Содержание выпуска: 2025-04-25 — Star

Treasury says decision follows extensive consultations with political parties, and the recommendations of Parliament South Africa's business sector has cautiously welcomed the scrapping of the proposed 0.5 percentage points increase in the value-added tax (VAT) as a crucial relief for consumers, the country's fiscal position remained severely strained. However, the business industry said that the government would have to find alternative measures to raise enough revenue to plug the national budget deficit amidst rising debt-servicing costs and other national expenditure priorities. This comes as the National Treasury on Thursday announced that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will no longer be increasing the VAT from 15 to 15.5% from 1 May, which was proposed in the National Budget to plug the R58 billion fiscal deficit. North West University Business School economist,…

The latest World Bank Group Pulse report, released on Wednesday, projects a cautiously optimistic trajectory for Sub-Saharan Africa's economic activity. According to the report, growth is forecasted to improve from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, and is set to accelerate further to 4.3% in 2026-27. However, this outlook is tempered by the sluggish performance of some of the region's largest economies, specifically Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa. However, when these major players are excluded from the equation, the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to see a growth rate of 4.6 percent in 2025, potentially climbing to 5.7 percent by 2026-27. The report emphasised that these projections hinged on a backdrop of increased risks, particularly stemming from global policy uncertainties. “This outlook is subject to heightened risks arising…

While financial trauma has the power to unravel lives and cause analysis paralysis when it comes to money decisions, there are ways to address this underlying issue head-on to become financially fruitful. Being born in January, a month when money was always tight, meant birthdays felt like an afterthought. Gifts were often necessities, like a school uniform or a replacement for a lost umbrella, rather than items I truly desired. These moments, though seemingly small, left lasting imprints on my relationship with money. For people with financial trauma, stress isn’t just an occasional burden; it runs deep, shaping the way they think, feel, and make financial decisions long into adulthood. Money trauma can stem from a variety of factors, from large-scale issues, like the recent global pandemic or an economic…

The world of entertainment is currently experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, with a mixture of tragic news and joyful celebrations captivating audiences everywhere. As tributes continue to pour in after the death of Pope Francis, the entertainment scene shines with the festive aura of Anele Mdoda’s wedding and the trending fashion statements made by Tyla at Coachella. Here’s a round-up of the Top 10 trending topics this week. 1Pope Francis dies at 88 People around the world are mourning the loss of Pope Francis, 88, who died on Monday, a day after making an appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Pope Francis shared his last message with the crown as he called for freedom of thought and tolerance in his Easter Sunday address. The Vatican announced that Francis’s…

Recent research reveals that play is not only essential for creativity and connection but a vital contributor to well-being – especially in today’s increasingly disconnected and stressful world. Evidence shows that play is fundamental to our humanity and happiness: l 94% of people believe play is for all ages. l 88% of children and 83% of adults view play as essential to daily life. l 81% believe that play can improve global health and well-being. South Africans lead the way when it comes to play l 25% are more likely than the global average to play to build confidence and gain knowledge. l 20% more likely to incorporate competition and experimentation into play. l 16% more likely to play with a goal of mastery or achievement. l 11% more likely…

The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) have welcomed the Gauteng High Court ruling that dismissed former apartheid security officers’ bid to secure the recusal of the presiding judge in the Congress of South African Students (Cosas ) 4 trial. On Wednesday, Judge Dario Dosio of the Gauteng High Court indicated that he will not be recusing himself from the historic trial, which seeks justice for the murder of three teenagers in Krugersdorp and the attempted murder of one of them in 1982, when explosives by the apartheid security branch exploded in a pump house of a deserted property. Over the years, the long-awaited and historic trial has been referred to as the Cosas 4 trial, signaling the involvement of young people in the struggle for…

Canyon Coal’s Khanye Colliery, in partnership with the City of Tshwane, has been applauded for training more than 30 young people in the Bronkhorstspruit area as qualified articulated dump truck operators, with some already landing permanent jobs at the mine. MMC Sarah Mabotsa celebrated seeing young people and women trained and employed as articulated dump truck operators, praising the initiative's impact. The training programme is part of Khanye Colliery's social and labour plan (2022-2026), a requirement for mining rights submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Mabotsa said the mine initially aimed to train 29 truck operators but exceeded its target, training 32 local residents from Tshwane's Region 7 instead. “Canyon Coal also has programmes that support enterprise development, local procurement and employment. The City of Tshwane’s Economic…

With the pulse of Amapiano running through his veins, Master Jay is ready to make his boldest statement yet. After capturing hearts with his soul-stirring single iNtliziyo featuring Zain SA, the rising DJ and producer is now preparing to shake the industry with his latest album Ta Jay, dropping May 16. The project promises to echo the spirit of the streets and the soul of a movement. Speaking to The Star, Master Jay reflected on the making of his upcoming album Ta Jay, describing it as a deeply personal and carefully crafted body of work. He shared that this project marks a significant evolution in his sound — a culmination of time, growth, and artistic exploration that long-time fans will undoubtedly recognise in every track. “I’ve been in the industry…

Gauteng, the economic engine of South Africa, is facing a silent but devastating crisis: the collapse of municipal governance. Across the province, communities are buckling under the weight of failed service delivery, decaying infrastructure, and political inertia. What makes this crisis even more intolerable is the quiet complicity of a provincial government that appears more interested in managing optics than restoring functionality. The facts are indisputable. According to the Auditor-General’s 2021/22 report, only one out of nine municipalities in Gauteng— Midvaal — achieved a clean audit. This is not just a technocratic failure; it represents a direct assault on the quality of life for millions of residents who rely on functioning local government for water, electricity, safety and dignity. Take Emfuleni, where the latest in a string of mayors was…

Bulls mentor Jake White did his best on Friday to deny that they don’t see their United Rugby Championship (URC) match against the defending champions the Glasgow Warriors as a revenge match. It’s the same Warriors who, under head coach Franco Smith, rocked up to Loftus Versfeld last season and beat the home side in the final to be crowned winners of the third edition. Friday’s duel at the Scotstoun Stadium (8.35pm kick-off) will be their first meet since that fateful Saturday in Pretoria in 2024. The Bulls pencilled 25 April in as the meet-again with the champions and they will now get their date in a crucial final away game in the third-last round-robin clash of the season. Hunting for the second place on the overall log - they…

Every so often, you get to watch a disaster unfold in slow motion right in front of you. Inevitably, you think to yourself, there must be a German word or phrase to encapsulate the experience. Like Treppenwitz – that moment when you think of the perfect comeback just a little too late – or Backpfeifengesicht, which describes the urge you feel to look down on someone with a punchable face. Perhaps the German word that best describes the Lions over the past two months, however, is Fremdscham – which literally translates to “strangely ashamed” and in English aligns most closely with second-hand embarrassment. Now, it is well established in newsprint that I am a massive Lions fan, so we won’t rehash those details. Needless to say, though, the last few…

Annerie Dercksen will always remember her Proteas Women’s ODI debut at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru last year. But not for the reasons that you may think. While it was the fulfilment of a life-long dream and she had the wicket of Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur to cherish, Dercksen’s primary recollection is standing in the field and admiring the brilliance of Smriti Mandhana. The graceful Indian opener was in the form of her life and her full array of strokes was on display during her 117. It certainly was an eye-opener for Dercksen, who hails from the small town of Beaufort West in the Great Karoo region, that she had now officially joined the big show. “I've got to say, in my debut game, I think she scored close to…

Tanzania has banned the importation of agricultural products from Malawi and South Africa, saying it was retaliation for similar hostile trade measures from both countries. The three countries all belong to a regional economic bloc, the Southern African Development Community, SADC. Tanzania had demanded that both countries rescind bans on imports of agricultural goods from Tanzania by Wednesday, but they had not done so, agriculture minister Hussein Bashe said in a video posted on his X account late on Wednesday. Malawi had recently banned imports of Tanzanian commodities like maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, among others, while South Africa has also proscribed the import of bananas shipped by Dar es Salaam. "I would like to officially announce that from this night ... we won't allow any agricultural products from…

The World Economic Forum said Wednesday it has launched an investigation into fraud allegations against its founder Klaus Schwab that reportedly prompted his resignation this week. The 87-year-old Schwab, who for decades has greeted presidents and tycoons at the annual forum in the Swiss resort of Davos, said there was "not a shadow of proof" for the accusations. He added in a statement to the Swiss newspaper Blick that he had started defamation proceedings. In a statement confirming a Wall Street Journal report, the WEF said its board of trustees "unanimously supported the Audit and Risk Committee's decision to initiate an independent investigation following a whistleblower letter containing allegations against former Chairman Klaus Schwab". The longtime forum leader suddenly resigned on Monday, "with immediate effect". In a statement at the…

South Africa's economic landscape is experiencing a nuanced shift, with BankservAfrica revealing that the average nominal take-home pay declined in March 2025. The figure slipped to R17 811 from February's R18 272, marking a 2.5% decrease. Despite this dip, when compared to R15 983 just a year ago, the average remains buoyed above last year’s levels—highlighting both resilience and the effects of ongoing economic pressures. Shergeran Naidoo, head of stakeholder engagements at BankservAfrica, addressed the declining nominal pay, attributing it to intensifying economic headwinds that are impacting growth and consumer confidence. "This raises concerns over potential impacts on employment and earnings in the coming months. However, Thursday's announcement to scrap the proposed VAT increase offers some reprieve," Naidoo said. Elize Kruger, an independent economist affiliated with BankservAfrica, noted a tempered…

Times are tough, geopolitical tensions are high in global markets, and South Africa is not immune. Continued pressure on- and depreciation of the rand – largely due to factors outside of our control – fuel fears and add financial strain to a struggling economy, which already needs to deal with successive VAT increases over the next two years. These developments have an impact on all business sectors, including the insurance industry. This is according to Ryno de Kock, head of distribution at PSG Insure, who unpacks how rand volatility and depreciation could be impacting your insurance cover, both from a business and personal insurance cover perspective. A weaker rand means imported goods cost more Most consumer goods in South Africa – including cars, electronic devices, and household appliances – are…

JSE-listed commodity exporter Kumba Iron Ore has reported a significant uptick in sales volumes, with a 6% increase recorded during the quarter ending 31 March 2025. This boost comes on the heels of enhanced rail performance by Transnet, marking a promising recovery for the South African bulk commodity sector, which has been grappling with operational inefficiencies over the past few years. Kumba Iron Ore’s CEO, Mpumi Zikalala, on Thursday said that Transnet’s capacity has improved in the first quarter of the year. “The 5% uplift in Transnet’s rail performance, which supported a 6% increase in sales volumes, is encouraging,” said Zikalala. Kumba’s production for the quarter period dropped by 3% to 9 million tons despite Kolomela's production increasing by 12% to 3.0 million tons. Sales volumes for the period also…

l Cotton Fest 2025 Some of Mzansi’s biggest stars are set to deliver electrifying performances at this year’s Cotton Fest, which showcases the latest in music, fashion, gaming, food and art. They include A-Reece, Cassper Nyovest, DBN Gogo, Focalistic, Kabza De Small, Kamo Mphela, Sjava and many others. The annual event, which is the brainchild of late rapper Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado, celebrates hip hop, house, amapiano and other leading South African music genres. Where: Newtown Station. When: Tomorrow from noon. l Dr Riaad Moosa’s What’s the Point? Award-winning comedian, presenter, writer, and actor, Dr Riaad Moosa will be staging his brand- new comedy show in Joburg this weekend. This show is set to blend medicine with humour as the “Doctor of Comedy” is set to take audiences on as…

on Ukraine conflict President Cyril Ramaphosa and United States President Donald Trump have pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict as soon as possible. The two leaders discussed the ongoing war during a telephonic meeting on Thursday, ahead of Ramaphosa’s meeting in SA with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky arrived in SA yesterday morning on an official working visit to find solutions around the war. Ramaphosa said that he and Trump “both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible to prevent further death and destruction.” The SA president emphasised the need for diplomacy and dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict. “If there is one thing that our history has taught us, it is that diplomacy and dialogue are more powerful than…

The consequences of a tragic incident more than 20 years ago, when two sets of twin girls were accidentally swapped at birth, unfolded in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, with the Gauteng MEC for Health ending up having to pay R5.5million in damages. Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi awarded damages to the biological mother of one set of twins - only identified as Mrs M, as well as to three of the other twins. The fourth twin did not form part of the litigation, brought on behalf of the plaintiffs by the law firm O Joubert Attorneys. The four plaintiffs’ claims follow a baby swap at the Heidelberg Hospital more than 20 years ago. Mrs M, a single mother, cared for what she thought were both her biological children, while another family,…

Nearly a decade after the City of Tshwane deemed the Melgisedek buildings in Riviera unfit for habitation and had planned to relocate occupants, people still live there illegally. The buildings continue to deteriorate, with locals complaining they are a haven for crime and drug infestation, making them uninhabitable. In 2015, when the City condemned the buildings, concerns arose about rescuing the thousands of residents. The city announced plans to audit the residents and develop a relocation strategy. A crèche was closed and informal traders were ordered to leave, but the traders have since returned. A year after the buildings were deemed unsafe, the Pretoria News reported that the City formed a task team to assess the buildings’ condition, structural integrity, and residents' social circumstances. The team’s mandate was later expanded…

The City of Tshwane has rejected claims by community leaders and some DA councillors that its new overtime policy, aimed at reducing excessive payouts, will negatively impact service delivery. The leaders alleged that the new overtime policy, starting April 1, 2025, would cause prolonged power outages due to a lack of staff available to address service issues outside regular hours. Municipal spokesperson, Selby Bokaba, said the city was aware of misleading social media posts by some community leaders, adding they were untrue in claiming that the city's overtime policy changes were intended to compromise service delivery. He explained that the city's strained resources have led to tough decisions on overtime management, aiming to balance costs without compromising service delivery. “It should be put on record that the adjustments to…

The Public Servants Association (PSA) demands urgent action and accountability by the Gauteng Department of Health regarding the non-payment of overtime remuneration for doctors under the Johannesburg Health District. According to PSA members, overtime submissions were made by the end of February 2025, giving the department enough time to process payments without delay. Instead, the department called Clinical Managers to a meeting to announce a unilateral change in overtime conditions, shifting from option C: 32 to 48 hours to option D: 52 to 80 hours. In addition, contracts signed by doctors were amended without their knowledge or consent. Signatures were allegedly removed and placed on altered documents. The PSA considers this action as fraudulent. Doctors are being instructed to continue working overtime despite unresolved contractual issues and without payment for…

In a striking development, Al Ahly has been granted full-capacity approval for today's clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, turning up the heat in the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo. Recently, Egyptian authorities have capped attendance at CAF matches to a maximum of 30,000 fans. This rule was strictly enforced in Cairo last week when South African minnows Stellenbosch FC shocked the football world by upsetting Zamalek in the Confederation Cup match. Egyptian giants Al Ahly appealed to their Ministry of Sport after their officials emphasised the significance of the match and the potential impact of an electrifying crowd on the outcome. As a result, the Cairo International Stadium will host a capacity crowd of 75,000 fans for this high-stakes encounter. Slovenian-born Nejc Gradisar, who played as the lone…

AmaZulu will travel to the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off against Golden Arrows in what promises to be a season-defining KwaZulu-Natal derby. Both teams will be eyeing a top-eight finish that eluded them last season. Usuthu currently sit seventh on the league table with 33 points from 26 matches, but their recent run of form paints a concerning picture. With four losses in their last five outings, their ability to finish the season on a strong note will be put to the test. As they prepare to face their local rivals, this fixture carries more than just bragging rights. With only four points separating the two teams, the stakes are significantly high. And in a campaign plagued by inconsistency, this derby becomes a potential turning…

ASP Isotopes, which uses its own South Africa developed technology to enrich isotopes, plans to add to its 2022 Nasdaq listing with a listing on the Main Board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The company, owned by its CEO Paul Mann and US-based institutional global investment funds, develops technologies and processes for the enrichment of isotopes that can be used in the medical, semiconductor and nuclear industries, born out of years of research and development, originally developed in South Africa. ASPI is a US incorporated company that has been listed on the Nasdaq since 2022. It has a market capitalisation in the US of $400 million, or R7.5 billion, and it plans to list on the JSE later this year, subject to regulatory approvals. “While our investor base has been…

Moody’s Ratings has cautioned that though the US tariffs are expected to have few direct credit implications for African banks, the tariffs will have significant indirect negative implications through the financial markets' risk-transmission channel. Earlier this month, the US government authorised a 90-day pause on the implementation of most new US tariffs, reverting to a universal rate of 10% on all almost all targeted countries, including African countries. However, the Trump administration ramped up import tariffs on goods from China to 145% and the Chinese government retaliated with its own 125% tariffs on US imports, setting off a trade war between the world’s two largest economies. Moody’s on Thursday said it expected the increase in tariffs after the 90-day pause is lifted to have few direct credit implications for African…

One of the most important decisions you’ll make before getting married is choosing a matrimonial property regime. Your choice of a marriage contract can have far-reaching financial consequences, so it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each system before tying the knot. (i) In community of property In community of property is the default marital regime where no antenuptial contract (ANC) has been signed. In the absence of an ANC, couples are automatically married in community of property – often without realising the long-term implications. One perceived advantage of this regime is that there are no upfront legal costs required to draft an antenuptial contract, although the reality is that these costs are nominal. Under this system, all assets and liabilities are merged into one joint…

Shareholders in Anglo American will vote for the demerger of its South African platinum group metals (PGM) producing unit next week, with the company also expecting to report 2025 half year financials for its steelmaking coal and nickel segments as discontinued operations. Anglo American has been restructuring its operations through the demerger of some operating units such as those producing diamonds, PGM, nickel and steelmaking coal. It intends to focus more on copper and crop nutrients. The London and JSE-listed resource group said Thursday that shareholders will now vote on the demerger of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) on April 30. Details of the transaction have not yet been disclosed. However, Anglo American expects the demerger of Amplats to result in taxes and transaction costs of $400 000 to $500 million…

Cashbuild, the largest retailer of building materials in South Africa, said revenue increased 5% in its third quarter, and the increase was 4% if one excludes the opening of new stores, growth that barely exceeds inflation. Cashbuild’s share price slipped 1.82% to R156.06 on Thursday morning after the operational update was released, a price slightly higher than the R148.01 it traded at a year ago, but well down from the R226.98 that it traded at in December. By the end of February, the annual consumer price inflation in South Africa was 3.2%. The company had 308 stores prior to July 2023. This growth in revenue for the quarter, combined with the results for the half year to February 29, 2024, equated to a 5% increase in revenue year to date.…

When Incognito hits the stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) this weekend, there’s one song that nearly everyone in the audience will be waiting to hear. “Still a Friend of Mine, says bandleader Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, with a knowing smile. “People have memories tied to our music. Their moms and dads played it. When we perform, it is like someone has opened a photo album. “We cannot visit Cape Town and not play that song.” The song, originally released in 1993 – and many other global hits such as and their legendary rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing – has become a classic for South African fans, making the British acid jazz group one of the festival’s most anticipated acts. With over four…

The ANC is embroiled in a heated debate over an alleged shooting incident involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile. It is alleged that Mashatile’s car was attacked and sprayed with bullets after a National Executive Meeting in Gauteng on March 30. However, the alleged shooting only became public last Sunday. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has cast doubt on the claims, saying the party was not informed about the incident until it surfaced in media reports. Mbalula’s comments have sparked speculation about the incident and the motivations behind the claims, while an ANC insider believes the gloves were off between Mbalula and Mashatile over the succession battle for the ANC presidency. “As the ANC, we are yet to release a comprehensive response to this situation. We call it a situation because it’s…

A coordinated sting operation at Beitbridge Port of Entry has led to the arrest of two Border Management Authority officials and seven others, all implicated in a web of corruption and immigration violations threatening the integrity of South Africa’s borders. The operation's success was driven by a collaborative effort between the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, Musina Detectives, LCRC, and BMA officials, all working together to dismantle a network of facilitators who assist undocumented immigrants in illegally crossing the border. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that during the operation, surveillance teams observed a white Mercedes-Benz taxi parked next to a shop. Two Border Management Authority (BMA) officials, a 61-year-old female and a 44-year-old male, both stationed at the Beitbridge Border Post, were seen stopping the vehicle and allowing it…

The Labour Practice Council (LPC) has defended its decision to charge advocate Dali Mpofu SC, asserting that its National Executive Committee (NEC) will not be used to settle political disputes between professional bodies. This statement follows a stern warning from the Pan-African Bar Association of South Africa (PABASA), which wrote on April 17 to LPC Chair Advocate Pule Seleka SC. PABASA cautioned the LPC to resist efforts to weaponise disciplinary proceedings against Mpofu SC for narrow personal or political reasons. Recently, the LPC announced charges against Mpofu SC, accusing him of bringing the legal profession into disrepute. PABASA expressed deep concern, describing the charges as “spurious” and aimed at intimidating Mpofu SC and unjustly tarnishing his reputation. In his response dated April 23, Seleka clarified the LPC’s position, stating, “The…

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria is expected to hear the case against Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure over the appointment of five trustees to fill vacancies on the board of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) tomorrow (Friday). This was after non-governmental organisations Black Forum South Africa (BFSA) and Izwi Labantu Forum (ILF) filed an urgent application for an interdict suspending the appointment of the five new trustees. The organisations also challenge the appointment process of the new trustees in Part B of the application, which is expected to be heard at a later date, where they are seeking to review and set aside the appointment. The organisations said the appointment of the members was unlawful, citing a lack of transparency, which was in contravention of the IDT Trust…

Russian Roulette is a potentially deadly game of chance where participants take turns firing a revolver loaded with one bullet at their head, without knowing whether the chamber is loaded or not. The game is often associated with recklessness, danger, and unpredictability. A serious question may be: Is the ANC playing Russian Roulette in its relations with the USA? There are many examples, but the most recent is the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas, the highly regarded former deputy minister of Finance. Jonas has an excellent reputation, and he would be a good choice in ordinary circumstances. But given the current relationship between South Africa and the USA, his appointment by President Ramaphosa is either deliberately provocative and reckless, or an indication that the president did not apply his mind…

RISE Mzansi takes positive note of the Finance Minister's announcement, which begins the legislative process of keeping value-added tax (VAT) at its current rate of 15%. Moreover, the Finance Minister needed to own this process, given his and the Treasury’s constitutional station and obligations, which come with a level of independence. This union of political parties with the aim of finding a solution means that the finance minister and Parliament are now free to proceed with the rest of the Budget process without being held hostage by narrow political priorities that serve to undermine existing legislation — such as making South Africans wait longer for land justice and limiting the diversity in the country’s schools. The reality is that while this is a win on one hand, on the other…

The ongoing occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco represents a stark and enduring violation of international law, a blatant disregard for human rights, and a profound betrayal of the African Union's founding principles. As we commemorate Land Reclamation Month this April at the EFF, we have to remember those who are still fighting against land occupation on this continent. For over four decades, the Sahrawi people have endured displacement, oppression, and the denial of their fundamental right to self-determination. This injustice demands a decisive response from the international community, and the call for Morocco's expulsion from the AU is a crucial step towards holding the kingdom accountable and achieving a just resolution to this protracted conflict. The historical context of the conflict reveals a pattern of colonialism and dispossession. Following…

Bruce Bvuma is doing his best to find the balance at Kaizer Chiefs: uphold the lineage of the club’s greatest goalkeepers and being true to himself. Bvuma is Chiefs’ No 1. And that’s a dream come true for him given that when he joined the youth structures he was eager to reach those echelons. But such is the heavy burden that comes with being Chiefs’ No 1 who hails from the youth structures, there’s little to no margin for error. There are standards which need to be practised, including standing head and shoulders above your peers in top-flight football. This is what the likes of Eshele Botende, followed by Brian Baloyi, Rowen Fernandez and Itumeleng Khune had set during their illustrious stints at the club. Bvuma has done his best…

With Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC eager to secure their place in the coveted CAF Champions League final, today's Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo promises a battle of tactical prowess. Their tense first leg in Johannesburg last week ended in a goalless draw. However, the match was rife with drama after the intervention of VAR that controversially disallowed two goals from Pyramids, leaving the North African players and their fans alike eager for redemption. This week, Pyramids and Orlando Pirates benefited from a brief hiatus in their domestic leagues due to match postponements, allowing them ample time to regroup and refine their strategies. This extended rest period could prove vital as each team aims to harness their momentum. Pirates arrived in Cairo on Tuesday and will try to…