Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-30 i Star

Rand Water is anticipating a change in legislation that could enable it to override poor municipal management of water and sanitation budgets, the provision of water services, and facilitate a choice of supplier for consumers while also ringfencing water and sanitation payments. This comes as the bulk water provider is set to rollout more than R40 billion upgrading the bulk water infrastructure and upgrading waste-water treatment works in municipalities over the next five years. Speaking at the latest PSG Think Big Series webinar on Tuesday, Rand Water CEO, Sipho Mosia, said this initiative was a direct response to the escalating challenges faced in municipal water management. Mosia said the entity was confident of the immediate future with reviews in legislation that would enable it to play a more proactive…

South Africa’s government has reiterated its commitment to secure a favourable tariff deal with the United States, despite a conspicuous lack of communication from Washington D.C. The looming potential of a 30% levy on South African exports has sparked concern as businesses brace for what could significantly impact trade relations between the two nations. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) on Tuesday said negotiations remained the best tool to deal with the issues that are on the table. The dtic Minister Parks Tau said South Africa was not in a unique position as the US attempts to finalise negotiations with some 185 countries around the world. Tau said the government remained committed to the cause as it awaited substantive feedback from the US counterparts on…

In a dramatic turnaround, India has emerged as one of the most equal societies in the world, outshining major global economies like the US and China, and ranked as the fourth most equal society in the world. According to the World Bank's Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, India with a Gini Index of 25.5 is close to joining the global club of “low inequality” countries - the Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4), and more equal than every member of the developed G7 and the wider G20. Shockingly, the world’s largest economy, the US, falls within the “high inequality” group of nations with a Gini score of 41.1 while South Africa, with a Gini index of 63.0 is the world’s “most unequal” society. The World Bank ranking…

When the National Energy Regulator (Nersa) capped Eskom’s 2025/26 electricity tariff increase at 12.74%, many businesses across the country breathed a sigh of relief. But buried in the fine print of its March 17 ruling is a profound shift that will reshape how businesses pay for and plan around energy consumption. In simple terms, the old one-size-fits-all approach is being phased out. Wholesale changes have been made to Eskom’s tariff structures and even on individual charges within tariffs. Time-of-use schedules are being adjusted, evening peaks are lengthening, and Sunday nights are no longer considered off-peak. Seasonal differences are narrowing, with summer tariffs set to rise more than before. Two new charges are being introduced: one is payment for relying on the grid as back-up source, the other is to recover…

Profit at Dangote Cement, controlled by Africa’s richest person, jumped the most in about six years to a record helped by a stable naira and higher prices of the construction material. Net income at the firm controlled by billionaire Aliko Dangote - who retired as chairman of the company on Friday - more than tripled to 309 billion naira (R3.9 billion) in the three months through to June from 76.6 billion naira a year ago, according to a company statement. Revenue at the firm, which has operations in at least 10 African markets, increased 14% even though volumes fell 1.4% in the quarter. Nigeria’s currency, prone to extreme volatility, has hovered around 1 550 to the dollar this year helping provide stability to businesses. Smaller rival Bua Cement, controlled by…

Shaftesbury Capital, the JSE and London-listed REIT grew earnings, dividends, and valuation in the six months to June 30 after its properties in the iconic Covent Garden and Carnaby Street precincts continued to grow sales. "We are delighted to deliver continued strong performance. Our West End portfolio continues to be busy and vibrant with high footfall and seven days a week trading,” said the CEO Ian Hawksworth on Tuesday. Leasing demand was strong, with 193 transactions completed, 9% ahead of December 2023. Valuations increased by 3%, driven by ERV (estimated rental value) growth and stable yields. He said that they had entered the second half of the year with positive momentum, supported by a strong balance sheet and access to liquidity. The 193 leasing transactions represented £19.2 million of contracted…

Love is still in the air for the Biebers. Justin and Hailey Bieber recently presented a united front during Justin’s release party for his surprise seventh album, SWAG, after months of separation rumours. Amid the celebration of SWAG, which was released earlier this month, as seen on the singer’s Instagram carousel pictures, Justin and Hailey could not keep their hands off each other. The Love Yourself singer can be seen locking lips with the model multiple times in front of their friends and fans during the golf-themed celebration. Among the attendees was Hailey’s friend, Kendall Jenner, rapper Lil Baby and streamer IShowspeed. The PDA-filled content stunned the internet because there have been rumours online about their whirlwind romance that has been making headlines this year. However, each time there has…

The decision by the United States President Donald Trump’s administration to send five dangerous, hardened criminals to the neighbouring Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) took citizens by surprise and shock. IOL reported earlier this week that the move has also sparked outrage in the small landlocked nation, and fears abound that the criminals may end up in South Africa. The Trump administration announced over a week ago that it would be sending the men who are illegal immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Cuba convicted of child rape, murder, burglary, and being gang members and whose countries refuse to take them back. Speaking to IOL, Bheki Makhubu, editor of the monthly news magazine The Nation, said people of eSwatini feel betrayed. “Essentially, emaSwati feel they were betrayed by the…

Despite reported low numbers of applications, local spaza shop owners are crying foul and finding the going is getting tough with the alleged “unrealistic” requirements imposed by the government on the recently established R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF). In April, the Minister of Small Business Stella Ndabeni Abrahams announced the support fund during a press briefing in Soweto, which called on eligible South African spaza shop owners in townships and rural areas who want to improve, expand, and sustain their shops to apply for assistance with the R500m Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF). Some of the requirements for businesses include registration with the local municipality under the relevant by-laws and business licensing requirements. This is coupled with the optional registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)…

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Mankweng, Limpopo, for allegedly killing a 13-month-old baby girl and severely injuring her mother by deliberately driving over them with a pickup van. The horrific incident occurred on the evening of July 26, around 8.05pm, when the mother and her baby were reportedly waiting for a taxi to Segopye village. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the suspect, believed to be the woman’s ex-boyfriend, approached them and “started to have a heated argument with her.” Despite the escalating confrontation, a taxi soon arrived and the woman, clutching her child, quickly boarded. However, the drama didn’t end there. As they were en route, the taxi driver reportedly warned the mother that a pickup van was following closely behind. When they got off at Marothi…

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has confirmed that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of political interference and shielding of criminals within the South African Police Service (SAPS) is estimated to cost R147.9 million over six months. “We can confirm that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is responsible for the procurement process for services for the commission, in consultation with the commission chairperson and secretary,” said departmental spokesperson Terence Manase. The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The claims included interference by senior police officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, in politically sensitive investigations and the disbanding of elite anti-corruption units. Manase confirmed that due to time…

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has rejected an application for the registration of a new political entity by former African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament, Jacob Boy Mamabolo. Titled “Mandela for President,” the party’s bid has been thwarted primarily due to failures in meeting several critical registration requirements. In a statement on Monday, the IEC indicated that Mamabolo’s party did not provide the minimum number of valid signatures required for registration, nor did it meet the threshold for the number of registered voters. In addition to these oversights, the IEC raised alarms regarding potential voter deception stemming from the party’s name, “Mandela for President,” paired with its striking green and black colours. The IEC expressed concerns that the branding could lead the public to erroneously associate the party with…

The Vatican is convening over 1 000 priests, friars, and lay digital communicators in Rome this week, aiming to explore how social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, blogs and apps can bolster outreach and help reconnect with a younger demographic. The initiative is part of a broader Jubilee of Youth programme, which begins on July 28, and includes a dedicated segment on Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers. Leading the way are a few photogenic clerics whose large online followings aren’t just about appearances – they represent a new wave of evangelisation. Father Giuseppe Fusari, 58-year-old from Brescia, is both a classically trained art historian and a bodybuilding priest with more than 60 000 Instagram followers. Fusari believes that social media “is one way to attract people,” aiming to bring viewers…

E-hailing platforms Uber and Bolt South Africa have responded to growing tensions within the sector, following reports of a planned nationwide strike by drivers affiliated with the National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA). Both companies acknowledged awareness of the proposed industrial action and stressed their continued commitment to engaging with drivers over long-standing concerns regarding earnings, safety, and working conditions. An Uber spokesperson said the company had taken note of concerns raised. “We are aware of the article that was published and acknowledge the concerns that have been raised,” Uber said. “Drivers remain at the heart of everything we do.” The spokesperson added that the company continues to work with drivers to improve their experience on the platform. “We are committed to engaging more with drivers as we are…

September, a month synonymous with renewal and new beginnings, will be the most challenging period in South Africa’s political and economic landscape due to actions likely to be taken by the US against the country. The first is the end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in September. However, the new 30% tariffs introduced by the US for SA will likely override the existing AGOA conventions when they take effect at the beginning of August 2025. The second biggest conundrum will be the possibility of the US Senate’s decision on the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. The ground is fertile in the US to act against the South African government, which is believed to have acted against the US’s national…

South Africa’s young swim sensation Pieter Coetzé’s impressive recent spell in the pool continued with a gold medal in the 100m backstroke final at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore yesterday. The new world champion stormed to the win, dipping below 52 seconds for the second time in the past two weeks. It was a victory that the Tuks psychology student felt was coming at some stage, though he admitted he didn’t expect it to happen so soon. The South African kicked with about 10m to go to take the title in 51.85 seconds, lowering his own South African and African record for the third time in quick succession. He narrowly missed out on the world record of 51.60. Olympic champion and world record holder Thomas Ceccon of Italy took…

Cautious stance reflects IMF’s assessment that SA is failing to implement crucial structural reforms South African economists are voicing serious concerns as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) holds steady on its meagre growth forecasts for the country, projecting a mere 1% growth in 2025 and 1.3% in 2026. This cautious stance, reiterated in the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) published on Tuesday, reflects the IMF’s assessment that the nation has made insufficient progress in implementing crucial structural reforms, particularly in critical network industries such as logistics and energy. The latest estimates mirror the IMF’s April predictions, which marked a notable 0.5 percentage point reduction due to sluggish activity among key trading partners and the mounting pressure of rising US tariffs. The forecasts contrast with those from the National Treasury, which…

Business Report on July 28 ran the story JSE fines former EOH director Bogdanov R500k for faking qualification. Anushka Bogdanov in a right of reply says she is aware of the SENS announcement published by the JSE on July 25, 2025 referencing her academic qualifications. She claims the announcement contains several factual inaccuracies and misrepresentations. Bogdanov says she is a highly qualified governance and risk management specialist with over three decades of professional experience in senior leadership positions in various financial and development institutions. She says she has submitted all supporting documentation from accredited institutions, including her doctoral research, to the JSE in good faith and in full transparency. Bogdanov says she is deeply concerned by both the content and the governance processes led to the announcement, including the lack…

Jeep owner Stellantis said Tuesday it sees sales revenue and profitability rebounding in the second half of the year despite taking a €1.5 billion (R30 billion) hit from US tariffs. The 15-brand group that also includes Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, confirmed the preliminary announcement it made last week of a €2.3 billion net loss in the first half of the year, as sales in North America continued to slump on an annual comparison. But Stellantis's new CEO, Antonio Filosa, said the automaker is beginning to see "gradual improvement" in sales volumes and revenues on a sequential basis "despite intensifying external headwinds". Like some of its rivals, Stellantis had suspended financial guidance due to the uncertainty surrounding US tariffs and regulatory changes, but it said it now sees an increase in…

As ordinary South Africans struggle to access clean, reliable, and affordable power, essential for a decent life and a functioning economy, a deeper, more entrenched power struggle continues behind the scenes. Over the coming weeks in this column, I will unpack this struggle and explore why South Africa continues to fail in establishing an efficient, effective electricity industry. We will examine the forces blocking progress and consider what a more functional energy future could look like, for the country and for the region. At its core, the power struggle is internal to the ANC. It is a contest between competing factions: between those committed to honest governance and those who enable patronage, corruption, and capture. It is also a struggle between those who support centralised state control of the economy,…

Boxer Retail was one of the top biggest movers on the JSE Tuesday morning after it reported a strong performance for the 17-week period to June 29, despite a highly constrained consumer environment and internal food selling price inflation of -0.6%. The soft discount retailer, which was listed out of Pick n Pay in November last year, saw its share price rise 3.58% to R69.21 early Tuesday morning after the release of a trading update that showed turnover up 12.1% and 3.9% on a like-for-like basis. The share price is not far off the R63.51 it traded at when it listed. This represents a positive trend when compared with the 9% turnover and 3.7% like-for-like growth reported for the second half of its 2025 financial year, as disclosed in Boxer's…

Kumba Iron Ore said on Tuesday that it remained poised for growth, fortified by robust demand for steel and high-quality iron ore products, despite a landscape marked by global economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics. This optimism was articulated by Kumba's CEO Mpumi Zikalala following the company’s announcement of an impressive interim cash dividend of R5.3 billion. Kumba declared an interim dividend of R16.60 per share for the period ending 30 June 2025 despite revenues declining by 4% to R34.5bn after basic headline earnings per share slightly fell to R22.26. Half-year earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) amounted to R16bn. The dip in revenues has been attributed to a 6% reduction in the average realised Free On Board (FOB) iron ore export price to $91 per wet metric ton…

Geriatric Millenial Whenever I hear Nik Rabinowitz’s name, I know theatregoers are in for a riotous time. The longtime comedian is synonymous with turning regular everyday situations into side-splitting jokes. I recall interviewing him a year ago for Pension Killer. At the time, I asked him how he’s managed to pivot in this woke landscape. He said: “Comedy is always evolving with the times, so that naturally occurs and you kind of review maybe things that you said 10 years ago with how you would say it now. You have to stay in touch with what’s happening.” He added, with a chuckle, that he hired a young team to ensure he remained woke and wouldn’t be cancelled. I’m bringing this up because being a stand-up comedian is no easy feat.…

DJ Sumbody, DJ Vintos, Armand Swart, and Don Tindleni were killed using the same AK-47, and all died in the same way after they were killed in a hail of bullets at different times, arguably by the same suspects. This was revealed by the South African Police outside the Alexandra Magistrates Court yesterday for the appearance of alleged hitmen Musa Kekana, Michael Pule Tau, and Floyd Mabusela, who are now charged with the murder of Don Tindleni. Speaking outside Alexandra Magistrates Court, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that the guns used to kill DJ Sumbody are the same as the ones used for DJ Vintos, Armand Swart, and Don Tindleni. The court postponed the bail application of the alleged mastermind behind Oupa Sefoka’s murder, popularly known as DJ Sumbody to…

Rabie Ridge’s Dulcie September Primary School is buckling under pressure, with overcrowded classrooms, hazardous construction delays, and weak leadership putting children’s safety and education at risk. When The Star visited the school on July 29, the scene was chaotic and alarming. Learners played and sat idly around the school premises after the day was abruptly dismissed, without any prior notice to parents. Those living nearby were quickly collected, but many children relying on transport were left unattended, exposed to open trenches and scattered construction equipment that posed serious safety risks. Yolanda Base, a distraught grandmother, shared her anguish over her granddaughter’s recent injury on school grounds. A sharp piece of construction debris cut the child’s ear, a frightening incident that could have been far worse. “They took her to the…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been accused by the DA of protecting Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP protection unit following their acquittal in an internal disciplinary process earlier this year. The party said its Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application in the disciplinary case involving the VIP protection unit exposes a breakdown in accountability in the police service and a cover-up. The eight officers were filmed assaulting passengers and the driver of a car on the N1 highway in Johannesburg in 2023. The officers were acquitted by the SAPS in May through an internal disciplinary process. The party said the information showed that instead of a swift and transparent disciplinary process, this case descended into a two-year “circus” of postponements, procedural chaos, and excuses, including scheduling…

The Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) continued persecution of Pretoria High School for Girls’ principal, Mrs Philippa Erasmus, who has now been found guilty on a frivolous charge because her husband assisted with landscaping at the school as a voluntary act is unacceptable and delays progressive learning and teaching at this school. As the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng, we once again call on the GDE MEC, Matome Chiloane, to reverse this decision and put an end to the ongoing harassment and humiliation of this dedicated principal who is unjustly denied the opportunity to teach and guide learners at Pretoria High School for Girls. This disgraceful outcome reinforces our consistent assertion: under MEC Matome, the department will go to great lengths to justify its political vendetta against Mrs Erasmus. The…

A retired Cape Town mother has bagged over R30 million in the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot. National Lottery Ithuba said the woman walked away with R30 211.138.30 from the July 26 draw. She wasted no time in collecting her winnings. Ithuba said the winning ticket was purchased at a retail store in Cape Town, with a manual selection and a wager of R80. The winner described the win as a retirement blessing. “I still can’t believe it. I keep looking at the numbers and thinking: Is this happening to me?” The woman retired last year and has since been quietly supporting her two daughters financially. However, she revealed that her biggest worry has been her youngest daughter’s daily commute to work. “She uses e-hailing every day because she doesn’t have…

Japan’s ability to reimagine the ordinary is what makes it such a compelling destination for curious travellers. From futuristic cafés to silent protests, Japan’s approach to everyday life reflects a society that values order, beauty, empathy, and innovation in equal measure. Here’s a look at six remarkable aspects of life in Japan that make it unlike anywhere else on earth. 1. A café where robots serve as waiters, controlled by people who are physically disabled In Tokyo’s bustling district of Nihonbashi is Dawn Avatar Robot Café, a place where coffee, compassion, and cutting-edge technology intersect. Here, the servers are robots – humanoid machines that glide smoothly between tables. But what makes this café truly revolutionary is that the robots are remotely operated by individuals with physical disabilities, including those with…

On August 1, the US will impose a 30% tariff on select South African exports, a move the Trump administration frames as a corrective to “trade imbalances” but which South Africa decries as a unilateral overreach. President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected the US justification, noting that 77% of US goods enter South Africa duty-free, with an average tariff of just 7.6%. Yet, the policy threatens to derail South Africa’s fragile economic recovery, destabilise global supply chains, and escalate protectionist tensions worldwide. This article examines the tariff’s sectoral impacts, systemic risks to multilateral trade, and strategic responses to mitigate the fallout. Sectoral impacts 1. Automative South Africa’s automotive sector, a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), faces existential risk. Reuters reported that the US absorbed 6.5%…

WHILE the Springboks’ match against the All Blacks at Eden Park is seen as the biggest clash of this year’s Rugby Championship, coach Rassie Erasmus’ sights are firmly set on their upcoming assignment against the Wallabies. The Springboks have a chance to make history against the All Blacks in Auckland on September 6. The New Zealanders haven’t lost at the famous ground since that remarkable Test against the French in 1994, which featured “the try from the end of the world”. Many pundits believe that this bunch of Springboks could be the ones to do the business at Eden Park. However, the chance to re-rewrite the history books is far from Erasmus’ mind. Instead, it’s the Wallabies who occupy his thoughts if yesterday's press conference and his activity on the…

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has announced a comprehensive lifestyle audit for 400 high-risk individuals—approximately 10% of the workforce within his department. This unprecedented initiative comes in the wake of a detailed forensic investigation by PwC into the award of a controversial tender, valued at over R800 million, for the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant by the Independent Development Trust (IDT). Highlighting the anomalies within the department, Macpherson on Tuesday pointed out that many who engaged in multi-million-rand construction projects had been found driving luxury cars, including R3 million Porsche models, without clear financial justification. "That is a red flag. It's not targeting anyone, it's ensuring that we have people that put the country first as opposed to own bank accounts first. So we introduced two…

The global energy transition is not unfolding in straight lines. It is a contested and uneven process where climate ambition often collides with infrastructure gaps, and global priorities clash with local needs. Few sectors embody this tension more than coal: a fuel still essential to energy access, industrial growth, and economic stability in many regions, yet increasingly under pressure to wind down. This is the central paradox. The world must decarbonise with urgency, but it cannot do so while leaving behind the billions who still lack reliable, affordable energy. This is where leadership is most needed, and where the coal industry now stands. For over a decade, coal has been pulled in opposing directions. It has been tasked with delivering affordable power while reducing emissions, criticised in global forums yet…

British bank Barclays posted on Tuesday second quarter profits that beat expectations as traders benefited from volatility in global markets caused by US President Donald Trump's tariff blitz. Net profit jumped 34 percent to £1.7 billion (R42bn) in the three months to the end of June, compared to one year earlier, Barclays said in an earnings statement. Trading activity was boosted for the second quarter in a row after Trump's return to the White House. The bank said the boost to its global markets income reflected "continued support provided to clients through a volatile market environment". Sharp fluctuations in financial markets were exacerbated by Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs on global trading partners in April, which subsequently flip-flopped, driving up volumes of financial transactions. Since then, markets have calmed as…

Another South African Film and Television Award (Safta) could be loading for actor Thembinkosi Mthembu following his riveting performance on season two of Shaka iLembe. Mthembu’s portrayal of the legendary Mthethwa king, Dingiswayo, an esteemed son of King Jobe, came to an end on the latest episode of the award- winnning Mzansi Magic drama series. His final episode moved audiences, with him receiving praise from afar. The talented actor is known to deliver his utmost best for all his roles and for Shaka iLembe, he has set the bar once again. Mthembu’s nuanced portrayal of this complex ruler continues to resonate with audiences, earning him accolades from critics and reinforcing his position as a formidable actor in the entertainment industry. Fans have taken to social media to praise the actor…

With her latest release, Ode to the River, award-winning author Emily House invites young readers – and the young at heart – on a captivating journey that flows through poetic storytelling, ecological facts and stunning illustrations. This enchanting picture book follows the life of a river from its humble beginnings in the high mountains to its powerful entrance into the sea. Along the way, readers are treated to a lyrical narrative that not only paints vivid imagery of the river’s transformation but also subtly instills a deep appreciation for nature and the interconnectedness of life within a river’s ecosystem. House’s story is beautifully complemented by fascinating insights from aquatic ecologist Dr Liz Day, whose scientific contributions add depth to the book without overwhelming its charm. The result is a book…

There were reactions of joy and jubilation outside the Roodepoort Magistrates Court yesterday as the court denied bail to Tiffany Meek. The decision was welcomed by City of Joburg Speaker, Margaret Arnolds, and other activists who have been camping outside the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court. Meek is accused of murdering her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, in May. He was found near a staircase in their residential complex, the morning after she reported him missing. The State, which opposed bail, had argued that there had been inconsistencies in the 31-year-old mother’s statements. “ The applicant failed to satisfy this court that she discharged the onus to prove on a balance of probabilities that the interest of justice permits the release from detention in terms of Section 60 (B) of the Act; therefore,…

Today, we write to you not from the flight deck, but from a place of deep frustration, disappointment, and genuine concern for our passengers, our profession, and the future of South African aviation. After years of remaining silent, trusting promises of stability, fairness, and recognition, we find ourselves amid the longest pilot strike in South African history. This is not a distinction we sought – it is merely a measure of how far things have deteriorated. The particular airline’s pilots have exhausted every avenue of negotiation. Pilots are now standing together because we cannot allow silence to signal acceptance any longer. Initially, the airline’s pilots intended to strike one day to signal their dissatisfaction, express our disappointment, and demonstrate the seriousness of their concerns. But instead of being met with…

The Labour Party of South Africa failed in its urgent legal bid for an interim interdict to halt the National Dialogue set to commence on August 15. The party turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to urgently halt the President’s decision to convene a National Dialogue and two related conventions. At the heart of its objections were the costs associated with this. It argued that the National Dialogue is not a genuine democratic exercise, but a costly and dangerous duplication of the national legislature. It argued that the National Dialogue Preparatory Committee estimates that the initiative will cost over R700 million, according to an announcement dated June 12. Government, however, in its argument to court, denied this amount. According to the State respondents, a final budget will only be…

IN A MOVE likely to be welcomed by students, UCT has announced that it will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin’s AI Score, effective October 1. The decision follows the endorsement of UCT’s AI in Education Framework by the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee last month. According to the university, the framework prioritises ethical AI literacy, assessment integrity, and innovative curriculum design over reliance on automated surveillance tools. The university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, raised concerns regarding the reliability of AI detection tools, saying they can produce false positives and false negatives. “An important related issue is the use of the Turnitin AI Score, which flags passages of writing in student work considered to be AI-generated,” Reed said in a communique…

Reports of police officers killing family members or others before taking their own lives are common in this country. Over 300 police officers have lost their lives over the past seven years. As the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Gauteng puts it: “We give our members these tools to protect themselves against criminals, so it is very disheartening to see the very same tools being used to kill their loved ones.” The latest tragic incident involves a police captain who allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, a fellow officer, and her brother, wounded three others, and then turned the gun on himself at a private gathering in Protea Glen, Soweto, over the weekend. POPCRU is particularly concerned about what it describes as insufficient attention being paid to…

Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo has insisted that they won’t underestimate the Sharks ahead of this weekend’s Currie Cup clash, despite the defending champions’ 46-5 mauling by the Lions last weekend. The Bulls are riding high after their away 48-23 Currie Cup win over Western Province. The Sharks, on the other hand, fielded a young, inexperienced side as they kicked off their title defence in Johannesburg. “I think they had a couple of guys who couldn’t play last week, for whatever reason. Some of the older players we’re more accustomed to seeing, like Corne Rall, Tino Mavusere, maybe a guy like Dian Blueler will get a start,” Nomlomo said in an online media conference yesterday. “I think what we might see is a restructuring of their team this week, and without…

Just days before the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season is set to begin, South African football finds itself lurching into yet another administrative crisis — and the credibility of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) is once again in the spotlight. This time, it’s a registration blunder involving Marumo Gallants and midfielder Monde Mpambaniso that could lead to the reshuffling of relegation standings, MTN8 qualification, and potentially delay the league’s scheduled kick-off. Cape Town City, who were relegated via the play-offs, have been handed a lifeline by a SAFA arbitration ruling. Their appeal against Gallants’ use of Mpambaniso was upheld, with Arbitrator Nazeer Cassim SC finding that the player had been fielded in 26 matches without a valid clearance certificate — in breach of Rule 31.8.9.3 of the NSL Handbook. If they…

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is urging calm and focus ahead of what could be a defining opening stretch to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. And, while he isn’t shouting “title challenge” from the rooftops, he’s made it clear that Amakhosi will be competing on all fronts. Fresh off ending a decade-long trophy drought by lifting the Nedbank Cup last season, the Tunisian mentor now has the weight of expectation on his shoulders. The last time Chiefs lifted the league title was under Stuart Baxter in the 2014/15 season. Since then, near-misses and mediocrity have followed. This time around, things feel different at Naturena. With stability in the dugout and strategic reinforcements during pre-season, Chiefs are being tipped to challenge for major honours. But Nabi isn’t getting swept up…