Sunday Tribune 2025-05-25

In a world increasingly defined by immediacy, interconnectivity, and relentless information streams, traditional media – particularly newspapers – face existential questions. Yet, despite decades of predictions proclaiming the death of print, newspapers continue to persist. The question now is not whether newspapers will survive, but how they must evolve to remain relevant. As we stand at the intersection of digital fatigue and content abundance, there is a compelling case to reimagine the role of newspapers—not as relics of the past, but as curated, future-focused knowledge platforms that prioritise depth over speed, clarity over clutter, and insight over immediacy. Evolution of media: from press to platform To understand the future of newspapers, we must first revisit the evolution of media itself. Historically, newspapers were the gatekeepers of information. The printing press…

In the bustling heart of Sandton, 30-year-old Tokologo Phetla, fondly referred to as “The Commodore”, is spearheading a transformative wave of innovation across the African continent. As the founder and CEO of Commodore Industries, Phetla is not just building businesses; he is creating pathways for a brighter, self-sufficient Africa through energy, logistics, and industrial innovation. Commodore Industries, under Phetla’s visionary leadership, has emerged as a formidable player in the renewable energy sector. The company focuses on last-mile renewable energy development and financing, crafting affordable and reliable energy solutions that are paramount for both public and private sectors. The organisation has diversified into coal, modular-based Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, utility-scale battery energy storage, and vital transmission infrastructure, positioning itself at the core of Africa’s energy future. Phetla’s entrepreneurial journey…

South African Tourism hails Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 held in Durban last week as a huge economic boost. SA Tourism said that the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, have been significant. “The direct economic impact of Africa’s Travel Indaba on Durban’s GDP is estimated at R574-million, with direct spending totalling more than R232-million, highlighting the substantial economic benefits.” SA Tourism added that the event created over 2 000 jobs, particularly for the youth and local communities, with an anticipated household income contribution exceeding R140 million. “Current figures (still to be audited) indicate that Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, themed ‘Unlimited Africa’, hosted more than 9 990 attendees, marking an impressive 7.7% increase compared to 9…

Not that we needed yet another reality series based on the lives of influencers, but here we are. House of Streams is the latest concoction in the ever-growing crossover between internet fame and reality TV. This time, the twist is crypto. The Netflix series throws eight popular streamers into a luxury villa, arms them with challenges, and promises a Bitcoin prize currently worth over $108 000 (R1,9 million) to the last creator standing. Hosted by sports and entertainment presenter Nicole Holliday, the show aims to shake up the genre by putting livestreaming at its core. Each moment is broadcast with a live chat feature, giving viewers front-row seats and direct influence over what happens next. Streaming, once a niche hobby for gamers and tech heads, is now a full-blown industry.…

On the back of The Four Seasons being given the green light for a second instalment, I decided to check out the series, which has been delighting streamers with its relatable themes. Adapted from the 1981 film of the same name, directed by Alan Alda, the eight-part series is created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield. Alda makes a cameo in it. Whether you are married, in a long-term relationship or divorced, the story arcs in the eight-part series will strike a chord. Heck, even if you are single, watch it as a cautionary tale. The first episode sees six close-knit friends reconnecting for a weekend break. Kate (Fey) and Jack (Will Forte) are college sweethearts. Danny (Colman Domingo), who is Kate’s longtime friend, is married to Claude…

Through a lens of love, nostalgia, and self-discovery, Nonnas is a heart-warming Netflix film that explores grief with tantalising recipes as a backdrop. It’s the kind of offering that you want to watch with the family, especially for its life lesson on the importance of bonds, whether it’s by blood or choice. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the biographical comedy drama boasts a heavyweight cast of Vince Vaughn, Joe Manganiello, Drea de Matteo, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Linda Cardellini and Susan Sarandon. The film opens with a flashback to Joe Scaravella’s (Vaughn) childhood in 1980s Brooklyn, where his mother and nonna (grandmother) would whip up the most tantalising meals for their get-togethers with family and friends. In particular, the taste and aroma of his grandmother’s sauce remain vivid in…