Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-01-15 i Star

Transaction marks end of an era as the Ruperts exit tobacco industry The Ruperts, the South African billionaire family that started a global tobacco business more than 76 years ago, effectively exited the industry on Tuesday after Johann Rupert’s investment company sold its shares in British American Tobacco (BAT) for £1.22 billion (R28.19bn). Reinet Investments said on Tuesday that its indirect subsidiary, Reinet Jersey Holdings (RJHL) would sell over 43.3 million shares in BAT at £28.20 a share to institutional investors. This was completed through an aftermarket accelerated bookbuild, which started on Monday. The Ruperts will be left with a very small interest in BAT - 1.3 million BAT shares are still held by the Rupert-controlled investment group Remgro. Peter Little, fund manager at Anchor Capital, said Reinet did not…

South African households may soon feel the pinch as the price of white maize, a staple food, is expected to rise in the first quarter of 2025. This comes after a challenging 2024 maize production season marked by drought, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz). The South African Cereals and Oilseeds Trade Association (Sacota) on Tuesday pointed out the seriousness of the situation, noting that this week South Africa imported white maize for the first time since 2017. This as Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz's chief economist, warns that tighter maize stocks are likely to drive prices higher and become a reality in the first quarter of 2025. “Relief may start in the second quarter of the year. On January 9, South Africa's white maize spot price traded around R6,724…

At a high level panel discussion on “Energy Transition Pathways in Emerging Economies” at the fifteenth session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, participants said more needs to be done to support renewable financing in emerging economies and IRENA could facilitate a scale up of resources so that the world could achieve the target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. IRENA’s concept note said that as energy demand in emerging economies is projected to rise significantly during the period to 2050 and in particular in the current decade to 2030, the role of emerging economies is pivotal for the success of the global energy transition that is itself crucial for realizing the Net Zero ambitions. That is why IRENA has set the target of…

South Africa’s State Diamond Trader (SDT) is seeking to emphasise the uniqueness and value of natural diamonds as compared to lab developed gems through hosting a diamond show next month and placing emphasis on local cutting and polishing as value addition propositions. The South African diamond show will be hosted in Cape Town at the beginning of next month. The State Diamond Trader is a statutory entity that is “eligible by law and proclamation to purchase up to 10% of all diamonds from producers” in South Africa. Under the amended Diamond Act, the State Diamond Trader is also permitted to acquire diamonds from foreign jurisdictions. This comes as at a time when the Kimberley Process and Certification scheme has upped its play against trade in conflict diamonds. The State…

South African actress and media personality Denise Zimba recently took to social media to share a deeply personal and painful experience with her followers. Zimba revealed on X, the heart-wrenching betrayal she faced when she discovered that her German ex-husband, Jakob Schlichtig, was allegedly having an affair with her childhood friend, Mpumi Mdluli. Zimba married Schlichtig in April 2022. The former Generations: The Legacy actress and Mdluli had been friends since they were 14 years old. In the post, Zimba wrote: “Nothing worse than finding out your best friend since you were 14 years old has been having an affair with your husband and that’s why she always ghosted you when you were pregnant and never celebrated you – birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers.” In a follow-up post, Zimba posted…

Rise Mzansi has warned South Africans that bad choices may yet again plunge the country into a vicious cycle of weak, corrupted institutions, low and negative growth, as well as deepening poverty and unemployment. The party said the country remains at a critical political crossroads despite the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The party added that the ANC and other established political parties’ failure to deal with the country’s deep socio-economic and governance crisis has created space for dangerous, populist rhetoric that divides rather than unites society. The party said there were opportunistic politicians who want to either resume or continue to loot public funds, position themselves as “new” champions of racialised “economic justice” while offering no thoughtful, systemic solutions to complex problems. The GNU was formed…

Residents of Ashley Gardens and Alphen Park in Pretoria East, already experiencing power outages since Sunday, may face further prolonged disruptions due to the theft of cables in the tunnel under the N1 highway. On Tuesday, the City of Tshwane warned that repairs to the damaged cable could be significantly delayed due to the complexity of the work, which is being compounded by the challenging location of the stolen cables. Municipal spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo said: “The location of the site where the replacement of cables and repair work needs to be effected is underneath the N1 highway, thus making the task at hand to be intricate.” He said progress has been made, including pinpointing multiple faults on the network and isolating them. “Currently, the City's Emergency Services Department is conducting…

While the world’s attention is focused on the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, South Africa is battling its own escalating wildfire crisis. Data from Working on Fire (WoF) shows that wildfire incidents in December 2024 nearly doubled compared to December 2023, which WoF said reflects a disturbing global trend driven by climate change. In December 2024, WoF teams attended 100 wildfires, compared to 51 in the same month the previous year—a 96% increase. Out-of-season fires also rose by 67.6%, from 105 incidents in 2023 to 176 in 2024. The Western Cape remains the most affected, recording 42 wildfires in December 2024 alone, while the Eastern Cape also faced significant fire activity. These trends mirror the alarming frequency and intensity of wildfires seen worldwide, WoF said. “These numbers are a…

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe has revealed that the ANC is set to deal with the matter of secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who allegedly arrived at an ANC event at Robben Island on a “luxury yacht” during the 113th anniversary celebrations. On Monday, Mantashe clarified the party’s stance regarding Mbalula’s controversial arrival celebrations. Mbalula reportedly made a sensational entrance at Robben Island via what has been characterised as a 'luxury yacht', drawing both scrutiny and curiosity from fellow party leaders and observers alike. The yacht in question reportedly belongs to Fernando Acafrao, a businessman who has secured multiple multimillion-rand government contracts. His company, Mobile Satellite Technologies, is known for providing mobile clinics to provincial governments. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Monday, Mantashe was quick to dispel any notion that the…

Makhehleni Makhaula is a big brother figure at Orlando Pirates, and that’s why it’s been easy for the youngsters to be at their best around him on and off the pitch. Pirates have been on an upward trajectory this season – so much so that they are tipped to challenge for a quadruple come the end of the campaign. They’ve already won the MTN8, while they are second in the Premiership table, in the CAF Champions League quarter-final and will face Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup last 32. Their qualification for the continental showpiece last eight came with a game to spare as they’ve won three matches and drawn two in Group C. The Sea Robbers will be in action in Cairo on Saturday (6pm kick-off) to face Al…

A SOUTH African technical expert who watched Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows last weekend says he was not surprised by the match statistics of the Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Zipho Dlangalala – a former Maritzburg United coach who has worked at Mamelodi Sundowns and the University of Pretoria, among others – was at the World Cup venue on Sunday, and was not surprised that Amakhosi had just a single shot on target from their 13 attempts. “The Chiefs attempts at goal – off and on target – are a true reflection of their warm-up on the same (day). I watched them, and most of their shots flew all over the place rather than to the goals,” Dlagalala told Independent Media Sport, adding that this was…

The Paarl Royals will be eager to “dust ourselves down” when they face MI Cape Town in the second instalment of the SA20 Cape at Boland Park tonight (5.30pm start), according to senior batter Joe Root. The Royals headed to Newlands for the first-round clash on Monday filled with confidence after dispatching defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Paarl in their competition opener. However, the Royals hit an immediate speed-bump, with MI Cape Town claiming the honours with a comfortable 33-run victory over their neighbours from the Winelands. But they now have an opportunity to avenge the defeat in the return match this evening. Root, who is England’s most successful captain and leading Test run-scorer, has experienced the swings and roundabouts during his long and illustrious career, and believes the…

Arsenal’s Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering what is suspected to be an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, according to British media reports yesterday. Jesus, 27, left the pitch on a stretcher before the end of the first half in Arsenal’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United on Sunday, which Mikel Arteta’s side lost on penalties. “We know more now. It is not looking good at all. We need to review with one more specialist, and will have better information this afternoon,” Arteta told a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League game with Tottenham Hotspur tonight. “I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried after the game, and we are…

The Bulls are going full tilt for a place in the Challenge Cup when they face Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (3pm kick-off) – although they hope some other results in the Champions Cup will go their way to reach that goal. They are on a run of three losses in Europe’s elite club rugby competition, and have lost four games on the trot, including one in the United Rugby Championship. But there is a sense of optimism in the camp that the highveld will be their ally against the French club, who picked up their first win of the campaign against Northampton Saints last weekend. Stand-in Bulls captain Nizaam Carr acknowledged their performances haven’t been up to scratch in the last few clashes, but that they are…

As the Department of Basic Education raises concerns over fewer students enrolling in vital subjects such as physical science and mathematics, business is worried that South Africa’s ability to boost its economic growth could be hampered in a rapidly evolving digital age. This as the government struggles to revive the economy. In the third quarter of 2024, the economy experienced an unexpected contraction of 0.3%. Addressing the public as the matric results for the class of 2024 were released, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, said that the department had seen a decrease in enrolments in subjects, such as physical sciences, mathematics, accounting and economics. “These, she stated, are “all subjects that are critical for a nation’s ability to advance in science, innovation and economic development”. In a bid to…

Imposing anti-dumping duties on chicken products has helped the local industry to recover, the South African Poultry Association (Sapa) said. This follows Business Report reporting on Monday that frozen food importer Hume International said lobbyists calling for a harsher anti-dumping duties stance were short-sighted and could potentially harm broader economic interests. An expert has said that anti- dumping duties can cause the price of poultry to significantly rise. Izaak Breitenbach, the head of the Sapa, said dumping, according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is unfair trade where a country exports their problem (oversupply) to become the problem of the importing country. “This is not allowed in terms of world trade, and the remedy is an anti-dumping duty. South Africa was the dumping ground for nine countries in terms…

France’s Orange Telecom has entered into a partnership with South Africa’s largest mobile network operator, Vodacom, to expand cellular coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The companies have agreed to collaborate to build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the DRC. In a statement, Vodacom said this was a first of its kind, rural towerco partnership in Africa. Orange currently operates in eight African countries through investments in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal along with its 16 points of presence. Vodacom’s DRC operation has more than 21 million customers. Mobile Internet penetration in the DRC is at 32.3%. In the statement, Vodacom said the initiative will extend network coverage and enable access to telecommunications and mobile financial…

South African vocalist Naledi Aphiwe has released a tribute song in honour of the late Afropop sensation, Winnie Khumalo. Known for her vibrant presence and iconic hit Live My Life, Khumalo died at the age of 51 after a brief illness. Her death marks the end of a journey that began in the 1980s, leaving a legacy in both the music and television industries. Aphiwe, moved by Khumalo’s influence, shared her tribute song on Instagram. The track has already struck a chord with fans, echoing the profound impact of Khumalo’s career In her post, Aphiwe wrote: “Rest in peace to our wonderful lady Winnie Khumalo, you will always be remembered for your amazing work and voice.” The caption set the tone for a song filled with gratitude and remembrance. In…

SUSPENDED Judge Tintswalo Nana Makhubele was found guilty of gross misconduct by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal following complaints that she was a judge while she was the chairperson of Prasa’s interim board. The findings will be referred to the Judicial Service Commission for consideration and could result in her impeachment. Retired KwaZulu-Natal judge president Achmat Jappie, who chaired the tribunal, together with two more members of the tribunal, heard evidence from various parties, including Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo, relating to Judge Makhubele’s appointment as a judge while it was said that she was also the interim chairperson of the Prasa board. In January 2019, #UniteBehind (the complainant) lodged a complaint of judicial misconduct with the Chief Justice, as Chairperson of the Judicial Conduct Committee (’JCC’), against Judge Makhubele. The…

The vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies of South Africa’s jazz scene will fill the air once again as the Newtown Jazz Heritage Festival returns for its highly anticipated second edition this January. Set against the rich backdrop of Johannesburg’s iconic Newtown Precinct, this year’s festival promises an enriching experience, celebrating the nation’s extensive jazz legacy with an impressive line-up of both legendary and emerging talent. Featured among the esteemed performers are jazz titans Bra Pops Mohamed, Bra Stompie Manana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Steve Dyer and Thembi Dunjana. The festival will provide an eclectic journey through the varying styles of traditional and contemporary South African jazz, showcasing the depth and evolution of the genre over the decades. With an expanded format five times larger than its inaugural event, the festival aims to…

AS SOUTH Africa celebrates the highest matric pass rate in the nation's history, the moment is bittersweet for the few who did not pass, including a KwaZulu-Natal woman who claims that she was forced to not register for the final exams. Lihle Sishi*, an 18-year-old from Durban, was in matric last year and she said she struggled academically at the beginning of the school year owing to the death of a loved one, which had also led to mental illness. “I was excited to be in matric. I dreamt of going to university to study pharmacy, but it feels like that was snatched away from me,” she told the Daily News. She said she had struggled during the second term as well the first. Sishi said she was then approached…

A FEW years ago, the renowned Japanese-American physicist, Professor Michio Kaku, told an American audience what Americans have always known; that Silicon Valley and the thriving American FinTech industry will not exist without the H-1B Visa, which literally poached thousands of Indian and Chinese graduates to build this illustrious billion-dollar America’s industries. He called this American immigrant “America’s secret weapon”. In December 2024, South African-born Elon Musk reignited this debate when he also affirmed how Indian tech engineers via the H-1B visa had become the backbone of America’s technological dominance due to the failing American education system, which is considered the worst in the Global North. Many Americans attacked Musk, but to his luck, United States President-elect Donald Trump came to his rescue. The last 20 years have also seen…

FEW things inspire sportsmen better than the recognition of their efforts. Granted, football is a team sport, and coaches and players always make sure to remind us that their achievements are thanks to the help of those around them. But individual awards go a long way towards bringing the best out of sportsmen, and that being the case, you can bet that Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners will be cock-a-hoop when he takes to the field against AS FAR Rabat in the club’s final group match of the CAF Champions League at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday (6pm kick-off). Rayners was yesterday announced as the Betway Premiership Player of the Month for both November and December for his incredible efforts that have seen him score six league goals this season, which has…

Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape continued their poor start to the SA20, going down by six wickets to the Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park in Centurion yesterday, recording their third consecutive loss in six days. The Aiden Markram-led side may lean on how they have been slow starters in the two seasons gone by – in which they failed to win their opening two matches, but still went on to win both campaigns. However, this season, they have serious problems. Having been bowled out for 77 at home last week, they were rolled over for 113 in Centurion yesterday. To their defence, the Capitals did win a crucial toss, one they used well in asking the Sunrisers to bat first, looking to exploit all the moisture on the wicket following…

Anrich Nortjé last played for South Africa in June. That was in the ill-fated T20 World Cup final against India in Bridgetown, Barbados, which the Proteas lost by seven runs in controversial circumstances. Nortjé produced an excellent four-over spell under the most intense scrutiny of a major title decider, with figures of 2/26 – claiming the wickets of Shivam Dube (27) and Ravindra Jadeja (two). He ended the tournament as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker on 15, and breaking Dale Steyn’s SA record of 30 for most scalps in the history of the tournament. But the 31-year-old “Uitenhage Express” hasn’t worn the Proteas badge since. Injuries have seldom been his friend during his career, and a nine-month spell on the sidelines with a stress fracture in 2023 saw him only return to…

Last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev destroyed his racquet and avoided a huge shock at the Australian Open yesterday to join a rampant Taylor Fritz and veteran Gael Monfils in the second round. In the women’s draw, Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina were both emphatic winners on day three, with Emma Navarro and Emma Raducanu also victorious. The feisty Medvedev, a three-time losing finalist at Melbourne Park including a year ago to Jannik Sinner, was heavy favourite against Thailand’s 418th-ranked Kasidit Samrej. But in his first match of the season, the Russian fifth seed nearly imploded in anger before finding some measure of calm. “Second and third set, I couldn’t touch the ball. I didn’t know what to do,” Medvedev said after finally winning 6-2 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-2 on Rod…

South Africa’s commodity sector faces a mixed outlook as cost and logistical challenges weigh heavily on mining companies. While improved rail and port operations from Transnet could provide relief to coal and iron ore producers, global uncertainties - following the election of US President Donald Trump last year - and rising operational expenses continue to cast a shadow over the industry. Analysts suggest that elevated gold prices, driven by an unpredictable global economic landscape, may provide some respite, but the broader mineral commodities market is struggling with mounting pressures. The nation, a key player in coal, manganese, gold, platinum group metals, and copper production, has been grappling with rising costs and logistic hurdles that have hindered growth. Industry setbacks, such as ArcelorMittal South Africa’s decision to close its longs…

Donald Trump will speak online to the annual meeting of the global political and business elite in Davos next week, days after taking office as US president, the World Economic Forum said on Tuesday. Trump will be sworn in at the US Capitol in Washington on Monday, January 20, the first day of the WEF gathering in the Swiss Alps. "He will join us digitally" on January 23, WEF president Borge Brende said in a press briefing previewing the annual meeting. "We think that will be a very special moment also to learn more what the new administration has (in terms) of policy priorities," Brende said. The US president's return to the White House was already expected to dominate discussions in Davos, a gathering that he attended in person during…

At a press conference at the fifteenth session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, Safiatou Alouma, IRENA Director General on Energy Transition, Climate and Green Industrialisation said that South Africa is a role model for successful African renewable projects. “You need high level political leadership to trigger action on the ground and South Africa’s renewable energy programme shows what can be done and is a role model for other African countries,” she said. South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) was launched at the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference or the Conference of the Parties 17 (COP17) and was aimed at increasing electricity supply capacity through private sector investment in renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic plants, concentrated solar and…

The mining industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by shifting global demands and new opportunities. Copper is being hailed as the essential resource of the future, while the move toward renewable energy is reshaping coal’s role in the energy mix. At the same time, advances in technology and logistics are creating both challenges and possibilities. But beneath all these changes lies one constant: the importance of people in making progress possible. Here are five key trends that are redefining mining and how companies can adapt effectively. 1. Copper is the new gold Copper is quickly becoming the cornerstone of the renewable energy revolution. Its unique properties make it indispensable for electrical wiring, electric vehicles, and renewable energy grids. As governments and businesses worldwide push for decarbonisation, copper demand is skyrocketing.…

Nkateko “Kay” Mahange from the hit reality show The Ultimatum South Africa has shared his painful journey involving his former partner and the mother of his child, Khanya Nqolase. On Instagram, Mahange detailed the troubling incidents that led him to fear for his son’s safety, shedding light on the darker side of their relationship. He is now seeking custody of his son. Mahange said that his relationship with Nqolase became toxic and harmful. “I faced repeated episodes of physical and emotional ill-treatment, including incidents that endangered Qhawe’s life.” He elaborated on a violent argument where Nqolase allegedly stabbed him while he held Qhawe in his arms. “The attack left me physically wounded but my primary concern was for Qhawe ... This act of violence was a stark reminder that her…

THE judge's clerk, who claimed she was sexually harassed by Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge, said she endured his late-night WhatsApp messages he sent her as he was an elderly person and she respected the fact that he was her boss. Andiswa Mengo told the Judicial Conduct Tribunal that because he is a powerful person, she was afraid not to respond to his messages. “I was afraid of losing my job as I am a single mother. I do not know what he would have thought if I had spoken to him in a rude manner.” Mengo took the stand for the second day during the proceedings in which the tribunal is hearing evidence following her complaint. The tribunal, led by retired judge president Bernard Ngoepe, must…

The Pulverman twins started off their matric year on a tough note, as they had to navigate between an intensive school year and being clouded by grief. This is after Jessica’s boyfriend died in his matric year in 2023. “Although this did make my matric year one of my most emotionally and academically challenging years, the support I received from my school truly saved me,” said Jessica. While Kirstie noted that Grade 12 was a fast paced year, Jessica said the examinations brought about moments of anxiety. Having both achieved eight distinctions, the Brescia House School pupils concurred that they were prepared for the extra workload. “It was daunting to know that my entire school career had led up to these exact examinations, but I felt extremely prepared and supported…

BASIC Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said Grade R practitioners will be formally integrated into the basic education system as educators once the provisions of Grade R in the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act commenced. Gwarube said those who possess the necessary qualifications to teach in the foundation phase will be eligible for appointment into vacant substantive posts as fully recognised educators. “These appointments will be made through open advertisement, absorption, or conversion, as guided by the terms set out in Collective Agreement 2 of 2024,” she said. Gwarube made the statement when she was responding to parliamentary questions from IFP MP Siphosethu Ngcobo. Transitional measures were currently being developed in consultation with the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) and the Heads of Education Departments Committee (Hedcom) for qualifying Grade…

Hijacked buildings, poor infrastructure, cleanliness issues and inadequate security are the major deterrents to investment in the Pretoria CBD and addressing them is crucial to making the municipality an attractive destination for investors. Chrys Haitas, executive director for Strategic Business Development at the Capital City Business Chamber, echoed this view while responding to the City of Tshwane's newly launched initiative aimed at tackling hijacked buildings and crime in the inner city. The weekly multi-departmental operation known as ‘Reclaim Our City’ is aimed at combating crime and criminal activities in the capital city. The operation involved the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metro Police Department, and the City’s Health Department and Environment and Agriculture Management Department. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya expressed concerns over the alarming state of affairs…

The Molopo Sexual Offences Regional Court in the North West handed down three life sentences to serial rapist Fezile Zozi and one life imprisonment to Tebogo Matshidiso last Friday. Zozi went on a criminal spree in Lomanyaneng between 2010 and 2023, where he raped three women, including a 15-year-old. The convict’s modus operandi involved targeting his victims under the pretence of volunteering to accompany them to their homes after a meet-up, where he ended up raping them. Zozi first sexually violated the 15-year-old in the evening in August 2010, after dragging the girl into the bushes when he pretended to accompany her home. According to the SAPS, Zozi continued his predatory ways when he met and raped an 18-year-old woman in August 2021, who was on her way home shortly…

Now that the Matric Class of 2024’s results have been published as per tradition in the newspapers, allowing for the usual group public celebrations for those happy to engage in such, perhaps everyone should sigh and say all’s well that ends well. But those in positions of power should not put this matter on the back burner. Instead, as schools open, they should make sure that every measure is taken to avoid the unnecessary anxiety and confusion created by the last-minute directive by the Information Regulator that the results should not be published in newspapers, citing possible infringement of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has had internal discussions around this matter and has stated that it will look to the courts for…

Percy Tau is not a young boy anymore. As such, his move to Qatar SC could very well revive his career before he decides to return home and hang up his boots. The 30-year-old forward endured frustration at Al Ahly in the last few months, as he was in and out of coach Marcel Koller’s team due to form and injuries. Be that as it may, the eMalahleni-born winger still felt some love from the Red Devils’ fans. Hence, he decided to send them a heartfelt letter of gratitude yesterday. “Each victory was made sweeter by your unwavering support, and by seeing your smiles all over your faces,” the statement read. “Your cheers, your passion and love have been the driving force behind my every moment on the pitch. “Leaving…

Tyson Fury has, not for the first time, announced his retirement from the boxing ring. But is this really the end of the road for the “Gypsy King”? The towering 36-year-old British heavyweight called it a day on Monday, just weeks after his second straight defeat by Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” he said in a post on social media, apparently filmed inside a vehicle. “I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It has been a blast... I’ve loved every single minute of it.” Fury enjoyed two stints as the heavyweight world champion and retires with a record of 34 wins, two defeats and one draw. That is if he stays retired. Fury has previously announced his exit…