Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-07 i Star

The potential upgrade of the Vaalputs nuclear waste storage facility in the Northern Cape has triggered alarm bells among agricultural stakeholders. The farming association TLU SA expressed deep concerns about the implications this development may have on the agriculture sector, an industry vital to the region’s economy and food security. The urgency of clear and transparent communication regarding this upgrade has been underscored as local communities grapple with uncertainty surrounding the proposed changes. Recent reports highlighted that the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI) is advancing design plans to develop a Centralised Interim Storage Facility (CISF) for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel from Koeberg Power Station, set to commence in 2030. Riedewaan Bakardien, CEO of NRWDI, presented this update during a session with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Electricity…

Minister unveils plans of credible, investable projects designed to revitalise key sectors in SA Petrochemical giant Sasol is engaging with a team from the European Union (EU) to explore the production of clean aviation fuel in a bid to address impending trade challenges posed by Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) taxes on South African exports. Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, highlighted this strategic collaboration during his Budget Vote on Friday, emphasising the government's proactive approach to mitigate the potential impact of CBAM. CBAM has raised concerns in many sectors, being perceived not only as an environmental mechanism but also as a barrier to trade. Tau stated that the South African government was actively negotiating with the EU, alongside garnering support at global platforms such as the World…

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, announced on Friday the lifting of disease management areas (DMAs) for the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo regions. This decision followed improved control measures and successful vaccinations that have effectively contained the disease in these provinces. Since July 26, 2024, the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities in the Eastern Cape had been under a strict DMA aimed at controlling FMD outbreaks. Through diligent efforts, including the vaccination of 144 424 animals, the last reported cases of FMD occurred in September 2024. Steenhuisen said extensive serological surveillance was performed to ensure no hidden pockets of the disease remained, allowing him to confidently lift movement restrictions within the DMA. In Limpopo, where a DMA has been in place since September 2022,…

The former deputy president, David Mabuza, fondly referred to as DD is no more. A man who mysteriously rose to be a deputy president was supported by evidence. But even the then Statistician-General (SG) nor the current SG saw it coming. Perhaps like Malvollio in the Twelfth Night held true that rise to power has a universe of triggers, which includes the odd and unexpected. Once smelling power Malvollio would say, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them". Truth be told DD might have moved up through the cracks by mantra of illusive unity and this might be the way the cat arranged its cheese. But by 2016 October the current SG and I when I was still the…

An uplift in volumes has been projected for Zimbabwean consumer companies despite rising cost structures, a volatile policy and monetary environment as well as higher taxation, say analysts at IH Securities. Hippo Valley, Tongaat Hulett’s Zimbabwe-listed unit, reported a 44% downturn in revenues to $191.59 million this month although the gross profit for the year to end March rose 2% to $66.87m. Another Zimbabwean consumer company, Star Africa Corporation that also trades in sugar, however, raised revenues by 22% over the same period. Nonetheless, analysts at IH Securities on Friday said in the securities and advisory firm’s latest research note on Zimbabwe’s consumer sector that they “anticipate an uplift to volumes for consumer-facing companies this year owing to a likely recovery” in consumer spend. However, this was against the backdrop…

Following the public interview process over two days last week, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) resolved to recommend Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo to be the country’s next deputy chief justice. It will accordingly advise President Cyril Ramaphosa that Judge Mlambo is a suitable candidate for this important position, but the president has the final say in the matter. The position of deputy chief justice has been vacant since September 1 last year, when the now chief justice, Mandisa Maya (then deputy chief justice), was appointed in her current position. The other two candidates who were interviewed alongside Judge Mlambo were Free State Judge President Cagney Musi and Northern Cape Judge President Pule Tlaletsi. At 65, Judge Mlambo was the oldest candidate, which means that, if appointed, he would have…

The issue of when a debtor’s claim prescribes upon the death of that person came under the judicial spotlight in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, as the creditor wanted his money back from the estate of the deceased, but the executor argued that the claim had prescribed. The applicant, only identified as JP Chetty, wanted amounts paid back to him for loans advanced to his now deceased brother-in-law. He is claiming the money from the deceased’s estate. But Chetty’s sister, who was married to the deceased, forwarded a special plea that the legal right to pursue the claim had lapsed due to the passage of time. The respondent, Gonasagree Pillay, was married in community of property to the late Mr K Pillay, who died in November 2009. While the deceased was…

A 42-year-old Limpopo hip hop artist has been sentenced to three life terms in prison for the repeated rape of a 9-year-old boy, in what the court called a “calculated and brutal” abuse of trust and power. The National Proseciting Authority (NPA) said Samuel Boomfire Mbuyane, who is from Driekop village, was convicted by the Burgersfort Regional Court on three counts of rape after evidence revealed he lured the child to his home between November 6 and 8 in 2020. “Mbuyane lured the 9-year-old victim to his home in Driekop village under the pretence of playing music. Once inside, he restrained the boy by tying him to a chair, raped him, and threatened to kill him if he disclosed the abuse to his family, claiming the victim was his “wife.”…

The City of Tshwane has achieved a major milestone, collecting R40.5 billion in cash revenue for the 2024/25 financial year – an impressive 98% of its R41.3bn target. Deputy Executive Mayor and MMC for Finance, Eugene Modise, hailed the achievement as a testament to the city’s commitment to financial sustainability, responsible governance, and enhanced service delivery. According to him, June was a record-breaking month for Tshwane, with revenue collections exceeding the target by 106%. He said the city collected R3.671bn, surpassing the R3.465bn target by R205 million. This surplus, he said, reduced the annual shortfall from R989m to R784m, bolstering the city’s financial prospects. “The City attributes part of this success to the implementation of an incentive scheme and amnesty programme, approved in February. The programme aimed to assist residents…

A radio advertisement stating that “fizzy drinks and fruit juice make our children sick” led to the severe distress of a child, who questioned whether her school was poisoning her by giving her fruit juice to drink. This in turn prompted her father to turn to the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), who found that the advertisement by the Healthy Living Alliance was misleading. It found that the advertisement went too far in its shock value, leading the public, especially children, to believe that the consumption of sugary drinks will in all cases lead to chronic illness. HEALA.org, a non-profit organisation, used the advert to inspire the public to sign a petition in favour of the sugar tax. After the ARB ruled against it, the organisation turned to the Advertising Appeal…

ActionSA has written to the Speaker of Parliament to request an urgent debate on the deepening crisis within the South African Police Service and our broader criminal justice system, following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The Commissioner’s unprecedented claims, pointing to widespread criminal infiltration and corruption at the highest levels of the SAPS, including the Minister of Police, raise grave concerns about the integrity and functionality of the country’s law enforcement leadership, and more critically, the troubling national security threat this poses. Recognising the unprecedented nature of a Police Commissioner publicly speaking out about national colleagues and the Minister of Police no less, including allegations of the deliberate sabotage of efforts to combat political killings and the direct involvement of senior police leadership in organised crime,…

David Dabede ‘DD’ Mabuza passed away in Johannesburg on 3 July, at the age of 64. Quiet yet formidable, Mabuza’s journey from rural Mpumalanga to national power was as improbable as it was compelling. Mabuza’s political career was one of remarkable resilience, calculated manoeuvring, and a reputation for feline-like cunning that earned him the nickname ‘The Cat’. Through shrewd calculations, alliance-building, and opportunistic shifts, he not only secured provincial supremacy but also played a decisive role in the national political realignment that led to Cyril Ramaphosa’s rise to presidency in 2017. Mabuza’s political life began in earnest after his years as a teacher and school principal. Having served in the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, he joined the ANC after its unbanning in 1990. By skilfully navigating factional terrain, he…

Fran Hilton-Smith agrees with Ricky Whittle that “no one remembers the runner-up” and says Banyana Banyana must bring the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy back home from Morocco. South Africa’s senior women’s national team begin the defence of their title with a clash against Ghana on Monday evening (kick-off 6pm) in Rabat, and Hilton-Smith – a pioneer and legend of the women’s game not only in this country but across the continent – insists second best is not going to be good enough. “We want to win it and we have to win it,” she said of the 16-nation, biennial continental competition, which kicked off at the weekend with hosts Morocco drawing 2-2 with Zambia. “But it is probably going to be the toughest (tournament) yet because, take…

Abdeslam Ouaddou is made of sterner stuff. And as such, he knows the buck will stop with him in making sure the Sea Robbers sail into steady waters. Ouaddou was appointed as Orlando Pirates’ new head coach last month, taking over the reins from José Riveiro, who joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The Moroccan-born coach arrived at the club fully aware that the job is no small task — he must pick up where Riveiro left off and address the team’s shortcomings. Riveiro had an impressive tenure, leading Pirates to five trophies and three successive second-place league finishes during his three-year spell. Speaking to Pirates TV recently, Ouaddou applauded the Spaniard’s achievements and insisted that the solid foundation and momentum must not go to waste. The 46-year-old also outlined what…

BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from Sunday are expected to decry Donald Trump’s hardline trade policies, but are struggling to bridge divides over crises roiling the Middle East. Emerging nations representing about half the world’s population and 40% of global economic output are set to unite over what they see as unfair US import tariffs, according to sources familiar with summit negotiations. Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive tariffs. His latest salvo comes in the form of letters due to be sent starting Friday informing trading partners of new tariff rates expected next week on July 9. Diplomats from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have been busy drafting a statement…

In a continent too often defined by its dependence on imported solutions, a significant shift is taking place as a result of South Africa’s Biovac signing an agreement with India’s Biological E to manufacture a life-saving pneumonia vaccine for use across Africa. If successfully implemented, this partnership will not only save hundreds of thousands of lives and prevent millions of cases of disease but will mark a fundamental shift in how Africa protects its people: through its own science, its own laboratories, and its own processes. The agreement between the two pharmaceutical firms centres on the PCV14 vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal disease, a leading cause of pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, sepsis and other illnesses that can be dangerous for children under five. The collaboration will see Biological E transfer the…

The All Share index on the JSE on Friday recorded a week high level for a third consecutive week. The index improved over the week by 1.38% to a new record level of 97 128 points. For the first six months of the year the index gained 15.2%, increasing by 18.6% in the last quarter. This despite the geo-political woes from the rampant Trump tariff spree, the Trump-Ramaphosa meeting in the US, the Israel-Iran conflict up to tension in the Government of National Unity. All and all it seems that South Africa is isolated and far away from the Middle East fiasco, with the precious-metals bonanza of gold, platinum and palladium leading the appetite for investments in shares and bonds. The Resources 10 index led the charge, gaining 2.6%…

The South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) will lower its stake in Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) as part of two agreements that include buying three HCI properties, including Gallagher Estate, for R549.7 million in total. HCI stated in a regulatory, related party announcement to the JSE on Friday that the reason for the transactions was that SACTWU wished to increase its cash holdings for its operations, and to increase its interests in additional investment properties to generate more regular, ideally monthly cash flow to fund its operational and member benefit programs and other related employment projects. Because HCI only distributes cash dividends to shareholders on a six-monthly basis, SACTWU had recently been disposing of HCI shares on the market through the JSE order book to enable it to…

A silent transfer of control is reshaping the $2.1 trillion (R37 trillion) Bitcoin market. A steady stream of sales by long-time whales - miners, offshore funds and anonymous wallets - is being matched almost one-for-one by institutional players like ETFs, corporates and asset managers. The result: Bitcoin is struggling to break out of its record high around $110 000, volatility is evaporating, and its place in the investment landscape is being reshaped. Despite a flurry of bullish headlines - from corporate treasuries embracing Bitcoin to the Trump administration’s full-throated crypto endorsement - the largest digital currency has remained stuck in its trading range for months. Underneath the surface, long-dormant whales have been trimming positions just as institutions ramp up their buying. And this switchover is gradually recasting Bitcoin’s identity from…

POLITICAL parties are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in what has been labelled as a war within the SAPS. Top SAPS officials have been trading barbed wire as they accuse each other of wrongdoing. Yesterday, during a press briefing, KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop, Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, proclaimed he was combat-ready and willing to die for the police badge, making serious allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya. Mkhwanazi said he would be opening a case against Mchunu for alleged interference in policing matters. He also said links between an associate of the minister and the alleged criminal underworld had been made through cellphone analysis. Mkhwanazi also appeared to be defending his boss, Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and the senior…

Five people were killed on Saturday when a bakkie and a sedan collided near the J.G. Strydom tunnel outside The Oaks in the Mopani District, Limpopo. Limpopo Department of Transport spokesperson Tshifhiwa Dali said a male driver and four women passengers were killed instantly, while one person was taken to the hospital. “Preliminary reports indicate that an LDV (light delivery vehicle) collided head-on with a sedan and subsequently lost control and overturned. A total of five people, a male driver and four female passengers, lost their lives at the scene of the accident. One passenger has been transported to the hospital,” said Dali. Officers on the scene have not ruled out the possibility of negligent or reckless driving, pending further investigation. Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Susani Violet…

Embattled power utility City Power has launched a “targeted revenue collection” operation in Hursthill, Auckland Park, and Northcliff, as part of a new weekly campaign to recover R1.6 billion in unpaid electricity bills owed by defaulting residential and business customers. Last week, IOL reported that the power utility and Eskom reached a R3.2bn settlement agreement aimed at resolving long-standing billing disputes and safeguarding Johannesburg’s electricity supply. The Hursthill Service Delivery Centre (SDC) provides electricity to 46 141 customers: 19 880 postpaid, 26 033 prepaid, and 228 large power users. “Hursthill SDC has intensified operations to ensure financial stability and continued service delivery to all customers,” Isaac Mangena, General Manager at City Power said. The operation, which was supported by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and private security, resulted in…

The Police and Prison Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has not decided on the ANC’s decision to establish the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the recent resolution by the South African Communist Party to contest the elections independently. Popcru president, Thulani Ngwenya, revealed that the union will be consulting and workshopping some of the recent political developments with all its members and partners across all the regions before making a final decision on its position. This comes as Popcru members met for a three-day political workshop held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from last week Wednesday to Friday. Following the 2023 Popcru elective congress in Durban, POPCRU president Thulani Ngwenya indicated that due to the outcomes of the recent elections, which resulted in the formation of the GNU and…

The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville was marked by a breathtaking finish, culminating in a hard-fought victory for The Real Prince. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince triumphantly crossed the line ahead of strong challenger Eight On Eighteen, who had aimed to etch his name into the history books as the first three-year-old to win both the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and the Durban July in the same season. As the race unfolded, anticipation mixed with tension – especially for fans familiar with The Real Prince’s heritage. His full brother, Gimme A Prince, was named Champion Sprinter just two seasons prior. Thus, questions arose regarding whether The Real Prince could sustain the grueling 2200m of the July. Yet, he resolutely answered those doubts…

Two months ago today, at the memorial service for the victims of the George building collapse, Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson stood before grieving families and pledged to return to personally brief them on the findings of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE). A month later, on June 2, he confirmed receipt of the CBE’s final report into the tragedy, which claimed 34 lives and injured 28 others. Once again, he publicly committed to returning to George to present the findings in person, stating: “They deserve to hear directly from us, not through the media, about what went wrong and how we intend to rectify it.” Yet weeks have passed, there has been no sign of the minister, and the families are no closer to the truth.…

The African National Congress (ANC) has defended secretary-general Fikile Mbalula against “misleading and speculative” media reports which claim he “prematurely” announced the death of former deputy president David Mabuza. Some media reports claimed that Mbalula could find himself “in trouble” for publicly posting about Mabuza’s passing before an official announcement from President Cyril Ramaphosa. However, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said Mbalula’s post was a “compassionate” and personal reflection, not an official statement, and came at a time when the news was already widely reported in the media. “The Secretary General’s earlier social media post was a humane and compassionate reflection during a moment of collective grief, when the nation was already widely informed by media platforms. To weaponise this moment of mourning with speculative accusations and anonymous sources…

The Springboks’ lacklustre performance in the first Test against Italy will have repercussions, with coach Rassie Erasmus stating that he will revisit his planned selection for this week’s second Test in Gqeberha. The Boks went into the Pretoria season-opener with high expectations after a promising warm-up against the Barbarians, but their 42-24 win was flawed. The Italians had left a core of stars at home, yet troubled the Boks in the line-outs and breakdowns, and were arguably the better side in the second half. Last week, Erasmus said he had internally informed the players which of them would feature at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. But after several disappointing individual performances, the coach says he will revisit those plans. “I guess it’s a positive that we scored six…

An emotional Lando Norris boosted his world title bid in memorable fashion on Sunday when he drove to a commanding, rain-splashed victory ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in a chaotic British Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Briton made the most of series leader Piastri’s mid-race misfortune—when the Australian was handed a 10-second penalty for slowing excessively while leading behind the safety car—to finish 6.811 seconds clear. It was Norris's first home win, his fourth victory of the year, and the eighth of his career, lifting him to within eight points of Piastri in the drivers' standings. “Thank you, McLaren. Thanks, everyone,” said Norris. “This is beautiful. Winning at home. This is a dream.” Nico Hülkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber, claiming the first podium of his long career after…

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange has seen a staggering increase of over 200% since the onset of the occupation of Palestine nearly two years ago, according to a damning new report from Francesca Albanese, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories. Published on Thursday and aptly titled “From economy of occupation to economy of genocide,” Albanese’s report highlights how the very fabric of the global economy has intertwined with the devastation faced by Palestinians, particularly in the face of the ongoing conflict. “In the past 21 months, while Israel’s genocide has devastated Palestinian lives and landscapes, the Tel Aviv stock exchange soared by 213%, amassing $225.7 billion in market gains—including $67.8bn in the past month alone. For some, genocide is profitable,” Albanese…

In 1994, South Africa emerged from apartheid with global goodwill, democratic legitimacy and the promise of shared prosperity. Yet three decades later, that promise remains unfulfilled. With an overall unemployment rate of 31.9% and youth unemployment at 59.6% (Q4 2024, Stats SA), the country faces a structural crisis that is eroding its economic base and social cohesion. This is not an isolated issue but a national reckoning that follows a pattern common to both collapsing companies and declining states. Jim Collins, in How the Mighty Fall, outlines five stages of institutional decline: hubris, undisciplined growth, denial of risk, superficial solutions and eventual stagnation. These stages offer a sobering framework for understanding South Africa’s current position. “Denial is the most dangerous stage of decline,” Collins warns, “because it blinds leaders to…

In the midst of the political noise, an important announcement made by Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy that government will retable the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the Road Accident Benefits Scheme (RABS) Bills at Parliament, went largely unnoticed. Yet this progressive commitment will bring relief to millions of commuters and drivers, and road accident victims and their families. The RAF is a public insurance fund for road accident victims and their families to claim relief when injured or deceased during a road accident. It is funded by the RAF fuel levy. The RAF has been in a crisis for years and a site of state capture and rampant corruption. It has occupied media headlines for all the wrong reasons, with claimants attaching its property due to its failure to pay…

Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other key members of the OPEC+ alliance yesterday said they would further increase oil output in August to 548 000 barrels per day. Analysts had expected the alliance to decide on another output increase of 411 000 bpd -- the same target approved for May, June and July. The group said in a statement that “a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories” led to the decision to further hike output. Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy told AFP that “OPEC+ keeps surprising the market - this latest hike was even larger than expected and sends a clear message, for anyone still in doubt: the group is firmly shifting toward a market share strategy. “Two big questions…

Netflix’s Trainwreck docu-series has me in a chokehold, okay? From cruise ships turned floating toilets to festivals that never were, this series is my kind of chaotic binge. But this week’s episode, Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel, really got me spiralling. It’s giving fashion fever, cult realness and one of the most problematic CEOs to ever sit in an open-plan office. Welcome to the world of Dov Charney – or as I like to call him, the man who turned a T-shirt into a movement and himself into a menace. American Apparel wasn’t just another clothing brand in the 2000s. It was the brand. Everyone wanted in. It was quirky, it was edgy and it made basics look like runway statements. The kind of place that, rumour has it,…

Step aside Sir David Attenborough because Ryan Reynolds is taking over. The new Disney+ series Underdogs, narrated by Deadpool actor Reynolds, takes a refreshing step back, opting to shine a light on the lesser-known and often quirky creatures of the animal kingdom. The five-part series from National Geographic celebrates the unsung heroes that are often left out of traditional nature documentaries and showcases their unique abilities, habits, “terrible parenting” strategies and at times, the downright gross aspects of the animal world. The first episode hones in on a set of animals Reynold’s dubs the Superzeros, a group of creatures from around the world with unique and fascinating "superpowers" that help them survive in the wild. Reynolds’ kicks off the global journey with the velvet worm, who launches a special adhesive…

The passing of former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza has prompted a wave of tributes across South Africa – but in Mpumalanga, where he once ruled as premier, it has also reopened painful memories for families who believe the province’s darkest political secrets were buried long before him. Mabuza died last week following a prolonged illness. His death has been met with solemn reflection from across the political spectrum, with the ANC organising memorials in multiple provinces. In his hometown of Barberton, mourners have gathered in large numbers to pay their respects. ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane has led tributes, calling Mabuza a “dedicated leader who served his people with dignity.” Yet beyond the official statements and songs of remembrance, there is a different tone emerging from communities still…

In a strong response to a rising tide of anti-foreigner sentiment that has erupted in Gauteng and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, along with the National Department of Health and the South African government, has condemned alarming actions that prevent foreign nationals from accessing essential healthcare services. This week, members of Operation Dudula in Gauteng and members of the March and March movement began their campaign of manning the gates of government clinics and hospitals, including Addington Hospital, Gateway Clinic and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, in a bid to prevent alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare. In an interview with IOL, the spokesperson for the Department of Health, Foster Mohale, said while the department does not condone illegal migration, the actions of the activist groups…

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, is set to explain the appointment of the three ANC associates who were recently named to the board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition said it has requested Tau to appear before it on July 22 and explain his decision. This was after the EFF wrote to the committee requesting Tau to appear and account for the appointments of Ayanda Dlodlo, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Dr Sydney Mufamadi, claiming the appointments are “politically motivated”. Dlodlo and Mufamadi are former Cabinet Ministers, while Dube-Ncube is a former KwaZulu-Natal Premier. The EFF said the three are deeply entrenched ANC loyalists, with lengthy careers inside government structures under the ANC-led administration. The party added that the…

Rural communities in Tshwane continue to face challenges such as unemployment, land invasion, and disputes over funding allocations for traditional councils. These issues were highlighted during a meeting between the Tshwane Mayoral Committee, the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance, and traditional councils and leaders, where they explored ways to enhance their collaboration and cooperation. The meeting brought together the traditional houses of Amandebele ka Ndzundza in Sokhulumi, led by Inkosi Petrus Mahlangu, and AmaNdebele Ba Lebelo in Majaneng under Kgosi KC Kekana. Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the traditional councils used the opportunity to raise key concerns, including unemployment, land invasion, and funding allocations. She said: “We believe that when properly integrated into municipal planning and decision-making, traditional leadership structures enhance accountability, responsiveness, and legitimacy at the local level.” She…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply alarmed by recent revelations regarding alleged irregularities in the awarding of a R100 million tender by SA Tourism to Pomme Express, a company reported to have failed to show proof of experience and alleged to have provided false and misleading information in its bid. The DA calls on Minister Patricia de Lille to ensure full transparency and accountability in this matter. We demand an immediate and fully independent forensic investigation into the allegations of favouritism and fraud in the award of this tender, including the role of implicated officials. The results of this investigation must be made public, and those found guilty of misconduct must face the full might of the law. The tender, which was for organising Meetings Africa 2025 and Africa’s Travel…

RISE Mzansi notes with deep concern the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, of corruption and conniving between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, South African Police Service (SAPS) senior management and criminal elements. These allegations cannot be left to fester. It is therefore incumbent upon President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to brief the nation on their knowledge of the allegations and the action that will be taken. On Friday, the Police Department tabled its Budget Vote before the National Assembly, where RISE Mzansi reminded Minister Mchunu that the SAPS budget must not protect positions; it must protect people. Moreover, South Africans want one thing: to feel safe. Therefore, the unnecessary fights within the police must stop, and that focus must be directed…

In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She’s never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa’s biggest challenge when he said: “Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive”. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked…

Yusuf Maart is not a man of many words — and perhaps that’s why his presence and personality sometimes defied expectations of a Kaizer Chiefs captain. Chiefs are one of the biggest sporting brands in South Africa, and as such, their leaders are expected to command presence the moment they walk into a room. Unfortunately for Maart — who is reportedly on his way to Austrian club SV Ried, despite recently renewing his contract — he wasn’t always perceived as that kind of figure. By the time he was being judged for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, alongside his performances, many had already made up their minds. He wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Accused of being “too soft” to captain Chiefs, Maart also suffered dips in…

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka marched into the Wimbledon quarter-finals without dropping a set, as Elise Mertens fell short of upsetting the US Open champion on Sunday. Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club but is now the standout contender, as the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing. The 27-year-old missed last year’s Wimbledon due to injury and was banned in 2022 as part of a blanket suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes following the invasion of Ukraine. Now back with purpose, Sabalenka looks determined to make up for lost time and, just like in her third-round victory over Emma Raducanu, had to overcome a stern test to beat Mertens 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). A fast start saw the Belarusian…

Alpecin's Mathieu van der Poel edged Tadej Pogačar to win the second stage of the Tour de France in a tense hilltop finale at Boulogne-sur-Mer on Sunday. The victory saw the Dutch rider take the lead in the overall standings, denying Pogačar his 100th career win as around 30 riders broke away in the final 2km. It was a second Tour de France stage win for Van der Poel, who took the yellow jersey from team-mate Jasper Philipsen — the winner of Saturday’s opening stage. Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard appeared comfortable as he crossed the line in third, with Frenchman Romain Grégoire fourth and compatriot Julian Alaphilippe fifth. Van der Poel also won stage two of the 2021 Tour de France and dug deep then to retain the yellow jersey for…