Table of contents for 2024-06-22 in Saturday Star

Anxiety is the dominant emotion in Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and one can empathise with director Kelsey Mann for having it on the brain. Being in charge of following up on the beloved 2015 Oscar winner would give anyone a panic attack. The kids who grew up with the original cartoon about a young girl named Riley (then voiced by Kaitlyn Dias), whose ponytailed body is an exoskeleton for psychological spelunking, are now getting their mental health advice from influencers on TikTok. Anxiety is the dominant emotion there, too – a catch-all for the pressures of modern life – although the idea of personifying anxiety goes back to the ancient Greeks, who deemed her the deadly daughter of night. In this clever if inessential sequel, Anxiety (Maya Hawke) is a…

In a few weeks, all roads will lead to eThekwini for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Africa’s highly anticipated horse racing event, held at the Greyville Racecourse on July 6, will see the cream of the crop showcase their extraordinary fashion skills. From designers who will be part of the epic fashion shows to the guests who will be enjoying a taste of the good life, everyone is expected to adhere to the theme, “Ride the Wave”. Durban’s home-grown design talent, Kathrin Kidger, who announced the theme in March this year, advised guests to think outside the box and interpret it the best way they know, without compromising on the theme which is inspired by warm Indian ocean waves. “Imagine, if you will, the scene painted by the lines of this…

Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the sentencing of a Pakinstani national for corruption and the attempted bribery of Home Affairs officials at the Krugersdorp Home Affairs office with R45 000. The department said that Arfan Ahmed was arrested after a sting operation involving the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks, and the Police Crime Intelligence at the Krugersdorp Home Affairs office in March 2022. This week, the Krugersdorp Regional Court sentenced Ahmed – who is believed to be the kingpin of passport photo swops with ties to Gauteng, KZN and other provinces – to an effective 18 years’ imprisonment. He received a 10-year jail sentence for his involvement in passport syndicate activity and eight years for possessing multiple passports found at his home. Reacting…

RISING 18 floors above Cape Town’s Foreshore District is Rockefeller Hotel & Residences, perhaps Cape Town’s most vibrant and popular hotel. Walking in through the hotel’s large sliding doors, into a thoroughly Instagrammable world of neon signs, energetic conversations, and a sound-track to match, it’s easy to see why this hotel is so popular among South Africa’s most eminent DJs, musicians, and creatives. Accommodation is diverse, ranging from hotel-style suites to one-bedroom apartments, all of which exude modern sophistication. Open from morning to night, the Rockefeller Plaza Restaurant, offers a wide range of all-day dining options to suit a variety of tastes. Enjoy burgers, fresh seafood, pastas and wood-fire pizzas. Alternatively, you can select from the premium cut grill menu or visit the sushi bar. Head up to Studio, the…

The Museum of Illusions, a global private museum chain with more than 50 museums worldwide, is set to come to South Africa. The museum already operates across the globe, from Shanghai, Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, and Dallas to Dubai, Chicago, New York, Paris, Istanbul and Milan. With more than 12 million visitors to the museums so far, the idea was first introduced in 2015 in Zagreb, Croatia, and quickly gained international traction. According to announcements this year, Johannesburg will soon get its own Museum of Illusions, adding the City of Gold to its list of notable places. A joyful, engaging, and instructive immersion that questions preconceptions and stimulates creativity is what visitors can expect from the unique and fascinating Museum of Illusions. No two exhibits are exactly what they seem, thanks…

AS South Africa commemorated National Youth Day and Father’s Day on June 16, Father A Nation (FAN), called on policymakers and society at large to prioritise and support fathers in their critical roles as parents, role models, leaders, and nation-builders. The organisation said the absence of positive male influence and the prevalence of destructive masculine behaviour were significant societal issues with far-reaching impact, contributing to broken families, crime, poverty and poor leadership, and a crippled nation. “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, their development hinges on strong, positive influences,” said Craig Wilkinson, CEO and founder of FAN, a non-profit company dedicated to combating fatherlessness and equipping men to live with positive masculinity. FAN added that the recent elections highlighted grave concerns around corruption and a lack of…

AS poaching, pollution and climate change impact biodiversity across the continent, World Sea Turtle Day highlights the importance of sea turtles in our marine ecosystems and the ways we can help our ancient ocean ally. Sea turtles have survived for more than 200 million years. However, they face grave threats from loss of nesting sites because of coastal development to entanglement and drowning in fishing nets or abandoned fishing gear. They also frequently ingest plastics, mistaking them for jellyfish and, in some countries, are being hunted for their meat and eggs. “South Africa’s sea turtles urgently need our help. Though they outlasted the dinosaurs, our industrialised impact endangers them and the critical role they play in marine ecosystems,” said Peter Knights, the CEO at Wild Africa Fund Turtles serve as…

The Kia Sonet hit the local market three years ago and has garnered a loyal following in the increasingly crowded compact SUV space. It’s certainly not the cheapest contender in its segment. Yet while you might accuse some of its rivals of feeling a bit tinny or underpowered, the Sonet has a solid, almost “big car” feel to it and the facelifted version, which recently landed in South Africa, keeps this formula going with a more modern look. It’s debatable whether the Sonet needed a facelift, but for what it’s worth the upgrades bring it into line with Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. Upfront the redesigned headlights as well as the “tiger’s nose” grille and bumper bear a closer resemblance to the company’s latest batch of electric cars. The rear…

MORE THAN R2.5 trillion in outstanding personal debt owed by South Africans can be released to the local economy, according to the National Debt Counsellors’ Association (NDCA). The organisation, which represents some of the debt counsellors, said between R70 billion to R100bn of this outstanding debt belonged to consumers who were in debt counselling, with an estimated R15bn currently being paid back annually. NDCA chairperson Benay Sager said: “South Africa has a world-class debt-counselling system, which has been proven to work. It’s conceivable that if more people sought help to manage their debt, the R15bn being returned to the economy annually could be increased to R25bn,” Sager said. The association estimates that there were around 250 000 consumers who were in debt counselling and were actively paying back…

IN THE FACE of unstable local markets, South African parents wanting to provide their children with a strong financial legacy, are taking their investments offshore. Why is offshore property a better option if you are considering your children’s inheritance or future? If you want to ensure a stable future spend in a hard currency, you need to diversify your assets and build your revenue in that hard currency. If you plan on sending your children to an overseas university, you’ll need to have a revenue stream in the country’s hard currency. By doing this, you’ll protect yourself from unwanted surprises, such as the exchange rate fluctuating. This is also applicable for people looking at spending six months overseas and six months in South Africa, as they need to have…

HAVING come through the Free State schools system and flourished at the Cheetahs and Bulls, Franco Smith would never have thought that one day he would be coaching an overseas team against the Pretoria side. But the 51-year-old former Springbok flyhalf and inside centre – who attended Sand du Plessis High School in Bloemfontein, which is also the old school of another Bulls legend, Morné Steyn, and current Bulls president Willem Strauss – will be hoping that his Glasgow Warriors side can do the unthinkable and beat Jake White’s team in today’s United Rugby Championship final at Loftus Versfeld (6pm start). It doesn’t mean, though, that he has been holding extra Afrikaans lessons for the Scottish outfit this week. “No need for that! The game has moved on beyond lineout…

McLAREN’S Lando Norris set the pace in yesterday’s first Spanish Grand Prix practice while Lewis Hamilton led a finely balanced second practice for Mercedes yesterday with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull only fifth. The Briton, a winner in Miami in May, lapped a sunny Circuit de Catalunya with a best time of one minute 14.228 on the soft tyres and 0.024 quicker than Verstappen, who complained of his clutch going into anti-stall. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was third on the timesheets, on the mediums and with a full upgrade package, ahead of his last home race for the Italian team and the first of a triple-header of races on successive weekends. Verstappen’s team mate Sergio Perez, who will have a three place grid penalty tomorrow carried over from Canada, was fifth fastest…

THE Springbok Sevens made a positive start at the Olympic Repechage tournament in Monaco yesterday as they overpowered Mexico 44-0 in their final bid to qualify for Paris 2024. Stand-in head coach Philip Snyman will be pleased by the performance after his side ticked all the boxes they wanted to in the match. It was a solid defensive effort with good first-time tackles, the Blitzboks retaining possession after their own kick-offs and finding space with some good attacking moves to score eight tries. This all indicates they are a highly-motivated side in their search for that final spot at the Olympic Games next month, and they will be eager to build on this momentum today. Another good defensive effort against Tonga (kick-off 1.44 pm) and Chile (5.56 pm) should set…

THE retirement of Duane Vermeulen from playing rugby will still be keenly felt this season when the Springboks kick off their international season this weekend. That is according to former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers. The 37-year-old Vermeulen hung up his cleats last November after helping the Boks defend their Rugby World Cup crown in France, concluding an illustrious career with 76 Test caps. The former No 8 lifted the Webb Ellis Cup twice with the national team, captaining the Boks on as many occasions, as the team’s recorded 62nd skipper. He was also honoured as SA Rugby Player of the Year twice (2014 and 2020), won the Rugby Championship in 2019 and the Currie Cup in 2021. He was a monumental figure for the Boks as both player and…

THE PROTEAS women will be out to snap a three-match losing streak when they come up against India in the final One Day International (ODI) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru tomorrow (10am, SAT). South Africa have failed to pick up any of the six points on offer in the last three matches in their quest for an automatic World Cup qualification. Set a daunting target of 326 for victory, South Africa fell four runs short of what would have been a world-record chase in women’s ODI cricket, making up for their below-par showing in the first ODI where they only managed to score 122 runs in 37.4 overs. India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, but with ICC Women’s Championships points up for grabs, Proteas opening…

The Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) is around the corner with attendees from all over the country making plans for a quick sho’t left to Durban for the prestigious horse racing event. This year’s HDJ is set to take place on July 6 at the Greyville Race Course under the theme, “Ride the Wave”, calling on spectators to immerse themselves in the wave of activities taking place in and around the city. The pressure is not only on for fashionistas to wow at the event, but finding affordable accommodation in the city. Durban has plenty of options to suit every budget, however, it is a race against the clock to find the perfect place as accommodation gets booked out quickly. Here are some places in and around the city to…

Ashanti and Nelly are one of Hollywood’s most boo’ed up couples at the moment. The couple rekindled their romance in 2023 after over a decade apart, and in April they revealed they were engaged and expecting their first child together. It has now emerged they tied the knot long before they made the announcement. According to public records viewed by TMZ, the musicians are legally man and wife, with their marriage date recorded on December 27, 2023, almost six months ago. The paperwork doesn’t specify what city they got hitched in, but it was made official in St Louis County, the birthplace of the Hot in Here hitmaker. It is unclear if the couple are also planning a public wedding ceremony for family and friends, but that may be what…

THE Department of Health has sought to allay fears about mpox, saying the disease is preventable and treatable if people who think they may be infected get clinical evaluation as soon as possible. This week the number of cases rose to 13 – seven in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in Cape Town. All sufferers are in their 20s and 30s. Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said while there were 13 confirmed cases, the real number could be much higher. “We also have suspected cases, which means the contacts of those who tested positive. So if you tested positive, you go back to your colleagues, your family who you live with, then we do the contact tracing, screen them and where we see some suspected symptoms, we take samples…

The seventh administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU) is already under strain, and South Africans are wondering if it will work to the benefit of the country. There were signs of discord with reports this week casting a negative light on the DA after its alleged attempt to hijack the GNU. The ANC and the PA, led by Gayton McKenzie, accused the DA and its federal leader, Helen Zille, of trying to dictate to the members of the GNU. In a radio interview this week, Zille said there were only three founding members of the GNU – the ANC, DA and the IFP – and any new members seeking to enter the fold had to be approved by the majority, which at all times would include the…

As SOME political parties question the legitimacy of the May 29 elections, about 100 South African students based in Türkiye were denied the right to cast their votes in the past election. According to Nnono Roberts, one of the students, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) representative turned them away without giving them a reason why they were not allowed to cast their votes. Roberts said that they found it difficult to believe as they had voted at the embassy in previous elections. “When we were told we can’t vote there we were shocked and didn’t want to make a fuss, so we all turned and left. “What’s strange is that in 2019 we voted in the very same embassy but we were never given this trouble. I am…

AS South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, this year’s Youth Day and Youth Month revolve around the theme of “Actively embracing the socioeconomic gains of our democracy”. This milestone signifies not only a celebration of progress but also a reflection of the pivotal advancements that have shaped the youth of our nation over the past three decades. Among the most transformative developments during this period has been the rise of digital technology. With the proliferation of internet connectivity and digital devices, South Africa’s children and young adults now navigate a new digital landscape that permeates their school, leisure, and home environments. Is this new digital world safe? Cyber dangers are everywhere, with criminals continuously looking to exploit and deceive individuals, including kids. Online platforms can also be breeding grounds…

WARATWA Foundation, founded by Oratile Motsusi, collaborated with Nkosinathi Mahlangu’s Blaze Topix Foundation and hosted the second annual winter drive. The aim was to provide for the homeless and those in need. The organisations set up on the corner of Edmond Street and Nelson Mandela Drive, Pretoria and offered the homeless people warm samp and stew, along with some fruit as well as bottled water. They also donated warm clothes and shoes, sanitary pads as wells as other toiletry items. “We would like to thank the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) for their presence,” the organisations said. TMPD representative Constable Ntidimatseng Mickey Sedibe spoke to the homeless and offered services for rehabilitation. It turned out to be a lucky day for a homeless man who was severely injured. With the…

Wildlife filmmaker Andrew Barratt has expressed gratitude after winning big at the annual International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA). Barrat received honours in Tourism Video and Documentary, TV & Web Programme, and Wildlife Conservation for his game reserve promotional video and his documentary on the largest vulture relocation in Africa, respectively. ITFFA, established in 2019, recognises and promotes exceptional video content related to the tourism and travel industries, aiming to stimulate the development and growth of the national and African audiovisual industries. Barratt, a wildlife filmmaker, has long worked with Shamwari and produced the 13-series Netflix blockbuster Shamwari Untamed. He says he is appreciative of the acclaim and honours he has received for his efforts in bringing attention to the value of heritage conservation. “For me, it’s more about sharing…

A GROWING number of wild or exotic animals are being forced into captivity in South Africa where they are favoured as pets or used as cash cows by those wanting to make big bucks. From crocodiles to lion cubs and exotic snakes, various wild animals have been found at residences in South Africa and the outcome doesn’t bode well for the animals or their owners. Wildlife experts have warned that this dangerous practice could be harmful to humans as well as the animals who are compelled to exist outside their natural habitats. “In our experience, it is either linked to money or status,” said Jacques Peacock from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA). He said wildlife was generally split into two categories, indigenous and…

Earlier this year the Toyota Hilux was given a facelift in markets such as Thailand and Australia, and now that fresh look has made it to South Africa, in Raider form at least. Toyota South Africa has released images of its new Hilux Raider model, which features a raft of design changes at the front and rear ends. Until now the Hilux Raider has lived in the shadow of its more glamorous Legend sibling, but that could be about to change with the latest upgrade. Upfront we see a new bumper design, with the previous model’s chrome surround falling away in favour of a cleaner look with less shiny bits. The trapezoidal grille features a new honeycomb pattern in the upper section, flanked by black trim sections that connect it…

LAST WEEK I introduced you to the world of discretionary fund managers, known throughout the financial services industry simply as DFMs (“DFMs: what are they and how do they benefit you?”, Personal Finance, June 15). DFMs service independent financial advisers by managing their clients’ investment portfolios. I was initially a little sceptical of this breed of asset managers, who I believed further complicated an already complex investment landscape and added an extra layer of costs for the consumer. But two interviews – the first with John Anderson from Alexforbes, covered last week, and a second with Craig Torr from Crue Invest – convinced me that DFMs, or the best ones at least, provide a win-win for advisers and their clients. What’s best for clients? Last year, Crue Invest in Pinelands,…

I was scammed simply because I bought into the panic my daughter was going through and ignored warning signs. And it cost me, and that cash is gone. My daughter, as is probably typical of teenagers, is big into gaming and uses a platform called Steam. I’ve lost track of which games she plays and are in her library, and those that are on her wish list, which she watches carefully for when items go on sale, so she can spend some of her earnings from working at a bookstore. My kid is an A+ pupil, who is also street savvy and knows her way around PCs, as most Gen Zs generally do. It was a rather sophisticated scam. Her Steam account was hacked, she went on to Discord (a…

AS REIGNING world champions, the pressure will always be on the Springboks to win their Test matches. While they will go out this afternoon at Twickenham to do exactly that against Wales in the season’s first clash, the Boks also want to tick a few other boxes ahead of a tough international season – one such box is to grow the squad to build quality depth. The first of 13 Tests will be a tricky one for returning head coach Rassie Erasmus and his band of mixed-experienced players in London (kick-off 3pm SA time). On the one hand, they have several World Cup-winning stars in the starting line up that could make the transition easier after the departure of former coach Jacques Nienaber. On the other hand, four debutants need…

IT’S great news that the South African Football Association (Safa) has landed a sponsorship from South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier. This backing will ensure that Safa will have transportation of all the national teams for the next year. SAA will be the official airline for Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. Recently, Safa went to great expense to charter a flight to Nigeria. It was a wonderful initiative aimed at easing the plight of Bafana ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Nigeria. As it turned out, the trip was a nightmare, and no one was held accountable. Bafana coach Hugo Broos went to great lengths to say no one could be blamed for the travelling glitches. Instead, Broos showered praise on the players for showing great character after…

WORLD number two Carlos Alcaraz said he would speak to the ATP about a “new” shot clock rule being trialled by the governing body after feeling rushed during his defeat by Briton Jack Draper at the Queen’s Club Championships. Alcaraz’s preparations for his Wimbledon title defence suffered a setback on Thursday with his 7-6(3) 6-3 loss to Draper in the last 16. The 25-seconds shot clock was previously started only when the chair umpire called the score, but the tweak to the rule in the trial means that the countdown to a serve begins almost immediately after a point is concluded. The new regulation, aimed at streamlining game flow and ensuring consistent time management, has been on trial since the French Open concluded, and an ATP source told Reuters it…

Travelling as a group, whether as a family or with friends, has plenty of benefits. It makes the travel experience more fun and allows you to form bonds and build memories with others. Another benefit is that there is safety in numbers. This option of travelling can also save money because many travel firms provide group discounts on transportation, hotels and tours and, with more working adults in the group, the easier it is to share the costs equally. It can also reduce the stress of planning by sharing planning and decision-making responsibilities within the group. There is a long list of possibilities and ways to tackle group travel but the biggest perk is that it makes travelling accessible. If you’re planning on spending more time with friends and family…

While wine tours and sundowners are still popular choices, a growing number of South African travellers are embracing “dry tripping” and choosing to explore destinations and experiences without the involvement of alcohol. According to Flight Centre in South Africa, this shift towards mindful living and seeking enjoyment beyond alcohol is not only taking place in South Africa; it’s also a global travel trend. “New terms such as ‘sober curious’ and ‘mindful drinking’ reflect a growing awareness of the downsides of excessive drinking and a desire for more conscious choices. “Research shows that this movement is especially popular among Gen Z and millennials, who are leading the charge towards a more balanced lifestyle,” say the travel experts. They say books like We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of…

In South Africa, the spotlight often falls on our political leaders, but the women behind these influential men also deserve recognition. Many of these wives have their own impressive careers and play significant roles in their families and communities. Let’s take a look at the wives of some of South Africa’s most prominent politicians. Julius Malema and Mantwa Matlala Malema, the formidable EFF leader, shows a softer side when it comes to his wife, Mantwa Matlala. They have been married since December 2014, but their relationship began when Matlala was still in school. They have two sons, Munzhedi, born in 2016, and Kopani, born in 2018. She is also a stepmother to Malema’s first son, Ratanang, from a previous relationship. Despite her husband’s career, Matlala is a career-driven woman, working…

A simple eye-like mask can open a new dimension of physics – seeing without your eyes. At a four-day event that is set to take place from July 2 to 5 in Norwood, Johannesburg, Dr Lizelle Grobler will test the limits of human anatomy by “seeing without the use of your eyes”, with just a decorated eye-like mask. In a video, Grobler demonstrates the fascinating, awe-inspiring and immeasurable physics of the human eye by wearing an eye mask that enables real-life vision without the use of the naked human eye. But, how is this kind of physics and biology possible? Grobler explained that the human mind is a powerful organ, and when one believes in something, it actually comes into realisation. “We do not see with our eyes, but our…

City Power, the power utility run by the City of Joburg, says it has noted the judgment delivered by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg in which its application to stay the R3.4 billion it allegedly owes to power utility, Eskom, was dismissed with costs. Yesterday in a statement, City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena indicated that the City would be studying the judgment before commenting. “We have noted the judgment in the case between Eskom and City Power. We obviously, do not agree with it and we reserve the right to appeal. “We have briefed our attorneys, and we will issue a statement later on our next course of action,” said Mangena. On Thursday, the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ordered the City of Joburg (COJ) and its power utility,…

With hard cash accounting for most of the total value of transactions, South Africa remains a predominantly cash-based economy. However, the proportion of cash versus digital currency is shrinking – slowly, but nonetheless surely. And, with more territories across the world edging closer to the establishment of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), it appears that the mainstream adoption of digital currency may not be too far away. South Africa is no exception. There are, however, a few obstacles to overcome. The advent of Bitcoin in 2009 was assumed by many to be more of a fleeting fad than an enduring trend. Cryptocurrency, however, spread like wildfire and before long, reached South African shores. The market for digital currency has since come a long way. Today, according to the Financial Sector…

THE Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is calling on high schoolers from South Africa to seize the opportunity to participate in its Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (Agec) before the deadline on 31 July. Agec introduced its latest 2024 business simulation game for high school learners, leveraging insights from past versions to provide an immersive entrepreneurial experience. Designed to seamlessly integrate into curricula, the simulation empowers learners with a dynamic tool that helps them understand the realities of entrepreneurship. Learners can expect a comprehensive experience, including shark-tank style pitching contests, school-based business clubs, online mini-challenges and exciting prize packages. Key Features: Business Simulation High School Game: The latest iteration of Agec’s business simulation game is designed to be immersive and educational, helping learners understand the realities of entrepreneurship. Shark-Tank Style Contests: Learners…

South Africa today hosts the largest yoga event on the African continent, marking International Day of Yoga 2024, showcasing the nation's growing appreciation for this ancient practice. The celebration happens at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Johannesburg as a signatory to the UN resolution promoting the day. Yoga is known to promote holistic wellness through mindful movement and breath work, empowering individuals to connect with themselves and the environment and fostering peace and responsibility for a sustainable future. Mahesh Kumar, India’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, said they were thrilled to celebrate the day. “The Consulate-General of India is thrilled to celebrate International Yoga Day 2024 with a record-breaking event. “Yoga is a gift to humanity, offering a path to physical and mental well-being for all. “We're encouraged to…

Waking up early on a public holiday Monday of a long weekend isn’t exactly when most people would decide to embark on a road trip but the idea of driving two new Mercedes-Benz CLE and E-Class models down to KZN would certainly make it worthwhile. Arriving at Mercedes-Benz’s Bedfordview dealership, a selection of perfectly prepared cars stood on the dealership floor, as though they were awaiting collection by customers. The CLE and E-Class share similarities in the sense that the sleek and stylish CLE replaces what was previously the C-Class and E-Class coupé. As a result, the CLE aims to be more luxurious than the C-Class, whilst remaining sportier than the E-Class. Size apparently does matter, and in this case, the CLE’s wheelbase measures 4.850mm, making it identical to its…

At the Rebuffone Gardens on Viale Venezia in Brescia, Italy – the traditional starting and finishing point of the 1000 Miglia – the 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport driven by Vesco and Salvinelli was the first to cross the finish line of the 42nd historical re- enactment of the historic race. The event is now a regularity race reserved for models that ran in the historic 1000 Miglia road race or were produced in the same period (between 1927 and 1957). On the third step of the podium, was another Alfa Romeo, driven by the duo of Aliverti and Valente, aboard another 1929 6C 1750. The two priceless cars lined up by the official Alfa Romeo team, an endeavour partly made possible by constant support from Stellantis Heritage…

LOAN defaults have decreased for young South Africans, despite access to loans are still being a hurdle, according to Experian’s Consumer Default Index (CDIx) for the first quarter of 2024. According to the CDIx for Q1 2024, there is a complex picture for young South Africans, highlighting the need for increased access to responsible credit and enhanced financial literacy. The CDIx measures the rolling default behaviour of South African consumers with home loans, vehicle loans, personal loans, credit card, and retail loan accounts. According to the report, the CDI for the youngest consumer group – the Yearning Youth – as measured by Experian’s Financial Affluence Segmentation (FAS) dropped significantly from 21.9 points in March 2023 to 16.8 points in March 2024. “However, this positive trend doesn’t necessarily mean…

Telkom stated in its latest annual report release that mobile subscribers grew by 11.9% to 20.4 million, and mobile broadband subscribers grew by 9.5% to 12.7 million. Taking into consideration that the total population of South Africa is 60 million, one can exclude the portion of the population that is under 10 years of age from the cellphone users, with some minor exceptions. That portion is 10 million children and therefore the total number of potential cellphone users in the country must be 60 million. Vodacom’s 44.67 million customers at the end of December 2022 increased to 47.26 million by the end of September 2023. Consequently, Vodacom increased its subscriber market share among the four biggest operators from 40.5% to 42.8%. MTN…

ACCUSED of failing to get the best out of his talented side and subjected to furious jeers from frustrated fans, England boss Gareth Southgate faces a defining moment in his bid to win Euro 2024. England arrived in Germany as the bookmakers’ favourites to win the tournament, but they have struggled to live up to the hype in a pair of spluttering performances against Serbia and Denmark. Southgate’s team were fortunate to escape with a 1-0 win over Serbia after a limp second-half display in their Group C opener and they fared even worse in Thursday’s lacklustre 1-1 draw with Denmark. Despite taking the lead through Harry Kane’s early goal, England quickly lost their momentum and Morten Hjulmand’s long-range rocket gave Denmark a deserved point. With so much expected of…

SA: 163-6 (De Kock 65, Miller 43, Archer 3-40) ENG: 156-6 (Brook 53, Livingstone 33, Maharaj 2-25) South Africa won by seven runs SOUTH AFRICA scrambled to another close victory as they defended a seemingly mediocre 163 to defeat England by seven runs at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia. To get the defence started, Kagiso Rabada returned to new-ball bowling duties after coming on as a first-change option against the USA on Wednesday, and got into the wickets straight away with the wicket of in-form Phil Salt. It wouldn’t be a Proteas World Cup game without a few fumbles, as Klaasen dropped Bairstow in the fourth over only for Maharaj to account for the right-handed batter soon after. Maharaj floated the ball outside off-stump, confusing Bairstow…

RICHARDS Bay winger Sanele Barns, who will don the colours of Stellenbosch FC next season, has set his sights on representing Bafana Bafana in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. The 27-year-old midfielder agreed terms with Stellies in January and is set to be a part of coach Steve Barker’s armoury in the 2024/25 campaign as the club ventures into continental football for the first time. Barns and Stellenbosch will take part in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. However, that doesn’t seem to be enough for the man who hails from Tweefontein in Mpumalanga as he targets a place in Hugo Broos’s national team squad next. Speaking to the media after helping his side, the Natal Rich Boyz, retain their top-flight status, Barns admitted that while he will…

KAIZER Chiefs need more than just a top-notch coach if they are to bring back the glory days. Trophy-less for nine seasons, Amakhosi are believed to be on the verge of bringing Moroccan Nasreddine Nabi to take over the helm in the upcoming season. Nabi – who coaches Far Rabat – was supposed to have taken over at Chiefs last season when he was in charge of Tanzania’s Young Africans. That did not happen because of an apparent disagreement over him bringing his own technical team. It would appear that the parties have since resolved that stumbling block. Whoever they hire, a legend of the club agrees that Chiefs need a “big personality” coach to take over. That was the view of Pitso Mosimane, who is said by many to…

South Africa is among the leading adventure destinations for travellers from across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. This was revealed by South African Tourism (SAT) following its Brand Tracker Survey. The survey is an international brand assessment to determine the appeal and demand creation within the markets where South African Tourism (SAT) operates. It said South Africa’s tourism and appeal had adventure and wildlife as key differentiators and it sought to lead in the offerings. “Adventure Tourism is a major tourism drawcard. South Africa fares well on the world stage, with adventure offerings among the top competing destinations across the globe.” The survey showed adventure tourists made up 8.8% of tourists to South Africa – 722 900 of the 8.2 million arrivals in 2023. “Adventure tourists to South…