Table of contents for 2025-03-01 in Saturday Star

At least 15 million South Africans suffer from food insecurity. That means they don’t have enough nutritious food to live healthy lives. This is due to a combination of factors, including unemployment, poverty, inequality and food system failures. More than 1 000 children die from malnutrition each year. This compares unfavourably with 350 child deaths from malnutrition in Brazil, which has more than three times South Africa’s population, and 269 child deaths in Colombia, which has about the same per capita income as South Africa. A robust indicator of chronic hunger is child stunting. Stunting in South Africa has flatlined at around 25%, or one in four children, since the early 1990s. Other middle-income countries such as Brazil and Peru have made impressive progress. Peru halved its rate from 28%…

THE Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, a member of the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies has officially opened applications for its Allan Gray Fellowship Programme. The Programme invites Grade 12 learners with entrepreneurial potential and strong academic performance, who are preparing to transition into university and are driven to make a meaningful impact, to apply before 30 April 2025. The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is more than just financial support for university studies, it is an entrepreneurial journey that equips young leaders with the mindset, skills, and networks to thrive. Recognising that entrepreneurship is a long and often challenging path, the Allan Gray Fellowship offers a comprehensive support system that includes mentorship, coaching, personal and academic development, in addition to exposure to a dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystem. Candidate Allan Gray…

The tornado that devastated parts of Pretoria North last week has been confirmed as a landspout by the SA Weather Service. Following a thorough analysis of data and the physical aftermath of the violent storm that hit Montana, north Pretoria on February 18 has been officially described as a landspout as opposed to a tornado. Yesterday, the SA Weather Service (SAWS) said it reached the conclusion after conducting thorough analysis of the destructive weather event, which included visits to the site in the aftermath and a close study of high-resolution satellite images of the event, among other things. The SAWS said it was “working tirelessly” to nowcast such “small-sided” events for the safety of the general public, which according to Wikipedia means describing “present weather conditions” or forecasting those that…

THE first artist being celebrated in this series of artist spotlight features, is the mesmerising Anna Wolf. She was born and raised in Pretoria and is a self taught musician who signed her first record deal at just 14 years old. In her earlier days performing as Tailor she released some incredible songs such as Why Don’t You Love Me, Step Back, Can I Get High On You (one of my many favourites) as well as Wolf and Shaped Like A Gun which was featured on FOX Network’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance for two consecutive seasons. This force of nature is based in London but is working on new material in Nashville at the Cash Cabin Studios right now which is very exciting as she is…

Minister open to calls for stricter alcohol warnings While Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi would be open to placing stronger messages on alcohol labels, he is aware that this would be a minor step toward the much bigger problem of solving gender-based violence. The minister was responding to a judgment from Judge Avinash Govindjee, sitting in the Makhanda High Court in the Eastern Cape, that raised the issue of alcohol labelling when sentencing two men who were found guilty of murdering their partners in the province. The judge expressed concerns during two unrelated judgments involving men who had brutally murdered their partners after consuming alcohol. Govindjee urged the minister of Health to add more warnings on the labels of alcoholic beverages, specifically that the consumption of alcohol can lead to…

As the Muslim community prepares to observe Ramadaan, be mindful of your colleagues and neighbours by avoiding meeting times that involve food or drink during fasting hours. This was voiced by Muslim leaders ahead of the month-long fast observed from February 28 to March 29. Ramadaan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which more than one billion Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, signifying obedience to Allah, self-purification, and spiritual growth. Mufti Ismaeel Bassa from Darul Iftaa Al-Burhaan, a Muslim legal expert and adviser on the law of the Qur’an said: “Non-Muslim communities can support their fasting colleagues and neighbours by planning meetings…

Last week, the Raging Bull Awards lit up the investment world, shining a spotlight on the best and brightest in the collective investment industry. It was a privilege to witness this remarkable event firsthand. The highlight of the night? Citadel walking away with the coveted South African Manager of the Year title. It’s a well-deserved nod to their knack for steering through choppy financial waters with skill and grace. Independent Media chairman Dr. Iqbal Survé also graced us with his presence, accompanied by his wife, Tricia, to honour the exceptional talent and dedication driving the industry forward. For those who might not know, the Raging Bull Awards have been a big deal since they kicked off back in 1997. They’re like the Oscars for fund managers and top-performing funds —…

In this article, I am revisiting my article, “Does it pay to make the maximum tax-deductible contribution?”, published in Personal Finance on June 5, 2023. In that article, I highlighted the benefits, from a tax perspective, of making the maximum allowable tax-deductible contribution to your retirement fund, namely, 27.5% of your taxable income (limited to R350 000 per year). I still challenge anybody to disprove my opinion that making the maximum tax-deductible contribution to a retirement fund will exponentially improve your retirement outcomes. In the last few weeks I have read a few articles that expressed the view that there are tax benefits in making additional contributions to your retirement fund over and above the contributions that qualify for an immediate tax deduction. The crux of the argument seems…

Jake White likes to say that he “has been around for a long time” in rugby, and he has seen most of the sport’s “movies”. And the nightmare series of seven defeats in a row to the Stormers will mean that White and his Bulls side will never think it will be a walkover against the Capetonians. At the moment, John Dobson’s outfit are down and almost out, having lost four in a row across the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship, and languishing in 10th position on the URC log after just four wins in 11 games. In contrast, the Bulls are third with eight victories, and come off a 31-19 triumph over the Lions last weekend after losing to the Sharks before that. So, on paper, the Pretoria…

Goalkeeper Jessica Williams has been snapped by the Hollywoodbets Super League newcomers University of Cape Town (UCT) and time in the top-flight football could re-open the way for future Banyana Banyana inclusion. The 25-year-old Williams has had one Banyana appearance in 2019 against Jamaica but since then she has fallen out of favour. Last season she was capped for the Cosafa Cup side managed five clean sheets in a tournament and was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. A few weeks ago, Williams enjoyed a month's training stint at Bristol City Women’s FC, who campaign in the English second-tier FA Women’s Championship. Her stay was arranged by Badgers Ladies FC director and former Safa Head of Women’s Football Romaney Pinnock, who has since taken up the same role at Bristol. Before…

According to the Sabie Experience, mountain biking has seen a surge in interest over the last decade and has become one of the most popular sports around. The combination of better trails, improved bike technology, the thrill of riding and the sense of adventure it evokes are all part of the reason why more and more people are getting hooked. Recently, Africa’s first bike hotel, Trail’s End Bike Hotel, opened its doors in the beautiful Elgin Valley near Cape Town, making its way to the top of every mountain biker’s “stay-and-play” travel wish list. According to Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, considering the region’s scenic trails, the hotel is ideal for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers alike. “Its design was inspired by the iconic lodges in…

If there’s one thing movies love, it’s a classic father-daughter storyline. And if there’s one thing Hollywood loves even more, it’s a dad trying to do his best Liam Neeson impression, minus the particular set of skills. Netflix’s La Dolce Villa, takes us to Italy because, let’s be honest, some of us are living through our screens at this point. Shot in the picturesque village of San Gregorio da Sassola (which, for those of us who don’t have Italian geography memorised, is near Rome but often lumped in with Tuscany for that extra bit of romance), La Dolce Villa is a visual treat. Think cobblestone streets, golden sunsets, and a villa in dire need of fixing. Because naturally, what’s a feel-good movie without a house in ruins and a questionable…

South Africa’s energy crisis has been a major point of concern for the country’s economy, since the return of the dark-night also known as loadshedding. Eskom announced level 6 loadshedding a week ago after a nearly year hiatus. The power utility gradually brought it down to level 2, with power cuts continuing to impact everyday life. The recent announcement of loadshedding again brought the Minister of Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s, recent comments about ending load shedding by the end of March 2025 under the spotlight, with industry experts weighing in on the vision. Many acknowledged the progress made but remain sceptical about achieving this ambitious goal in the short term. Professor Vally Padayachee, a power and energy expert, shared his insights on the matter, emphasising that “if Eskom’s Energy Availability…

A new campaign in South Africa’s food industry is empowering consumers to make more ethical food choices while encouraging businesses to commit to higher animal welfare standards. The Verified Cage-Free Campaign, launched by the South African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), recognises businesses that publicly declare their commitment to sourcing only cage-free eggs – including free-range, barn, organic, and pasture-raised. By signing the Verified Cage-Free commitment, businesses make a transparent, public pledge to phase out battery-cage eggs from their supply chains. This campaign also seeks to educate consumers about sustainable and ethical food choices and encourages them to support businesses that align with their values. Zwelisha Shobede, SAFCEI’s Cage-Free Coordinator said: “Faiths teach us to care for all of creation, and that includes the animals in our food system. But…

Graffiti has come a long way since its humble beginnings as an underground form of rebellion. Once seen as a symbol of defiance, it has evolved into a multifaceted art form that is now celebrated in galleries and on public walls across the globe. From the streets to the walls of museums, graffiti is now a mainstream art form that resonates with people from all walks of life. Today, graffiti artists are not just limited to street corners – they are painting live at high-profile events, creating murals for films, and even taking their work to prestigious art spaces. Stephen “SethOne” Whitebooi, a multi-skilled artist with over two decades of experience, offered his perspective on the art form in the modern day. “I have been creating art around South Africa…

And South Africans are missing out on it Mention Ford Bronco and immediately it conjures up images of a cool two-door boxy go-anywhere SUV that was first introduced in 1966 and had its last run in 1996. After a 25-year hiatus, it was reintroduced in 2021 in both two- and four-door versions. Not content with just a “standard” Bronco, in 2022 Ford Performance added a Raptor version, of course. We’re all familiar with the Ranger Raptor that sold close to 2 000 units in South Africa last year, but there’s also the F150 Raptor, which started the Raptor nameplate 15 years ago, and then of course the Bronco. We had the opportunity to drive it in the deserts of Dubai as part of a Ford International Markets Group (IMG) gathering…

A real estate investment trust, known widely by its acronym, REIT, is an entity that invests in and manages property on behalf of its investors. It provides a way to invest in property without owning it directly. REITs are relatively new to South Africa, but they have existed in other countries for decades. They were created by legislation in the United States in 1960 to enable the average investor to invest in a portfolio of commercial properties in the same way that they could buy shares in a company. These entities flourished worldwide as more countries adopted REIT legislation – according to the US website Nareit, more than 40 countries and regions have REITs, and a total of 940 listed REITs with a combined equity market capitalisation of about $2…

Criminals conducting Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) money transferred from illegal sources, by nefarious means, and for ill intentions have developed sophisticated ways to bypass the financial system. Financial institutions are now finding it far more complex to separate legitimate customers from those on sanctions lists or affiliating with terrorist or organised crime syndicates. In response, global watchdogs demand more onerous Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) measures to combat IFFs in a borderless world. The consequences of getting it wrong are severe for institutions and nations alike, as evidenced by South Africa’s addition to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist in 2023. South Africa’s IFF difficulties South Africa struggles with IFFs because of specific attributes that make it particularly attractive to financial criminals. On the one hand, it…

Young cricketer Sofia Beires is set to shatter a glass ceiling on Saturday when she makes her debut for the all-boys Westerford High School U19 First XI against Fairmont High School. Beires, a Grade 9 learner, is only 14 years old, who has previously represented both the KwaZulu-Natal Girls u13 and Western Province u16 Girls teams. Beires is a cricket fanatic that has played the game since nine years old. “I’ve always had an interest in cricket since young,” she told Independent Media. “I think I just had enough of netball and thought I'd give cricket a go, and it stuck. “I’ve watched cricket my whole life. My family always had cricket on the television and my uncle used to play cricket.” Women’s cricket has grown from strength to strength…

In a bold move to boost its tourism sector, South Africa has set an ambitious target of welcoming nearly 15 million tourists by 2030. This initiative is propelled by a newly relaxed visa regime and the launch of the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme (TTOS), aimed particularly at attracting visitors from key markets like India and China. Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, outlined these ambitious goals during a panel discussion on TTOS at the Meetings Africa conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The session gathered significant figures in the tourism sector, including Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber and Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa. They discussed the transformative prospects of the tourism industry amid evolving global travel dynamics and economic recovery…

Wellness is now a larger market than many global mega-industries, including IT, sports and pharmaceuticals. Despite the rapid growth of green/sustainability businesses, the wellness market is more than 30% larger than the green economy at R87 billion. The years between 2013 and 2023 could be dubbed “the wellness decade”, the time in which consumer interest and need for wellness became an explosive and permanent shift. Over the past decade, the industry has grown dramatically, with the wellness market now around 60% of the total global health expenditure of R191 trillion. From fitness and healthy eating to mental health and wellness tourism, wellness has become an everyday priority for people across the globe, including South Africa. The Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024 presents an optimistic outlook for the global wellness industry,…

It has been some time since Mzansi viewers saw Fezile Mpela on their screens, now he is set to thrill them with his performance in the upcoming film A Scam Called Love. Mpela is known for his roles on Generations, Isidingo, High Rollers and Diepe Waters. The veteran actor plays the role of Mandla, a strong-willed African father dealing with family turmoil. In a recent interview, Mpela opened up about the challenges of portraying such a layered character and the significance of bringing this narrative to life. For Mpela, stepping into Mandla’s shoes was both rewarding and demanding. His character is a man who has emotionally shut himself off from the world while navigating personal crises – a cheating wife, a child studying in the United States, a delinquent son,…

Baby SaverS SA has taken the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the High Court, seeking to have a section of the Children’s Act declared invalid. At the heart of their challenge is a push for a legal alternative to child abandonment, specifically concerning “baby saver boxes” - places where mothers can anonymously and safely surrender their newborns. Dr Whitney Rosenberg, Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and Co-founder of Baby Savers SA (BSSA), says the DSD is trying to amend the definition of child abandonment to include instances where babies are placed in baby savers. “This is a deliberate attempt to stop our efforts,” Rosenberg said, underscoring that the organisation is fighting not just for a legal change but for the right of a child to live. Baby…

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has released a damning report detailing a sharp rise in police misconduct across South Africa, with more than 5 000 cases reported in the past year. From unlawful killings to torture, corruption, and sexual violence, the country’s law enforcement officers are increasingly being caught on the wrong side of the law. According to the 2023/2024 IPID Annual Performance Report, 5 136 cases of police-related incidents were recorded. The report revealed 460 deaths due to police action, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. A further 212 people died in police custody. The report further highlighted 273 cases of torture, a 20% increase, with the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal emerging as hotspots. While the number of assault cases dropped by 5%, the…

Matric dance magic abounds at expo with exhibitors, fashion show, trends talks and more. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is rolling out the red carpet for Grade 12 learners and their families at the inaugural Matric Expo, running through the weekend, on the ground floor of the centre. Featuring more than 60 exhibitors, the expo is the ultimate destination for matric dance inspiration and post-school preparation, ensuring learners are set for both their big night and the road ahead. Whether searching for the perfect matric dance ensemble, beauty and styling tips, or career and study guidance, the matric expo offers an all-in-one experience. With industry experts, trendsetters, and top brands under one roof, visitors can explore designer fashion, grooming services, bursaries, study options, and more—all at no cost. The event will…

Sasko has launched the Bettererest Loaf Ever, a softer and tastier take on its classic white and brown loaves, offering a fresh twist on how we enjoy bread while promoting a healthier lifestyle. Held at The Ground Venue in Muldersdrift, the event featured a curated harvest table brunch hosted by award-winning cookbook author Neo Nontsho. Renowned chef Zola Nene elevated the experience with gourmet-inspired dishes crafted from the Bettererest Loaf Ever. Sasko stated that continuous innovation is embedded in its brand DNA, as demonstrated by its Specialty Range, which includes health-conscious options like Low GI Multigrain Cranberry and Low GI Oats & Honey Flavoured Bread. This commitment to anticipating consumer needs and embracing new trends has now led to the creation of the Bettererest Loaf Ever — taking everyday bread…

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) continues to build anticipation with this week's artist announcements revealing a phenomenal line-up that promises an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers. Headlining this week’s reveal is none other than contemporary R&B powerhouse Ari Lennox, joined by South African jazz trailblazers Benjamin Jephta with Kujenga, Linda Sikhakhane, Victor Masondo and his dynamic quartet, and the celebrated vocalist, composer, and academic Nomfundo Xaluva. Lennox, known for her sultry vocals and deeply personal songwriting, will grace the CTIJF stage for the first time, bringing her signature blend of soul, R&B, and raw storytelling. Meanwhile, Jephta marks the 10th anniversary of his ground-breaking album “Homecoming” with a bold reimagining, featuring the captivating Kujenga collective. Known for their dynamic energy and seamless fusion of jazz,…

TEACHING complex terms to pupils so that they understand them in the language they’re most familiar with has just become easier for teachers. They now have access to a spreadsheet containing at least 84 000 words from seven subjects, and all those words are in the country’s 11 official languages. Terence Ball, who heads up the South African National Lexicography Unit, which oversees the publishing for all of the nine official Indigenous language dictionaries, says the document contains all the terms used by pupils from Grades R to 6 in any language. So far they have not received feedback from any of the teachers but a number of academics involved in education and particularly language teaching, as well as members of the Principals Association of South Africa, are pleased…

Mercedes is planning a product blitz of sorts, with “dozens” of new or refreshed models set to reach world markets between now and 2027. This comes as the German company also plans to introduce a more coherent, “status-oriented” design language across its portfolio as well as a more advanced interior operating system with enhanced AI capabilities. So what can the world expect from Mercedes-Benz? Arguably the most exciting new entrant is a smaller version of the iconic G-Class. “Mercedes-Benz plans to expand and protect the share of Top-End Vehicles (TEV) and aims to leverage the potential of its luxury brands such as G-Class, as the undisputed icon of adventurous luxury,” the firm said in a statement released this week. “The legendary G-Class family will be expanded with a…

With age comes the curse of an older body that isn’t as agile as it once was and has more brittle bones. As a result, it’s important to ensure that you are fully covered for medical care the older you get, especially in retirement when you are likely to be living off a fixed income. Lee Callakoppen, principal officer of Bonitas, explained that the medical aid’s data shows that members experience a 2% increase in health claims for each year that they age. “As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions such as hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia,” says Callakoppen. Emergency services, including emergency room visits and hospital admissions due to accidents or…

Estate planning is often seen as something to be done later in life, but it plays a critical role in managing assets throughout one’s lifetime. A well-structured estate plan ensures financial security for loved ones, minimises tax burdens, and streamlines the administration process after passing away. Without careful planning, heirs may face unnecessary financial strain and delays in accessing their inheritance. Liquidity is a key consideration in estate planning, as it ensures that debts, taxes, and administration costs can be covered without impacting the inheritance of beneficiaries, keeping in mind that SARS and the estate’s creditors are the first to be paid from a deceased estate before any remaining assets are distributed. If there is insufficient liquidity, assets such as a family home, vehicles, or investments may need to be…

Lions lock Ruben Schoeman is keen to make amends for his five-match ban when he returns to the second row for Saturday’s home United Rugby Championship clash against the Sharks (2.30pm kick-off), after serving a five-match suspension for ill-discipline. The 28-year-old was shown a red card during his team’s defeat to the Stormers in round eight of the URC for a dangerous clear-out on Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok. “I was banned after that red card and this is my first game back, so I’m very excited to serve the team again and get back in action. I think I let my teams down when I got that red card, so this is a chance to improve myself and make it up to my teammates,” he said. “There’s been a lot…

Former Kaizer Chiefs tactician Molefi Ntseki can help the delinquent Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng by naming him in the two matches Bafana Bafana will play against Egypt over the next two Sundays. The first-round African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against Egypt will be played over two legs, and although Saleng, a massive fan favourite at the Soweto giants, has yet to play this season, the game time could help his conditioning. Bafana Bafana's Chan squad is in training in Bloemfontein ahead of Sunday's match at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein (kick-off is at 17.00). Saleng is finally back in action as he is training with his Bafana Bafana teammates in Bloemfontein. As a result of ongoing disputes behind the scenes with Pirates, Saleng has not played football in over two…

The Sharks begin a crucial “mini-series” against the Lions today that could clinch them the SA Shield and put them in a strong position for a top two finish in the United Rugby Championship. For that to happen, the Sharks must beat the Lions at Ellis Park (2.30pm kick-off) and next week at Kings Park. Given the form the Sharks are in – they have played thrilling rugby in winning their last two URC games – they will back themselves to do the double on a Lions team that did the same things to the Sharks last season. Coach John Plumtree is certainly excited about the home-and-away games on consecutive weekends. “I love it, it provides a different element,” he said. “We know a lot about each other, but we’ll…