Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-17 i Star

Transnet and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) on Wednesday signed a 10-year contract for the transportation of manganese by rail from UMK’s mine in the Northern Cape to ports for export markets. Through the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 agreement, Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to manganese producers in South Africa for their export volumes. Transnet said the contract with UMK signifies the company’s confidence in Transnet’s ability to ensure efficient access to global markets. Transnet Group CEO, Michelle Phillips said, “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA programme. This agreement is a clear demonstration of our customers’ confidence in the efficiency and reliability of our services. It also bodes well for Transnet’s growth…

Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe on Wednesday revealed the urgent need for R1.7 billion to maintain capital adequacy, following a challenging 18 months in which the bank has already expended more than R500 million of its own revenue to sustain operations. Mbengashe underscored the bank’s necessity for R600m for direct operations, with the remainder serving as a guarantee in alignment with the South African Reserve Bank's (Sarb) regulatory requirements. "With the money we have made, we have spent more than R500m in the last 18 months to two years. We've been able to establish a new call centre, we've got visibility, we are partnering with retailers, we have built in new systems," she said. "We need a little bit more to build on that. The R1.7bn fulfills the sub-regulatory requirements to…

Civil society groups across South Africa are hailing the Department of Social Development's recent moves toward implementing a Basic Income Grant (BIG). This commitment comes on the heels of Minister Sisisi Tolashe's announcement during her Budget Vote speech last week, where she revealed plans to replace the temporary Social Relief of Distress (SRD) with a more lasting income support system. The Black Sash, a prominent human rights organisation, this week expressed its approval of the government's initiative. Black Sash said they have long advocated for a permanent income for those aged 18-59 with little to no income. “It's a bold and necessary step and for many South Africans living below the poverty line offering a much-needed glimmer of hope in deeply uncertain times,” it said. “We welcome the Minister’s announcement;…

In a growing business, your people are your greatest strength, but they can also be your biggest vulnerability if not managed properly. While more established companies have dedicated human resources (HR) departments, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often don’t have the same resources, which can lead to reactive decisions, high staff turnover and inconsistent performance. Fortunately, building a resilient and motivated workforce doesn’t require a big budget. It requires intention, consistency and a willingness to invest in your people in ways that make sense for the scale and culture of your business. Here are five best practices for small business owners looking to build a strong, stable and engaged team. Start with clarity and consistency One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is hiring people without clear roles…

The BankservAfrica Economic Transactions Index (BETI) improved for a second consecutive month in June, indicating a more optimistic outlook for economic performance in the second quarter. The index, which measures the value of all electronic transactions cleared through BankservAfrica's automated clearinghouse on a monthly basis, increased in June to an index level of 139.1, representing a 0.4% monthly growth and a second month of recovery. Shergeran Naidoo, BankservAfrica Head of Stakeholder Engagements, said the improved BETI signals a positive shift in overall economic activity in the second quarter, which could also be reflected in a favourable GDP outcome set to be published by Stats SA in early September. “The uptick in the BETI in June is welcomed, especially given that the economy started 2023 on the back foot, with quarterly…

Too Much, the new romantic comedy created by Hollywood actress Lena Dunham, has been earning worldwide acclaim for its take on modern relationships. The Netflix series delves deep into the universal experience of not feeling safe in relationships. As the title suggests, it emotionally relates to the legions across the globe from different walks of life who have ever felt, well, “too much”. The series also unpacks the struggle of making relationships work as both parties have to commit to creating a safe space for each other, while juggling other challenges like careers, family and friends – all while carrying decades worth of personal trauma. With its sharp humour and an impressive casting of A-listers to breakthrough talents, the rom-com has been sparking debates worldwide as it continues to rank…

A new culturally-rich telenovela, Homecoming, is coming to our small screens soon. In the announcement that was shared by DStv on Monday, it was revealed that Homecoming is replacing Sibongile & The Dlaminis, which will be coming to an end on July 23. Produced by the award-winning production house, Tshedza Pictures, Homecoming follows the life of Zethu Hlongwane (played by former Generations: The Legacy actress Mpume “Six” Nyamane), a medical graduate who dreams of joining the list of a few black female surgeons in our country. However, she realises that her dream appears to be far-fetched because things are not going as she had hoped or planned out, which forces her to go back to her rural town of Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal. While back at home, she faces unexpected life…

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has assured South Africans that the country was secure and has ruled out the possibility of an unrest in the country. Addressing the media in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Khumbudzo urged and also assured South Africans that the security cluster was solid and was able to do its work. “There are men and women in various capacities who continue to work as compatriot for the protection of this country. There are men and women to make sure this country is safe,” she said. “In any challenge confronting us, we are a resilient nation. We always find solutions and have addressed them because people are worried about national security. That is why the president has given stricter timelines to the commission of inquiry to report…

A cellphone found in the possession of an inmate serving a 15-year jail sentence for murder – containing pictures of prison officials as well as communications with them – has cost him dearly as he is now locked up in C-Max Prison, in solitary confinement-like conditions. Rotondwa Raliphaswa turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, for an urgent order that he must be removed from this maximum security prison as his rights to humane treatment are being violated. Raliphaswa was transferred to the C-Max Kgosi Mampuru Prison from the ODI Correctional Services Facility in January this year. This was after prison officials, during a routine raid on the cells, found the phone in his possession. According to correctional services, he has been caught in possession of a cellphone in his…

THE tragic death of a five-year-old boy, allegedly shot and killed by his minor brother who was playing with a gun while seated in a car, has sparked a call for the enforcement of stricter safety procedures for gun owners. Police said they were investigating a case of culpable homicide and the negligent handling of a firearm, after Yusha Peer, 5, of Northcliff in Johannesburg, was killed last Sunday. “A five-year-old was shot inside a car by his older brother, who is a minor and was playing with the firearm. The boy was rushed to the hospital and declared dead. No arrests have been made yet. The police are investigating to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” said Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, spokesperson for the Gauteng police. It has been alleged…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is grappling with serious challenges that threaten its effectiveness in combating corruption. These challenges include ensuring the safety of its personnel and whistle-blowers, a financial squeeze due to an increasing caseload, an inadequate funding model, and an ineffectual debt collection process. The issues are highlighted in a new research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), conducted in partnership with the SIU, examining the unit’s successes and its challenges in combating crime. At a seminar hosted by the ISS in Pretoria yesterday, SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, talked about the unit’s funding woes, citing an unsustainable model due to state institutions owing over R1 billion. The SIU’s funding consists of a 47% grant from Parliament and 53% from fees for services rendered. However, Mothibi noted…

It was September 2012 when Brad Squires and Anita Moran decided to cap off their impromptu romantic picnic on Canada’s Bell Island by flinging a bottle containing a handwritten note about their day together into the sea. The young couple were around one year into their relationship but were living apart at the time, making that date particularly special to them, Anita told The Washington Post in a phone interview Friday. Brad was posted with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, while she was training to be a nurse in Newfoundland and Labrador, she explained. Anita said: “We wrote a private note to us, not thinking that it would make it anywhere.” Nearly 13 years later, Kate and Jon Gay, who were walking on a beach in Ireland,…

Despite the bleak economic outlook, trade wars, and general gloom currently gripping South Africa, Stellantis is forging ahead with its plans to build a plant in the Coega region. Locally, the Stellantis portfolio includes Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Opel, Peugeot, Leapmotors and Abarth. Speaking at a Stellantis Media Connect event in Johannesburg, managing director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mike Whitfield, said the plans have changed slightly, but the earthworks have been completed. Plans changed “Our original plans have changed slightly as we adapt to the incredible disruption that we're not only seeing in the global market, but the local market as well. “Previously, the plan was to produce 50 000 Peugeot Landtrek bakkies per year for export into Africa and the Middle East. “But as we've…

On the wall of my home office – past the cluttered table, a mess of papers full of stats and books on sport – hangs a poster I designed for The Star in 2017. It never saw the light of day. Although it was submitted to the Lions Rugby Union for consideration and use in their stadium, a simple error on our part – using “Ellis Park” instead of “Emirates Airline Park” – denied its presence at the Super Rugby final between the Joburgers and the Crusaders that day. Its message was straightforward – one that recalled a glorious era in Lions history. “Ackers, thanks for the memories,” it read, with a smiling image of Johan Ackermann in the corner and the text flowing around him on a field of…

Former finance minister Trevor Manuel has issued a stark warning regarding the pervasive debt challenges facing the African continent. Speaking at the G20 Finance Track meetings on Wednesday, Manuel underscored how burgeoning debt service costs were stifling essential development expenditures, particularly in health and education. Manuel said this usually happened in circumstances where countries have not borrowed more, but the interest rate burden has increased very rapidly. “Debt squeezes out development. It impoverishes countries, actually. It’s the only thing that is really shared by people,” he said. “The expert panel has made 11 recommendations to deal with debt going forward. We need to develop a handle on debt. Part of dealing with debt is also understanding the cost of capital. And there are elements of the cost of capital that…

in the second quarter - Anchor Capital JSE-listed equities continued their upward trajectory in in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), Nolan Wapenaar and Peter Armitage, Chief Investment Officers at Anchor Capital, said on Wednesday. Following on from a strong opening quarter, JSE-listed equities continued their upward trajectory to end 2Q25 up another 9.7%. Year to date, the FSE/JSE Capped Swix has risen by 16.1%, and the MSCI South Africa Index is up 30.3% (in US dollar terms). This puts the JSE as a standout performer in global equities year to date and over the past 12 months. "In April, we were still digesting the double threat of the GNU (Government of National Unity) failing and the Trump administration imposing growth-crippling tariffs across the globe. These factors were primarily to…

As South Africa grapples with a continued weak economic outlook, a noteworthy shift is occurring in the residential property market. The Seeff Property Group has reported that fewer consumers are looking to buy homes, a trend echoed by the latest findings from the PayProp Rental Index. The Index reveals that the residential rental market in South Africa has kicked off 2025 with extraordinary momentum, recording an uptick of 5.6%, the highest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2017. The robust growth was underscored by pushing the average rent to R9 132 across the nation. Notably, February alone saw a year-on-year rental increase of 6%, marking the most significant monthly growth recorded since August 2017. This surge comes against a backdrop of improving inflation conditions—Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation fell…

Africa is brimming with youthful energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, a new generation of entrepreneurs is stepping up to build businesses that solve local problems, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth. These young innovators are not just the future of the continent, they’re already shaping it. But while passion and purpose fuel the journey, succeeding in business takes more than just a great idea. Many young entrepreneurs face real challenges like limited access to funding, navigating complex regulations, and balancing business demands with personal responsibilities. Developing strong skills in financial management, adaptability, and building meaningful connections can help overcome these hurdles and set the stage for lasting success. Whether you're launching your first side hustle, scaling an existing venture, or just exploring…

Mpact’s headline earnings a share (HEPS) from continuing operations will likely decline between 28% and 18.2% in the six months to June 30, even though revenue should increase by about 3%. The JSE-listed paper and plastics packaging group said in a trading statement on Wednesday that HEPS is expected to be between 88 and 100 cents per share, compared with 122.2 cents at the same time last year, in a persistently challenging trading environment. The group said uncertainty in local and global markets had contributed to poor business sentiment, despite that lower interest rates and lower inflation, and consumer demand remained weak. The detailed half-year results are expected to be released around August 4, 2025. Mpact directors said, however, they were making “good progress” on development projects that focus on…

Companies can no longer afford to ignore the use of emojis in the workplace, and should take steps to update their social media policies. This was some of the main takeaways from a webinar titled: “Beyond the smile: Emojis, communication and misinterpretation in the modern workplace”, which was presented by forensic and legal linguist and researcher Dr Zakeera Docrat, and legal firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH). Docrat previously took the stand at the Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing into sexual harassment complaints against Judge President Selby Mbenenge. The webinar explained the interpretations of emojis and how companies should be proactive in creating policies around their use. Docrat started the webinar with a presentation touching on some of the aspects she explained during the Mbenenge trial, and how her expertise stretched to…

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has criticised the vigilante blockages where activists have been blocking state-owned hospital entrances, demanding identification from patients and turning away foreign nationals. A week ago, IOL reported that 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, preventing alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare. Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika yesterday, Nkomo-Ralehoko said the South African government has agreements with some countries where funds are recouped for services provided to foreign nationals in South Africa. For immigrants who walk into hospitals in Gauteng, without any government recommendation, the MEC said they are subject to stipulated fees for medical…

Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance, Jacob Mamabolo, has warned municipalities to improve their finances and service delivery to residents. This comes as reports of infrastructure and service delivery have reportedly collapsed in some Gauteng municipalities. Mamabolo stated that while the provincial government does not wish to adopt a confrontational stance towards non-performing municipalities, it will not tolerate refusal to comply with the country’s laws. Mamabolo spoke during a post-budget press briefing at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature yesterday. “We promote good relations with our municipalities, and we do not believe in confrontation. This is the approach we are following. However, this does not mean we cannot enforce the laws of the country. All our municipalities must comply with them as non-compliance will not be tolerated or accepted.” Regarding…

President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday said the planned National Dialogue will not be another talk shop but will be used as an instrument to develop a social compact. Speaking during the budget vote for The Presidency in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said the National Dialogue was being convened in response to calls from individuals and formations from across society. “This initiative has received wide support and has been endorsed by the Government of National Unity (GNU) as a significant national process to develop a social compact that will enable us to meet the aspirations of the National Development Plan,” he said. He made the statement as the GNU’s second biggest partner, the DA, announced that it will boycott the National Dialogue citing the exorbitant amount budgeted for it convening after former…

A LUXURY jewellery boutique in Bryanston, Johannesburg, was robbed by a seemingly ordinary family dressed in traditional attire and posing as customers. Thanks to social media, the stolen R150 000 Cartier watch was returned. The female, dressed in an abaya (a full-length outer garment worn by some Muslim women) and a head scarf was caught red-handed on CCTV cameras stealing the Cartier watch. The owners of Love Maison 33 – a family run business – shared the footage on social media. Thirty minutes later, the suspects called the store and said they were “sorry”. They then sent two minors to return the watch. In the video, which has been circulating on social media, two women are seen seated inside the store, in front of an array of designer watches, picking…

Range Rover has lifted the covers off their most expensive special edition yet, the Range Rover SV Black, offered alongside the Range Rover SV Serenity and Range Rover SV Intrepid derivatives. Before we get into what interior and exterior additions the SV Black receives, there’s now even more reason for rap artists to own one. Sensory Floor They’ll have to be pretty successful given the price tag of R5 269 200 for the standard wheelbase and R5 718 700 for the long wheelbase, but Body and Soul Seats (BASS) and world-first Immersive Sensory Floor technology seem just the thing. The Sensory Floor incorporates haptic feedback through the floor mats in addition to the seats, creating an expansive and immersive listening experience, allowing occupants to physically feel the music. Four transducers…

We have approached the second schooling term and South Africa’s grade 12 learners are now preparing for the final grade 12 exams. The pressures today for most learners completing school are daunting considering the many challenges that lie ahead of a new school leaver in South Africa. The recent export tariff of 30% imposed by Trump on all South African exports in The United States has detrimental impacts for our economy. Wine, Macadamia nuts and our fresh produce contribute substantially to the global and national economy and an increased tariff margin means that Americans will look to purchase alternative imported products. Any additional price increase deemed by South African business markets would be an addition to the existing 30% which will come into effect from August 1, 2025. The Summer…

WHEN Banyana Banyana scored four unanswered goals against Mali in their final Group C match of the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on Monday, the world of football surely felt that the team that they have come to know had finally arrived in Morocco but coach Desiree Ellis was more impressed by veteran defender Lebogang Ramalepe. The 33-year-old went away with a Player of the match award after two assists and a goal in Oudja to send the defending champions to the quarter-finals against Senegal on Saturday. That match will also be played at 9pm after the match between Algeria and Ghana at 6pm. Ramalepe, one of the legends of Banyana and South African women’s football with over 100 caps for the national team, has played all three…

England captain Ben Stokes put his body on the line to inspire his side’s dramatic victory over India at Lord’s, according to teammate Joe Root. Stokes took five wickets, scored 77 runs and delivered a crucial run-out of Rishabh Pant in two innings of relentless effort from the all-rounder. Driven on by Stokes, England won the third Test by 22 runs on a pulsating final day to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Most remarkable of all was the workload that the injury-prone Stokes put his body through as he bowled 44 overs in total, including gruelling spells of 9.2 and 10 overs on the decisive final day. It was the most the 34-year-old has bowled in over six years and came after two severe hamstring injuries in…

In the one corner, there was Lord’s. Splendid in all its regality. A full house on the fifth day enjoying a spectacle rivalled only by events at the very same ground just a few weeks earlier, when the Proteas lifted the Test mace in spectacular fashion. All three results were still possible, with both England and India teetering on the edge. The tension was palpable – sledging, swearing, and high-stakes cricket captivating a global audience. Over 7 500km away, in far-off Jamaica, two other teams were slogging through the motions at a near-deserted Sabina Park. Not too long ago, the Frank Worrell Trophy – contested by the West Indies and Australia – was one of the most sought-after titles in world cricket. Thousands would cram into the George Headley Stand,…

Eskom executive says utility’s power stations may struggle to meet emissions standards South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has openly acknowledged significant hurdles in achieving the ambitious decommissioning targets set for the Just Energy Transition (JET) by 2030. During a presentation to Parliament on Wednesday, Eskom’s head of generation Bheki Nxumalo revealed that the utility’s existing power stations may struggle to meet the crucial emissions standards due to insufficient technology designed to curb nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx). “The emissions standards post-2030 call for reduction much more aggressively. That’s where the risks are because stations have different technologies. We are now on a drive for emissions abatement technologies post-2030 but its not all of them that will be ready, including Medupi,” Nxumalo said in response to questions from MK…

The South African retail landscape appears to be on a positive trajectory, buoyed by significantly low consumer inflation, the availability of disposable income from Two-Pot retirement withdrawals, and a notable decrease in fuel prices. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that the retail sector continued to strengthen in May, with sales increasing by 4.2% year-on-year following an upwardly revised 5.2% advance in April. Raquel Floris, deputy director for distributive trade statistics at Stats SA, said six of the seven retail groups recorded a positive month, largely driven by textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods. “Textiles and clothing and general dealers continued to shine, with textiles and clothing increasing by 12.5% and general dealers by 3.6% year-on-year,” Floris said. “Together, the two groups pushed overall growth higher…

Entrepreneurship in South Africa, particularly within its vibrant townships and sprawling rural areas, often gets spray painted with a smooth airbrush of unwavering resilience and boundless innovation. Rightly so, because the grit it takes to build a business from the ground up in these communities is nothing short of heroic, an audacious act of the KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Yet, beneath the inspirational headlines and promise of radical economic development, there's a solemn whisper, a silent groan, "Ooh, I'm done with this!" that often goes off in broad day light. It is a lament of the mind and soul where a friend once said, “I’m in pain, but I can’t identify the part of the body that is experiencing this excruciating agony”. This unforgiving pain has no medical remedy,…

Compagnie Financière Richemont SA increased sales 6% to €5.4 billion in the quarter to June 30, 2025, the Switzerland and JSE-listed luxury goods group that trades under brands such as Cartier, Paige and Van Cleef & Arpels said Wednesday. The increase in the group first quarter sales was in spite of a volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical environment in many markets. The growth was led by double-digit increases in Europe, the Americas and Middle East & Africa, more than offsetting Japan’s sales decline against high prior-year comparatives. Sales in the Asia Pacific region remained stable. In Europe, sales grew by 11%, driven by robust demand from local clients and overall positive tourist spend, supported by successful jewellery events. Almost all main markets in the region saw an increase in sales this…

AngloGold Ashanti plans to acquire all of Canada-based gold exploration company Augusta Gold’s shares at a price of C$1.70 per share, or about R1.99 billion, in cash. The price, which implies an equity value for Augusta Gold of about C$152 million, or about $111m, represents a premium of about 28% to the closing price of Augusta Gold's shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on July 15, 2025, the day prior to the announcement of the deal. "We believe securing these properties will not only solidify our leading position in the most important new gold district in the US, but will also improve our ability to develop the region under an integrated plan – with more flexibility, greater access, better infrastructure sharing, and cohesive engagement with all stakeholders," said AngloGold Ashanti’s…

Late former Johannesburg mayor Jolidee Matongo’s widow is fighting Standard Bank’s decision to refuse to settle the R2.25 million BMW X5 for which he owed more than R2.22m. At the time of his death in September 2021, Matongo had not taken credit life cover on the vehicle. Standard Bank financed the BMW X5 Drive 30DM Sport 2020 bought from Supertech Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast in June 2021 for just over R2.25m. In the fight to force the bank to pay, it has since emerged that Matongo had a straight life cover policy but not credit life insurance. A month after Matongo died in a car accident on the Golden Highway near Lenasia, south of Joburg, his widow, Kedibone Matongo, approached Standard Bank to lodge a claim. In…

A sip of cough mixture the previous evening and two spoons of the same mixture on the morning before he went to work, was the subject of a prolonged legal wrangle between a forklift driver and his company, after he was at first fired for testing positive for alcohol consumption. The worker, only identified as Mr Tsamse by the Johannesburg Labour Court, was fired by Chill Beverages International, which has a zero tolerance for alcohol intake while at work. The CCMA subsequently overturned his dismissal, but the beverages company now turned to the Labour Court to review the CCMA’s finding. Tsamse was employed by the company in June 2017 and served as a warehouse controller at the time of his dismissal for alleged gross misconduct after failing a breathalyser test.…

The day 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek’s body was identified, his parents were meant to sign documents that would have set him on a path to play soccer in Spain. His body was found half-naked in a passageway near his mother’s apartment in Fleurhof, Johannesburg, on May 14. His mother, Tiffany Nicole Meek, 31, now stands accused of his murder. During a TikTok Live hosted by community activist Althea Cluff, Jayden’s uncle, Owen Meek, opened up about the pain, confusion, and anger the family has faced in the two months since the child’s death. “Jayden was selected to play soccer in Spain. The day his parents were supposed to go sign the documents, they went to identify his body. How crushing is that? This is what we are doing to our next…

President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday pushed back against growing calls for him to fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu following explosive allegations by KZN police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, saying it would be unfair and set a dangerous precedent. Speaking at the Presidency’s budget vote for the 2025/2026 financial year, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of due processes. “The integrity and credibility of the criminal justice system are vital to our ongoing efforts to combat crime and corruption.” “Over the last few years, we have made significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening law enforcement agencies, security services and prosecutorial bodies,” he said. He said the changes have been real and visible in the South African Police Service, the Hawks, National Prosecuting Authority, Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigating Unit, State Security Agency and others.…

In a shocking study, North West University researchers revealed that a concerning amount of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have been found in South Africa’s water resources. The research emphasised the potential risks for human health: “Humans are also exposed to these compounds via drinking water, and at concentrations exceeding calculated hazard quotients,” the study read. The Department of Water and Sanitation acknowledged the study with spokesperson Wisane Mavasa, saying that the ARVs appear to be entering water resources via municipal wastewater treatment systems, which are often not intended to remove such compounds. “The department will engage the university on the findings and associated possible impacts. This will be done in conjunction with the Water Research Commission and the Department of Health,” said the spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa. The Department of Health spokesperson…

Opel has completely revamped its Grandland SUV incorporating many of the features first seen in the Experimental concept car and now introduced on a production model. It’s bulkier and more angular than the outgoing model, which was more of a wallflower than extrovert thanks to 173mm of extra length, 54mm extra width and standing 19mm higher. Exterior They have introduced a new execution of the Opel brand face: the 3D Vizor that’s combined with the illuminated Opel Griffin logo made more prominent using Edge Light Technology. Making its debut on the Grandland is the Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD with 51,200 elements for high-definition light distribution. Based on traffic, a camera detects oncoming objects which then cuts them out providing a brighter and more homogeneous light pattern. There’s a funky welcome…

Here we go again! The difference this time at round five of the National Extreme Festival at the East London Grand Prix Circuit this weekend, it’s a race we have been looking forward to with some trepidation. First time For most of us in the Toyota GR Cup Challenge, this will be our first outing around the 3.92-kilometre track with a mix of fast, sweeping corners like the legendary Potter’s Pass and Rifle Bend, and a tight, technical infield with only two real opportunities to pass. When management at Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) sends out a document taking you on a step-by-step guide around the track and suggesting time on the sim racer, you know things are about to get serious. It’s been a track that we’ve put…

The Proteas’ failure to build partnerships cost them dearly as they slumped to a 21-run defeat to New Zealand in their second match of the T20I Tri-Series at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. Both teams were evenly matched at the halfway stage, but a 103-run sixth-wicket partnership between Tim Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs lifted the Black Caps to 173/5 from a precarious 74/5. In contrast, the Proteas lost wickets at regular intervals despite solid contributions from Dewald Brevis (35), George Linde (30), and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (27) to eventually be bowled out for 152 with 10 balls still remaining in their innings. “I thought it was gettable. It was a good pitch. We didn't get any rhythm going, really, with our batting, particularly early on in the batting department. “I…

Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye has made it clear that the club’s main goal in their debut season in the top flight is to secure their Premiership status by the end of the campaign. Orbit were one of two teams from the NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) to earn promotion to the Premiership. Their journey to the top came through sheer determination, having edged out two tough opponents – Casric Stars and Cape Town City – in the promotion play-offs. Now, with their eyes set on competing at the highest level, Makhoye believes that sticking to what already works is the best approach. The Mswenko Boys clinched the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs at their first attempt after finishing second in the league, five points behind champions Durban City. After ending…