Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-23 i Star

As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) faces uncertainty over its renewal in September, South Africa's automotive industry is bracing for turbulence, with experts on Tuesday warning of significant repercussions if the preferential trade programme is allowed to expire. The Agoahas been a cornerstone for the country’s automotive sector, providing duty-free access to the lucrative United States market. Without it, the local automobile landscape could face dire consequences. Renai Moothilal, CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam), stressed the critical role that Agoa has played in not just boosting export growth, but also attracting vital investments into South Africa’s automotive sector over the past two decades. “Agoa provides South African automotive component and vehicle manufacturers with preferential, duty-free access to the US market. This…

In what must be the strangest political marriage since the dawn of democracy, a court case instigated by both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to prevent a VAT increase started today. The court action, in the Western Cape High Court, has been filed against the Minister of Finance and other entities, including the South African Revenue Services. While judgement is likely to be reserved, the outcome of the matter will affect everyone given that inflation will be adversely affected. Investec chief economist, Annabel Bishop, has already worked out that a 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT will add 0.25 basis points to inflation for each of the two years proposed in the National Budget tabled in March. The DA, this morning during a press conference,…

with Ukraine ahead of Zelenskyy's visit Calls for South Africa to deepen its economic engagement with Ukraine are gaining traction ahead of an anticipated visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday. This visit represents a significant opportunity for both nations, particularly in the agricultural sector, where experts see potential for long-term mutually beneficial trade relationships. Wandile Sihlobo, the chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), said on Tuesday that the leadership discussions will likely revolve around key geopolitical issues, given Ukraine's ongoing conflict. However, Sihlobo emphasised that informal business talks are already underway, setting the stage for possible partnerships. "The Ukrainian President may visit South Africa, accompanied by senior government officials from the economic sector. Such conversations may be about forming connections to…

Each year on April 22, the world pauses to mark Earth Day — a moment to reflect on our collective relationship with the planet. For the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), every day is Earth Day. Still, this global observance provides a vital opportunity to take stock, deepen reflection, and recommit to a world that is fair and just, a task of which we must undertake for posterity through a transition that must centre not only on people, but also on the health of the planet that sustains us and all of life. As the PCC, our role is to provide an evidence-based platform to support South Africa’s shift to a low-emissions, climate-resilient, and more equal economy. We do this through robust research, broad and meaningful stakeholder engagement, and also independent…

Klaus Schwab, chairman of the Board of Trustees and founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has decided to step down. “Following my recent announcement, and as I enter my 88th year, I have decided to step down from the position of chair and as a member of the Board of Trustees, with immediate effect,” Schwab said in a statement. At an extraordinary board meeting on April 20, the board took note of Schwab's resignation and unanimously appointed vice chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe as chairman ad interim. It also established a search committee for the selection of a future chair. The board acknowledged the outstanding achievements of the retired chairman and founder of the WEF. The forum did not say why Schwab was stepping down. He created the leading global platform…

AfriForum has again been hogging headlines after they took a tongue-in-cheek approach to protest the proposed amendments to regulations that would practically disarm the private security sector. The civil rights organisation handed over a set of water pistols to the bodyguards of police minister Senzo Mchunu, symbolising their opposition to the proposed regulations. Mchunu signed the proposed private security amendments late last month while members of the public still had an opportunity to comment on the matter. The proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) have sparked criticism from various quarters of the security sector. According to AfriForum's chief spokesperson for Community Safety Jacques Broodryk, the donation was a protest against the minister's efforts to disarm private security officers. "It is absurd that the government has…

An investigation is underway by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) into allegations that a teacher had sent a grade 7 learner text messages of a sexual nature at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville. Several parents and concerned residents staged a protest outside the school on Tuesday, calling for the removal of the teacher. Spokesperson for the DoE, Muzi Mahlambi, said the matter was reported to the school principal on April 5, 2025. Mahlambi said the circuit manager instituted an investigation immediately. “The findings and the recommendations are now at the desk of the head of the department to apply his mind and take appropriate actions. We are very disappointed as the department to have such a character teaching our learners. The department frowns at such behaviour,” Mahlambi said. KwaZulu-Natal…

As we remember Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, let’s unite in sharing our heartfelt tributes. Here’s how different communities are expressing their condolences: Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba: On behalf of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, and with a heavy heart, I give thanks to God for the life of Pope Francis. For me, as for so many around the globe, his death feels almost like a personal loss. On numerous occasions, my wife, Lungi, and I met him, and he made you feel as if you were the only person in the world, holding you in his gaze with those piercing, warm and attentive eyes. For many around the world, including people of all faiths and none, the distinguishing characteristic of his papacy was…

A delegation of exiled Afghan women is in South Africa for a week-long visit, on a mission to share their stories, and to create a knowledge and insights-sharing platform in their search for solidarity to end gender apartheid. Malala Fund, in partnership with End Gender Apartheid Campaign, the Civic Engagement Project and Lawyers for Human Rights, has hosted a series of roundtable dialogues and discussions with some of South Africa’s leading human rights activists as well as members of the judiciary. At a roundtable hosted at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, panellists included Professor Thuli Madonsela, Professor Farid Esack, Judge Margie Victor, and three Afghan women who are part of the delegation. Escaping a forced child marriage. Suffering a broken nose for lifting a Burka in public. Shutting down…

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is bracing for a blockbuster CAF Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in Cairo on Friday at 8pm. After a cagey but entertaining goalless draw in the first leg at FNB Stadium over the weekend, the Buccaneers head to North Africa with everything still to play for. While the scoreline suggests a balanced encounter, it was a contest full of drama and close calls that could have easily gone in Pyramids’ favour. Twice, Pirates were saved by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with Fiston Mayele’s first-half goal ruled offside, and Soudiq Ougla’s late strike disallowed for handball. Those moments highlighted just how dangerous the Egyptian outfit can be — especially now that they will be roared on by their home…

I was honestly worried about Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s injury situation earlier this season. He just didn’t seem like he could put a few matches together before breaking down. The collarbone injury sustained against the Sharks in December was the latest problem. In fact, in the two previous games against the Sharks and Lions, Feinberg-Mngomezulu went off with concussion and hip issues, respectively. That of course all happened after a knee injury against the All Blacks saw him ruled out of the Springbok November tour as well. After earning the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award, Feinberg-Mngomezulu said the “injury layoff served me well”, and that “I don’t take any opportunity for granted. I’ve had injuries, and understand that game-time is never given”. He made his belated return against the…

One day you’re pushing hard to be part of the Springboks, and the next, you’re out for six months with an injury. That was the lot of Stormers No 8 Evan Roos last year, but having come through a difficult time, the 25-year-old is back to his best and once again putting up his hand for national selection. It was a frustrating time for the former Paarl Boys’ High star last season as he had missed out on Bok selection for the Rugby Championship games in Australia, having started against Portugal in Bloemfontein. Roos decided to fix a lingering shoulder injury with an operation, and that meant months on the sidelines as he also wasn’t available for the Bok November tour to Europe. He eventually returned to action with the…

The IMF on Tuesday projected SA’s GDP to rise only to 1% in 2025, and 1.3% in 2026 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed South Africa’s economic growth projections for 2025 by 0.5 percentage on the back of slowing activity in the country’s two largest trading partners amid rising US tariffs. The US government announced sweeping reciprocal import tariffs on 60 countries earlier this month, sparking retaliation and raising trade barriers to levels not seen since the Great Depression. In its World Economic Outlook (WEO) for April, the IMF on Tuesday projected South Africa’s real gross domestic product (GDP) to rise only to 1% in 2025 and 1.3% in 2026, which will also drag down the Sub-Saharan African economy. Though this projection is an increase from 0.6% in 2024…

On the second week of April 2025, South Africa woke up to a surprise that Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture was contemplating to introduce measures to prohibit South African agricultural products from entering the Tanzanian market. This was rather unexpected that Tanzania threatens South Africa about banning its agricultural products that are headed to that country, as well as those that are transiting to its surrounding countries via Dar as Salaam port. This was unexpected because Tanzania's Agriculture Minister, Honourable Mr Hussein Bashe, handled the issue simultaneously to that of Malawi. Malawi and Tanzania have experienced several restrictions together. For example, Tanzanian maize has been prohibited from entering Malawi due to concerns about Lethal Necrosis (MLN) in late 2023. More recently, flour and rice have been restricted, while Tanzanian bananas are…

The rules can be tricky for sectional title schemes wanting to join the burgeoning renewable energy trend. Residential solar installations in South Africa have surged in the past five years, driven by both the unreliability and rocketing cost of Eskom power. Eskom hiked its rates by 9.61% in 2022, 18.65% in 2023, 12.72% in 2024 and 12.75% at the beginning of April, this year. In 2023, thanks to loadshedding, lights were off for 1 750 hours: very nearly 20% of the time. And the threat of loadshedding is ever-present, despite increasing Eskom power bills. Rooftop solar installations grew around 350% in 2023 and last year, according to the SA Photovoltaic Industry Association, the nation added another 8.97MW of solar power generating capacity to its rooftops. Switching to solar is a…

Alphamin Resources, the JSE Alt X and Toronto-listed mining company, has reported a strong uptick in net profit for the year to December 31, 2024, but has warned that the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) might impact its operations in the future. The Mauritius-based owner of the Bisie tin mine in DRC said Tuesday that in late January 2025, insurgents started seizing strategic cities in Eastern DRC, including the city of Goma. Operations at the company's Bisie tin mine had continued uninterrupted until the end of February. However, all mine personnel were evacuated, with only essential personnel left for care, maintenance, and security, after the insurgents started advancing westward towards the mine. On April 9, 2025, 27 days after the decision to evacuate the mine was taken,…

The commercial real estate sector in South Africa is being tested by a mix of local political uncertainty and mounting global trade pressure, but the market is holding up with investors adopting a wait-and-see approach. Earlier this month, the rand approached a historic low of R19.93 against the US dollar before recovering to R18.97 by April 14. Simultaneously, the JSE All Share Index saw significant volatility, dropping from 89 950.79 on March 31 to 82 485.81 on April 9, before rebounding to 88 162.30 by April 14. Meanwhile, the FTSE/JSE listed Property Index was down by only 1.34% year-to-date on Tuesday, while it was up 21.93% over a 12-month period. Over three months it was up 0.55%. The catalyst for the currency and volatility on the JSE? A 31% reciprocal…

If you're looking to catch a stage show this month, there are a variety of options available from a finger-snapping and toe-tapping musical to poignant dramas. For a limited run, this show makes a triumphant return to Johannesburg. Produced by Showtime Australia, it features an exceptional cast of Zac Coombs, André Behnke and Warren Vernon-Driscoll, who recreate the unforgettable harmonies of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, backed by a live band. The music of the iconic band, which dominated the disco music era in the mid-to-late 1970s, is still celebrated today. Producer Johnny van Grinsven commented: “The Bee Gees defined the sound of an era and created some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Their harmonies, songwriting, and energy made them one of the greatest acts of all…

The Select Committee on Security and Justice has raised grave concerns over the payment of R31 million to suspended magistrates, with some individuals having received substantial salaries since 2018 without performing any work. Committee chairperson Jane Mananiso, last week, expressed her dismay, stating that the public money cannot continuously be used to fund suspended magistrates. “This is taxpayers' money that could have been used for much-needed programmes,” Mananiso said. “The Magistrates Commission, a regulatory body for the Lower Court Judiciary, updated the committee on disciplinary proceedings and measures to reduce the length of time these disciplinary proceedings take." According to Mananiso, one magistrate has been on suspension with full remuneration since September 2018, having received over R8m since then for doing nothing. The magistrate from KwaZulu-Natal has taken home…

Caught with a bottle of Savanna next to him while he was driving home after watching a Chiefs and Pirates game, the soccer enthusiast later pleaded guilty to drunken driving and was subsequently sentenced, but this was now overturned on review by the court. The North West Provincial Division of the High Court, sitting in Mafikeng, said it is not clear whether Bathanda Mrabule actually admitted that he was drunk at the time. Mrabule was arrested on September 29 last year, following his arrest for drunken driving. He appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court, where he insisted on defending himself. In explaining to the court what happened, Mrabule said he was driving home from the soccer stadium when he felt like getting a drink. He stopped at a tavern to…

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato has praised the use of drones in helping intercept more than 1 000 undocumented migrants attempting to enter South Africa illegally over the Easter weekend. Masiapato confirmed that all those arrested will be deported to their homelands. “Without drones, this work becomes very expensive and ineffective. We would be patrolling blindly, not knowing if we would encounter people,” Masiapato said on Monday during a media briefing at Beitbridge Border Post. He admitted the BMA has long faced challenges intercepting undocumented migrants but said the introduction of drones has significantly improved their operations. “With drones, we can now monitor vulnerable segments along the border and corridors. At Beitbridge, including the river crossing, we can see individuals using makeshift boats to cross. Once detected,…

In Emfuleni, desperation runs as deep as the sewage flooding its streets and homes. Families wake up to the stench of human waste seeping through their floors, forced to live in filth while their pleas for help go unanswered. Hope is fading, health is failing, and dignity is being washed away with every spillage. This is no longer just a service delivery failure — it’s a humanitarian crisis unfolding in plain sight. In this edition of The Star — part one of our “Emfuleni Drowning in Sewage” series — we visited Evaton, where residents have endured severe sewage spills for over 30 years. In one heartbreaking scene, a 100-year-old grandmother lives with raw sewage seeping through her yard, the toxic stench hanging thick in the air. Nearby, a disabled child…

The Public Servants Association (PSA) is outraged by the surge in cases of sexual abuse of learners by educators in South African schools. The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) has reported a 35.4% increase in such cases, with 111 incidents recorded in the 2024/25 period, compared to 82 in the previous year. This disturbing trend highlights a critical need for stronger safeguards and systemic reforms to protect children. The PSA unequivocally condemns any form of abuse, particularly sexual abuse, perpetrated by those entrusted with the education and care of children. Such acts are a gross violation of trust and have devastating impacts on victims and their families. The PSA stands in solidarity with affected learners and their families and calls for justice to be served swiftly and decisively. The…

All roads led to a flavour explosion as Simba, in collaboration with Wellington’s, unveiled their boldest creation yet — a tantalisingly tangy tomato-flavoured chip inspired by the rich, iconic taste of Wellington’s full-flavour Tomato Sauce. A celebration of a bold taste, local pride, and street culture in every bite. The launch, held on April 16 in Fourways, was a star-studded affair featuring the likes of comedy king Mpho Popps, viral TikTok star Mbuyiselo Vilakazi, and dynamic presenter Teboho “Caddy” Tsotetsi — all coming together to celebrate this bold new flavour with flair and flavour. Speaking to The Star, Simba Senior Brand Manager Sibongile Mndebele said the launch was sparked by an overwhelming wave of social media requests from fans, all urging the brand to bring back the much-loved tomato sauce…

President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute on Monday to the late Pope Francis's ‘‘extraordinary life story’’ and praised his efforts to promote inclusion. The pope died on Easter Monday. He was 88. Ramaphosa hailed the late Argentine pontiff for how he ‘‘advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment’’, Ramaphosa said in a statement. “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values. “His extraordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for…

Proteas Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt knows all about being the youngster in the team. The skipper, now 25, was 16-years-old when she made her international debut against England back in 2016. Wolvaardt would have experienced all the nerves and apprehension about wanting to show that she belongs at the highest level, especially coming into a team that had established stars such as Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee and Shabnim Ismail within its line-up. Now entrusted with a leadership role, Wolvaardt is looking to make the transition from the junior ranks into the senior national team just a little bit easier for rookies such as Karabo Meso, Miané Smit and Seshnie Naidu. While Meso and Naidu have already had a taste of the big time with…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has recommended acceleration of policy and regulatory reforms to entrench gas in the country's energy mix. This call comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns regarding the underdevelopment of the local gas industry, which remains heavily reliant on the Sasol Mozambique natural gas project due to a lack of significant indigenous proven gas reserves. According to the strategy report published by Nersa on Tuesday, the energy regulator pointed out that while there's a robust long-term potential for domestic gas production, immediate steps must be taken to diversify gas supply sources. This includes enhancing pipeline connectivity from Mozambique via the ROMPCO pipeline and securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from both regional and international markets. Despite the promising synergies between natural gas and…

The short-term insurance industry is facing increased pressure from two directions: proposed domestic tax hikes and global trade uncertainty. Taken together, these developments are likely to deepen financial strain on policyholders while simultaneously threatening the growth and stability of the insurance sector itself. The Finance Minister’s proposal to incrementally increase VAT – from 15% to 15.5% in 2025 and then to 16% in 2026 – will directly affect the cost of financial services, including short-term insurance. Insurers have begun giving notice of increases to policyholders, given that VAT is a compliance requirement (and thus does not provide them with additional revenue). The result: higher premiums for policyholders at a time when household incomes are already under pressure from sub-inflationary wage growth and rising living costs. For businesses, the situation is…

Africa’s infrastructure deficit, a $90 billion annual gap, casts a long shadow over the continent’s future. The African Development Bank estimates this shortfall shaves nearly 2% off GDP growth each year, choking economic potential and social progress. From unreliable power grids to crumbling roads, these gaps inflate costs, isolate communities and stifle opportunity. Yet, within this challenge lies a chance to reimagine infrastructure through data and artificial intelligence (AI), transforming obstacles into pathways for growth. The infrastructure gap ripples across Africa’s economy and society. Poor logistics, with transport costs 30-40% higher than in other regions, undermine the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) promise of a 52% boost in intra-African trade. These inefficiencies translate into pricier goods and fewer jobs, locking nations in a cycle of lost potential. Limited access…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has imposed an administrative penalty of R700 000 on African Bank due to misleading advertising that violated the Conduct Standard 3 of 2020 (Banks). This follows an extensive investigation into the bank’s festive season social media campaign, dubbed #KeFestive, which featured misleading financial statements that could misrepresent vital information to consumers. In December 2023, the FSCA identified a social media advertisement that encouraged potential borrowers with the phrase “It’s not a skoloto chomi! Ke investment”. This misleading representation suggested that the personal loans on offer were investment products rather than credit facilities. Such mischaracterisation could significantly mislead customers about the nature and risks associated with the financial product. The FSCA determined that African Bank had contravened essential sections of the Conduct Standard, namely sections…

Celebrities from around the globe have spared their time to pay tribute to Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. The Pope died on Monday at the age of 88, after suffering a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death, stating: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.” Pope Francis, known for his progressive stance and outspoken compassion, left an indelible mark on the world, and many celebrities are now expressing their gratitude and respect…

While the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) will soon be wowing audiences, it is also undeniable how much of an economic impact the festival creates. Audiences, both local and international, will soon be singing and dancing at the Cape Town International Convention Centre next week, April 25 to 26, where incredible artists will be performing under the “Legacy meets tomorrow” theme. This year’s lineup takes the theme to the next level, honouring the past legends and welcoming the future with artists such as: Grammy award winner DJ and producer Black Coffee in collaboration with Nduduzo Makhathini. DJ Black Coffee is a global icon who has electrified audiences across the world, performing in countries like the United States, Spain, Australia, Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, and Qatar. From the legendary stages of…

In granting a man who had to spend 120 days in police custody while he was innocent of committing a crime R850 000 in damages, payable by the police, the court commented that what had happened to the man during his incarceration was simply horrendous and inhumane. Serame Tikoe claimed more than R1 million in damages before the North West High Court, sitting in Mahikeng, following his nightmare ordeal. He painted a bleak picture to the court of how he had to witness fellow inmates being raped. He also had to hand out cigarettes to gang members in return for protection. Tikoe, 39, testified that on the afternoon of September 1, 2022, he was on his way to a butcher in Potchefstroom. A male police officer, whom he later came…

Residents of Ward 1 in Pretoria West spent the weekend queuing to sign a petition demanding the City of Tshwane address a range of service delivery issues, including fixing faulty streetlights, potholes, and burst pipes, among other grievances. Ward 1 councillor Leon Kruyshaar said the intention is to finish the petition forms this week and hand them in by the end of the week. He said the campaign is gaining momentum online, with over 200 signatures collected and 500 people signing on-site. “We currently lack service delivery in the ward. The potholes and streetlights are the big ones,” he said. He said the situation has deteriorated since the current administration assumed office six months ago, with metro police even resorting to filling potholes with soil, as captured on video recently…

Having recently returned from a two-week visit to China, where I spent time in both Beijing and Shanghai, I have come back not only inspired but deeply challenged. Walking through the streets of these cities, catching the lightning-fast trains, navigating cashless marketplaces, and observing the rhythm of daily life, one thing became strikingly clear: China’s modernisation is not just a matter of infrastructure or economics — it is a philosophy. A national project. A social contract. It is no coincidence that one of China’s most enduring proverbs says, “If you want to get rich, build roads.” This is not just about asphalt and motorways. It’s about building connections—between rural and urban, between people and opportunity, between vision and delivery. In both Beijing and Shanghai, I witnessed the outcome of this…

On April 13, during the Nedbank Cup semi-final match between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium, a glaring error blemished an otherwise thrilling football event. The South African national flag was displayed upside down, both on SuperSport and on SABC Sport’s national broadcast. This oversight, visible to thousands of viewers, was not corrected by any of the stakeholders involved: the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, SuperSport TV, SABC Sport, Nedbank as the tournament sponsor, or Orlando Pirates as the home team. This collective failure reflects a lack of attention to a symbol that holds deep meaning for South Africans and demands immediate accountability. The South African flag, a beacon of unity and resilience since its adoption in 1994, must be displayed with dignity. According to the Southern…

Mamelodi Sundowns are in a stronger position than their 0–0 draw in the first leg suggests, as they prepare to face Al Ahly in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday (kick-off 18:00). While Al Ahly currently reign as champions of Africa and will be determined to defend their crown, Sundowns continue their pursuit of continental glory. After falling at the semi-final stage in the last two seasons, this could be their best chance yet to write another iconic chapter in their impressive journey. Sundowns secured a third consecutive semi-final berth after narrowly overcoming Esperance de Tunis with a 1–0 aggregate win. Their path to the final began in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Loftus Versfeld — a ground…

Cameron Hanekom is just a few weeks short of his 23rd birthday, but is already a marked man on a rugby field. In the recent Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh, the Bulls No 8 seemed to have three defenders on him almost every time he got the ball. The Pretoria side eventually went down 34-28 at the Hive Stadium, and a large part of that was down to their star loose forward being unable to break free from the hosts’ defensive shackles. Coach Jake White said that Hanekom is talented enough to overcome the special attention with time, and it took the former Paarl Boys’ High prodigy just a week to fix things as he was back to his explosive best in last week’s 16-13 win over Munster. He was…

Keshav Maharaj is 35-years-old. So too is Dane Piedt. These were the last two specialist spinners to feature in the Proteas Test side, along with 31-year-old all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy. The leading bowler in the CSA Four-Day series last season was 38-year-old Shaun von Berg, followed closely by 31-year-old Prenalyn Subrayen. And while there’s a common belief that spinners have only truly mastered their craft once they have reached their 30’s, the advanced ages of the country’s leading spin bowlers may well pose a problem in the near future. It is for this reason that Cricket South Africa bowling lead Paul Adams is hoping the upcoming South Africa ‘A’ tour to the West Indies will unearth a new generation of spinners in the country. Along with stalwarts Subrayen and Bjorn Fortuin,…

The Sharks will be hoping to build on the weekend’s smash-and-grab 18-17 win over Edinburgh when they face Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday. The Springbok-laden Sharks were kept on the back foot in the Scottish capital. They had to rely on a sterling defensive effort to keep them in the contest until the dying seconds. That’s when Makazole Mapimpi popped up to bag the winning try, sending the Durbanites into raptures. It also left them firmly entrenched in fourth place in the table on 49 points as the race for the play-offs intensifies. Ulster, for their part, are down in 10th place with 37 points, just three points above the play-off places. The Irish side will be determined to win their last home game of the regular season,…