Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-14 i Saturday Star

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like slipping under a warm blanket and savouring a moment of peace. This winter, a new trend is taking social media by storm – cosymaxxing, which encourages us to create comforting, relaxing environments anytime. Rooted in self-soothing rituals, cosymaxxing is more than a fleeting TikTok trend – it’s a lifestyle choice that speaks to a deeper need for comfort and intentional living. What is cosymaxxing? At its core, this trend is about layering self-soothing activities that engage your senses and evoke feelings of warmth and tranquillity. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, what matters is that you find joy in the little things. Picture this: you’re wrapped in a soft blanket with a steaming cup of rooibos tea, a favourite…

Viewers have once again been transported into some of the world’s most remarkable homes on the latest season of Listing Cape Town. The property-themed reality lifestyle show provides insight into the booming Mother City market as it showcases designer penthouses, beachfront villas and sprawling winelands estates. These properties feature breathtaking views, luxurious amenities and the intense negotiations. Season three of the series kicked off with a bang when it premiered on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) at the end of last month. The first episodes showcased renowned local singer Jarrad Ricketts viewing a sensational Camps Bay villa for his family vacation. This multi-storey property in one of the Mother City’s most exclusive suburbs featured uninterrupted views from all rooms of the house, leaving the entertainer insisting that his wife will…

President Cyril Ramaphosa met yesterday with survivors of devastating floods that killed at least 78 people in the Eastern Cape, blaming the "catastrophic disaster" on climate change. Ramaphosa toured the disaster zone and met survivors in the region, where thousands of houses, roads, schools and health facilities were left caked in mud after being submerged in floodwaters, leaving many people with nothing in one of the poorest parts of the country. Rescuers were going door to door searching for bodies or possible survivors, as people got stuck inside their homes when the water rushed in during the night. Some managed to escape to their roofs, where they waited long hours for help. Ramaphosa visited the site where a school bus was swept away, killing at least six children and three…

The principal of Bergview College, Jaco Pieterse, has laid criminal charges against ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade after being publicly accused of raping a 7-year-old girl, known as Cwecwe. The charges, which were filed at Sophiatown police station in Gauteng, include crimen injuria, intimidation, and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act. Barry Bateman, spokesperson for lobby group AfriForum, which is representing Pieterse, told the media yesterday outside the police station that the allegations had devastated the principal's life and career. “South Africa has a rape crisis, we have a child abuse crisis, and being falsely accused of committing such a crime against a child is devastating,” Bateman said. Last month, IOL News reported that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed it…

The Iranian government has blamed the US for the Israeli airstrike on its country this week. In a statement released on Friday through its embassy in Pretoria, Iran's Foreign Affairs Ministry said the Zionist regime's aggressive actions against Iran could not have happened without US co-ordination and approval. “Consequently, the US government, as the primary patron of this regime, will also bear responsibility for the dangerous repercussions of the Zionist regime’s reckless actions,” read the statement. In February, US President Donald Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM), calling on Iran to be stopped from engaging in any nuclear programmes. He said Iran should be denied a nuclear weapon and intercontinental ballistic missiles, and that its terrorist network should be neutralised and its aggressive development of missiles, as well…

It's never too late to make a splash, as Orestes Quintana, one of the doyens of the Juventud Acumulada (Forever Young) swimming club in Cuba's capital Havana discovered. The 87-year-old former revolutionary, who helped Fidel Castro fight his way to victory over a dictatorship in 1959, took up swimming relatively late in life, in his sixties. Before that, "I knew how to float, I used to bob about in the water like everyone else but I didn't know the different strokes," the silver-haired ex-soldier said. Now he spends a full two hours a day cleaving through the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean and has a bunch of amateur swimming titles to his name. "I have almost no challengers. In my age category, very few people know how to swim," he…

Two high school learners from Parklands College have been crowned the winners of the inaugural Coronation Top Investor Challenge: Schools Edition. Reuben Rietoff and Mbali Nhuku, competing as the Cashflow Co-Pilots, outperformed hundreds of teams from schools across South Africa to build the top-ranked virtual portfolio. As winners, they have each received R25 000 in Coronation unit trust vouchers to kick-start their own investment journeys, while their school has been awarded a R50 000 cash prize. For the first time, the Coronation Top Investor Challenge was rolled out nationally to high schools across South Africa in 2025. This flagship initiative, a firm favourite among clients, invited learners to step into the shoes of investment professionals and experience the complex yet exciting world of investing. Armed with R1 million in virtual…

Step into a world of wonder and impossibility with Larry Soffer, South Africa’s most celebrated mentalist, for an unforgettable evening of entertainment at The Maslow Sandton on Saturday, June 28. Soffer doesn’t just perform – he amazes. From mind reading and thought influence to bending metal and challenging reality, this is a show that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. Larry Soffer is recognised as one of the world’s leading mentalists and an in-demand international entertainer. His career has taken him across the globe, performing in more than 30 countries for world leaders, celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and royalty. His ability to merge mind-blowing mentalism with engaging storytelling makes him a sought-after performer for corporate events, luxury brands, and exclusive private functions. Expect world-class mentalism as Soffer…

The most pressing issue facing early childhood development in South Africa is the lack of political will by the government to meet the needs of young children. This was said by Professor Eric Atmore, director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development, on the back of a stakeholder engagement recently held at LaMotte in Franschhoek. Linked to this was the small budget allocation for programmes to support young children in their early development, especially for early learning programmes, said Atmore. The event, which was hosted by the Inceba Trust, an organisation on a mission “to prepare preschool children in body, mind and soul for a future filled with hope, confidence and courage”. Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, founder of the Inceba Trust said their overarching goal is to support Early Childhood Development…

GROWING up with five brothers, Ballina Koroilavesau enjoyed a good teatime – on her own. “I had tea parties with me, myself and I with my toys,” said the 39-year-old Maryland resident. But on a recent sunny day, she was practically squealing with delight as she made her way down the aisle of one of the more unusual tea offerings in DC. Tea Around Town is a double-decker tour bus decked out in plentiful flowers, shades of pink and pops of gold. Fancy hats known as fascinators are optional but often opted for, along with gloves. Instrumental versions of pop songs fill the air. It feels like Bridgerton on wheels. I was sitting in my own pink-and-white-striped booth admiring the serving stand full of finger foods when Koroilavesau walked by.…

In the aftermath of the fiery attack on a group of people in Boulder, Colorado, who had gathered for a march calling for the release of hostages in Gaza, the brick plaza where they once stood was cordoned off with police tape. Men and women had essentially been fire bombed on a Sunday afternoon, so workmen washed the residue of mayhem from the ground in front of the county courthouse. In the distance, hanging over the courthouse’s double doors was the rainbow flag, a symbol of tolerance and inclusivity – more hope than fact. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Egyptian man who was arrested for the violence, which the FBI has characterised as a “targeted terrorist attack”, was reported to have shouted, “Free Palestine,” before allegedly flinging molotov cocktails at the…

It’s almost time for the typical mid-year public school holidays, with the resultant need to replace some articles of clothing, buy new textbooks, or otherwise spend money on a child’s, or children’s, education. Online schooling is likely to be more cost-effective as there is no need to purchase uniforms, textbooks are often online, and stationery doesn’t need to be a certain colour. Other cost pushers that can be eliminated include transport, either via public transport or in fuel for mom and dad – tuckshop money, and school infrastructure levies. In the most recent Statistics South Africa inflation release, for March – the month that it measures the cost of education – the agency noted that the price index for education increased by 4.5%. Although this was a slower rate of…

The financial landscape for young South Africans is rapidly evolving, shaped by economic pressures, shifting priorities, and a growing reliance on digital financial tools. The Youth Barometer, which harnesses data from Standard Bank’s Personal and Private Banking and Liberty, offers a revealing snapshot of how South Africans aged 18 to 35 are navigating their financial journeys—balancing essential expenses with discretionary spending, financing their first assets, supporting their families, and planning for their long-term futures. The inaugural Youth Barometer was launched this week in Rosebank. According to the head of youth and mass market segments at Standard Bank, Tshiamo Molanda, these insights are more than data points; they are a call to action. “They challenge us to design solutions that are relevant, inclusive, and forward-looking. Solutions that not only respond to…

MANY may look at South Africa's batting performance at Lord's yesterday and be surprised, and some may even be shocked that this batting unit, one that is heavily criticised, has been able to get the team within 69 runs of the country's first world title. However, for those who pay close attention to detail, they will be able to remember that this unit has done this before in the recent past. When India toured South Africa four years ago, after thumping the Proteas by 113 runs during the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, where they bowled the Proteas out for under 200 runs in both innings, the Proteas bounced back in style to win the series 2-1. It all started at the Bullring where Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma chased…

Ferrari woes aside, Lewis Hamilton believes that team Principal Fred Vasseur is the man to lead them through the dark tunnel of imbalance they find themselves in. Hamilton was speaking to the press in Montreal, Canada ahead of the 10th race of the season. It’s also one of the most sentimental races on the calendar for the 40-year-old British driver, because it’s where he won his first race as a rookie 18 years ago for McLaren. To give you some context as to the longevity of Hamilton’s career: from the time he won his first F1 race, Kimi Antonelli was born, went to school, started karting, graduated karting, went into Formula 2, succeeded there and made his way to F1. In all that time, Hamilton still remained one of the…

Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal worth up to £116 million (R3 billion) to sign attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, it was widely reported yesterday. British media reported that the Premier League champions would pay an initial £100m (R2bn), comfortably surpassing their own record outlay, but the performance-related add-ons, if achieved, would make it a potential British record. Reports in Germany suggested the potential fee could rise to 150m euros (R3bn) . Liverpool’s total spend on the 22-year-old Germany international could surpass the £115 million Chelsea agreed to pay Brighton in 2023 for Moises Caicedo, who turned down Anfield. Midfielder Caicedo cost Chelsea an initial £100 million fee, which could rise to £115 million. Striker Darwin Nunez was Liverpool’s previous record signing in 2022, although they have not…

Leinster coach Leo Cullen has warned his team not to have a “false sense” of security that they will beat the Bulls in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship final in Dublin (6pm SA time start). Calling the Pretoria side a “juggernaut team”, long-serving mentor Cullen is under pressure to deliver some silverware at Croke Park after a number of near-misses in the Champions Cup and URC over the last few years. Having won several PRO14 titles previously, Saturday’s title decider will actually be Leinster’s first URC final. So, in some ways, they are in a similar boat to Jake White’s Bulls, who lost their two previous URC championship games – going down to the Stormers in 2022 and Glasgow last year. With loads of Irish internationals across the squad, Leinster are…

The visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community has significantly grown in the travel industry over the years as gay rights and inclusivity are championed globally with an increasing number of destinations becoming LGBTQIA+ friendly. However, some countries still remain unwelcoming towards LGBTQIA+ individuals. In Africa, for instance, 33 out of 55 countries still criminalise homosexuality, with nations such as Kenya, Ghana, Namibia, Niger, Tanzania and Uganda tightening anti-homosexuality laws, making these destinations less desirable for the community. With June being Pride Month, it commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice for the LGBTQIA+ community. As the strides made in creating a more inclusive world are celebrated, here are a handful of the most popular LGBTQIA+ destinations to consider for your next adventure. Cape Town,…

The beloved body swop antics are set to return in a big way with the upcoming sequel to the cult classic, Freaky Friday. The latest trailer for Freakier Friday reveals a plethora of wedding-related antics intertwined with heartwarming lessons on family bonds, spiced up with the trademark chaos fans have come to love. In this new adventure, Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan) is preparing for her wedding, with her mother Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) by her side, ready to assist. However, family tensions simmer beneath the surface as Anna’s daughter, and her fiancé Eric’s daughter, Lilly, clash in hilarious ways. From mock wedding vows to playful insults, Anna’s daughter describes her future stepsister as “a little demon thing with an obnoxious accent”. The story takes a turn when a fortune teller,…

FORty-nine years after the 1976 youth rose up for their future, a new generation is still fighting - this time, for access to basic survival. Blocked by digital dead-ends, outdated databases, and silent systems, many young South Africans are being denied the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant - an essential support in a country where jobs are scarce and promises often fall flat. These technical barriers are hindering the efforts of youth applicants to secure these funds, according to the social justice organisation, Black Sash. South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) spokesperson Andile Tshona said while there are currently over four million young beneficiaries receiving SRD grants, it is difficult to say whether this figure is more or less than the previous years, as the numbers keep changing.…

South Africa is facing a dangerous surge in the illicit alcohol trade, now worth over R25 billion, with mounting consequences for public health, consumer safety, and the national economy. As the black-market industry grows, so do the body counts. The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) this week released research revealing that the volume of illegal alcohol has increased by 55% since 2017, reaching 773 000 hectolitres in 2024. This amounts to 18% of all alcohol sold in the country. Head of Research at DF-SA, Dr Shamal Ramesar, warned that the figures should serve as a wake-up call. “This study is a wake-up call. Communities are being exposed to harmful, unregulated alcohol, and the country is losing billions in revenue. “It is urgent that government, industry and civil society work…

A Beijing auction house has sold a four-foot-tall sculpture of a viral plush toy character for more than $150 000 (R2.75 million), as global demand for the Chinese-designed Labubu dolls reaches fever pitch. The rabbit-like figures sporting mischievous grins began as a character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and are made by Beijing-based toy brand Pop Mart. They have been endorsed by celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa, and fans have queued overnight outside stores hoping to snag one, with analysts pointing to the phenomenon as evidence of China's growing soft power. On Tuesday, a teal sculpture depicting a Labubu character with a furry body and head fetched an eye-watering 1.08 million yuan ($150,260) at an auction held in Beijing, according to the auction house's app. The…

In celebration of Youth Month, the Cotton On Foundation has launched a bold initiative aimed at transforming literacy outcomes in South Africa. Titled “Beyond Words”, the campaign sees the Cotton On Foundation and the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation come together in a long-standing and now extended partnership, with the goal to raise and invest R20 million into literacy across the country. The initiative comes in response to the stark reality that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa are unable to read for meaning, while 78% of public schools still operate without libraries. But it also signals hope: a united, focused and long-term drive to improve literacy across the country and change the story. The Beyond Words Library and Literacy Project was officially launched at John Pama Primary School in…

In 1998, Nelson Mandela said, “The future belongs to our youth.” That sentiment remains just as powerful today. However, as South Africa’s young people chart their path forward, they face more than just one challenge. From entering the job market to learning to manage their finances, today’s youth must navigate a complex, fast-changing world. “Youth unemployment remains a serious concern. But the truth is, many young people are also grappling with limited financial literacy, access to quality education, and a lack of guidance on how to grow both personally and professionally. Our job is to support them on all these fronts, so they can take ownership of their futures,” said Sandi Richardson, HR Executive at RCS. While the job market can be daunting, industries like retail and call/contact centres continue…

NKAMBENI SAFARI CAMP Tucked away in the heart of Big Five territory, on the western edge of the Kruger National Park near Numbi Gate, lies Nkambeni Safari Camp. Just a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, the lodge was established by the Nkambeni Community to create employment and opportunities for local residents. The camp offers 150 comfortable three-star units, each featuring en-suite canvas suites with private decks, thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings and minimise environmental impact. Nkambeni Safari Camp embraces responsible, community-driven tourism, offering guests an authentic South African bush experience. Evenings can be spent dining under the stars around an open fire or enjoying a meal from the à la carte restaurant. Guests can explore the Kruger National Park on half- or full-day guided safaris in specially adapted…

As South Africa navigates the challenges posed by the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which has raised concerns about livestock health and potential increases in meat prices, the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo showcases innovations that could influence the future of food production. Attendees can explore groundbreaking technologies such as regenerated rice and 3D printed meat, which may offer insights into sustainable food solutions that could be relevant to countries facing similar agricultural challenges. Beyond their delicious taste, some foods offer high nutritional value and practical solutions for issues such as food shortages and allergies. Leading companies and research institutions are introducing a wide variety of those foods and announcing groundbreaking achievements that will shape the future of food. Inside the "Evolving Frozen Foods" showcase at the Earth Mart pavilion, conceptualised by broadcasting…

From chopping onions, peeling vegetables and cutting meat, Kim Bagley, a food content creator, owes much of her grounding in the kitchen to her mom, Beryl Bagley. She was 11 years old when her mother used to call home from work and ask her to do the chopping, peeling and cutting. "My mom used to say 'have it ready, so I can come home and cook'. As time went by, she used to say 'please braise the onions and meat and I'll finish off the pot when I get home'. "Later, I ended up cooking the entire dinner and food was ready when my parents got home from work. I can still remember her saying 'Kim, I took out the chicken. Make what you want with it'. She gave me…

Every day is “Taco Tuesday” for US Democrats this week. Ever since US President Donald Trump angrily dismissed a reporter’s question about the “Trump always chickens out” trade theory – the market’s bet that Trump will back off his trade bluster – it has become a non-stop meme, complete with a taco truck to taunt Republicans. I’m head of a progressive opposition research shop, so you might assume I’m celebrating this outbreak of trolling. You’d be wrong. Democrats need to drop it immediately. I understand that the claim that “Trump always chickens out” on trade policy feels vindicating. To see his political allies on Wall Street call him weak and goad him into a Truth Social tantrum scratches a particular itch. But this attack enrages Trump only when it’s coming…

When you take out a life insurance policy, you need to take particular care that you get it right the first time. The trouble with life insurance is that it becomes more expensive as you age, and that, if you put it off until later, there is the possibility you’ll have health issues that may even prevent you from being covered at all. Many people are under the misconception that life cover is easily replaceable, like short-term cover (the insurance of things) where, if you are not happy with an insurer, you can shop around. They are not aware of how it differs from short-term cover and the pitfalls of treating it in the same way. Advisers and brokers have a responsibility not only to fully inform their clients about…

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) has come down hard on the South African Local Authorities Pension Fund for ignoring repeated requests for information, in what it describes as serious non-compliance with regulatory obligations. Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane reported the fund to the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) after it failed to respond to multiple enquiries from her office in the course of investigating a complaint. “There were several complaints against the fund,” Lukhaimane says. “And the lack of response from the fund reflects a disregard for the Pension Funds Act, its rules, and the best interests of members.” The complaint in question was brought by a former South African Police Service employee who believed his withdrawal benefit had been improperly calculated. He asked the OPFA to determine whether…

The Bulls haven’t lost in the United Rugby Championship in eight matches. They also have an excellent away record this season, having won five out of seven encounters, with the only defeats coming against the Scarlets and Sharks. The most significant of those victories were against the Stormers in Cape Town, Munster in Limerick and Glasgow in Scotland. That is why today’s URC final against Leinster at Croke Park in Dublin (6pm SA time kick-off) is not a ‘mission impossible’ for Jake White’s team. They will take heart from the fact that they have beaten Leinster in Ireland before, in the 2022 semi-finals in what was an epic 27-26 triumph, and enjoy a four-out-of-six win record against the Irish giants. Sure, it wasn’t always a full-strength Leinster, but those results…

Fresh from lifting a first team title of his career, Harry Kane and Bayern Munich head to the Club World Cup in the United States eyeing more than just another shot at silverware. Long on the receiving end of jibes about not winning a team trophy in his 15-year career despite a glittering array of individual honours, the 31-year-old striker finally broke through when Bayern won the Bundesliga this season. Besides adding another title to Bayern’s bulging trophy cabinet, a Club World Cup win would be incredibly lucrative for the German giants. In a bid to boost club buy-in for the expanded tournament, FIFA has put together a whopping $1 billion prize money pool, with the winner expected to pocket $125 million. As with most of the big European sides…

The Proteas Women will have to learn how to adapt quicker to the conditions if they want to level the series against West Indies in Barbados, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp said. The 35-year-old, one of the team’s most decorated players, joined the Proteas squad after missing the Tri-Series tournament in Sri Lanka last month. During the series last month, the Proteas Women kicked off the tour in a similar fashion, losing the first game. Only this time, they do not have multiple opportunities at redemption. If the Proteas lose the next ODI today, they lose the series 2-0. All three ODI’s will be played at the 3w’s Oval in Barbados. Kapp said they were surprised at how good the batting conditions were and may have made it seem a little…

After decades of meetings, milestones and making sure everyone else was taken care of, many South Africans over 60 are finally placing themselves at the top of the priority list. Whether it’s sipping espresso in Italy, spotting the Big Five on a midweek Kruger escape or joining the grandkids on a cruise, retirement is less about slowing down and more about showing up for the life you’ve dreamed of. And the best part? You don’t need to feel guilty or go broke to make it happen. South Africans are finding smarter ways to fund their bucket-list travel. According to a recent survey, 32% of South Africans aged 60 and up are planning to dip into their retirement savings to fund a holiday in 2025. Financial advisors say that allocating 5-10%…

Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom recently made waves in the wellness world by undergoing a £ 10 000 apheresis “detox” in London. He posted an intimate photo of himself hooked up to a machine claiming to remove microplastics and toxins from his bloodstream. But is this luxury procedure scientifically sound or a self-indulgent health trend? Bloom recently took his health regimen to the next level by undergoing a controversial detoxification procedure which costs approximately R190 000. According to the University of Southern California, microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimetres in size, that come from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are intentionally manufactured. They are found in food, water, air and even within our bodies, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. While research is ongoing, there’s…

R Kelly has made a bid to be released from prison. The I Believe I Can Fly singer – who is serving a 31-year sentence for child sexual abuse crimes – is seeking to be removed from federal custody and placed on house arrest after alleging his life is in danger behind bars. An emergency motion for temporary furlough was filed in federal court this week and alleges three officials with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) devised a plot to have Kelly killed by another inmate. The filing, which was obtained by People magazine, contains a declaration from the inmate, Mikeal Glenn Stine, who alleged he was asked to carry out the plot by three high-ranking individuals while serving his sentence at the United States Penitentiary Tucson in Arizona. Stine…

The National Police boss, Senzo Mchunu, said crime levels in South Africa remain unacceptably high and outlined a series of reforms to strengthen law enforcement. Speaking yesterday at the SAPS Academy in Pretoria, Mchunu reflected on his first year in office and the state of the South African Police Service (SAPS). “It has been 11 months and 14 days since the new administration was ushered in and the new Ministry took office,” he said. “Shortly after joining the Ministry, we received an elaborate orientation from SAPS top management, which helped us assess the current crime-fighting programs and the organogram.” He said it soon became clear that some programmes and structures, while helpful, had significant shortcomings. “Where changes were necessary, we have implemented them - and will continue to do so,”…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has hit back at claims of lavish spending, denying any misuse of state funds after his multimillion-rand international trips sparked public outcry. Speaking on the sidelines of the Harambee Youth Engagement event in Johannesburg yesterday, Mashatile said his overseas visits are mission-driven and aligned with the demands of his office. “When I travel for a state or working visit, I don’t need a room to sleep, I need a place to work that is what brings the costs. “I need a presidential suite where I can be able to do my work with all the facilities,” he said. Mashatile added that visiting major cities came with great costs in terms of transportation and accommodation. He brushed off the idea that he misused the money for his…

After Muhammed Sajjad moved from India to the United Arab Emirates a decade ago, he missed his native Kerala's monsoon season, so he embarked on an unlikely quest: finding rain in the desert. Using satellite imagery, weather data and other high-tech tools, the amateur meteorologist tracks potential rainfall spots across the desert country and, along with other Indians nostalgic for the monsoon season, chases the clouds in search of rain. "When I came to UAE in 2015, in August, it... was peak monsoon time" in Kerala, the 35-year-old estate agent said, adding that he had struggled to adjust to the change of climate. "So I started to search about the rainy condition in UAE and I came to know that there is rain happening in UAE during peak summer," he…

Arno Jansen Van Vuuren, Managing Director of Futurewise, shares what parents need to know about AI in the classroom – the good, the bad…and the dangerous. Back in the day (which is really only a few short years ago) students studied in “analogue”; think dog-eared textbooks, handwritten notes, Google Search – and maybe a text or two to an overachieving friend. From drafting essays to summarising chapters, checking maths problems and brainstorming science projects, ChatGPT and similar tools are rapidly and dramatically redefining how young people approach their studies. But are these tools boosting learning – or replacing it? As the world celebrates Youth Month, Van Vuuren believes it’s worth asking: what does the advent of AI mean for education in South Africa, and how can parents guide their children…

Get ready for a footballing spectacle of epic proportions. This Sunday, all eyes will be firmly fixed on the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA, as the FIFA Club World Cup officially kicks off with a mouthwatering clash between African giants Al Ahly and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. This highly anticipated encounter marks the start of a month-long football extravaganza that will see an elite lineup of clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, and many other global powerhouses, battling it out to be crowned the best football club in the world. Adding to the excitement, our very own Mamelodi Sundowns will proudly compete in the tournament, hoping to fly the South African flag high. Showmax Premier League is your ultimate destination, bringing you unmatched coverage of every…

Will it be a case of third time lucky for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship final? The Pretoria side are in Dublin for Saturday’s title decider against Leinster at Croke Park (6pm South African time kick-off), and are hoping to finally get over the line at their third attempt. Coach Jake White’s team went down 18-13 to the Stormers in a Cape Town final in 2022, and last year, the Bulls lost 21-16 to Glasgow at Loftus Versfeld. But Irish province Leinster are clear favourites for today’s showdown, as they boast a powerful side with several Test stars in their midst, including James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier. They are also hungry for a trophy after losing in the Champions Cup semi-finals a few weeks…

Although my journey with social justice began in primary school under the labels of “outreach” and “charity drives”, I only came to understand its depth at university. While charity and community outreach fall under the umbrella of social justice, the concept is much more expansive at its core. It is about finding sustainable ways to ensure all people have equal rights and access to basic resources. Social justice is far more personal than charity. It involves putting yourself in the shoes of those whose rights you are fighting for – feeling what others feel and being personally invested in their stories. To mark Youth Day on Monday, this piece explores the question: “Why should young people in South Africa be social justice champions?”. It can only really be answered by…

UNIVERSITY students have limited spending money and their schedules are packed. Many are adapting to new lifestyles on campus. Eating a healthy diet is crucial: a poor diet leads to reduced concentration, lower grades and increased stress. Campus cafés, especially at universities that are some distance from supermarkets, often sell mainly fast food such as white bread sandwiches, hot chips and doughnuts. It’s easy to eat on the go, but places nutritious choices out of reach. I’m an urban geographer who researches the relationship between food, health and place. My work examines how urban agriculture, informal food systems and everyday urban infrastructures shape well-being, sustainability and spatial justice in African Research has already found that through pricing, menu design and information provision, campus cafés play a decisive role in shaping…

The FIFA World Club Cup, which kicks off in the US today, may seem like a new competition. Certainly, soccer’s governing body, Fifa, is promoting it as is it were, marketing the month-long competition between 32 of the world’s biggest soccer teams as the “pinnacle of club football”, with up to $125 million (R2.2 billion) in prize money for the winning team and $250m set aside for promoting “football solidarity”. In reality, the competition is the latest chapter in Fifa’s long-running quest – going all the way back to 1960 – to create a global championship that would determine which club really is the best in the world. The organising body has trumpeted a $1bn prize pot for the World Club Cup. But Fifa has been less vocal about the…

In a marriage in community of property, both spouses jointly own a single estate in equal, undivided shares. However, what many couples fail to consider is that the death of one spouse triggers the winding-up of the entire joint estate. This process can have far-reaching – and sometimes unintended – financial consequences for the surviving spouse, especially where no proper estate plan is in place. Winding up your joint estate On the death of the first-dying spouse, the joint estate ceases to exist, and the appointed executor is legally required to wind it up in its entirety. This includes settling all liabilities in the estate, regardless of which spouse incurred the debt or whether it was acquired before or after the marriage. In other words, both spouses are jointly and…

More young South Africans are prioritising wellness through therapy and fitness, but they continue to overlook financial well-being, and it is costing them more than they realise. Money stress spills into every part of life, from relationships to mental health, yet many young people build their early careers without building a financial plan According to a Sanlam report, 57% of South Africans cite financial stress as the top factor affecting their mental health, with 18–24-year-olds the most vulnerable. Yet, despite South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate, there are 20.9 million working young people aged 15 to 34 who still face financial challenges due to limited financial literacy. The 1Life Youth Generational Wealth Survey found that while 80% believe they can build wealth once employed, only 30% have a monthly budget,…

Bulls coach Jake White, for some time, has been advocating that the Springbok players based overseas should be brought home to strengthen the local teams, but Bok centre Jesse Kriel disagrees. Kriel, who is based in Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen that occurs when players from all over the world are pooled together, as is the case in the Japanese teams. Joining Kriel in the current Bok squad preparing for the Barbarians season-opener on June 28 are fellow Japan-based players in Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Malcolm Marx. That is a hefty chunk of polished Springboks. Kriel pointed to White himself as a good example of how overseas…

After securing their return to the Champions League on the final day of the season, Chelsea have an early chance to show they belong back among the elite at the Club World Cup. Enzo Maresca’s side beat Nottingham Forest in their last Premier League match to clinch fourth place after an inconsistent campaign, ending a two-season absence from Europe’s top competition. The Blues, who reached FIFA’s revamped and expanded event by landing a second Champions League triumph in 2021, have been handed a favourable opening raft of fixtures in the US. Chelsea begin their Club World Cup campaign in Group D against Los Angeles FC, who battled through a play-off round against Club America to replace the disqualified Club Leon. After that opening fixture in Atlanta on Monday, Chelsea head…

THE WORLD CUP is not a name you ordinarily associate with South Africa. At least we have not really had reason to since we hosted the 2010 edition of the global soccer showpiece. Having missed out on the last three editions of FIFA’s crown jewel, it looks like we might finally go back to the spectacle next year given the good from Bafana Bafana are enjoying in the qualifiers. Prior to us going to the Americas next year where the United States, Canada and Mexico are going to jointly host the tournament, we’ve got a World Cup to get excited about starting this week. Granted, the FIFA Club World Cup has nothing on the main one contested by countries. But it is a World Cup alright, and we should be…

As travellers set their sights on Spain’s sun-soaked and culturally rich cities this summer, they must tread carefully after a new clampdown on Airbnb lodgings. Spain’s effort to curb the adverse effects of overtourism has led to just over 65 000 holiday rental listings ordered for deletion due to violations of local regulations. The Spanish Consumer Rights Ministry has noted many listings reportedly lack required licence numbers, fail to clarify whether the property owner is an individual or a corporation, and often present discrepancies between the listed information and the official records. These violations come amid a housing affordability crisis that has ignited protests across the nation, particularly in hot spots like Madrid and Barcelona. “Airbnb will continue to appeal against all decisions related to this case. No evidence of…