Cape Times 2025-12-30

Bruce Willis is known for his big personality, action roles, comedic talent and lasting presence in Hollywood. Away from the spotlight, though, his family is facing a personal journey that goes far beyond his film career. In an act of profound love and purpose, the family has decided to donate Bruce’s brain to scientific research after his passing. This decision, while heart-wrenching, reflects a commitment to raising awareness and advancing our understanding of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition that has reshaped their lives forever. Bruce, now 70, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in early 2023. Before that, he was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022, which led him to retire from acting. FTD is a rare brain disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes, causing gradual problems with memory,…

Language is a funny thing, isn’t it? It has the power to connect us, divide us, and sometimes, give us a reason to laugh until our sides hurt. There are a few things that can summon South Africans faster than the smell of a braai, my fellow South Africans, or a word that means something else in isiZulu, Afrikaans, English and pure chaos all at once That said, a video of a cute dog has gone viral after its Australian owner misspelt its name, turning it into a derogatory Afrikaans word. The dog named Poe was referred to as “Po*s”, which left Mzansi in stitches. The adorable Border Collie has now unwittingly become a viral sensation among South Africans. Jennifer Martin, who owns Wildhunde, an Australian company that makes high-quality,…

Venus Williams, the iconic tennis legend, has once again captured the world’s attention, not with her legendary forehand, but with a love story fit for a modern-day fairytale. The 45-year-old sports superstar said “I do” to actor and producer Andrea Preti, sealing their love with not one, but two unforgettable wedding celebrations. Their journey is more than a tale of romance; it’s a heartfelt ode to love, family, and the relationships that shape us. According to Vogue, Venus and Preti tied the knot in two stunning ceremonies, each radiating its own unique charm and significance. The first took place on September 18 in the picturesque island of Ischia, Italy. She shared that Italy had always been their dream wedding destination, but logistical challenges meant they couldn’t make it official there.…

South African rugby union player, Ruan Venter and his partner, Anchen Du Plessis, just took their love to the next level as they recently got engaged. The 23-year-old took to Instagram to announce the engagement, sharing photos that captured the moment he went down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. The beach proposal, which took place at Sea Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal, was a picnic, and it was decorated with multiple bouquets of red roses, with the words “Marry Me” on the ground. The Lions flank simply captioned the post with the date of the engagement: “21.12.2025”. In addition, the couple has been together for two years and, in January, they celebrated their second anniversary. To celebrate the anniversary, Du Plessis shared a post on Instagram and wrote:…

EARLY motherhood may begin to feel expected or inevitable when adolescents regularly see peers becoming mothers, often without immediate or visible consequences. “Teenagers assess risk not through statistics, but through peer behaviour. If pregnancy appears socially accepted or even affirming, the perceived risk diminishes, regardless of factual knowledge,” says educational psychologist and University of Johannesburg lecturer Nqobile Kweyama. She was reacting to the Department of Health’s latest stats showing that more than 130 teenagers gave birth on Christmas Day alone, compared to 90 on the same day last year. She described this development as deeply concerning and warrants more than surface-level explanations. “When a girl becomes a mother at 14 or 15, this process is abruptly interrupted. She is required to take on a permanent adult role before she…

TLEGO Tawana Secondary School principal Pogiso Tshipo in the North West was expecting matric pupil Onalenna Booi to be among the top achievers when the school releases its results next month. Instead, he will be trying to navigate the news that the 19-year-old was found dead after he was allegedly forcefully taken to an initiation school. Booi, from Ditlhakong East Village, near Mafikeng, was taken to the initiation school after writing his matric examinations in late November. It has been reported that his family was unaware of his whereabouts. He was found dead on December 26, after a case of a missing person was reported to the police. Expressing his sadness, Tshipo said he was expecting a bachelor's pass from the deceased learner. “As the school principal for this…