Table of contents for 2025-03-15 in Saturday Star

There’s no denying it: curves are in, and body positivity is here to stay. But sometimes, the world isn’t quite ready to accommodate all body types. Gracie Bon, a 27-year-old plus-size Panamanian influencer with an impressive 10 million Instagram followers, has sparked a fiery debate around body positivity, accessibility,and the limitations of design in a world that doesn’t always cater to larger bodies. Supercars, super problems In the now-viral clip, Bon, who reportedly weighs roughly 103kg with a 55-inch rear (“an ass as big as your Samsung TV in your living room”) is seen struggling to sit comfortably in the sleek McLaren. While she manages to squeeze into the seat, her curves make it impossible to close the door, prompting her to film a tongue-in-cheek plea to the car…

Lourentia Lombaard shared in the Western Cape High Court the chilling details of the sale of missing Joshlin Smith. The former accused shared that Racquel “Kelly” Smith told her minutes later that the deal of selling the six-year-old was finalised on February 18, 2024, the day before Joshlin was taken. Lombaard told the court, which is sitting in the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, and an expectant audience that Kelly also offered her hush money. The mother is on trial with her boyfriend, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn for kidnapping and human trafficking. Lombaard said: “I watched Kelly walk to a white VW Polo. The windows were not too dark. A black woman came out of the car and spoke to Kelly and then…

A CITY of Johannesburg member of the mayoral committee (MMC) has threatened to attend the next council meeting wearing a T-shirt with German dictator Adolf Hitler’s face in protest against a pro-Israel DA councillor. PAC councillor and member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for Community Development, Tebogo Nkonkou, this week reacted angrily to DA ward 72 councillor and shadow MMC for Development Planning Daniel Schay, who addressed council wearing pro-Israel regalia. “I also want clarity. I will also come with a T-shirt with the face of Hitler and our flag. I will do that because you allowed this to happen,” Nkonkou told Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu. He continued: “Next council I will come here with (a T-shirt) with the face of Hitler because these people are killing innocent children there and…

As Vice President of the Agence Francophone et Africaine de l’Intelligence Artificielle (AFRIA), Maha is one of the leading voices in AI policy, data ethics and digital sovereignty in Francophone Africa. Here, she lets us in on her approach to advocacy and using her voice to promote responsible AI practices across the continent Maha’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational, letting us in on her passion for AI advocacy, she says, “Growing up in North Africa, I witnessed how Francophone Africa was often excluded from global AI discussions. This absence furled my determination to bridge this gap.” Glamour: AI has the potential to drive economic development and foster inclusion. What are some of the most promising ways AI can be leveraged to create opportunities for women and youth in…

Shawn Moyer’s high school prom date bailed on him. Although it stung at the time, he’s now grateful she did. “A week before prom, she had gotten a better offer,” said Moyer, now 55. He ended up asking Elena Hershey – who was a year younger and in his brother’s class at Dallastown Area High School in York County, Pennsylvania – to be his date. To his delight, she said yes. He had no idea, then, that 37 years later, his fill-in prom date would be the reason he received a life-saving kidney donation. “I lucked out,” Moyer said from his home in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. After Moyer, a doctor, graduated from high school in 1988, he lost touch with Hershey, 53, who later moved to Boulder, Colorado, and became…

THE South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) in the Free State strongly condemned the brutal attack on a teacher at Kgabareng Secondary School in Viljoenskroon on Monday. The educator, who is the Regional Secretary of Sadtu in the Northern Region, was reprimanding learners for arriving late when the 21-year Grade 10 learner became agitated and stabbed the educator in the shoulder. “We are grateful that the educator received immediate medical attention, was taken to the hospital, and has since been discharged. “We commend the police for their swift response in arresting the learner, who fled the scene after committing this crime. “He is currently in custody and is expected to appear in the Viljoenskroon Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, March 12. As Sadtu, we call on the law enforcement agencies to…

At the heart of jazz lies a timeless duality - one that honours the past while forging bold new paths. The next wave of artists joining the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2025 embodies this very spirit: musicians whose work is rooted in tradition yet fearlessly innovative, who weave together sounds from across the globe to create something entirely new. Whether through the pulse of Pan-African rhythms, the reinvention of South African jazz, the fusion of Indian classical music with contemporary grooves, or the raw emotional storytelling of alternative African pop, these artists transcend genres, borders, and expectations. Today, CTIJF proudly unveils the first tranche of the phase 2 line-up. Johannesburg-based Pan-Africanist collective iPhupho L’ka Biko is more than a band - it’s a movement. Founded by bassist and…

Friends, family, and colleagues of the beloved comedian and actor Ebenheazer “Ebby” Dibakwane gathered to pay their final respects during a heartfelt funeral service held in Maggiesdal, Mbombela, Nelspruit. The Dibakwane family announced the tragic news of his passing, revealing he died by suicide at 31. A statement from the family expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they received during this distressing time. They emphasised the importance of mental health awareness, stating, “Preliminary evidence suggests that Ebby died by suicide, which we expect will be confirmed by the post-mortem examination. We are touched and immensely grateful for the outpouring of love, comfort, and support that we have been receiving from many. While his passing is devastating for us and for many who loved him, it is…

I recently had a Porsche 911 Carrera on test and I absolutely loved it, but as much as I enjoyed driving it, our roads and fellow road users make it difficult to get the full experience. So when I climbed back into our long-term Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab it got me thinking why bakkies are South Africa’s favourite vehicle. Every month’s sales figures reflect a slew of bakkies that have found new owners with the Toyota Hilux constantly leading the pack, Ford Ranger not far behind followed by Isuzu. Throw Nissan, Peugeot, Mitsubishi and GWM into the mix and you get my point. Interestingly, Ford leads the double cab sales figures. Driving dynamics Long gone are the days of bakkies being uncomfortable transport and having to wrestle the steering wheel…

Is it sinful to dance? Is dans ’n sonde? This question was often asked in jest during my childhood years, in the final days of apartheid. Jokes about this “sinful” activity still abound among older Afrikaners today. Yet it expressed an underlying tone of fear and uncertainty. Who wants to get onto God’s bad side? I grew up in the Dutch Reformed Church, to which the majority of Afrikaners belong. It did not consider dancing a moral transgression – although I recall a lingering sense of unease. The Gereformeerde Kerk (Reformed Church), on the other hand, was unequivocal: Yes, dancing is sinful. It is a fact often overlooked when considering the Afrikaner community. Afrikaners are traditionally Calvinist, but historically, it has been split into three separate churches – the three…

There’s been a lot of buzz around the Two-pot retirement system that officially came into effect on September 1, 2024. It’s a significant shift in how retirement savings are managed in South Africa, and with it comes a host of questions and uncertainties. To get to the bottom of things, I had a fascinating chat with Brett Ladouce, one of our Personal Finance columnists, who also happens to be a pension funds lawyer and the author of Pensions for Palookas. Together, we unpacked one of the most burning questions people have: What happens to your retirement savings when you resign from your job? Can you cash out your pension fund and walk away with a lump sum? Let’s dive in. According to Ladouce, when you resign under the Two-pot system,…

As the adage so aptly proclaims, ‘In this life, only death and taxes are guaranteed.’ Unfortunately, the reality is that your financial obligations to the tax authorities persist even posthumously, as estate duty and other taxes are levied against your estate before any inheritance can be paid out to your heirs. Understanding what taxes your estate might be liable for is the first step in effective inheritance planning. This will ensure that your loved ones are still financially secure after you are gone, and you will not have to sell your hard-earned assets to service any debt. Estate Duty Estate duty (sometimes referred to as death tax) is a tax payable on the wealth accumulated during your lifetime and which is still in your name when you die.…

The Betway Premiership's relegation battle is tightening up. As Richards Bay gears up for a clash that could define their survival hopes, they are staring down the barrel of one of South Africa’s footballing giants, Kaizer Chiefs. This Sunday at the King Zwelithini Stadium, it’s do or die for the Natal Rich Boys in a 3:30 pm kick off. Richards Bay know that a win here could keep them afloat and send a clear message to the rest of the league: they’re not going down without a fight. With the season hanging in the balance, Coach Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane’s side are in a tough spot, sitting in 12th place after a demoralizing midweek defeat to Magesi FC. That 1-0 loss was a cruel blow, shattering the hope of…

It has long been acknowledged that US college sports is a factory for Olympic medallists. Most of the members of the USA Team at the Olympic Games have one thing in common; they are former college athletes. For years, South African school rugby has been the bedrock of Springbok rugby, the country's strongest sports brand. Many schools have invested heavily in the game and over time a handful of schools were widely acknowledged as bona fide South African rugby factories. This investment at the grassroots level has been nurtured as players graduate through the ranks, and it is no small wonder that South Africa, with four titles (1995, 2007, 2019, 2023), has won the World Cup more times than any other country. Schools rugby will enjoy another shot in the…

England head into their Six Nations finale against Wales in Cardiff today knowing a bonus-point win will give them their best chance of a first championship title in five years. But the uncertainty of which England team will turn up at the Principality Stadium remains. England scored seven tries in a 47-24 defeat of Italy at Twickenham last week, the game after being outscored three tries to one in a nervy 16-15 win at home to Scotland. Steve Borthwick's side can put the pressure on leaders France, who have a vastly superior points difference, but Les Bleus will likely secure the title if they defeat Scotland later today. The match against a Wales side on a national record losing streak of 16 successive Tests and staring at a second straight…

Beleaguered Cape Town City, winless in their last eight Betway Premiership matches, will look to return to winning ways against Marumo Gallants at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday afternoon. City's highly experienced coach Mushin Ertugral has identified the team's problem areas, and after the side's goalless draw against Chiefs during the midweek clash, he hopes to go one better at Athlone. Ertugral will have his trump card Thulani Serero, the former Bafana Bafana star, in the starting line-up for the second time since he returned to City a few days ago. Ertugral fielded Serero in the second half against Chiefs and then withdrew because of match fitness concerns. “I gave Serero 45 minutes against Kaizer Chiefs to help get the intensity right. I told him he’ll play probably until half-time,"…

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the League Cup final against Newcastle with an ankle injury that leaves the defender facing an extended spell on the sidelines. Alexander-Arnold was injured in the second half of Liverpool's Champions League last 16 penalty shoot-out defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday. The 26-year-old's absence is a huge blow to Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who is without a recognised right-back for tomorrow's showdown with Newcastle at Wembley. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, the usual candidates to replace Alexander-Arnold, are both still recovering from injuries. "Trent is not available. He will not be there at the final," Slot told reporters yesterday. "He is still to be assessed for how long it will take but we do expect him back before the end of the…

A movie that has been grabbing headlines in recent months is It Ends with Us. If you didn’t catch it on the big screen last year, it is now showing on Netflix. Based on the 2016 romance novel of the same title by Colleen Hoover, the film stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who also wears the director’s hat. Sadly, this movie got more attention for the post-release drama between Lively and Baldoni, with the two expected to face off in court on March 9, 2026. But more on that in a bit. Let’s first talk about the movie, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It opens with Lily Bloom (Lively) visiting her hometown in Maine for her father Andrew’s funeral. Her mother nags her about her speech but when it came…

The value-added tax (VAT) increase will have significant implications for low-income households, particularly concerning essential goods and services such as transport, food and electricity. The new rate was increased from 15% to now 15.5% by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana this week and will be effective May 2025, if the Budget is ratified by Parliament. Andrew Bahlmann, the chief executive of Deal Leaders International broke down what the new increase will mean for your transport and electricity bill. Bahlmann said that South Africa’s public transportation services, including buses and trains, are typically exempt from VAT. Consequently, the VAT hike should not directly influence public transport fares. “However, indirect effects may arise if transport providers face increased operational costs due to higher VAT on other inputs, potentially leading to fare adjustments. If…

To commemorate International Women’s Day, the Water Research Commission (WRC) hosted a groundbreaking event that highlighted and celebrated the leadership roles of women in water security. The event brought together leading women in water research, engineering, policy, and technology to discuss practical and innovative solutions for sustainable water management. Lesego Gaegane, a senior project manager at the Water Research Commission, emphasised the importance of such gatherings in raising awareness for sustainable water management. Speaking to the Saturday Star, Gaegane stated that “through dynamic discussions, interactive exhibits, and real-time engagement, the event not only shared knowledge but inspired actionable commitments.” Delving into her experiences as a woman in the male-dominated water sector, she noted: “I have personally experienced some of the challenges that many women face, whether navigating male-dominated spaces, securing…

Rising food costs are no problem for content creators who craft recipe videos without actual food. Some TikTokers have built followings by cracking brown Lego eggs, prying open balloon avocados and stacking burgers with crocheted sliced tomatoes. In one video, Kiyana Phillips, 21, shows off her homemade chipotle bag, complete with a hand-drawn version of the fast-casual restaurant’s logo. Using a two-dimensional fork and some video-editing magic, she pretends to dig into a burrito bowl, pouring queso over the entrée and dipping chips into a container of guacamole – all of which are made out of paper. Chipotle Mukbang: Broke Edition, she titled the video, which has racked up 2.5 million views. Food historians and trend experts say that while the fake-food phenomenon – using construction paper, Legos, crocheted yarn,…

REDHILL School is thrilled to present an electrifying and fresh interpretation of the beloved cult classic Little Shop of Horrors. This bold production reinvents the darkly comedic musical with a unique and powerful twist – Audrey II, the monstrous, all-consuming plant, is brought to life as a dazzling Drag Queen, transforming the show into a profound story of identity, empowerment, and self-acceptance. At its heart, Little Shop of Horrors is a tale of desire – desire for success, for love, for recognition, and most importantly, for self-confidence. Set against the gritty backdrop of Skid Row, the characters feel trapped, insignificant, and stifled by their circumstances. Enter Audrey II: seductive, charismatic, and full of promise. In this production, she embodies everything the characters lack but desperately crave – charisma, power, and…

Not only is this the most advanced vehicle that Volvo has ever created, but the new ES90 also attempts to defy categorisation. The new battery-powered flagship car looks like a fastback sedan, but it’s actually a three-box hatchback and there’s even a hint of SUV as far as Volvo is concerned, thanks to a slightly elevated ground clearance. It also ushers in the brand’s new 800-volt technology, allowing for faster charging as well as improved performance and efficiency. Volvo says the twin-motor flagship version, fitted with a 106kWh battery, can cover up to 700km on the WLTP testing cycle. Equally impressive is that 300km of range can be added in just 10 minutes when the car is plugged into a 350kW fast charger. The full model range, as well as…

Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has implemented policies that have been notably hostile towards China. They include trade restrictions. Most recently, a 20% tariff was added to all imports from China and new technological restrictions were imposed under the America First Investment Policy. This isn’t the first time US-China tensions have flared. Throughout history, the relationship has been fraught by economic, military and ideological conflicts. How has China responded? First, China tends to have a defiant official response. It expresses disappointment, then states that the US policy position is not helpful to any country or the world economy. Second, China makes moves domestically to prioritise the interests of key, affected industries. Third, China will sometimes impose retaliatory sanctions. In 2018, for instance, China imposed a 25%…

The practice by South African banks of advertising simple interest rates on fixed deposits has become more widespread. Only two banks in the “Big Five”, FNB and Capitec, have not resorted to this deceptive and confusing practice, and smaller banks and other institutions are doing it. I covered this issue in the past in the hope that the institutions concerned would do the honourable thing. They haven’t. Instead, more have clambered aboard the bandwagon, with the attitude that “if my competitor can get away with it, so can I”. The trouble with everyone doing it is that the competitive advantage gained by luring investors to invest through deceptive means is lost. Grade 8 maths lesson The universally accepted way of quoting interest on an investment is by using the compound…

As many South Africans transition into retirement, the financial landscape becomes increasingly challenging, particularly regarding healthcare costs. For many retirees, managing medical expenses is a daunting task that can significantly impact their quality of life. Approximately 38% of South Africans over 60 require chronic medication, and many need costly assistive devices such as hearing aids and wheelchairs. The financial burden can be overwhelming, especially considering that the costs associated with conditions like dementia can reach between R3 million and R7 million over a lifetime. Additionally, 4% of retirees experience depression, which can lead to increased healthcare expenses and further strain their finances. Understanding and preparing for these costs is crucial for maintaining a sustainable quality of life during retirement. The essential role of gap cover In this context, gap cover…

New England coach Thomas Tuchel recalled striker Marcus Rashford and midfielder Jordan Henderson as he raised eyebrows with his first squad announcement yesterday. Rashford, on loan at Aston Villa after being frozen out at Manchester United, last appeared for England in a friendly against Brazil in March last year. “Never stopped believing, cannot wait to get started,” Rashford, who has scored 17 goals in 60 England appearances, said on Instagram. Henderson, 34, last played for England in November 2023 and is not even a regular starter for Ajax Amsterdam. German Tuchel, who was named as Gareth Southgate’s successor in October, will take charge for the first time in this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Newcastle United defender Dan Burn and Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly could win their…

The return of Keshav Maharaj to the Hollywood Bets Dolphins team is a positive reinforcement for the final against Goldrush Boland tomorrow. Maharaj’s leadership and technical experience will “definitely” come in handy as they square off against Boland in Boland, Captain Prenelen Subrayen said. Maharaj availed himself for their nerve-wracking clash against the Titans on Wednesday, which surprisingly earned them a seat in the final. The Dolphins beat the Titans by 65 runs at Kingsmead to qualify for the final. Maharaj put up his usual clinical performance with the ball and in the field, claiming 3-37 in his 10 overs. He also put up 25 runs to the Dolphins 228 total against the Titans. The Proteas spinner had recently returned home from Pakistan where they played the ICC Champions Trophy,…

Manchester City face a crucial clash with Brighton as the pressure mounts in the race to finish in the Premier League's top four. Arsenal's faint title hopes will be effectively over if they lose to Chelsea, while Wolves can take a giant step towards securing their survival. Here we look at three key talking points ahead of the weekend's action: Dias urges Man City to push for top four Ruben Dias has challenged spluttering Manchester City to make one last push to salvage their miserable season by qualifying for the Champions League. City slumped to their ninth league defeat of the season last weekend, losing 1-0 at third-placed Nottingham Forest. It is the first time since 2019-20 that City, champions in the last four seasons before this term, have suffered…

Bubba Watson said he's been consistent with his answer in regard to LIV Golf representation in the majors. So, when Watson was asked about the topic again on the heels of the US Open and The Open announcing formal qualification paths for players from the LIV Tour, he was only happy to share his thoughts. "Yeah, I think that any chance we have to get into the majors, get all of us playing together again, it's always a good thing," Watson said Thursday at LIV Golf Singapore. "My thoughts have always been we should just go off of our points list or our money list and have 15 guys from LIV be in all the majors, the top 15 from the year before. "That's what I've always said. I've said…

Cruise ships have become a favourite vacation choice for many travellers. However, while passengers enjoy the onboard activities and amenities, a lot is happening behind the scenes that most people never see. A cruise ship worker recently went viral on TikTok, sharing some eye-opening secrets about life on the high seas. In a clip that has garnered over 8.3 million views, TikTok user @your.beauty.dose shared insider details about the hidden realities of cruise ships. “If passengers knew what happens behind the scenes, they’d never look at cruises the same way,” the caption read. One of the more sobering facts the worker revealed is that every cruise ship has a morgue below deck. These morgues are used “more often than you’d think,” she explained, as they store the bodies of passengers…

For South African travellers seeking affordable adventures, Asia's hidden gems beckon with the promise of genuine cultural immersion and leisurely exploration. Slow travel, a concept gaining traction in recent years, encourages tourists to take their time and savour the journey rather than rushing from one destination to another. This approach allows travellers to engage more deeply with the local culture, traditions, and environment, fostering meaningful connections that enrich their experiences. With slow travel gaining popularity, tourists are increasingly choosing to extend their stays in fewer places, allowing for deep connections with local cultures, enriching experiences, and a break from the frenzy of everyday life. By embracing slow travel, individuals can enjoy a more relaxed pace, which not only enhances their mental wellness but also promotes sustainability. This mindful approach encourages…

It’s been a hot minute since Kate Hudson was last on our screens, and honestly, she was kind of missed. In an era where many Hollywood faces appear altered, it’s refreshing to see someone who embodies natural elegance. But let’s not digress; we’re here to discuss her latest venture, Turning Point, on Netflix. I haven’t seen a family this “messed up” since the TV series Shameless. If you’re familiar with the Gallagher clan, you know what I’m talking about. The chaos, the personal feuds, and the never-ending drama, Turning Point brings all that to the table. Hudson plays Isla Gordon, the president of a fictional basketball franchise, trying to save her team, her family, and her job. It’s a high-stakes game, and not just on the court. While the series…

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) earlier this week called for the Expropriation Act to be used to take control of abandoned and hijacked buildings in South Africa's inner cities, with the goal of transforming them into affordable housing. However, private owners who have been battling for years to get their buildings back from criminal syndicates, have slammed back saying government should rather be assisting them to get their buildings back to restore the inner cities. Speaking to the team at Independent Media Property, they say they feel stuck between the government wanting to expropriate buildings and the criminal hijacking syndicates. Either way they feel that they will lose their buildings. "If the government feels they are able to rid buildings of hijackers, how come then…

THE government missed an opportunity, three decades ago, to focus on early childhood development (ECD), and South Africa is worse off for it. In its most recent economic update on South Africa, the World Bank identified quality basic education as vital to inclusive economic growth and transforming the country into a high-income nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa told the recent Basic Education Sector Lekgotla in Ekurhuleni – and central to that is ECD. “We should have started with the early childhood development 30 years ago, and if there is any mistake that we have made as a nation, as a govern- ment, it is this one – that 30 years ago we were blindsided, and we should have realised that to get this country to be put on a much higher…

ENGEN’S commitment to nurturing talent and fostering educational excellence has once again shone brightly, with the 2024 Engen Maths & Science School (EMSS) matric class achieving a record 98% overall pass rate. Speaking at the EMSS Cape Town Awards ceremony, held to celebrate top learners from the EMSS centres hosted at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Manzomthombo Secondary School, Engen CSI Manager, Olwethu Mdabula, highlighted the programme’s crucial role in addressing critical skills shortages in maths and science, thereby fostering economic growth and development. Since its inception in 1987, EMSS has been a cornerstone of Engen’s commitment to societal transformation, today providing more than 1 500 learners annually with free supplementary tuition. The 2024 EMSS matric class achieved an impressive 82% bachelor pass rate, marking a notable 5% increase…

Team South Africa has made history at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, proving that inclusion, perseverance, and excellence know no bounds. WIth the Games drawing to a close, our athletes have risen to the occasion, racking up an incredible medal tally that showcases their immense talent on the global stage. The six athletes of Team SA all finish as medallists. GOLD Naledi Hlalele (Figure Skating) SILVER Bianca Basson (Figure Skating) Kenneth Mokabo (Figure Skating) Shane Bentley (Short Track Speed Skating) BRONZE Tyrell Sykes (Figure Skating) Shirnel Swarts (Short Track Speed Skating) Team SA was proudly supported by African Bank, whose partnership with Special Olympics South Africa has been instrumental in getting the team to Italy to compete on a global stage against over 70 countries.…

The National School of the Arts (NSA) is hosting a month-long celebration of creativity at the Joburg Theatre, showcasing music, dance and drama performances that highlight the talents of young artists. As part of this celebration, Creative Confluence: Moving Stories merges theatre and dance to explore themes of grief, healing, and transformation. A key feature of the production is the premiere of Comforted Mourners, a moving piece by NSA alum Evelyn Mabikwa, performed by Grade 12 Drama students. The show is being staged at the Lesedi Theatre, Joburg Theatre, with performances today, at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets available through Joburg Theatre and Webtickets. Also today, the NSA’s Dance Department is hosting a Dance & Movement Improv Workshop from 11am to 1pm. Led by guest facilitators Tshepo Zasekhaya and Evelyn Mabikwa,…

Lexus has dropped the 3.5 V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine from their LX SUV line-up and in line with their carbon-neutral policy, introduced the LX 700h fitted with a new hybrid system. Also new to the range is the Overtrail. It’s aimed at the outdoor and adventure market with unique equipment, design and colour options. Fear not though; with South Africa’s propensity towards diesel, the diesel drivetrain with 225kW and 700Nm is still available. The range now consists of the LX 500d Urban F-sport (5-seater), the LX 500d Overtrail (5-seater), the 700h F Sport (5-seater), the 700h Overtrail (7-seater) and the 700h VIP (4-seater). Pricing ranges from R2 557 500 for the Diesel F Sport to R3 092 100 for the top-spec 700h VIP. New hybrid system As the world moves…

Independent Media is the winner of the Fortuner Challenge 2025, powered by Quartz Engine Oil. It’s the second year in succession that the group has taken the honours, edging out Arena Holdings, Media 24 and Supersport. After eight gruelling tasks over two days in the Overberg, Western Cape, Hennie Terreblanche with his hero teammate and racing driver for the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa motorsports team, Saood Variawa, received the keys to a new Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport to take home. “I can’t believe it,” said Terreblanche, when the window showed his name after a few anxious moments. “It’s difficult to describe what I feel right now but all the blood, sweat and tears have been worth it. It’s absolutely unreal. When I had an interview with Independent before the event,…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has announced that it has agreed to the revised revenue estimate of R1.846 trillion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, as announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. This marks a slight increase from the R1.841 trillion estimate put forward in the previous year’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). Despite challenging economic conditions, Sars says it remains confident in meeting its tax collection goals, with the shortfall against the initial February 2024 estimate reduced from R22.3 billion to R16.7bn. Speaking about the country's ongoing economic struggles, Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter says: “Despite the tough economic conditions, we remain resolute in fulfilling our mandate, which is essential in supporting the government’s developmental goals”. Employment Taxes One of the key measures announced in the 2024 Budget was the…

In 2008, South Africans watched as the global financial crisis unfolded, shaking markets, businesses, and entire economies. For many, it felt like the end of prosperity. Property values dropped, businesses struggled and people feared for their financial future. Yet, just a few years later, those who stayed patient and invested wisely saw remarkable recoveries. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange, like markets worldwide, rebounded, creating wealth for those who understood a simple truth: markets, like seasons, move in cycles. If you have ever driven through the farmlands of the Free State or the vineyards of Stellenbosch, you will notice something: farmers do not panic when winter comes. They do not abandon their fields. They prepare, knowing that spring will return. The best investors do the same. You do not plant in winter.…

Cheslin Kolbe didn’t think he would be crowned the South African Rugby Player of the Year coming up against big names like Pieter-Steph du Toit, current World Rugby Player of the Year, Springbok centurion Eben Etzebeth and star inside centre Damian de Allende. But the accolade fell to the fleet-footed winger on Thursday evening in Cape Town when he beat his Springbok teammates to be crowned the best player in SA for 2024. He follows in the footsteps of former Stormers teammate Jean de Villiers who was the last backline player, back in 2013, to win the prestigious award. Kolbe said he is still pinching himself after bagging the win after a stellar 2024 with the Springboks. “Growing up and seeing all the players who have lifted this award has…

Orlando Pirates face an uphill battle to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns as they go into this weekend’s clash at the FNB Stadium staring at an 18-point deficit. Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at the five players that need to stand up to reduce the deficit. Tshegofatso Mabasa The Buccaneers are not only in arrears but they might have to deal with a goal difference that is also heavily weighing in the Brazilians’ favor with every match that passes. Mabasa was the 2023/24 season golden boot award winner and with only 12 matches of their season still left to play, the left-footed striker has not gone past even half of the 16 goals he scored last season. The 28-year-old has not had as much game time as he would have wanted and if…

Scotland fly-half Finn Russell said yesterday his team would be motivated by the chance to "disrupt" France's bid to seal the Six Nations title this weekend in Paris. Scotland could deny France their second Six Nations triumph in four years at the Stade de France today, with England and Ireland hoping to put the pressure on Les Bleus earlier in the day. The visitors' title chances are all but over due to their far inferior points difference to France, but Russell hopes they can spoil the party in the French capital. "They've got everything to play for. Hopefully, we can disrupt it," co-captain Russell told reporters. "I know it's going to be a massive challenge tomorrow night." Scotland denied France the 2021 title in the last game of the tournament…

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said it is not the players' fault for the contracts signed off by the club as he hit back at claims by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe that some are "overpaid". Fernandes was singled out for praise by Ratcliffe, who also said some of the United squad were "not good enough" in a range of media interviews this week. The United captain led by example by scoring a hat-trick in Thursday's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. And he defended his team-mates after Ratcliffe singled out the signings of Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana as examples of expensive deals made before he arrived at the club, which United are still paying for. "We can't relax at…

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur backed Lewis Hamilton to get into his stride quickly at the Italian outfit after the Briton made a slow start in his first free practice sessions at the Australian Grand Prix yesterday. Hamilton managed only the 12th fastest lap in the first session at Albert Park, more than half a second slower than teammate Charles Leclerc, who was third quickest. Seven-time world champion Hamilton had the fifth quickest time in the second outing but was still 0.42 seconds behind Leclerc, who topped the timesheets. Speaking between the sessions, Vasseur said his team did not expect Hamilton to be “at the limit” in his first runs. “It’s not a matter of speed. The target is for him to know everybody at the team, discover the software,…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is an honest man. The fact that he’s stuck with his tried and tested players for the Fifa World Cup qualifiers speaks volumes. Bafana have been the toast of SA football in recent years, qualifying for back-to-back Afcon finals in 2019 and later this year. The last edition was a success for Bafana as they secured a podium finish after finishing third thanks to a win over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). And since then, there’s been a huge belief in the national team that they’ll do bigger in the Afcon finals in Morocco come the end of the year. The event in Morocco won’t be easy alright. Bafana qualified for the finals by topping the group with 14 points after four wins and…

I don’t know about you, but watching animals do adorable things is top-tier entertainment. Xiyuan Temple, known for its peaceful gardens and centuries-old Buddhist traditions, has a new reason for visitors to flock in – not for deep meditation, but to get a high five from a stylish cat. Not only is this cat bringing joy to visitors, but it’s also serving looks with that gold chain – because if you’re going to be a temple icon, you might as well do it in style. In the clip, the cat is seen extending its paw to visitors as if bestowing them with a pawsitive blessing. The video was first shared by the Instagram account “China Focus”, with an overlay text reading, “Temple cat gives high fives and blessings to all.”…

As US president Donald Trump opens up a line for South Africans to go live in America, Americans living in South Africa are living in bliss, calling it the “soft life” in comparison to their lives in the US. For American-born musician Big Sbuda, living in South Africa represents a new beginning, full of dreams realised and opportunities embraced. “I’m walking through pillars like I’m a Roman emperor,” he says while walking through his luxury home in Dainfern, Johannesburg. “For the amount that I’m paying here, it cost me three times as much in the States,” he said. It is not only the allure of South Africa’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality but also that the cost of living is far lower if you compare it to the…