Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-19 i Saturday Star

If you’ve ever binge-watched The Real Housewives or scrolled through Instagram, you’ve likely seen the influence of cosmetic surgeries. From lip fillers to facelifts, the “Instagram Face” trend has shaped how people, especially women, view beauty. But while these trends dominate social media, they don’t always work for everyone, especially if you have darker skin. The truth is that what works for fair skin may not work for darker skin tones. This isn’t just about aesthetic preferences; it’s about biology, cultural narratives, and the risks involved in certain cosmetic procedures. To unpack this, Independent Media Lifestyle spoke to Durban-based plastic surgeon Dr Kajal Klutch, a respected expert in cosmetic surgery for diverse skin tones. The beauty gap: why skin tone matters When it comes to cosmetic procedures, one size doesn’t…

Melinda Gates realised her marriage to Bill Gates was in jeopardy in 2019 after revelations about her then-husband’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. Melinda, 60, details the period in her new memoir, The Next Day, describing how she began suffering nightmares and quickly came to understand they were connected to the unravelling state of her relationship. At the time, scrutiny was mounting over Bill’s reported ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and federal conspiracy charges. The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. She says in her autobiography: “That October, things had reached a fever pitch when The New York Times published a deeply disturbing article that raised serious questions about Bill’s conduct – questions that…

The recent deaths of two young girls and the hospitalisation of an eight-year-old boy over suspected food poisoning from spaza shops have reignited fierce discussions about compliance and regulatory measures in the food retail sector. These concerns were brought to the forefront following an incident in which two girls lost their lives, reportedly after consuming contaminated snacks from a tuck shop in Ramosadi village, Mahikeng. In another case, an eight-year-old boy identified as Omphile from Mapetla, Soweto, is recovering in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital due to suspected food poisoning from snacks procured at a local shop. In response to this, the Forum for South Africa (FSA) has revealed its intention to take legal action against the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Velenkosini Hlabisa over the inaction regarding…

In an ongoing crackdown on unregistered medical practitioners by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), a bogus medical practitioner was arrested on Wednesday in Chatsworth, south of Durban, after it was discovered he was unlawfully practising medicine at a local medical centre. The HPCSA confirmed the arrest on Thursday night following a successful operation conducted in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Council said HPCSA Inspectorate officials uncovered unlawful medical activities at the medical centre, where a man was found practising without registration. “He was arrested on site and faces charges of fraud and contravening sections 17, 39, and 40 of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974,” said the council. The man is currently in custody at Bayview Police Station pending his court appearance.…

Brent Wells has seen things that most people would pay to forget. But that’s to be expected when your company’s slogan is “We ❤ Airplane Lavatories!” “It’s a crappy job, all puns intended,” said Wells, president of Iliff Aircraft ATA 38. His company repairs plane waste and water components, including toilets and pipes that have been clogged and can’t be easily fixed. What is causing the clogging? So many incomprehensible items. Take, for example, an Air India flight last month that was forced to return to Chicago after departing for New Delhi because eight of the plane’s 12 lavatories went out of order. Flight-tracking service FlightAware shows that the entire trip lasted about 10 hours. An investigation into the cause showed that flushed plastic bags, rags and clothes were the…

eSports, once seen as a niche pastime, is rapidly gaining ground in South Africa. This rise is not just about gaming and entertainment, but about cultivating essential 21st-century skills in students. Projected to be a $3 billion industry by 2027, with careers ranging from professional players to game developers, data analysts, and event organisers, it is imperative for schools to start introducing eSports as early as possible, to prepare students for a world where digital fluency and adaptability are non-negotiable, an education expert said. Academic Head of Schools at JSE-listed ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider, Desiree Hugo,said the institution has embraced eSports to foster critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy among its students. “Far from casual play, ADvTECH’s approach encourages students to strategise, collaborate, and compete at the…

There’s so much to love about the Easter weekend – the extra-long break, family lunches, spontaneous getaways, chocolate eggs, and making memories with loved ones. We caught up with a few of Mzansi’s most-loved personalities to find out how they’re spending the special weekend. Shaun Stylist, musician Whenever there’s a long weekend, entertainers like Shaun Stylist are often balancing time with family and a packed gig schedule. “This weekend, I plan on waking up my son Maison with his very first Easter egg hunt,” he says. “After that, we’ll enjoy a special lunch with the family before I head off to perform at a few gigs.” Martin Bester, Jacaranda FM radio host Being both the host of Jacaranda FM’s popular ‘Breakfast With Martin Bester’ and a touring musician, it’s…

Following years of sustained water challenges that at times threatened the academic project and the sustainability of the University, Rhodes University is making significant progress in its efforts to reduce reliance on municipal water supply and ensure long-term water security on its campus. The University’s world-renowned Institute for Water Research (IWR) has been investigating alternative water sources and infrastructure improvements to create a sustainable and resilient water system in support of Rhodes University’s research and academic projects. The University’s interdisciplinary water security plan is being developed through scientific, engineering, and people-centric processes. to assess the potential for harnessing a supplemental water supply for the University. “This is a very exciting undertaking for the Institute for Water Research,” said head of hydrology at the institute. “This mission-critical project is an opportunity…

The Isle of Man TT race is probably the toughest and certainly the most dangerous motorcycle race in the world. Taking place on the island’s public roads at the end of May each year, this adrenaline-pumping contest not only showcases speed but also tests the limits of human endurance and skill. With an average speed of 205km/h zigzagging through some 200 corners over a challenging 60.5km track, riders enter a realm where the thin line between exhilaration and danger blurs as the sound of motorbikes can be heard reverberating everywhere for 13 days. To give you an idea of how dangerous the race is, 265 deaths have been recorded in the 102 races that have taken place since 1907; 1982 was the only year that there were no fatalities. Special…

Not only are women more financially responsible than their male counterparts, but they are also increasingly losing out at work at a time when technology is developing at a rate of knots. As the World Bank has noted earlier, even with the current rates of improvement, full gender parity will only be reached in 134 years, or around 2158. In terms of economic participation, the Bank’s Women, Business, and Law index, combines indicators of the legal environment for women within employment and entrepreneurship on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 being “perfect”. South Africa’s measurement against this index was 88.1 – above the average of 78.9 in the 2023 report. This does perhaps not tell the full story. The index measures enabling legal frameworks, such as whether the…

Johannesburg-born rally driver Saood Variawa is cognizant of the opportunity that’s presenting itself to the South African motorsports landscape with the World Rally Raid Championship coming up next month. For the first time since its inception in 2022, South Africa will host the third round of the W2RC from May 18 to 24. The 19-year-old racer, who has been behind the wheel of a car since he was a toddler, is ecstatic to race in front of a home crowd for the first time. Sun City in the North West Province will be the base camp for the duration of the South African leg, and will see drivers cover around 400 km every day. Variawa races for team Toyota Gazoo Racing and will be driving his 3.5 litre twin turbo…

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said player health and welfare remains a key consideration for the global governing body amid concerns about expanding tournaments in an already crowded calendar. Players' union Fifpro, Spain's LaLiga and the European leagues' group filed a joint complaint to European Union antitrust regulators earlier in October, accusing Fifa of “calendar abuse”. Critics argue Fifa’s revamped quadrennial 32-team Club World Cup and other expanded tournaments will increase the number of matches each season and leave players with little time off between campaigns. Infantino told CNN that the Club World Cup's impact on player welfare would be limited. “It is a competition which takes place once every four years. The winner plays seven games – which is like one game and a half, almost, more a year –…

The Maldives has formally amended its immigration laws to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country, escalating its protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The move, announced by President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration this week, is part of a broader campaign signalling the island nation's staunch support for the Palestinian cause. The new regulation, which took effect immediately, prohibits the entry of all travellers holding Israeli passports. However, it stops short of banning Israeli citizens with dual nationality, provided they enter using a passport from a different country. The law, originally proposed nearly a year ago, gained momentum after intensified Israeli military activity in Gaza and growing international criticism of civilian casualties. According to a statement from the President's Office, the decision was made in direct response to “the…

The Joshlin Smith trial took a dramatic turn when presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus ruled that statements made by two of the accused, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn is admissible as evidence in the main trial at the Western Cape High Court. Judge Erasmus this week ruled that the statements made by Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn may be admitted as evidence in the main trial concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith. The decision followed extensive testimony and legal arguments in a trial-within-a-trial focused on whether the two accused had made their statements freely and voluntarily. The trial-within-a-trial at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville was initiated after both Appollis and Van Rhyn alleged that their constitutional rights had been violated, claiming their statements…

Just two victories separate Liverpool from Premier League glory. This weekend could see them take a giant leap towards that title as they face a Leicester City side battling relegation. The Hungarian maestro, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, gives insights on the upcoming game, reflects on a remarkable season, and reveals why this chapter has been the happiest of his life. 2025 is set to be a big year for you. What would you say will be the standout moment for you: the Premier League title or your upcoming wedding? Of course, I think the most important part of football is family and your own life, so I would take the marriage as the most important and then the Premier League. It isn’t a big gap between the two, but I…

EDUCATION is more than the mere transmission of knowledge; it is the foundation upon which societies build their future. However, for many learners, the journey through education is fraught with challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. In South Africa, where socioeconomic disparities, gender-based violence, the lasting impacts of apartheid, and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to shape lived experiences, the need for a trauma-informed approach to education has never been more urgent. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Our country’s National Development Plan 2030 recognises education as key to achieving socioeconomic equity. But how can we expect our children to learn effectively when their trauma goes unaddressed? How can we build a more equitable society without healing the wounds that perpetuate cycles of violence and disadvantage? Evidently, trauma fundamentally alters how…

The 2025 St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival returns and takes place this weekend. A cornerstone of the schoolboy rugby calendar, the Festival continues to celebrate the very best in schoolboy rugby, school spirit, and community. Well known for its focus on camaraderie, skill, and sportsmanship, this beloved Festival once again brings together top College and Prep school teams from across South Africa. There are no league tables, trophies, or medals at the Easter Rugby Festival — this is rugby at its purest, where passion for the game takes centre stage. This year introduces a new format: while Thursday and Saturday still feature the traditional U19 and U13 fixtures, Monday introduces an exciting lineup of U16 teams to complement the U13 fixtures, offering young, aspiring players the chance to…

Hankering for a chiselled jawline, a male TikTok influencer strikes his cheekbones with a hammer – highlighting the rise of “looksmaxxing,” an online trend pushing unproven and sometimes dangerous techniques to boost sexual appeal. Looksmaxxing influencers – part of an online ecosystem dubbed the “manosphere” – have surged in popularity across social media, capitalising on the insecurities of young men eager to boost their physical attractiveness to women. In posts across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, they promote pseudoscientific methods to achieve everything from pouty lips to chin extensions and almond-shaped “hunter eyes,” often while monetising their popularity by endorsing a range of consumer products. In more extreme cases, these influencers advocate taking steroids, undergoing plastic surgery and even “leg-lengthening” procedures to become more attractive. While women may pay regular visits…

Name any vehicle that was built almost 50 years ago, is still in production and is instantly recognisable by virtually the entire world. There aren’t many, right? Unless, of course, it’s the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon or, more correctly, the Geländewagen. First introduced in 1979 as a military vehicle and later that year as a civilian option, the G-Wagon has stayed true to its box-like shape and incredible offroad ability, whether it’s a modern diesel G450d or the fire-breathing AMG G63 that’s much loved by rappers, gangsters, soccer players and the rich and famous social types. Who knew, though, that an electric G580 would be as good, possibly better, than anything that has preceded it? I suppose it was inevitable given the way mobility is moving, but as an offroad enthusiast, when…

It’s been a rough few weeks for investors across the globe with volatility caused by higher-than-expected tariffs announced by United States President Donald Trump on April 2, which he called Liberation Day, before walking them backwards somewhat. Markets have seesawed, losing serious ground before recovering and then being highly volatile. And this is going to be the picture for the while, market commentators and analysts say. Old Mutual Wealth chief investment strategist, Izak Odendaal, compared Trump’s trade war to the adverse impact of heavy rain, with the full effect of water damage only being felt later in time. He wrote that the world’s financial markets took the first blow, yet “all that water still needs to go somewhere, and swollen rivers can wreak havoc days away from where the deluge…

When a fund member reaches retirement age, he or she has a choice to purchase one or more life annuities and living annuities. A single life annuity is a guaranteed annuity that the pensioner will receive as pensioner for the rest of his or her life. The monthly pension can be a set amount, for example R10 000 per month or an amount that increases every year by a set percentage (for example, 5%) or an annual increase that is linked to the inflation rate (for example, 100% of the inflation rate of the previous year). The monthly pension payments stop at the death of the pensioner, irrespective of the fact that the member might have a spouse who will need financial support after the death of the pensioner.…

Modern celebrations have evolved beyond simple gatherings of friends and family to encompass a spirit of adventure, exploration and personal growth. In today’s fast-paced world, milestones such as birthdays, graduations, pregnancies, and marriages are increasingly being marked with memorable travel experiences that create lasting memories. Travelling offers an opportunity not just to celebrate life but to deepen bonds with loved ones through shared adventures. Imagine embarking on a journey that combines the thrill of discovery with the joy of companionship. For friends looking to explore together while celebrating milestones, here are some of South Africa’s hidden gems, perfect for a “bestiemoon”, where friendship meets adventure. From serene safaris to vibrant culinary experiences, these unique destinations promise unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come. Off-the-beaten-path safari: Waterberg Region,…

As the sun begins to set over the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, anticipation builds for one of the most exciting events on the South African calendar: the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). Scheduled to take place from April 25 to 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community. As music enthusiasts prepare to flock to the city, Cape Town is set to transform into a pulsating hub of creativity, where the rhythms of jazz fill the air and the spirit of togetherness shines brightly. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, from the majestic Table Mountain to the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The city is also a feast for the senses, offering delectable cuisine that…

If you’re a millennial, chances are you’ve been hit with slang that leaves you completely baffled. Words like “drip” or “slay” might seem simple enough, but to Gen Z, they have entirely different meanings. This younger generation has taken everyday vocabulary and spun it into their own unique language. So if you’re a parent or even a grandparent, it might be worth picking up a few of these phrases just to stay in the loop. You never know when you’ll need to decode a conversation between them or even understand what they’re saying to you. That said, just because you manage to understand the slang doesn’t mean you can start using it. Most Gen Zers find it deeply embarrassing when older generations try to talk like them. Of course, that…

If you grew up in the days of playing in the street with your friends, building mud pies, chasing each other around barefoot, and sneaking a popsicle when no one was watching, consider yourself lucky. Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, the new three-part documentary that recently dropped on Netflix, is a brutal reminder that many children today are trading their carefree childhoods for ring lights, scripted “fun”, and a parent armed with a spreadsheet and a camera. I’ve been binge-watching doccies lately, and this one stopped me in my tracks. Coming fresh off watching Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, I couldn’t help but notice how similar the themes are: manipulation, abuse of power, and a shocking lack of accountability. The documentary hits differently because…

As Christians around the world mark one of their holiest seasons with Easter, the genocide in Gaza overshadows the celebrations and Christian leaders have spoken out on the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has cast a sombre pall over the sacred observance. Reverend Moss Nthla, general secretary of The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa, said the parallels between the Easter story and the suffering in Palestine are both stark and deeply personal. He called on Christians to examine where they stand in the face of global injustice and to return to the radical compassion at the heart of Christ’s message. “The current crisis in Gaza has cast a long shadow over Easter,” said Nthla, pointing to the powerful image shared last year by Palestinian cleric Dr Munther Isaac, who likened Christ…

While ‘International Chinese Language Day’ takes place on April 20, a number of dignitaries and cultural lovers attended the unveiling of the ‘101 Wishes: The Beauty of Chinese Characters’ exhibition at Iziko Learning Centre at Groot Constantia on Thursday. The exhibition, curated by Professor Yue Jieqiong from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, presents a visual journey through the artistry and history of Chinese calligraphy. It will run until 25th of May. From the copying of oracle writing, Chinese combined characters, auspicious language, to Chinese font design in computer language, the exhibits show the latest creations of contemporary calligraphers, artists and designers with Chinese characters as the core content, and show the beauty of Chinese characters. The exhibition conveys Chinese culture through the form of art exhibits, takes works of…

More than 50 years after his heart was taken and used in a landmark transplant without his or his family’s permission, Bruce Tucker’s life has been formally honoured in a pair of vibrant murals outside a medical school auditorium in Virginia’s capital. In one, two large hands hold up a stylised, detached heart. In the other, a pensive Tucker wears a dark tie. “Justice begins in the quiet places in the heart,” says one of several quotations from family members that are incorporated into the murals at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Tucker’s heart has been described as “stolen” by his family and an author, who said surgeons eager to make history took a black man’s heart less than 24 hours after a fall landed him in the hospital. It…

FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural 2024 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship, the company is expanding the online competition to include high schools from all nine provinces across South Africa. The 2025 edition aims to reach an even wider audience, promoting inclusivity and fostering strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through the world’s most accessible sport. After a strong response in 2024 from participants in Gauteng, Western Cape, North West and KwaZulu-Natal - with St John’s College, Johannesburg, crowned champions - this year’s online high school tournament will be open to schools nationwide, ensuring broader accessibility for students across the country. Kicking off on May 10, the team-based championship will see schools competing within their respective provincial pools. The top teams from each pool will then advance to the final stage,…

The acclaimed Wits Sterkfontein Caves, a cornerstone of human evolutionary research, officially reopened to the public on April 15. This moment marks a significant transition in its management, now fully under the auspices of Wits University, bringing with it a renewed focus on education and active research. Situated within the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site near Johannesburg, the Sterkfontein Caves are renowned for their remarkable contributions to the understanding of human evolution. Since the discovery of the iconic “Mrs Ples” in 1947 and “Little Foot” in 1997, the caves have yielded a plethora of fossils that have deepened global comprehension of our ancestral lineage. These findings have established Sterkfontein as a cornerstone in palaeontological research, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. Panyaza Lesufi, the Premier of…

In the past few years, Chinese vehicles have become a formidable threat to established manufacturers, particularly in the SUV space. But just how significant are these sales figures? We compared the first quarter sales of all Chinese brands, from 2020, 2023 and 2025, and although these brands have yet to command a lion’s share of the market, their share of the sales pie is growing rapidly. Chinese car and light commercial vehicle sales, as reported to Naamsa, amounted to just 3 247 units in the first quarter of 2020, accounting for 2.78% of the total vehicle market. By Q1 2023, this share had grown to 6.98% of the total vehicle market, from 9 559 unit sales, and by the first quarter of this year, the Chinese brand share was 11.81%,…

Vinothan Naidoo and Brian Levy South Africa’s multi-party government of national unity (GNU), which emerged in the wake of the May 2024 elections, marked a turning point in the country’s political history. It took South Africans back to the 1990s, when the country showed that political opponents could find common cause. The formation of the government of national unity expressed the hope that the country could do it again. But just nine months into its term, the good will and pragmatism which marked its formation have worn thin. A major Budget impasse between the two major actors, the ANC and the DA, threatens the coalition. South Africans have long been accustomed to viewing the world of politics, governance and bureaucracy through the lens of a top-down “strong” state – a…

In this column I look at how the investment markets performed in the first quarter, up until March 31. I do not cover what economists are now referring to as “Trump’s Tariff Tantrum” on April 2, also called a “self-inflicted wound” by former US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, and the havoc that the US government’s tariff announcements and subsequent flip-flops have wreaked on the world’s financial markets. While the US market was already pricing in some negativity, as we’ll see below, we were, on March 31, experiencing a relative calm before the storm. The JSE enjoyed a bumper 12 months to the end of March. The FTSE/JSE All-Share Index (Alsi) closed at 88 637 points, off slightly from its all-time high of 90 149 points on Wednesday, March 19.…

I recently had the opportunity to be part of a webinar where Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, directly engaged with stakeholders on the dire state of South Africa’s Master’s Offices. Her remarks painted a picture of dysfunction that is both alarming and, surprisingly, tinged with hope. Let’s not mince words, the situation at these offices is nothing short of a mess. Operations at six Master’s Offices across the country have practically ground to a halt, largely because crucial leadership roles were left vacant at the end of March. No Chief Master. No acting heads. Just a vacuum of responsibility at institutions meant to serve the most vulnerable, from orphans and widows to those declared mentally unfit. The Master's Offices play an essential role in the administration of…

Arsenal's superb performances against Real Madrid proved that they can compete against the best but manager Mikel Arteta said yestertday that they had little time to celebrate as they look to delay Liverpool's coronation as Premier League champions. Arsenal beat Real Madrid in both quarter-final legs to advance 5-1 on aggregate but the achievement of reaching a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 could lose its sheen if they suffer defeat at Ipswich Town tomorrow. With a 13-point lead and six games left, Liverpool need two wins to clinch a second Premier League title but can lift the trophy this weekend if Arsenal lose and Arne Slot's side beat Leicester City. “We'll make sure that we win the game and that doesn't happen," a smiling Arteta told reporters. “For a…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes maintaining the squad that is romping towards the Premier League title is more important than major new signings. The Reds' plans for next season have been boosted by Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing new deals to remain at Anfield over the past week. Trent Alexander-Arnold is still reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his deal expires at the end of the season. Van Dijk said ahead of agreeing his new contract that he expects a "big summer" in the transfer market from the Reds. Slot's only signing in his first year in charge was Federico Chiesa, who has played a peripheral role. But with Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Dutchman is…

The world watched with interest as American pop star Katy Perry made history as part of an all-female crew launching into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 spacecraft. The mission took place on Monday which marked a significant milestone as the first all-female space crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s historic solo flight in 1963. The six-woman crew included pop star Katy Perry, Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez, journalist Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, and founder of a campaign group against sexual violence, Amanda Nguyen. During their brief trip, Perry reportedly sang a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World in space and even unveiled her Lifetimes tour set list on camera. The crew travelled to the edge of space. Blue Origin has shared…