Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-04 i Sunday Tribune

While there have been calls for Enoch Godongwana to resign, South Africa’s Finance Minister announced this past week that a third Budget Speech will be taking place later this month, on May 21. The announcement came after the 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) reversal, which was proposed in the March 2025 Budget, with the matter being taken to court by the DA and EFF. In February, the minister’s first budget attempt was thwarted by political parties in Parliament, as the minister proposed a larger VAT increase of 2%. Godongwana said that the Budget of March 12 and the proposed VAT increase sparked rigorous debate. “This is welcomed in a healthy democracy. Today there is clarity that VAT will remain at 15%. This decision was shaped not only by political debate but…

Fans are in for a treat today as Lucasfilm announces the all-new animated anthology series of Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, set to premiere on Disney+. Releasing on the Star Wars holiday, the highly anticipated series promises to take viewers on a journey to the darker side of the galaxy, exploring the untold stories of the underworld. The series follows two iconic villains, Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, as they navigate the complexities of the dark side. Ventress, once a feared assassin and bounty hunter, is presented with an unexpected chance at redemption and finds herself on the run with an unlikely ally. Simultaneously, Bane is forced to confront his past when he encounters an old friend who has now become a Marshal. With a talented voice cast, including…

Physical activities are set to kick into high gear as the weather starts to heat up in South Africa. And whether it is a yoga class, a running programme, sports or going to the gym, it is essential to be conscious about your health and hygiene, which applies to your hair, too. Experts at international hair extensions retailer, Roxy Hair, explained that if the correct precautions aren’t taken, exercising can make your hair more susceptible to breakage, giving it a dry and brittle appearance. “Sweat can also cause your hair to become greasy, making you more vulnerable to breakouts,” they said. “Because of this, it’s essential to be conscious of your hair’s health while exercising over the summer.” Here is their guide on how to protect your hair during workouts.…

In a significant move that promises to reshape the landscape of South African horse racing, Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings, commonly known as Hollywoodbets, has acquired Gold Circle, the prominent racing operator in KwaZulu-Natal. The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Hollywood and sets the stage for a new era as Cape Town and KZN horse racing are now in the same stable. The KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority has given the green light to the transformative deal, paving the way for a brighter future for the horse racing industry in the province. In a landscape where corporate responsibility often takes a back seat, Hollywoodbets has emerged as a source of hope for sports and community initiatives across KZN and beyond. Hollywoodbets has also channelled significant resources to breathe new life into the…

Prince Harry, pictured, said on Friday he wanted to reconcile with Britain’s royal family, but was “devastated” at losing a court battle over his security that meant he felt unable to return to the country with his family. Visibly upset, Harry revealed to the BBC that his father King Charles III no longer speaks to him over the security issue and after he published a memoir critical of the royals, and urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to intervene. “Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course they will never forgive me for lots of things. But... I would love for reconciliation,” he said. The prince, who is also the Duke of Sussex, stepped down from royal family duties in 2020, and…

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has evacuated 144 people whose homes were damaged after recent heavy rains caused severe mudslides in uMlazi H Section, in Durban. Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the team is collaborating with the ward committee to complete the evacuation of the remaining 72 residents. He noted that some of these individuals were currently at work, while others were temporarily residing with relatives. “We continue with the verification process to ensure that nobody is left behind,” he said. This comes after six people were injured in P Section last week during the same storm as a result of mudslides. KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi ordered that these affected residents in P Section be relocated and that an evaluation of the…

Over 5 000 local and international athletes will make their way through the city’s streets today in the Durban International Marathon. The fifth edition of the marathon will see runners, including elite athletes, attempt the 42.2km and 10km race from Prospecton on the south near the old airport to People’s Park. This year the marathon will include the prestigious 2025 CAA – Southern Regional Marathon Championships. Since inception, the event has attracted elite athletes from around the globe, including past champions like Isaac Mpofu, Tebello Ramakongoana, Sian Oldknow and Elroy Galant. The event, hosted by Newlands Athletics Club, promises to deliver another chapter of racing history, following last year’s record-breaking performances by Gelant (2:09:33) and Oldknow (2:29:46). The winners today will receive R75 000, while second and third place will…

The three Free State police constables whose bodies were recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion, Gauteng, will be honoured with official police funerals. The victims – Keamogetswe Buys, 30, Boipelo Senoge, 20, and Cebekhulu Linda, 24 – were reported missing for over five days before their bodies were recovered. They were last seen on Thursday morning, April 24, at a petrol station near the Grasmere Toll Plaza in a white Volkswagen Polo hatchback en route to Limpopo from the Free State. A collective memorial service will be held on Tuesday with individual funeral services planned for each constable. Following their disappearance, the SAPS launched a large-scale search operation involving police divers, drones and rescue teams. The operation focused on the N1 highway, nearby waterways, and the Hennops River, where…

Kawasaki has recently revealed its computer-generated concept for the Corleo, a “robotic horse”. The video shows the automated equine galloping through valleys, crossing rivers, climbing mountains and jumping over crevasses. The Corleo promises a high-end robotic solution to provide a revolutionary mobility experience. Kawasaki’s current motorbikes are constrained to roads, paths and trails, but a machine with legs has no boundaries – it can reach places no other vehicles can go. But in the case of the Corleo, how feasible is it to achieve such a level of agility and balance, while safely carrying a human through natural environments? Let’s discuss what would be needed to achieve this. A robot is a complex machine with two main components: a body and an information processing unit. The body has a particular…

The winter season is gradually creeping in, and thanks to their ‘red hot’ properties, Orlando Pirates are turning up the heat when it matters the most. Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng assisted and scored for Pirates as they beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at a sold-out FNB Stadium yesterday. It was a much-needed win for Pirates that they bounced back to winning ways after losing back-to-back games in the CAF Champions League and Premiership. This league win also brought a much-needed boost for Pirates ahead of their follow-up derby against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final in Durban next Saturday. Pirates will have to thank their youngsters Nkota and Mofokeng for this victory as they continued to be the team’s knights in shining armour. Chiefs, though, will have to bounce back…

NO matter what happens next weekend and in the remaining matches of the season, Jose Riveiro has secured his status as an Orlando Pirates legend as Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs ensured that. In leading the Buccaneers to completing a season double over Amakhosi, the Spaniard equalled the record of the most derby wins by a coach of either Soweto giants in the Premier Soccer League era. This was his fifth win, the same number as that of former Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter. The soft-spoken coach, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, could well go ahead of the Englishman before he returns home to Vigo. All he needs to do is to ensure Pirates hold on to their Nedbank Cup title when they play…

Earlier this year, Russell Domingo received his first T20 league stint as head coach of the Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. Since taking over the side last month, the former Proteas mentor has helped the side secure second place in the current standings with two more round-robin fixtures left before the knockout stage of the tournament gets underway. In an exclusive interview with Independent Media this week, Domingo highlighted the differences between coaching in international cricket and in the T20 leagues. “It’s my first venture as a head coach in the league space, and it’s totally different to coaching in a domestic team or national team in terms of time to prepare, in terms of selections, in terms of management,” he said. “But it’s been a great…

The Sharks will welcome back Eben Etzebeth for Friday night’s United Rugby Championship match against the Ospreys in Durban (7pm kick-off). But while the Bok enforcer was missed last week in Belfast, Vincent Tshituka proved a more than able replacement in the second row. The elder of the Tshituka brothers finished high in the forward statistics from round 16 of the tournament and topped some of them. Tshituka was supposed to start on the flank against Ulster, but not long before kick-off, Etzebeth was ruled out of the match because of flu. That required Vincent to take his place, while brother Manu joined the match-day squad on the bench. The Sharks recovered from 0-19 after a poor first half to win the game 22-19, with both Tshitukas enhancing their reputations.…

At 43 years old, Viveshni Joseph is not just a devoted mother and wife; she is the founder and macaron maven of Madame Macaron, an innovative boutique business dedicated to bringing the art of French macarons to South Africa. Joseph has turned the delicate art of macaron-making into an accessible celebration, showcasing her love for these vibrant French confections over a thriving 13-year journey. Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, her journey into the world of macarons began in 2012, a time when these delicate confections were far from commonplace in SA. Initially made for fun and to impress friends, her macaron experimentations captured the attention of many, transforming a casual pursuit into a thriving enterprise. Through encouragement from a relentlessly entrepreneurial friend, she took the exciting step of selling…

IN MAY, the spirit of Africa Month ignites a fervent exploration of the continent’s unparalleled beauty, particularly its incredible safari destinations. Africa is the world's foremost wildlife haven, making it the ultimate sanctuary for safari enthusiasts. The term "safari" originates from the Swahili word meaning "journey", a fitting descriptor for these immersive adventures aimed at observing wildlife in its natural realm. Embarking on a safari is not just about witnessing majestic animals in their habitats; it is a transformative experience that offers numerous benefits. Firstly, safari travel allows individuals to reconnect with nature, providing a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The serene landscapes and the sounds of the wild create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and mindfulness. Safaris also foster a deep appreciation for…

While the latest inflation data for South Africa showed an easing, food prices in the country saw a sharp increase. This past week, data released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) in its April 2025 Household Affordability Index showed that the price of a basic food basket increased by almost R100 month on month. Last month, consumers had to fork out R5 420.30 to fill up a basic food basket. That means the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R90.94 (1.7%), from R5 329.36 in March to R5 420.30 in April. The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R83.99 (1,6%), from R5 336.31 in April 2024 to R5 420.30 last month. In April, of the 44 foods tracked in the basket,…

If you enjoy a slick action thriller in a similar vein to the Race and Dhoom franchises, then Siddharth Anand’s Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins won’t disappoint. Aside from the star-studded casting of Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Kunal Kapoor, the film is bolstered by a witty script, laden with deception and one-upmanship. The Netflix Bollywood film, with English subtitles, underpins the action with family drama as Rehan Roy (Ali Khan) is sought out by his younger brother Avi (Gagan Arora). Having been cut off by his principled doctor father, Jayant (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), who learned of his fraudulent lifestyle, Rehan has been harbouring lots of resentment towards him. However, when he learns that his estranged father has unwittingly gotten into business with Rajan Aulakh (Ahlawat), an unsavoury art…

When was the last time you cleaned your make-up bag? Some people are very good at keeping their make-up brushes and sponges clean, but not many take the time, or even think about, cleaning the bag they keep their products in. Now, you’re probably wondering why you should worry about the bag itself since it’s meant to keep your favourite products protected and in one place. You might not realise this, but your make-up bag probably isn’t the cleanest thing in your bathroom. Many of us toss our make-up bags in our handbags and have most likely opened them up in a public bathroom to do quick touch-ups. Moreover, you often open it with hands that may not be clean. Now, can you imagine what that means for your make-up…

FREEDOM is not a state; it is an act. These words by John Lewis resonate deeply as we reflect on the meaning of freedom in South Africa today. The word “freedom” is so frequently used – and often abused – that it risks becoming a cliché. Yet, its essence remains profound and indispensable. In her book Another Freedom, Svetlana Boym reminds us that imagining freedom requires contemplating both “what is” and “what if”. This duality invites us to critically examine the constraints shaping our lived experiences while envisioning possibilities for progress. For South Africans, this exercise carries particular urgency. Once admired for its resilience, South Africa now faces significant challenges. Political and economic uncertainties highlight the depth of our national crisis. Democracy, which triumphed at the end of the Cold…

Devika Hunsraj, a survivor of Myanmar’s 7.9-magnitude earthquake, still cannot believe she made it out of the rubble that was once her apartment building. The earthquake, which flattened skyscrapers from Myanmar to Thailand, left thousands of people dead, injured and missing. The epicentre was in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. Hunsraj, 51, of Broadlands in Durban, who is still healing from her injuries, said she was happy to be home. She completed a year last month teaching English, science and maths at Higher Champs International School (HCIS) in Mandalay. On the day of the earthquake, March 28, Hunsraj had returned from school on the last day of the academic year, to her Sky Villa Condominium apartment building in Mandalay. “I put my bag down and was get- ting ready to…

South African endurance swimmer, Sarah Ferguson, is encouraging people to be part of the country’s biggest open ocean swim event and its war to Save Our Sea (SOS). The fourth annual Breathe World Ocean Day Swim will take place on June 7, and will be leading the battle against plastic pollution in the ocean. The popular mid-winter swim will be held at the Durban Beach Club this year, a day before World Ocean Day is celebrated globally. Ferguson, from Durban North, the driving force behind the event, is challenging fellow swimmers to respond to the SOS call to reduce plastic pollution. “I encourage people to come out and support a cause. Every cent will go towards educating future generations and hopefully inspire change. Our event showcases how we can save…

Ratepayer associations in the eThekwini Municipality continue to advocate for oversight of infrastructure projects to ensure budgets are spent accordingly and get value for money. Alicia Kissoon, eThekwini Ward 23 and DA councillor, said they were alarmed by the findings presented at the Finance Committee meeting of March 2025, which confirm that the municipality is failing to invest in basic infrastructure while its financial position worsens. Kissoon said the municipality had spent just 7.87% of its total budget on capital projects like water, housing and electricity. She stated that the municipality claimed that 96% of its grant funding had been spent, including internal transfers and operational costs. However, according to the municipality’s own financial tables, only 55% of capital grants have been spent, leaving over R1.48 billion outstanding. “That means…

THE chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo, has commended SANDF soldiers for their successful deployment in Goma as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). The troops have now safely returned home, marking the end of a critical mission that sought to stabilise one of Africa’s most volatile regions. Speaking at a press briefing held in Parliament on Friday, Mahumapelo expressed pride in the ambassadorial role played by the SANDF during their deployment. “South Africans should remain proud of the ambassadorial role the South African army has played despite the challenges it experienced during deployment at this specific Goma mission,” he said. The SANDF was deployed to Goma in December 2023 to assist the Congolese government…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two properties that will go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on May 28 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is an eight-bedroom home at 14 Campbell Drive, Herrwood Park, uMhlanga. Sought-after Herrwood Park is known for its security, pristine streets and tranquil atmosphere. The area is also close to educational institutions, shopping centres, restaurants and medical centres, along with King Shaka International Airport. The subject property is a short walk away from the uMhlanga beaches and offers sweeping ocean views. It features an open-plan layout that blends multiple living zones and comprises: Two elegantly appointed lounges, a formal dining area, and a gourmet kitchen, anchored by full-height glass doors that open onto the terrace Kitchen…

THE tension within the Government of National Unity (GNU) surrounding whether or not there should be an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) exposed the policy vacillation within political parties. Civil society groups, trade unions, grassroots movements and left-leaning political parties took to the streets well before the announcement to reject the regressive tax that would disproportionately affect people experiencing poverty. The Treasury nonetheless proceeded with the tabling of the VAT proposal. When opposition intensified, the government retracted the proposal for the national Budget to pass. The game has become tiring for countless South Africans for whom the gap between government promises and reality keeps widening. Rising unemployment, failing public services, the rising cost of living and ongoing inequality are leading to growing disappointment with the post-apartheid government. While some…

The death of Pope Francis on April 21, after being at the helm of the Catholic Church as the first Latin American pope for 12 years, immediately sparked a conversation about who his successor would be. As he was being laid to rest in an elegant ceremony on April 26, tongues had already started wagging and names of potential successors were being thrown around. The process of choosing the new pope – known as the conclave – is set to begin on the May 7 when the observation of the nine-day mourning period ends as stipulated by the church tradition. A total of 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will be eligible to cast their secret vote for Francis’s successor handing him the authority over 1.4 billion Catholics around…

Orlando Pirates cast another shadow over Kaizer Chiefs’ darkening season, weaving fresh heartbreak into a web of turmoil with a 2-1 triumph at the FNB Stadium yesterday – a third defeat in five, as the once-mighty Amakhosi stumble further into the gloom. In a season that began with promise only to falter when it mattered most, Pirates may have been wounded. But they arrived for this clash unbroken – facing a familiar rival, whose own campaign had unravelled into disappointment. Yet, with a rivalry steeped in legacy, this was no match for foregone conclusions. Excitement was brewing from outside the stadium, with the thousands of fans streaming into the Calabash. No one was giving anything away, and quietly, it was Pirates’ fans that were the more confident of the two…

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff believes his former star driver Lewis Hamilton will be back to his best despite a difficult start to life with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion left Mercedes after 12 years to join Ferrari this season, but the 40-year-old has been well behind teammate Charles Leclerc so far. The Briton’s only success this year came in the sprint race in Shanghai, and Wolff said ahead of today’s Miami Grand Prix that the win was enough to show that Hamilton still has what it takes. “We have seen that magic in the sprint race in Shanghai. He dominated that race, and it is not like you have that magic in one race – and then suddenly you lose it in the following one,” said the Mercedes team CEO.…

Akani Simbine once again showed that he means business in 2025 when he held off the challenge from Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson to win the 100m race at the Diamond League meeting in Shanghai yesterday. South African star Simbine was victorious in last week’s event in Xiamen, but that field didn’t include Jamaican speedster Thompson, who finished second to American Noah Lyles in the Paris Olympic final last year in the same time of 9.79 seconds. Simbine finished fourth on that occasion with a new SA record of 9.82, but is determined to reach the podium this year at the world championships in Tokyo in September. The 31-year-old already claimed a bronze medal in the 60m race at the world indoor championships in China in March – having also…

Actor Silambarasan released the hilarious trailer of director S Prem Anand’s much-awaited horror comedy Devil's Double Next Level (DD Next Level) this week, featuring actor Santhanam in the lead. Taking to his timeline on X, Silam- barasan aka Simbu wrote, “Big cheers to @iamsanthanam and the entire team on the grand trailer launch! Looks super fun and exciting — wishing you all a massive success! Can’t wait to catch it on the big screen!” The film, which is the next instal- ment in the hugely successful Dhillukku Duddu (DD) franchise, is scheduled to hit screens worldwide on May 16. The trailer of the film starts with Selvaraghavan, who plays the devil in the film, inviting Santhanam, a film reviewer, to watch a special show of a film at a theatre…

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia will be seen sharing screen space with actor Sidharth Malhotra in the folk thriller Vvan, which is expected to be released next year. The official Instagram handle of Balaji Motion Pictures dropped a haunting teaser, unveiling Bhatia’s foray into the world of mythology and mysticism. The spine-chilling clip opens with her stepping barefoot onto something sharp, flinching – but undeterred. With a fiery torch in hand, she ventures into the heart of a forest, setting the tone for a tale shrouded in mystery and magic. “Rooted in Indian mythology and mysticism, VVAN – Force of the Forrest unfolds a tale straight from the pages of history and folklore. Delighted to welcome @tamannaahspeaks to this powerful narrative – a force in her own right, ready to command the…

Eskom’s latest push to enforce registration for all grid-tied solar systems, even those that don’t feed into the grid, has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s solar sector. As commercial and industrial businesses increasingly turn to renewables to escape erratic power supply, these new requirements raise serious questions about legality, cost, and Eskom’s role in shaping South Africa’s energy future. Eskom’s registration mandate Eskom recently intensified efforts to ensure all grid-tied solar power systems are registered, regardless of whether they feed electricity back into the grid. The power utility claims this move is primarily about safety, citing the need to maintain network integrity and referencing standards such as NRS 097-2-3 and the South African Distribution Code to manage power flow and mitigate risk. Yet, this approach has been met with criticism.…

Whodunits are immediately lapped up by viewers. And it attracts more attention when it centres on a missing child à la Broadchurch, Marcella, True Detective and Alert: Missing Person Unit. Disney+ recently dropped The Stolen Girl, a five-part series based on Alex Dahl’s 2020 novel, Playdate. The first episode transforms from calm to chaotic when Elisa Blix (Denise Gough) reluctantly agrees to let her daughter Lucia (Beatrice Cohen) sleep over at her new friend Josephine’s house. After briefly meeting the mother, Rebecca Walsh (Holliday Grainger), Elisa, a flight attendant, drops off some of Lucia’s things and makes arrangements to have her lawyer husband, Fred (Jim Sturgess), collect their daughter. The couple also share a son, George. However, when their attempts to reach Rebecca to collect Lucia go unanswered the next…

I’m sure many of us have walked into a supermarket to buy “just a few things” but ended up walking out with a whole lot more than we intended to. Even if you feel guilty about overspending and blame it on a lack of willpower, it's important to recognise that supermarkets use subtle tactics designed to encourage you to buy more. Supermarkets are masters of subtle persuasion, using a variety of psychological tricks and strategic layouts designed to make you spend more. Here’s how they do it and tips on how you can fight back. Store layout Most supermarkets are designed so that the essential items like milk, bread and eggs are placed at the back of the store. This forces you to walk past dozens of attractive displays to…

THIS week, the international community once again stood still and listened to harrowing evidence of Israeli brutality amid its genocidal mission in Gaza and the occupied territories of Palestine, where more than 50 000 people have been killed since October 2023 and more continue to die every hour, week and month. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held the hearings pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 79/232, which requested an Advisory Opinion on the “obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international organisations and third states”. The resolution was initiated by Norway and supported overwhelmingly by the UN member states. Simplified, the UN is keen to hear what legal opinion the highest court in the world can give over what is…

ALTHOUGH South Africa’s indigenous plants have been grown around the world since the 1600s, many are barely known in their home country. When the first South African bulbs, such as the Blood Lily were first seen in Europe, they caused a sensation. Plant collectors wondered what else the Cape had to offer. Plenty it turned out. With more than 2 500 species, it was the richest collection of bulbs on Earth. Over time, collectors discovered that the rest of the country also contained a treasure trove of fascinating and unusual plants and trees. In a new book, South African Indigenous Garden Plants: the gardeners guide, the authors encourage the use of local plants which no longer represent a niche market but an international industry. Nurseries continue to introduce new species…

The EFF has escalated its criticism towards Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, demanding that he bear the costs associated with the R2.3 million wasted on his ill-fated Budget Speech in February. The Red Berets MP Omphile Maotwe made the call almost a week after Godongwana and Parliament suffered legal costs after the EFF and the DA took Godongwana to the Western Cape High Court over his first attempt to increase the valued-added tax (VAT). Maotwe, whose party had called for Godongwana to step down due to the Budget delivery fiasco, described the R2.3m, which was spent preparing for the Budget, as wasteful expenditure. “All of this was avoidable had the minister simply listened to the millions of South Africans who rejected the VAT increase and demanded an inflationary adjustment to personal…

Two months since the Western Cape High Court was proclaimed in Saldanha Bay, judgment was delivered on Friday in the trial of Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn for their roles in the disappearance and trafficking of 6-year-old Joshlin. Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the case, delivered a detailed judgment that recapped a highly emotive and complex trial that began on March 3. The venue, White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville-turned courtroom, was proclaimed a High Court venue under special judicial authority due to the extraordinary nature of the case and logistical constraints in the region, and public interest surrounding the case. Erasmus thanked the community members who prayed and stood vigil outside the courtroom throughout the proceedings. Hours after the judgment, the place…

THE Vatican City has announced Wednesday as the day of the papal conclave after the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday and who was buried last Saturday. Because of his revolutionary approach, Pope Francis has been referred to as the most progressive pope of all time. As the first Latin American pope, Francis was working to get the church to have tough talks about issues like women’s ordination and acceptance of LGBQTI Catholics. More cardinals from outside of Europe joined the conclave during the pontificate of Pope Francis. There has been a compelling case for a black pope to succeed him since his death. The subject of a black pope isn’t as progressive as some who make this argument would like to think, in my opinion, as a…

Old Johannesburg Warehouse (Old JW) Auctioneers’ Durban branch has a bumper sale of more than 800 lots of antiques, artworks, collectables, jewellery and coins, taking place live online on May 12 and 13. Rare treasures to be discovered on the sale include a 19th Century scale model of a ‘man-o-war’ sailing ship crafted from small bits of bone. Charles Kerr, a specialist valuator for the company, said: “The piece was possibly made by a French prisoner of war who found his way to an English prison during the Napoleonic wars. Such prisoners were often conscripts who were artists or sculptors, and who had no place on the battlefield. It was fairly common practice for such prisoners to fashion elaborate artworks from their weekly ration of soup bones.” In keeping with…

In the culture of the ANC, those who serve in the provincial legislatures and the National Assembly are expected to visit their constituency offices whenever Parliament is in recess. This is done to achieve a dual aim. Firstly, it allows them to report to their constituencies on what they had been mandated to do. They highlight their achievements and identify some glitches. Ideally, they should also seek advice on how those hurdles could be overcome if they cannot do so on their own. Secondly, constituency meetings allow elected representatives to solicit views on a wide range of issues and to receive a fresh mandate from their constituencies to take to the different parliaments when the latter resume their work. This is an old practice that has kept the ANC in…

SEVENTY years ago, from April 18 to 24 1955, a bold assembly took place in Bandung, Indonesia. Twenty-nine newly independent African and Asian nations united in defiance of colonial domination and Cold War bipolarity. The ANC, represented by Moses Kotane and Molvi Cachalia, also attended. This historic gathering – the Bandung Conference – marked the first large-scale Afro-Asian summit dedicated to mutual co-operation, peaceful coexistence and collective sovereignty. Bandung asserted the rights of developing nations to sovereignty and self-determination. Central to the conference were 10 guiding principles, Dasasila Bandung, that remain relevant today: Respect for fundamental human rights and UN Charter principles. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Recognition of racial and national equality. Non-interference in internal affairs. Respect for national defence rights under UN norms. Rejection of collective…

WHEN the Proteas’ premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returned home early due to personal reasons from the Indian Premier League last month, not much was read into his return. However, in a statement released by the South African Cricketers’ Association on Saturday, it has been revealed that there was more to the 29-year-old’s early return from the IPL than the country thought. The SACA statement highlighted that the fast bowler returned after testing positive for a banned substance, and Rabada confirmed on Saturday that the substance taken was a “recreational drug”. The fast bowler is currently serving a provisional suspension, and it is not yet clear as to how long the suspension is. “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal…

Manchester City moved closer to qualifying for the Champions League as Kevin de Bruyne sealed a vital 1-0 win against Wolves on Friday night. Pep Guardiola’s side are embroiled in a tense battle for a top-five finish in the Premier League, and De Bruyne lifted them to third place with his first half strike at the Etihad Stadium. For just the second time in a turbulent campaign, City have reeled off five successive wins in all competitions. It was a major boost to their hopes of securing a place in Europe’s elite club competition. “We are better than we were weeks ago. If we play like we did today, it is really good – but we cannot relax. Winning in that way is good, because it will make us realise…

Kwanele Kubheka (30) is a mother of four, an entrepreneur and a social media influencer who is no stranger to the spotlight. She has been traditionally married to her partner for more than a year, and their relationship has often made headlines, with many weighing in. When the opportunity to join The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) came, Kubheka saw it as the perfect platform to share her story and set the record straight. “People often think they know me based on what they see on social media, but there’s so much more to my life,” she says. “I’m not here to prove anything to anyone – I’m simply being myself. If that helps clear up any misconceptions, then great. At the end of the day, this is my real…

South African organisations have condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in India in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The brutal terror assault on April 22, which left the world in grief, unfolded in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. Four heavily armed terrorists, two of them from Pakistan, emerged from the surrounding dense forests and opened indiscriminate fire on tourists. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of South Africa held a mass prayer appeal for the Pahalgam terror attack. “These are targeted attacks on Hindus and reflect Hindu hate not only in the Jammu Kashmir region of Pahalgam but other countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. We call upon…

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra has wrapped up the shoot for her upcoming Netflix series and shared her experience. The actress spent two months in the mountains, describing the time as peaceful and quiet – contrasting sharply with the intense and emotionally charged scenes she filmed. Calling the project a “lovely vacation” and an “acting workshop,” Chopra expressed gratitude to her co-stars, director Rensil D’Silva, and producers Siddharth and Sapna Malhotra for making the journey memorable. The Ishaqzaade actress also showered love on her co-stars, referring to them as her “fellow screamers” – a nod to the high-octane nature of the show. She tagged co-actors Tahir Raj Bhasin, Jennifer Winget, Harleen Sethi, Chaitannya Choudhry, Sumeet Vyas, and Anup Soni, saying: “I would choose nobody else to do these crazy scenes with.”…

In an exciting revelation for lovers looking to plan their next getaway, Cape Town has officially cemented its status as a romantic haven by ranking 12th on a newly released list of the world’s most romantic destinations. This accolade highlights the Mother City’s charm and allure, proving that it indeed belongs among some of the most cherished cities globally for couples seeking love and adventure. The research, conducted by swimwear experts at Pour Moi, aimed to compile a bucket list of the best romantic getaways for the summer 2025. While cities like Paris and Rome have long been synonymous with romance, London has emerged as the ultimate destination for couples. With a Romantic Score of 79.11, London clinched the top spot, followed closely by New York and Miami. Here is…