Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-12-20 i Star

Rescuers in remote villages of north-west China dug through the rubble of collapsed homes on Monday after the country’s deadliest earthquake in years killed at least 126 people and injured hundreds more. State media said the shallow tremor just before midnight had caused the deaths of at least 113 and injured more than 530 in impoverished Gansu province, as of yesterday afternoon. A further 13 died, 182 were injured and 20 were missing in Haidong in neighbouring Qinghai province, state broadcaster CCTV reported. The quake damaged more than 155 000 buildings, according to CCTV, and sent residents running into the freezing streets for safety. At a village near the epicentre, reporters saw huge cracks running through the exterior and interior walls of a brick home, and the roof of a…

POLICE have opened an inquest docket after the body of a 9-year-old girl was recovered, buried in a shallow grave in a yard in Nongingqa, in the New Hanover area, on Friday. It is alleged that the girl’s body was buried five months ago by her mother, 30, and grandmother, who then fled. A source told The Star’s sister paper, the Daily News, that one of the community members reported the incident to the police, who dispatched the search and rescue unit which exhumed the girl’s body. “Community members were aware that the child was sick before she died. “They were all expecting to pay their last respects at the young girl’s funeral, but the family opted to perform a private funeral,” said the source. KwaZulu-Natal Social Development spokesperson Mhlaba…

Responding to a complaint of an animal kept on a short chain in a backyard, Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspector Lwazi Ntungele visited the property and was shocked to find not a dog, but a tortoise tethered without water or shelter. Ntungele recently recalled his surprise on arrival at the property. “Entering the dusty yard, I was looking around for a dog, but immediately saw this very large tortoise tethered on a short rope that was tied around a pole. There was some sort of container nearby with nothing in it but algal growth; I assume that was once its water bowl,” he said. He then noticed that there was no greenery around that might indicate the animal had access to the sort of fresh plant matter that a…

The developments in the ANC in the past three weeks suggest that the party has fallen out of favour with its former leaders. Two weeks ago, ANC Veterans League deputy president Mavuso Msimang briefly resigned from the party he spent more than 64 years canvassing for. However, he quickly made a U-turn on his decision following a meeting with the ANC leadership and commitments by the party to stamp out corruption in its ranks. We also heard recently from former ANC and state president, Thabo Mbeki. He said he would not be campaigning for the ruling party which he and his father had led and fought for. That, he said, was due to similar reasons given by Msimang, who cited corruption as chief among his gripe with the ANC of…

COMMUTERS and taxi drivers using Mabopane Station, Marabastad Asiatic Mogul and Nellmapius taxi ranks will be thrilled that these facilities are set to get a facelift at the cost of R2.6 million. This follows an announcement by MMC for Roads and Transport, Katlego Mathebe that the City of Tshwane invested millions of rand in maintenance of public transport facilities. Mathebe said: “Investing in transport infrastructure is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the City in order to fully execute its service delivery mandate. Well-maintained transport infrastructure not only gives dignity to the users, but also promotes health and safety standards.” She said her department was working tirelessly to implement preventative maintenance at some of our public transport facilities. Work to be done at the identified taxi ranks includes the repair…

INGREDIENTS 4 orange sweet potatoes Forage and Feast Cold Extracted Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 tbs Forage and Feast Wildflower Honey Salt and pepper to taste 1 Forage and Feast Datterino Tomato Pasta Sauce ½ cup water 8 mutton bangers 250g sweet baby broccoli METHOD Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Wash and halve the sweet potatoes lengthways, place them into a roasting dish, drizzle with olive oil and honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the Forage and Feast Datterino Pasta Sauce, add a dash of water to the bottle, shake and add the liquid to the dish. Cover with foil and roast for an hour or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add the sausages to the roasting tray and top with the broccoli, then…

It is no bigger than a sesame seed, but a tiny beetle is at the centre of a massive threat to South Africa’s indigenous trees and forests. So much so that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has issued a stern warning to visitors not to bring any firewood into Ezemvelo reserves. This precautionary measure is in response to the emergence of a minuscule yet formidable enemy – the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB), a tiny beetle now posing a significant threat to South Africa’s wildlife. Originating from south-east Asia, the PSHB has begun its invasion into South Africa, causing alarm in environmentalists and conservationists. The beetle’s modus operandi involves creating intricate galleries within trees for breeding and feeding, lined with spores of a co-introduced alien fungus. This fungus, which serves as the…

If David Saks of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) and his fellow deniers of Israel’s bloodbath in besieged Gaza are able to take a serious hard look at the mirror, they will find his quote applicable to him and the SAJBD: “There is ultimately no possibility of ever reasoning with those who have all the necessary evidence before them yet choose to state the exact opposite of what it shows. Their assertions, however strident, can only be dismissed as the non-reasoning of crackpots and conspiracy theorists.” Unlike Saks’s vain attempt to anchor his blinkered view on false allegations blaming Hamas of “rapes, beheading and worse” on October 7, analysts, researchers and media probes by credible sources dispute its veracity. In fact, some have argued that to justify and…

Desiree Ellis’ recent coronation as the 2023 CAF Women’s Coach of the Year was indeed befitting, given the year she’s had with Banyana Banyana. Ellis is a record four-time-winning coach of the year, but the recent award was perhaps more fulfilling than the rest. It was proof that hard work and unfaltering commitment indeed pays off. The women’s national team returned to the World Cup as the reigning African queens, having won their first Wafcon. And that meant that they’d be the focal point for the continent in Australasia. For a team that was embroiled in a bonus row with Safa days before the showpiece event, the distractions were headline worthy and the pressure to perform immense. But Ellis’ troops proved that they are made of stern stuff by not…

The Blacklist (S10) M-Net, DStv channel 101 at 9pm When Red is identified as a possible hostage during a deli robbery in Philadelphia, Dembe and Ressler take action. Back in DC, Senator Panabaker evaluates the task force's dealings with Red while Siya digs deeper into her mother's past. Extraordinary Places To Eat (S2) BBC Lifestyle, DStv channel 119 at 9.01pm Fred Sirieix travels to Austria's capital Vienna in the company of food writer Rachel Khoo. Her grandmother is Austrian and visiting Vienna and eating here feels like coming home. Vienna has a famous reputation for its art and culture but its food scene is often overlooked. Rachel wants to show that Viennese cuisine is vibrant and exciting and deserves international recognition. Help! I’m In A Secret Relationship MTV, DStv channel…

A cellphone location has placed a murder-accused at George Lea Park in Sandton on the morning Kirsten Kluyts was raped and murdered. According to evidence presented by the State in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court yesterday, the murder-accused was at the location in Sandton at 7.35am on October 29. The evidence was revealed at the bail application of the student, 21, accused of killing the Sandton teacher. This evidence contradicts his version of events where he claims he only arrived at the scene after 9am. Kluyts, 34, a teacher at Delta Park High, was found murdered at the George Lea Recreational Park in Parkmore, Sandton, on October 29. She had participated in an athletic event on the day, but failed to finish the walk. It was also revealed in court that…

Now that the long weekend is over, you may be feeling the financial impact of unintentionally overspending during a leisurely break. While you may be stressed about how you can recover from spending too much money, the good news is that it is never too late to get back on track. According to African Bank, you have the right to make your own decisions about money, but following these tips could make all the difference in getting you back on track. Five tips to help steer you towards better financial health: 1. Ask for help If you are unsure where to start, ask a trusted friend, a family member, or a financial adviser about how you can start getting your finances back on track. You can also make use of…

Work is under way to clear the hyacinths at Bronkhorstspruit Dam, identified as the cause for a breakdown at a local water treatment plant. This comes after residents in Region 7 have been forced to bear the brunt of water shortages due to a broken water treatment plant affected negatively by the invasive plants. The affected areas include Bronkhorstspruit, Cultural Park, Ekandustria, Ekangala, Rethabiseng, Riamarpark and Zithobeni. Ward 105 councillor Kgaugelo Phiri last week told residents about a breakdown at the raw water plant in Bronkhorstspruit. In March this year, the plant operated at very low capacity for more than three weeks owing to equipment failure at the raw water pump station and unforeseen power outages. Phiri said the invasive plants from the Bronkhorstspruit Dam were destroying the pumps at…

DR HEIDE Hackmann, director of Future Africa, the University of Pretoria’s pan-African platform for collaborative research, was honoured with a science diplomacy award in the category of Lifetime Contribution in International STI Co-operation to serve society at the 2023 South Africa Science Forum. The award ceremony was a highlight of the official opening of the event, which took place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. Presented by Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, the award recognises Hackmann’s dedication to advancing science diplomacy and fostering international science, technology and innovation (STI) collaboration, while leading the successful merger of two international scientific organisations – the International Council for Science and the International Social Science Council – resulting in the formation of the International Science Council (ISC).…

Langa Mavuso, an award-winning musician, expressed his appreciation for being the opening act for American singer Lalah Hathaway’s An Intimate Evening with Lalah Hathaway four-concert tour presented by Liberty. Mavuso is known for his stellar performances, from serenading dignitaries at significant ceremonies to his own sold-out national tours and concerts. The musician remarked that he was humbled by this opportunity and exceptionally honoured to grace the stage before the great Hathaway. “I have always admired Miss Hathaway’s incredible talents. “To open her South African concerts is beyond any dream I could ever have imagined,” said Mavuso. Mavuso is a classically educated musician whose extraordinary talent spotlights his urban soul style. This vocalist broadens the definition of R&B/Afro-Soul by reinventing the genre with a diverse range of soundscapes. Liminal Sketches, his…

In a bold strike against construction mafias, the National Priority Committee on Extortion and Violence at Economic Sites, led by the SAPS alongside the Integrated Building and Construction Forum (IBACF), has been on a mission to clamp down on criminal activities in the construction sector. The lead-up to 2022 saw the cancellation or delay of projects totalling R63 billion, dealing a severe blow to national development initiatives. This collaborative effort has signalled a turning point in the fight against extortion tactics, restoring hope for the revival of critical projects, the Special Investigating Unit reported. A major breakthrough came with the arrest of an alleged 28s gang boss, Ralph Stanfield, and his wife, Nicole John- son. Their arrest followed a series of alleged acts of intimidation and violence in Cape Town,…

Kaizer Chiefs were expected to make the FNB Stadium a fortress this season, but thanks to turbulent times, they are yet to achieve that feat. Chiefs have only won two games at the Calabash in the league, with another three at ‘home’ at Moses Mabhida in Durban. That poor record from six games at FNB Stadium has also led to their supporters’ refusal to turn out for their games at the World Cup venue in their numbers. The few that have also saw a faction of fans unleashing their wrath on coach Molefi Ntseki, leading to his dismissal. For his last match against AmaZulu in the Carling Knockout Cup, Ntseki was pelted with missiles and needed a police escort. That act of misconduct, which was the third time this term,…

ACTOR Jonathan Majors is said to have been dumped by Marvel after he was found guilty of harassing and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. The Creed III star, 34, was being lined up as one of the future leading faces of the superhero movie studio but has reportedly been dropped by bosses after a jury delivered the verdicts on Monday. Variety reported just after the finding was reached in court that a “source close to the studio” said it had “parted ways with Jonathan Majors”. The actor had been cast to play Kang, the central antagonist in the Multiverse Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has been convicted of two misdemeanour counts of harassment and assault of his ex-partner Jabbari. Majors was also found not guilty of one count…

Limpopo police said they are seeking information on the whereabouts of alleged holiday swindler, 39-year-old Francois Swart, whose Gauteng-based travel agency, Priority Escapes, is accused of defrauding holiday companies in Modimolle. “Swart is alleged to have defrauded many would-be holidaymakers of hundreds of thousands of rand,” said Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba. “According to the information available at this stage, a case of fraud was opened at the Modimolle police station in August. The complainant alleged that two companies were defrauded of more than R130 000 by Priority Escapes.” The police have since issued a warrant of arrest for Swart, the managing director of travel agency Priority Escapes. It is alleged Swart received full payment from the complainant, for him to fulfil holiday arrangements on their behalf. “The…

As the year comes to an end, thousands of African students graduating from universities in China will be packing their bags to come back home. The graduates will return equipped with advanced knowledge, networks, and dynamic multicultural social, language and technical skills, enabling them to venture into entrepreneurship and creative industries, and secure jobs in a vast web of Chinese investments in Africa, the civil service and the private sector. In 2024, an equally large number of students and professionals will head to China for academic studies and professional training under co-operation agreements between Africa and China. Education programmes such as Confucius Institutes, scholarships, exchange programmes and vocational training help develop talent and promote cultural exchanges, as key components of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum for…

Gerald Coetzee will steam in next year in blue, yellow, red, green, orange and white to deliver on a hefty price tag in the IPL but his cool R11.1 million payday on Tuesday paled in comparison to that of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummings. The 23-year-old South African pace bowler was snapped up by Mumbai Indians for an impressive $602 000 during the IPL auction, after the bidding for his services started at the top bracket’s base price of $240 000. Coetzee enjoyed a breakout year for the Proteas and his performances for the team at the Cricket World Cup in India recently certainly would have helped drive his price up. Indeed, Coetzee’s form was one of a handful of positives in the Proteas campaign, his 20 wickets the fourth…

Orlando Pirates will move up to second in the Premiership standings if they beat SuperSport United on Saturday evening. But while Pirates have enjoyed a purple patch in the league – winning five of their last six games – they are not a well-oiled machine. A win against Matsatsantsa, however, would go a long way in helping solidify their consistency. Here, we look at what they must improve on in Polokwane. TAKE CHANCES Pirates might be one of the form teams in the league but they’ve been wasteful in front of goal, scoring only seven goals in their last six matches. The Bucs could have had a better conversion rate, but the strikers have blown hot and cold Evidence Makgopa failed to score in the last two matches. Be that…

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is “full of fire” heading into today’s League Cup quarter-final at home to West Ham, despite a recent goal drought, according to assistant manager Pep Lijnders. Sunday’s goalless draw with Manchester United means Nunez has gone 10 Liverpool games without finding the back of the net. He last scored for the Reds in their 2-1 League Cup fourth-round win at Bournemouth early last month, but Lijnders said yesterday that there was more to Nunez’s game than goals alone. “I think Darwin is full of desire,” he explained, “you see this in each game. “If we would only judge players on the goals that would be so unfair, because in our way, always when we reach our targets or really were there to compete, it was always…

GAVIN Hunt is clearly the glass is half full kind of guy. Why else would the SuperSport United coach still be optimistic about his team’s chances of reaching the quarter-final of the CAF Confederation Cup when they’ve lost all three matches? Matsatsantsa a Pitori go in to the second half of their mini-league phase propping up Group D after defeats to Future FC, USM Alger and Al Hilal Benghazi. But Hunt was upbeat as he anticipated tonight’s clash with Libya’s Benghazi at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. “Seven points can get you through,” the multiple championship-winning coach said at the pre-match media conference at the venue yesterday afternoon. That he is confident they can get those points in their final three matches, when they failed to get a single point in…