Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-21 i Saturday Star

In a candid conversation on BBC’s 1Xtra with host Remi Burgz, Will Smith opened up about the profound transformation he has undergone since the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock. Smith described the introspective journey as “brutal but beautiful” or “brutiful”, ultimately leading to a new era of creativity and self-awareness. Reflecting on the shocking moment, which was televised worldwide, the actor acknowledged that it forced him to take a “big, strong, honest look at myself”. In the aftermath of the incident, which occurred after Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss, Smith decided to take a step back and engage in deep self-reflection. “After the Oscars I shut it down for a minute and really went into the…

While missiles fly thousands of kilometres away, the effects of a deepening conflict between Israel and Iran are beginning to reach South African shores - not through politics or security, but through rising prices at the pump and pressure on already-stretched household budgets. A surge in global oil prices, triggered by military strikes on strategic energy assets and growing fears of supply disruption, is stoking inflation concerns that could ripple through the economy and stall any hopes of interest rate relief. The bombardment of Iranian military targets by Isreal erupted over a week ago as airstrikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including pivotal oil and gas facilities such as the South Pars gas field and the Shahr Rey oil refinery, provoking retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on major Israeli cities. This…

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is rolling out a comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and capital expansion programme across its nine airports. ACSA’s national maintenance initiative has focused on high-impact infrastructure elements, including sewerage systems, ablution facilities, and fire escapes. More than just structural improvements, these efforts are being bolstered by enhanced safety and hygiene protocols in high-traffic areas, designed to fortify security measures and elevate user experiences. At the forefront of these enhancements is OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), where a phased refurbishment of ablution facilities is currently underway. This project, which commenced in December 2024, will comprehensively upgrade male, female, baby-change, and accessible amenities, aiming for completion by December 2025. During a recent stakeholder meeting with airline representatives, ACSA Chief Executive, Mpumi Mpofu, articulated the vision behind these upgrades, revealing…

Allegations within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) are that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla might have influenced her father, Jacob Zuma, to demote Floyd Shivambu as the secretary-general without substance of wrongdoing. A prominent party leader in KwaZulu-Natal, who was known to be close to Shivambu, said there was still no love lost between Zuma-Sambudla and Shivambu, and that she only apologised under duress for what she said about him on social media earlier this year. “There is this issue between him and Duduzile, which has not died down, and we don’t know what she tells Nxamalala as his father when they are at home,” the leader said. Zuma-Sambudla apologised four months ago following her utterances to Shivambu after she was threatened with expulsion from the party. Among what she said was that…

TWO participants have won the Lotto jackpot totaling just under R79 million from draw number 2551 on Wednesday. The first winning ticket was purchased through a banking app with a R200 wager using the quick pick selection method. The second winning ticket was purchased at a Day and Night Superstore in Johannesburg with a R30 wager using the same method. The co-winner, who played via a banking platform, has been notified of their winnings by their bank and Ituba, the operator of the National Lottery, has urged the in-store participant to check their tickets. "This draw not only produced 1 multi-millionaire, but two. Both winners will walk away with significant amounts of money that will undoubtedly change their lives," said Charmaine Mabuza, the CEO of Ithuba. "The winner service team…

South Africa exported over 10 million protea stems last year, but the country’s national flower is increasingly hard to find in the wild. Now, a farmer in Gauteng is changing the game - growing King Proteas 1 500km from their natural range. "They're all different," farmer Nico Thuynsma said on his farm in Cullinan, east of Pretoria. The assorted blooms from the diverse Proteaceae family has more than 350 species in South Africa, from firework-like "pincushion" varieties to delicate "blushing brides". He picked out a majestic pink and white crown, nearly the size of his head, that has taken four years to reach its impressive size. "The King Proteas are very slow to grow," the 55-year-old Thuynsma said. The largest of the proteas, the King Protea, is South Africa's…

South Africa’s farming sector is under growing financial pressure, prompting many farmers to adopt innovative strategies to maintain profitability. These can include contract farming arrangements, leasing portions of land to third parties, or switching to higher-value crops and infrastructure investments. However, these changes can introduce new risks that may not be covered under their existing insurance policies. I urge farmers to prioritise full disclosure of any changes to their operations. When a farmer’s insurance policy is initially underwritten, it is based on specific farming-related activities, whether it’s cattle farming, crop production, or fruit farming. Alterations to operations — such as leasing farm space to outside contractors, installing solar energy systems, or engaging in third-party processing — change the risk profile. If these aren’t disclosed to the insurer, the policy may…

With the next instalment of the United Rugby Championship starting in a couple of months, the Lions have added some exciting players to their arsenal in a bid to strengthen their squad to challenge for a first playoff berth. The latest addition is former Bulls general Chris Smith, who returns from a two-season stint overseas at French club Oyonnax, crossing the Jukskei from the Pretoria side where he last played before leaving the country. Smith, a consistent kicker, had some strong performances in the blue jersey. So, the Johannesburg side will hope he can take his game to another level as they look for a flyhalf who can spearhead the team to the quarter-finals in the coming season. They have struggled for consistency in the No 10 jersey for the…

Should his plans fall in place, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus wants to use at least seven of the 14 rugby matches this year to keep his older guard fit and ready to continue playing at the highest level. With the other seven, he will be able to give the younger players more experience at the highest level ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, helping them achieve a target of at least 14 or 15 Test caps ahead of the tournament. The Boks are set to play 13 Tests this year, and will start the season with a friendly match against the Barbarians, next Saturday in Cape Town. An additional Test for later this year must still be confirmed by SA Rugby. Erasmus has said keeping his experienced guys fit…

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano admitted he is surprised at Lionel Messi’s desire to win after the MLS side shocked Porto at the Club World Cup on Thursday. Veteran playmaker Messi curled home a fine free-kick in a Player-of-the-Match performance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the winning goal in Miami’s 2-1 Group A victory over their Portuguese opponents. Mascherano said his Argentine compatriot’s competitive spirit at 37 was more surprising to him than the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s quality. “Beyond his goal... he’s a player who shows us how to compete, his hunger, his desire to continue competing at whatever level it is,” Mascherano told reporters. “In a footballing sense, what else is there to say? He’s the best player that has played this sport in its history, but…

Palmeiras drew first blood in Club World Cup Group A with a 2-0 victory over Al Ahly on Thursday in New Jersey. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami beat FC Porto 2-1 in the group’s other clash on Thursday after two goalless draws in the first round of fixtures. The Al Ahly match was suspended in the 63rd minute because of a weather warning, with players and fans at the MetLife Stadium instructed to “take shelter” because of a nearby storm. Palmeiras were leading by two goals at the time, with a Wessam Abou Ali own goal sending the Brazilians ahead in the 49th minute, before Flaco Lopez doubled their lead on the Egyptians 10 minutes later. It was the third match at the tournament affected by adverse weather at the tournament.…

World No 1 Jannik Sinner is looking forward to a bit of unexpected down-time after his second-round loss at Halle in order to prepare better for Wimbledon. The Italian defending champion went down 3-6 6-3 4-6 to the 45th-ranked Kazakh Alexander Bublik in Thursday’s second round in the German grass-court Wimbledon warm-up. “I have to accept what happened. I’m now going to have a few days’ rest before Wimbledon, which are going to do me good,” said Sinner. Bublik claimed his second victory in six encounters against Sinner. “We are tennis players and we try to win every match we play, but it is a special one,” Bublik said. “I had never beaten a number one in the world. It is an accomplishment. “I had an amazing forehand to break…

Liverpool have agreed to sign Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez in a deal worth a reported £40 million, according to reports yesterday. Kerkez is due to travel to Merseyside for a medical before completing his move to the Premier League champions. The 21-year-old caught Liverpool’s eye last season with his fine form for Bournemouth, including two goals and five assists in 38 Premier League appearances. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes brought Kerkez to Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar during his time at the Vitality Stadium. Serbia-born Kerkez began his career at Hungarian outfit Gyor before moving to AC Milan, where he failed to make an appearance for the Serie A club. He joined Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in 2022, arriving in the Premier League with Bournemouth a year later. Kerkez’s impending…

The airport – a bustling nexus of dreams and departures – can also be the site of emotional turmoil when luggage goes missing. For countless passengers, the excitement of travel is often laced with anxiety about their bags. While some stories celebrate joyous reunions, others reflect the heartbreak of lost belongings, highlighting the human experience that can easily get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of air travel. According to recent findings from SITA, the world’s leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology, 5.3 billion passengers travelled by air in 2024, marking an 8.2% increase from 2023. As passenger numbers rose, so did the volume of checked luggage. However, the global rate of mishandled luggage has seen significant improvement, dropping to 6.3 bags per 1 000 passengers, down…

For his ordeal of being assaulted by police officers, wrongfully arrested, and then detained, a Mpumalanga man will be paid over R110 000 after a court issued the order this week at the High Court of South Africa at the Mpumalanga Division in Mbombela. The court heard that the man was travelling in his car with his wife and daughter when he was stopped by a police vehicle and told to alight from the vehicle. Whereafter, he was forced to touch a gun that was in police possession and did not belong to the plaintiff. The judgment read: “On 28 January 2023 at approximately 2pm at or near Newscom Trust, Mpumalanga, while he was travelling in his motor vehicle with his wife and daughter, the plaintiff was stopped by members…

JUST a few miles from the front line in eastern Ukraine, almost six metres below the surface, the day begins with a brief five-minute exchange between two surgeons – a father and his son. They embrace, swap a few words about the night shift and that evening’s Champions League soccer match, then part ways again – one to rest, the other to begin another 48-hour shift in the underground field hospital where they work. Viacheslav, the father, is a trauma specialist with combat experience dating back to 2015 and the war against Russian-backed separatists in Luhansk. His son Andriy joined his medical unit in 2023. Once they worked together in a district hospital to the west, in a small town near the Moldovan border. Now they work underground. When…

British lawmakers made a historic decision this week by voting to decriminalise the termination of pregnancies after 24 weeks in England and Wales. This landmark amendment, which passed with a vote of 379 to 137, will prevent the criminal prosecution of individuals suspected of having unlawful abortions, marking a significant shift in abortion laws that have remained largely unchanged for decades. Abortion in England and Wales is illegal under the 1861 Offences against the Person Act – a Victorian-era law that makes abortion a criminal offense that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. That bill was written at a time when women could not vote, own property after marriage, or access higher education. The vote followed an increase in recent years in investigations and prosecutions of people suspected of…

Liberty Midlands Mall announced the launch of the ARTopia School Arts Project, a creative and eco-themed initiative aimed at encouraging primary school learners in Pietermaritzburg to explore environmental issues through visual art. The 2025 edition, themed "Sustainable Strokes," features learners from Grades 1–7 who will express their thoughts on sustainability, climate change, conservation and renewable energy through art. This exciting project is designed to raise environmental awareness, foster creativity in young minds and to reward creative expression. Three schools will each win a R 10 000 cash prize, with a total of R 30 000 in cash to be won, with additional prizes to be won. The ARTopia School Arts Project offers primary school learners an opportunity to showcase their talent and explore the importance of sustainable living. Students are…

MultiChoice is considering the possibility of separating its flagship SuperSport channels from its broader DStv packages. The company has seen a steady drop in inactive linear subscribers in recent years. According to its latest annual reports, MultiChoice has lost a staggering 2.8 million active linear subscribers over the past two financial years. "The South African economy saw some signs of potential improvement in the current year as inflation eased, and the South African Reserve Bank started lowering interest rates," the group noted in its annual report. "However, high unemployment, low economic growth and the ongoing effect of load reductions have meant that the South African consumer remains under significant financial pressure, which is negatively affecting businesses like MultiChoice that provides discretionary products and services". Despite this, SuperSport has shown strong…

American R&B singer Chris Brown yesterday pleaded not guilty in a UK court to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent during an alleged London nightclub brawl in 2023. Brown, 36, in a dark suit and tie and wearing glasses, stood in the dock at Southwark Crown Court in London as the charge was put to him, replying: "Not guilty, ma'am." Brown was freed from UK custody last month on £5 million (R126 millionbail after his arrest in the northwestern city of Manchester. The star is charged with "grievous bodily harm with intent" in relation to an assault in which the victim was allegedly struck several times with a bottle before being pursued, punched and kicked. The alleged incident took place at a nightclub in Hanover Square in London…

Nosihle Mohunu is a 29-year-old truck driver from KwaZulu-Natal who’s not just steering 22-wheelers, but also shifting perceptions and inspiring a new generation of young South African women to dream bigger. It’s not something you see every day. A young woman driving a 22-wheeler, confidently clocking up long-haul miles, expertly squeezing that rig into tight spaces, and handling every inspection with precision. Mohunu does it all with a bright smile and sometimes even a dance, because for her, there’s no better place to be than behind the wheel of one of these giants of the road. She understands the value of what she does: delivering essential goods and groceries across the country. Her TikTok videos, filmed from the snug cab of her truck, have already won her thousands of fans.…

Nothing quite gets the adrenaline pumping like the thought of careering around a track in a car that’s specially designed for maximum power and performance. It’s also pretty impressive to see close to R60 million lined front to back at the Zwartkops raceway in Pretoria. It’s where the Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy is situated and we had the rare opportunity to throw a horde of them around the track with wild abandon. Brad Pitt It was also a precursor to the Apex F1 movie which is due to be released shortly. Naturally, the Mercedes F1 livery features strongly in the film that stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies and Javier Bardem. There’s also a couple of cameos by multiple world champion Lewis Hamilton (now racing for…

Every year on 16 June, South Africans commemorate Youth Day, a moment that honours the bravery of young people who stood up against injustice in 1976. But beyond remembering the past, Youth Day is a powerful reminder that the fight for a better future continues—and this generation has a critical role to play. For young South Africans, the challenge isn’t just political. It’s about economic empowerment, financial literacy, and securing a sustainable future. In today’s world, financial independence is one of the most valuable forms of freedom, yet it remains elusive for many. The truth is, financial stability isn’t built in a day—it’s about the small, consistent steps taken over time. Inspired by Zihaad Israfil, CEO of CFI Financial Group South Africa’s advice, here are six steps young South Africans…

A large portion of the expenses of personal income goes towards education, for those people lucky enough to have an income. Momentum Investo did extensive research into what it costs to raise a child. “At inflation-related sums, it can cost R550 000 for the first six years, between R640 000 and R880 000 for primary school, and up to R1 million for high school. A three-year degree at a South African university may cost R660,000. These numbers add up to R3 million.” Standard Bank’s estimate is much the same. “Conservative estimates indicate that it can cost around R10,000 per month in today’s economy to raise a child, which means that over an 18-year period, factoring price increases, you can expect to spend over R2.5 million.” That is without considering sending…

Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Bruno Fernandes and Alexander Isak have been nominated by their peers for the PFA Player of the Year honour. The PFA players’ awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the country, as the winners are voted by those playing in the league. Salah produced one of the greatest individual seasons in Premier League history. He registered a record-equalling 47 goal involvements – 29 goals and 18 assists, totals that earned him the Golden Boot and Playmaker accolades – while starting all 38 of the champions’ matches. Salah was duly recognised with the Premier League Player of the Season and Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year prizes, and could now become the first man to be named PFA Players’…

Bordeaux-Begles may have won the Champions Cup last month, but for prop Jefferson Poirot, they remain “underdogs” for tonight’s French Top 14 semi-final with Toulon (9.05pm SA time kick-off). Poirot’s side finished second in the league table at the end of the regular season, having claimed their maiden major crown by powering past Northampton on May 24. They head to a sold-out Groupama Stadium in Lyon to face four-time French champions Toulon, who hammered Castres 52-23 in last weekend’s playoff. “I think you have to forget it altogether,” former France captain Poirot told reporters this week. “It would be very dangerous to think that because we have the Champions Cup, we’re owed something in the league. “Right now in the Top 14, we’re still underdogs – we haven’t won anything.…

Pablo Barrios scored twice as Atletico Madrid bounced back from their Club World Cup opening defeat to Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Thursday. Atletico were outclassed by PSG in a 4-0 loss at the Rose Bowl in Group B on Sunday, but their quality was on full display in a convincing victory at Lumen Field. Seattle were hoping to emulate Inter Miami’s upset victory over European opposition in Portugal’s FC Porto earlier in the day, but while the Florida side can call on Lionel Messi, the Sounders have more modest talents and were fortunate to escape a heavier loss. The Spanish side looked determined to put the game to bed as soon as possible, and with some better finishing, they might have done so.…

Mamelodi Sundowns will receive an impressive R174 million just for participating in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, as well as R36 million for each victory during the group stage. This substantial financial injection will enable Sundowns to easily maintain and enhance their stronghold in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), ensuring their ongoing dominance in domestic football. However, this development is rather ominous for the PSL’s two glamour teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Both clubs boast a rich history and monumental fan-bases, often highlighted by the ‘sold out’ Soweto Derbies, where passion and rivalry ignite stadiums. Chiefs and Pirates have also enjoyed the thrill of several capacity crowds over the past two seasons. Until recently, Chiefs had not won a trophy in a decade, but they continue to attract…

Proteas fast bowler Marco Jansen believes that winning the World Test Championship will give them the confidence that they need to take on the tours that lie ahead. South Africa have tours to Pakistan and India later this year, two countries where they have not won a Test series in a long time. In fact, apart from their series victory in Bangladesh last year, their first on the sub-continent in a decade, the Proteas have struggled in that region. To make matters worse, having won the World Test Championship, there will be more pressure on the team now as all eyes will be on them to witness how they begin their defence of the trophy in the upcoming 2025-2027 WTC cycle. However, Jansen emphasised that they have added confidence following…

The Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we operate, with scores of people embracing the freedom of remote work. This shift has given rise to a lifestyle known as digital nomadism, where individuals can work from anywhere in the world while exploring new cultures and environments. Although the concept of digital nomadism gained traction in the 2010s, its roots can be traced back to the early 2000s and even earlier. The term itself emerged in the 1990s, referring to those who leveraged technology to work remotely while travelling. Today, the digital nomad lifestyle is more popular than ever, and numerous destinations around the globe cater to this growing community. Here are some of the best places for digital nomads to consider. European gem: Portugal Portugal has become a favourite for…

I’ve been waiting years for a proper documentary on the Astroworld tragedy, one that strips away the headlines, the hashtags and the hype to finally give a voice to the people caught in the chaos. It’s been nearly five years since the deadly incident yet only now, through Netflix’s Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy, are we truly beginning to grasp the horror of the music festival. You can practically feel the breathlessness, the panic, the suffocation that engulfed the crowd that night. It’s a grim reminder of what happens when chaos meets carelessness and no one takes responsibility. Astroworld was supposed to be a celebration. Born out of Travis Scott’s childhood nostalgia for the defunct Six Flags Astroworld amusement park in Houston,Texas, the festival was marketed as a surreal wonderland of…

From ensuring same sex marriages, access to HIV/Aids treatment, to ensuring social justice is affirmed, the country’s Constitutional Court, which yesterday celebrated 30 years of existence, has been hailed for its contribution to the country’s constitutional democracy. President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the apex court’s contribution to freedom, dignity, and justice during his keynote address at the court’s headquarters at Constitution Hill, Braamfontein. Ramaphosa also extended his gratitude to all the Chief Justices and Senior Justices who have led the highest court in the land over the past three decades. Over the years, the court has handed down judgments that have had a profound impact on the law in South Africa, including the abolishment of the death penalty in 1995, the 2002 right to health care and access to HIV/Aids…

South Africans can expect a chilly and blustery weekend as a deep low-pressure system sweeps across the country, bringing cold temperatures, damaging winds, and rain to parts of the coast, along with a Yellow Level 2 warning for the Eastern Cape. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Saturday will see widespread cold to cool conditions across most provinces, with fine to partly cloudy skies in the interior. Isolated 30% rainfall is expected along the southern coast, particularly around George and Plettenberg Bay, while winds will strengthen over the Eastern Cape coastline, reaching speeds between 80–100km/h offshore. “A deep low-pressure system passing south of the country will result in strong to gale force winds and rough seas, with wave heights reaching up to 8 metres,” said SAWS forecasters. “This…

The City of Johannesburg has been warned against extending several acting appointments in senior positions. It has also asked Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, to second top officials to act. This week, the ANC-led Government of Local Unity tabled in council a report on the progress made in filling senior manager positions, the current recruitment of senior manager positions, vacant senior manager positions, and current acting arrangements. In acting City Manager Tshepo Makola’s position, council was due to permit Mayor Dada Morero to request in writing that Mamabolo second a suitable candidate, on such conditions as prescribed, and/or to request the extension of his acting appointment to act in the advertised position of city manager until such time a suitable person has been appointed. There are…

The Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF) and the University of the Free State (UFS) will drive nutrition education at the 2025 Continuing Nutrition Education (CNE) Symposium, hosted at the Equitas Building, UFS Bloemfontein Campus. Themed “Nourishing from the Roots: Sustainable Diets for a Thriving Future,” the symposium brings together 120 dietitians, researchers, and advocates to address South Africa’s nutrition crisis, with over 50% of households with young learners facing food insecurity. Rooted in the Free State’s legacy of agricultural abundance and community resilience, this event builds on the success of last year’s Dietetics with Dignity symposium. It offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for registered dietitians and nutrition professionals. Esteemed experts, including Dr Lucia Meko, Dr Elmine du Toit, and Naquita…

With Matric exams approaching and applications for tertiary studies being submitted, many Grade 12 learners (and their families) are asking: What should I study? What if I fail? What if I don’t know what to do? To help, IIEVega, an educational brand of the Independent Institute of Education, recently hosted a candid online Q&A session titled “Finding your career path to passion and purpose”. The discussion featured Professor Zak Nel, a veteran Career Counsellor and Counselling Psychologist, and his son Zak Nel Junior, an Industrial Psychologist, Psychometrist and Doctoral candidate at the University of the Free State. The father and son duo gave practical, honest advice to help Grade 12 learners make informed choices about their future. Here are the 10 most common questions from Grade 12 learners and the…

Africa's 22 billionaires saw their combined fortunes surge to a record $105 billion (R1.9 trillion) this year, up from $82.4bn held by 20 individuals last year, the Forbes 2025 Africa billionaires report showed. South Africa hosts the most billionaires (seven), followed by Nigeria and Egypt (four each). Morocco has three, with one each from Algeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The growth was even as the continent faces challenges such political instability and currency crises. Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote retains top spot for the 14th consecutive year. His net worth jumped to $23.9bn, largely due to Forbes now valuing his long-delayed Lagos oil refinery. The refinery, aiming for full capacity soon, has enabled Nigeria to export refined products. On Bloomberg’s billionaire list he is listed at 71 globally, while Africa’s second wealthiest…

Siya Kolisi brought down the house in Cape Town this afternoon when he did a quick pit stop at a local eatery to get a take away. One person, who sent us a short video clip, said South African’s favourite captain asked what he should order and a man suggested the chicken-schnitzel bagel. In the end, he got that and a bagel dog. This Sunday the Springboks will start their preparation in Cape Town for next Saturday's highly anticipated Qatar Airways Cup clash, where the Barbarians face the Springboks for the first time on South African soil. Kolisi will be in the city for this and likely spotted more around town making fans’ days for them. The South African rugby hero was greeted with applause and shouts of praise from…

the Brazilians will face-off against German super team Borussia Dortmund, in what is set to be a spicy affair to say the least. While Ulsan provided a good test for Sundowns, the challenge that awaits them today is very different. And former Sundowns defender Matthew Booth knows that his former team will have to be at their very best if they are to get anything out of the thrilling encounter. Booth says it is imperative that his former club remain solid against the diverse attacking threats of a European powerhouse like Borussia Dortmund and the flair of Fluminense. “Adaptation springs to mind. That will be key to the defensive back-4 and CDM,” Booth said. “Not only from a change in personnel from game to game but also a change…

Soweto's children call it the "yellow mountain". And for decades a gold mine dump that towers over the Snake Park neighbourhood of South Africa's largest township has been polluting the area and poisoning communities. The yellow dust that blows off it stings the throat. Studies have found it contains traces of toxic substances such as arsenic, lead and uranium - a legacy of the 1880s gold rush that founded Johannesburg and Soweto. The local Snake Park Cerebral Palsy Forum has since 2017 documented at least 15 cases of children born with the condition. Many more have deformations and disabilities, it said. Okuhle, 13, has cerebral palsy and was abandoned in the street as a baby. Sitting in a wheelchair next to her foster mother on a recent afternoon, the cheerful…

Looking for a right-hand drive American pickup or muscle car, fancy a Dodge Challenger or Charger, perhaps a Chevy Camaro or Toyota Tundra? Like America, there’s nothing small about them, and thanks to a venture between Rospa International and Autogroup International (AGI), South African American car fans can now legally register and own them. Classics Durban-based Rospa International has built a reputation for importing classic and sports cars into the local market. Until now they have mainly been sourced from Japan for local enthusiasts and include Nissan GT-Rs, Honda NSXs, Toyota AE86s and Mazda RX-7s. AGI was founded in Australia more than 30 years ago. They started off by converting a 1993 GMC Sierra pickup truck from left to right-hand drive. That started a worldwide business that converts American-made SUVs,…

GIVEN the poverty, inequality and unemployment young people perpetually face in this country, what is it that an increasingly impoverished and disenfranchised youth should celebrate this Youth Month? Are we paying lip service to the legacy of the class of 1976, or are we genuinely committed to addressing the systemic challenges young people face, while acknowledging the failures of the present? It’s been 49 years since the students of 1976 stood up against the apartheid regime. Their determination and sacrifice sparked a national movement that would impact South African history. Seth Mazibuko, one of those who co-ordinated the June 16 uprising, said: “What is now heartbreaking to witness in 2025 is how many of the struggles we fought for, which claimed thousands of lives, still plague today’s youth. How is…

The Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) is considering “regulatory action” against the South African Local Authorities Pension Fund (SALA) because it isn’t providing the required information on members’ contributions. That the FSCA is considering regulatory action is the result of yet another referral from the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) regarding the pension fund and its failure to address several issues. The FSCA has, Corlia Buitendag, departmental head of retirement fund conduct supervision at the FSCA, previously engaged the Fund to address issues. Buitendag told Personal Finance that “it is deeply concerning that, despite these interventions, the Fund has shown no meaningful improvement. Regulatory action is being considered.” The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator’s most recent referral of SALA to the FSCA came after the Pension Funds…

While the long-term benefits of investing through a retirement annuity should not be underestimated, there’s a lot more to this retirement funding vehicle that investors should be aware of. In this article, we explore the many benefits of a retirement annuity (RA) and how to maximise these benefits in your investment portfolio. Understanding the basics of an RA While employer-sponsored pensions and provident funds remain the default retirement vehicles for many South Africans, a retirement annuity (RA) is a powerful individual investment option with distinct advantages. Available to anyone earning taxable income, a Registered Account (RA) offers a structured and tax-efficient way to save for retirement. It is particularly well-suited to the self-employed, contract workers, or those without access to a workplace fund. Investors can contribute up to 27.5% of…

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said that he still maintained trust in Mykhailo Mudryk after the Ukrainian winger was charged by England’s Football Association with violating anti-doping rules. But he confirmed that the club were looking to strengthen in his position. “Mischa (Mudryk) is a Chelsea player. As long as he is a Chelsea player, I will trust all the Chelsea players,” Maresca told reporters in Philadelphia ahead of his team’s Club World Cup meeting with Flamengo late last night. Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since November 28, following his provisional suspension by the FA for an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” in December. He could face a potential ban of up to four years under FA rules. Mudryk is not with the Chelsea squad for the tournament…

Paris Saint-Germain suffered a shock 1-0 Fifa Club World Cup defeat against Brazilian side Botafogo on Thursday night in a hard-fought battle between the reigning champions of Europe and South America. A first-half goal from Brazilian international Igor Jesus proved the difference as Botafogo all but sealed a place in the knockout rounds in front of a 53,699 crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. French champions PSG are widely regarded as one of the favourites for Fifa’s 32-team tournament after a dazzling season which culminated with a scintillating 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last month. But their hopes of securing a victory which would have seen them become the first side to reach the last 16 were stymied by a resilient performance from their opponents…

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has been released from hospital in the United States after suffering a stomach bug, the Spanish giants said on Thursday. Mbappe, who is in the USA at the Club World Cup, had what the club called “an acute case of gastroenteritis”, and was taken in for tests and treatment. “Our player Kylian Mbappe was discharged from hospital this afternoon and has returned to the Real Madrid training camp,” Los Blancos said in a statement. “Mbappe will continue with specific medical treatment, and will gradually return to the team’s activities,” they added. French striker Mbappe missed his team’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, a 1-1 draw in Xabi Alonso’s first game at the helm. Alonso said on Tuesday the 26-year-old forward had been…

Australia dropped Marnus Labuschagne yesterday for the opening match of their three-Test tour of the West Indies after a poor run of form, while Steve Smith is out injured. Teenager Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis come into the starting XI for the opening match in Barbados starting next Wednesday. Labuschagne opened the batting in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa last week, but managed scores of only 17 and 22 on a challenging Lord’s pitch. His last hundred for Australia in Test matches was in July 2023, against England at Manchester. Since then, the South African-born right-hander has averaged 24.7 with the bat in 16 matches. “Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “He understands…