Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-29 i Saturday Star

AS South Africa faces ongoing economic challenges, a troubling trend has emerged with many citizens increasingly turning to gambling, not as a form of entertainment but as a desperate means of survival. What was once considered a leisure activity has morphed into a coping mechanism for financial hardship, leading to an alarming uptick in problem gambling. A popular betting site, BettaBets conducted a study during their Smart Money Management Workshop in Crossroads, Mpumalanga, revealing some concerning statistics about gambling. A staggering 54% of participants admitted to using grant money to feed their gambling habits, a situation exacerbated by an absence of income opportunities. With joblessness rampant, 89% of those surveyed reported being unemployed; many individuals feel that gambling could be their ticket to financial stability. Independent Media spoke to local…

An eighth person has reportedly come forward, claiming that he was among those tortured at the now infamous Zanzou Bar in Pretoria, Gauteng. This comes as the suspect detained in connection with sexual assault claims at the nightclub appeared in Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Friday. Speaking to the SABC, national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said that three victims explained that they had just received their matric results and decided to go to Zanzou to celebrate. "There was a dispute that arose between the five friends, bouncers, and the manager of this particular establishment. They were allegedly forced into a storeroom and assaulted. They were forced to perform sexual acts on themselves; they are alleging that the incident happened in January 2022," she said. In early March, entrepreneur Neo Moela…

In a sweltering factory in Lesotho, rows of workers hunch over thrumming sewing machines churning out piles of jeans for the global market from a country that US President Donald Trump has mocked as unknown. Buy sportswear from US retail giant Walmart or blue jeans at South Africa’s apparel behemoth Mr Price and there is a half-decent chance it was stitched on the floor of this garment factory in the capital Maseru which counts 400-odd employees. Although modest in size compared to global textile powerhouses like Bangladesh and China, the tiny mountain kingdom’s clothing industry is the country’s largest employer with more than 35 000 workers, according to official data. These workers are now fretting over their future after Trump this month called Lesotho “a country nobody has ever heard…

“It’s always a good time to get active," said St Martin’s School headmaster Warren Venter. The role that physical activity and participation in sport plays in childhood development cannot be underestimated. It’s an important part of the educational process. “School sport is hugely important because, for many, it’s the only physical activity they get. For a generation where screens dominate our children’s time outside of school, ensuring they engage in physical activity is more important than ever,” he said. Venter said the broader developmental advantages that sport provides is key. “It’s not just about winning or excelling; it’s about developing critical life skills,” he said. “Communication, teamwork, and learning to work with people who may not reason the same way you do; these are skills that extend far beyond the…

WHETHER you’ve never recycled before or just aren’t sure where to begin, small actions can make a big impact – and Global Recycling Day, which was celebrated on March 18, is the perfect time to start your recycling journey. Every day, valuable recyclable packaging ends up in South Africa’s fast-filling landfills or litters the environment. These are wasted opportunities to save resources, reduce pollution, and help create income opportunities for those working in the circular economy. This is the message from South Africa’s longest-standing Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), Petco, which is urging the public to separate recyclable packaging from their general waste – whether at work, home, school, university or attending an event. Diverse motivations for recycling exist for different South Africans, according to CEO Telly Chauke. “There are…

In light of the tragic death of experienced pilot James O'Connell, who crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, aviation expert Dr Guy Leitch has provided important insights into the critical factors that contributed to the fatal incident. O'Connell, a decorated South African Air Force pilot, was performing a routine display on a retired military aircraft when it suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep dive. Tragically, he did not survive the crash. Dr Leitch explained that while well-designed and certified aircraft are generally safe, the real danger arises from performing manoeuvres at low altitudes. Leitch explained the key concept here is that any well-designed aircraft, approved and certified by authorities, is safe when operated correctly. “If a manoeuvre is initiated at 5 000 feet…

A life-size bronze statue of the late, legendary musician Johnny Clegg has found its rightful place in the monumental Long March to Freedom at Century City, Cape Town. This remarkable addition ensures that Clegg, celebrated for his role in both music and social activism, takes his place alongside other iconic resistance leaders and freedom fighters who helped shape South Africa's journey to democracy. Long March to Freedom is a one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibition, a procession of life-size bronze statues that tells the 350-year story of South Africa’s liberation. Situated in Century City, the statues represent notable figures in the fight for freedom – from Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Beyers Naude, and Mahatma Gandhi to Albert Luthuli, OR Tambo, and many others whose stories are integral to the nation’s history but often…

The Mini has come a long way since the tiny two-door was revealed way back in 1959, and as generations have come and gone, it’s adjusted with the times and remains contemporary. With the world placing its focus on new-energy vehicles (NEV), Mini has come to the party with the unveiling of the first crossover model for the premium small-car segment with the fully electric Aceman. Developed in a joint venture with BMW Group and Great Wall Motors (GWM), the Aceman fills the void left by the Clubman, which won’t be part of their offering, although fortunately there’s still a five-door Cooper hatch. It may be a Mini and slot into the premium small-car segment, but at 4 076mm long, 1 754mm wide and 1 514mm tall, it’s not exactly…

Current political circumstances and geopolitical events can always provide reasons for investors to think twice about diversifying globally. But is that thinking valid? A closer inspection reveals it may not be. Even before this year’s political news took shape, investors may have been concerned about global equities. The outsized performance of the “Magnificent Seven” (Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla) has left the US equity market focused on a small group of mega-cap tech companies, while their performance has left major global equity indexes highly concentrated in the US. The current political and geopolitical turmoil only provides further reasons to consider maintaining a domestic bias. The daily headlines are filled with ominous news about tariffs, and the overall global state of geopolitical tension is high. Are these sufficient…

Modern life requires us to know how money works. We don’t need to be financial whizzes, but we need to know the essentials and, importantly, acquire the skills and modify our behaviours if we want to be financially independent and secure. It’s this blend of knowledge, skills and behaviour-modifying experiences that constitutes financial literacy. This week I chatted to Sharon Hamman, Senior Legal Adviser at Momentum, who shares my concerns about how South Africa’s low level of financial literacy is impeding economic growth and progress in addressing inequality. She says people become more money-savvy when they start earning and gain experience in managing the money they have earned. “All those little actions you do – opening a bank account, researching interest rates, applying for a credit card – and the…

Ukraine’s boxing icon Oleksandr Usyk said he will stay in the sport "a little longer" so he can provide "financial support to our army and civilians" and achieve his sporting goal of once again being undisputed heavyweight world champion. The 38-year-old, who holds all the belts except the IBF version which belongs to Daniel Dubois, has been galvanised by the war ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February 2022, wreaking death and destruction on his compatriots and his homeland. His exploits - two memorable victories over British opponent Tyson Fury plus others over Anthony Joshua and Dubois - have helped keep his beleaguered country very much in people's minds. In a wide-ranging interview, Usyk said his father, who fought in the Soviet Army, was the seminal influence on his…

Motsepe Foundation Championship side Durban City FC has entered a collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) through the Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise, and Leisure Sciences (BELS). The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a major step in bridging the gap between professional sports and academic expertise in the province. Durban City, newly rebranded having moved from being Maritzburg United, is enjoying a promising start in their first season in Durban. They’re currently leading the second division and showing the strongest potential for promotion to the top-flight Betway Premiership. With the partnership with UKZN, they aim to enhance their sporting performance through the integration of sports science. This collaboration follows in the footsteps of Mamelodi Sundowns, who signed a similar agreement with the University of Pretoria (UP) back in…

As the sun dips below the horizon, an enchanting new form of travel is taking flight – one that elevates our connection with the universe and invites us to embrace the stories hidden within a star-studded sky. Enter noctourism, a burgeoning movement appealing to those who seek deeper adventures beyond the constraints of daylight. This captivating experience offers travellers a way to rediscover the cosmos and revel in the extraordinary beauty that unfolds once darkness descends. “Have you ever gazed up at a starry night sky and felt a sense of wonder?” asks Lynette Machiri, the customer experience leader at Flight Centre South Africa. In bustling cities like Johannesburg, where bright lights obliterate the splendour of the celestial realm, countless individuals may have forgotten this breathtaking sight. Light pollution, as…

After five drama-filled seasons, Garcelle Beauvais has decided to hang up her diamonds and bid adieu to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH). The ever-glowing 58-year-old actress and former model took to Instagram to share the news, stating: “It’s been a wild ride, some amazing things have happened and some hard things have also happened but it’s been a ride nevertheless.” ​ From the get-go, she captivated audiences with her unfiltered honesty and sassy one-liners. Who could forget the time she confronted a fellow housewife with a sassy: “Honey, I’m Garcelle Beauvais, I don’t have to do anything!” Her fearless approach to calling out questionable behaviour and her loyalty to her friends quickly made her a fan favourite.​ Beauvais joined RHOBH in season 10, bringing a fresh dose of…

The National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called for patience in the harmonisation of the country’s marriage laws after claims emerged that there were calls to increase the consent age to 21. The Marriage Bill seeks to bring the country’s separate marriage laws in line with several rulings of the Constitutional Court obtained by progressive non-governmental organisations. It lays bare requirements for monogamous and polygamous marriages, designation of marriage officers, solemnisation and registration of marriages as well as the proprietary consequences and the dissolution of marriages, and provides for offences and penalties arising from not abiding with the proposed law, once it is promulgated. However, this week it emerged that during the public hearings in the Eastern Cape, concerns were raised that the consent age of 18 could…

The validity of the confessions in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case was questioned by defence attorneys, who claimed that coercion, torture, and undue influence were used to obtain them. Detective Captain Wesley Lombard denied any assaults took place in his presence, as the trial continued with a focus on the treatment of the accused. The six-year-old girl went missing from her Middelpos home on February 19. Her mom Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn are on trial and face kidnapping and human trafficking charges. Charges were dropped against Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard who turned State witness. On Friday morning, Appollis’ lawyer Fanie Harmse argued that the statements made by his client were obtained under duress. He stated that on March 4, his client believed the…

“With a more transactional administration in the White House, South Africa’s leaning into its desire to be held as a moral superpower is not carrying much purpose – at least not in Washington. The South African government should not assume that a possible future change in US administration will ‘cure’ SA-US relations.” Chris Hattingh from the Centre for Risk Analysis (CRA), a business management consulting firm, shared this sentiment. Relations between South Africa and the United States of America are under a lot of pressure amid growing tensions over the country’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) case, the halting of PEPFAR (President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) funding, misinformation on farm murders and land expropriation, but also the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The latest in growing tensions saw…

The wind ruffled Aun Abdullah’s hair as he strolled along a path paved through lush grasses circled by apartments more than 20 stories high. Large gaps between the towering buildings channeled the winds, providing relief from the muggy heat. “This breeze you’re feeling, you wouldn’t feel without the master plan,” said Abdullah, who works for the Lodha Group, a prominent real estate developer in India. Abdullah’s company developed the layout of Palava City, a 5 000-acre experimental community northeast of Mumbai, to take advantage of India’s westerly winds. The breezes keep people cool outdoors so they can walk or bike instead of hopping into polluting cars and buses. The homes don’t need as much air conditioning. One study found that the development’s maximum temperature is consistently 2 to 3 degrees…

Carnival City has been running 29 learnerships since November and December 2024. While the young participants have completed four to five months of training, they still have several more months to gain additional knowledge about the hospitality industry during the 12-month programme. The learnerships are divided between two groups: tertiary graduates who are participating in the Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa programme, which started in December, and Grade 12 graduates who have been placed in the Food and Beverage and Cashiering divisions, from November. Ten tertiary learners are gaining hands-on career experience at Carnival City, Sun International’s casino and hotel on the East Rand, through YES. YES is a private sector-led initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa. The non-profit organisation partners with corporates to create job…

A daring spirit, a haunting story, in a time of war. Life and Times of Michael K is a literary masterpiece by Nobel Prize and Booker Prize-winning South African novelist, J.M Coetzee. The hugely successful international hit production of the novel was created by The Baxter Theatre and adapted for stage by Lara Foot, in collaboration with the Tony Award-winning Handspring Puppet Company (of War Horse and Little Amal fame). The stage adaptation will have a run at The Market Theatre from March 27 to April 13, following its return from multiple international engagements, where it has received high praise from leading theatre critics and agenda-setting publications. The production’s exceptional cast comprises Sandra Prinsloo (who will be with the show until 6 April), Andrew Buckland, Faniswa Yisa, puppet master Craig…

A young learner’s harrowing experience at Steve Biko Hospital exposes the grim state of South Africa’s healthcare system, raising urgent calls for reform and compassion in medical care. Soddy Kekana, a Grade 11 student from Rietvlei Academy, was forced to endure an agonising eight-day wait for surgery following injuries to both of his knees that happened earlier this month. Carinda Habig, principal at Rietvlei Academy, recounted the emotional and distressing scene upon their arrival at the hospital. Instead of solace, she and Kekana were met with chaos, a harrowing sight characterised by patients in dire conditions. It is revealed that the first night in the facility, Kekana was left without basic necessities. “At first, they didn't want to let me in, and I pleaded with them to see the child.”…

The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda has firmly cemented its status as a legend in the world of classic cars, known for its elegance, exceptional performance, and unparalleled investment potential. This particular model recently made waves at South Africa’s premier classic car auction in Johannesburg on March 27th, further elevating the Pagoda's reputation. Kevin Derrick, CEO of Creative Rides, who hosted the auction, spoke with admiration about the car on offer, describing it as one of the finest examples of the Pagoda ever seen. “It’s pristine,” said Derrick, emphasising the increasing demand for Mercedes-Benz classics in South Africa. The 280SL Pagoda, produced between 1967 and 1971, is a highly sought-after collector’s item, particularly the rare right-hand drive 1968 models – only 15% of which were made for the UK market, making…

Conveniently located in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre is ideally central, very close to OR Tambo International Airport and the perfect middle ground between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Hotel is universally recognised as a leading conference and event venue in Gauteng, with flexible venue spaces, cinema-style seating for up to 420 guests, school room-style seating for 300 and a banquet-style setting for up to 260. The entire venue is equipped with the latest in cutting-edge conferencing technology, free unthrottled Wi-Fi and uninterrupted interconnectivity throughout. aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre is a home away from home and a fully functioning office. Guests at the Hotel remain connected to the world while they relax in a comfortable, welcoming environment with unparalleled service and world-class luxury on tap. The…

It goes without saying that Lewis Hamilton is extremely excited about driving for the Ferrari Formula One team this year. His 2025 season might be off to a rocky start, with a 10th place finish in Australia and disqualification in China due to a technical breach, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to dampen his enthusiasm for the Prancing Horse. The seven-time F1 world champion wants to help design a supercar that will serve as a spiritual successor to the legendary Ferrari F40. “One of the things I really want to do is I want to design a Ferrari. I want to do an F44,” Hamilton announced in Australia recently, as reported by Motorsport.com. Of course, 44 is his race number. “Baseline of an F40, with…

When starting a business, choosing the right legal structure is crucial to avoid administrative, financial, and legal complications as your business grows. Each business entity offers unique benefits and challenges, and selecting the right one depends on factors such as ownership, taxation, liability, and long-term goals. This guide explores four common business structures: sole proprietorships, partnerships, private companies, and personal liability companies to help entrepreneurs make the right decisions. Sole proprietorship A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most straightforward business structure, allowing an individual to trade under their own name. This entity does not require registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), although you must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for applicable taxes. In a sole proprietorship, there is no legal distinction between the…

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has offered the starting XV that lost to Cardiff last week a shot at redemption in Glasgow on Saturday night (9.35pm kick-off) by naming an unchanged team. The Lions were in eighth place last week, but the 20-17 loss in Cardiff has plunged them to 13th position. That means they are currently out of range of the top eight, and the pressure is on them to get log points against the defending champions. Hence the unchanged team named on Friday as Van Rooyen sticks with his best players. There is no chance of rest as the Lions attempt to get back to winning ways after recent losses to Cardiff and the Sharks. Suddenly, their big defeat of the Sharks in Johannesburg in the first game…

Undefeated since late December, Barcelona extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 games with an easy 3-0 win over visitors Osasuna on Thursday which moved them three points clear at the top of the LaLiga. Manager Hansi Flick praised his team's focus in what he called a flawless display with several changes to the starting side due to injuries to players returning from international duty in a match postponed on March 8 due to the death of Barca club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia. Barcelona scored two early goals through Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo, and managed their lead efficiently before Robert Lewandowski closed out the win in the second half. “We are going through a great moment and I am proud of team, the way they are facing…

The rise of halaal tourism is capturing attention in the travel industry, as more destinations cater to Muslim travellers with halaal-friendly services. From halaal dining options to prayer facilities, this growing trend is reshaping global travel. According to South African Tourism (SAT), this vibrant segment has emerged as a crucial pillar of the global travel and tourism sector, driven by a marked increase in Muslim travellers seeking destinations that align with their religious and cultural requirements. “As the demand for Muslim-friendly services rises, the industry faces opportunities in providing seamless travel experiences for this growing segment," the SAT said. The numbers speak volumes as in 2022, an estimated 110 million Muslims journeyed internationally, making up 12% of all global international arrivals. Notably, this figure represents an impressive 68% recovery from…

Hollywood and royal watchers alike were oozing this week as Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, hilariously addressed rumours of a supposed “beef” between them. In a lighthearted Instagram clip that is making waves online, the Goop founder and the former royal proved that there’s no bad blood – just good pie. In the video, the duo shared a lighthearted moment that quickly captured the hearts of fans. “Do you understand this?” Paltrow asked, showing Meghan casually enjoying a slice of pie in her kitchen. The Duchess simply shrugged and laughed, bringing a fun twist to the speculation surrounding their relationship. This playful interaction comes hot on the heels of Paltrow’s comments in a recent Vanity Fair interview, where she addressed the buzz surrounding Meghan…

WHILE the world is divided on Nasa’s astronauts and uncovering the truth of what lies beneath the pyramids of Giza, leading African Independent Power Producer (IPP), Red Rocket, launched its mega 10GW wind farm in Antarctica. Red Rocket, well respected for its groundbreaking wind, solar, and hydro projects in Africa, set eyes on the icy continent following its successes at home – silently developing the project for several years. One could even say that the IPP took its tagline “A Force of Nature” and just ran with it to harness the power of Antarctica’s winds. Known for its extreme climate that comes with deadly blizzards, Antarctica is home to peaceful research initiatives by member states of the Antarctic Treaty. It will now be home to the biggest wind farm in…

IN what could be good news for rail commuters and in response to the changing ridership patterns post-COVID-19, the Gautrain announced that it plans to focus on underserved customer groups and their specific needs. The agency said it will be adapting its products and services to make travel more accessible for a diverse range of passengers. Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe said the pandemic has drastically and permanently altered the transit industry. Former frequent commuters continue to work from home in hybrid or remote positions. “The days of a predictable 9-to-5, Monday through Friday commute are over. Passengers are demanding that we run a frequent service throughout the day and offer dynamic pricing to suit their hybrid work schedules. And with the rising cost of living, cost is increasingly…

Police in Gauteng carried out a thorough joint operation, leading to the arrest of 69-year-old Rex Solomon Mlambo as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal precious metals dealings, and illegal mining. Gauteng spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Lieutenant-Colonel Lloyd Ramovha said Mlambo was arrested on March 21, during the operation spearheaded by the Johannesburg-based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team (SOCI), the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the SAPS Benoni K9 unit. “The meticulously planned operation involved executing search warrants across four high-profile properties, including at Beaulieu Estate, Kyalami Terrace Estate, and Carlswald Estate. This effort resulted in the confiscation of gold nuggets and cash with a combined value of over R730 000,” said Ramovha. Two money counting machines and…

The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has raised urgent alarms about the recent suspension of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The association reveals that the sudden termination has significant repercussions not only on health services but also on essential veterinary programmes that are vital to maintaining public health safety in South Africa. Dr Paul van der Merwe, interim managing director of SAVA, articulated the dire implications of this funding withdrawal. Van der Merwe highlighted that the sudden cessation has led to the shuttering of numerous initiatives, which pose a real threat to decades of progress in epidemic control, as well as jeopardizing the overall safety of public health. He says the combination of decreased international aid and a diminishing pool of veterinary professionals significantly hampers…

As road networks continue to inch into the breathtaking yet fragile ecosystems of mountainous regions, a concerning trend is emerging: endangered and vulnerable wildlife is increasingly falling prey to vehicle collisions. This dire issue was brought to light by Professor Aliza le Roux at the recently held Southern African Mountain Conference (SAMC2025), where researchers and policymakers convened to discuss pressing environmental challenges. Prof Le Roux, who serves as the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State, presented a comprehensive study titled Patterns of wildlife-vehicle collision in montane environments. This research highlighted that certain endangered animals, such as the African wild dog and elephants, along with vulnerable species like lions and leopards, are at significant risk as their habitats become accessible…

ONLINE homeschooling offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, but it also comes with unique requirements. With the constant barrage of digital distractions, maintaining focus can be a daunting task. However, there is a secret ingredient that can transform the online homeschooling experience: presence. Being fully engaged, attentive, and intentional in learning is the key to unlocking true success, an education expert says. “Presence matters. When students are fully present, they absorb and retain information more effectively. Active participation in discussions elevates understanding from superficial to profound, fostering a deeper connection with the material and leading to better academic outcomes,” said Jo-Anne Buchner, Cambridge International Principal of Evolve Online School, a brand of Africa’s leading private education provider, ADvTECH. “Moreover, presence acts as a shield against stress, enhancing motivation and…

Zozibini Tunzi is a woman of many talents, and who would have guessed that songwriting was one of them? A moment of pure love and emotion set the tone for Tunzi and her new husband Luthando Bolowana’s fairytale wedding. During their intimate wedding ceremony that took place on March 22, the former Miss Universe performed a musical tribute to her husband. Collaborating with South African musician Muneyi, they wrote the song almost two years ago. “@muneyi_ was teaching me how to write music, and on this particular day asked me how I was feeling at that point in my life,” she said. "I told him I was in love. So, we worked on this beautiful melody that emulated what I was feeling. Then we started writing. We left that song…

South African fashion leaders have banded together to combat the rising threat of illicit trade, which jeopardises local businesses and jobs. Highlighting the urgent need for collective action, the industry stalwarts have articulated the dire effects of counterfeit goods and illegal imports, which they reveal threaten the very livelihoods of local entrepreneurs, designers, and workers. In a recent march, a key feature of the Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025 was a rallying call for consumers, retailers, and policymakers to prioritise locally made goods and protect jobs within the sector. During the demonstration on Tuesday March 18, two memoranda were delivered: one to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and another to the National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF). It is explained that these documents highlighted the effects of…

A return to European glory beckons. Nottingham Forest's stunning ascent to third place in the Premier League has fans dreaming of Champions League nights, a feat not seen since 1980. You finished 17th last season, and now you're up with Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea. Did you expect that evolution? We knew how good we already were, and how good the newcomers were. The players from last season really gelled with the newcomers, and we were hoping to have a great season. It's good to see that everything is working out, we're happy with that. Now with this surprise, we need to keep it up so that better things come. It looks like you’re having fun this season. It must feel great going toe-to-toe with such strong teams. It feels great.…

Rumoured since 2022, a Mercedes executive has now provided official confirmation that the A-Class will not live beyond the current generation. Mercedes Chief Technology Officer Markus Schafer confirmed this at the presentation of the third-generation CLA sedan recently, Carscoops reported. He also explained the move, stating that hatchbacks do not have widespread appeal across the world. “We need models that work all over the world, including China and the USA. I know the hatchback is the favorite bodystyle in Europe, but it was not part of the plans, and we had to make choices – even difficult ones,” Schafer said. “Reducing complexity is a key task for us. For this reason, bringing the compact family from seven to four models was necessary in this segment.” The recently-revealed CLA sports sedan…

As the United Kingdom moves to align its tax regime affecting residents who are not domiciled there with similar systems the world over, experts are warning that this poses massive changes in the tax treatment of income and assets and its effects are wide reaching. The first finance act under the Labour Party government led by Sir Keir Starmer makes what the UK’s Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) explained are “major” changes for people who live in the UK but are not permanently domiciled there. Among those is the removal of the VAT exemption for private school fees, increases in some rates of capital gains tax and stamp duty land tax, and the extension of energy profits levy on the oil and gas sector. Effectively, it means that all those…

In a victory for long suffering members of the Private Security Sector Provident Fund, the Gauteng High Court dismissed four applications by a security company for determinations issued against it by the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) to be set aside. Mafoko Security Patrols sought an order reviewing and setting aside determinations made by the adjudicator, Muvhango Lukhaimane. At the heart of each application was Mafoko’s repeated failure, in some cases over years, to pay contributions due to the fund on behalf of employees. In each case, a former employee had lodged a complaint with the PFA, with the PFA giving Mafoko and the fund a period within which to resolve the matter. In all cases, the complaint remained unresolved, requiring an investigation and subsequent determination by the PFA. In each…

The Bulls may have a new-look team in many respects, but there’s very little chance of underestimating Zebre in today’s United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld (2.45pm start). There are two new players in the back-three in Devon Williams and Sergeal Petersen, Zak Burger starts at scrumhalf, and a fresh No 8 in Mpilo Gumede. The front row has a few new faces as well in the shape of Jan-Hendrik Wessels at hooker and Mornay Smith at tighthead prop. First-choice captain Ruan Nortjé is also back from his knee injury and will play off the bench. The big missing piece of the Bulls puzzle, though, is star No 8 Cameron Hanekom. Bulls coach Jake White said yesterday that the one-cap Springbok was going to feature against Zebre, but felt…

Bayern Munich on Friday threatened Canada Soccer with legal action after defender Alphonso Davies returned from the March international break with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. In an interview with German tabloid Bild published yesterday, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said the club wanted a “complete clarification of the events", accusing Canada Soccer of “gross negligence” and saying “we reserve the right to take legal action.” Davies, the Canada captain, went off injured 12 minutes into a third-place Concacaf Nations League play-off with the United States tomorrow, which the Canadians won 2-1. Canada Soccer initially gave the 24-year-old the all clear, but an examination in Munich revealed he had torn his ACL, ruling Davies out for at least six months. “Sending an obviously injured player with a damaged knee on a…