Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-02 i Star

500 jobs on the line at manufacturing operations in Gqeberha and Silverton The spectre of job losses looms over South Africa as Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has announced plans to retrench nearly 500 workers across its manufacturing operations in Gqeberha and Silverton. This comes as Ford gave notice to retrench more than 500 workers as it streamlines its manufacturing operations at both the Struandale Engine Plant and the Silverton Assembly Plant. Ford has proposed to realign its manufacturing operation in both the Silverton Manufacturing Plant (SVO) and the Struandale Engine Plant (SEP) to correspond with existing and projected manufacturing requirements in both plants. This drastic move has ignited concerns among organised labour groups, prompting urgent calls for a comprehensive industrialisation policy to tackle the escalating unemployment crisis.…

JSE-listed Blue Label Telecoms, soon to be renamed Blu Label Unlimited (BLT), on Monday announced a restructuring of Cell C ahead of a potential listing of the mobile phone operator. In an announcement to its shareholders, BLT said the pre-listing restructuring will involve various transactions to optimise Cell C’s capital structure and balance sheet, in preparation for a separation from BLT and a listing on the JSE. Cell C has a strong market presence in South Africa and has seen strengthened management over the past 24 months, successfully returning it to a strong growth trajectory with significant improvements in operations and financial metrics. Cell C operates on a capital-light approach to its mobile network, using its own spectrum assets with the physical infrastructure owned by other mobile network operators. Cell…

Santam, South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, reported a strong first-half performance in a benign catastrophe claims environment when compared to the same period last year. Santam's chief risk officer, Charisse Ras, said in an interview on Monday that in the first half of last year, Santam paid large weather and property-related claims. However, the level of these were much lower currently, although the weather would eventually turn. The group also benefited from underwriting measures it implemented to tackle high claims inflation and frequency, which helped restore the profitability and earnings momentum of its in-force book. Tavaziva Madzinga, Santam Group CEO, said these actions contributed to robust growth in gross written premiums (GWP) over the six months, along with an improvement in underwriting margins. The strong first-half performance exceeded the long-term…

We have just witnessed one of the most bizarre developments in the history of technology. It involves a technology company that defined an era. Fast Company is documenting the history of Intel and its impact on society as artificial intelligence is challenging its grip on power. Here’s our first stab at the history of technology companies as outlined by Harry McCracken. On August 22, President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that the US federal government had acquired 10% of Intel. The chipmaker’s news release trumpeted the deal as “historic.” That it was. But it was also ignominious. In Trump’s own account, he had humbled an iconic American company. Maybe even shaken it down. Fifteen days earlier, he posted to Truth Social that Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan had ties…

As the world continues to grapple with shifting global trade regulations, the South African Post Office (SAPO) has announced the immediate suspension of all outbound parcel deliveries to the United States. This comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month removing the longstanding $800 duty-free threshold for international parcels. According to the new policy, foreign postal operators are required to collect and remit US customs duties before shipping goods into the country. Media reports also indicate that not only is South Africa affected, but also National postal services in France, Spain, Germany, and the UK have all said they would temporarily suspend their shipment services to the US to prepare for the new measures. In a statement issued to the media, the Post Office said it…

A father of four who was shot at close range by police with rubber bullets in the aftermath of a service delivery protest, which he did not partake in, is set to receive R250 000 in damages. The SAPS also has to pay him a further R104 700 towards his future psychological treatment following his nightmare ordeal. Tebogo Gasetingwe was shot in the thigh and arm while he was standing outside his car after a protest, to ensure that his family inside the car was safe. He turned to the North West Division of the high court, sitting in Mahikeng, where he claimed R500 000 in damages from the police. The 38-year-old plaintiff broke down in tears as he testified about his harrowing ordeal. The police, meanwhile, opted to call…

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has warned that it will no longer accept being treated as a junior partner in the ANC-led Alliance, and is prepared to contest future elections independently. This follows what the party describes as years of marginalisation, policy disagreements, and a failure to implement the core programme of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). Speaking during the SACP’s three-day Central Committee conference in Braamfontein, secretary general Solly Mapaila delivered a sharp critique of the ANC’s leadership, accusing it of abandoning the Alliance’s shared vision and imposing neoliberal economic policies without consultation. “We reject to be treated as a junior partner,” said Mapaila. “And those who think that they are junior partners, when they belong to the Communist Party, they are in the wrong party.” “We…

A year ago, Justice Mandisa Maya made history as South Africa’s first female top judge, and overall, she has scored big wins, but the role’s heavy demands risk pulling her away from the court. The next nine years will be about finding balance. This is according to Judges Matter, a transparency project that believes in the importance of judges. As Justice Maya stepped into her role as Chief Justice on September 1 last year, Judges Matter took stock of what she had achieved during her first year in office. The online group noted that she has recently introduced a revised sexual harassment policy for the judiciary and helped resolve a long-standing impasse over judicial independence. However, progress has been slow in other areas, such as implementing the 2023 judges’ conference…

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has called on church leaders across the province to ramp up security measures and protocols to better protect themselves and their congregants. Macie was reacting to the recent spate of business robberies that occurred at church services in Bushbuckridge and KwaMhlanga. “Two business robberies were reported at two separate places of worship in the Calcutta policing precinct. The third robbery was reported at KwaMhlanga during a night vigil on Friday, August 29, at around 11 pm,” the MEC said. Macie said churches should enhance security measures by implementing steps, including working closely with the police; making arrangements with local security companies, especially for night services; and utilising private security for monitoring premises during services and events. He also urged churches…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Chairperson of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), demanding a full, public explanation for the catastrophic R54 billion error made in Eskom’s recent tariff determination. This is not the first such mistake, nor even the first matter taken on judicial review by Eskom. This monumental blunder is not a simple “mistake” – it is a sign of gross incompetence at the heart of our country’s energy regulator. The consequence is that already-struggling South African households and businesses will be forced to pay billions more for electricity to cover for NERSA’s failure. The decision to rectify this via a quiet settlement with Eskom, which will see tariff hikes soar to 8.76% in 2026/27 and 8.83% in 2027/28, is a slap…

Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has urged communities across South Africa not to allow politicians to take control of the National Dialogue. Makgoba, who was appointed by the president to be among the Eminent Persons Group, was speaking during a church service at Taung in the North West Province. The National Dialogue is a government initiative designed to unite South Africans in addressing the country’s most pressing issues. This includes social, economic, and political challenges. Its purpose is to spark discussions at a grassroots level, identify common ground, build a collective vision for progress, and strengthen democratic processes. The phased, participatory process involves local consultations, sectoral discussions, and provincial gatherings. There is expected to be a second convention in early 2026 where a national programme of action will be adopted. The…

On August 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his government’s latest military proposal, a plan to seize what remains of Gaza City under the pretext of bringing the war to an end. The United Nations immediately warned that the plan would produce “another calamity of starvation and destruction” in a territory already on the brink of total collapse. For nearly a year, Gaza has been subjected to one of the most devastating military campaigns of the 21st century. What Netanyahu calls “the best and fastest way to end the war” is, in truth, the final phase of a genocide, a deliberate and systematic attempt to destroy a people’s ability to exist. What is unfolding in Gaza is not a conventional war between equal forces. It is the dismantling of…

Both teams will be equally desperate on Saturday at Eden Park when the Springboks face the All Blacks in the first of two Test matches in the Rugby Championship. That is the belief of Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus, as his side looks to continue their dominance over the Kiwis, this time away from home, in the Southern Hemisphere tournament. The world champions will be aiming for a fifth consecutive victory over the current world No 1 side. More importantly, they are chasing a win at Eden Park for the first time since 1937. The Boks are also determined to keep their hopes of back-to-back Rugby Championship titles alive. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be just as eager to preserve their long-standing unbeaten record at the venue. A…

Chris Smith proved that he may be the cool head the Lions need in their backline after a measured display on debut in the cauldron of the Jukskei Derby against the Bulls on Saturday. The former Bulls backline general, who recently returned to South Africa after a two-season stint with French club Oyonnax, delivered a solid, composed performance against his old team in the 44-5 Currie Cup victory at Ellis Park. Smith’s kicking out of hand and off the tee was near-flawless, and he drove the Lions attack forward with cleverly executed kicks into space, relieving pressure on the home side while turning it back on their visitors. The 30-year-old pivot also scored the opening try of the match. Lions Currie Cup coach Mziwakhe Nkosi praised the impact Smith has…

The latest data from the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has stirred alarms among economic analysts, revealing a disconcerting retreat into contractionary territory in the manufacturing sector. Released on Monday, the August PMI indicates a decline of 1.4 points to 49.5, marking a significant regression after a brief moment of optimism in July when the index had edged into expansionary territory for the first time in nine months. The PMI, which is compiled by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) on behalf of Absa, serves as a critical barometer of manufacturing activity in South Africa. This latest figure highlights a subdued atmosphere in the sector, with both domestic and export demand facing persistent sluggishness. Absa noted that despite July's 2.3-point improvement, economic activity remains lacklustre as new sales orders plummeted…

Bidvest’s international services, trading and distribution group operations reported mixed results from its various divisions, but “a great deal of execution went into the year” to June 30, and benefits from this will materialise in coming years, CEO Mpumi Madisa said Monday. The group did 9 acquisitions through the year, concluding a two-year spate of 24 acquisitions and disposals. Madisa said in an online presentation they had executed almost all transactions in their proactively built pipeline, and the focus now was to ensure these businesses delivered on potential and generated strong cash flow. “We will be driving growth across all 11 territories,” she said. The share price fell 5.67% to R223.46 on the JSE by yesterday midday, a price about 27% lower than the price a year ago. Included in…

Sea Harvest Group benefited from improved catch rates, firm demand, better vessel utilisation, two new trawlers, price increases, and higher processed volumes and fish oil yields in the pelagic business in the six months to June 30. The group, which derives 64% of revenue and 90% of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) from its South African fishing business, increased headline earnings per share by 91% to 95 cents per share for the period. “The last three years have been tough as catch rates were at the lower end of the cycle and fuel prices at their peak. This necessitated cost reduction and focus on maximising value for species in high demand globally. Once catch rates turned in 2025 and fuel prices normalised, the business saw a significantly…

A crypto entrepreneur posting as @goodalexander on X recently offered some disconcerting observations about powerful people and truth-telling. His cynical take - that Warren Buffett's folksy investment wisdom and Peter Thiel's contrarian innovation insights might be theatrical misdirection - feels particularly relevant when applied to how we discuss Africa's digital transformation. These musings come alongside @goodalexander's promotion of Post Fiat, a blockchain project that reimagines XRP's consensus mechanism with AI-driven validator selection. Whether his X handle reflects genuine identity or careful branding around "good" intentions, his scepticism about curated reality deserves journalistic scrutiny. Side-bar: XRP is a cryptocurrency created in 2012 by developers David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto. Unlike Bitcoin, all 100 billion XRP tokens were created upfront, with most going to Ripple Labs—the company that helped develop…

Taylor Swift has built a career on songs that reflect personal experiences of love, heartbreak and growth. Over nearly two decades, she has transformed these intimate themes into a billion-dollar enterprise, with lyrics that deeply resonate with listeners. Building on her well-known storytelling, Swift announced a major personal milestone last week: her engagement to NFL player Travis Kelce. She shared the news on Instagram, posting photos of the proposal that have already drawn millions of likes. Swift and Kelce began dating two years ago. Their story started when Kelce expressed interest in the singer on his football podcast and later tried to meet her backstage at the Eras Tour. At the time he was turned away, but the gesture eventually led to a relationship. Speaking on Kelce’s podcast earlier this…

City of Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero said that more than two years after an explosion caused significant damage to Lillian Ngoyi street, the city is on course to launch phase one of the rehabilitation programme by September 12. This comes amid consistent delays to the completion of the project. “The project’s budget status is clear. The contractor’s appointment value stands at R192 million, with R82m already disbursed to cover Work Package 1. This leaves a remaining balance of R110m earmarked for Work Package 2,” Morero said. Reacting to the ballooning costs, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the DA in Johannesburg is outraged, accusing Morero of ‘willfully misleading Joburg residents over the spiralling costs and shifting deadlines of the Lilian Ngoyi Road upgrade’. “The initial contract was worth R172m, with R22m spent for…

The man convicted of raping and murdering six-year-old Amantle Samane was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Johannesburg High Court yesterday. Phethe Simiao, 25, a Mozambican national, was convicted after pleading guilty to kidnapping, rape, murder, and contravening the Immigration Act for crimes against the young girl from Orlando East in October last year. In his plea explanation, which was read out by his legal counsel, Simiao provided in-depth details of his crimes against Amantle. Simiao explained that he was under the influence of alcohol, and he had strangled the young girl in an attempt to conceal the rape. During the trial, the court heard Amantle’s mother and the community were searching for her, and a witness, who saw the child with Simiao, alerted the community after seeing the child…

A 42-year-old man has been arrested in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape in connection with a kidnapping case in which two victims were robbed of more than R1.5 million. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks’ Mthatha-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, working with the Mthatha Public Order Police, carried out an intelligence-driven operation in the early hours of yesterday. The targeted raid took place at a homestead in Ngangelizwe. The operation was conducted under a search warrant authorising the suspect’s arrest. “Upon arrival at the premises, police found the suspect in his room and he was apprehended on the spot,” said Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana. He is the fifth suspect to be linked to the case, joining Ntsika Tyali, 38, Mpumelelo Nyosi, 41,…

Suspended deputy police commissioner, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, has used the tensions between acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and police commissioner Fannie Masemola to strengthen and support a fight for his reinstatement. Masemola suspended Sibiya his deputy responsible for crime detection, for intentionally disobeying his instructions on the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal political task team investigating high-profile murders. The task team is at the centre of the claims of political interference within the criminal justice system – claims that were made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Sibiya filed a supplementary affidavit following Cachalia’s remarks regarding the decision to return 121 dockets to the political killings task team. This was after Masemola reportedly told the media last week that the dockets were being returned from Sibiya’s office back to the task…

Diesel customers can look forward to significant savings at the pumps from tomorrow, September 3, while petrol sees a minor reduction. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has announced the official fuel price adjustments for September. The price of diesel, it stated, will decrease by between 56 cents (500ppm) and 57 cents (50ppm), while both grades of petrol will see reductions of just four cents. This means a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol will cost R20.76 at the coast and R21.55 in Gauteng, while 93 Unleaded will retail for R21.47. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel is expected to decline to R18.71 at the coast and R19.47 in Gauteng. Illuminating paraffin will see a 37-cent decrease, while LPGas is coming down by R1.32 per kg across most of the…

It is deeply upsetting that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has shown minimal concern over the ongoing genocide in Gaza, where thousands of innocent lives, including children, have been lost, yet finds it necessary to intervene in the travel arrangements of 2 500 South African Hajj pilgrims. This selective outrage raises serious questions about the DA’s moral compass. While the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine unfolds, the party directs its attention toward a matter long managed by credible, community-driven structures with decades of experience. I urge the DA to revisit the historical context behind the formation of the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC). As recalled by respected community elder Advocate Sheriff Mohamed, it was in the early democratic years that then Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, convened a…

In preparation for next year’s local government, Floyd Shivambu’s Mayibuye consultative forum has released a draft manifesto document for public comment. On Saturday the party’s national executive committee held a meeting where the manifesto and constitution documents were discussed. The party later published the manifesto proposal for public input. Yesterday, the party’s national spokesperson Hlumelo Biko said the manifesto document was now in circulation for the public to make their input and the party will hold a national convention to adopt the manifesto. “The national leadership has decided that we hold a national convention for the members to adopt the manifesto and the constitution, but the date has not been confirmed. We will announce the date once it is finalised by the leadership,” said Biko. A few weeks ago, the…

Kaizer Chiefs have ridden on the wave of consistency and tactical balance to open the Betway Premiership season with a five-game unbeaten streak. Chiefs are currently second in the league standings with 13 points, level with leaders Sekhukhune United. It marks a dream start, especially considering how differently they fared last campaign. Beyond results, what has stood out most this season is the camaraderie and fighting spirit within the squad. Fullbacks Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, who joined from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, have slotted in seamlessly. When Monyane sealed Mako’s Player of the Match performance with a celebratory kiss after the 1-0 win over Golden Arrows – Chiefs’ fourth win in five games – the moment epitomised the togetherness in the camp. Coach Nasreddine Nabi has been quick to praise…

THE life of an international cricketer often revolves solely around airports, buses, hotels, cricket stadiums and back again. That’s particularly evident on the subcontinent where players are viewed as demi-gods causing them not to venture out in the public domain – particularly not without state-like security in tow. It is for this reason that England tours are cherished, where cricketers revel in their obscurity by roaming the high streets, attending theatre productions and even get to go watch their favourite football teams, like Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and a couple of his teammates did on Sunday with a visit to Anfield. “The boys enjoy a UK tour. And we’ll try to make it as fun as it can be,” Bavuma quipped, ahead of the first ODI against England at Headingley…

RG Snyman is looking forward to his reunion with Jordie Barrett, but this time around the duo will face each other on Saturday when the Springboks and All Blacks clash in the first of two Rugby Championship Tests in Auckland. The Bok lock and Barrett were instrumental in Leinster winning the United Rugby Championship (URC) this past season, but there will be no friendly exchanges between the two should they face each other. It’s a crucial clash at Eden Park, where the Springboks will look to win for the first time since 1937. The hosts will look to keep their unbeaten record at the Test stadium that they’ve held since 1994. “Much is made about the records at Eden Park,” Snyman said yesterday. “However, it is always tough to come…

Liverpool’s British-record capture of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak brought an end to a transfer saga that had dragged on for far too long, as the headline signing of a dramatic deadline day when a number of puzzle pieces fell into place for English Premier League sides. The Swedish forward completed his medical at the Premier League champions yesterday afternoon, after the conclusion of a deal worth about £125m (about R2.92 billion), according to Sky Sports. The lanky sharpshooter divided opinion among football fans, and incurred the wrath of supporters of the Magpies, after insisting he would never play for the club again amid claims of broken promises. He was banished from the Newcastle first-team squad as he forced through a move away. Liverpool had failed with an opening £110m…

Vehicle export volumes in South Africa are anticipated to come under increased pressure in the near term as the sector continues to adjust to higher tariff barriers to the United States market in spite of rising by 6.2% in August. The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) on Monday said exports would also be pressured by the adjustment to the knock-on implications of the tariffs resulting in increasing global competition in other traditional export markets. This comes as the 30% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on South African exports kicked in during the month of August, leaving the automotive and agricultural industries as the hardest hit. Vehicle exports to the US dropped by 73% in the first quarter of 2025, followed by a further decline of 80% and 85% in…

There is surely no greater sign of the urgent need for reform of the electricity sector than the way Eskom’s electricity tariffs are set. The whole system is far from the way prices should be set – through a competitive market in which firms aim to sell to consumers by offering them better value than others. The current approach was made clear last week with the revelation that the regulator Nersa has agreed to a court order that Eskom can collect an extra R54 billion in tariffs over the next few years. That is because of a mistake Nersa made back in January when setting the tariffs Eskom can charge. Eskom was already going to increase prices by almost 13% this year, and now it will be able to increase…

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution eclipses even the seismic impact of the Internet boom in the 1990s, propelled by the unprecedented speed of innovation and exponential growth in data. It marks a fundamental shift in human capability that cannot be stopped. AI is rapidly transforming every industry and sphere of work, with more than three-quarters of respondents in The State of AI survey conducted by McKinsey & Co. stating that their organisations currently use AI in at least one business function. While this rapid adoption rate has many people worried about their role and relevance in the workplace, the overriding theme of the unfolding AI revolution is that the technology is augmenting—rather than replacing—human workers, enhancing productivity, driving operational efficiencies, and unlocking organisational value. McKinsey & Co. terms it superagency…

RCL FOODS, the grocery brands, baking and sugar group, managed to lift headline earnings a share by a healthy 14% in the year to June 30, but negative general sales volume growth towards the end of the second half was of concern, CEO Paul Cruickshank said Friday. In the past year, strong earnings from the group, with brands such as Nola, Ouma, and Smarties, came primarily from marginally higher sales and cost savings. Some two months into the new financial year, sales volume growth remained weak and unlikely to change in the next six months, at least, Cruickshank said in an interview on Monday. The results are in an environment of falling consumer sentiment in South Africa, driven in part by uncertain global trade and political relations, lacklustre gross domestic…

Justin Bieber asks, “Are you with me?” on Yukon, one of the viral tracks from his latest album, Swag. To answer your question, Justin, it’s a resounding yes! Us “Bielebers” have been vibing to the hitmaker’s latest incredible body of work since its release. From Purpose to Justice and Change, we have been blessed with many incredible albums from the singer, but this is one of the best of his career so far. The 31-year-old father of one has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons in the past few months. From rumours to marital problems with his wife, Hailey Bieber, to allegations of substance abuse and mental health issues, the musician’s recent social media activity has had fans concerned. However, like a true artist, Justin uses Swag to…

The taxpayer will once again have to dig deep into its pocket to foot the damages of more than R2.6 million awarded to the partner of a Nigerian citizen who was, on the face of it, suffocated to death by members of the police during a raid at his home. The SAPS simply gave a blank denial of being involved in the death of the man only identified by the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, as B. They claimed that he took some drugs and simply died after he had a seizure. But a post-mortem report stated that he had no drugs in his system and that he had died of asphyxia. The court, in awarding the damages, frowned upon the evidence of the police officers who were present when B…

In a decisive move, the City of Tshwane has razed two illegal high-rise buildings in Pretoria West owned by property developer George Asaba following his failed legal bid to appeal a high court ruling that allowed the city to proceed with the action. The structures on Luttig Street were deemed unsafe and illegal due to the lack of approved building plans, violating the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act. In March, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled that Asaba had failed to obtain the necessary approvals for the complexes. After Asaba’s appeal was dismissed four months later, the city took swift action, bringing the structures down. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya said she, along with other city officials, had made multiple visits to the construction site. “We have been…

As drugs continue to plague communities across South Africa, Cape Town has seen a surge of ‘lean’ usage. In an operation on the Cape Flats, the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, said they were alerted of an increase in cough syrup being sold to children across the metropole. During crime prevention operations in Lavender Hill last week Friday, Smith said residents were explaining how cough syrup is being bought and mixed with fizzy drinks by children. The mixture, known as ‘lean’, is consumed in order to experience an intoxicated state, with many users claiming to experience a ‘high’. During the operation, Smith explained they found cough syrup bottles strewn all over the place, especially at job corners. During stop-and-search operations, officers…

In South Africa, September is recognised and known as the National Albinism Awareness Month. Our theme for this year – “Defending Our Human Rights, Protect Our Skin, and Preserving Our Dignity” – speaks directly to the core issues that affect persons with albinism daily. It is a call to action for all South Africans to stand with persons with albinism in pursuit of a society that is inclusive, respectful, and protective of persons with albinism. Firstly, defending our human rights is paramount. Nontsikelelo Loteni, National secretary of the National Albinism Task Force, says; Persons with albinism often face discrimination, stigma, and sometimes even violence simply because of our genetic condition and appearance. “We must ensure our laws and policies protect us from harm and guarantee equal access to education, employment,…

AfriForum’s 2025 landfill site audit, which was released, shows that only 22% of landfill sites in the country – or only about one in five sites – met the minimum requirements for responsible waste management. Of the 169 sites audited nationwide, 131 failed to comply with even the most basic measures intended to protect communities and the environment from pollution. The audit results reveal that Gauteng and the Western Cape are the only two provinces where the majority of landfill sites met 80% or more of the audit requirements and therefore passed the audit. Gauteng remains, for the second consecutive year, the best performer, with an average compliance score of 84%, while the Western Cape scored 66%. The majority of landfill sites that passed the audit (19 out of 38…

The taxi industry plays a critical role in the South African economy. As the government struggles to provide reliable public transport like other countries do, the taxi industry has filled that void diligently. It ferries learners to school, students to tertiary institutions, and employees to their workplaces. This is commendable. However, while this industry is the country’s lifeline when it comes to transportation of the people, it is gradually becoming a liability to the country and a threat to people’s lives. The question is: what is the political leadership doing about that? If little or nothing is being done, what are the reasons? Firstly, it should be noted that the increased number of taxis in the country has resulted in two developments. On the one hand, this increase means that…

The Springbok Women, still celebrating their first-ever World Cup quarter-final qualification following a stunning win over Italy, face a formidable challenge on Sunday. Fourth-ranked France await at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton (kick-off 5.45pm), a side boasting the experience and firepower to punish any lapse. While the victory over Italy was historic, De Bruin’s side know they will need to raise their game even further to beat one of the tournament’s dark horses. Sunday’s thrilling 29-24 victory over the higher-ranked Italy in York, resulted in the Bok Women climbing two places to 10th. Should they pull off the victory over the fourth-ranked France at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Sunday, coach Swys de Bruin’s side would top the group. De Bruin had a word of warning for those who would write…

Hugo Broos’ nonchalance in the face of a situation that should have him pulling out strands of his silver hair is further indication of just how good a coach Bafana Bafana have got. The Belgian septuagenarian, who has restored South Africa to the top table of continental football, is on the verge of guiding the country back to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010. But ahead of the penultimate round of qualifying, which sees African countries playing two matches each month, Broos finds himself forced to improvise, with injuries hampering his preparations. Having already announced the squad to face both Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Friday and next Tuesday respectively, the Africa Cup of Nations winner has had to make adjustments. At the mandatory arrivals…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that the club must manage a difficult situation as eight of his players depart for international duty just two weeks before the MTN8 final. The Buccaneers, who are preparing to face Stellenbosch on 13 September, will be without seven players called up by Bafana Bafana, while Abdoulaye Mariko has joined up with Guinea-Bissau. It leaves Ouaddou and his technical staff with a reduced squad during what should have been a vital period of preparation for the season’s first piece of silverware. By contrast, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has a full complement of players to work with. Stellies have no representatives in national-team camps, allowing them an uninterrupted fortnight to refine their approach before the final. Ouaddou, however, remained philosophical about the challenge. “We…

Lando Norris’ title hopes suffered a cruel twist at the Dutch Grand Prix, as a late power failure robbed him of a potential podium and handed his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, the upper hand in their championship duel. The Brit looked every bit a match – if not quicker – than Piastri, only for his race to end in bitter disappointment with eight laps remaining due to a mechanical failure. Instead of the wheel-to-wheel showdown many had anticipated, Norris was left to watch from the sidelines while Piastri cruised to his seventh win of the season. The contrast could not have been starker: one McLaren celebrating another dominant triumph, the other left empty-handed and facing fresh pressure with Monza up next. Despite McLaren’s crushing form in the constructors’ standings, the…