Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-24 i Sunday Tribune

Even in a world where our phones tell us the time, the luxury watch remains one of the strongest status symbols for men. A man’s style has often been judged by two things: his watch and his shoes. Together, they silently communicate who he is, what he values, and sometimes even his success. Unlike a car or a flashy outfit, a watch is a statement piece that’s personal. It sits on the wrist, quietly saying, “I’ve arrived.” The truth is, none of us really needs a watch to check the time anymore because our phones have taken over that role years ago. But a watch isn’t just about function, it’s about form, heritage, and the subtle nod it gives to craftsmanship. Smartwatches may dominate wrists these days, but let’s be…

A LEGAL confrontation is brewing between the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) and the Sunni Jamiatul Ulama (SJU) over hajj operations in South Africa. The SJU, a founding member of SAHUC and a body of theologians, has claimed that SAHUC wanted to monopolise the hajj sector, undermine the rights of pilgrims and violate constitutional and competition law – a claim that SAHUC denies. On Friday, the SJU staged a peaceful protest outside SAHUC offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Demonstrators held placards that read, “SAHUC cannot be referee and player”, “Who regulates SAHUC?”, “Stop using hajees money for your agenda” and “Down with the SAHUC Hajj mafia”. In a memorandum submitted to SAHUC, SJU opposed the proposed constitutional amendments, asserting that SAHUC aimed to become the sole…

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has sought the services of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to vet the three administrators of the Sector and Education Training Authorities (Setas) he appointed this week. This comes amid pressure on Manamela to not only explain the appointment of administrators, but to reconsider and withdraw them. Manamela said he has asked the PSC to conduct fit-and-proper assessments and conflict of interest vetting on Lehlogonolo Masoga, the former deputy speaker of the Limpopo Legis- lature, who was appointed admini- strator of Services Seta, Oupa Nkoane CETA, and Zukile Mvalo Local Govern- ment Seta. “The PSC will provide its report and recommendations to the minister, who will act on them without fear or favour,” he said. Manamela defended the appointments amid public outrage, asserting that due…

Imagine this – a future where parents could choose their baby’s eye colour, height or even intelligence. Sounds like science fiction, right? But it’s closer than you think. Let’s start with a simple, human truth: most of us want healthy children and fair rules. That’s why the words “genome editing” and “designer babies” spark such strong feelings. The science behind “designer babies”, known as heritable human genome editing (HHGE), isn’t just a plot for futuristic movies. It’s a real possibility, a topic of heated debate and, right now, South Africa is at the heart of the conversation. What exactly is genome editing? HHGE means editing sperm, eggs or embryos in ways that future generations would inherit. In simple terms, genome editing means making precise changes to our DNA, the genetic…

WHEN entrepreneur Shameem Kumandan started her laundry business, it was out of necessity, not ambition. With little more than a washing machine, a repurposed family car, and the support of her family, she printed pamphlets and delivered orders door-to-door. Today, that humble backyard operation has grown into a nationally recognised enterprise employing around 60 people, partnering with schools, washing sports kits, and even providing sanitary towels and life skills training for schoolgirls. Kumandan moved into a custom-designed facility, installed large-scale industrial equipment, and won multiple industry awards. Her journey, marked by grit, resourcefulness, and resilience, is now one of 100 stories captured in a new book launched at the WomX Women in Business Conference in Sandton. The book, Her Story, Her Success, curated by WomX founder Jayshree Naidoo, documents the…

A 68-year-old man, believed to be a dentist from the UK, died after he fell from his third-floor flat while under the influence of alcohol early yesterday in Ramsgate on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that Margate police had registered an inquest docket for investigation into the incident. Netshiunda said the man reportedly fell from a flat on Milton Road. “Reports indicate that the deceased lived alone in his flat and was drinking when he fell. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead,” he said. KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service spokesperson Chris Botha said emergency medical personnel were dispatched following reports of a person who had fallen through a third-floor window and arrived at the scene at approximately 1am. “Upon arrival,…

The Western Cape High Court has dismissed an application from advocacy group My Vote Counts (MVC), which sought to have the Political Party Funding Act declared unconstitutional. This comes as ActionSA, which opposed the application, welcomed the court’s judgment, saying the application was “misguided”. The judgment, handed down on Thursday, has prompted My Vote Counts to engage with its legal team to study the court’s decision. My Vote Counts initiated legal proceedings earlier this year, wanting the donation limitation and disclosure threshold declared unconstitutional on various grounds. The group contended that all donations should be made public to enhance transparency and accountability. In his judgment, Judge Nathan Erasmus determined that the challenge became moot due to the recent amendments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who set the annual donation limit…

IN A sweeping Interpol-co-ordinated operation, authorities across Africa have arrested 1 209 cybercriminals targeting nearly 88 000 victims. The operation recovered $97.4 million (R1.6 billion) and dismantled 11 432 malicious infrastructures, under- scoring the global reach of cybercrime and the urgent need for cross-border co-operation. Operation Serengeti 2.0, from June into this month, brought together investigators from 18 African countries and the UK to tackle high-harm and high-impact cybercrimes, including ransomware, online scams and business email compromise (BEC). These were all identified as prominent threats in the recent Interpol Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report. The operation was strengthened by private sector collaboration, with partners providing intelligence, guidance and training to help investigators act on intelligence and identify offenders effectively. This intelligence was shared with participating countries ahead of the operation, providing…

Postbank has assured all social grant beneficiaries that their payments will continue without any disruption, despite recent media reports suggesting the expiry of its Master Services Agreement (MSA) with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa). According to the bank, millions of South Africans who rely on social grants through Postbank’s Black Cards and Sassa Gold Cards will continue to receive their payments as usual. “Postbank wishes to assure all Sassa beneficiaries receiving grants through Postbank’s Black Cards and Sassa Gold Cards that their grant payments will continue without any interruption,” the bank said in a statement. IOL previously reported that Sassa confirmed it will not renew its Master Services Agreement with Postbank, which is set to expire on September 30, 2025. The move has raised concerns about the future…

The taxi industry plays a critical role in the South African economy. As the government struggles to provide reliable public transport like other countries do, the taxi industry has filled that void diligently. It ferries learners to school, students to tertiary institutions and employees to their workplaces. This is commendable. However, while this industry is the country’s lifeline when it comes to transportation of the people, it is gradually becoming a liability to the country and a threat to people’s lives. The question is: What is the political leadership doing about that? If little or nothing is being done, what are the reasons? Importantly, do such politicians deserve to remain in the positions they occupy if they fail to protect the South African public? Firstly, it should be noted that…

Across the length and breadth of the continent, countries such as Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Mali have either played host to a peacekeeping, peacebuilding or political mission to address complex and rapidly evolving dire security situations. Over the past two decades, the UN Security Council has overseen the drawdown or closure of multiple peacekeeping operations across Africa, sometimes in fragile or volatile settings. Transitions from missions in Darfur, Sudan, to Mali and recent drawdowns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Western Sahara have raised pertinent questions about what follows once the UN peacekeepers leave. The structural obstacle with most UN transitions is the often sidelining of African regional organisations, such as the AU and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas),…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou cut an emotional figure after guiding his side to the MTN8 final, following backlash over a rough start at the club. Pirates beat rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 on penalties in the MTN8 semi-final second leg in Pretoria on Saturday, after the tie ended 2-2 on aggregate. The tie went into the second leg locked at 1-1, and the two teams cancelled each other out in another 1-1 draw in regulation time in Pretoria. Sundowns took the lead through Iqraam Rayners before Kamogelo Sebelebele equalised for Pirates in regulation time. Sebelebele also walked away with the Player of the Match award. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine proved his prowess during the penalty shootout, saving the first two kicks before Tshegofatso Mabasa scored the decisive penalty. The win eased…

The Springboks managed to scrape over the line against the Wallabies, winning 30-22 in Cape Town after the humiliating defeat at Ellis Park the week before. Independent Media’s John Goliath looks at the talking points from the bruising encounter at the DHL Stadium. Sloppy, sloppy Springboks… The Springboks’ engine warning light is still flashing, even though their performance against the Wallabies in Cape Town was an improvement on the Ellis Park outing. Yes, it was better – they didn’t cough up the ball 17 times, and the lineout worked more smoothly after last week’s dismal 68% success rate. They also capitalised better on their limited entries into the Wallabies’ 22. But even so, this team looks stuck in third gear. The attack is still stuttering, and it’s the small errors…

A recent 2023/2024 South Africa report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), highlighted that South African women are exiting their businesses at a higher rate than they are starting, with the gap between men and women entrepreneurs widening as businesses mature, with almost double the number of men owning established businesses (7.9% vs 4.1% of women). This indicates that women find it more challenging to sustain a business than to start one. Closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship has significant economics for South Africa, by creating jobs, spurring growth, and driving change where it’s needed most. But that kind of impact won’t happen through token gestures and Women’s Day speeches. It requires deep structural change. This isn’t a new problem. As the G20 refocuses global attention on inclusive growth and…

If you are looking for something new and casual to watch, then Tyler Perry and Niya Palmer’s political dramedy Miss Governor should be on your radar. Miss Governor follows Antoinette Dunkerson, brilliantly executed by actress and director Terri J Vaughn, as she navigates life as a working mother who unexpectedly gets thrust into the role of Mississippi’s first black Lieutenant Governor. Alongside Vaughn is rising star Drew Olivia Tillman, who is cast as Dunkerson’s rebellious teenage daughter, Lola. Tré Boyd plays her son, Titus, and Jo Marie Payton plays her mother, Cleo. Jade Novah as Shamika, Dyon Brooks as Basil and Robert Craighead as Governor Harper round off the main cast. Upon winning a government seat, Dunkerson finds herself struggling to make a substantial difference for black lives in a…

Activists gathered outside the Cape Town offices of the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to demand an immediate end to coal exports to Israel. They also called for an energy embargo against Israel. Posters were held during the protest with different slogans and statements, including calling Israel a genocidal and a murderous state. Some included pictures of malnourished children in Gaza. Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers…

The Competition Commission’s decade- long fight to prosecute local and international banks for the rand/US dollar manipulation is now before the Constitutional Court, which reserved judgment this week. Some of the country’s top senior advocates argued over three days in the appeal application brought by the commission against the majority of the findings made by the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) last year. This was against the CAC’s findings that the commission did not have jurisdiction over the majority of the international banks. The arguments, which were of a highly technical nature and dealt with the Competition Act, ended a day earlier than expected. This was also the first time that newly appointed Deputy Judge President Dunstan Mlambo sat on the Concourt bench in this capacity. Standard Bank, on Thursday, accused…

Durban artists now have a new place to showcase their work, thanks to Zimkhitha Xwashu. Art blogger and curator Xwashu this week opened Gallery Chosi, in Morningside, to offer artists a place to hone their skills, exhibit their work and network with like-minded individuals. The exhibition, The Visual Art of Creating Beyond the Apartheid Imagination, marked the official opening of the gallery. Xwashu, formerly from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape and now living in Durban, has always been passionate about art. She found that unlike Cape Town, there were not that many art spaces in Durban. The 29-year-old studied business management and consumer behaviour at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology but decided to pursue a career in the arts and culture industry. "While in Cape Town, I used to…

The R320 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender corruption trial, which involves former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, former municipal manager Sipho Nzuza and 20 others, is currently being heard at the Durban High Court. The accused are charged with multiple counts of fraud, racketeering, corruption, money laundering, contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act, relating to the DSW. The latest person on the stand was a State witness who was being cross- examined by Alan Robbert Abbu's advocate, Jay Naidoo. Abbu, the fourth accused in the matter, was the deputy head of the DSW unit at the municipality. In November 2017, the DSW unit advertised a tender for waste collection, and the closing date was December 13, 2017. The State has alleged that Abbu approached…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring three properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on Wednesday at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is a one-bedroom apartment - Section 303 of Plan 23/2007 Millenium Towers, 8 Solstice Road, uMhlanga Ridge. This dynamic and rapidly developing mixed-use precinct is widely recognised as a commercial and residential hub, making it a highly sought-after location for professionals, investors and residents seeking an upscale, connected lifestyle. Millenium Towers benefits from access to a broad range of amenities including shopping, dining, entertainment and lifestyle options, as well as convenient access to schools and medical facilities. The precinct enjoys direct access to major national roads, including the N2 freeway and the M41 arterial route. The one-bedroom…

In August, South Africans honour the courage of women in the struggle for freedom, dignity and equality. The unveiling of Dora Tamana’s tombstone on August 23, along with the commemoration of the assassination of Ruth First 43 years ago on August 17, and the birth of Dulcie September 90 years ago on August 20, lends significance to the month. Their lives demonstrate the interconnectedness of the struggles of women, workers and communities, holding lessons for the contemporary trade union movement, which faces significant challenges spanning technological disruption to organisational fragmentation. Tamana understood that the daily struggles of women in the townships were intimately linked to the struggles of workers in factories and on the land. Her activism around food security and her leadership in the Federation of South African…

US President Donald Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize, and his efforts toward peace in Ukraine, if successful, could help him earn one – but only if he also ends US complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Under Trump, as under former president Joe Biden, the US has served as Israel’s partner in mass murder, annexation, starvation and the escalating torment of millions of Palestinians. The genocide can, and will, stop if Trump wills it. So far, he has not. Israel is committing genocide –everyone knows it, even its staunchest defenders. The Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem has recently made a poignant acknowledgment of “Our genocide”. In foreign affairs, former US ambassador to Israel Jack Lew recently admitted that extremist parties in Netanyahu’s government openly aim to starve…

Springbok Women’s scrum coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt is confident that a forward pack that is among the world’s best can drive the South Africans to new heights at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. South Africa are determined to achieve a best ever performance at the tournament where the Bok Women have won only three of their 18 matches to date, something the coach said has to change. “I’m exceptionally proud of where we come from and where we’re going. This pack is a proper machine. They are raring to go. The amount of power they have, without them even realising their power, is phenomenal,” Johannes-Haupt said. “Our set piece is going to dominate at this World Cup, and I’m putting it out there because that’s exactly where I…

“Handré Pollard was really important; he steadied our ship.” Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus praised his level-headed flyhalf after a flawless kicking performance led the world champions to a hard-fought 30–22 victory over Australia in the Rugby Championship in Cape Town. Pollard successfully converted all his goal attempts off the tee, and his accuracy proved crucial as the Boks retained the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate against a fired-up Wallabies side. “That cool head of Handré was needed, and he kicked his penalties over. Where (Wallabies flyhalf James) O’Connor missed two kicks, Handré slotted everything. He was very important,” Erasmus said. The wet and muddy conditions suited the world champions and their suffocating game plan, but some errors in attack and defence, along with ill-discipline, almost cost them the match. However,…

The Springboks edged past the Wallabies in Cape Town, showing more grit than polish in a performance that still left plenty to fix ahead of their looming showdown with the All Blacks. Here’s how the players rated: 15. Aphelele Fassi – 4.5 Caught the opening kick-off cleanly, hinting at a better outing. Unfortunately, that promise faded quickly – a kick out on the full and a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on summed up a disappointing day. 14. Canan Moodie – 6 A mixed showing. Misjudged a James O’Connor kick that led to a try and spilled a pass from Pollard. But he took his own try well from a pinpoint cross-kick and looked lively in flashes. 13. Jesse Kriel – 6 Led well in the midfield and was solid…

As the marigold hues of Namaqualand begin to shimmer with the first blooms of spring, the country welcomes a season of vibrant renewal marked by pleasant weather, blossoming wildflowers, and the return of migratory birds. This transformative period washes away the arid remnants of winter and heralds an inviting climate perfect for outdoor living, and, of course, weddings. Wedding season officially takes centre stage as guests dazzle in a harmonious blend of earthy tones, soft pastels and vibrant pops of colour. Mocha Mousse brown, buttery yellow, powder pink, sky blue and fiery red will paint the canvas of wedding venues, balancing classic neutrals with refreshing pizzazz. For couples looking to tie the knot, South Africa offers a kaleidoscope of stunning locations that are simply perfect for a spring celebration. From…

South Africans may be breathing a little easier following the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) latest decision to cut the repo rate by 0.25%, but financial experts caution that the relief is limited and household budgets remain under pressure. The repo rate, which dictates what commercial banks pay when borrowing from the SARB, dropped on August 1, bringing lending rates down slightly from recent highs. This means that consumers with loans or credit facilities should see a small easing in their monthly repayments. “The rate reduction is welcome news, but it does not mean the financial pressures facing many households have disappeared,” said Sarah Nicholson, customer experience and platform manager at JustMoney.co.za, a platform that helps South Africans make good money choices. Nicholson pointed out that while the prime lending…

Five years after the release of The Old Guard, which was penned by Greg Rucka and based on his comic book series of the same name, the sequel has arrived on Netflix. This time around, Rucka shares the writing credits with Sarah L. Walker, and it is directed by Victoria Mahoney, an actress steadily planting her feet as a film-maker. Fans of the original had mixed feelings about the new film, despite it featuring the original cast of Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Veronica Ngô and Chiwetel Ejiofor, with Henry Golding and Uma Thurman adding an interesting twist to the dynamics. This time around, the storyline is anchored to the past when Quynh (Ngô), an immortal who has been imprisoned in a device on the…

If your kitchen ends up messy every afternoon, you actually have a great opportunity for real-life learning. Everyday chores help kids practice not just sweeping and folding, but also planning, focusing and solving problems calmly. These are the same skills they’ll use in school, with friends and as adults. Science is catching up with what many grandparents already knew: chores teach more than neatness. A study led by Deanna Tepper at La Trobe University found that children who regularly do age-appropriate household tasks score better on measures of working memory and inhibition, two core executive functions that help kids start, stick with, and finish things. That matters because those skills underpin reading, maths and everyday decision-making. Why are chores secretly homework for the brain? Researchers from La Trobe University in…

Africa’s youth is constantly told that they are “the future” – it's no compliment, but it is a polite way of saying, “Not now.” And that’s the problem. We keep postponing Africa’s moment. And if you’re waiting for permission, for the system to invite you in, you’ll wait yourself right into irrelevance. Africa is the youngest continent in the world. Over 60% of our population is under 25. That’s not a statistic; that’s a time bomb or a goldmine. It depends on whether we decide to keep being passengers or become the drivers of this continent’s destiny. Let’s accept the world does not care about Africa’s youth. Not really. They care about our minerals, our markets, and our migration statistics. The question is, do YOU care enough to change that…

The Catholic Archdiocese of Durban has condemned disruptions at South Africa’s public healthcare facilities, where groups like Operation Dudula and March and March have been blocking undocumented foreign nationals from accessing medical treatment. In a statement, Archbishop Siegfried Mandla Jwara said these actions were contrary to the gospel’s values and called on authorities to act swiftly to protect vulnerable patients. “I would like to take this opportunity to lend my own voice in support of the marginalised who suffer the injustices of persecution and rejection based solely on their being foreign nationals,” said Jwara “I do so, having been moved by the plight of those who come to our country, a beacon of liberty and hope for many, seeking refuge under our flag. They are to be treated with love,…

Despite the annual Umkhosi woMlanga (Reed Dance) in KwaZulu-Natal taking place at a different location next month, no further expenses will be incurred. This is according to Tammy Colley, MPL, DA KZN Spokesperson on Sports, Arts and Culture, who stated that there was an annual budget for the Reed Dance. She said the matter was also discussed at a KZN Legislature Portfolio Committee on August 15. “From my understanding and from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, there were no additional funds because of the venue change,” she said. AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini decided to relocate the annual Reed Dance ceremony from Enyokeni Palace to the new Mashobeni Palace, in Pongola, which is a few kilometres from KwaKhangelamankengana Palace. The provincial government, through the Department of Public Works in…

IN KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism and film sectors, Thandazile “Thanda” Mokhohlouloane and Nompumelelo “Mpume” Ngubane are setting the pace by driving investment, creating opportunities, and proving that women’s leadership is a force for growth and innovation. As acting Head of Tourism Development at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), Mokhohlouloane’s career now involves building the infrastructure and policies that attract sustainable tourism investment. From supporting women-owned hotels and lodges to fostering skills development to building developments in the rural areas and in emerging tourist regions, she demonstrates that tourism growth is about people as much as places. “When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in opportunity, skills, and sustainable growth for our communities,” she says. Under the Tourism Development division, KZNTAFA has facilitated partnerships with private investors to develop boutique hotels…

Bluff residents, south of Durban, made their voices heard during a march against crime and decay yesterday. Residents said that the “Fix the Bluff” march was to demand immediate action from the eThekwini Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and the national government. The community-led march highlighted the increased crime, lack of visible policing, decay of public spaces – broken parks, neglected roads, unsafe beaches, illegal dumping and municipal service delivery issues, including waste management, road maintenance, street lighting and law enforcement. A memorandum was handed to Zoe Solomon, the eThekwini ward 66 councillor, yetereday, who said she would take it to the relevant municipal departments. Ratepayers were also tired of a decade of excuses and no budget claims, said Allison Schoeman, vice-chairperson of the Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA).…

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is seeking legal opinion following the investigation into systematic discrimination against black healthcare providers by medical schemes. Motsoaledi was responding to parliamentary questions posed by ActionSA MP Kgosi Letlape, who wanted to know the measures he intended to implement to hold medical schemes accountable for the racial discrimination that was uncovered by the Independent Section 59 Panel. Letlape also asked whether the department has consulted with the CMS to ensure that sanctions were imposed on medical schemes found to have engaged in discriminatory practices. In his response, Motsoaledi said the CMS was in the process of procuring a firm of attorneys to develop a comprehensive legal opinion to advise it on appropriate actions to be implemented in response to…

IN Togo and much of West Africa, wild meat remains an important part of daily life, valued for its taste, cultural traditions, and as a source of income for those who sell it. It is often seen as a luxury food in urban centres, commanding higher prices than domesticated meat. This risks driving higher demand. Wild meat is openly sold in urban markets and at roadside stalls throughout Togo, with vendors catering to both local customers and passing travellers. In rural areas, it is common to see dead rodents, pythons and cobras displayed by the roadside, ready to be purchased by people visiting from the city. However, both legal and illegal trade in wild meat pose serious challenges to biodiversity, animal welfare and public health. Much of it is unregulated…

The Springboks scored a late winning try with six minutes to go, sealing a hard-fought victory over the Wallabies in the second Rugby Championship Test in Cape Town yesterday. Playing in front of a near-capacity crowd of over 56,000 supporters on Saturday, the world champions got their campaign back on track with a bruising 30–22 win to retain the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate. Flyhalf and Player of the Match Handré Pollard produced a flawless kicking display in wet and muddy conditions. His performance, along with gutsy defending by the entire team, led the South Africans to victory. It wasn’t the prettiest of displays by the home side, as they once again racked up penalties and struggled to dominate in the scrum and lineouts. It didn’t help that they lost eighth…

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said on Friday a series of outcasts from his squad could be handed a “new life” at Old Trafford if they do not secure a move before the transfer window closes. Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have been made to train away from the United first-team squad. Interest in the quartet has not progressed due to United’s valuations and Amorim hinted they could feature in his future plans if they remain at the club beyond the September 1 transfer deadline. Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, while Real Betis are keen on bringing back Antony after his successful loan spell last season. Interest in Sancho is complicated by the winger’s reported £350,000-a-week wages. “I know that it's not…

The Divine Life Society of South Africa is gearing up for a momentous occasion as it prepares to celebrate the 138th birth anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda and the centenary of Sri Swami Sahajananda. The grand festivities are set to take place on September 7, at the Sivananda International Cultural Centre in La Mercy. This year marks a century for Sri Swami Sahajananda, spiritual head of the Divine Life Society of South Africa. This year holds special significance, being the 100th birthday of Sri Swami Sahajananda, who has been a guiding light for many followers and the spiritual community. The birth anniversary festivities will coincide with the culmination of a 41-day recital of the revered Sri Hanuman Chalisa, which commenced on July 29. The Divine Life Society of South Africa…

Veteran Bollywood star Jackie Shroff, who calls himself a green crusader, has talked about how plants can help calm the mind and foster happier vibes. Sharing his take on the climate crisis and how he thinks individuals can contribute in small but meaningful ways, Shroff said: “Start gifting plants. Birthday, rakhi, new job, new home – skip the plastic and perishable stuff. Give something that grows… Give a child a seed, they’ll water it, watch it sprout, and that joy will stick for life.” “Fill your home with plants, and you’ll get cleaner air, a calmer mind, and happier vibes,” said the actor, who is the brand ambassador of Ugaoo. In today’s concrete jungles, why does he think it’s crucial for people, especially urban dwellers to stay connected to…

As the climate crisis worsens, Europe has found itself in the grip of unprecedented heatwaves, with cities like Paris and Palermo recording scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C. In Portugal, a staggering 46.6°C was recorded, while over 17 major cities in Italy, including Rome and Milan, have similarly suffered under the oppressive sun. The toll is severe, more than 2 300 deaths across 12 cities have been linked to heat-related illnesses in just 10 days in July 2025. Approximately 65% of these fatalities are associated directly with climate change. As cities struggle to cope, the impact on travel is becoming increasingly evident. “The temperatures are impacting comfort, safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability,” says Sue Garrett, general manager at Flight Centre South Africa. With heatwaves now 10 times more likely due to human-induced…