Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-16 i Star

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has recently announced pivotal changes that are set to affect the fuel prices across the nation in the upcoming financial years. The regulator has sanctioned a fuel price increase proxy of 5.23 cents per litre (c/ℓ) for the 2025/26 financial year, which will be followed by a further increase of 3.80 c/ℓ in the 2026/27 financial year. This increase primarily addresses the costs associated with transporting fuel from Durban to Johannesburg. The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will ultimately determine the implementation of these increases, which are expected to allow Transnet to achieve a substantial increase in allowable revenue. Forecasts indicate an 8.73% rise from R7.21 billion in the 2024/25 financial year to R7.84bn in 2025/26. Furthermore, allowable revenue is…

The looming strike of more than 20 000 workers at Transnet has raised concern of industry players about the potential impact it could have on the South African economy and the logistics sector. This comes as discontent is brewing among the members of the United National Transport Union (UNTU) after they declared a deadlock in talks for the 2025/2026 financial year on Monday, rejecting Transnet’s latest wage offer of 6%. In stark contrast, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) has accepted the wage offer, revealing a split within the workforce. UNTU said they found management’s approach to the conciliation process deeply regrettable, especially given the serious socio-economic consequences that industrial action may carry. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration will issue a certificate of non-resolution, legally…

The stage was set for the highly anticipated Africa CEO Forum 2025 during a media briefing on Tuesday, as Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, unveiled the theme for this year’s conference. Scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from May 12 to 13, the event aims to gather an assembly of 2 000 CEOs, investors, and public sector leaders hailing from over 75 countries. “In a challenging global economic backdrop marked by rising protectionism, reduced development aid and high debt-serving costs, the Forum will tackle the prospect of a ‘New Deal’ to strengthen the relationship between governments and businesses in Africa,” Yahmed said. “It’s an agenda that reflects the urgent need for innovative approaches to development based on strong governance, incentive-based industrial policies, and reinforced…

The world's leading maker of electric vehicle batteries, Chinese firm CATL, posted a 32.9% jump in first quarter profit, even as demand for electric vehicles slows. The firm produces more than a third of all electric vehicle (EV) batteries sold worldwide, cooperating with major brands including Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen. Founded in 2011 in the eastern Chinese city of Ningde, Contemporary Amperex Technology, Limited (CATL) was initially propelled to success by rapid growth in the domestic market. Net profit in the first quarter was up 32.9% year-on-year to 13.96 billion yuan (R36bn), according to a statement CATL released on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. During the same period, CATL's sales rose by 6.2% year-on-year to 84.7 billion yuan, the filing showed. CATL has been aided by strong financial support from…

The Durban Business Confidence Index (DBCI) reported a notable decline in business confidence, falling from 60.74 in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 56.32 in the first quarter of 2025. This 7% quarter-on-quarter dip marked the second consecutive drop for the index, instigating renewed calls for proactive measures to bolster the local economy. Despite these figures, the overall sentiment among businesspeople remained buoyant, suggesting previous interventions to rehabilitate the city are having a positive impact. The DBCI, which is compiled by the Nzimande Macroeconomics Research Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, serves as a barometer of the business climate, reflecting the sentiment of entrepreneurs and investors about their day-to-day operations. Although the latest figures indicated a decline, the index remained well above the neutral zone of 50 points. On a…

The music industry has long been a notoriously male-dominated space, often sidelining the contributions and leadership of women. However, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) – Africa’s biggest and most legendary jazz event – is boldly challenging this stereotype by being powered exclusively by women. As it embarks on its 22nd year, the festival stands not merely as a musical event but as a movement and a powerful statement of women’s prowess within the industry. Under the dynamic leadership of Shaakirah Adams and her formidable team, the festival is not just maintaining its legacy but actively evolving it. This revolutionary all-female leadership is rewriting the rules in a space traditionally ruled by men, ushering in a new era that champions creativity and resilience. The CTIJF has consistently attracted incredible…

Authorities in the Eastern Cape are investigating the suspected kidnapping of Josh Sullivan, a 34-year-old American missionary who vanished after an armed incident in Motherwell, Gqeberha, last week. Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, is believed to have been taken by armed men during a church service in the township. The Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, confirmed his disappearance on social media, urging followers to pray for his safety. Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant General Avele Fumba stated that a man presumed to be a local pastor was abducted under suspicious circumstances. A dedicated investigation team is pursuing various leads to ensure the victim’s safe return. “Our focus right now is securing the individual’s safety,” Fumba said. “A multidisciplinary team is actively pursuing all available avenues. The investigation is delicate, and…

Once a celebrated television personality, Xolani Khumalo rose to national prominence as the charismatic frontman of 'Sizok’thola, a hard-hitting investigative show that spotlighted the scourge of drugs in South African communities. His bold confrontations with suspected dealers made him both a hero to some and a lightning rod of controversy to others. But Khumalo’s crusade against narcotics would soon become the backdrop to a real-life legal drama that threatens to overshadow his career. Khumalo’s fall from grace began with an incident in July 2023 when a confrontation in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, ended in tragedy. Robert “Kicks” Varrie, a suspected drug dealer, died after an encounter with Khumalo and members of his television crew. Initially hailed as another takedown of the drug underworld, the situation quickly spiralled. Allegations surfaced that…

Inkosi Albert Luthuli’s daughter-in-law on Tuesday provided gory details of the struggle icon's state in 1967 when he had been brought to Stanger Hospital with a gash to his head. Wilhelmina May Luthuli, 77, said she was 20 years old when she saw the father of her husband lying in a room with a deep head injury, which was not bandaged. For decades the original inquest had maintained that Luthuli, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, died after being hit by a goods train on July 21, 1967, in Stanger, on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, but his family has maintained that he was murdered by the Apartheid State. Wilhelmina May Luthuli on Tuesday gave testimony at the National Prosecuting Authority-led inquest into the death of Luthuli in Stanger. The hearings…

Recently, the United States Government, in disregard of widespread opposition at home and abroad, has abused the tool of tariffs to blackmail and coerce global trading partners, including China. This unilateral and protectionist move infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of other countries, violates the WTO rules, undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, and impacts the stability of the global economic order. The Chinese government strongly condemns and resolutely opposes such a move. First, US abuse of tariffs highlights its unilateral bullying nature and seriously infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of other countries. The US government frequently and indiscriminately wields the big axe of tariffs to exert pressure on other countries, using tariffs as a weapon to profit from the world. It is essentially practicing power politics…

Incomparable Kandace Springs — the soulful jazz sensation whose velvety vocals and masterful piano work have captivated audiences worldwide — will grace the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2025. Returning after a three-year hiatus, she brings her deeply personal and introspective album, Run Your Race (2024), a tribute to her late father, the legendary Scat Springs. A mix of jazz, soul and heartfelt storytelling, the album sees her collaborating with Gregg Wells (Adele), Matt Hales (Lianne La Havas), Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken (Rihanna). Accompanied by her powerhouse all-female rhythm section, Springs will deliver a performance that is as intimate as it is unforgettable. And that’s not all — South African music royalty TKZee is set to shake up the CTIJF stage. Pioneers of the kwaito revolution, the late…

OVER the past few weeks, there has been much debate and commentary on the formulas behind the recent paltry increase in civil service pensions. The 2.9% increase has rightly been rejected by pensioners, as it does not remotely keep pace with the rising cost of essential goods. One reason cited by the GEPF for this wholly inadequate increase – yet largely overlooked in the public discourse – is that a higher increase is simply unaffordable. Pensioners need to recognise this reality. But why is it unaffordable? If the fund were managed strictly in line with its legal mandate, and investments were made by competent and reliable asset managers, there would be no shortfall. The law clearly states that investments must be made to sustain and grow the fund over the…

The buzz of excitement resonated through Soccer City as SuperSportBet unveiled its dynamic Sta’ Playa campaign, setting the stage to revolutionise the passionate rivalry between South Africa's biggest football clubs — Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. This launch represents a pioneering shift in fan engagement, bringing enthusiasts closer to the game and their beloved teams like never before. Sta’ Playa marks a first-of-its-kind experience in Mzansi, ushering in a new era of fan-first innovation, where supporters can engage with their favourite clubs like never before. Through exclusive online slot games, Amakhosi Cash and Bucs Gold Rush, SuperSportBet has teamed up with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to bring the rivalry to life in a whole new way. Sta’ Playa is not just a game — it’s an immersive experience that…

Joseph Goebbels once said, “Propaganda works best when those who are being manipulated are confident they are acting on their free will.” It does not augur well that there are people who demand that others should be barred from taking trips to Israel for either fact-finding mission, leisure or business. The hatred against Israel or Jewish people should not undermine our logic and intellect. It is immaterial to demonise or vilify people who want to see with their own eyes the claims made against Israel by its nemesis. Why should we expect people to believe stories they are told by people who have probably never been to the Middle East region? In any war situation, propaganda is weaponised to help shape the thinking and perception for past, present, and future…

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has highlighted the importance of mental development in the ongoing progress of young striker Wandile Duba, following the forward’s crucial contribution in the Nedbank Cup semifinal. Duba was on target as Chiefs came from behind to beat Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, earning a place in the final and keeping alive hopes of ending a nine-year trophy drought. Teboho Mokoena had given Sundowns the lead before Duba responded with the equaliser, and Ashley du Preez netted a late winner to seal the victory. The win sets up a high-stakes Soweto Derby final against Orlando Pirates on May 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. A week earlier, there will be another derby, this time in the League. It also reignites optimism among…

The Stormers won’t have to contend with Ireland duo Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen when they face Connacht at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (4pm kick-off), which will bring a sigh of relief to their defence. After a two-week break, during which they could work on their tackling after conceding six tries against fellow Irish side Ulster, the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) winners know just how crucial this duel is as they approach the playoffs. They are one point off the top eight and a playoff spot in 10th position on 35 points, behind Cardiff and Edinburgh, who are both on 36. And with four games left, every single one becomes a must-win, starting with Saturday’s showdown in Cape Town. Centre Aki and winger Hansen are the central…

MTN is the only publicly invested group in South Africa with a significant investment in Iran MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas' appointment as the new Special Envoy to the US has been construed by some as possibly the worst move for South Africa, and his past comments of US President Donald Trump being a “racist, homophobe” and “rightwinger” is only half the problem. Jonas' appointment comes after former South Africa's Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rassool, was recently expelled from the country after criticizing President Donald Trump in public. MTN is the only publicly invested group in South Africa with a significant investment in Iran, holding a 49% stake in the Irancell telecom operator, the second-largest mobile network operator in that country, which is 49% owned by MTN and 51% by…

US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement of sweeping new tariffs on imports from more than 180 countries will be remembered as a man-made economic tsunami. Many are already comparing it to President Herbert Hoover’s 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which slashed global trade by 66% in five years and deepened the Great Depression. Trump’s tariffs – most of which have been abruptly paused for 90 days – have rattled financial markets, prompting analysts to warn that the United States could enter a recession in 2025. The global implications can hardly be underestimated. As the world’s largest economy, the US has an outsize impact on other countries’ exports and growth. Adding to the uncertainty is Trump’s erratic approach to policymaking, which is nurturing doubts about the US dollar’s viability as a…

What is the South African Renewable Enery Masterplan? It is an industrial strategy that sets out how South Africa can set up a new manufacturing industry in renewable energy and battery storage value chains. The masterplan was developed by the government, some sections of organised labour, a non-profit organisation advocating for renewable energy, and representatives of the renewable energy industries. It sets out a framework to produce renewable technologies locally. These include solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and batteries. The masterplan has been drawn up so that it aligns with South Africa’s existing national target of adding 3–5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity each year to 2030. This is a scale that can support the development of local manufacturing hubs. (One gigawatt can supply electricity to about 700 000 average…

With rising global temperatures and associated impacts on countries and communities, numerous countries around the world have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, South Africa included. This is being done to limit temperature increases and reach net zero emissions by mid-century. If a transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, green economy is to be effective and importantly just, countries will need to employ effective systems to track progress and retrogressions. In February this year, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), World Resources Institute and the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency hosted a workshop on Tracking Just Transitions attended by monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practitioners from around the world, particularly Africa, Central and South America and Asia. It was clear from the workshop that many developing countries around the world are grappling…

At the moment, theatregoers are spoilt for choice with musicals, TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift and Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Musical. However, if you have been there and done that, these are the other stage productions on offer in the coming weeks. Bianca Amato and Zane Meas, as Nora and Torvald, respectively, lead this critically acclaimed Tony Award-winning play. Directed by Barbara Rubin, this production is set in 1879 when Nora Helmer decides to leave her husband and children, seeking out her independence. Fifteen years later, she returns to the place she left, looking for answers that she was unable to find when she left. In unpacking poignant themes around love, marriage and individuality, the script is underpinned by quick-witted humour and rousing…

In a swift and coordinated operation, the Gauteng police’s anti-kidnapping task team rescued two businessmen just hours after they were hijacked and abducted in Midrand on Monday. The swift response was also agitated by the increased number of policemen in and around Johannesburg. ‘‘Live and visible policing’’ is Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero’s initiative to curb crime in the city. The initiative was praised by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he was pleased with what he described as a cleaner and safer Johannesburg. Ramaphosa has lauded the effectiveness of visible policing in Johannesburg, noting a marked sense of safety during a recent late-night surprise visit through the city. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, were lured and attacked on the premises of a car rental company before being taken…

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said more people were dying at the hands of criminals than the number of criminals being killed. Mkhwanazi said this during a press briefing in Durban on Monday. In the first nine months of the 2024/25 financial year, 105 suspected murderers, cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers, armed robbers and extortionists were shot and killed when they attempted to kill police officers in 38 shootout incidents. Additionally, four police officers were killed on duty during the same period. These policemen died during these battles. Some of the major incidents that made headlines: In April 2024, nine suspects were shot dead in a shootout with police in Mariannhill. In September 2024, six extortionists were shot dead in a shootout with police in South Beach. In December 2024,…

THE Public Servants Association (PSA) has detailed incidents where home affairs officials have been attacked on duty, just as the union also accuses the department of allegedly drastically reducing the number of security guards it hires. According to the PSA, earlier this month its members in the Department of Home Affairs in Witbank reported to the union that a group of angry clients stormed the office, attacking them due to long queues and slow service delivery. “The clients entered from the back door that is designated for official use only. Officials in [the] Witbank office had to flee for the safety of their lives,” the union was informed. The report to the PSA also stated that the Witbank office currently has one security guard, which is evidently not enough for…

aha Alpine Heath Resort & Conference Centre is a stylish four-star village nestled in the heart of the majestic Drakensberg. Surrounded by crystal-clear streams and crisp mountain air, the resort is celebrated as one of South Africa’s top destinations for both conferences and family holidays in the Drakensberg. The resort features 100 north-facing, self-catering chalets, each with breathtaking views of the mountains. Every chalet offers three bedrooms — one double and two twins — with en-suite bathrooms, accommodating up to six guests including children. One chalet is specially adapted for guests with physical impairments. Each unit also includes high-speed internet and a spacious work area, making it ideal for business travellers. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, including: The Tavern Bar, offering light meals and all-day snacks The…

On April 9, the world witnessed a dramatic turning point that is likely to feature in history books for generations to come. As nations braced for US tariff hikes proposed by the most powerful man in the world, Donald Trump, a sudden U-turn emerged, leaving everyone perplexed and, at the same time, relieved. Initially poised to introduce tariffs ranging from an aggressive 10% to a staggering 125%, Trump’s abrupt decision to pause these hikes demonstrated a level of unpredictability that keeps the world ‘dancing to his tune’, as some critics have suggested. The timing of this announcement raised eyebrows. Following threats of retaliatory tariffs, including China’s proposal for an 84% increase, Trump’s reaction was swift. He declared a historic tariff of 125% on Chinese imports but also opted for a…

The Lions are determined to fight tooth and nail in their remaining matches of the season, refusing to give up on a play-off spot in the United Rugby Championship despite the odds being stacked heavily against them. They are the lowest ranked of the South African teams in the competition, in 14th spot on 30 points, five below Edinburgh in eighth place, the last of the play-off places. They have four matches to go in the regular season, starting with Saturday’s potentially tricky home clash against seventh-placed Benetton (1.45pm kick-off). That will be followed by clashes against Connacht, Scarlets and Ospreys – all at home. Lions assistant coach Barend Pieterse and flanker Ruan Venter admitted at a media conference on Tuesday that their task is not an easy one, but…

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed suggestions that he is under growing pressure following his side’s Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat to Kaizer Chiefs. Sundowns suffered a 2-1 loss to Amakhosi at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, ending their hopes of securing domestic cup silverware this season. The result confirmed their elimination from all local cup competitions, having already exited the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the campaign. With just the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League left to play for, attention now shifts to whether Cardoso can deliver success on the continental stage — particularly with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fast approaching. Despite this, the Portuguese coach remains composed and insists he is not feeling additional pressure. Responding to a question about whether the…

Orlando Pirates are on the brink of history as they chase an unprecedented quadruple under head coach Jose Riveiro, who is set to part ways with the club at the end of the season. The Buccaneers remain – although they’d need favours – in contention for the Premiership title, the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup, and have already captured the MTN8 and are staring down a feat never achieved by a South African outfit. Riveiro, who joined the Soweto giants in 2022, has transformed the team into a formidable force both domestically and on the continent. Known for his tactical discipline and calm demeanour, the Spanish coach has already delivered silverware in previous campaigns – five, to be exact. Still, this season promises to be his most memorable.…

The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) has warned that the possibility for further rate cuts in emerging economies was now very limited as major central banks across the world were set to adopt a cautious approach on monetary policy amid heightened inflation risks. This comes as the US decision to impose hefty import tariffs on more than 75 countries shook the markets last week, plunging the global economy to a brink of a potential recession as fears of spiking inflation rose. Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago on Tueday said economic fault lines, stemming from policy shifts and heightened trade tensions, have emerged, adding to pre-existing geopolitical tensions. Kganyago said these shocks presented new risks to both growth and inflation, and have rendered the global economic outlook more difficult to predict. “Today…

South African businesses now face a crucial compliance challenge after the Department of Employment and Labour on Tuesday gazetted two sets of Employment Equity (EE) Regulations effective January 1, 2025. The Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement, "The publication of these EE Regulations represents a pivotal step toward advancing transformation and inclusivity in the South African labour market. Employers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new regulatory framework to ensure compliance and alignment with employment equity objectives." The regulations mandate designated employers to meet sector-specific equity targets by 2030, with hefty fines for non-compliance. Non-compliance carries penalties of up to R1.5 million or 2% of annual turnover. Over 200 employers have already faced Labour Court for prior violations. The published regulations include: 1. General Administrative Regulations:…

Britain's energy regulator is expected to confirm major reforms to grid connections to boost investment in clean energy and infrastructure projects on Tuesday, the government said. Under the existing system, "zombie" projects can hold up the queue for connections, leaving promising businesses waiting up to 15 years to be connected, it said. Zombie projects are speculative plans that may not be viable because they do not have for example land rights or financing but they still hold a place in the connection queue. The changes expected to be confirmed by Ofgem will see industries of the future, from data centres and AI to wind and solar projects, fast-tracked for connection. The new regime, drafted by the National Energy System Operator in partnership with the industry, could help unlock up to…

There’s a silver lining for South African real estate investors, despite the turbulence in the global markets. This was according to Ian Anderson, head of listed property and portfolio manager at Merchant West Investments and the compiler of the SA REIT Association’s monthly Chart Book, the local REIT sector is in significantly better shape today than it was five years ago. Anderson draws a stark contrast between the present and the sharp downturn the sector experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The current turmoil in global financial markets comes almost exactly five years after the last major drawdown for South Africa’s listed property sector, when the South African economy was shuttered at the start of the pandemic. Between March 2017 and March 2020, South African REITs, on average, lost more than…

As Easter approaches, many of us are preparing for a season of joy, reflection, and festive celebration. Beyond the chocolate eggs and family gatherings, music plays a central role in amplifying our holiday spirit. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, decorating eggs with loved ones, or simply soaking in the daytime vibes, a carefully curated playlist can add that special spark to your celebrations. Here are some of the top songs that can jazz up your Easter holiday. A modern twist on classics Nothing evokes the feeling of nostalgia quite like our favourite classic tracks – add a fresh twist by incorporating contemporary covers or remixes. Artists like Pentatonix bring harmonic brilliance to songs such as How Great Thou Art, inviting listeners to experience timeless hymns in a new light.…

Businessman Edwin Sodi has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, fraud, and corruption in connection with the controversial R255 million Free State asbestos removal tender. Sodi, alongside former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, is accused of orchestrating a scheme that diverted public funds intended for the removal of hazardous asbestos from homes in the province's poorest communities.​ The case, which has drawn significant national attention, involves 18 accused individuals and five companies. The trial was scheduled to commence on April 15, 2025, at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein and is expected to run until June 23, 2025. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed confidence in the strength of its case and is prepared to proceed with the trial, regardless of the absence of certain accused…

In a shocking incident, a 24-year-old foreign national was arrested in Sekhukhune for allegedly assaulting four minors. This news has left our community devastated. The arrest came after one of the young victims managed to flee the scene and alert their family, leading to the swift involvement of the police. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on April 12, when four minor boys, aged between nine and 13, went to the suspect's spaza shop to buy snacks. The suspect allegedly attempted to sexually assault minors and then attempted to lure them with food. The minors declined the offer. The suspect did not stop there. “The suspect took out a cellphone and displayed a pornographic video to them. One of the minor victims managed to rush home…

The police have dismissed accusations the investigation into the alleged rape of Cwecwe at Matatiele in the Eastern Cape started only six months after the incident attracted the attention of the public. The 7-year-old was raped, allegedly on Bergview College premises, which is a private school. Addressing the police portfolio committee on Tuesday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the investigation started as soon the case was reported in October 2024. “What we can say about the investigation is that it was not started after the activism of the public,” Mchunu said. “To say it took six months for SAPS is to dangerously exaggerate what happened. It can only serve to escalate distance between SAPS and the people and the community they are serving,” he said. National police commissioner Fannie Masemola…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has broken its silence on the charges brought by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) against its members, Advocate Dali Mpofu and Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane. In a statement, the party condemned the LPC’s actions as “political persecution masked as professional oversight.” Mpofu is facing seven charges of alleged misconduct, six of which were lodged by the Centre for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC). These charges relate to Mpofu’s conduct during Parliament’s inquiry into Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office, including his cross-examination of former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. Mkhwebane is facing a court application to have her removed from the roll of advocates. Although the LPC could not divulge further on the matter involving Mpofu, the council said that on 1 March 2025, the…

Situated in the area known as the Cradle of Humankind, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country's Gauteng province contains some of the oldest and most important remains of human ancestors. In the late 19th century, miners discovered fossils in the caves that attracted the interest of paleontologists. The numerous remains discovered at Sterkfontein are attributed to the following genera: Australopithecus Paranthropus early Homo Some of the most famous artifacts found in the caves are Australopithecus specimens nicknamed Mrs. Ples and Little Foot, which played an important role in studying these human ancestors. After being closed in 2024, the caves are now reopened and are expected to boost tourism in the region.…

The iconic Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is set to make an unforgettable return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on April 25 and 26. Widely celebrated as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, this year’s festival promises a bigger and more exhilarating experience, featuring over 30 world-class artists and an exclusive world-first musical collaboration that will captivate music lovers across the globe. The festival coincides with Freedom Day on April 27, making it a fitting celebration of the nation’s hard-fought freedom, which has opened South African music to the international stage and allowed the country to showcase its finest talent. Festival organisers, espAfrika, promised to deliver another unforgettable festival experience with a carefully curated line-up reflecting the diversity of the audience, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy. Since its…

Media reports that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has sought to negotiate an arms-for-minerals deal with the US at a time when Washington has imposed unilateral tariffs targeting both allies and opponents. Media reports suggest that the US-DRC deal could be modelled along the lines of the US-Ukraine deal, a transactional bilateral arrangement upon which the US would provide security support in exchange for critical minerals and rare earth metals. While the DRC faces a desperate security situation and has alluded to the need to diversify its partners, the Trump administration looks keen to take its transactional model of bilateral, and indeed multilateral, relations to conflict states, trading mineral resources for security needs. The motivation and timing of the DRC’s overtures towards the US may throw the country…

Arsenal face Real Madrid tonight with one foot already in the Champions League semi-finals but with the added pressure of knowing their entire season hinges on the result at the Bernabeu. Mikel Arteta's men last week demolished the defending champions 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final in London and are favourites to reach the last four of Europe's top club competition for only the third time. But all their eggs are now in one basket as they seek to end their trophy drought, with leaders Liverpool almost out of sight in the Premier League. Arsenal, who have never been crowned European champions, have become used to battling for the English league title - narrowly losing out to Manchester City in the past two seasons. This year it has…

The Lions have managed to keep the CSA 4-Day Series trophy at the Wanderers for the second consecutive season, even if it is only half of it, following a dramatic drawn in the final against the Titans at the Bullring on Monday. Having failed to take the remaining seven wickets to win the match on the last day, the Lions have to share the trophy with the Titans, courtesy of brilliant, fighting knocks from centurion Lhuan-dre Pretorius and half-centuries from Rivaldo Moonsamy and Keegan Petersen. The Lions were brilliant throughout the competition, going through the seven-match round robin stage unbeaten with three victories, three draws and one no-result. The latter part of their competition was heavily impacted by inclement weather, as all their draws came during that time. In the…

Kaizer Chiefs gave it their all for nearly 90 minutes of their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Sunday evening. But with the score at 1-1 at a packed Loftus Versfeld, it was almost inevitable that the Brazilians would find a way to get the winner, whether it was in stoppage time, or getting through the penalty shoot-out. That is the Sundowns way. They are serial winners, kings of South African football, and well on their way to adding a second star on their jersey in the CAF Champions League, where they will face Al Ahly in the semi-final first leg in Pretoria on Saturday. In contrast, Chiefs – despite being the most popular club in South African football – are ridiculed on the social media streets…

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League is nearing a month since the first ball of the season was bowled at Eden Gardens. Many South African players are yet to feature in the glitz and glam of this season, including the young fast bowlers Kwena Maphaka and Gerald Coetzee, and batters Matthew Breetzke and Donovan Ferreira. Former Proteas captains Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, and batters David Miller and Tristan Stubbs have all featured so far this season. Carrying the country's flag high in the tournament so far this season has been Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram, as we review their highlights. Aiden Markram Since arriving in his new team, the Lucknow Super Giants, Markram has been promoted up the order to open the…