Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-11 i Star

South Africa now has an opportunity, during the 90-day window, to broker trade deals, say experts After the rand hit a record high on Wednesday night, flirting with R20 to the greenback and surpassing levels last seen in June 2023, it retreated somewhat on Thursday, trading at around R19.44 around lunch time. This settling came even as systematic issues such as worries over the ongoing stability of the new administration continues to unnerve markets and US President Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs on South Africa came into effect. Nolan Wapenaar, co-chief investment officer at Anchor Capital, said that market prices, global factors and what is impacting the market is changing by the hour. “It has been a busy and volatile week. At the moment, everyone is digesting the latest set of…

Experts on Thursday said they believed that the water crisis has a huge impact on the agricultural industry after a JP Landman report released last week indicated that South Africa was one of the 30 driest countries globally. The report indicated that without major interventions, the country faced a projected 17% water shortfall by 2030. The situation is exacerbated by systemic issues in water management, notably failing infrastructure and inadequate maintenance. Alarmingly, nearly half of the water supply—47%—is classified as non-revenue water, significantly above the international norm due to leaks, theft, and poor metering practices. The implications extend beyond statistics; they threaten the very backbone of South Africa's agricultural industry which relies heavily on adequate water supply. The report also underscored the complexities of South Africa’s water dependencies, noting that…

The announcement that Bakwena Productions will produce the SABC's new telenovela Pimville has intensified the conflict between the production company and the South African Background Actors Guild (SABAG). The series is set to replace the long-running Muvhango, but the move has raised significant concerns regarding the production house's past professional conduct. The SABAG chairperson, Louis Setabole, expressed his disappointment in an open letter to the SABC. He criticised their collaboration with Bakwena Productions, citing the production company's alleged history of "questionable business practices". "Our concerns arise from Bakwena Productions’ history of questionable business practices, particularly their failure to fulfil financial obligations to cast, crew and background actors," read the letter posted on Facebook. SABAG alleged that Bakwena Productions, who produced the series Pound 4 Pound in 2024, failed to make…

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially withdrawn its investigation into KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, clearing him of any wrongdoing and bringing an end to weeks of speculation and political noise. The investigation, which had raised eyebrows and fueled widespread media coverage, was dropped this week after IPID found no evidence to support the allegations made against Mkhwanazi. While the exact nature of the probe was never publicly detailed, sources suggested it was linked to internal factional disputes and attempts to discredit his leadership. Mkhwanazi, known for his tough stance on crime and uncompromising leadership style, has long been a respected yet polarising figure in law-enforcement circles. His supporters have welcomed the decision as vindication, calling the probe a “snake’s trick” aimed at derailing his efforts…

Following a spate of taxi-related violent killings that has claimed 59 lives in Soweto, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Tlabela-Diale has announced plans to shut down routes and ranks operated by two rivalling taxi associations for six months. The announcement comes after three taxi marshals were killed in Mofolo on Monday, with the MEC stating: ‘‘It is better to lock down than continue to count dead bodies.’’ Speaking to women-led religious groups during a prayer session at the Uncle Tom’s Hall in Orlando West on Thursday, the MEC said the province cannot continue to lose innocent lives and not act as it is empowered by law to act against the ongoing violence between Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) and Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata). ‘‘We intend to…

Despite the municipality reportedly spending over R200 million to fix sewer leaks, Emfuleni Local Municipality (EML) residents remain trapped in appalling conditions, surrounded by overflowing sewage that continues to seep into homes, streets, and public spaces, posing a serious threat to health and dignity. This follows the Democratic Alliance (DA) questions tabled to the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, who revealed that the municipality spent more than R202 million on fixing leaks over the past five financial years. Mamabolo disclosed that over the past five years, the municipality appointed 71 service providers to deal with ongoing sewage leaks. Despite this, the problem persists. Notably, ALSANDRO Construction was paid over R24m, and SOBANGENA received more than R23m. Between 2019 and 2024, the Emfuleni Local Municipality…

Joburg City Theatres is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated debut of School Setworks. This innovative production brings South Africa's school curriculum to life in the most captivating way. This unique adaptation of beloved schoolbooks and set works will be staged at Soweto Theatre, offering students, educators, and theatre enthusiasts an exciting new way to engage with their learning materials. School Setworks reimagines the traditional classroom experience, blending education with entertainment and promising an unforgettable journey that inspires both young minds and seasoned theatregoers. The play tells the touching story of young Zandile, who lives a blissful life with her cherished grandmother in Durban. However, when her mother relocates her to rural Transkei, Zandile's world is turned upside down. She must navigate traditional expectations that prioritise hard labour and early marriage…

Many South African teachers are feeling severely burned out as a result of their workloads, a national study has found. The Teacher Preferences and Job Satisfaction in South Africa report, released by Stellenbosch University, reveals that 50% of teachers want to leave the profession in the next 10 years. The primary reasons for their stress are an excessive workload as well as administrative burdens, with the latter being the primary source of stress for 70% of respondents. Many feel burdened by excessive paperwork, which they largely perceive as being redundant and irrelevant to their actual teaching needs. The survey also found that teachers in better-resourced schools were more stressed than those in low-fee and no-fee schools. This is largely due to the increased pressure from parents and school management at…

The sudden hike of import tariffs by US President Donald Trump and his administration to countries across the world is set to reduce the volume of goods traded and affect citizen welfare across the globe. The Trump administration implemented a global 10% import tariff and a varying targeted reciprocal tariff to a host of countries, including South Africa. The reciprocal import tariff to be levied on South African export goods to the US is set at 30%. Historical data show that yearly trade between SA and US amounts to $23 billion (R449bn) and the US is SA’s second biggest trading partner after China. The high tariff will reduce the competitiveness of South African export goods to American markets, leading to reduced demand of SA exports in US markets, low income…

Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Nasreddine Nabi says he is ‘not under pressure’ to end their 10-year trophy drought, as there is a bigger focus: completing the process. Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld in Hatfield, Pretoria, on Sunday evening (6pm kick-off). This is the team’s final chance to win silverware this season and end a barren run that has seen them fall from grace over the past decade. And while the Brazilians have already beaten Chiefs in three successive matches across all competitions this season, it is often said that football is fickle at the top. As such, Chiefs’ fans will head to Loftus hoping they can finally end Sundowns’ dominance this season and move closer to their first trophy since the 2014/15 campaign.…

McLaren’s Lando Norris holds a wafer-thin advantage over four-time world champion Max Verstappen going into this Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Here, AFP Sport looks at five storylines ahead of the fourth race of 24 in the 2025 Formula One season... Momentum with Max? Max Verstappen arrives in Bahrain fresh from one of the best weekends of his life, on the track at least, in Japan. After a sublime pole last Saturday in Suzuka he held the McLarens at bay with a controlled drive to haul a Red Bull car that has yet to reach its full potential over the line to move one point behind Lando Norris in the world championship. He has won on the last two trips to Sakhir, with Red Bull posting a one-two in both races.…

Cricket South Africa (CSA) may soon have to employ an educator to go along on Proteas tours, due to the number of school pupils representing the senior national teams. Last year saw teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka travel to Sri Lanka with the South Africa 'A' Men’s team whilst still in Matric at St Stithians. Maphaka also played in his first Test against Pakistan over New Year, while waiting on his results. Now, Steyn City High school star Karibo Meso is set to be part of the Proteas’ Women’s team to tour the idyllic Indian Ocean island for a tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and New Zealand next month. Meso, 17, has already played in two T20I’s for the Proteas Women’s team. The wicketkeeper/batter would most likely have played many…

Noko Matlou and Nompumelelo Nyandeni left the Banyana Banyana jersey better than they found it – and that’s why they are bowing out as legends. Matlou and Nyandeni had their last hurray in the Banyana team in the recent friendlies against Malawi, earning their 174th and 150th international caps respectively. It was a fitting gesture from the Banyana technical team and Safa hierarchy to bid farewell to two icons, who sowed the seeds the current generation is now reaping. Matlou rose to prominence when she became the first South African to win the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award in 2008. She displayed grit and determination to earn the continent’s highest honour, while still playing amateur football in her home town in Limpopo. At the time, Banyana were…

In exactly two months, the Proteas will be lining up at Lord’s for the national anthems ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia. They will be hoping that their captain Temba Bavuma will be fit enough to lead them into battle in arguably the Proteas’ most important Test since Graeme Smith’s team lifted the golden ICC mace at the same hallowed venue back in 2012. The concern is certainly growing around Bavuma’s fitness, after the Test skipper played no role in the Lions’ domestic first-class campaign once the Proteas returned from the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan last month. Bavuma was expected to feature in the last round-robin match before it was washed out in Bloemfontein without a ball being bowled in anger. Lions chief executive Jonno Leaf-Wright…

Anglo American on Thursday it was engaging Peabody Energy in discussions to finalise the disposal of its Australian steelmaking coal assets to the United States-based company for $3.7 billion. Although the transaction is still subject to outstanding customary conditions, fresh uncertainty has characterised the deal after an underground ignition event usually related to methane gas in coal mining at the Moranbah North Mine at the end of last month. The incident has caused Anglo American to halt production at the mine, one of many up for disposal under the $3.7bn deal with Peabody. “Anglo American continues to work with Peabody towards satisfying the remaining customary conditions in those agreements that are required for completion of the Transaction,” the Johannesburg and London listed miner said Thursday. This followed indications by…

Digital technologies hold immense potential for economies’ long-term development. South Africa, through its G20 Presidency, is seizing this transformative opportunity to prioritise digital public infrastructure (DPI) and artificial intelligence (AI), both critical enablers of digital transformation, on this year’s G20 digital agenda. Building on declarations from the past two G20 presidencies, South Africa is now advancing discussions on how to measure the dynamic societal and economic value of DPI. This recognises that the potential benefits of DPI for people and the planet will not come about automatically - yielding them depends on how countries design and implement DPI. On the AI front, following the announcement by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on establishing the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, the G20 Presidency particularly seeks to further Africa's…

Life Healthcare Group Holdings’ Southern African business experienced good underlying activity growth in the six months to March 31, the JSE-listed private healthcare provider said in a trading update Thursday. The update referred to the Southern African business as continuing operations, while the discontinued operations comprise the LMI and Alliance Medical Group's (AMG) operations - the R13.9 billion disposal of LMI to Lantheus Holdings announced in January was on track and was expected to be completed during the second half. Overall paid patient days (PPDs) increased by 2%, with occupancies improving to 68.6% from 66.6% in the first half of 2024. Acute hospitals PPDs increased 2%, with the acute hospitals' occupancy improving to 68.3% from 66.2%. Complementary services PPDs grew 2%, with occupancies improving to 71.6% from 70.4%. Life Healthcare’s…

Your week wouldn't be the same without getting a weekly dose of celebrity news and we have your back! From Tyla's growth as she makes her Coachella debut to Zambia's menstrual leave sparking a continental debate, here are this week's top 10 trending entertainment and lifestyle stories: Tyla’s Coachella debut The anticipation is building up as the “pretty girl from Jo’burg” is gearing up to set the Coachella stage ablaze on Friday, April 11. After Coachella announced the line-up for the festival, the Push 2 Start hitmaker took to social media to celebrate, commenting on the festival’s post: “Had many opportunities to go but swore to myself that the first time I go to Coachella, imma be performing… and look now!” Terrence Howard alleges Diddy “Sean Combs” tried…

Gail Mabalane is set to reprise her role as Zenzi Mwale on Season 2 of the thrilling Netflix series Unseen. The six-part series is set to debut on Netflix on May 2, and the new season promises more twists and turns featuring some new faces joining the top cast. Escalating the stakes in Zenzi’s perilous world are new figures: S’bu, portrayed by multi-award-winning actor Siv Ngesi; Eric Davids, portrayed by the renowned Kevin Smith, known for his performance on Isidingo; and Detective Visser, portrayed by actress Erica Wessels. Award-winning actress Sindi Dlathu, best known for her villain character on The River, and the late, Sello Motloung, who plays Zenzi and Naledi’s father, will also be on the season. Motloung died last September. Also joining the cast is top actor Zolisa…

A Nigerian national in Gauteng has been sentenced in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Palm Ridge in Johannesburg. Abdul Olatunji Samson was convicted on charges of theft and money laundering following a transnational fraud case. Samson defrauded an American homebuyer of R3.2 million. The provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Phindi Mjonondwane said at the time of his arrest, Samson was already in custody serving a 12-year sentence for fraud in an unrelated matter. The charges against Samson stem from a cyber-enabled fraud reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which subsequently involved the United States Secret Service (USSS). The USSS then collaborated with South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks). The lead investigator in the case, Colonel Oscar Mopedi, uncovered that…

It is well-known that many of those who inhabit ivory towers see the world through tinted lenses. University of the Western Cape research fellow Ali Ridha Khan’s dismissal of Afriforum’s exposure of the vulnerability of minorities as “imagined existential threats” (IOL, April 10) is a case in point. Given his globalist moorings, Khan disparages what he calls “white nationalist posturing”, which projects “an image of white victimhood” and which seeks “a return to lost glory.” In short, he discards Afriforum and President Trump’s involvement in this subject as a “tragicomic farce” based on “stupidity.” Among the various sources he cites is George Orwell’s profound statement that “political language is not meant to reveal truth but to conceal it.” If Khan removed his tinted lenses, he would see that there is…

The Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, has set aside the City’s metropolitan municipality’s 2023/2024 property rates by-law, as well as the property rates policy with regard to the categorisation of educational institutions, declaring it unconstitutional. The ruling follows the City's removal of a property category that applied to educational institutions and the adoption of a property rates by-law and policy that categorised private schools as public enterprises. This led to a drastic increase in property rates and taxes for private schools and other educational institutions. Various stakeholders, including Curro Holdings, the Independent Schools Association of South Africa and AfriForum launched the application following the drastic school rates increase. The court found that the city’s public participation process in adopting the 2023/2024 property rates policy was inadequate and did not meet constitutional…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has rejected the idea of submitting a proposal to the Cabinet that would pave the way for the abolition of some provinces. Godongwana said the decision is rooted in constitutional obligations that define the powers and functions of the three spheres of government. He indicated that the abolition of provinces would necessitate a constitutional amendment, which was a process that falls under Parliament. The minister was responding to EFF MP Omphile Maotwe, who enquired in parliamentary questions whether the minister will consider proposing to the Cabinet to do away with provinces in order to strengthen local government as part of cost-cutting measures. Maotwe also asked Godongwana what would be his reason for not scrapping provinces when the abolition of provinces could be the only viable way…

More than five months after the launch of Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, North West, police say the case against miners is still ongoing. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West said a large portion of the miners are still in custody, as many of them are illegal immigrants, adding that they would be deported after the finalisation of the court cases. The miners face a range of charges, including the possession of gold-bearing material, illegal mining, and the contravention of the Immigration Act. The provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh said 156 cases from 242 registered dockets that involve 1 831 suspects were still pending. She said only 86 dockets have been finalised and about 1 024 suspects were found guilty and sentenced in 69 cases. Myburgh…

SOUTH Sudan, the world’s youngest country, is in the midst of a deteriorating political crisis which is moving it ever closer to another civil war. Vice President Riek Machar and his wife, Angelina Teni, who also serves as the Interior Minister, were arrested in the late hours of March 26 at their residence in Juba. The South Sudanese government blamed Vice President Machar for instigating a rebellion against the government with the intention of delaying elections. President Salva Kiir ordered the arrest of the Vice President and his wife. Machar’s arrest came after renewed fighting between the government forces and the White Army militia in the Upper Nile state in the northern parts of the country. The militia ran over a military base and attacked a United Nations helicopter belonging…

Orlando Pirates have enjoyed yet another memorable season under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro. Fresh from securing a place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, they now shift their focus to another important challenge – a Nedbank Cup last-four showdown with Marumo Gallants. The two sides will meet at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday (3pm kick-off) in what will be a high-stakes, winner-takes-all clash. The Buccaneers suffered a 2-0 loss the last time the two sides met in the league at the Free State Stadium in March. Before then, the Sea Robbers left huge scars on the then Dan Malesela-led Gallants side as they inflicted a heavy 8-1 loss at the Orlando Stadium. Riveiro was suspended for the most recent clash against Bahlabane ba Ntwa due to exceeding the…

The Springbok Women’s Sevens won’t have the pressure of a home tournament on their shoulders as they take on the final Challenger Series round in Krakow, Poland, to secure a place at the SVNS Series qualifier next month. After two rounds in Cape Town, the last one starts on Friday in the Polish city, where the South Africans will face a couple of desperate teams looking to make the top four, who will then head to Los Angeles in May for the qualifier. Currently second on 34 points, behind fellow African nation Kenya (40 points), the Bok Women’s Sevens side will have a bone to pick with the Lionesses after their exploits in Cape Town. They won both rounds after trumping their hosts in the knockouts. Looking at the log…

Newcastle United’s bid to get back into the Champions League is gathering pace, with Eddie Howe’s side looking at the Premier League table knowing their destiny lies firmly in their hands as they prepare to host beleaguered Manchester United on Sunday. Last season, Newcastle played in Europe’s elite club competition, but fell by the wayside in the Premier League as the squad tried to cope with a bruising schedule. Although they finished above Manchester United, the Old Trafford side won the FA Cup to qualify for the Europa League, leaving Newcastle out of European competition altogether. Without the distraction of a continental campaign this season, Newcastle have diverted their attention to competitions at home and won their first domestic trophy in 70 years as they lifted the League Cup by…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) must take actions against the unsavoury scenes that unfolded at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday night. Orlando Pirates drew 0-0 with MC Alger in the CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg, resulting in winning the tie 1-0 on aggregate. Pirates won the tie and progressed to the semi-final for the first time since 2013, after Mohau Nkota had scored the lone goal in the reverse leg away in Algeria. The Algerians did not take their elimination in Soweto kindly, so much so that they started a physical altercation with their hosts after the match. Those nasty scenes happened for back-to-back Champions League quarter-final games in SA as the Mamelodi Sundowns’ game against Esperance experienced them as well. But unlike in Orlando, where the…

The Minerals Council has warned that load shedding remains a strong possibility for the winter months as energy supply was constrained, with Energy Availability Factor (EAF) at 57.5%. This is according to an electricity update for February to March 2025 released by the Council last week. André Lourens, economist from the council, said that from 7–10 March, a sudden loss of 2 700MW in generation capacity - including Koeberg Unit 2 930MW and two Kusile units - led to increased reliance on Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) to meet demand. “The narrow margin between dispatchable generation and electricity demand underscored these challenges. Average demand for the month stood at 22 509MW, while dispatchable generation averaged 22 357MW, necessitating a total of 55 hours of load shedding during March,” Lourens said.…

The Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) has said the United States' latest shift to reduce tariffs on countries including South Africa to 30% were fertile ground for negotiations. This comes as South Africa's trade representatives prepare to meet with their US counterparts for a concerted approach to the revision of trade facilitation agreements. Speaking on Radio 702 on Thursday morning, Tau said the government was planning its engagement and the issues to engage the US about. Tau said that it was clear the US now wanted only mutually beneficial agreements as it viewed previous tariffs and other structures had been disproportionately skewed in South Africa's favour, along with other countries. "We had already started raising with the US the need to revise the trade and investment facilitation…

Phoevos Pouroulis, the CEO of Tharisa said on Thursday that demand for chrome has been rebounding while platinum group metals (PGM) prices in rand terms have stabilised although global trade wars are ocassioning economic uncertainty that could dent demand for some commodities. Tharisa is a PGM and chrome miner and processor in South Africa. According to Pouroulis, “chrome has rebounded strongly” as “PGM basket price is relatively stable in rand terms” due to the devaluation of the South African currency. Nonetheless, the impact of the trade wars on the outlook for global economic growth “is creating an uncertain and volatile environment which may impact on demand” for commodities. The US government has roiled markets after it introduced tariffs on major global source markets although on Wednesday President Donald Trump said…

You’ve probably heard the term micro-cheating floating around on social media or in relationship advice conversations. It’s one of those buzzwords that gets people side-eyeing their partner’s phone or overthinking every “like” on Instagram. But what does it actually mean and how do you know if it’s happening in your relationship? Below, we unpack this intriguing term which has wreaked havoc on relationships across the world. What is micro-cheating? Micro-cheating is basically all the little, sneaky things someone might do that could be crossing the line in a relationship but aren’t quite full-blown cheating. Think of it as the grey area between being totally loyal and being unfaithful. It’s not always physical but it can still feel like a betrayal. It usually comes down to intention and secrecy. If your…

Braamfischerville Primary School is in shock after a serious sexual assault incident involving a Nali’Bali practitioner and a Grade 3 learner. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has responded swiftly by severing ties with the organisation. Nali’Bali is a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign which partnered with the GDE in hopes of propelling South African children's potential through storytelling and reading, more specifically in the foundation phase learning following the transfer of Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Education. It is alleged that a Nali’Bali practitioner raped a Grade 3 learner at Braamfischerville Primary School on March 24. The incident was reported to the school by the learner’s parent the following day. Upon receiving the information, the school principal immediately recommended that the parent report a criminal case. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane…

A 26-year-old man from Mpumalanga has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court for the gang rape of a woman. The woman was 40 years old at the time. Sifiso Ronny Prince Mokoena pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Monica Nyuswa, said the incident took place on July 26, 2020. “The victim was in the field with the two ladies at Waterval Boven, Belfast, collecting firewood when three males wearing balaclavas emerged. Two men threatened the victim and took turns raping her before fleeing the scene,” Nyuswa said. The matter was reported, and investigations by police led to the arrest of Mokoena. He was linked to the crime through DNA. His co-perpetrator has never been found.…

In its edition published on 9 April 2025, The Star wrote an opinion on the Banking Division of the National Financial Ombuds Scheme. (When you cannot bank on your bank.) Lead Ombud Nerosha Maseti states correctly that the Code of Banking Practice stipulates that banks must treat clients fairly and transparently. If they don’t, customers can refer their complaints to the Ombud, who one expects will “negotiate” a fair outcome. No Sir. The Ombud is programmed to support the bank’s position. Please don’t believe otherwise. One conclusion made by the Ombud reads – “taking into account previous adjudications by our office in similar circumstances, there is no reasonable prospect of this office making a favourable recommendation in your favour and we have closed our file”. Yes, just close the file.…

Your smartphone is more than just a device — it’s your personal assistant, camera, and productivity tool all in one. The HONOR Magic7 Pro, powered by MagicOS 9.0, comes with AI-driven features designed to simplify daily life, enhance photography, and boost efficiency. Here’s how to make the most of it! 1. Share information effortlessly with AI Magic Portal 2.0 No more copying and pasting! AI Magic Portal 2.0 lets you move text and images between apps seamlessly. Received an address in a message? Simply circle it, and you’ll get instant access to relevant apps like maps or ride-hailing services. Searching for a book? Circle its image, and AI Magic Portal 2.0 will find e-commerce platforms where you can purchase it. 2. Capture Perfect Photos with AI-Powered Camera Features Take…

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has faced criticism from the DA after delivering her maiden State of the Capital Address on Thursday, with the party labelling it as unoriginal and lacking new initiatives. Former mayor and DA caucus leader Cilliers Brink expressed disappointment with Moya's address, saying she failed to present a distinct vision for the City's future. He said: “What we said in the beginning was that this is an opportunity for the mayor to outline her vision, her agenda distinct from the things that were done by the DA-led coalition where she was the deputy mayor. Unfortunately, she failed to do so today.” Brink said Moya’s address contained nothing new and was littered with a lot of disappointments. During her speech, Moya said: “Tshwane’s financial outlook is beginning to…

Miguel Cardoso, the Mamelodi Sundowns coach, said his team must be prepared to be stretched to the limits to overcome Kaizer Chiefs in Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria (6pm kick-off). The Portuguese tactician called on his players to harness their highest levels of motivation and skill. He had a high regard for Kaizer Chiefs, and referred to them as one of the historical and top teams in South Africa. Cardoso and the Sundowns squad returned triumphantly to Johannesburg from Tunisia on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance, and he rested the squad on Thursday. He said this is no ordinary match, because after it is completed, one team will be out of the tournament. “With this match, we are approaching the final…

THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) Board of Governors (BoG) on Thursday reportedly terminated beleaguered club Royal AM’s membership after a day-long voting session held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The nail in the Royal AM coffin came after recommendations made by the PSL’s Executive Committee (Exco) last week that the Pietermaritzburg-based club be put under a guillotine. In a video leaked from the Sandton conference in which some National Soccer League (NSL) identification can be seen and some top leaders can be heard, the votes regarding the expulsion of the Royal AM were counted as 149 yes, with 37 voting no. There were 31 teams involved in the conference, 15 Premier Division and 16 First Division/Motsepe Foundation Championship clubs, with Royal AM ostensibly not allowed to vote. Premiership…

Aston Villa coach Unai Emery insisted he still believes his side can get the better of Paris Saint-Germain and reach the Champions League semi-finals despite a 3-1 defeat in the first leg of their last-eight tie on Wednesday night. Villa took the lead in the first half in Paris through Morgan Rogers, only for the hosts to turn the game on its head, thanks to stunning strikes by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia either side of the interval. And a Nuno Mendes effort in stoppage time which gives PSG a two-goal cushion to take to Villa Park for the return appears to leave Emery’s side with a huge task to turn the tie around. “At 2-1, we were thinking about playing to win in the next match, and at 3-1,…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has hailed goalkeeper Sage Stephens’ brilliant save in the first leg as “the turning point” that led to his team achieving a historic first-ever berth in the CAF Confederations Cup semi-finals. Stephens kept clean sheets both home and away against Egyptian giants Zamalek, with Sihle Nduli’s 79th-minute winner in Cairo on Wednesday night separating the two sides in a 1-0 aggregate triumph in the quarter-finals. But Barker believes Stephens’ point-blank save in the dying stages in Cape Town last week allowed Stellenbosch to approach the second leg with confidence. “I think it was very important for us not to concede an away goal. I think you all know, in our home game, Zamalek had a really big chance in the 86th minute,” Barker said after…