Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-19 i Star

Consumer prices in South Africa are expected to tick upwards on the back of global pressures and rising oil prices in the wake of escalating war in the Middle East. This is despite the consumer price inflation (CPI) remaining unchanged at 2.8%, matching April’s five-year low. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Wednesday that inflation was mainly driven by faster price increases for food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing and utilities, and clothing and footwear. However, Patrick Kelly, chief director for price statistics at Stats SA, said these increases were offset by slower inflation in alcoholic beverages and tobacco, restaurants and accommodation services, and personal care and miscellaneous services while transport prices declined sharply. “Food & non-alcoholic beverages is the only category that contributed to the monthly increase in the…

South Africa’s construction sector, long mired in stagnation and underperformance, is beginning to show green shoots of recovery off a low base, according to Craig Lemboe, the deputy director at the Bureau for economic Research (BER) speaking at Construction Industry Business Breakfast held on Wednesday. While the industry remains well below pre-pandemic output levels and continues to suffer from weak capital investment and low business confidence, recent survey data suggests that “green shoots” may be taking root. Lemboe said for most of last year, saw the non residential sector was starting to show a little bit more growth and more potential than the residential sector. However, this was from a more eroded base as it’s 50% smaller than what than what it was 10 years ago. “We also see…

South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (Sapvia) in an interview with Business Report said that they believe there is still a big future for the Solar PV industry despite a significant reduction in loadshedding by Eskom. Frank Spencer, the spokesperson for Sapvia, said the association sees the solar PV industry in South Africa as the most important component of future electricity supply. “Solar PV is already being deployed at all scales in South Africa, from small home rooftop systems to large solar farms spanning many hundreds of hectares. In all these cases, solar PV is providing the lowest cost source of new electricity to South Africans, whether through private installations or through public supply by Eskom and municipalities.” Solar offers low costs, clean electricity, deployable at all scales, and when…

The Youth Month in South Africa is a time to reflect and honour the legacy of the brave young people who stood against the apartheid regime during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Hundreds of students were ambushed and killed by police for protesting the oppressive education system. This was indeed a crucial moment in our history that reminded the nation of the power and potential of its youth. Almost 5 decades later, young people continue to be at the forefront of South Africa’s socio-economic transformation tackling issues such as marginalisation, inequality, and unemployment. According to the Social Profile of South African Youth, this demographic makes up nearly one-third of our population. They represent a dynamic generation which continues to navigate the ever-changing society that is influenced by labour markets, poverty,…

On 9 June 2025, the Kagiso Trust proudly commemorated its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of unwavering commitment to enhancing education, fostering socio-economic development, and strengthening civil society and local governance. As an emblem of its enduring mission, the Trust introduced a new positioning statement: “Igniting Human Capacity.” This sentiment encapsulates its core belief that empowering individuals and communities is imperative for sustainable change. At the heart of Kagiso Trust’s operational philosophy lies a steadfast dedication to human capital. “Investing in people is the most powerful and enduring form of capital investment,” stated Kagiso Trust’s CEO, Mankodi Moitse. “Every student we support and every entrepreneur we train contributes directly to economic growth and a more skilled workforce. This is how we build a self-reliant society.” Among its various educational initiatives,…

Tyler Perry was accused of sexual harassment, assault and retaliation in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week by Derek Dixon, an actor who worked with Perry for years. In a complaint filed last Friday, Dixon alleges that Perry created “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” with Dixon while they worked on The Oval, a BET drama series produced by Perry. Dixon has sued Perry for quid pro quo, sexual harassment, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual assault and battery, among other claims. He is seeking $260 million in damages and a jury trial. Representatives for Dixon pointed to the lawsuit when reached for comment. In the complaint, Dixon accused Perry of “initially promising him career advancement and creative opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him in his show,…

JOBURG residents and businesses must fasten their belts as the city prepares to hike its annual tariffs. Making an announcement yesterday at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, the city described the increase as ‘‘moderate’’ with the R200 surcharge for residential prepaid customers being retained.​ The City of Joburg’s new tariffs will take effect on July 1. As contentious as they might be, these increases have been described as ‘‘moderate’’ by Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds, taking into account current economic conditions and the city's significant debt. Here’s a breakdown of the key tariff adjustments: Property Rates: An increase of 4.6%, one of the lowest among the metropolitan municipalities. Electricity: A 12.74% increase is expected, pending finalisation by the National Energy Regulator of SA. Water and Sanitation: A 13.9% increase, which…

The murder case against Mduduzi Mnisi who is linked to the brutal murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose has been postponed to June 24. Mnisi appeared briefly before the Roodepoort Magistrates Court with the court announcing that the matter will be moved to a different court when he appears next Tuesday. He was expected to apply for his bail which the state had indicated that it was going to oppose due the sensitivity of the matter. Speaking outside court, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane indicated that the State is doing its best to ensure Mnisi is not released on bail. ‘‘We have done all the groundwork as the State, including the profiling of the accused. That process has been concluded hence we say as the State, we are ready to…

Five men convicted of the brutal murder of eight people at Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi are due to be sentenced this week in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban. The case has drawn national attention as a chilling example of hostel violence and intimidation, often linked to turf wars and rent extortion networks. The group, whose names have not been released publicly for security reasons, was found guilty in March on eight counts of murder. They had initially faced nine charges, but the court acquitted them on one count due to insufficient evidence. The killings took place in June 2023, when the men targeted victims who refused to surrender their beds in the overcrowded and often dangerous Glebelands complex. The hostel, notorious for its long history of violence and political…

One year after South Africa entered uncharted political territory with the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) following the ANC’s 40% showing at the polls, a fragile coalition is already showing deep fault lines — both within and without. Formed in the wake of the May 2024 general elections — where the ANC fell to 40.2% of the vote, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years — the GNU was heralded as a pragmatic response to a fragmented electorate. Instead, it has become a lightning rod for political tension, public distrust, and rising opposition fire. The ANC, long dominant in South African politics, turned to the DA, which secured 21.81% of the vote, along with smaller parties such as the IFP and the…

In a moment of rare triumph for South Africa’s embattled steel industry, Unica Iron and Steel (Pty) Ltd has secured a major international contract to supply structural steel for a high-profile smart city development in Hyderabad, India. The deal, estimated at more than R500 million, marks a significant victory not only for the company but for the country’s push for industrial transformation. What makes this agreement particularly historic is the composition of the engineering team leading Unica’s work on the project. All engineers assigned to the Hyderabad development are young black professionals from the townships of Pretoria, including Hammanskraal and Babelegi, where Unica’s main operations are based. This team will be responsible for overseeing the fabrication and modular assembly of over 14 000 metric tons of structural steel, destined for…

Think Citroen and immediately it conjures up images of quirky French designs and fantastic suspension, especially in the iconic DS. They’ve had a couple of clangers along the way but generally they’re very good cars. South Africa has a checkered history with the brand, now under the Stellantis banner, with the manufacturer withdrawing in 2016 and then returning again in 2019. Made in India It’s also been a mixed bag when it comes to sales, in part because of our disastrous exchange rate to the Euro that made it difficult to challenge manufacturers importing from China and India. This was especially so for the Citroen C3 that was outpricing itself in the market but Stellantis was aware of its potential in the budget market, so made the call to bring…

Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) is planning to build a new entry-level SUV at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape from 2027. Although the local division hasn’t officially unveiled the product, all the evidence is pointing to it being closely based on the new Volkswagen Tera, a product of Brazil. VWSA CEO Martina Biene previously told the media that the product would be adapted for the African market and would also receive a unique name. Now it’s time for South Africans to choose that name, with the company posting an online survey calling on members of the public to choose between four names: Tengo, Tavi, Tiva and Tion. The fact that they all start with a ‘T’ is no surprise, of course, as this is the naming convention for all…

BRING on Borussia Dortmund, right? Following their 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD in the Fifa Club World Cup opener early Wednesday morning South African time in Orlando, Florida, Mamelodi Sundowns can be excused for being cock-a-hoop ahead of a match they ordinarily would be dreading. When the draw for this extended global spectacle was made and the South African champions were drawn into Group F, the one match that stood out as a toughie was the one against the German giants – Dortmund. Football is, however, pretty fickle at the top, and the opening results of the Club World Cup have not been what many would have predicted. Sundowns are top of the table after beating their South Korean opposition, while Dortmund are joint second with Fluminense of Brazil –…

While strikers often steal the spotlight with their goal-scoring heroics, it’s easy to overlook the brilliance at the opposite end of the pitch. A game-saving stop may not ignite the same roar as a goal, but its impact is just as decisive. In a league where consistency is everything, goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes – silently shaping results week in, week out. Ronwen Williams claimed the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season award, but this past campaign saw several shot-stoppers rise to the occasion. Here, we take a look at five stand-out performers who made compelling cases for the crown... Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has emerged as one of the most improved players in his position, making significant progress that has elevated…

The Springboks are in high spirits ahead of the first international match of the season against the Barbarians in Cape Town next Saturday. Captain Siya Kolisi said on Wednesday that although they are not looking too far ahead into the international season, the players are happy to be back in camp and the ‘family’ environment of the national set-up. It’s their second week together as the world champions fine-tune their preparations for the friendly against the Barbarians at the Cape Town Stadium, ahead of double Tests against Italy and a once-off encounter versus Georgia in July. According to Kolisi, they have been sweating on the training field as they look to take in as much as possible from their coaches before they shift to the match-day week. “Training is as…

“So we have a leadership of the Reserve Bank who are capable of being ordered around by Maria Ramos,” asks Pityana Former Absa board member Sipho Pityana has raised serious concerns regarding the independence of the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb), urging for a formal investigation into what he describes as "cosy relationships" between key figures in the banking sector. Pityana's remarks come on the heels of a Pretoria High Court ruling that has cast doubt on the conduct of Sarb’s Prudential Authority (PA) during his controversial nomination process as chair of Absa Bank in 2021. The court found that the PA acted unlawfully by adopting an informal process to review Pityana’s nomination, as prescribed by the regulations in place under the Banks Act. This ruling not only vindicated…

A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) has revealed encouraging advancements in the global energy landscape, marking significant strides towards secure, equitable, and sustainable energy sources. However, the momentum continues to be threatened by rising geopolitical tensions, investment shortfalls, and significant disparities in clean energy innovation and deployment, particularly in regions that need it most. Titled the Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025 report, this comprehensive study was conducted in collaboration with Accenture and examines the energy systems of 118 countries across a range of factors: security, sustainability, and equity. Key insights indicate that 65% of these countries have improved their Energy Transition Index (ETI) scores, with 28% progressing uniformly across all three core dimensions. “Energy systems are evolving at varying speeds,” said Roberto Bocca, head of the Centre…

In a remarkable testament to resilience and innovation, South Africa's small business sector is undergoing a transformative boom, as highlighted in Yoco's latest 2025 Exchange report. With over 200 000 entrepreneurs harnessing digital tools, these businesses have collectively processed an astounding 173 million transactions, equating to a remarkable growth exceeding R500 million in just one year. This surge underlines the crucial role of small businesses in the economy. Yoco's CEO, Katlego Maphai said, “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. What we're seeing in our data isn't just resilience, it's a transformation of how entrepreneurs operate, compete, and win.” Retail leads the way The report revealed that retail merchants, who have adapted to the changing landscape by leveraging Yoco's digital solutions, reported an impressive R74 million in revenue growth.…

Kumba Iron Ore has announced that Themba Mkhwanazi will step down as a non-executive director of the board and Anglo American's representative effective 30 June 2025. Mkhwanazi has been an integral figure on the Kumba board and a member of both the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee and the Strategy and Investment Committee for the past eight years. The announcement comes as Kumba also heralds the appointment of Ruben Fernandes as a new non-executive director of the board, effective from 1 July 2025. Fernandes, currently the chief operating officer of Anglo American, will not only take Mkhwanazi's seat at the board table but will also participate as a member of the Social, Ethics and Transformation Committee, the Safety, Health and Sustainable Development Committee, and the Strategy and Investment Committee. Fernandes…

Anglo American has announced a significant restructuring of its executive leadership team, a move that underscores its commitment to simplification and strategic focus. This decision follows the recent demerger of Valterra Platinum and the completion of sales for Anglo American's steelmaking coal and nickel businesses, aligning the organisation more closely with its premier positions in copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients. Valterra Platinum, the world's biggest platinum miner by value, made its trading debut on the Johannesburg bourse as a standalone unit last month, completing a spin-off from parent Anglo American. Anglo's demerger of the Johannesburg-based platinum group metals producer, formerly known as Anglo American Platinum, comes as it shifts focus to unlock the inherent value in its portfolio as a whole, with enhanced focus on positions in copper,…

The South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, has rejected an application by Standard Bank to authorise the foreclosure of a mortgage bond it granted over the primary residence of South African Federation of Trade Unions General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and his wife Norma. Standard Bank asked for a money judgment and leave to execute it against the residence of the respondents, the Vavis. Their indebtedness arises from a mortgage bond passed over the property, in the Sandton area. Judge Stuart Wilson noted that a court asked to authorise the foreclosure against a debtor’s primary residence must be satisfied that to do so would be proportionate. “Foreclosure is generally proportionate when there is little meaningful prospect of the debt secured against the residence being recovered in some other way, and when the…

Former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) official, Sanele Dlamini, has been interdicted from cashing in on his pension, pending the outcome of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) investigation into allegations that he improperly authorised the payment of R3 million towards a project which never materialised. The SIU turned to the Special Tribunal to freeze Dlamini’s retirement fund, which is due to be paid to him. Dlamini is a former senior manager of the grant operations of the NLC. The SIU is litigating on behalf of the commission to recover losses it suffered as a result of irregular and unlawful practices. The SIU said it believes Dlamini may be “a man of straw”, and if its investigations reveal any wrongdoing on his part, they will at least be able to recover the…

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has confirmed the arrest of an unregistered medical locum found unlawfully practising at a medical facility in Embalenhle township, Secunda, Mpumalanga. According to HPCSA, the man was apprehended during an inspection conducted by the Council’s Inspectorate Office at a doctor's practice. He was discovered working as a locum, despite not being registered with the council. A locum is a temporary medical practitioner who fills in for another doctor, often during periods of absence or increased patient load. Practising while not being registered with the council is in contravention of Section 17(1) of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974. The man was arrested on-site and subsequently detained at the Embalenhle Police Station. He is expected to appear in court to face charges…

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police has expressed its concern after the omission of disaggregate data on crimes against women and children, specifically murder, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), from the fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year. Committee chairman Ian Cameron said on June 11, during its meeting, that it requested an explanation for the omission. However, the response from the South African Police Service (SAPS) was that although the summarised version of the statistics presented to the committee on May 28 did not contain the information, the ‘‘full complement of the report’’ has been published on the SAPS website and was released to the public on May 23. “This assertion is factually incorrect. A review of both the summarised…

South African rapper Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, known to fans as Shebeshxt, has shared the profound pain he faces following the tragic loss of his daughter, Onthatile. The young girl's life was cut short in June 2024 due to a devastating car accident on the R37 near Smelters Mine, south of Polokwane. The harrowing crash involved Shebeshxt’s Volkswagen Polo colliding head-on with a heavy motor vehicle, resulting in Onthatile's death at the scene. Family spokesperson James Magoro confirmed that Shebeshxt was initially treated at the Polokwane Provincial Hospital before being moved to the private Netcare Pholoso Hospital, thanks to assistance from Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). During a recent interview on the “E4 Podcast”, the Limpopo-born star opened up about the "eternal pain" of losing someone he…

After three rounds, the Toyota Gazoo GR Cup Challenge moves to its “home” base at Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria, for the fourth installment of the National Extreme Festival this weekend. It’s been almost six weeks since we first set eyes on our new GR Yaris’ with its slick eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) at the Aldo Scribante Circuit in Gqeberha, and I must say, I’ve missed being behind the wheel of the pink-liveried #60, affectionately dubbed Tinkerbell by the rest of the Media Challenge racers. Gazoo HQ Zwartkops is also the headquarters of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) which brings with it the added pressure of performing in front of some of their executives, VIP guests, friends and family. As we head into the weekend I’m a lot less nervous…

South Africans recently acknowledged and celebrated Father's Day and numerous retail outlets capitalised on the day by advertising and selling appropriate gifts for men. The event has always been traditionally celebrated with the various love languages which include verbal affirmations of love, the purchase and giving of a gift to fathers as well as quality time shared by children and fathers on the day. However, in a society that is fraught with deepening economic gaps, there are sects of our society that still have not been able to enforce lifestyle changes that contribute to improved relationships between fathers and children. Very few children in South Africa live with both their parents and there are far more single female-headed households than male-headed households. Approximately 45% of children live with their mothers…

Captain Temba Bavuma says the Proteas must “just live in that moment for a little bit longer” after receiving a warm welcome upon their arrival in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The Proteas touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport, returning home from London after being crowned the World Test Championship winners following their five-wicket victory over the No 1-ranked Australia at Lord’s last week. Although Bavuma has his eyes set on the upcoming two-match Test tour to Zimbabwe, which starts on June 28, he emphasised the importance of basking in their WTC triumph in the coming days. Bavuma wants his team to enjoy themselves before heading to Zimbabwe next week, and most importantly, reflect on what they have done to get to where they are as a team at the…

Recently appointed Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi was chuffed with his team’s performance in the Caribbean, after defeating the West Indies 2-1 in an ODI series on Tuesday night. The Proteas thrashed the home side by 166 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after various deluges of rain throughout the evening had interrupted the game. Mashimbyi said the SA team did well to come back after losing the first encounter by four wickets, and had shown real improvement in their bowling, which lacked discipline in some of their games, according to some of the players. “I’m excited for the girls. In the last few months, they’ve put in the work, so to come to the West Indies and win a series is a really good thing for them,” Mashimbyi said.…

E-commerce retailer Takealot has filed "a notice of intention to amend the notice of motion" in the marathon legal battle by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and SA Post Office (Sapo) to maintain a monopoly for Sapo in the delivery of sub-1 kilogram parcels. This comes as the pleading stage in the matter continues until mid-August, according to confirmation by the Acting Sapo CEO Fathima Gany and the Business Rescue Practitioners after an update to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. The monopoly, as outlined in the Postal Services Act, has been challenged and was extended to April 1, 2025. This comes as the private sector capitalises on Sapo's inability to enforce the monopoly due to its ongoing financial difficulties. Gany told Parliament that…

South Africa’s Agricultural Business Confidence Index (ACI) edged down by five points to 65 in the second quarter, reflecting a slight dip in sentiment across the agribusiness sector, the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) said on Wednesday. The chamber noted that concerns over global trade uncertainty, persistent geopolitical tensions, and ongoing domestic animal disease outbreaks were among the main factors weighing on industry confidence. "Despite the slight decline, the current level of the ACI, implies that South African agribusinesses remain optimistic about business conditions in the country," said Wandile Sihlobo, the chief economist at Agbiz. “The better summer rains and improvements at the ports which have enabled exports with minimal interruptions, are some of the positives. This survey was conducted in the second week of June, covering various agribusinesses operating in…

Competing with well-known brands can feel like an uphill battle. They have bigger budgets, broader reach, and stronger brand recognition. However, small businesses shouldn’t be discouraged – local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially, have unique advantages that can set them apart from larger, more established players. Here’s how to position your small business to compete and come out on top. Own your niche Big brands tend to go broad. As a small business, you can go deep. Find a focused niche that solves a specific need in a better, faster or more personalised way than your larger competitors. That might be offering tailored products, local insights, or a level of service that corporates simply can’t match. Instead of trying to be all things to all people, define who your…

Investment holding group Brait is actively exploring exit options for its stake in UK fashion retailer New Look, it said on Wednesday, as the underperforming asset continues to weigh on its portfolio amid a broader strategic reshaping following its 2024 recapitalisation. New Look, once a significant pillar in Brait’s investment lineup, now comprises just 3% of its total assets, down from 7% a year earlier. The decline reflects continued weak trading in the UK’s embattled fashion retail sector, which has been plagued by consumer caution, price discounting, and shifting demand patterns. Sales at New Look fell by 4% year-on-year while gross profit declined by 3%, according to Brait’s year-end results for the period ended March 31, 2025. A capital injection of £30 million (R730m) was recently announced in an attempt…

Award-winning radio personality and author Carol Ofori is charting new territory with the debut of her inspirational podcast, The Comeback. Designed to spotlight the extraordinary resilience of everyday people, this series is set to share heartfelt experiences of individuals who have risen above life’s most daunting challenges. “In a world flooded with perfection on social media, I wanted to create a space where real stories could be heard, stories of grit, grief, healing and hope,” said Ofori. “The Comeback dives deep into the personal journeys of individuals who’ve hit rock bottom, faced life’s toughest moments, and found their way back, stronger, wiser and more determined than ever. This podcast is for anyone who needs to be reminded that no matter how hard life gets, it’s possible to rise again.” The…

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie lauded the Proteas cricket team for returning home with the ICC mace yesterday after winning the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s last week. With the South Africans beating Australia by five wickets to win the Test title, they broke the team’s 27-year trophy drought. For this feat, McKenzie rightfully described the Proteas as the best cricket team in the world. Given the success of the Springboks, Bafana Bafana’s 20-match unbeaten streak and the athletics success from the likes of Akani Simbine and Bayanda Walaza, McKenzie argued that South Africa is unrivalled in the global sporting arena. “We are the best sporting nation in the world,” said McKenzie yesterday. “We have the strongest woman in the world, we have the strongest…

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has called for the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, to waive fines and temporary licences for those whose new driving cards are stuck in the ongoing backlog. This comes as the Department of Transport (DoT) scrambles to clear the driving licence card backlog, which was caused by the breakdown of the sole card-printing machine earlier in April. Last week, DoT reported a backlog of 690,000, down roughly 43,000 from the 733,000 that was announced a week ago. On Tuesday, Outa’s Advocate Stefanie Fick wrote to Creecy and asked her to consider announcing a moratorium on fines related to expired driver’s licence cards for motorists who have already applied for renewals and that no temporary licences should be required until all backlogs have been cleared.…

ActionSA has made a U-turn on its interest in joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) just two months after it partnered with the ANC, which leads the GNU, in passing the Budget vote. The party released its ‘‘GNU Performance Tracker’’ on Tuesday, which aims to objectively assess the coalition government’s performance last year. The tracker paints a bleak picture of the government’s failures, awarding it a series of failing grades across six critical themes, including ethical leadership and public service, the economy, infrastructure, basic services, education, and crime. Despite indications from its leader, Herman Mashaba, just months ago that it may consider joining the coalition, that includes the DA, Action SA has slammed the GNU effectively ruling out joining. A while ago the party saved the ANC from being…

The Presidency’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has dismissed concerns about a reported R700 million price tag for the upcoming National Dialogue process, calling current budget debates “premature” and “unfortunate.” In an interview on The Morning Brief FM with Thulasizwe Simelane, Magwenya said the process should not be mistaken as a presidential project but rather a national undertaking aimed at redefining South Africa’s future. This comes after the estimated R700m price tag ignited a firestorm of criticism from trade unions, political parties, academics, and sectors of civil society, especially in a context of austerity measures, service delivery failures, and deepening inequality. “This is not President Ramaphosa’s project. This is South Africa’s undertaking to go back to the drawing board and engage and discuss what kind of country we would like to see…

After his axing from his position as uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general a few weeks back, Floyd Shivambu is set to announce his resignation from the party. His spokesperson, Nolubalalo Mcinga, a former EFF MP who joined MK Party alongside him, has confirmed that Shivambu will hold a media briefing today in Midrand but refused to discuss what he plans to do. Asked whether Shivambu notified the MK Party leadership or received permission, Mcinga said since he is an ordinary member, there was no reason to ask for permission because he will hold the briefing in his capacity. However, party insiders said the former SG will announce his resignation, which will be followed by the announcement of a new party he is forming. “The former SG has been getting a…

In an accidental find, a 10th-century burial site believed to have belonged to a Viking noble family has been discovered in northern Denmark, packed with a ‘‘spectacular’’ trove of ancient objects, a museum announced. The discovery came when pearls, coins, ceramics and a box containing a gold thread were unearthed during construction work near Lisbjerg, a village located 7km north of Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. Archaeologists found the site contained around 30 graves dating from the second half of the 10th century, when the famous King Harald Bluetooth reigned, said the Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus. According to the museum’s archaeologist Mads Ravn, the graves are most likely linked to a noble family from the Viking Age - which lasted between the eighth and 11th centuries -- whose farm was discovered…

The Discovery Sport has been given a nip and tuck and new naming conventions as Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) look to breathe some new life into the model. Dynamic S Starting with the entry level Dynamic S, it gets the black treatment with gloss black lower body sides, lower bumpers, wheel arches and front claw detailing. The interior has also seen a few upgrades with a digital instrument cluster and steering wheel-mounted paddles as standard. They get a “floating” 11.4-inch curved glass touch screen infotainment system with the brand’s latest Pivi Pro system with permanently accessible sidebars that provide shortcuts to often-used functions like media, volume, climate and navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come as standard. Landmark The Landmark derivative replaces the Dynamic SE model. It’s identified…

The Springboks did not select Boan Venter to block him from representing Scotland in the future. Due to a mini loosehead crisis in the Bok camp ahead of the start of their international season, coach Rassie Erasmus decided to rope in the Edinburgh player, and confirmed on Wednesday that he could potentially be in line to debut against Georgia should he adapt quickly enough. Although Venter’s call-up came as a surprise, the Boks have been following his progress as a junior in South Africa way before he moved to the Scottish capital. He’s been one of the stand-out players for Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship. Injuries to Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu, as well as the retirement of Steven Kitshoff, left the Boks a bit thin in the loosehead…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad feels that that there is more that the Test team have to offer, despite despite their brilliant performance at Lord’s last week to clinch the World Test Championship crown. South Africa beat Australia by five wickets, a team currently ranked No 1 in the world in the ICC rankings. Fans flocked to OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday to welcome the Proteas Test team after a successful trip to the United Kingdom, where they broke the country’s 27-year trophy drought. However, upon the Test team’s arrival in Johannesburg on Wednesday from London, Conrad reiterated his belief that the world is yet to see the full potential of his team. “We won comfortably in the end, and I still don’t think we played as well as we…

South Africa’s four sides in the United Rugby Championship achieved mixed results during their season, with only the Bulls and Sharks reaching the final four as the Stormers bowed out in the quarter-finals. While it was a disappointing performance in another heart-breaking final for the Pretoria side, the Lions had a fourth consecutive season where they could not make a challenge for the playoff spots. More and more questions are being raised about whether they have the players and coaching staff to stay competitive in the tournament. Independent Media rated the season of the four SA franchises... Bulls (runners-up) Rating: A It was a case of so close, but yet so far again for the men from Pretoria. After some strong performances to set them up for home playoffs in…