Star2023-11-03的目錄

AS SOUTH Africa is still in a celebratory mood after the victorious Springboks flew back to our shores after winning the Rugby World Cup 2023 tournament, SA Inc is on the ball with team spirit. Pick n Pay Clothing said yesterday that it had offered free rugby T-shirt printing to customers who bought one from their affordable, locally made 100% BCI cotton T-shirt range. More than 42 000 T-shirts were printed over eight weeks, with almost half printed in three days leading up to the final match on Saturday, the retailer said in a statement. “The response was extraordinary as official partner stores had sold out of official Springbok clothing,” it said. Pick n Pay Clothing said it also sold around 1 million official Springbok merchandise items.…

This despite the Agoa Extension Act of 2023 Bill being introduced to Congress last month AN ADJUNCT fellow at the Centre for African Studies at Howard University in Washington, DC, Michael Walsh, told Business Report that it would be incredibly difficult to secure an early extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) as American politics remains deeply divided. This as the AU Commissioner of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Ambassador Albert Muchanga, told the 20th Agoa Forum yesterday that an extension would provide the required predictability and certainty to the markets. The Agoa Forum is taking place in Johannesburg as about 30 African trade ministers, business people, civil society and trade unions debate the future of a trade agreement between Africa and the US that is…

COLLINS Property Group swung into a R108 million net profit in the six months to August 31 from a loss of R958m at the same time a year before, the latest results showed yesterday. An interim dividend would be declared after the conversion to a Real estate investment trust (Reit). Revenue increased to R581m from R570m. Profit from continuing operations increased to R159m from R139m. The disposal of the UK assets in the second half of last year was part part of a restructuring, a process intended to result in the conversion into a Reit during the current financial year, should approvals be obtained in time. The restructuring started with the bringing of the company onshore from a tax perspective at the end of February. An agreement was reached…

DEREGISTERING as a VAT vendor can be challenging, according to the Office of the Tax Ombud (Oto). This comes after the office received a complaint from a taxpayer against the South African Revenue Service (Sars), where it delayed deregistering the taxpayer’s Value added Tax (VAT) profile for over a year. “A taxpayer approached the Oto after submitting numerous requests for deregistration of a VAT number and experiencing substantial delays in having the request finalised,” Oto said. In its findings, Oto said it investigated the complaint and discovered that although a request for VAT deregistration was submitted to Sars on August 6, 2020, the taxpayer had not provided all the relevant documentation, as indicated on the Sars website, to substantiate the request. “Although the application did not meet the requirements, Sars…

WORKING as a nurse in her rural Nigerian village, Andat Datau faced more than her share of challenges. But delivering babies by torchlight was always hard. Off-grid for years, her Sabon Gida village relied on diesel generators or lamps and, like millions of other Africans, Datau often got no light at all. But about a year ago, Datau’s village in north central Nasarawa State hooked up to a solar-powered mini-grid supplying half of her community’s households and most businesses with almost constant electricity. Sabon Gida now has more light at times than Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, where many get by on around half a day’s power – at times much less – from the unstable network. Mini-grids – small power stations usually supplying rural communities – are not new. But…

South Africans never miss an opportunity to celebrate. And there’s plenty of opportunity for you to do so at some events listed below. All-White Music Festival Take a break from the city at the All-White Music Festival in Mpumalanga. Taking place at The Bears Palace Arena, this event will be hosted by media personality Somizi Mhlongo and MTV Base’s VJ Tshego Koke. The line-up includes performances by South African stars Uncle Waffles, Kwesta, Boity and Focalistic. They will be joined by local artists such as China Charmeleon, Manjaro Denzo, Fortune T, DJ Mabhodo, and Madumane (Ligwalagwala FM). “The All-White Music Festival isn’t just about music, it’s a celebration of unity, diversity, and the transformative power of music to inspire and connect people from all walks of life,” said Sibusiso Mthombeni,…

MAGNUM PI UNIVERSAL TV (DSTV CHANNEL 117), 8PM Join charismatic Thomas Magnum and his team as they take on a new wave of thrilling cases in Hawaii. With tropical vistas, high-octane chases, and intriguing mysteries, this season promises non-stop excitement. As the past resurfaces and relationships deepen, these episodes will keep you hooked. RETRIBUTION DSTV BOXOFFICE Liam Neeson drives this high-octane American remake of a 2015 Spanish film. A banking executive travelling with his two kids must play a deadly game when a mysterious caller threatens them with a bomb planted in their car. MYSTERY DSTV BOXOFFICE When a professional tutor accepts a job at a mansion, he finds himself battling the obsession of his student, who threatens to expose his darkest secrets. BLESSERS NETFLIX A loving father tries to…

LAST year, the Western Cape High Court delivered a significant ruling in the high-stakes legal tussle between the Sekunjalo Group of Companies (Sekunjalo) and Nedbank. The court dismissed Nedbank’s appeal against the interim interdict granted to Sekunjalo in June. This decision was merely a chapter in an ongoing legal battle with an uncertain final outcome, as Nedbank’s hearing to overturn this ruling is scheduled for later this month in the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein. The origins of this can be traced to June when an interim interdict temporarily safeguarded the conglomerate’s bank accounts. Nedbank promptly sought to appeal against the ruling. They argued that their interpretation of Section 23(1) of the Equality Act allowed them to challenge any order issued by the Equality Court.Nevertheless, Judge Mokgoatji Dolamo of…

The defence has accused police officers of fabrication, as evidence linked to the arrest of Bongani Ntanzi emerged in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial yesterday. South African Police Service Cold Case Unit officer Sergeant Vusumuzi Mogane was among the officers who arrested Ntanzi at his Phokeng home on June 16, 2020. Yesterday, led by State advocate George Baloyi, Mogane told the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, how he had been on the case since December 2019 when Investigating Officer Brigadier Bongani Gininda, who is also the head of the National Cold Case Unit in Pretoria, got information about the death of the footballer Meyiwa, who had been gunned down at the home of his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, in October 2014. “While we were conducting an investigation, the name…

The ANC said it was exonerated by the report after the party’s advice to the DA administration to approach the national government for assistance fell on deaf ears. Party council caucus spokesperson Joel Masilela said former mayor Solly Msimanga refused to take heed of the ANC’s advice that “the municipality doesn’t have the capacity to resolve the Rooiwal issue”. “The problem that we had is that the government was arrogant and believed that it would raise over R4 billion to complete the Rooiwal water project. We have always said the City would not have the entire amount required to resolve the problem in five years,” he said. He said the ANC’s view had always been that the City ought to speak to the national Department of Water and Sanitation in…

The High Court in Polokwane has convicted and sentenced businessmen Joshua Phuthi Hlako, 67, and Marcus Maropeng Makgatho, 65, together with co-accused Amanda Makgato, 51, and Khumbelo Mabirimisa, 44, for the 2006 murder of Ronny Makgatho. Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi said the brutal murder took place in 2006, at Seshego, in Limpopo, and was committed on the orders of the two businessmen, Hlako and Makgatho with their co-accused Mabirimisa. “Makgatho was kidnapped in Soshanguve and taken to Seshego, in Limpopo. Hlako is in the business of transport, farming, and sale of liquor, while Marcus Maropeng Makgatho is in hospitality,” Malabi Dzhangi narrated. The deceased, Rony Makgatho was a cousin to two of the murder accused people - Amanda Makgatho and Marcus Maropeng…

Minnie Dlamini, a well-known multi- hyphenate personality, continues to inspire thousands of people in the South African broadcasting industry with her work ethic. Recently, Dlamini made a moving announcement regarding her chance to host the first Miss World South Africa pageant, which saw Dr Claude Mashego emerge victorious. Dlamini discussed her thoughts on Miss World South Africa, Beauty With A Purpose, and maintaining her mental health in an interview with Stephanie Be on 5FM’s 5 Mid Mornings. She expressed her gratitude for being the host of the event, emphasising the importance of using your platform to change the world as a life-long fan of pageants. “This is a big part of my life. And my dad was the ultimate pageant dad, and he was like, ‘You know, when you are…

The Proteas are quietly confident going into their final task of the week – playing India – after beating New Zealand in Pune earlier in the week. The South African team is currently functioning like a well-oiled machine at the World Cup, with each player contributing to the success of the team in their own unique way. They face India on Sunday (10.30am SA time start) in a top-of-the-table clash. South Africa are about to experience World Cup pressure in its truest form as India’s ‘Blue Army’ will fill Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Sunday. In-form Proteas batter Rassie van der Dussen emphasised the team’s awareness of the magnitude of the occasion of playing India in a World Cup on home soil. “Obviously, playing India in India is a massive event,”…

THE Bulls started the United Rugby Championship with a bang, but last week’s defeat will make them even more determined to get back on track against Zebre tomorrow. The Pretoria side thrashed the Scarlets 63-21 at Loftus Versfeld on the opening weekend, but were unable to get over the line against Ulster in Belfast last Sunday. The Bulls went down 26-19 in a match that may feel like one that got away from them, as they had a few opportunities to at least grab a draw. They also had to deal with a new artificial pitch at the Kingspan Stadium, so they will hope to get some fluidity back on attack on a traditional grass patch against Zebre at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma tomorrow (3pm kick-off SA time…

THE RAND CONTINUED to gain ground against the dollar yesterday after the US Federal Reserve (Fed) kept its interest rates on ice unchanged for a third consecutive period with investors optimistic that the US rate hike cycle has ended. This was as the local currency firmed on Wednesday after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). Godongwana revealed that the government planned to increase its borrowing requirements during the 2023/24 fiscal year. The MTBPS tabled a number of important targets, including fiscal consolidation, reduced expenditure and the reorganisation of government functions. No tax increases were mentioned. Aurelien Mali, the vice-president senior credit officer at Moody’s Investor Service, said: “The key elements of South Africa’s mid-term Budget were broadly in line with our expectations. But significantly lower…

SIBANYE-Stillwater, which is shedding thousands of jobs at its South African platinum and gold projects, says it is in a strong financial position for the quarter to the end of September, having bought an Australian mine for $10 million (R186.3m), as it pursues strategic restructuring to survive the ongoing commodity downturn. Adjusted group earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) for the September quarter at R3.027 billion was, however, lower compared to R8.4bn in the previous contrasting quarter. Sibanye-Stillwater said last month that a restructuring exercise at its South African platinum group metal operations could result in losses of more than 4 000 jobs. Sibanye-Stillwater, which has platinum group metals (PGM), gold and nickel operations in Africa, America and Europe, says it is “moving down industry…

A HIGHER-for-longer investment narrative has been behind a steep decline in equity markets globally, with concerns that if interest rates stay higher than expected for an extended period, companies, and thus equity markets, will come under significant pressure. But, as with every cycle, there will be the winners, and we pinpoint those we expect to benefit from what could be our “new normal” in the years ahead. For most individuals and companies, higher short-term interest rates are a bad thing. At a very basic level, increases in central bank official interest rates (called the repo rate in South Africa) are designed to slow the economy down. However, this is a cyclical phenomenon. Even if the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) is rigorous in sticking to its inflation target of 3% to…

PUBLIC safety mayoral committee member (MMC) Dr Mgcini Tshwaku has slammed the Gauteng provincial government for not heeding safety concerns ahead of naming the Parktown building as the venue for the now-postponed commission of inquiry into the Marshalltown building fire. On Monday, the commission investigating the deaths of 77 people following the fire at the Usindiso Building in August was forced to stop its activities due to the condition of the Parktown building. Chairperson of the commission, retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, said the work of the commission would be postponed indefinitely after it was notified by Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) that the venue was not in compliance with the by-laws of the city. “The commission is currently looking at securing a new venue for the proceedings,” she…

When I heard that President Cyril Ramaphosa was to address the nation, I thought it was for an altruistic purpose – to congratulate the Springboks on their historic win. How beguiled and stupid I was! Ramaphosa is just another politician who saw the Bok win as an opportunity to put himself in the limelight and promote his own selfish interests and that of his party. In his speech, Ramaphosa tried to paint a rosy picture of the country. But he wasn’t convincing. How he came up with a figure of 2 million more employed people remains a mystery when our economy is on a decline and shows no sign of recovery. Our gross domestic product is hovering around a paltry 0.4%. As Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said the next…

AS THE country gears up to meet for plans to put an end to the ever present threat of TB, a committee of experts has been announced to manage the next conference, which will discuss progress so far and lead discussions on how to take them forward. Slated for June next year, the summit has been themed “Accelerating progress to end TB”, and it will be held in Durban over four days. Starting on June 4, the 8th TB Conference wants to meet the World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy, and the goals of the National Development Plan 2030. Announcing that registration was open to interested parties, the organisers said it was meant to bring together thought leaders, health professionals and interested parties in sessions which would see South Africa…

Vocalist, DJ, music producer, and songwriter Thandi Draai, will be embarking on a major concert tour in the US. Thandi Draai in the USA tour is set to take place from December 15 to April 7, 2024, and will see the artist headlining concerts in Washington DC, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, New York City, Oakland and Los Angeles. Draai’s career in the music industry began in 2018 with her EP Ingozi and since then she has built a name for herself both locally and inter- nationally. Draai’s feats extend to recordings as unique as Iris one of the first independently-produced albums by a female recording artist in Africa. The US tour is organised by Kudakwashe Manase, Draai’s internationally- recognised talent manager and founder of management firm Four Promotions Sound. The upcoming…

Actress and comedienne Lebogang Mpyana, famously known as Khelina in Mzansi Magic’s DiepCity, has passed away. Her family confirmed this in a statement yesterday. “It is with great sadness (we) announce the passing of our daughter, Lebogang Mpyana. Lebo died after a short illness. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers in this time of bereavement. Memorial service and funeral service details will follow,” read the statement. Mpyana was well-known for her comedy videos on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok where she made jokes in her home language, Sepedi. She rose to prominence in the role of Khelina in DiepCity, an award-winning telenovela on Mzansi Magic. Prior to that, Mpyana appeared on Mathata Ke Eng, a Moja Love show. The 34-year-old from Limpopo was also a singer.…

Eager young fashion designers and models strutted their stuff ahead of the official start of the Soweto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 collection, which kicked off last night and wraps up tomorrow at the iconic Soweto Theatre. On Wednesday night, models took to the catwalk in a snippet showcase of what was to come for the next three days, dressed in garments designed by established and emerging Soweto Fashion Week esteemed designers. Some of the designers include Nthabiseng Mabe of House of Cash, Precious Lulu Couture, FDB Human Store, Elias Sebata of N.O.T.E (Not Of This Earth) Clothing, POM (Pieces of Me) Jeans, Tshegofatso By Design and Be Beautiful Hair. Speaking to The Star ahead of her first showing at the fashion show, 23-year-old Kagiso-based designer Mabe said even though she…

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says their next few games will test their mettle after enduring a poor run of form in the DStv Premiership. Pirates lost 2-1 to Cape Town Spurs on Wednesday night, failing to put their three games in hand to good use after collecting two points out of a possible nine. And with that result at Cape Town Stadium denting their title hopes – as they trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 points – Pirates will have to focus on domestic cup competitions for silverware. This is an avenue that Riveiro’s men know all too well, having won the past three trophies on offer – two MTN8s and the Nedbank Cup – to establish themselves as cup specialists. The Buccaneers have a chance to make…

Thousands of people gave the World Cup-winning Springboks a roaring welcome in Soweto yesterday as they passed through the Johannesburg township where they were once hated for a homecoming tour steeped in symbolism. South Africa edged arch-rivals New Zealand 12-11 to achieve a record fourth Rugby World Cup title and their second in a row in a gripping final last Saturday in Paris. In Soweto, teenagers danced in their school uniforms, as others, young and old, waved South African flags and yellow signs reading “thank you Bokke”, waiting for the yellow and green open-top bus carrying the players. Wearing a green-and-gold T-shirt, Dined Malise, 49, left home a couple of hours before the team’s scheduled arrival to get a prime spot along the route. “I’m so proud about my Bokke,…

A few days later, Polokwane again produced a noteworthy performance and held the mighty Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 stalemate at the Orlando Stadium. This is the form that Rise and Shine will take into tonight’s quarter-final clash against Stellenbosch FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium (7.30pm kick-off). All in all, Polokwane are on a five-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Coach Lehlohonolo Seema is expecting a “difficult” fixture when they welcome Stellies tonight. “It is always nice for the teams that are so-called small to remain in these competitions. Most of the time you find that these competitions become one-sided, and they become boring,” said Seema. “These matches (the quarter-finals) are going to be nice, but we are not looking at any team and saying, ‘Yeah, this one…

Even if they are losing head coach Jacques Nienaber and assistant Felix Jones, there is no reason the Springboks cannot dominate world rugby for the foreseeable future with the squad they currently have and the players waiting on a chance for national honours. Thanks to their experimentation, even in a World Cup year, Nienaber, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and the assistant coaches have built up a formidable squad of over 50 players who have contributed massively to winning a record fourth Webb Ellis Cup and back-to-back world titles. In some of these performances, the team weren’t even at their best – yet France, England and the All Blacks could not beat them. That says a lot about the kind of fighters these sides came up against in France. And…

JUST SHARE has asked Sasol’s shareholders not to endorse the fuel-and-chemicals-from-coal groups’ decarbonisation strategy, because it claims Sasol doesn’t expect to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) targets, but Sasol says this is incorrect. Sasol’s annual general meeting is scheduled for November 17. In its 2023 reporting suite, Just Share said yesterday, Sasol had conceded that it might not meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. It blamed external “vagaries and variables”, and “headwinds” which were “resulting in an emerging gap to targets” and needed “to be managed to achieve competitive returns”. However, Sasol said in response to Business Report questions that Just Share was incorrect, and Sasol had maintained its commitment to its 30% reduction and decarbonisation levers, while advancing progress against this commitment with tangible initiatives. Just…

SOUTH African consumers are facing elevated financial pressures due to the rising cost of living, said Pepkor, which runs clothing and apparel retail outlets such as Pep and Ackermans, as it reported a 7% rise in revenues for the full year period to end September 2023. The rise in group revenue for the full year period to R87.4 billion was on account of market share gains from PEP in the babies’ category and stronger gains by Ackermans in school-wear and lingerie. The JD Group also expanded its market share in the computer and audio segment. “Customers continue to face financial pressure due to high living costs. Their ability to earn an income remains negatively impacted by high unemployment, continued electricity supply interruptions as a result of load shedding and…

THE SOUTH African JSE was negative for the third month in a row in line with global equity markets as seen by the FTSE/JSE Capped Swix Index -2.9% month-on-month, according to Peter Little, a fund manager at Anchor Capital. This dragged the bourse further into negative territory for 2023, down 3.2% in the year to date. Global equity markets fell for a third consecutive month, with the MSCI World down 2.9% month-on-month, leaving them down almost 10% since the end of July. Losses were again fairly broad-based, though, with the gold miners (+21% month-on-month) bucking the trend as they followed the gold price higher in October (+7% month-on-month). The impact of geopolitical risk seemingly outweighed the headwind typically posed to the precious metal price by higher rates, he said. Outside…

The Department of Tourism, together with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) – an agency within the Department of Small Business Development – has announced the opening of the application process for the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) from next week. This follows the Cabinet’s approval in September for the revised fund to be implemented. The government capitulated to the demand that it reduced the requirements for black ownership to be below 51% in the qualification criteria for the R1.2 billion TEF. The fund was launched in January 2021 by the department to stimulate investment and transformation in the tourism sector. The department said this week that it was delighted to announce that the Request for Proposals for funding from the TEF were now open to businesses. All applicants were…

THERE has been an outcry from political parties and organisations over the cuts announced to health-care and other services after Wednesday’s Mid-Term Budget speech. The feeling among stakeholders has been that some sectors should remain a priority if the country is to succeed. This, after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced, during his presentation that increased borrowing meant less money for other programmes. He also said that servicing debt would cost more than basic education, social protection or health. Health, he said, took a R1.5 billion cut, while Basic Education took a R1.7bn knock. Godongwana said, in part: “Over the next three years, debt-service costs as a share of revenue will increase from 1.7% in 2023/24 to 22.1% in 2026/2 … the cost, or interest of this debt, for next year…

Members of the SAPS Waterberg district flying squad in Limpopo have arrested a man accused of stealing a water tanker truck. The heavy truck was stolen on Wednesday, according to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba. “Police were conducting crime prevention duties when they received information regarding a white Tata truck that was stolen in the Lephalale policing area and reportedly en route to Mokopane town while travelling along the N11 public road,” he said. “The members swiftly responded and managed to spot a water truck tanker fitting the description, and they then pulled it over. The driver was asked about the legal ownership of the truck, but he failed to provide a satisfactory response and was apprehended on the spot for being in possession of a suspected stolen…

Innovation blooms in the heart of challenges, and few embody this sentiment better than Glynn Mashonga, the driving force behind Globescope Security Solutions. Born and raised in Mitchells Plain, her journey from adversity to success paints a portrait of determination and compassion. With roots entrenched in her community’s struggles, Mashonga’s mission revolves around leveraging technology to combat unemployment and enhance safety. Her path initially led to physical guards and to employing as many people as possible. “I am such a softie, and the perils of the job nudged me towards the technology- driven aspect of security.” With a background in computer programming and a resilient spirit, Mashonga pivoted her focus to the tech side of security, paving the way for a profound transformation. “Venturing into a male-dominated domain posed unique…

As Amatyma International Men’s Day approaches, more intriguing details, including a star-studded line-up of speakers, have been revealed. Prominent figures such as Abdul Khoza, Nhlanhla Lux, Mzwandile Ngubeni, Siphesihle Vazi, Eric Macheru, Simphiwe Majola, and William Lehong are set to grace the event. Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu is also on the line-up. She is set to speak on the significance of teamwork in tackling challenges related to men’s social development. Taz Singh, a life coach and medium, will talk about mental health and provide readings. There will be two events – one in Durban on November 18 at 2 Palm Boulevard, Gateway, Umhlanga Ridge, and another in Joburg on November 19 at 3166 Shinkhova St, Meadowlands West Zone 10, Soweto. International Men’s Day provides a platform to shed…

THE Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the AU Commission, Ambassador Albert Muchanga, encouraged trade ministers to be ready to accept the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) as senior delegates prepared to enter deal talks yesterday. The Agoa Forum, which has brought together government representatives from the US and Agoa-eligible countries, alongside key regional economic organisations, the private sector, civil society, and organised labour, started yesterday at Nasrec, Joburg, and runs until tomorrow. Addressing trade ministries from Agoa African countries, ambassador Muchanga said the extension of the Agoa would generate certainty and encourage investments. US Senator John Kennedy introduced the Agoa Extension Act of 2023 bill to Congress last month with the intention of extending the programme for 20 years to 2045. Congress last extended the…

We are all familiar with what anger brings about and we have all felt it, whether it’s a brief irritation or a full-blown rage. Have you noticed the way anger makes us feel? As though we are being manipulated by an emotion that’s unpredictable and powerful. Anger is a natural, healthy human emotion. If it becomes out of control and becomes destructive, it can cause problems in the overall quality of our life. How can anger be defined? Anger is an emotional condition that can be mild, irritating or intense. Like other emotions, it is associated with biological and physiological changes. No matter how it is expressed, uncontrolled anger can harm our mental health. Your heart rate and blood pressure will increase, as will your levels of energy hormones and…

Rulani Mokwena stuck to his principles of being a ‘players’ coach’ after crediting his troops for their progression to the African Football League final. Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al Ahly 1-0 on aggregate in the African Football League semi-final to progress to the two-legged decider, where they will face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. Having won 1-0 at home in the first leg, the Brazilians produced a solid performance in the return leg in Cairo on Wednesday night as they held on for a 0-0 draw. It was a sound display from Sundowns as they didn’t only come away with a result from Cairo for the third time in a row, but they reached an African final for the first time in seven years. Since winning the CAF Champions League in 2016,…

Paralympics legend Zanele Situ was lauded as a “shining beacon of hope and inspiration to our sporting nation” after her death on Wednesday. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) announced yesterday that Situ, who was a field athlete competing in a wheelchair, died at the age of 52. Being confined to a wheelchair – due to a spinal cord injury – didn’t stop Situ from becoming the first black South African female athlete to win a Paralympic gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games in javelin, for which she was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga (silver) by the Presidency. She grabbed a silver medal in discus at the same event, and then defended her javelin title successfully at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. Situ earned a bronze medal…

Most critics of the millennial age of the game of cricket, particularly on the batting front, point out the high-risk, high- reward factor, as it often does not come off well in game situations. It takes away from the old-school and glorified ‘patience’ factor to a batter’s game at the highest level. And when Rob Walter took over the reins as head coach of the Proteas white-ball teams, he spoke of being positive with bat in hand and using what would be regarded as the new-age style of play. To Walter’s delight, the plans have come off brilliantly, with the South African batting unit taking apart the best bowling attacks in the world. In particular, this new style has fitted the more explosive batters perfectly, including Quinton de Kock,…