Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-11-06 i Star

South Africa’s private sector maintained its growth trajectory in October, bolstered by a decline in business costs and selling prices, according to a purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey released yesterday. The S&P Global South Africa PMI fell to 50.6 in October 2024, down from a 13-month high of 51.0 in September, indicating continued, but marginally slower private sector growth, the S&P website showed. The continued private sector expansion was also reflected by the release on Monday of Standard Bank’s PMI, which had stayed above the 50.0 mark, signalling expansion, due to factors including eased load-shedding, interest rate cuts, and stronger performance of the rand, although there remain economic challenges, said TreasuryONE Currency Strategist Andrew Cilliers in a note. The S&P Global South Africa PMI showed business activity and new orders…

The Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, working with Infrastructure South Africa, has established an infrastructure pipeline valued at R64 billion. Opening the first meeting of the Minister and MECs (MINMEC) of Public Works & Infrastructure across all nine provinces for the seventh administration in Cape Town yesterday, Minister Dean Macpherson outlined projects spanning critical sectors such as energy, water, logistics and housing, all set to be included in this pipeline in the years ahead. “These projects have been carefully selected because we believe they will deliver maximum impact both by creating jobs for our people and by providing essential services to our communities in dire need. “It is now common knowledge that the state does not have sufficient funds to support these ambitious infrastructure programme. Therefore new and innovative…

The Workers Month beknown as “Red October” during which trade unions across the world campaign and rally to commemorate their toil and to make renewed calls for a better world of work and of decent work, has come and gone. Decent work as demanded by workers of the world means opportunities for work that is productive, with a fair and equitable income, security in the workplace, social protection, higher prospects for personal development, freedom to organise and participate in decisions making. Overall, decent work is the sum of the aspirations of people in their working lives. Clouded by a climate of uncertainty in the fragile coal mining sector and its broader value chain, this Red October was an opportune moment to reflect on the coal sector that was, as it…

South African gold miner, Pan African Resources has increased its stake in Tennant Consolidated Mining Group in Australia by 92%, bringing its total acquisition consideration for the transaction to $54.2 million whilst it has suspended its exploration activities in Sudan. Pan African Resources CEO Cobus Loots said recently that South Africa's mining sector investment climate has improved, highlighting that the company was set to benefit from years of investment into alternative electricity, which would lower costs. Investing in the Australian company will help spread its portfolio and geographical risks as it looks forward to accrue returns for the latest acquisition in the next three years. "Payback of initial capital investment is expected in less than three years at an average gold price of approximately $2,600/oz, with the base case financial…

RAPPER Sean “Diddy” Combs has asked a judge to stop potential witnesses speaking out about the allegations against him. The 54-year-old was arrested in September over charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He is also facing several civil lawsuits. His legal team have filed a motion asking the court to expedite the process of responding to the request to restrict statements made outside court, citing one potential witness in particular. According to TMZ, a man named Courtney Burgess has given multiple interviews in recent days, including speaking to them with his lawyer, Ariel Mitchell. The I’ll Be Missing You hitmaker said his statements were untrue and defamatory. Mitchell told the publication that Burgess had been called to testify because he had, or had seen, salacious…

James van der Beek has been dealing with his cancer diagnosis “privately” and would have preferred to personally tell his loved ones about it, instead of them finding out about it through the media. The 47-year-old actor revealed on Sunday that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in an interview with People magazine but shortly afterwards, he took to social media to claim that the announcement had not happened on his “preferred timeline” and there were others he would have rather told in person before the news broke. He wrote on Instagram: “I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialling in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll…

The woman was approached by a man claiming to be a prominent businessman Lars Niehaus, 64, who claimed to be an influential businessman from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been released on R50 000 bail after he was arrested for allegedly luring a woman to invest R2 million in a coltan mining scheme, with promises that her investment would be safe. The woman was told that the company in the DRC already possessed a licence to import minerals into South Africa. Niehaus appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where his case was postponed to November 14. Niehaus was the third suspect to be arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks. The specialised police unit’s serious commercial crime investigation section has been…

A 49-year-old man who killed his partner following a domestic dispute has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Louis Serenetra Moyo was convicted and sentenced in the High Court, Gauteng Division for the murder of his partner, Thobile Grace Khoza. In addition to murder, Moyo was sentenced to an additional six months in jail for illegally being in South Africa. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng said the murder incident took place on March 12, 2024. Police investigations revealed that the couple had been cohabiting since 2020. NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the argument reportedly revolved around R15 000 in Khoza’s bank account, which Moyo intended to use for paying lobola. “During the confrontation, Moyo brutally assaulted Khoza using various objects, ultimately stabbing her, and leaving her to bleed to…

As communities across South Africa demand answers over the rampant cases of suspected food poisoning and deaths of learners, the government has appealed for calm, insisting that it is probing the deaths. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said South Africa has recently experienced outbreaks of food-borne illnesses that have led to the tragic deaths of children and numerous hospitalisations across the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. “These incidents are not only a public health challenge but also a tragedy for the affected families and communities, and government extends heartfelt condolences to all who have lost their loved ones,” said Nomonde Mnukwa, acting government spokesperson. “Government is coordinating comprehensive investigations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and has adopted an integrated approach that is…

Generation Z (Gen Z) – those born between 1997 and 2012 – was raised during uncertain times, making them socially conscious. This has opened them up to new ways of thinking about the future and doing things, as well as questioning the ways things are done, including conflict resolution. As the first true native digital generation, Gen Zs have been exposed to a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and are regarded as the most diverse generation. Research by Dr Quraysha Ismail Sooliman – a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, and in the Department of Political Science at the University of Pretoria (UP) – asks whether this generation holds the key to resolving the conflicts of our time, especially those forged out of…

SMU student In a remarkable display of academic prowess, Mudzunga Ratshilingano, a Bachelor of Science (Life Sciences) graduate from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been honoured with the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award from the School of Science and Technology during the recent Autumn Graduation Ceremony. This esteemed accolade recognises students who exhibit exceptional academic achievements, further highlighting SMU’s commitment to fostering excellence in its graduates. Ratshilingano scoops Deans Merit Award for Academic Excellence Receiving the Dean’s Merit Award brings numerous advantages, including enhanced credibility, increased opportunities for scholarships, and recognition by employers and academic institutions. For Ratshilingano, this award is a testament to her hard work, discipline, and dedication to her studies. “The award serves as a motivation to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. It…

As the Gauteng Department of Health, we recognise the importance of ensuring that budgetary restrictions do not affect critical service delivery sectors, such as healthcare services. We are dedicated to guaranteeing that residents have access to safe, healthy, and comfortable facilities that are sufficiently staffed and regularly maintained. To achieve this, we have prioritised filling important positions in various facilities that are already being advertised and are resuming interactions with the Office of the Premier and Gauteng Provincial Treasury to find a way forward. We are aware that these cost containment measures are not synonymous with the department and that guidelines have been implemented to ensure that all departments seek approval with the Provincial Treasury and Office of the Premier before filling any vacancy. The department will also approach the…

The last time the Springboks faced Scotland, Manie Libbok was chosen as the Player of the Match. But should Libbok start against the same opponents at Murrayfield on Sunday? The Stormers star produced some thrilling moments in the 2023 Rugby World Cup opener for the South Africans, stretching the Scottish defence with a mixture of long and short passes, little grubber kicks and of course THAT no-look cross-kick to Kurt-Lee Arendse for a spectacular try in the 18-3 victory. Libbok, though, missed two relatively easy shots at goal – and a long-range penalty – which saw Faf de Klerk take over the goal-kicking later in the game. But then-Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber, when asked if he was concerned about Libbok’s goal-kicking form, replied: “Not if he wins Man of…

BATHUSI Aubaas has emphatically stated that revenge will not be on the minds of the Mamelodi Sundowns players as they prepare to face Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld tonight. Two weeks ago, City dealt the league champions a surprising 1-0 defeat at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, igniting speculation that Sundowns would be looking to even the score in this second round clash. However, Aubaas insists that the team’s mentality is solely focused on securing a win. “We don’t do revenge here at this team. The only thing we are looking at is to win the match because at Sundowns we try to win every match that we play,” he asserted. The sting of that earlier defeat still lingers for Sundowns, especially considering they failed to even challenge the City…

Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said in his keynote address at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town that South Africa will use its G20 Presidency to advance Africa’s energy agenda. “As South Africa leads the G20, we are dedicated to championing an African energy agenda that addresses our challenges, harnesses our resources, and reflects our vision for self-reliance and prosperity. Let us seize this moment to build an energy-secure Africa where every community is empowered, every economy is strengthened, and our shared commitment to the future is unwavering,” he said. The Group of Twenty (G20), is an intergovernmental economic forum comprising 19 countries and two regional unions – the European Union (EU), and recently the African Union (AU). It accounts for 85% of the global economy, 75% of…

Human capital—the knowledge, skills, and expertise of an organisation’s people—is one of its most valuable assets. Unlike physical or financial capital, human capital is uniquely dynamic, growing and evolving with experience, training and leadership. It plays an enormous role in a company’s valuation. This intangible asset drives innovation, productivity, and competitive advantage, making it essential to a company’s sustainable growth and long-term success. However, human capital, like any form of capital, requires thoughtful management and planning to retain and grow its value over time. Succession planning is the cornerstone of this effort, ensuring that an organisation not only preserves but also enhances its intellectual and leadership resources through multiple generations. By proactively preparing for transitions, businesses can avoid the disruptions that might arise from sudden leadership gaps and can foster…

The United Nations said this week that the world's poorest nations could benefit far more from carbon offset projects, supporting their development while contributing to global climate action. A report from the UN trade and development agency Unctad highlighted the potential of carbon markets - which enable corporations and countries to offset their greenhouse gas emissions through climate change-battling projects abroad - to catalyse capital flows to developing countries and help boost sustainable development. But it warned that the 45 so-called least developed countries, or LDCs, were facing significant barriers in accessing global carbon markets due to their smaller economies and difficulties in attracting foreign investment. "There is an untapped potential in the LDCs," said Unctad chief Rebeca Grynspan. Unctad stressed that LDCs should be well-positioned for generating carbon credits…

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) from gold propped up Sibanye-Stillwater in the quarter to the end of September, with production of platinum group metals and zinc also rising on the back of the company securing a new €500 million green loan. Ebitda for the quarter grew by 9% to R3.3 billion, boosted by the company's South African gold operations that uplifted adjusted Ebitda by 292% to R1.35bn. Sibanye-Stillwater attributed the stronger gold category earnings to a 24% increase in the rand gold price received for the period. "This improved financial performance was primarily due to significantly improved financial contributions from the SA gold operations and the Century re-treatment operations in Australia, which, due to greater operational stability and higher metal prices during Q3 2023, were able to…

Entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in addressing challenges and creating opportunities for a more sustainable and inclusive future, according to Pepsico South Africa corporate affairs senior director Zolile Ntukwana. "At its core, entrepreneurship is about identifying needs and developing innovative solutions. In the food and agriculture sector, this translates to entrepreneurs who are creating new ways to produce, distribute, and consume food, often with a focus on improving efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. This drive to innovate can be seen in a wide range of initiatives, from developing new agricultural technologies to creating innovative food products and services," Ntukwana said. The multinational company said the agricultural landscape is constantly evolving, with farmers facing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and changing consumer demands. "Entrepreneurs are stepping up to…

Fresh off his South African Music Awards win, legendary DJ, Oskido is celebrating African rhythms in an exclusive Africa Now DJ Mix. The Apple Music playlist curated by the Mzansi icon is a blend of Afrobeats, amapiano and Afro-house music. According to the DJ, the playlist serves as a reflection of his journey and the diverse influences that have shaped his sound over the last 25 years. “Africa has a rich cultural heritage that has given rise to diverse music genres, especially Afrobeats and amapiano, which have taken the world by storm. “I selected these songs based on what’s happening in the streets of Africa and how they’re resonating globally,” he shared. The 31-track playlist is made up of songs from global superstars like Diamond Platnumz, Davido and Burna Boy.…

Sello Maake kaNcube is back on stage in Can Themba’s powerful tale, The Suit. The inimitable actor, who has a rich legacy in theatre and television, is a marvel to watch on stage. As someone who takes his craft seriously, the sexagenarian thespian is meticulous when it comes to doing justice to any character he is entrusted with. This production recently returned from a successful run at the National Arts Festival. To call this production an institute would be no understatement. For those unfamiliar with the show, the story was first adapted by Mothobi Mutloatse, Barney Simon and Themba and presented at the Market Theatre with Simon as director and subsequently staged internationally. Thirty years later, it is still going. This time for a run at the Theatre on the…

City of Joburg MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene, has confirmed that the 45 new Rea Vaya feeder buses in Soweto will not be operational until further notice. Stranded commuters faced challenges on Monday and yesterday, having to seek alternative transport following a recent incident involving the taxi industry, which previously benefited from the establishment of Joburg’s rapid bus transport system, Rea Vaya. Kunene reported that the delay was due to the introduction of the 45 new buses without the necessary documentation. He stated that unresolved issues between the taxi industry and the city’s transport officials regarding the deployment of these buses led to significant outrage from taxi operators, who claimed that bus registration regulations had been violated. “Mistakes happened from the depot where the buses were deployed with the wrong…

A GROWING concern over contraband goods sold in township spaza shops has sparked widespread outrage, particularly after recent cases of poisoning claimed the lives of six children in Soweto and left many others hospitalised. Similar incidents have since taken place across the country with the latest involving the tragic death of 11-year-old Lesedi Mulaudi after allegedly consuming poisonous snacks purchased from a foreign-owned spaza shop in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, at the weekend. The Star recently reported that her mother, Maria, and her four-year-old sister, Fentse, who also ingested the same snacks, are recovering in hospital. Research conducted by Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation and SME South Africa has revealed that foreign-owned spaza shops are exploiting loopholes in the system to import and sell contraband goods, including expired or counterfeit products. “We…

An anti-piracy operation by MultiChoice and the South African law enforcement agencies in Gauteng yielded success which led to the arrests of several suspects involved in the illegal distribution of streaming devices preloaded with unauthorised applications for accessing DStv and other premium content. MultiChoice said these raids represent significant strides in its ongoing campaign to protect its content, secure the entertainment industry, and reduce risks to consumers associated with pirated devices. The first raid, conducted in Booysens, Johannesburg, uncovered a distribution network supplying unauthorised streaming devices. Through extensive investigative work, MultiChoice and the members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks) identified individuals allegedly involved in the sale of these devices, which are embedded with applications allowing illegal access to premium television content. On October 30, an…

The University of South Africa (Unisa)’s Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair in partnership with the Luthuli Museum, will host the 2024 Founders Lecture at the Unisa Muckleneuk campus in Pretoria under the theme: “Where is the Church? Revisiting the role of the Church in modern society”. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by a renowned politician and anti-apartheid activist Reverend Professor Allan Boesak, followed by responses from key academics and scholars, which include Reverend Euodia Volanie: Minister, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa and Professor Thinandavha Mashau: Deputy Executive Dean, College of Human Sciences, Unisa. Boesak is a South African Dutch Reformed Church cleric who studied at the University of the Western Cape and was ordained in Immanuel Dutch Reformed Mission Church in Paarl in 1968 at age 22.…

Non-profit organisation, STEPS, has joined forces with Paralympic Mpumelelo Mhlongo and professional dancer, Musa Motha, to raise funds in support of clubfoot treatment through the #StepItUp dance challenge. The dance challenge campaign, which will be administered by STEPS, aims to raise over R300 000 for clubfoot treatment during this National Disability Rights Awareness Month. National Disability Rights Awareness Month is annually celebrated in November. Clubfoot is a deformity in which an infant’s foot is severely twisted inward and pointed upward, making the foot rigid and unable to return to the correct position. Research reported that clubfoot is common in the Southern and East African region, affecting about one in 500 children; while there are 2 000 cases in South Africa. This year’s #StepItUp dance challenge is driven by the empowering…

With Africa accounting for 23% of tuberculosis (TB) cases, AI-powered Epi-control platform has improved the detecting process of more cases globally. The Epi-control platform was developed by EPCON, which is a healthcare impact organisation that specialises in the use of AI to quantify health risks at high spatial resolution. The Epi-control platform is providing local teams and healthcare workers with rapid insight into communities that have a high risk of TB transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported the fight against TB is showing slow progress because of limited resources to quicken the detection process. However, the use of AI is showing promise in revolutionising the TB detection process. The CEO of EPCON, Caroline Van Cauwelaert, pointed out that TB is challenging to detect in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), especially…

Karyn Maughan, your recent article, “Dear Iqbal Survé, freedom of expression is not freedom to harass, lie or vilify”, exhibits a staggering level of hypocrisy and selective morality. Masquerading as journalistic integrity, it is, in reality, a carefully crafted vendetta to delegitimise Dr Survé and Independent Media. Your approach is nothing short of a calculated attempt to erase dissent. In your hands, journalism is no longer a tool for integrity – it has become a weapon to serve your handlers’ interests, vilifying those who dare disrupt the carefully managed narrative. There is no pretending otherwise. You are not reporting the truth or offering critique; you are part of a co-ordinated effort to destroy a media outlet that threatens the establishment’s hold on public perception. You pass this off as a…

Murray & Roberts Holdings’ share price plunged 22.17% to R1.79 yesterday on the JSE after it warned of lower interim earnings, the descoping of a major contract and plans to dispose of assets to improve liquidity. It said yesterday in a trading statement its headline earnings a share were expected to fall by at least 20% in the six months to December 31 due to losses at OptiPower and the descoping of its contract at De Beers’ Venetia diamond mine. The group had significantly reduced debt during the year and had been conducting its business in South Africa with constrained working capital facilities for an extended period, “which is unsustainable … it is important for the group to find a solution for its constrained liquidity position, and negotiations in this…

Five consecutive months of fuel price declines come to an end today when the petrol price increases by 25 cents per litre and the diesel price increases by 20c/l for low sulphur 50ppm fuel, and 21c/l for 500ppm sulphur diesel. The United Association of South Africa (UASA) trade union said yesterday that the price increases, against a background of constrained disposable incomes among consumers, was a disappointment just ahead of the festive season, when workers travel to go home and visit their families or go away on their annual holiday. Both grades of petrol (93 and 95 octane) will increase by 25c/l, while the wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will increase by 21c/l. LPGas will cost consumers 36c/kg more. South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA) chairman Henry van der Merwe…

The BRICS 2024 Kazan Summit has come and gone. The South African government, accompanied by state-owned enterprises and a business delegation, enjoyed a week-long, mostly business-class flown, five-star hotel experience – an all-expenses-paid getaway in the beautiful Kazan region of the Russian Federation. You have to hand it to the South African state: no expenses are spared when it comes to spending taxpayer money on almost worthless, senseless trips to attend conferences that rarely yield any meaningful socio-economic benefits or tangible outcomes post-summit. The events seem to amount to nothing more than fruitless, wasteful expenditures. Last year, I wrote an extensive column on the BRICS 2023 Sandton Summit, which was hosted by South Africa. In the piece, I highlighted a list of key opportunities that were easy, low-hanging fruit for…

Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) has been recognised as the top-ranking asset manager among its peers in a new survey that measures key transformation metrics including ownership, representation, equity, impact and governance. The DEInvest Annual Survey 2024 released yesterday for the first time recognised the top-performing firms in the 27four DEI Index across their respective AUM (asset under management) categories. OMIG was recognised in the large asset manager category, or asset managers with assets above R100 million. South Africa's asset managers are under increasing pressure to address transformation, with for instance the Public Investment Corporation, the allocator of government employee pension funds for investment by local asset managers, saying in its last annual report it had allocated 66% of its domestic equity capital to black-owned fund managers. Driven by these…

Liam Payne’s funeral is set to take place this week in the UK, almost a month since the former One Direction singer’s tragic death. Payne, 31, died on October 16, after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Strip That Down singer died from “multiple traumas” that caused internal and external bleeding after he fell from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel. Preliminary autopsy findings found that the results were consistent with his 10m fall. The X Factor star’s death shocked many across the globe, prompting memorial gatherings from devoted fans who have celebrated his life and legacy over the past weeks. The process of repatriating Payne’s body has been overseen by his father, Geoff Payne. As reported by the Mirror, Payne’s remains in…

American media personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian recently honoured the late Princess Diana as she wore the pendant necklace the people’s princess wore at the LACMA Art+Film Gala. Even though the look was stunning, many people online did not agree with the choice of outfit she paired the necklace with. They said she was sexualising the necklace and made the entire look appear tacky. The mother of four wore a low-cut white Gucci gown and paired it with the iconic Attallah Cross necklace worth R3.5 million, which she purchased at an auction last year. The piece of jewellery was a symbol of Princess Diana’s refined elegance and she had worn it on multiple occasions. She once famously wore it on a long pearl chain at Birthright’s London charity gala…

JEROME “Donkie” Booysen has accused the owner of PPA Security of being behind the assassination of slain underworld kingpin Mark Lifman, as two men affiliated with the popular security company appeared in the George Magistrate’s Court. Two days after the shooting at Garden Route Mall, which left Capetonians reeling in shock after the 57-year-old businessman from Fresnaye was gunned down in the parking lot, his alleged killers have been charged and remanded in custody. Lifman died in a hail of bullets on Sunday afternoon while walking to his bakkie and according to CCTV footage, a white VW Golf is seen speeding away from the scene. The shooters were allegedly chased by cops and security companies, culminating in their arrest near Uniondale as Johannes Hendrik Jacobs and Gert Johannes Bezuidenhout were…

The Giyani Regional Court has sentenced a 31-year-old man from Phikela village to two life terms of imprisonment for raping his 10-year-old niece. During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty; however, the State presented compelling evidence detailing the chilling events that transpired on November 13, 2020, at the homestead where the victim lived with her family. On that fateful day, the accused waited until the victim’s mother left the house. He then offered the victim food, requesting her to kneel while covering her face with his T-shirt. He subsequently committed oral rape against the child. After this horrific ordeal, the accused left to visit a shop and, upon returning, found the victim sitting on the veranda. He then ordered her to go to his room, where he raped her…

The North-West University (NWU) has etched a remarkable milestone in its commitment to sustainable energy by clinching the Renewable Energy Initiative Award from the Higher Education Facility Management Association of Southern Africa. This accolade reflects NWU’s pioneering solar projects that underline its leadership among educational institutions in the region. Hendrik Esterhuizen, the director for engineering and legal compliance at NWU, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Winning this award among 26 Southern African universities and 50 TVET colleges shows our dedication to renewable energy.” He highlighted the practical benefits of their solar systems, which now provide energy alongside emergency generators, delivering both increased energy capacity and significant financial savings. The award announcement turned into a celebratory occasion for Esterhuizen, who was also appointed as the next president of the Higher…

Musa and Liesl Mthombeni, the South African beloved couple have once again captured the hearts of their followers while exploring the beautiful landscapes of Türkiye this year. The couple, known for their vibrant personalities and spirit of adventure, has been giving people a peek into their interesting journey with delightful snapshots and witty captions on Instagram. Their journey began in Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents – and serves as a perfect backdrop for romance and adventure. Taking advantage of Turkish Airlines’ complimentary ‘Stopover’ and Touristanbul service specifically designed for South African passengers, the couple found their arrival to be seamless. With the country’s free e-visa programme for South Africans, they stepped into a world teeming with history and vibrancy with ease. The pair wasted no time, immersing themselves…

Recent findings from Infoquest, a leading online market research firm, underscore the alarming trend of rising online gambling activities among young South Africans. It is reported that easy access to gambling platforms, the digital age has created a perfect storm, where many find themselves exposed to the risks of gambling far before they’re equipped to handle them. The study reveals that adults aged between 18 to 34 are engaging in online gambling and sports betting an average of 11 times per month. Among these participants, a staggering 39% choose to reinvest their winnings, while 30% gamble with money they cannot afford to lose. Such habits can foster a cycle of dependency and financial strain, leaving their futures in precarious positions. Ana Bonanni, the CEO of Bettabets, noted that young individuals…