Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-24 i Saturday Star

Texas oil field drama Landman has been renewed for a third season. The original drama series stars Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton, Oscar-nominated actors Demi Moore and Andy Garcia, Oscar-nominated actor Sam Elliott, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan and Colm Feore. The first season of Landman was one of the biggest shows of 2024-25, averaging 15.8 million viewers in Nielsen’s 35-day, cross-platform ratings. The second season’s premiere nabbed the biggest season or series premiere in Paramount+’s history with 9.2 million views worldwide over its first few days. Thornton scored a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Tommy Norris. In Landman, Thornton plays an overseer of an oil-drilling operation in West Texas. He manages…

A 23-year-old mother and her boyfriend, 32, have been arrested in connection with the murder of the woman's three-year-old son in the Eastern Cape. Police said the toddler was found buried in a bucket and died after allegedly being tortured by the stepfather. The couple, who are from Mbizana, was arrested on Wednesday. Police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said the murder took place on September 1, 2024. She said the mother told police that the child had gone missing in 2024, but allegedly lied about the circumstances. "The female suspect reported to Mbizana police in 2024 that her boy went missing in a fuel filling station in Mbizana, but police investigations through CCTV cameras' assistance proved otherwise." Investigations revealed the horrendous truth: the three-year-old boy was beaten to death with…

Two men have been arrested in Primrose after Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers, working with SAPS crime intelligence, uncovered a stash of dagga and cannabis-infused products valued at about R30 000. EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa said officers acted on intelligence about individuals dealing in dagga in the area. “Responding to information received, officers moved to Polly Street where the pair were found on the premises and searched, before multiple large containers of dagga hidden in different bedrooms were uncovered,” she said. According to the EMPD, officers discovered drug-paraphernalia pipes, portable scales, three cellphones, speed point machines, rolling papers and cannabis-infused lollipops, chocolates and mushrooms. The suspects, aged 55 and 49, failed to produce any cultivation or manufacturing permits, including a SAHPRA Section 22C licence authorising them to…

DAVOS – Sekunjalo chairman Dr Iqbal Survé has called for closer collaboration between government, business and society to strengthen South Africa’s image as an attractive investment destination, saying the country’s future success depends on stakeholders working together. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Survé welcomed the tone and substance of speeches by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, saying they reinforced the message that South Africa is moving in the right direction. “I think they were really good speeches by the ministers,” said Survé. “They reaffirm South Africa’s trend towards becoming a more investment-friendly destination. That’s good for the country and good for South Africa’s brand image.” As a leading figure in the private sector,…

When American Wyatt Gordon moved to Berlin from Honolulu, he was bewildered when his German roommate Laura barged into his bedroom at 8am to throw open the windows – regardless of winter temperatures or overnight guests. “I had people in my bed that I’d brought home from clubs,” Gordon explains, “only to be woken up an hour later by a blast of ice-cold air. How do you explain to the person lying beside you that this is what German culture demands?” This practice, known as lüften (airing out), is dogma in German households. While ventilation exists worldwide, Germans have codified it in uniquely German fashion. Many apartment leases contain lüften clauses requiring tenants to open windows multiple times daily. German courts have ruled that, absent specific guidance, tenants must…

A catastrophic collapse of healthcare services in Malawi, a year after US funding cuts, is undoing a decade of progress against HIV/AIDS, providers warn, leaving some of the most vulnerable feeling like “living dead”. In the impoverished southern Africa country, the US government’s decision to slash foreign aid in January 2025 has led to significant cuts in HIV treatments, a spike in pregnancies and a return to discrimination. Chisomo Nkwanga, an HIV-positive man who lives in the northern town of Mzuzu, told AFP that the end of US-funded specialised care was like a death sentence. After his normal provider of life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) vanished due to budget cuts, he turned to a public hospital. “The healthcare worker shouted at me in front of others,” Nkwanga recalled. “They said, ‘You…

Amid the ongoing debate around the issue of foreign children enrolling in public schools, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has revealed there were 253,618 foreign learners and 3,240 foreign educators in public schools last year. Gwarube was responding to a parliamentary question posed by IFP MP Liezl van der Merwe, who enquired about the total number of foreign nationals enrolled as learners and employed as educators in public schools. She said the Department of Basic Education (DBE) records learner enrolment and educator employment data through provincial Education Management Information Systems, as submitted and verified by provincial Education departments. “There are 253 618 foreign learners and 3 240 foreign educators in the public school sector in 2025.” Gwarube’s response showed that Gauteng had the highest number of foreign learners at 128…

Astronomers at the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) have made a groundbreaking discovery, reassuring the scientific community that one of the universe’s most extreme stars, WOH G64, is very much alive and remains a red supergiant. This revelation comes in the wake of significant fading observed over the past decade, which led many to speculate that WOH G64 was undergoing a radical transformation or nearing the end of its life cycle. Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) – a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way – WOH G64 has long stood out as the most luminous, coolest, and one of the dustiest red supergiant stars known to humanity. Historically, massive stars like WOH G64 are destined to end their lives in spectacular core-collapse supernova explosions. Yet, in this case,…

The road less travelled and far from the madding crowd has always been my mantra when it comes to weekends away and holidays. The tougher the road, and the fewer people around as possible, is just the way I like it. Fortunately, my partner feels the same, so our planning always revolves around where to go and which route to drive while taking in as many interesting places as we can find along the way. Last year, we went to the Richters- veld National Park, where temperatures ranged between 45 and 52°C, next to the Orange River, which just saved the day with regular dips in that majestic strip of water. Something cooler I think that may have been the tipping point for my partner, so she suggested that next…

On January 14, a few hours before the historic meeting in Washington between representatives from Greenland and Denmark and their US counterparts, J D Vance and Marco Rubio, Denmark and several of its Nato allies reinforced their military presence in Greenland and announced that further reinforcements would follow. Some interpreted this move as pressure on the Trump administration before the meeting. But anyone familiar with Nato-Denmark politics would recognise that appeasement with the empire is the more likely explanation. At the Washington meeting, the US reiterated its firm demand for “having Greenland”: “It is clear that the president wants to conquer Greenland,”declared the Danish foreign minister after the meeting. The parties agreed to establish a “high-level working group” in an effort to contain the crisis. However, the crisis persists, and…

In last week’s column on new-year resolutions, I ended by quoting historian Yuval Noah Harari, who warned against panicking on the basis of bad news and the outbursts of prophets of doom. But I must confess that, after learning of US President Donald Trump’s deranged ambitions for Greenland, I couldn’t help but feel panic. Is this what rational, decent people felt in the 1930s when the irrationality of a handful of megalomaniacs overturned the world order? And they had been through it two decades earlier! One myopic commentator remarked that if the US invaded Greenland, it would be the shortest war in history. Anyone who has ever taken their country to war has had that same insane idea. Wars rarely go according to plan. If the NATO alliance crumbles, who…

For many South Africans, the December break offers something that the rest of the year rarely does: the time and headspace to tackle projects that have been put off for months. From upgrading kitchens and installing solar power to improving home security or enhancing vehicles. The end-of-year pause frequently becomes a period of practical upgrades. While these improvements can enhance comfort, safety, and long-term value, they can also have unintended consequences if insurance cover is not updated accordingly. Policyholders often underestimate how even seemingly modest changes can affect their risk profile. Many home upgrades alter a property’s replacement value or risk exposure. Extensions, renovations, and new kitchens increase rebuilding costs, while installations such as solar panels, inverters, and batteries introduce high-value components that may not automatically be covered under an…

As Michael Carrick prepares to lead Manchester United into a titanic clash against Arsenal following an emphatic debut victory, United’s new man at the helm reveals the elite mentality and Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence driving his interim head coach reign in an in-depth interview. On his previous stints as a manager: Q: You were initially asked to take charge of Manchester United for three games. What was it like being the Manchester United manager? A: “It was a real privilege and a huge responsibility. On the other side, I was so close to Ole that the fact it hadn’t worked out really hurt me. When Ed Woodward asked me to take over on that Sunday morning, my first thought was that I needed to speak to Ole. Ole told me,…

You have to give it to Cedric Kaze. It must have taken guts – and a great deal of boiling frustration – for him to say what he said on Tuesday night. But for his own sake, I hope the chickens do not come home to roost. Deep in the bowels of FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, Kaze claimed: “I am giving you (his critics) until the end of the season. We’ll meet, and I am pretty sure everyone will apologise.” His remarks came after he was asked whether he and co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef felt they were trusted enough by everyone associated with Kaizer Chiefs. While the Burundian explained that they were “trusted and supported internally”, he said it was the outside noise – from certain coaches and members…

Safety has become one of the strongest drivers of destination choice for travellers. As the world continues navigating uncertainties, travellers are increasingly prioritising secure environments where they can explore without fear. According to Tranxits, countries consistently ranked among the world’s safest share common strengths: low violent crime, political stability, efficient emergency response systems and high-quality healthcare. For travellers, these destinations offer peace of mind, whether walking city streets late at night, using public transport, or exploring remote natural landscapes. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family or as part of a group, these countries also offer a blend of safety, culture, and adventure for travellers, allowing you to explore the world with peace of mind. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience without compromising on safety, here are some of the…

The mother of Buhle Radebe, widely referred to on social media as the “Lady in Red” after she was filmed crying uncontrollably at the scene of the Vanderbijlpark crash that killed 14 pupils, has broken her silence, describing her daughter as a devoted prayer warrior. The sombre service was held at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground Hall as families paid tribute to the pupils who lost their lives. The pupils lost their lives when a scholar transport minibus taxi collided with a truck on Monday, January 19, on the R533. Radebe’s mother, who went viral on social media after being filmed crying uncontrollably at the crash scene while wearing a red dress, said the public attention added to her pain. “I am standing here today and I don’t know where…

Suspended Ekurhuleni EMPD acting chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, has admitted to serious lapses in judgement while fiercely denying allegations linking him to criminal conduct, witness intimidation, and police corruption, but hoped for a second chance to lead. In a testimony punctuated by regret, denial, and mounting tension, Mkhwanazi admitted to accepting money from alleged cartel-linked businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala without proper scrutiny. He distanced himself from claims of witness links and police abuse, and stunned MPs by revealing that his attorney had been shot a day earlier at Booysen's Magistrate's Court. He testified before the ad hoc committee on Thursday in Cape Town. “I feel so bad, chair,” Mkhwanazi told the committee, saying he took the money without conducting any due diligence. He insisted, however, that the financial assistance did not…

The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that the extradition of former Free State premier Ace Magashule’s erstwhile personal assistant Moroadi Cholota was unlawful but that this did not mean she could not face criminal charges. In a unanimous judgment written by Justice Leona Theron, the apex court found that Cholota argued her 2024 extradition from the US, where she was studying, was unlawful as it was issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) only during her lawyer’s closing address. The Concourt found that advancing a new ground for a special plea during her closing address deprived the State an opportunity to respond in violation of the Criminal Procedure Act. In June last year, Free State High Court Judge Phillip Loubser declared that Cholota’s extradition to South Africa had been done…

BULLETS, gangs and fear have overrun South Africa’s public institutions, leaving citizens terrified in the very spaces where they should be safe. This week, gunfire erupted in broad daylight outside the Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng, leaving two people dead. In another incident, two teachers were killed at Ntabankulu Primary School in the Eastern Cape. And As courts, hospitals and schools turn into battlegrounds, South Africans are increasingly asking who will keep them safe, if not the state. “Without any doubt, the buck stops with the government,” said Prof André Duvenhage, political analyst at North-West University. He said democracy itself was beginning to fracture under the weight of persistent violence and institutional failure. We have instability at the grassroots level and we are building a democracy on top of it,…

In a television landscape teeming with options, the Mzansi Magic telenovela Inimba stands out as a beacon of compelling storytelling, earning renewal for another season after capturing the hearts of viewers across South Africa. The series has become a phenomenon, uniting audiences through its rich narrative that intertwines ambition, traditional values, and family dynamics. Since its debut, Inimba has established itself as a cultural touchstone, igniting lively discussions on social media platforms like X and Instagram. Each episode triggers a flood of online commentary, memes, and debates, underscoring its status as one of the most dissected telenovelas in the country. It is an impressive achievement for a series that has resonated not only through entertainment but also by echoing real-life tensions that audiences grapple with every day. A significant force…

THEY may be separated by thousands of kilometres between their countries, but what they have in common is the struggles they faced as pregnant women bring them closer together. Hermina Nandode lives in the Central African Republic (CAR), Murjanatu in northern Nigeria, and Sabera is a Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh. Their journeys to motherhood have been far from straightforward. Even after birth, they have to overcome the struggles of trying to keep their babies healthy. “I walked from five to nine in the morning. I had to come alone – my parents arrived the next day. My husband wanted to come, but his bicycle broke down,” said Nandode, cradling her baby wrapped in a colourful blanket. She was speaking from Batangafo hospital in northern CAR, where some women…

ON crutches and with a bullet lodged in his leg, Miami Chauke is among the few people who did not flee the gun attacks that emptied the once-bustling settlement of Sporong, where abandoned tin shacks bake in the sun. Hundreds of other residents of the area just west of Johannesburg fled two weeks ago, terrorised by violence, extortion and threats they blame on increasingly brazen illegal gold miners. Taking refuge in a community hall 11km from their homes, the displaced people of Sporong are among several communities living in fear of the several thousand illegal miners estimated to be operating in South Africa. "They all had guns and we were running but they kept shooting," 32-year-old Chauke said of the battle one November night that left a bullet in his…

A Mother is screaming for help from Home Affairs, who has denied her son an Identity Document, all because of an exclamation mark (!) in his name. For nearly a year, 18-year-old !Khûboab Oedasoua Lawrence has existed in a bureaucratic limbo recognised by his family, his community and his culture, but not fully by the state. !Khûboab applied for his identity document in 2024 and received confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs acknowledging receipt of his application on 3 April last year. Almost a year later, the document has still not been issued, with officials citing technical limitations related to the processing of “special characters” in his name. For his mother, Lesle Jansen, the delay is not merely administrative. She says it strikes at the core of her son’s…

Four exceptional young scientists from South Africa have earned the prestigious opportunity to represent their nation at the upcoming Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) Global Symposium, scheduled to take place in India from January 27 to 31. These brilliant learners, who distinguished themselves at last October’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), are poised to unveil research that could make a significant impact on environmental sustainability and inclusivity. The selected learners will present groundbreaking projects covering a range of pressing social and environmental issues. Each of the projects showcases innovative solutions, from harnessing natural materials to address contamination to creating affordable technology for the visually impaired. They are set to compete under the expert guidance of delegation leader Dr Krishnie Naidoo, Eskom Expo Academic…

JAC Motors has expanded its local workhorse line-up with the introduction of the new T6 2.0L CTi single-cab that forms part of its broader global rollout of the model in right-hand-drive markets, following its introduction in left-hand-drive regions. Engine The T6 is powered by JAC’s 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine, which is already familiar from the T8 range, producing 102kW and 320Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox, with the emphasis on low and mid-range torque. JAC claims it has a combined-cycle consumption figure of 6.9l/100km, and with a 76-litre fuel tank, the bakkie is capable of covering more than 1 100km between fill-ups. Chassis Underneath, the T6 uses a galvanised ladder-frame chassis with a double- wishbone independent front suspension and a…

South Africa has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita in the world, and our government has long used sin tax as a way to tackle the problem. By steadily raising the price of alcohol, the aim is twofold: discourage excessive drinking and generate revenue for public health. As prices climb, demand for cheaper alternatives has surged. This has created fertile ground for the illicit alcohol trade, a shadow market that brings its own dangers, not just for public health but also for workplace safety in high-risk industries such as mining, construction and transport. Raising alcohol taxes is not a new idea. However, history shows that restricting access to alcohol rarely eliminates demand – it simply pushes it elsewhere. South Africa is no exception. As mainstream alcohol…

With legal challenges to the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Act wending their way through various courts, there continues to not only be a lack of clarity on rolling out national healthcare but also bankrolling it. One funding suggestion by Nicholas Crisp, the deputy director-general responsible for NHI in the Department of Health, has caused substantial consternation: slowly withdrawing and then eliminating medical scheme tax credits by 2029. Medical tax credits operate as a direct reduction in a taxpayer’s liability. Current allowances are R364 monthly for the principal member, R364 for the first dependant, and R246 for each additional dependant. The theory is that eliminating these credits could pull in between R30 billion and R35bn a year towards NHI funding. Universal healthcare is expected to cost anywhere from R300 billion…

It is that time of the year when some of us inject our lives with New Year's resolutions (“firm decisions to do something”) while others start the year off with the promise of New Year's resolutions (“dramatic and wide-reaching changes in conditions”). We dust off our running shoes and gym clothing, read inspirational notes, and make plans for the year to come. If we have to be honest, are we spending any time on resolutions that will improve our retirement outcomes in 2026? What are the things that we should be doing to make 2026 a great year for our retirement savings? We can improve our retirement outcomes for 2026 by doing the following 5 things: Take stock of what happened in 2025 Did you meet your retirement savings…

Amid the questions surrounding the selection of the Proteas squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, former Proteas head coach and current Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) coach Russell Domingo has issued a reminder: selection convenor Patrick Moroney and coach Shukri Conrad have the prerogative to make the decisions they believe will help the team win in India. Many questions have been raised regarding the timing of the announcement and whether it should have been made after the ongoing SA20, using the tournament as a platform to gauge players’ form and readiness. Having coached the Proteas himself about a decade ago, Domingo highlighted that Moroney and Conrad have every right to make their calls, noting that the national side has performed well under the current leadership. “Every coach and every…

The Renault South Africa Davis Cup team will enjoy a boost ahead of its match against Montenegro next month, with the promising return of seasoned players Philip Henning and Kris van Wyk. Both players had to sit out the previous match against Morocco (in September) owing to injuries. Still, they have now been included in a six-member squad set to compete at the Irene Country Club, starting on February 7. As the most experienced member of the team, the 25-year-old Henning will take the helm, bringing with him a wealth of experience from previous international ties. Since 2018, Henning has participated in 11 Davis Cup ties, securing 13 victories from 19 matches. Alongside him, 29-year-old Van Wyk adds depth and tactical prowess, crucial for a tie that could determine South…

New AmaZulu recruit Mason Mushore has expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Marshall Munetsi after completing his move to South Africa. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who has one senior cap for the Zimbabwe national team, is settling into life at the Durban-based club as the second round of the Betway Premiership season gets underway. Mushore joined AmaZulu from Zimbabwean giants Highlanders, arriving with a growing reputation as one of the league’s most promising young midfielders. He is the second Zimbabwean to sign for AmaZulu this season, following striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, 23, who joined the club ahead of the campaign. The pair form part of a broader recruitment strategy aimed at adding youthful energy and depth to Arthur Zwane’s squad. Mushore arrives highly rated from the Zimbabwean…

The AFCON hosts Morocco claimed the coveted ‘Coach of the Tournament’ and ‘Fair Play’ accolades, achievements that seem to stand at odds with the unsportsmanlike tactics displayed throughout the event. The Moroccans, driven by an unyielding desire to win at all costs, cunningly leveraged their home advantage to maximum effect, and without shame. As hosts, they scheduled all their games at the same venue, from the group stage to the final. Not content with enjoying the home-crowd advantage, they gave themselves a bonus: playing at one venue from start to finish. Hence, unlike all the other teams, Morocco didn’t travel to different venues for games. Morocco did not have different training venues. This situation was unheard of in the history of AFCON. The 2025 finalists, Senegal, travelled by public train…

The adulation around Netflix’s new thriller His & Hers has been inescapable on social media. With the start of a new year, viewers are naturally drawn to trending offerings. Like the rest of the curious binge-watchers, I watched the six-part series. I certainly enjoyed it. However, I didn't feel it should be compared to Behind Her Eyes, which, for me, remains the ultimate benchmark for a truly twisted offering. Let’s get into Dee Johnson’s adaptation of the 2020 Alice Feeney novel of the same name. The story is a layered narrative, kicking off with a murder that connects to a high school friendship marred by festering issues of bullying, entitlement and social disparities. In Dahlonega, a small town in Georgia, a woman’s body lies sprawled across her red sports car…

EFF leader Julius Malema struck a defiant tone outside court this week after his pre-sentencing proceedings were postponed, with final heads of argument expected to be heard on April 15. Malema was found guilty of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failing to take reasonable precautions to protect people or property, and reckless endangerment of persons and property. During yesterday’s proceedings, the defence argued that a harsh sentence would have a serious impact on the wellbeing of Malema’s children and would hinder his ability to carry out his political responsibilities as leader of the EFF. Addressing supporters gathered outside the court, Malema thanked those who travelled from across the country to show solidarity. He moved between confrontation and reassurance, at times sounding…

Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the four life sentences handed to Africa Thembinkosi Shongwe, 57, for the brutal murders of a woman and her three children in Phola Park near Mbombela. Shongwe was sentenced by the Breyten High Court sitting in Mbombela on Thursday, after pleading guilty to four counts of murder and contravening the Immigration Act. The Eswatini national, who is the biological father of one of the murdered minors, admitted to killing the woman, her twin boys, and her daughter on 25 February 2023. According to the State, neighbours raised the alarm after noticing that the woman had not taken her children to school as she routinely did. When they went to check on her, they found the house locked from the inside,…

Many people wish they could spend more time with their dogs. Director Ben Leonberg, 38, took that idea to extraordinary lengths, spending three years making the horror movie Good Boy with his dog, Indy, as the protagonist. Last week, Indy won best performance in a horror or thriller at the Astra Film Awards, beating five Hollywood stars: Ethan Hawke, Alison Brie, Sally Hawkins, Sophie Thatcher and Alfie Williams. “I feel incredibly lucky that I was able to make a movie where I essentially just got to play with my dog,” said Leonberg. One scene in the film shows Indy getting caught in a snare. On his back, Indy vigorously shakes his body to try to escape. In reality, Indy was enjoying a blissful moment while shooting, wiggling during a belly…

On a recent Friday morning, worshippers made their way in droves into the Achimota Forest, a stretch of green in Ghana’s capital that doubles as an unlikely sanctuary for the desperate. From the outside, the park and adjacent Accra Zoo appeared calm as branches swayed gently with the dry breeze. Inside, voices rose in tongues as worshippers prayed, some collapsing to the ground as if seized by unseen forces. At one clearing sits a woman in her early thirties, dishevelled, her eyes fixed on nothing. Her family says she became “mentally disturbed” a month ago. They’ve brought her to Prophet Elisha Ankrah of The World for Christ Church, convinced her suffering is spiritual. “What the doctors cannot cure, God can,” Ankrah, draped in white, said. “Many of them come here…

A GAUTENG High Court has ruled that a woman must forfeit her share of her estranged husband’s R2.3 million pension fund after her Facebook baby shower post revealed she had a child with another man during their marriage. Judge Noluntu Bam cited the wife's misconduct and the humiliation caused to the husband as grounds for the forfeiture order. The man had asked the court to order the forfeiture of her portion of his pension pay-out upon divorce after it emerged that the wife had another child - her third - with another partner, following a romantic relationship that also involved a friend of her husband. While the husband kicked her out of the house because of the affair, he said the news of the baby shower still came as a…

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT), in collaboration with international partners, have uncovered a fascinating aspect of human-animal communication. The study, published in the journal People and Nature, reveals that honey-hunters in northern Mozambique employ regionally distinct “dialects” when communicating with honeyguide birds – an insight that mirrors the diversification found in human languages. The research has illuminated the intricate relationship between local communities and the wild birds, known scientifically as Indicator indicator, which play a crucial role in the hunt for honey. This unique partnership allows honey-hunters to extract honey from wild bee nests, while honeyguides benefit by feasting on leftover wax and larvae. In various regions across sub-Saharan Africa, honey-hunters and honeyguides engage in a co-operative endeavour that exemplifies one of the…

An international team of scientists from South Africa, Canada, France and the United Kingdom (UK) has uncovered fossil evidence of a tiny ecosystem that helped kick-start the recovery of Earth’s oceans after a global mass extinction. The team, led by Dr Claire Browning, an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Cape Town (UCT), found fossilised burrows and droppings left by creatures so small they lived between grains of sand, revealing an ancient community that probably played a critical role in reviving marine life after the End-Ordovician ice age and mass extinction event. The discovery places UCT at the centre of groundbreaking research that is reshaping how scientists understand early marine resilience. The findings are published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. Using micro-CT scanning, an advanced X-ray imaging technique that…

South African-born Sean Berriman kept the flag flying at the Dakar Rally, finishing in second place as co-driver in the Defender Rally Stock Class in their debut at the world’s most gruelling off-road race. Berriman, navigating for American driver Sara Price, finished second overall in class after two relentless weeks in the Saudi Arabian desert. Ahead of them were teammates Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal, who sealed the Stock class win, while Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Mika Metge rounded out Defender’s effort in fourth. When the final stage ended, Defender’s three crews had filled the top three positions on 10 of the 13 stages. Between them, the trio covered around 24 000km of dunes, rocks and high-speed desert tracks, all while staying within the tight limitations of…

This week I attended Liberty’s Planifest 2026: From Vision to Action. The event was not only insightful but also practical, reminding us that financial planning is about more than numbers — it is about purpose, and about the life we are trying to build. What resonated with me was the idea that it all begins with intention. But intention on its own is not enough. It must be translated into actionable steps: you need to see it, plan it, and ultimately live it. The organisers encouraged us to leave with a plan for how to approach our finances and the year ahead holistically, setting goals that matter and can be measured. From my own perspective, I realised how often we delay financial decisions because they feel overwhelming. Sitting in that…

As of 2025/26, the gross South African government debt was R6.09 trillion ($412.04 billion), with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 77.4%. The national government’s gross loan debt increased by 8.5% year on year to R5 817bn (78.1% of GDP) as of 30 June 2025. ​ The private sector debt linked to a variable rate is: Home loans (mortgages): ● R1.1 trillion outstanding (largest category of household debt). ● Vehicle finance: R500 bn outstanding. ● Personal loans: R170 bn outstanding. ● Credit card debt: R183 bn outstanding ● Total variable rate debt R1 953bn. For every half a percent reduction in the short-term interest rates, the private sector has an additional R 9 760 000 000 per annum, or R 813 333 333 per month, discretionary spending.​ Total liquid fuel consumption:…

This was among the comments on social media when MI Cape Town allrounder Jason Smith was selected for the Proteas T20 World Cup squad. Smith, 31, is by no means a nobody. In fact, he’s part of a select few that includes his T20 World Cup-bound teammates Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch as the only South African cricketers to have won an ICC World Cup – the U19 version back in 2014. He’s also played for the Proteas five times previously across white-ball formats and been on the first-class circuit since 2013 already. But his selection for the T20 World Cup, is still viewed in some quarters as “left field”, as it was posed to Proteas coach Shukri Conrad on Thursday. “Yeah, left field, I mean, I don’t…

South African tennis stands on the brink of a new era as three junior prodigies, Jahnie van Zyl, John Bothma, and Connor Doig, have secured main draw entries in the prestigious Australian Open Juniors. This notable achievement heralds a significant moment for South African tennis, marking the first instance in several years where several players will participate in a Junior Grand Slam main draw. The tournament kicks off in Melbourne today. Sixteen-year-old Jahnie Van Zyl fought her way through after a challenging qualifying tournament. The talented player from Potchefstroom, who currently stands as South Africa’s top-ranked junior girl, showcased her mettle in a nail-biting final qualifying match against Japan’s Kokona Ishii. Refusing to buckle under pressure, Van Zyl saved several critical break points, ultimately clinching victory and securing her place…

Polokwane City will resume their Betway Premiership campaign this weekend, eager to maintain their upward momentum when they travel to Durban to face a rejuvenated Durban City side at Chatsworth Stadium tomorrow. Under the guidance of Phuti Mohafe, Rise and Shine have quietly put together a solid season and currently sit seventh in the standings with 23 points. While they have often operated away from the spotlight, their consistency has ensured they remain firmly in the top-half conversation as the league edges towards its decisive phase. Polokwane City return to action on the back of encouraging form. In their last five matches, they have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat, scoring eleven goals while conceding just eight. Those numbers underline a side that has found the right balance…

Transform your jazz fest experience with all-inclusive packages The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is no stranger to evolution. Since its inception, there has been constant growth and development into the festival we know and love today. What has since grown into Africa’s grandest gathering proudly brings the best of local and international artists to the shores of the Mother City. Now, ahead of its 23rd edition, another step in the evolution of the CTIJF takes place. The festival expands beyond the stage once again through a ground-breaking collaboration with Tourvest Destination Management (TDM), a division of Tourvest Holdings, Africa’s leading integrated tourism group. This partnership introduces a series of well-curated, all-in-one experiences designed to transform the CTIJF weekend into a cultural journey. Luxury travel is now blended with…

CAPE Town’s Table Mountain has been celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful. According to a recent study conducted by Just Cover, an Irish travel insurance company, Table Mountain ranked 14th on the list of the globe's most stunning mountains. The study analysed 56 mountain ranges worldwide, employing eye-tracking technology to determine which landscapes are the most visually captivating. The mountains were scored based on how quickly they captured participants’ attention and how long they held their gaze. In this analysis, Table Mountain achieved a score of 62.6 out of 100. The flat-topped landmark that overlooks Cape Town is renowned for its distinctive “tablecloth” cloud, rich biodiversity, particularly its fynbos vegetation, hiking trails and a modern revolving cable car that transports visitors to its summit. This ancient mountain,…