Índice para 2024-05-10 em Star

ENER-G-AFRICA, a Malawi-based company that operates in 14 countries, yesterday opened a factory in Paarl that produces advanced clean-burning, fuel-efficient stoves and cookware for local and other African markets, and there are plans to set up the biggest solar panel manufacturing plant in the country. Energ-G-Africa CEO André Moolman said at the launch yesterday that they started the company in Malawi in 2007 to find ways to solve the problem many Africans have of spending, for example, more time and money on the fuel for their stoves, than on the food they were cooking. The company came up with innovative designs that resulted in signifi- cant energy savings, not only in cooking time, but also in the cost of cooking and the environmental benefits of not using petrochemicals as fuels.…

Chefs around the world are using foraged ingredients to add exciting, fresh and eco-friendly flavours to their menus. By searching for herbs, fruits, and roots from the wild, they create new and flavourful dishes. They also champion sustainable practices, indigenous produce, and a sense of adventure. Ultimately, these foraging chefs bring diners closer to nature. One such chef is Ukhonaye Mconi, a project planner at the Capsicum Culinary Studio’s Rosebank campus. Mconi impressed foodies with his cooking demonstration at the recent Hostex Food and Drink and Hospitality Trade Expo, where he showed how to prepare his “Heritage Plate”. He wowed the crowds with his sorghum ravioli stuffed with amasi ricotta and pumpkin, slow-cooked beef cheek cooked with milk stout, and cashew and pumpkin seed crumble, and deep-fried spinach with herb…

INSTEAD of sitting back and allowing high unemployment, inequality, high murder rates and lawlessness to thrive as engineered by the ANC government to ensure that black people remain poor and economically inactive, ActionSA has unveiled its own inclusive economic empowerment (IEE) plan to change that trajectory. This was the message from ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, who was speaking to residents in Mabopane, north of Pretoria, yesterday, outside what used to be his first factory, where his famous Black Like Me cosmetic products were made. Mashaba expressed disappointment that what used to be a factory that employed as many 250 local people was now an office for SA Social Security Agency grants which effectively made people dependent on the state. He said he too was excited in 1994 about what democracy…

Anton Rupert – The Life Of A Business Icon Ebbe Dommisse Loot (R289) Tafelberg IF I’m not offering an opinion on my newfound pastime – golf – the next pet subject is how the Afrikaner set up business with a lot of help from the past racist regime under the National Party. This is the thread I looked out for when I read Whitey, The Rise and Rule of the Shoprite King, the biography of Whitey Basson by Niel Joubert. It is with the same vigilance that I thumbed through the 405 pages containing the life story of another Afrikaner businessman. I leave with egg on my face because Anton Rupert, The Life of a Business Icon, by Ebbe Dommisse did not quite deliver, as I expected. Instead, each time…

Called by the Wild – The Dogs Trained To Protect Wildlife Conraad de Rosner with Graham Spence and Elaine Bell Loot (R229) Jonathan Ball Publishers The book is described as a thrilling story of a pioneering conservationist who worked with dogs to protect the environment he found himself in. That it is indeed. The author, an astute writer, recounts his days in the tracts of land – game reserves – where wildlife is allowed to roam free. That is except when poachers run rife to get animals for their meat, rhinos for their horn and to capture highly endangered species such as pangolin, trafficking them overseas. Even some of the rangers on the reserves that Con worked turned coat to become poachers. And Con had two fights on his hands…

South Africa is a democracy in which every citizen has an alienable right to criticise the government of the day. No person or organisation has the right to burn and desecrate our national flag. Burning our flag is an act of treason. Many people risked their lives to protect the freedom that is represented by the South African flag. Our flag is a symbol of freedom and hope, not something that should be desecrated. We have democratic elections every 5 years. We should register our dissatisfaction at the voting booth and not by burning our symbol, for political showmanship. The DA committed the ultimate act of defilement of our precious symbol by burning our flag. The act alone will cost it thousands of votes on May 29. Our flag represents…

I have a serious problem with blackness and how most blacks have an unhealthy obsession with being black, always ready to interpret and attribute any unfavourable situation to racism. “Because I am black, they did this to me.” Rubbish, how pathetic. This inferiority complex often complicates things and only adds to your misery, because you will never change, you will remain black for the rest of your life. You just have to accept that and make the best of it and you would be surprised at how wonderful life can be, whether you are black or any other colour for that matter. Feeling sorry for yourself makes it look like you deserve what is coming to you, so take charge of your life. Having said that, I understand people who…

Since we’re feeling patriotic this week, I eagerly anticipate our outrage over ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula campaigning in Inanda while driving in a convoy led by a Mercedes G-Wagon. While those in KZN are impoverished, Mbalula has, once again, showed his colours by throwing T-shirts from a R3 million vehicle. Let them eat T-shirts, right. I hope we’re as angry about this as we are about a 30-second advert. I’d hate for us not to rally around our flag and people’s dignity.…

CORRUPT police officers are costing taxpayers dearly. This time, in the case of two SAPS members subjecting two women to a nightmare ordeal and trying to bribe them. The court has ordered that the Minister of Police has to pay damages to the women. It was second time lucky for Helga Muller and her friend, Yolandi Bell, after the lower court had turned down their claim. The judge at the time acknowledged their ordeal at the hands of the officers, but concluded that the minister could not be held vicariously liable for their conduct. But, on appeal to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, Judge Anthony Millar, in a judgment concurred with by Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba and another judge, ordered that the minister was indeed liable for the damages…

The demand for affordable, well- located housing across our province and South Africa far outstrips the supply, and the reality is that our provincial budget from the national government does not match the scale of our needs. Our budget is, in fact, shrinking due to the financial crisis in which the national government finds itself. However, we are determined to find innovative new ways to empower residents, to build and develop finance models that make affordable housing within reach of every person who wants a place to call home. The Western Cape government has made significant strides in addressing our housing challenges. One of our focus areas has been on the “missing middle” – citizens earning “too much” for state-subsidised housing yet “too little” for a substantial bond. One of…

The Premier Soccer League is heading to the business end, and with Mamelodi Sundowns once again brushing aside all comers and still undefeated, the race for the top eight promises to entertain. Two points separate eighth-placed Kaizer Chiefs from 12th-placed AmaZulu, with all five teams from eighth to 12th having played 27 matches. It could turn out to be a classic case of reaping what you sow, as it could come down to goal difference ... Kaizer Chiefs: Eighth, 34 points Final three fixtures: AmaZulu (away), Polokwane City (home), Cape Town Spurs (away) Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-2 draw against TS Galaxy on Wednesday and inconsistent form have left their top-eight ambitions hanging by a thread. They find themselves needing maximum points, with only a two-point advantage over their next opponents,…

Cape Town Spurs coach Ernst Middendorp is hoping against hope that his relegation-doomed side will avoid the axe this season. Spurs will clash with top-eight-chasing SuperSport United in a DStv Premiership clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane tonight (7.30pm kick-off). SuperSport have been inconsistent this year, and have dropped down the standings after holding second place at the end of 2023. They are now in sixth position, level on points with TS Galaxy, who have a game in hand. Middendorp may have drawn encouragement from SuperSport’s 2024 lapses and believes Spurs (16th on the log) have a fighting chance of averting automatic relegation if they win all their remaining games and Richards Bay (15th) lose theirs. The Urban Warriors are coming off a 1-0 win against Royal AM…

As Durban gears up to host the highly anticipated horse racing event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July on July 6, there will be several events to mark the occasion. And if you have no idea where you will be partying after the races, Dlala Thukzin has the perfect event for you. The DJ and record producer, real name Thuthuka Zindlovu, recently announced the launch of his own Durban July music festival, SoundLand. This comes after the success of the sold-out Dlala Thukzin Weekend held at the Durban Amphitheatre late last year. It was three-days of fun, education, sports and partying. Taking place at the Kings Park Outer Fields, SoundLand promises to be one of the biggest Durban July after-party events, with a state-of-the-art stage where top DJs will be spinning the…

THE cause of death of local musician Costa Titch has finally been revealed. The rapper and dancer, whose real name was Costantinos Tsobanoglou, died on March 11 last year after collapsing on stage during a performance at the Ultra South Africa music festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre in southern Johannesburg. He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead at the age of 27. Foul play has now been ruled out after his family announced in a statement: “The post mortem examination revealed significant strain on Costa’s heart, unbeknownst to him, compounded by enduring stress and fatigue. “This culmination likely led to irregular heartbeat, triggering the seizure that claimed his life. “Costa’s influence transcended boundaries, inspiring countless souls throughout his journey, leaving an indelible mark on the world…

IN A hotly contested election, political parties may resort to desperate measures to get the attention of voters, a political expert noted, as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) issued a warning that it was keeping an eagle eye on unfolding events ahead of the upcoming elections. Of particular concern, the SAHRC said, were “remarks and behaviours that include threats of violence, xenophobic rhetoric, the defacement of political material, desecration of national symbols or flag, and disruptions to essential services such as education”. In the latest incident, the public and the Presidency expressed outrage following an election campaign advert by the DA depicting the burning of South Africa’s national flag. DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi said yesterday that the advert pointed to the downward spiral faced by the country.…

GOOD HALF GONE Tarryn Fisher A household name such as Tarryn Fisher is no stranger in the romance, thriller and adult genre game, but Good Half Gone is on another level. It is a riveting thriller. Read this book if you like creepy settings and plot twists. As SA sensation Tyla would say: What the heck! A frantic call to a 911 operator about a kidnapping had me hooked. At 15-years-old, Iris called authorities, alerting them that her twin sister, Piper, had been kidnapped. The authorities dismissed her report, which added to the tension of the novel. Despite a detailed account of events, police would not take her seriously. The novel runs on a timeline, jumping between past and present events leading to Piper’s kidnapping and how committed Iris is…

I don’t care for the national anthem. I won’t sing it. It’s against my belief as I am not religious. I think it’s hypocritical to ask God to save Africa if you are doing all the evil things to ruin the country. But burning the flag? I don’t condone it. I may be highly critical of the government, of how ANC rule has messed up the country in the past 30 years. But that doesn’t mean that I am not a loyal citizen. I love my country; that is why I am so critical of the government. But I won’t burn the South African flag nor will I encourage anyone to do it. Besides the fact that it is illegal, it is so disloyal to the country. Citizens all over…

The DA lit up the South African flag in an election advert and that’s a big deal. But it’s not the sort of big deal that the media is making it out to be. After the first viewing, commentators have called the scene “unpatriotic”, “disrespectful”, “disloyal” and “outrageous”. I’ll tell you one thing, “outrageous” I agree with, but more in the ’60s tie-dye sense than anything else. Look, this is a frightening election, whether we like it or not. We are faced with the real prospect (and I do mean a very, very real prospect) of seeing either a demagogue (to wit, EFF leader comrade Julius Malema) or a sticky-fingered convict in power after May 29, whittling our constitutional democracy down to the sticks. These are terrifying thoughts, seriously, and…

Pollution is a major problem affecting the environment, especially water resources, and polluters can no longer be allowed to continue on this destructive path. South Africa is a dry and water-scarce country and cannot afford such continuous pollution of its water resources. Polluters must be exposed – they must be named and shamed. Pollution poses a serious threat to water security. This calls for everyone to play a role in preventing the pollution of our water resources and to contribute towards water security for current and future generations. The pollution of water resources negatively affects the health and socio-economic development of communities. Pollution leads to water quality challenges, including waterborne diseases, poor quality or lost crops, the death of animals and aquatic species, and environmental degradation. The major challenge currently…

THE City of Tshwane is making headway in its endeavour to rehabilitate roads and give a facelift to taxi ranks in different parts of the municipality. This was highlighted by mayor Cilliers Brink on his visit to Mamelodi to oversee work under way to rehabilitate J Maleleku Drive as part of a project to improve roads in the area at a cost of R20 million. He expressed satisfaction that the project meant to improve the lifespan and standard of the roads in the area was in progress. Brink was accompanied by MMC for Roads and Transport, Katlego Mathebe, during a three-stop roads rehabilitation and maintenance project tour in Region 6, which included Mamelodi, Nell- mapius and Lynnwood. He said: “Proving that the City indeed prioritises service delivery for all, we…

A 48-year-old Limpopo woman, Stephina Sefekwane Chuene, has appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court for the brutal murder of her 18-year-old son. The mother appeared in court on Monday and Tuesday and was remanded in custody until May 16 for a formal bail application. The woman was arrested after she allegedly murdered her wheelchair-bound son and chopped off his head. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo said in a statement that her arrest comes after police received a report about the murder of a young man on Friday, May 3, at around 1pm in Leshikishiki village in the Lebowakgomo policing area. When police arrived at the scene, next to a local tavern, they found the decapitated body of the 18-year-old boy lying…

THE local acting fraternity and the entire entertainment industry gathered at the Joburg Theatre yesterday to pay their respects to actor Mpho Sebeng, 31, who died in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday morning. According to reports, the actor was travelling in Potchefstroom, North West, when the accident claimed his life. Since his passing, South Africans have celebrated and mourned his life with various tributes on social media. Those with whom he worked described him as a consummate professional, a humble young man who loved people just as he loved his craft and took it seriously, regardless of the role he played. Sebeng, who starred in the Ring of Lies and other television productions, was remembered as a humble young actor who possessed a compassionate heart. Kagiso…

I am responding to Professor Jonathan Jansen’s article, “UWC farce in selecting VC and UCT’s candidate list alarming”, which appeared in the Daily Dispatch (April 18, 2024) and in other publications. My response is based on having worked at five different universities in South Africa over five decades, including UWC, and having served on three different university Councils. Let me start with the University of the Western Cape (UWC). As a point of departure, it is important to understand the roles and mandates of different stakeholders in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of a university. In terms of national legislation and the Statute of UWC, the Council has the sole mandate to appoint the Vice-Chancellor. With regard to the process of selection and appointment, the UWC Statute requires Council to…

Just like Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Asenathi Ntlabakanye has a beef to settle. The target of his ire – Munster – have long departed South Africa with back-to-back victories on the Highveld, so his vengeance will now fall upon Cardiff at Ellis Park tomorrow (6.15pm kick-off). Ntlabakanye came on as a replacement early in the second stanza in the 33-13 loss against the defending champions on April 27, and although disappointed with the result, the fact that he was part of a scrum that conceded a penalty to Munster absolutely rankles. “It does hurt me man, to be honest,” he said frankly when looking back at the penalty in the 73rd minute. “I know a lot of people don’t look at it that way, but I take those things very…

Just SA’s WEEKLY jargon buster aims to give simple, plain English explanations for typical words and phrases used in the financial industry, in particular, words relating to guaranteed life annuities and living annuities. This week, we look at the letter: S Source: Just Retirement SA, info@justsa.co.za. The jargon buster is intended for information purposes only. It should not be regarded as advice as defined in the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 or any form of advice in respect of the policy, retirement, tax, legal or other professional service whatsoever. You are encouraged to seek ad- vice from an authorised financial adviser or to independently decide what financial product is appropriate for you, based upon your own judg- ment and understanding of your financial needs. Just Retirement…

PAN AFRICAN Resources is well on course for a stronger financial performance this year, after lifting its output guidance and projecting a lowering of its production costs, amid strengthening prices of the yellow metal. The mid-tier gold producer yesterday raised its production guidance for the year ending June 30, 2024, to the upper end of its earlier forecast to between 186 000 and 190 000 ounces, up from 180 000 to 190 000 ounces. The company has concurrently ceased “processing of marginal surface sources” at the Evander Gold Mine in Mpumalanga which had become “uneconomical”. Pan African CEO Cobus Loots said the mine contributed approximately 2 500 ounces in the first half of the company’s current financial year, and would have seen the company surpass…

Multimedia personality Phat Joe did not mince his words after his recent interview with MacG at the Cape Town leg of the Podcast and Chill Live Nation Tour. The first sold-out event was held at the Star Theatre with comedian Mpho Popps on MC duty. Comedian and ventriloquist Conrad Koch and his dear friend, Chester Missing, were also in the house to entertain chillers before Phat Joe entered the chat. While chillers who attended enjoyed the interview and the event on the whole, Phat Joe was not impressed with MacG’s interviewing skills. In a video taken shortly after his interview with MacG, Phat Joe openly shared his thoughts on the event. He said: “I thought it sucked – it was horrible. I think MacG and them are a bunch of…

THE National Assembly has given the green light for the establishment of an inquiry into the fitness of commissioner Mbuyiselo Botha of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) to hold public office. The impeachment inquiry is set to get under way in the seventh Parliament after the May 29 elections. This comes after the three-member independent panel determined that Botha has a case to answer following allegations levelled against him. It recommended that Parliament institute an impeachment inquiry that may lead to his removal from office. Parliament appointed the panel early in March after ANC MP Fikile Masiko tabled a motion requesting the National Assembly to initiate a process to remove Botha from office. The panel has said the allegation against Botha centred on an audio recording where he allegedly…

Healing Diabetes and other Lifestyle Diseases: Cooking with Africa’s Whole Foods Ubuntu Wellness Health advice can often feel like navigating a maze. I met the co-authors of Healing Diabetes and other lifestyle diseases at a recent Cape Times reader engagement. While speaking about health and lifestyle changes, co-author Ian McFarlan briefly touched on this Ubuntu Wellness recipe book. From the outset, it is clear that the authors are very passionate about their mission to promote healthy lifestyles. Their dedication to helping others achieve their goals is evident throughout the pages. Not only is it a cookbook, but it has valuable insight into managing and reversing chronic conditions such as diabetes. With a disclaimer early in the book, McFarlane emphasises that the book and recipe resource are guidelines, with medical supervision…

The Wealth money can’t buy – The 8 Hidden Habits To Live Your Richest Life Robin Sharma Loot (R279) Penguin I love Robin Sharma; my personal development journey began with his books and timeless wisdom. The Wealth Money Can’t Buy is such a book. Every chapter felt deeply personal, as if it was written just for me. I dreaded putting the book down. Sharma’s latest offering, The Wealth Money Can’t Buy, is a testament to his unparalleled ability to inspire and empower readers on their personal development journeys. As someone who has long admired Sharma’s work, diving into this book felt like reuniting with an old friend – familiar yet profoundly enriching. Each chapter of The Wealth Money Can’t Buy resonates deeply, offering insights and reflections that feel tailor- made…

South Africa’s water challenges have been thrown into sharp focus by the situation unfolding in the country’s economic hub. The City of Johannesburg, though having faced dry spells and outages in the past, faces an incalculable crisis with millions of residents affected and water authorities advising city officials – in Johannesburg and the capital of Pretoria – that failure to reduce water consumption could lead to a collapse of the system. The situation has led to the city launching its Water Security Strategy to identify challenges and develop strategic responses to counter them, including prioritising proactive measures to reduce flood risk and strengthen community resilience. Water management and security are benefiting from a technological revolution, specifically the implementation of smart technologies to safeguard supply and infrastructure that is critical to…

As an act of desecration and vandalism, burning the national flag is reprehensible. But equally reprehensible is the association of the flag with causes that embrace genocide and terrorism. By its embrace of former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, wanted by the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity and genocide, its embrace of Hamas terrorists, whose aim is the eradication of Jews “from the river to the sea”, the ANC disrespects and damns the values the national flag represents. By its international alliances and support for extremist causes, the ANC has no right to project itself as a custodian of the nobility of the national flag. For a country that is 70% Christian, the ANC’s support for Hamas’s aim to destroy Israel is a grave injustice to the religious…

BAD public lighting in the City of Tshwane threatens the safety of communities who become vulnerable to criminals in areas where street lights are not working. Mayor Cilliers Brink conceded this week that the municipality was grappling with the problem of public lighting as a result of electricity infrastructure being vandalised and stolen. Opposition parties like the ANC and EFF have constantly raised concerns about the street lights that are out in many parts of the municipality, especially in townships where they are often neglected and not repaired. EFF regional leader, Obakeng Ramabodu, previously lamented that crime was on the rise at Fountains Circle, robots along Nelson Mandela Drive and Pretorius Street, as well as at the Wonderpark robots, Transfer in Soshanguve, Morula Complex, Bronkhorstspruit, Dr George Mukhari Hospital and…

An employee of the North West Parks and Tourism Board was scheduled to appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court yesterday after he was arrested in connection with the theft of 51 rhino horns. Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said the 48-year-old man, who cannot be named until he appears, will face charges of business burglary. He was arrested on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in the theft. “He was arrested at his workplace following an investigation that linked him to a business burglary at the North West Parks and Tourism Board on June 26, 2023, where 51 rhino horns were allegedly stolen,” said Mathebula. “His accomplices, Elias Mangande and Lefa Mankgaba, were arrested last year in July.”…

GAUTENG Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Morakane Mosupyoe has promised to honour the legacy of world-acclaimed boxing champion Dingaan Thobela. He was buried at the Westpark Heroes Acres Cemetery following a provincial state funeral yesterday. The MEC’s commitment came just after Reverend Mahlati had called out the government’s failure to invest in young people to be as great as Thobela. “How can we not be a broken society when young people abuse drugs and alcohol and do not have access to libraries, sports? When I was in Brazil, you would never see young people roaming the streets because there are recreational facilities,” he said. Reacting to Mahlati’s address, the MEC promised to honour Thobela posthumously and find ways to honour boxing legends by creating opportunities for them to mentor…

After four years of training and working with venomous snakes, Crocworld Conservation Centre’s reptile keeper rescued a green mamba in a tree recently. In a Facebook post, on Wednesday, Crocworld said that in early May, the Crocworld team was called to assist with a green mamba in a tree, at a residence in Malangeni. Crocworld manager James Wittstock and reptile keeper, Sphesihle Nyawose, attended the call hoping to rescue the snake. “Sphe, as he is known, was full of adrenaline as this was his first mamba call after four years of training and working with the venomous snakes at our facility,” Crocworld said. “Needless to say, the four years of hard work and training paid off as Sphe successfully and safely caught the snake and educated the residents of the…

PROPERTY in Cape Town has become unaffordable for ordinary Capetonians. Within a 10km radius of the city centre, you would struggle to buy a one-bedroom home for under R2 million. You’d be hard-pressed to rent a one-bedroom flat for under R15 000 a month too. It’s even more unaffordable for families. But it’s not just poor and working-class people who are being priced out of the property market. Middle-income professionals are forced to look outside the city for affordable lodging. Driving up the sale and rental prices are: foreign professionals looking for a scenic location to work remotely; returning South Africans with pockets full of pounds and euros; and property investors looking to add to their Airbnb rental stocks. This is the downside of the Western Cape being the best-run…