Sunday Tribune 2025-07-13

The relentless, grinding problem of unemployment – and youth unemployment in particular – is understandably a recurring priority in virtually all government, civil society and business engagements. There is universal acceptance that this is the most pressing threat to the country’s long-term stability. But the conversation often jumps from proposed policy interventions straight to the desired outcome: jobs. What’s often missing is an obvious but critical fact: an efficient state can only absorb so many workers. If we are to create jobs at scale, they must come from private businesses. But pro-business interventions only succeed if there are actual businesses – and entrepreneurs – positioned to take advantage of them. What we should be most obsessed with, then, is building an education system that consistently produces business creators and leaders.…

In the heart of the Free State, a story of resilience and determination is unfolding. Puleng and Johannes Matthews, a married couple and the dynamic duo behind Shine Jewellery and Accessories, transitioned their dreams into reality through a shared passion for jewellery and a commitment to their community. Their journey, marked by challenges and blessings, showcases how faith, creativity, and entrepreneurship can illuminate even the darkest paths. Puleng, 33, and Johannes, 35, met during their studies in jewellery design and manufacturing. While Puleng was embarking on her second year at the Central University of Technology, Johannes was in his first year at Virginia Jewellery School. Their relationship blossomed in 2013, leading to their marriage in 2017. As Puleng graduated, she encountered the harsh realities of job hunting in a saturated…

As of August 1, South Africa is bracing for a significant blow to its economy, with a 30% tariff hike imposed by the United States. This decision, announced by US President Donald Trump, threatens to disrupt South Africa’s export industries, jeopardise thousands of jobs, and worsen the already fragile financial situation for many consumers. “Tariffs may be imposed at government level, but the real impact will be felt by ordinary people,” says Neil Roets, the CEO of Debt Rescue. “When exports drop, local businesses are forced to scale back. That means job losses, reduced income, and financial instability for thousands of South Africans who are already buckling under a financial burden that has driven millions of households to the edge of despair.” The tariffs, announced by US President Donald Trump,…

Several years ago, an itch to take kiddies’ storytelling further saw Phil Cunningham and his wife Jacqui make an interesting leap into film-making from chicken farming. It was on the back of the release of Phil’s children’s book, The Legend of the Sky Kingdom. This endeavour evolved significantly when he and his wife established Sunrise Animation Studios. Their debut project was Africa’s inaugural feature-length animated film, rendered in 3D motion style, based on Phil’s book. What was remarkable about this undertaking was that it was based on puppets and a set design made out of trash sourced from a scrapyard closeby to their office. In doing so, they pioneered an animation style known as junkmation. The film was screened at festivals all over the world, and it led to the…

Baby season is in full swing in celebville as another pregnancy is announced. Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku embraced a new chapter as she ecstatically revealed that she is expecting her second child. The actress shared on her social media platforms last week that her family is growing as she shared heart-warming pregnancy photoshoot pictures, posing with her husband, Roger Tau and their first child. The carousel showed Manku and her husband wearing matching black and white outfits, with the actress wearing a tiara that says “Mom To Be”. The 33-year-old captioned her post: “An answered prayer. An addition to my family. Most people know the heartbreaking tragedy that happened in my life, the past years being a blur at times kodwa (but), at the end of it all, God…

If you enjoyed Ozark, then The Waterfront is a must-see. My curiosity was piqued after seeing countless binge-watchers rave about it on social media, and I can confirm: it did not disappoint. Interestingly, the eight-part series is inspired by real-life events. The dysfunctional Buckley family is at the heart of the narrative. The Buckleys are an influential family that dominates the local fishing industry in Havenport, North Carolina. Aside from their fishing empire, they run a restaurant, which has been in the family for a long time. Unfortunately, the health setback of patriarch Harlan (Holt McCallany), who has survived two heart attacks and is not entirely out of the woods, has seen him step back from operations, leaving the business in a precarious financial position. As such, his wife Belle…