Table of contents for 2025-12-11 in Star

Mr Price Group’s share price plunged by over 13% on the JSE Wednesday after it announced the R10 billion acquisition of a store chain in Eastern Europe, marking the biggest cash value retailer in South Africa’s entry into the European market. The group plans to acquire NKD Group GmbH (NKD), a leading value retailer with 2 108 stores across Central and Eastern Europe, a move that brings Mr Price’s total store count to over 5,000. NKD would be acquired from funds managed by TDR Capital, based in Germany. NKD sells affordable apparel and homeware and employs over 10 000 people. Mr Price said the deal is a “transformational step in the group’s long‑term growth strategy.” Mr Price Group’s share price fell 13.46% to R181.76 in the afternoon. The price is…

Online trading platform directors face blanket debarment from the industry for 30 years The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has taken decisive action against Banxso (Pty) Ltd and its key individuals, imposing a staggering R2 billion in administrative penalties for a range of serious financial misconduct offences. Alongside the hefty penalty confirmed on Banxso and its directors, Harel Adam Sekler and Warwick David Sneider, the regulator also levied an additional fine of R16 million on the company for various other contraventions. Individual penalties were imposed on directors Manuel de Andrade, Mohammed Bux, and Henry James Simpson, amounting to R20 million, R10 million, and R5 million, respectively. All four directors — Sekler, Sneider, de Andrade, and Bux — face a blanket debarment from the industry for a period of 30 years,…

Mahube Infrastructure, which listed on the JSE in 2015 and initially traded as GAIA Infrastructure Capital, has been made an offer to delist and taken private in terms of a scheme of arrangement. Mergence Renewable Energy Debt Fund II Trust, managed by Mergence Investment Managers, and Specialised Listed Infrastructure Equity En Commandite Partnership (SLIEP), managed by Creation Capital, have established a new special purpose vehicle called Sustent Holdings, as the offeror, a statement said Tuesday. The transaction offers an opportunity for shareholders wishing to exit their investment at a premium to the share trading price. At R5.50 per share cash, the offer represents a premium of 30.64% to the R4.21 closing share price, and a 32.31% premium to the 30-day volume weighted average share price of Mahube of R4.16 per…

It’s been a tough year for many South African entrepreneurs. A 2025 study revealed that more than half (52.8%) of the country’s small businesses are contracting, trading with difficulty, or at risk of closure. While liquidations increased by 3.8% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, even one business shutting its doors is one too many. If you find yourself in a difficult trading position or staring down the possibility of liquidation, it can feel as if you’re stuck and unable to shift direction. But recovery is possible. One of the most underrated tools to turn things around is collaborative, structured brainstorming – a process that helps uncover practical and innovative turnaround solutions to reposition your business. At its core, brainstorming is a…

KAP's share price surged over 13% on the JSE Wednesday after it said operating profit increased because challenges it faced in the 2025 financial year had, as expected, eased. In an update for the five months to November 30, 2025, KAP's directors said earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased due to increased panel production and sales volumes, including full utilisation of the new PG Bison fibreboard line; better local vehicle assembly volumes; an improvement in underperforming businesses; and lower finance costs. The share price traded 13.13% higher at R1.81 on the JSE Wednesday, a price however that was still well off the R3.13 it had traded at a year before. The previous year's results were impacted by higher costs from the start-up of PG Bison's fibreboard line;…

Legal heavyweight Barnabas Xulu has formally objected to the possible appointment of Advocate Hermione Cronje as South Africa’s next National Director of Public Prosecutions, warning that her past conduct raises serious concerns about her suitability for the post. His intervention adds further turbulence to an already contested and politically charged selection process that has triggered objections from several corners of the legal and political landscape. In a detailed submission dated November 27, Xulu, through his firm B Xulu and Partners Incorporated, urged the Advisory Panel overseeing the National Director selection process to reconsider Cronje’s advancement to the interview stage. He argues that her actions while serving as head of the Investigating Directorate of the National Prosecuting Authority reflect behaviour inconsistent with the independence and integrity required of the country’s top…

A vibrant ensemble of top South African talent comes together for the new local Netflix film, Love and Wine. From rising stars to veteran entertainers, the romantic comedy features Gomora actor Ntobeko Sishi and Thandolwethu Zondi, from Netflix’s Go!, in the leading roles. The youngsters are joined by familiar faces such as Thando Thabethe, Desmond Dube, Thembsie Matu, Rorisang Mohapi, Masali Baduza and Bongile Mantsai, rounding out a warm, energetic cast. Together, they deliver a humorous, proudly South African spin on a classic love story – the perfect viewing escape this festive season. Beyond its on-screen talent, the film also showcases the best of Mzansi: shot in the scenic Cape Town region, it weaves in local cuisines, slang, landscapes and music, giving global viewers a taste of contemporary South Africa.…

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the city’s enforcement teams have shut down an illegal brothel and closed a non-compliant liquor outlet where thousands of government-issued condoms were being sold. Morero said the operation, conducted earlier on Tuesday, uncovered 84 000 packets of free Department of Health condoms at the two premises. The condoms – intended for free public distribution – were being sold illegally, in violation of public health laws in South Africa. He said the city was intensifying its efforts to tackle crime by targeting the systems enabling such activities to thrive. “The teams shut down an illegal brothel operating within the city and immediately closed a liquor business that was non-compliant with licensing regulations. “They confiscated 84 000 packets of free Department of Health condoms being sold…

Succession talks inside the ANC are intensifying as senior figures, deputy president Paul Mashatile, Thoko Didiza, Fikile Mbalula, Ronald Lamola and Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, are increasingly touted as possible candidates to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the party’s 2027 national conference. The ANC insists there is no leadership battle, but the speculation has overshadowed the party’s National General Council (NGC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni, where officials are reviewing the organisation’s performance. Mashatile and Mbalula remain the most frequently mentioned contenders. However, Didiza, the National Assembly Speaker, has emerged as a new potential candidate with reported backing from senior leaders, including Ramaphosa. Didiza was previously fielded as the ANC’s mayoral candidate in Tshwane in 2016, but the party lost the city. Her candidacy collapsed after the party lost…

Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has exposed a growing threat in the pharmaceutical sector, reporting that SAHPRA recorded 507 suspected counterfeit and illicit medicine cases in 2024/25, of which 110 were confirmed. The Minister also revealed that approximately R3 million was spent on the destruction of these products, highlighting the significant financial and public health risks posed by the illicit trade in medicines. This follows a question posed by EFF Member of Parliament (MP) Thandiswa Marawu, who asked the Minister to address the rapid rise in the sale of counterfeit medicines across the Republic. Marawu asked about the types of medicines most commonly counterfeited, the extent of the problem in terms of reported cases, seizures, and the economic impact, as well as key indicators that consumers should look…

The administration of US President Donald Trump plans to order visa-exempt foreign tourists to disclose their social media histories from the last five years before entering the country, according to an official notice. The proposal laid out in a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register would apply to visitors from 42 countries, including Britain, France, Australia and Japan, who do not need a visa to enter the United States. Currently, those travellers only need apply for a waiver known as the Electonic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which still requires them to provide certain personal details. Under the proposed new rules, the collection of social media data would become a “mandatory” part of ESTA applications. Applicants would need to provide their social media histories from the last five years,…

Watch out, Porsche 911 Turbo and Mercedes-AMG GT: Toyota is officially entering the supercar sector with a high-tech model that takes the firm’s engineering expertise to the next level. On Friday, the Japanese manufacturer pulled the covers off its all-new GR GT and GR GT3 prototypes, which pave the way for production models that will see the light of day in 2027. Designed and engineered by the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) motorsport division, the vehicles are said to represent a “major leap forward” for the brand’s performance and motorsport ambitions, employing technologies never used before in a Toyota production car. Designed as a “road-legal race car for purists”, the GR GT is built around an all-aluminium body frame, a first for Toyota, which is combined with aluminium and CFRP panels.…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given his full backing to young star Relebohile Mofokeng, insisting the midfielder possesses everything required to guide the team towards lifting the league title. The Buccaneers have sent out a strong early message in their intensifying rivalry with Mamelodi Sundowns, signalling that they are no longer merely pursuers but genuine contenders against the eighteen-time champions. As they approach the Christmas break holding a two-point advantage at the top of the standings, the Buccaneers have shown greater strength and consistency than in previous campaigns, delivering a sequence of standout performances that reinforce their ambitions. Ouaddou and his team have already secured two trophies this season, and their Carling Knockout success over the weekend further underlined their status as the standout side in the opening half…

Mandla Mashimbyi has done a credible job since being appointed Proteas Women’s head coach. After a tenuous start, which included a couple of bilateral series defeats as the former Titans men’s coach found his feet in the women’s game, Mashimbyi’s unique coaching methods – by his own admission – have filtered through the team. The result was a dream run to a first-ever appearance in a Women’s World Cup final. The reality now, though, is that the Proteas are preparing for another T20 World Cup in just over six months’ time in England. It was only 18 months ago that Laura Wolvaardt and her team fell short against New Zealand in the short-format showpiece in the UAE. With this in mind, Mashimbyi has poured his resources into going one step…

Transnet and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), the world’s largest independent terminal operator, on Wednesday formally signed a 25-year partnership agreement for the operation and upgrade of Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2. The signing concludes a lengthy process that included a court challenge lodged by APM Terminals, a Maersk subsidiary, which contested the awarding of the port terminal development contract. ICTSI’s victory in the matter in October cleared the way for the partnership to proceed. Transnet described the agreement as a landmark milestone in South Africa’s economic reform agenda and its strategy to attract private-sector investment into key logistics operations. The State-owned company said ICTSI’s involvement is expected to enhance terminal productivity, increase throughput, and strengthen the country’s container supply chains. According to Transnet, ICTSI has a globally…

Consumers have placed Discovery Bank first in DataEQ’s South African Banking Sentiment Index. The index analysed 4.8 million online consumer mentions from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. This as the industry recorded its strongest overall performance in ten years, achieving an overall Net Sentiment of 27%. Discovery maintained its position as South Africa’s most positively spoken-about bank, achieving an industry-leading 61% Net Sentiment. This was driven by praise for its rewards programmes, personalised benefits, and overall banking experience, along with campaign-linked advocacy through hashtags such as #DiscoveryBestBank and #TreatMeTuesday. FNB followed with 46% Net Sentiment, supported by positive conversation around eWallet, FNB Connect, and praise towards branch service. The #LoveFNB campaign added further improved sentiment, with customers highlighting app usability, payment convenience, and eBucks rewards. Absa placed…

Food manufacturers are responding to South Africa’s toughening economic environment by introducing smaller packs and adjusting pricing downwards to boost demand as consumers trend down in search of value offerings. This is despite a rebound in consumer confidence as reflected by the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) which moved to -9 index points in the fourth quarter, after falling from -10 to -13 in the third quarter of 2025. Although the fourth-quarter CCI reading of -9 is slightly lower compared to the 2024 festive season reading of -6, it is the highest consumer confidence reading for 2025. Despite the South African Reserve Bank moving its inflation target to 3%, consumers are still feeling the pinch of cost pressures, driving a large portion of them into debt. To survive the squeeze…

The Dezemba holiday rush is about to kick into high gear! For tourism businesses, this isn’t just a busy period; it’s a golden opportunity. KwaZulu-Natal, for example, is expecting to welcome over two million visitors, generating an estimated R13 billion in economic activity. As a Small, Medium, or Micro Enterprise (SMME), you are the backbone of South Africa's tourism sector. You’re the guesthouse owner with the amazing breakfast, the tour guide with the best stories, and the artisan with the unique crafts that bring visitors back year after year. So, how do you make sure your business isn’t just surviving the rush, but truly thriving? Siya Mthethwa, Chief Strategy Officer at South African Tourism and Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer, shares four practical tips to help you capture this growth.…

Libstar Holdings' share price surged over 8% on the JSE Wednesday after it announced the disposal of its fresh mushroom business and plans to restructure so that it can focus on its food businesses. The share price traded 8.5% higher at R4.50 on the JSE in the afternoon, slightly higher than the R4.20 it traded at a year ago. Smalltalkdaily Research market analyst Anthony Clark said Libstar's trading statement reflected a weaker performance than he had expected. He said the higher share price was likely due to the announcement of a further cleaning up of the "spider's web" of businesses the group once had. He said Libstar was still trading under a cautionary notice, and might in the future be acquired by another food group. Libstar's fresh mushroom operations in…

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the city’s enforcement teams have shut down an illegal brothel and closed a non-compliant liquor outlet where thousands of government-issued condoms were being sold. Morero said the operation, conducted earlier on Tuesday, uncovered 84 000 packets of free Department of Health condoms at the two premises. The condoms – intended for free public distribution – were being sold illegally, in violation of public health laws in South Africa. He said the city was intensifying its efforts to tackle crime by targeting the systems enabling such activities to thrive. “The teams shut down an illegal brothel operating within the city and immediately closed a liquor business that was non-compliant with licensing regulations. “They confiscated 84 000 packets of free Department of Health condoms being sold…

Seasonal Mzansi radio presenter, Sizwe Dhlomo, has taken to social media to share his memorable encounter with hip hop mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs. The chatter began when a curious follower asked Dhlomo if he had ever met the famous artist, to which he replied: “Yes lol ... Even went to one of his parties! At a place called NASA in Copenhagen.” Dhlomo shared that himself and Diddy used to tweet back and forth, “until Twitter changed”, and Diddy stopped tweeting. The revelation ignited the online conversations, especially after the release of rapper 50 Cent’s Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning. Dhlomo discussed the documentary and the ongoing rivalry between Diddy and 50 Cent on his Kaya FM show, Siz The World. The segment, titled “What to make of the heat…

A South African family is desperately trying to raise funds to bring home the remains of their loved one, killed in a freak shooting incident in the United States. Eric “The Viking” Filmalter, 26, died after firing a shot from a firearm that he did not think was loaded. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office explained that Filmalter had been handling a gun and had mistakenly fired a shot. Police do not suspect foul play and have ruled out death by suicide. His family has since revealed it will cost around R300 000 to bring Filmalter’s remains back to South Africa. “Unfortunately, he did not have insurance that covers this type of tragedy. “That is why we are asking for help. If there are any funds left over we will use it…

The Pretoria High Court has dismissed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s application contesting the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, as well as its challenge to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The court did not rule in the party’s favour despite arguments that President Cyril Ramaphosa acted unlawfully in deciding to remove Mchunu. According to court documents, the court found that the party failed to vindicate any constitutional infringements. In July, Ramaphosa announced Mchunu’s suspension as Minister of Police following allegations of his involvement in organised crime. Professor Firoz Cachalia has since been placed as acting South African Police Service (SAPS) Minister. Mchunu has further denied any wrongdoing. Ramaphosa also set up the Madlanga Commission to investigate allegations of corruption and political interference in the SAPS, following…

ANC NEC member, Dr Dickson Masemola, said the ANC could no longer tolerate officials who “drag their feet” or “snail pace” their responsibilities while communities suffer and corruption threatens to be a permanent feature of governance. Speaking ahead of the upcoming NGC, Masemola said the NEC’s impatience was not a matter of choice but a matter of survival. “We cannot afford and we cannot accept situations where corruption wants to become a permanent feature of our administrative systems of government,” he said. The deputy minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) emphasised that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s continued use of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and law-enforcement agencies to root out wrongdoing. He noted that multiple judicial processes were already underway to address cases that had undermined the ANC’s “national…

As South Africa and China elevate their diplomatic ties to an “all-round strategic cooperative partnership,” a groundbreaking new Think Tank report released alongside Longyuan South Africa Renewables’ latest Social Responsibility Report, the academic study – titled: “Chinese Corporations and South African Culture” – was prepared by the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS) in partnership with People’s Daily Online and Longyuan SA at the Century City Conference Centre and argues that the next frontier for Chinese investment is not just infrastructure but deep cultural integration. While China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, the report reveals that economic dominance has not yet translated into seamless social integration. The study serves as a “scoping exercise” to map how Chinese enterprises are navigating South Africa’s…

Newly-crowned Formula One world champion Lando Norris said he was proud to have won his first world title in his own way. “That’s one of the things that makes me most proud,” the 26-year-old Briton said on Sunday after securing the championship with a third-place finish at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “I feel like I have just managed to win it the way I wanted to win it, which was not by being someone I’m not,” the McLaren driver said. “Not trying to be as aggressive as Max (Verstappen) or as forceful as other champions might have been in the past, I’m happy. I just won it my way – by being a fair driver, by trying to be an honest driver. “At times, could I have been…

While Johan Ackermann will be without a host of national players for their Champions Cup clash against Northampton Saints, the Bulls coach has still been able to include nine Springboks for the trip to England. The Bulls, who depart for the United Kingdom today, have injected experience and depth into their travelling group despite being without marquee flyhalf Handré Pollard, tighthead Wilco Louw and lock Ruan Nortje. The trio are observing mandatory rest periods following the Springboks’ November commitments. Among the Boks included is influential loose forward Elrigh Louw, who continues his road back to peak condition after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Louw has now featured in two matches since his comeback and is expected to add power to the back row. The squad also receives a timely…

Xavi Simons said he wanted to “build my own legacy” after marking the return of Son Heung-min on a visit to Tottenham with another goal in the number seven shirt once worn by the former Spurs star. The Dutch attacking midfielder followed his commanding display in last weekend’s win over Brentford with another impressive showing in a 3-0 Champions League win at home to Slavia Prague on Tuesday. Simons rounded off victory with a late penalty as Son finally bid farewell to the Spurs faithful after a decade of superb service with the north London club. “It is really nice to score the goals, but feeling great on the pitch, that is the most important for me and I’m enjoying it,” said Xavi. The 22-year-old, a £52 million (about R1.18…

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has cautioned that South Africa should be more proactive in protecting local airlines owed money from blocked funds abroad, even though the country itself does not appear on IATA’s latest list of nations restricting repatriation of airline revenues. IATA’s newly released global report shows that $1.2 billion in airline revenues remain trapped by governments worldwide, with only a marginal $100 million improvement since April 2025. A striking 93% of these blocked funds are located in Africa and the Middle East (AME). Kamil Al-Awadhi, regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East, on Wednesday said South Africa should be “concerned” that its carriers are being supplied and sustained by revenue that is effectively inaccessible. "There is no blocked funds in South Africa. However, the…

The PayInc Economic Index, measuring the value of all electronic transactions processed through PayInc, levelled off in November 2025 but stayed higher than a year ago. This was after six months of consecutive gains. Continued resilience and improving economic indicators point to encouraging developments for the economy. “The PayInc Economic Index held steady at 103.1 in November, unchanged from October. Despite this pause, the index is still 3.5% higher than a year ago and has grown by an average of 2.9% year-to-date, nearly double the 1.5% registered in 2024,” said Shergeran Naidoo, Head of Stakeholder Engagements at PayInc. After reaching an all-time high of 188.9 million in October, the number of transactions cleared through PayInc in November subsided to 179.9 million but was still up by 8.1% on a year…

Across South Africa, a new wave of farming is rising, powered by technology, creativity and ambition. From the rich soils of Giyani in Limpopo to the fields near Vryburg in the Northwest, the future of food goes beyond soil and water. Innovation and inclusion give youth, women and disabled farmers the tools to lead. AgriTech is transforming the face of farming. Drones survey fields, sensors track soil health and moisture, and mobile apps help farmers detect crop diseases before they spread. Precision irrigation systems cut water use without sacrificing output. At the same time, AquaTech is taking root through aquaponics and fish farming, allowing communities to grow fish and vegetables together in systems that save water and increase yields. This isn’t theoretical. Smart aquaponics, solar-powered pumps and app-controlled irrigation are…

Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest bank by assets, has partnered with Safaricom Telecommunications, Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider, to provide funding of $138 million (R2.4 billion) as part of investment towards Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia (STEP). The bank said in a statement on Wednesday that it acted as the sole arranger, lender, and facility agent on the term facility to STEP and played an advisory role. Standard Bank’s financing facilitates Safaricom’s ongoing rollout of digital infrastructure and services in Ethiopia. The move comes hot on the heels of Vodacom Group announcing last week it will spend about R35.77 billion to acquire a further 20% stake in Safaricom, bringing its stake to 55%, as the Kenya government moves to raise additional capital instead of raising taxes or debt. Business Report reported that…

Shareholders in Anglo American have approved the Johannesburg and London-listed resource group’s tie up with Canadian miner, Teck Resources under a “merger of equals” basis that has been disputed by South African opponents to the deal. South African shareholders in Anglo American stand to receive a R73 per share special dividend in addition to other economic benefits after the global miner agreed to the tie-up with Teck Resources. This comes after Anglo American turned down an offer from global rival, BHP. Shares in Anglo American rose 1.40% on the JSE on Wednesday, extending the stock’s 3.1% and 9% rally over the past 30 and 90 days respectively. This week, Anglo American announced that its shareholders had approved “resolutions proposed in connection with the implementation of the merger of equals” of…

Vuyokazi Nciweni, the ex-daughter-in-law of Musa Mseleku and Mpumelelo’s baby mama, has opened up about her past with the Mseleku family after her name came up in the first episode of Uthando Nes’thembu: Uncut. The special aired on Mzansi Magic on Friday, and it brought back some of the drama that did not make it onto the main seasons. One of the shocking moments was a claim from Musa’s second wife, MaYeni, who said Nciweni took her granddaughter from the homestead under false pretences and never returned her. A day after the episode aired, Nciweni took to Facebook to give her side of the story. She shared a glimpse of what she says she went through when she was still with Mpumelelo Mseleku, the father of her two children. In…

Legal heavyweight Barnabas Xulu has formally objected to the possible appointment of Advocate Hermione Cronje as South Africa’s next National Director of Public Prosecutions, warning that her past conduct raises serious concerns about her suitability for the post. His intervention adds further turbulence to an already contested and politically charged selection process that has triggered objections from several corners of the legal and political landscape. In a detailed submission dated November 27, Xulu, through his firm B Xulu and Partners Incorporated, urged the Advisory Panel overseeing the National Director selection process to reconsider Cronje’s advancement to the interview stage. He argues that her actions while serving as head of the Investigating Directorate of the National Prosecuting Authority reflect behaviour inconsistent with the independence and integrity required of the country’s top…

The ANC says it hopes member states of the G20 will speak to the United States President Donald Trump’s administration and convince them to include South Africa in the G20 Leaders Summit set to be held in Miami next year. This follows Trump’s remarks that South Africa will not be invited to attend the summit. This led to criticism from Pretoria. ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Thandi Moraka told IOL News that the party has established a commission to focus on international relations issues, particularly the strained ties between South Africa and the US. Moraka spoke to the publication on the sidelines of the ANC’s national general council (NGC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, on Tuesday. This is where the party is reviewing its performance over…

The South African government has expressed its disappointment and regret following the United States’ decision to exclude the nation from next year’s G20 summit, a move described by the minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, as regrettable, yet one that will not deter South Africa’s commitment to global multilateralism. Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing, Ntshavheni addressed the unexpected development, confirming that the cabinet views the exclusion as a setback but maintains a firm resolve to engage diplomatically to safeguard South Africa’s standing in the international forum. “Cabinet says the US’ decision to exclude South Africa from next year’s G20 is regrettable,” minister Ntshavheni said. “While this development is regrettable, as a founding member, South Africa’s commitment to G20 principles and collaborative framework remain unwavering.” The G20, or Group of Twenty,…

Renault have significantly upgraded their B-segment SUV Captur with a range of new interior, technology and exterior changes as it continues to fight for relevance in an ever-increasing and cluttered part of the market. First introduced in South Africa in 2015, the French “voiture à vivre” (car for living) has sold more than 12 000 units locally and an impressive two million globally. It now has three variations starting with the Techno then the Iconic and the range-topping Esprit Alpine. You may recall that Renault’s sport division used to have the RS (Renault Sport) nomenclature which is now known as Alpine. Exterior Renault has sharpened the Captur’s look with a cleaner front end that aligns it with the brand’s latest design language. The grille is more intricate, the bonnet sits…

South African netball spent 2025 in the pressure cooker – and by design. With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow fast approaching, Netball South Africa (NSA) mapped out one of the toughest international calendars in Proteas history. The result was a season in which the Proteas were tested by world-class opposition, endured hard-earned growth and showed promising signs from the national pathway. Proteas embark on brutal but necessary Test schedule This year, the Spar Proteas faced the strongest teams in the sport: Jamaica, England, New Zealand and Australia – all ranked above South Africa and key benchmarks for a squad in transition. The year began with a demanding away series against Jamaica, whose physicality and aerial strength continue to set the global standard. While the Sunshine Girls’ towering shooting circle…

Kaizer Chiefs are better than they were last season, according to former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe, after assessing the team’s last two campaigns. The Amakhosi have been under major scrutiny this season following a tumultuous second half of 2025. They are currently managed by co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who took over following the dismissal of Nasreddine Nabi. The duo have had to work with the squad inherited from their predecessor, which includes a mix of senior players and new signings brought in during the winter transfer window. Under those circumstances – and given that they were navigating uncharted territory as co-coaches – Ben Youssef and Kaze have led the club to fourth place in the Betway Premiership at its halfway mark, as well as third place…