Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-09 i Star

Renewable energy sector project in limbo due to President Trump’s Executive Orders The establishment of the Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS) project, an initiative aimed at revolutionising South Africa’s renewable energy sector, is currently in limbo due to a significant funding shortfall. Yunus Hoosen, head of Invest South Africa (InvestSA), disclosed to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry on Wednesday that the project was seeking an additional R60 million to continue its rollout across all provinces. The setback follows the withdrawal of funding from the United States under former President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders. "We have done the functional specs. We have been funded by donor agencies. We lost a little bit of funding from the US but we continue to talk to a number of other donors…

Manufacturing output in South Africa is facing a challenging start to 2025, with output continuing to decline and showing signs of deeper economic troubles. The sector continued on its downward spiral in March, ending the first quarter of 2025 on the backfoot and likely to negatively contribute to the quarter’s gross domestic product (GDP) print. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday showed that manufacturing production fell by 0.8% year-on-year in March, following a 3.2% slump in February. This marked the eighth consecutive month of annual contraction and the fifth consecutive month of declines in industrial activity, although it was the mildest in the sequence. Nicolai Klaassen, director of industry statistics at StatsSA said four of the 10 manufacturing divisions recorded lower production levels, with the petroleum, chemical…

Prosus, a subsidiary of Naspers listed on the JSE and Amsterdam stock exchanges, reported robust growth in revenue and profitability for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, said the CEO, Frabricio Bloisi. Speaking to shareholders on Thursday ahead of the detailed results release scheduled for June, Bloisi outlined the company's ambitious trajectory and strategic focus to solidify its position as a leading global technology company. Prosus, known for its expansive portfolio of investments across 100 firms worldwide, is on a mission to establish the leading lifestyle e-commerce company in Europe, India, and Latin America. This vision aligns with Bloisi's earlier commitment, made on October 1, 2024, to achieve an adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (aEBIT) of $400 million for its e-commerce vertical in the financial year 2025—a goal…

South African workplaces are becoming breeding grounds for mental health crises, with more than half of employees reporting that work-related stress, pressure, or toxic management has led to a formal diagnosis of mental health disorders. According to a new survey by corporate wellness provider MindMatters SA, 56% of South African employees say they have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, burnout, or other mental health conditions as a direct result of their working environment. The findings highlight an alarming deterioration in workplace mental wellness, driven by poor leadership, unrealistic expectations, job insecurity, and insufficient support structures. “Workplaces are supposed to be sources of purpose and productivity, but for many South Africans, they have become a major source of psychological harm,” said Dr Naledi Marumo, a clinical psychologist and advisor to the…

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) is currently saddled with cases of irregular expenditure totaling about R2 billion. This was revealed by the institution’s acting managing director, Gopal Reddy, during a briefing with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) regarding the agency’s 2023-24 audit outcomes on Wednesday. Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke’s recent report found that SITA did not take effective and appropriate steps to prevent irregular expenditure required by the Public Finance Management Act. “The majority of the irregular expenditure relates to expenditure incurred on ongoing multi-year contracts incurred in prior years. Prepayments were made before goods or services were received and the terms of the contract did not specify that payments in advance are required in contravention of treasury regulation,” Maluleke said. She also stated in her report that…

One person has won over R28 million in the Powerball Plus jackpot draw from the May 6, 2025, draw. According to National Lottery Ithuba, the person won R28 558 423.50. The winning ticket was purchased via a banking app, with a wager of R67.50. The person opted to select their winning numbers manually. Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza said: It's truly fulfilling to witness the PowerBall Plus doing exactly what it was designed to do — offering players a second chance to win big. ‘‘This win highlights the convenience and security of playing the National Lottery through banking apps. We are thrilled for the winner and remain committed to delivering a world-class lottery experience through continuous innovation and accessibility.” Winners have 365 days from the date of the draw to claim…

THE last time a Black man was loved without condition was often when he was a three-year-old boy in his mother’s arms. Beyond that, the tenderness fades. The world no longer sees his heart — it begins to value only his hands. Across South Africa, this transition begins early. Black boys are taught that their worth lies in how hard they can work, how well they can provide, and how long they can suppress their emotions. Vulnerability is considered a weakness, and emotional expression, a liability. Michelle Obama, in her reflections on love and relationships, offers a striking insight that speaks directly to this reality: “Young people think love is supposed to be easy. But true love demands work — hard work. It requires showing up in the small moments,…

When US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that China’s economy could lose “five to 10 million jobs” due to new tariffs, the headline predictably grabbed global attention. “The onus is on Beijing,” he added, laying the blame for de-escalation squarely at China’s doorstep. But such rhetoric, laced with provocation, ignores both the history and the present reality of US-China trade relations. More crucially, for countries like South Africa watching this power play unfold, Bessent’s remarks reveal not strength, but a strategic miscalculation: the assumption that China is cornered. The reality is quite different. China is not just enduring the storm – it is actively transforming it into a catalyst for growth and global integration. While Bessent frames tariffs as a hammer, China has chosen to wield them as a chisel,…

Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has downplayed the significance of his team’s recent dominance over Kaizer Chiefs, insisting that their focus is squarely on the performance required in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final. The Soweto giants meet in a sold-out clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off set for 3.30pm. This will be the second cup final for the Buccaneers this season, and a chance to complete a treble under coach Jose Riveiro, who is leaving the club at the end of the campaign. A win would mark Pirates’ third consecutive Nedbank Cup title and sixth overall trophy since Riveiro’s arrival in 2022. Despite the momentum favouring Pirates, having defeated Chiefs in both league encounters this season, Xoki insists that past results are irrelevant when it comes to finals.…

A team in a desperate situation heading to Loftus Versfeld to take on the Bulls can be a dangerous one. That is what the home side would’ve learned from their meeting with the Stormers in February in Pretoria, when the men from the Cape needed to snap a two-match losing streak against their arch-rivals in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The Stormers won 19-16, and they turned the corner towards the playoff thanks to that underdog-status victory at Loftus. Cardiff, like the Cape side, arrived in Pretoria this week as the overwhelming underdogs for Saturday’s clash at Loftus (4pm kick-off). Still hunting a playoff spot, they will be a desperate team to record a victory on foreign soil as they push to stay in the top eight. That should be…

Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step toward sealing their eighth consecutive league title after a commanding 3-0 win over Chippa United in their Premiership clash on Wednesday night. The emphatic victory allowed the Brazilians to restore their 12-point lead at the top of the table over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who had earlier edged Golden Arrows 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday. Now just four points away from mathematically securing a record-extending 18th top-flight crown, Sundowns remain firmly on course for a historic season, with the possibility of adding a second CAF Champions League title also still alive. Head coach Miguel Cardoso praised his players’ determination and composure after what marked their 21st win from 25 league outings this season. “Every match that finishes 3-0 looks like flowers were coming…

ORLANDO Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi might as well have been playing mind games on Wednesday when he downplayed his side’s favourites’ tag. But the reality is that the Buccaneers are under more pressure to win the Nedbank Cup than arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. The much-anticipated high-stakes battle of the last silverware of the eventful 2024/2025 season will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, starting at 3.30pm. Chiefs have had a very poor season, and since they have not beaten Pirates under the tutelage of outgoing Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, only serious optimists would expect them to win on Saturday. Pirates on the other hand, have had a great campaign, winning the MTN8 for a third time running, reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League,…

The sands of time have just about run out for the Lions in the United Rugby Championship’s ‘Race to Eight’, and defence coach Jaque Fourie is concerned that the team are leaking star players such as Edwill van der Merwe, who will join the Sharks next season. The Johannesburg side host the Scarlets at Ellis Park on Sunday (3pm kick-off), and finish their URC league campaign the following week with a home fixture against the Ospreys. The Lions need the maximum 10 points from these last two games to have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs, but they are hanging on to a slender straw. The highest points tally the Lions can hope for on the final log is 45, and no side has ever qualified for the URC…

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has named five companies as preferred bidders for the development of liquid bulk and green fuel terminals in the South Dunes Precinct of the Port of Richards Bay. With the project valuing approximately R17 billion, this venture marks a substantial expansion of the port's liquid bulk handling capacity, while also propelling the nation towards a more sustainable energy future. Following a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on 6 December 2023, TNPA on Thursday said it has awarded preferred bidder status to KZN Oils, Linsen Nambi, Protank, Bidvest/Mnambithi Consortium, and KNGM Engineering. This ambitious project encompasses funding, design, development, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual transfer of liquid bulk terminals over a 25-year concession period. Terminal designs will enable the handling of a range of essential petrochemical…

The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced another pause in rate cuts and warned of higher risks to its inflation and unemployment goals in a likely reference to President Donald Trump's tariff rollout. Policymakers voted unanimously to hold the US central bank's key lending rate at between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent, the Fed said in a statement. Speaking to reporters in Washington after the decision was published, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said there was "a great deal of uncertainty" about where the Trump administration's tariff policies will end up. The US president introduced steep levies last month on China and lower "baseline" levies of 10 percent on goods from most other countries, sparking weeks of turbulence in the financial markets. The White House also slapped higher tariffs on dozens…

Longer than expected maintenance shutdowns at two South African pulp mills and an uncertain global economy saw global paper and packaging group Sappi sink into a loss in the second quarter. The loss for the three months to March 31 came to $20 million versus a profit of $29m in the quarter to end March last year. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was $107m versus $180m in the same period in 2024. “Challenging market conditions across all segments were driven by heightened uncertainty from potential global trade tensions and a broader economic slowdown, which placed downward pressure on selling prices,” CEO Steve Binnie said in an interview with BR. The forestry fair value price for the quarter was a R307m loss adjustment. Nevertheless, year-on-year sales volumes…

Sustainable packaging and paper group Mondi’s share price gained 2.6% on Thursday after it reported higher sales volumes, good cost control, and fewer planned maintenance shuts in the three months to the end of March. The share price traded at R218.22 on the JSE in the afternoon, a price well down from R368.37 that it traded at a year before. The group said in a first quarter to end-March 31 trading update that average selling prices were lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the first quarter was €290 million, including a forestry fair value gain of €2m (Q4 2024: €261m including a forestry fair value loss of €27m). In Corrugated Packaging and Flexible Packaging, stronger order books drove…

TikTok is always filled with very creative, fun and informative content, but it’s also notorious for having outrageous and questionable content, and this may just be one of them. In the recent episode of questionable content on TikTok, a young woman’s decision to ditch her skincare routine and adopt a “caveman” approach has left TikTok users shocked and concerned. TikTok user Tia Zakher has gained attention for her unconventional skincare approach, which involves abstaining from all skincare products, including water, to let her skin’s natural barrier function without interference. Zakher claims this method allows her skin to “reset” and heal itself naturally. However, her latest videos reveal a concerning development: a thick, flaky texture on her face, which TikTok users are speculating is a fungal infection. According to Zakher, the…

The search for journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, has ended in a tragic way. The couple was discovered in a veld in the Kwa Mhlanga area, bringing an end to the couple’s disappearance since 18 February 2025. The remains, found decomposing, were identified by the forensic team, confirming the tragic loss. The discovery was made following a lengthy investigation led by a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies. Police had recently arrested five suspects, three of whom have already appeared in court. One of the suspects reportedly pointed out the location where the remains were found, National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, confirmed. Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System…

President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the second phase of Operation Vulindlela on Wednesday, promising bold structural reforms to address spatial inequality, dysfunctional municipalities, and digital infrastructure gaps. But critics have questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting the president is using the launch as a public relations exercise to distract from mounting scrutiny over what was going to be a 0.5% VAT increase. The high-profile launch, held at the Union Buildings, came just days after Ramaphosa unveiled a long-awaited commission of inquiry into apartheid-era atrocities — an announcement that has drawn both praise and political pressure. Some commentators and civil society groups argue that the president’s renewed focus on economic reform is conveniently timed.“There’s a sense that Operation Vulindlela Phase Two is being used to manage optics,” said political analyst Nompumelelo…

The number of registered spaza shops that actually have been issued with licences sits at a mere 6%, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said on Wednesday. Ndabeni-Abrahams disclosed that a total of 87 407 spaza shops have been registered since the registration was closed. “Out of that 87 407, 54 583 are owned by South Africans while 32 824 are owned by non-South Africans. And out of that number, only 5 456 have been issued licences,” she said. Ndabeni-Abrahams gave the figures during the question and answer session in the National Assembly when ANC MP Cristopher Malematja enquired about the number of spaza shops that have been registered since the expiry of the deadline for their registration. She told MPs that the process of registering spaza shops was the…

The cash-strapped Northwest Transport Investments (NTI) is set to receive a subsidy payment from the Gauteng provincial government and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) wants the entity to immediately pay workers. The union said some workers have not been paid their salaries for close to a year now. Satawu said it was concerned that these workers remained unpaid despite the court ruling against the former business rescue practitioner (BRP), Thomas Samons. The union said NTI must prioritise the workers as soon as it receives the money from the Gauteng provincial government. “We also want to state that NTI must be extra cautious with the funds. We want to emphasise that we do not trust Thomas at all; he can manoeuvre to get through the money,”…

After making waves with his acclaimed EP The Healing Process, South African house maestro UMngomezulu returns with Turning Pain into Music, a raw, soul-stirring 7-track journey that transforms personal struggle into rhythmic healing, delivering both emotional depth and undeniable groove. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Thulasizwe Mngomezulu, known professionally as UMngomezulu, is carving out a name for himself as one of South Africa’s most emotionally resonant deep house producers. His journey into music began in 2009 after completing a Music Production Certificate at the Soul Candi Institute of Music, where he discovered a calling: to translate life’s emotions into rhythm and sound. The muso is also the founder of Something Emotional Recordings and has earned recognition on major platforms, landing on Apple Music’s top playlists such as Mzansi Hits and Mzansi House.…

The Jennifer Hudson Show has reached a major milestone, celebrating its 500th episode. The talk show kicked off back in 2022 with guests like Simon Cowell and Viola Davis. To celebrate this achievement, the show’s host, Jennifer Hudson was treated to the famous and lively Spirit Tunnel performance by the show’s staff, which she joyously danced to. For those unfamiliar, the “Spirit Tunnel” is a beloved tradition on the show where staff members gather in the hallway to welcome guests with a custom-made song and energetic performance. The tradition quickly garnered interest on the internet, with some Spirit Tunnel dances going more viral than others. It has grown to be a moment that many look forward to, including the guests. In an exclusive interview with People, the multi-award-winning talk…

Too many South African children are unable to wash their hands as only 53% of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres have piped water, electricity, and flushing toilets, while 8% have none at all. This is because, despite a record R210 million government pledge to upgrade these centres over the next two years, basic infrastructure remains severely lacking. Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project, warns that South Africa risks undermining the lifesaving power of handwashing unless urgent steps are taken to ensure access to clean, safe water in early learning spaces. “Children constantly touch surfaces and objects, picking up germs as they go,” she explains. “Without proper hand hygiene, those germs can lead to dangerous illnesses like diarrhoea and respiratory infections - two of the leading causes of death…

SOUTH Africa is in deep crisis. The scale of unemployment, the collapse of public services, the precipitous decline of major cities, and pervasive corruption have left many people disillusioned. The ANC, once the bearer of our democratic hopes, has squandered much of its legitimacy. It would be naïve to deny these failures. But amid this bleak domestic reality, there is one area where South Africa has stood firm and offered rare global moral leadership: its unwavering support for the Palestinian people. That principled stance, culminating in the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, has resonated across the globe and reminded many of what ethical internationalism can look like in an age of cynicism. It is precisely because of this moral clarity that William Gumede’s recent call…

South African teenage prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ amazing season has just got wilder after he was signed up to the Indian Premier League on Thursday. The 19-year-old was called up by the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Nitish Rana, who will miss the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to injury. Pretorius has taken the cricketing world by storm over the last 12 months, particularly during his debut season in the Betway SA20, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer in Season 3. The young Paarl Royals batter amassed an impressive 397 runs at a breath-taking strike rate of over 166.81. His performance included four half-centuries, with an outstanding top score of 97 on debut. “It’s a real dream come true. I’m just trying to be…

WHEN Karabo Meso was making her come up in domestic cricket, many assumed that Sinalo Jafta would be under the pump for her spot in the Lions women’s team in domestic cricket, as well as the Proteas Women side. After all, the 17-year-old Meso is a much more skilled batter than the 30-year-old Jafta. As a result, Meso got the nod ahead of the experienced Jafta in the opening two matches of the ongoing Tri-Nation Series against hosts Sri Lanka and India. Asked on Thursday if she views Meso as competition for her wicket-keeper batter spot in the national side, Jafta emphasised that they are not fighting it out for a position. The 30-year-old highlighted that her job is to play the supportive role to the 17-year-old as she finds…

Analysts are warning that the economic ramifications of rising military tensions between India and Pakistan could extend far beyond South Asia, impacting nations like South Africa that count India among their top trading partners. Earlier this week, India's Ministry of Defence announced the launch of Operation Sindoor, targeting nine alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This military action was framed by Indian authorities as a direct response to the tragic deaths of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, attributed to alleged terrorist attacks on 22 April. In retaliation, the Indian military has reported increased firing from Pakistan on its northern and western borders. Given the deep interdependencies forged through trade and partnerships, particularly within BRICS—a coalition that includes both countries—these escalating tensions are raising eyebrows among economic experts in…

The ability of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) to successfully meet its R12 billion tender commitment to the Durban port has been underscored by its recently announced financial results for the quarter ending 31 March. The company posted revenue from operations of $745 million (R1.3 billion) – a 17% increase year on year. The results highlight its financial muscle and ability to operate South Africa’s largest container port in partnership with Transnet and to help unlock South Africa’s economic potential. In an affidavit filed at the Durban High court, Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips also admitted “ICTSI plainly had and continues to have the necessary financial capacity.” Yet the partnership between ICTSI and Transnet has been delayed by losing bidder Maersk who have stalled the process by pursuing a spurious…

KAL Group, the JSE-listed agri, fuel and convenience speciality retailer reported a steady performance in the six months to March 31, with earnings only marginally lower, and it has predicted a stronger performance in the second half. It generated R557.1 million in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), a decline of 2.1% over the first half of last year, while R440.6m in pre-tax profit (PBT) was lower by 3.9%. However, the interim dividend was raised to 56 cents a share from 54 cents in 2024 – reflecting business confidence and a commitment to shareholder returns. “KAL Group has grown tenfold over the past 14 years. To put it in perspective – fourteen years ago, we made just 10% of what we’ve reported this half. That kind of growth,…

Grocery retailer OK Zimbabwe Ltd's majority shareholders have agreed to back a $30 million rights issue to cover a "funding gap" and stabilise the company's financial position, its chief executive said." Most of the top five shareholders have indicated interest in following their rights," CEO Willard Zireva told Reuters on Wednesday. Earlier this month, the company announced a capital-raising plan including a rights issue, the private placement of shares, and debt instruments to strengthen its balance sheet, liquidity, and support a strategic turnaround plan. It rehired Zireva as CEO earlier this year to lead the turnaround after he retired more than seven years ago. Previously, also as CEO, he had led the group through Zimbabwe's tumultuous hyperinflation era of 2008. OK Zimbabwe has been facing competition from smaller businesses amid…

ULTRA SOUTH AFRICA Prepare for a night of music and vibrancy as Ultra South Africa is making its return to the City of Gold this weekend. The festival, which is Africa's largest electronic music festival, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year with some of the biggest names in music. The global heavyweights who will take to the stage include Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, KSHMR and Shimza. They will be joined by Da Capo, DBN Gogo, Kabza De Small, Mörda, Kyle Cassim and many more. There will also be an array of meals and a wide selection of beverages to enjoy at the event. Where: Expo Centre at Nasrec. When: Saturday, 10 May 2025 from 2pm. Pretoria Zoo Mother’s Day celebration Spoil the leading lady in your life…

As football fervour grips South Africa for the second successive week, Soweto football giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will face off at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday for the coveted Nedbank Cup trophy. The stakes could not be higher as Chiefs seek their first piece of silverware in a decade, while Pirates aim to continue their dominance in the competition. Chiefs’ painful decade-long drought has left fans anxiously longing for a return to their club’s former glory. The last time the Amakhosi celebrated a major title was during the 2014/2015 season, and there has been growing pressure for the team to regain its status as one of the giants of South African football. On the other side, the Buccaneers will look to extend their legacy by adding another…

A SENIOR member of the EFF has confirmed that party leader Julius Malema and others are not planning to withdraw their visa applications to visit the UK, after a party delegation was not provided with visas to attend a conference at Cambridge University this weekend. Malema was invited by the African Society of Cambridge to speak at the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference but could not leave OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg as their visas did not arrive in time. Taking to social media platform X, Malema said he was at the airport when he received a letter, four hours before his departure, informing him he had been denied a visa. ‘‘It is clear to me that this is an attempt to silence a dissenting political perspective. This…

The former acting director of public prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, will now be the one representing all five men accused of killing South African rapper Kiernan AKA Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. Advocate Lawrence Gcaba, the KZN deputy director of public prosecutions, revealed this yesterday at the Durban High Court. Forbes and Motsoane were shot and killed outside Wish restaurant in Durban on Florida Road on February 10, 2023. The five accused, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, made a brief appearance in this court. They are charged with two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, five counts of attempted murder, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.…

The City of Tshwane is facing a dire situation, with a staggering 37.8% unemployment rate, predominantly affecting young people. This was highlighted by Mayor Nasiphi Moya at the launch of ActionSA’s initiative at the Apartheid Museum this week, aiming to reshape South Africa’s economic agenda for lasting change. Despite the seemingly daunting challenge, Moya expressed confidence that the City’s Economic Revitalisation Strategy can help reduce unemployment by growing the local economy to 3.9% by 2029. She highlighted widespread poverty, service backlogs, and neglect in certain regions, as well as the marginalisation of informal settlements and townships from growth centers and essential services. According to her, meaningful transformation requires tangible action in cities, making them more equitable, inclusive, and responsive to people's needs, rather than just relying on speeches and policy…

More than 50 City of Tshwane workers at a Region 3’s waste management depot every morning only to find themselves idle due to a lack of resources and vehicles, and instead pass the time playing games like ludo and dice outside the offices. This was a shocking discovery made by the Member of Mayoral Committee for Agriculture and Environment Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, during his oversight visit at the facility this week. Workers, shown in a social media video, told Ramabodu that they lack necessary tools and about 50 of them often have no work to do despite receiving monthly salaries from the municipality. “This is because of the management. The management must bring trucks because workers want to go to work,” one of the workers said. Ramabodu informed the workers…

Some of our more bloodthirsty readers will remember the rather gruesome children’s Nursery rhyme, Who killed Cock Robin? The amusing claims and counterclaims of some of the minor and very minor representatives of the people in Parliament about having killed the VAT increase reminded me recently of the carryings-on of his feathered friends, either lamenting or bragging about the death of Cock Robin. A bastardised version (by me and not by AI), of the nursery rhyme, published in 1744, might read as follows: “Who killed Cock Robin?” “I,” said Athol, the sparrow, “I’m very good with my tiny little bow and arrow.” ‘Who saw it die?’’ “Me, me, me,” said the puffer wearing his Trumpian cap, “MakeSouthAfricaBlack (Like Me).” “Who caught his blood?” Beasley the Dikkop, now renamed Thicknee, beamed.…

Did you know that eating too much salt can have serious health effects? It’s estimated that nearly 1.9 million people around the world lose their lives each year due to high sodium intake. Most adults consume more than twice the amount of salt recommended by the World Health Organization - just one teaspoon a day is the limit, but many are going well beyond that without even realising it. As we recognise World Salt Week, from 12 to 18 May 2025, it is important to highlight the benefits of reducing your sodium intake, as well as how you can achieve this and leverage the resources available to stay on top of your health. If not managed correctly, the effects can be detrimental and cause raised blood pressure, which increases the…

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze says the team are comfortable with the underdog label ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates. The Nedbank Cup final kicks off at 3.30pm on Saturday and will be played in front of a sold-out crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. With Pirates currently on a five-game winning streak in the Soweto Derby, all the anticipation is for the Sea Robbers to make it a sixth win in a row. Kaze, however, has embraced his team not being given a chance. “I’m very happy to come into this game as an underdog,” Kaze told the media in Durban on Wednesday. “And we know what are our chances, we played them not long ago. We feel it is a privilege to play…

With a blend of tactical nous and spirited execution, Kaizer Chiefs have a chance to reshape their Soweto derby narrative this weekend by turning the tide in this storied rivalry. Beyond the usual bragging rights accompanying this high-stakes match, Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (3.30pm kick-off) brings an additional layer of urgency. The Nedbank Cup championship is on the line, and a golden opportunity for the Amakhosi to claim that elusive silverware for the first time in a decade. It will be an uphill battle to clinch a victory, but certain strategies will be pivotal to propel Chiefs to a win over their age-old rivals, Orlando Pirates... 1 Set-pieces, the Achilles’ heel of Pirates This season, Premiership teams have been carefully analysing their opponents,…