Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-10-18 i Star

Local auto industry needs to transform or face prospect of becoming obsolete The motor industry will be breathing a big sigh of relief after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced yesterday that government policy will in future allow for a tax incentive to make new energy vehicles (NEVs) more affordable for local consumers. Speaking at the South African Auto Week held in the International Conference Centre in Cape Town yesterday, Ramaphosa said that the incentives for electric-powered vehicles will also apply to hybrid vehicles (which use normal fuels and electricity batteries), as well as potentially other fuels, such as hydrogen. The government announced its first incentives for NEVs in the Budget in February, a 150% investment allowance for expenses in the initial year of investment, effective from March 1, 2026. Additionally, the…

The board of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has officially commenced its search for a new CEO to succeed the incumbent, Abel Sithole, whose term is set to conclude in July 2025. The PIC is South Africa’s largest asset manager with R2.69 trillion assets under management. This strategic initiative reflects the board’s dedication to ensuring a smooth transition in leadership and maintaining momentum as the organisation continues to thrive in a dynamic investment landscape. The official call for applications for the CEO position will be published in media outlets over the weekend and will also be accessible on the PIC’s website. PIC chairperson David Masondo expressed gratitude towards Sithole, commending his “exceptional leadership and invaluable contribution” during his tenure. Under his stewardship, the PIC has not only stabilised but also…

The land reform programme in South Africa has faced numerous challenges, underscoring a pressing need for private sector involvement to rejuvenate the process, said the Vumelana Advisory Fund yesterday. As a non-profit organisation founded to support land reform beneficiary communities, Vumelana believes that corporate social investment (CSI) can offer vital expertise, resources, and capacity to catalyse sustainable development and enhance the effectiveness of land reform post-settlement. Peter Setou, CEO of Vumelana, highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by many land reform beneficiary communities in utilizing their land productively due to inadequate access to resources and expertise in commercial farming. He argued that without the necessary support, these communities found it challenging to thrive and contribute to national economic growth. “Channelling CSI funding into land reform can enable beneficiaries to access…

Tanzania has made a significant leap in its trade attractiveness, now ranking fourth highest in Africa, according to the Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer (SB ATB) released yesterday. This advancement is attributed to the country’s substantial investments in infrastructure and enhanced access to finance, which have energised businesses and facilitated greater engagement in cross-border trade. The findings from Issue 4 of the SB ATB, released today, highlight the dynamic changes in the trade landscape across ten African nations, reflecting both opportunities and challenges. “As Africa moves towards greater integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer offers critical insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by African businesses and stakeholders in facilitating trade,” said Philip Myburgh, group head of trade at Standard Bank…

PSG Financial Services increased recurring headline earnings a share by 28% for the six months to August 31 after high interest rates impacted positively on the results and the business continued to benefit from the competitive advantages of an advice-led model. “While operating conditions remained challenging, more favourable equity market conditions and sustained high interest rates impacted positively on the group's results,” CEO Francois Gouws said yesterday in a statement. He said they remained confident about their long-term growth prospects, and the company continued to invest in technology and people. Compared to the prior comparable period, technology and infrastructure spend increased by 20%, while fixed remuneration cost increased by 14%. “We are proud of the progress made in growing our own talent, with 77 newly qualified graduates having joined the…

Afrosoul and jazz musician Brenda Mtambo has opened up about her mental health issues. In an interview with Independent Media Lifestyle earlier this year, Mtambo spoke about suffering from anxiety and depression from time to time. She said she had been doing well and had stopped taking medication, choosing exercise and mini holidays without her kids as a way to cope instead. In a recent Instagram post, the award-winning musician has opened up about her mental health struggles returning. In a lengthy post, she detailed how her grandmother’s death triggered her condition. “My mental health is deteriorating … I know this is too much information, I am scared not talking is killing me. I don’t look like I am sick I know, but I am dying from grief, anxiety…

It’s no surprise so many recipes call for garlic – it adds delicious aroma and depth of flavour to cooking. Garlic is a herb that is grown around the world. It is related to onion, leeks and chives. It is thought that garlic is native to Siberia but spread to other parts of the world more than 5 000 years ago. Garlic is a superstar ingredient that gives meals a nutritional punch and adds wonderful flavour to recipes. It has also been used as a medicine throughout ancient and modern history. Garlic has been taken to prevent and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. For thousands of years, it has been lauded for its health benefits, which range from boosting the immune system to reducing high blood pressure…

Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to Ace Magashule, made her second appearance in the High Court in Bloemfontein on Tuesday where she faces charges of fraud and corruption pertaining to the R255 million Free State asbestos scandal dating back to 2014. The 37-year-old Political Science student was extradited from the US in August this year. She is charged alongside 18 others, including Magashule, and businessman Edwin Sodi. Cholota has been cited as the 17th accused in the 110-page State indictment. She was arrested by US authorities in April this year, while she was a student at the Bay Atlantic University in Maryland. Cholota is currently out on R2 500 bail and has maintained her innocence, citing the State’s case against her as “weak”. The State will allege that all…

Former attorney Michael Senotse Mabunda, 42, appeared in court on a charge of fraud relating to Road Accident Fund (RAF) payouts. Mabunda was served with summons in connection with a fraud case registered at the Pretoria North police station in August 2019. It is understood that Mabunda was consequently struck off the roll of attorneys by the Legal Practice Council. Gauteng spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Captain Lloyd Ramovha said they investigated after Mabunda allegedly defrauded his clients. “It was reported that Mr Mabunda, who was an attorney, lodged claims with the Road Accident Fund on behalf of his clients,” said Ramovha. “The Road Accident Fund paid an amount of R10,562,173 into his trust account. However, Mr Mabunda allegedly never transferred these…

Prostate cancer has been reported as a silent epidemic that continues to affect men globally, with alarming statistics shedding light on its increasing prevalence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, prostate cancer accounted for 14.1% of all cancers diagnosed in men, with over 1.4 million new cases and approximately 375 000 deaths reported worldwide. However, when examining the broader statistics, the figures become even more sobering for black men, who are said to face a disproportionate burden from this disease. Recent studies also indicate that one in six black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, in contrast to one in eight white men. Globally, black men are 70% more likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis than their white counterparts and twice as…

Mohamed al-Fayed was an Egyptian billionaire who owned the House of Fraser Group, the Ritz in Paris, Fulham Football Club and the flagship of his business empire, the world-famous English departmental store, Harrods. He was the boss of Harrods for 25 years. Twice he was denied British citizenship because he failed the good citizenship test. Apparently, he made “cash for questions” payments to MPs. Al-Fayed died last year, at the ripe old age of 94, but he was none the wiser for old age. Even from his grave he hogs the headlines. Though he appeared prim and proper in public and always with a smile, there was a darker side to his character. He was the monster at Harrods, preying on vulnerable women and girls in his employment. During his…

GOING into the weekend, there is a world of possibilities in the ongoing Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge as the eight domestic teams are set to play the last round of the round-robin fixtures. At the top of the standings are the North West Dragons, followed by the Lions and Titans, and all three teams have qualified for next week’s knockout stages. The Warriors currently occupy the last remaining qualification spot in fourth, with 12 points in the bag, while Western Province follow in fifth with 11 and Boland sixth on 10. At the bottom of the standings, the Knights and Dolphins sit with eight points and an outside chance of progressing to the knockout stage. The Knights will travel to Cape Town to take on a strong Western Province…

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is brimming with optimism as the Sasol League National Championships play-offs unfold in Knysna, showcasing a new wave of talent in women’s football. The event has become a melting pot of young prospects eager to make their mark, inviting teams from all nine provinces to compete for a coveted spot in the Hollywoodbets Super League next season. Ellis, who guided the national team to a Women’s Afcon triumph, is particularly encouraged by the influx of younger players into the sport. With six new clubs taking part in this year’s national championship, Ellis regards this development as a sign of healthy competition and growth at the grassroots level. “Some teams have been tagged as favourites, but they didn’t come through. That’s what football is about,” she…

South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago yesterday challenged widely-held beliefs about the relationship between inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. Delivering a special guest lecture at Stellenbosch University yesterday, Kganyago – who also has an honorary doctorate for his contributions to policy making from the university – argued that diminishing inflation rates did not necessarily equate to stagnant economic growth or climbing unemployment rates. “We have an opportunity to achieve permanently lower inflation and therefore permanently lower interest rates. Executed effectively, a lower target could be achieved at little cost, just as we moved to 4.5% at little cost,” he said. The Governor noted that the globe has recently experienced the biggest surge in inflation in a decade. “People really hate inflation. We always knew inflation was bad, and…

As the world commemorates the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - an observance celebrated annually across the world on October 17th – it is deeply concerning that Africa has the highest poverty rate in the world, despite all efforts to eliminate the scourge on the continent. Eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 is a pivotal goal of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To this effect, billions are being spent by well-meaning organisations and governments, developmental groups, corporations, and philanthropists across the world In June 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) released the 2023 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report titled Unstacking Global Poverty: Data for High-Impact Action. This comprehensive report, using pre-Covid-19 data…

Eskom group CEO Dan Marokane has announced the first four of seven new executive appointments to further address the current business challenges and future-proof the organisation through the delivery of strategic initiatives to enable growth and long-term sustainability. They are: Portia Mngomezulu as group executive of corporate services; Nontokozo Hadebe as group executive: strategy and sustainability; Roman Crookes as group executive of group capital and chief Information and Len de Villiers as chief information and technology officer. In a statement yesterday Eskom said it was aligning its executive execution capability and capacity to focus its skilled people in the best structure where they can deliver value the fastest. Marokane said, “Eskom recognised that it needed to bring in some new skills at the executive level to guide its teams…

martin hesse The implementation of the government’s “two-pot” retirement savings regime, which came into effect in September, was extremely burdensome for retirement funds – they had to work furiously to adapt their systems in time and subsequently faced a deluge of savings-pot withdrawal claims. But the process has had some hugely positive spin-offs for retirement fund members and for the industry as a whole. At a presentation at last week’s annual conference of the Institute of Retirement Funds Africa (IFRA), Andrew Davison, head of institutional business at Old Mutual Multi-Managers, and Michelle Acton, Old Mutual’s retirement reform executive, shared their learnings from the two-pot implementation process. They said the volume of claims had been high, as many people had predicted, but on the positive side, they had seen significant shifts…

Mondi is advancing its expansion plans despite facing muted trading conditions characterised by economic uncertainties, in a bold move to solidify its market presence. The packaging and paper giant recently announced its acquisition of the packaging assets of Schumacher Packaging in western Europe for €634 million (R12.3 billion). This strategic decision reflects Mondi’s commitment to bolstering its European footprint, funded by its existing financial resources. CEO Andrew King confirmed yesterday that the company was also in the final stages of investing in new paper machines at its manufacturing facilities in Steti, Czech Republic, and Duino, Italy. “Our expansionary projects remain on track. We are making good progress towards completing the paper machine investments at Steti and Duino, both expected to start up as planned,” said King. Investment in organic growth…

Multi-platinum-selling American singer and songwriter Kip Moore will perform in Pretoria tomorrow as part of his Nomad World Tour. The Hey Pretty Girl hitmaker is one of America’s biggest country artists, who fuses grudge-tinged rock ’n’ roll into his music. His latest hit, Live Here to Work, has been a resounding success since its release last month. Posduif, Martin Bester, Ray Dylan and Darius Rucker will be the supporting acts before Moore takes to the stage at 8.30pm. The musician broke into the industry in 2012 and has since released five critically acclaimed albums and written more than a dozen chart-topping singles, including Bout a Truck, Beer Money and More Girls Like You. With more than a billion streams and 2.5 million monthly listeners, he has performed sold-out headline shows…

The entertainment industry is devastated by the passing of One Direction’s Liam Payne, who died on Wednesday, October 16, aged 31, after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Charlie Puth, who worked with Payne on his 2017 single Bedroom Floor, said in his Instagram Story: "Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone. (sic)" Paris Hilton also wrote on X: "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family and loved ones. [prayer emoji] RIP my friend [crying emoji] (sic)". @Spotify posted: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Liam Payne's passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the…

Chaos in Sharpeville and Bronkhorstspruit The streets of Sharpeville, in the Vaal region, were engulfed in chaos yesterday following the tragic shooting of a local tuck shop owner the night before. In a demonstration of anger and desperation, residents of nearby Boipatong rallied for the return of their local economy, a plea that follows a series of violent incidents targeting foreign-owned spaza shops. According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, tensions flared up on Tuesday when members of the Sharpeville community began looting shops operated by foreign nationals. This wave of violence culminated in a catastrophe on Wednesday evening when a local business person was shot dead while his friend sustained serious injuries. “The community members looted foreign-owned spaza shops and on 16 October 2024, a local businessman was fatally…

A community tip-off led Moroka police to a drug bust in Danny Kekana Street, Soweto, where three suspects, aged 28 to 33, were caught with drugs valued at R24 000. Officers on patrol responded swiftly to a report of three men allegedly selling drugs. A search of the premises uncovered a stash of suspected mandrax tablets, concealed under a bed. “All three suspects were arrested for dealing and possession of suspected mandrax,” said Captain Jeff Phora, police spokesperson. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face charges. In an unrelated incident, members of the Moroka Trio Task Team narrowly escaped an ambush while patrolling Rockville, Soweto. Six men driving a white Elantra cornered the officers, with two suspects approaching the police vehicle armed with replica firearms. “The…

Police in Gauteng have requested assistance from community members in their bid to locate two men who absconded after being found guilty of murder. The wanted men – Dinesh Moodley and Ugresen Perumal – were sentenced by the High Court in Johannesburg, according to Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo. “The duo, Dinesh Moodley and Ugresen Perumal made an appeal after they were found guilty of killing Mr Avinash Manjanu in Lenasia South in 2017. The accused were each sentenced to 25 years imprisonment,” said Masondo. However, the two convicted men’s appeal was dismissed, and the court ordered the duo to hand themselves over to the authorities, to commence with their sentences. “Instead, the duo decided to abscond and disappeared,” said Masondo. “Police are appealing to anyone who might…

In an era where digital platforms both empower and constrain, former SABC Group Executive Phathiswa Magopeni urged South Africans to appreciate the dual-edged sword of freedom of expression. Magopeni was the keynote speaker during the 14th annual Percy Qoboza Memorial Lecture, hosted by the National Press Club and Unisa on Wednesday night. The lecture commemorated Black Wednesday, recalling the oppressive actions taken against the press during apartheid on October 19, 1977. The day is marked by the state’s brutal crackdown on The World and The Weekend World newspapers, which saw the arrest of Qoboza, a pivotal figure in journalism whose vigorous documentation of the apartheid regime’s injustices marked him as both a target and a brave truth-teller. In an impassioned address, Magopeni highlighted the potential of today’s digital technologies to…

Renowned actor Sello Maake kaNcube is set to light up the stage once again as he reprises his role in the powerful play The Suit, penned by the legendary South African writer Can Themba. In collaboration with Daphne Kuhn of Theatre on the Square, the Sello Maake kaNcube Foundation announced an exhilarating new production that will run from October 30 to November 19, marking a significant milestone in South African theatre. Having recently returned from a triumphant run at the National Arts Festival, which celebrated 30 years since the play was last performed there, this new production promises to be a stirring revival. The original presentation made memorable impressions, as it was performed by candlelight and gas lamps with the late Barney Simon illuminating the actors’ faces with a torch,…

Tiger Brands, a leading food company in South Africa, has emphasised the urgent need for collective action to combat food insecurity, with a specific focus on ensuring that every learner in vulnerable communities has access to a warm and nutritious meal. It is explained that the Tiger Brands Foundation’s mission aligns with World Food Day’s theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”, which aims to provide nutritious meals to every child in vulnerable communities. The Foundation provides hot, nutritious breakfasts to thousands of learners every school day, complementing the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) for primary and secondary school learners. Despite these efforts, child hunger remains a significant issue, with 12% of South Africa’s 2.6 million children still experiencing hunger. Kefiloe Mokoena, regional coordinator and…

It has been a tough old time for Henry Immelman since he joined the Bulls, but he will hope to make the most of his opportunity in tonight’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Scarlets in Llanelli (8.35pm start). Having travelled the world in playing for the likes of Montpellier and Edinburgh, the utility back from Upington decided to head home from Scotland last year and moved to Pretoria. His ability to operate at fullback and wing makes him a valuable player in such a long competition as the URC, but a series of injuries have kept him largely off the pitch. But he is back in action now, and Jake White slotted him in at No 15 yesterday in place of the rested Willie le Roux for tonight’s game…

GLOBAL mining giant BHP has announced a substantial increase in its investments, committing $104 million (R1.8 billion) to exploration and evaluation expenditure during the quarter ending last month. This represents a notable rise from the $93m allocated in the same period the previous year. Of the recent commitment, about $91m has been expensed, indicating robust momentum in projects. As BHP progresses, the company has also revealed plans to direct more than $300m towards the operation of its burgeoning potash ventures throughout the financial year, set to conclude in June next year. The lion’s share of the funding is earmarked for the first and second stages of its Jansen potash project in Canada, which is projected to produce an impressive 8.5 million tons annually. Stage 1 of the Jansen project is…

South Africa’s food security has plummeted to its lowest levels in over a decade, as outlined in the South African Food Security Index 2024 compiled by economists at Stellenbosch University. The Index, which peaked at 64.9 in 2019, has dropped to a disheartening 45.3 in 2023, reflecting a serious surge in food insecurity across the nation. The implications of this downward trend are serious. For the first time in recent years, the Index indicates that on average, more South Africans are experiencing greater levels of food deprivation than any year since records began in 2012. The journey towards ending hunger in South Africa requires unity and action from all sectors of society, to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry in a country rich in resources. Sanjeev Raghubir, chief…

JSE-listed food company, Premier, anticipates both headline and earnings per share to increase by as much as 33% in the six months to the end of September. In a trading update published yesterday, Premier said it had “achieved moderate revenue growth during the period under review despite the high-interest rate environment, constrained consumer spending and volatile soft commodity prices”. Interest rates were dropped by 0.25 percentage points on September 19, taking them down to 11.5%, while inflation eased to 4.4% as of August. Premier, which was valued at almost R14 billion on the JSE as of yesterday, reported that earnings per share were anticipated to gain by between 27% and 35% against the 326 cents reported in the previous comparative period. Headline earnings per share, a core measure of profitability…

DRDGold narrowed down cash operating costs by 4% despite elevated electricity tariffs during the quarter to September, despite grappling with higher electricity tariffs. This strategic improvement has been primarily attributed to a 7% increase in gold production, leading to a significant jump in sales volumes, which contributed to a rise in the company’s share price by 3.82% during early trade on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Shares in DRDGold surged to R19.84 in mid-morning trade, extending the company’s positive rally on the local market. DRDGold has traded stronger on the JSE in the past seven days, half-year and year to date. Investors in the company were chuffed yesterday after it said cash operating costs per kilogram of bullion had dropped 4% from the previous quarter’s threshold of R856 723 per…

Umjolo: The Gone Girl will be the first movie to premiere as part of Netflix South Africa’s first-ever film collection. Set to drop on the streaming platform on November 8, it will be the first of four productions, which “invites audiences to the world of ‘Mjoloville’”. “Umjolo serves up four captivating films that explore the unique love lives of four women as they navigate the complexities of relationships, commitment and self-discovery,” a statement read. A new film will drop each month from November to February, revealing a different chapter in each woman’s journey. Umjolo: The Gone Girl boasts an impressive roster of veteran talents, including Baby Cele, Meshack Mavuso, Gugu Gumede and Ntando Mncube. The rest of the cast includes Sibongiseni Shezi, Tyson Mathonsi, Sibusisiwe Jili, Londeka Sishi, Thobeka Shangase,…

Netflix’s romantic comedy Nobody Wants This has been renewed for a second season just weeks after its debut. Starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, the series has garnered widespread acclaim and impressive viewership numbers. The show, loosely based on creator Erin Foster's life, explores an unexpected relationship between a rabbi named Noah (Brody) and Joanne (Bell), an agnostic podcast host. Their relationship has been praised for presenting a healthy relationship as they overcome their differing outlooks on life, the modern obstacles to love as well as their often well-meaning but sometimes sabotaging families, including her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe) and his brother Sasha (Timothy Simons). The Hollywood stars have also been lauded for their on-screen chemistry on the show, which premiered on September 26, being among the “Most Watched” programmes…

Parliament has confirmed that EFF Member of Parliament (MP) Fana Mokoena, has resigned from the House. A parliamentary spokesperson told IOL yesterday that Speaker Thoko Didiza received his resignation letter. “We can confirm that the Speaker is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Mr Mokoena,” he said. According to sources, Mokoena sent his letter to the party secretary-general Marshall Dlamini last week. This was before advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane could tender her resignation letter. Mkhwebane, who is a former public protector, resigned from the EFF on Wednesday. She also resigned as an MP. In her letter, Mkhwebane stated that she wanted to focus on spending quality time with her family and loved ones. “Today, I’m saying goodbye to you, Fighters. After careful consideration and talking to my family, they…

In the wake of the six children who died last week from suspected food poisoning in Naledi, Soweto, the City of Johannesburg MMC for Health and Social Development, Ennie Makhafola, confirmed that the city is facing a shortage of health inspectors. This is after the DA revealed that the health inspector shortage was due to budget cuts in the metro’s Health and Social Development cluster. “Yes, the city does indeed have a shortage of health inspectors,” said Makhafola. According to the DA’s member of the Gauteng Legislature, Nazley Sharif, this discovery was made last Thursday during a meeting with the Joburg municipality’s regional director, Sello Lemao, and other officials. “The regional director stated that the operational budget for health and social development was R100 million 12 years ago, but has…

The launch of a new student accommodation facility in Johannesburg by Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, yesterday has once again highlighted the scourge of construction mafias under the guise of business forums. Vuyolwethu Myoli, founder of Property Developers and Construction (PDC), recently unveiled the 57 on Bok Street facility in collaboration with the provincial Human Settlements Department, alongside representatives of the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF). The facility is set to accommodate over 200 students, a crucial addition to the growing demand for student housing in the bustling city. Reflecting on his journey, Myoli shared the numerous hurdles he encountered before realising his dream of constructing these necessary living spaces. “We purchased the property in 2016, with the transfer to our name completed by 2017. One of our biggest…

EXECUTIVE mayor Nasiphi Moya led a road safety operation on Wednesday night in Tshwane, targeting drunken drivers and promoting responsible road use. The Tshwane Metro Police Department operation, held on Sefako Makgatho Drive in Montana, aimed to safeguard the city’s streets and save lives, especially with the holiday season looming and transport month in full swing. Mayor Moya expressed her support for the metro police officers, who were joined by the SAPS and private security personnel. She emphasised the importance of sustainability in programmes aimed at reducing fatalities and accidents on the road. “This is our transport month and we had a lot of programmes this month. What is important is that we are heading to the festive season and we need to make sure there is sustainability in the…

The people of Moretele, Mamelodi, and lovers of gospel music are getting ready for the 2024 edition of the Kasi Worship Concert, which is scheduled to make a significant return to Moretele Park, Mamelodi, on November 30. The concert’s purpose is to promote hope, healing, and the fight against drug addiction, which is a common problem in Mamelodi. This year, the event promises not only a night of soul-stirring performances but also a concerted effort to unite the community in addressing critical social issues, particularly drug addiction and poverty. The concert, featuring a stellar line-up of gospel luminaries including J Ross – an internationally award-winning worshipper – Keke Phofolo, and Abathandwa, aims to foster a sense of togetherness through the transformative power of music and spiritual worship. J Ross, who…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has enjoyed a record-breaking start to his tenure at Anfield, but has been measured in his response as he says they have yet to face a top side, although that is all about to change with the visit of in-form Chelsea. Dutchman Slot, the first Liverpool manager to win nine of his first 10 games in charge, must now steer the leaders through a tough schedule, with a gruelling run of 10 games in three competitions that could go a long way to shaping their season. Liverpool have 18 points after seven games, having scored 13 goals and conceded two, to stand a point ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal, while Chelsea are fourth on 14. “I looked at the league table and okay, which teams…

The Lions are brimming with confidence – and who could blame them after three fine victories from three matches to sit third in the United Rugby Championship standings. But this weekend, they must guard against the greatest of rugby foes: complacency. Zebre, if we can all be honest with ourselves, are not a team that should strike any fear into any team, whether that be at home or away – but therein lies the danger. The Lions are expected to win their URC clash in Parma tomorrow (1.30pm kick-off), and it is expected that it will be a handsome victory at that. Moreover, the Lions have never lost to Zebre in three outings, outscoring this weekend’s hosts 139-80. Since the inception of the URC in the 2021/22 season, the Italian…