Table of contents for 2025-02-08 in Saturday Star

Nail art trends evolve rapidly, with some fads fading quickly while others, like the classic French manicure, remain timeless. One of the latest trends capturing attention is “fluffy nails”, a style that offers a unique, textured appearance. What are fluffy nails? Fluffy nails, also known as “furry” or “fuzzy” nails, involve creating a three-dimensional, velvety texture on the nail surface. This effect is typically achieved using flocking powder, a fine material that, when applied, creates a soft, plush finish. The concept isn’t entirely new. In 2016, Jan Arnold introduced furry manicures at the Libertine Fall/Winter show, where models wore nails with actual faux fur. Today, the trend has evolved, with a subtler, velvet-like look. How to achieve the fluffy nail look Preparation: Begin by shaping and buffing your nails, ensuring…

Netflix’s W.A.G.s to Riches brings together a group of women married to or dating high-profile athletes, giving us an all-access pass into their world of wealth, drama, and, of course, real estate. Sharelle Rosado leads the pack. If her name rings a bell, it’s because she was the boss lady of Selling Tampa. A no-nonsense military veteran, mother of four, and CEO of Allure Realty with three locations, Sharelle is used to running the show. And let’s not forget her brief engagement to NFL legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, which ended in October 2024. Sharelle admits she was a fan of Johnson in high school before sliding into his DMs in 2020. Is that a little fangirl energy? Maybe. But what’s clear is that she runs this show with a firm…

Stellenbosch has recently emerged as the country’s surprising up-and-coming technology powerhouse, boasting the highest number of tech jobs per capita. With an average of 36 tech-related jobs for every 100 000 people, it has surpassed major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town to become a leading destination for tech talent. Stellenbosch’s commitment to becoming South Africa’s leading technology hub is further reinforced by the ongoing development of its infrastructure and the strong collaboration between the municipality, university and local businesses, ensuring a future where innovation, sustainability, and opportunity can flourish. Stellenbosch Municipality has been instrumental in positioning the town as the leading tech hub of South Africa, with a vision of being the “Valley of Opportunity and Innovation.” Through initiatives like the development of Technopark, a vibrant technology and business…

The South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, expressed regret over president Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement and has urged the US Administration to reconsider their decision. He emphasized the Paris Agreement’s importance as a global effort to combat climate change, built on shared responsibility and tailored support for nations based on their historical emissions and capabilities. The Paris Agreement according to their website is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on December 12, 2015, and it entered into force on November 4, 2016. Its overarching goal is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and…

WHILE South Africa’s 87.3% matric pass rate has been widely reported, a deeper look at the numbers tells a different story. With only 51% of the students who started Grade 1 in 2013 making it to matric, and a significant portion of university students dropping out within their first year, the challenge extends beyond school completion — it's about ensuring students are equipped to succeed in higher education and beyond. Education expert Christo Nicholls, who has worked closely with university students, highlighted the need for a different approach — one that prepares students not just for exams, but for long-term success. In response, he and his wife, Miriam, established the Future Learning Institute (FLi) to offer an alternative academic path. Their model focuses on helping students develop a clearer sense…

Recovering South Korean shopaholic-turned-climate activist Lee So-yeon used to buy new clothes almost daily – until a $1.50 (R27.65) winter coat triggered an awakening that stopped her shopping entirely. While looking at the ultra-cheap padded jacket at an H&M shop in the US, where she was working at the time, Lee asked herself how any item of clothing could be sold so cheaply. The 30-year-old embarked on a deep dive into fast fashion production methods and was horrified at the human, social and environmental toll hyperconsumerism is having on the planet – and on the mental health of women who make and buy cheap clothes. “I used to buy one new outfit each (working) day of the week,” Lee said, adding that each item from major high street retailers would…

What we see play out in front of our eyes today reminds us of the following quote from the Book by Charles Dickens “A tale of Two Cities”, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. The Trump administration and his view on the new world order that he envisions represent a turning point in the history of world politics, globalisation, the weaponising of -and the de-dollarisation of the world financial reserves and trade settlements and it includes the shift in the balance of economic power and will include the military firing power of nations. It is a time when agreements are broken, one-sided withdrawals and re-positioning. The school bully is on the loose.…

The Stormers are languishing in 12th position on the United Rugby Championship log, and are missing several influential Springboks for Saturday’s much-anticipated clash against the Bulls. In fact, the Pretoria side are clear favourites to emerge victorious at the Cape Town Stadium (2pm start), considering that they have many of their star players available and are sitting pretty in third position on the standings. But their wily old coach, Jake White, has seen this movie too many times before in his illustrious career, and was not falling for what he called a “trap” of taking the Stormers lightly. John Dobson’s team tend to draw on the energy from their fanatical supporters, who will arrive in droves to the 55 000-capacity arena, as well as an innate never-say-die attitude when it…

England will play their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan later this month, England’s cricket board (ECB) said on Thursday, despite calls to boycott the game in response to the Taliban government's crackdown on women's rights. Last month, a group of British lawmakers urged England to boycott the Champions Trophy group stage match against Afghanistan which will be held in Lahore on February 26. South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also supported calls for a boycott. Afghanistan had 25 contracted women players in 2020, but most are now living in exile in Australia following the Taliban takeover of their country in August 2021. However, ECB chair Richard Thompson said they would play the match after discussions with the government, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the players, adding that the cricketing…

Some South African X users are urging US President Donald Trump to visit the nation amid the storm after his recent statements surrounding human rights violations. This plea arose after Trump proclaimed he would terminate all funding to South Africa, citing purported abuses against certain classes of people, a narrative often disputed as misinformation yet resonating with some of his supporters, including billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. As discussions around human rights and tourism ignite within the global realm, the call for Trump to visit South Africa has gained traction, with many hoping it could pave the way for constructive dialogues and understanding between the nations, ultimately benefiting South Africa's image and economy. In a post on the social media platform X, Trump stated: “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating…

“It’s like walking into a hospital and turning off the power while patients are on ventilators and in surgery,” an NGO programme leader said, as they lashed out at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding cuts. The leader, who spoke on anonymity, said the cuts have already had devastating consequences. “This abrupt funding pause has essentially stopped our work dead in its tracks. “The damage is irreversible.” The recent 90-day pause in funding by USAID, under the directive of the new US administration, has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s healthcare sector, particularly in the fight against HIV and TB. SA’s HIV epidemic is one of the largest in the world, with more than 8 million people living with the virus. For more than two decades, USAID and…

Justin Baldoni has alleged Blake Lively caused the budget for It Ends with Us to balloon due to her wardrobe requirements. The former Gossip Girl actress recently filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, claiming he sexually harassed her on set and subjected her to a smear campaign following the release of their movie last August. Baldoni, who acted in and directed the feature, denied the allegations and filed his own lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane. On Tuesday, the 41-year-old filed an amended complaint in court in which he claimed Lively “often” refused to go to fittings and demanded the wardrobe for her character Lily Bloom be “re-shopped”. In addition, Baldoni claimed the actress asked the “costume department to pack up wardrobe and deliver…

IN a stark illustration of South Africa’s education crisis, Cosmos City Junior Primary School is a microcosm of the challenges faced by the nation’s schools. An astonishing 80 children are crammed into a single Grade 1 classroom, a situation that has raised grave concerns about the quality of education that young learners receive. As teachers grapple with the overwhelming task of providing meaningful instruction in such cramped conditions, the dreams of these vulnerable children risk being stifled. This alarming situation unfolds against the backdrop of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday, where he outlined plans to improve the education system, emphasising the need for expanded access to early childhood development and a commitment to training more qualified teachers. However, as classrooms overflow and resources dwindle, the…

A recent bullying incident involving a Grade 8 learner at Leiden High School in Delft, Cape Town, has highlighted the grave nature of bullying in schools. The learner was allegedly ambushed and assaulted by a group of seniors in a toilet cubicle, where he was covered in faeces and left to fend for himself. Just days after news of the Grade 8 boy broke, two more videos at different schools in the Cape Metro were being shared virally among social media users. In one video a boy can be seen being choked by a fellow pupil until he loses consciousness. In the second video, a girl can be seen standing against a wall while more than five pupils are kicking her and hitting her. These incidents has brought the serious…

HERMAN Mashaba, ActionSA leader, plans to take the government to court next week to grant him permission to retrieve the container that is thought to hold the remains of three Mpumalanga mineworkers. This was revealed by one of the party’s leaders in Mpumalanga, Harry Mazibuko – former colleague of Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi, and Solomon Nyirenda – who were swallowed by the earth in February 2016 at Lily Mine in Barberton. According to Mazibuko, last year, Mashaba wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that his government grant him permission and for the state to recommend an accredited company to retrieve the container and he (Mashaba) would pay. However, he said the government never acknowledged Mashaba’s offer or even responded to him. That is why they (Mashaba and ActionSA) are going…

For some, Valentine’s Day is all roses, teddy bears, and overpriced dinner specials. But let’s be real, not everyone is feeling the love. For those still side-eyeing their exes, a few zoos overseas have come up with the perfect way to move on: by naming a cockroach after them. Yes, really. Several zoos in the US have launched Valentine’s Day revenge fundraisers, allowing the heartbroken (or just plain petty) to symbolically squash the past by dedicating a roach, rat or even a vegetable to a former flame. And in some cases, those roaches aren’t just getting a name — they’re getting fed to the zoo’s residents. Jeepers creepers. Talk about revenge being a dish best served... crawling! The Bronx Zoo in New York is running its now-annual “Name a Roach”…

CHILDREN are back at school and parents understandably focus on essentials like stationery, uniforms, and backpacks. However, a child’s health must be a priority to ensure they’re benefitting completely from teaching and learning. One area that is often overlooked but requires significant attention is footcare – this not only ensures a child’s comfort at school, but lays a long and important foundation for foot health. “While children will spend a large portion of their academic day in the classroom, playtime outside and sports activities are also fundamental aspects of a child’s social and educational journey. We need to ensure we’re protecting our children’s feet while in this growing phase to ensure no long-term challenges later in life. Footcare is a vital aspect of overall healthcare,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD for…

“We’re just a group of dreamers armed with coffee, recycled materials, and a refusal to settle for boring furniture,” says the bio of Konto Khalo, a business founded by three childhood friends in their early 20s who are leading a movement to turn waste into art. Likhona Mkonto, Mangaliso Rankwana, and Kgosietsile Leburu, are transforming discarded materials into high-end, sustainable furniture - proving that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. At just 24, Mkonto is the driving force behind the vision. The idea came about when Mkonto’s family home was being renovated. “We had no idea what to do with the rubble,” Mkonto says. “I thought to myself, I have to do something with this waste.” Drawing on his civil engineering studies, Mkonto created a door stopper…

My heart is shattered. On Wednesday morning, I received the devastating news that a friend I had spent time with on Saturday had unexpectedly passed away. She was young, full of life, and had her whole future ahead of her. The shock sent me into an emotional spiral, forcing me to ask myself: “What if it were me?” I have three children and a family who depend on me – what would happen to them if I were to pass away suddenly? As a personal finance editor, I regularly come across discussions about estate planning, funeral arrangements, and the importance of a will. But it’s one thing to read about these things and another to ask yourself, “Am I prepared?” This introspection led to a difficult yet necessary conversation with…

The annual Raging Bull Awards ceremony, the “Oscars” of the investment industry, takes place on Monday, February 17, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event, a sumptuous gala dinner, is hosted by Personal Finance and Business Report in association with data providers Iress South Africa and the Apex Group. The event is sponsored by the JSE. The awards celebrate outstanding performance to the end of 2024 of collective investment schemes marketed by South African asset managers. In a change in format from previous years, there will be no awards for foreign investment companies – the focus is on the local industry. Award categories The award categories have been simplified into certificates for straight performance and trophies for risk-adjusted performance. The certificates, reduced to 19, recognise straight performance over…

Real Madrid's complaints about refereeing have created an even tenser atmosphere than usual around their crunch La Liga derby clash with Atletico Madrid today. League leaders Madrid host their city rivals, second and trailing by a single point, at the Santiago Bernabeu, after a tumultuous week in Spanish football. Last weekend Los Blancos dropped three points in a shock defeat at Espanyol, after which they sent the Spanish football federation a letter blasting La Liga refereeing as "rigged". Madrid were left raging after Espanyol defender Carlos Romero scythed down Kylian Mbappe, avoiding a red card before going on to score the winner. Carlo Ancelotti left Mbappe out of his squad which beat Leganes on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals, saying the striker had a bruised calf. The…

The Bulls have the stronger team on paper, but the Stormers have that fighting spirit that has taken them over the line in seven out of the last eight contests against their great Pretoria rivals. So, who will rule Cape Town Stadium in Saturday’s blockbuster United Rugby Championship showdown (2pm kick-off)? Well, Bulls coach Jake White stated on Friday that for his team, it’s all about pouncing on attack. “It’s going to be one of those great games, and it depends on who plays the best and who takes their chances,” he said. “As I always say at the end of every one of these fixtures, there are going to be opportunities for both teams, and the one who takes the best and manages the others will be the ones…

Are you ready to pack your bags and jet off to an exciting destination? Your zodiac sign may hold the key to the adventure that awaits you. Each astrological sign embodies unique travel styles and preferences, from seeking serenity in coastal paradises to diving into the vibrant nightlife. Understanding your zodiac can provide valuable insights into your travel personality, guiding you toward experiences that resonate with your inner self. Whether you’re an adventurous Sagittarius yearning for cultural immersion or a tranquil Pisces seeking peaceful shores, the stars can illuminate the path to your next getaway. Aquarius (January 20-February 18): the nomadic adventurer As the zodiac’s nomad, Aquarians thrive on travel and hate confinement. This sign seeks variety, often yearning for overseas adventures with friends. From immersing in local cultures…

At the start of every year, there is always that one series that gets everyone talking. And Paradise is that show this time around. The sci-fi political thriller is an eight-part offering created by Dan Fogelman and is bolstered by a stellar cast of Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi and James Marsden. The first episode takes place in a new world mirroring Washington, D.C., and focuses on influential political figures and those working behind the scenes. We meet President Cal Bradford (James Marsden), who is the epitome of charming and politically savvy, and Agent Xavier Collins (K.Brown). They share an interesting dynamic in their relationship, where Cal tries to push the envelope and Xavier stands firmly by his rulebook. Xavier took a bullet for Cal and the president…

DRICUS du Plessis, received a rude awakening that he is by no means the fan favourite as he was booed in the pre-fight press conference on Thursday and in the ceremonial weigh-ins yesterday. The 31-year-old heads into UFC 312 with a large number of South Africans not pleased with him having publicly shown his support for US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who in the past few weeks have attacked South Africa in interviews and on social media. This will be the first time Du Plessis will walk into the octagon with his country not fully behind him as they have been from the beginning of his UFC career almost five years ago. However, the champion and his coaches including Morne Visser are focused solely on the details of…

Professor Mbulu Madiba, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University, has issued a stark warning regarding the future of education in South Africa, drawing attention to the Unesco Global Teachers Report. He warned that in accordance with a recent report from South Africa’s Ministry of Education’s research and planning division, by 2030, nearly 40% of South African teachers would be eligible for retirement, exacerbating the ongoing teacher shortage. He highlighted the severe consequences this could have, such as larger class sizes, reduced educational quality, and economic repercussions that would hinder the country’s development. “The Unesco report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers in South Africa. A proactive approach to teacher recruitment, training, and retention is essential to avoid a full-blown education crisis. By implementing targeted interventions, governments…

The State of South Africa’s Fathers 2024 (SOSAF 2024) report provides a sobering picture of fatherhood in the country. According to the report released this week, only 35.6% of children live with their biological fathers, while 40.3% are raised by men who are not biologically related to them. Despite these statistics, the societal narrative around fatherhood tends to sideline the challenges that present fathers face — while overlooking the importance of supporting them in their roles. Fatherhood in South Africa is often relegated to the background in policy discussions and societal frameworks. Despite economic instability and the pressures that come with it, many fathers are eager to be more involved in the lives of their children. Yet, socio-economic constraints and systemic structures, including the legal system, often limit their ability…

IT’S official and Joburgers have probably known this for a while. Data released by OAG’s Global Airline Schedules, which highlights the World’s Busiest Airports for 2024, showed that OR Tambo International Airport has been ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in the Middle East and Africa. The facility handled more than 12 million scheduled seats this year. ORTIA continues to serve as a vital hub for air travel, trade, and connectivity within the region. As reported by The South African, OR Tambo was ranked the seventh busiest airport in the Middle East and Africa. As South Africa’s primary international gateway, ORTIA has demonstrated significant growth and operational excellence, handling: • More than 17.8 million passengers in the fiscal year April–March 2024 • More than 204 000 aircraft…

On the back of last year’s revelation that the City of Tshwane incurred an estimated R148 million loss over five years due to malfunctioning landfill sites, the metro’s Environment and Agriculture Management Department is set to implement corrective measures. The proposed measures will focus on restoring power and repairing weighbridges at the landfill sites, according to a report compiled by the head of the department, Abel Malaka. Illegal power connections by people hijacking landfill sites have often been highlighted among grave concerns raised by the Section 79 committee tasked with monitoring the department’s work. The committee has constantly expressed concerns over the unreliable power supply at the Bronkhorstspruit and Hatherley landfill sites, resulting in disruptions to the weighbridges, hindering accurate recording and billing of landfill users. There have also been…

SMILING at someone at the traffic lights or saying please and thank you should be easy and should come as natural as breathing and here in our country we do it pretty often and way more than they do it in most other parts of the world. Good job us. Kindness, compassion and these little gestures go such a long way. Today I wanna tell you about angels that fly among us with invisible wings and superheroes who don’t wear capes (but totally should). If I did five percent of what these blessings do everyday I’d be wearing a cape adorned with glitter and all the sparkles. Let’s talk about CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation especially because Flip Flop Day is just around the corner. In 1977 Sister Sadie Cutland and…

Iran may seem an unlikely setting for women’s ice hockey, but a fledgling league has seen its young players confront the country’s deeply conservative values and financial obstacles to blaze a trail for the sport. “The first time I was given a stick, I fell in love with this sport,” said Soheila Khosravi, a member of the Iranian women’s league, which played its inaugural round just three years ago. Khosravi left her family home two years ago to dedicate herself fully to ice hockey in Tehran, where Iran’s only Olympic ice rink is located. “It’s hard to live alone here, but it’s for the love of hockey,” said the 17-year-old athlete from the central province of Isfahan. Many of the players often face difficult odds, from social pressures to logistical…

At night before bed, Kynlee Rogers would often ask her mother: “Mom, why am I different?” Born with a bilateral cleft lip, Kynlee, 10, began noticing her facial differences around age 6. Other kids noticed, too. “They would make her feel different, and they would draw attention to her differences,” said her mother, Kimberly Rogers. But last February, Kynlee asked her mother a new question: “Mom, do dogs have cleft lips?” Rogers replied, “Of course they do,” and a lightbulb went on for the mother of five in Murray, Kentucky. She started researching and found Cleft Rescue Unit, a non-profit in Rochester, New York, that rescues young puppies with cleft palates, cleft lips and other medical needs. Rogers got in touch with Lindsay Weisman, founder and director of the organisation.…

South Africans went through some very turbulent times last year. According to the latest available statistics from the National Credit Regulator, as of September 2024, there were 28.2 million credit active consumers with a total of 96 million accounts between them. Of these, a full third had impaired credit records. BrandMapp’s 12th iteration of its study of the taxpayer base noted that it was in the “family” years of between 30 and 50 that people were most likely to feel the burden of debt. Just more than a third of these consumers were debt-stressed, it said. “Debt seems to be the burden of the rising middle-class, not the wealthy.” The Experian Consumer Default Index from last November found that credit applications had “reached their highest level on record, signalling robust…

We all kick off a new year with certain resolutions and goals, whether health, career, family, travel, or financially orientated. Having goals in place is a great way to keep human beings focused, and motivated and it provides a sense of purpose. However, it's also incredibly difficult to stick to these new resolutions, because as they say “life happens”. Numerous studies have shown that most New Year’s resolutions don’t stick. This year I want to challenge you to ditch making a list of all the things you promise yourself you will start doing, just to throw in the towel a month or two later. Instead, I want to challenge you to focus on building better habits. What is the difference? Resolutions are conscious and meaningful decisions or goals that…

With Athlone Stadium in Cape Town confirmed as host venue for the opening two rounds of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025, Springbok Women’s Sevens team head coach Renfred Dazel is ramping up plans to regain their World Series core team status for next season. “I think with our team we started our season’s prep actually before Dubai and for the Africa Cup we had a few experienced players and then they went back to the fifteens to have training camps,” Dazel said. “We have a few players who are in and out of the system that will only play in the first three Women’s Premier Division games and then we will get them from Monday onwards for two weeks before the Challenger. “Then we can actually have a…