Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-01-10 i Star

Independent Media has appointed Adri Senekal de Wet as the new Editor-in-Chief, following the retirement of Aziz Hartley at the end of 2023. Mohamed Hoosain, Independent Media’s current CFO will step in as acting CEO, after current Chief Executive Officer, Takudzwa Hove stepped down to pursue his MBA. Dr Iqbal Survé will resume his role as Executive Chairman of Independent Media. Senekal de Wet has been part of Independent Media since November 2016, serving as the executive editor of Business Report and Personal Finance. “Her dedication, expertise, and leadership have played a crucial role in shaping the editorial direction of these publications,” Independent Media stated. Senekal de Wet extended her appreciation to Dr Survé for the trust placed in her. Of taking on this prestigious role during challenging times in…

The 23-man Bafana Bafana squad selected for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations are finally pleased with their bonus settlement with the South African Football Association (Safa). According to national team captain Ronwen Williams, all parties have agreed to a deal that is to everyone’s satisfaction ahead of the kick-off of the continental showpiece. A lot of discussions have been held in recent weeks, regarding the players’ remuneration packages, following Banyana Banyana’s spat with Safa ahead of their Fifa Women’s World Cup trip last year. However, it appears that Safa has avoided a similar issue this time around by handing Bafana an acceptable payment structure after a turbulent last 12 months. Speaking to the media in Johannesburg yesterday, Williams confirmed the team’s satisfaction and switched focus to matters on the…

A NEW trend of hosting and promoting “for fun” TikTok star fights – known as Tikbox – where people with disputes take each other on in the boxing ring, while the paying public watches, has caused the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to express its concern over this practice. The court commented that at first glance this matter seemed to be the typical quarrel, between business partners, bound by company laws, “ignited when riches arrive and memory fades – with the court left to determine the true terms of their bond”. The court concluded that to arrange boxing contests between members of the public is against the good morals of society and participation in these matches could possibly constitute organised crime. Tikbox League Ltd, which turned to the court (the…

Five people were killed on Monday night when an articulated truck, which was transporting wooden logs, overturned on R33 Road between Carolina and Warburton in Mpumalanga. “The deceased are all males and they were passengers in the truck. The driver is among the three injured people who were rushed to the nearby Carolina Provincial Hospital for further medical attention,” according to Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison. In an update on Tuesday morning, Mmusi said the fifth person who succumbed to injuries from the crash was part of the three men who were rushed to hospital. It is suspected that the driver may have lost control of the truck before the vehicle overturned. Authorities said investigations into the crash are already under way.…

DELAYS in the issuing of visas to skilled professionals, who want to live and work in the country are causing a huge problem for businesses and is impacting negatively on economic growth and investment. This is according to Melanie Veness, chairperson of the Association of South African Chambers (ASAC), who said the massive backlog in the issuance of visas is creating an untenable position for businesses that are reliant on the services of skilled foreign professionals. “These are people who are needed to fill the gaps on the critical skills list. We’re losing those professionals to other countries, because they simply cannot wait for extended and unreasonable periods to get a visa or a spousal visa,” she said. Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, in reply to a parliamentary question by DA MP…

Why are Eritreans leaving their country by the thousands? Why are they dying in the Sahara, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe? Why have they been crossing many southern American and central American countries to reach the US? Are they attracted by the glamour and attractions of upper-income countries? Why are hundreds of thousands of Eritreans in Ethiopia and Uganda? Eritrea has a population of a few million and it appears it is being depleted fast due to mass emigration, and hence the country is currently experiencing a demographic catastrophe. Many are writing about the unprecedented flight of Eritreans from the country and a majority of commentators pin the reason on a military dictatorship or totalitarianism, but I argue that internal colonialism also explains why Eritreans are fleeing.…

Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s corruption has caused poverty death to the Zimbabwean nation It’s horrendous. For past 43 years the ordinary Zimbabwean citizens have become poorer due to rising cost of living and the increasingly tough economic situation caused by Mnangagwa and his Zanu-PF thugs. Thousands of people are forced to migrate to neighbouring countries like South Africa, Botswana and Namibia as it has become difficult to feed their families in an environment marred by high inflation punctuated by hyperinflation, which eroded people’s earnings and accelerated the collapse of service delivery in both rural and urban areas. This is also putting too much pressure on our neighbouring countries as they have their own problems to sort out, especially South Africa, where Zimbabweans are jumping the border. Mnangagwa’s government implemented a…

The disturbing allegation that Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board chairperson Ernest Khosa have been siphoning millions from the fund meant for needy students must be urgently addressed. The allegations have gone beyond mere rumours as the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has, through its investigations manager, Rudie Heyneke, released a statement to the media to the effect that President Cyril Ramaphosa should fire Nzimande and Khosa if they did not resign. Outa and the government should do more to clarify the issues. NSFAS, to its credit, has publicly denounced the allegations as lies and promised it would fully respond to the issue. For Outa, the purported whistle- blower should start by answering the following questions: Have they reported the alleged…

The late American politician and entrepreneur Malcolm Stevenson Forbes is reputed to have said: “The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” Education, formal or informal, teaches us to develop logic, rationale, reasoning, intellect and knowledge about the world we live in. The purpose of education is to be able to live together in a just society. I was not taken aback after hearing ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula boasting about how he and another MP representing the ANC lied to Parliament to protect their then-leader Jacob Zuma from accounting for his alleged accusations of crime. Mbalula arrogantly, and without regret, boasted about how the ANC abused its majority to render democratic institutions useless by dishonouring Parliament and the Cabinet. Our current political landscape has…

NEW YORK: A recent study revealed that the average one-litre bottle of water sold in the US contains about 240 000 plastic fragments. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicate that water sold in plastic containers may have a particle count higher than earlier assumptions. Unlike previous studies focusing on microplastics (1 to 5 000 micrometres), this research centred on nanoplastics – with particles smaller than 1 micrometre. Nanoplastics can enter cells, circulate in the blood and influence organ functions. | Sputnik…

Madrid: At least 6 618 migrants died or disappeared while trying to reach Spain by sea last year, an average of 18 a day, a Spanish migrant rights group said yesterday. The figure is almost three times the number recorded in the previous year, 2 390, and the highest since Caminando Fronteras began keeping a tally in 2007. The total includes 384 children. Most deaths and disappearances, 6 007, took place on the Atlantic migration route from Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands. The number of migrants arriving illegally in Spain in 2023 nearly doubled from the previous year, according to officials. | AFP…

ADRI SENEKAL de Wet, the executive editor of Business Report (BR) and Personal Finance, has been appointed the new editor-in-chief of Independent Media. This follows the retirement of Aziz Hartley. Newsdesk editor Philippa Larkin has been appointed acting editor of BR and Personal Finance until a new editor is appointed to the role. Larkin has worked at BR for nearly two decades in various capacities. Larkin said: “Business Report and Personal Finance have thrived under Senekal de Wet’s sterling leadership and positive mindset. We wish her well in her new role.” Senekal de Wet has been an integral part of Independent Media since November 2016. Her dedication, expertise and leadership have played a crucial role in shaping the editorial direction of BR and Personal Finance. Senekal de Wet extended her…

Lecturers and other staffers of Educor Group, a company that is responsible for colleges such as Damelin, Lyceum and Intec, have not been paid their salaries for December. Some of the staffers complained that that also happened in October and November, and one said that despite not being paid, they had been threatened with dismissal should they fail to report for duty this week. “Things are bad as we have not received our salaries for December. We are being told by a manager at Pretoria City that if we do not report to work, it’s going to be unpaid leave, yet we have not received our December salaries till now. “Now, we are being threatened by the manager that if we strike, he is going to make sure that we…

The wish by uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party supporters that former president Jacob Zuma return to the Union Buildings to lead the country again, will not be realised since the Constitution may not allow him. This was the view of constitutional law expert Professor Pierre de Vos who said yesterday he did not believe the MK party would get enough votes to win the elections for Zuma to become president, but another reason could be that the Constitution would not allow him back into the Union Buildings. Complicating matters was that Zuma did not finish his second term as he left government in 2018 just before his term ended in 2019, he said. The Constitution was clear that presidents serve only two terms, but it was silent on what happens when…

THE SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is seeking to make school uniforms affordable, including getting the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to control the procurement of school uniforms and to provide for the wearing of gender-non-conforming outfits to accommodate diverse gender identities. The commission has raised concerns that the cost of school uniforms can be prohibitive, leading to a lack of access to education for some pupils. The commission revealed that it had received regular complaints about the cost of school uniforms, saying the increasing costs were largely as a result of anti-competitive behaviour, where a school forces parents to procure uniforms from one supplier. The commission said it had warned against anti-competitive behaviour in this sector and made recommendations that schools need to ensure that the uniforms are as…

Gauteng-based animal group Absolute Exotics SA has shared details of how they safely recaptured a Canadian timber wolf that escaped its enclosure late last month. IOL previously reported that the wolf was wandering around Benoni Agricultural Holdings in Ekurhuleni. It is alleged that the animal escaped from a property in the area on New Year’s Eve. Following reports of Logan’s disappearance, Absolute Exotics SA’s Christo Myburgh said that on New Year’s Eve, the organisation alerted local authorities and initiated a comprehensive recapture plan. “Within two hours, we deployed K9 dogs and later utilised drones when the initial search proved unsuccessful. “A sighting at around 11pm triggered an immediate and ongoing rescue operation,” he shared in a post on social media. He said, along with private security, they monitored Logan’s movements,…

Ingredients 2 sheets puff pastry Cream cheese mixture 230g cream cheese, at room temperature ⅓ cup granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Strawberries 4 cups strawberries, sliced thinly 1 tbs cornstarch Lemon glaze 1 cup icing sugar 2 tbs lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract Method Preheat the oven to 200ºC, and let the puff pastry thaw for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until it's easy to work with. Place the strawberry slices in a bowl. Add the cornstarch. Mix well until the strawberries are well coated. Set aside. Into a medium mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Mix with a whisk until creamy and smooth. Lightly flour a clean surface and use a rolling pin to roll the puff pastry slightly. Cut the…

The Boeing Company is under the microscope once again, as one of its aircraft split open like a sardine can mid-flight. There is a pattern of poor quality standards emerging as hundreds of its products are grounded. Flying in a Boeing aircraft is like playing Russian Roulette. You do not know with certainty if you will reach your destination. The Federal Aviation Administration has once again had to step in as it attempts to establish the reason behind this near catastrophe. Is the American aviation industry fast becoming a supplier of sub-standard products? Flying European aircraft industries’ airbus is now the only option for a sensible flyer.…

“Religion and science are the two wings upon which man’s intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress,” state the Bahá’í Writings. The advantages of both need to be used together if we are to build a progressive and peaceful society. Religion and science are mutually dependent. Religion, without science, degenerates into superstition and fanaticism, while science without religion becomes merely the instrument of crude materialism. There is need for an ongoing and intensifying dialogue between the two independent yet complementary systems of knowledge. A great many problems we are facing in the world today exist because we either use science without religion, or religion without science. The Bahá’í International Community states: “In the quest for truth, science and religion – the two systems of…

An upsurge in political activity has been keeping people glued to the news as a number of controversial events play out in the run-up to the general elections. This week has been nothing short of spectacular, with highlights including the conflict between the DA and Blade Nzimande, Jacob Zuma’s political presence, the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) “border war”, the ANC’s 112th birthday and its secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. While the ANC has begun celebrations in Mpumalanga, opposition parties have increased their visibility in confronting various issues impacting the country. Thousands of ANC supporters are expected to make their way to Mbombela Stadium, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his keynote address on Saturday. Other controversial news is the newly launched uMkhonto weSizwe Party, led by Zuma, as it continues to…

Tokyo: An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck central Japan’s Niigata prefecture yesterday, more than a week after the massive 7.6-magnitude temblor jolted the neighbouring Ishikawa prefecture on January 1, killing 202 people. The quake occurred with the epicentre near Sado Island off Niigata at a depth of 10km, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. No tsunami warnings were issued and no reports of injuries or damages were available. The Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa has recorded 1 248 tremors since the January 1 earthquake, according to public broadcaster NHK. | IANS…

BRUSSELS: The year of 2023 was the hottest on record, with the increase in Earth’s surface temperature nearly crossing the critical threshold of 1.5°C, EU climate monitors said yesterday. Climate change intensified heatwaves, droughts and wildfires across the planet, and pushed the global thermometer 1.48°C above the pre-industrial benchmark, the Copernicus Climate Change Service said. It predicted that the 12-month period ending in January or February 2024 would “exceed 1.5°C”. Last year saw the beginning of the El Nino phenomenon, which stokes hotter weather. It is expected to peak in 2024. | AFP…

Music producer and artist Mondli Ngcobo has finally taken to social media after the death of Mandy Malebo, his baby mama. The 28-year-old socialite died last Thursday after a short illness. Although details surrounding her death remained unclear, many are speculating that she had taken her own life or had been poisoned. The beauty influencer and Ngcobo had a contentious relationship at times, resulting in their drama making news headlines. After her death, many blamed the Koze Kuse hitmaker for Malebo’s state of mind and her depression which she was very outspoken about. In a 2022 resurfaced TikTok video, she accused Ngcobo of abuse and withholding child support. In the video, Malebo claimed the muso only gave her R1 500 for child support and refused to pay for her apartment,…

OVER the span of three weeks, there were 1 390 reported murders and attempted murders in South Africa. This comes as the Western Cape Serious and Violent Crimes Unit arrested two suspects, aged 26 and 46, following the murder of a woman in Strand on Monday. The 41-year-old woman from the city’s Environmental Health Department was gunned down at about 8.15am in the parking area of a Strand Municipal building. The suspect fled the scene in a white Opel Astra. “Several witness statements were obtained and a vehicle used by the suspect was identified. “The vehicle was tested on the system and positively identified at a premises in Site C Khayelitsha. “The vehicle was confiscated and booked in as an exhibit at Stikland. “At the time of her death, the…

The founder of Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare, Nicole Sherwin, highlights the value of self-love as everyone gets ready for Valentine’s Day and the season of love. Sherwin suggests that everyone should go on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, joy, and love. A decade ago, Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare coined the slogan #FLYFirstLoveYourself, which she says is still important today when it comes to emotional, physical and spiritual recovery. She shares the following valuable tips for self-love extravaganza: Discover your passion: Take the time to explore your interests and find what truly makes you happy. Whether it’s art, music, literature, or dance, discovering your passion is a key step towards loving yourself. Solo Dates: Treat yourself to a solo adventure. Be your own date for a day – go…

Two accused, Tshotleko Ranko, 24, and Thabo Mothai, 22, were remanded in custody when they appeared in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The duo were in court on Monday following their arrest by members of Stilfontein Public Order Police Unit on Saturday in Kanana, near Orkney. “The members were on patrol when they spotted two men in a car. The pair got out immediately when the police advanced. One put a firearm on the roof of the car, but was arrested while trying to run away,” said North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone. “His freedom was short-lived; he was arrested. The police searched him and found a firearm and ammunition in his possession. Both men were placed under arrest.” Mokgwabone said…

SEVERAL judges and legal practitioners have been suspended, struck from the roll, or are being investigated for offences ranging from delayed judgments and misappropriating their clients’ funds. According to the judiciary, 50 legal practitioners have either been struck from the roll or suspended since January 2023. One Western Cape-based legal practitioner was found guilty of bringing the legal profession into disrepute, by misappropriating R330 000 which was paid to him by a client, and which was to be held in trust pending the finalisation of the transfer of a property. The matter was postponed last month by the Legal Practice Council at the lawyer’s request. Gauteng High Court, Pretoria Judges, Tshifhiwa Maumela and Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi were suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recommended to Chief…

We are fortunate to have such a caring government. Load shedding was suspended for the entire festive period. It did not want to spoil the fun. We were so relieved. The government and Eskom patted each other on the shoulder for a job well done. They had given the country 18 days of uninterrupted lights, the longest since load shedding made its dramatic appearance. But no sooner had we clinked our glasses and said cheers to the New Year, the dreaded load shedding was back, plunging our lives into darkness again. How we had been fooled! The same thing happened during the Rugby World Cup. We watched the World Cup in Paris without the lights going off. I predict it could happen again during this year’s national election. The government…

From December 27 to 28, last year, the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs was held in China. President Xi Jinping attended the conference and delivered an important address. He presented a systematic review of the historic achievements and valuable experience of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, gave a profound exposition on the international environment and historical mission of China’s external work on the new journey, and made comprehensive plans for China’s external work for the present and coming periods. It was pointed out at the conference that building a global community of a shared future reflected the Chinese Communists’ world view, perception of order and values, accorded with the common aspiration of people in all countries, and pointed the direction for the progress…

Israel has announced plans for a partial withdrawal of its forces from the Gaza Strip over the next few months. The Israel Defence Forces would adapt their tactics towards more targeted opera- tions in the enclave, reducing reliance on artillery and air strikes, it said. Israel has transitioned to a new phase in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip – one that is less intensive, involving “fewer troops and air strikes”, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said. “The war shifted a stage … But the transition will be with no ceremony. It’s not about dramatic announcements,” Hagari said. Israel hopes to complete the shift from its original sweeping ground and air campaign launched in Gaza to this “targeted” phase of one-off raids by the end of…

Brussels: The EU, racing to regulate the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence, said yesterday it had started a preliminary study of Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar investment in ChatGPT developer OpenAI to see if it could be a disguised merger. The move is part of efforts by Brussels to make sure its regulatory oversight can catch up with AI developments and stop major players shutting out competitors in a field promising upheaval in many sectors. EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, who will meet top tech bosses in California this week, said “it is fundamental that these new markets stay competitive”. | AFP…