Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-07-14 i Star

Spare parts management is having great repercussions for maintenance AS SOUTH Africans face increased levels of load shedding this week there is hope on the horizon after Eskom has assured the public that it would soon be buying all the spares required to fix its frequently breaking coal-fired power plants from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in a bid to improve its plant performance. Stage 6 is now expected on Saturday and Sunday. Eskom’s general manager for engineering Thomas Conradie yesterday said the power utility was busy investing in technologies and improving a process of better control of spares, from the receiving to storage, and inventory management. The struggling power utility has previously been accused of corruption in the procurement of quality spares at the right time and the right price…

RMH HOLDINGS said yesterday a record- ing of a private conversation between RMH’s CEO Brian Roberts and CFO Ellen Marais mistakenly disseminated to the market on July 11, 2023, had since been removed. The group, which held an investor call on the day, had done a system test prior to the commencement of the formal results call, which had erroneously included the private conversation between RMH executives in preparation of the call, and which had been disseminated to the market. The recording had been replaced, the company said in a statement. “RMH acknowledges some of the contents of the private conversation is not in line with the standard of professionalism RMH or its employees have always adopted, for which we apologise,” it said. RMH said it would like to reiterate…

THE COMPETITION Tribunal has announced that it has granted Shoprite Checkers some time to phase out the long-term exclusive lease agreements. The tribunal has dismissed most of the other amendments sought by the retailer. Shoprite has to phase out all exclusivity provisions by December 2024. In 2019, the Competition Commission’s Grocery Retail Market Inquiry released a report which stated that exclusivity lease agreements were pre- valent, anti-competitive, and harmful to consumers and smaller retailers. At the time, the commission decided that large retailers should co-operate on their own rather than immediately choosing litigation to get them to comply. Shoprite was the first national supermarket chain to voluntarily conclude a consent agreement with the Competition Commission following the release of its Grocery Retail Market Inquiry (GRMI) report in November 2019. “The…

Last Friday marked the beginning of the 2023 income tax filing season for South African taxpayers. Non-provisional taxpayers have until October 23 to file their returns and provisional taxpayers have until January 24 next year. If you’re lucky, you won’t have to do a thing – or very little. You may fall below the income tax threshold, or fall below the threshold of having to file a tax return, or your return may have been pre-populated by the SA Revenue Service (Sars) and “auto-assessed”. However, if your financial affairs are more complicated, you may have to add further information to your tax return before you can be assessed by the revenue service. If you are a provisional taxpayer, you’ll have to do most of the drudge work yourself or…

OVER THE PAST decade, the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) has emerged as a major investor across Africa, with a growing number of trade deals that significantly benefit both regions. Foreign Direct Investments from the GCC into Africa from 2012 to 2022 saw $101.9 billion (R1.86 trillion) invested in 628 projects, while African investment in the GCC over the same period was $3bn in 141 projects. The GCC – especially the UAE – has an expanding number of partnerships with African nations. In 2018 alone, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development financed over 66 projects in 28 African countries, totalling $16.6bn. This investment has helped drive Africa’s development agenda, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and boost economic activity in 28 countries, profoundly impacting the continent’s landscape, aligning with Agenda 2063: The…

HBO drama Succession, the story of a cut-throat fight for control of a family’s media empire, led the nominees for television’s Emmy awards on Wednesday with 27 nods for the show’s final season. Nominations for the highest honours in television were announced as Hollywood was in the throes of labour tensions that may delay the Emmys ceremony beyond its normal September date. Film and TV writers walked off the job two months ago, and actors also went on strike yesterday. When the Emmys do take place, two-time best drama winner Succession will vie for the trophy alongside fellow HBO show The Last of Us, a dystopian videogame adaptation that landed a second-best 24 Emmy nominations. “Thank you to the Television Academy for sending us off in such style,” said Succession…

SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST (S1) NETFLIX After a bad break-up, passionate stylist Mavis Beaumont seizes the opportunity to start over in life and love while finding happiness on her own terms. MUVHANGO SABC2 AT 9PM Tenda gets the shock of his life when an unexpected guest pays him a visit in his ward. The Motsamaises · get the shock of their lives when real evidence lands on their doorstep. Vhutshilo finally takes a stand against his bully. ISITHA – THE ENEMY E.TV AT 9.30PM Enhle consoles Matshidiso and suggests that she go to school to better herself. Enhle gets an idea when MaDlamini joins her lecture and offers to pay. Detective Knight: Rogue M-Movies 2, DStv channel 106 at 10.05PM Mask-wearing robbers critically wound detective James Knight's partner during a…

Kliptown Square, where Freedom Charter signed, stripped bare by cable thieves, vandalised Cable thieves and scrap metal syndicates have stripped the iconic Kliptown Square. The site of the 1955 signing of the Freedom Charter is now only a shell of what it once was because of the recent turmoil in July 2021, which led to an increase in electricity theft and sewer and water leaks. Built on a budget of R436 million and unveiled to much fanfare in 2005, the precinct has gone from being a beacon of hope and a centre of Soweto’s rich history to becoming a white elephant amid dilapidated infrastructure, including a lack of electricity and no functioning ablution facilities. The whole precinct has been without electricity for over five months. Public toilets for…

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has welcomed the judgment by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, dismissing Sakeliga’s application seeking access to the management reports of municipalities issued by her office. She said the judgment was an endorsement of her office’s independence. In bringing this application, Sakeliga sought an order that would instruct the institution to release the management reports issued in respect of 154 municipalities across South Africa. The Constitution provides that all the auditor-general’s reports must be made public. However, Judge Jan Swanepoel found that the management reports prepared by the auditor-general were not “reports” in the sense of the term used in the relevant section of Constitution. The judge said the auditor-general was thus not under a constitutional obligation to make the management reports public. He said management reports differed…

Launched in South Africa on June 1, the new offering is a first on the African continent. “This addition to the iconic Heineken® portfolio brings an unparalleled level of crispness and smoothness, offering both beer enthusiasts and a host of new fans a premium taste experience like no other,” say the makers in a statement. “The innovation behind Silver is one of the most significant over the past 150 years of the Heineken® brand and is set to captivate a younger audience that seeks a beer that not only satisfies their taste buds but also aligns with their desire for moderation and style.” Marcel Swain, head of marketing at Heineken®, expressed pride in introducing this innovative alcoholic beverage to Africa, “where beer culture is vibrant and ever-evolving”. “Through distinctive the…

A Gauteng judge has sentenced two men to an effective 82 years behind bars for committing a series of crimes that included murder and hijacking. Tshepo Aubrey Mokoena, 33, and Sibusiso Elvis Hlatshwayo, 30, from Ekangala, were this week sentenced in the North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. The duo, who pleaded guilty, asked the court to give them a suspended sentence because they had children to care for. However, the State went on to prove its case, which showed that Mokoena and Hlatshwayo were criminals. This included kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. In the first incident, on June 12, 2019, the duo hijacked a 56-year-old man while he was visiting a friend in Soshanguve. NPA provincial spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the duo approached…

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, underlines that dreams are the image of a wish or impulse that has been bottled up by an increased number of individuals. Put simply: a dream is a roadmap that reflects our deepest needs and wishes. But how is it that some of our dreams feel so real? Dreams that feel real happen when our brain activity is intensified during the rapid eye movement (REM) portion of our sleep cycle. REM can be translated into the sleepiness stage, when our eyes move back and forth under our closed eyelids as we begin to dream. During this stage, dreams are the stories the brain tells our mind. This increased blood flow to the brain increases activity, giving us more colourful and realistic- looking dreams. Dreams…

Banyana Banyana have one more hurdle to clear before they can plot their bid to make history by reaching the World Cup knockout stages. Banyana haven’t had the best World Cup preparations as they had an issue with Safa, which resulted in them boycotting their send-off match against Botswana, while they cited financial obligations that weren’t signed off. But that was resolved following the timely intervention of the Motsepe Foundation, Ithuba and the ANC Youth League, who topped up the sum that the players were supposed to get from the Fifa grant. With that out of the way, the Africans champions last week flew to New Zealand, where they’ll be based for their Group G matches against Sweden, Argentina and Italy. The three matches will determine their knockout stage fate…

Daniil Medvedev admits he is wary of Carlos Alcaraz’s “one brutal shot” which could kill off his hopes of upsetting the world’s top player in their Wimbledon semi-final. Medvedev battled back to defeat unseeded Christopher Eubanks in five sets and reach the last four at the All England Club for the first time on Wednesday. He will face top seed and US Open champion Alcaraz today with a healthy respect for the Spaniard’s raw power. “If you give him one easy shot, you can be in trouble,” said Medvedev. “There are big chances you’re going to get a winner with, let’s say, Novak (Djokovic) or Rafa (Nadal) – you kind of feel like you can have a chance to get to this shot. “But with Carlos, you’re not going to…

If the ever-growing confidence of Springbok fans needed to be nipped in the bud, the selection of the All Blacks team for tomorrow’s Rugby Championship clash in Auckland should’ve done the trick. Following last week’s 43-12 thumping of the Wallabies in Pretoria, South Africans can be forgiven for thinking the Boks can knock over the New Zealanders at Mount Smart Stadium (kick-off 9.05am). They played some exhilarating rugby at Loftus Versfeld, mixing panache with traditional power and that performance bodes well for their Rugby World Cup campaign. But All Blacks coach Ian Foster rolled out the heavyweights when he named his team yesterday to take on the world champions and it’s going to be a proper contest. The major change in the backline sees Richie Mo’unga reinstated at flyhalf from…

The Springboks’ World Cup hand will become a bit clearer after tomorrow’s second Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand in Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium (kick-off 9.05am). After dispatching Australia last weekend in Pretoria with some scintillating attacking rugby, the Boks look set to return to their traditional strength, the set-piece, against the All Blacks. The scrums and line-outs were excellent against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld but it’s the manner in which the Boks varied their attacking game-plan that really caught the eye. It’s not every Test where the Boks run the ball from their own 22m area and end up in their opponents’ red zone after making the ball do the work among the backs. But it’s something that supporters want to see more of and this All Blacks…

SOUTH Africa is a step closer to establishing a State-owned bank after Gau- teng Finance MEC Jacob Mamabolo yesterday announced that the due diligence report on the entity had been finalised. Amid dominance of traditional lenders such as Standard Bank, Nedbank, FNB and Absa among others, South Africa has long mulled the idea of a State-owned bank, which could broaden financial inclusion, extending to township entrepreneurs among others, while also strengthening the economy. The report had been handed over to the Gauteng provincial government. “This is a major milestone that we have reached and gives the process of establishing the state bank a thumbs up. “We are now in a better position to move to the next level to consult with the Premier and consult broadly with stakeholders including the…

THE RAND GAINED strongly yesterday, touching its highest in more than three months and extending the previous day’s rally as cooling US inflation further dented the dollar. The risk-sensitive rand traded as strong as R17.9125 to the dollar by 5.10pm, its firmest since April 5. The dollar continued to slump on global markets in the wake of a slower-than-expected US inflation reading on Wednesday that raised hopes the Federal Reserve will hit the pause button on interest rate hikes after this month. The rand’s gains came despite local mining output declining by 0.8% in May following a revised rise of 3.2% in April. Miners face headwinds including the worst rolling blackouts on record, a major drag on power-hungry sectors. Senior economist at FNB Thanda Sithole said the decline in mining…

MINERAL Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said yesterday that despite the government’s optimism that social partners in the mining industry would embrace the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) as a regulatory instrument, the industry had not. Mantashe was speaking at the MPRDA review summit held yesterday. The summit aims to identify legislative gaps in the industry and is a multi-stakeholder platform to identify strategies for determining the future regulatory regime for the South African mining industry. Mantashe said the MPRDA and the mining charter were designed as appropriate tools for transformation. “It is regrettable that, 20 years after the enactment of the MPRDA, the industry has not fully embraced these regulatory instruments. This is evidenced by the sustained legal battles on transformation, which depicts the industry’s…

THE SOUTH African economy is currently plagued by both cyclical and structural challenges that are negatively impacting market sentiment. Business confidence is especially low, while elevated inflation, higher interest rates and a weakening currency suggest consumers are likely to come under increased pressure in the current environment. Government policy uncertainty and South Africa’s unreliable electricity supply are specific structural concerns that investors are also grappling with. Markets are often not a reflection of the real economy. This is especially true in South Africa, where low levels of savings have limited most of the population from investing in listed assets. While tough economic conditions and political instability present a difficult backdrop for investors, it is important to recognise that markets are inherently forward-looking. In the long term markets tend to be…

We may be deep in the winter season but that doesn’t mean activities have to stop. A lot is happening in July and August, with the first one being Mandela Month and the other Women’s Month, respectively. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Joburg or to learn a new skill, here are some events you can attend. Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Fun Walk If you love children and enjoy walking, don’t miss the Children’s Fun Walk held by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund as part of its annual celebration. Taking place tomorrow, the walk will leave from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital – 6 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg – at 8am, go past the offices of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and enter the Johannesburg Zoo, for…

Siya Kolisi has expressed deep gratitude for wife Rachel, stating that none of his achievements would have been possible without her, during a conversation with media personality Siv Ngesi. In the video clip shared on Instagram, Siya recognised Rachel’s significant role in their marriage, family and career, emphasising that none of his achievements would have been possible without her support. Siya shared that Rachel has been his rock, supporting him through challenging times and believing in his potential. He also recounted how Rachel stood by him when he was not in a good place, taking in two other children and helping him create a family. Siya acknowledges her unwavering love and support, even during his lowest moments, and appreciates her belief in his ability to become a better person. “I…

The Constitutional Court has dismissed an application by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), which wanted to appeal the ruling that effectively sent former president Jacob Zuma back to jail to finish his sentence. His jailing sparked the July 2021 unrest in which KZN and Gauteng businesses were looted and burnt, and more than 350 people were killed. In a ruling yesterday afternoon, the apex court dismissed the main application by the department. It also dismissed the application to intervene, which was made by Zuma’s legal team. It said both had no prospects of success, effectively sending Zuma back to jail without giving time lines for when this should happen. “The Constitutional Court has considered the application for leave to appeal (main application) and the application to intervene.…

The Tax Justice South Africa (TJSA) has called on South Africans to reject the proposed tobacco control bill to avoid handing over even more billions to criminals already using loopholes to gain exorbitant profits. According to the TJSA, the introduction of the Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill would hand complete control of the country’s cigarette market to criminal tobacco barons who were already stealing more than R20 billion a year in much-needed tax revenue. The bill was presented in Parliament on May 31 by the National Department of Health before the portfolio committee on health. TJSA founder Yusuf Abramjee said, as it stood, the proposed draconian rules would turbo-charge the trade for organised crime that was already looting state revenue on an industrial scale, while crippling law-abiding manufacturers…

We have a crisis. Trucks are going up in flames again. Since Sunday, 21 trucks have been torched on our national roads. And again, like the July riots two years ago, the government dithered. Instead of immediately deploying all available police and troops to the troubled spots on the highways, it was sitting around and deliberating about the cause of the mayhem and what to call it. An emergency requires a quick response. You have to have to cut out the red tape and take extraordinary measures in a crisis. When a man is lying on the ground, wounded, you don’t stand around and debate the cause of his wound but act immediately to stop the bleeding and save his life. What is our government’s response? It has an obsession…

South Africa’s dreamy safari locations, pristine beaches, enchanting mountains and romantic winelands have been given a thumbs-up by readers from the UK. Telegraph readers in the UK recognised South Africa as the supreme tourist destination and voted Mzansi as “The Best Country” and Cape Town “The Best City in The World” at the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards. According to South African Tourism, the Telegraph Travel Awards are distinguished platform within the travel industry and recognise destinations that captivate the imagination and leave an indelible mark on visitors. It said South Africa’s accolades, voted for by 27 000 passionate readers, underscore the country’s unparalleled natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural experiences. The body responsible for the promotion of South African tourism in international markets revealed that the country welcomed…

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has made yet another bizarre finding while unblocking a sewage system in Mfuleni. This discovery of a bucket full of forks and teaspoons and also a mattress, was pulled out of the sewer in Lavender Hill on June 21. Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, warned residents to be mindful of what they do with their waste following multiple discoveries of items that are not meant to be flushed down the drainage. Tyres, rags, clothes, buckets full of teaspoons and forks and even a TV and car parts are some of the not-so-expected things that have been removed by the city’s employees to clear Cape Town’s blocked sewer pipes. “While the city is taking proactive measures to help reduce…

Ons Jabeur showed that it is sometimes better to float like a butterfly than sting like a bee as her wily artistry overcame the brutal hitting of Aryna Sabalenka to reach her second Wimbledon final with a 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-3 victory yesterday. Jabeur, beaten by Kazakh Elena Rybakina in last year’s final, looked destined to suffer more heartbreak on Centre Court when she lost the opening set, but her delicate strokeplay and clever angles eventually subdued the relentless power of Belarusian Sabalenka. The victory set up a final between the Tunisian sixth seed and unseeded Czech Marketa Vondrousova, the former French Open finalist who ended the hopes of Ukrainian Elina Svitolina earlier. Jabeur, was also runner-up at last year’s US Open, lost a tense first set tiebreak and fell…

Mapaseka Makhanya is delighted the Soweto Marathon is confirmed to take place this year following earlier doubts, but she is saddened the popular race will not be televised by the public broadcaster. It was announced on Wednesday that the People’s Race would be run on November 5, with African Bank as the headline sponsor, and that SuperSport will show the event. Athletics South Africa president James Moloi said that their four-year broadcast deal with the pay channel includes the Soweto Marathon. He added that any other broadcaster keen on the race would have to negotiate with SuperSport. While she understands that contracts have to be honoured, Makhanya – a Soweto native who runs for Diepkloof Athletics Club and finished second in the marathon six years ago – could not hide…

Former Fifa Puskas Award nominee Oscarine Masuluke has joined Stellenbosch Football Club on a permanent transfer from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC. In 2017 Masuluke captured the imagination of fans around the world after he famously scored a goal with an epic bicycle kick. The goalkeeper’s acrobatic effort happened six minutes into stoppage time of a Telkom Cup match against Orlando Pirates in 2016. The 30-year-old goalkeeper arrives with a wealth of experience. He has made nearly 200 career appearances across the DStv Premiership, National First Division and domestic cup competitions. Stellenbosch’s shopping spree continued yesterday when former SA youth international Thabo Moloisane joined the Winelands club on a free transfer. The 24-year-old defender joins the club on a long-term deal after playing 27 times across all competitions for…

Mercedes will be taking a good look at McLaren’s latest upgrade for clues about how their Formula One rivals have made such a leap in lap time, technical director James Allison said on Wednesday. McLaren finished second and fourth in Sunday’s British Grand Prix with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri respectively, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was third for Mercedes and George Russell fifth. Norris’ podium was his Mercedes-powered team’s first of the season after a poor start. The race at Silverstone was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the double world champion’s sixth straight victory and the team’s 11th in a row but the battle behind is intense with fortunes fluctuating according to upgrades. “We keep an eye on all the teams as they upgrade,” Allison said in…

ACTIVITY in the mining sector in South Africa is expected to remain on a contractionary territory in the months ahead due to the return of heightened power cuts after surprising on the downside in May. Data from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) yesterday showed that mining production unexpectedly shrank by 0.8% year-on-year in May following an upwardly revised 3.2% rise in April, dragged lower by the platinum group metal (PGMs) and diamond output. The May print worse than predictions of a 2.0% year-on-year expansion as output grew for the first time in April after 14 consecutive months of annual decline. StatsSA’s principal survey statistician, Juan-Pierre Terblanche, said that amongst the five major mining divisions, output in platinum group metals declined materially by 7.2% from a year ago after declining by 4.6%…

THE UPTAKE of electric vehicles in South Africa is expected to increase as more charging stations and new vehicle models become available, Mercedes-Benz South Africa co-CEO and executive director Mark Raine said at the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Constantiaberg dealership in Cape Town’s southern suburbs yesterday. The dealership is owned by Super Group Dealerships and is the second in South Africa that has adapted to the Mercedes-Benz luxury retail brand appearance since the global launch in 2018 and South African launch in 2019. Rainer also provided a “sneak pre- view” of the 7th Mercedes-Benz fully electric model intended for the South African market soon, the EQS SUV. Super Group Dealerships CEO Graeme Watson said in an online briefing more of the luxury consumer-centric dealerships would be opened around the country,…

THE COMPETITION Commission has reached a settlement with Unilever South Africa, which will pay a R16 million penalty without admission of liability and undertake a range of empowerment initiatives, on a matter relating to the alleged division of markets between two companies on margarine and edible oils. The commission said yesterday that the possible market division case against Unilever had been filed with the Competition Tribunal for confirmation. “With agreements like the one with Unilever, the commission preserves the spirit of healthy competition, protects the rights of consumers, and paves the way for a thriving marketplace built on integrity and shared prosperity,” said Commissioner Doris Tshepe in a statement. Unilever could not be reached for further comment on the matter yesterday. In 2017 the commission referred a case against…

If there’s anything Khanyi Mbau can do, it’s pulling off rich b**** vibes. The actress and reality TV star showed us her boss moves while doing a promo video for exclusive media brand, The Billionaires Club. The opening scene shows Mbau being chauffeured to her private plane while dressed in designer clothing. In the famous words of Fergie, Mbau was “flyin’ the first class, up in the sky. Poppin’ champagne. Livin’ my life in the fast lane”. The video was to promote The Billionaires Club’s GLAM GALA. The exclusive event is by invite only and is said to attract the crème de la crème of the Dubai social scene. According to the Instagram post accompanying the video, the event “promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with luxury, style, glitz…

A woman believed to be Makhosi Khoza’s sister has accused the former ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal leader of being a bully and psychopath. In a video circulating on social media, the woman identified herself as Khoza’s younger sister. She said she decided enough was enough after witnessing her sister burning a live goat for ritual purposes. The woman said after burning the goat in what was described as a traditional ceremony, she threw three live chickens into the river, leaving some family members shocked. The woman said that she was not jealous of Khoza but wanted South Africa to know what kind of person her sister was. “This woman needs help; she has a mental illness. All the time in April we lost family members; last week she burnt a goat alive…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Serious Corruption Investigation team this week raided Free State Social Development MEC Motshidisi Koloi’s properties in Bloemfontein and Gauteng, seizing documents and electronic devices. The surprise visit came after the court issued a search warrant following allegations of money laundering and corruption against Koloi. Without mentioning Koloi’s name, Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed to the Falcons that a raid was conducted at Koloi’s properties on Wednesday. “On July 12, members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Serious Corruption Investigation based in Bloemfontein were assisted by relevant stakeholders to execute search and seizure operations at properties linked to a Free State member of the executive council (MEC). The searches were conducted in the Free State and Gauteng simultaneously. “Allegations of…

A top Durban surgeon has had to admit at least six diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy to hospital this week for burning themselves with a heater without realising it while using it to stay warm. Dr Vinesh Padayachy a vascular surgeon at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, said for diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, using heaters can be a dangerous proposition. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes damage to the nerves in the feet and legs. This damage can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain. In some cases, it can also make it difficult to feel heat. If a diabetic patient with peripheral neuropathy sits too close to a heater, they may not be able to feel the heat getting too high. This can lead to serious burns.…

THE LATE presidential spokesperson, Ronald “Ronnie” Mamoepa has been honoured among celebrated giants of the Struggle era. His stature, associated with the likes of Chris Hani, Ruth First, Zachariah Keodirelang “ZK” Matthews, Govan Mbeki, Lilian Ngoyi and Charlotte Maxeke, was confirmed at a wreath-laying ceremony at Freedom Park in Pretoria this week at which the Ronnie Moepa Foundation was launched in his honour. He died in 2017 while serving as spokesperson for then-deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa. The commemoration, under the theme, “Recommitting the legacy of Ronnie Mamoepa through social activism” was graced by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who gave the keynote address and saw guests observe the wreath-laying at the Wall of Names. Friends and families of liberation movements were also present. Mamoepa was described as a consummate professional characterised…

A police data typist was arrested on Wednesday for operating as a loan shark after he was allegedly found with 120 different bank cards belonging to his “clients” in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the suspect, 52, was arrested after information was received regarding an SAPS member operating an unregistered business. “A search warrant was obtained and executed. During the search the member was found in possession of 120 different bank cards belonging to victims who came and lent money against interest payable.” Sekgotodi said the suspect was arrested and charged with fraud and is expected to appear at the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Meanwhile, the head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nicholas Jacobus Gerber, appealed to members of the public to…

Move The Nation in partnership with Isuzu, brings you the Impact Run, where we recognise and celebrate active living, future fit choices, the power of corporates and contribution to society. Enter as an individual or team and get the opportunity to run a 5km, 10km or 21km in the “Richest Square Mile in Africa”. When you register as a team, you and your teammates stand a chance to run the 12km, 22km or 42km in Ibiza next year. The team entry has flexibility where the team can choose to run: The same distance and start and finish as a group. The same distance at different paces. Different distances. The event includes a Corporate Executives Challenge, where corporates can enter their leaders into the event in teams of four. Each corporate…

Someone in South Africa woke up smiling yesterday, after winning the Lotto jackpot worth over R44 million. According to the information received from Mokwane Mathibela, Ithuba’s Draw Officer, the winner will walk away with R44,331,253.90 for draw 2350. A total of 35 people had five numbers correct and will each win an amount of R8 214. The Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 jackpots have rolled over to July 15 and the jackpots are estimated at R22,5 million and R12 million, respectively. This week, a Joburg mother who won R3,9 million in the Powerball jackpot said her first plans to spend her money included installing solar panels at her business. The Springs woman is a regular player of Lotto games and won via the Standard Bank banking app. In…

IN recent years, the political landscape of South Africa has undergone significant changes. The ANC, once the dominant political force, is now losing ground in many provinces and is at risk of losing the national vote in 2024. This shift in political power has the potential to be disastrous for the country, as it could lead to a coalition of convenience that lacks experience, expertise and any meaningful input in government. The current state of South Africa is far from ideal. The country has been embroiled in state capture scandals, corruption in government, and rising unemployment. Poverty and homelessness continue to be a pressing issue, with millions of South Africans reliant on state grants to survive. While it is possible that a new political order could emerge in the wake…

The Springboks who travelled to New Zealand ahead of the Rugby Championship opening match will have to pull their socks up to maintain the level set against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld last weekend. And, warned South Africa scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, if they are not switched on from the first whistle, the All Blacks can cause mayhem in the second match at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland tomorrow (kick-off 9.05am). The arch rivals will square up for top spot on the Championship log in their first meeting ahead of the World Cup in France. They will also play each other at Twickenham in London later this year. According to De Klerk, it’s going to be imperative to follow up the victory over Australia with another good performance. “The way…

South Africa will face African heavyweights Nigeria in the Group C continental qualifiers for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The draw for the qualifiers was completed in Ivory Coast yesterday evening. The other Group C teams that Bafana coach Hugo Broos and his team will face are Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho. Zimbabwe were last-minute inclusions in the qualifying draw after world governing body Fifa lifted their two-year ban on Tuesday. South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan, vice-president Bennett Bailey and CEO Lydia Monyepao were present at the draw, which was conducted at the 45th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Group A teams include Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Djibouti, while the Group B teams are Senegal, along with the Democratic Republic…

Lionel Messi’s hopes of enjoying a quieter life in Florida for the final years of his career may prove to be wishful thinking, with the Argentine star already lined up for a whole series of publicity events. Messi will take part in a glitzy presentation at the club’s stadium on Sunday, which has been branded “The Unveil”, with the club promising musical entertainment for the expected capacity 18 000 crowd. The event will be broadcast on Apple TV and parts of it are sure to be syndicated to other television networks. Then the following day, Inter Miami have announced a “major press conference” with Messi expected to attend along with the club’s owners, probably including co-owner David Beckham. Tuesday is earmarked to be Messi’s first full training session with his…

After falling to heavy defeats in their Rugby Championship openers last weekend, Australia and Argentina will be desperate to get their World Cup preparations back on track when they meet at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney tomorrow. The clash pitches former Randwick club mates Eddie Jones and Michael Cheika against each other in a coaching rivalry that enjoyed some incendiary moments when the former was in charge of England and the latter Australia. Jones enjoyed very much the upper hand with England winning all seven Tests, including the 40-16 thrashing of the Wallabies in the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals that brought an end to Cheika’s reign as Australia coach. Cheika got some revenge when Argentina stunned England last November, and presented a chilled demeanour yesterday when he named his team for…