Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-02 i Star

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) collected a record gross revenue of R2.303 trillion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, exceeding expectations by nearly R8.8 billion, a day before parliament votes on the National Budget. Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter hailed the outcome as a testament to the agency’s efficiency, noting that it collected R114bn more than the previous year’s R1.741trl. “I am pleased that the R447.7 billion returned into the hands of taxpayers is good for the economy,” Kieswetter said, referencing the highest-ever refund payout, up 8.2% from R413.9 billion in 2023/24. However, he said he remained "deeply concerned about the ever-present threat of refund fraud and abuse of the system". This as Sars thwarted R146.7bn in impermissible refunds. The net revenue of R1.855 trillion reflects a tax-to-GDP ratio of 24.8%,…

The rand weakened slightly on Tuesday, trading at around R18.40 against the dollar and nearing a one-month low, as investors assessed economic data and awaited details on US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs. The currency’s decline was exacerbated by prolonged domestic budget negotiations, with markets jittery ahead of a critical parliamentary vote. Trump, dubbing Wednesday "Liberation Day," has pledged reciprocal tariffs on "all countries," with speculation pointing to a potential 20% levy on most imports. While no final decision has been confirmed, the uncertainty has unsettled global markets, adding pressure to the rand, already strained by ongoing talks between South Africa’s ruling ANC and the Democratic Alliance over the National Budget. The rand briefly rallied earlier this week on hopes of a budget breakthrough, but Tuesday’s slide reflected renewed caution.…

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at ensuring energy security and mobilising private sector investments to revolutionise the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure. Ramokgopa on Tuesday announced that the government will pursue private investment for the construction of transmission lines through the Independent Transmission Programme (ITP). He said that the government was set to facilitate greater private involvement in building and managing transmission infrastructure following the recent amendments to the Electricity Regulation Act enacted by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The country needs to expand its existing electricity transmission by approximately 14 000 kilometres to realise the vision set forth in the National Development Plan (NDP. Ramokgopa said the pilot programme for the ITP will identify specific transmission corridors across the country and pave the…

When torrential rains unleashed devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal in 2022, we witnessed a stark strategy with over 400 lives lost, thousands displaced, aggregate and damages exceeding R17 billion. This disaster, alongside many others countrywide sends a clear message - we remained highly exposed to climate change impacts, with devastating consequences already visible across the nation. Despite these clear threats, our response remains critically inadequate, with just 12% of South Africa’s climate finance (around R16 billion annually) dedicated climate adaptation in contrast to the projected need of R866 billion by 2030, escalating sharply to R1.9 trillion by 2050, according to World Bank estimates. The 2025 Budget Speech brought about much criticism on the proposed VAT increased, however Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined an ambitious infrastructure investment plan, with over R1trl allocated…

Absa Group faced a rocky leadership shuffle that left its reputation bruised in 2024, while it paid its executive team handsomely, its latest annual report shows. Interim group CEO Charles Russon pocketed R35.47 million, a 12.1% jump from R31.64m in 2023, and new group financial director Deon Raju earned R22.09m in his debut year. Group chairman Sello Moloko laid bare the challenges that tested the bank’s resilience amid a shifting African banking landscape. The report details a 10% increase in headline earnings and a return on equity (RoE) of 14.8%, driven by a stronger second half. Other executive payouts include Arrie Rautenbach, who ceased being group CEO on October 15, 2024, receiving R8.44m for 2024, down 78.9% from R40.03m in 2023, with no short-term or long-term incentives awarded. Christopher Snyman,…

A SENIOR education official at a private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, might escape criminal charges for allegedly raping a seven-year-old school learner as the Constitution protects him from being forced to give his DNA samples to the police. This was the view of legal expert Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, who said the investigation into the school official might reach a dead end. “It is in the nature of the commission of the offence that leads to that kind of dead end,” he said. It was still unclear what happened to the girl child - a learner of the private Bergview College in Matatiele - because the alleged molester was yet to be officially identified, arrested, and brought before the court. Khuzwayo said the official should first be a suspect in…

The Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday postponed the case of the mass shooting of patrollers at Marry Me Informal Settlement in Soshanguve to April 17 to allow for an identity parade to be conducted as part of the SAPS ongoing investigation. A 27-year-old Zimbabwean national, who appeared in court in a closed session accessible only to journalists and court officials, is facing a total of 16 charges. The charges include six counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said, “It is alleged that on March 22, 2025, at approximately 3am in the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve, a group of 12 patrollers were sitting on the street when they were approached by five…

The bail hearing of 11 suspects, including seven South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials, charged in connection with a R260 million SASSA card fraud scheme, was on Tuesday postponed following the reading of the bail application of seven of the accused. More suspects are set to continue their bail pleas when the case resumes on Wednesday in the Lenasia Magistrate's Court, with Phiwe Mkhuzangwe, one of the accused, indicating that she intends to plead not guilty and would like to be considered for bail as her mother is a cancer patient. “My mother, who is a cancer patient, is dependent on me. Even though I was told by my colleagues that I was wanted by the police, I did not flee and have no intention of evading trial, and…

Imagine coming to the end of a lengthy recruitment process, only to find out the candidate you’ve been dealing with during several rounds of in-depth interviews isn’t real. The person you’ve just hired doesn’t exist. It may sound like something out of a fictional thriller, but unfortunately, AI-based tools and deepfake technology have turned this scenario from fiction into reality, adding to the growing list of security concerns for enterprises of all sizes. Not only can job candidates use AI to accurately answer interview questions, but they can also use deepfake technology to completely alter both their voice and appearance. With more than half of remote workers today remaining fully remote, scammers could potentially cash in on months’ worth of pay cheques before being discovered. In even more sinister cases,…

The Lions will be going all-in against Edinburgh on Friday evening (9pm kickoff), looking to make it through to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup. After back-to-back losses on tour, the Johannesburg side are under massive pressure to find some winning form. After the disappointment this past weekend in Glasgow, they will look to leave the Scottish capital with a victory and their trophy hopes still alive. There is the prospect of possibly playing the Bulls in the quarters next weekend, but that is a thought they’ve banished from their minds, with the duel in Edinburgh their only focus. Defence coach Jaque Fourie described the 42-0 loss to Glasgow in the United Rugby Championship (URC) as a “horrific loss”, but said the team are ready to make amends. “We’ve looked…

How do you plan for upcoming matches if you don’t know if there will be a fifth one instead of just four? That is the dilemma facing Bulls director of rugby Jake White as the Pretoria side prepare for Saturday’s Challenge Cup last-16 clash against Bayonne in France (1.30pm start). The Bulls arrived in Biarritz on Monday and Tuesday, and will only really start their training on Wednesday. But apart from Saturday’s Bayonne playoff, the Bulls also have two United Rugby Championship games coming up: against Munster on April 19 in Limerick, and Glasgow on April 25. What their immediate travel plans look like will be determined by another Challenge Cup knockout, between the Lions and Edinburgh in Scotland on Friday night. If the Bulls beat Bayonne and the Lions…

Arne Slot reiterated Liverpool remain laser-focused on their English Premier League title challenge despite reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a move to Real Madrid. The England defender has long been linked with a free transfer to the Bernabéu, and talks between the 26-year-old and the Spanish giants are understood to be progressing. Alexander-Arnold is one of three marquee players out of contract at the end of the season, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. All three have been able to discuss terms with overseas clubs since January. Slot’s side, who are red-hot favourites to win the Premier League, host local rivals Everton on Wednesday following the international break. “His situation is, unfortunately, that he is injured; otherwise, people would probably be talking about him having…

The nation is waiting on tenterhooks as the joint Standing and Select Committees on Finance are set to vote on the fiscal framework on Wedneday, approving or rejecting the National Budget tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana last month. Godongwana's Budget proposed adjusting the VAT increase to 1% over the next two years, but the fragility of the Government of National Unity (GNU) has been laid bare since then as the Democratic Alliance (DA) said it would not support the proposed VAT increase. Frank Blackmore, lead economist at KPMG South Africa, told Business Report on Tuesday that all options were still a possibility in terms of outcomes. "The most beneficial outcome for the country would be one in which expenditure cuts are made and the VAT increases are scrapped with…

Post-apartheid era trade agreements like the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) - European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and numerous other multi-and-bilateral trade agreements have contributed to a significant increase in agricultural exports from R22.4 billion in 2004 to R251bn in 2024. Due to the recent rate of output growth, increased efforts made through the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), industry-specific master plans, and various transformative initiatives, the agricultural sector’s production is anticipated to increase further as a new generation of farmers enters the commercial space. This calls for the exploration of new markets, but it is crucial to emphasise that while the country navigates the global space to open more markets, these markets must be as diversified as possible in…

Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 marks a defining moment for Africa’s fossil fuel industry. Within weeks of his inauguration, his administration reapproved a $4.7 billion (R86bn) loan from the US Export-Import Bank (Exim) for TotalEnergies’ liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique. This funding, first greenlit during Trump’s initial term in 2020, languished under President Joe Biden’s tenure, reflecting the latter’s aversion to fossil fuel initiatives. The swift revival of this loan signals a new era of US-Africa collaboration - one that prioritises energy development over ideological resistance to hydrocarbons and the pervasive influence of the global Green Agenda. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) believes Africa must seize this fleeting opportunity. For decades, international pressure has pushed African nations to abandon fossil fuels in favour of…

JSE-listed Renergen, which plans a Nasdaq IPO, has sold and exported its first helium production, and liquid natural gas (LNG) production has increased by 22% from the previous reporting period, it said in a quarterly update Tuesday. The owner of South Africa’s first onshore gas production company said also that the Springbok Solar legal matter was heard on February 20, 2025, and judgment has been reserved. Meanwhile liquidity plans to complete Phase 1C, which aims to enhance helium and gas production to bring the plant nameplate production capacity, were close to finalisation, Renergen’s CEO Stefano Marani said in the update. The group said it was also in the process of obtaining a waiver from the US-based International Development Finance Corporation, from a breach of a debt covenant - Renergen had…

ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) announcement about deferring he winding down of its Long Steel business has been met with relief and optimism from local stakeholders including the Newcastle Growth Coalition and the Association of South African Chambers (ASAC). Amsa on Monday announced that the previously communicated wind down of its Long Steel Business will be deferred for an initial period of at least 6 months, up to 31 August 2025, following a R1.7 billion facility provided by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Johan Pieters, the chairman of the Newcastle Growth Coalition Chapter, on Tuesday said they were hopeful about the future of the company in the local economy. "We have remained optimistic about Amsa Newcastle for months, believing that Amsa and the national government will secure the 3 500…

The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner has applauded the arrest of a 58-year-old teacher who had been on the run after allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old girl multiple times. The Star previously reported that police launched a manhunt after another educator escorted the female learner to her mother on March 27th, informing her of the ordeal. Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng stated that after the case was opened, the suspect pretended to surrender at the police station but instead fled from the law. “A case of rape was registered for further investigation. The suspect drove off with his vehicle under the pretense that he was going to the police station. When he was contacted, he claimed he was in Hammanskraal in Pretoria and the cellphone was then switched off.” The suspect…

THE Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) R9 billion school nutrition programme has run into serious challenges, with one company demanding a rerun of the process that saw the contract shared between dozens of firms. Umnothowethu Trading Enterprise has hauled the department to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg over the awarding of the contract to several suppliers last month. The company is unhappy with its bid being rejected by GDE after it was disqualified for allegedly not submitting a valid Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act certificate, which it disputes. The company is seeking for the court to interdict the department from implementing or giving effect to its decision to award the tender pending a review application it intends to launch. In addition, the company wants the contracts concluded to…

The Queen of Power Ballads, Celine Dion, has shocked the internet after the singer celebrated her 57th birthday recently, with many claiming that they thought she was older or in her 70s. The “I’m Alive” hitmaker’s age was shared on a US entertainment blog, Pop Base, which wished the singer a happy birthday on March 30. “Happy 57th birthday to the legendary Celine Dion,” the blog captioned the post. Many social media users were shocked to learn that the singer is in her late 50s because they thought she was older and in her 60s or 70s. @arianapologist commented, “SHE ISN’T IN HER 70’S?!?!” “I genuinely thought my girl was in her 60s, and not because she looks old, but because she’s beeeeeeen around! Kunini kwathiwa Celine Dion,” @Sine_Madolo said.…

Former Member of Parliament (MP) and African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) member Lindiwe Sisulu has lamented the neglect of heroes’ graves across South Africa. During the commemoration of Robert Sobukwe’s 100 years of legacy in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, at the weekend, Sisulu urged municipalities to take greater responsibility for the resting places of those who fought valiantly against apartheid, saying she was left saddened by the state of disrepair of Sobukwe’s gravesite. ‘‘I was not happy with the grave that we went to this morning. This is a towering man, an intellectual. “A man who has trailblazed most of the path that we have travelled. I would have expected that when we got there, something in the grave would show that we care, we love, and we…

Home Affairs has a bad reputation for lack of service delivery. Now it’s worse, in the age of digital era, and under a DA minister. People, young and old, stand in the queue (in the sun and rain) for many hours without getting the necessary service. Whatever happened to the Batho Pele Principles? A month or so ago, I had an appointment at the home affairs to apply for a smart card ID. My appointment was at 1pm. I arrived 15 minutes before and left the Krugersdorp Home Affairs at 4pm. When I left, I was tired, angry and hungry. Fortunately, I had taken leave for that day. Two weeks ago, I received an SMS from the home affairs saying my ID was ready for collection. However, I have to…

Africa, the cradle of humanity, is once again shaping the future, this time as the cradle of skills. The continent is home to the youngest population in the world, a demographic trend that stands in stark contrast to the aging and shrinking workforces in regions such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. By 2050, Africa’s workforce could become one of the most powerful economic forces globally, bridging labour gaps in ageing populations economies. However, to maximise this advantage, Africa must urgently invest in education, skills development, and strategic workforce planning to ensure its talent is valued globally. This must happen in a world where innovation is accelerating, redefining industries and economies, yet disruption – both technological and political – threatens stability. Without coordinated efforts, the continent…

ANOTHER football season, another barren campaign for Kaizer Chiefs. What’s new as the one-time Glamour Boys of South African football continue to slip towards the edge of the abyss? Well, with Amakhosi still in the Nedbank Cup, where they will meet Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final, there is a chance they might win something this season. But given the opposition and their recent record against them, that chance can well be described as slim to none – with slim having already left town. But how did it come to this? How is it that the club that was once the epitome of success – the club that all others looked up to as the model of professionalism; the club that set the trend for the rest to follow – has…

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is already planning the Brazilians’ next step, arguing that his boys will have to be men next week and that they can’t afford to rest on their laurels when they visit Espérance in Tunisia. Sundowns will head to North Africa high on confidence after beating Espérance 1-0 in the CAF Champions League quarter-final, first leg, On Tuesday. Peter Shalulile chipped in with the all-important goal for the Brazilians in the second half, sending the stadium into a frenzy. However, it was a painful defeat for Espérance and their supporters, some of whom were involved in physical altercations with the Yellow Nation after the game, resulting in ugly scenes. The Brazilians will hope that security will be on high alert to ensure they play under safer…

Aston Villa’s Marcus Rashford scored his first goals since his successful loan spell from Manchester United, however, he is not the only Red Devils' attacking 'discard' thriving away from the club. Big money signing Antony, who endured an equally frustrating spell at United, is also enjoying his time at Real Betis in La Liga. Rashford, who scored a brace against Preston in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, said that he was enjoying football at the club. The forward joined Unai Emery's team on loan during the January transfer window after falling out of favour at Old Trafford where head coach Ruben Amorim repeatedly questioned the England forward's effort in training. The coach famously alluded to the fact that that he would rather have the club's goalkeeper coach on…

Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma is set to feature in the final round robin games of the Cricket South Africa Four-Day competition when the Lions travel to Bloemfontein to play against the relegation-threatened Free State Knights later this week. Bavuma's return to domestic cricket is certainly a good feat for domestic cricket, however, the Knights will most certainly not share the same sentiments. Who could blame them, considering the red ball form Bavuma is carrying from the summer of Test cricket? A quick glance at his numbers, which include two centuries and three fifties in seven innings, would give any bowling attack sleepless nights without the name Bavuma being attached to the numbers. The Knights are in a desperate situation with the nightmares of the 2022/23 season, when they were…

March new vehicle sales were the best since March 2023, nudging the 50 000-unit volume The automotive industry has expressed confidence that it would be resilient enough to withstand the 25% import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in the US as domestic new vehicle sales surged by 12.5% in March. This comes after export sales for new vehicles recorded an impressive increase of 9 354 units, or 31.1%, reaching 39 477 vehicles in March, which is 15.7% higher than March 2023 exports. The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) on Tuesday said this marked the first export growth in 10 months, signalling renewed momentum in South Africa’s global trade position. Domestic new vehicle sales also surged, with aggregate sales reaching 49 493 units - an increase of 5 504 units, or…

Businesses in the manufacturing sector in South Africa are expecting conditions to deteriorate over the next six months on the back of intermittent power supply and the souring relations between South Africa and the United States. South Africa is currently in the crosshairs of the Trump administration and diplomatic relations have deteriorated over the government’s passing of the Land Expropriation Act and its stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict. The business sector is also dealing with intermittent power supply as Eskom implemented load shedding for a few days in every month since the beginning of the year, albeit it was soon suspended. The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released on Tuesday remained in contractionary territory for a fifth consecutive month despite inching up by 4 points to 48.7 in…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2025 Budget presents a crucial opportunity for renewable energy in South Africa. With R219.2 billion allocated to energy infrastructure, government aims to modernise and expand the grid. However, success depends on efficient execution, streamlined regulations, and sustained investor confidence. By 2030, renewable energy will power 41% of South Africa’s electricity grid. Large-scale solar and wind projects, combined with energy storage, will strengthen energy stability. Decentralised generation, where businesses and households invest in solar, will reduce reliance on Eskom and create a more diverse, resilient energy sector. Eskom’s restructuring is certain to open the market to competition, allowing private producers fairer grid access through an independent transmission system operator. Advances in flexible grid solutions and energy storage will help renewables form the backbone of a stable, low-carbon…

Umngeni-Uthukela Water, the government-owned water authority serving KwaZulu-Natal, has reported a dramatic fall in profits for the six-month period ending December 31, 2024, citing substantial increases in expected credit losses as the primary catalyst. The authority’s profit shrank to R592.37 million, starkly down from R1.14 billion during the same period the previous year, according to the interim results that were released Tuesday. This tumultuous decline has raised concerns over the promptness of municipalities fulfilling their payment obligations for water services. In the results, the company revealed a revenue increase of 17%, reaching R3.84bn, largely buoyed by sales volume growth and the government-sanctioned 10% tariff hike for potable water for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25. Despite these gains, gross profit remained nearly static, recording minimal growth from R1.95bn to R1.99bn year-on-year.…

With the first school holidays of the year currently underway, it is the perfect time for youngsters to unwind while watching some top children’s movies. From streaming their favourite movies to revisiting classic films that may even spark a bit of nostalgia, there’s something for everyone. Here is a list of movies to keep your children entertained these holidays: Tiddler Tiddler on Showmax tells the story of a little fish with a big imagination who gets lost in the deep, wide ocean – until he is saved by his own storytelling. It is the work of the BBC and multi-Oscar-nominated producers, Magic Light Pictures. The film is co-directed by South African Alex Bain and it is narrated by Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham. Tiddler was the ninth most-watched title on BBC…

The reconstruction of parliament can now officially begin. This is following the successful demolition of the fire-ravaged National Assembly and Old Assembly buildings by Maziya General Services. The demolition phase faced multiple delays due to unforeseen challenges, including above-average rainfall in the region and complications arising from the absence of “as-built” drawings, which impacted the demolition methodology. Despite these hurdles, Maziya was able to finish the job on schedule, a feat that has drawn praise from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). Importantly, Maziya’s competitive bid for the demolition work came in significantly lower than the other bidders, saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of rands. The other companies that submitted bids for the project included well-known industry players like Raubex Construction and Stefanutti Stocks. However, Maziya General Services…

A whistleblower has exposed a report revealing a series of irregular appointments and a jobs-for-pals syndicate happening at the Mangaung Municipality in the Free State. The report, which surfaced on 1 April 2025, accuses several high-ranking officials of bypassing standard recruitment procedures and making appointments based on favouritism rather than merit. The report has been shared with the minister of Cogta, the Public Protector, the premier of the Free State and President Cyril Ramaphosa. The most significant revelations come from the Public Safety Directorate, where, between December 2023 and January 2024, four individuals were hired without proper advertisements or interviews. The newly appointed staff included Mr. Rethabile Makoloane, Ms. Tsametse Moshaoa, Hloue Msiza, and Masithela Phandliwe. According to the report, all were handpicked by the leadership, Sello More and Mr.…

The City of Tshwane's council has approved the Tshwane Automotive City Master Plan, paving the way for a massive development project in the Rosslyn area with the potential to create at least 150 000 jobs in the future. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said the plan envisions a 7 157-hectare automotive manufacturing hub that will be globally competitive and transformed. She lauded the plan for its potential to establish Africa's largest automotive assembly precinct in Rosslyn and boost the local economy. “Our studies estimate that the total development will create around 150 000 direct and indirect jobs for the residents of Tshwane over the lifespan of this development,” she said. According to Mabotsa, the Rosslyn precinct already boasts a significant automotive presence,…

The City of Johannesburg will increase fares for its transport services – Metrobus and Rea Vaya – as the struggling municipality attempts to balance its books. Metrobus fares will increase by 4.6% while the rapid bus transport (BRT) system Rea Vaya is expected to hike its prices by 5% from July. In a notice presented in council last week, the municipality announced that in terms of the Municipal Systems Act read with the Municipal Finance Management Act, Metrobus acting in accordance with its mandate from the City of Johannesburg, declared its intention to amend its fares with effect from July 1, 2025. The municipality will communicate the decision to the local community, using radio broadcasts, publishing a notice in the prescribed manner, and inviting written submissions or representations regarding the…

At just 14 years of age, Jayden Samuels, a gifted ballet dancer from Rosettenville, Johannesburg, is poised to showcase his talents on a global stage at the prestigious Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) in Tampa, Florida, scheduled for 21-29 April 2025. His inspiring journey, marked by perseverance, resilience, and community support, has ignited a wave of excitement and pride back home. Jayden's love for ballet ignited when he was merely six years old, mesmerized by performances he watched on television. Growing up in a town known for its challenges, he faced numerous obstacles common to budding artists. Long commutes to training sessions in Braamfontein and Parkhurst, alongside the constant burden of affording dance gear and tuition, could have dissuaded him. For Jayden, however, each challenge became a stepping stone, cultivating…

The Zulu royal family has broken its silence on the circulating voice recording where King Misuzulu kaZwelithini was involved in a verbal altercation with one of his sisters. Although it was unclear when the incident took place, the recording started circulating on Friday, with no immediate reaction from the royal family or the King himself. In the short statement released by the royal family on Monday, it said it acknowledges the audio recording; however, it cautions the public that the matter is a private family issue and will be addressed internally by the royal elders. The royal family said it was evident that the recording was made without consent and is now being used as part of a broader campaign to damage the King’s reputation ahead of an upcoming court…

In the bustling heart of Hilbrow, Johannesburg, a vividly colourful food shop stands out, enticing passers-by with an array of mouth-watering meals. The advertising board invites hungry patrons to step inside for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a sight designed to charm your senses. Yet, in stark contrast, an undertaker is located right next door – a business venture worlds apart from the lively food establishment serving grilled dishes. How on earth did Joburg town planners permit this bizarre and, some might argue, macabre arrangement? It’s difficult to fathom how such decisions were made, and it raises a whirlwind of questions about city governance and planning. Were both these entirely different businesses granted operational licences? If so, when, how, and most importantly, why? With the City of Gold in a…

Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad has emerged as the frontrunner to take over all the South African senior men’s national cricket teams following Rob Walter’s resignation on Tuesday. Walter, who has overseen the ODI and T20 teams for the past two years, was expected to lead the Proteas through to the 2027 World Cup on home soil. However, he has stepped down with two years remaining on his four-year contract. According to Cricket South Africa (CSA), Walter has resigned for “personal reasons,” although pressure had been mounting on the 49-year-old due to his bilateral series record outside major ICC tournaments. The former Titans coach also still resides in New Zealand, with the extensive travel between the two countries placing a strain on his young family. “Coaching the Proteas has been…

When Japan won the rights to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup, I wasn’t too excited. The decision was made in July 2009, with England chosen for the 2015 edition and Japan four years later. While Japan had competed in previous tournaments, they were far from a ‘real’ rugby nation at that stage. Yet, they broke all sorts of records in every respect of the event as they staged arguably the most successful RWC of all time. Of course, it held special significance for South Africans as Siya Kolisi went on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019. And it was especially memorable personally, as I was at the Yokohama Stadium on that unforgettable night, having been honoured to be part of the Rugby News Service team for the…