Star 2025-12-29

Major League DJz are asking for the Fast & Furious franchise to put South African motorsport culture on the global stage. The twin duo recently called on the beloved franchise to add local spinning star Sam Sam, whose real name is Samkeliso Thubane, to its cast when the series returns. They quoted a post that was shared by actor Tyrese Gibson, asking him to consider getting Sam Sam in the movie. “Super dope.. but please can you add SAM SAM to this franchise. Best spinner driver in the world. Proudly South African. You would never REGRET IT” Those who agreed flooded the comment section in support of Major League DJz’s request, with many already imagining how Sam Sam’s skills could translate on screen. “Imagine him opening the movie with them…

Horror fans have a new reason for excitement following the release of the Ready or Not 2: Here I Come trailer, building on the success of the first film. The trailer suggests that Grace's terrifying ordeal is far from over in the sequel. After the terror and struggles of the first film, Ready or Not: Here I Come, the trailer for the sequel reveals that Grace, played by Samara Weaving, realizes her nightmare is far from over. Having barely survived the initial attack by the Le Domas family on her wedding night, the game isn't finished for her. She must now fight for her life once more, this time against more than just one family. The sequel trailer reveals Grace fighting for her survival, with her estranged sister Faith, played…

In the first episode of Taylor Swift’s new docu-series, the cameras follow her backstage while she’s dressed in one of the sparkly costumes that she wore on her blockbuster Eras Tour. Just minutes before she is about to perform at London’s sold-out Wembley Stadium, the pop superstar stops in an area with a small sofa, where she sits down and cries. Her mother, also in tears, approaches with a tissue. “I know you helped them,” Andrea Swift says. “I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I know you helped them.” The moment was filmed right after Swift met privately with survivors and families of the victims of horrific violence weeks earlier in Southport, England, when a 17-year-old boy stormed a Taylor Swift-themed dance class with a knife and…

South Africa has been named the world’s most generous nation in a new global study, highlighting the country’s enduring spirit of Ubuntu. The ranking comes from digital financial services provider Remitly, which surveyed over 4 500 people across 25 countries. Rather than focusing solely on financial contributions, the study measured generosity through broader human behaviors such as empathy, emotional support, patience, kindness and putting others first. “Just like our previous studies on the friendliest and funniest nations, we turned to science to identify which countries are the most generous,” Remitly said. The study used the Interpersonal Generosity Scale (IGS), developed by Christian Smith (University of Notre Dame) and Jonathan P Hill (Calvin College). The scale measures generosity beyond money, assessing how people demonstrate empathy, patience and a willingness to put…

The family of former Gauteng health MEC Brian Hlongwa says he fought very hard to clear his name until his death, according to SABC News. Hlongwa died in hospital on December 23 after a short illness. At the time of his death, he was facing fraud, corruption and money-laundering charges linked to alleged irregularities during his tenure as Gauteng’s MEC for health. SABC News reported that the family said Hlongwa consistently denied wrongdoing and was determined to prove his innocence through the courts. The matter had not been finalised at the time of his passing. Last week, IOL reported that the ANC in Gauteng mourned Hlongwa’s death, describing him as an astute and seasoned political educator who played a significant role in political education within the movement. In a…

The family of Siyabonga Patrick Mzulwini is appealing to the public for assistance after he was swept away by floodwaters in Amanzimtoti during severe storms on December 21 and remains missing. His eldest daughter, Luyanda Dube, said the incident has left the family devastated and the Christmas period had been very difficult. “Our family and neighbours did not get to celebrate Christmas. We are deeply hurt and we’re hoping that he may be found,” she said. Mzulwini was among five people travelling back home from a braai, when their vehicle broke down on a low-lying bridge amid heavy flooding in Amanzimtoti. Two people survived the incident, while police search and rescue and other emergency services recovered two bodies. According to the two survivors who later spoke to the family,…