Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-10-26 i Star

WHILE tensions continue to boil over in the Middle East, as Israel continues its deadly assault on Palestine, closer to home political parties have targeted Woolworths and MacDonald’s, calling for boycotts. This comes after the EFF leader, Julius Malema, called for the stores to refrain from selling products obtained from Israel. Malema also wants the Woolies stores, which are much loved by middle-class South Africans, to remove every Israeli product on their shelves, as well as made calls to cut ties with companies linked to Israel. “Woolworths has a responsibility by the end of this month to remove every product on their shelves that comes from Israel. If they don’t, we will remove it ourselves,” Malema said. After the statements made by the EFF, Business Report reached out…

BRICS member states are not actively dumping billions of dollars worth of US treasuries as a means of weakening the strong US dollar before the end of the year as part of the de-dollarisation initiatives. This comes after reports emerged on Tuesday that India, Brazil, and China were consistently dumping the US treasuries through offloading $18.5 billion worth of government bonds over the past 30 days. US-based finance and crypto publication reported that the trio were looking to keep the US dollar from ending on a high against their respective local currencies. This as the US dollar is now at a 10-month high against BRICS currencies and the developing nations are selling US treasuries to keep their currency from ending on a low. Watcher Guru reported that China sold…

BYTES Technology, the London and JSE-listed specialist software, security, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services company, extended its track record of double-digit growth in the six months to August 31 and has made a good start to the second half of its financial year. The interim dividend was raised 12.5% to 2.7 pence (R0.63) from 2.4p. The share price ratcheted up7.55% to close at R112.53 on the JSE yesterday, putting the price up 42.5% over a year. Headline earnings a share increased 17% to 10.60p. “The economic backdrop remains mixed. We have continued to see strong demand from our corporate and public sector customers for security, cloud adoption, digital transformation, hybrid data centres and remote working solutions,” CEO Nigel Murphy said in a statement. This had allowed Bytes to…

As the outbreak of avian influenza continues to wreak havoc on South Africa’s multibillion-rand egg and poultry industry resulting in the acute shortages of table eggs and poultry meat across various provinces in the country, one company says they have a solution. RK Rao, the vice-president of the Himalaya Wellness Company, said Himalaya and Multi-Globis were promoting a two-pack system to deal with the respiratory issues for both broiler and layer birds. The Himalaya Wellness Company and Multi-Globis partnership said it had introduced two effective and supportive remedies for ameliorating the devastating damage to South Africa’s poultry industry during the avian flu outbreak. The two herbal products, namely Pulmoboost and Liv.52 Protec, are quick acting during respiratory distress while restoring the metabolism of the bird through betterment of feed intake…

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a Kandasamy baby in a carriage. It’s been just under a week since the much anticipated fourth instalment of the Kandasamys franchise, Kandasamys: The Baby released on Netflix and watching the film has been a bumpy ride. If you’ve watched the previous instalments, Keeping Up With The Kandasamys (2017), Kandasamys: The Wedding (2019) and Trippin' with the Kandasamys (2021), then you’ve come to expect the same delightful comedy that turns into a meaningful dramedy. Instead, Kandasamys: The Baby, much to my disappointment, is filled with dry one-liners, a storyline that feels disjointed an d little about the baby. This time, the film is shot Mauritius and South Africa. Prishen (Madhushan Singh) and Jodi (Mishqah Parthiephal) have immigrated there. Jodi is pregnant and…

Muslim Judicial Council has announced that it will be boycotting all Israeli companies and products The Muslim Judicial Council’s Halaal Trust (MJCHT) has adopted a policy position to not certify any goods or services emanating from Israel, in an effort to boycott all Israeli companies and products. The groundbreaking announcement is expected to have an irreversible ripple effect for Muslims across the world. MJCHT is a certification body that provides compliance certificates to companies that manufacture food and drink products as well as to restaurants and other similar establishments. Certificates are voluntary; however, in practice, Muslims will not purchase a product that does not have a certificate from an authorised certification or compliance body, such as the MJCHT. Similarly, Muslims will also not likely eat at a restaurant that does…

Defence advocates in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial have continued to poke holes in the conduct of senior commissioned officers who took confession statements from accused one and two – Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi. There is currently a trial-within-a-trial in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to determine if the alleged confessions made by Sibiya and Ntanzi were made freely and voluntarily. In the past fortnight, the State has called several senior police officers, an interpreter, and a magistrate in a bid to show the confessions were made freely and voluntarily. On Tuesday, defence advocates Thulani Mngomezulu, Charles Mnisi, and Zithulele Nxumalo all cross-examined Justice of the Peace Officer Lieutenant-Colonel James Hadebe. Under cross-examination by Mnisi, Hadebe told the court he did not inform Sibiya he was not part of…

IT SEEMS everyone is supporting the Springboks this week ahead of the Rugby World Cup final, and not even one of Tshwane’s landmarks could resist the temptation. Oom Paul, the iconic Paul Kruger statue that sits in the middle of Church Square, will don green and gold for the first time as even he gets behind Siya Kolisi’s Springbok side in their quest to retain the Webb Ellis trophy. As Nelson Mandela said, sport has the power to unite us. The team behind the intervention of dressing Paul Kruger in green and gold believes it is uniting the people of the capital city, according to Jeffrey Wapnick, managing director of City Property. “We wanted to create a sense of camaraderie – bringing the nation together ahead of the team’s effort…

Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Pty) Ltd (Bakwena) and its partners, including DP World, Spill Tech, Active Education, Drama for Change, and the North West Department of Basic Education, successfully rolled out a comprehensive road safety campaign in the North West region along the N1N4 route. This initiative focused on enhancing road safety awareness and education in 16 schools, spanning both primary and high schools. The primary school road safety education programmes were engaging and interactive, emphasising the importance of using pedestrian crossings, safe road crossing techniques, and the significance of wearing seatbelts. As part of this initiative, reflective sashes referred to as “walking seatbelts” were distributed to foundation phase students to enhance their visibility to drivers and reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents. Meanwhile, high school learners experienced an interactive…

Soccer legend Dr Kaizer Motaung has marked a major milestone in his career journey after news that he will be inaugurated into the South African Hall of Fame on November 9. Chairman of the South African Hall of Fame, Johnny Burger, revealed the thrilling news, highlighting that his extraordinary contributions would be permanently enshrined. “Dr Kaizer Motaung, an iconic figure in South African sports history, has significantly shaped the landscape of football in the nation. As the visionary founder and chairman of the renowned Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, his influence reaches far beyond the field. With this induction, his extraordinary contributions will be permanently enshrined in the annals of the South African Hall of Fame.” Burger said the nomination for the prestigious award was a testament to his enduring commitment…

The not-so-mini, new-generation Mini Countryman SE will soon offer South Africans yet another high-performance electric car alternative. BMW South Africa has confirmed that the new SUV model will reach local shores during the second quarter of 2024 as the British brand’s second local EV offering, alongside the current Mini Cooper SE. While the latter was South Africa’s cheapest EV until the GWM Ora came along, the Mini Countryman will be a more upmarket proposition. For starters, Mini will only be offering the flagship Countryman SE ALL4 variant in South Africa, featuring twin electric motors that produce a combined 230kW and 494Nm. After its initial reveal last month, Mini has released performance figures for the new Countryman SE, quoting a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of…

Bar the Netherlands stumble, when the altitude in the hills of Dharamshala suffocated the Proteas, South Africa haven’t started an ICC Cricket World Cup with such dominance since 1996. But even then, when the Proteas stormed through to the quarter-finals unbeaten before a Brian Lara blitz hurriedly ended their campaign, the victory margins of 102 (Sri Lanka), 134 (Australia), 229 (England) and 149 (Bangladesh) were not as comprehensive as they’ve been in India. The curtain has been well and truly lifted on the Proteas’ attempt to stay under the radar leading into this World Cup. The batters are all the rage, with six centuries already split between an in-form top-order who are capturing everyone’s imagination with their ability to set it all up, before exploding into a six-hitting bonanza during…

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro believes his side remain on track to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title despite dropping points this week. The Buccaneers were frustrated by a well-drilled AmaZulu outfit on Tuesday night with the KZN side forcing a share of the spoils, which meant the visitors dropped two more points. The Sea Robbers have two games in hand over the log-leading Brazilians, having been interrupted by their CAF Champions League and domestic cup commitments. However, Sundowns have built a sizeable gap between themselves and Pirates with Rulani Mokwena’s side 16 point ahead of Pirates, who currently occupy the 13th spot on the standings, just two points ahead of Richards Bay FC, who are in the relegation zone. After the game on Tuesday Riveiro said his team…

The discerning Mamelodi Sundowns fan who expects nothing but victory from his team would probably be referring to Mothobi Mvala as “Calamity Mvala”, such have been the errors made by the Brazilians defender. And while his latest mistake did not have a negative impact on the outcome of the match, Tuesday early sending off against Petro de Luanda would have seen those fans giving the defender yet another mocking nickname. Mvala is fortunate though that he does not have to answer to the fans, and that he has a very supportive coach in Rulani Mokwena. The young mentor was very defensive of the player who saw red as early as the third minute at Loftus to leave Sundowns vulnerable to elimination from the African Football League. The South African…

Jacques Nienaber will end his Springbok head coach reign on Saturday when his team face the All Blacks in the World Cup final in Paris (9pm kickoff). As his team look to clinch a second consecutive Webb Ellis Cup – he won it as an assistant coach in 2019 under Rassie Erasmus – we looked at five of the Boks’ most famous wins under their outgoing coach ... October 21, 2023: SA v England, World Cup semi-final, Paris After selecting an unchanged squad that drained themselves a week before in the quarter-finals, questions were asked if the Boks would be mentally ready for the English, who had an easier run to the knockout match. For a big chunk of the semi-final, it looked as if the Boks had run out…

Trade union estimates 40 000-or-so people are dependent on the effected workers, so the local economy will be affected SIBANYE-Stillwater’s planned restructuring exercise which could result in the retrenchment of 4 095 employees at its South African platinum group metals operation will bring a “bleak and dark Christmas” for the 40 000 or so people dependent on the affected workers, said a labour union yesterday, describing the action by the company as “cold and clinical”. Big mining companies such as Anglo American and Glencore have started culling jobs at South African head offices and operations, coinciding with a commodity price downturn. In September, Sibanye also an- nounced a restructuring exercise that could lead to the laying off of as many as 3 000 mineworkers at the Kloof…

AT JUST just 20 years old, Kiav Mitoo, a graphic design student at Vega School in Cape Town, took an unexpected leap into the world of fashion and has now designed a range for one of South Africa’s leading retailers. Mitoo’s journey began with a twist in his career path, shifting from his aspiration to become an aeronautical engineer to pursuing his passion for art and fashion. In just one year, he has designed prints for two designer collections and launched his own range in Pick n Pay Clothing stores. Mitoo’s journey is a testament to his artistic talent and determination, and to mentorship provided through the Futurewear programme, with renowned designer Gavin Rajah and Pick n Pay Clothing. The incubator programme fosters the growth of emerging creatives by providing…

LIFE HEALTHCARE Group Holdings’ share price fell 6.8% after it forecast a 75% to 95% drop in earnings a share including non-trading items for the year to September 30, despite a good operational performance. Although the 2023 financial results are expected to be released on November 16, non-trading items known to have impacted results were a R500 million impairment charge on the disposal of Alliance Metal Group (AMG), and R300m in increased finance costs compared to 2022 due to higher interest rates. Earlier this month the group inked a deal to sell its UK diagnostics business AMG for about R8.4 billion and proceeds would go to shareholders by way of special dividend. The share closed 5.43% lower at R18.46 on the JSE yesterday. Life Healthcare operates 63 healthcare…

Globalisation has had substantial effects on global growth and has paved the way for enhanced trade and investment, and has fostered cross-border collaboration on various areas, such as innovation, technology and knowledge-transfers. Many will define globalisation as simply being the increase in the flow of goods, capital, people and knowledge across borders. The effects of globalisation have been enormous and a key underlying part that enhances globalisation is trust and transparent communication. Globalisation does not just involve economic trade; the reality is that it also results in political and knowledge exchange, co-operation and activities. Hence, when we find ourselves with conflict situations, such as in Russia and Ukraine, Mali, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Israel and Palestine and numerous others, it threatens the calm collaboration of globalisation. Without peace, mutual…

As chicken importers push for lower import tariffs as South Africa’s R60-billion poultry industry is decimated by avian influenza, the sector provides the country with 66% of the meat consumed and must continue to be protected, Francois Baird, the founder of the FairPlay movement, said yesterday. The movement said that chicken importers were on a relentless drive to get lower import tariffs, which would not benefit the consumer, but would severely damage local producers. “It is all based on a supposed shortage of chicken, which, according to our latest information, is unlikely to happen. It is a Trojan horse tactic to normalise predatory trade practices. Instead, government should help consumers by scrapping VAT on local chicken pieces most consumed by poor people.” FairPlay said although the avian flu impact had…

The defence has raised more allegations of torture and assault against police officers involved in the Senzo Meyiwa murder investigation. The latest claims of assault and torture were against accused two, Bongani Ntanzi, who the defence says was assaulted and tortured in the presence of a Justice of the Peace officer who took his statement on June 19, 2020. There is currently a trial-within-a-trial in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to determine if confessions made by Ntanzi and accused one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, were made freely and voluntarily. Lieutenant-Colonel Mohale Raphadu, an experienced officer who is currently the detective commander for the Ennerdale Detectives, administered Ntanzi’s confession at the Moroka police station. Ntanzi’s lawyer, advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, has challenged the admissibility of the confession statement, telling the court that Ntanzi was…

The Department of Education in Gauteng said it has launched an investigation after a video went viral of a group of school pupils bunking class went viral on Tuesday. The pupils attend President High School in Ridgeway, south of Joburg. The MEC for Education Matome Chiloane said his department was aware of the video circulating on social media platforms. In the video, seen by IOL, boys and girls can be seen coming out of two rooms fully dressed in their school uniforms. The video alleges the pupils use the house as their “mini-brothel”. “The matter was reported following the school receiving a concerning call from a resident in the Lion Ridge Complex, stating that pupils from President High School were allegedly bunking at a house in the complex. “In response…

Following a viral video revealing a police van transporting furniture, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant- General Thembi Hadebe, has come out to explain the events that have since raised eyebrows on social media. It is explained that Hadebe and the management team have taken note of the video circulating on various social media platforms depicting a police van transporting furniture. Hadebe has moved swiftly to allay the fears that the vehicle was deployed to assist with the transport of furniture to various police stations. Explaining the incident, she said as part of an ongoing work associated with a gender-based violence project, the vehicle was deployed on an official capacity and authorised to undertake the journey of collecting equipment and furniture from Polokwane for victim-friendly rooms attached…

Looking back at his recovery with gratitude, stroke survivor Deon Lackay from Pniel has encouraged others to prioritise their health. “I should have lived and eaten healthier,” said Lackay. “It took a stroke for me to realise this. I never listened when people warned me. I was very fat. I weighed almost 197kg.” Stroke Awareness Week is observed from October 25 to November 1, and the Western Cape Health Department called on citizens to make healthier choices to reduce their risk of having a stroke. Lackay, who lost about 60kg, recalled experiencing a “strange feeling come over my head” in June 2022. He fell in his room, and the family called emergency services. “The ambulance was there swiftly. I was conscious and, because I was so big, I had to…

EKURHULENI police have recovered a heavy-duty truck and its two trailers which were hijacked in Mpumalanga and abandoned in the Klippoortjie area, in Gauteng. Spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Kelebogile Thepa, said: “On Tuesday, October 24, at 6.50am, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s Germiston South precinct officers, who were performing point duty during peak-hour traffic, were alerted by a passer-by to a suspicious-looking, abandoned truck parked not far from the intersection of Osborn and the R554. “Two EMPD officers responded and the abandoned white UD truck tractor (also referred to as the horse), with two trailers, was approached and tested. Officers learnt that the truck had spent the night unattended, on an island, and it was reported robbed/hijacked in the Middelburg area,” she said. Thepa said that…

MUSICAL expression knows no bounds for award-winning singer and actress Zolani Mahola of Freshly Ground fame. Recently, the former Tsha Tsha actress, performed while travelling at 36 000 feet on a flight from Cape Town to Joburg. In a world where air travel often symbolises routine journeys, the unexpected can elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. Such was the recent case, as passengers on two flights were treated to a unique and uplifting musically charged surprise. The singer did her thing as part of South African airline LIFT’s ongoing commitment to showcasing local artists for travellers on a 1pm flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, and a 4pm flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The unsuspecting travellers found themselves part of an unparalleled in-flight concert and a silent disco.…

The countdown has begun to the highly anticipated musical showdown Red Bull SoundClash as Sjava, captain of #TeamBlue, and Focalistic, captain of #TeamRed, will battle it out to be the king of SoundClash. The A-Z listicle will guide you through everything to expect, from Amplified Sound to Zero Boredom, promising an epic experience that will leave you in awe. A - African trap music: Get ready to groove to the pulsating rhythms of African trap music, as #TeamBlue takes to the Red Bull SoundClash. B - Bergville: Hailing from the home town of Bergville, captain of #TeamBlue, Sjava will represent his roots with pride. C - Clash of the Titans: It’s not just a music event; top artists battle it out for supremacy and bragging rights. D - Date: Mark…

The new JAC T9 double cab is getting ready to pick a fight with the heavy hitters in the bakkie market, like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. The Chinese brand is better known for its budget-oriented T6 and T8 bakkies, but with the new T9 the importer is taking a step upmarket. Now available at more than 70 dealerships across South Africa, the T9 is JAC’s most advanced bakkie to date. Four double cab models are on offer with the JAC T9 2.0 CTi 4x2 Lux kicking things off at R529 900 and the Super Lux commanding R579 900. The 4x4 versions cost R599 900 and R649 900 respectively. The only engine on offer for now is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that’s good for 125kW and 410Nm. It’s paired with…

Banyana Banyana scored a vital away goal as they drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Olympic qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasha yesterday. The South African women’s national team had to come from behind to ensure they held the advantage in the return leg in their own backyard on Monday. Head coach Desiree Ellis was forced into fielding a makeshift back four with Tuks attacking midfielder Wendy Shongwe lined up at left-back under difficult circumstances. The home side were quick to spot the weaknesses in the visiting team’s fullbacks as Galatasaray left-back Naomi Kabakaba terrorised Fikile Magama with her speed and power. Therefore, it came as no surprise when the opening goal saw both wing-backs exploited. Kabakaba managed to weave…

Ian Foster grew up with faith “an important part of our family” and the New Zealand head coach has had to draw on deep reserves of that with his job at one point in doubt. Now, the 58-year-old is set to lead the All Blacks into Saturday’s World Cup final against South Africa in Paris. Foster’s late father Jack made quite a journey from being a hairdresser to a Presbyterian minister and his strong faith was imbued into the rest of the family. Foster has required that faith, battling through a tough four years since he replaced two-time World Cup winner Steve Hansen, for whom he was assistant coach from 2012 to 2019. The nadir was last year when he oversaw the first home series defeat in almost three decades…

There will always be that ambition of playing for South Africa, but after his World Cup disappointment, Evan Roos has his eyes and mind focused on playing the kind of rugby for the Stormers that made him a Springbok. Roos (23) has put the disappointment to bed, and already made a telling impact for the Cape side as he contributed with a good performance to their first United Rugby Championship win. He was solid with his demolishing runs, but also put in a big defensive performance, helping the Stormers beat the Lions 35-33 at Ellis Park at the weekend. Now the versatile loose forward has his sights set on the visiting Scarlets from Wales at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday (4pm kickoff). “My first priority is my…

RESIDENTIAL buying activity levels deteriorated further in September, with volumes now at pre-pandemic levels, the FNB Residential Property Barometer showed. “In line with deteriorating afford- ability, buying activity continues to decline across the spectrum … our indicators suggest widespread downscaling in the market, supporting buying activity in lower-priced brackets,” FNB senior economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi said yesterday. The FNB House Price Index growth slowed to 0.6% year-on-year in Septem- ber, down from 0.8% in August. This took average house price growth to 0.9% in the third quarter, down from 2.1% in the second quarter. FNB’s market strength index continued to show declining levels of demand, while the supply of properties for sale also declined. “Feedback from our latest Estate Agents Survey suggests two-thirds (67%) of listed properties now take three months…

DRDGOLD reported yesterday that for the quarter ended September 30, it achieved a 5% increase in quarter-on-quarter gold production due to an increase in tonnage throughput. In its operating update the gold tailings retreatment group said gold production and gold sold increased to 1 284kg and 1 267kg, respectively, primarily due to a 13% increase in tonnage throughput as a result of the commissioning of a major reclamation site at Ergo Mining, Rooikraal, in July. The group, which mines gold dumps around Johannesburg, said gold production increased despite yield being 0.018 grams per ton (g/t) lower at 0.228g/t. “Despite the increase in gold production, cash operating costs per kilogram of gold sold increased from the previous quarter to R825 630/kg due to increases in the municipal electricity tariffs…

The COVID era brought issues of mental health in the workplace to the forefront. For many South African employees, the pressures associated with making an unexpected but seamless transition to remote working proved taxing, with many employees struggling to regulate their schedules and maintain a work-life balance. Years later, the dust created by Co- vid-19 is finally beginning to settle. However, many employees still find themselves battling high levels of stress, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. In a small business, these feelings can be compounded by the fast pace of work and the demands of being part of a team that is responsible for keeping a business afloat. To counteract this, small business owners need to hone their listening skills, be attentive to the needs of…

The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (Amie) has forecast a 460 000 tons shortage of meat this year as it urges the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) to reduce the import duties for 12 months on frozen bone-in chicken from 62% to 37%, boneless chicken from 42% to 12% and to zero-rate chicken offals. Amie said a temporary, controlled relaxation of duties would help to address the current chicken product shortages and ensure the most vulnerable in society were cushioned against rising costs due to the latest Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak. Amie noted that during 2017/18, when the country grappled with one of its most severe HPAI outbreaks, the gap between what the country consumed and what was produced was 483 000 tons. For…

The state of South African railways deteriorated further over the past financial year mainly due to safety- and security-related incidents, affecting the logistics in the movement of people and goods, and disrupting economic activity. These and other issues were revealed in the 2022/23 Annual State of Safety Report, which is produced by the Railway Safety Regulator and was released yesterday. The report revealed that South African railways experienced 10 746 negative events in the past year, encompassing 1 833 safety-related operational occurrences and 8 643 security-related incidents. Deputy Minister of Transport Lisa Mangcu, who released the report, said these events painted a complex and multifaceted picture of safety concerns that plagued the railway system. This system includes railways used by Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), Passenger Rail Agency of…

The lingering effects of apartheid inequality in South Africa has had a negative impact on many children’s scholastic prospects. To combat these educational disparities, Sesame Workshop developed Takalani Sesame, which aired on SABC radio and television and received support from USAid and corporate sector partner Sanlam. When Takalani Sesame was introduced in 2000, optimism was evident: in a nation where seven out of eight children lacked access to early childhood development services, providing preschoolers in South Africa and their carers with a quality early learning programme through mass media and outreach initiatives would make a significant difference. Children watch Takalani Sesame because it is entertaining and their parents trust it to provide educational content. The show, which has been leading the way in local preschool programming content for more than…

Two months have passed since a multi-storey building in Johannesburg caught fire, killing more than 70 individuals who were inside at the time of the tragedy. Many remember the night they were awakened by piercing cries and screams as scores of people battled to escape the burning structure. The building has turned into a barren space, which is a cold reminder to many who lost their loved ones in the fire. Having left people displaced without clothes and food to eat, many residents were moved to different centres where organisations donated food and other essentials. The Star yesterday visited Hofland Park Community Centre, and had a conversation with Siphiwe Ngcobo, who lost her 2-year-old baby in the fire. Ngcobo said they felt neglected because there had been no consistency in…

IN A double dose of good news for the Springboks, key player Bongi Mbonambi has been cleared to play in Saturday’s World Cup final against the All Blacks in Paris – and World Rugby has confirmed that both teams will play in their traditional strips. Hooker Mbonambi was accused of a racial slur towards England player Tom Curry in last week’s semi-final. And while World Rugby are still investigating the alleged incident, they say a conclusion cannot be reached until next week, and thus the South African No 2 is free to play in the final of the global showpiece. Curry’s club team in England, Sale Sharks, have reported that he has received death threats since making the allegation, while some Bok fans have said Mbonambi was speaking Afrikaans on…

Fighting homophobia, transphobia and championing activism of LGBTQIA+ issues was the key message Mr Gay World 2023 delegates want to spotlight ahead of the pageant’s finale. Gay men from countries including South Africa, Belgium, Guam, Chile, Spain, India, Australia, Thailand, the US, the Philippines and Great Britain have gathered in Cape Town vying for the Mr Gay World 2023 title. The winner will be crowned tomorrow. The men have arrived in Cape Town, learning about each other’s cultures and experiences, and celebrating what it means to be gay. Johann van Niekerk, one of the directors of Mr Gay World and Mr Gay World South Africa, said this was one of the perks of having the men come to the city to participate. “Yes, it is at the end of the…

FORMER acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane lost his legal bid to review his dismissal after the Labour Court found it was fair and reasonable. Phahlane turned to the Labour Court in Johannesburg to review and set aside an award made by the arbitrator in arbitration proceedings. Commissioner Joyce Nkopane at the time concluded that he intentionally caused the non-compliance with a contract which resulted in wasteful expenditure of R24 494 080.65. In July 2010, Phahlane was appointed as the Divisional Commissioner: Forensic Services of the police. He was in October 2015 appointed as the acting national commissioner. He was fired in October 2020 for misconduct when he refused to honour a R46 million contract to buy panoramic cameras. Criminal Records and Crime Scene Management, a division of forensic services,…

The future of the 29th South African Music Awards has been thrown in chaos as Siboniso Duma, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), pulled the plug on their involvement in a press conference held yesterday. This follows an announcement by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) confirming that the Samas were returning to KwaZulu-Natal after eight years. But plans have come to a grinding halt after political party ActionSA put a spanner in the works. The multimillion-rand event, which was set to take place in Durban in November, came under fire this week after allegations arose that KZN EDTEA planned to splurge R28 million on the Samas. In a letter to ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, ActionSA said: “We contend that this is not only…

The Special Investigating Unit is still probing thousands of students who received more than R5 billion in funding but did not qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). SIU head of investigations Leonard Lekgetho told members of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) there were more than 40 000 students who were given funding, but did not qualify for NSFAS. Lekgetho said 76 institutions of higher learning were involved in this, and this dates back to 2018. The head of the SIU, Andy Mothibi, was on Tuesday leading members of his unit to brief Scopa on their investigations into NSFAS. Mothibi said they were investigating maladministration and financial mismanagement at NSFAS from 2018 to 2023. Lekgetho also told Scopa they were still investigating overpayments to institutions of…

If there has ever been doubt the ANC’s cadre deployment policy is ill-conceived, dangerous, disingenuous and devoid of intellectual capacity, the Life Esidimeni tragedy, which involved the deaths of more than 140 mentally ill patients, proves it. A primary school teacher, just by virtue of being a politician, is suddenly given unlimited powers to make major decisions on health matters, and because she is part of the ruling political party, she is invincible and will not listen to any advice stopping her from continuing with the ill-advised operation. This even though the advice is from medically trained professionals who relentlessly warn ANC cadres about the potential dangers inherent in their decisions. They are in charge of the country, the bosses, and they know better what is good for the rest…

When Mercedes-Benz announced that the much-loved V8 in some of their AMG performance vehicles would be no more and in its place a four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor would be doing duty, as you would expect, there were howls of derision and outrage the world over. From amusing memes to downright rude comments, AMG aficionados and performance petrol heads were none too pleased. Whether it is because of legislation, emission controls or a genuine belief that this is the future we’ll never know, it’s here to stay, and we had the opportunity to see for ourselves what the fuss was about in Barcelona, Spain, behind the wheel of the GLC 63 SE Performance. When Mercedes puts a “G” in its naming convention, you know immediately that it’s…

Formula One’s top drivers have expressed their shock at the possibility they could face fines of up to €1 million (R20.2m) for breaches of the sporting code after ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), quadrupled the limit. Britain’s George Russell branded the initiative “obscene” and unrealistic, saying most drivers could not afford such heavy fines, confirming that the drivers were due to meet over the move. “Maybe one of the drivers who has been paid a lot would be happy to pay that much, but it seems to be pretty obscene,” said Mercedes driver Russell, 25, having revealed that he lost money in the early years of his F1 career. The limit had been unchanged for 12 years and the announcement came as a shock to most drivers. Russell,…

Royal AM have targeted a full haul of points in their next DStv Premiership match as they look to shake off their poor form as they battle SuperSport United at the TUT Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm) on the back of a horrid set of results in recent weeks. Coach John Maduka’s side are currently on a three-game losing streak in all competitions and were bundled out of the Carling Knockout Cup by Sekhukhune United at the weekend. Before the international break, Royal AM had not managed to find the back of the net in their last three league outings against Polokwane City, Sekhukhune and Kaizer Chiefs, a worrisome occurrence, considering Maduka’s attacking philosophy. Various questions surrounded the camp of the Pietermaritzburg outfit ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and how their inability…

Andre Onana and Harry Maguire were the unlikely heroes as Manchester United kick-started their Champions League campaign by beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 on the night Bobby Charlton was remembered at Old Trafford. Much-maligned centre-back Maguire headed in the only goal 18 minutes from time, before Onana saved Jordan Larsson’s penalty with the last kick of the game. The English giants had lost their opening two Champions League group games for the first time in the club’s history, but are back in contention for the last 16 thanks to a much-needed win. One of United’s greatest ever players, Charlton died on Saturday at the age of 86. A moving tribute was paid to the 1966 World Cup winner before kickoff as United boss Erik ten Hag laid a wreath in the…

Mzansi is divided over who should start at flyhalf for the Springboks in Saturday’s World Cup final against the All Blacks: Manie Libbok or Handré Pollard? There are pros and cons to both players. Libbok has been outstanding for South Africa since making his debut last year and has showcased his incredible skill on attack in particular. But having missed a few kicks at goal and being taken off around the half-hour mark in last week’s 16-15 semi-final victory over England have led to calls for Libbok to make way for Pollard in the No 10 jersey in the title decider at the Stade de France. The latter has all the experience, having played in the 2015 semi-final against New Zealand and steered the Boks to victory with an excellent…