Table of contents for 2023-06-24 in Saturday Star

The contentious National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which the National Assembly, the first house of Parliament, thinks would “achieve universal access to quality health-care services” in South Africa, was recently passed. Ensuring that every South African receives an equal share of a failing public health-care system will be the main aim of the NHI Bill. The Covid-19 pandemic brought to light South Africa’s starkly divided health system, which is made up of an increasingly dysfunctional public sector that serves between 65% and 80% of the country’s population, and a private sector that serves the 10% to 15% of people who pay for private medical care out of their own pockets, and the 16% of people with private medical insurance. The national health budget for 2022-2023 was R259 billion, or…

Streaming platforms have amplified the proliferation of TV shows that delve into real estate and home renovation. Of course, Hollywood offerings tend to offer very glamorised accounts of these worlds, especially with the sexy cast looking like they stepped off the ramp. Some of these popular offerings include Selling Sunset, Property Brothers, Million Dollar Listing, The Flipping El Moussas and Flip it Like Disick. But, while it’s aspirational storytelling, it is far removed from the daily reality of South Africans. With load shedding, water shortages, inflation and the overall high cost of living, it is not relatable. This is where BBC Lifestyle’s Listing Jozi makes in-roads with viewers. It offers a day in the life of real estate agents. It’s also informative, especially for property buyers and sellers. The second…

Caroline Gelderblom As South Africans, we have lived with load shedding in some form or another for 16 years. But the severity and regularity of these rolling blackouts has become debilitating, frustrating people and stalling the economy, and its impacts are permeating every area of our lives. One of the more serious impacts of load shedding is on South Africa’s water security. Indeed, if it continues at current levels it threatens many industries and in particular the production of irrigated crops (and therefore food security), while poor water quality also poses a direct risk to human and environmental health. In terms of water supply, electricity is needed to pump water from dams, rivers and boreholes to cities and farmers. Although some of these pumps can be powered by diesel generators…

AFRICA is in danger of losing one of its biggest revenue streams if a ban that prevents British game hunters from bringing home severed heads as trophies is passed. It also appears that African leaders and experts are at odds with the proposal, with some supporting a ban and others warning that it would be catastrophic. Some African leaders said the move would promote a beggar-like dependency on foreign aid. The high commissioners of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe warned that the legislation might not discourage hunting. They argued that it would instead remove incentives for locals to protect animals from poachers. A total of 103 experts and officials from across Africa wrote to members of Britain’s House of Lords, urging them to back the ban. But…

Powerful children’s play Innocence Lost, written by Moira Katz and produced by the National Children’s Theatre (NCT), has won the Naledi Theatre Award for best production for children and young audiences aged up to 13. The win, in the premier awards event on the South African theatre calendar, is a remarkable achievement for a “social play” that addresses the plight of sex trafficking.The play tells the story of a 14-year-old girl lured from her hometown by a man who promises her the world. She ends up being abducted and held captive as a sex slave. “It’s a harrowing story, but an extremely important message,” says Katz, NCT’s outgoing CEO. “We’re particularly proud of this win, as not many social plays tend to do well in the children’s categories.” Katz wrote…

TAKE Your Dog to Work Day was celebrated around the world yesterday. The day falls on the first Friday following Father’s Day. “This special day encourages employees to bring their dogs to the workplace. Beyond the fun and initial excitement, there are numerous benefits to having dogs in the office environment,” pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Marycke Ackhurst, said. Ackhurst explained the positive impact of dogs on productivity, employee well-being, and workplace morale. She said having dogs at work can significantly reduce stress levels among employees. Interacting with dogs has been proven to increase the production of oxytocin (the “feel-good” hormone) and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone). This leads to a more relaxed and positive work environment, promoting better focus, concentration, and overall productivity. The presence of dogs…

Fabiani, a brand that sets the standard for being an affluential and premium menswear brand in Southern Africa, has relaunched its flagship store in Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria. With the launch on Thursday came a new way of shopping – a curated mix of luxe items in a space where digitisation is at the fore – and an exclusive launch party and fashion masterclass with E! Entertainment TV presenter and style guru, Kat Sinivasan. As the brand is known for running the gauntlet between traditionalist and fashion-forward, the one-of-a-kind store is no different, aimed at bringing “a life in style”, she said. As part of the store’s permanent distinctive offerings, the everyday shopping experience is taken up a notch. There was an entire innovative in-store experience . From…

A documentary about the daily reality of child protection organisations (CPOs) aims to give viewers a glimpse into their challenging lives. Swartskaap, which premiered on VIA, DStv channel 147, on Thursday, features the lives of those within the CMR (Caring, Mentoring & Restoring) North organisation, as well as associated social workers, who have since early 2022 been at the receiving end of a brutal public attack. But the documentary will, for the first time, shed a very different light on their story. Minister Danie Janse van Rensburg, chairperson of the CMR North board, said the events that unfairly portrayed the organisation in a poor light started with the highly publicised case of Abrie Raaths, who is serving four life sentences for raping his daughter Megan in 2008. Fourteen years later,…

HOT on the heels of the updated Land Rover Discovery Sport, the British carmaker has announced a host of revisions for its platform partner the Range Rover Evoque. Available to order in South Africa now, with prices ranging from R1 258 100 to R1 702 000, the 2024 model year Evoque receives subtle exterior enhancements as well as a more screen-centric cockpit and various specification updates, including the addition of a new Autobiography grade. On the outside we see new super-slim Pixel LED headlights which feature a jewel-like visual effect. Fresh exterior colour options debut in the form of Tribeca Blue, Arroios Grey and Corinthian Bronze, and clients can also opt for various contrast roof options. In the cabin of the 2024 model, designers have gone…

With Insurance Awareness Day around the corner, on June 28, this marks an ideal opportunity to remind South Africans of the value of insurance and to encourage those who don’t have cover to seriously reconsider. According to Budget Insurance, an alarming number of South Africans would have to pay thousands of rand from their own pockets if their vehicle were to be involved in an accident, or if their home was burgled or destroyed. “During tough financial times, some choose to cancel their insurance to save money. This puts them at a massive financial risk considering the number of accidents, hijackings and thefts that take place daily,” said Tyrone Lowther, the head of Budget Insurance. “Not many people can afford the thousands, to tens and even hundreds of thousands of…

DO not expect Bok bosses Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber to waste any time blooding their big scoop, Jean Kleyn, and bank on him starting on July 8 against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld. World Rugby on Thursday gave Kleyn the official green light to ditch the emerald green of Ireland for the green and gold of South Africa and the 29-year-old will go straight into battle against the Aussies. As they did in 2019, the Boks are sending one team early to New Zealand to prepare for the All Blacks while another team will play a Wallabies team that has already begun some serious war talk. Kleyn, who Erasmus described as a “monster” earlier this week, is just the man to get stuck into the visitors. The Aussie pack…

RORY McIlroy has accomplished a lot since launching his professional golf career in 2007, including four major championships and 122 weeks at No 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking. But before Thursday, one particular feat eluded him: a hole-in-one at an official PGA Tour event. That changed for the Northern Irishman when he aced the par-3 eighth hole during the first round of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, in the US. McIlroy stepped to the tee box of the 214-yard (195-metre) hole at TPC River Highlands with his 5-iron. His ball hit the meat of the green with one small hop and tracked straight towards the pin. The 34-year-old threw both his hands in the air before high-fiving his caddie and two playing partners, Tom Kim of South…

AFTER years of flaunting his promise Aiden Markram finally seems to have made that critical crossover. The past season was a big one for the 28-year-old – he was named captain of his country’s Twenty20 team, he backed it up with fine form on all fronts and he enjoyed domestic success. Indeed the Markram that led South Africa to the Under-19 ICC World Cup title in 2014 appears to be doing what everyone expected he would do all those years ago: delivering on that promise. The Pretoria-born all-rounder will have a key role to play when Australia arrive on tour in August. The teams will play a three-match T20I series at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, before facing off in a five-match Betway One-Day International (ODI) series in the…

While there is so much today that is trumpeted as “convenient and easy”, many parents feel overwhelmed by the complexities and stresses of modern life. Convenience has become the go-to for many people when it comes to food because of their fast-paced lifestyle. This has led to an increase in the consumption of fast food, frozen meals, and pre-packaged snacks that are quick and easy to prepare. For many, this has led to the over-reliance on “quick meals”. Parents face a range of challenges when it comes to making sure their kids get the nutrition they need to support optimal physical and cognitive development. Many children are picky or fussy eaters. Load shedding is not helping, constantly disrupting food preparation, plus high prices are narrowing the choices of food we…

Kelly Osbourne has branded Prince Harry a “whining, whinging, complaining t***”. The 38-year-old reality TV regular hit out at the royal, also 38, days after he and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 41, had their multimillion- dollar Spotify deal axed. She ranted on the I’ve Had It podcast to hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan: “Everybody’s life is f****** hard. I think Harry is a f****** t***, I do! “He is a whining, whinging complaining, woe is me, I’m the only one whose had mental problems, my life was so hard – everybody’s life was f****** hard!” Referencing the scandal that erupted after Harry wore a Nazi soldier costume to a party in 2005, Osbourne also blasted: “You were the prince of a goddamn country who dressed…

Across the city residents are being faced with what some call a plague of super rats. It is a term that is being used around the world to describe rats that have become bolder and have developed a degree of resistance to the poisons that are used to kill them. These armies of rats have not just become a problem in urban areas across South Africa, they are overrunning cities like Paris, New York and Sydney. What is driving them is the easy availability of food. “And it is high-protein stuff so these guys are getting big and it’s almost like natural selection on steroids,” said rat expert Diederik van ’t Hof. Rats crossing roads, scrummaging in dustbins and feeding in gardens have become a common sight for many Joburg…

DNA has played an important role in cracking the widely watched case of Thabo Bester, and it plays a crucial role in many cases such as unidentified bodies. A body burnt inside a cell, at first believed to be that of the man dubbed the Facebook rapist, was identified as Katlego Mpholo, who had been missing for more than a year, via DNA. At the third annual Forensic DNA Symposium in Cape Town this month, international and local experts met, shedding light on the crucial role of DNA analysis in criminal investigations. It was hosted by the forensic networking and information platform, DNAforAfrica, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The symposium covered the advances in forensic DNA; gender-based violence initiatives including…

St Martin’s School celebrated Youth Day 2023 and former teacher Oliver Tambo’s legacy at the school with a sports festival that comprised 24 teams from schools across the city, over two days – on June 15 and 16. The aim of the event was to illustrate the unifying power of sport, particularly among young South Africans. St Martin’s acting school principal Warren Venter said: “This festival is important in terms of teaching our kids how to be citizens of the country, learning things like conflict management, dealing with other people, important qualities. Sport has the potential to unify a nation and bring people together.” Venter added: “You learn how to deal with other people, and being a human is dealing with other people. Sport is the breeding ground of learning…

The new Barbie Dreamhouse is a highly anticipated item this year. It is a hit with children and parents, for all the right reasons. Behind the stylish designs and integrated play opportunities are incredible benefits and features that we don’t always see or know about. Five interesting facts about the new Dreamhouse: 1. It is a symbol of childhood dreams. The new Dreamhouse promotes creativity as it’s a place where children can imagine themselves as anything they want to be, from a doctor to a fashion designer, and everything else in between. By creating their own scenarios, children develop critical thinking skills, learn to think outside the box, and practise social interactions with their dolls, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence. 2. The Dreamhouse can help children develop their fine motor…

THE Gauteng Department of Health says the process of instituting a multi-vendor approach in response to the recent supply constraints of certain food items at various health facilities is at an advanced stage. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the department has reviewed the previous practice of contracting a single supplier for a broad range of items, which has proved to be the main contributing factor leading to inconsistent food supply to hospitals. “The process to appoint multiple suppliers is in its final stages to ensure that patient care is not compromised by service providers who lack the required capacity to meet the needs of facilities,” said Modiba. Since the beginning of the year, some health facilities in Gauteng faced food supply challenges to varying degrees involving items such as dairy products,…

AS AN artist Stefan Smit has always been up for a challenge. But even he knew that attempting to paint a five-storey mural on a building on the Foreshore, Cape Town would be difficult. Still, Smit decided to give it a shot. It was also the first time he’d be doing a painting from a suspended mechanical platform lift. He knew that time was of the essence. So he set out with his paintbrushes and over a hundred litres of paint ready to create a masterpiece. He had been commissioned by public art agency Baz-Art to paint a commission for Homii, a new residential development in Cape Town. However, what he didn’t anticipate was the change of weather. Just as he was about to attempt to paint the biggest mural…

On the eve of Nelson Mandela’s birthday, an undertaker who spent 10 days with his body before his state funeral and memorial service has given insight into this unforgettable time. Jacques Snyman served as a police officer for 12 years at the Murder and Robbery unit in the East Rand in Johannesburg, which later led him to the forefront of private investigating. But after years of chasing criminals, Snyman retired his badge and began working with the dead as an undertaker. Today, Snyman is one of the branch managers for AVBOB and is the only undertaker in the country who can perform aquamations. He has presided over the funerals of many public figures, such as the aquamation of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the burials of rugby stalwart Chester Williams and…

RENAULT has ripped the covers off its new flagship SUV, the Rafale, which ushers in a new design era for the French brand. Named after the Renault-powered Caudron Rafale plane that set a world speed record of 443km/h back in 1934, the hybrid-only Renault Rafale is classified as a D-segment SUV with coupé-inspired lines. Measuring 4.71m in length, it’s fairly close to the BMW X4 in terms of overall size. This is Renault’s first vehicle to be designed completely in accordance with design head Gilles Vidal’s new visual identity for the brand, which you would also have seen signs of in the recently announced Clio facelift. Renault describes the Rafale’s design as “visionary, daring, perfectly in tune with its time and tailor-made for a period when everything is moving ever…

When you have a beef with your retail bank, credit provider or insurance policy or have a grievance against SARS or your pension fund, and whether you are an individual or a business, think of calling the appropriate ombud to help you resolve the issue. An ombudsperson, ombudsman or ombudswoman, and sometimes not referred to as an ombud at all, like the pension funds adjudicator, is an impartial person or office who will investigate any complaint a consumer, client or customer may have made against a public or private institution falling under their authority, mandate or membership. KwaZulu-Natal-based PGPS Attorneys says: “An ombuds seek to resolve disputes (to the benefit of all parties) fairly, efficiently, and cost-effectively by acting as mediators between complainants and the entity being complained about.” Many…

Chrisley Botha, Wealth advisor at PSG Wealth responds: Beginning your investment journey in equities (or shares) is a great step towards wealth-building. Here are some key dos and don'ts: Dos: Research: Understanding the market, types of shares, and influential factors is paramount. Self-education via reading, courses, or consultations with professionals is highly recommended. Diversify: Minimise risk by investing across different sectors and companies. Maintain a long-term focus: Successful investors focus on long-term growth, not short-term fluctuations. Be patient, growth can take time. Consult experts: Guidance from a financial advisor can be invaluable in achieving your financial goals. Don’ts: Avoid impulse buying: Let your investment decisions be driven by research, not emotions or trends. Avoid psychological biases: To build an optimal portfolio, stay aware of counter biases such as loss aversion,…

THERE is barely a soul outside Mpumalanga giving the Pumas a chance of winning this afternoon’s Currie Cup final against the Cheetahs, and that suits Jimmy Stonehouse’s street fighters perfectly. People forget that the men from Mbombela won 61-21 when they visited Bloemfontein in round four of this year’s tournament. Folk also forget that the Pumas are the defending champions and they were also expected to lose when they played the final away last year. Griquas had been expected to emulate the feat of the Mannetjies Roux side of 1970 but the Pumas rained on the Kimberley parade. The money that is flooding in on the Cheetahs is based on their fine form of the last fortnight. They savaged a full-strength Bulls team home and away. On the other hand,…

It is estimated that around 4.6 million adults in South Africa have diabetes – about 8.5% of the adult population – while one in three (13 million) adults are classed as at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. For Youth Month, health experts at MedicalAid have revealed 7 signs of diabetes and tips on how to prevent it. Top 7 hidden signs of diabetes: Frequent urination: Excessive thirst and increased urination are often early signs of diabetes. Unexplained weight loss: Despite eating normally or even more than usual, individuals with diabetes may experience unexplained weight loss due to the body’s inability to properly utilise glucose as an energy source. Fatigue: Feeling tired and lethargic is a common symptom of diabetes due to the body’s inability to efficiently…

Bongani Fassie, the son of the late legendary musician Brenda Fassie, appeared on Mzansi Magic’s show I Blew It and detailed how he blew away millions of rand in his younger years. On I Blew It, ordinary and well-known South Africans share stories of how they blew away their fortune. Bongani’s story begins after his mother’s death when he inherited her estate. He details how a music executive called him and took him under his wing and helped set up the people who would be handling the estate and advised him to focus on his music. On the show, Bongani details how he lived the soft life, splurging on three Hummers, rent, and even shoes for his girlfriends for around R48 000. He dropped a bombshell by disclosing he spent…

Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity as access to information has become an essential part of modern-day life. The UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) recently reported that connecting schools had the potential to boost gross domestic product by up to 20% in the world’s least connected nations. Many schools across South Africa struggle with the costs and infrastructure required to provide this for teachers and pupils. One internet service provider (ISP) is stepping up to help. Over the past eight years, ISP Cool Ideas has been expanding its fibre and LTE networks across the country, to expedite access to digital information, through high-speed connectivity. While doing so, through its Cool Schools initiative, it has collaborated with schools across eight provinces, to ensure that as the…

WHILE the legal fraternity describe the claims process as chaos, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) says order had been restored. The lawyers camped outside Sammy Marks Square for two days this week to try to get a spot to settle RAF claims on behalf of their clients. Attorneys are so upset about the fact there was no structure to the process of block settlements to which they were invited by the RAF, that the Pretoria Attorneys’ Association asked the Legal Practice Council to intervene in the “unfortunate situation”. In a letter sent to the Legal Practice Council, the association said it had taken note, “with utter dismay, of the indignation that members of the legal profession have had to suffer at the hands of the staff of the RAF this…

SAY what you want about the styling of the new BMW 7 Series and i7, but there’s one thing you can’t deny: out on the street they’ve got huge presence. Perhaps I should avoid weighing in because styling is a subjective thing, but I think it looks somewhat better in the flesh than it does in pictures. Yet beautiful it is not. Because I’m not a fan of abundant attention, I usually avoid using these kinds of vehicles to run everyday errands while I have them on test. But I decided to take a chance and park the BMW i7 at my local Builder’s Warehouse on what seemed like a quiet day. The Bavarian behemoth became an instant celebrity, with every car guard, security officer and bystander within a…

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about living annuities, with the message – supported by expert opinion – that living-annuity pensioners need to be able to cope with stock-market volatility if they are drawing more than 4% a year for an income. The argument was that only by being heavily invested in equities (at least 60%) could you achieve the after-inflation returns required to sustain that level of income over the long term. A living annuity, just to remind you, is a type of pension in which you choose the underlying investments and decide on your level of income. By law, you must draw between 2.5% and 17.5% a year. If you don’t manage your investment carefully, your capital may not last as long as you do. The Association…

HE HAD his first taste of United Rugby Championship (URC) and Currie Cup rugby this year, and for the young Western Province and Stormers scrumhalf Imad Khan that is where he wants to be. Even Stormers and WP coach John Dobson tipped the 19-year-old, who made his URC debut in January and his Currie Cup debut in May, to reach great heights. The former Bishops boy wants to use the World Rugby U20 Championship as a stepping stone to greater things. He will be the starting scrumhalf today (7pm kick-off) as the Junior Springboks take on Georgia in their first game of the tournament at Stellenbosch’s Danie Craven Stadium. Khan is one of the experienced players the Baby Boks will lean on in the tournament as they look to clinch…

FlySafair has clinched its third consecutive win as the best low-cost airline in Africa, showcasing its commitment to providing affordable and quality air travel. Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the airline at the ceremony held in Paris. “We are so proud that all the hard work our team has put into continuously improving has been recognised at such a prestigious event,” he said. “To have this work and our commitment to seamless, on-time travel rewarded at this level is testament to the dedication and excellence that our staff bring to work each day.” The World Airline Awards are determined through an annual customer satisfaction survey by Skytrax. Among the 80 major awards presented during the event, FlySafair’s recognition as the Best…

SOLO travel has become a cultural phenomenon across the globe and #solotravel videos have garnered close to four billion views on TikTok, says Explore Worldwide. By analysing Google search data from the past two years, Explore Worldwide’s research has determined the places that are seeing the biggest uplift in solo travel searches compared to the previous year. “The study uncovers the locations surging in popularity among those itching to see the world on their own, with the study revealing Africa’s top solo travel destinations.” The five trending solo travel destinations in Africa: 1. Mauritius, Indian Ocean Off the south-east coast of Africa, the beautiful island of Mauritius proves to be the top trending destination, with nearly 150% more online searches than last year. While typically seen as a romantic honeymoon…

Family bonding during school holidays positively impacts the emotional well-being of all family members. Spending quality time together reduces stress, promotes relaxation and boosts happiness. It creates a supportive environment where children and parents can express their emotions, feel heard, and find comfort and reassurance. With schools across South Africa due for holidays this month, many families are wondering where to spend these. Time away from the household routine and the normal structure of the day spells excitement for children and if possible, a much-needed break for parents. Limpopo’s Natural Wonders Limpopo province offers a blend of landscapes, from the bush of Kruger National Park to the tranquil Limpopo Riverine Forest. Go on game drives together, spotting the Big Five. Discover the tented camps in the…