Table of contents for 2024-08-17 in Saturday Star

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining good mental health is more important than ever. While many of us are aware of the physical benefits of exercise such as staying fit and strong, the positive effects on mental health are often overlooked. The Ipsos World Mental Health Survey places South Africa among the highest in the world for mental health disorders, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions. Research indicates that consistent engagement in physical activity can significantly enhance mental well-being. How exactly does exercise help mental health? Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, “feel-good” hormones. These act as natural mood enhancers, helping to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, exercise promotes the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in regulating mood…

Luxury sunglasses have become a coveted fashion item as they are known to symbolise sophistication and status. These high-end shades are so much more than just a practical accessory for shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays emitted from the sun. They can also make a powerful style statement, which can add that extra touch to your outfit. However, experts from Eyebuydirect, an online retailer of high-quality glasses and sunglasses, have warned that the high price and demand for luxury shades have sparked a rise in counterfeit products. “It's crucial to know how to spot a fake pair of luxury sunglasses to ensure you’re getting your money's worth,” they said. Here are Eyebuydirect’s expert tips on how to spot counterfeit luxury sunglasses: 1. Examine the packaging Authentic luxury sunglasses come…

Ed Quinn is in South Africa having the adventure of a lifetime. The Hollywood model and actor, who has been in the industry for over two decades, planted his feet in film and television. Currently, in Tyler Perry’s long-running drama series, The Oval, where he plays President Hunter Franklin, Quinn is also known for his roles in Mistresses and 2 Broke Girls. The actor, who is also a musician, has been in Mzansi since last week. He said: “Oh my goodness, I’ve spent my whole life travelling and I’ve been on many adventures but the last week has honestly been the most unbelievable experience of my entire life. “I was here in South Africa 22 years ago to shoot a pilot for NBC Universal, an American TV show; I thought…

In a ground-breaking discovery, scientists analysing data from Nasa’s InSight lander have uncovered evidence of a vast underground reservoir on Mars that could potentially cover the entire planet with a mile of water. The finding, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds new light on the Red Planet’s potential to harbour life and highlights its active geological processes. It is reported that the discovery was made using seismic data collected by the InSight lander, which has been studying Mars since 2018. The reservoir is believed to be between 11.5 to 20km beneath the planet’s surface, trapped within a layer of fractured rock. The sheer depth of the water source makes it inaccessible by any known drilling technology, presenting a significant challenge for future missions.…

This week, as part of its Women’s Month celebrations, the police celebrated their women in blue who have shown bravery and dedication in the fight against crime. Divisional commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant-General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti, was one of the officers honoured in a ceremony this week. According to SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Mamotheti has 36 years of service, having joined the police in 1987 as a student constable. Mathe said Mamotheti was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general as a divisional commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations on March 1. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership and management to ensure effective crime prevention through the provision of visible policing and operation services. “She now leads and manages more than 19 000 members who…

SOUTH AFRICA’S high level of industrialisation directly correlates with its high waste generation. We currently generate around 122 000 million tonnes of waste per annum. According to the World Bank, South Africa produces 54 425 tonnes of waste per a day, which is the 15th highest in the world. While the majority ends up in our fast-diminishing landfill airspaces, the good news is that there has been a diversion of waste away from landfill sites due to increased levels of recycling, says Mervin Olivier, Eastern Cape chair of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA). “The passing of recent regulations to prevent the disposal of liquid waste, electronic waste and tyres from landfills is a positive trend, placing an increased need for waste produces to manage waste effectively.”…

A board game to educate and inform learners about gender-based violence (GBV) through the power of play has been launched by Awareness for Child Trafficking/Trauma (ACT) Africa, in partnership with Sunbet Cares. The non profit organisation (NPO) formed in 2019 by Matthew Mensah and Hilary Leong, after years of working with children rescued from child trafficking and abuse, aims to raise awareness of human trafficking and GBV, and teach young boys about the correct treatment of women. The No2 Violence (N2V) Monster Mayhem board, for children over the age of 10 as well as adults, has been released in partnership with Sunbet, DGMT and Spoor & Fisher. The game was launched at The Maslow in Sandton where it was showcased to potential stakeholders, including representatives from the Gauteng Department of…

Life has not been easy for Oritika Nembilwe, now aged eight months, who was born with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare craniofacial condition. In addition, her mother Pembelani Tuwani faced immense difficulties as a single parent, often struggling with the lack of understanding and support from her community. “From the day Oritika was born, the big opening in her lip has made feeding very difficult. “This has been a worry for me as she needs all the nourishment she can get to build her strength,” she said. And people living in her area have not been supportive of their situation. “They don’t understand Oritika’s health problems and they have put a lot of pressure on me and have been very difficult to deal with,” she said. Tuwani said that this had…

THE South African Social Media Awards (#SASMA24) make a thrilling return this year, promising to take things a notch up, providing a meaningful experience for attendees while spotlighting the industry’s finest personalities. The prestigious event, which is scheduled for November 23, is dedicated to honouring the outstanding contributions of brands, influencers, and digital tools that shape the ever-evolving social media landscape. With a strong focus on creativity, impact, and innovation, the SASMAs are the ultimate recognition for social media personalities who inspire, entertain, and engage audiences across platforms. Kutlwano Radebe, Nicole Capper, Hope Malatsi, and Tinashe Kembo will be among the esteemed experts who will carefully evaluate entries across various categories to celebrate the best campaigns, individuals and digital tools. This year the awards will follow the theme “My…

THE EXORCISM, a supernatural horror film, has opened, featuring a stellar cast, drawing viewers in with themes of possession and spiritual rites, while providing enough suspense for horror enthusiasts. Starring Academy Award winner Russell Crowe in the role of Anthony Miller, a struggling actor attempting to revive his career after landing the lead role as a priest in a supernatural horror film about an exorcism, the film is shot like a movie within a movie. As strange things start to transpire, his “lucky break” turns sinister. The director, Adam Goldberg, aiming for authenticity, subjects the struggling actor to humiliating treatment, forcing him to confront past traumas and accelerating his decline. In the movie, Ryan Simpkins plays the 16-year-old Lee, who realises how much her father is suffering and turns to…

After more than a year of record-breaking heat, the peak of fire season is looming. Lots of ecosystems have evolved to withstand regular fires and some are even nourished by it –‒there are, for example, plants that need flames to reproduce, like South Africa’s fynbos. However, rising global temperatures have spawned entirely new fire regimes. Not only does this make life more hazardous, it is also making climate change worse. “It feels like we are getting used to the Earth being on fire,” say Víctor Fernández García and Cristina Santín, wildfire ecologists at Université de Lausanne and Swansea University respectively. According to their new research, this is a fairly recent phenomenon: extreme wildfires, the kind that killed more than 130 people in Chile earlier this year, happen twice as often…

It’s common knowledge that any new car you take delivery of after signing on the dotted line will depreciate the second you drive off the showroom floor. But exactly how much does your ride depreciate over time? That depends on a myriad factors, including the make and model as well as how well you look after your car. According to Mark Ridgway, Chief Technical Officer at GetWorth, an average car is likely to depreciate by around 10% the minute you take ownership. Because once it’s classified as used, it’s used. After one year of ownership, a car should depreciate by between 15% and 20%, GetWorth data suggests, while five years should take off around 30% to 40%. Transactional factors, such as the difference between trade-in and retail value after the…

BONGIWE Msomi’s retirement brought about the changing of the guard after eight years at Netball South Africa (NSA), who named Khanyisa Chawane as the new national team captain. Msomi, SA’s most capped netball player, stepped down as the Spar Proteas captain last December. She was at the helm since 2016 and has been replaced by the 28-year-old seasoned pro Chawane. Chawane, known as KC, was first capped for the national team in 2018. She is a veteran of two Netball World Cups, the 2019 (Liverpool, England) and the 2023 (Cape Town, South Africa) showpieces. The 34-year-old Karla Pretorius has been named as Chawane’s understudy. The vastly experienced Pretorius enjoys the distinction of being the only SA player ever to lift the title of ‘Player of the Tournament’ at a World…

WYDAD Athletic Club has recently typified the widely held notion that in the game of football, coaches are no more useful than disposable razors. To say the coaching position at the Moroccan club has resembled a revolving door would be putting it mildly, with the three-times CAF Champions League winners having gone through six coaches in the past two seasons before Rulani Mokwena. South Africa’s Mokwena is the latest to occupy that very hot seat and though the football fraternity is worried for him, fearing that he will not last long in Casablanca, the young coach is not in the least perturbed. Speaking to members of the South African Football Journalists Association from Casablanca during a virtual interview, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach gave…

The Blue Bulls withstood a fierce second-half comeback from the Pumas to remain on top of the Currie Cup log with a convincing 40-24 victory at Mbombela Stadium last night. The Bulls had powered into a 26-0 lead in as many minutes as their experience and superior physicality took its toll on the home side. The Pumas made it a two-point game at 26-24 with 30 minutes to go after a flurry of tries, but the Bulls held their composure to close out the game with aplomb to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches. While the Mpumalanga side made a spirited start, they were hampered by poor handling throughout. It was the Bulls who kept their cool, and Player of the Match, inside centre Chris Barend Smit, created the…

Qatar Airways has added a selection of caviar to its menu for business class travellers aboard its flights. The caviar service will be offered from August 15 on 13 routes between Doha and Boston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, and Washington in business class. The carrier said this luxurious offering was part of efforts to enhance its business class service and experience for travellers. The airline has won the Skytrax World’s Best Business Class award 11 times, and its business class service features extensive food and beverage options, as well as on-demand dining where passengers can dine at their preferred meal times. Qatar Airways added that the new caviar service could be enjoyed as a standalone option or…

IN RECENT years, TikTok has become a hotbed for trends that capture the attention of millions. From grocery hauls to makeup hauls, and even Shein hauls, users have been showcasing their latest purchases in flashy, eye-catching videos. Despite the South African rand not stretching as far as it used to, people continue to find money to spend on these trends. While TikTok trends can sometimes be questionable, some, like the bottle-saving method and envelope method, offer valuable insights. However, a new trend is emerging on TikTok that challenges this norm: “underconsumption core”. TikTokers try to demonstrate the simplistic lifestyle and how they achieve it. It involves tips and tricks about how people can live a more sustainable, low-consumption lifestyle while also saving money. Instead of flaunting large hauls of clothing,…

JK Rowling, pictured, has been named in a cyber-bullying lawsuit filed by Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. The 25-year-old boxer recently won gold at the Paris Olympics – but she subsequently launched legal action against the Harry Potter author, Elon Musk and other public figures over comments they made about her gender, based on misinformation that surfaced online. Nabil Boudi, Khelif’s attorney, told Variety: “JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others.” The attorney also confirmed that former US President Donald Trump is part of the investigation. Boudi explained: “Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.” Khelif – who was born female and identifies as a woman – has alleged “acts…

A study by Palesa Base, a research assistant at UCT African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), has uncovered the plight of women in Khayelitsha during floods. The study is part of her honours research in environmental and geographical science and was made feasible by working together with the Informal Settlement Network and the Community Organisation Resource Center, two non-profit organisations. “I’ve sat pensive a few times this week, thinking (about) just how much those women who participated in this research study have been affected by this storm. We see in the news that Khayelitsha is one of the communities hardest hit by the rain. It always is, which is why I made women there the focal point of this study,” Base said. Base’s work forms part of a broader and…

A man who claimed he witnessed the shooting of the British doctor who was killed during the taxi strike in Cape Town in August last year, has been charged with perjury. Sithembele April appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He faces four counts of defeating the ends of justice. The details of the charges were not shared. The 40-year-old Dr Kar Hao Teoh was travelling on the N2 on August 10, but decided to take another route due to the road being blocked by protesting taxi drivers. He took a wrong turn and drove to a Nyanga informal settlement, where he was shot dead. The accused said he was in the car with the shooter that day, and that the killer was a prominent figure in Santaco.…

THE combination of a strong legal framework, strict enforcement, a meritocratic approach, high levels of transparency and accountability, and public education campaigns has made Singapore stand out as a champion of anti-graft policy and practice. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Singapore was ranked the fifth least corrupt country in 2023 with a score of 83. Only Denmark (first), Finland (second), New Zealand (third) and Norway (fourth) were placed higher. The scoring scale ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean) and measures perceived levels of public sector corruption. South Africa ranked joint 83rd with a score of 41, placing it in Transparency International’s “flawed democracies” category. It was the country’s lowest-ever score to date. It is hardly a secret that the republic has suffered years of corruption…

IN the early years of education, understanding the nuances of childhood interactions is crucial. Kelly Eyre, quality and pedagogy lead at Dibber International Preschools, offers a unique perspective on preschool dynamics, combining her professional insights with personal experience as an educator and a mother. Her approach highlights the importance of empathy in guiding young children through the complexities of early social development. "Parents often express concern when their little ones come home with stories of being treated unfairly by classmates. Worrying is natural, but it's essential to understand that what may seem like bullying in preschool is often just children learning to navigate their social world. “Our vibrant South African classrooms celebrate a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. While this diversity can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, it…

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is transforming all sectors of life, including how we teach and learn. Yet, a recent EdWeek study reveals that schools worldwide, including those in South Africa, are lagging. Many are adopting a wait-and-see approach, leaving students unprepared for an AI-driven future of work. This skills gap has significant implications. A 2024 World Economic Forum report estimates that AI will create up to 100 million new jobs globally by 2030. These jobs will require a workforce equipped to develop, manage, and utilise AI effectively. Schools slow to incorporate AI into their curricula risk leaving their pupils behind, not just educationally, but also in the future job market. Students and parents echo this concern. Faithful Godwin, who is a 14-year-old Cape Town learner, dreams of becoming an IT engineer.…

Saturday Star is offering one lucky reader an opportunity to win a wine and chocolate pairing for two people valued at R600 at the Indaba Tasting Room. To stand a chance to win, SMS “INDABA” followed by your name, surname and email address to 33258. Terms and conditions apply. SMSes cost R1.50. Located in the leafy expanses of the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre, the Indaba Tasting Room is a sophisticated and delicious adventure in the heart of Jozi with a fun approach to wine tasting to leave you feeling like a genuine connoisseur. South Africa has an incredible wine culture. Every year, the thousands of wines made by vineyards, large and small, get more impressive. Gauteng may be physically cut off from these famous farms, but the Indaba…

“THEN I saw her face now I’m a believer…” sang the Monkees way back in 1966. In this case it wasn’t so much her face but the Trail Control system in our long-term Ford Ranger Tremor. I’ve often been of the opinion that many of the extra features that manufacturers load vehicles with are sometimes unnecessary and often take away the joy of driving. Assist systems like adaptive cruise control and some of the lesser intrusive lane assist control systems, ABS, EBD and the like that make driving easier and safer are welcome and necessary additions. Once you get off the beaten track though they fall by the wayside, and for someone who learnt my off-roaddriving skills from series Land Rovers, Nissan Sanis, SFA Toyota Hiluxes and even a Russian-made…

Although South African domestic vehicle sales appear to be turning the corner, albeit slowly, export sales are showing a worrying decline. According to Naamsa, just 25 461 vehicles were exported from South Africa in July, which is a 33.2% decline versus the same month last year. Although that comparison is off a high base, the year-to-date trend is concerning, with local exports from January to July 2024 being 13.5% below the corresponding period in 2023. Naamsa attributes the decline to adverse weather conditions during July as well as declining sales to Europe, which is the country’s largest export market. This is likely due to weak economic conditions in that region, with the Eurozone GDP having grown by just 0.3% during the second quarter of 2024, while Germany’s GDP contracted by…

THE football season is back and the biggest talking point is yet again the question whether anyone will have what it takes to unseat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the Premier League title. Independent Newspapers’ sports writers, give their predictions. *Mihlali Baleka | Manchester United My Club: Fourth Champions: Arsenal Top 4: Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United Relegated: Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Ipswich Town The Gunners should have knocked champions City off their perch in the last two seasons. But inconsistent runs due to inexperience during the run-in led to their shortcomings. So now in their immaculate maturity, Mikel Arteta’s team should be able to hold their nerves until the last day of the season. And unlike the Cityzens, the Gunners are set to enter the new season with the bulk…

THE University of the Western Cape (UWC) will look to get their championship hopes on track again after suffering defeat in their Cosafa Group A qualifier in Blantyre, Malawi, on Thursday. The Western Cape students, South Africa’s representatives in the regional competition, made their debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying and were beaten 1-0 by Green Buffaloes of Zambia. The Zambians won this Cosafa tournament two seasons ago. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession against the former champions, the South Africans failed to capitalise. They paid the price late in the second half when striker Natasha Nanyangwe came off the bench to score the winner. She rose above the UWC defence to score with a header from a well-taken corner by Agnes Phiri. Nanyangwe had only been…

It would not be unkind nor untrue to say that the Currie Cup has been a bit of a disaster for the Lions in recent years. Post-Covid, the Joburgers only made the play-offs once. They have played 50 matches, with just 20 wins and four draws. In 2021 and a year later, they finished seventh on the log, with two victories out of 12 matches in each season. Last year, they went one better, finishing sixth with six from 14. Already, after only six matches, the Lions are on the cusp of outdoing previous efforts. Currently second on the log with 23 points, they have already recorded more points than in 2022 (15) and about to better that 2021 (24). Their form, despite protestations from the team that they are…

Travel and tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry that stimulates local economies through direct spending on goods and services, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism- related activities. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), women make up 54% of the tourism workforce but are concentrated in lower-skilled, lower-paid and often informal employment. As a result, their potential to contribute fully is currently untapped – and tourism has been proven to provide pathways to empowerment. “Empowering women to participate fully in economic life is essential to building strong economies; creating more stable and just societies; achieving internationally agreed goals for development, sustainability and human rights; and improving the quality of life of women, and consequently, that of communities,” said UNWTO. As we continue to celebrate Women’s Month,…

With September being South Africa’s Tourism Month and Heritage Month, South African National Parks (SANParks) announced that National Parks Week will take place from September 9 to 13. During South African National Parks Week, South African citizens are granted free access to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks. SANParks said it would host a celebratory event at Marakele National Park, part of the Waterberg Biosphere in Limpopo province, to kickstart the 19th annual SA National Parks Week on September 8, 2024. “National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and…

It’s been a week since Cape Town beauty Mia le Roux made history as the first hearing-impaired woman to be crowned Miss South Africa. Le Roux, 28, who has broken barriers and the stigma around differently- abled persons, entered the competition because she wanted to create an inclusive space for the excluded and teach the included how to be inclusive. “As I said in my acceptance speech, I want to be a voice for those who, like me, have experienced the challenges of being different and feeling excluded. “I want to champion the causes that matter to South Africans and to create a space where everyone can shine in their unique, beautiful way,” she said. “There is a pressing need for those who are inherently included to consciously create inclusive…

As much as Samuel L Jackson has many big-budget action movies under his belt, he isn’t without a few surprises, too. Did you know that he voiced Lucius Best/Frozone in The Incredibles 1 and 2? And he returned to do the voice-over in The Garfield Movie. Chris Pratt lends his voice to Jim Davis’s popular lazy, lasagna-loving and flippant cartoon character while Jackson voices a scruffy street cat named Vic. Harvey Guillén voices Odie and Hannah Waddingham brings a cut-throat Persian cat named Jinx to life. The star-studded voice-over cast includes Snoop Dogg, Nicholas Hoult, Ving Rhames, Janelle James and Jeff Foxworthy. In a press interview, Jackson unpacked his character in the animation. He said: “We’re all discovering who he is as the movie goes along. Vic’s been around, he's…

In April, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in favour of a group of seniors who alleged that the Swiss government’s failure to meet climate change mitigation targets was having an adverse impact on their health, well-being and quality of life. The landmark decision by the highest human rights court in Europe confirms not only that climate change is intimately linked to human rights, but effectively holds all European governments accountable to adopt more rigorous measures to combat climate change. Clear obligations It is well documented that runaway carbon dioxide emissions, deforestation, resource depletion and the acidification of the oceans have contributed to increased heatwaves and megadroughts, more frequent and violent storms and unseasonable precipitation. Unpredictable weather patterns and swings in temperature disrupt ecosystems, wildlife and threaten agriculture and…

The departure of EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu was the first big crisis for the organisation, according to political analyst André Duvenage. Duvenage said Shivambu’s departure was fuelled by the reconfiguration of the political spectrum after the 2024 elections. “The conflict between Julius Malema and Floyd came over a long time and it was prominent in the media prior to the national elections. “This is a significant change for the EFF in that not only Floyd will leave, many others will, including Jimmy Manyi,” the political analyst said. Duvenage said there was no doubt that Shivambu’s move was imminent and that the VBS scandal also played a major role in his decision. “From Floyd’s point of view he can safeguard himself better within the framework of the MK Party. We…

IT’S been 12 years since the butchering of mineworkers at the hands of the police following calls allegedly by then board member of Lonmin, Cyril Ramaphosa, who described the labour dispute as “dastardly criminal” and called for “concomitant action” to be taken against striking Lonmin mineworkers. The workers were striking over wages and little has changed for the victims, their families as well as the entire Marikana community. The EFF said the massacre served to underscore the naked truth that in post-apartheid SA black lives are still expandable in the pursuit of profits. "The families of the fallen have been dragged through the courts, seeking compensation that will never bring back their loved ones. And yet, justice remains elusive. There has been no apology from President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose…

ONE of the biggest challenges facing green SME businesses is their ability to tap into available pools of sustainable finance. Although South Africa boasts a mature financial sector with a strong institutional construct, it is geared to support developed businesses rather than start-up and early growth-stage SMEs. Exacerbating the challenge is the high cost of finance from non-banking financial institutions. It’s not only the cost of capital that acts as a significant barrier to financial inclusion for the majority of SMEs, but also information asymmetries and deal readiness challenges. Catherine Wijnberg, founder and CEO of business growth agency Fetola, explained that the funding gap, particularly for SME businesses looking for financing amounts of less than R1 million, is significant. These deals are deemed to be too large for microfinance, too…

GOOGLE has announced School Time, a new feature for Android phones and other devices designed to reduce distractions for children during school hours. The feature was developed in response to parents’ feedback on how to control screen time for their children. It aims to balance the need for children to focus on schoolwork with the importance of staying connected in case of emergencies. School Time allows parents to set a dedicated home screen with limited functionality on their child’s personal device during school hours, helping to reduce distractions during class. Parents can schedule and select which apps are permitted during School Time, using Family Link, Google’s parental control app. They can also choose to allow calls or texts from specific contacts. “Parents think deeply about how their children should use…

Award-winning American jazz trumpeter Christopher Stephen Botti, known to millions of his fans as Chris Botti, is excited to once again thrill his South African music fans with his brand of timeless music which has, for the past 30 years, seen him tour South Africa more than once. Having worked with iconic music legends including Paul Simon, Hugh Masekela and many other African and global musicians, Botti has promised his South African fans an epic show as one of the many local and international stars earmarked for this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival (SBJOJ). This year, the country’s leading jazz festival, also referred to as SBJOJ, will be celebrating 25 years of lighting up various stages with quality-driven jazz musicians at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 27.…

BUDDING singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Will Linley, continues to carve out a reputation for himself in the music industry, as he returns with another heartfelt single, Just Because I Called You. Linley, from Cape Town, made a bold entrance a few years ago and has maintained his consistency as a performer of music that appeals to a broad audience, boasting a list of much-loved pop songs such as Miss Me, Magic, Tough, and Last Call, among others. With a glittering career packed with memorable experiences, Linley says he counts his lucky stars, sharing details of his new music as well as his performance at the eagerly-awaited 947 Joburg Day. “So the latest song is Just Because I Called You, which came out today. It is a song that is actually three…

Fossil Free South Africa (FFSA) has formally challenged TotalEnergies with a complaint to the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), accusing the energy giant of engaging in greenwashing. The fuel giant partnered with South African National Parks (SANParks) for its “#FuelYourExperience” campaign. FFSA asserts that this campaign is a classic example of deceptive advertising that obscures the true environmental impact of fossil fuels and delays critical climate action. The controversial campaign invites South Africans to share their favourite summer experiences at SANParks’ national parks for a chance to win R250 vouchers and a weekend getaway. TotalEnergies’ promotion of its long-term partnership with SANParks as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship has been criticised by FFSA as a misleading attempt to portray the company as environmentally responsible. Lazola Kati, who monitors social…

The electric vehicle charging infrastructure network in South Africa has been steadily growing over recent years, as the popularity and, more importantly, attainability of EVs have become more favourable to consumers. Chargify, an EV charging network developer, has been operating for several years and has 40 chargers across seven provinces. Its goal is to have 120 chargers installed by the end of the year – a goal that may be attainable thanks to its partnership with Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) which includes an investment of R40 million into Chargify by MBSA to be rolled out over two phases. Chargify installed its first charging station at Caltex (now Astron) in Bloemfontein, before growing its network to many other sites. It is now present at various sites such as Refined Properties, which…

The haunting lyrics of Scatterlings of Africa, written by South African songwriter and singer Johnny Clegg in 1982, captured the cruel uprooting of black South Africans under apartheid. He sang, “Beneath a copper sky. And we are the scatterlings of Africa. On a journey to the stars. Far below, we leave forever. Dreams of what we were.” Today, this song could well be the gloomy underscore to the devastating displacement that is the topography of current day Africa. The sheer scale of displacement is alarming. There are over 16 million internally displaced people. The Sahel, Central Africa, and Horn of Africa are the most impacted regions on the continent. Millions of Africans have been forced to flee their homes, in a maelstrom of war, civil unrest and indigence. Reflecting on…

IN THE fight game there are many battles that a fighter must win before they set foot in the octagon and try to win the most important one, the actual fight. Though it’s not always the case, the fighters’ battles before the actual fight tend to influence their performances in the octagon and thus the result of the fight. Throughout the week, the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion, South Africa’s very own Dricus du Plessis, looked more confident and relaxed than his opponent, Israel Adesanya, who he faces off with in Perth, Australia tomorrow. Be it through their social media battles, or individual media interviews, Du Plessis simply looked a class or two ahead of Adesanya. Everything that Adesanya threw, Du Plessis took and responded to with nothing but charisma,…

SOWETO giants Kaizer Chiefs will welcome the four or so weeks on their hands to work through some of the scariest nightmares after learning their opening round fate. Amakhosi will return to action with a trip to Bloemfontein at the Toyota Stadium against a Marumo Gallants side led by Dan Malesela. The freshest memory of any Chiefs supporter of their club right now is that humbling 4-0 loss to Yanga SC in pre-season, in front of a sold-out crowd who arrived at the Bloemfontein stadium with huge expectations on the day. If there’s one consolation for new coach Nasreddine Nabi, he should expect the same passion when his first season with the most loved club in the land kicks in. But before that, the experienced Tunisian will have the difficult…

You wouldn’t blame Mzansi for still celebrating Team South Africa’s 4x100m relay silver medal at the Paris Olympics, even though it happened on Friday last week. For the athletes and coaches themselves, it may be feelings of absolute joy and relief simultaneously, considering the long road they’ve had to run to reach such immense success. When Akani Simbine screamed across the finish line at the Stade de France on August 9 to edge out Great Britain for second spot – behind gold medallists Canada – it was a moment to savour for the 30-year-old South African star as he had finally earned an elusive Olympic medal. But for the team as a whole, it was just reward for their journey over the last few years, not just for those who…

Recently, Cape Town International Airport experienced flight delays due to a power outage resulting in flights being diverted and passengers being stuck in limbo. It’s becoming apparent that even when taking to the sky, travellers should leave room for such mishaps. For business travellers, flight delays and cancellations are stressful at the best of times but even more so if it means missing important meetings, events or networking opportunities. According to Kenny Totten, business travel expert and COO at corporate travel management platform AllFly, there’s nothing worse than turning up to the airport for a highly-anticipated meeting with a big client or industry event, only for the situation to go belly up before it’s even begun because of a delay or cancellation. “While these disruptions are unavoidable, the best thing…

A GROWING number of women are stepping into field guiding roles despite the long-standing male-dominated reputation of the industry. These women carry a blend of empathy, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for wildlife and conservation. Tarene Labuschagne, Nelmarie Willemse and Liezel van den Bergh are guides on the front line at Lalibela Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The reserve is a conservation project, all profits generated from the reserve are allocated to the conservation of the land, animals and the wider community. According to the reserve, the guiding team is a reflection of this broad mission, each member committed to the environment, regardless of gender or background. Influences All three women have nurtured a deep love and respect for nature. Van den Bergh said growing up in…