Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-11 i Sunday Tribune

It has now been more than two years since Tongaat Hulett, South Africa’s 130-year-old sugar giant, entered business rescue. What was supposed to be a bold restructuring has instead devolved into a slow, painful erosion of shareholder rights, creditor value, and public confidence. As of yesterday, the Vision consortium – heralded as the saviour of Tongaat – has failed to deliver even a cent of the promised funding. The April 30 deadline, the fifth to be missed, has passed with silence. No explanation. No accountability. No money. And yet, somehow, the show goes on. Illusion of progress On April 16, a SENS announcement confirmed that the Zimbabwean competition commission had approved the sale of assets to Vision. According to the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs), this was the “last required competition…

The Mommy Club is bringing all the drama and hopefully some resolution to its two-part reunion, hosted once again by the ever-glamorous Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo. The TV presenter, actress, and singer is back on the reunion throne for a second year, and she’s ready to hold all the mommies accountable. This season has been the show’s most explosive yet, spiritual warfare, shifting alliances, and epic fallouts have left the cast divided down the middle. The tension? Palpable. The shade? Premium. The finale? Nothing short of chaotic. So who better to bring order to the mommy madness than the stylishly sharp, cool-headed Ngcobo-Mzolo? “I’m thrilled to be back to help unpack all the drama that’s unfolded this season,” Ngcobo-Mzolo says. “Season three has been nothing short of must-watch television, and I’m taking…

If you rely on your morning coffee to kickstart the day, there might be a way to make it work even harder for you – and it involves adding just one common kitchen ingredient. Health expert Dr Karan Rajan and nutritionist Corey Rodriguez recently shared a tip on TikTok that combines coffee with cocoa for a potential brain boost. The idea is based on the concept of “food synergy” – the way certain foods can complement each other to enhance their health benefits. Corey explained that mixing cocoa into your coffee could lead to greater mental clarity and improved mood. That’s because caffeine (found in coffee) and theobromine (a compound in cocoa) work together to sharpen focus and elevate alertness. Cocoa or cacao – what’s the difference? While many of…

FORMER minister Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the police, who she alleged were dragging their feet in arresting social media activist Goolam Muhammed Suliman Wawda for publicly tarnishing her name through spreading misinformation. The former Minister of Intelligence said on Friday that she would not give up the fight to see Wawda, whose X handle was believed to be @Goolammv, behind bars. Despite opening a case against Wawda at Roodepoort Police Station on July 21, last year, Sisulu has not had any joy with the police’s effort to bring him to book. “I have visited the police to inquire about their progress and am not satisfied with their efforts,” she said. Sisulu said she would fight for her rights by ensuring the police do their job…

Poultry producer Daybreak’s financial troubles came home to roost this week as it undertook a shocking culling of underfed poultry while workers protested over salaries. In an effort to alleviate troubles, Daybreak Foods initiated a search for the Public Investment Corporation’s (PIC) approval to enter business rescue. Corporate affairs specialist Nokwazi Ngcongo said this week that DayBreak Foods was grappling with financial constraints that have hindered its operational capabilities. “The Board has extensively communicated with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the shareholder, and made numerous requests for funding to support operations, including feed for birds and payment of salaries, and continues to engage the PIC in the hope of a positive response,” Ngcongo said. On Friday, trade union federation Cosatu said in a statement: “Cosatu and our affiliate representing workers…

The judicial system may soon see a significant reduction in the backlog of complaints lodged against judges, thanks to a newly introduced bill in Parliament. The Judicial Matters Amendment Bill aims to expedite the handling of these complaints, responding to concerns about delays in the system. This week, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development presented to the Justice Portfolio Committee on the bill, which seeks to amend several pieces of legislation related to the judiciary. One notable proposal includes an increase in the members of the six-member Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC), which is tasked with assessing complaints against judges. The bill suggests expanding the number of judges on the committee from four to eight, along with provisions allowing the chairperson to appoint up to three temporary judges to address…

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 a three-bedroom apartment – sections 4 and 20 at 741 Musgrave Road, Morningside. This sought-after address offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it desirable for families, professionals, and investors alike. The subject property is close to schools, shops, medical facilities, key road networks, and the Durban CBD. The open-plan lounge and dining area features large-format polished tile flooring and have modern blinds, down lighting, and recessed ceiling details. Wide sliding glass doors span the full length of the living area, opening out onto the covered balcony – perfect for sundowners or…

KwaZulu-Natal has always been an important province to different political parties. In 1994, both the ANC and the IFP were determined to clinch KZN, but the IFP emerged victorious. Years later, the ANC joined hands with the IFP to co-govern the province. Subsequently, the ANC won the province. While licking its wounds, the IFP did not give up hope that it would one day reclaim KZN from the ANC. Not to be left out in this scramble for KZN, the DA opted to work with the IFP to neutralise the ANC. Its plan seemed to be on course until two developments happened. The first one was the passing away of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who had been the face of the IFP since its formation in 1975. Even after Velenkosini Hlabisa…

THE latest escalation of military tensions between India and Pakistan is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. Border skirmishes, intensified military manoeuvres and inflammatory rhetoric from both sides have renewed fears of a conflict that could potentially spiral completely out of control. These developments seriously threaten regional stability and international peace and security, prompting urgent calls for de-escalation from the global community. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, a military offensive targeting what it claimed were terrorist infrastructures linked to militant organisations Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. These strikes, India said, were in direct response to the killing of 26 civilians, primarily Indian tourists, in the India-administered region of Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan-based groups for the attack, holding Islamabad responsible. Pakistan viewed the strikes as a violation of…

Kaizer Chiefs ended their 10-year trophy drought with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday. The sold-out Soweto Derby delivered on drama and intensity, but it was Amakhosi who walked away with silverware for the first time since 2015 – and at the expense of their fiercest rivals. Chiefs were handed the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty inside 15 minutes. Pule Mmodi was brought down by Deano van Rooyen, and veteran Gaston Sirino stepped up to convert from the spot in the 16th minute. Pirates hit back almost immediately. Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa, who scored in last week’s league derby, rose unmarked at the far post to head home a 23rd-minute equaliser from a well-delivered free-kick.…

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze beamed with pride as the club ended a decade-long trophy drought, defeating rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in yesterday’s Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It was a victory that meant more than just a cup – it signified the end of years of drought, frustration and rebuilding for a club that once defined domestic dominance. For head coach Nasreddine Nabi and his technical team, led alongside long-time lieutenant Kaze, this was their first major success since arriving at Naturena nine months ago. “It is a very big and nice baby that we’ve just delivered,” Kaze said with a broad smile, referencing the pregnancy analogy he used earlier in the week to describe their season-long effort. The result was all that mattered,…

Proteas Women batter Annerie Dercksen solidified her place in the team and possibly the World Cup side as well, after her breakthrough performance during the Tri-Series event in Sri Lanka. Dercksen earned the praise of her captain Laura Wolvaardt and the rest of her team for her heroic efforts with the bat, seemingly dragging her team over the line as they faced gruelling conditions in Colombo. Dercksen’s mental and physical strength was a ray of light in a dull Proteas performance, losing three matches and winning one against Sri Lanka on Friday. She scored 30 runs against India in the first game and took one wicket, and scored 61 not out in the first game against Sri Lanka, before taking another wicket in the second match against India and scoring…

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to use the frustration of having to give champions Liverpool a guard of honour today (5.30pm kick-off) as fuel to win the Premier League title next season after admitting they have gone “backwards” this term. Arteta’s side are destined to finish the season without a major trophy after failing to keep pace with Liverpool and crashing out of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday. The Gunners’ 2-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain ended their bid to win the tournament for the first time. It was a painful loss for Arsenal, who created a host of chances in the early stages of the second leg, but couldn’t find a way past inspired PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Still licking their wounds from the disappointment in Paris, Arsenal head…

Manchester City were held to a shock goalless draw by Premier League basement club Southampton yesterday, denting their chances of a top-five finish as Brentford and Brighton kept up their push for European qualification. Pep Guardiola’s men were expected to waltz to three points on England’s south coast and pull level with second-placed Arsenal on 67 points. But although they dominated possession, they could not break the deadlock, despite the return to action of top-scorer Erling Haaland, who had been out since late March. The away side dominated possession at St Mary’s Stadium and had 26 shots, but managed just five on target during a frustrating afternoon. “(Southampton were) playing to defend and defend and defend, and waste time,” Guardiola told the BBC. “We take that point still... it’s in…

Dinosha Bhailall, has etched her path in the world of jewellery making, combining cultural richness with modern elegance. At 45, Bhailall from Clare Estate, reflects on a journey that has intricately woven her identity and heritage into each handmade piece she creates. As a daughter, wife, mother, and passionate creator, her story is a celebration of family values and traditions, now transformed into a thriving enterprise known as Symbolic Creations. Bhailall reflects on her upbringing with gratitude, attributing her creative journey to the teachings of her parents, Mr and Mrs Ruggnunan, and the supportive framework of her family and cultural heritage. “If you had told the younger me that I’d be creating jewellery as a form of expression and connection, I would have quietly tucked the idea away like a…

Tourism across Africa is experiencing a steady upswing as more people from around the world seek out the continent’s mix of nature, history, and culture. Whether it’s exploring the pyramids of Egypt, shopping in Moroccan souks, or going on safari in Kenya, Africa is firmly back on the global travel map. The latest figures for 2024 show notable growth in international arrivals, with several countries reporting sharp increases compared to the previous year. This growth points to a positive shift for the continent, supported by better infrastructure, stronger digital connections, and targeted efforts to promote local destinations. A rising interest in authentic travel experiences, whether cultural, ecological, or adventurous, is also helping to drive numbers up. North Africa continues to lead the pack, with countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia…

Towards the end of the month, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will be meeting to make its latest decision on the repurchase rate (repo rate) for the country. Despite inflation being the lowest it has been since June 2020, economists widely anticipate that the central bank will keep the repo rate unchanged in May. Lead economist at KPMG, Frank Blackmore, told Business Report that there is a difference between what the SARB will do and what he thinks the should do. Blackmore said that the SARB’s MPC made it clear that its decisions are data-dependent, relying on both current inflation readings and future inflation expectations. “The latest inflation rate of 2.7% is well below the midpoint of their target (4.5%) and even below the lower…

It’s Mother’s Day, and spoiling the special woman in your life takes centre stage. However, once the celebrations wind down, I would suggest some downtime on the couch, watching Court – State vs. A Nobody on Netflix. It’s a powerful underdog courtroom drama, centred on family, a mother’s unconditional love, and justice, underpinned by a love story. Unpacking powerful themes of misogyny, corruption, poverty, and politics, this Telugu movie is presented with English subtitles. Written and directed by Ram Jagadeesh, who makes his filmmaking debut, the film follows Mettu “Chandu” Chandrasekhar (Harsh Roshan). Chandu’s life is upended when the family of his 17-year-old love interest, Meruvalli Jabilli (Sridevi), falsely accuse him of statutory rape, leading to legal repercussions. With his fate almost sealed, his friends plead with Surja Teja (Priyadarshi…

There’s a reason the old saying “procrastination is the thief of joy” hits home. We’ve all been there, putting off a gym session, postponing that overdue doctor’s appointment, or delaying a tough conversation. It feels harmless in the moment, but behind the scenes, procrastination is quietly chipping away at our mental health. In South Africa, where rising mental health challenges intersect with high levels of stress, especially among young adults and working women, it’s time to take a closer look at the hidden dangers of delaying the things that matter. Research shows that 20–25% of adults are chronic procrastinators, and this behaviour isn’t just about laziness or poor time management, it’s often rooted in anxiety, fear of failure, or perfectionism. When left unchecked, it can mess with your mood, self-esteem,…

The tension within the Government of National Unity (GNU) reached boiling point this week as the DA initiated court proceedings against the Department of Employment and Labour’s controversial Employment Equity Act amendments. The DA’s action has been labelled as anti-transformative and hindering progress towards equality and fairness in the workplace. Its legal fight is seen as a manifestation of long-standing policy disagreements among coalition partners, which political analysts argue were never properly resolved when forming the GNU. Unisa political studies lecturer Professor Dirk Kotze highlighted the absence of a comprehensive policy agreement when the coalition was formed. “What is happening now is that each of them, when they emerge, it becomes a dispute or crisis like it was with the Expropriation Act, the Bela Act, and the National Health Insurance…

In giving Ithala bank the green light to resume its operations, the Pietermaritzburg High Court took into consideration the irreparable damage that the bank, its employees, and the public would suffer. The day-to-day running of Ithala stopped on January 16, after the Repayment Administrator (RA) Johannes Kruger instructed Absa Bank Limited to freeze all the accounts of Ithala. Ithala had been conducting the business of a bank and accepting deposits from members of the public in terms of the exemption granted to it in terms of section 1(e)(cc) of the Banks Act. That exemption expired on December 15, 2023, but Ithala continued to accept deposits and failed to assure the Prudential Authority (PA) that it will cease its deposit-taking activities. On December 18, 2023, the PA appointed Kruger as the…

A Reservoir Hills doctor has been left perplexed after receiving a R2.8 million utility bill from the eThekwini Municipality for April 2025. Dr Terence Govender said his average monthly bill was R8 500 and was left bemused by his latest bill. For March, Govender was billed R2.7m in total, which consists of rates R1 820, Water and Sanitation R1 276, and Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) R256. He was billed R2.3m for electricity and R358 311 VAT. Govender’s bill for last month totalled R91 000. This included water R1 680, electricity R55 000, CSW R256, interest on arrears R23 641, VAT R8 636. His total bill for March and April amounted to R2.8m. Govender said that after he had complained, an official came to his home and business to record…

At just 19, Lusanda Madondo has achieved a remarkable milestone – becoming the youngest graduate of the 2025 University of KwaZulu Natal autumn graduation ceremonies. She received a Bachelor of Social Science in Housing, completing her degree at an age when many are only beginning their university journey. “My passion for human settlements drove me to pursue a degree in Housing,” Madondo said confidently. Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Madondo completed her high school education at Alexandra High School. Her academic interests span the built environment, housing policy, project management, urban and rural development, and community development. Demonstrating versatility beyond academics, Madondo competed in the 2024 Miss Teen Universe South Africa. She proudly placed in the top 80 out of 200 participants from across the country – a testament to her resilience,…

A 10-carat blue diamond which could fetch $20 million (R363m) when it goes under the hammer later this month was presented by auction house Sotheby’s in Geneva on Thursday. The cushion-shaped piece, known as the “Mediterranean Blue Diamond”, was mined in South Africa and displayed a rare colour that qualified as fancy vivid blue, Sotheby’s said. “The market for coloured diamonds continues to go from strength to strength,” said Jessica Wyndham of Sotheby’s, who added that she expected a price in the region of $20 million. In 2016, another vivid blue diamond sold for 56.8 million Swiss francs (R1.2 billion) at a Christie’s auction in Geneva. Sotheby’s high jewellery collection, which includes other coloured gemstones, was presented to journalists in Geneva ahead of a live auction scheduled for May 13…

Mamelodi Sundowns will be aiming to take another major step toward wrapping up yet another dominant Premiership campaign when they host Stellenbosch FC at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium this afternoon (3pm kickoff). The Brazilians are just four points away from clinching an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title, and remain firmly in control at the summit. They’ll be eager to assert their dominance over a Stellenbosch side still battling for a top-three finish and a return to continental football. Stellies recently bowed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after a narrow 1-0 aggregate semi-final loss to Simba SC. Since their historic continental run came to an end, they have since turned their focus back to domestic matters. They currently sit one point behind third-placed Sekhukhune United, but still have a…

Star Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema will captain Bafana Bafana in a decisive African Nations Championship (CHAN) second-leg qualifier against Malawi at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday afternoon. Bafana Bafana will bank on Maema’s experience and leadership as the stakes are high following their narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg, when Kwanda Mngonyama captained the team. Maema’s absence was felt keenly in the first leg as Bafana Bafana struggled to turn opportunities into goals. They succumbed to a late strike from Malawi’s Zeliat Nkhoma in the 88th minute. In the lead-up to this critical clash, Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki expressed confidence in Maema, who demonstrated his captaincy prowess during the earlier CHAN qualifying round. Under his captaincy, South Africa triumphed over Egypt with an impressive aggregate score of 4-2.…

Only five members of the Junior Springbok squad that lost against Australia in the Under-20 Rugby Championship have been retained for Sunday’s massive clash against New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (4.10pm kickoff). Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote continued the trend of making wholesale changes to his side in the tournament as the hosts push for a strong finish. The South Africans had started off with a come-from-behind win over Argentina, before falling short against the resurgent Junior Wallabies on Tuesday afternoon. Foote has included five players from the side that faced Australia for their clash against New Zealand. In the pack, loosehead prop Simphiwe Ngobese, lock and captain Riley Norton and No 8 Wandile Mlaba are retained from the side that fell just short against…

Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United have “so many problems” and deserve criticism despite storming into the Europa League final with a 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao. United went into Thursday’s second leg of their semi-final at Old Trafford 3-0 ahead after the first leg in Spain, but conceded first, and looked nervy and chaotic at times. A triple substitution just after the hour mark changed the game, with one of those brought on, Mason Mount, scoring twice as United roared back to win 4-1, setting up a final clash against Tottenham in Bilbao. But United manager Amorim was not fooled by the score-line as he contemplated the wreckage of United’s Premier League campaign ahead of today’s home match against fellow strugglers West Ham. If the Hammers beat United and…

Robin Williams mania has overtaken the Regnum Carya Golf Resort and Spa here in Antalya, Türkiye after the young South African charged down the back nine to stay in the hunt in second place heading into the final day at the DP World Tour’s Turkish Airlines Open. Williams was mobbed by both teenage boys and girls seeking his autograph and a selfie after the 23-year-old went into overdrive by birdieing five of the last nine holes in his third round on Saturday. After faulting with two bogeys and just one birdie on the front nine, Williams slipped down to six-under at the halfway house, and in real danger of falling out of contention. But that’s when Williams pulled himself towards himself with a birdie spree, which included holding a solid…

Tashmeer Chetty, a second-year student at UKZN BA Drama and Literature actor and a writer and theatre-maker who recently starred in the award-winning short film, Playtime. How long have you been in the arts industry and what motivations you? This year marks my 12th year as an actor. I started when I was 7 years old in a school play, where I portrayed a female domestic worker – a story that will one day go in the biography! Being a performer means there is always something or someone to motivate you. To put it in simple, I think what keeps me motivated is a constant reflection on the status of our performing arts industry and how a once thriving form of expression is reduced to being a niche market or…

The makers of Bhool Chuk Maaf, pictured left, which was initially slated for release on Thursday, announced instead on the day that the film would be released digitally on Prime Video on Friday, in “light of recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation”. The film stars starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi. The news of the postponement, came a day after the Indian Air Force targeted the terrorists’ sites without crossing the Pakistan airspace. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Maddock Films took to Instagram to announce: “In light of recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation, we at Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to bring our family entertainer,…

In a delightful fusion of travel and fandom, Japan’s Oita Airport is embracing cuteness like never before and has rebranded itself as “Hello Kitty Airport”. This whimsical initiative comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at attracting a torrential influx of tourists for the World Expo in Osaka, currently taking place in the country. According to reports from Kyodo News, Oita Prefecture, nestled in the picturesque island of Kyushu in the southwestern region of Japan, is strategically positioning itself to entice visitors with its unique offerings. Japan is known as a destination for anime, manga and out-of-this-world theme parks. Known for hosting a Sanrio character theme park, Harmonyland, the airport will don its new identity for a full six months, making it a focal point for those keen to…

The pain continues for millions of South Africans who have battled their way through the past year, despite the cost-of-living crisis that has all but decimated household budgets across income groups, with no easing up of their financial burden on any front whatsoever. “The past few months have been among the toughest yet for citizens from all walks of life and the tiny petrol price cut announced by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMRE) this week will make no discernible difference in the lives of consumers who are still facing prices above R20 per litre at the pumps. “In addition, rocketing food prices and unsustainably high interest rates keep them locked into a debt cycle that they cannot escape,” CEO of Debt Rescue Neil Roets said. This week…

Gail Mabalane is arguably one of the most talented yet overlooked actresses in South Africa, a claim I don’t make lightly. Mabalane may not have the lengthy acting credentials of her peers, but she has a profound understanding of the craft and exhibits significant commitment through her method acting approach. I still can’t understand why she didn’t bag a South African Film and Television Awards nod for her magnificent portrayal of Zenzi Mwale in the first season of Netflix’s Unseen. Seriously, how could she have been snubbed? After being mesmerised by her performance in the first instalment, I didn’t think she could surpass it. I was mistaken. She blows that performance out of the water in the follow-up season. Gambit Film’s second instalment of Unseen debuted without much fanfare on…

Love songs have an undeniable power that resonates deeply within us, weaving stories of joy, heartbreak, and longing that transcend cultural boundaries. As many social media users express their weariness of artists who seemingly find solace exclusively in this genre - like Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele’s offering, Romeo & Juliet - it’s essential to explore what makes love songs so universally appealing and why they continue to evoke intense emotional responses. For all the concerns about repetitive themes, the success of Romeo & Juliet, which won Best African Pop at this year’s Metro FM Awards, proves that these melodies still strike a chord. This song follows Mawelele’s breakout hit All My Life, a collaboration with Kwesta that gained widespread recognition and also clinched Best R&B at the awards. As listeners,…

Omotoso declared an illegal by SA Home Affairs The Department of Home Affairs has officially declared Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso an illegal person in the country. This comes as Omotoso was arrested in East London in the Eastern Cape on yesterday morning. Omotoso’s arrest comes weeks after he was acquitted on an array of charges including rape, human trafficking and sexual assault. In a statement released by Home Affairs on behalf of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster confirmed that an operation led to the arrest. “The arrest follows the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs (Dr Leon Schreiber) to reject the application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn the earlier decision of the Department of…

East Coast Radio’s (ECR) new weekend breakfast host, Zisto, is adding a fresh dose of zest and feel good energy to kickstart the weekend mornings. Thandi Mhlongo, better known as Zisto, took to the ECR airwaves recently, waking up KZN on Saturdays and Sundays from 6am to 10am. Zisto is no stranger to the mic, having worked on Gagasi FM and Ukhozi FM. She said since starting on ECR she has been receiving a really warm welcome from listeners. “I flow by being my authentic, relatable, energetic self. If there’s one person you want to start the day with, it’s me. Listen to one of my shows and you’ll hear what I mean. “Listeners to my show can expect energy, relatable content and all the great music,” said Zisto. The…

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the National Gambling Board has found that several advertising and marketing practices by gambling operators did not fully comply with the framework of responsible gambling messaging and protecting minors. Tau said the review by the National Gambling Board found instances of inadequate display of responsible gambling warnings. “This is done by a number of players, both on online platforms and in public advertisements. There is also exposure to minors,” he said. Tau was responding to oral questions sponsored by Rise Mzansi MP Maka- shule Gana on Friday, when he en- quired whether the recent advertising and marketing campaigns by gambling and betting companies comply with the National Gambling Act. In his response, Tau stated that the National Gambling Act prohibited placing gambling…

The fate of the controversial so-called Secrecy Bill hangs in the balance as South Africa’s Justice and Constitutional Development Portfolio Committee prepares to deliberate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s constitutional concerns regarding the legislation. Initially introduced in 2010 and revived last year after being dormant for years, the Protection of State Information Bill has sparked contention among lawmakers and civil rights advocates. After Ramaphosa returned the Bill to Parliament for reconsideration, the parliamentary legal services said in its legal opinion that it agreed with Ramaphosa that there was merit in most of his reservations on the constitutionality of the Bill. “These address crucial issues of ambiguity (which could result in abuse of power), unreasonable infringements of rights and applications that could undermine the principle of legality. “Our only point of disagreement…

THE ANC in KwaZulu-Natal said party Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has boosted its morale by commending the provincial structure, under the leadership of Jeff Radebe and Mike Mabuyakhulu, for its “good work” in rebuilding its support base. In his visit to the province early this week, Mbalula said that despite the party having lost some of the recent by-elections, “the comrades (in the Provincial Executive Committee) led by Jeff and Mike have done a good job in a short space of time since they were appointed, and the national leadership will continue supporting them”. The ANC’s National Executive Committee appointed Radebe and Mabuyakhulu as convenor and co-ordinator, respectively, of a reconfigured structure, which accommodates its former provincial chairperson, Siboniso Duma, and former provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo. The party’s provincial spokesperson, Fanle…

THE DA’s decision to challenge the Employment Equity Amendment Act has the ANC fuming. In a strongly worded statement, the ANC accused the DA of “drifting from the spirit of the Government of National Unity and positioning itself outside the project of nation-building and shared prosperity. Transformation, equity, and diversity are not up for negotiation.” This legal challenge follows closely on the DA and EFF’s successful bid to stop the Treasury from increasing VAT by 0.5%. These challenges, including the DA’s intention to challenge the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act and the National Health Insurance Act, are part of a strategy to wear the ANC out by keeping it busy. The persistent bickering between the ANC and DA is to be expected. The GNU is, after all,…

THE search for the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s 10th president is on. The AfDB will hold elections for a new president on May 29 during its Annual Board of Governors Meeting. The current president, Akinwumi Adesina’s second and final term as president of the Bank will lapse in August. Four candidates are in the race to replace him. These include Amadou Hott from Senegal, Samuel Maimbo from Zambia, South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala, and Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania. The winning candidate will have to secure a double majority of the votes from the bank’s 54 regional (African) members on the one hand, and the collective of regional and non-regional members will secure another majority from the regional and the 27 non-regional members combined. Among the bank’s non-regional members are the…

WITH less than four minutes of stoppage time left, the TV cameras panned to Kaizer Motaung Junior in the stands of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The former Kaizer Chiefs striker and son of chairman Kaizer could hardly watch the closing stages of the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates in Durban yesterday. And all the Chiefs fans around Mzansi and even at the stadium would have had the same emotions. Motaung Junior had his head in his hands, unwilling to look up and see the mighty Amakhosi survive the final seconds. But the Chiefs supporters in Durban cheered every save made by goalkeeper Brandon Peterson in the last dramatic moments of the title decider, willing on the referee to blow the final whistle. Eventually the moment came, and relief for…

New Proteas Men’s all-format coach Shukri Conrad will not give any player an “ultimatum”, but has stressed the importance of prioritising the national team ahead of playing in leagues moving forward. Conrad, who has been at the helm of the Proteas Test side since January 2023, was tasked with the additional responsibility of steering both ODI and T20I white-ball teams. The 57-year-old succeeds Rob Walter after the New Zealand-based coach resigned back in April. Upon his appointment on Friday, Conrad was particularly candid about wanting his best players available for all international cricket – both bilateral series and major ICC tournaments. Despite Walter’s excellent ICC tournament record, which included two ODI semi-final appearances (World Cup 2023 and Champions Trophy 2025) and a first-ever T20 World Cup final appearance last year…

The heart of Free State’s football fraternity is racing with anticipation as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie is on the cusp of completing formalities for the return of the defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, fondly known as Siwelele, to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). A consortium spearheaded by McKenzie is orchestrating the transition of the PSL franchise of beleaguered SuperSport United to Bloemfontein Celtic. According to sources familiar with the deal, only the funds have yet to change hands, but information about the agreement suggests an imminent announcement will be made at the end of the current season. McKenzie’s commitment in this saga first came to light in February when he expressed a strong commitment to see the potential return of Bloemfontein Celtic to the PSL. At the time,…

The Bulls’ imperious march to the United Rugby Championship playoffs continued against Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a ruthless performance from their forwards in a commanding first half. The Bulls took their foot off the accelerator in the second half, but convincingly won 45-21 to continue their quest for a second-place finish on the URC points table. Cardiff were in sixth position on the log going into kickoff, but the Welshmen were shut out of the game by a home forward pack led inspirationally by veteran Marcell Coetzee, while tighthead prop Wilco Louw was nothing short of monstrous. The latter has been enjoying a stellar season, and what a boost it will be for the Springboks in the looming international season to have Louw in this…

THE involvement of Indians in combat, dating back to the 1800s, has been documented and is on display at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg. The Indian military history museum project, which included historical research, fundraising as well as designing and implementing, was achieved thanks to the military veterans, their families, sponsors, and Friends of the South African Indian Legion (Sail). The South African Indian Legion (Sail) of Military Veterans, is a non-profit company with the primary objective to research, document and promote South African Indian military history and its heritage. Last year a plaque commemorating Indian soldiers who died in service during World Wars I and II was mounted at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Parktown, Johannesburg. Vinesh Selvan, Sail’s spokesperson, said the…

As those with wanderlust embark on adventures across the globe, there is a growing interest in destinations that promise rich biodiversity and unspoiled landscapes. These places, characterised by their thriving native wildlife and environmental beauty, offer experiences that resonate deeply with travellers, providing an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. Over the last decade, nature-based tourism has not only become more popular but has also emerged as a fundamental driver of economic growth and conservation efforts, supporting nearly 22 million jobs and contributing more than $120 billion to the global economy. This shift towards nature tourism has transformed community attitudes towards conservation, reflecting a newfound awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations. Where once local communities viewed wild animals as threats, the allure…

As winter approaches, many adventurers prepare for trips to cold places around the country. However, packing for these cold-weather excursions can be a daunting task, especially when balancing the urge to stay warm with the necessity of travelling light. But with some strategic planning and a few clever tricks, you can fit everything you need into a carry-on bag. Winter travel packing begins with understanding that heavy, bulky clothing is not the way to go. Instead, embrace the power of layers. Layers not only provide flexibility in varying temperatures, but also help you save precious space in your luggage. Pack layers, not bulk Instead of stuffing your suitcase with thick sweaters and large sweatshirts, opt for thinner insulating layers such as base layers, long-sleeve t-shirts, and lightweight sweaters. This layering…