Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-23 i Star

A behind-closed-doors settlement between Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which would have cost consumers approximately R54 billion, was slammed by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. The court not only refused to make the settlement an order of court but said it is untenable that such a decision could be made without public participation. The settlement endeavoured to correct an error in Eskom’s allowable revenue determination. The judgment, issued on Sunday, followed Eskom’s original court application for a review of Nersa’s decision regarding Eskom’s Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD) application tariff. However, the application turned into a settlement agreement, which would have allowed Eskom to increase electricity tariffs by almost 9% annually, thereby recovering an additional R54bn from already overburdened consumers. Eskom subsequently asked the court to…

Police in Gauteng have arrested a 32-year-old suspect in connection with the deadly shooting at Saulsville Hostel in Atteridgeville, which claimed the lives of 12 people, including a three-year-old child. According to police, the suspect was apprehended in Limpopo on Sunday following a coordinated operation between Gauteng and Limpopo police. The attack, which took place on December 6 , also left 13 others injured. “The team, comprising of various SAPS specialised units, including Crime Intelligence, during investigations traced the suspect who was travelling to Botlokwa in Limpopo. They called the police in Limpopo and gave the description of the suspect and the vehicle he was travelling in,” the police said. “The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the…

The incoming United States Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, is expected to seek significant concessions from Pretoria as he begins his term during a marked degeneration of relations between the two nations. This is the view of Ofentse Donald Davhie, a political risk and foreign policy analyst at the Centre for Risk Analysis, as expressed in an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika yesterday. “He does come with an ideological stance. He comes from a long lineage of a conservative family. His father was a conservative activist. His one uncle was a conservative writer who founded a very famous magazine focused on the right-wing political agenda. His other uncle, as well, served as a conservative senator from New York, which is rare, and also served under the Reagan…

For the second time in less than a week, South Africa’s festive season law enforcement “net” has been exposed as porous. Questions are being raised over how a bus – dangerously overloaded with 82 passengers – managed to travel over 700 kilometers from Durban to Limpopo without being intercepted. The Zimbabwe-bound bus was finally grounded at 4am on Sunday, December 21, at the Zebediela Traffic Control Centre (ZTCC). Despite being certified for only 63 people, it was found carrying 19 extra passengers, including 10 minors. This incident is a near-carbon copy of a story reported on IOL News just days ago, involving a Malawi-bound bus that reached Polokwane with 117 passengers on board. That bus had reportedly been stopped in Gauteng, fined, and allowed to proceed – only to…

As South Africans hit the roads for the festive season, scammers are exploiting fear and confusion around traffic fines, sending official-looking messages to intimidate drivers into paying money they do not owe. With the rollout of the new AARTO system, criminals are posing as PayCity, Fines SA, and even traffic authorities, sending threatening SMSes and emails warning of “outstanding fines,” imminent warrants of arrest, or blocked vehicle licence renewals. The messages are designed to pressure motorists into making immediate payments before they can verify the claims. Rob Hutchinson, founder of DearSA, said scammers are capitalising on the holiday rush and the anxiety surrounding the new traffic laws. “They know that with the increase in roadblocks this festive season, we are all anxious about being pulled over,” he said. While the…

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says only 5 464 learners remain unplaced in the 2026 online admissions process for Grade 1 and Grade 8, marking continued progress in learner placements across the province. Departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona said the figure reflects sustained improvements in the system. “As of Monday, 22 December 2025, the GDE Online Admissions system recorded a total of 5 464 unplaced Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners, comprising 1 478 Grade 1 learners and 3 986 Grade 8 learners,” Mabona said in a statement issued yesterday. He said the department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily through the online admissions system, with targeted interventions in high-pressure areas to ensure that all remaining learners are placed as efficiently and fairly as possible. The system has also…

Since the dawn of democracy, the ANC has controlled the country’s education lever with an iron-fisted transformative approach committed to bringing about redress and ensuring access without apparent focus on the return on investment for South Africa. Gone was the racist apartheid-era spending on children according to the colour of one’s skin. In its place was an amalgamated single education system for all. That is well and good, but missing has been any reflection on whether the nation has been adequately served in terms of getting value for money spent. Education was chief among the bedrock of the ANC’s promise of “a better life for all”, along with social welfare, housing, health, and other competing priorities. But the slow economic growth and high unemployment rate counter the transformative good. South…

Mohamed Salah has shown no signs of being distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool as he prepares to lead Egypt into the Africa Cup of Nations, Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan said ahead of their Group B opener against Zimbabwe last night. “Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team, and I believe he will have a great tournament with his country,” Hassan told reporters in Marrakech. “I feel his motivation is very, very strong. Salah is an icon and will remain so. He is one of the best players in the world, and I support him in everything he does,” Hassan added. Salah did not start any of Liverpool’s last five games before departing for the Cup…

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said on Sunday he would continue to be “very careful” with star man Achraf Hakimi at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Paris Saint-Germain full-back recovers from an ankle injury. Regragui suggested on the eve of the tournament's opening game against Comoros that Hakimi was fit, but in the end the Morocco captain played no part in Sunday's 2-0 win in Rabat. Hakimi has not played since suffering an ankle injury in action for PSG against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on November 4, and Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui started instead at right-back for Morocco against Comoros. “We need Hakimi because he is the best player in Africa and one of the best in the world and no team can afford to be without…

Gauteng police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the November 18 double murder at Inxiweni Primary School, where the school principal and an administration clerk were shot and killed. Inxiweni school principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu, 58, and administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini, 55, who were shot dead inside the school’s administration block last month. The 39-year-old suspect was arrested on Friday, December 19, and was expected to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “The search is underway for two more suspects who are believed to be the ones who pulled the trigger.” IOL previously reported that the arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a 26-year-old female employee at the school. She was…

After it was revealed that the DA had decided to bring Starlink to South Africa in 2023, a fresh political conflict between the ANC and the DA in the Government of National Unity is imminent. Ellon Musk’s Starlink is currently being pushed by the DA through its own Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, to enter the South African market without fulfilling the fundamental requirement of the Black Economic Empowerment policy, which is to sell 30% to black businesses. The revelations which was reported by a Sunday newspaper proved that Malatsi is implementing his party policy when he directed ICASA to re-align its policies to allow Starlink to enter the SA market without selling its shares to black South African as required by BEE. Reports suggested the DA…

KZN police have arrested two men for having stolen property, including 77 bank cards and two Speedpoint machines. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said the suspects were wanted for a fraud case registered at Nottingham Road Police Station. Police went on the lookout for the vehicle and later found it parked at a shopping center with no occupants inside. “Police waited until the suspects came back to the vehicle, and they pounced on them,” he said. Magwaza said a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the 77 bank cards and two SpeedPoint machines. Initial investigations revealed that the suspects are also wanted in other policing precincts. Magwaza confirmed that the arrested men were charged with being in possession of property suspected to be stolen. He…

December in Mzansi arrives with vibes, obligations and chaos packed into one calendar month. It is festive, loud and generous, but it also tests character. If you survive it with your bank balance, relationships and dignity mostly intact, you deserve a certificate. Taking to Instagram, award-winning Johannesburg-based graphic designer, illustrator and content creator David Tshabalala has shared a set of funny survival tips that felt less like jokes and more like community service. “It’s officially Dizemba. Here are tips to save money so you can make it to Januworry, but also – enjoy what’s left of the Festive,” he wrote. First up, the bride and groom edition. To all makotis (brides), Tshabalala advised strategic illness. “Pretend to be sick around December 23 to avoid doing chores at the in-laws for…

Several Western Cape municipalities had their hands full over the weekend battling severe fire conditions, which destroyed properties, land and left several residents displaced. In the Theewaterskloof Municipality, firefighting operations had continued throughout the night following severe fire conditions experienced on Saturday when a fire broke out on the N2 at Myddelton, before the Caledon Casino. Just before midday on Saturday, the municipality said the situation had stabilised, with containment achieved in key areas, and active monitoring and mop-up operations remaining in place. “The main fire front has been brought under control. Isolated flare-ups were recorded near Tuinsig and behind Caledon Casino, with backburning successfully completed to strengthen fire lines. Fire activity extended into the Nature Garden area, where crews remain on active patrol,” they said. “Bulk water infrastructure is…

Sunrisers Eastern Cape batter Jordan Hermann admitted that former captain Aiden Markram’s departure is a big loss but emphasised that the culture that has been built in Gqeberha is strong enough for the team to continue its dominance in the upcoming SA20 season. Markram’s leadership was a big part of Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s success in the first three seasons of the SA20. The 31-year-old led the Gqeberha-based Sise to back-to-back trophies and a runners-up medal in the third season of the competition. This year, coach Adrian Birrell’s team has appointed new captain in Tristan Stubbs, as Markram opted to put his name in the hat for the auction, where he was signed by Durban’s Super Giants as their new captain for the season. Batter Jordan Hermann admitted that Markram’s departure…

Arsenal held off Manchester City to stay top of the Premier League at Christmas courtesy of a Viktor Gyokeres penalty in the 1-0 win at Everton. Liverpool cashed in on nine-man Tottenham’s lack of composure to extend their revival in the absence of Mohamed Salah. Bottom of the table Wolves are setting unwanted records after a 10th straight league defeat against Brentford. Here we look at three talking points from the weekend's action: Arsenal aim to crack Christmas curse The Gunners will be top of the tree on Christmas Day for the third time in four years after grinding out a first Premier League away win in four games on Merseyside. Being in first place at that landmark point of the campaign is usually a sign of future champions,…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … until your favourite Christmas tune makes you press the accelerator a little too hard. From classic carols to modern holiday hits, some festive tracks have a sneaky way of turning a calm drive into a full-speed joyride. In Mzansi, holiday music and driving go hand in hand. Experts note that around 80% of adults have listened to AM/FM radio in the car in the past month, either as a driver or passenger. Add December road trips, traffic and last-minute year-end errands, and it’s easy to see why festive playlists become the soundtrack of the season. The issue lies in the BPM (beats per minute). Faster tracks can increase arousal, and driving-simulator studies show that fast-tempo music is linked with riskier driving…

Leader of one faction of the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC), Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, has been denied bail and will remain behind bars for the next three months. Sandlana yesterday appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. He is facing 19 counts of corruption and money laundering. The charges stem from allegations that he orchestrated a bribery scheme to influence the judiciary in a decade-long battle for control of the church’s multi-billion rand IPHC estate. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that between 2021 and 2022, Sandlana and church spokesperson Vusi Ndala funneled approximately R2.4 million to Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Phahlane. Prosecutors claim the payments were “corrupt gratification” intended to ensure Judge Phahlane ruled in Sandlana’s favor in civil matters related to the IPHC succession dispute. While…

Police in Limpopo have arrested three foreign nationals linked to a string of house robberies in the Sekhukhune District after tracing them to Gauteng. According to the South African Police Service, the suspects – aged 18, 19 and 34 – were wanted in connection with six house robbery cases and one case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The arrests followed intelligence indicating that the suspects were hiding in Hammanskraal and Soshanguve in Gauteng. Members of the Nebo–Jane Furse Tracking Team, assisted by the Sekhukhune Flying Squad, carried out the operation. Police stated that most of the robberies occurred in the Masemola policing area. One of the suspects, 19-year-old Courage Chigwedere, appeared in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court last week Thursday. He was remanded in custody until 24 December.…

There are moments in the life of a city when a single decision tells you everything about who holds power, whose fears matter, and whose humanity is negotiable. The proposed R180 million wall along the N2 is one of those moments. Let us speak honestly and painfully clearly. This wall is not just concrete and steel. It is a symbol. And symbols matter more than Mayor Hill-Lewis likes to admit. They lodge in the memory of a people. They tell future generations what we were willing to normalise. This wall tells poor people: you are the threat. It tells motorists and tourists: we will protect you from “them”. It tells the world: Cape Town has chosen separation over solidarity. Shameful and sad, for this is our lived reality. For a…

A series of reform measures aimed at reshaping the continent’s football landscape has sent ripples through African football. Over the weekend, Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football, unveiled these reforms at a press conference in Morocco, just one day before the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. These reforms have sparked widespread criticism, particularly from former players and football enthusiasts who claim that CAF prioritise European interests at the expense of Africa’s football development. The primary reform was to move AFCON to a four-year cycle, rather than the customary two-year cycle. Furthermore, he announced the cancellation of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in favour of a new, eagerly anticipated competition: the African Nations League, set to launch after 2027. This new format aims to…

Moroccan playmaker Brahim Díaz etched his name into football history by scoring the opening goal of AFCON 2025 on Sunday evening. This moment not only exemplified his notable prowess on the pitch but also saw him join an exclusive group of legendary footballers, including Marc-Vivien Foé (Cameroon, 2000) and George Weah (Liberia, 2002). In a thrilling start to the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat was electrifying. The sell-out crowd of 53,000 fans witnessed a spectacular opening ceremony. The event showcased a vibrant blend of music, dance, and cultural symbolism, setting a firm tone as Morocco prepared to face Comoros in a clash that would kick off a month-long celebration of African football. History has…

Ruben Amorim fears Bruno Fernandes will be out for “a while” after the Manchester United captain was injured during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Fernandes has started every Premier League game this season, but the Portugal midfielder is unlikely to extend that run any further following his injury setback at Villa Park. The 31-year-old initially played on after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue just before the break, but he did not return for the second half. Amorim ruled his influential star out of the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle, with severe doubts about his availability for the rest of the Christmas and New Year schedule. “It’s a soft tissue. I think he’s going to lose some games. I don’t know for sure, so let’s…

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has doubled down on his assertion that the current Australian side is the weakest Ashes team England have faced in 15 years, despite the hosts referencing his comments during their celebrations in Adelaide. Ahead of the series, Broad had claimed Australia were at their lowest ebb since England last won the Ashes in Australia in 2010–11, describing his assessment as “not an opinion” but “a fact”. He cited Australia's transition and uncertainty around selection as the basis for his view. Those remarks clearly resonated within the Australian camp. After Australia secured the Ashes with victory in the third Test in Adelaide, Marnus Labuschagne referenced Broad’s comments during a post-match interview with the ABC. Travis Head later added fuel to the fire by posting a photo…

Unai Emery insists Aston Villa will not win the Premier League, but the Spaniard's ecstatic celebration of Morgan Rogers' decisive strike against Manchester United revealed his true feelings about their surprise title charge. Usually a composed figure on the touchline, Emery put his emotions on display for all to see after Rogers produced his second fine finish of the afternoon to clinch a pulsating 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday. The England midfielder's 57th-minute goal prompted Emery to roar in delight before ripping off his jacket and hurling it into the air. It was a fascinating insight into Emery's mindset in the midst of Villa's remarkable 10-match winning run in all competitions. Villa sit third in the Premier League, just three points adrift of leaders Arsenal and one behind…