Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-09 i Star

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) on Monday notified consumers about product recalls affecting the Jeep Wrangler vehicles and various Kia models, as informed by the suppliers. Stellantis South Africa has informed the NCC that it is recalling 323 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. According to the supplier, the dust inside the clockspring could compromise airbag circuit(s), causing illumination of the airbag warning light and or a non-deployment of the driver’s airbag during a crash. The impacted Wranglers were sold nationally during 2016 and discontinued in 2018. Kia South Africa has notified the NCC that it is recalling a total of 18 600 vehicles of the following models: Sportage (SL, KM), Sorento (XM), Optima (TF), Cerato (TD), and Soul (AM). These vehicles were sold nationally between the year 2009 and 2015 through…

The Black Business Council (BBC) has urged restraint in public attacks on the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), particularly regarding criticism of its R3.5 trillion in assets under management and concerns over the performance of its unlisted investment portfolio. This comes amid mounting calls from political parties and civil society for increased scrutiny of the PIC’s governance and investment decisions. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is among the loudest voices demanding action. The party has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Parliament to convene urgent public hearings with the PIC Board, its CEO, and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) to answer for what it describes as “ongoing governance failures, ethical breaches, and poor investment decisions.” UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has further urged the Auditor-General and the Special Investigating Unit to…

Corruption rarely calls itself by its name. It hides behind language that softens the offence and dulls our outrage. We speak of mismanagement, a saga, a scandal, price fixing, a commission of enquiry or corporate collapse. These words create distance from the truth. On this United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day, we confront a reality that is neither abstract nor distant. It is real. Its impact is felt. Corruption is a deliberate act of harm. It steals from the public, weakens institutions and erodes the trust required for any nation to function. Corruption is an enemy to progress, and nothing good has ever come from it. The drivers of corruption are not mysterious. Opportunity, greed, impunity, weak controls, compromised leadership and environments where accountability becomes negotiable, enabling wrongdoing to flourish. Corruption…

Nampak, the JSE listed packaging group, said attributable profit increased strongly to R1.2 billion in the 12 months to September 30, from R625.6 million the year before, as the group's turnaround gathered momentum. Group revenue of R10.7bn from continuing operations increased by 8%. This resulted in earnings per share of 13 971.8 cents compared to 7 554.0 cents per share in the previous year. Headline earnings per share came to 10 510 cents compared to 3 361.1 cents per share in the prior period. No dividends were declared. The results showed: "Strong earnings growth with significant reduction in net finance costs and net debt, supported by disposal proceeds and improved cash flows," said Glen Fullerton, the chief financial officer, in the group's only presentation. Beverage Nigeria, Inspection & Coding Solutions,…

SAfm presenter Nonkululeko Mantula and her co-accused – Xolani Ntuli, Sifiso Mabena, Siphamandla Tshabalala, and Thulani Mazibuko – appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday. They have all been granted bail after being accused of recruiting local men to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war in a case that has drawn national and international attention. Mantula received bail of R30 300. Xolani Ntuli was granted R15 000 bail. The other three accused, Thulani Mazibuko, Sphamandla Chabalala, and Sfiso Mabena, were each released on R5 000 bail. Authorities say 17 South African men were ultimately sent to Russia in July after being lured with promises of legitimate security work. The group, mostly aged between 20 and 39, included 16 recruits from KwaZulu-Natal and one from the Eastern Cape. The spokesperson for…

Icarus Jeffrey Eugenides Multi-cast narration Audible Originals FEW things hit home like the sound of an author's own voice recounting their story. This intimate connection reaches new heights in Jeffrey Eugenides's latest offering, Icarus, a gripping memoir that explores a deeply personal family narrative through a multi-cast narration format. Released last month by Audible Originals, this nearly four-hour audiobook presents not just a story of loss but a profound reflection on the complexities of family relationships and the pursuit of the American Dream. Jeffrey Eugenides, an author celebrated for his Pulitzer Prize-winning hit Middlesex and the haunting The Virgin Suicides, opens the door to his past with "Icarus," recounting his father's dramatic rise and tragic demise. The story unfolds with intrigue, beginning just days before Thanksgiving 1994, when Eugenides's…

Fear, frustration and desperation gripped ANC staff On Sunday as workers picketed outside the party’s 5th National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg, warning that unpaid and chronically delayed salaries may result in a bleak Christmas for their families. Their frustration has now extended to the ANC’s highest office-bearers, with Youth League president Collen Malatji demanding immediate accountability from the Treasurer-General and top leadership. ANC employees, some of whom have gone months without pay, gathered at the gates of Birchwood Hotel holding placards and chanting for the “right thing”. For many, the crisis has grown deeper than late salaries, it has become a matter of survival. “We’re going to hold everyone accountable,” Malatji said in a fiery address. “Why are the workers of the ANC not being paid? They’ve got families…

Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader and former EFF heavyweight Floyd Shivambu says his party is “here to stay” and will contest the 2026 local government elections with the aim of winning outright majorities across the country. This comes after the party recently overhauled its national leadership structure following a number of high-profile exits. Shivambu spoke on Sunday in Soweto, Johannesburg, where the party concluded its inaugural National Convention, held from December 5 to 7. “This National Convention consolidated the foundational documents of our organisation – the Constitution, the Restoration Manifesto – as well as key policy discussions from the commissions and plenary sessions,” he said. “We are an organisation about reaffirming the dignity of African people, black people and all the people of South Africa.” He said existing political parties lacked…

Reckless motorists may soon find themselves facing licence suspensions, compulsory rehabilitation programmes, or even permanent disqualification as sweeping traffic reforms take effect next year. Traffic authorities say that under the new system, all traffic infringements will be recorded in a centralised online register, allowing both drivers and law enforcement officers to access up-to-date records during roadside stops. Collen Msibi, spokesperson for the Department of Transport told the Independent on Saturday that the register is one of several initiatives designed to improve road safety across South Africa. “It is essentially a system where you can view the history of your traffic offences. It doesn’t mean some people will be included and others won’t – everyone will appear on the system if they have committed a traffic infringement. Everything will be…

David Miller has been an ever-present figure in the Proteas’ white-ball middle-order for the best part of 15 years. Seldom has the southpaw needed to look over his shoulder at any contenders for his place. This is backed up by the fact that he is the most capped Protea in T20Is, and boasts the enviable record as the second highest run-scorer in the shortest format for the national team. Yet, there was a sense of nervousness, not seen since his debut all the way back in 2010, prevalent when Miller addressed the media ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, starting in Cuttack today. “It has been forever,” Miller said. “I think my last game was a ICC Champions Trophy earlier in the year, so it's been a long…

Orlando Pirates will have one more stop before they conclude what has been a busy year, when they play in the Carling Black Label Cup against an All-Star Team on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Following their triumph in the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants (1-0) after extra-time, the Buccaneers have secured their place in the 'Beer Cup' this coming weekend. In his first season with the Buccaneers, Oswin Appollis has played a major role in the team’s success, delivering key performances that have made him an important figure as they continue their push to become the top side in the country. This weekend’s match will give Pirates another opportunity to reinforce their dominance against a team selected by fans through a voting system. While it’s uncertain if…

The Stormers are preparing for a physical showdown with French giants La Rochelle in Gqeberha in the Champions Cup on Saturday. The 2022 champions boast a host of French internationals, spearheaded by France No 8 Gregory Alldritt, and the Stormers know they cannot allow the visitors to dominate in the physical exchanges. The Frenchmen have played the Stormers twice in Cape Town, winning one and losing one during the 2023–2024 season. La Rochelle are targeting the Champions Cup due to a faltering Top 14 campaign — they are in 10th place with five wins and six losses — while the Stormers remain unbeaten. For it to stay that way, Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani and loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu reckon they must impose themselves in the set pieces. “I’ve been…

TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic has acknowledged the improved quality of this season’s Kaizer Chiefs side compared to the one his team faced last year. The two sides played to a goalless draw in their final Betway Premiership clash of the calendar year on Sunday afternoon at Mbombela Stadium, though Chiefs’ dominance throughout the match was clear. Beganovic admitted that defending against a Chiefs team that has made significant strides this season was increasingly challenging. “We knew when we prepared for this game that Kaizer Chiefs are not like last year; they’re much, much better. They play better football, controlling the ball with so many players on it. It’s tough to handle everything,” he reflected after the game. The Soweto giants, bolstered by the arrival of three new strikers this…

Capitec Bank Holdings has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Walletdoc Holdings for R400 million, a move to contest the fast crowding SME payments space. Walletdoc Holdings' fully owned subsidiary Walletdoc, established in 2015 by founders Leonard Shenker and Dan Wagner, is a South African fintech company providing scalable, innovative payment gateway solutions for merchants, including online and in-app payments, digital wallets, Instant EFT, payment links, and real-time payouts. Other players in the SME payments space include Yoko and Nedbank. South Africa's biggest bank by customer numbers said Monday in a statement that Walletdoc's culture of innovation, efficiency, and client focus was closely aligned with the bank's core values. Capitec has historically lagged in the business banking space and is working hard to grow into this gap. An…

Assassination of witness sparks renewed concern over ability to safeguard investors’ confidence The assassination of a key witness in the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry has sparked renewed concern over South Africa’s ability to safeguard investors’ confidence, protect whistleblowers and uphold the rule of law. The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system, including alleged infiltration of criminal syndicates into law enforcement, intelligence, prosecution authorities, the judiciary, and correctional services, among others. The murder of Marius van der Merwe, referred to as "Witness D" outside his Brakapan home at the weekend has raised alarms among governance specialists and economists just months after the country exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist. Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) said South Africa’s efforts…

Jet fuel shortages and infrastructure constraints at South Africa’s major airports remain one of the most serious risks to the country’s aviation and tourism sectors, a senior executive from Emirates Airlines has warned. Jet fuel constraints have been a long-standing pressure point for airlines operating in South Africa, exacerbated in recent years by refinery closures, logistical disruptions, and insufficient storage and pipeline capacity. Industry players have repeatedly raised concerns that supply interruptions, with some airports dipping to critically low levels, risk damaging South Africa’s competitiveness as an aviation hub. However, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) is undertaking an ambitious programme of infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of a new 20-inch jet fuel feeder line, the implementation of Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 and significant refurbishment of fuel receipt meters, hydrants,…

The unspoken word in South Africa is that the South African tech community loves you. Many are filled with pride that someone who once walked the South African streets has managed to shape the global tech environment. Many cannot wait for Tesla cars to appear on the country's streets. Many would welcome your intervention in the country’s innovation ecosystem. These are South Africans who are behind some of the leading fintech, healthtech, transport tech and edtech companies. Some of them are based in Silicon Valley. The love and admiration for you in South Africa goes beyond the technology community, even the government is fond of you. If you are doubtful just check the number of government leaders on X platform in South Africa. No matter what you say (good…

Absa Group’s share price increased 4.2% Monday morning after it reported that its second half performance was in line with their expectations and largely in line with guidance, while impairments would decline. Second half trends were in line with expectations, and with the group’s guidance from August 18, 2025, as well as the outlook for 2026 and the medium-term targets, the bank said in a voluntary update Monday. The share price was up 4.2% to R225.69 on Monday morning on the JSE, an increase that made Absa the biggest mover on the market at the time, and a price that was 13.9% higher than that R198.26 price at the same time last year. For the 2025 financial year, “we expect mid-single digit revenue growth, with stronger growth in non-interest income…

Following the murder of Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, Marius van der Merwe, last week Friday, police have confirmed that three people of interest have been identified and one has been brought in for questioning. National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola told the media after a walkabout in Saulsville yesterday that the investigation team is optimistic that a breakthrough in the case will occur soon. Affectionately known as “Vlam”, van der Merwe, he was gunned down in a hit in Brakpan in full view of his wife and children. Three weeks ago, van der Merwe implicated Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi in wrongdoing, claiming that Mkhwanazi ordered him to cover up a murder of a suspect at the hands of EMPD and SAPS officers. CCTV footage…

“Shibilika has a big vibe,” said Adam Dee of The Incredibles, reflecting on their latest collaboration with DJ Tira and BlaQ Kiidd. The track fuses their signature Joburg gqom style with Durban energy, and it quickly became clear that it was something special. “From the moment we started, we knew this song had to move people,” added Tyson King, his childhood friend and musical partner. The journey began at NaakMusiq’s studio, where the duo met with BlaQ Kiidd. King explained that reaching DJ Tira was not straightforward. “We weren’t sure if he would hear us over his busy schedule, but we kept pushing. When he finally listened, his response was instant. “He said, ‘This is fire.’ That was it. We all knew it had to be finished together.” Within days,…

Following the murder of Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, Marius van der Merwe, last week Friday, police have confirmed that three people of interest have been identified and one has been brought in for questioning. National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola told the media after a walkabout in Saulsville yesterday that the investigation team is optimistic that a breakthrough in the case will occur soon. Affectionately known as “Vlam”, van der Merwe, he was gunned down in a hit in Brakpan in full view of his wife and children. Three weeks ago, van der Merwe implicated Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi in wrongdoing, claiming that Mkhwanazi ordered him to cover up a murder of a suspect at the hands of EMPD and SAPS officers. CCTV footage…

Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has outlined the measures being taken to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide during the upcoming festive season. This follows a question from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Lencel Komane, who asked about the concrete measures the Minister has put in place to tackle gender-based violence and femicide during the upcoming end-of-year festivities. In his parliamentary written reply, Cachalia emphasised that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a series of coordinated operations aimed at preventing serious and violent crimes, including GBV and femicide, which tend to surge during the festive period. These operations include the current Operation Safer Festive Season, which falls under the broader National Crime Combating Forum’s initiative, Operation Shanela II. He explained that the operations have a…

Limpopo police have urged communities not to keep large sums of money in their homes during the festive season after a 55-year-old woman was attacked and robbed of stokvel cash in Nkowankowa on Saturday. The incident happened at about 5 am when the woman stepped outside to fetch water. As she returned indoors, two unknown men overpowered her. Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said one of the assailants pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded money before forcing her into a bedroom. The assailants allegedly took a plastic bag containing a substantial amount of stokvel savings as well as her cellphone. The woman was pushed to the floor during the robbery and sustained injuries, though no shots were fired. The suspects fled the scene on foot. Meanwhile, Limpopo…

South Africa’s first fully internal bone transport and limb-lengthening reconstruction has been performed on a 64-year-old former police officer at Tygerberg Hospital. This is the only case of its kind performed in the country across both the state and private sectors. In partnership with Stellenbosch University, the hospital now stands among only a few centres worldwide with the capability to perform this advanced limb salvage technique within the public sector. The patient had lived with the long-term consequences of a severe gunshot injury sustained in 2018. Despite multiple surgeries elsewhere, he continued to struggle with chronic pain, an unhealed fracture, and a substantial difference in leg length that affected his quality of life. Surgeons reconstructed a 50 mm bone defect and corrected a 30 mm limb-length discrepancy. The fully internal…

The increasing trend of former Model C schools adopting English as an additional medium of instruction should not be seen as a milestone worth celebrating, but rather as a call to refocus on South Africa’s constitutional commitment to multilingualism, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has warned, according to The Star’s sister paper Cape Times. This comes as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) recently briefed Parliament’s portfolio committee on education regarding the progress of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) regulations. The update included the readiness of provinces for the 2026 academic year, reforms to Grade R and early learning, and the broader transformation of school language and admissions policies. During the session, Members of Parliament expressed concern over the persistently low number of former Model C schools…

An erstwhile giant has lost its way. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), launched in Durban on December 1, 1985, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Its formation represented a consolidation of fragmented unions into a single organisation that drove industrial action and broader societal demands. The federation that once made the apartheid regime and bosses tremble now appears weakened by internal rivalries, fragmentation, and cooptation. Having drawn on the banned South African Congress of Trade Unions (Sactu), as well as the independent unions that emerged after the 1973 Durban strikes, Cosatu united a broad range of workers across industry, race, and gender. It gave the working class the strength to influence national politics through consistent organisation, clear ideological direction, and coordinated campaigns that changed the balance of forces…

South Africa’s legendary striker Shaun Bartlett has reiterated South Korea’s strength will pose a greater challenge than the more-fancied Mexico at the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the nation. The former Bafana Bafana player, revered for his contributions to the national team’s success, is urging the team to prepare for a tough encounter against the Koreans. At 53-year old, Bartlett remains an iconic figure in South African football history, with a remarkable tally of 29 goals in 74 appearances, making him the second-highest scorer for his country. He played a pivotal role in helping South Africa clinch the African Nations Cup in 1996. He also made a memorable impact at the 1998 Fifa World Cup, becoming the first South African player to score a brace in a World Cup match,…

The Lions head to England with a refreshed squad and a clear focus on Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash against the Newcastle Red Bulls (7.30pm kick-off), with assistant coach Barend Pieterse highlighting the opportunities for the team’s youngsters to stake a claim for future URC selection. Heavy rotation was always part of the plan, Pieterse explained, at a media conference just before their departure yesterday; and not a knee-jerk response to the opening-round loss to Benetton this past weekend, or because the team are keeping one eye on 'bigger' fixtures, including a derby against the Stormers, on their return. “We spoke a lot about it and took the decision when we started with our pre-season planning. It was always the idea. It’s a tough trip, and there’s no sense in…

South Africa’s economy is showing early but meaningful signs of recovery, with improved business confidence, firmer growth prospects, and renewed policy momentum, but government must act swiftly to ensure the gains do not evaporate. This is according to a new Bureau for Economic Research (BER) report released on Monday by Lisette IJssel de Schepper and Claire Bisseker. The report argues that while South Africa’s longstanding structural constraints are well understood and key reforms are already on the table, the country now needs “urgency, leadership and discipline” to convert this positive shift into durable economic progress. After years dominated by public frustration and pessimism, the report says the national mood has noticeably improved. “The country hasn’t solved its problems, but the balance of risks has tilted, and mood is less relentlessly…

South Africa’s building sector ended the year on a stronger footing, with the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index rising eight points to 43 in the fourth quarter of 2025—its joint highest reading in a decade and above the long-term average of 40. The improvement follows a slight dip to 35 in the third quarter. Yet, despite the encouraging jump, the latest index level released on Monday still indicates that more than half of survey respondents remain dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Hardware retailers, buoyed by stronger sales, were the biggest drivers of the improvement, with confidence in this segment rising 21 points. FNB senior economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi said the rebound reflects resilient consumer demand supported by lower inflation, interest-rate cuts, and continued withdrawals from the two-pot retirement system. “The jump in…

Signing up for Vitality health insurance in the UK earlier this year taught me something about behaviour change that policymakers elsewhere might find instructive. To earn two months of free medical cover under our joining promotion, my wife Sithabiso and I each needed to accumulate 48 activity points for two consecutive months. The maths is straightforward: walk 7 000 steps and earn 3 points. Hit 10 000 for 5 points. Push to 12 500 for 8. Sixteen days of moderate walking, or six days of serious effort, and a bunch of nifty shopping vouchers unlock alongside the discount. No lectures. No prohibitions. Just a system designed to make healthy choices feel like wins. And you best believe that S’tha and I met the mark and copped those freebies. We've also…

The SPAR Group has generated a much improved second-half trading performance, with tight cost management, robust cash generation and a materially strengthened balance sheet. The grocery retailer and wholesaler to independently-owned stores and to its own stores reset its business in the 52-weeks to September 26, 2024, optimising and simplifying the group structure. "We have taken purposeful steps to reduce debt, simplify the group, improve operational efficiency and restore resilience…The momentum we saw in the second half, combined with improved cash generation and lower leverage, gives us confidence in our ability to restore shareholder returns, while continuing to invest responsibly in the business," said the CEO Angelo Swartz. SPAR's net debt reduced by 40% to R5.4 billion from R9.1bn in 2024. This was mainly due to the strategic disposals of…

SAfm presenter Nonkululeko Mantula and her co-accused – Xolani Ntuli, Sifiso Mabena, Siphamandla Tshabalala, and Thulani Mazibuko – appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday. They have all been granted bail after being accused of recruiting local men to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war in a case that has drawn national and international attention. Mantula received bail of R30 300. Xolani Ntuli was granted R15 000 bail. The other three accused, Thulani Mazibuko, Sphamandla Chabalala, and Sfiso Mabena, were each released on R5 000 bail. Authorities say 17 South African men were ultimately sent to Russia in July after being lured with promises of legitimate security work. The group, mostly aged between 20 and 39, included 16 recruits from KwaZulu-Natal and one from the Eastern Cape. The spokesperson for…

After The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa smashed Showmax records earlier this year, the streamer has doubled down on the glamour, the chaos, and the continent-spanning drama with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa. This time, some of Africa’s most iconic housewives are jetting off together and if you thought one franchise was spicy, try putting Durban, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, and Abuja in the same villa. Representing Durban are Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela, and Jojo Robinson. Johannesburg brings the unforgettable Christall Kay and “Madam” Evodia Mogase, while Nairobi enters the chat via Dr Catherine Masitsa and Zena Nyambu. Rounding things off in true Naija glamour are Princess Jecoco from Abuja and Mariam Timmer from Lagos. Two episodes in, the ladies are already delivering the kind of first-impression…

The validity period for driving licences in South Africa is set to increase from five years to eight, in a long-mooted move that has been welcomed by motorists and lobby groups alike. Director-General Mathabatha Mokonyana confirmed this last week while briefing Parliament’s Select Committee on Public Infrastructure. “We have just concluded, although it took a little bit of time, the issue around extending the validity period of the driver’s licence card from five to eight years,” he told the committee. The decision was made following a detailed assessment, which found that South Africans favour a longer validity period. “They don’t want to come back to us every five years. So we definitely will be moving to eight years soon,” he added. While the Department of Transport has confirmed the move,…

DEBUT author Alia Khan Koumantarakis has turned a turbulent chapter of South Africa’s past into a moving literary piece, bringing to light the silent echoes of history in her novel, RIOT. The official book launch will take place at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on December 6. Khan Koumantarakis, 20, who lives in Cape Town, said she began developing RIOT as a screenplay shortly after the unrest and violence that took place in Durban in July 2021. “During the 2021 riots, I remember the shock and fear that spread through communities, and I couldn’t help but wonder if something like this had ever happened before. “That’s when my mother told me about the 1949 riots, a time when the same city, the same streets, and the same communities were…

Lawyers representing suspended Gauteng’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Advocate Andrew Chauke have accused National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi of linking him to state capture without any evidence. The accusation came during Batohi’s testimony at the Nkabinde Inquiry yesterday, which is probing Chauke’s fitness to hold office following a complaint lodged by Batohi herself. The inquiry focuses on two controversial cases: the racketeering prosecution of Major-General Johan Booysen and members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit, and the decision to discontinue murder charges against former crime intelligence head, Lieutenant General Richard Mdluli. Testifying before the inquiry, Batohi was questioned by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi about her repeated references to state capture in the context of her actions involving Chauke. Batohi admitted that she had no personal knowledge…

Tributes continue to pour in for veteran journalist and pioneering editor Dennis Pather, whose career of more than four decades earned him widespread respect across South African newsrooms. He died on Sunday. Pather began his career in 1967 as a reporter and went on to edit several leading newspapers, including Independent on Saturday and The Mercury. He was also a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 1987/88. Former Independent Media journalist Mbulelo Baloyi described Pather as a supportive mentor who shaped the careers of many young reporters. “What an end of an era for the KwaZulu-Natal journalism fraternity. I consider myself one of the lucky, privileged few who got to be mentored by the erstwhile Daily News Editor, Mr Dennis Pather, during my stint as a scribe,” Baloyi said. The…

President Cyril Ramaphosa called on delegates to the ANC’s 5th National General Council (NGC) to prioritise addressing the socio-economic challenges of poverty, inequality, and child hunger plaguing the country. The ANC NGC kicked off on Monday amid talks of succession battles within the organisation. Ramaphosa’s address to the delegates came just as the party recently dismissed any talks of leadership change and succession debates, with the party’s Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, saying the NGC will only discuss the party’s policy direction and renewal agenda. On Sunday, Ramaphosa addressed ANC delegates at a Presidential Gala Dinner organised by the Progressive Business Forum and the Progressive Citizens Forum at the Birchwood Hotel & O.R. Tambo Conference Centre on the eve of the NGC. “We need to address the challenge of poverty, unemployment,…

When a comrade reminded me recently, I picked up Colleen Lombard’s book, To the Moon and Back: A Detention Memoir. Curious at first, I put it down changed. Some memoirs are loud, filled with slogans, posturing, and the convenient heroism of hindsight. Colleen’s voice is different. It is calm, deliberate, honest. She writes like someone speaking late at night, when the world is quiet and the truth can finally breathe. There is no bitterness. No need for embellishment. Just clarity, pain, and grace. Colleen chose the hard path. And she walked it with dignity. Born in Wynberg in 1950, she did not grow up around dramatic political theory or revolutionary seminar rooms. She came from the everyday world of school halls, church pews, and union offices. Her entry into activism…

Lando Norris’s success with McLaren in ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign as world drivers' champion on Sunday ushered in a winter of radical change for Formula One. The 26-year-old Briton’s title win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix came in the final race before new cars and technical regulations arrive in 2026 — and signalled an end to a “winning by any means” culture in the sport. Here, we look at three things to watch going into next season. Can Norris stick to doing it his way? Norris said he won the title his way and with a team that respected its own “Papaya Rules” of equality under immense pressure. His triumph prompted a wave of emotion, not only for his victory, but for the way he won and managed…

It would be a stretch to say the Sharks turned a corner in Toulouse after a distressing season on and off the field, but there may well have been a bottoming out. John Plumtree, in his final outing as head coach, fielded an effective Currie Cup team of youngsters against Antoine Dupont’s superstars, and they gave a plucky account of themselves. The scoreline of 55–19 looks damning, but the contest was closer than it suggests, and the Sharks’ youngsters left the field with their heads held high. The Sharks have a strong emerging leader in lively flank Nick Hatton. He extracted plenty of courage from his teammates and, in some ways, this performance was better than those against Ulster and the Scarlets, when the Sharks were close to full strength.…

South African football has rarely felt as alive as it did in 2025. After years spent searching for identity, consistency and belief, Bafana Bafana finally rediscovered their pulse — and, in doing so, reignited the pride of a nation. An unbeaten run stretching across the entire calendar year, qualification for both AFCON and the Fifa World Cup, and a surge of promise from the junior national teams signalled a long-awaited revival. For the first time in a generation, South Africa can look ahead with genuine optimism, convinced that its “football nation” spirit has returned. BAFANA BAFANA Twenty-five games unbeaten — and counting. Bafana Bafana have had a calendar year for ages, so far. They didn’t only create their own fortunes; they also left endearing marks for generations to follow. It…