Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-27 i Star

The latest household affordability index, released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on Wednesday, painted a grim picture for South African families facing escalating food costs. From February to March 2025, the cost of the essential household food basket increased marginally by R16.14, now totalling R5 329.36, a rise of 0.3%. Over the past year, the food basket's price has surged R51.43, or 1.0%, when compared to March 2024. Representatives from civil society on Wednesday sounding alarm bells as they report that rising living costs were pushing communities further into the grips of poverty and food insecurity. The PMBEJD points out that among the 44 items they track, 22 saw price increases this March, with core staples such as maize meal, rice, cake flour, white sugar, sugar…

South Africa has taken a pivotal step towards enhancing its environmental finance strategies with the recent release of a comprehensive technical report aimed at assessing the international interoperability and usability of the country’s Green Finance Taxonomy (SA GFT). This collaborative effort between the Climate Policy Initiative and GreenCape aims to enhance the South African Green Finance Taxonomy (SA GFT) by addressing its usability challenges and improving global alignment as the world turns to sustainable finance amid escalating climate concerns. In the first edition of the in 2022, SA GFT served as a framework defining the constitution of "green" investments, providing clarity and certainty for investors. Interoperability between sustainable finance taxonomies is essential to facilitate seamless cross-border flows ofclimate finance, helping countries mobilise the resources needed to achieve the net-zero targets…

BankservAfrica's recent Take-home Pay Index (BTPI) for February has provided a much-needed ray of hope for South Africans, indicating that real take-home pay has experienced a significant rise. The report, released on Wednesday, revealed an inflation-adjusted increase of 0.9% from January, bringing the average real take-home pay to R15 799. This figure marked a significant 10.7% increase compared to the same period last year, the most substantial rise recorded in three years. Shergeran Naidoo, head of stakeholder engagements at BankservAfrica, expressed positivity regarding this development. “Real take-home pay averaged at R14 292, up by 3.1% in 2024, representing the first increase since 2020. Should inflation remain well-contained, 2025 will likely be the second consecutive year of positive real take-home pay growth,” Naidoo said. The BTPI highlighted a notable slowdown in…

The police investigation into the fatal shooting of six patrollers at the Marry Me Informal Settlement in Soshanguve township has not yet established how the two suspects, aged 27 and 50, arrested on Monday, are linked to the commission of the crime. The two suspects made a brief, in-camera appearance at the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, and their case was subsequently postponed until April 1 to allow for further investigation and a potential bail application. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said a Zimbabwean national, aged 27, is facing a case of being illegal in the country, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. On the other hand, a 50-year-old man is facing a case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and…

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero on Wednesday again dismissed claims suggesting that the City paid influencers to promote and hype their work, especially after officially opening a clinic in Soweto last week. “There has never been an instruction from me around the issue of influencers. As I make it clear, I have never made an instruction on the matter,” he said. Morero cleared his name during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The mayor said that if anything, his communications team would have communicated that there was such an incident. “I would like to assure the residents of Johannesburg that I do have a communications team that has been doing their work and I believe they have not hired any form of influencers to hype our activities,” he maintained. “I…

Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux is making her voice heard, bringing a much-needed spotlight to the challenges facing post-polio survivors worldwide. March 26 is recognised worldwide by post-polio survivors as the day when the ground-breaking research of American virologist Dr Jonas Salk (1914-1995) announced his vaccine against the deadly disease in 1953. Polio is a highly infectious disease that attacks the nervous system and can lead to spinal and respiratory paralysis, and in some cases death, mostly affecting young children. Le Roux contracted polio in 1967, at barely three months old. She said her story, like so many others – the majority of whom are found in Africa – “is a testament of the lack of care and empathy experienced by mothers and families who were disadvantaged by a…

As smartphones continue to evolve, AI features are becoming an integral part of the user experience. Brands are constantly striving to stand out by introducing new technology and meaningful upgrades. The HONOR Magic7 Pro is a prime example of this innovation, delivering cutting-edge AI capabilities that go beyond the expected. With a strong focus on AI advancements and user privacy, HONOR provides a compelling option for those seeking more than just minor enhancements. AI User Experience One of the standout AI features HONOR introduced is AI Magic Portal, which allows users to draw a circle around an object they want to search for and instantly retrieve results. This feature enables users to not only search but also drag objects into booking, navigation, or messaging apps for a seamless and intuitive…

Audi has become the latest European car manufacturer to backtrack on its plans to go electric-only. Previously the firm indicated that it would launch its last internal combustion-engined (ICE) models in 2026, before phasing them out completely around 2032. Although that plan may still hold for markets such as Europe, where new ICE vehicle sales are set to be banned from 2035, it appears the Ingolstadt-based carmaker is rethinking its plans for other markets. Speaking at the Audi AG Annual Media Conference this week, CEO Gernot Döllner implied that the company was still very much committed to ICE models. “As part of our product initiative, we are not only launching new electric models, but also a new generation of combustion engine vehicles and plug-in hybrids,” Döllner said. “We will manage…

Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff is optimistic about the future of their racing outfit given the positive start they’ve enjoyed to the 2025 season, and currently find themselves in the running for both a drivers and constructors title. It’s Mercedes’ best start to an F1 season since 2021. The Austrian billionaire’s gamble paid deep dividends after rookie driver Kimi Antonelli helped secure a double dose of championship points in both Australia and China. Antonelli also picked up two points from the sprint, while Russell bagged five points towards the title. Wolff also praised Antonelli’s skill and level head for driving a damaged car to an eighth-placed finish at the Shanghai circuit on Sunday. Lead driver George Russell took a third finish in China, as well as a podium in…

Yuki Tsunoda will allegedly replace Red Bulls’ senior driver Liam Lawson after just two races into the 2025 Formula One season. The Red Bulls have not confirmed the move yet, but speculation suggests that Tsunoda will replace Lawson for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. This comes after a Red Bull meeting in Dubai earlier this week, which likely discussed their driver options as they chase both the constructors and world drivers’ title this year. It is understood that Red Bull are to make an announcement later this week. Lawson, 23 was elevated from the junior Racing Bulls team and replaced veteran Sergio Perez as the No 2 driver at Red Bull, alongside defending champion Mac Verstappen, this season, but has suffered a horrid start to the season in Australia and…

Western Province captain Kyle Verreynne has not given up hope on his team salvaging their 2024/25 season. Province have endured a torrid summer, particularly in comparison to last season, when they cruised to the One-Day Cup title unbeaten and came within a whisker of claiming the Four-Day Series title in the final at the Wanderers. Instead, this season – apart from earning a T20 playoff spot – it has been tough going down at Newlands, with Province surrendering their One-Day Cup title and finishing last in the 50-over competition. This placed Province at the heart of an intense relegation battle, with coach Salieg Nackerdien emphasising “It can happen to WP if we don’t get a wake-up call” ahead of the resumption of the four-day competition. Fortunately, Province – who were…

Mornay Smith last played for the Bulls on January 10 before last weekend’s clash against Leinster. The 27-year-old tighthead prop hasn’t had much game-time since the arrival of Wilco Louw in Pretoria, who has been a powerhouse in the scrums for Jake White’s team. But Smith – who has been a regular starter in the No 3 jersey for a number of seasons – finally got his chance last Saturday, and came up with the big play that helped his team clinch a last-gasp victory. Lining up for a final scrum where the Bulls needed to secure a penalty in for a match-winning goal-kick, Smith and his fellow front-rowers Akker van der Merwe and Jan-Hendrik Wessels shoved Leinster off their feed to earn the referee’s decision. Centre David Kriel then…

Orlando Pirates have been in hot pursuit of breaking Mamelodi Sundowns’ seven-year winning streak in the Premiership, but with their destiny out of their hands, it could be worth looking elsewhere to end their season on a high. A lot of emphasis has been placed on winning the Betway Premiership this season, but CAF Champions League success could also be coupled with a third successive Nedbank Cup triumph, and achieving those could equally be as good for Jose Riveiro and his Pirates side. The Buccaneers qualified for the quarter-finals of the continental competition, top of their group on 14 points from six matches, beating strong competition in twelve-time champions Al Ahly, whom they managed to beat at the intimidating Cairo International Stadium 2-1, after playing out a 1-1 draw at…

Labat says the transaction represents a “significant development that will further enhance growth trajectory” Labat Africa Group, which previously focused on cannabis sector investments, is now pivoting to technology, and it has entered into a R2.5 billion royalty distribution agreement with Ubits Technology Solutions. The management team at Labat said on Wednesday that the transaction represents a “significant development that will further enhance Labat's growth trajectory in the technology and AI sectors.” On March 4 this year, Labat successfully completed the acquisitions of 75.55% of Classic International and 51% of Anahmu Investments. These acquisitions aim to strengthen Labat's position in the rapidly evolving technology sector, particularly within AI and innovations. “In line with the new journey of Labat, we are excited to announce that Labat has entered into a landmark…

Despite a decline in the number of international tourists visiting South Africa in February, recent statistics reveal an encouraging trend in the tourism industry's recovery. Month-on-month the rate of growth in travelers, between January and February fell, which is not surprising given that February falls outside peak season. Yet, the year-on-year growth numbers were solid. Statistics South Africa’s most recent figures show that, when measured in current prices, income for the tourist accommodation industry increased by 12.1% in January 2025 compared with January 2024. This, it said, was due to a 4.5% increase in the number of nights each person stayed, and an 11.7% increase in the average income per stay unit night sold. Hotels saw the biggest increase, the print showed. In addition, accommodation income also increased in the…

One of the biggest hurdles for any entrepreneur is securing the right type of funding to turn their ideas into reality or to grow their business. With so many financing options available these days, it can be overwhelming to determine the best fit. The truth is that no single funding option is inherently better than another as each comes with its own benefits, trade-offs and considerations. So, how do you know which one is right for you and your business? Here’s a breakdown of five of the most common business funding options and what they offer. Traditional bank loans Banks have historically been the go-to source of financing for anything, including businesses. A traditional bank loan typically requires collateral, a solid credit history, and a detailed business plan. For business…

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria as they further extend digital and financial inclusion, and they are considering opportunities in other countries on the continent. The sharing agreements target improved network cost efficiencies, expanded coverage and the provision of enhanced mobile services to millions of customers, particularly those in remote and rural areas who do not yet fully enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life. “We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets. To meet this demand, we invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive…

Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber lithium project in Finland and GalliCam project in France have been named among the European Commission’s first list of 47 Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), a landmark move to secure and diversify the European Union’s (EU) access to essential raw materials. Announced on Wednesday, the list highlights the South African mining group’s pivotal role in bolstering Europe’s green and digital transitions, targeting materials vital for batteries, renewable energy, and defence technologies. The CRMA, effective since May 23, 2024, aims to ensure that by 2030, EU extraction, processing, and recycling of strategic raw materials meet 10%, 40%, and 25% of annual demand, respectively. Spanning 13 EU member states, the 47 projects cover extraction, processing, recycling, and substitution, addressing 14 of the 17 strategic raw materials…

Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for suspects who brazenly hijacked a Toyota Corolla and a white Toyota Hilux bakkie in a simultaneous carjacking at Madimbo village under the Tshamutumbu policing precinct. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that on March 22, a 51-year-old man was at home when he received a call informing him that his goods were being stolen. He was then asked to come to the scene to assist in locating the suspects and recovering the stolen property. “A 51-year-old was at home in Tshiungani village when he received a phone call informing him that they were tracing suspects who allegedly stole his goods and asked him to come and assist them at Madimbo bushes, where some of the stolen property was found in the area.” When…

An employee from the City of Tshwane’s Finance Department was suspended on Tuesday following internal investigations that implicated him and two colleagues in a fraud scheme involving over R10 million between May 2021 and January 2022. Two of the employees implicated in the fraud case were arrested and recently appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where they were each granted R10 000 bail. However, one of them was unable to post bail and remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services. The third employee, who is also wanted by the law, has been avoiding arrest by checking himself into a hospital after learning that the police were closing in on him. Municipal spokesperson Selby Bokaba said discussions with the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecution Authority are progressing,…

THE African region has seen a significant decrease in tuberculosis (TB) deaths by 42% and cases by 24% between 2015 and 2023, due to improved case detection and treatment. However, as World TB Day 2025 highlights the urgent need for action and investment to end TB, challenges such as limited access to rapid diagnostics and the high cost of treatment persist. The World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy aims to reduce TB deaths and cases by 75% and 50% respectively by 2025, compared with 2015 levels. Several African countries have made notable progress, with South Africa achieving a 50% reduction in TB incidence during this period. Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia have also met the 2025 goal of a 75% reduction in TB deaths. Despite progress, limited access to…

USED car market sales continue to look positive following a strong start to 2025. According to data from AutoTrader, February posted superior year-on-year (YoY) sales and only a slight decline in monthly sales despite fewer business days. Meanwhile, January normally sees a strong performance as a result of various incentives and discounts offered by dealerships, but February did well with 28,885 used vehicles sold, representing a 0.8% YoY increase and a 6.7% month-on-month (MoM) decrease. Ranger still tops The Ford Ranger remains undefeated, maintaining its top position in the used car market. The top six best-selling vehicles have retained their rankings from last month, with some shifts between the seventh and tenth spots. Compared to January 2025, the Nissan NP200 has moved up two places to seventh, while the Toyota…

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso faces a selection challenge ahead of Friday’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Sekhukhune United (7pm kick-off). The conundrum arises as he awaits the return of the club’s Bafana Bafana players, who were in action during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. South Africa played Benin on Tuesday in Ivory Coast, just three days before Sundowns’ cup clash with Sekhukhune. The timing of the fixture is particularly tight as it had to be rescheduled due to a double booking at Lucas Moripe Stadium earlier this month. To add further complexity, the game will take place just four days before Sundowns’ CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg against Esperance next Tuesday. The national team touched down on Wednesday, giving Sundowns’ players a brief opportunity to rest…

Three-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will bid to avenge his defeat by Mathieu van der Poel in the Milan-San Remo and race in the Paris-Roubaix, another of the ‘Monuments’, for the first time, his team UAE announced on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Slovenian will be the first reigning Tour de France champion to tackle the most dangerous of the Monument races since Greg Lemond in 1991 – the American finished 55th. Cycling legends Bernard Hinault and Eddie Merckx also tried to win the one-day race in 1982 and 1975 respectively, a year after winning the Tour de France. Neither was successful, although Merckx finished second, edged out on the line by Roger De Vlaeminck. However, they both achieved perhaps an even greater feat in landing the two races in…

In the pre-Hugo Broos-era, the idea of back-to-back wins, especially in World Cup qualifiers, was a non-existent topic. Hence, Bafana Bafana last qualified for the global showpiece in 2002 – forget the 2010 qualification by default. For Broos to achieve this rare feat in the recent qualifiers against Southern African neighbours Lesotho and West Africans Benin, he was always going to require some bold individual performances. So, we rated the combined run-on XI, which gives us 14 players. The number 14 comes from the fact that Broos made only three changes in the run-on XI against Benin from the starters who faced Lesotho in Polokwane. Thapelo Morena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Thalente Mbatha replaced Elias Mokwana, Jayden Adams, and Teboho Mokoena. Ronwen Williams | 6 out of 10 Two clean sheets…

Novak Djokovic cruised into the quarter-finals of the Miami Open on Tuesday night with a 6-2 6-2 win over Italian Lorenzo Musetti in one hour 22 minutes. Musetti, the 15th seed from Tuscany, got off to a flying start to take a 2-0 lead in the first set, but then proceeded to lose the next nine games as the Serb, looking confident and sharp, ran away with the game. Djokovic has won the Miami Open on six occasions, but has not featured in the quarters since his last victory here in 2016. The 37-year-old is now just three wins away from winning his 100th tour-level title. “He had a really good start of the match. First couple games I started a little bit slow, and then I knew that if…

I was sick to my stomach this week, almost to the point of gagging. And that’s not because I am currently observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadaan, where I’m required to stay without food and drink from sunrise to sunset. No, it was instead due to the embarrassing situation related to Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s yellow-card controversy that could see the national football team be docked three valuable Fifa World Cup qualifying points. For the uninformed, Bafana fielded Mokoena in last Friday evening’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, despite the Mamelodi Sundowns star having picked up a yellow card in the previous World Cup qualifiers against Benin (MD1) and a second in the following match against Zimbabwe (MD4). Fifa’s regulations clearly indicate…

Lions lock Darrien Landsberg believes his team has what it takes to conquer Scotland over the next fortnight in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Lions face the Warriors on Saturday in a United Rugby Championship match (9.35pm kickoff), and next week they travel to Edinburgh for a last-16 Challenge Cup fixture. The Johannesburgers have slid from eighth on the URC to 13th after tripping up 20-17 in Cardiff last week. It was a game they should have won, and now there is huge pressure to earn log points against the defending URC champions Glasgow. But Landsberg said that the team are in the mood for a battle. “We have a big game this weekend against Glasgow Warriors, and it’s definitely going to be a difficult one,” the No 5 lock said.…

Steel industry experts on Wednesday expressed scepticism about the deadlines set for the steel tariff review recently launched by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic), citing its vast scope and the far-reaching implications of its proposals. On March 19, Itac published a notice in the Government Gazette (notice no. 3061 of 2025) informing stakeholders of its intention to initiate the process of reviewing the steel tariff structure. These include breaching the bound rate, introducing control pricing, imposing export duties, and invoking Article 19 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on tariffs and trade. They warn that such measures would drive up tariffs and prices, potentially leading to the collapse of numerous businesses within the sector. Concerns by the sector are that the current review, covering four chapters…

Global renewable power capacity surged by a record 585 gigawatts (GW) in 2024, accounting for 92.5% of total power expansion, but the growth still lags behind the pace needed to triple capacity by 2030, the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) said on Wednesday. The annual increase, detailed in Irena’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025, brought total renewable capacity to 4 448 GW, marking a 15.1% growth rate - the highest since 2000. Solar and wind energy led the charge, comprising 96.6% of net renewable additions, with solar capacity rising 32.2% to 1 865 GW. Despite this milestone, the agency warned that an annual growth rate of 16.6% is now required to meet the 11.2-terawatt target set at COP28 for 2030. Irena director-general Francesco La Camera hailed the progress but underscored persistent…

Africa’s economic growth is too slow for its population boom. With GDP growing at just 3.5% annually while the population expands by 2.5%, the continent is barely inching forward at 1% per capita growth each year. At this rate, it would take 140 years to reach India’s projected 2025 GDP per capita of $11 000 (R200 765.29), 200 years to match China, and 300 years to reach Germany’s standard of living. Something isn’t working. This is not about talent - we have plenty. It’s not about ambition for Africa is home to some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the world. The real issue is that we keep making the same trillion-dollar mistake. We treat startups like traditional businesses and by doing so, we are holding back the very companies…

Metair Investments CEO, Paul O'Flaherty, said on Wednesday that he expected the company’s newly acquired unit Autozone to contribute 5% to 6% in operating margin and help the firm with its expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa. The acquisition of Autozone was among the landmarks for Metair during the full-year to the end of December 2024. Other major highlights for the period included the disposal of Mutlu, with O’Flaherty also extending his tenure by two years. The integration of Autozone is seen as pivotal as Metair explores its growth potential in the after-sales auto market of Sub-Saharan Africa. “Ultimately we want to see how we will position Autozone in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are looking at East Africa downwards and we are looking to do partnerships and joint ventures,” O’Flaherty told Business Report…

That three-star rating for the new Steven Soderbergh movie Black Bag is a matter of personal preference. Kick it up by half a star if your tastes run to John le Carré espionage thrillers crossed with marital cage matches like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Dock it the same amount if you don’t like talky, complex, fiendishly intelligent head games. Me? I like it, while also recognising that this is the latest effortless Soderbergh miniature, acted by a game and glittering cast while never breaking a sweat. It’s good, brainy fun but I do miss the days when this director sweated a bit more. After an amuse-bouche of an opening scene, Black Bag settles into a dinner party at which the stakes are discreetly high. Our chef is George Woodhouse…

Want to up your cooking skills or simply be entertained? You’re in luck! This month, South African television is serving up a feast of culinary delights, featuring both seasoned chefs and enthusiastic amateurs showcasing their talents. Here are three local cooking shows you should add to your viewing schedule. Come Dine With Me South Africa (S10) Wednesdays on BBC Lifestyle, DStv channel 174 at 8pm. Come Dine with Me South Africa follows four people who have never previously met as they snoop around each other’s homes, sample each other’s cooking and pass judgement on one another’s entertainment skills. Each host receives scores out of ten after the gatherings and the stakes are high: the contestant with the best score walks away with a grand prize of R10,000, as well as…

The Gauteng police have neither confirmed nor denied a possible link between the five suspects who were this week arrested for a series of church robberies in and around Sophiatown and their possible involvement in the 2023 murder of Pastor Wayne Gordon, who was killed in front of his congregation in Newlands, near Westdene, in October 2023. This comes after one of the suspects on Monday was shot dead after law enforcement agents exchanged intense gunfire with alleged criminals in Westdene, Sophiatown. On Wednesday, three of the five suspects appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court, where their matter was postponed to April 3 for the verification of their details. Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, said two of the suspects were arrested following the shootout, with only three…

A man who was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his stepdaughter for more than two years — since she was 11— appealed his “shocking” sentence as he maintained that what he had done did not amount to the “worst kind of rape”. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, however, did not agree with him and said he deserved the sentence he had received. Two judges on appeal said the stepfather did not show any remorse at all for what he had done. If it were not for the fact that the child wrote in her diary about her harrowing ordeal at the hands of the accused and that her mother read her diary, she would have had to endure the suffering for much longer. The child testified that the appellant…

The City of Johannesburg appeals to municipal account holders to immediately update their contact details with the city to avoid the risk of having their electricity or water services disconnected due to missed payments. Currently, there are active customers whose contact details are incorrect, outdated or unreachable, making it difficult for the city to deliver statements and critical service-related communications. The onus is on the customer receiving services like water, electricity, sewer, refuse removal, etc., to contact the city and ensure that they receive their municipal statements, for example. The City’s Group Finance Department Director of Customer Communications, Kgamanyane Maphologela, says there is a growing number of customers who either don’t give correct contact details or don’t update their current contact details with the city. “As the city we…

THE lawyer representing Racquel “Kelly” Smith, the mother of missing Joshlin Smith, continued the cross-examination of Lourentia Lombaard, emphasising that she had multiple opportunities to go to the police but failed to do so. Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn are facing kidnapping and human trafficking charges before the Western Cape High Court, sitting in Saldanha. They were arrested weeks after Joshlin disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay on February 19, 2024. Lombaard, a former accused turned state witness, claimed that Smith told her she had sold Joshlin to a sangoma for R20 000 and had promised her R1 000 to stay quiet about it. During questioning, Smith’s lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, asked if she had been using drugs on February…

Ingredients: 1 pack PnP Beef Burgers (8’s, 800 g) 8 small soft taco tortillas 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup sliced pickles 1/4 cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tbsp oil or butter for frying Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Place a PnP beef patty directly onto the skillet. Lay a tortilla over the patty and press down firmly with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip the tortilla with the patty attached. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat with remaining patties and tortillas. Assemble by adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles to the patty side of the tortilla. Drizzle with mayonnaise. Fold the tortilla into a…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance in their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The victory significantly strengthens South Africa’s position in the race for qualification to next year’s global tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada. Broos was full of praise for his players, acknowledging their tactical discipline and focused approach throughout the match. The Belgium-born coach has worked tirelessly to blend experience with youth over the years, creating a squad capable of competing at the highest level. One of the most notable aspects of Bafana’s progress under Broos, has been the team’s growing confidence. Broos has instilled a sense of belief in his players, which is reflected in their performances. “We are not…

Blitzboks coach Philip Snyman had to make do with a candle and cupcake on his 38th birthday on Wednesday. But SA captain Selvyn Davids celebrated his 31st in a more dramatic way, posing next to the other captains at the new Kai Tak Stadium, where this weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens takes place. Snyman and Davids not only share birthdays, but also debut memories. Davids represented the Blitzboks for the first time in Hong Kong in 2017, while Snyman officially took over as national sevens head coach at the corresponding tournament last year. Davids said it is hard to believe that he is back in the Far East as captain again, so many years after his debut. “The year 2017 was the start of everything. I did not think way back…

Durban City are in prime position to secure a return to the top-flight of South African football as the Motsepe Foundation Championship heads into the final stretch. With only eight games left in the season, the KwaZulu-Natal club are holding onto a six-point lead at the top of the table, putting them in control of their destiny. The chase for second place remains tight, with Kruger United, Orbit College and JDR Stars all tied on 36 points, while Casric Stars are just a point behind. The race for promotion is set to heat up as these teams fight for the remaining spots. However, it’s Durban City who are firmly in the driver’s seat, looking to defend their position and secure the coveted promotion spot. For City, the goal is not…

Argentina celebrated their 2026 World Cup qualification with a dazzling 4-1 thrashing of arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Giuliano Simeone sealed an emphatic win for the world champions, who had been assured of their World Cup berth after Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay earlier on Tuesday. That goalless stalemate ensured a festive atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental before a ball had been kicked, and Argentina kept the party going with a blistering performance. “We humbly did our job and played a great game. We gave them a show,” Alvarez told reporters. “It was a historic result, winning by 4-1, and that makes us really proud. “I’m so happy for the fans, for helping the team and to see how…

IT is time to sink or swim as the final stretch of the 2024/2025 Premiership season begins this weekend, with super tricky fixtures for all the relegation strugglers, who among them, with a great sense of disbelief, include three-time champions SuperSport United. Other teams in this bracket are Magesi FC, Cape Town City and Marumo Gallants, and with 24 points on the board respectively, Richards Bay FC and Lamontville Golden Arrows, even though they are currently standing at No 10 and 11. Independent Media looked at the upcoming relegation battle fixtures as the once-mighty Matsatsantsa a Pitori begin for the second time life after coach Gavin Hunt, who was sacked on Human Rights Day. Magesi FC v Stellenbosch FC, Saturday, 5.45pm With 23 points after the same number of games,…