Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-12-20 i Star

The portfolio committee on public works and infrastructure has expressed concern over the lack of communication between Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and the Independent Development Trust (IDT). This issue has come to the forefront after a meeting on November 27, where the minister addressed the committee regarding alleged irregularities in the tender process for the installation of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants at 55 public hospitals across South Africa. This week, The Star reported that the IDT board had written to Macpherson seeking an audience over the R800 million oxygen plant tender. It was further reported that the minister had already instituted an investigation meant to probe some of these concerns. In a letter seen by The Star, parliamentary committee spokesperson Jabulani Majozi revealed that there…

North West police arrested a 48-year-old Nigerian man and a 33-year-old South African woman on charges of unlawful possession of drugs and dealing in drugs. The duo was nabbed on Wednesday by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, in collaboration with the North West provincial drug task team and Lichtenburg K9 unit. Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the duo was arrested in Lichtenburg following information received about a Nigerian man who was alleged to be selling drugs in the area. “An undercover operation was conducted, which led to the arrest of the pair soon after selling drugs valued at R40 000. [Around] 649 mandrax tablets, 40 packets of crystal meth and transparent plastic containing CAT drugs were seized,” said Mathebula.…

Triangle Danielle Steel Loot (R363) Pan Macmillan Triangle is a suspenseful story about a woman determined to stay true to her principles. As she approaches the milestone birthday of 40, delicate beauty Amanda Delanoe finds joy in running a chic contemporary art gallery in Paris. With the companionship of her dog, Lulu, and her friend and co-owner of the gallery, fun-loving bachelor Pascal Leblanc, Amanda lives well, but so far the love of her life has eluded her. Then she meets Olivier Saint Albin, a handsome, enigmatic publisher. At the same time, she reconnects with Tom Quinlan, an old boyfriend from her university days, who has come to Paris to devote himself to writing a thriller. Amanda’s attraction to Olivier is instant, but she soon learns he is married, leaving…

How to live an extraordinary life Anthony Pompliano Loot (R289) Harriman House Publishing Anthony Pompliano’s How To Live An Extraordinary Life is a deeply personal book made up of letters written to his children, Sophia and Leo. In these 65 letters, Pompliano looks back on the life lessons he wants to pass on, lessons that feel relevant to all of us. The letters are beautifully written as though he is sitting down to share his thoughts face-to-face. From the first page, I felt the depth of Pompliano’s intention. He is not offering guidance but creating a legacy for his children to carry with them through life. The concept of sharing life lessons through letters is profoundly moving. Each one feels like a snapshot of Pompliano’s experiences. Pompliano also highlights the…

POLICE in Mpumalanga have arrested a 41-year-old man, a parolee, following a robbery incident which happened on Sunday, whereby a State firearm was stolen from a member of the SA Police Service stationed at Malelane. The robber had fled the scene after the robbery. “We are pleased to inform the public that the suspect has now been arrested. “The suspect is currently at the correctional centre after being on the run since Sunday. “The State firearm was initially recovered later that same Sunday,” said provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, after he voluntarily surrendered himself to the Nelspruit SAPS. “Investigators, in partnership with officials from Correctional Services, are ongoing with their collaborative efforts to determine the appropriate charges against the parolee, which may…

THERE is no doubt that Covid-19 has forced people out of their comfort zones and had them look for other means to sustain themselves. Local gospel star Thinah Zungu is one of the music sensations who chose to venture into business, launching his own company TZ Construction which has generated employment for people. Zungu is popularly known as a performing artist, who is big in mesmerising crowds with his soulful gospel music, but as a result of the pandemic he had to do more than what he was known for to keep afloat. He opened up about how the whole journey in business has taught him the importance of not being dependant on just your daily work. “The pandemic has taught us that we shouldn’t rely solely on our daily…

Christmas is the most important time of the year. But as wonderful as this festive period is, lots of awful things can also happen. While Christmas brings much cheer to families, it also brings sorrow and tears to many families. Religion seems to take a back seat as consumerism unashamedly takes hold of society. From corporate giants to the small trader they all want your money. It’s the busiest time of the year for business. They all know that workers are going home for their annual vacation with their fat pay cheques and so want to cream off as much as possible from them. While toys, gifts, clothing and appliances are big items on the shopping list, it’s also the best time for the food and beverage industry. What is…

It seems that the most important point that Terence Grant “needs to understand” regarding Small Claims Courts, is that the court procedure differs completely from that of other courts in South Africa. “Court proceedings are simplified so as to allow individuals to pursue their claims without recourse to expensive legal assistance” – exactly for this reason, “The courts” (need to) “follow a more inquisatorial” (as opposed to an adversarial one) “mode of procedure, the presiding officer... playing a much more active role in the proceedings than presiding officers do in other courts.” (quotes from one of our country’s iconic legal textbooks, the 84 year old, presently 9th edition, Wille’s Principles of South African Law (present authors from the cream of legal academics on page 129 and 130) Many judgments in…

Recent findings in the protracted dispute over the Sekunjalo Group’s banking accounts have peeled back the layers of propagandistic obfuscation that once shielded Nedbank’s conduct from closer scrutiny. Yet rather than prompting the long-overdue re-evaluation that these revelations warrant, the dominant media narrative – shaped by News24 and led by Karyn Maughan – continues to paint Dr Iqbal Survé and the Sekunjalo Group in a malicious light. For years, Maughan, viewed by critics as News24’s “assassin journalist”, has orchestrated a relentless campaign to discredit Survé and his enterprises without presenting compelling evidence. Now, even as substantial new information emerges and the Information Communication Technology Union (ICTU) builds a robust counter-case, News24’s coverage remains firmly aligned with Nedbank’s storyline. The result is a manufactured public discourse that strategically downplays what appear…

BANGKOK: The top diplomat of Myanmar’s ruling junta briefed neighbouring countries on its plans to hold an election next year amid an escalating civil war, including inviting foreign poll observers, Thai officials said yesterday. Thailand is hosting two separate regional meetings on Myanmar this week. Yesterday, the junta’s foreign minister Than Swe outlined a political roadmap and progress on election preparations, including a population census and registration of 53 political parties. Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021 when its military overthrew an elected civilian government. | Reuters…

CAIRO: The Egyptian cabinet has granted a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based renewable energy company a licence to build an US $850-million photovoltaic (PV) power generation project in Upper Egypt’s province of Aswan. The project will cover an area of 20km2 in New Benban, Aswan, and is planned to generate 1 000MW of electricity with a 600MW/hour energy storage system, the Egyptian cabinet said. This came days after the opening of the Abydos 1 Solar PV Park in Kom Ombo, Aswan, with a 500MW capacity capable of powering 256 000 homes. | Xinhua…

WhatsApp warning links threat to anti-corruption drive Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is once again the target of death threats, this time linked to his anti-corruption efforts. A chilling “WhatsApp warning” has surfaced, revealing that Motsoaledi and Director-General Sabelo Buthelezi are marked for assassination due to their fight against corruption in the Health Department. The message claims that service providers angered by the minister’s return to the department have paid hitmen to take them out. The threat follows a history of intimidation, including the death of Babita Deokaran, a whistle-blower killed in 2021 for exposing corruption. As Motsoaledi continues to challenge the status quo, his safety and that of his team remains at risk. The message reads that Motsoaledi’s return to the department has angered service providers, and that Motsoaledi’s return…

Gauteng’s economic landscape is witnessing significant changes as the province announces the registration of over 21 172 spaza shops. This initiative, spearheaded by the province’s MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, aims to streamline the operation of these informal businesses, especially in the wake of alarming food safety issues that have recently emerged. During a media briefing yesterday, Maile disclosed that the registration process has seen 10 389 application forms submitted across all municipalities. Notably, of these, 2 818 applications are attributed to non-South African nationals – a figure that reflects a rise of 213 since the previous report. The registration window has now been extended until February 28, 2025, allowing even more shops to comply with local regulations. This proactive stance comes in light of a declaration by the…

The Boyfriend Freida McFadden Loot (R195) FREIDA McFadden has built a reputation for writing psychological thrillers that keep readers up all night, and The Boyfriend is no exception. McFadden’s latest book has all the ingredients fans expect; fast paced, plenty of suspense, and that “just two more pages” feeling that makes it hard to put down. But while the book has its strengths, it does not deliver the powerful impact McFadden’s fans are used to. The story alternates between two perspectives: one set in the present, where we follow Sydney Shaw and the other a flashback into Tom’s shady past. Sydney, a single woman in New York, thinks she finally found her person. After years of disastrous dates, her new boyfriend seems like everything she’s ever wanted. But when a…

The Christmas Fix Lucy Score Loot (R416) Bloom Books There’s only one thing standing in the way of Cat King saving a small town’s Christmas festival: Grumpy town manager Noah Yates. Single dad Noah takes his responsibilities seriously. When a late season hurricane turns Merry, Connecticut, into a disaster, he’s left scrambling to pick up the pieces of the town he loves. At least, until home renovation expert and smoking hot reality TV star Catalina King arrives with a camera crew and a budget big enough to put the town back together again. But Noah doesn’t want a celebrity diva capitalising on their tragedy or filling his daughter’s head with visions of glitz and glam. Blonde bombshell Cat is used to being underestimated, but Noah has an uncanny knack for…

This past weekend, South African rapper Refiloe “Cassper Nyovest” Phoolo found himself riding the wave of nostalgia as his decade-old hit, Doc Shebeleza, resonated with fans when played at Chris Brown’s sold-out concerts at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec. Phoolo could hardly contain his excitement, taking to social media to express his gratitude. “South Africa, y’all have held me down and ke batla go le Leboga!!! Legendary!!! Got me feeling like maybe we should Fill Up FNB one more time!!! Y’all game,” he wrote, reflecting on the monumental experience. The celebrated rapper also celebrated the heightened enthusiasm surrounding the event, noting, “I don’t remember the last time there was such a hype of an artist or a concert in South Africa for a long time. Chris Brown is a star…

Renowned reality TV star and businesswoman, Christall Kay, is making waves in the beauty industry with the launch of her debut luxury perfume, “Falling by Christall Kay”. This new venture marks Kay’s entrance into the world of high-end fragrance, showcasing her flair for both business and creativity. The perfume features jasmine notes sourced from esteemed perfumeries in France. Kay’s vision for ‘Falling’ transcends mere fragrance. She described it as an embodiment of the complex nature of love – “falling into it, falling out of it, and the fear and beauty that come with these experiences.” The Real Housewives of Joburg star said: “Falling represents the many facets of love- falling into it, falling out of it, and the fear and beauty that come with these experiences. “It is a deeply…

China has made a groundbreaking move to grant duty-free access to all least developed countries (LDCs) with which it has diplomatic relations, effective December 2024. This zero-tariff policy, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September 2024, aims to foster sustainable economic cooperation and development, particularly for less developed economies. This initiative builds upon a 2003 scheme that allowed 190 tariff-free products from dozens of African countries into the Chinese market. The new policy expands the basket of products from all LDCs into China’s massive market, providing a significant opportunity for these countries to increase their exports and economic development. The zero-tariff policy offers numerous benefits for LDCs, including: Increased market access: LDCs will have duty-free access to China’s vast market, allowing…

AS the final days of 2024 rapidly approach, the world braces for a whirlwind of reflection, celebration, and anticipation. From the unprecedented inception of the Government of National Unity (GNU), to scooping up six official medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this year has certainly left an indelible mark on history. As we etch nearer to 2025, and further unwind into the festive season, it’s important to reflect – not only on what we’ve lost, but also all that is to come. After all, the most valuable aspect of the past, of history, is the ability to learn from it. There are a number of socioeconomic issues that have been contended with in our society. Some of them are seemingly incessant challenges, such as our overburdened healthcare system, our disintegrated…

The world’s economic reckoning with the incoming Trump administration kicked off in earnest this week, with the US Federal Reserve flagging fewer rate cuts and other leading central banks signalling caution over future rate decisions. The Fed cut rates as expected on Wednesday amid a busy year-end run of central bank meetings from Ottawa and Frankfurt to Tokyo and London that showed heightened uncertainty ahead of Donald Trump entering the White House in the new year. But Fed officials dialled back projections for rate cuts in the face of stubborn inflation and Chairperson Jerome Powell said some in the bank were trying to judge how Trump’s planned tariffs, lower taxes and immigration curbs might affect policy. The upshot was US central bankers pencilled in estimates for higher growth next year…

HANOVER: Volkswagen and labour representatives had made progress in some areas after about 50 hours of talks over German plant closures and pay cuts but remain apart in others, the IG Metall union said yesterday. Talks have been ongoing since Monday in the hope of reaching a deal to prevent strikes that IG Metall has warned could begin next year. About 100 000 workers have staged two strikes in the past month, the largest in the company’s history, protesting against management plans to cut wages, reduce capacity, and shut German plants for the first time. Scenarios under discussion include capacity cuts, rather than full shutdowns, the sources said. | Reuters…

There is a drive underway to encourage a new way of thinking about money. It has surprisingly little to do with income and expenses, traditionally the two key considerations. Instead, this approach puts the legacy we are able to leave for our loved ones at the heart of every financial decision. This approach places the last will and testament front and centre because it is the legal document that sets out who should benefit from your estate when you pass away, and how your assets must be distributed. Your will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign because it relates to so many of the things we value in life – family and friends, children, pets, property, savings, investments, items of sentimental value, charitable causes, and more.…

Taron Egerton finds it “hard” to watch himself on-screen. The 35-year-old actor has admitted that his mood often dictates whether he wants to watch himself on screen or not. The Hollywood star, who rose to prominence in the Kingsman film franchise, told Extra: “It really depends on how I’m feeling. “If I’m feeling robust, then it’s all good. If I’m not feeling robust, it can be hard, and I think that’s just called being a human being. “It’s certainly not something that I rush to do, maybe as much as I used to, but I do also like to see a movie come together or a TV show come together.” Egerton previously acknowledged that he's been “really, really lucky” as an actor. The movie star, who previously appeared in…

Gauteng has recorded the highest number of road accident fatalities during the 2024 festive season, according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s latest update on the country’s road safety campaign. The province has seen 96 fatalities from 90 crashes, leading the national statistics. Creecy said a total of 439 fatal crashes have been recorded, which is a 3.1% increase when compared to 426 fatal crashes recorded in the same period last year. “These crashes have resulted in 512 people dying on the roads so far, compared to 499 last year. This is a statistically significant 2.6% increase in fatalities,” she said. The minister said Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo accounted for 70% of all fatalities in this period. Of these, Gauteng topped the list with the most fatalities,…

Here One Moment Liane Moriarty Loot (R285) Michael Joseph AS we wrap up the year and prepare for the festive season and the new year ahead, I could not have chosen a better book for the last review of 2024. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty is a thought-provoking and heartfelt novel. The premise starts off with passengers stuck on a delayed flight, each wrapped in their own worlds of trials and tribulations and the frustration of a situation they have no control over. We have all lived through this, planning our day, prioritising tasks, only to be left at the mercy of situational circumstances. Cherry, who might be psychic – a clairvoyant of sorts – got out of her seat and started to give unprompted predictions of death to…

The cruel murder of Captain Danasegran “Naveen” Pather is an act of savagery that must be condemned. This brutal murder is a graphic reminder that we live in a mortally sick society.This culture of violence brings with it a morbid class of individuals who believe that they are entitled to determine the value of other human lives. There are a few important primary causes to why each civilised state governed by law should impose the severest judgement, on such heinous crimes. There are certain circumstances in which life imprisonment is in fact essential to our respect for life. If we do not, in our law, send the message to everyone that by calculatedly, coldly taking a human life in a way that, for instance, assaults the structure of law…

Pep Guardiola... Head Honcho at Manchester City, is shafting Hallaand. Leaving him all alone in front, as the opposing teams mark him out of the game... sticking to him like superglue. Pep, is clearly out of his depth, as his team succumbs to the folly of his ways. It’s a no brainer... time for Pep to hang up his boots, and move to another club, who will put up with his nonsensensical playing formation. City’s loss to United was inexcusable.. Halaand is an awesome striker... but leaving him alone in front, was catastrophic in football terms. Pep.. .it’s time boet!! Ja nee... so waar as wragtag!!!!!…

SOUTH Africa has been rocked once again by the brutal killing of a young woman, allegedly at the hands of her partner, Sibusiso Lawrence Ntaka. Just days after the 16 Days of Activism campaign ended, we are faced with yet another tragedy that exposes how little progress has been made in the fight against gender-based violence. Ntobeko Cele’s murder exposes the deep cracks in our society when it comes to protecting women from danger and adds yet another name to the growing list of victims. What makes this case even more disturbing is how it unfolded. After allegedly killing his partner, Ntaka filmed his confession, posted a graphic video online and then took his own life. Reports suggest Ntaka was struggling with personal issues before committing the crime. This act…

PORT VILA: People on the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu braced yesterday for heavy rains and a possible cyclone, two days after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake killed at least 16 people, wrecked buildings and cut power and water supplies. President Nikenike Vurobaravu said there was a risk of a low pressure system moving towards Vanuatu bringing heavy rain. The Bureau of Meteorology warned there was a 10%-60% chance it would develop into a cyclone. Australian and French rescue and medical teams joined the search for survivors in Port Vila yesterday. Access to the city was restricted as heavy machinery dug through collapsed buildings. | Reuters…

Damascus: Hundreds of Syrians protested yesterday in central Damascus calling for democracy and women’s rights, more than a week after an Islamist-led rebel alliance ousted president Bashar al-Assad. Rebels led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive from their northwest Syria bastion last month, sweeping swathes of territory from government control. Rooted in Syria’s branch of Al-Qaeda, HTS has sought to moderate its rhetoric by assuring protection for the country’s religious and ethnic minorities. It has appointed a transitional leadership until March 1. | AFP…