Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-03 i Sunday Tribune

In a bold leap for South African fintech innovation, a new app is reimagining the way we give and invest. Squirrel Away, a first-of-its-kind platform in the local market, offers a simple yet powerful alternative to traditional gifting: instead of toys or gift cards, friends and family can now contribute directly to a child’s financial future. Launched in May 2025, Squirrel Away has quickly gained traction on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, drawing in hundreds of users within its first few weeks. At its core, the app enables anyone to gift investments, without any minimum deposit requirement, through a user-friendly interface. More than just a convenient tool, it’s a platform with a powerful purpose: fostering long-term wealth and financial literacy, starting from childhood. A vision born…

It was one of those weeks where I wanted to just have a good laugh, and I found a sure-fire bet to do that with Shifting Gears on Disney+. With Tim Allen (Home Improvement) and Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls) heading the cast, it looked like the perfect vehicle to help me unwind. In this frenzied binge-watching era, where you try and keep up with the deluge of content across streaming platforms, not forgetting traditional TV offerings, it can drive you mad. This 10-part dysfunctional family comedy, following the traditional American blueprint, allows you to simply pause and enjoy. Look, it’s not a trailblazing offering that flips the genre on its head. It’s just a well-written and well-cast offering. Still grieving over his late wife, Matt Parker (Allen) keeps busy…

RECENTLY, the SAPS appealed to the public not to share false information over the kidnapping of a businessman who is believed to be still held by his captors. The businessman, Jerry Boshoga, a farmer from the North West was abducted in November last year. SAPS was appealing to the public after several social media posts were shared about his apparent death. The police have confirmed that there has been no news on his release or his death; understandably, such false information is distressing to his family. Earlier last month, an elderly couple in Malaysia travelled for more than 370km from Kuala Lumpur to visit a tourist attraction they had seen. On arrival, it turned out that their tourist destination, a purported scenic cable car ride in the quiet town of…

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is set to meet with KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, tomorrow. The high-level meeting is aimed at forging stronger co-operation between Parliament and the South African Police Service (SAPS). A senior management team from the SAPS will also be in attendance. Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell last month, alleging collusion between politicians and criminals, resulting in Police Minister Senzo Mchunu being placed on suspension. The engagement between the parliamentary delegation and KZN police will focus on identifying key areas of cooperation among them. The meeting was spearheaded by KwaZulu-Natal NCOP whip Mzamo Billy and was part of a larger stakeholder engagement programme. Billy will be accompanied by a provincial delegation. “The NCOP has a constitutional duty to listen and to act to…

In a moment of triumph for the residents of Yellowwood Park and surrounding areas in Durban, the Coedmore Bridge has officially reopened to motorists more than three years after its devastating destruction during the catastrophic floods of 2022. The completion of this essential infrastructure project, confirmed by DA councillor Andre Beetge, marks a significant step towards restoring connectivity and normalcy for the local community. Beetge, a member of the eThekwini executive committee, was present on Friday to witness the first cars cross the newly constructed bridge, which boasts a price tag of R47 million. “According to our knowledge, the R47 million bridge is complete and ready for use although clean-up and tidying operations will continue,” he revealed in an interview yesterday. The first person to cross the bridge from the…

Anele Zama never imagined that stepping away from her corporate job would lead her to a rewarding career dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. After volunteering for Made for More, a non-profit company and Public Benefit Organisation, Zama realised her true calling was to make a difference in the lives of others. Six years later, she now serves as the organisation’s manager, championing a cause that uses sport as a vehicle for empowerment and inclusion. Founded by Julia van Zyl, Made for More has its headquarters in Amahlongwa, near Scottburgh on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The organisation’s mission revolves around leveraging sport to bring hope, foster relationships and instill values while equipping athletes with disabilities to pursue their sporting careers both provincially and nationally. It offers a range of…

The KwaZulu-Natal government does not have sufficient resources to manage disasters in the province, so they have engaged in many Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with various social partners to assist. These partnerships promote an inclusive, well-coordinated, and responsive disaster management system within the province, remarked Dr Joey Krishnan, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) acting HOD. Krishnan was speaking on Friday, at a presentation to the KZN Legislature Cogta portfolio committee on the disaster management report. She said the social partners assist Cogta with various types of support, relief material, food, blankets, as well as specialised training, and they come to the front when there are disasters. She said the collaboration was aimed at enhancing disaster management operations across the province. The presentation to the committee highlighted grants…

Apartheid’s last president FW de Klerk’s foundation has added its voice in calling for South Africa to stop being overly reliant on the US and look elsewhere for trade deals amid concerns over US President Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs on exports. In what could be seen as the country’s population banding together against the economic squeezing tariffs, the foundation echoed DA leader John Steenhuisen’s call for the country to spread its wings wider, looking for alternative markets across the world. Steenhuisen, in his capacity as Agriculture minister, said recently that the country was strengthening its trade alliances with countries such as Chile, Peru and New Zealand “to jointly lobby for fair and stable trade treatment of fresh produce” through the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters. He said the…

In response to rising complaints regarding the unauthorised sale of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses in KwaZulu-Natal, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has pledged to take decisive action against any form of criminality associated with these government-built homes. The RDP initiative is designed to provide low-income South African families with access to decent housing. On Friday, Duma highlighted a rise in reports over the past few weeks from community members and councillors who are alarmed by the illegal transactions involving RDP houses. “In particular, there has been a groundswell of complaints about the illegal selling of RDP houses to illegal foreign nationals in various parts of the province,” said Duma. He said the department has also received a letter from the representatives of the March-and-March organisation…

JEFF Radebe, ANC KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Convenor, this week issued a warning to South Africa’s political landscape explicitly challenging entrenched power structures, political opponents and high-profile figures undermining the nation’s constitutional progress. In his Freedom Charter Lecture delivered at Unisa on Thursday, Radebe made a call to resist those seeking to dismantle the gains of decades of struggle for justice, and a clarion for radical reform rooted in the ideals of the Freedom Charter. “These formations, which mushroomed in the aftermath of the 2024 electoral outcomes, seek to construct a society that is the antithesis of the Freedom Charter,” Radebe said, criticising emerging political entities that “mobilise on the basis of racial exclusion and chauvinism”. He cautioned that these groups aimed to “reverse the gains of constitutional democracy” and “restore elements…

The ruling ANC convened a landmark Liberation Movements Summit from July 25 to 27, gathering six southern African liberation parties including MPLA (Angola), Swapo (Namibia), Frelimo (Mozambique), Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe) and CCM (Tanzania) to deliberate on the theme: “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa”. Conspicuously absent, however, was Zambia’s United National Independence Party (UNIP), the liberation movement led by the late president Kenneth Kaunda. This party offered refuge to the exiled leadership of the ANC and embraced thousands of young South Africans who crossed borders to join the national liberation Struggle against apartheid. The ANC, as a liberation movement, had its headquarters in Lusaka under the protection of UNIP, and the Zambian people sustained its operational lifeline. The organisers of the summit have…

Across Africa, a new political wave is capturing public and media attention, the rise of what can be termed Traorism Fever. Named after Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the military leader of Burkina Faso who seized power in 2022 through a coup d’état, this phenomenon reflects growing public admiration for his unconventional leadership style. Traoré has emerged as a central figure in Africa’s ongoing struggle for economic justice and sovereignty. He champions beneficiation – the local processing of Africa’s raw materials – as a key strategy for reclaiming control over national wealth. Under his leadership, Burkina Faso has begun to assert greater authority over its natural resources, insisting that the benefits of extraction stay within the continent and serve African populations first. By challenging exploitative mining contracts and resisting external influence, Traoré…

For decades, countless US officials have proclaimed that the bonds between the US and Israel were unbreakable. Now, the ties that bind are laced with genocide. The two countries function as accomplices while methodical killing continues in Gaza, with both societies directly, and differently, making it all possible. The policies of Israel’s government are aligned with the attitudes of most Jewish Israelis. In a recent survey, three-quarters of them (and 64% of all Israelis) said they largely agreed with the statement that “there are no innocent people in Gaza” – nearly half of whom are children. “There is no more ‘permitted’ and ‘forbidden’ with regard to Israel's evilness toward the Palestinians,” dissident columnist Gideon Levy wrote three months ago in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The biggest Israeli media outlets echo…

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says the team is in sync with the demands of the club and its fans, which is why they believe they are on the right track. Sundowns are vying for a record-extending ninth Premiership title this season, having dominated the local league for the past eight campaigns. They’ll be confident of going all the way, following an impressive outing at the Fifa Club World Cup, which further endeared them to football fans around the globe. But while winning the league is almost expected of the team, they also need to challenge for trophies both domestically and on the continent. They missed out on the CAF Champions League crown by the narrowest of margins last season, losing to Pyramids in the final. On home soil, they…

It's been 31 years since the All Blacks last suffered defeat at their Eden Park fortress. The 23-20 loss to France on July 3, 1994, featured one of the most iconic tries in rugby history, known as “the try from the end of the world.” That try, scored four minutes from the end of the Test, originated deep in France’s own half. Legendary wing and captain Philippe Saint-André started a counterattack, running the ball from 80 metres out. The ball passed through nine pairs of hands in just 27 seconds before reaching fullback Jean-Luc Sadourny, who dotted down. It’s still regarded as one of the most beautifully conceived tries in the history of the game. Since that iconic match against the French, the All Blacks have gone 50 matches without…

Summer holidays are often the highlight of the year – a chance to unwind, explore new destinations and make unforgettable memories. But as much as we daydream about white sandy beaches, bustling cities or tranquil countryside escapes, the reality is that a successful holiday doesn’t just happen. It takes planning – often more than we think. So when should you start making those plans, and what’s the best way to go about it? Here’s a detailed guide to timing your summer break perfectly and ensuring everything goes smoothly from booking to boarding. The best time to start planning your summer holiday Start early! If you already have a specific destination or travel window in mind – especially during peak months like December to February – it’s wise to start planning…

Brandishing water pistols and banners that scream “Tourists go home!”, locals in a number of European cities are on the warpath against unchecked rentals and overtourism that is drastically changing their way of life. Whether it is the ancient streets of Barcelona in Spain or the crowded waterways of Venice, locals are turning up the heat on their governments to do something about the burgeoning tourism industry that is making life unbearable. Even Cape Town residents are feeling the pinch, with rentals skyrocketing, in part due to digital nomads being happy to pay inflated rent because they are paid in foreign currencies. Citizens of these magical tourist spots bring to mind the fable of the farmer whose goose laid a golden egg. Driven by greed, he killed the goose in…

Generation Z is entering the workforce in numbers too large to ignore. By 2030, they’ll make up nearly 40% of South Africa’s working population. They are young, ambitious, tech-savvy, and largely uninsured. In a country where private medical aid remains unaffordable for many, a worrying number of Gen Z employees are going without any form of health cover. This isn’t due to negligence. It’s economics. The average Gen Z worker, either fresh out of university or early in their career, simply doesn’t earn enough to justify paying thousands of rands a month for traditional medical aid schemes. As a result, many are walking a tightrope without a safety net. The high cost of poor cover The implications for employers are bigger than they may realise. A generation under financial pressure…

After decades away from the golf course, iconic actor Adam Sandler is back on the green in the highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 sports comedy classic, Happy Gilmore. This time around, Happy (Sandler) is the opposite of what his name suggests. He’s a washed-up, legendary world golf champion who is now an alcoholic. He has liquor stored in canisters shaped as a TV remote control to a cucumber, and even a cellphone. If you’re worried about not having seen the original film, fear not. Happy Gilmore 2 begins with a recap that perfectly captures the essence of the first movie, making it easy for newcomers to jump right in. Happy’s journey continues as he grapples with the loss of his wife and the challenges of raising five grown children,…

If you’ve been scrolling through #FitTok lately, you’ve probably seen people raving about “Japanese Walking”. It’s not exactly new; this clever twist on interval walking has been around for years, but the trend has found fresh legs on TikTok. It promises a simple, free way to lose weight, boost heart health, and spice up your daily walk, no fancy gym needed. At its core, Japanese walking is just interval walking alternating between three minutes of brisk, heart-pumping strides and three minutes of slower recovery walking. Repeat this for 30 minutes, about four times a week, and you’ve got yourself a routine that researchers say can transform your body and mind. Why is everyone suddenly obsessed? One reason is how doable it is. “Exercise matters and intensity matters,” explains Laura Richardson,…

Recent reports regarding the DA-led City of Cape Town’s installation of permanent waste interceptors in 20 rivers and canals is a success story in environmental stewardship. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and his administration deserve high praise for the initiative in securing a lasting environmental solution to the city’s pollution challenges. At a time when South Africa is struggling to deal with a pollution crisis, this initiative demonstrates what a city can achieve when smart engineering and political will are combined. These simple yet effective waste interceptors, strong metal grids that trap plastic and litter while letting water pass through, are already having a visible impact. By preventing rubbish from reaching our oceans and beaches, they protect marine life, preserve ecosystems, and move towards restoring the integrity of urban waterways. But, most…

Kwazulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says he will not hesitate to take drastic measures, including reshuffling his cabinet, should he find reliable evidence against his two MECs, Nomagugu Simelane and Sipho Hlomuka, who are accused of misconduct. Simelane, who is in charge of Health, and Education’s MEC Hlomuka have been in the news headlines over the past weeks for the wrong reasons. They both submitted comprehensive representations to give their side of the story on the allegations to the premier on Friday. Talking to the media during the opening of two state-of-the-art schools in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal, immediately after receiving presentations, Ntuli said his office was still studying the MECs’ submissions and will apprise the public at a later stage. His spokesperson, Bongani Gina, said the reports were with the provincial…

Eswatini human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi has launched a High Court bid to gain access to five “dangerous” convicted criminals deported to the country from the US. Nhlabatsi is challenging the prison authorities’ refusal to allow him to meet and consult with the detained men. According to media reports, the deported men intend to challenge their presence in eSwatini. Sunday Tribune reported that the deportation of the five hardened criminals, a decision by US President Donald Trump’s administration, reportedly took Eswatini citizens and activists by surprise and shock. Speaking to IOL on Friday, Nhlabatsi said his commentary was limited because the matter was before the courts. “However, the core of my application is to ask the court to grant me an order to access the deportees. I have been given…

WHEN a young, petite, white shop assistant of a popular Durban CBD bookshop with a love for the arts was arrested, it shocked her artsy community, who never imagined her association with a liberation movement and what she was up to. Eleanor Kasrils, née Logan, was born in Scotland and arrived as an infant in Durban in 1936. Like many other schoolchildren, according to her Struggle stalwart husband, Ronnie, she was educated and socialised in a colonial settler environment. “However, she was a kind, compassionate person and strongly influenced by the writing of the great Scottish revolutionary writer and poet Robert Burns. “Her distaste for racism and segregation led her to join the liberal party as a young adult around 1958,” said the former minister of State Security Kastrils, who…

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie has welcomed the arrest of about 478 illegal miners by police on Friday during Operation Vala Umgodi at a mine in Barberton. He said the mass arrest augurs well for the government’s endeavours to fight and prevent crime. The arrested miners are allegedly undocumented foreign nationals. Macie believes the illegal movement of people into the country negatively impacts the safety and security of communities and the resolution of crime cases involving undocumented foreign nationals. This, according to the MEC, contributes to increasing numbers of undetected crime cases. He further acknowledged the devastating impact of illegal mining activities and long-term effects on the environment. “We welcome the efforts by the police and all role players involved in Friday’s operation. However, we…

The national rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act (AARTO) has been officially gazetted, after President Ramaphosa signed the Proclamation on Friday. According to the Government Gazette issued on August 1, most sections of the act will come into effect in major municipalities across the country on December 1, 2025, followed by the remaining municipalities on April 1, 2026. The remaining sections of the AARTO Act (26 to 28), which are believed to include the dreaded demerit points, are set to take effect on September 1, 2026. A total of 69 municipalities will implement AARTO from the beginning of December, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni, Mbombela, Polokwane, Durban, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Bloemfontein, Qgeberha, East London, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George and Beaufort West. From April, the rollout will extend to…

A State witness has identified a Phoenix tavern owner in video footage as the person who gave instructions to pile pallets on top of the July unrest victims who had been allegedly assaulted and placed next to their burnt taxi. The pallets were intended to aid in burning the victims alive. The witness gave an account of this during re-examination at the Durban High Court on Friday. Four men, Ravine Naidoo, Trevor Gopal, Tyreece Govender, and Timothy Govender, are on trial for murder, two counts of attempted murder, public violence, and malicious property damage. Gopal, the owner of Tees Tavern, is also charged with incitement to commit public violence. During court proceedings, video footage introduced to the trial by the defence was played. The State witness, whose name cannot be…

Former president Thabo Mbeki and ex-justice minister Brigitte Mabandla have accepted the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria judgment on Friday dismissing their application to intervene in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) case. Mbeki and Mabandla approached the high court in a bid to intervene in the application for R167 million in constitutional damages by families of victims of apartheid-era atrocities in their personal capacities. Max Boqwana, chief executive of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, said they agreed with the judgment that the respondents (survivors and victims of apartheid-era atrocities) cannot rely on allegations from collections of books and journalists’ comments and further that they have therefore no direct information to implicate either Mbeki or Mabandla. “The country would have benefited from both the insights of both President Mbeki and Ambassador Mabandla…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring three properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on August 27 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is an ±827m² residential stand at 24 Saxony Crescent in Enigma Private Estate. The estate is situated in Umhlanga Rocks, and is one of the most sought-after residential developments on the North Coast. It offers residents access to a range of essential and lifestyle amenities and is strategically located with excellent connectivity to major arterial routes and transport infrastructure. It is also close to schools, shopping and medical facilities. Enigma Private Estate, which comprises 90 expansive residential stands, is one of the few pet-friendly estates, accommodating both cats and dogs. The subject property comprises vacant land…

Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo recently surprised many South Africans when he miraculously turned his back against President Cyril Ramaphosa on corruption and ethical conduct. His main concern was that it pained him to swear in ministers he had made findings against while he was chairing the State Capture Commission. This was seen as an indictment of both Ramaphosa and the ANC. But was Justice Zondo genuine when he raised this concern, or was he grandstanding so that he could regain public trust following accusations that he was not objective in executing his mandate – something that resulted in the 2021 unrests in KZN and Gauteng? The answer to this question depends on whether one holds Justice Zondo in high regard, or perceives him as someone who used his position…

The Springbok Women’s side produced their best performance of the season when they beat a Black Ferns XV side 41–26 at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday night. The Bok Women, who had some tough results against Canada in a two-Test series and in the first match against the New Zealanders, put on an exhibition of power and recorded a confidence-boosting win ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this month. The Springbok Women started on the front foot, climbing in with a lot of venom and verve in the opening stages of the match. Their bullocking runners up front punched holes in the Black Ferns’ defence down the middle. The home side came close on quite a few occasions on the visitors’ line, but desperate defending…

Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram encourages youngsters Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kwena Maphaka, and Dewald Brevis to continue with their fearless approach ahead of the white-ball tour to Australia. Markram is set to lead the squad in three T20Is in Australia, which includes three exciting youngsters selected for the first time in a Proteas full-strength squad. This follows the youngsters' excellent performances in Zimbabwe last month, the 2024/25 domestic season, the SA20, and the Indian Premier League. For their impressive performances last season, the trio was not only rewarded with national call-ups for the tour to Australia but also earned coveted Cricket South Africa awards at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on Thursday evening. Brevis walked away with the Domestic Players' Player of the Year and the SA20 Rising Star of the Year…

If this had been a boxing bout, the Sharks’ corner would have thrown in the towel before half-time. Instead, the South African rugby public had to watch—with one hand over an eye—as the defending champions were annihilated 64–0 by the Bulls. Here is the reality: we understand that the Currie Cup has become a development competition, and that is fine. But how can the Bulls' wannabees be 64 points better than the Sharks' wannabees? Well, it clearly means the Bulls are recruiting much better than the Sharks, and those in Durban in charge of the future of the Sharks must be shown the door — immediately. It should have happened a long time ago because hit-and-miss recruiting has been their problem for years, whether it’s overloading on Springboks or signing…

The release of director Mu Muran’s much-awaited thriller drama Blackmail, featuring actor, music director and producer G V Prakash in the lead, has now been postponed. The film was originally scheduled to hit screens worldwide on Friday. A day before, JDS Film Factory, the production house that has produced the film, took to its X timeline to announce its decision to postpone the release of the film. It said, “Dear all, our Movie Black Mail release is postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. We regret for the inconvenience caused. Fresh release date will be announced soon. Team Black Mail. #blackmail #jdsfilmfactory @gvprakash @mumaran1 @APIfilms @teju_ashwini_” Actor G V Prakash plays the lead in the film along with actress Teju Ashwini. Apart from Prakash and Ashwini, the film will also feature a…

South African consumers were given some reprieve this past week as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) lowered interest rates in the country. SARB Governor Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced that the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to cut the repurchase rate (repo rate) by 25 basis points (BPS). This means the repo rate will decrease from 7.25% to 7%, effectively taking the prime lending rate in the country to 10.50% from 10.75%. Kganyago said that the decision was unanimous among the MPC members. “For policy, as we showed last time, lower inflation allows for lower interest rates. In our Quarterly Projection Model, for a 4.5% objective, rates bottom out around 7%. “By contrast, the forecast for a 3% objective has roughly five more cuts, over the medium term,…

Eric Bana’s absence from the TV landscape is over; he’s back, helming Netflix’s mystery thriller Untamed. Through his role as Kyle Turner, a National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) special agent at Yosemite National Park, he proves why he is revered as one of Hollywood’s finest actors. The six-part series takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster with its characters navigating a delicate balancing act between their personal demons and professional responsibilities. Set in Yosemite National Park, it homes in on the investigators looking into a murder, with their work cut out for them as they face political pressure within their ranks. The series opens with Kyle enjoying some downtime with his son Caleb until it is cut short by a call about a young woman’s body being found. Rushing…

Whether it’s scrolling on our phones, working on laptops, or watching our favourite shows, constant exposure to blue light has become part of daily life. Blue light, also known as High-Energy Visible (HEV) light, is part of the light spectrum that our eyes can see. The sun is by far the most significant natural source of blue light, which plays a role in regulating our sleep cycles and boosting our mood. However, the artificial blue light emitted from our digital devices has significantly increased our daily exposure, leading to modern skin concerns. Research is shedding light on how this pervasive blue glow might be doing more than just straining our eyes. Here’s how this digital light can impact your complexion: Accelerated ageing Just like too much sun can lead to…

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is mooting the introduction of lifestyle audits in the sphere of local government. Lifestyle audits are currently not mandatory for officials and councillors in the municipalities. But, this could soon be something of the past if the statements made by Cogta minister Velenkosini Hlabisa are anything to go by. Hlabisa made his intention to introduce the lifestyle audits in municipalities when he was responding to parliamentary questions from DA MP Anna Maria van Zyl. “The department is engaging with the South African Local Government Association and the Department of Public Service and Administration to introduce lifestyle audits at municipalities. “The parties are also analysing the existing local government legislative framework to determine if it is sufficient to roll out lifestyle audits…

uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) MP and former Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) chief executive Lucky Montana faces a tax bill of over R15 million by the SA Revenue Service (Sars). Sars has also launched proceedings to have him sequestrated. The tax collection entity applied to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria last month to strike out several allegations made by Montana. According to Sars, allegations in about seven paragraphs were identified as objectionable matter. A defiant Montana on Saturday said the battle is far from over and is likely to end in the Constitutional Court. “On July 21, I filed an application in the high court to rescind the original default judgement obtained by Sars in 2022, without my knowledge. “This led us to the current situation. In addition, we…

Ethekwini ward 48 councillor Michelle Lutchmen claims she is facing a smear campaign by certain individuals in Phoenix after social media posts defaming her were created. A social media post titled “Crime & corruption in ward 48: DA caught out” has been circulating after Durban Metro Police and the SAPS raided a building on Clayfield Road on Wednesday. The social media post alleged that what was once a government-owned property is now exposed as a criminal hideout linked directly to Lutchmen and her lead ward committee member. The post also called for her and the ward committee’s removal. “In a high-level joint operation by municipal officials and SAPS, the truth came tumbling out: What exactly is the DA running here in Ward 48? A constituency office or a criminal enterprise?”…

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has dismissed the application by two people who tried to gain ownership of a property they “abandoned” more than 30 years ago to Mkhunjulwa Obed Langa, who has maintained it and consistently paid municipal bills throughout the years. Anthony Zwelebanzi Mncadi and Susan Mncadi went to the High Court to appeal Acting Judge Khuzwayo’s order of declaring Langa as the owner of the property under the Prescription Act. Langa filed an application in terms of the Prescription Act no. 68 of 1969 to be declared the registered owner of the property after the Mncadi’s tried to evict him on February 19, 2019. Langa has resided in the property since 1981, made various alterations, and paid all the municipal accounts which were in his name. The Mncadi’s…

Msunduzi Municipality ratepayer associations are looking forward to a fresh and effective approach from new municipal manager Simon Mndebele to turn the city’s fortunes around. Mndebele, who was appointed as the manager on Friday, was described by Mzimkhulu Thebolla, Msunduzi's mayor, as pivotal to reposition Msunduzi as a municipality that is responsive, financially stable, and people-centred. Mndebele previously served as a technical support expert for Msunduzi Municipality, deployed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Mndebele also served as municipal manager at Govan Mbeki Local Municipality and director in its Corporate Services department at Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality. “In this capacity, he led the development of the municipality’s turnaround strategy, conducted diagnostic analyses, and helped establish critical performance oversight structures. His in-depth knowledge of Msunduzi’s operational…

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has requested more time to finalise the designs for the internal fitting of the dome that is used as an alternative venue for the sitting of Parliament. This comes after the department and Parliament officials met last month to review the scope and cost of internal fitting to be installed in the dome. “The review includes omission of three committee rooms with their fittings, omission of the suspended ceilings, reduction of dry walling and the raised floor area among other things,” reads the report containing responses prepared for the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament. The dome, erected earlier this year, has not been in use since May to allow installation of internal fittings that are scheduled to be completed…

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has revised its fare structure following strong objections from trade unions, commuter groups and civil society organisations ahead of today’s planned increase. This comes after days of mounting pressure, with the United Commuters Voice (UCV) confirming that the adjusted fares would now reflect more affordable rates for working-class commuters. Cosatu was among those that voiced concern ahead of the increase, calling for fare adjustments to be tied to inflation and warning that steep hikes would alienate commuters still reeling from the high cost of living. “While Cosatu welcomes the huge improvements Prasa has made to its infrastructure as well as the rollout of the new trains, the federation believes the proposed ticket price hike is high and will be burdensome to commuters…

ORLANDO PIRATES (2)(2) Appollis 12’, Maswanganyi (p) 35’ POLOKWANE CITY (0)(0) Orlando Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou steered the Sea Robbers’ ship to the calm waters of the MTN8 semi-final in his first game in charge on Saturday afternoon. Ouddou’s team beat Polokwane 2-0 in the quarter-final at sold-out Orlando Stadium as they ushered in a new dawn for the new season. This win meant that Pirates reached their fourth successive MTN8 semi-finals, something that will boost their confidence of winning a record-extending fourth crown. It was an impressive start for Ouaddou as he team produced a performance that probably eased his nerves after an outstanding three-year spell under predecessor, Jose Riveiro. Pirates played like a unit here, but they lacked a defensive midfield and marksman who would…

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj might only be playing two formats now, ODI and Test cricket; however, he still has ambitions to play until he turns 40. Following the victory in the World Test Championship final at Lord's, Maharaj toured Zimbabwe for two Tests and did not take part in the T20 Tri-Nations series, not only because of his injury but also because he has moved on from the shortest format of the game. As a result, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy and Nqaba Peter are the leading pack of spinners in the Proteas T20I squad. After winning the prestigious Cricket South Africa Player of the Year Award on Thursday evening, the 35-year-old told the media that he still has ambitions to play until 40, especially with the ODI World Cup here…

If I had ten bucks for every voice I've heard trashing the Currie Cup, I could have a well-stuffed couch. But my opinion is that the domestic competition is as rich as ever — and must be treasured. While the Currie Cup is no longer the chief prize in our rugby, life goes on, and it remains a national treasure. Eddie Jones, the former coach of too many teams to mention — but widely respected — once said that South Africa’s trump card against the rugby world is the Currie Cup, a competition rivaled only by New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship. Jones highlighted that the annual Currie Cup produces future Springboks through a second-tier competition that most rugby nations simply do not have. The words “second tier” will rankle with…

Film-maker’s journey to publishing his debut novel Durban award-winning independent film-maker, Dayakar Padayachee has penned his first novel. Titled The Ancient Scrolls of Lukutona: The Bleeding Anchors, the novel invites readers into a fantasy world filled with elven warriors, ancient dragons and epic adventures. According to the new author, it tells the story of Naa’ril, an elf warrior from the city of Tarasina, who stumbles upon a mysterious woman in a burning forest alongside her brother. As they uncover her secrets, they learn she is a hybrid of dragon blood, linked to an ancient dragon adversary banished to another dimension. This foe now awaits his imminent return to Lukutona, threatening the world and its inhabitants. Padayachee has nurtured the world of Lukutona since he was just 13 years old, initially…

Who says you need weeks of planning to enjoy an unforgettable getaway? Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, a surprise visit to a friend or a much-needed escape from the daily grind, you can plan a fun and stress-free trip in under 24 hours – and enjoy it. Here’s how to pull off the ultimate last-minute adventure like a pro: Pick a destination that’s easy to reach Time is ticking, so keep it simple. Choose somewhere nearby – a city within driving distance, a quick flight away or even a hidden gem in your own town. The goal is to maximise fun, not travel time. Pro tip: Use Google Maps or flight deal apps to see where you can go quickly and affordably. Be flexible with your plans When you’re…