Table of contents for 2024-10-24 in Star

Leaders from the expanded BRICS nations have set an ambitious agenda to enhance intra-BRICS trade by furthering the use of local currencies in financial transactions. Through the Kazan Declaration signed yesterday at the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia, they have mandated finance ministers and central bank governors from member countries to explore various options aimed at easing economic exchanges within the bloc. This comes as BRICS nations have embarked on strengthening correspondent banking networks within BRICS and enabling settlements in local currencies in line with the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative (BCBPI), which is voluntary and non-binding, including in the BRICS Payment Task Force. In the Kazan Declaration, the leaders acknowledged the importance of exploring the feasibility of connecting BRICS countries’ financial market infrastructure. “We agree to discuss and study the…

October 2024 has brought yet another challenging month for South African households, as the cost of the average food basket rose by R92.97, costing R5 348.65. This significant increase, according to a report based on the Household Affordability Index, reflects the continuing pressures on the pockets of consumers, even amid declining petrol prices and a stable electricity supply. The index is compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on a monthly basis, collecting data from various supermarkets across the country. Data revealed that the price increased by R51.07 year-on-year, translating to an increase of 1.8% over the previous month and 1% year-on-year. “Between May and August 2024, we witnessed a slight decrease in food prices, however, September marked the beginning of a worrying upward trajectory, which has…

The country’s largest bank by assets, Standard Bank has announced that it launched an enhanced version of its SimplyBLU platform, providing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) with a seamless all-in-one solution for payments and business management. The newly improved SimplyBLU solution integrates payments, inventory management, and e-commerce into one platform, offering businesses unmatched flexibility and control across multiple channels, with the added benefit of full visibility and access to business insights and reports at no extra cost. SimplyBLU consolidates everything into one powerful solution, allowing businesses to manage their brick-and-mortar, online, and mobile sales effortlessly, all while gaining valuable insights into their operations for better decision-making. “What we are doing with this new and enhanced SimplyBLU platform is turn possibilities into opportunities for the vibrant businesses that power Africa’s economy,…

Food services franchiser Famous Brands is heading in a better direction in the second half of its financial year, with incremental gains, following a relatively subdued first six-month performance, CEO Darren Hele said yesterday. The group, which owns many of South Africa's iconic restaurant brands, including Steers, Mug & Bean and Fishaways, raised its interim dividend 9% to 150 cents, reflecting a stable financial position, performance and cash flows. Although the trading environment was challenging due to constrained consumer disposable incomes, the dividend was a positive indicator of future performance, he said in a telephone interview. Total first half revenue increased by only 2% to R4.02 billion. Operating profit was flat at R371 million. Headline earnings a share performed better at 218 cents a share versus 199 cents in 2023,…

Anna Kendrick has continued the trend of bringing decades-old high- profile cases to a new generation with Woman of the Hour, which is based on the true story of American serial killer Rodney Alcala. The Netflix movie follows the Monster anthology series releases of the Menendez brothers’ parricide case in the late 1980s and Jeffrey Dahmer’s serial killing and sex offending spree from the 70s. These haunting productions and several others have been hugely successful as they cast prominent ordeals back in the spotlight. Meanwhile, the movie marks the Hollywood actress’s directorial debut and she also stars as one of the lead characters, Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress who crossed paths with serial killer Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto) during an episode of a dating show. He is believed…

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) yesterday confirmed that it has been warned about another concerning incidence of a suspected food-borne illness that afflicted 16 learners at Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni. This incident comes a day after 43 learners from Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal’s Ngaqa Primary School were admitted to various hospitals on Monday after eating possibly tainted snacks. According to Gauteng MEC of Education Matome Chiloane, the health scare began shortly after the school break at 11am, when a group of learners reported feeling dizzy and vomiting. “Upon investigation, it was discovered that they had consumed atchaar, which they bought from other learners. “Two Grade 7 learners from the school reportedly admitted to selling the atchaar on behalf of a woman who is a Community Work Programme member,” said…

In a twist of fate, Dr Andrew Ross, a respected doctor and dedicated family man from KwaZulu-Natal, has transformed his personal struggle with blood cancer into a life-saving mission for others. It was revealed in a media statement that Ross, who is also a university lecturer, was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that affects normal blood cell production. Ross is facing a stark reality that he has only six to 15 months left to live unless he can find a matching stem cell donor. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), in MDS the bone marrow produces abnormal, immature blood cells called blast cells. These cells fail to mature properly and are unable to work adequately. They often die before…

A LOCAL-COMMUNITY effort to digitally capture Mamelodi's history has received a shot in the arm from the University of Pretoria's (UP's) Mamelodi Campus and its Department of Historical and Heritage Studies. Reverend Chris Nkomo and other Mamelodi residents founded the Historical Society of Mamelodi to help preserve the area's rich heritage. "Each story has its own weight," says Rev Nkomo, who is the Society Chair. "Our children must know how we came to be here." Mamelodi ("mother of melodies") was established as a blacks-only area about 27 km northeast of Pretoria in the early 1950s, through South Africa's Group Areas Act. In 1960 black citizens were removed from the suburbs of Pretoria and relocated to Mamelodi. UP's involvement in the project to capture Mamelodi's history began after Rev Nkomo completed…

Times are tough as our economy continues to grapple with a number of challenges and when it comes to vehicle ownership, you’re looking for something that’s not going to burn a hole in your pocket every time you visit the dealership. We also know that South Africa is bakkie-mad as the car sales figures underscore each month and if you could combine the two, you have a winner on your hands. Which is exactly what The Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 XRider 4x4 AT is. The evergreen South African favourite was recently judged to be the winner in the lowest cost of ownership category in the Bakkie of the Year Competition. Taking all the competitors into consideration, Lightstone, a company that provides automotive data solutions, took factors such as value for money…

Take a look at any 4x4 bakkie or SUV at your mall’s parking lot. In most cases, the first modification owners have done is to fit a set of new tyres. Inevitably, they are BFGoodrich all terrains. Even manufacturers like Ford and Toyota have them fitted as standard on some of their high-performance bakkies. It has been 10 years since BFGood- rich introduced the KO2. It has used that time to analyse data and improve on it before launching the KO3. “We’ve done a lot of racing and research in the 10 years since we launched the KO2 tyre, so a decade of data, feedback, technology,and experience went into the development of the KO3,” said Harold Phillips, the BFGoodrich Global general manager. BFG says the new tyre is engineered to…

The Lions have passed all examinations of the current United Rugby Championship campaign, walking away with four victories in as many matches. They have been different tests, too. Against Ulster, beaten 35-22, it was to start the season with a victory, achieved only once way back in September 2021 when they beat Zebre 38-21 in the opening game of that campaign. Subsequent opening matches ended in defeat to the Stormers (35-33) and Bulls (31-15). Thereafter, against Edinburgh, it was to subdue a team packed with international players and one that was considered direct competition to the Joburgers’ quarter-final ambitions. Against the Dragons, they proved they have the mental fortitude and maturity to win ugly when they overcame dogged resistance from the Welsh franchise to triumph 23-19 in Newport. Last weekend,…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side’s growing injury list was becoming a worry after Riccardo Calafiori limped off near the end of a scrappy 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night. The London club started without captain and long-term absentee Martin Odegaard and forward Bukayo Saka, and defender Calafiori now also looks like a doubt for Sunday’s crunch Premier League game against Liverpool after injuring his knee. Jurrien Timber is also struggling to be fit for the visit of Liverpool, while central defender William Saliba will be missing after his red card in the defeat at Bournemouth at the weekend. “With Riccy, he had to come off because he felt something. I don’t know the extent of it, but it’s not good news –…

KAGISO Rabada’s tail was up very early on day three as the Proteas looked to skittle Bangladesh out cheaply to possibly get a three-day innings victory in the first Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday, but they were thwarted by bad light. With the hosts three down at the start of play and staring at a deficit of 101 runs – with Mahmudul Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle – Bangladesh looked to eat up the deficit and try to set a decent target for their spinners to bowl at. However, Rabada (4/35 in 15 overs) had other ideas as he dismissed Joy (40) and Rahim (11) three overs into ‘Moving Day’. The 29-year-old lured Joy into fishing at a fifth stump delivery and had…

September’s inflation figure of 3.8% is the lowest since March 2021, when it was 3.2% Cash-strapped consumers in South Africa could be set for some relief as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is expected to cut borrowing costs by a significant 0.5% in the final Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for the year next month. This comes after annual consumer headline inflation plunged to its lowest level in three-and-a-half years in September on the back of slowing fuel prices and stronger rand exchange rates. Data from Statistics SA (Stats SA) yesterday showed that the annual inflation rate fell for a fourth consecutive month to 3.8% in September, down from 4.4% in August. This is the lowest inflation print since March 2021 when the rate was 3.2%, and was below…

South Africa’s biggest banks are still not progressing quickly enough on climate action, according to a new report by Just Share, a non-profit organisation that focuses on responsible investment for environmental change and the elimination of inequality. Its report, “How co-profitable is your bank in 2024” found that even the highest-scoring bank, Nedbank, achieved only a 65% score, a statement from the organisation said yesterday. All the major banks in South Africa have committed to achieving net-zero by 2050, which will involve decarbonising their portfolios and adopting clear investment policies for high-emitting sectors. The banks have also become actively involved in financing renewable energy projects and are the major funders. “The low scores across all five of the biggest banks suggest that none is tackling climate risk robustly when assessed…

South Africa’s average take-home pay reached new heights in September, surpassing the R17 000 mark for the first time since the BankservAfrica Take-home Pay Index (BTPI) series began. This milestone, which reflects an average nominal salary of R17 171, marks a turning point for salary earners and could significantly influence consumer behaviour as the festive shopping season approaches. According to Shergeran Naidoo, the head of stakeholder engagements at BankservAfrica, this increase was particularly noteworthy not only because of its nominal value but also due to its real terms increase after accounting for inflation. “Adjusted for inflation, the average take-home salary now stands at R14 969, which shows a substantial improvement of 5.6% year-on-year,” said Naidoo. The moderation of consumer inflation is set to enhance the purchasing power of South African…

Many entrepreneurs joke that their business is their baby. But what happens when a real baby is on the way? Balancing the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of parenthood can be downright overwhelming. Yet, with some careful planning – and perhaps a little less sleep – both your family and business can flourish. Here are five key strategies to help you navigate this exciting new chapter. Re-evaluate your business plan As your family grows, so too will your priorities. It’s important to check your business plan to make sure it still aligns with your personal goals, considering factors such as time commitment, financial stability and your long-term exit strategy. Remember, however, that adjusting your business plan doesn’t mean losing focus; it simply means reshaping it to fit…

Harmony Gold is strategically positioning itself for significant gains as it successfully commissions the first phase of an expansion project at the Kareerand tailings storage facility in Orkney, in the North West province. Coupled with the final delivery under a streaming agreement with Franco-Nevada and Mine Waste Solutions (MWS), Harmony is well-placed to lower its operational costs while simultaneously capitalising on the current favourable gold prices. The South African gold producer had an agreement with Franco-Nevada where it was entitled to uptake about 25% mining output from MWS. It announced yesterday that “the final delivery (was) made into the streaming agreement between Franco-Nevada and Mine Waste Solutions”. “The conclusion of the Franco-Nevada streaming contract will allow MWS to fully deliver on the value of its production and contribute meaningfully to…

A synthetic drug cocktail, which is commonly known as pink cocaine, has been connected to the death of Liam Payne. While investigations are ongoing, Argentinian authorities have suggested that a lethal mix of drugs and alcohol might have contributed to the incident. Items recovered from Payne’s hotel room, including burnt aluminium foil, hint at prior drug use. Payne, aged 31, plunged to his death from the third floor of CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last Wednesday. His funeral is expected to be held next month. Pink cocaine also formed part of the Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sex-trafficking investigation. Court documents alleged that his girlfriend Yung Miami, transported pink cocaine for him. Despite its name, pink cocaine rarely contains cocaine. The fluorescent pink colour is achieved using food dye, while the…

Women-led film company, Holding Thumbs Productions, recently released their first feature film in 40 cinemas across Rome, Milan and Turin. Trifole is a modern fable set in the Alba White Truffle region and explores themes of family, tradition and sustainability. Produced by SA’s Casey Diepeveen, co-founder of Holding Thumbs Productions and directed by Gabriele Fabbr, the English-Italian adventure-drama stars Italy’s most beloved actress. They include Margherita Buy, legendary 90-year old Italian actor, Umberto Orsini, and South African Fatal Seduction star, Frances Sholto-Douglas, among other talents. Trifole tells the story of Dalia, a young woman looking for her own path, who reconnects with her ailing truffle-hunting grandfather, Igor, and nature. Eventually, she bonds with her grandfather and learns to value tradition, the territory and a more sustainable way of life. Co-founder,…

DA calls for lifestyle review despite lack of evidence Legal NGO Integrity Network has slammed the DA’s demands for Gauteng MEC of Education Matome Chiloane to face a lifestyle audit, despite him not being implicated in former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe’s corruption case. Chiloane is an ally of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Integrity Network believes that the attack on Lesufi and Chiloane is motivated by the political fight for the Gauteng province following that the DA was not given any MEC positions in the province. Chiloane made news after Mabe and six co-accused were charged with corruption linked to a R27-million tender in 2017. Chiloane, however, is not linked to the 2017 tender. It appears that Mabe and Chiloane have been friends for over 20 years.…

Free State Premier Maqueen Lehoha-Mathae and her husband, speaker of the Mangaung Metro, Lawrence Mathae, are under investigation following allegations that they accepted bribes from a local contractor. A case has already been filed against the couple by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at the Park Road police station and now ActionSA has confirmed that it will also file charges against the couple, the contractor and others implicated. The charges stem from allegations that the couple allegedly benefited, through substantial payments and lavish gifts, from a contractor, CEO of New Beginnings, Patrick Phuti, who made their alleged secret dealings public after his contract was terminated. ActionSA has announced that it will also bring charges against Phuti and Mxolisi Dukwana, the current speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature and a…

THE EFF in Tshwane will petition the mayoral committee (Mayco) with a view to cancel a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the City of Tshwane and AfriForum permitting the civic organisation to cut grass in public spaces for free. This follows a public spat between the EFF’s newly-appointed MMC for Environmental and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu and AfriForum over a five-year contract the organisation signed with the municipality to tend public spaces in their immediate neighbourhood. In an X post, Ramabodu said: “We are going to propose this nonsensical MoU between the City of Tshwane and AfriForum to be cancelled.” The post elicited mixed reactions with some people questioning the motive for wanting to cancel a contract for offering free services. Other people on social media were, however, in favour…

The Johannesburg-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team executed a successful counterfeit operation based on intelligence received in early October. On Thursday the Hawks arrested four Ethiopian nationals who were allegedly producing counterfeit Fine Fragrance Collection products. Spokesperson for the Hawks in Gauteng, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, said the elite law enforcement unit was keeping surveillance on the identified premises suspected to be producing Fine Fragrance Collection products, in contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act. “A residential address at 10th Avenue, Mayfair, Johannesburg, was put under surveillance to confirm the alleged illegal activities. On Thursday, 17 October, the Hawks team descended at the premises and uncovered a fully equipped clandestine factory in the process of manufacturing Fine Fragrance Collection fragrances,” said Mavimbela. Three suspects were found at the premises and…

Ford South Africa is preparing a muscle car double-whammy for local Mustang fans. The seventh-generation Ford Mustang GT is set to reach the local market imminently, and the all-new Dark Horse version will follow hot on its heels. As the most powerful normally aspirated Mustang to date, the Dark Horse will come with a price tag of R1.5 million, Ford SA has confirmed, making it exactly R200,000 more expensive than the regular GT. The Dark Horse comes with a modified version of the Mustang’s 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, producing 334kW, which is a 6kW increase over the GT, and 540Nm. Sadly it has been detuned for some markets, with the US version of the Dark Horse pounding out 372kW. The newcomer’s 5.0 V8, which has specially modified piston connecting rods…

THERE’S a quiet revolution happening in the van delivery space. If you’re going to be scooting around town every day and not doing long distances or you’re close to a charging station, then using an electric van makes sense. There’s now an electric van sporting the three-pointed star; the eSprinter. For almost three decades, the Sprinter range has been well established in South Africa. The Panel Van, Inkanyezi and the Cab Chassis can be modified to suit the customer’s needs using their approved fitment centres. Ambulances, people movers, mobile workshops, camper vans … you name it and it’ll build it. Mercedes says the eSprinter is a game-changer for businesses looking to eliminate emissions and lower their carbon footprint. It’s built on a tri-modular concept consisting of a uniformly designed front…

In the week when the Auditor-General decried the state of governance in the municipalities, the Nsikayezwe Management Consultants hosted an insightful conference on municipal strategy in Durban. The AG, Tsakani Maluleke, had revealed that while only 33 of 257 municipalities improved their audit outcomes since 2020-21, 29 had seen major reversals, resulting in worse outcomes than before. She revealed that the negative trend had to do with instability in many municipalities. We know that this has to do with the spillover of party politics into council business. It also has to do with the difficulty in managing coalitions in municipalities including big ones like Johannesburg, Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay. This is why these big metros do not feature in the category of municipalities that attained clean audits repeatedly. Only…

A few untimely injuries haven’t helped his cause in recent seasons, but it is still a bit strange to see that Marcell Coetzee is not the Bulls captain this year. The energetic loose forward has been a stalwart for the Pretoria side since his return to South Africa from Ulster in 2021, having been part of their campaigns in reaching two United Rugby Championship finals. But this season, Ruan Nortjé and Elrigh Louw are the official co-captains, despite being Springbok regulars. Coetzee has also seen the other loose forwards get more regular game-time than him. But being the “ultimate Bulls man” that he is, the 33-year-old is determined to make a real difference in his likely opportunity to feature in tomorrow’s United Rugby Championship clash against Benetton in Treviso (8.35pm…

Every rugby coach welcomes selection conundrums, and one of the juicier ones brewing for Rassie Erasmus is how to accommodate Damian Willemse, Aphelele Fassi and, at a later stage, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the same Springbok team. On current form – and yes, Willemse has only just returned for the Stormers – it would be ideal for them to play as many minutes as possible for the Boks next year because they are so richly talented and are game-breakers one and all. For the imminent tour to Europe, Erasmus has some reprieve in that youngster Feinberg-Mngomezulu naughtily covered up a knee injury during the Rugby Championship and is out for the year. That means the Boks can do with more cover at flyhalf, and Willemse is well equipped to back up…

After four years of steady advancement, Africa's journey towards improved governance has hit a significant roadblock, according to the latest findings from The Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The biennial dataset titled the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), which evaluates governance performance across the continent, yesterday revealed that in 2022, rising conflict, insecurity, and a shrinking democratic landscape have stifled the critical improvements made in human and economic development. At the overall governance level, South Africa ranks 4th in 2023, scoring slightly lower than in 2014, following a trend of slowing deterioration since 2014. Over the decade from 2014 to 2023, the report presents a complex landscape: while approximately 52.1% of Africa's population resides in 33 out of 54 countries that have seen governance gains, the remaining populace lives in…

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are estimated to contribute 40% towards South Africa’s gross domestic product, making them vital in growing the local economy. Many of them thrive by operating online relying heavily on safe and secure digital infrastructures for inventory management, online transactions, and customer interaction. While lucrative, upcoming periods like Black Friday and the festive season puts small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at risk of becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. A cyber-attack can be a crippling blow to any businesses, leading to reputational damage, loss of customer trust, operational difficulties and financial losses. Still, many small businesses, who cannot afford robust cybersecurity systems, rely on basic IT infrastructure lacking the tools or systems to detect and respond to attacks. To manage these challenges, here are steps to take…

Orion Minerals has announced significant progress in its exploration efforts as recent drilling confirms additional copper mineralisation near its proposed Flat Mine South operation in the Northern Cape. Following the acquisition of two high-priority prospecting rights, the company is strategically positioned to advance the Okiep Copper Project, amplifying its potential within the region. In a statement yesterday, Orion highlighted that the latest assay results from a drill hole at the Flat Mine South site have unequivocally confirmed “robust mineralisation”. “The intersection confirms that high-grade copper mineralisation continues in an up-thrown and repeated fault block position. Drilling is continuing at Flat Mine South to further test the down-dip extension of high-grade copper mineralisation in a previously untested area,” it said. A ground geophysical program was also in progress around the Flat…

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is locked in a fierce battle with Seriti Resources following the miner’s controversial announcement that it would lay off more than 1 000 employees. The decision, triggered by what Seriti describes as unmanageable operational challenges stemming from Transnet’s underperformance and market volatility, has sent shockwaves through the industry and the local community. Seriti Resources recently told Business Report that its multi-product operations at Middelburg Mine Services (MMS) and at Klipspruit South-East pit, together with related opencast activities, required material restructuring to improve unit costs and enhance prospects of future sustainability. This had necessitated the commencement of retrenchment proceedings that are set to affect 1 137 employees across the MMS and Klipspruit operations as well as from the company’s corporate services department, which is to…

Quantum marks Anele Geqiwe’s second feature film, after his debut, Life Happened, starring Anele Matoti, which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in sub-Saharan Africa and on VIU. Last month, the film premiered to the public during Namibia Film Week, showcasing a day in South Africa through the lives of a diverse cast: a recovering addict, an estranged daughter, a single mother, an uninspired film-maker, orphans and a thug. Although they lead separate lives, their stories are intertwined in unexpected ways. When asked about the challenges he faced in bringing his idea to life, the writer and director, who is also the grooming editor for GQ South Africa, explained: “Getting the film done wasn’t an issue; I was fortunate to have investors willing to support me. “The real challenge lies…

EMBATTLED diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg has released a video message from the Bronkhorstspruit police station, where he and his wife, Dezzi, are currently being detained. Liebenberg and his wife will appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court today after they were arrested at a Gauteng country club on Tuesday night. Six others were apprehended in Gauteng and North West to face charges of fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering involving R4 billion they allegedly swindled victims out of. The arrests, which came after a five-year investigation, were led by the Northern Cape Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, and it’s alleged that the suspects are part of a diamond syndicate dealing in unpolished diamonds and involved in fraud. Liebenberg, who has close ties to former president Jacob Zuma, is believed to…

Breast cancer survivors, Suraiya Nawab and Tshepi Moropa, have expressed how cancer is emotionally taxing for the support structure of cancer patients. Moropa and Nawab made their remarks on Tuesday at the Profmed breast cancer awareness high tea in Rosebank, Johannesburg. As an athlete brand and sponsorship manager and crossfit enthusiast, Moropa felt sceptical upon her breast cancer diagnosis. After seeing her doctor for a flu check, she was referred to an oncologist, and in 2021, she received a breast cancer diagnosis. Upon being diagnosed with cancer, Moropa worried about her healing journey, especially as a single mother. Despite the strong support system in her life, Moropa’s daughter bore the emotional and mental brunt of her mother’s illness at the age of six. “It was emotionally and mentally taxing for…

The University of South Africa (Unisa) will host the 12th Annual Neville Alexander Memorial lecture in Cape Town this Friday. The lecture will be held to commemorate the legacy of the renowned political activist and proponent of mother-tongue education, Dr Neville Alexander. This year’s lecture will be delivered by Professor Bonang Mohale, the Chancellor of the University of the Free State under the theme, "State of the Economy". The purpose of the memorial lecture is, amongst other things to honour the legacy of the late Alexander and to acknowledge his contributions to advancing the mother-tongue education, generate debate that contributes to public discourse, promote academic intellectualism, stimulate intellectual dialogue on literary discourse and contemporary issues, and advance Unisa’s social impact through teaching. The 2024 guest speaker, Mohale, has served as…

The Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology hosted its annual two-day Research Day event on October 14 and 15. Focusing on "Harnessing Science and Transformative Digital Technologies to Accelerate Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals," it highlighted the Faculty’s commitment to aligning scientific research and education with global sustainability targets. Professor Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, Executive Dean Faculty of Science, Best Oral winner, Veronica Maphanga and Director: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Dr Rita Raseleka. Day one was dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge research within the Faculty, focusing on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, health innovation, renewable energy and ecosystem management. The event opened with an inspiring keynote address, which emphasised the importance of navigating the competitive research landscape to achieve academic excellence. Presenters offered diverse perspectives on pressing challenges, such as enhancing…

Author and businessman Lebo Gunguluza, who is mourning the death of his 15-year-old daughter, has rubbished claims that he is cheating on his girlfriend. This is as the successful business mogul is facing a wave of unfounded claims regarding his personal life, coinciding with the heart-wrenching loss of his daughter. In a sombre statement, Gunguluza has vehemently denied accusations of being unfaithful to his girlfriend, which stem from a two-year-old video recently brought to light by social media influencer Musa Khawula. Khawula shared the video on X, alleging that it depicted Gunguluza involved in a confrontation at a Sandton restaurant with his girlfriend, claiming she had found him with another woman. “Lebo Gunguluza and his girlfriend fighting at Perere Restaurant; Sandton after she found him with another girl,” he tweeted…

If you had told me during the first round of the GR Cup in Cape Town that it would be down to the wire between myself and The Citizen’s motoring editor, Jaco van der Merwe, I would not have believed it. After that first round, in what I described as a “baptism of fire”, I did not think I would vie for fourth in the championship. As the final round approached, I almost shed a tear as I looked at my silverware – “Third Place GR Cup” for the second round at Kyalami, with the only other trophy coming from the track I feared the most, East London raceway. Many thoughts ran through my mind. Only a point separated Van der Merwe and I going into the final…

As you embark on this critical stretch of your academic journey, I want to remind you of something incredibly powerful: Each of you has a unique talent, a special gift that sets you apart from others. It’s what makes you, YOU! Right now, you might be thinking, “But what’s my talent?” or “I’m not sure I have one”. The truth is, your talent might be hidden, waiting to be uncovered. Why not adopt a growth mindset – believe in your unexploited abilities and strengths to perform at the highest level and that’s exactly what will happen. This matric exam is not just a test of what you know but a testament to your growth, resilience and determination. However, if you believe that intelligence can be upgraded, you understand that your…

Three days following their embarrassing elimination to newly promoted Magesi FC in cup competition, Orlando Pirates have bounced back into their stride. The Buccaneers overcame SuperSport United on Tuesday night, thanks to a first-minute strike by forward Evidence Makgopa and an added-time final blow by winger Deon Hotto. That win, a fourth in four Premiership games this season, saw the Sea Robbers leap to the top of the standings momentarily, before last night’s clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Royal AM. Speaking after the match at the Orlando Stadium, Jose Riveiro stated how his Pirates side’s ability to swiftly move on from their Carling Knockout Cup disappointment against Magesi FC was one key component of their win on the night. The Spanish-born coach explained how his side’s ability to not be…

There is nothing ordinary about Nonkululeko Mlaba – from her peroxide blonde brush cut, glamorous outfits that’s paraded on her social media accounts to her unique wicket-taking celebrations. It stands to reason that the Proteas Women spinner would find a bowling coach that was always seen as ‘a little bit different’. In fact, Paul Adams may even have been the Mlaba of the 1990s. The former Proteas Men’s wrist-spinner boasted an action that was referred to as a “frog in the blender”, with his head dipping upon release. Equally, Adams loved his fashionable branded clothing, drove a flashy sports car and filled his boot with speakers that could be heard all the way down Campground Road, prior to his entrance for training at Newlands. And let’s not forget the flick-flack…

Manchester United’s reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho in tonight’s Europa League trip to Fenerbahce serves as a painful reminder of how little has changed for the troubled Old Trafford club since he was sacked six years ago. United’s current manager Erik ten Hag secured a stay of execution with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday to snap a five-game winless run. But the Dutchman remains under intense pressure as United languish in the bottom half of the Premier League. With just two points from their opening two Europa League games, an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Mourinho tonight (9pm start) would be another damaging blow in Ten Hag’s fight for survival. United had turned to Mourinho in 2016, hoping the self-styled ‘special one’ could rival Pep Guardiola…