Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-09-27 i Star

JSE-LISTED Grand Parade Investments (GPI), an empowered investment company, said yesterday that for the year ended June 30, 2022, its adjusted headline earnings per share improved due to a recovery in the gaming assets and a reduction in corporate costs, which decreased as a result of the debt reduction. In its trading update for the year ended June 30, 2022, the group said headline loss per share was expected to be between 2.75 cents and 4c, representing an improvement of between 56% and 36% compared to the headline loss per share for the group of 6.29c reported for the previous year. Loss per share for the group will be between 1.55c and 2.93c, representing an improvement of between 77% and 57% compared to the loss per share for the…

Local music sensation Makhadzi, who recently made a five-stop tour of Canada and Europe, has caught the attention of American, award-winning singer Tamar Braxton. The MaGear hitmaker recently received a follow on Instagram from the international artist and was so thrilled that she ”fainted“, but her die-hard fans didn’t think it was such a big deal. Makhadzi posted on Facebook: “Look who followed me on instagram! American singer @tamarbraxton followed me after posting my Namibia performance. “I fainted again. I will wake up on the first of October at makhuvha stadium.” One of her followers, Ofentse Mwase Films posted: “My sister you are bigger than this person, she should pay to follow our Makhadzi!” Amber Mesilane commented: “You are our princess kaloku. She should....I get chills when I watch you…

As the country braces itself for another week of unrelenting load shedding, President Cyril Ramaphosa admits there is no quick fix for load shedding but stresses that progress is being made to put an end to the rolling blackouts. Writing in his weekly letter, Ramaphosa said: “For every person living in this country, the past two weeks of load shedding have been extremely frustrating and challenging. The widespread public anger is wholly justified.” He said the load shedding “is beyond an inconvenience” and bears dire consequences – from education to public safety to the provision of health services. “Large and small businesses alike are losing money and the energy crisis is endangering investment and our economic recovery,” Ramaphosa said. He acknowledged a “sense of despair” that load shedding is worsening…

THE DA says it is ready to debate the need for establishing an ad hoc parliamentary committee to investigate the robbery that took place in February 2020 at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm near Bela Bela in Limpopo. In a statement, the party said it would approach National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula today to propose a motion to establish the committee to investigate allegations of a cover-up. The motion would be led by DA leader John Steenhuisen, Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube and the party’s spokesperson for justice and correctional services, Werber Horn. “(They) will use this debate in Parliament to call for an ad hoc committee to conduct an inquiry into the involvement of government departments and agencies in the alleged cover-up of Phala Phala crime,” Gwarube said. The…

The South African media, print and electronic, has been filled with the same hackneyed topic of criticism of the ANC government, but more recently with intensified censure. That increased reproach is now being voiced by the general public all venting their frustration in letters and calls to the media. Sadly, although not that long ago large numbers of ordinary citizens took to the streets of major cities in vocal protest against Jacob Zuma and the corruption under his presidency, no such protest has happened in South Africa against load shedding. Where are the masses ready to stand up and say “no more”? Why no marches? The power situation has had a devastating effect on just about everything in the country. Do the president and his ministers hear the uproar of…

WHEN news filtered through on Sunday that the victim of a shark attack in Plettenberg Bay had been a heroine to the community of Observatory, social media was flooded with tributes from friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Kimon “Kiki” Bisogno, 39, had endeared herself to the Observatory community when she opened a kitchen that helped the area’s homeless and worked to rehabilitate them for a life off the streets. Bisogno and her partner Diego Milesi opened the Obs Pasta Kitchen in 2019 from the kitchen of their pizzeria, Ferdinandos Pizza, to serve meals to the homeless once a week. Bisogno’s work with the homeless would eventually see her offering yoga lessons, meditation and life skills to those living on the streets. On their Facebook page Ndifuna Ukwazi said: “Through their…

When Lukhanyo Am was ruled out for action for the rest of 2022, the groan from Springbok fans would’ve been audible across Mzansi. Am, 28, has been in irresistible form this year, even when filling in at right wing at times. But Bok coach Jacques Nienaber placed his trust in the experienced Jesse Kriel in the No 13 jersey, and the outcome has not been entirely convincing. I must admit that Kriel was a bit better overall against Argentina in Durban, but is he the only solution in Am’s absence? At the moment, if you’re thinking of specialist outside centres, then yes. Stormers star Ruhan Nel has a serious injury that will keep sidelined for a while, and Wandisile Simelane is now a fullback at the Bulls. Both have been…

Award-winning rapper K.O is dominating SA’s music scene with his new offering Sete. The smash hit features amapiano’s Young Stunna and Somnyama The Greatest, aka Blxckie. Sete has gained popularity on social media, with many using the song in their posts. A video of Young Stunna singing his verse helped propel the song’s success as more people caught onto it. Since its release last month, Sete blew up as it dominated at number 1 on official charts, radio airwaves and playlists. Within five days, the single reached Gold certification and, in 16, was awarded platinum status. For Sete, K.O fused various worlds, various worlds, where artists’ skills and sounds could be showcased to thrive on a neutral and mutual platform. K.O told IOL Entertainment: “I had an idea to bring…

An “influencer” is under fire for allegedly violating children’s rights after her apparently inappropriate pictures with schoolchildren went viral. Several pictures shared on social media of a half-dressed woman posing next to young learners have sparked concerns and elicited chatter around the breach of children’s rights. A woman identified as Lunya Makua, known as Queen Minaj, reportedly took raunchy photos with school pupils from Pepps Primary School in Limpopo and shared them on social media without consent. In some pictures circulating across social media platforms, boys are apparently seen touching her behind as she makes exaggerated and seductive poses. Queen Minaj is not new to being half-dressed showing off her body. Deliberately dropping her pants to show off her behind have apparently been one of her popular style statements, disseminated…

While the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is facing litigation over concerns about its functioning and efficiency, about 400 of its staff members are facing a bleak Christmas. The RAF said it intended to retrench them by the end of November. This month, the RAF issued staff members with Section 189 notices which stated that it would embark on a consultative process with this as the starting point towards the envisaged retrenchments. The RAF said the organisational structure review and implementation of an integrated claims management system were key objectives of the fund’s 2020/25 strategic plan to ensure a transformed and sustainable RAF. The RAF said it planned to retrench about 400 of its 3 000 staff members. CEO Collins Letsoalo said earlier that times were difficult and it was…

The KZN Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison is closely monitoring the case of a truck driver charged with 20 counts of culpable homicide after he crashed into a bakkie and killed 20 people. This was revealed by Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka, yesterday. He said the case was important to the people of Pongola with tensions still high in the community. He added that they would hopefully assist in finalising the case sooner. Two weeks ago, 28-year-old Siyabonga Siyaya’s truck collided with a bakkie that was carrying 18 learners in Godlwayo on the N2 highway in northern KwaZulu-Natal killing 20 people, the youngest 5 years old. The mass funeral of 13 learners and the driver of the bakkie who died in the head-on crash was held at the Waterbus…

THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into allegations of Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) fraud have netted suspects within the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). Lieutenant Dimakatso Modise, Lieutenant-Colonel Vivian Seadimo Peu, Avroline Tshikosi and Leading Seaman Suzen Jiane appeared in the Thaba Tshwane Military Court on Friday in connection with fraud and corruption involving more than a quarter-of-a-billion rand. SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that the organisation welcomed progress in the case. “They are charged with fraud and corruption related to the procurement of PPE items such as masks and gloves for members of the SANDF during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The court appearance of Modise, Peu, Tshikosi and Jiane comes after an SIU investigation which revealed that the SANDF irregularly awarded PPE contracts to five companies…

A strong ANC contingent visited Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s Soweto home yesterday to honour and celebrate what would have been the Struggle icon’s 86th birthday. The birthday celebrations were organised by the ANC, with President Cyril Ramaphosa making his visit to the family home ahead of his keynote address in honour of Madikizela-Mandela’s contribution to the Struggle for freedom. Friends, family and ANC leaders flocked to mark his visit to the family home before his keynote address in honour of Madikizela-Mandela at her Soweto home in Orlando West where she was celebrated for her resilience and strength. Madikizela-Mandela died at Milpark Hospital in 2018 following a long illness. Among those who attended the birthday celebrations were ANC Gauteng chairperson and Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, Greater Johannesburg chairperson Dada Morero and secretary of…

When the world was demarcated into different countries, the reason was to make the world governable by the relevant governments for each country. That said, it is important to note that no government can claim to have the supremacy or capacity to provide for the needs of not only its citizens but for citizens of other countries. That misguided assumption, if not stopped, will sadly result in many casualties. What this country needs is assertive leadership. No one can deny the big outcry by many about the woeful state of our health services and the need to take drastic steps to address the problems that have brought the service to the brink of collapse. It is sad that all we hear from the Minister of Health is that…

South African voters must have watched with some scepticism the formation by Mmusi Maimane of yet another political party. Known as “Bosa” (Build One South Africa), it might just as well be called “Bozo” (Google for the meaning) since against the background of 48 parties that contested the last election, a 49th is somewhat underwhelming and a 50th, (Songezo Zibi), seems likely. Mmusi is a nice man. I like him a lot. When he was the leader of the DA, I supported him from the start of his leadership until he resigned. After the small setback of the general election, he appointed a committee to tell him what went wrong. The committee told him his weak leadership was the problem. Instead of telling them to go to Hell or at…

Pitso Mosimane shocked the South African football fraternity when he was announced as the new coach of Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli Saudi FC on Sunday. The former Bafana Bafana coach has opted to cut his “break from management” short and expressed his excitement at having the opportunity to restore Al Ahli back to their glory days after they were relegated in the 2021/22 campaign. “I am very excited for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet my new team Al Ahli,” Mosimane said on his social media accounts. “Shukran (thank you) to the Chairman, CEO, Board, players and supporters for trusting us with this mission. We will do our best, recreate history and make the green nation happy. “Let’s awaken the sleeping giant and the people back to…

President Ramaphosa losing his popularity amid a survey suggests trust levels have decreased. According to a survey by Afrobarometer, the level of trust has dwindled lower than during his predecessor Jacob Zuma’s tenure. Ramaphosa has sunk two levels lower than Zuma, according to the survey that attributed voter mistrust to disappointment after high expectations when he took office in 2019. Since he took the reins many, including the mainstream media, have been singing his praises, but the tides appear to be turning. Ramaphosa has a cloud hanging over his head. The Phala Phala scandal seems to have tainted his image. Former state security boss Arthur Fraser opened a case at Rosebank police station after Ramaphosa allegedly failed to report a robbery at his farm where an undisclosed amount of dollars…

ONE of the people accused of allegedly defrauding members of the Enlightened Christian Gathering alongside fugitive prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Willah Mudolo, may not leave Gauteng for now. Mudolo may only leave the province pending the outcome of the high-profile trial when it eventually gets under way. The director of public prosecutions launched an appeal earlier this month before the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, against an order issued by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court granting Mudolo bail. His bail was initially denied because he was regarded as a flight risk, but Mudolo launched a new bail application on “new facts” and bail was granted by the lower court. His wife and co-accused, Zethu Mudolo, was released on bail before her husband. Among the conditions was that they could not travel…

HEALTH Minister Joe Phaahla is speaking to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, Eskom and municipalities about exempting health facilities from load shedding. The Department of Health said yesterday that Phaahla has been concerned for some time about the impact of load shedding on the operation of health facilities, hoping the situation might improve. However, load shedding had got worse, rising to stages 5 and 6, and hampering the provision of health care services across the country. As a result, the minister had ordered the department’s director-general, Sandile Buthelezi, working with provincial heads of health departments, to finalise an assessment of the impact of the power cuts. The department said that in the meanwhile, Phaahla has been engaging with the relevant authorities and entities, including Gordhan, Eskom and municipalities, on…

THE MONTH of September will forever be etched in the minds of the surviving cohort of the 11 former Soweto students who, 44 years ago, were charged with terrorism and sedition for their role in the June 16, 1976, Soweto uprising. The 56-page indictment alleged that as executive members of the Soweto Students’ Representative Council (SSRC), the Soweto 11 conspired to commit sedition and terrorism between May 1976 and October 1977. In May the following year they were convicted of sedition and sentenced to terms of imprisonment, most of which were suspended since the accused had already been held for long periods. Local and international media, friends and colleagues of the defendants, 10 men and one woman ranging in age from 18 to 23, packed the small Kempton Park courtroom.…

A legal tussle between parents on whether their three children should be allowed to travel to Israel to partake in religious ceremonies was heard in the high court in Johannesburg last week. The mother of the children refused to allow her husband to take the children out of South Africa. A judge commented that the parents, who were never married and were now separated, “genuinely disliked each other”, but that this should not stand in the way of the children’s legal rights. The Children’s Act provides for the development of their religious and cultural rights. The children are in their formative years of religious and cultural development and will benefit from their visit to Israel, a land of multiple religions and rich history, the court said. The father turned to…

A fed-up KwaZulu-Natal principal posted on Facebook a stern warning to parents of ill-disciplined learners. I concur with the principal that “schools are not babysitting institutions but learning institutions”. From the high number of misdemeanour incidents reported in the mass media, it is evident children’s behaviour at schools has worsened. Unruly and disruptive behaviour affects the delinquent learner’s outcomes, earning and teaching in the classroom and the results of diligent and well-mannered children. Even more worrying is the vulgarity and physical aggression that children are exhibiting. Parents need to monitor their children’s social spaces, after-school interactions, social media, online games and internet usage. Parents also need to be mindful of their own language, attitude, behaviour and quality of conversations at home. Socialisation serves as an important medium in the implementation…

Early childhood development centres, often referred to as crèches, daycares, edu-cares or preschools, are vital spaces for young children. There, they can learn and play, interacting with their peers and receiving care while their parents are at work or looking for work. These centres are crucial building blocks for children’s development – and their futures. In South Africa, 1 660 3173 children are enrolled in 42 420 early childhood development programmes. Early childhood development centres have another role, too, that isn’t often discussed: as employers. This is particularly important in a country like South Africa, which has an unemployment rate of 33.9%. Across the country, early childhood development centres employ 165 059 people, most of them women, as “teaching” staff. That’s a substantial and growing workforce. Managing employees, children, parents…