Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-11-08 i Star

Logistics company Grindrod has suspended port and terminal operations in Mozambique after South Africa temporarily closed the main border with its north-eastern neighbour over safety concerns after a violent crackdown on post-election protests, the company said yesterday. The suspension will hit the movement of goods and commodities in a region already battling with logistical bottlenecks as under-funded state-owned port and rail companies struggle to provide adequate services. At least 18 people have been killed in the protests, human rights groups have said, as opposition supporters demonstrate against what they say is a fraudulent election win by Frelimo, the party that has ruled Mozambique since 1975. South Africa’s border authority said on Wednesday that it had closed the Lebombo border after receiving reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambique side.…

South African region’s adjusted EBITDA represented a third consecutive record performance Global paper mill company Sappi yesterday reported that it has more than doubled its fourth-quarter dividend following a standout financial performance in South Africa. And despite the paper and packaging market continuing to be affected by global economic and geopolitical tensions, supply chain instability and fluctuating input costs, adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the first quarter of 2025 was expected to be “significantly above that of the prior year”, CEO Steve Binnie said in a telephone interview yesterday. EBITDA for 2024 came to $684 million (R11.99 billion), exceeding management expectations, against the backdrop of a subdued global economic environment, low consumer confidence, and geopolitical uncertainty. Quarterly profit turned around to $79m from a $40m…

In an age where authenticity is of utmost importance to consumers, the circulation of false claims regarding barcodes has raised concerns among shoppers in South Africa. Recently, messages have circulated suggesting that products lacking a barcode beginning with “600“ were either fake or illegal. This comes on the back of an outbreak of food-borne diseases in townships, which has raised public anger against foreign national-owned spaza shops for allegedly selling expired or contaminated goods. However, the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) has stepped forward to clarify this misinformation. The CGCSA yesterday asserted that while local products produced or packaged in South Africa were assigned barcodes that start with “600”, this did not mean that products with different barcode prefixes were counterfeit. “Just because a barcode doesn’t start with…

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. While profits are important, unlike cash flow, they don’t always reflect your business’s immediate financial health. By focusing on cash flow, business owners can ensure they have the liquidity to meet their obligations, even in tough times. Five key strategies for tracking cashflow effectively: 1. Conduct regular forecasts One of the most effective tools in managing cash flow is the ability to predict it. Businesses should conduct regular forecasts to anticipate potential shortfalls and identify periods when cash might be tight. A detailed cash flow forecast gives business owners a glimpse into the future, allowing them to proactively plan for upcoming expenses and make the necessary adjustments in order to mitigate any financial constraints. A cash flow forecast should ideally cover at…

Truworths International’s share price fell 5.6% yesterday afternoon after it reported a modest 2.8% increase in group retail sales for its first 18 weeks of its 2025 financial year trading to November 3. Group retail sales for the first 18 weeks increased to R7.2 billion compared to the same period in 2023. Truworths Africa increased by only 0.2% to R4.7bn, while Office UK showed stronger performance with a 9.7% increase to £106.9 million (R2.4bn). The share price yesterday afternoon stood at R103.50, which nevertheless represented a 32.2% rise in price over 12 months. Directors said that while business and consumer sentiment in South Africa had improved, trading conditions remained challenging as optimism from the formation of the Government of National Unity and other factors had not yet translated into meaningful…

The Johannesburg leg of the Friends of Amstel premium music and lifestyle event promises to be an electrifying experience featuring some of the nation’s hottest talents. After a successful run in Cape Town and Durban, the gathering’s grand finale will be staged in Jozi tomorrow. It is set to be a fusion of top-tier music, exquisite lifestyle offerings and an enjoyable time with loved ones. “Friends of Amstel Johannesburg 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the year, with a line-up that promises an unforgettable experience,” a statement read. “Whether you’re here for the amapiano beats, the hip hop vibes or just to enjoy premium beer with friends, this event has it all.” South Africa’s top acts will perform across two stages. The Amstel…

Wadibusa vocalist, Oph Sage, has defended Uncle Waffles amid a backlash, after claims made by MacG on an episode of Podcast and Chill, where he accused Uncle Waffles of being a “leech” and not giving him enough credit to shine. The musician is featured as a singer on Waffles’ hit Wadibusa. He recently posted a video on TikTok, captioned, “POV: your song has over 18 million streams but you got 0 gigs.” The video sparked outrage at Waffles as the comment section filled up with followers advising him on what to do and others claiming that Waffles has been unfair. One TikTok user, Royal King, commented: “Uncle Waffles is not fair; she’s not even promoting you, but one day you’ll see the changes in your music career.” Meanwhile, Jessica…

By lifting the visa restrictions on South African leaders Floyd Shivambu and Julius Malema, President Duma Boko has launched a new era of diplomatic ties ahead of his inauguration today. This significant move marks a departure from the previous administration’s policies and reflects Boko’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive political climate. Just three days after his election victory, Boko issued a proclamation that allows Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and Shivambu, former deputy president of the EFF, to apply for visas to enter Botswana. The visa restrictions were formally lifted under Government Notice No. 740 of 2024, issued on November 7. Malema was previously banned from Botswana in 2011 for vowing to ‘overthrow’ then-President Ian Khama, a declaration that led to him being deemed “undesirable”. Under…

Advocate Dali Mpofu has revealed his significant role in the formation of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) alongside former president Jacob Zuma. In an exclusive interview with the SABC, Mpofu disclosed that the plan had been in development for over a year, stating: “Absolutely, for a few months, there was a time where it was just me and former President Zuma who knew about this.” The MKP was officially launched by Zuma in December 2023 in Soweto after being registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in September. The party aimed to contest the national and provincial elections held on May 29. Mpofu recently resigned as chairperson of the EFF, a move that has garnered significant attention. He described the MK Party as the true liberator of…

TSHWANE Finance MMC Eugene Modise has expressed confidence that the municipality is making strides towards financial recovery in keeping with the new administration’s 100-day target of collecting at least R4 billion in revenue per month by the end of January 2025. Modise said the City collected R3,68bn in revenue in October, surpassing medium term financial target by 4% and exceeding the average collection over the previous three months of R3,5bn. This positive result, he said, reflected the impact of a range of interventions aimed at strengthening revenue collection. He said that during October 2024, the City logged 116 000 outbound collection calls, which included 94 000 residential and 21 800 business accounts. In addition, he said, 48 526 final notices of demand were issued, contributing to the improved revenue flow.…

On October 28, Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) hosted an engagement meeting with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) at the Unisa Science Campus in order to explore partnering towards the provision of sustainable solutions to South Africa’s intertwined water and energy crises. At the helm of the discussions with the Ministry for Water and Sanitation were Unisa’s Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS) and the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions (ICES). Addressing attendees at the engagement meeting, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), highlighted Unisa’s vision in establishing both iNanoWS and ICES, stating that the two institutes were created so that they can translate their research into tangible outcomes that will impact positively the communities that the university serves and those…

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOFSA) has revealed startling statistics that one in five men is at risk of a fracture from osteoporosis compared to one in three women. According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break. Yolandé Venter, who is a dietitian, described a healthy bone viewed under a microscope as a honeycomb. “Osteoporosis, put simply: is when the ‘holes and spaces’ in the honeycomb increase in size,” said Venter. Often called an “old women’s disease”, ironically osteoporosis affects more men as compared to women. The disease is asymptomatic, wherein bones become so fragile that a simple sneeze or small stumble results in a fracture, commonly in the hips, spine and…

Nhlamulo ‘Nota’ Baloyi, a controversial figure in the world of entertainment, once again finds himself in the eye of the storm after being reportedly sentenced to 60 days of direct imprisonment for contempt of court. His arrest is linked to a “defamation of character” civil suit involving notable rapper K.O. This ruling comes while he was attending proceedings related to another sexual assault case involving actress Itumeleng Bokaba. Court documents that have since been shared publicly reveal that he was found guilty of contempt of court and subsequently sentenced to a direct imprisonment term of 60 calendar days, effective from yesterday. Baloyi has on numerous occasions, publicly targeted K.O., insinuating that the musician failed to safeguard the late rapper AKA, as well as alleging that K.O.’s brother was implicated in…

Bosnian-born coach Sead Ramovic has revealed the reason behind his dramatic resignation from TS Galaxy. Ramovic sent shockwaves through the South African football landscape as he announced his resignation on national television on Wednesday night. Speaking after his side’s 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, a despondent Ramovic revealed his decision to depart the Mpumalanga-based club. “I’d like to say, from now on, I will resign. I’m no more the head coach for this club,” the German, who has been in charge of the club since 2021, told SuperSport in a post-match interview. Galaxy have made a poor start to the 2024/2025 campaign and currently sit at the bottom of the Premiership standings with just two points to their name after six matches. The…

England winger Jack Grealish was called up by interim manager Lee Carsley yesterday for their Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland, despite missing the past five games for Manchester City with an injury. England play Greece on November 14 in Athens, before they host Ireland three days later at Wembley Stadium. Grealish’s last game was a 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, but the 29-year-old scored against Ireland in the reverse fixture in September and against Finland last month. He has yet to score for City this season, however, while other players who impressed this campaign – such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison – missed out. “I found a real big challenge of this job is to pick the squad. There are four…

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings made an embarrassing handball blunder that condemned his side to a shock 1-0 defeat against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Mings bizarrely picked up the ball inside his own penalty area in the second half in the mistaken belief that Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez had not taken a goal kick. The England centre-back appeared to think Martinez’s pass to him was not the restart in play, and he scooped up the ball to place it back in the six-yard box. Hans Vanaken stroked home the resulting penalty to leave Mings stunned as Villa’s 100% record in this season’s Champions League came to an end in the most unusual circumstances at the Jan Breydel stadium. It was a nightmare Champions League debut…

South Africa’s second largest grocery store, Pick n Pay, is gearing up for an aggressive expansion strategy that will see new outlets sprout across the nation from 2026. The retailer, which also has clothing outlets, is nearing the completion of a significant turnaround plan aimed at rectifying its previous struggles, including shrinking market share and substantial financial losses. This includes inroads in sorting out its balance sheet, a R4 billion rights offer that saw the Ackerman family relinquish control of what started as a family business, and listing Boxer Superstores to raise as much as R8bn. In a discussion with Business Report yesterday, Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers articulated the company’s robust recovery initiatives that included shedding its Boxer brand through a public listing, closing downtrodden stores and refining…

Every week there’s a commentator telling all and sundry about the township economy. How big it is, how lucrative it has become and all the trappings. No less than five years ago you couldn’t find any decent write up, statistics and basic research about this economy. The term itself was popularised by the former Gauteng Premier David Makhura and his team. So, what is this “township economy”. As part of our dipstick research, (yep, everybody is doing research in this market now) we got a chance to engage with some officials with the aim of understanding this enigma. They conducted research (here we go again) in to the nine biggest townships in Gauteng. Some of the interesting statistics from that was the identification of five major sectors that supposedly inform…

If you father a child, you are legally bound to support that child financially, and if you default on your maintenance obligations you are liable to be blacklisted by credit bureaus, restricting your access to credit. This is on top of facing criminal charges, if the mother of the child lays such charges against you, which she is entitled to do, as well as any civil claims for maintenance arrears. Last week, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in collaboration with the Social Justice Foundation, concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Consumer Profile Bureau to blacklist parents who default on their child maintenance payments. The laws enabling such measures were promulgated in 2018, in the Maintenance Amendment Act, which amended certain sections of the Maintenance Act to…

BHP’s $31.7 billion (R557bn) settlement for damages emanating from the collapse of a tailings dam operated by its Samarco joint venture with Vale has been ratified by the Supreme Court in Brazil. BHP, which is facing separate litigation in the UK, had been accused of denying responsibility for the 2015 collapse of the Fundao Dam, which killed 19 people, displaced thousands and left the environment heavily damaged. The Brazilian settlement marks a landmark development in the company’s efforts to settle damages emanating from the disaster. BHP said yesterday that agreements it and Vale had entered together with Brazilian authorities and communities had been “ratified by the Supreme Court of Brazil in Brasilia” on 6 November, 2024. “The Agreement delivers a full and final settlement of the Framework Agreement obligations, the…

Sibanye-Stillwater has successfully negotiated a wage agreement linked to the consumer price index (CPI), which the company deems manageable given the current economic landscape. Following a recent mass meeting of union members, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is poised to sign off on the agreement that will see workers in categories 4-8 receive an increase of R900, together with a 5.5% rise for miners, artisans, and officials. During an interview with Business Report yesterday, Sibanye-Stillwater spokesperson James Wellsted expressed optimism regarding the wage talks, describing the agreement as a commendable outcome that provides a fair yet affordable increase. “This wage agreement would be positive for our SA gold operations, securing a fair, but affordable increase which is appropriate for the current operating context,” Wellsted stated. The negotiating process, however,…

FRESH from her visit to New York City, 15-year-old Reneiloe Mathebula is blazing a trail towards stardom in the entertainment industry. The South African aspiring actress attended the prestigious International Modeling & Talent Association convention and left a lasting impression on industry executives and talent scouts from across the globe. During her time in the US, Mathebula showcased her talents in front of leading agencies, earning the accolade of Top 10 Best Actress in a competitive international pool. “Being called up on stage when I won Top 10 Best Actress, among young talent from different parts of the world, was the most memorable moment for me. I realised I finally did it. This is all I have ever wanted. The whole world is my oyster now, and I am proud…

Maintaining a healthy sex life as a career-focused adult can be a challenge, especially if you are married with children. Between work stress, busy schedules and daily responsibilities, many couples find their intimate connection taking a back seat. Amy Williams, an intimacy expert and CEO and founder of the adult toy store, Peachy, said the real culprits might be hiding in your every- day routines. “Couples come to me worried about their sex lives, and are often surprised when I divert the conversation to their daily habits,” said Williams. “The truth is, what happens outside the bedroom has a direct impact on what happens inside it – and some seemingly harmless habits could be creating invisible barriers to intimacy.” Williams shared five everyday habits that could be secretly sabotaging your…

The usually busy Lebombo port of entry, bordering South Africa and Mozambique, has once again been temporarily closed due to safety concerns escalating in the neighbouring country. The vast southern African nation has been rocked by violent clashes and protests in several cities following the disputed October 9 presidential election. IOL previously reported that the border was closed Tuesday night, before it was re-opened on Wed- nesday. However, yesterday morning, South African authorities were forced to close the border again – amid protests taking place in Mozambique. “The situation we are dealing with here is very much unpredictable and very much volatile,” commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. “This morning, around 8, we started having a situation where protesters started to…

From the modest township of Tsakane in Gauteng to the halls of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Bongisizwe Sibeko – known by his peers as Bharaza – has charted a remarkable path of leadership, resilience, and growth. As a Bachelor of Science student, Sibeko’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of an enabling environment like SMU, which nurtures young leaders to shape the future. Sibeko’s leadership journey began early, first as a class representative and later as the Chairperson of the Student Representative Council (SRC) School of Science and Technology (SST) Committee, a role he held for two terms. What started as a desire to inspire and uplift others evolved into a deep understanding of leadership’s complexities. “Leadership is not about being perfect,”…

The Earthshot Prize 2024, held against the stunning backdrop of Cape Town, has set social media ablaze with praise and excitement after recognising groundbreaking achievements in environmental sustainability. This high-profile event attracted global leaders and innovators from various sectors, all united in their mission to reimagine the planet’s future. Television personality Bonang Matheba, and acclaimed actor Billy Porter, took centre stage as hosts of the event, which celebrated the work of change-makers dedicated to fostering environmental regeneration. Their charisma led the evening, setting an optimistic tone that echoed across the diverse gathering. Among the distinguished local guests was the ever-graceful Nomzamo Mbatha, who made headlines with her striking yellow dress, expertly designed by Christie Brown. However, the outfit’s remarkable aspect was not just its vivid colour; it was dyed using…

South Africans have spent R354 billion on food and liquor for the past 12 months, ending September 2024, according to the State of the Retail Nation report by NIQ South Africa. The report also showed that consumers spent R274bn on other goods including non-alcoholic beverages, that include personal and healthcare products, snacks, home and pet supplies, baby food and care, and tobacco products. The most recent quarter has seen year-over-year growth of 2.6% which translates to a sales value change of R6.7bn compared to Q3 2023. “Essential expenditure remains an imperative, with consumers prioritising spending more on utilities and education, above grocery and household items. In the FMCG sector, we see particular emphasis on Fresh Produce, Health & Wellness, and Fresh Meat,” Zak Haeri, MD, NIQ in South Africa said.…

This week, South Africa hosts a high-level delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC), marking a significant moment in the long-standing friendship and co-operation between China and South Africa. This visit builds upon the consensus reached between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Ramaphosa’s recent state visit to China. The discussions taking place during this CPC visit underscore both nations’ commitment to deepening their relationship in line with the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) Beijing Summit At the core of this visit is the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Co-operative Partnership, a partnership that has evolved to address the challenges and opportunities of the “New Era”. Through meetings with officials from the ANC, the CPC delegation is exploring practical ways to co-operate on governance,…

When looking at the Springbok squad that coach Rassie Erasmus can select from today for Sunday’s clash against Scotland, one thing is clear: it is a balanced, versatile group, with options everywhere. There are any number of combinations that Erasmus can pick and choose from, all of which will still result in an impressive match 23. If it were up to Morgan Bolton, however, he would select the following team to face the Scots at Murrayfield on Sunday (6.10pm kick-off) ... FRONT ROW: Get the ‘youngsters’ in Props: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche and Gerhard Steenekamp; Hooker: Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi First, let’s get the hooker out of the way: Grobbelaar should don the No 2 jersey as often as possible during this…

Mikel Arteta surveyed the wreckage of Arsenal’s controversial Champions League defeat at Inter Milan, and insisted his spluttering side will emerge from the rubble to salvage their troubled season. The Gunners crashed to a 1-0 loss in the San Siro on Wednesday night, adding to the growing sense of turmoil around a team that were expected to mount a strong challenge for European and domestic silverware. Arsenal dominated for large periods against Inter, but were left to rue a controversial penalty in first-half stoppage time, when Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled. Hakan Calhanoglu converted the spot-kick, and Arsenal were unable to muster an equaliser as they fell to a second successive 1-0 defeat after last Saturday’s Premier League loss at Newcastle. The Gunners have won just two of…

Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the France squad for their upcoming Uefa Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, with coach Didier Deschamps insisting the absence of the Real Madrid superstar “is for the best”. It is the second successive France squad from which the national team captain has been absent, after he also missed the October double-header against Israel and Belgium. “I have spoken with him and I have made the decision for this get-together, because I think it is for the best,” Deschamps told reporters at a press conference in Paris. The 25-year-old Mbappe was rested for last month’s matches in order to help him recover from a minor thigh injury suffered playing for Real. However, that quickly became a source of controversy when he returned…

South African retailers, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and tech & durables sectors, are set to benefit from heightened retail activity as consumer confidence starts to recover ahead of Black Friday. Consumer intelligence company NIQ South Africa yesterday unveiled its latest State of the Retail Nation analysis for the first nine months of 2024, revealing a clear shift in consumer sentiment and providing a solid foundation for anticipated sales growth as the Black Friday and festive seasons approach. According to NIQ’s data, 42% of South African consumers feel they are in a better financial situation compared to a year ago. This upbeat sentiment is, however, counterbalanced by persistent challenges, with 33% of respondents feeling financially worse off. Factors contributing to this sentiment include soaring living costs (80%), an…

The South African sugar industry is poised for a significant transformation, buoyed by commitments from government officials to help sustain and diversify this essential sector. During a key meeting in Durban in Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Zuko Godlimpi, alongside Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform, Zoleka Capa, announced plans to bolster the sugarcane-based value chain, particularly in the economically impactful regions of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Industry stakeholders, led by the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA), expressed enthusiasm for Godlimpi’s proactive approach. “He has displayed an impeccable grasp of our issues. We saw this being clearly demonstrated at the Executive Oversight Committee meeting for Sugar Master Plan yesterday,” said a SAFDA representative. “We look forward to working with the Departments of…

Jubilee Metals has announced a robust performance in its South African operations, demonstrating considerable growth driven by efficiency improvements and high-quality inputs. The company yesterday reported a remarkable increase in chrome output, hitting 455 381 tons for the quarter ending September 2023, marking an 8% rise from previous figures. This success is attributed to enhanced operational efficiencies and a better quality feed that also bolstered their platinum group metals (PGM) output, which reached 9 328 ounces during the same period. Jubilee also produces copper in Zambia. It said the construction of its two new chrome processing modules at its Thutse operations had now been completed with the commissioning of both modules now underway. “The on-time addition of the two new operational units is expected to contribute to the H2 FY2025…

In the latest episode of The Hustlers Corner SA, DJ Sbu invited music producer Nota Baloyi to share his thoughts on the state of hip hop culture and the importance of responsible influence, among other topics. In the candid discussion, Baloyi expressed his concerns about various platforms’ influence on the youth. “The kids of today are drawing influences from people who shouldn’t be influencing anybody,” he said. Baloyi said it was important for young artists to respect veteran artists. “It’s easy for young rappers to get endorsement deals now because the people that are giving you these deals were also rappers in the ’90s and 2000s. They get the game and they’re giving you these opportunities because that’s what they wanted when they were kids and never got that.…

Music icon Céline Dion has paid tribute to legendary producer Quincy Jones after his recent death at the age of 91. Dion took to Instagram to honour Jones, sharing photos of the pair, including moments from their work on We Are the World 25, the 2010 reimagining of the iconic charity single. In her heartfelt post, Dion expressed the profound impact Jones had on her career and the music world as a whole. “I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my friend, the one and only musical genius, Quincy Jones,” she wrote. “Quincy touched my world as both a cherished mentor and as also as someone I looked up to for his deep impact on virtually every form of American music.” Reflecting on their collaborations, Dion described working…

Fiery attack intensifies ANC-DA coalition tensions CRACKS within the Government of National Unity (GNU) have continued to widen after ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula launched a blistering attack on the DA’s federal chairperson, Helen Zille, accusing her of peddling lies and trafficking misinformation. Mbalula did not hold back in his attack, saying that Zille and her DA could leave the GNU “today or tomorrow” and the GNU would continue with other parties to run the government without them. It is not the first time the two have been at loggerheads, threatening the future of the GNU that came into existence after the May 29 elections where the ANC lost its outright majority. Zille reportedly told the SA Chamber of Commerce UK that the business community sent the DA to protect President…

Bidders Choice will host the liquidation auction of a prominent mixed-use property in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, on November 26 at 11 am. The strategically located property is at 16-20 Buxton Street and offers substantial residential and commercial rental opportunities. The property, covering 4 229m², is designed for residential and commercial use, with interconnected buildings. The property has a single-entry point at Buxton Street, with easy access via passages and staircases. The ground floor is a mix of retail and storage spaces, providing added revenue potential and convenience for tenants. The upper floors are designed for residential use and include: 291 individual rooms 13 bachelor units 132 two-bedroom apartments 10 three-bedroom apartments 12 four-bedroom apartments Security is well-integrated, featuring CCTV cameras throughout the premises. The property includes lifts for easy access across…

The first cohort of structured Master’s students in the Department of Performing Arts (DPA) in 2024 have all enthusiastically embraced their two first-year modules. One of these modules is Embodied Technologies, which requires students to conceptualise and manage a project that involves a technology as a composite performer. This is intended to be a collaborative project where the artefact is a digital video recording that is curated into an online exhibition of the works. All the students collaborated with a variety of other creatives and discipline specialists. Primarily, all collaborated with the Department of Visual Communication students to document and edit their works, whilst other role-players included undergraduate Performing Arts performers (musicians, dancers and actors) and technicians (costume, lighting and sound). Other collaborators included the technology as performers and their…

While South Africa faces an alarming 60% of absent fathers, Takalani Sesame partnered with influencer dads to encourage father figures to play with their children. This partnership entered the second phase of Takalani Sesame’s Bond Through Play campaign, which was launched in August. Takalani Sesame collaborated with dads Darren August, who is a trainer, author, and life coach, and parenting influencer and podcaster, Terence “AfroDaddy” Mentor. Mom and radio personality, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, also teamed up with the renowned children’s brand. The group produced pieces of content, which touches on each of their parenting journeys, and highlights the importance of bonding through play with their children. The campaign aims to educate on the benefits of fathers connecting with their children, while encouraging them to embrace play, challenge gender stereotypes and adopt…

That a tainted former president such as Donald Trump can be returned to power says a lot about the man, but much more seriously the voters who put him back in power. The millions of American voters who supported this man’s dangerous charms indicate their crass naivety. Numerous issues show that this is a politically and morally degenerate individual but a few suffice; For one he is the first American president to be criminally charged for crimes he committed before, during, and after his presidency and has been found guilty while other cases are pending. Thus the world faces the repugnant reality that a convicted criminal is now back as the American president. That these voters cannot see the racist nature of this man – unless they share his views…

The roar of the ‘Lion of Judah’ has again been silenced as Percy Tau’s unsettled stay at Al Ahly has seen him forfeit his place in South Africa’s national team. These days, striker Tau hardly roars for Al Ahly, the pride of Egyptian football. His lack of game-time has cost him a spot in the Bafana Bafana squad announced by coach Hugo Broos yesterday for the two upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month. Broos explained Tau’s omission during a press briefing at the SABC studios in Auckland Park, Johannesburg yesterday. “You know, Percy doesn’t play anymore these days. He’s always on the bench. It comes down to what I already said two months ago: the environment for him in Al Ahly is not positive,” the Belgian mentor…

South Africa versus India is a fixture with all sorts of exotic storylines ever since the Proteas’ reintroduction to international cricket at a heaving Eden Gardens back in 1991. The relationship between these two nations has only grown stronger over the years, with South Africa boasting the biggest number of foreign players participating in last year’s Indian Premier League. The major investment of six IPL franchises in South Africa’s own SA20 league has solidified the bond. And then there was the unforgettable ICC T20 World Cup final in Barbados earlier this year, the latest instalment of epic clashes between these two nations. “It’s always been challenging playing against South Africa, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or in bilateral series,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav told the media in Durban yesterday…

Manchester City and Arsenal have led the way in the last two Premier League title races, but both teams have hit a slump heading into the weekend when their squad depth will be put to the test as they aim to reel in leaders Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have looked flat in recent outings, and two straight 1-0 losses away at Newcastle United and Inter Milan have left the club fifth in the Premier League and 12th in the Champions League respectively. Although they will be glad to see their influential skipper Martin Odegaard finally back in the fray after being injured in August, questions remain about whether he can start or even play 90 minutes in Sunday’s London derby at Chelsea. Without Odegaard, Arsenal have struggled to create chances…

Caelan Doris says his interest in psychology and his parents being psychotherapists were helping him as he prepares to captain Ireland in a blockbuster Test against New Zealand tonight (10.10pm SA time kick-off). The 26-year-old No 8 has been one of Ireland’s outstanding players since Andy Farrell first capped him in 2020, and has been rewarded with the captaincy for the November Tests. Doris says being named captain makes him “hugely proud” for his family and everyone who’s played a role in his “rugby journey”. His family also helped in his approach to the game pitching the World No 1 side against the team that dashed his and Farrell’s dreams of World Cup glory last year. “There’s definitely a crossover there. Probably not directly from my psychology degree, but probably…

Jannik Sinner avoided his key rival Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Finals group draw yesterday, as the Italian aims for his first title at the season-ending event on home soil. World No 1 Sinner was drawn in the Ilie Nastase Group with Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur at the tournament in Turin, which starts on Sunday. Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, ranked three in the world, was drawn in the John Newcombe with Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev. The top two players in each group will qualify for the semi-finals. Sinner, who lost last year’s final to Novak Djokovic, tops the world rankings after a stunning season in which he claimed the Australian and US Opens – his first Grand Slam victories –…