Table of contents for 2023-02-21 in Star

Rapper Nadia Nakia who was dating fellow rapper AKA upon his death finally took to social media to pay tribute to the Fella In Versace hitmaker. The music icon, who was gunned down on Friday, February 10, outside a Durban restaurant, was honoured with a public memorial service at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, February 17. The memorial was a celebration of his creative genius and historical contribution to South African hip hop. It was attended by the Megacy, other friends and family. His private funeral took place the following day. Saying her final goodbyes to AKA, Nakai later posted a video on Instagram with a lengthy caption in which she described her grief. The video shows a happy AKA and Nakai showing off their matching tattoos. She wrote:…

Cosatu labels SA a nanny state as unemployed youth numbers swell News that more than 700 000 graduates and young people have joined the social development queues in search of the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD) has sent shock waves across the country. Cosatu said it is alarmed by reports that more than 700 000 graduates have applied for the SRD grant since the start of this year, adding that South Africa had become a “nanny state” where young people are given social grants instead of job opportunities. Last week, media reports indicated that more and more unemployed graduates were applying for grants instead of accessing job opportunities. This comes two weeks after more than 1 000 unemployed medical doctors affiliated with the SA Medical…

The ANC has defended its decision to appoint former National Party member Dr Gerhardus Willem Koornhof as one of four new members to its national executive committee (NEC). The party also dismissed Sunday World claims that it had come under fire for co-opting Koornhof as an additional member of the party’s highest decision-making body. Koornhof served as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s parliamentary counsellor in the fifth Parliament from 2014 to 2019. He has also been seen at many ANC events and served as an ANC caucus member in Parliament. Koornhof is not the only one recently added to the NEC list. Others who have been given a spot were Mapaseka “Steve” Letsike, Fawzia Peer and Alvin Botes. However, Koornhof’s inclusion stands out due to his close association with the National…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi conceded that more has to be done when it comes to combating crime, which has taken a lot of innocent lives in the province. He was speaking at his maiden State of the Province Address (Sopa) in Johannesburg last night. “If I had a choice, I would not deliver this Sopa, as our people have lost confidence in what we say. They think we talk too much and do less. My preference would have been to take you to different sites of Gauteng to showcase the work we have done. Let me assure, we will talk less and do more. We are getting Gauteng back to work,” Lesufi said. “Today, let’s openly admit, our province is a home of heartless and merciless criminals. They do as…

The Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons is mooting a bail-funding scheme for prisoners who cannot afford to pay bail of more than R1 000 because of their financial circumstances. Inspecting Judge Edwin Cameron said the bail fund was partly modelled on funds operating successfully in several US jurisdictions. “We hope to take what is good in bail funding and evade the potential difficulties,” he said. “The fundamental premise is that it is wicked and wrong for the system of administration of justice to free those who have money to pay bail, whereas those who simply from poverty cannot pay bail remain in what we all sadly know are very adverse conditions in remand centres in our country.” Justice Cameron said they were worried about the high number of remand detainees. South…

THE public protector must investigate complaints submitted in terms of Section 6(4) of the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994. The suspended public protector has been investigating any complaint submitted accordingly. Her competence cannot be judged based on her successes in the courts. If that were the case, she would be tempted to avoid investigating complaints that she foresees will not succeed and follow only complaints that are likely to succeed. The way the media has been reporting her losses in court cases is unfair. She cannot pick and choose complaints. And the way the president immediately suspended her after she followed a complaint she received to investigate his conduct in Phala Phala by sending questions to him is also unfair. She cannot ignore complaints submitted to her. In the…

THE South African Rugby Union’s (Saru’s) decision to withdraw its invitation to the Israeli rugby team, Tel Aviv Heat, to participate in a provincial tournament in South Africa needs to be embraced and not criticised. South Africa’s solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle against the Israeli apartheid regime is to be commended. To support the Palestinian struggle for freedom is a moral duty. Many (pro-)boycott and sanctions movements adopted non- violent approaches to support South Africa’s liberation organisations in their pursuit of political and social transformation. One such movement that comes to mind is the British Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM). Through AAM’s dedication to stop the repressive laws of the apartheid system, the British public were sufficiently kept abreast of South Africa’s racial segregation policies. For example, after…

Great change comes with one’s admission of weaknesses. Recently, new Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi admitted that criminals “do as they please” in his province. This, unfortunately, is the harsh truth and lived reality for residents not only of Gauteng, but all the other eight provinces. Opening his state of the province address, Panyaza said, if “I had a choice I would not deliver this state of the province address”. He would instead take everyone to see what he and his government are doing on the ground, Lesufi said. He quoted a journalist who wrote, in response to the recent shocking crime stats, that the ordinary citizens of this country survive “by the grace of God” and the “sheer luck” of not crossing paths with criminals. In response, the province will…

Laura Wolvaardt will walk out at Newlands this evening in front of all her family and friends. It may not seem significant to some, but it means the world to the Proteas Women’s opener for the opportunity does not come around very often. In fact, despite debuting for the Proteas back in 2016 and playing over 131 matches across formats for her country, she’s only ever played a single international on her home ground with Table Mountain in the background. And that was last week’s ICC T20 Women’s World Cup opening game defeat to Sri Lanka. She, and the rest of the entire country, will be hoping for a better result against Bangladesh that will ensure progression to the semi-finals, but Wolvaardt is not allowing the magnitude of the match…

The bad news for the Sharks is that star fullback Apheleli Fassi will not play against Ulster in their URC encounter in Durban on Saturday (kick-off 2pm), but the better news for all concerned is that his injury is not as bad as first feared. The 25-year-old left the field in the Sharks’ victory over the Lions at the weekend clutching his ribs. He indeed has a rib cartilage injury, but it is not severe and the word from the Shark Tank is that he could be back for the Sharks’ trip to the Stormers on March 4. To say the Sharks will have a point to prove in that match in Cape Town is an understatement and they will be doing their best to get Fassi ready for a…

Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are leading Napoli’s Champions League charge, the Italians’ crown jewels in wonderful form ahead of tonight’s trip to Eintracht Frankfurt. A club in turmoil at the end of last season with their supporters in open revolt, Napoli have stunned their own supporters and the rest of Europe by becoming possibly the continent’s most exciting team and Italy’s champions-elect by mid-February. Napoli have never made it past the last 16 in the Champions League, but with none of Europe’s powerhouses at their peak, a window has been left open for Luciano Spalletti’s side to have a go at the continent’s top competition. The optimism at Napoli is due in large part to Serie A’s leading scorer Osimhen and close season signing Kvaratskhelia, a devastating partnership which…

AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu has urged other PSL clubs to show faith and patience in their head coaches, as Mamelodi Sundowns did with Pitso Mosimane all those years ago. Zungu spoke to Independent Media following the club’s decision to extend coach Romain Folz’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of this season. Usuthu, however, opted to pin him down until June 2026. Zungu, a renowned Durban businessman, has highlighted the importance of investing in plans for the sustainability and success of his club and believes that if clubs are to keep up with international standards, they have no choice but to follow the Sundowns blueprint. “I need continuity in my team,” he said. “Sundowns have shown us the way. I want to make our very…

A multimillionaire who has re- fused to comply with a maintenance order, ordering him to pay just over R430 000 maintenance a month, has been jailed for contempt of court. The parties involved in the litigation are married to each other but are in court for divorce proceedings. The husband, according to court papers, went on luxurious holidays to Greece, Cyprus and France from June to September last year but said he could not afford the monthly maintenance due to a change in his personal circumstances. He was found to have been in wilful contempt of the maintenance order issued last year. A large portion of the said amount is a R280 000 bond instalment on an immovable property in Mooikloof, Pretoria, where the wife lives. In the introduction…

The delivery of equal and quality health care is a constitutional obligation in South Africa. Since the advent of democracy, the South African government has introduced several developments, policies, and programmes to improve health care, efficiency, and access for all users. Despite several ambitious goals set by the government to ensure quality healthcare, reports by the media and the public have consistently revealed services in public health institutions are failing to meet the basic standards of care and patient expectations. Although South Africa is widely known for having a progressive constitution and being an advocate of human rights and the rights of all citizens to access health care, challenges in delivering quality health care are still persistent, resulting in the public losing trust in the country's healthcare system. Research has…

Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool to turn their recent improvement into a season-saving revival as the Reds eye Champions League revenge against Real Madrid. Klopp’s team are showing signs of finally emerging from a dismal spell that threatened to ruin their campaign, having reeled off successive victories over Everton and Newcastle United to give them renewed hope of snatching a top four finish in the Premier League. Saturday’s 2-0 win at Newcastle moved Liverpool to within six points of the fourth placed Magpies with a game in hand. While it is too early to say Klopp has found remedies for everything that has ailed Liverpool in a traumatic season, they welcome Real to Anfield for tonight’s last 16 first leg with morale no longer rock bottom. Klopp will take that…

Local creative and illustrator Masonwabe Ntloko gears up for his solo art exhibition, Iliso lo moya, where he is set to show off his creations and unique concepts at The Katmo Gallery on Thursday. Ntloko, who has a knack for telling stories through his art, prides himself on preserving collective heritage, with more emphasis on his Xhosa roots. His work is a reflection of traditional Xhosa life and its seasons, from initiation to matriarchs in Xhosa regalia to the way life still is for many rural households. Ntloko’s dedication to his craft has allowed him to work with reputable labels such as Airloom, Yogi Sip, Warner Music Africa, Sony Music, Universal Music, the Charlotte Maxeke Institution, Markham, Airloom, the Mandela Legacy and Rocking the Daisies. He says he has learnt…

While the internet can be lauded for its benefits, experts say it also has several negative effects on our health that many may need to be mindful of. It is no secret that it has made it comfortable for users to easily access educational resources and learn new things. Online courses, tutorials, and educational videos are just a few clicks away, and they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. This includes better communication, shopping, entertainment, and work. And although there is a lot that is beneficial, the internet can also affect mental and physical health. “While the internet has many benefits, it is important to be aware of how it can affect our health and to take steps to protect ourselves,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of…

I AM glad President Cyril Ramaphosa didn’t resign but stayed on so he becomes the last president from the kleptocratic ANC. Together with his comrades-in-looting, they’ll fall on their swords – the accumulated tears of the poor majority. Just hold your horses, it’s no time for celebrations for the racist whites such as Johann Knoesel of the Christian National Movement, who tried in vain to usurp power through the barrel of the gun or poison. And those who force down our throats and promote unworkable coalition governments in order to take power through the back door are in for a big surprise. We didn’t force ourselves, like the Europeans in Europe, to be Africans in Africa. Our Creator chose us. So, the next president will be black and there will…

Many challenges faced by humanity today are because we either use religion without science, or science without religion. In fact, there have been conflict between advocates of science and those of religion for centuries. Many believed, and remain convinced, that science and religion are contradictory, and one has to choose between being a religious person and following God’s teachings, or a scientist and being a follower of reason. According to the Bahá’í Writings, there is no conflict between science and religion, and that on the contrary, the two need each other. The advantages of both science and religion need to be used together if we are to build progressive and peaceful communities. The Bahá’í Writings state: “Religion and science are the two wings upon which man’s intelligence can soar into…

Historically, the terms “head boy’ and “head girl” originated in British boarding schools in the 19th century. They were positions that were often chosen from the senior class and given privileges and duties, such as serving on school governing bodies and serving as role models for other students. Other schools and institutions of higher education, including those in other countries such as South Africa, later copied this custom, and it is still practised today. Similarly, concepts such as “head boy”, “head girl”, “brotherhood” and “sisterhood” remain among the longest-standing traditions and practices used in schools and post-school institutions for leadership positions as well as selected groups for men and women. The numerous and diverse gender groupings that are now present in these institutions, however, are not served by this heritage.…

The Shabalala homestead in Soweto will be a house divided this weekend when son Mduduzi represents arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs against family club Orlando Pirates. Born and bred in Senaoane, Soweto, Shabalala was a staunch Pirates supporter in his childhood but that has all changed ... “It’s true, I grew up supporting Pirates. But since joining Chiefs, I’ve changed to become a Chiefs supporter and I’ll die a Chiefs fan,” Shabalala said. “I’ve influenced my mother, sisters, and young brother to support Chiefs. But my father is still refusing to jump ship. Even now, he’s saying that he’s going to beat me,” the 19-year-old added. As an aspiring footballer, it was Shabalala’s dream to don the famous black and white jersey of the Sea Robbers, but after a trial at Pirates,…

Apart from defender Sifiso Hlanti, not many Kaizer Chiefs players have put their hands up for Soweto Derby selection and coach Arthur Zwane has a selection headache. After Sunday’s soul-crushing 3-2 defeat at the hands of Golden Arrows, Zwane is faced with the monumental task of rebuilding morale and deciding on a team that will put the smile back on the faces of the AmaKhosi faithful. On Sunday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, fans jeered and booed Chiefs. Worse was to follow when they chanted “Zwane must go”, and reports say that at the end of the match, the team were escorted off the pitch by police. The problem is that many Chiefs players under-performed on the day. To add insult to injury, Zwane’s substitutions backfired as the…