives. Yet both governments are now celebrating historic victories. And in both countries, the conservative opposition leaders, Pierre Poilievre and Peter Dutton, lost their own seats. US President Donald Trump was undoubtedly a factor in both elections. Even Trump’s most ardent Australian fans admit the reversal of the Coalition’s fortunes in…

A pension fund is obliged to provide the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) with requested information without obtaining consent from beneficiaries, says Muvhango Lukhaimane, the PFA. According to Lukhaimane, funds cannot use the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) as an excuse to withhold information from the PFA. She says that as a public body, as defined in the Act, the PFA has the right to access personal information when performing its duties. This came to light in a recent determination, where Lukhaimane made it clear that the PFA falls within the definition of a tribunal under POPIA and is permitted to collect personal information when necessary for its investigations. The issue arose when a fund initially refused to provide its investigation report to the PFA, citing the need to protect…

The Budget fiasco reveals the state of the nation’s finances. South Africa has run out of money. This comes at a time when many state institutions have failed. It is not newsworthy to list them all, but we need to add the failing justice system to the list, as extraordinarily little media coverage was given to this very tragic tipping point that we have reached. A new directive was issued In April 2025, from “office of the judge president gauteng division of the high court of south africa” as per Dunstan Mlambo, judge president. The problem stated is: “The caseload of the Division continued to rise and has now reached unmanageable levels. The state of the Civil Trial rolls is a source of serious concern. Civil Trial dates in…

As the Soweto Derby headlines the Nedbank Cup final today at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 3.30pm, much of the spotlight will fall on the tactical nous of both benches. But equally, it’s the individual duels across the pitch that could prove decisive in shaping who lifts the trophy. Football writer Smiso Msomi takes a look at five key battles to keep a close eye on: 1. Relebohile Mofokeng vs Dillon Solomons One of the breakout stars of the season, Rele Mofokeng’s pace and creativity on the wing have added a dynamic layer to Pirates’ attack. The 20 year old thrives in one-on-one situations and will test Solomons’ defensive discipline and positional awareness. Chiefs’ fullback has pace to match but will need to be at his sharpest to contain Mofokeng’s trickery…

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has warned excessive transfer fees could prevent him from signing a tailor-made replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England right-back, whose contract expires in June, announced on Monday he would be leaving Liverpool, a club he has been with since he was a young boy, with the 26-year-old saying it was "easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life". Alexander-Arnold's future has been the subject of intense speculation this season, with the defender widely tipped to join Spanish giants Real Madrid after helping Liverpool win this season's Premier League. His exit leaves Liverpool short of cover in his position, with 21-year-old Conor Bradley, who has made 54 senior appearances, now their only recognised right-back. "I think it would be a surprise if I were to…

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim had glowing praise for Mason Mount after he came off the bench to score twice in the 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Thursday which sealed their place in the Europa League final. Second-half substitute Mount scored the equaliser for United just 10 minutes after coming on, and struck again in added time as the hosts secured a 7-1 aggregate win and a place in the final against Tottenham Hotspur. The England midfielder joined United in 2023 but has struggled with several injuries this season, including a head injury in September that kept him out for over a month and a muscle issue in December that sidelined him until March. The 26-year-old scored his first Premier League goal of the season in Sunday's 4-3 loss…

The allure of world-famous destinations is gradually fading as thoughtful travel frameworks gain traction among contemporary explorers. In an era marked by the phenomenon of “the joy of missing out”, or JOMO, a significant shift in travel philosophy is emerging. No longer do tourists clamber for the perfect selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower or jostle for prime viewing spots at Santorini's idyllic sunsets. A revealing 2025 survey has shown that over 75% of travellers are voicing genuine concerns about overtourism, signalling a broader call for the industry to evolve. According to an analysis by McKinsey & Company, an astonishing 80% of tourists flock to a mere 10% of the world’s iconic attractions. This staggering statistic not only illustrates the challenge of overcrowding but also suggests a detrimental impact…

Africa, a continent renowned for its wildlife and safaris, is often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. However, beyond its iconic savannahs and majestic animals lies another treasure waiting to be discovered: its stunning coastal destinations. With a staggering 30 500 km of coastline, Africa is home to a diverse array of beaches that cater to sun-seekers and adventure lovers alike. Discover the distinct allure of East Africa’s islands: Zanzibar’s soft, white beaches contrast with the Seychelles’ lively seascapes, both providing stunning natural beauty, rich cultures, and a wealth of memorable activities. As you explore Africa's coastlines, you'll find that each destination tells its own story, shaped by the local culture and the natural environment. The continent's beaches are not just places to relax; they are gateways…

In her over four-decade career in Hollywood, Julia Louis-Dreyfus firmly planted her feet in comedy, be it for a TV series or film. That she is at the helm of Thunderbolts, the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is surprising and fascinating at the same time. Of course, when I was offered a virtual interview opportunity with the veteran actress and newcomer Geraldine Viswanathan, I immediately agreed. Seriously, Louis-Dreyfus is a legend, a fact Seinfeld fans will agree with. As CIA director, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's ambiguous morality will likely surprise viewers, as she operates in the gray area between good and evil. Viswanathan portrays Mel, Valentina's innocent assistant, who grapples with her superior's unethical tactics. Louis-Dreyfus noted that her popularity in playing characters like…

City of Tshwane has been named the safest metropolitan city in South Africa, according to the 2024 State of Urban Safety in SA report. The study, verified police statistics and data from Statistics South Africa (SSA), places Tshwane at the top of the national safety rankings — a significant shift for a city that once grappled with some of the highest crime rates in the nation. The city welcomed this recognition, with residents of Tshwane praising the coalition for making progress in addressing the issues of service delivery and lawlessness. According to the study, this recognition makes Tshwane safer than major US cities such as Atlanta, New Orleans, and Washington DC. Tshwane is run under a coalition government led by ActionSA, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom…

Russell Vinson, 11, rushed to his local corner store after school. He went straight to the counter and handed his report card to the man behind it. “Russell, again!” exclaimed Wail Alselwi, the manager of Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery in Staten Island. “I see that stamp right there, man, honour roll!” Alselwi – who goes by “Wally” – handed Russell a $100 (R1 860) bill, then told him to grab whatever he wanted from the store to celebrate his 92.67% average. Russell took a carton of eggs for his mother, who is a baker, plus a bunch of snacks and sweets for himself. “Let’s go, Russell! Keep it up,” Alselwi said. Russell is one of dozens of the pupils who have come into the bodega (small corner store)…

In a world marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting social values, and increasingly urgent global challenges, the concept of volunteering is also evolving. What once involved traditional hands-on activities carried out in person, often within a local community, has grown into a diverse, dynamic, and deeply impactful global movement. As we navigate this new landscape, it’s clear that the future of volunteering will be shaped by adaptability, innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. At the heart of this transformation lies a shared desire: the will to make a difference. Whether it’s fighting climate change, improving mental health, addressing food insecurity, or promoting education, volunteering remains one of the most powerful tools individuals have to create real change. Let’s explore some of the emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of volunteering -…

More than 100 vultures have died in a mass poisoning in the Kruger National Park, one of the largest such incidents recorded in Southern Africa. The discovery was made on Thursday in the Mahlangeni section of the park, after the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) poisoning detection system triggered an alert at 6.05am, flagging suspicious activity in a remote area. A joint SANParks and EWT team was mobilised and arrived at the scene about two hours later. Eleanor Momberg the EWT’s communications manager said it was one of the largest poisonings seen at the park. “They discovered the grim reality; a mass poisoning events involving hundreds of vultures, the result of an elephant carcass laced with highly toxic agrochemical pesticides – poison laid by poachers to harvest body parts for…

I was at work when the call came. The woman on the line from my doctor’s office asked if I had five minutes, then casually told me she was sorry but that I had cancer. I glanced out the window, watching people walk, talk and carry on as if it were just a normal day. But for me, everything had changed. At that moment, I felt like I was already dead. My husband, Jordan, and I had just started talking about having a second child. Now, suddenly, that future was gone. I was 37 years old, and I would soon learn that even if I survived the cancer, the treatment would leave me infertile. The day after my diagnosis - later confirmed as triple-positive breast cancer - Jordan and I…

People who insist that the original Land Rover Defender is the only true Defender now have an opportunity to own a new and upgraded Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, which Land Rover says is the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender. V8 powertrains are nothing new in a Defender, starting with the Series III Stage 1 3.5-litre Rover V8 in 1979 and, have been used in a number of Defenders around the globe since then, including in South Africa where there are a number of examples still running. Engine It’s exclusively available on the short-wheelbase 90 chassis and is the first Defender Soft Top since 2016, following the introduction of the new Works Bespoke service in 2024. Land Rover Classic is the official source of authentic cars, expert…

The phone rings, and it’s some sort of telemarketer on the other end. It’s hard to tell because the line isn’t the best. After checking that they have their victim, they say: “I have your information in front of me, and you are paying too much interest.” Of course, when probed, they vacillate and claim to have misunderstood what they said. There seems to be very little someone can do about this, given that the company is essentially anonymous. This is all illegal. Yet, the only thing I can think of doing is to report the number and then block it through TrueCaller. However, there are other avenues that, although time-consuming, should benefit everyone in the long run. The Direct Marketing Association of South Africa, a voluntary body for…

Debt is like deceit: a minor transgression can trigger a series of increasingly darker ones, each to cover up the previous one, until the situation is worse than anything you could have imagined. On the financial front, the scenario might look like this: Transgression #1: You don’t pay off the full amount on your credit card because you need to settle an exorbitant dentist’s bill that the medical aid wouldn’t cover. Transgression #2: You go into overdraft on your bank account because the rising debt on your credit card is causing your monthly repayments to spiral. Transgression #3: You miss a repayment on your car loan because you have maxed out both your credit card and your overdraft. Transgression #4: You take out a personal loan at a prohibitively high…

The Bulls should be in confident mode for today’s United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld (4pm start). They emerged from arguably the toughest tour possible with three wins out of four against Bayonne, Edinburgh, Munster and Glasgow across the Challenge Cup and URC, and had a week off after that. But while the time away from the pitch was much-needed, it can also disrupt the rhythm of the team. Suddenly those gritty defensive sets in holding out Munster and Glasgow are replaced by slipped tackles or gaps in the backline, just because they enjoyed a breather last week. And while those were memorable triumphs away from home, the Bulls would undo all of that good work if they were to fall short against a fifth-placed Cardiff side…

Thalente Mbatha and Thabo Cele, both sons of KwaMashu, will go head-to-head when Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Kick-off is set for 3.30pm today. While the clash marks a major football occasion for the country, for the Durban township of KwaMashu, it’s a moment of pride as the current two of its most talented exports meet on the grandest stage in South African football. Mbatha, who has quickly become a midfield mainstay for Pirates since joining from SuperSport United last season, acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, though he downplayed the idea of a personal duel. “It’s something that’s really special for people that are coming from KwaMashu and the community,” said Mbatha. “I wouldn’t say…

Newcastle and Chelsea meet in a crucial clash in the race to qualify for the Champions League tomorrow. Trent Alexander-Arnold's reception from Liverpool fans will be closely watched after his decision to quit the Premier League champions as we look at three talking ahead of the weekend's action: Newcastle aim to seize top five chance Newcastle, sitting fourth, face fifth-placed Chelsea at St James' Park in a match with huge ramifications in the fight for top five places. Eddie Howe's team are above Chelsea on goals scored and victory tomorrow would be a massive boost in their bid to reach the Champions League for a second time in three seasons. With two matches left for both teams after this weekend, Newcastle will be within touching distance of qualification if they…

Real Madrid's season appeared disastrous a few weeks ago but if Carlo Ancelotti's side can finally beat rivals Barcelona in tomorrow's La Liga Clasico, their title defence will be resuscitated. Madrid were left licking their wounds after a Champions League quarter-final thrashing by Arsenal, and coach Ancelotti is poised to depart at the end of the season, but it could yet be with a major trophy in his hands. Barcelona's European exit at the hands of Inter Milan on Tuesday brightened spirits in the Spanish capital and if Madrid can overhaul the Catalans at the top of the table, they could transform their season. The nature of Madrid's rivalry with Barcelona means winning La Liga could either feel great or underwhelming, depending on how their nemesis fares in Europe. With…

If you’re in your mid-40s or 50s, watching Four Seasons on Netflix might hit a little too close to home. But that’s the magic of this limited series. It dares to laugh in the face of midlife meltdowns, relationship fractures, and ageing bodies that can’t quite handle a “let’s spice things up in the bedroom” moment without someone’s back giving out. At first glance, Four Seasons feels like a cosy getaway with friends you’ve known forever. Think wine, lakeside houses, and old inside jokes. But don’t get too comfortable, the show laces the laughs with emotional gut punches. Starring a surprisingly rugged and silver-foxy Steve Carell as Nick, the series opens with him doing what every friend shouldn’t do on vacation: dropping the “I’m divorcing, Anne” bomb over spring cocktails.…

Child Protection Organisation (CPO), CMR North, has sounded the alarm regarding a disturbing trend in the public exposure of child abuse victims. The organisation highlights that not every platform is a safe space for children to unpack their trauma, as increasing instances of digital and media disclosures jeopardise the emotional wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. CMR North's General Manager, Dr Ronel Aylward, expressed profound concern about the growing number of individuals and entities utilising media platforms to advocate for child protection cases. While intentions may claim to be rooted in awareness and advocacy, the organisation said that the impact on the child can be profoundly damaging. "We understand the growing public interest in child protection. But not every forum is a safe one for a child’s trauma to be unpacked,” Aylward…

Roundtable discussions to mediate between sexual harassment complainant, Andiswa Mengo, and Judge President Selby Mbenenge during 2022 had crumbled after she allegedly uploaded screenshots of her conversations with the Judge President. This was the evidence given by Judicial Conduct Tribunal witness Denim Kroqwana, the director of Court Operations in the Eastern Cape. According to Kroqwana, Mengo approached him in November 2022 with her allegations. Kroqwana confirmed that at that time, his line of reporting was to the Judge President of the Eastern Cape (JP Mbenenge) as well as the court administration at the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ). According to Kroqwana, Mengo contacted him telephonically about her complaint, after which he asked her how she wanted to proceed with the matter. “She said the Judge President had sent her…

Through various collaborative efforts, traditional Japanese crafts such as washi Japanese paper, textiles and urushi lacquer are being incorporated into modern construction as building or interior materials for houses and commercial facilities. As part of these efforts, a new company has been established to develop and sell construction materials made using traditional craft techniques and a consortium of traditional dyeing and weaving companies, as well as local governments have jointly been developing a sales channel. Nara Prefecture-based Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, which produces and sells traditional crafts and household goods, and Hotta Carpet Co., a wool carpet manufacturer in Osaka Prefecture, established a new company called Tactile Material Co. on March 1. The new firm is working with seven manufacturers of traditional crafts to produce construction materials using traditional craft techniques.…

Two record-holding dogs met eye-to-eye. Reggie, a 99cm Great Dane, was standing in his Idaho home. Pearl, a 9cm Chihuahua, was hoisted up by her owner. The height difference between the world’s tallest and shortest dogs didn’t stop the pair from sniffing each other and playing. Sure, there were hiccups when the dogs met last month. When Reggie shifted his leg on a couch to get comfortable, the leather moved and sent Pearl flying onto the floor. Later, Pearl tried to take Reggie’s toys, which were larger than she is. Despite the odd-looking pairing, they have a lot in common. They mostly interacted with each other as they would any other dog during a meeting that Guinness World Records organised. “She really just wants to love on everybody just like…

The 2025 South African National Rowing Championships, held over the weekend of April 26–27, brought together the country’s finest rowing talent in an action-packed regatta featuring school, club, provincial and national team crews. A major highlight of the weekend was the impressive showing from South Africa’s junior, U23, and senior national squads, who used the regatta as a final opportunity to trial combinations and test speed ahead of upcoming World Championship competition. Two of the standout women’s events of the weekend came in the Women’s A Single Sculls and Women’s A Pair. In the single sculls final, Kat Williams claimed a decisive victory, followed by Paige Badenhorst in second and Courtney Westley in third. The final also featured strong performances from Chloe Cresswell and promising newcomer Donè Erasmus, who finished…

As ULTRA South Africa celebrates over a decade of establishing itself as a cornerstone in the electronic music landscape, it not only continues to push production boundaries but also embraces a line-up that reflects the vibrant future of dance music: diverse, unapologetic, and firmly ahead of the curve. In recent years, where the global music industry’s trends often offered limited platforms for women and queer artists, ULTRA South Africa has made a clear and intentional pivot. The festival is proud to feature a growing roster of female and LGBTQ+ talent whose unique sounds, powerful visuals, and considerable cultural impact are actively reshaping dance floors worldwide. Among the pioneers setting the stage is DJ Lady Lea is a fixture at ULTRA and the founder of Divas on Decks – a DJ…

The echoes of last weekend's Soweto Derby thriller haven't even faded, and already the Soweto giants are set to collide again. But this time, the stakes are sky-high. Forget league points; today, it's all about the gleaming silverware of the Nedbank Cup final as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates go head to head. After their recent Betway Premiership triumph, Orlando Pirates swagger into this derby as the perceived frontrunners. But make no mistake, Kaizer Chiefs are a wounded pride, fiercely determined to seize victory and salvage their season. They're hungry to finally conquer their bitter rivals, a feat that has eluded them in recent clashes. Ahead of the monumental cup final showdown at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, Orlando Pirates legend Mark Fish as well as Kaizer Chiefs defensive legend…

Robert Prevost broke a historical taboo against American popes with a path that was anything but typically American. Though the man now called Leo XIV is a Chicago native, he is known in Rome as the “Latin Yankee” for the decades he spent in Peru, ministering to the dispossessed and marginalised and even becoming a naturalised citizen. Until several weeks ago, he held one of the most important Vatican posts, overseeing the powerful office that vets bishops from around the world. His rise – as a multilingual American with global experience and contacts – marks an attempt by the Catholic Church to find a middle ground at a time of wide internal divisions. In some ways, Leo clearly follows the mould of Pope Francis, who died last month at 88.…

The call came in just after 7pm as the paramedics began the night shift: a man had been stabbed in the head with a glass bottle and was bleeding heavily. The medical crew and their ambulance from Cape Town’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were only minutes away. But they could not respond until they had an armed police escort. The Cape Flats, low-lying townships outside Cape Town, are hotspots for murder and gang violence in a country already plagued by one of the highest crime rates in the world. The sprawling area of Philippi, where the wounded man lay bleeding in a shack, is among the most dangerous. It is one of nine Red Zones in Cape Town where the EMS refuses to allow its medical crews to move without…

Kia managed to boost the popularity of its Sonet compact SUV by introducing a significantly cheaper LS base model in 2024, and now the Korean carmaker is aiming to achieve the same with the slightly larger Seltos. The importer has quietly added a new 1.5-litre LS model to the family, which is available for R379 995 in manual guise and R404 995 as a CVT auto, as reported by Cars.co.za. Not only does this lower the entry price of the Seltos range by R88 000, but it also positions the model closer to similarly-sized rivals like the Suzuki Grand Vitara, which starts at R358 900, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser, from R342 500. Like the bulk of the Seltos range, the LS is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre normally aspirated…

Cryptocurrency has changed the way we think about money, but for many South Africans, it’s still an unfamiliar and confusing space. It’s digital, fast-moving, and full of both opportunities and risks. And while crypto offers exciting ways to invest and make transactions, it also comes with scams, speculation, and serious pitfalls. As a personal finance editor, I’ve seen stories of people who invested in Bitcoin or Ethereum at the wrong time, lost thousands to scam platforms, or blindly followed advice from influencers promising instant wealth. I even experienced it myself. A few years ago, I was approached by someone claiming they had a guaranteed investment strategy that would double my money in a month. I hesitated, although the numbers looked convincing, and the platform was filled with “success stories” of…

With South African salaries slowly falling behind the rising cost of living, side hustles are becoming a practical and increasingly popular way for enterprising people to make up the shortfall. Over the past five years, nominal take-home pay rose by 22.8%, but cumulatively inflation has increased by 26,6%, effectively reducing salary earners’ spending power by nearly 4%. Add to this other pressures, such as rising electricity and other service costs, tax bracket creep, and finding a way to top up the monthly pay cheque becomes increasingly necessary. Side hustles gained traction during the COVID-19 lockdowns, as people stuck at home had the time to explore new ways to supplement their income. Research indicates that now between 14% and 16% of middle-income households earn additional income from one or more side…

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs collide today in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with silverware, pride, and history all on the line in South Africa’s biggest football rivalry. The iconic Durban venue — a 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-final host — will once again take centre stage as the Soweto giants meet for the ninth time in a Nedbank Cup final. This time, it’s about more than just bragging rights. The Buccaneers come into the match in good form and with real momentum. Their 2-1 league win over Chiefs last weekend — thanks to goals from Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng — ensured a league double over their rivals and extended coach Jose Riveiro’s unbeaten run in Soweto derbies since taking charge nearly three years ago.…

As the sun sets on Jose Riveiro's tenure at Orlando Pirates, a pivotal moment looms on the horizon - the chance to secure a stunning third consecutive Nedbank Cup title. It will be a fitting climax to a journey that has rekindled Pirates' competitive fire and established Riveiro as a legend in South African football. When Riveiro first stepped into the limelight at the helm of Pirates in July 2022, the football community was rife with scepticism, and he was mischievously labelled a 'plumber'. Many questioned the decision to appoint an unknown Spanish coach to lead one of the league's most storied franchises. Now, as the dust settles on the 2025 season, it’s clear that those doubts were unfounded. The Spaniard transformed Pirates into a formidable contender, capturing five major…

While Paris Saint-Germain are looking forward to the Champions League final and have already wrapped up another Ligue 1 title, two of France's biggest clubs with proud European track records are facing the end of the season with trepidation. PSG beat Arsenal in their semi-final on Wednesday to set up a final at the end of May in Munich against Inter Milan, the second in their history after a defeat by Bayern Munich in 2020. It will be the eighth time that a French side has appeared in the final of Europe's elite club competition, with Marseille in 1993 still the only team from the country to have won the trophy. Saint-Etienne were beaten finalists in 1976, when they lost 1-0 to Franz Beckenbauer's Bayern in Glasgow. Almost half a…