Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-04 i Star

Organised black businesses must urgently consider acquiring the struggling retail giant Pick n Pay and redefine the landscape of retail ownership in South Africa, former Statistician-General Pali Lehohla said on Thursday. Pick n Pay, a leading South African retailer, is currently facing significant challenges, including financial losses, store closures, and a portfolio review. In 2024, the company reported a loss exceeding R3 billion, the first annual loss in 57 years, attributable to factors such as store writedowns and declining sales volumes. As part of its turnaround plan, the retailer is closing 32 supermarkets, phasing out the QualiSave brand, and transitioning underperforming stores to the Boxer brand. Lehohla was speaking at the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Nafcoc) 60th anniversary event in Durban. Nafcoc is a representative organisation…

The aluminium sector has said it was relieved to seem exempted from the sweeping 30% tariffs on products announced by US President Donald Trump, which exempts strategic minerals under which aluminium falls. Muzi Manzi, CEO of the Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFISA), on Thursday said while he was yet to assess the actual executive order, it appeared that aluminium was exempted, which was in line with the sector’s confidence as the US had shortages of the mineral. “If, as it appears, we have not been slapped with the additional tariffs, if anything, we have been exempted because the US has demand issues with aluminium,” Manzi said. “It is classified as a strategic mineral along with some other commodities. The only thing that could have an effect is if demand…

The Minerals Council South Africa has raised alarms over the potential repercussions of recent tariffs introduced by the US government, which could hinder global economic growth and diminish demand for South African minerals. Among the sweeping measures announced by President Donald Trump, a 30% reciprocal tariff will be imposed on specific imports from South Africa, including products such as iron ore and diamonds. While key exports such as platinum group metals (PGMs), coal, gold, manganese, and chrome remain exempt from these new tariffs, the Council on Thursday warned that the broader impact on sentiment - both for businesses and consumers - may lead to reduced investment and spending, ultimately threatening global economic prosperity. “Despite the exclusions, we remain concerned about the adverse impact on business and consumer sentiment and the…

Joburgers are in for a musical and cultural extravaganza this weekend at the highly anticipated #ZKHIPHANI16YRS festival. • #ZKHIPHANI16YRS festival The gathering, which was founded in 2009, is known to reflect Mzansi’s urban youth culture and incorporates the latest trends in unique fashion, music and art. Expect Zkhiphani over two days to feature top collaborators, DJs and changemakers while Uncle Partytime’s Playroom will showcase electrifying DJ sets and performances. Plus The Sobering Podcast panel conversation which features special guests. Other artists include A-Reece, Usimamane, Khuli Chana, Maglera Doe Boy’s ONDE Live, TDK Macasette and Success SA. Where: 1Fox in Ferreiras Dorp. When: Tomorrow and Sunday. Doors open at 11am on both days. • Oos Wes, Tuis Bes Some of the country’s top Afrikaans are set to deliver electrifying…

Libido, or sexual drive, can be influenced by a variety of factors, including physical health, mental well-being, stress levels and diet. While no single food is a magic solution to a low libido, incorporating certain foods into your diet can help improve your sexual health. Here’s a look at the best foods to eat to boost your libido naturally. Oysters Oysters have long been regarded as one of the most potent aphrodisiacs, and for good reason. They are rich in zinc, a mineral that is essential for the production of testosterone. Testosterone plays a major role in sexual desire for both men and women. Zinc also helps maintain sperm health in men and can support female sexual function. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate is not only a delicious treat but it…

A 28-year-old intern from Mpumalanga has been arrested in a significant corruption crackdown. Allegedly, he exploited vulnerable individuals, promising them jobs for a fee. Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said that on Tuesday, the Anti-Corruption Unit received a complaint about an individual allegedly soliciting money from victims by falsely promising them employment as traffic officers. The suspect allegedly solicited a bribe of R6 500 from each individual, promising them a position as a Traffic Officer in exchange for the payment. Authorities orchestrated an operation on Wednesday to apprehend the suspect, who had travelled from Mpumalanga to Limpopo. As anticipated, he arrived at the designated location, where he met with the victims and demanded payment in exchange for fraudulent job promises. “A sting operation was activated in the Thohoyandou policing…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said on Thursday there was no intention to terminate the social relief of distress (SRD) grant. Godongwana said the grant is likely to be converted into some form of grant such as an Employment Grant or Jobseekers Grant. “What I want to assure the House on is that there is no intention to terminate the grant. Let's clear that up front because there has been a lot of misinformation that we have an intention to terminate the grant. There is no intention,” he said during a question and answer session in the National Assembly. Mmusi Maimane, the leader of Build One South Africa, had questioned whether it would be preferable to use the SRD grant as an incentive scheme for people to find employment rather…

Sol – My Friend And Adversary, Sol Kerzner Peter Venison Loot.co.za (R315) Melinda Ferguson Books UK-based author Peter Venison has released a new book about Sol Kerzner, the controversial and charismatic business tycoon who once dominated the Southern African tourism landscape. Kerzner left an indelible mark by developing dream destinations such as Sun City, The Palace, and the Atlantis resorts in the Bahamas and Dubai. In this riveting memoir, Venison – Kerzner’s longtime associate, confidant, and eventual adversary – offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at a man whose legacy has long been shrouded in mystery, with no comprehensive biography until now. Venison fills in the gaps with vivid personal anecdotes and exclusive details, including the little-known relationship between Kerzner and Nelson Mandela, which played a crucial role in South Africa’s…

The reported intention of the African Transformation Movement (ATM) to table a private members’ bill aimed at checking the foreign funding of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are critical of South Afri ca’s policy choices is merely another wrong-headed attempt to stifle the fundamental right to free speech set out in Section 16 of the Constitution. Section 16 protects freedom of expression, including words and other expressive activities. The right also extends to ideas that will offend or disturb people and, therefore, includes a duty to be tolerant of others. Repeated attempts have been made under our democratic dispensation to restrict the activities and views of NGOs by, inter alia, interfering with their funding. It appears the ATM is concerned about NGOs using funding to oppose legislation and policies. The…

The Confederation of African Football must act urgently and decisively following crowd violence during Tuesday’s match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Loftus in Pretoria. The Tunisian club has a troubling history of supporter misconduct over the years. Early signs are that CAF may enforce a closed-door policy for next week’s return fixture, when Esperance host Sundowns in Tunisia. It was an approach CAF previously adopted for matches after the games were plagued by violence from Esperance supporters. In March 2022, the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football ordered Esperance to host their next two matches behind closed doors. The CAF statement at the time referred to an offence in the previous season, and the two-match ban and $20,000 fine were for the unacceptable and…

In a surprising turn of events, Jose Riveiro has made known his intention to step down as head coach of Orlando Pirates when his contract expires in May, at the end of the current season. Pirates publicly made Riveiro’s intentions known on Thursday afternoon, raising questions about the timing of the announcement since the Buccaneers are navigating multiple important competitions, both domestically and on the continent. The timing of the announcement is particularly noteworthy. Pirates are entering a frenetic stage of the season, with each match carrying significant weight. There is bound to be speculation that the announcement will galvanise the squad or lead to distractions. The team have several high-stakes encounters over the next few weeks. Riveiro shared his feelings with Pirates’ website on Thursday, as the announcement sent…

I would like to take a moment to address something that has been on my mind for, oh, perhaps the last 20 years, if not longer. It developed around my first contact with the Harry Potter universe, when I became aware of Quidditch. Now, I don’t mind fantasy inventing sports. In fact, as a world-building tool, it adds much-needed depth and colour – a sense of unity and familiarity to the world of the other, perhaps even a bit of comedy and drama. For instance, if JRR Tolkien is to be believed, golf was invented at the Battle of the Greenfields, when the hobbit Bandobras Took swung his club so hard as to decapitate the Orc king, Golfimbul, the severed head landing in a rabbit hole some 100 yards away.…

Farming associations across South Africa have expressed serious concern regarding the future of the agricultural sector following the announcement from US President Donald Trump indicating that tariffs of up to 30% could be imposed on South African exports. The announcement has left uncertainty hanging over the agricultural industry, which relies heavily on trade with the US. Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz) chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo, said they were yet to receive full details of how the tariffs will apply. "It is perhaps more prudent to work on the assumption that the duty-free access South Africa enjoyed through African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) is probably over or, at best, will be limited," Sihlobo said. "We know now that a baseline tariff of 10% will apply to imports from all…

President Trump's announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs, while framed as a move towards fair trade, throws a significant wrench into the gears of global supply chains and presents a particularly complex challenge for South Africa. The core premise—that tariffs should mirror those imposed on US goods—sounds equitable on the surface. However, the sheer scale of the disparities, with some countries facing near-50% tariffs, signals a potential for major trade disruption. For global supply chains, this announcement creates a landscape of heightened uncertainty and increased costs. Companies operating across borders will face the prospect of significantly higher tariffs, forcing them to reassess sourcing strategies, production locations, and pricing models. This could lead to a fragmentation of supply chains, as businesses seek to diversify their operations to mitigate the impact of the…

MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita has been elected as the deputy chair of the GSMA Board of Directors, a position he will hold until the end of 2026. Mupita’s vast experience in telecommunications and financial management is expected to play a crucial role as the GSMA navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile technology. The GSMA, which represents the world’s mobile operators and a broad spectrum of companies within the mobile ecosystem, sees Mupita’s appointment as not just an honour, but a vital chance to further enhance its strategic direction. Vivek Badrinath, the director general of GSMA, expressed his enthusiasm for Mupita’s election. "My warmest congratulations to Mr Mupita on being elected as the Deputy Chair of the GSMA Board. His experience will be invaluable as we continue to navigate…

The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) has warned that the United States' move to hike tariffs by up to 30% for South Africa's vehicle exports could have serious implications for jobs and investment in the local industry. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that his administration was introducing additional tariffs on all imported products under what has been termed ‘Liberation Day’ trade measures. The US is the third-largest destination for South African automotive exports, with approximately R35 billion worth of vehicles shipped in 2024, accounting for 6.5% of total vehicle exports in 2024. Vehicles produced outside the US will face apunitive 25% tariff immediately, and other automotive products are now also impacted. Naamsa on Thursday said these tariff decisions, seen as part of a broadershift toward reciprocal tariffs, threatens to…

American actor Channing Tatum has been spotted enjoying a romantic evening stroll with his new model girlfriend, Inka Williams, in West Hollywood. The couple were seen holding hands in new pictures with Williams showing off her physique in a navy blue crop top and yoga pants, finishing the look off with a black leather jacket. The Blink Twice star’s new romance comes after his split from actress and director Zoë Kravitz, whom he dated from 2021 after they met when Tatum was cast in Blink Twice, directed by Kravitz. They were engaged but called it off in October 2024. The 44-year-old actor’s new girlfriend, Williams, is a 25-year-old Australian-born model and a businesswoman. She owns “She Is I”, which is a fashion brand she established in 2019. The couple’s…

AfriForum has pointed the finger squarely at the African National Congress (ANC) over US President Donald Trump's tariffs. Chief executive of AfriForum, Kallie Kriel, said that ANC leaders and the ANC-led government must be held personally accountable for the punishment that Trump imposed on South Africa by implementing an import tax that is far higher than most other nations. “These ANC leaders have put their ideology and interests, as well as those of their party, above the interests of the citizens of South Africa,” said Kriel. He added that AfriForum and others pleaded for a change of course in South Africa in the interests of the country and its people, as well as to prevent punitive actions against it and its population. Kriel went on to say that, however, individuals…

The Congolese man arrested in connection with the gruesome torture and assault at the infamous Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria will know next Wednesday whether he will be released on bail. The man, who in terms of a court order may not be identified at this stage, on Thursday appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court where legal arguments were presented in his bail application bid. The State asked the court to deny him bail, as it said he was a flight risk. The defence denied this and said he has a temporary asylum seeker permit, which is due to expire only in July. The accused also pleaded for his release, as he said he had to take care of his family. He denied that he was a flight risk. The judgment…

What began as a routine eviction spiraled into a deadly confrontation when an elderly man was fatally shot. The law enforcement acted swiftly, resulting in the arrest of a security officer believed to be responsible for the shooting. Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba explained that the incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Juju Valley informal settlement, near Polokwane, when residents reportedly attacked security officers during the eviction process. “During an eviction operation conducted by security officers, violence allegedly erupted when occupants reportedly began attacking security officers with stones, resulting in the damage of a TLB vehicle. Amid the chaos, a shot was fired, resulting in the fatal wounding of a 63-year-old man. The man was declared dead at the scene.” He added that members of the Public Order Policing…

To make Gauteng better again, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged Premier Panyaza Lesufi and his executive team to invest in the province's ailing infrastructure and crime-fighting and ensure that the province across its metros and towns is clean and attractive to investors. Mashatile delivered his keynote address virtually to the more than 500 guests and delegates at the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch on Thursday. The conference is being held with the hope of attracting R300 billion to the province's coffers through investment pledges from local and international investors. On Wednesday, during the launch of the conference, MEC for Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile said the province was ready to position itself as the ideal investment destination, which was why it…

The global luxury landscape is undergoing a profound metamorphosis, as discerning connoisseurs increasingly exchange tangible symbols of status for transformative experiences that speak to the soul. This seismic shift reveals a fundamental truth about modern luxury: true value lies not only in possession but also in profound personal connection and unforgettable moments that become an integral part of one's life story. At the forefront of this revolution stands Vika Shipalana, owner of VS Luxury Group and architect of South Africa's most exclusive experiential offering, The Soul Therapy. "We've entered an era where the most sophisticated consumers measure wealth not in objects acquired, but in memories created," observes Shipalana. "The Soul Therapy was conceived for those who understand that the ultimate luxury is time exceptionally spent.” This is why Soul Therapy…

Trump’s administration has taken a microscopic view of South Africa...it's current policies...and in particular, the less than stellar performance of the ANC. Blatant racism against the beleaguered white population remains at the forefront of America's concern. They have done their investigations and have been fully appraised of the harsh realities facing farmers and the general white populous. Vicious criminality, home invasions, smash and grabs, hijacking, corruption, diabolical BEE policies, institutional exclusion of whites from employment opportunities, curbed white employment in banks... the list is endless. The "slow" marginalisation of whites has been executed over thirty years. It's insidious and can be compared to the worst days of Apartheid. The liberation movement, has sadly not become a powerful nation builder, post 1994....but rather, a delinquent, self serving party, of extraordinary mediocrity.…

The Cancer Alliance, alongside Section27 and 10 other organisations, is considering further legal options following the Gauteng Department of Health's (GDoH) abrupt cessation of R784 million in radiation oncology services intended for patients in the province. This decision comes after the GDoH announced it would appeal a recent Johannesburg High Court judgment that ruled in favour of the Cancer Alliance regarding these essential services. Last Thursday, the Johannesburg High Court issued a ruling that welcomed the Cancer Alliance's case against the GDoH, declaring the department's failure to provide life-saving radiation oncology services to patients on the backlog list as unlawful and unconstitutional. The case centres on the GDoH's alleged neglect of over 3 000 patients who have been waiting for these services for more than three years, despite an allocation…

Kaizer Chiefs will get another chance to write a winning chapter in a season that has been hampered by a series of setbacks and missed opportunities, when they host TS Galaxy in a crucial Betway Premiership clash at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (7pm kick-off). The Glamour Boys have had several lingering issues that have stuck around without any intention of resolving. One of those has been their never-ending injury concerns, which have disrupted their season consistently. This has meant that Nasreddine Nabi has often not had a settled starting XI, even with seven games remaining in their season. The latest injury to Bafana Bafana international Rushwin Dortley has set them back significantly, as his partnership with Inácio Miguel seemed to be working well in reducing the number…

The Lions made a few changes to their side to strike a balance in fielding and resting key players as they hunt a quarter-final place in the Challenge Cup, and chase a spot in the top eight in the United Rugby Championship. For now, all the focus will be on beating Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium (9pm kick-off) in the Scottish capital tonight, and putting on a better performance than what was the case last weekend in Glasgow. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen selected an exciting starting XV on Thursday for the round of 16 clash in the EPCR competition. The inclusion of Morné van den Berg at scrumhalf should provide the Johannesburg outfit with some attacking impetus. Not that his replacement Nico Steyn did not do well in his…

Experienced Boland batter Pieter Malan’s unbeaten half-century kept the Titans bowling attack at bay on day one of their Four-Day Series clash at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday. Playing in his 200th first-class match, Malan walked in to open the batting alongside Grant Roelofsen as the visiting Boland side won the toss and opted to bat first. Malan, fresh from 41st first-class century in the previous round of games, continued his rich vein of form, keeping Titans opening bowlers Junior Dala and Dayyaan Galiem quiet in the opening session. Malan and Roelofsen guided the visitors to lunch unscathed, with the score at 80/0, having had the upper hand at the start of the match. The momentum switched in the second session, with the Titans’ bowling attack employing new strategies…

President Trump unveiled a 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates for countries with trade surpluses The hefty tariffs imposed by the US President Donald Trump on imports to the world’s largest economy left a trail of turmoil on global financial markets, with the JSE All Share Index plunging 3.4% to 86 083 index points, its worst performance in more than a month. President Trump on Wednesday unveiled a 10% tariff on all imports, with significantly higher rates for countries with trade surpluses - 30% for South Africa, 34% for China, and 20% for Europe, the country’s other large trading partners. Investec chief economist, Annabel Bishop, said financial markets have had a markedly negative reaction, and further volatility was likely on adjustments, either “up” or “down” causing uncertainty to…

Resilient South African corporates and investors have adopted an overall positive sentiment on the economy on the back of expected strong earnings despite risks emanating from fiscal pressures, tensions with the United States and government of national unity (GNU) disagreements. Bank of America economists and analysts said on Thursday that South African corporates are optimistic of a positive earnings outlook. Michael Jacks, head of South Africa research at Bank of America Merill Lynch, said that South African firms have exhibited resilience “despite a host of headwinds” such as logistics logjams they have had to deal with over the past few years. “However, the overall sentiment, we'd say, from corporates was posititive… that's mainly attributable to the earnings growth outlook,” said Jacks during a virtual briefing with media. “The vast majority…

Jubilee Metals Group’s share price shot up 7.7% on the JSE Thursday morning after an agreement was announced to sell 10 million tons of copper waste, worth about $6.75 million (R127.05m), from the 260 million tons of material to a selected multinational company. “Under this agreement, Jubilee will gain a detailed insight into the performance of the materials when processed at the partnered company’s existing facilities, which will provide a high degree of confidence in the expected performance of the material if processed in future by Jubilee,” Jubilee CEO Leon Coetzer said in a statement. He did not disclose the name of the multinational company that would buy the copper waste. The share price traded at 84 cents on the JSE, a price well down from R1.56 per share it…

From the world of entertainment to real-life struggles, this week’s trending celeb and entertainment news has it all. Catch up on how celebrities are saying enough is enough to South African children in crisis, supporting 7-year-old Baby Cwecwe to the intriguing costume of US singer Erykah Badu. Here are the top 10 trending news: Rachel Kolisi and Siya Kolisi Foundation The founder and former CEO has initiated legal proceedings against the organisation by filing a complaint with the Commission of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on March, 25 2025 for “constructive dismissal”. Rachel alleges that the foundation’s board created an intolerable work environment that forced her to resign. ​ Selena Gomez and boyfriend, Benny Blanco shade Justin Bieber in new music Selena Gomez released an album on March…

Justin Lewis, a representative of the UK-based judicial rights group Casisa, has written to Leo Brent Bozell III, the US Ambassador nominated to South Africa, calling for sanctions against the country. In a letter dated March 27, 2025, and seen by IOL, Lewis, who leads a human rights advocacy group, claimed that South Africa’s legal actions against Israel are part of a broader Hamas strategy. Lewis is currently involved in an investigation into alleged corruption within South African banks linked to UK tax havens. He asserts that the investigation aims to expose legalised “court-approved” international money laundering. The tensions stem from South Africa’s December 2023 claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians following an attack by Hamas in October 2023. During this attack, Hamas gunmen crossed from the Gaza…

Limpopo’s Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has taken a firm stand against the alarming rise in rape cases involving minors. She promises that law enforcement will step up efforts to ensure that justice is served. This comes after a 54-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping his 11-year-old neighbour in the Ritavi policing area under the Mopani District. Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, stated that on March 31, the victim and her friend went to the suspect's home to watch movies, a routine they regularly followed. “The children visited the suspect's homestead to watch movies as they usually do. The children slept over, and in the morning, the suspect allegedly sent the friend to the shops and then raped the victim.” The 11-year-old quickly notified her mother…

The City of Tshwane has defended its confrontational revenue collection initiative, “Tshwane Ya Tima”, which involves pursuing defaulting clients and disconnecting their electricity supply due to outstanding bills. Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise, who also serves as Finance MMC, stated that clients receive notifications through multiple communication channels before any decision is made to disconnect their electricity supply. He explained that the city follows a thorough notification process, including phone calls, emails, WhatsApp messages, SMSes, and a Section 129 notice as a formal demand for clients to make payments. “Only after these attempts at communication have been met with no response will the city take action to disconnect the supply,” Modise said. He shed light on the inner workings of the Tshwane Ya Tima campaign amid disputes with some government departments.…

More than 3 900 lampposts, rubbish bins, and electricity boxes have been creatively painted along the roads as part of The Moot Project, an initiative started three years ago by the residents of this well-established Pretoria neighbourhood to clean up and beautify their “hood”. This stretches from the suburbs of Riviera, Rietondale, Queenswood, Waverley, Môregloed, and Pierneef Ridge. Major parts of adjacent suburbs in these older parts of Pretoria, such as Gezina and the main arteries in Villieria and Rietfontein’s municipal infrastructure, are already painted. The project to beautify the Moot came to life in July 2022 when Hennie Mostert and Johan Oberholster joined forces. Oberholster, after recovering from a debilitating bout of Covid-19, relinquished his management position at the University of Pretoria and thus had more time on his…

In the spirit of Ramadan, Time to Care (TTC), a prominent non-profit charity organisation, has ramped up its food distribution efforts across South Africa, providing much-needed support to vulnerable communities. Over the past two months, TTC has successfully distributed 1 500 food hampers to underserved areas, including Tembisa, Coronationville, Daveyton, Alexandra, Ivory Park, Diep Kloof and Sloloville, ensuring that families in need can benefit from vital sustenance during this holy month. On March 21, 2025, Human Rights Day, TTC’s distribution efforts in Diep Kloof gained significant attention with the participation of Gauteng’s MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko. Mazibuko acknowledged the ongoing struggle against poverty, highlighting the importance of initiatives like TTC’s. "We recognise that poverty remains a major issue here. Time to Care is making a difference by assisting…

The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) expressed deep concern over the regressive fiscal measures introduced in South Africa’s 2025 Budget, particularly the increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT), passed yesterday despite public outcry and division within the ruling coalition. The civil rights organisation advocates for a bold but deceptively simple alternative to the current economic trajectory — lower taxes, more jobs, higher growth. This six-word principle reflects a clear departure from the state's dependency model and instead embraces a future rooted in individual empowerment, entrepreneurial freedom, and market-led development. Free SA stands for a South Africa where economic freedom, accountable governance, and community empowerment are not just aspirations — but realities. Yet, this budget, marked by a disproportionate tax burden on working-class and low-income South Africans, is…

The DA’s decision to take the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike and the fiscal framework document to court for review has sparked a chain reaction that may ultimately lead to the demise of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The Presidency has hinted that President Cyril Ramaphosa may re-evaluate the ANC's partnership with the DA, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya reportedly confirmed. “You can’t be part of a government whose Budget you opposed.” Magwenya added that Ramaphosa would “take his time” to reflect on the situation, but the writing appears to be on the wall. The ANC has already begun to distance itself from the DA, with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana before the Budget vote in Parliament on Wednesday saying that his party would have to draw the line. “You can't…

Should the Bulls adopt a more conservative approach in Saturday’s Challenge Cup last-16 playoff against Bayonne? That is the major issue that the Pretoria side will have to grapple with at the Stade Jean Dauger (1.30pm start). On the one hand, a ‘knockout rugby’ style often dictates that teams must be wary of chancing their arm in case of making an unnecessary mistake that could cost them the game. But what about the type of rugby that got you to the playoffs? Shouldn’t that be the blueprint for success all the way? Well, for someone like Bulls fullback Devon Williams, you would think that he would want an all-out attacking game-plan against Bayonne on Saturday. The 32-year-old has been in excellent form for the Bulls this season, making vital incursions…

With the Hollywoodbets Super League season in a state of uncertainty, Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is relieved to finally put the league disruptions behind her as she shifts her focus to the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title defence. The squad are now turning their attention to two international friendlies against Malawi, which will take place on Saturday and next Tuesday at the UJ Soweto Campus. These matches are seen as key to preparing for the Wafcon tournament in Morocco in July. “I was very concerned because coming off an off-season and club preparing really well (according to the coaches) and for most players, the season didn’t start as normal, and they didn’t know what to do,” Ellis explained on Thursday. “You’ve done your pre-season, and…