Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-23 i Mercury

FlySafair has refuted claims suggesting that it has refused to engage with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), asserting that it has actively participated in all required discussions throughout the process. This comes as FlySafair experienced operational disruptions on Monday as it was forced to cancel 26 flights following the lockout of around 200 pilots who have embarked on industrial action. The pilots are demanding a 10.5% baseline increase alongside adjustments to flight pay and bonuses for the next financial year, and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. They rejected the proposed 5.7% salary increase by FlySafair. Trade union Solidarity had accused FlySafair of refusing to accept the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate the dispute in terms of section 150…

A year on from its nadir, London’s office market recovery is gathering steam as a lack of new development and a rebound in demand for space begins to chip away at a vacancy rate that peaked at its highest this century. Prices were up 6% at the end of June from a year earlier, according to an index of transactions compiled by real estate data provider CoStar Group. The recovery began in the second half of last year as vacancy rates finally topped out at almost 11% after more than four years of virtually uninterrupted increases since the onset of the pandemic, CoStar’s data show. “Office prices are continuing to appreciate amid improved investor sentiment toward the sector and strengthening occupier demand,” said Mark Stansfield, senior director of market analytics…

Mining sector employment into the first quarter of this year has broadly followed the same downward trends as last year, where there were job losses among platinum group metals (PGM), diamond, and iron ore mining companies. This was according to the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA), the data from which showed there were 9 493 job losses in the PGM sector last year, 1 286 job losses in iron ore, while diamond mining employment was down by 1 047. The MCSA’s 70 members represent 90% of South African mineral production by value. By the end of 2024, there were 468 898 employees in the mining sector. These three mining sectors measured by the MCSA with job losses were also those that were most affected by lower commodity prices last year,…

Sasol’s Secunda Operation (SO) and its oil refinery business Natref had unplanned disruptions that impacted fourth-quarter production, and volumes fell below guidance. The fuels-from-coal and chemicals group said in a production and sales report for the year to June 30 that Natref, one of only two crude oil refineries still operating in South Africa, saw a stronger performance in the fourth quarter, with production recovering after a fire incident in the previous quarter; however, it was then hit by an unplanned Eskom power outage. A decision in the third quarter to reduce the group’s own production of coal and supplement it with higher-quality purchased coal saw SO’s gasifier performance enhanced in the fourth quarter of the 2025 financial year. Liquid fuels sales increased, supported by higher production and purchases. “We…expect…

The global outlook for agriculture and mining remains fundamentally strong, with rising global populations and urbanisation driving the demand for food, technology, and basic materials, said Omnia Holdings CEO Seelan Gobalsamy. This is in spite of a global macroeconomic environment that is likely to remain challenging, and a subdued economic growth outlook for South Africa. Globally, geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and trade disruptions could continue to impact energy and commodity markets, and increasing trade tariffs may affect international trade flows and economic stability, he said in the group’s annual report released on Tuesday. JSE-listed Omnia is a global, diversified chemicals group supplying chemicals and specialised services and solutions that are mainly manufactured in Sasolburg, to the agriculture, mining, and chemicals application industries in 23 countries. The group is well positioned to…

A heart attack can be a terrifying and life-threatening occurrence. Knowing its warning signs and acting quickly can dramatically improve the outcome. Many people mistakenly dismiss early symptoms, thinking they're just indigestion, muscle aches, or simply feeling a bit under the weather. However, recognising these critical signs and getting immediate help is crucial. Understand what to look for and never ignore them Chest discomfort While often portrayed dramatically, chest pain during a heart attack isn't always a sharp, sudden stab. More often, this is what it looks like: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or tightness: It might feel like a heavy weight on your chest, an uncomfortable pressure, or a band squeezing tightly. This discomfort can come and go, or it might be constant. Location: While typically in the centre or left…

Neither the Constitution nor the freedom of expression protects a person who posts defamatory material concerning another on social media, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled in turning down an appeal by a farmer after a Facebook post by him sparked death threats against an attorney. A dispute arose between Pretoria attorney Pieter Strydom and farmer Francois Harman after the latter accused Strydom in a Facebook post of targeting white farmers. Strydom, upset by the contents of the post, obtained an urgent interdict against Harman to stop harassing him. The high court found that Harman and his friends and followers on his Facebook account posted and published offensive and life-threatening defamatory statements concerning Strydom. Some of the postings were found by the high court to amount to a smear…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says it has issued auto assessments to 5.8 million taxpayers this year and paid out around R10.6 billion in refunds, most of which were processed within 72 hours. According to the revenue service, this is up from 5 million in 2024. The tax season officially began on July 7, with the auto-assessment period ending on July 20. The filing period has now opened for taxpayers who were not auto-assessed or who wish to update their returns. According to the revenue service, 99.6% of auto assessments issued were accepted without changes. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the agency’s goal is to make tax compliance seamless by using technology. “SARS is working hard to give taxpayers the best service, where tax just happens,” he said. “Ultimately,…

The families of the slain anti-apartheid activists known as the PEBCO Three have welcomed the Department of Justice's decision to open a formal inquest into their brutal killing 40 years ago. In a joint statement issued earlier this week, the families of Sipho Hashe, Qaqawuli Godolozi, and Twasile Galela, together with the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), said they supported the inquest, which will be heard in the Gqeberha High Court, as a long-overdue attempt at justice. “We welcome the decision by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to open an inquest into the brutal murder of the three anti-apartheid activists,” they said. “The families had always known that the apartheid state would not prosecute its own actions, but they hoped that the democratic government would duly investigate and…

Former Eskom chief executive Brian Molefe will continue his fight against the power utility’s pension and provident fund over the millions of rand he received in a payout in 2017. In 2018, the DA, trade union Solidarity, and the EFF obtained a Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, order reviewing and setting aside Molefe’s reappointment as Eskom boss as well as the proposal granting him early retirement. At the time, the full bench of the high court – Judges Keoagile Matojane, Hans Fabricius, and Segopotje Mphahlele – also declared any payment or sum of money received by Molefe under any purported agreement between him and Eskom invalid and ordered him to repay the amounts within 10 days. Molefe unsuccessfully applied for leave to appeal to both the Supreme Court of Appeal and…

A 50-year-old man who killed his girlfriend, the mother of his child, in 2019 and fled the country was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment by the Durban High Court yesterday. He was arrested at the Kosi Bay border post from Mozambique last year. Jabulani Mdlalose pleaded guilty to killing Ziningi Mkhize from Dassenhoek on April 4, 2019. In his plea read by defence Advocate Phumelele Daniso, from Legal Aid, Mdlalose told the court that Mkhize was cheating on him, and it was not the first time. However, he stayed because he loved her and they had a child. He said on the day of the murder he had come back from his paternal family in Ngwavuma to attend a funeral. He said when he got to their home with Mkhize,…

Removing Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, just before National Women’s Month, was poor timing. Her predecessor, Dr Blade Nzimande, whose hapless legacy on tertiary education is unfolding horribly, was undeservedly in the role for more than 15 years. Nkabane was dealt a poor hand. One must question the bona fides of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to gender parity and combating corruption. However, many will agree that the former deputy to Gwede Mantashe at the Ministry of Minerals and Energy was out of her depth in the tertiary education portfolio. But thrusting her into the higher education cesspool without considering the extent of the challenges was unfair. She had no chance of success and was destined to fail. This emerged especially after her botched list of appointees for Sector Education and Training Authorities…

The Springboks’ dominance in world rugby currently owes much to their formidable pack of forwards, and they are arguably the most dominant in Test rugby at present. Following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, South Africa’s forward depth remains a key weapon of their success. While a handful of senior players and second stringers were absent during the mid-year Tests due to injuries and Steven Kitshoff retiring, others stepped up to the plate to stake a claim ahead of the Rugby Championship. We take a look at the depth in the forwards. Eighth man This is probably the position that the Springboks are ‘concerned’ with the most. While they have players that can fill the gap at any given time, they haven’t, over the four matches that started the season, found…

VETERAN Premier Soccer League (PSL) coach Gavin Hunt said he plans on bringing Durban City FC, formerly Maritzburg United, back to match-winning potential as the side returns to Premiership football this season. Hunt was speaking to the media at the BMW Durban South facility, where the Chatsworth-based team unveiled a new partnership with the luxury car brand. A small fleet of BMW cars was gifted to Durban City officials yesterday, among which were club chairperson Farook Kadodia and technical director Ernst Middendorp. Stability is one of Hunt’s main focus points going into the PSL season, saying that he believes the club still has good bones and just needs to make a few signings to get the ball rolling again. “They’ve still got the nucleus of the team from last year…

South African conglomerate Pamodzi Capital is finally set to get its day in court over a case of alleged fraud involving its former CFO and third parties, who allegedly defrauded the company of R50 million. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the company confirmed that the matter has been set down for hearing at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court this Thursday and Friday. The hearing comes after what Pamodzi describes as “endless delays” that have plagued the case since 2021. Pamodzi, originally founded in 1979, grew into one of South Africa’s most prominent black-owned private equity firms. However, it has not been without financial difficulties, which affected it around 2008 when its now-defunct gold subsidiary was placed under provisional liquidation due to chronic instability and its inability to pay…

Renewables have maintained their cost leadership in global power markets, a new report Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2024 released on Tuesday by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) found. Renewables maintained their price advantage over fossil fuels, with cost declines driven by technological innovation, competitive supply chains, and economies of scale, the report said. In 2024, solar photovoltaics (PV) were, on average, 41% cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel alternatives, while onshore wind projects were 53% cheaper. Onshore wind remained the most affordable source of new renewable electricity at $0.034/kWh, followed by solar PV at $0.043/kWh. The addition of 582 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2024 led to significant cost savings, avoiding fossil fuel use valued at about $57 billion (R1 trillion). Notably, 91% of new renewable power projects…

Poised at a critical crossroad, South Africa finds the complexities of its just transition encompassing both profound challenges and significant opportunities – illuminated by the recent G20 Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting and Minister Parks Tau’s budget speech for the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition. These two events offer a glimpse of how the country could leverage its leadership position internationally and domestically to drive a sustainable, equitable and transformative economic shift. As South Africa approaches the G20 Summit in November 2025, the G20 Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting held in Durban last week demonstrated the country’s standing in building unity and the influencing global financial ecosystem. The meeting culminated in the issuing of a communiqué consented to by all members that centres on strategic…

Hackers exploited a security flaw in common Microsoft software to breach governments, businesses and other organisations across the globe and steal sensitive information, according to officials and cybersecurity researchers. Microsoft over the weekend released a patch for the vulnerability in servers of the SharePoint document management software. The company said it was still working to roll out other fixes after warnings that hackers were targeting SharePoint clients, using the flaw to enter file systems and execute code. Multiple different hackers are launching attacks through the Microsoft vulnerability, according to representatives of two cybersecurity firms, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. and Google’s Mandiant Consulting. Hackers have already used the flaw to break into the systems of national governments in Europe and the Middle East, according to a person familiar with the matter.…

The departure of former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane means that the DA will vote with their Government of National Unity partners to secure the Appropriation Bill’s passage today. The National Assembly's vote on the Appropriation Bill, which allocates funding to each national department, will take place today. The DA had threatened to withhold support for Nkabane's departmental budget following allegations of misconduct and misleading Parliament regarding appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. This would have impacted the Bill's passage. Following Nkabane’s removal, the DA’s spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, confirmed yesterday that they would vote with the ANC in every department, paving the way for the Appropriation Bill to pass without major challenges. The ANC, as well as ministers in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Human Settlements, Thembi…

The eThekwini Municipality's council has approved the entity's Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) Turnaround Strategy. The strategy has been developed in alignment with National Treasury’s Metro Trading Services Reform Framework (MTSRF). The waste management directorate will change from a traditional unit to a CSW business directorate with a single point of accountability. This will enable the executive director of the Waste Management Directorate to have the necessary responsibility and authority to improve its services and to be held accountable in this regard. As per the requirements by the National Treasury, the strategy document is coupled with the Cleansing and Solid Waste Directorate’s Institutional and Governance Roadmap and the Business and Investments Plan to improve all aspects of the solid waste business. According to the report, the institutional reform focuses on…

Last year’s outbreak of foodborne illness at a Cape Town restaurant has prompted urgent calls for improved hygiene practices and staff training across the food industry, following the release of a study published this week in the Public Health Bulletin South Africa (PHBSA). The February 2024 outbreak affected 46 people, including 12 restaurant staff and 34 patrons. Laboratory tests confirmed 33 of the cases were caused by Shigella species or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), both of which can cause severe stomach illness. Shigella species refer to a group of bacteria responsible for causing shigellosis, which is a diarrheal illness. Lead investigator Janine Bezuidenhoudt said the incident illustrates the growing danger of foodborne diseases in South Africa. “Globally, 600 million people fall ill and 420 000 die every year after consuming…

The Digital Law Co (DLC) has marked a pivotal victory in the ongoing struggle to protect South African children from digital exploitation. By securing a court order, DLC has compelled the tech giant Meta to actively participate in the fight against child pornography on its platforms. In a relentless two-week legal battle, Emma Sadleir and her dedicated team took on Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp, in their quest to remove disturbing posts featuring children from public view. In the latest turn of events, DLC has secured a consent order, issued in the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, in which Meta has agreed to work closely with DLC. This case arose in response to the widespread circulation of sexually exploitative material involving South African schoolchildren on Meta-owned platforms. Meta…

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall across large parts of KwaZulu-Natal, cautioning that residents should prepare for possible localised flooding, dangerous driving conditions, and structural damage in vulnerable areas. The warning is in effect until 4pm today. Towns such as Mandeni, Eshowe, and Umhlathuze are likely to bear the brunt of persistent showers, with significant flooding risks. “Isolated showers and rain are expected but scattered along the north coast tomorrow (Wednesday)," the weather office stated. It added that the sustained rainfall could overwhelm drainage in low-lying areas, especially in informal settlements, resulting in potentially hazardous conditions. Rain probabilities remain high, ranging from 70% to 90% across affected areas, with Richards Bay, Durban, and Port Shepstone highlighted as key zones under…

Sunday, July 6, will go down in history as one of the memorable dates in post-apartheid South Africa. It was on this day when Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, informed the nation about the alleged rot in SAPS. Mkhwanazi did not just implicate the top brass within SAPS – including Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. He also implicated the metro police officials, traffic officers and most importantly, prosecutors. While these allegations are yet to be tested, Mkhwanazi’s evidence shared with the public make his allegations plausible. President Cyril Ramaphosa was abroad when this media briefing happened. But, as would be expected, he was briefed while in South America. By the time he returned, the nation expected him to arrange a ‘family meeting’.…

For the first time since joining Red Bull as a teenager a decade ago, Max Verstappen will compete in a Formula 1 race without his former boss Christian Horner in his corner. The paddock unfolds this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, considered to be one of the sport's greatest circuits and a home race for Verstappen in Belgium. But it's going to include some uncomfortable feelings at first, or maybe even a few races after this week, as the World Champion acquaints himself with his new boss Laurent Mekies. Horner was sacked earlier this month as the team struggled to reel themselves back from a slide that saw them go from the most dominant team in 2023 to bottom of the top four contenders this season. Mekies has an almost impossible task…

Facing up to the haka for any rugby player is one of the highlights of their international careers. Equally, it is one of the most unnerving and Springbok Women’s forward Lerato Makua is certainly anxious about the prospect fronting up to the traditional pre-match Maori war dance ahead of the clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. “We’ve seen it (the haka) on TV and we don’t know how it feels when they’re doing it,” Makua told the media at UCT yesterday. “We know the nerves are going to be there. “It will be another experience that we’ve never experienced before. But we’re looking forward to it.” Makua should have nothing to worry about though. The Bulls Daisies utility forward, who hails from Mamelodi East Ext…

If there’s one thing the Springboks have proven since lifting the World Cup for a record fourth time in 2023, it’s that they understand timing in the context of rugby — when they should peak, when to rest stars, and when to adapt. That is exactly why Bok guru Rassie Erasmus and his management should continue experimenting with combinations during this year’s Rugby Championship, rather than stopping and focusing on settled combinations, as he said they would. As the next edition of the Southern Hemisphere tournament begins, the world champions should resist the temptation to stick with a tried-and-tested core and instead double down on innovation. It will maintain the unpredictability of the team, it will continue to limit the analysis opposition can do on the team and certain players,…

Maluleke says malpractice observed in Joburg is part of a broader trend across major municipalities The Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has drawn attention to the alarming reality of irregular expenditure within the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), revealing that the municipality was leading the nation in this regard with contracts exceeding R1 billion awarded to contractors with connections to officials. In a webinar hosted by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) Conversations, Maluleke pointed out that the malpractice observed in Johannesburg is not an isolated issue, but part of a broader trend seen across major municipalities in South Africa. However, she said a concerning aspect of this issue related to existing National Treasury regulations that allow municipalities to pay start-ups in advance for transactions not exceeding R2 000. She highlighted that…

The National Employers’ Association of South Africa (Neasa) on Tuesday upped its anti against Employment Equity sectoral numerical quotas and wrote an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth. This comes hot on the heels of Neasa and Sakekuga earlier this month lodging an urgent legal challenge against the employment equity quotas and accompanying administrative regulations. Neasa said although this challenge deals with both procedural and substantive defects relating to the new numerical sectoral quotas, another major obstacle, which has been amplified by the new quotas, stands in the way of employers even contemplating complying with these regulations. It stated that the Employment Equity regulations and the unconstitutional obligation placed upon employers to classify employees by their race and disability is ethically…

Solar and battery systems have got so cheap that many private individuals, farmers and companies are waking up to the fact that in many locations in South Africa it is now less expensive to be off the electrical grid than to be on it. This has been driven by two key factors: First is the rapidly rising cost of electricity supplied by Eskom and municipalities in South Africa, where tariffs have increased above inflation every year for the last 17 years. The second has been the rapidly declining cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and lithium batteries over the same period of time, with manufacturing volume of such growing exponentially each year, always exceeding even the most optimistic projections. Until recently installing solar and battery systems was done to save…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, has announced that Gita Gopinath, the current First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD), will be leaving the organisation at the end of August. After more than four years at the IMF, where she served as chief economist before her promotion to FDMD in January 2022, Gopinath is set to return to her academic roots as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics at Harvard University. Georgieva said Gopinath has been an outstanding colleague—an exceptional intellectual leader, dedicated to the mission and members of the Fund, and a fabulous manager, always showing genuine care for the professional standing and wellbeing of the IMF staff. "She came to the Fund as a highly respected academic in macroeconomics and international finance," Georgieva said.…

White sneakers are a must-have, no matter your age. You don’t need to be a fashion expert to know they’re as essential as a good pair of jeans. They are timeless, versatile, and loved across generations, making them the ultimate style shortcut. Even my dad, with his classic taste, swears by them, while my Gen Z son practically lives in his Nike Air Force 1s. Even though they started as sports shoes, think tennis shoes, they slowly crept into everyday lives, becoming a symbol of cool comfort. My dad used to rock New Balances, which are now referred to as “dad sneakers”, while my youngest daughter is begging for a pair of Adidas Sambas. Then there’s me, now clocking in at 50, who used to love my canvas Converse Chuck…

The provision of scholar transport for thousands of learners to schools in KwaZulu-Natal is in jeopardy after the provincial Department of Transport revealed that the function will be “disrupted” as a result of budget cuts. During a budget hearing yesterday, it stated to Portfolio Committee members that it needs more than R 2 billion in additional funding to provide the service in full to those still on the waiting list. Unfortunately, it does not have this money. “Due to budget cuts, the scholar transport system will be disrupted; consequently, we are likely to experience protests from scholar transport service providers. We have met with the MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, and the MEC for Finance, Francois Rodgers, to discuss these challenges," said MEC Siboniso Duma. “Apart from preparing and presenting…

Political links to suspected criminals have been raised yet again as Patriotic Alliance deputy president and City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene, was found by police at the Sandton home of a businessman they were arresting for murder. Kunene was at the home of Katiso “KT” Molefe on Monday when police came to arrest the businessman in connection with the 2022 murder of DJ Sumbody. The late DJ, born Oupa Sefoka, was murdered in November 2022 in Woodmead. The shooting also resulted in the death of another person, and a third person was left injured. Kunene yesterday confirmed that he was at Molefe’s house when police arrived but claimed that he had accompanied a journalist from his media company. Kunene could not be reached on his phone yesterday,…

The Pierre van Ryneveld veterinary clinic in Pretoria was ordered to pay emotional damages to the owner of a Yorkshire Terrier called Triesie, who underwent a cruciate ligament repair but was badly burned on her other leg by a hot water bottle. Riaan Nortje turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, where he demanded damages from the Pierre van Ryneveld Veterinary Clinic. He sued the veterinary clinic for R400 000 for emotional distress. Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba granted the claim and ordered the veterinary clinic to pay the proven damages. Nortje also succeeded in his claim for travelling and related costs as he visited Triesie at the clinic following her injuries. The clinic was, in this regard, ordered to pay his proven damages. However, his claim for R103 800…

Detectives in Gauteng have made a breakthrough in the murder case of Mpho Mafole, the group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits at the City of Ekurhuleni. It was previously reported that Mafole, 47, was found in a pool of blood after his vehicle was sprayed with bullets on the R23 in Kempton Park on June 30. At the time, sources insisted Mafole's death was a hit, linked to his investigation into a massive R2 billion electricity scandal he was close to uncovering. Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi yesterday said a 40-year-old man has been arrested by the provincial serious and violent crime detectives. “On (Sunday) 20 July 2025, the team arrested a 40-year-old man who is expected to appear before Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on 23…

The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has filed a no-confidence motion against President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing a myriad of pressing concerns ranging from soaring crime rates to poor economic management and failures in national security. In a letter to the National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, the party also claims that Ramaphosa's leadership has eroded public trust and allowed the country to unravel. The application was submitted on Friday, following troubling allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi concerning political interference in law enforcement. In light of Mkhwanazi's shocking allegations, the party opposes Ramaphosa’s decision to retain Police Minister Senzo Mchunu rather than dismissing him. Instead, Mchunu has been placed on leave while a judicial commission of inquiry is set up. As a result, the party has taken its case…

An arson case has been opened for investigation after a destructive fire at former KwaZulu-Natal premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s home in Kloof on Sunday night. Dube-Ncube was announced as the deputy minister of Higher Education and Training on Monday. eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services divisional commander Sibusiso Dlamini said they responded to a residential area in Gillitts. Dlamini said on arrival, they noticed the entire structure was engulfed in flames. They heard reports that initially a car was on fire inside the garage. He said the entire structure was compromised. “We utilised three streams of fire water lines to combat the fire,” Dlamini said. “We were able to contain it in that particular structure, and then subsequently (the) fire was extinguished.” Dlamini said that in their investigation, they realised it…

After their success at the World Rugby U20 Championship, several Junior Springboks will get a well-deserved break, but then it is straight back into the Currie Cup at their respective unions. While the tournament, kicking off this weekend, is not as prestigious as in previous years, the developmental aspect of it could aid some of the U20 players taking part. This will be a perfect platform from which they can launch their senior careers, looking at cracking a nod at their United Rugby Championship (URC) franchises. We look at five players who must take the next step in their careers. Haashim Pead (Lions) The Junior Bok vice-captain could be the perfect understudy to Springbok Morné van den Berg when it comes to the URC. For that to happen, the Lions…

All year, the Kiwis have had an upper hand over the Proteas in white-ball cricket, and yesterday, the Black Caps further extended their dominance over South Africa with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in Harare. Right from the start of the year, when South Africa travelled to Pakistan for a Tri-Series against the hosts and New Zealand in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, the Black Caps were dominant over the Proteas, beating them comfortably in the Tri-Series before going on to thrash them in the semi-final stage of the Champions Trophy. In Zimbabwe, a couple months after the Champions Trophy, New Zealand have beaten South Africa twice, securing a 21-run victory last week and a seven-wicket victory yesterday. Proteas opening batter Reeza Hendricks (41) and spinner Senuran Muthusamy (2/24) were…

INDIA must make a crucial call on the fitness of star pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. England can clinch the series with a victory in Manchester but they have top order questions to resolve, while Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja will be looking to repeat their third Test exploits. Here is a look at three talking points ahead of the first day of the Test today: India weigh up Bumrah decision Trailing 2-1 in the five-match series after their painful 22-run loss at Lord's, India cannot afford another defeat if they are to win a Test trip to England for the first time since 2007. That perilous position has increased the pressure to make the right decision on the fitness of Bumrah.…

Valentin Paret-Peintre became the first French winner on this year’s Tour de France as he edged an enthralling stage 16 yesterday, pipping Ireland's Ben Healy atop the mythical 1910m altitude Mont Ventoux summit finish. Behind them Jonas Vingegaard attacked overall leader Tadej Pogacar relentlessly but the defending champion tracked the Dane all the way up the 15km ascent to extend his lead by two seconds. Trailing by 4min 13sec at the start of this stage Vingegaard attacked with 9km to climb on Mont Ventoux, whose eery upper reaches resemble a lunar landscape. “I didn't want to push too hard and then let him have me on a counter-attack. I kept my rhythm as much as I could," said Pogacar who has been fighting off a cold this week. “He attacked…