Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-31 i Star

AI artist Xania Monet has responded to criticism from R&B singer Kehlani, music executive Jermaine Dupri and all the artists who have not supported her work by releasing a diss-style record titled Say My Name With Respect. Monet did not let bygones be bygones after Kehlani and Dupri made comments on her music. The AI singer answered using what sparked the debate in the first place, and that’s the music. The song dropped on December 19, and directly addresses the growing backlash around AI artists, particularly questions about authenticity, effort and whether a non-human act deserves space in an industry built on lived experience. While Monet doesn’t name names, the references are just hard to miss. The song’s lyrics hint at public comments made by Kehlani and others about AI…

A grade 12 pupil at Tlego Tawana Secondary School in the North West has died after he was allegedly forcefully taken to an initiation school. Onalenna Booi, a 19-year-old from Ditlhakong East Village, near Mafikeng, was taken to the initiation school after writing his matric examinations in late November. It has been reported that his family was unaware of his whereabouts. He was found dead on December 26, after a case of a missing person was reported to the police. Expressing his sadness, school principal Pogiso Tshipo said he was expecting a bachelor’s pass from the deceased learner. “As the school principal for this learner, I am extremely devastated by this sad news. I was expecting a bachelor’s pass from this learner because I know that he was one of…

Gambling is a silent but destructive epidemic that is fast becoming a crisis in South Africa. The most recent financial year saw South Africans spend R1.5 trillion on gambling activities, up from R1.1 trillion the previous year. The ease and convenience of online gambling have only exacerbated the problem, leaving a trail of negative consequences, from financial ruin to diminished family life and even associated drug and substance abuse in some instances. According to Dr Thelma Oppelt, spokesperson for the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), gambling is often seen as harmless fun: a few bets on a horse race, a spin of the slot machine, or a quick wager on a sports match. But beneath the flashing lights and promises of easy money lies a powerful psychological pull…

While speeding remains a primary cause of road fatalities – highlighted by a driver recently clocked at 245km/h on the N1 – the alarming death toll among pedestrians is an increasingly urgent challenge this festive season. Alcohol is a significant factor in these fatalities. Intoxicated pedestrians are highly vulnerable due to impaired judgement, often leading to jaywalking or walking on dangerous roads at night. Studies indicate that alcohol is implicated in approximately half of all road deaths in South Africa, with pedestrians accounting for a large proportion of these victims. Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku points out that: “Far too many of these incidents, particularly those involving alcohol and vulnerable road users, are entirely preventable. As we continue through the festive season, I urge every road user to make…

US President Donald Trump warned Iran of fresh strikes and said Hamas would have “hell to pay” if it fails to disarm in Gaza, as he presented a united front with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week. Speaking at a news conference with Netanyahu in Florida, Trump threatened to “eradicate” any attempt by Tehran to rebuild its nuclear programme or ballistic missile arsenal following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year. Trump also downplayed reports of tensions with Netanyahu over the second stage of the fragile Gaza ceasefire, saying that Israel had “lived up” to its commitments and that the onus was on Palestinian militant group Hamas. “If they don’t disarm as they agreed to do, then there will be hell to pay for them,” Trump told reporters at…

MOSCOW: Russia accused Ukraine this week of having fired dozens of drones at one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, an accusation that Ukraine called a “lie” aimed at undermining US-led efforts to end the war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who does not typically announce drone strikes, said Ukraine had fired “91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles” at Putin’s home in the Novgorod region between late Sunday and this week, all of which were shot down. “Given the complete degeneration of the criminal Kyiv regime, which has shifted to a policy of state terrorism, Russia’s negotiating position will be reconsidered,” Lavrov said, without elaborating or providing evidence for Russia’s assertions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called Russia’s claim “a complete fabrication” designed to undermine the peace process, but US President Donald Trump…

As 2025 draws to a close, South Africa finds itself in that familiar place, somewhere between disbelief, irritation, pride, and occasional awe. The year has thrown everything at the nation, from police corruption scandals and healthcare failures to violent crime and floods that reminded us just how small a paper boat can feel in a storm. And yet, amid the chaos, there were bright spots, moments of ingenuity, and victories that made us sit up and say, Okay, we can do this. Let us start with the story that had everyone shaking their heads and muttering under their breath: the South African Police Service (SAPS). Allegations that parts of the police are for sale dominated headlines all year. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi did not hold back, claiming that criminal…

Johannesburg Human Settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso has issued a warning that anyone acting as a landlord at the illegally occupied Ginger Park informal settlement in Paulshof will face criminal charges. “We will not allow these building hijackers to behave as if they own the City of Johannesburg,” Mabaso said. This comes in the wake of a recent oversight by the department, during which a resident at Ginger Park demanded R50 000 per family member before agreeing to vacate the area. The visit, led by Mabaso, followed a court order to relocate residents from the illegally occupied land between Witkoppen and Main roads. Ginger Park is home to over 400 people living in makeshift structures, with no access to basic services such as water, sanitation, or electricity, and the area has…

Across South Africa on December 31, people will be ushering in the New Year with various celebrations that at times include fireworks. Fireworks displays can be great to watch, but they can pose a danger to people and animals. In various cities across the country, various regulations have been implemented to ensure public safety. In KwaZulu-Natal, fireworks may only be discharged between 23:45 to 00:15 on New Year’s Eve. Breaching bylaws can result in prosecution and fines (e.g., R2500). In Gauteng, fireworks may only be discharged between 23:00 and 01:00 on New Year’s Eve, and on New Year’s Day, it is from 19:00 to 22:00. According to City by-laws, fireworks are only permitted without permission on specific days and times. Setting them off outside the permission timeframes carries a fine.…

Autocratic leaders in Africa like their numbers to be in the high 90s, it appears. In October, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan won a highly dubious 98% of the presidential vote, perpetuating the ruling party’s grip on power to 60 years. During the same month, Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982, secured an unprecedented eighth term in office. It will allow him to serve until he turns 99. In neither case were elections deemed free or fair, and in both cases protests and severe government crackdowns followed. Yet, while the outcome was ultimately the survival of incumbent governments, these elections are quite telling about the changing fortunes of autocracy in Africa. “How Autocrats Compete” showed how Tanzania and Cameroon used to reflect two different strains…

China launched missiles and deployed dozens of fighter aircraft and navy vessels around Taiwan yesterday for a second day of live-fire drills aimed at simulating a blockade of the self-ruled island’s key ports and assaults on maritime targets. The two-day war games, code-named “Justice Mission 2025”, began Monday and were slammed by Taipei as “highly provocative and reckless”. China claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has refused to rule out military action to seize the island democracy. Journalists in Pingtan – a Chinese island that is the closest point to Taiwan’s main island – saw a volley of rockets blast into the air yesterday at around 9am, leaving trails of white smoke. At least 10 rockets were launched in quick succession, each sending a booming sound reverberating…

The US hit and destroyed a docking area for alleged Venezuela drug boats, President Donald Trump said this week, in what could amount to the first land strike of the military campaign against trafficking from Latin America. The US leader’s confirmation of the incident comes as he ramps up a pressure campaign against Venezuela’s leftist President Nicolas Maduro, who has accused Trump of seeking regime change. “There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” he told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “So we hit all the boats and now we hit the area, it’s the implementation area, that’s where they implement. And that is no longer around.” Trump would not say…

SAO PAULO: The metropolitan region of Sao Paulo, the most populated urban area in Brazil, is facing an emergency in its drinking water supply, authorities said this week. According to authorities, the current water crisis is the result of an intense heat wave, a sharp rise in consumption, and a persistent drought that has left reservoirs at critically low levels in the South American area with around 20 million inhabitants. The crisis came amid structural changes in the sanitation sector. In 2024, the Sao Paulo government privatised the Basic Sanitation Company of Sao Paulo State (Sabesp), the largest publicly owned sanitation company in Latin America, which since August has applied overnight cuts to drinking water service. According to a Sao Paulo state government release, data from Sabesp show that water…

WHEN JP Pietersen came through at senior level at the Sharks in 2006, the backline coach was Ricardo Loubscher, who would guide Pietersen through his long career in Durban. Loubscher, now the backline coach of the Lions, is up against the player he helped mould and who is now in the coaching hot seat at the Sharks. The Lions visit the Sharks on Saturday at 3.30pm, in what will be Pietersen’s third match in charge since taking over from John Plumtree. Loubscher says he is not surprised that the Sharks won their first two matches under his former prodigy. “JP was always a passionate Sharks player, and I am not surprised that since he took over, the Sharks are on the up,” Loubscher smiled. “The body language of the players…

Since the 2025 AFCON began on December 21, the continental showpiece has delivered its fair share of subplots, incidents, and talking points. As AFCON enters the knockout phase, we examine five key talking points. Free entry initiative AFCON host Morocco adopted an innovative approach to enhance matchday experiences and address low ticket sales. Applicable to fixtures with lower demand, fans were admitted to stadiums free of charge 20 minutes after matches began. In one case, the DR Congo versus Benin crowd doubled from 6 703 to 13 073. The move highlights Morocco’s proactive approach to enhancing the fan experience. It addresses the logistical challenges of hosting large-scale events, positioning the nation as a progressive leader in African football. Zidane snubs France The move took world football by storm after Luca…

Bafana Bafana secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against neighbours Zimbabwe on Monday evening, in an electrifying Group B clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The outcome propelled Bafana Bafana into the knockout stages, where they will face the second-placed team from Group F. This will be either Cameroon, Ivory Coast, or Mozambique. This five-goal thriller showcased the resilience of the South African side, particularly after a strategic substitution proved to be a game-changer. South African coach Hugo Broos made a pivotal decision at half-time, substituting Yaya Sithole for Bathusi Aubaas. The decision followed a frustrating first half, where Sithole had squandered two promising header opportunities — misses that cost Bafana crucial momentum leading into the second half. With the match tied at 1-1 at the break,…

South African broadcaster Hulisani Ravele has revealed on social media why she chooses not to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s the conventional way. “Things you do not wish me: Merry Christmas. Happy New Year on Jan 1st,” Ravele wrote. “I may live in a world that dictates a particular way of life or marks certain things because ‘that’s what we know and have always done,’ but my spirit moves to a different rhythm. And don’t get me wrong, you don’t need to dance to my beat, just let my drum play freely. Breathing the same air doesn’t mean we’re on the same wavelength. Nor do we need to be.” Her post drew responses from fans who resonated with her perspective. Thulani Malevu commented, “Nazo, an awakened great spirit.” Gomotsegang Kwena…

The South African Police Service has sounded the alarm following a rise in drink-spiking cases at nightlife hotspots as the festive season draws to a close and New Year celebrations continue across the country. According to SAPS, criminal syndicates are using young women to target men at taverns, nightclubs, concerts and other places of leisure. Several cases have been reported in provinces including Gauteng and the North West, where men who left drinking spots with women they had just met were later robbed and, in some instances, killed. Police say the syndicates operate in organised groups, with young women allegedly sent into nightlife hotspots to identify potential victims while accomplices monitor their movements nearby. Once a target has been selected, the woman approaches the victim and often suggests leaving together…

Four people have been rescued after they were trapped in a motorboat hanging off the dam wall at Grootdraai Dam in Standerton, Mpumalanga on Monday evening. N17 Emergency Response said the incident unfolded around 6:45pm, prompted an urgent call for assistance from Delta 1 Rescue, leading to a swift response from emergency teams. The emergency service said the response team arrived at 8:30pm. In a coordinated rescue effort, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was also deployed to ensure the safety and swift recovery of those involved in the incident. To mitigate the dangerous conditions, responders opened three sluice gates to lower the water level at the dam wall. This action, however, resulted in increased water levels downstream, prompting authorities to issue urgent advisories to residents in low-lying areas. Officials…

While Wednesday is the final day of the year, it also brings to a close Advocate Anton du Plessis’s time at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Du Plessis, the NPA’s deputy national director of public prosecutions, resigned for personal and family reasons. NPA communications head Bulelwa Makeke confirmed the news to IOL. “In August 2025, he informed President Cyril Ramaphosa of his intention to vacate office at year-end for personal and family-related reasons,” Makeke said. “The President approved his release with effect from December 31, 2025.” Makeke said Du Plessis played an important role in strengthening governance. “He will be missed by colleagues and partners who worked alongside him to stabilise and reposition the organisation under demanding conditions.” Du Plessis said: “I am grateful to President Ramaphosa for the opportunity…

The effective planning and delivery of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Africa is severely constrained by the lack of reliable data. Intellectual disability is characterised by significant limitations in: • intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) • adaptive behaviour (a range of everyday social and practical skills) which originate before the age of 22. Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of chronic conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behaviour areas. Intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome are some of the conditions. South Africa measures disability at population level using the Washington Group Short Set of six functional questions. This ensures international comparability. But it doesn’t adequately capture intellectual and development disabilities. This is because the questions…

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper this week ordered an urgent review into what she said were “serious information failures” in the case of a British-Egyptian activist who was awarded citizenship despite “abhorrent” past social media posts. Alaa Abdel Fattah this week apologised over the resurfaced posts in which he called for violence against Zionists and police, as opposition lawmakers urged the UK government to revoke his citizenship. The posts, dating back to 2010, came to light just days after Abdel Fattah returned to Britain following years of diplomatic efforts by London to secure his release from detention in Egypt. Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously said he was “delighted” he had been reunited with his loved ones. His office has now said he was unaware of the tweets until after he…

DAKAR: Media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on the junta that seized power in Guinea-Bissau last month for “safeguards for journalistic freedom” in the small west African country. The army in the coup-prone nation seized power on November 26 after ousting outgoing president Umaro Sissoco Embalo in the wake of a presidential vote. The military then suspended the electoral process and announced it was taking control for a period of one year, and this month published a “charter” laying out a legal framework for the transition. But, according to media watchdog RSF, the military leaders have told all media outlets in the country “to co-operate in order to avoid disseminating information and messages inciting violence and civil disobedience, on pain of immediate closure”. “Media executives have said they…