Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-22 i Star

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged emerging market economies and countries with unsustainable public debt, many of whom are in Africa, to preserve exchange rate flexibility and move proactively to restore sustainability amidst prevailing global economic uncertainty. This comes as the IMF warned that its latest World Economic Outlook, to be released on Tuesday, will include notable markdowns in growth projections, but not recession, as well as markups to the inflation forecasts for some countries. IMF managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, on Thursday said the resilience of low economic growth and high debt was being tested again by the reboot of the global trading system. Delivering her curtain raiser speech at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., Georgieva said trade distortions—tariff and nontariff barriers—have fed negative perceptions of…

Motorists in South Africa could expect to have some relief next month as a fuel price cut is on the cards on the back of easing global Brent crude oil price, benefitting consumers who will be facing the 0.5 percentage point VAT rate hike from 1 May. The predicted petrol price drop in May would mark the third consecutive drop in fuel prices in 2025. Old Mutual Group chief economist, Johann Els, on Friday said there has been an over-recovery on the petrol price of around 44 cents a litre. “The weakness that we have seen in the rand over the last two weeks has been far overshadowed by the much lower oil price. So the rand price of a barrel of oil is down 16% since the beginning of…

For online shoppers, the ease of returning a product is just as important as the purchase itself. A seamless returns process isn’t just a part of a good customer service journey; it may prove to be a competitive advantage in the e-commerce space. A recent FedEx survey conducted in the US highlights just how much return policies influence consumer behaviour, with two-thirds of respondents considering an online retailer’s return policy before checking out. Nearly 30% admitted that the ease of returning products directly influenced whether they completed a transaction. Consumers are making it clear that flexibility and convenience are essential when it comes to online shopping returns. We’ve also seen a continual rise in no-label, no-box returns and growing demand for flexible drop-off options, which reinforce the need for retailers…

Large parts of the domestic steel industry were brought to their knees in 2024 due to inertia on the part of government, and regulations should have been more responsive to realities on the ground, said ArcelorMittal South Africa’s chairman Bonang Mohale. In February, the country’s biggest steelmaker announced plans to close its Longs Business, a move expected to result in the loss of thousands of jobs and severely impact the manufacturing sector. However, intervention by stakeholders including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) meant that in March, a decision was taken to operate the Longs business for a further six months. In the meantime, the government had committed to addressing structural problems including the Price Preference System (PPS) and scrap export taxes, as well as tariff measures including safeguards and others.…

Drake, the Canadian rap megastar, has confirmed that he is back in the studio crafting new tracks. Just weeks after the launch of his highly acclaimed collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with PartyNextDoor, it appears the hitmaker is not resting on his glory. Released in February, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U quickly soared to number one on the Billboard 200 chart, establishing itself as one of the year’s must-stream albums. The response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, something the rapper acknowledged in a recent Kick livestream with popular streamer Adin Ross. “Thank you to everybody that’s streaming the album,” Drake said, sporting merchandise from the collaborative project. His casual yet enthusiastic comment, “Working on a new album, it’s a slap,” implies that he is confident and excited…

The Catholic Church is in a period of mourning and reflection following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 in the Vatican after a brief illness. His passing marks the end of an era and sets the stage for a new chapter in the Church’s history, as attention turns to the selection of his successor, with a Ghanaian cardinal now among the top contenders. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Church. Known for his humility, reformist spirit, and passionate advocacy for the poor and marginalised, Pope Francis championed causes such as environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and economic justice.…

As the investigation into the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital (TPTH) fire gets underway, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has revealed that the department has identified a space within the hospital to use as an accident and emergency unit. This comes after the MEC and her team visited the hospital on Sunday to assess the extent of the damage to the Accident and Emergency Unit. The blaze, which broke out on Saturday afternoon, prompted a swift and heroic response from the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Team and firefighters, with reports that all 81 patients were safely evacuated to another unit within the facility, with no casualties reported. Nkomo-Ralehoko also praised the responders for their bravery and efficiency, ensuring that the hospital remains operational despite the incident. “I wish to emphasise that the…

A tragic turn in a failed romance resulted in a woman allegedly stabbing her ex-boyfriend to death during a heated altercation, turning heartbreak into a chilling crime scene. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers were called to a gruesome murder scene in the Groblersdal area, Mpumalanga, where a 31-year-old woman allegedly stabbed and killed her 30-year-old ex-boyfriend during an altercation on April 19. He added that the deceased arrived at the scene to find the woman with another person, which sparked a heated argument. During the confrontation, the woman allegedly stabbed the man with a sharp object. Ledwaba further said the man attempted to flee the scene after being stabbed, but he fell on the veranda and was certified dead by the Emergency Medical Services personnel. The woman…

If a purchaser is willing to buy a motor vehicle as a “non-runner”, although it can be driven and indeed tested, the consumer accepts that he or she can expect no more of the vehicle than would be the case if it were not running at all. On the face of it, such a purchase would be unwise, but the purchaser’s judgment on that issue would depend on the price being asked and perhaps also the consumer’s belief as to his or her capacity to deal with the problem if something went wrong. These were the words of a Pietermaritzburg High Court judge, who found that while the Consumer Protection Act does provide that every consumer has the right to receive goods that are of good quality, and they may…

The ANC says it will not conduct its own investigation into the reported shooting incident that shattered the windscreen of the official car of the deputy president Paul Mashatile. The party’s national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri on Monday said the party was aware of the incident, however, it has left matters to police and has no plans to do a parallel investigation. “The party is aware of the incident as the deputy president is constantly updating me about it. We are leaving everything to the state to investigate. We don't want to interfere with the police investigation,” said Bhengu-Motsiri. She refused to confirm whether the deputy president’s security detailed had been beefed up or not, saying that this was a very sensitive matter. The incident that happened on March 30 appeared…

On April 13, Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga spent his 50th day behind bars. His unlawful arrest and detention are but one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's many attempts to silence the press and criminalise speech under unconstitutional laws. Mhlanga, a senior journalist at Heart and Soul TV, has been charged with inciting violence and unrest after interviews with liberation veteran and former ZANU-PF politician Blessed Geza. Geza accused Mnangagwa of corruption and called for his immediate resignation in the November 2024 and January 2025 interviews Mhlanga conducted with Geza. Since his arrest on February 24, 2025 for having purportedly violated a section of the criminal law that prohibits transmission of data, Mhlanga has been denied bail an extraordinary three times on the flimsiest of pretexts — including that he might interfere…

Since he was appointed Minister of Home Affairs in June 2024, Leon Schreiber has certainly been in the headlines — and mostly for the right reasons. From launching new initiatives to expanding services, he’s projected an image of change and action. But as the GOOD Party, we ask: Is this real transformation, or just a well-executed PR campaign? Schreiber has announced a series of high-profile interventions, including: The appointment of an Immigration Advisory Board Launching the visa ‘Backlog Bomb Squad’ The launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum Equipping the Border Management Authority with drones And the opening of new Home Affairs offices in Mitchell’s Plain and Tygervalley. All this sounds impressive. However, many of these developments were already in the pipeline before he took office – something…

The Lions’ dismal performance in losing at home to Benetton at the weekend has had their long-suffering fans scratching their heads as their team sink to new depths. It was the Lions’ fifth consecutive defeat, and while three of those were overseas, their homecoming to Ellis Park was supposed to have heralded a turnaround in their United Rugby Championship fortunes. When the Lions were well beaten by Edinburgh in Scotland the previous week, coach Ivan ‘Cash’ van Rooyen said that it was “non-negotiable” that his team win their four remaining URC games – all in Johannesburg. Van Rooyen added: “We know exactly what is required. We have to cut out the (self-inflicted) errors that are holding us back, and go up a level.” But the Lions did the opposite in…

An extensive and lengthy legal battle, which went through several courts, has just seen the Pretoria High Court rule against the now-defunct Steinhoff over allegations of price fixing, paving the way for the matter to ostensibly proceed. The judgement reverses a previous one after the Competition Commission was granted leave to appeal by the Supreme Court of Appeal. It means that an alleged price-fixing matter involving PG Bison – indirectly owned by Steinhoff – and a firm with which it should have been in competition, Sonae, proceeding to the Competition Tribunal. However, the issue is only moving ahead six years after the Commission decided to refer the complaint to the Tribunal and some 18 months after Steinhoff, which imploded in 2017 after Deloitte flagged accounting irregularities, was delisted from both…

On 15 April 2025, the Minister of Employment and Labour published the ‘Determination of Sectoral Numerical Targets’ (Final Sector Target Regulations) and the ‘Employment Equity Regulations, 2025’ (General Administrative EE Regulations), which repeal the Employment Equity Regulations, 2014 (collectively, the 2025 EEA Regulations). The 2025 EEA Regulations are published, following the Employment Equity Amendment Act, 2022 (Amendment Act) coming into effect on 1 January 2025, and the purported consultations that took place between the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) and representatives of various sectors. In the Final Sector Target Regulations, the Minister has identified 18 national economic sectors and set numerical targets for each sector. The ultimate purpose of these sector targets is to ensure the equitable representation of suitably qualified people from designated groups. In terms of section…

In the midst of budget pressures, calls have been made by political parties to close some South African diplomatic missions across the world. This has been done previously by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). The danger of such a blunt approach is that in pursuit of saving a few million in a budget of R2.6 trillion, we may actually do more harm than good to our fundamental task of stimulating economic growth and creating decent jobs. Is there a need to reconfigure and reposition our diplomatic presence? Without a doubt. This should be done in a way that attracts investment and boosts export opportunities and tourism for our economy. Politicians are correct to demand savings across our diplomatic missions. Many of the buildings are too large and…

South Africa, once the world’s gold powerhouse, is now only the globe’s eighth largest producer of the yellow metal and the only real benefit the country is seeing from record prices is the psychological impact on shares in the gold mining sector and the rand. Overnight, Gold miners, Sibanye Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony Gold Mining Company advanced 6.8%, 4.1%, 3.1% and 2.9%, respectively, data from Anchor Capital showed. US President Donald Trump’s trade tariff war, especially with escalating tensions between America and China, has caused concerns over a recession on that country and a spillover effect in terms of slower economic growth across the globe. As a result, the dollar is moving down and gold – long perceived as a safe haven for investors – is hitting…

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and Swiss commodities trading firm Gunvor are among companies that have been shortlisted to buy Shell Plc’s downstream assets in South Africa, according to various news reports over the weekend. The two companies are strong contenders for the assets that are valued at about $1 billion (R18.82 billion), the reports said, citing people, who asked not to be identified, as the information was private. Previous potential bidders including Trafigura’s Puma Energy, Sasol and PetroSA are no longer in the running, the reports said. “While Adnoc Distribution regularly reviews opportunities for domestic and international growth, we don’t comment on market speculation,” Adnoc’s fuel retail unit said. Shell has been looking to offload the assets, which include about 600 fuel stations and trading operations in Africa’s…

South African Afro-Soul singer Lira is set to make a return to the stage at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival, marking a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a stroke that sidelined her from performing for several years. The queen of Afro-soul suffered a stroke in 2022, which left her unable to read, write or speak. Although she has been performing, this will be her first major festival. The beloved songstress, who has mesmerised audiences throughout her career, expressed her heartfelt sentiments about being back on stage: “It feels surreal to be back. The recovery process is on-going and I’m making improvements with every experience I have but it’s unbelievable. “I thought I’d have to give up singing but I’ve been singing since last May and being…

The ANC faces internal divisions as President Cyril Ramaphosa contemplates appointing a white Afrikaner as the new South African Ambassador to the US. According to highly placed sources within the party, the move is seen as an attempt to mend ties with US President Donald Trump, who has been critical of South Africa's alleged treatment of white farmers. The names being touted for the ambassador position include former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Roelf Meyer and former National Party (NP) leader Marthinus Van Schalkwyk. Meyer, who played a key role in the Codesa negotiations in the early 1990s, is said to have a close relationship with Ramaphosa, while Van Schalkwyk facilitated the merger of the then NP into the ANC and later became the Minister of Tourism. He…

A grim shadow was cast over the country’s roads. What should have been a festive period filled with faith, family, and tradition instead turned deadly for dozens. In the provinces of Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape, authorities reported alarming spikes in both road fatalities and arrests related to driving under the influence. In Mpumalanga alone, a devastating toll was recorded: 18 lives lost between Thursday and Saturday. Many of the victims perished in horrific collisions, with the Nkangala District being particularly hard hit. Among the deadliest incidents was a brutal head-on crash along the N4 toll road, between Machadodorp and Belfast, where six people lost their lives. Five were declared dead at the scene; a sixth died later in the hospital. The same route saw another deadly event when a…

If you’re a fan of music, particularly jazz, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is likely a familiar name. Since its inception in 2000, this prestigious annual event has established itself as a cornerstone of South Africa's cultural landscape. As the festival enters its 22nd year, it has evolved into more than just a musical gathering; it embodies a vibrant communal experience that celebrates the richness and diversity of jazz, highlighting both local talents and fostering international collaborations. Originally known as the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town, this celebrated event commenced as a partnership with the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. As SA continues to embrace its post-apartheid identity, the CTIJF plays an essential role in showcasing the country's dynamic and ever-evolving music scene.…

The SAOU is seriously concerned by the current educational trends, which have been reported in the media over the past two weeks. Under normal circumstances, the strain felt by schools and learners is alleviated after a school holiday, with incidents only recurring after the first month. In 2025, however, it seems that the weeklong school holiday did not bring relief to the system. After only the second week back at school, the trends have escalated. Reports of severe aggression on both the part of teachers and that of learners are reported, with extreme acts of violence being reported. The education system and schooling are deteriorating due to the uncertainties that are currently being experienced. The threat of many teachers leaving the system is an additional strain on the system. In…

Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League unbeaten run remains intact – but only just. On a night when they needed to assert dominance and take control of their semi-final tie against Pyramids FC, the Buccaneers instead had to settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Worse still, it was VAR – not Pirates’ performance – that saved them from defeat. The Champions League semi-final first leg between the Egyptian side and Pirates in Soweto may have been a goalless draw, but it was anything but dull. For the neutral, it was an entertaining clash. For Pirates, it was an evening filled with missed opportunities, nervy moments and growing concern about what lies ahead in the return leg in Cairo. Twice, Pirates were bailed out by the video…

Kaizer Chiefs’ subdued form continues to cast doubt over their top-eight ambitions, even as they cling to eighth place in the Premiership following a goalless draw against Chippa United last Saturday. The result at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha mirrored much of their season – a mix of promise and missed opportunities. Just a week after an impressive performance in the 2-1 Nedbank Cup semi-final win over Mamelodi Sundowns, they were unable to follow it up with another strong showing against Chippa. That left their league top-eight hopes delicately poised and the Amakhosi in danger of missing out for two seasons in a row. They now have a full week to prepare for Saturday’s clash against Marumo Gallants at the FNB Stadium (3pm kick-off). Their cup semi-final win…

The union has rejected Transnet’s final 2025/26 wage offer of 6%, 6% and 5.5%, and declared a dispute State-owned logistics firm Transnet remains under threat of a massive industrial action as wage negotiations with the trade union representing more than 20 000 workers have deadlock in spite of intervention by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The United National Transport Union (UNTU) said on Friday that it was currently conducting a balloting process to get consensus on industrial action, which could cripple the importation and exportation of goods and damage economic activity. Transnet is the largest and most crucial part of the freight logistics chain that delivers goods through its ports, pipelines, rail, and freight divisions. The union has rejected Transnet's final 2025/26 three-year wage offer of 6%,…

Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty across the globe caused by US President Donald Trump and his vacillating position on trade tariffs, among other decisions with far-reaching ramifications, Africa is still an attractive investment destination. Andrew Bahlmann, CE of corporate and advisory at Deal leaders International, explained that, given the potential headwinds from rising US nationalism under a second Trump administration, South Africa's deal flow presents a complex picture. “From a global perspective, South Africa has historically been viewed by many international investors as a key entry point into the broader sub-Saharan African market,” said Bahlmann. This, Bahlmann said, was due to the country’s relatively developed infrastructure, sophisticated financial sector and established legal frameworks, which have often made it a more familiar and less risky initial investment destination. “While specific deals…

As Africa’s gas and LNG potential continues to grow, African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 will highlight key opportunities and challenges in unlocking the continent's vast energy resources, driving economic growth and advancing energy security. Africa’s natural gas and LNG potential is a cornerstone of the continent’s energy future. According to the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report, Africa's gas reserves could support a fourfold increase in LNG exports by 2040. Gas-to-power initiatives offer a vital solution to the continent's electricity access challenges while also providing a pathway to monetise, underutilised gas resources. With the right investments and collaborative efforts, Africa is poised to unlock the full potential of its gas sector, driving economic growth and energy security. Several large-scale projects are driving…

Global mining and metals company, BHP believes it is set to “benefit from a flight to quality” assets in the face of global volatility and policy uncertainty. The company, listed in Australia, London, and on the JSE, said on Thursday morning in its third quarter operational review that, year-to-date as of the end of March, it has delivered record group production in both copper and iron ore. It said it is on track to achieve full-year production in line with its guidance. BHP CEO, Mike Henry, said the company is “poised to benefit from a flight to quality with tier one assets, industry-leading margins and high-return organic growth opportunities that will underpin value and returns through the cycle” in the face of global volatility and policy uncertainty. However, he did…

The countdown is on for the return of Africa’s Grandest Gathering - the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)! The celebrations begin with a legendary free concert at Greenmarket Square on Thursday, April 24 from 3.30pm to 10pm. The city centre will come alive with music, movement and magic as the square transforms into an open-air celebration of unity, rhythm and world-class talent. Locals and visitors will enjoy performances by both homegrown heroes and international icons. MC’d by the festival radio partner, HeartFM, the festival’s line-up promises to get everyone on their feet. Here’s what you can expect: DJ Eazy The veteran will open the night with a high-energy set mixing hip hop, R&B, amapiano and Afrobeats, delivering the electrifying vibes he’s known for across the globe. Hannah Ray The…

The leadership of the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party say secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has not left the party, dismissing rumours in political circles that the former EFF deputy president would be shown the door after his recent trip to Malawi. Shivambu drew public ire on Good Friday when he was spotted rubbing shoulders and sang high praises for the fugitive pastor and self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri. Shivambu’s attendance in Malawi was met with stern criticism in South Africa, with the Justice Ministry slamming Shivambu while his own party, in an unprecedented move, publicly admonished its own secretary general, asserting Shivambu was acting in his own personal capacity and that the visit was not sanctioned by former president Jacob Zuma or any other party leader. The gaffe by Shivambu comes amid growing…

Three drunk drivers who attempted to bribe traffic officers have been arrested in separate incidents in Limpopo. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy elaborated on the issue when she and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa gave an update on the Easter road safety campaign during a media briefing on the N1 in the Waterberg District in Limpopo on Monday. Initially, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) issued a press release on Sunday stating that the number of drunken driving arrests in Limpopo had risen following the arrest of two additional drivers attempting to bribe traffic officers. “Members of the National Traffic Police handcuffed the motorists who tried to evade a charge of drunken driving by offering cash to officers,” the RTMC said. “This brings to three the number of motorists arrested in this…

Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba used his Easter sermon to not only preach about the meaning and significance of the weekend, but he also warned that the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) ‘‘grandstanding’’ threatens to create a ‘‘crisis of confidence’’ in democracy unless political parties learn to accept one another’s legitimacy. Delivering his annual sermon at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, Makgoba also urged that the “national dialogue” being planned by the presidency needs to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. “In South Africa, it is a time during which the credibility and commitment to good governance of our political parties is seriously open to question,” he told the congregation. “Last week leaders of the South African Council of Churches met with President Ramaphosa and…

The Kleinfontein community, a settlement of 1 500 Afrikaner residents outside Pretoria, has declined the offer to relocate to the United States, which was made in line with President Donald Trump's recent executive orders. This was revealed on Monday during a visit by members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, who went to the Afrikaner-only settlement on a fact-finding mission to assess the area's status and its place in South Africa’s democratic dispensation. Rian Genis, chairperson of the board of directors, said he has no desire to relocate to America. “I have no wish to live in America or (for) my children to grow up in America or (for) my grandchildren. If they choose it, that is their choice. I cannot dictate to them. But I would like to…

The bustling streets of Cape Town’s Central Business District will come alive with the vibrant sounds of music as the much-anticipated 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) Free Concert takes centre stage on April 24. This year’s line-up promises an exhilarating mix of acclaimed international artists and dynamic local talent that will captivate residents and visitors alike. Headlining this year’s concert are renowned British acid jazz legends Incognito and the iconic South African kwaito group TKZee. They are joined by genre-bending acts such as The Ploemies, along with rising star Hannah Ray and powerhouse vocalists Andrea Fortuin and Fancy Galada. To keep the energy high between sets, the crowd can look forward to electrifying performances by DJ Eazy. Located at the historic Greenmarket Square, the Free Jazz Concert serves…

The calculation of the increase in the pensions of government employees refers. Initially, it was said that the GEPF would use the inflation rate for November 2024 to determine the annual increase in state pensions. Now it seems as if the GEPF used a so-called "geometrical" method to calculate the average percentage increase for the previous twelve months. According to the explanation of the GEPF, it reflects the compounded nature of inflation, similar to how yields are indicated in the case of investment portfolios. However, regulation 23.2.1 of the GEPF's regulations reads, "a basic increase at a rate of at least 75% of the average percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (All Items) over a period of twelve months (1 December to 30 November of the previous year)". Therefore,…

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled official state visit to South Africa next week is fraught with huge geopolitical repercussions for Pretoria. Since the announcement in recent times that Zelensky would be landing on our shores on April 24, I’ve been grappling with the wisdom behind his visit. In all honesty, and without a shred of bias, I could find no good reason, or logic, behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s preparedness to lay the red carpet for his beleaguered counterpart. Now, before emotions get the better of anyone, it is vital to analyse South Africa’s foreign policy of non-alignment. At face value, non-alignment would mean that in any situation in global relations, Pretoria takes no sides. Additionally, Pretoria holds very sacred the country’s sense of sovereignty that guarantees the country’s independence of…

After Mamelodi Sundowns failed to capitalise on home-ground advantage over the weekend, a dream all-South African CAF Champions League final hangs in the balance. Sundowns and Egypt’s record 14-time title holders Al Ahly cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The stalemate has set the stage for a thrilling return fixture on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium (6pm kick-off). Al Ahly are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, and will fancy their chances of securing a place in the final as they chase a record-extending 15th continental crown. On Saturday, both teams demonstrated their tactical prowess, with Sundowns managing only a solitary shot on target. Al…

Will it be a case of third time lucky for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship this season? Having lost two URC finals – in 2022 to the Stormers in Cape Town and last year against Glasgow in Pretoria – Jake White’s team are desperate for some silverware as a reward for all their progress shown over the last few years. They certainly took a significant step forward in that regard by beating Munster 16-13 in Limerick last Saturday, becoming the first South African team to win at Thomond Park. But having been knocked out of the Challenge Cup recently by Edinburgh, the Bulls need to back-up the Munster triumph in another enormous clash against Glasgow in Scotland this Friday (8.35pm start). It was a deflating blow when they…