Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-28 i Star

Board greenlits PPC’s entry into engineer, and construct contract with Sinoma Overseas Development Company PPC, which this week announced a massive solar power project, saw its share price surge by 9.5% on Thursday morning after its board approved plans to build a R3 billion cement plant in the Western Cape. The board also greenlit PPC’s entry into an engineer, procure, and construct (EPC) contract with Sinoma Overseas Development Company, a leading global cement equipment and engineering firm, for the construction of the plant. PPC had announced in January that it was conducting feasibility studies on a new state-of-the-art integrated cement plant, with construction expected to start in the second quarter of 2025 and commissioning anticipated by the end of 2026. The share price traded at R4.61 on Thursday afternoon, representing…

Prices for finalised manufactured goods in South Africa are expected to tick up during the course of the year in spite of the Producer Price Inflation (PPI) moderating in February. According to data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday, the PPI slowed to 1% in February, down from 1.1% in January, and below market forecasts of 1.3% increase. This comes on the back of cthe headline consumer price inflation remaining stubborn and unchanged at 3.2% in February as it is gradually rising. Stats SA said prices slowed down a bit from 4.4% to 4.2% for food products, beverages and tobacco products while metals, machinery, equipment and computing equipment also eased from 1.4% to 1.2% during the month. A breakdown of the food basket reveals that fruit and vegetable…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees the US economy shifting into a lower gear this year as President Donald Trump pushes forward with aggressive tariffs but doesn’t see a recession on the horizon. “Large policy shifts have been announced and the incoming data is signaling a slowdown in economic activity from the very strong pace in 2024,” IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said on Thursday. “All of this said, recession is not part of our baseline.” Trump has unleashed an array of tariff threats, with some already in place for top trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, and more expected April 2. His administration has also targeted sectors like automobiles and industrial metals, aimed at boosting American manufacturing and employment. Revised data released Thursday showed the economy expanded in the fourth…

Ascendis Health's tangible net asset value a share increased 11.7% following a strong performance in the medical portfollio complemented by three aqcuisitions. The investment company that distributes a range of health supplements, wellness products, and medical devices said Thursday that tangible net asset value increased to 105 cents by the end of the six months to December 31, compared with the same period a year before, which management said reflected a "resilient performance under challenging conditions." Ascendis has transitioned from a conglomerate to a decentralised investment holding company, effective from July 1, 2024. This has required it to cease consolidating its subsidiaries (other than those providing services related to Ascendis' investment activities) and to instead carry such subsidiary investments at fair value. The changes were not applied retrospectively. Ascendis' board…

Former Metro FM and Kaya959 radio jock on Unathi Nkayi has shared an Instagram post that has a caption that hints that she is returning to the South African airwaves. Nkayi shared a video on Instagram, where she was walking into a building, strutting her stuff and her caption teased her return to radio. “Walking back into radio like DIS next week coz JULLE missed me and I knowssss you,” she wrote. Radio shuffle season is in full effect in Mzansi, with new line-ups being announced and resignation letters being shared. Nkayi was last on the airwaves in 2023, when she co-hosted the All Star Drive alongside Justin Toerien on Star 91.9FM. Before then, Nkayi was fired from Kaya959 after a highly publicised dispute with fellow jock Sizwe Dhlomo and…

Prepare for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as the Pointer Sisters are set to take to the stage in Gauteng this weekend. The Pointer Sisters The legendary US R&B group’s performance is part of their I’m So Excited World Tour. The trio, which comprises Ruth Pointer, together with her daughter, Issa and granddaughter, Sadako, will serenade fans at Cape Town Grand Arena tomorrow before making an appearance in Pretoria on Sunday. Their Mzansi shows will also include backing from their full American band and fans can expect to hear their repertoire of hits from the 70s and 80s. The Pointer Sisters have been captivating audiences for decades with their signature blend of pop, soul and funk. Founded by sisters Ruth, Anita, Bonnie, and June, the group rose to fame…

In a heart-wrenching case of domestic violence, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has sentenced a 63-year-old to 25 years’ imprisonment for two counts of premeditated murder of his 58-year-old wife, Magdalenne Prinsloo, and 34-year-old stepdaughter, Ruzanna Prinsloo. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said that Paul Philipps Prinsloo argued with his wife before the shooting in November 2023. Mahanjana said the couple, the stepdaughter, and a six-year-old granddaughter were living together at Kosmo Village in Hartbeespoort. On the day of the shooting, Paul was at his home, sitting outside the house. His friend was visiting him when an argument ensued between him, his wife, and stepdaughter. In a fit of rage, he went to his room, retrieved a firearm, and unleashed a horrific sequence of violence. He…

The City of Johannesburg could use the recently promulgated Expropriation Act to wrestle control of two privately owned properties surrounding the Usindiso Building and build good quality, affordable rental housing units. The Usindiso Building was gutted by fire in August 2023, and 76 people died in the blaze. At the council meeting on Wednesday, plans by the municipality’s entity, Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), to redevelop the building were tabled. According to the City of Joburg, JPC will acquire seven Erven in support of the regeneration of the Usindiso Block, which is bounded by Albert, Delvers, Melrose, and Polly streets in Marshalltown, in the Johannesburg central business district. The City has identified the recently burnt structure it owns and another invaded residential building with shops on the ground floor that the…

GENDER-based violence (GBV) is deeply rooted and widespread in South Africa, significantly impacting nearly every aspect of life. Women and adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, often experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) which is a form of GBV. According to the World Health Organization, IPV is “behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours.” This form of violence is perpetrated by a current, former, or would-be romantic partner. The First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study, 2022 reported that 22.4% of women had experienced physical violence from a partner in their lifetime, while 7.9% disclosed having been sexually assaulted by a partner. Additionally, the study found that 41.6% of women who had experienced physical…

Friday’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium (7pm kick-off) is set against a backdrop of prolific scoring between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United in league matches this season. Sundowns have showcased their attacking prowess with dominant 3-0 and 4-2 victories, racking up a staggering nine goals in two encounters. With the prospect of a semi-final berth looming, another high-scoring game could propel this clash into the spotlight. Historically, the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals have been low goal-scoring affairs, but recent trends suggest an upward trajectory. This season alone, 82 goals have been scored across 26 ties, averaging an impressive 3.23 goals per game. The prospect of a goal-fest will be music to the ears of Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile, who goes into Friday’s match two goals shy of…

Dismiss Quinton de Kock at your peril. That was the clear message from the veteran South African opener in Wednesday night’s Indian Premier League clash against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. De Kock has endured a lean trot of late, starting at Australia’s Big Bash continuing through to the Betway SA20, where he averaged just 19.8 in a disappointing Durban’s Super Giants campaign. But the flamboyant left-hander was back to his best for his new team, Kolkata Knight Riders, smashing an undefeated 97 off 61 balls this week. It was enough to steer the Knight Riders, who are the defending champions, to a convincing eight-wicket victory. “I love meeting new people, being in new environments. “It is about finding your feet within the team,” De Kock said of his new team.…

With Lenny Kravitz playing a fictionalised version of himself, the rock star stands on stage announcing the Male Model of the Year Award. First up is Hansel McDonald, played by Owen Wilson, with a ridiculous montage describing him as edgy, a rebel, a maverick of the business. The villainous Mugatu, sitting and watching from the gathered movers and shakers in this world of Zoolander, leans towards his underling, the femme fatale Katinka, and whispers: “That Hansel is so hot right now.” Most recently, I found myself doing something similar, nudging a colleague in the ribs and proclaiming: “Them Springboks are so hot right now.” And I don’t mean that regarding their on-field prowess, which has undoubtedly been impressive since 2018, and especially in the last two years, but rather when…

Discovery Bank on Thursday rolled out a suite of artificial intelligence -powered tools and advanced security features to its clients that is set to rattle the banking landscape with its compelling innovative features. With over 2.5 million accounts, this relative banking newcomer, which debuted as the world’s first behavioural bank in March 2019, is intensifying its bid to nab market share from South Africa’s entrenched banking titans: Standard Bank Group, First National Bank), Absa Bank, Nedbank, Investec and market disruptor Capitec. Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner framed the latest innovation by the bank as a seismic shift, “We see a future where banks connect seamlessly with every aspect of a client’s life - their health, finances, lifestyle, and aspirations.” Kallner said, “We’ve taken the best of Discovery - our data,…

Indian consumers can anticipate a zesty season ahead as the inaugural shipment of South African lemons for 2025 has successfully arrived in Mumbai. This significant shipment marks the first export of lemons to India by FruitOne, a local citrus cultivation and export company eager to expand its offerings in the promising market. Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), on Thursday said they were delighted to announce the arrival of the first shipment of South African lemons in India for the season. “This shipment signifies the strong trade relationship between South Africa and India. It starts the season, and hopefully also starts an era of increased exports and opportunities for our two countries,” Ntshabele said. Ntshabele also pointed out that citrus exports to India have…

Magwa and Majola tea estates have requested a R400 million bailout from the Eastern Cape government to support the sustainability and maintenance of their operations. The two estates are wholly owned by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and managed by the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA). Historically significant contributors to the country’s economy, the estates have faced financial struggles for several years, with workers sometimes going without pay for months because of mismanagement. The estates also employ hundreds of individuals, including women in Lusikisiki and Port St. Johns. The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) also provided over R209 million in funding, with a further R60 million set aside in 2019 to assist in rescuing the estates. Magwa Tea once had a seasonal turnover of R65 million,…

CA Sales Holdings lifted its final dividend 24.9% to 24.44 cents a share for the year to December 31, 2024 after organic growth, acquisitions and expansion into new regions boosted revenue, it said on Thursday. The company increased its revenue by 10.6% to R12.52 billion, from R11.32bn in the prior corresponding year, providing route-to-market solutions for some of the world’s most loved fast-moving consumer goods brands in several Southern and East African countries. Operating profit increased by 4.7% to R782.57 million. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by 25.3% to 122.71 cents per share. The share price eased 1.75% to R16.85, but it was 48.3% above what it traded at a year ago. Operating profit and earnings per share increased only marginally as a result of a once-off gain on…

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is contemplating a recalibration of its inflation targeting framework, a debate that has sparked significant discussion among economists. SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago hinted at potential shifts in the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) approach during the opening of the SARB Biennial Research Conference in Cape Town on Thursday. Kganyago suggested that while South Africa has traditionally aimed for a midpoint inflation target of 4.5%, there was an ongoing discussion around moving towards the lower end of the range, towards 3%. He spoke of the effectiveness of inflation targeting, highlighting its historical role in guiding South Africa through fiscal challenges, pointing out the dramatic reduction in interest rates from over 20% in 1998 to the current rate of 7.5%. Kganyago attributed this achievement to the inflation…

THE Ekurhuleni Metro has blamed its former legal representatives for the Labour Court ruling that found its city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with an arbitration award. The municipality has stated that it considers the matter now settled and that there is no legal basis for Mashazi’s arrest or imprisonment. “The City is considering all available options, including potential civil claims against the legal representatives who failed to act during critical stages of the case,” the metro threatened. The case had been handled by previous attorneys representing the city from June 2018 until January last year, but during the contempt proceedings in February 2023, no answering affidavit was filed on its behalf or the City manager’s, leaving the court with only the…

THE Gauteng provincial legislature’s portfolio committee on human settlements has expressed concerns over the reduction of the budget of the province’s Human Settlements Department by R450 million despite the increasing housing backlog. The reduction was necessitated by the decision by the National Department of Human Settlements to reduce the human settlement development grant (HSDG) allocation to Gauteng by R300m and the informal settlement upgrading partnership grant (ISUPG) allocation by R150m due to unsatisfactory performance by the province. Earlier this month, IOL reported that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced cuts in four provinces—Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo, and the Free State—totalling almost R1 billion. According to the committee, the department’s 2024/25 adjusted budget decreased from almost R6.1bn to R5.642bn following Godongwana’s decision. “The downward adjustment to the budget of the department is…

As the Teboho Mokoena saga continues to unravel, palpable tension has engulfed Bafana Bafana, whose 2026 World Cup qualifying dreams could be scuppered due to the team's administration falling foul of the rules. The saga has captivated South African football fans, igniting a storm of controversy and uncertainty at a time when national pride is at stake. Bafana Bafana have been playing with the fervour of champions, striving for glory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, the unfolding drama raises critical questions about the team's regulatory compliance. Their recent performances have drawn cheers echoing around stadiums nationwide as supporters rally behind them. Yet, the euphoria generated on the field is tarnished by troubling news. The Mokoena issue has cast a shadow over the squad, introducing a layer of anxiety…

INCLEMENT weather in Johannesburg resulted in a stuttering opening day of the top-of-the-table Four-Day Series clash between the Lions and Dolphins at the Wanderers Stadium on Thursday. With the heavens having opened on Wednesday night on the highveld, the toss and start of the match were delayed at the Bullring on Thursday. Play only got underway about 90 minutes late, with the Lions calling correctly at the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that was undoubtedly motivated by the gloomy overhead conditions. The Lions unleashed seamers Codi Yusuf and Lutho Sipamla at the visiting Dolphins’ opening batting duo of Sarel Erwee and Tshepang Dithole. Erwee and Dithole batted together for almost 10 overs in tough, seaming and swinging conditions before Erwee was bowled by Sipamla in the 10th…

Beware, Bulls: Saturday’s clash against Zebre looks, feels and smells like a banana-peel game. The Loftus Versfeld showdown (2.45pm kick-off) has all the makings of an upset. Zebre may be languishing in the second-last spot on the log, but they have won five out of their 13 games, and nearly knocked over the Sharks in Durban last weekend. That 35-34 defeat was as close as it gets, so the Italian club will travel to Pretoria confident that they can go one step further and slay the Bulls at Loftus. Jake White’s team almost let it slip last weekend as well against an under-strength Leinster side missing their Ireland Six Nations players. But the likes of RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett inspired them to put up an almighty fight, and the…

LOTS of noise was made about Kaizer Chiefs players not making the cut in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad for the two recent successful outings in the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin. Chiefs fans and some pundits questioned Broos’ decision to not call up the Chiefs duo of midfielder Thabo Cele and goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma. In response to that, Broos did not mince his words, but he shot straight back, stating that he cautiously left out Chiefs players because the team are struggling. “You can’t say that Chiefs already are back. I thought maybe at the beginning of the season, but I don’t know what happened, because they are still struggling,” Broos said. Even when the likes of Tim Sukazi, the TS Galaxy owner, added fuel to that…

Orlando Pirates talisman Tshegofatso Mabasa says youngster Boitumelo Radiopane brings goals to the team as he’s growing in leaps and bounds as a striker. Radiopane was on a season-long loan stint at Cape Town Spurs in the last campaign from Pirates, and he showed flashes of his scoring prowess. However, thanks to injuries, he couldn’t quite live up to lofty billing, which saw the masses rave of his exploits like when he was still in the DStv Diski Challenge with Pirates’ reserves. But the 22-year-old is back with Pirates this season, and has played five games for the team in the Premiership, scoring one goal. His abilities and scoring prowess at training have clearly impressed his teammate and fellow attacker Mabasa, as he opened up on what makes him special.…

A legal expert with deep knowledge of regulation of financial institutions has warned that the United States’ legislation against the closure of bank accounts due to reputational risk could see SA banks sanctioned if they close accounts of businesses in which US companies or individuals are invested. This comes as the US Banking Committee announced this week that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will eliminate reputational risk as a factor in bank supervision, following the passage of Senator Tim Scott’s Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act. The FIRM Act aims to remove reputational risk as a component of federal financial regulation, potentially addressing issues like “debanking”, which refers to financial institutions terminating relationships with businesses or individuals due to concerns about reputational risk. The legislation aims to scrap…

The Competition Commission has offered a glimmer of hope with its latest Essential Food Price Monitoring (EFPM) report, saying that although lower food inflation indicated some respite in consumer costs, the relentless rise in food prices posed a significant threat to food security. This has raised questions about the economic stability of many South Africans. The commission’s report released on Thursday highlighted various cost pressures that are still plaguing producers and consumers alike. Ongoing loadshedding, persistently high transportation costs, and the lingering effects of drought conditions are all poised to compound the challenges facing South Africa’s food chain. As producers attempt to cushion consumers against these harsh realities, the fluid grocery market remains marked by significant consumer behaviour shifts. The EFPM report noted that many shoppers were swapping out costly…

Sirius Real Estate, the London and JSE-listed owner of branded business and industrial parks in Germany and the UK, has acquired the Mönchengladbach business park for €17.2 million (R337.5m) and disposed of BizSpace Cardiff for £5.1m (R99.1m). The acquisition of the multi-tenanted business park in Mönchengladbach represents an 8.21% net initial yield (NIY) and follows the recent successful disposal of Sirius’s BizSpace Tyseley business park at a 20% premium to book value. "The acquisition in Mönchengladbach allows us to take ownership of an asset with enormous potential," Sirius CEO Andrew Coombs said in a JSE notice. "It will provide day-one income and a longer-term opportunity to attract occupiers to the business park through asset management, with further operational synergies from its close proximity to our portfolio in the region." Sirius…

Shares in Datatec, the JSE-listed international information and communications technology company, rose 2.38% to close at R53.76 on Thursday after it said in a trading update for its financial year ended February 28 (FY25) that it expects its gross profit to surge 6%. Datatec provides a range of technology solutions and services through its three core divisions: Westcon International, Logicalis International, and Logicalis Latin America. It said, "The Group built on the strong operational performance reported for the first half of FY25 and continued to benefit from demand for the Group’s technology solutions and services, especially in the areas of cyber security and hybrid cloud infrastructure." The group’s gross profit is projected to reach $910 million (R16.6 billion). This follows a strong first half, as reported in the results…

In times of hardship, economic or otherwise, people turn to music for solace, energy, and much-needed escapism. That’s why, in 2025, recession pop – those euphoric, high-energy tracks that defined the late 2000s – is making a roaring comeback. This electrifying blend of euphoric beats and carefree lyrics isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a timely reminder of how music provides solace in tough times. From TikTok to top radio charts, the rejuvenated soundscape is a necessary escape for many grappling with inflation and layoffs. What is recession pop? Originating during the economic turmoil of the late 2000s, this infectious genre encapsulated an era of dance-floor anthems designed to help listeners forget their worries. Tracks like Lady Gaga’s Just Dance, the Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta…

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has briefed the media on a variety of post-Cabinet decisions taken by members of Parliament following a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. These include the withdrawal of funding by the US, cannabis, foot-and-mouth disease, crime prevention, employment statistics, the misinformation campaigns by AfriForum and other right-wing organisations, as well as the country's state of readiness to host the G20 Summit and registration of spaza shops, among many other issues. On the misinformation campaign led by Solidarity, AfriForum and other right-wing forces, including the dispute in the farm murder statistics and Land Expropriation Act, the minister indicated that the government has been in talks with some of the right-wing forces while investigation into their behaviour is being handled by law enforcement agencies. Last month, Afrikaner…

The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto (CHBAH) has become one of only two hospitals with a dedicated children's burns unit after the Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town. This comes after Surgeons for Little Lives, an NGO dedicated to children's healthcare needs in collaboration with the Wells Foundation and the provincial department of health, unveiled the refurbished, state-of-the-art pediatric burns unit, which comes with an increase in the number of ICU beds, ward beds and shared operating theatres among some of the amenities. The R26 million facility was made possible through a donation by Surgeons for Little Lives, which now elevates the work of one of the country's biggest and world-renowned hospitals. Speaking on behalf of the hospital and the provincial government, acting CEO at CHBH, Dr…

Besides her second letter of apology, which had Floyd Shivhambu’s name, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is undergoing internal disciplinary action for insulting Shivhambu. This was revealed by Shivhambu himself during a media briefing on Wednesday in Durban. The party held its first national high command meeting since last year’s general elections. The meeting was to reflect on many issues including the party’s wonderful performance; however, Shivhambu faced a barrage of questions from the media, who countered the Secretary-General’s all is well implications within the party. The media wanted to know whether there was unity in the party, particularly after he was insulted. In response to a question about Zuma-Sambundla’s last month rant on him, including using an f..word, the former Economic Freedom Fighters appeared to be in pain to talk about it,…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Thursday that the Expropriation Act is going to help the government to fast-track land reform and settle outstanding land claims. Mashatile also said the Expropriation Act will ensure that those previously denied access to land and who had land taken away from them legally have access to land. “This law is going to help us to ensure that we first track land reform, but we do it within the parameters of the constitution and the rule of law,” he said when asked a question in the National Council of Provinces. ANC MP Mapule Dhlamini asked if the government has set a time frame for settling all claims. Mashatile said the finalisation of outstanding land claims remained one of the key priorities of the government.…

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, the culinary book industry finds itself at a critical juncture. With the meteoric rise of food blogs, YouTube cooking channels, and recipe apps, it begs the question: are cookbooks still relevant? The culinary landscape has transformed dramatically over the last decade. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, have shifted the way home cooks seek inspiration, making food preparation more accessible than ever. Yet, amid this digital revolution, cookbooks retain their place in the hearts and kitchens of many. To explore the status of cookbooks today, chefs from the Capsicum Culinary Studio and other acclaimed culinary talents in South Africa answer the big question. Chef Charl Botha believes that cookbooks will always hold relevance, even in their digital forms. “It just makes it…

Former Metro FM and Kaya 959 radio jock Unathi Nkayi has shared an Instagram post that has a caption that hints she is returning to South African airwaves. Nkayi shared a video on Instagram where she was walking in a building, strutting her stuff and her caption teased her return to radio. “RADIO “Walking back into radio like DIS next week coz JULLE missed me and I knowssss you,” she wrote. Radio shuffle season is in full effect in Mzansi; new line-ups are being announced, and resignation letters are being shared. Nkayi was last on the airwaves in 2023, when she co-hosted the “All Star Drive” alongside Justin Toerien on Star 91.9FM. Before then, Nkayi was fired from Kaya959 after a highly publicized dispute with fellow jock Sizwe Dhlomo and…

I found Sifiso Mahlangu’s report on the renaming of Sandton Drive, a stone’s throw from my home, deliberately misleading and biased (“US may shut down Sandton Consulate”, The Star, March 24). He refers to Leila Khaled, the Palestinian after whom the ANC-led Johannesburg City Council is hell-bent on renaming Sandton Drive, as someone who is “most famous for her involvement in resistance activity and confrontation with Israeli forces”. I don’t know which school of journalism Mahlangu attended, but I would have taught my students – from primary to university level – that someone who hijacks a civilian airplane is not “famous” but “notorious”. Khaled first hijacked a Boeing 707 in 1969 and attempted to hijack another plane in 1970 with disastrous consequences for her and her co-hijacker. In a report…

When diminutive Cardiff scrumhalf Johan Mulder lined up giant Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a tackle, there should have been only one winner, but David and Goliath-type contests are what make rugby such a great sport. The 84kg Mulder ferociously drove the 148kg Ntlabakanye back several metres in the United Rugby Championship fixture in the Welsh capital, and the big fellow hasn’t lived it down as the video clip went viral. It would have further annoyed Ntlabakanye that the not-so-Welsh sounding Mulder is a compatriot from South Africa — he went to school at Affies in Pretoria and studied at the University of Pretoria. Mulder also played for Griquas. “I have not heard the end of it,” Ntlabakanye said wryly in a press conference from Glasgow, where the Lions play…

PROTEAS Women captain Laura Wolvaardt has returned home from the Women’s Premier League in India, and has her sights on the upcoming Tri-Series against hosts Sri Lanka and India next month. While concentrating on the Tri-Series, Wolvaardt is also aware of the Women’s ODI World Cup, which will begin in October in India. This would mark her second ICC event as captain, having led the T20 team to the final of the World Cup in Dubai last year. Though Wolvaardt and her team had a phenomenal tournament, beating Australia Women in the semi-final, losing to New Zealand in the final stung. “I think it’s one of those that I’ll have many sleepless nights about,” Wolvaardt told Independent Media on Thursday. “It was obviously tough losing that final.” Despite the loss…