Table of contents for 2026-04-18 in Saturday Star

Nearly R1bn has been set aside to fund a newly established national Organised Crime Task Team led by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The SAPS has formally unveiled the structure and financial backing for its new team in Durban yesterday. Mkhwanazi confirmed that the task team has been allocated a budget of approximately R1 billion, which was sourced from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (Cara) fund, to finance its operations for the current financial year. Discussing the project’s objectives, Mkhwanazi emphasised that the fight against organised crime is fundamentally a fight against deep-seated corruption within state agencies, including the SAPS itself. “The work has started,” Mkhwanazi stated, detailing the team’s strategy. “We have analysis of dockets that we need to begin with very soon so that we…

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) says no mental health patients have been moved from the Talisman Foundation in southern Johannesburg. The Department was responding to concerns raised by the Democratic Alliance (DA) over a planned relocation of 172 psychiatric patients. The Talisman Foundation received an eviction notice from a church that owns the property, instructing the organisation to vacate the premises by 14 May 2026. The Health Department said the matter is under consideration. “No patients have been moved from Talisman Foundation,” and any relocation process would only proceed after full engagement with families and caregivers. They described the DA statement as misleading, adding that they were working closely with the Foundation to find a solution. The GDoH said consultations would be held with families to agree on the…

A University of Johannesburg (UJ) study has found that some Gauteng teenagers in under-resourced schools are battling severe mental health challenges that are affecting their education and long-term prospects. “Some Gauteng teenagers are battling such intense negative thoughts that their school education - which could help them move out of poverty - is being impacted,” the study found. The level of distress among learners is described as “deeply concerning,” according to lead author Dr Linda Jabbour, a doctoral researcher at the UJ Department of Educational Psychology in the Faculty of Education. “In my study, some teenagers spoke about feeling hopeless ‘most of the time.’ One participant described overdosing because she felt she couldn’t cope anymore,” Jabbour said. The study involved interviews with 30 learners in Grades 8 to 11 from…

South Africa on Tuesday handed back to Zimbabwe ancestral human remains and a centuries-old stone carving of its sacred national emblem, the Zimbabwe bird, stolen more than 100 years ago during the colonial era. The restitution was part of a worldwide push for the repatriation of artefacts looted from African countries during colonisation. Eight coffins draped in the Zimbabwean flag stood at an event for the handover in a Cape Town museum which was attended by officials from both countries. Little was known about the remains except that they were of people who had been exhumed as "scientific specimens", officials said. One was believed to have been a tribal chief whose skull and jaw were collected in 1910, culture minister Gayton McKenzie said. "He was somebody's leader, a lot of…

AS a researcher investigating how electric brain stimulation can improve people’s powers of recollection, I’m often asked how memory works – and what we can do to use it more effectively. Memory operates in three stages, with different brain regions contributing to each one. Sensory memory, which can last milliseconds, registers raw information such as sights, sounds and smells. Working (short-term) memory holds and manipulates a small amount of information over several seconds or more. Think of this as your brain’s mental workspace: the system that lets you do mental arithmetic, follow instructions and comprehend what you’re reading. Long-term memory stores information more permanently, from minutes to a lifetime. This includes “explicit” memories (facts and life events) and “implicit” ones (skills, habits and emotional associations). Working memory often acts as…

Every minute, the kidneys filter about 200 litres of blood, removing waste, balancing salts and fluids, and regulating blood pressure – all without conscious effort. But when they begin to fail, the effects can be severe: fatigue, fluid retention, cardiovascular complications, and in advanced cases, the need for dialysis or a transplant to survive. Kidney disease is now one of the fastest-growing causes of death globally. Around 850 million people are living with some form of it – more than the combined number affected by diabetes and cancer. Chronic kidney disease causes about 1.5 million deaths annually, a toll that continues to rise. The condition is often silent in its early stages, developing gradually with few warning signs until significant damage has occurred. People of African ancestry are about…

In an inspiring tale of resilience and artistry, students from Roosendaal Secondary School in Delft, Cape Town, are set to make their film debut in the gripping crime action thriller Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing. This ambitious project, written and directed by South African film-maker Nic Matthee, is not just a film; it is a powerful narrative that captures the struggle of a young woman ensnared by her dire circumstances, driven to seek justice outside the bounds of traditional methods. Among the emerging talents is Grade 10 student Shaney Wyngaard, who is overjoyed at her casting as the supporting character “Muis.” With a burgeoning passion for stage and screen, Wyngaard recalls the moment that set her on this path. “I came across an article regarding acting classes and decided to give…

Two Treverton College students have been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming world championships for kayak cross and slalom in Poland. Jayden Davis and David Dent earned their national call-up after competing at the Africa Championships for kayak cross and slalom held in Underberg earlier this year. “As a result of their excellent performances, they have been selected to represent South Africa at the World Championships to be held in Krakow, Poland, during the July holidays,” the school said in a statement. The pair will be part of a four-member South African under-18 team competing on the international stage. “The plan is that they will take part in other training and hopefully another competition on the European circuit to make best use of their time while there and…

A therapeutic space typically reserved for private clinics, specialist therapy centres and elite schools has been launched in one of Gauteng’s most underserved communities. Leading non-profit Afrika Tikkun has launched a unique and fully equipped therapeutic sensory facility at its Arekopaneng Centre, developed in partnership with Sensory-Space. Built from a repurposed shipping container and incorporating recycled materials, the space reflects a deliberate shift away from traditional, high-cost models towards one that is accessible, adaptable and owned by the community it serves. As part of Afrika Tikkun’s commitment to creating impact, innovation and inclusion, this project designed through co-creation and the empowerment of the community at its core: engaging parents, caregivers and community members in both the design and build, while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to sustain its…

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is poised to mark World Creativity, and Innovation Day today. This beloved South African initiative will unite knitters, crocheters, families, and supporters in joyous gatherings across Johannesburg and several other cities, transforming simple acts of creativity into warmth and dignity for those in need. The heartbeat of the movement will resonate at the City Centre at Steyn City in Johannesburg. This lively venue will host a Family Day Out from 9am to 3pm, where the community can revel in colourful blanket displays and partake in creative activities. Visitors will witness the unmistakable spirit that has become synonymous with 67 Blankets, a movement that started as a small endeavour and has blossomed into a nationwide mission.…

LAST year Kenya Wildlife Service warned of a growing demand for garden ants in Europe and Asia, where some people view them as exotic pets. An attempt to smuggle over 2 000 garden ants out of the country’s main international airport made the news recently. Last year, four men were sentenced for attempting to smuggle more than 5 000 ants out of the country. The defendants in the 2025 case pleaded guilty to the illegal possession and trafficking of live wildlife species, an offence under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013). They had a choice of paying a fine of $7 700 (R125 670) or serving 12 months in prison. Globally, although wildlife trafficking is mostly associated with larger animals such as elephants, rhino and tigers, a broad array…

Range anxiety is a term conceived to describe fears potential electric vehicle buyers have of running out of power with no charging station in sight, but with the Middle East fiasco and global oil disruption – and rumours of a R13-plus hike to diesel prices next month – the term now equally applies to drivers of conventional combustion engine vehicles. An invitation to do a road trip from Johannesburg via Colesburg and Port Alfred to Gqeberha in Chery Tiggo 7, 8 and 9 PHEV derivatives offered a real-world opportunity to dig deeper into the range capability and what that means for buyers. This was no ‘economy’ run, and the cars were driven as they would be by an owner and family – we were four people per vehicle – with…

Many people assume fraud involves sophisticated hackers or elaborate cybercrime schemes. But often, it appears as Facebook Marketplace deals or calls from someone claiming to be from your mobile provider. What makes these scams effective is not advanced technology, but how convincingly they imitate everyday interactions. For Financial Literacy Awareness Month, understanding how fraud works is essential to managing your money responsibly. Modern scams often succeed because they rely on emotion and urgency rather than technical sophistication. Fraudsters understand how people think and behave. They create situations that feel believable and urgent. When someone feels pressure or sympathy in the moment, they are more likely to act quickly without stopping to question what is happening. When fraud looks legitimate One common example is online marketplace fraud. A seller advertises furniture…

You earn more than you used to – life is good. And yet, when you look at what you’ve actually saved and invested, the numbers aren’t where they should be. With South African consumers dealing with rising living costs, stubborn inflation, and ongoing economic uncertainty, this gap between earning and building wealth has never felt more pressing, or more personal. In my work as a Certified Financial Planner with clients across income levels, I see the same pattern surface again and again. More income quietly funds more life, and the distance between earning and wealth-building grows wider without anyone really noticing. It has a name – lifestyle creep. It rarely feels like a problem – it feels like progress. But once you recognise the behaviours behind it, you can start…

Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting outlined the key elements behind building a winning mindset and said as a coach he supports and challenges the players, not controls them. Last year’s runner-up PBKS maintained their unbeaten streak in the IPL 2026, with a commanding victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) to make it five wins in five and consolidate their position at the top of the table. With nine points from five games, PBKS remain the only unbeaten side this season setting the pace and making a strong early statement in their 2026 campaign. “For me, it starts with creating the right environment where every player feels valued and on the same page. “As a coach, I’m there to support and challenge them, not to control them. Even when they…

Anthony Joshua has resumed training with former heavyweight rival Oleksandr Usyk as he continues preparations for a return to the ring that could culminate in a “Battle of Britain” bout against Tyson Fury later this year. Joshua and Usyk have been in camp together in Valencia for several weeks. Joshua returned to Spain after watching fellow former world heavyweight champion Fury’s unanimous points victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov from ringside at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday. Olympic gold-medallist Joshua, 36, is being lined up to face Fury in November, possibly at Wembley, but would most likely have to overcome a warm-up opponent beforehand. Joshua's next fight will mark the first time he has been back in the ring since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria in November that…

Suspended City of Tshwane CFO, Gareth Mnisi, pictured, has denied allegations that he could rig municipal tenders, saying Sergeant Fannie Nkosi got it all wrong but admitted to advising on who should sit on tender boards. Mnisi is testifying at the Madlanga Commission over allegations that he colluded with Nkosi to influence the city’s tenders towards preferred bidders. The commission heard that Nkosi sent Mnisi WhatsApp messages listing companies that had submitted bids for a security contract. Two of those companies were later awarded portions of the tender. Despite this, Mnisi rejected claims of interference or collusion. Pressed by Co-commissioner Adv. Sandile Khumalo, Mnisi rejected suggestions that he influenced appointments to the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC). He maintained that while he chaired the BAC, he did not assist bidders directly…

Ted Chaiban, deputy executive director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has commended Burkina Faso for the progress it has made in the fields of education, health, and child well-being, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso. In the statement, the UN official and his delegation were received in an audience by Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore. The visit forms part of efforts to strengthen dialogue and consultation with national authorities. Chaiban particularly praised the advances in education, health and child well-being, while encouraging the continuation of initiatives to reopen schools and promote education in emergency settings. He also called for stepped-up efforts to withdraw and protect children recruited by terrorist armed groups. Chaiban added…

In the quiet corridors of South African schools, a shadow is lengthening. What was once erroneously dismissed as a “rite of passage” or “children being children” has mutated into a national emergency that is claiming lives, shattering mental health, and hollowing out the future of a generation. Recent tragedies, from the death of an 8-year-old in Mthatha to the viral, stomach-churning footage of “initiation rituals” at Milnerton High School, have forced a mirror in front of the nation. According to Tina Thiart, trustee and co-founder of the 1000 Women Trust, nearly 40% of South African learners experience some form of bullying. This is not a peripheral issue affecting a few isolated individuals; it is a systemic plague. The incident at Milnerton High School, where a clip surfaced showing boys armed…

ANTHROPIC, an artificial intelligence company valued at $380 billion (R6 trillion), can take its pick of Silicon Valley talent thanks to the success of its chatbot, Claude. But last month, the start-up sought advice from a group rarely consulted in tech circles: Christian religious leaders. The company hosted about 15 Christian leaders from Catholic and Protestant churches, academia and the business world at its headquarters last month for a two-day summit that included discussion sessions and a private dinner with senior Anthropic researchers, according to four participants who spoke with The Washington Post. Anthropic staff sought guidance on how to steer Claude’s moral and spiritual development as the chatbot responds to complex and unpredictable ethical questions, participants said. The discussions also explored how the chatbot should respond to users…

The 2026 Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa is set to return for its 16th season, bringing a bold, youth-driven perspective to the Bard’s works in Cape Town from May 6 to 23, 2026. The festival will be staged at the Baxter Theatre, marking an exciting new chapter for the programme. The festival is renowned for its fresh approach, challenging learners – many of whom are performing on a professional stage for the first time – to rework full-length Shakespearean plays into sharp, high-energy 30 to 45-minute productions. This format ensures fast-paced, inventive performances that make Shakespeare’s stories more accessible, relatable, and engaging for today’s audiences. This year’s Cape Town leg will feature 42 schools, each contributing their own unique interpretation, style, and voice to the stage. The programme is founded…

South Africa’s top women in business were recognised at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards, held at a gala event in Johannesburg on April 11. “The Woman of Stature Awards South Africa has once again cemented its position as the country’s premier platform for recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in business, leadership, and community impact,” the organisers said in a statement. “This year’s ceremony marked a resounding success, honouring exceptional women who are shaping South Africa’s future.” Now in its 11th season and marking 13 years of impact, the awards received more than 1 000 nominations from across five provinces. The evening’s top honours included Woman CEO of the Year, awarded to Janice Wagner, and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, awarded to Taryn Hunter Sharman. “The highlight…

Footprints 4 Sam has unveiled an upgraded Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) ward at Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital, aimed at improving comfort and dignity for mothers caring for premature and vulnerable newborns. The launch coincides with April, Sam’s birthday month, which the Trust says is a time of reflection and a tribute to his legacy through meaningful support for families navigating difficult medical journeys. Melissa Williams Platt, Sam’s mother and co-founder of the Trust, said the upgrades were inspired by the compassion and support her family experienced during Sam’s treatment. “During Sam’s medical journey, we came to understand just how much warmth, dignity and human kindness matter when your world is filled with fear and uncertainty… When your child is fighting, even the smallest comfort can give you strength…

South Africa’s premium vehicle market has seen a significant decline in the past two decades, as living costs spiral and customers face more choices than ever at the lower end of the market. Premium vehicle sales have fallen from about 90 000 units a year in 2013 to just 32 000 last year, with this segment of the market having bottomed out during the pandemic-related economic fallout of 2020. However, Audi South Africa, which is the second-largest premium brand in the country behind BMW, sees this segment of the market stabilising in the 30 000 to 35 000 range for the remainder of this decade. Speaking at an event in Johannesburg this week, Audi South Africa’s head of retail and planning Asif Hoosen said that, although premium vehicles have lost…

Illicit alcohol is often seen as a law enforcement issue. But the data says it is a signal of economic pressure, evolving criminal activity, and gaps in how markets are regulated and enforced. At the recent EMEA Security Conference in Cape Town, one message stood out clearly: illicit trade is no longer isolated or informal. It is co-ordinated, cross-border and increasingly moving through mainstream channels. In South Africa, the scale is significant. Euromonitor International research shows that illicit alcohol has grown by more than 55% since 2017 and now makes up around 18% of the market. This translates into an estimated R16.5 billion in lost excise revenue in 2024 alone. Illicit trade is increasingly recognised as an economic issue, with implications for revenue collection, lawful business activity and the stability…

Trying to time the property market is a common approach among prospective buyers, particularly in an environment of uncertain interest rate movements and rising living costs. South Africa’s residential property continues to gain in value. BetterBond’s April Property Brief notes that the market “is showing signs of recovery, with home loan applications rising and buyer activity gradually improving”. Home loan applications recorded by BetterBond increased 9.7% in the first quarter. Quarter-on-quarter, this translates to an “impressive” gain of 9.7%, especially considering the muted levels of household income that usually follow the preceding quarter due to year-end bonuses being paid. Year-on-year growth was 6.1%. But tougher times may lie ahead. “Improving fundamentals are supporting renewed activity in the property market, but elevated geopolitical risk continues to influence confidence, interest rates and…

Estate planning is often discussed in terms of documents, tax thresholds, and liquidity. But another shift is happening quietly in the background: a generational shift. Globally, we are living through what is widely referred to as the great wealth transfer. Over the next two decades, significant assets will move from one generation to the next. This is not a distant future event; it is already underway. The real question for many families is not only how wealth will transfer, but whether confidence and continuity will transfer with it. Planning beyond policy cycles The environment includes fiscal change, regulatory change, and market volatility. But it also includes generational change. Tax rules may adjust. Capital gains thresholds may move. Cross-border allowances may evolve. Those shifts matter. But estate planning that focuses only…

LIV Golf is preparing to make structural changes that “might surprise some people”, CEO Scott O’Neil said on Thursday, as the embattled breakaway league scrambles to fend off rumors it could soon collapse without Saudi funding. Multiple outlets this week reported that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund will shortly stop bankrolling the divisive league, which has spent billions to lure top golfers away from the traditional PGA and DP World tours. The league has said its current season will continue “full throttle”, and this week’s Mexico City tournament began on Thursday as planned, although coverage was hit with a lengthy broadcast blackout due to local power outages. “I talked about some structural changes. They’re coming,” said O’Neil, in an interview broadcast during the Mexico City event. “You can ask just…

Sustainable, scenic, comfortable and stress-free – train journeys are enjoying a global resurgence as travellers increasingly embrace the concept of slow travel. In a fast-paced world dominated by tight itineraries and airport queues, rail travel offers something refreshingly different – the chance to savour the journey itself. Slow travel is a mindful approach to tourism that prioritises quality over quantity. Rather than ticking off multiple destinations in a rush, travellers are choosing to immerse themselves more deeply in fewer places. Rail journeys, with their gentle pace and ever-changing scenery, perfectly embody this philosophy. Why scenic train travel is trending: Train journeys align seamlessly with modern travel priorities. Sustainability is a major driver, with rail producing significantly lower carbon emissions than air travel. At the same time, comfort and convenience are…

3 airports so clean you could eat off the floor When you’re at an airport, perhaps during a brief or extended layover, how much attention do you dedicate to your surroundings? Often, the main priority of most travellers is finding a comfortable place to relax or a reasonably priced meal. I found it interesting to learn that there are airports that tick all the boxes for being the cleanest in the world. Below are the Top 3, based on the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Tokyo Haneda Airport: This airport has claimed the title for 11 consecutive years, from 2016 to 2026. Looking at its cleanliness protocols, its winning streak is little surprise. The airport’s cleaning approach is guided by Niitsu’s “cleaning with kindness” philosophy, which prioritises passenger comfort and…

A study by the University of Cape Town’s Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products (REEP) reveals that more than half of all cigarettes sold in the South African market are likely illicit. Published in the journal Tobacco Control, the findings indicate that illicit trade poses severe threats not only to public health but also to government tax revenues. Using data from the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey, the research identified that approximately 60% of cigarettes sold in South Africa in 2021 were likely sourced from illegal markets. This alarming statistic reflects a massive surge in illicit trade, which had already begun to escalate before the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the government-imposed cigarette sales ban in 2020, illicit cigarettes held around 30% of the market share. The ban subsequently…

DESPITE the risk of death, whistleblowers in South Africa continue to come forward, even as protection systems struggle to keep them safe. The new Protected Disclosures Bill, now open for public comment, aims to strengthen laws meant to shield those who expose wrongdoing. But across the country, reports of intimidation, job losses, and financial ruin linked to whistleblowing continue to surface, deepening concern about what it costs to speak out in South Africa today. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi acknowledged that while whistleblower protection laws already exist, they have repeatedly failed to shield those who expose corruption, with some paying the ultimate price. “While the current legislation exists, there have been numerous instances of whistle-blowers suffering occupational detriment… and tragically, some whistle-blowers have lost their lives,” she said. Kubayi pointed to…

Malawi has recorded the highest gasoline prices in Africa and the second highest globally, reaching $3.84 (R62.86 at the time of publication) per litre as of Monday, according to data from analytical portal GlobalPetrolPrices. The southeastern African nation also leads the continent in diesel prices, with fuel costing $3.85/l. Malawi is second only to Hong Kong globally in both the gasoline and diesel rankings. In the African diesel price ranking, the Central African Republic (CAR) follows with $2.231/l, ahead of Zimbabwe at $2.110 and Sierra Leone at $2.033. The surge in gasoline prices places Zimbabwe in second place at $2.230/l, followed by the CAR at $1.874 and Sierra Leone at $1.779. Morocco, Senegal, Rwanda, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon also rank among the top ten African countries with the highest…

TO investigators in the United States, the case against Kimberlee Williams appeared straightforward. Police believed Williams matched a woman seen in surveillance images from a bank fraud investigation. They pointed to similarities in build, age and facial shape. Williams, however, insisted they were wrong. “That wasn’t me,” she said repeatedly. She told officers she lived in Oklahoma, had never been to Mary- land, and could not have been involved in the alleged fraud. Williams, now 57, was arrested and flown to Maryland after being taken into custody in Oklahoma. She was later charged across three Maryland counties – Montgomery, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel – and spent about six months in jail before all charges were dismissed. Court records and police documents show she faced 16 charges in total, including…

’The 2026 5FM War Cry Championship has been won by Parktown Boys’ High School in the boys’ category, St Stithians Girls’ College in the girls’ division, and Sacred Heart College in the co-ed category. Each school receives R20 000, sponsored by Standard Bank, for their standout displays of school spirit in a nationwide competition that drew entries from across South Africa. The competition drew thousands of entries nationwide, with schools competing for school spirit supremacy through video submissions and public voting. Schools were judged on energy, creativity and overall school spirit expressed through their submissions. The competition progressed through multiple stages before the final winners were selected. In the boys’ division, finalists included some of the country’s most recognised rugby and sporting schools, among them St Stithians Boys,…

South African pop star Tyla has officially dropped her highly anticipated new single She Did It Again featuring Swedish hitmaker Zara Larsson, and it’s already dominating timelines, charts, and group chats alike. The 3:33 track, a slick blend of Tyla’s signature amapiano bounce and Zara’s crisp, polished vocals, serves as the lead single for Tyla’s upcoming album A-Pop. Released alongside a visually striking music video, the song has quickly climbed to the top of the charts across major markets including South Africa, Sweden, and Japan, while landing in the top five in multiple other regions. Fans are already calling it a “steamy earworm,” praising the undeniable chemistry between the two stars. But it’s the music video that’s really got people talking. Social media has been buzzing with comparisons to iconic…

In the biting, crystalline air of the Himalayas, where the wind shrieked across the jagged ridges of the South Col, Sibusiso Vilane made history in 2003 as the first Black South African to conquer Mount Everest. For 23 years, that footprints-in-the-snow legacy has stood as a solitary beacon. Now, a new challenger from the tip of the continent is preparing to break the silence of the summits. Zuko Tisani, a 33-year-old entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, has announced his audacious bid to summit the world’s highest peak in April 2026. If successful, Tisani will become only the second Black South African to stand atop the 8 848.86m giant. But for this Johannesburg-based visionary, the climb is less about personal glory and more about a 38-day vertical classroom for…

FENCES are among conservation’s most controversial interventions. To some, they are essential for conserving wildlife, minimising encroachment, and preventing the type of conflict that happens when humans come into contact with wildlife. To others, fences represent exclusion. They break the landscape up into pieces, prevent wild animals from moving freely over long distances and create tensions between protected areas and neighbouring communities. These debates show that fences are more than just infrastructure – they represent a decision about the purpose of a protected area and the type of protected area a society wants to create. We are a group of researchers who study how protected areas are governed and managed. In our most recent study, we asked: does fencing shape how a park’s characteristics and functioning differ from the surrounding…

It’s taken me a while to figure out where the new Haval H7 fits in, but does it really even matter? Some say the styling is a little polarising, but it certainly commands attention. And is it just me, or is there a hint of 1964 Ford Mustang in its front end? The H7 is boxy and upright, yet curvy in places, and that duality is very much inherent in its architecture and drivetrain, at least in the case of the 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury version that I spent a week with recently. It has all-wheel drive, a reasonably decent ground clearance of 210mm, and respective approach and departure angles of 24 and 30 degrees. Yet, like most modern SUVs, it’s built on a unibody platform and lacks all the…

Hyundai’s Grand i10 is getting a safety upgrade, with the local importer announcing this week that an Executive version of the popular compact hatchback will be introduced soon. Slotting above the existing Premium grade, the new flagship specification will add features such as side and curtain airbags as standard features, along with ESP stability control. It will be offered in manual and automatic guises. Pricing and detailed specifications will be announced in “due course”, Hyundai SA said. The current Grand i10 Premium models cost between R224 900 and R269 900. Hyundai’s Grand i10 hatchback received a zero-star safety rating by independent crash testing authority Global NCAP in late 2024. Although the vehicle was deemed to offer “good” head protection during the crash testing procedures, Global NCAP cited weak protection for…

In the quiet moments of our shared history, songs like Lauryn Hill’s rendition of Killing Me Softly and William Howard’s Children Hold On to Your Dreams carried the profound aspirations of a generation. They were anthems of resilience, urging our youth to believe in a future that was promised to them by the dawn of a democratic dispensation. Yet, for millions of young South Africans in 2026, these dreams have not just been deferred – they are being systematically dismantled. The “soft killing” described in the music has taken on a literal, sinister form as criminal networks fill the vacuum left by systemic state failure, weaponising the very hopes of our youth to lure them into the shadows of human trafficking. The anatomy of a national emergency: As a researcher…

There’s a quiet contradiction playing out in South Africa’s digital life: we are confident, almost to a fault, yet increasingly exposed. A recent survey by Kaspersky lays it bare. While 88% of South Africans believe they can spot a scam, more than half (51%) say they have encountered one in the past year, and a staggering 41% have actually fallen victim. That gap between what we think we know and what actually happens online is where the real danger lies. I learnt that the hard way. A few months ago, I came across what looked like a legitimate online sale for shoes. The website was slick, the prices believable enough not to raise immediate suspicion, and the seller had what appeared to be positive engagement on social media. It didn’t…

South Africa’s Two-Pot retirement system, introduced in September 2024, is reshaping how workers access their retirement savings at a time when many households are under sustained financial strain, says Thys van Zyl, CEO of Everest Advisory Services. He says that by splitting contributions into two components, one preserved for retirement and another accessible under defined conditions, the system was designed to strike a balance between long-term financial security and short-term relief. In practice, however, the scale and frequency of withdrawals are painting a more complex picture of how South Africans are coping in a tough economic environment. Since its rollout, uptake has been significant. By early 2025, more than 2.6 million withdrawal applications had been processed, with over R43 billion paid out, according to SARS. Within the first year, total…

If the Sharks players needed any more pressure on their shoulders today in Bridgend when they try to salvage their United Rugby Championship season against the Ospreys, it will be the presence in the stadium of the club’s bigwigs. Owner Macro Masotti and other stakeholders have been in London this week for a golf day fundraiser/dinner, and have made the short trip to Wales to encourage their team in the first of four URC games they must win to stand a chance of making the quarter-finals. Position No 8 on the URC log is the golden position the tenth-placed Sharks want to be in after the four matches. The problem is that the Bulls are currently eighth and seven log points ahead of the Sharks. In other words, the Sharks…

The opening day of the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships delivered on its promise of high drama and elite performance, as sprint champions held firm and a rising distance star lit up Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch on Thursday. While familiar names ruled the short sprints, it was the commanding run of Tayla Kavanagh in the women’s 5 000m that provided the standout moment of the day, underlining her rapid evolution from road specialist to track force. Gift Leotlela successfully defended his men’s 100m title in the tightest of finishes, edging Benjamin Richardson by a mere hundredth of a second. Leotlela stopped the clock at 10.15 seconds, with Richardson just behind in 10.16, while Bradley Nkoana secured bronze in 10.26. For Leotlela, the victory signalled more than just another national…

Mercedes have been the benchmark of performance so far this season but that could quickly change. For a team that has looked untouchable in the early stages of the 2026 campaign, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team may have just been dealt its first real setback. Mercedes was quite smart to exploit a grey area of the new rule book but after some noise in the paddock, the powers that be swooped in and nipped it in the bud. The FIA has moved swiftly to clamp down on a clever exploitation of the new power unit regulations, a loophole that allowed both Mercedes and Red Bull Racing to squeeze extra performance out of their cars in qualifying. At the heart of the issue lies the 2026 hybrid system, specifically how electrical…