Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-10 i Star

South Africa has taken a major step toward boosting long-term infrastructure investment after the National Treasury successfully raised R11.795 billion in the country’s first sovereign Infrastructure and Development Finance Bond. The landmark issuance, announced on Tuesday, attracted strong market appetite, with bids exceeding R26bn, more than double the amount on offer, resulting in a 2.2-times subscription rate. Treasury said the strong demand demonstrates investor confidence in the State’s redesigned infrastructure financing strategy. The bond forms part of a series of reforms unveiled in the 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, aimed at expanding investment in critical infrastructure to support economic growth and improve service delivery. The proceeds of the bond will be channelled exclusively into projects under government’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI). The BFI is a specialised mechanism within…

South Africa may be heading into 2026 with renewed momentum after the North-West University (NWU) Business School’s Policy Uncertainty Index (PUI) showed a significant improvement in the final quarter of 2025. The index, released on Tuesday, eased to 64.9 from its record high of 81.0 in the third quarter, indicating a notable reduction in policy-related risks even though uncertainty remains above the neutral baseline of 50. Professor Raymond Parsons, economist at the NWU Business School, said the latest results suggest that “positive factors over the past three months have outweighed the negative ones,” allowing the economy to enter 2026 “on a note of cautious optimism.” Parsons emphasised that the global environment remains complex but generally supportive of growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects worldwide economic expansion of 3.2% in…

Leadership renewal has become one of the defining governance issues of this decade. In a climate defined by geopolitical volatility, digital disruption, and heightened stakeholder scrutiny, there is growing recognition that leaders who got companies to this point may not be the leaders who will take them forward into an uncertain future. The pace and unpredictability of today’s operating environment demand leadership teams that can adapt and refresh when required – boards can no longer rely solely on legacy leadership capability to steer through volatility. In response, boards are re-assessing long-standing leadership structures and asking tougher questions about whether their organisations are properly equipped for the complexities of the next ten years. Part of that reflection includes acknowledging how easily leadership blind spots can form when capability does not evolve…

The great migration has begun. South Africans and many of our country’s migrant workers will begin the great trek, as holiday makers head to the coast, the berg, the bush, and the rural hinterlands of places they call home. It is also the last-minute rush to move goods and cargo on time for the festive shopping and to stock up warehouses for the demand of a new year, when all economic and social beings and systems yawn out of the end of year festivities back to making South Africa work. With the attention it so deserves, the narrative around transportation and mobility at this time of the year, becomes about road safety due to the hundreds of lives lost due to road fatalities. The other focus becomes our congested land…

Ezeebit, the FSCA-regulated stablecoin and cryptocurrency payment infrastructure company, has announced the close of a $2.05 million (R35m) seed funding round. The capital will be used to accelerate product development and merchant adoption in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria and expand strategic partnerships with banks, PSPs, and telcos. Ezeebit enables merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments with instant stablecoin settlement and next-business-day local fiat payouts. Operating since 2023, it was founded by three brothers - Daniel, Jonathan, and David Katz - who saw firsthand how traditional payment systems were failing African merchants, Ezeebit was built from the ground up to solve real merchant problems with compliance-first infrastructure. The company serves brick-and- mortar and online merchants across South Africa with expansion planned into the rest of Africa. Since launching in 2023, the…

The Labour Court in Cape Town has delivered a significant judgment strengthening protections for workers who participate in protected strike action. On Monday, Judge André Lagrange ruled that HEINEKEN Beverages acted unlawfully when it withheld short-term incentive (STI) bonuses from 39 Solidarity members because they took part in a two-day protected strike in February 2023. In a detailed 60-page judgment, the court found that HEINEKEN breached sections 5(1) and 5(2)(c)(vi) of the Labour Relations Act (LRA), which prohibit employers from discriminating against or prejudicing employees for exercising rights conferred by the Act, including the constitutional right to strike. Judge R Lagrange's ruling orders the multinational beverage company to disclose how the 2023 STI bonuses were calculated and to pay the affected employees the bonuses they were denied. The case centred…

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe says that he will not contest the party’s top position, saying he is “too old” as succession debates begin to surface within the party. This comes as senior ANC leaders start positioning themselves for key roles ahead of the end of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s term. The party’s national executive committee is meeting at the Birchwood Hotel on the East Rand to review its work over the current term. There has been speculation that the gathering could be used to push for Ramaphosa’s removal, but ANC leaders have repeatedly warned members against fuelling factional succession battles. Mantashe is among those who have cautioned against premature discussions on Ramaphosa’s successor before 2027, when his term as ANC president ends. While Deputy President Paul Mashatile and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula…

The Gauteng Department of Education has come under fire for removing trained security guards from high-risk schools, leaving students and staff vulnerable to gang violence, theft, and even fatal attacks. With schools already battered by vandalism, fires, and shootings, critics are calling the decision reckless and dangerously shortsighted. Previous reports by The Star highlight the ongoing security challenges in Gauteng schools. In recent months, theft and vandalism have stripped underground cables and water pipes, leaving 1 400 learners without electricity and water; five learners allegedly set fire to two mobile classrooms; a devastating blaze destroyed 11 classrooms, affecting over 230 learners; and just last month, a principal and administrator at Enxiweni Primary School in Tembisa were shot dead on school grounds In a written response to the Democratic Alliance (DA)…

Police are confident that they are edging closer to finding the shooters involved in the assassination of Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe. Van der Merwe was gunned down last week Friday night in front of his wife and children in Brakpan. At the time, police said van der Merwe arrived at his home with his wife, and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. “He was certified dead at the scene. His wife who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken seeing that his firearm, cellphone and wallet were still in his possession,” said police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe. She stated that evidence…

The ANC’s 5th National General Council (NGC) opened in Boksburg on Monday, bringing together delegates from across the country to review the party’s progress and chart its direction ahead of the next national conference. The Council is being held under the theme, “The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Wealth of the Country!” What is the NGC? The Council, which runs for several days, is the party’s second-highest decision-making body and is seen as a key platform for reflection, renewal, and internal debate. The party says the Council has been convened to evaluate the implementation of resolutions adopted at its 55th National Conference. It…

Mass immigration is ruining the “American Dream,” US Vice President J.D. Vance has said, amid the federal government’s increase in ICE raids and deportations of illegal immigrants. Vance made the remarks while responding to a video by a construction company owner who said it was “amazing” that immigrants were not showing up for work. “I’ve gotten more calls in the last week than I’ve gotten in the last three months,” the man said. “Mass migration is theft of the American Dream,” Vance, whose wife was born to a family of immigrants from India, wrote on X on Saturday. “It has always been this way, and every position paper, think tank piece, and econometric study suggesting otherwise is paid for by the people getting rich off of the old system,” he…

The unfortunate use of the word “monkeys” used at a police parade during a conversation with one of her colleagues, landed a police captain in deep trouble, as it was perceived as being racist towards her fellow colleagues. Captain Henrietta du Preez was the acting Visible Police (Vispol) Support Head at the Joza Police Station (Joza) in the Eastern Cape and conducted a parade during December 2020. In response to a concern raised by warrant officer Mbokodi, one of the officers on parade about work vehicles, Du Preez indicated that she was unprepared to take responsibility for crime prevention vehicles, which were under the command of Captain Manona, another colleague. In her version, she used the “innocent expression” of “If you pick up the monkey, you need to feed…

Proteas Women’s all-rounder Chloe Tryon told Independent Newspapers that they want to be ruthless when they are in a dominant position in the third and final T20I of the series against Ireland Women in Benoni today. South Africa were clinical in the opening match of the series at Newlands in Cape Town, beating Ireland by 105 runs on the back of captain Laura Wolvaardt’s second century in the format. However, despite winning the second match by 65 runs at Boland Park, the hosts showed a bit of complacency with the ball, allowing Ireland Women to find a way back into the game. Going into the third and final match of the series in Benoni, the Proteas Women have an unassailable 2-0 series victory, and Tryon said that the side wants…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes the upcoming AFCON break will provide his side with a valuable chance to sharpen their finishing and return stronger in 2026. Amakhosi have repeatedly been undone by their own inconsistencies, and although they have shown small signs of progress each week, they have seldom capitalised on them, continuing to drop crucial points. Their most recent goalless draw against TS Galaxy saw them fall further behind log leaders Orlando Pirates, with the gap now at four points after having played a game more. Chiefs are averaging just one goal per match in the 13 matches they have played and have yet to settle on a stable starting line-up. The constant rotation has prevented them from building reliable combinations, especially in attack, where understanding and…

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said Nick Woltemade’s British sense of humour helped him adapt to life in England, ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash in the striker’s native Germany against Bayer Leverkusen. Howe yesterday called the 1.98-metre-tall striker “a funny guy – and I meant that in the nicest sense”. “I think he has British humour,” Howe added. “He came in with a very good way of approaching a transfer. He came in, felt at home, made people laugh. “He has gone in wholeheartedly to the Newcastle way of life and what the team and the city requires when you play for this football club. “He’s done brilliantly.” Newcastle have won three of five matches in the Champions League this season and sit one point, but six places, ahead of…

The Stormers look set to bring back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse and Cobus Reinach for Saturday’s Champions Cup showdown with La Rochelle in Gqeberha – but their return comes with a challenge. The Bok trio may add star power, yet they’ll need to raise the standard of a team that has been flying without them. The Cape side is still unbeaten this season, riding high after six excellent United Rugby Championship wins and a statement victory in France against Bayonne. That performance in the opening match of the Champions Cup made it clear that the Stormers aren’t just participating in Europe – they’re competing with intent. But the next test is a big one. La Rochelle, a team the Stormers have developed a fierce Champions Cup rivalry with, arrive at…

International airlines expect to transport a record 5.2 billion passengers in 2026 despite global headwinds affecting the sector, the industry's trade association said on Tuesday. Carriers are also now expecting higher profits than previously forecast for 2025, and predict earnings to come in at a comparable level next year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) added. IATA, which groups around 360 carriers representing 80 percent of global air traffic, said 2025 profits are projected to reach $39.5 billion, up from the $36 billion they predicted at the body's annual general meeting in June. IATA's Director General Willie Walsh attributed the improved outlook to air freight's better performance, achieved despite trade disputes triggered by the United States. Profits in 2026 are projected at $41 billion, with persistent aircraft availability problems putting…

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has welcomed the agreement between Eskom and major ferrochrome producers Samancor Chrome and the Glencore–Merafe Chrome Venture to halt planned retrenchments that threatened more than 7 000 jobs from December. The federation, however, says the temporary reprieve must pave the way for a permanent, affordable electricity solution to safeguard the future of South Africa’s ferrochrome sector. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Eskom, the producers and government establishes a joint multi-stakeholder task team to develop a long-term intervention to support industrial competitiveness without shifting additional costs onto other electricity users. The parties aim to present a proposed solution within three months. Cosatu parliamentary coordinator, Matthew Parks, said on Tuesday that the federation “warmly welcomes this job-saving agreement,” but emphasised that the…

South Africa’s agricultural machinery market is ending 2025 on a strong footing, with tractor and combine harvester sales continuing to rise despite challenging weather and softer commodity prices. The South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) reported that 544 tractors were sold in November, up 4% from the 523 units sold in the same month last year. SAAMA chairperson Willie Human said year-to-date tractor sales are now 19% higher than in 2024, underscoring farmers’ resilience and investment appetite. “Three combine harvesters were sold in November, 10 less than the 13 units sold in November last year. On a year-to-date basis, however, combine harvester sales are now approximately 3% up on last year. Overall market conditions proved to be quite challenging in November,” he said. Human noted that widespread rains disrupted…

Distributed or onsite renewable energy generation - commercial and industrial systems installed at factories, mines and other large energy users - is the quiet workhorse of South Africa’s energy transition. It powers businesses, takes pressure off the grid, cuts costs, reduces reliance on diesel and coal, and strengthens our economy. These projects usually comprise solar PV, are sized from a few kilowatts to tens of megawatts, often paired with batteries, and are among the fastest, most deliverable parts of the energy transition. The problem is their rollout is slowed by a grid-access process that treats a 10 megawatt (MW) onsite project the same as a 100 MW utility plant. The result is delays, uncertainty and rising project costs that hold back private investment when we need it most. Demand isn’t…

Merafe Resources said Tuesday the consultation period for a government-aided intervention to prevent its joint venture ferrochrome smelters from closing will be extended to February 28, 2026. Last week, Merafe Resources said retrenchment notices would be issued for more than 2 000 workers at the Boshoek and Wonderkop smelters after an earlier government proposal on electricity tariffs to save the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture's (JV) ferrochrome smelters from closing, would only benefit one of its three smelters. The JV has been negotiating for years for lower electricity tariffs. Merafe's smelters account for about a third of South Africa's ferrochrome exports. Merafe said a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with Eskom following recent engagements. Estimates are that some 300 000 to 350 000 jobs have been lost due…

The revelation that almost 500 businesses are still permitted to do business with the South African government in spite of recommendations derived from the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) investigations has drawn harsh criticism. In parliamentary responses to ActionSA MP Alan Beesley, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that only eighteen companies have been prohibited from doing business with the government. Beesley strongly condemned the government’s inaction, stating that it was outrageous that so few companies identified by the SIU remain free to trade with the state. “The failure to blacklist errant and corrupt companies is a clear indication that there is no political will to address corruption. With zero consequences, corruption will continue unabated, and all South Africans will continue to pay the price,” he said. He was reacting to written…

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Audiences just can’t get enough of this musical. It doesn’t matter how many times it’s been staged; the vibrancy of the production leaves an indelible impression on theatre lovers. Despite an earlier run this year, it’s back for another long run at Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre. A high-energy musical production, presented by Pieter Toerien and LAMTA, this show features a diverse range of musical genres, from country and calypso to rock ‘n’ roll. Under the direction of Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander, with musical supervision by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and musical direction by Amy Campbell, audiences can expect a fresh and exhilarating interpretation of this classic, timeless musical. Choreographers Duane Alexander and Jared Schaedler bring dazzling movement to the stage, while Niall Griffin on…

The revelation that almost 500 businesses are still permitted to do business with the South African government in spite of recommendations derived from the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) investigations has drawn harsh criticism. In parliamentary responses to ActionSA MP Alan Beesley, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that only eighteen companies have been prohibited from doing business with the government. Beesley strongly condemned the government’s inaction, stating that it was outrageous that so few companies identified by the SIU remain free to trade with the state. “The failure to blacklist errant and corrupt companies is a clear indication that there is no political will to address corruption. With zero consequences, corruption will continue unabated, and all South Africans will continue to pay the price,” he said. He was reacting to written…

The Cancer Alliance and SECTION27 have expressed deep disappointment after the Johannesburg High Court set aside an order that would have forced the Gauteng Department of Health to urgently address the province’s deadly backlog in radiation oncology services. The ruling, delivered on Monday, overturns Judge Dippenaar’s August judgment, which had compelled the department to immediately update the oncology backlog list, provide radiation services to patients, and report to the court on progress, despite the pending appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). SECTION27 spokesperson Pearl Nicodemus said the ruling is a major setback for cancer patients who have already waited months or years for essential treatment. Nicodemus explained that in March this year, the Cancer Alliance secured a significant victory when Van Nieuwenhuizen AJ ordered the provincial health…

On the sidelines of the Conference on Victims of Terrorism in Rabat, Burkina Faso and Niger strongly reaffirmed their support for the territorial integrity of Morocco, welcoming Security Council Resolution 2797, which enshrines the Moroccan autonomy plan as the most credible way to definitively settle the Sahara issue. Through the statements of their heads of diplomacy, the two Sahelian countries renewed a support described as unwavering by Nasser Bourita, thus strengthening the African front in favour of Moroccan sovereignty. Burkina Faso reiterated, on Tuesday 2 December, its firm and constant support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco, while welcoming the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of the historic Resolution 2797. This resolution confirms, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, the autonomy plan proposed by the…

The Department of Home Affairs has unveiled a proactive initiative aimed at alleviating the burden of securing essential travel documents for South Africans during the bustling festive season. With a keen focus on service accessibility and efficiency, selected Home Affairs offices will extend their operating hours, rendering invaluable assistance to citizens preparing for year-end travel. Starting from December 8 to December 19, and returning from January 5 to January 16, 2026, selected offices will remain operational for an additional two hours each day. This means these offices will close at 6pm, providing much-needed flexibility for those needing to process Smart ID Cards and passports. Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, highlighted that the extended hours are a significant step in the Department’s broader mission to improve service delivery…

In the vibrant yet vulnerable landscape of South Africa, nearly 10 million adolescents grapple with the weight of survival amid systemic neglect. A new study from the University of Pretoria’s Department of Psychology lays bare the harsh truths of adolescent girls navigating poverty, food insecurity, and the life-altering consequences of transactional relationships. As these young women seek to fill their stomachs, they are often compelled to trade their safety for fleeting sustenance. Across communities where resources are minimal, the pressures faced by adolescent girls become unbearable. Professor Eugene Lee Davids sheds light on the pervasive issue, stating: “Food insecurity doesn’t just mean going to bed hungry – it reverberates through every aspect of life, especially for girls in impoverished areas.” Within these confines, access to education, healthcare, and safe environments…

​Five individuals, including three members of the same family, were arrested by the Hawks following an investigation into illegal activities on a farm in Charl Cilliers, outside Secunda. They have since appeared in court facing charges that include contravening the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, corruption, fraud, and money laundering. It’s beyond words to imagine that the rotten food was intended for human consumption.The distribution of food unfit for human consumption is a serious offence, comparable to knowingly preparing poison. This incident underscores a critical regulatory gap in the country: any Tom, Dick, or Harry can operate unregistered food production facilities. This country has seen sporadic cases of food poisoning, most notably the severe 2024 outbreak linked to spaza shops, which involved hazardous pesticide contamination and resulted in child deaths.…

Mohau Nkota is excitedly anticipating his maiden appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and is confident of doing well thanks largely to the backing of a crucial teammate. Now plying his trade in the Saudi Arabian League for Al Ettifaq, the former Orlando Pirates attacker has established himself as a key member of Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad and is expected to play a major role in South Africa’s quest for the continental title, three decades after they were crowned African champions. And the winger, who has just turned twenty-one, is in no doubt he will play a pivotal role in Morocco. “For me, I am very excited. I am going to be with the guys once again; to be with them one more time. So I…

It’s at times such as these that the discerning soccer fan no doubt misses Pitso Mosimane. As Orlando Pirates sit pretty on the perch of the Betway Premiership table, threatening to bring an end to Mamelodi Sundowns’ domination of the domestic championship, the silence from Chloorkop is deafening. “Jingles” would have been throwing jabs at the Buccaneers. He would be making them feel like they are merely warming the spot. He would be making them doubt themselves, wondering if they are worthy of the championship. Damn, he’d have even insinuated they are at the top because they are owned by the league’s chairman. It's a journalist’s dream – content, as the kids say today. But more than that, he spiced up the championship race. He made our football exciting. Pirates,…

While this was not a World Cup-winning year for the Springboks – and if there had been a World Cup, they would surely have won it – the year 2025 is right up there in their “best ever” category. If we include the warm-up match against the Barbarians, the Boks played 15 matches, losing just two for an 86% record. That is the best Springbok return in the modern era, but not the best in history. In the first half of the 20th century, up to the famous 4-0 whitewash of the All Blacks in 1949, the Boks almost routinely finished the year unbeaten for a 100% record, but the issue is that they averaged just five Tests per year. Maybe the best way to evaluate how good a year…

Recommendation appears in the 72-page Base Document tabled at the party’s National General Council The African National Congress (ANC) has revived its long-standing proposal to expand the South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) mandate beyond inflation targeting, arguing that the central bank must play a more central role in tackling unemployment, poverty and inequality. The recommendation appears in the 72-page Base Document tabled for discussion at the party's 5th National General Council (NGC). The document outlines a sweeping overhaul of the country’s developmental strategy, though critics argue it offers more rhetoric than concrete policy direction. In the section titled "Defining and Implementing an Effective Developmental Path for Growth and Social Equity", the ANC calls for a fundamental rebalancing of South Africa’s macroeconomic policy framework. The party argues that the Sarb’s…

The G20 Leaders’ Summit is over, now the hard work to implement and apply its many declarations must start. One particular declaration that must be taken to heart if we want to address a core challenge at the heart of our stalled economy, is the absolute necessity of reducing the rate of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) by a further 5% by 2030. This calls for a whole new way of thinking about teaching, learning, and employment, and South Africa’s government, its business leaders and institutions of higher learning will have to work together to change the narrative. For example, instead of complaining about skills shortages, we can collaborate to actively define and invest in the skills our economy needs; and rather than seeing training as…

South African consumer confidence improved notably in the fourth quarter of 2025, offering a welcome boost to retailers ahead of the festive season. The latest FNB/Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), released on Tuesday, shows the index rising from -13 in the third quarter to -9, marking the strongest reading of the year. Although still below the long-term average of -1 and slightly lower than the 2024 festive-season level of -6, the CCI report says the latest uptick is meaningful. It follows robust retail activity earlier in the year, with sales volumes growing by an average 3.9% year-on-year during the first three quarters of 2025. The BER noted that the improvement suggests consumers’ willingness to spend has extended into the holiday period. The biggest driver of the…

South Africa’s electricity transition has entered a decisive phase. The past three years have delivered steady improvements in plant performance, private sector investment in new generation and a visible strengthening of the institutions that govern the sector. The approval of the Market Operator licence and the formation of the Electricity Market Advisory Forum are important milestones that move the country closer to a competitive electricity market. The most significant development of the last quarter, however, is the publication of the Grid Capacity Allocation Rules by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). The rules come at a time when grid access has become the binding constraint on the pace of new investment. South Africa has reached a point where the generation pipeline is healthy, capital is available, and technological…

Thungela Resources' management are confident of producing about 13.7 million tons of export saleable production for the year to December 31, 2023, which is above the guidance range of 12.8Mt to 13.6Mt. The coal mining group's chief financial officer Deon Smith said in a pre-close update that the production is in spite of the transition in its South Africa production profile, with the closure of Goedehoop and the successful ramp-up of Annea Colliery, as well as the hand-over of the Zibulo North Shaft project. Production momentum also benefitted from "consistent rail performance" and improvements by Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), with an annualised 56.6Mt run-rate for the industry for the period ended November 30, 2023, which is a 9% improvement on the 51.9Mt delivered in 2022. In Australia, export saleable production…

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe says that he will not contest the party’s top position, saying he is “too old” as succession debates begin to surface within the party. This comes as senior ANC leaders start positioning themselves for key roles ahead of the end of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s term. The party’s national executive committee is meeting at the Birchwood Hotel on the East Rand to review its work over the current term. There has been speculation that the gathering could be used to push for Ramaphosa’s removal, but ANC leaders have repeatedly warned members against fuelling factional succession battles. Mantashe is among those who have cautioned against premature discussions on Ramaphosa’s successor before 2027, when his term as ANC president ends. While Deputy President Paul Mashatile and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula…

A woman who devoted more than three decades to looking after her husband, devoting her time to making his life easier, stood to walk away empty-handed in their divorce, as the husband’s attitude was that she should have made provision for herself. But, the wife, 58, told the Pietermaritzburg High Court that, although she assisted him in his business, looked after his five-year-old daughter from another marriage at one stage, and did all she could for him, he never allowed her access to cash, as he said he would provide. The wife told the court that it is not easy to find a job at her age, and she is battling to make ends meet. Her husband, 70, even obtained a court order for the return of some of their…

ActionSA has slammed the justice system after it emerged that the prime suspect in the brutal massacre of 12 people in Saulsville was released on parole just months ago, a revelation they say exposes the state’s weak and failed approach to violent criminals, where the rights of offenders are prioritised over the safety of law-abiding citizens. This follows National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola’s confirmation during a community and media briefing outside the hostel on Monday that one of the suspects being hunted is a parolee released only three months ago. The man, previously imprisoned for attempted murder, extortion, and other serious offences, is known to police and is related to some of the victims. Masemola also revealed that police have charged the owner of the illegal shebeen operating from…

The Israeli cabinet has allocated a massive 2.35 billion shekels (almost $729 million) to “public diplomacy” in its next budget, constituting a sharp, almost five-fold hike in spending on fixing the country’s heavily dented image. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced a new Public Diplomacy Division in his ministry on Sunday at a conference in Jerusalem. The move constitutes a “significant strategic decision,” the top diplomat stated, adding that “when public opinion shifts toward an anti-Israeli stance” in a third country, it can “promptly impact government actions”. “The second decision is the approval of a budget of 2.35bn shekels (of which one billion shekels is authorised) for the battle for public awareness and the promotion of Israel’s image worldwide. The concept that the battle for public awareness is part of national…

German ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, says Berlin is actively engaging the United States following announcements that the incoming G20 rotational president will bar South African representatives from next year’s summit in Miami. IOL reported earlier this month that South Africa has not been invited to the upcoming G20 Sherpas meeting scheduled for December 15 and 16, in Washington. The exclusion was confirmed after the United States extended invitations to all other G20 member nations. US President Donald Trump has also publicly stated that South Africa will not be invited to next year’s leaders’ summit, which he plans to host at his golf resort in Miami. President Cyril Ramaphosa has maintained that South Africa will not lobby any nation to boycott the summit despite the snub. “The United States…

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Stats SA shows that South Africa’s unemployment rate increased by 1.7% from Q1 of 2025 rising to 33.2% in Q2. This might not seem like a very big jump, but when you consider that this amounts to 140 000 people, the impact of even a slight rise in unemployment really hits home. And the youth unemployment numbers, the picture is even bleaker, with close to half of the young people in South Africa (4.9 million) without work. While there’s no doubt that this is a crisis and action needs to be taken, really addressing this situation is about more than just skills development. If we’re trying to alleviate unemployment by giving people skills to do seasonal work, we’re not going to make a…

The Lions will head into their next European Challenge Cup assignment with a burning sense of purpose after a heartbreaking loss to Benetton at Ellis Park this past weekend. Having surrendered a commanding lead to the Italian visitors, the Johannesburg outfit was left stunned as the match slipped through their fingers – a result that immediately placed them under pressure in the competition. With their European campaign beginning on a low in front of their supporters, every remaining fixture now becomes a must-win encounter if they hope to advance to the knockout stages. Yet their path ahead will be far from straightforward. The Lions have travelled to England with a depleted squad, the result of mounting injuries and strategic rest for several senior players. For some teams, such circumstances might…

With the T20 World Cup a mere seven games away, the Proteas produced an uncertain performance in the opening T20I against India yesterday, that will have coach Shukri Conrad concerned about where his team is actually going. They went down by a mammoth 101 runs, bowled out for just 74 in 12.4 overs, in response to the hosts’ 175/6, which in short format terms is a proper snotklap. It was also the Proteas’ lowest ever total in T20Is. What perhaps mattered more than the defeat was the evidence that tourists are still casting around for a workable method for the tournament here in India and Sri Lanka in just a couple of months’ time. From the moment Quinton de Kock edged Arshdeep Singh’s second delivery to second slip, the Proteas…

What exactly separates elite level athletes from the rest of the field who have the same level of talent and skill? The word grit comes to mind when recounting the season that South African teenager Ruchè Moodley endured, overcoming two serious crashes only to get back on his bike and keep the show going. In his maiden season in the FIM Moto3 championship, Moodley placed 27th out of 40 riders with 14 points to his name. At the start of the season, Moodley accepted the monumental task ahead of him, going up against riders who grew up in Europe compared to his racing time in South Africa, which is drastically different in terms of exposure and facilities. He and his family carted their lives to Europe, and now live in…

David Miller believes the upcoming Betway SA20 Season 4 will form a big part of the Proteas’ preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup next year. The Proteas have only eight remaining T20Is before their T20 World Cup opener against Canada in Ahmedabad on February 9, 2026, starting with yesterday’s clash against current champions India in Cuttack. However, upon the Proteas’ return from India, the SA20 gets underway on Boxing Day at Newlands for a month-long T20 festival of cricket spread across six stadiums around the country. Miller, who captains the Paarl Royals, feels the quality of the competition is a of a high standard and will help the Proteas fine-tune some individual skills. “I think the standard in the competition in the SA20 is as high as any other…

Red Bull confirmed yesterday the departure of influential advisor Helmut Marko who oversaw the progression of serial world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. The 82-year-old Austrian has been front and centre of Red Bull’s remarkable run in F1 since their arrival on the grid back in 2005, helping them to six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles. The 1971 winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours for Porsche is a close ally of Verstappen, who missed out on a fifth successive title by only two points to McLaren’s Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Marko was responsible for Red Bull’s young driver programme, and was behind Vettel’s four titles, along with Verstappen’s emergence as one of the all-time greats. His departure comes months after Red Bull sacked team…