Table of contents for 2024-04-06 in Saturday Star

With Mother’s Day approaching on May 12, many of us find ourselves scratching our heads and asking the age-old question: “What gift do I get for my mom?” It’s a tale as old as time, our beloved moms, the superheroes in our lives, are often the hardest to shop for. When asked what they’d like for their special day, they often respond with a dismissive wave and the classic line of “I don’t need anything” or “I have everything”. Our list of options will help you spoil your mom this Mother’s Day. Our moms deserve to feel extraordinary, loved and valued on every occasion. Instant mobile photo printer/ Polaroid camera In today’s digital era, where snapping photos is as easy as a click and sharing them is just a tap…

The City of Johannesburg has been immersed in massive water woes in recent years, the latest seeing the economic capital suburbs with dry taps for weeks. About a month ago, the majority of Joburg’s households had to scramble to access water for about 14 days after a power outage at the Eikenhof pump station that caused immediate water outages in the city. The City of Gold has had many outages before that, with some saying it is due to damaged and poorly maintained infrastructure. A breakdown in basic services has more than 5 million residents living in Johannesburg unsure what the cause is. Analysts have asserted that historically, corruption scandals, record unemployment and infrastructure failure, including load shedding, were among the causes of the water woes. Recently The Star, sister…

Humanity generates between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste a year. To put that into perspective, enough to go around the globe eight times. When improperly managed, much of that refuse emits greenhouse gases or poisonous chemicals. This damages ecosystems, inflicts disease and threatens economic prosperity, disproportionately harming women and youth. On March 30, the world marked International Day of Zero Waste. The observance, led by the UN Environment Programme (Unep) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), highlighted the importance of proper waste management. It also focused on ways to rein in the conspicuous consumption that is feeding the waste crisis. “Overconsumption is killing us. Humanity needs an intervention,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Improving collection, recycling and other forms of sound waste management remain…

AS THE Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) gears up for its 21st edition on May 3 and 4, anticipation is high for what has been dubbed “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”. This festival has earned its title through a combination of innovative programming, stellar performances and a legendary hospitality experience. From its inception, CTIJF set itself apart as the first jazz-centric event in South Africa to feature multiple stages showcasing a diverse array of both local and international talent. This pioneering format remains a cornerstone of the festival’s identity, promising an unforgettable musical journey across genres. Yet it’s not just about the music. CTIJF made history as the first major event in post-apartheid South Africa to introduce a hospitality experience that has since become the stuff of legend. Today, the festival’s…

An outrageous miscellany of lies, myths, untruths, fibs and fabrications that tell the woeful history of South Africa. Aimed at offending and entertaining everyone in equal measure, this will have South Africans sniggering and spluttering into their porridge. It will also pique their curiosity. The lies come thick and fast, like a burst sewerage pipe. Way, way back the Europeans “discovered” southern Africa and found a land that was largely uninhabited. Um, no. On the other hand, Africa was a paradise before the settlers pulled in. Not quite! Back in the darkest of ages (the 1970s!), citizens were told that there were Satanic messages if you played songs by The Beatles backwards. During the civil war in Angola, there were no South African troops in that country. National icon Hansie…

The 27th St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival took place over the Easter weekend and was a celebration of the best in schoolboy rugby. The three-day rugby festival saw no league tables, trophies or medals as this festival was all about the love of rugby, school spirit and community, and St John’s College welcomed visitors to the festival from far and wide with a line-up of u19 College and u13 Preparatory teams. Local teams included St David’s Marist Inanda, St Benedict’s College, the Golden Lions XV, Hoërskool Hans Moore, Hoërskool Noordheuwel and hosts St John’s College. Kingswood College and Graeme College travelled from the Eastern Cape, Bethlehem Voortrekker Hoërskool from the Free State, Hilton College and Maritzburg College from KwaZulu-Natal, Hoërskool Nelspruit from Mpumalanga, SACS and Hoërskool Landbou from the…

PinkDrive has teamed up with the City of Tshwane’s Health Department to bring gender-related mobile cancer screening to communities with limited resources. The partnership relaunch will take place at the Phomolong Clinic in Atteridgeville on Tuesday, and MMC for Health Rina Marx will be the keynote speaker. CEO and founder of PinkDrive Noelene Kotschan said its purpose was to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare by using mobile cancer screening. She said the partnership was initiated in 2017 when PinkDrive visited all municipal clinics in Tshwane to provide clinical breast examinations and mammograms. “The renewal of this partnership demonstrates the commitment of the two parties to jointly address the cancer burden in South Africa and to take services closer to communities,” she said. Kotschan said PinkDrive would play…

Collaborations and partnerships between South African higher education institutions and industries are highly advocated by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande. He has stated that such partnerships are critical to curricular renewal, thereby enhancing student employability and addressing the lack of industry knowledge and experience. A memorandum of agreement signing ceremony between Unisa and Palabora Mining Company is set to take place on April 12 at the Unisa Science Campus. The partnership between Unisa and Palabora is founded on value-improving practices. All the activities and objectives under the partnership are set to ensure value for both Palabora and Unisa with human capacity development being central to all operations. The partnership aims to empower employees from Palabora with an opportunity to pursue their studies through an…

Elite runners looking to earn a spot at the Olympic Games in Paris, have the opportunity to participate in the Durban International Marathon. The fourth edition of the Durban International Marathon, in which athletes can choose to run either the 42.2km or 10km, will take place on Sunday, April 28. The race will begin just outside Prospecton, near the old Durban airport, and finish at People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The race has attracted athletes from the continent. Tigabu Gebramariam from Ethiopia and Kenya’s Bernard Rotich, with personal bests of sub 2:10 to their names, are among the elite athletes expected to lead the pack. The marathon, which enjoys World Athletics Label Road Race status, is set to bring together a wide range of athletes with elite runners hoping…

THEY ARE the silent architects of self-doubt and the unseen hands that dismantle our aspirations. In this exploration, we delve into the profound impact of shame and sabotage on our lives, uncovering their origins, manifestations, and strategies to break free from their grasp. The Genesis of Shame Shame is a complex emotion deeply rooted in our psyche. It often originates from a myriad sources – childhood experiences, societal expectations, cultural norms, and interpersonal relationships. Whether it's being reprimanded for mistakes, ridiculed for imperfections, or judged for being different, shame finds its way into the fabric of our self-perception. From an evolutionary perspective, shame served as a mechanism for social cohesion, nudging individuals to adhere to societal norms and avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their acceptance within the community. However, in…

April Fool’s Day jokes are usually designed to catch people out with unusual or bizarre-sounding news that’s only just plausible enough to believe. Suzuki South Africa’s April 1 prank was more than just plausible – fans have been crying out for something like this for quite some time. “Hold onto your seats #SuzukiSA fam, because the all-new Suzuki Jimny Bakkie is finally here! You’ve been asking and we listened! With its compact size and rugged versatility, this little bakkie packs a punch.” Social media users cottoned on to the joke, but there was a clear desire for such a bakkie to exist in the real world. “This is just cruel,” said Facebook user Brenwin Naidu. “Almost got me excited,” quipped JimnyWorX 4x4 Fitment Centre. “It’s a shame that it’s just…

FRAUDULENT claims, particularly on direct funeral and life policies were often driven by financial desperation, with individuals resorting to deceit to maintain their standard of living, according to Hollard Life Solutions. The Forensic Standing Committee of the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa) in 2022 said life insurers and investment companies identified 8 931 cases of fraud and dishonesty, resulting in losses of approximately R77 million. Fortunately, these companies were able to prevent losses amounting to R1.1 billion. Dennis Munusamy, Investigations Manager at Hollard Life Solutions shares that, Hollard Life Solutions, for instance, prevents losses of around R20 million. “Fraudulent activities in life insurance include a range of deceptive practices, including false death claims, beneficiary fraud, and fabricated policies. With technology advancing rapidly, fraudsters…

KAIZER Chiefs and their interim coach Cavin Johnson will target redemption when they clash with Chippa United at the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) Stadium, East London this afternoon (3pm kickoff). It will be a challenging task for Chiefs whose form has slumped at a time when Johnson has assured all and sundry that he is still the man to guide the fortunes of the country’s most storied club. Another aspect worth mentioning is that the grieving Chiefs are mourning the tragic loss of defender Luke Fleurs (see inside page). There is also the prospect that Chiefs will be under great pressure to perform on match day because a sold-out crowd is expected. Chippa’s executive director Lukhanyo Mzinzi has asked supporters to avoid the BCM Stadium if they do not have…

There is no doubt that Canan Moodie has all the attributes to become a world-class outside centre. Just his size alone, at 1.91m and around 90kg, makes him an ideal contender at No 13. The fact that he played in midfield for most of his school career, and excelled in that position for the Springboks against the All Blacks in London last year, is a good base for a future career in the middle of the backline. But by his and Bulls coach Jake White’s own admission, the 21-year-old utility back, who has featured mainly at wing and sometimes at fullback for the Pretoria franchise, hasn’t been at his best at centre in his last two matches. So, Moodie owes White and Bulls fans a big performance in today’s Champions…

KAIZER Chiefs players have decided they will go ahead with their weekend game against Chippa United out of respect for their late teammate, Luke Fleurs. The match against Chippa is at the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) Stadium in East London at 3pm today. Continuation of the East London match was assured in a radio interview by Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung jr, who also paid tribute to the defender. “Luke Fleurs was really proud to be at Kaizer Chiefs. It was a dream come true for him and I got that feeling every time I saw him at the Village (Naturena). “He was a great professional and never complained or sulked when not picked. “He was very close to making his debut. He would have travelled for the Chippa United…

More than 200 music stars have come together to call for the “predatory” use of generative AI in the music industry to be stopped. An open letter – which was signed by the likes of Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Jon Bon Jovi, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry – was sent to machine-learning software companies, which called for tighter regulations on the technology in the industry to “protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem”. The letter, which was produced by the not-for-profit organisation Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), read: “Make no mistake: we believe that, when used responsibly, AI has enormous potential to advance human creativity and in a manner that enables the development and growth of…

There are greener ways to dispose of your body after you die than traditional burials and fire cremations. Over the past decade, with the rise in concerns about sustainability, combined with a desire to be part of nature or laid to rest in a natural setting, more people are considering the environmental impact of their bodies once they die. For instance, it’s reported that one traditional cremation sees about 245kg of carbon emissions generated. Traditional burials also have negative environmental consequences as the chemicals used in the embalming process can leak out and pollute the surrounding soil and waterways. While cremation has fewer harmful environmental effects than traditional burial, the cremation process releases carbon monoxide, fine soot, sulphur dioxide and heavy metals into the atmosphere. Mercury emissions from dental fillings…

Country on gloomy path with leaders ‘who don’t know what they are doing’ THUJA CAPITAL chief executive Mthunzi Mdwaba has painted a gloomy picture of South Africa’s 15-year developmental and economic trajectory, saying the country’s leaders, including former president Jacob Zuma, have contributed to the sad state of affairs the country finds itself in ahead of this year’s general elections on May 29. Mdwaba, who is a leader of the UDM under General Bantu Holomisa, said that the country’s economy had been in decline over the past 15 years, while the jobs plan announced this week by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi was a cheap rip-off of his (Mdwaba’s) Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) jobs plan, which he had initiated with the department before it was canned. Mdwaba was speaking…

FOLLOWING a significant fuel hike this week, trade unions and political parties say the recent increase coupled with the Eskom tariff increases will hit the working class the hardest. From Wednesday, motorists were slapped with hikes of 65 and 67 cents a litre for octane 93 and 95 petrol, respectively, while diesel 0.05% sulphur saw a R3.22 increase and 0.005% diesel moved to R1.78. Positively, illuminating paraffin fell by 0.29c a litre, and gas went down by 0.19c a kilogram. The hikes, according to the Central Energy Fund (CEF), came as a consequence of the increase in the price of Brent crude oil, while the recovery of the rand to the dollar had accounted for the decreases. Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa),…

Six young South African scientists who presented their innovative research projects at international science fairs in Tunisia and Beijing have returned home triumphantly, each securing medals in their respective categories. Keerthana Kishor Nair (Grade 12 learner at Bryanston High School) and Alexia Hilton Smedmor (Grade 10 learner at Parktown High School for Girls), competed at the International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST2) from March 22 to 28, following their award-winning performance at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) in 2023. Nair was in the top 10 of the best performers, achieving a gold medal, while Smedmor achieved a silver medal. “I did not expect it at all. This was an experience unlike any other,” said Nair. “I met so many new people…

The City of Tshwane is vying to clinch an unqualified audit report for the current financial year as part of addressing challenges raised by the Auditor-General (AG) in the previous audit reports. This was expressed by mayor Cilliers Brink, who reflected on the work done under his leadership since he assumed office in March last year. Under his predecessor, Randall Williams, the municipality received its first-ever adverse audit report since its establishment. The municipality registered an improvement in the 2022/2023 financial year when it received a qualified audit report. Brink said: “The 2023 audit report from the AG shows an improvement from 2022’s adverse finding to this year’s qualified audit report. We acknowledge that more work must be done to ensure that we secure an unqualified opinion in this current…

Once there were three, now there are four. Professor Louis du Preez, from the North West University and his team of researchers, have discovered a new species of African bullfrog, Pyxicephalus beytelli. This is only the fourth species of bullfrog identified in Southern Africa. The species occurs in parts of northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and north- western Botswana, and is named after the late Ben Beytell, director of Parks and Wildlife Management in Namibia, who was instrumental in the proclamation of the Khaudum National Park in Namibia, where the species occurs. The new species is similar to all other species of bullfrogs in its external structure, internal anatomy and general behaviour. However, two of the main distinguishing features of Pyxicephalus beytelli are its bright yellow and lime green…

CAPE TOWN extreme swimmer and global speaker Ryan Stramrood, well known for his swimming exploits and the inspirational stories he shares in his keynote addresses, recently be- came the first person to complete the Big 5 Swims. This sort of swimming is not taken on lightly, and Stamrood has risen to the challenge over several years, setting an example for others to discover what they are capable of. Stramrood said: “I did not set out to achieve big things in swimming. “It started with what was my ‘Everest’ at the time, the Robben Island Crossing. I was in my thirties when I realised I had become a couch potato and joined a swim squad, where they challenged me to aim for the 7.3km cold water swim from Robben Island…

Lesotho is poised to welcome a groundbreaking 1 280-seater football stadium constructed primarily from sustainably sourced timber. Dubbed the Stadium of Life and located in the country’s capital of Maseru, this innovative project, which harnesses timber’s renewability and carbon storage properties, stems from a collaboration between local charity and football club Kick4Life (K4L), non-profit organisation Relationships Inspiring Social Enterprise (rise International), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and international certification body DNV. The Stadium of Life represents a pioneering venture in several respects. Not only will it be Africa’s first FSC-certified timber stadium, but it also marks the first FSC-certified project (FSC-P001979) in southern Africa and the third on the African continent. A €75 000 (R1.5 million) sponsorship by FSC International has secured the naming rights for the next five years.…

Built locally in the Rosslyn Plant, North of Pretoria, Nissan’s Navara bakkie is set to take on a month-long expedition which will see the group of vehicles traversing through eight countries. Aimed at showcasing the capabilities of the Navara, the +7 000km journey is set to prove that the Navara, which is built by Africans for Africa, can take on the worst the continent has to throw at it in terms of road conditions. Dubbed “Daring Africa 2024”, the expedition also coincides with Nissan’s 60th anniversary of manufacturing vehicles on African soil. The Rosslyn Plant represents a significant role in the African landscape as the manufacturing hub of the Navara for the continent. It manufactures Navaras for export across the African continent, with Algeria and Libya seeing the model introduced…

SOUTH AFRICA 0 NIGERIA (1) 1 Ajibade 40’ penalty BANYANA Banyana must be at their best in the final Olympic Games qualifier second-leg in Pretoria on Tuesday after losing to Nigeria in Abuja in the first. Banyana arrived in Abuja last Saturday, courtesy of Safa and sponsors Sasol, to prepare and adapt to the scorching Nigerian heat. But they had a somewhat poor first half, with Nigeria, who only had three training sessions to prepare for the match due to the late arrival of 20 overseas-based players, dominating. Not all is lost for Banyana though, as they have ample reason to believe they can turn the tide at Loftus Versfeld and book a ticket…

CHELSEA coach Mauricio Pochettino said he hoped the high drama of Thursday’s 4-3 comeback win over Manchester United would prove a turning point in the Blues’ inconsistent season and the sometimes strained relationship between himself and the fans. Pochettino raced on to the pitch at the final whistle after hat-trick hero Cole Palmer scored the latest-ever winning goal in a Premier League game after 11 minutes of added time, having equalised a few seconds earlier from the penalty spot. “It’s important in the end to finish in the way that we finished, creating, I think, the connection (between) fans and players,” the Argentine coach told reporters. “It’s a very good thing that happened today and I think should be a turning point for us, creating trust with the fans and…

Many South Africans turn public holidays into long weekends and travel. However, not using the correct travel bag for your holiday adventure could make your trip a challenge. “Purchasing a new suitcase can be an exciting activity, bringing with it anticipation for all the travelling to come,” FlySafair said. “But, with the hundreds of different options available at vastly differing price points, it can be tough to decide which one to pick.” To help you find the perfect suitcase, FlySafair has shared advice on what to consider when shopping: Aim for the middle A suitcase has to go through several parts of the airport system before it is loaded on the aircraft. “This system includes several conveyors and chutes, some of which involve falling from fair heights and other times…

Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away and what better way to spoil your mom than to whisk her away? After all, May 12 is not enough to show love and appreciation for your mother who wiped your tears and cheered you on. And this is your chance to spoil her and to create long-lasting memories. If you would like to gift your mother with more than just a present, here are some getaway ideas. From scenic locations to spa and nature retreats and delicious meals, there is something to suit all tastes. Makakatana Bay Lodge If you are looking to escape into the heart of KwaZulu-Natal this Mother’s Day and explore the great wilderness, this privately owned and managed safari lodge within the western shores of the iSimangaliso…

Nikki Comninos, the director of Tracking Thabo Bester, was drawn to the story way before she got the green light to helm the four-part documentary. South Africa’s real-life “Bonnie and Clyde” saga involving notorious Facebook rapist Thabo Bester and his celebrity doctor girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, has had Mzansi transfixed for the past year. In a recent chat with her, she said: “Like everybody else, I was struck by the story. I remember reading the January 20 article by GroundUp, thinking, ohmigosh, this story is crazy and then following it out of personal curiosity. “And then, through my relationship with IdeaCandy (I worked as an editor for them for years), we did Devils- dorp, Steinheist and Rosemary’s Hitlist, and I was starting to direct, which has been so enjoyable. “Through…

Take these steps to become a recycler and contribute to a greener world: 1. Know your recycling options Research recycling facilities in your area and understand what materials they accept. Familiarise yourself with collection schedules and drop-off points. 2. Know your recyclable materials Learn which materials are recyclable, including paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal. Check packaging labels for recycling symbols and guidelines. 3. Reduce and reuse Minimise waste by opting for reusable products and packaging when- ever possible. Reduce single-use plastic usage by investing in reusable bags, bottles and containers. 4. Separate your waste Set up designated bins for different types of recyclables, such as paper, plastic, glass and metal. Clearly label each bin to ensure proper sorting of materials. 5. Clean and prepare recyclables Rinse food containers and…

AFTER 30 years as a member of the National Assembly, of those two years as Speaker, embattled Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has left a trail of destruction allegedly pocketing millions of rand of taxpayers’ money. In spite being appointed to top government positions by the ruling ANC from 1994, her political career has been marred by allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Speculation is rife that the embattled former National Assembly Speaker was asked by the ANC to resign to save face because it is the election period. Mapisa-Nqakula was granted R50 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. She appeared in court to face charges of corruption and money laundering following her handing herself over to the Lyttelton police station on the same day. In terms of…

Following years of infrastructure collapse, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) this week confirmed that it had restored five crucial Metrorail services across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. The agency said these services, which included services from Cape Town to Stellenbosch (Western Cape); Merebank to Chatsglen (KwaZulu-Natal); Johannesburg to Florida (Gauteng); Johannesburg to Nancefield (Gauteng); and Germiston to Elsburg (Gauteng), were reactivated at the end of March. On a visit by Saturday Star to the Nancefield train station, a 4pm train to Joburg is set to depart as a few commuters rush to catch it. One of the commuters quips: “I can’t believe the train almost left me,” as he dashes towards the train. Speaking to the Saturday Star, a vegetable and fruit vendor outside the station…

The Black Business Council has cried foul over the Gauteng water crisis that has befallen the province in recent weeks. This week, Vaal residents, including Sebokeng Zone 7, Palm Springs, Beverly Hills, Lakeside and Everton, were warned to boil water before consumption after the embattled Emfuleni Municipality was hit with yet another water crisis caused by sewer contamination. Elsewhere, in Soweto, Randburg and other parts of the city, residents have spent more than two weeks without water in spite of a water action plan recently implemented by the City. The council’s cry over the crisis comes a week after City of Joburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, along with the member of the mayoral committee for environment and infrastructure services department, Jack Sekwaila, officially launched the City’s Water Security Strategy at the…

China is the biggest electric vehicle market in the world, a battle royale featuring both established carmakers as well as upstarts such as Xiaomi, which launched its first EV last week. EV makers from China have made inroads into markets from Europe to Southeast Asia and Tesla’s Elon Musk described them in January as “the most competitive car companies in the world”. China’s market for EVs dwarfs the rest of the world. Of all new EVs sold globally in December last year, 69% were in China, according to the research firm Rystad Energy. And of its forecast of 17.5 million EV sales this year, Rystad expects China to account for 11.5 million, or 65%. The explosive rise of these EV firms has also fuelled China’s challenge to traditional auto powerhouses…

Nissan plans to slash production costs for next-generation electric vehicles by 30% as it competes with fast-growing Chinese rivals. By 2030, Nissan aims to make electric models at the same price as traditional combustion engine cars, the company said as it announced a new mid-term strategy. The firm unveiled a target to sell one million more vehicles annually worldwide in three years’ time. While pledging to improve the firm’s bottom line globally, CEO Makoto Uchida said Nissan has experienced some difficulty in the Chinese market. “Honestly speaking, we have struggled there in terms of sales volume. In the last five months, things have improved somewhat. But still, our capacity remains excessive,” he said. “By working with joint venture partners (in China), we will continue to optimise our production levels and…

The Companies Act of 2008 intends to make business easier. But in practice, the opposite is happening through mismanagement and endless red tape. On January 26 an inaugural meeting was held of the members of the Professional Company Secretarial Practitioners Organisation still to be formed. Approximately 250 members have joined the organisation, and that membership is expected to grow. The chairperson welcomed the members and explained the need for the incorporation of such an organisation. He noted that he hoped it would achieve a better service delivery for the secretarial body, in terms of both the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), as well as the Master of the High Court. The chairperson, Mark Silberman, said that an action plan was suggested, and the organisation would formulate an engagement to…

IF THERE is a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between South Africa and another country, non-tax residents earning a living annuity might not need to pay tax on the income in South Africa. However, some non-tax residents earning South African living annuities could inadvertently pay tax on the same income twice, if their South African tax affairs are not handled correctly. In simple terms, a DTA overrides the domestic tax laws of the country as it is an agreement between the two governments to avoid or alleviate territorial double taxation of the same income by the two countries. Where a DTA overrides the taxing rights of the living annuity, the taxpayer has two methods to deal with South African Revenue Service (Sars) taxing rights: RST01, which is a tax directive obtained…

THE Lions showed their cards yesterday and reinforced their decision to concentrate on the United Rugby Championship (URC) when they revealed wholesale changes to their match-day 23 to face Benetton this weekend. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made 11 changes to the run-on side that lost to the Ospreys last weekend, for their EPCR Challenge Cup round-of-16 clash in Treviso against the Italian outfit, sparing no department as he tests new combinations and the depth of his squad. Only prop Conrad van Vuuren, flanks JC Pretorius and Emmanuel Tshituka, and flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse retain their positions in the starting side for today’s clash (kick-off 6.30pm) from the team that endured a frustrating 36-21 loss in Swansea. Richard Kriel also started in that defeat but will move from the wing…

RAFAEL Nadal’s hopes of returning to Roland Garros for a crack at a 15th French Open title suffered a major blow on Thursday when the 37-year-old Spaniard was forced to withdraw from the Monte Carlo Masters. The 22-time Grand Slam winner was expected to make his ATP Tour comeback in the principality, having not played since Brisbane in January. “Unfortunately, I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me,” said the battle-weary Spaniard on social media. The record 11-time Monte Carlo winner missed virtually all of the 2023 season through injury and has only played at the Brisbane International this season, where he felt a hip injury flare up during his quarter-final defeat by Jordan Thompson. That…

TIGER Woods has been dealing with health issues for quite some time now. While that’s hardly breaking news, Notah Begay III probably raised a few eyebrows when discussing the health of the 15-time Major champion during a conference call on Wednesday, per USA Today. “He’s trying to formulate a strategy and approach that he can work within given the constraints that he’s presented with. And he’s got some constraints,” said Begay, a long-time friend and commentator for NBC Sports. Woods withdrew from his own tournament, the Genesis Invitational, in February, due to what he said was the flu, although many questioned if it was a back issue. The 48-year-old has been nursing several injuries, including a severe injury to his right leg, since he was involved in a car accident…

OVER the past 12 months, Cricket South Africa (CSA) gave their two Proteas head coaches Rob Walter (one-day international and T20I coach) and Shukri Conrad (Test coach) space and freedom to select their own squads. Conrad, in particular, made full use of the freedom that he had and made a number of big calls that were unlikely to have been made if a different selection structure was in place. One of those calls saw the Test coach come into the side, drop senior fast bowler Lungi Ngidi for an uncapped Gerald Coetzee, and the youngster went on to relatively solidify his spot in the side. Ultimately, Conrad’s calls over the course of the year have led the Test side to a healthy position. The side now has an exciting group…

For those who can get away at any time, autumn is the new summer and a perfect time to escape, thanks to fewer crowds at many popular destinations, less traffic, and more comfortable weather. Follow these five travel tips to plan your perfect autumn vacation. Remember, the sooner you do so, the better. Choose the right destination The first step to planning a perfect autumn getaway is selecting the ideal destination. Research locations renowned for their stunning autumn leaves, seasonal festivals or unique autumn experiences. Whether it is the charming streets of a beautiful village or the serene beauty of a national park, your destination sets the tone for your entire trip. Find travel deals Since travelling during the autumn is nowhere near as busy as the summer months, some…

In a country ranked as one of the most miserable countries when it comes to mental state, raising awareness of sleep health is as important as one’s mental state. With sleep tourism also being part of the wellness travel trend, finding the perfect spots to get the best quality of sleep is imperative. The best places to rest are secluded, offering the soothing sounds of nature to fall asleep to. Getting the best quality of sleep for a weekend or even one night could be as simple as exploring a nearby small town at your leisure. So if you’re looking to feel rejuvenated, here are places to stay for a good night’s rest. Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal You will find the quaint farm town, Underberg beneath the uKhahlamba- Drakensberg mountain range. The…