Table of contents for 2024-01-20 in Saturday Star

Last year, we saw a rise in South African artists blowing up on the global stage. This year they are continuing their world takeover. Recently, rapper Cassper Nyovest announced he will be performing at the O2 Academy Islington, London, as part of the Shockolate Show 2024. Now it has been confirmed that more award-winning artists have booked gigs outside of Africa. Kamo Mphela, Pabi Cooper, Vigrodeep and Sha Sha are among many African stars who will make their way to Abu Dhabi, UAE, to perform at the 3rd edition of the All Africa Festival (AAF). It will be held from February 2-4 at Etihad Park, Yas Island. Mphela will also dash off the UK to headline shows in London and Birmingham on January 26-27. “Kicking off the year in high…

Having just spent three weeks in the Mother City, I have this week, yet again, decided to include some beautiful and moving images from my recent visit to the city voted Best City in the World 2023, our very own magnificent Cape Town. Click here for more of Dr Norman Cahi’s pictures: https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/photoessay-mother-city-5bb0b674-114c-4fad-8ff3-0669f8789d56…

The new LG QNED TVs take home entertainment to new heights. LG’s Quantum Dot and NanoCell colour technologies are combined in this cutting-edge viewing experience. The TVs also provide a greater range of screen options, such as 98-inch ultra-large models, cutting-edge AI-powered processing technologies, a plethora of personalisation capabilities, and elegant design. This innovation reflects LG’s dedication to bringing superior visual experiences to consumers through innovative technology and design. Head of the Product Planning Division at LG Home Entertainment Company, Baik Seon-pill, says the company is still “dedicated to providing an unmatched client experience”, drawing upon their decade-long expertise with webOS. “Introducing QNED TVs was a strategic decision driven by LG’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and enhancing the home entertainment experience for consumers. This advanced viewing experience combines LG’s…

CORRUPT, greedy, a bully and intimidating. This is how some ANC councillors in the Free State municipality of Ngwathe describe Mayor Victoria de Beers. Councillors told Independent Media that De Beers was on the rampage, intimidating senior officials and bullying councillors into voting for budget resolutions they knew nothing about. One of the councillors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the mayor wanted to rule with an iron fist and that they couldn’t allow that as they were in council to serve the interests of the community, and not of individuals. “Victoria wants us to pass things we did not agree about in council, all for her to please her people. When some of us refuse to rubber-stamp her decision she stifles us. We understand that she’s the mayor…

AS THE festive season winds down, many find themselves in need of a post-holiday reset to restore balance and well-being. The indulgence in festive feasts, coupled with a potential disruption to regular routines, can leave individuals feeling sluggish and in need of a health-conscious reboot. In this pursuit, adopting a mindful approach to nutrition stands out as a pivotal step towards rejuvenation. Founder of Newtricion Wellness Dieticians and renowned dietician, Omy Naidoo said balancing nutrient-rich meals and hydrating beverages can aid in flushing out toxins and revitalising the body, setting the foundation for a healthier post-holiday phase. “The festive period is notorious for its abundance of rich, sugary, and calorie-laden foods that can lead even the most health-conscious individuals astray. While the celebrations are a time for joy and togetherness,…

If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution that supports mental, physical and environmental health, gardening is what you need to get fresh and fab. January is the perfect time to add finishing touches to holiday projects and a chance to turn over a few lush new leaves. What’s potting: Local lovelies Growing indigenous plants means less maintenance for you and more diversity for the patio, balcony, and traditional bed garden. Our local lovelies are already well-suited to our climate, meaning they can adapt to sudden weather changes and require less water than exotic plants. Indigenous plants attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as friendly predators like ladybugs and lacewings, to help control pests the natural way. The popular Cape leadwort (plumbago auriculata) is a full-sun-loving hedge…

In the heart of Orlando, Florida, USA from January 7 to 11, the vibrant spirit of Rotary took centre stage as the dynamic duo from Pretoria District 9400, represented their region at the prestigious Rotary International Assembly. District governor-elect George Senosha and assistant governor-elect Thabang Chiloane stood proudly as ambassadors, bringing the rich tapestry of Rotary in their corner of the world to the global forefront. District 9400 encompasses a vast territory spanning Botswana, Eswatini and the southern part of Mozambique. With a collective force of 63 clubs and 1044 members, this district is a powerhouse of Rotary impact in a region with diverse challenges and opportunities. The International Assembly served as a melting pot for Rotary leaders, providing a platform for interaction among district governors-elect, their spouses, and aides…

Almost 99% of private school pupils passed the 2023 matric exams. This came after Umalusi approved the matric results for both the National Senior Certificate and the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). On Thursday, the IEB unveiled the matric results for the class of 2023, reporting a overall pass rate of 98.46%. This achievement marks a slight improvement from the 2022 pass rate of 98.4% with the results that cut across three distinct levels: bachelor’s degree passes at 88.59%, diploma passes attained by at least 8.31%, and higher certificate passes standing at 1.57%. The IEB said all the candidates who passed the IEB 2023 NSC examinations achieved a pass that granted them access to tertiary study at one of the three levels. Last year, it reported a significant increase in the…

LAST year delivered record sales for BMW M. The sub-brand of the German automaker delivered 202 530 new vehicles – the first time the 200 000-mark has been breached. “With the historic record of more than 200 000 vehicles delivered, we have reached a milestone in the 2023 financial year. The impressive demand is a great confirmation that we are hitting the nerve of the times with our diverse product portfolio,” says Sylvia Neubauer, vice-president customer, brand, sales at BMW M GmbH. The sales in 2023 reflect a 14.3% increase compared to the previous year. The US was once again the most important single market for BMW M. The German home market again took second place, while the UK remained third. The total sales figure for 2023 includes the brand’s…

Bitcoin blasted into 2024 on a high note, touching a 21-month peak following the groundbreaking approval of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin, according to Luno’s South Africa country manager, Christo de Wit. This comes after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the Bitcoin ETFs, causing the world’s most popular cryptocurrency to hit the highest it has ever been since April 2022. The approval could lead to a rise in global adoption of Bitcoin. The spot exchange was granted after more than a decade of rejections. A spot Bitcoin ETF is described as an investment fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin directly. According to reports, following the approval, the Bitcoin ETFs have bagged about $900 million (R17.15 billion) in the first three days of trading. De Wit…

As you WELCOME in a new, exciting, uncertain, (election?) year filled with new opportunities, it is good to take stock of your retirement saving process as well as the benefits offered by your retirement fund. We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to constantly keep our eyes on the retirement fund ball and to ensure that our retirement goals are aligned with the management and operations of the retirement fund that we belong to. There are six steps that you should take to ensure that you get the most out of your retirement fund in 2024: ■ Update your nomination form It is important to ensure that the nomi- nation form, in the possession of the trustees of your retirement fund reflects your current realities and wishes…

IN TOURNAMENT football, where it is generally accepted that “it is not how you start but how you finish that matters”, should we not get excited about the Match-Day One results of southern African teams? Will it be too premature for the Cosafa region to proclaim they are now on par with the rest of the continent’s top guns? After all, aren’t our countries often expected to – and generally do – just add to the numbers at Africa Cup of Nations finals? Have we not – in the 34 editions of the biennial continental showpiece – won a mere two titles, while the North and West African countries, as well as Central Africa’s Cameroon, continue to share the trophy among themselves? It was thus not surprising that all…

SANELE Nohamba has been outstanding at flyhalf, but will move back to his usual scrumhalf role for the Lions in tomorrow’s Challenge Cup clash against the Ospreys at Ellis Park (3pm kick-off). Former Sharks back Nohamba – who celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday – has been one of the mainstays in the Lions’ resurgence this season, and that has largely been in the No 10 jersey, where his skills and game management prowess have shone through. But Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen selected Gianni Lombard as the starting pivot against the Welsh outfit as he reverted to his strongest possible line-up yesterday, having picked a second-string side in last weekend’s 3-13 defeat to Montpellier in France. The last time this combination played was in the 20-18 victory over the Sharks…

EGYPT coach Rui Vitoria said it was “too early to say” whether Mohamed Salah would play again at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after he sustained an injury in Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Ghana. The Liverpool striker went off late in the first half of the Group B game in Abidjan after appearing to clutch the back of his left leg. “We don’t know yet what is the problem. I hope not a big problem...It is too early to say something,” said Vitoria after his team’s second successive 2-2 draw in the tournament. “Salah is an amazing player, one of the best players in the world, so we want to have this kind of player always with us.” Salah’s penalty in stoppage time spared Egypt from a shock…

“THIS is the measurement of whether you can or can’t make it.” That was how Jake White described the enormity of the occasion for his in-form Bulls in this afternoon’s Champions Cup showdown with high-flying Bordeaux at Loftus Versfeld (3pm kick-off). There are a number of Bulls stars who are putting their hands up for Springbok selection for July’s home series against Ireland. But today’s clash against Bordeaux, who are on top of Pool 1 and thrashed Saracens 55-15 last weekend, is an ideal opportunity for those potential Boks to prove to Rassie Erasmus that they can make the step up to Test rugby. Among those who will be running out at Loftus today are young No 8 Cameron Hanekom, Marcell Coetzee, Ruan Nortjé, front-rowers Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and…

Travellers constantly rate their experiences after exploring their holiday destinations. The ratings and reviews help future travellers decide whether they would like to explore a destination. Tripadvisor, one of the biggest online booking platforms and travel guide recently revealed its Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024. The top seven trending destinations, according to the travel guide, are these: 1. Tokyo, Japan Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo and here, visitors can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Tokyo has a host of things to do for travellers, from waking up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market to taking a leisurely walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. 2. Seoul, South Korea Seoul is the…

It’s been a long, strange trip for the smart, real-world ideas behind Rosalind Wiseman’s Queen Bees and Wannabes, the 2002 parenting book about how to deal with difficult teenage daughters that is best known as the inspiration for the hit 2004 movie Mean Girls. Hidden inside a comedy of cultural anthropology that was both silly and sardonic, courtesy of screenwriter Tina Fey, they’ve survived, more or less intact, through a lacklustre 2011 sequel that Fey had nothing to do with and that nobody remembers: Mean Girls 2, on the ABC Family channel. In 2017, they found their way to a stage musical, which became a hit the following year on Broadway, spawning a popular national tour after the interruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. And they are still the best thing…

rabbie serumula It is the will that will take you further. Sometimes you just need to move a few steps away from where you are to see how far you can go. Know that the tree trunk you were tied to as a calf, the one you couldn't break away from, could only hold your young frame – you have grown now, dear elephant, dear ma2000, dear youth. Uncouth as you are, they thought you were rats, until you sprung up and took flight, you beautiful bats. You have adapted to the darkness. Eskom couldn't hold you. Shaky grounds couldn’t fold you, you untangled your minds and learnt how to remain sturdy even when things fall apart, perhaps driven by a deep fear of failure and a desire to overcome…

CHILDREN across the world are being exposed to online hate messages or violent images, even in countries such as South Africa where internet access is low. The latest report by Unicef, Innocenti, revealed that a significant number of children were affected and that the risks remained substantial. It highlighted a need for countries to have “tailored protective measures” based on their circumstances. The report said that because the digital environment was largely unregulated, it could expose children to age-inappropriate or potentially harmful content. While efforts to mitigate that were gaining momentum, more evidence was needed to guide policy, regulation and industry practice. Between 2016 and 2021, 31 790 children from 36 countries aged between 12 and 16 years were surveyed and the data extracted from the surveys Disrupting Harm, EU…

The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) said hubbly bubbly is more dangerous than ordinary cigarettes, and its addiction was 36 times more addictive than that of cigarettes. “There is nothing cool about hubbly bubbly. This devil’s product took away my only son last year, ” these are the words of a Soweto mother who said her 24-year-old son died an early death due to the dangers associated with hubbly bubbly, also known as hookah pipe. “I just can’t stand seeing young children engaged in this devilish behaviour. I just break down and cry whenever I see our children smoking hubbly bubbly. If it were not for the pipe, my son would not have died such an early death.” Cancer, lung damage, heart disease, TB, herpes, and early death are…

A report by the North West University seems to suggest that the province’s township economy, which includes the spaza shop economy and other local industries, is dominated by nationalities other than South African. This document which Independent Media has seen under the title, “A document of strategic intent regarding selected micro- and small enterprise issues in the village-township and small ‘dorpie’ economies of the North West Province”, comes at a time when the country is battling high unemployment numbers and an influx of illegal immigrants who are said to be competing with South Africans on the jobs and informal economy fronts. On Thursday, media reports indicated that more than 15 undocumented illegal immigrants who could not be accounted for were found hiding at a house in Centurion. This and many…

Roses are still in the new year spotlight. Be sure to deadhead or lightly cut back the stems of the red roses in your garden this week so that they will flower again in time for Valentine’s Day. Keep all roses foliated by not cutting long-stemmed blooms for the vase. Spray regularly and preventatively against black spot, mildew and red spider mites to avoid leaf drop. If you have restrictions, water your roses with grey water and always mulch well around the plant base. Roses are surprisingly versatile, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and soils. The modern rose has been bred to withstand disease and flower recurrently. Add a splash of contrast to your rose pot by planting Duranta erecta “Sapphire showers” with trusses of deep blue flowers edged…

The baby zebra born in November last year at Klapperkop Nature Reserve in Pretoria has finally has a name - Kamari. To celebrate the birth of the baby zebra at Klapperkop, Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink last month called on people to enter a competition to help find a name for the adorable foal. “We would like to choose a name that best fits the young foal’s strong and confident nature. Suggested names should be of African origin with the meaning provided,” Cilliers said in his invitation at the time. Following the overwhelmingly positive response to the baby zebra naming competition, 11-year-old Arielle from Sunnyside came up with the fitting name. More than 300 entries were received from animal and nature lovers. The competition was very tight with many fun names…

Reddam House Constantia in Cape Town achieved a standout performance with a 96% bachelor pass rate and an average of 2.94 distinctions per student. The Class of 2023 matrics from eight Reddam House schools in three provinces have proven their mettle in the IEB (NSC) exams, producing exceptional results across the country, including a 100% pass rate and 1 131 subject distinctions. Reddam House is part of the global Inspired Education Group. Overall its students also secured a total of 68 rankings in the top 1% of IEB candidates per subject nationally. Fourteen learners received rankings on the IEB’s Outstanding and Commendable Achievement lists. Among them was top achiever Stilla O’Reilly, who achieved distinctions in all eight of her main subjects. O’Reilly said she shocked herself when she received her…

Among the bean counters and the grey suits of the automotive industry, Toyota chairperson Akio Toyoda stands out as a beacon of hope for all who love cars. A true enthusiast, a blue-blooded petrolhead, an active racing driver … call him what you like but it’s refreshing to have someone of his stature so near to the helm of a major car company. Despite having stepped down as Toyota President in early 2023, Toyoda remains on the board of directors and appears to be actively involved in its decision-making processes. The chairperson, affectionately known as Morizo, made an appearance at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon where he reiterated that the Japanese company was not about to go electric only. He also took a stab at those who who view…

It’s 15 years since Jenson Button claimed the Formula One drivers’ championship but as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) prepares to get under way next month, the Briton said he is eyeing new peaks, not least the iconic Le Mans 24 Hour race. Button, who turned 44 this week, has remained busy in motor sport since stepping away from F1 at the end of the 2016 season but he is now making a full-time return to racing at the wheel of a Porsche with Hertz Team JOTA. “I’ve always loved endurance racing, first because the cars look super cool. In the 80s I used to watch F1 and Le Mans with my dad. I can’t believe I’ve only raced there twice, but I’m going to be adding to that hopefully…

Funeral policies are the most popular insurance products in South Africa. They are highly lucrative for insurance companies, because of the sheer numbers in which they are sold, but they are also one of the most problematic forms of insurance for various reasons. Traditionally their function has been to cover the costs of the funeral on the death of a person insured under the policy, but they are often bought with a broader purpose, as mini life policies. This is because they are so easy to buy, compared with life policies which, although offering far better value for money, involve health checks, questionnaires and a high degree of disclosure of personal information. They also pay out very quickly in the case of a valid claim. Problems arise when the policy…

From individuals to central banks across the world, the effects of inflation are feared and resented. Inflation is central to economic policy and on an individual level, consumers battle to manage their budgets. Yet there are world trends that engulf consumers, who gladly accept new products and trends that are making huge inroads on their available cash flow. One must only think about phone communication costs. In the days that we only had fixed-line phones, consumers’ spending on this item was minimal. Today, many companies provide workers with huge budgets for cellphone usage. The monthly cost for the latest phones almost matches the payment for a small vehicle. The children also each want a cellphone, and only the latest and best is acceptable as it is a status symbol at…

KAIZER Chiefs have pinned all their hopes of salvaging the 2023/24 season on winning the Nedbank Cup when domestic action resumes next month. The draw for the Keyona competition took place on Thursday night, as the 32 teams were pitted against each other, with Amakhosi set to face Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC. The Naturena-based club are approaching nine years without any silverware, the last being the league and MTN8 cup double from the 2014/15 season. Having already failed to lift both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout this season, and with the league title, not a realistic possibility, the Nedbank Cup becomes their last chance to save yet another disappointing season. Amakhosi defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who is still in search of his first taste of silverware since arriving in…

THE Springbok Sevens will look to get their season back on track as they head Down Under for the Perth SVNS next weekend. After starting the new Sevens season on a high note in Dubai in December last year, the Blitzboks were disappointing in front of their home crowd in Cape Town, failing to reach the semi-finals after a lukewarm display. They will look to set the record straight in Australia to get their campaign back on track. The South Africans are in an easier pool than the previous rounds, with Canada (6.44am) and Spain (12.22pm) waiting for them on Friday while they face Argentina (6.38am) on Saturday. Head coach Sandile Ngcobo surprised with a few of his selections, opting to leave the experience of Justin Geduld, Rosko Specman, Impi…

THE Cheetahs will be going all out to make amends for last week’s defeat to reach the Challenge Cup playoffs in today’s clash against Oyonnax in France (5.15pm SA time kickoff). The men from Bloemfontein went down 33-20 to another French club, Pau, in a historic first clash in Amsterdam last Sunday. That has left coach Hawies Fourie’s team in second position in Pool 1 on nine points, behind log leaders the Sharks on 12, while Zebre (third) and Pau (fourth) are both on eight points and fifth-placed Dragons are on seven. But what will count in the Cheetahs’ favour is that Pau and Zebre meet in France this afternoon before the South African team’s match, so Fourie’s side will know exactly what’s required to advance to the round of…

Catherine, Princess of Wales is in hospital after abdominal surgery. The 42-year-old royal was admitted to The London Clinic on Tuesday for a planned operation deemed “successful” by doctors and is expected to remain under the care of medics for up to two weeks before returning home. She has cancelled all upcoming engagements and is not expected to return to her public duties until after Easter. A statement from Kensington Palace explained, “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery”. No more details about Catherine’s medical condition have been disclosed. The statement added: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her…

Mark Boucher, a former South African test player and coach, discusses the 2024 Test Series in New Zealand and expresses his dissatisfaction with Cricket South Africa (CSA). In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, a sports news platform, Boucher criticised CSA for what he considers to be inequitable scheduling, drawing particular attention to the way other major cricketing nations prioritise Test cricket. “I’ll be honest with you, I am extremely disappointed. It’s got nothing to do with the players. You can’t blame the players that have been selected or the players that are not going. I think the scheduling needs to be really looked at by CSA; I don’t think it’s acceptable. “Considering that the SA20 has a specific window in the first week of January and is running for the…

THE persistent myth is that cybercrime only targets the biggest companies and economies but cybercriminals are not bound by geography, and rapidly digitising economies lure them in large numbers. South Africa is a prime example: even though it ranks 38th among major economies, according to worlddata.info, several reports place it among the nations with the highest cybercrime density, especially in terms of victim numbers. Chief Technology Officer at cybersecurity company, Performanta, Gerhard Swart said this unfortunate distinction means South African organisations need to think more seriously about cyber risks and how to create a cyber-safe business. “Organisations in South Africa are definitely becoming more aware of cyber risks. The country is rapidly digitising. Cloud adoption is at record levels, and more digital companies are opening offices in South Africa, especially…

The locally inspired X-Rider was a popular fixture in the previous Isuzu D-Max range, largely thanks to its combination of sporty styling and a relatively affordable price tag. After starting life as a special edition, its popularity led to it becoming a permanent fixture in the line-up, so it makes sense that Isuzu would want to repeat its success with the latest generation bakkie that was introduced here in 2022. It might have taken its sweet time getting here, but the new Isuzu D-Max X-Rider will finally be launched in February. Ahead of that, pricing for the new model has surfaced on vehicle information website Duoporta and, as expected, the new spec grades slot above the LS and below the LSE. It’s available in three 1.9-litre configurations, with the X-Rider…

Dieketseng Maleke THE COUNCIL for Medical Schemes (CMS) said medical schemes paying exorbitant fees for hosting annual general meetings (AGMs) should be investigated. This came after the regulator released the 2022 Medical Schemes Industry Report and Annexure which provided evidence that some medical schemes were spending excessively high amounts on hosting AGMs. “This spending pattern, deemed worrisome by the CMS, necessitates an in-depth investigation into the potential factors contributing to these extravagant costs associated with hosting AGMs in the evolving landscape of medical schemes,” it said. The regulator said AGMs were an essential governance component in the medical schemes environment, presenting a chance for schemes principal officers, boards of trustees, and administrators to account for the management of the scheme to beneficiaries. The council said on closer inspection…

South African medical scheme members are confronted with the imminent changes in contributions and benefits that took effect on January 1, 2024. The escalating costs of health care in the country pose challenges for both medical schemes and their members, necessitating innovative solutions for managing affordability without compromising on quality care. Understanding the landscape In the face of the 2024 medical scheme contribution increases, it is crucial for intermediaries to guide clients through the intricacies of health-care financing. The diverse drivers of these increases, as illustrated below, demand a strategic approach to balance solvency, financial requirements, and member needs. Addressing affordability challenges With industry-average contribution increases ranging from 7.5% to 16.0%, members are grappling with affordability concerns, prompting potential downgrades and benefit limitations. These limitations, such as sub-limits and network…

BEFORE the commencement of the 2023/2024 DStv Premiership campaign, avid followers of the domestic game pencilled down Orlando Pirates as the team to wrest the title away from Mamelodi Sundowns, who are defending the crown for the sixth time in a row. A prediction that made all the sense in the world given the successful early tenure of their head coach Jose Riveiro and the hugely-talented squad at his disposal. However, the first half of the season has thrown a spanner in the works for the mighty Buccaneers, after having initially kicked off the season in fine style by lifting the MTN8 title. Pirates rounded off the opening round of the campaign in a disappointing fifth spot on the league standings, having won seven, drawn four and lost five of…

WITH three Dakar Rally wins already under his belt, Carlos Sainz had nothing to prove in this year’s event, especially as he also has two World Rally championship titles to his name. But the 61-year-old struck a stunning blow for senior sportsmen and women by claiming his fourth Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia yesterday, to become the oldest winner of the gruelling race. AFP Sport picks out five other sexagenarians (and older) who have rocked the sporting world. *Eliza Pollock, 63, archery When the 1904 Olympics were held in St Louis, 63-year-old Eliza Pollock made the 350-mile journey from Cincinnati, where she competed for the local archery club, to take part. Sadly for Pollock she had a younger, sharper-eyed nemesis in Lida Howell, her Cincinnati Archers teammate, who took both…

NOVAK Djokovic was back to his ominous best yesterday with a straight-sets romp into the Australian Open last 16 as Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner emphatically stated their title credentials. US Open champion Coco Gauff also signalled her intent in a 6-0, 6-2 drubbing while 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva kept her dream run going with a fightback against France’s Diane Parry. Another young Russian, qualifier Maria Timofeeva, joined them in the fourth round by upsetting 10th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia and in doing so became the lowest-ranked woman since 2017, at 170, to get so far at Melbourne Park. Ten-time champion Djokovic has not been at his best until now, dropping sets in both of his opening matches, admitting he was feeling under-the weather. But the Serbian superstar’s bid for a…

THERE is a lot of character, skill and inspirational life stories within coach Shukri Conrad’s squad for the tour to New Zealand. However, it is all wrongfully hidden behind the “understrength” and “second-string” tags the team has been branded with from the moment the squad was announced. From the U19 World Cup winning Clyde Fortuin, who momentarily went missing from the domestic set-up and has gone on to build himself up once again; to Zubayr Hamza, who had to serve a nine-month doping ban, get himself back to professional cricket and back to good form to earn another Test call-up. As far as skill and character are concerned, two of the most critical ingredients for success in Test cricket, these are there in abundance in Conrad’s squad. And with the…

The world is vast and majestic in its beauty. Travelling is not just about visiting popular destinations but also uncovering natural wonders and exclusive sites. In tourism, slow travel and taking the road less travelled is about exploration. It’s about sustainable tourism and embracing the individual experience versus culture-led holidays and trends. For those fearless enough to veer off the beaten path, here are 12 ethereal destinations to discover. Avenue of Baobabs, Madagascar With their fat, smooth trunks and striking splay of branches, baobab trees seem to belong in outer space. And there’s an entire, otherworldly avenue of these alien specimens in Madagascar. They line a dirt road in the Menabe region, thought to have been here for around a millennium. Valle de la Luna, Atacama Desert, Chile This arid…

South Africa’s premium domestic airline, Lift announced it has received the award for Best New Airline Brand, South Africa 2023, from Global Brands Magazine (GBM). Global Brands Magazine, a leading publication in the field, conducts the Global Brand Awards annually to spotlight companies that distinguish themselves with “exceptional service and a unique vision”. In the 11th edition of the awards, Lift emerged as a standout performer, solidifying its position as a groundbreaking newcomer in the industry. According to the airline, this global award recognises its commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry. CEO Jonathan Ayache said Lift’s achievement in securing this award is a testament to their exceptional team and the world-class service they offer “within our dynamic airline industry”. “We’re extremely proud to win awards as…

According to travel experts, there has been a growing global demand, post-pandemic, for experiential travel opportunities that take travellers on dynamic journeys filled with culture, meaningful encounters and immersive, authentic adventures. This rise in experiential travel has been so impactful that from 2019 to the first half of 2023, Mabrian Technologies, a travel intelligence company, found there were over 400 million tourism-related interactions on social media platforms relating to this trend. Research and Markets has also projected that the tours and activities reservations market, which makes up a big part of experiential travel, is projected to be worth $264.4 billion (about R5 trillion) by 2030. Here are some examples of Mzansi’s best experiential travel opportunities. The eclectic flavours of SA Travel experts said culinary tourism is a burgeoning trend within…