Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-07 i Sunday Tribune

Following a series of interest rate cuts earlier this year, economists and market watchers largely expect the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) to hold the repo rate steady at 7% when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on 18 September. While there is still room for further cuts later in the year, much will depend on how inflation trends and the actions of the US Federal Reserve in the days leading up to the meeting. Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of REMAX Southern Africa, said that the Reserve Bank’s September call will hinge on a delicate balance of factors. “If inflation edged nearer to the SA Reserve Bank’s preference of 3%, this would keep hopes for a cut alive. A reacceleration, on the other hand, would firmly entrench a…

I recently stumbled across an X thread by Amukelani that stopped me in my tracks. The debate? How men and women bully differently at work. The words “men as saboteurs” and “women as main characters” popped up again and again, sparking a fiery online exchange. But behind the memes and labels lies a more serious question: does gender really shape how bullying plays out in the workplace, or are we simply reinforcing stereotypes? To unpack this, Independent Media Lifestyle spoke with experts who spend their careers helping organisations navigate workplace conflict. What they shared reveals that bullying is rarely just about “mean colleagues”. It’s about power, culture and the silent systems that let bad behaviour thrive. Power, gender and the risk of oversimplifying “Calling men the ‘saboteurs’ and women the…

South Africa is grappling with one of the most urgent yet poorly managed challenges of the democratic era: migration. An estimated two to five million foreign nationals live in the country, many without legal documentation. This reality is stretching the limits of state capacity, eroding the rule of law, and straining already fragile social cohesion. The Department of Home Affairs cannot provide reliable figures on undocumented migrants, a failure that exposes the weaknesses of our migration system. Porous borders and corruption have created an environment where policy exists largely on paper. South Africa is also a destination for thousands of asylum seekers from across the continent. Officially, the country processes among the highest number of asylum applications globally, yet few are approved. The backlog has created fertile ground for corruption.…

THE Ngcobo family of Castlehill, Newlands West, Durban, has endured the unthinkable: more than four years since the brutal murder of their son, they have chosen not to bury him until his killers are brought to justice. Seventeen-year-old Mmeli Ngcobo, a Grade 12 pupil at Hillgrove Secondary, in Newlands West, was abducted on February 22, 2021. Witnesses said two men forced him into a grey Mercedes-Benz after he was accused of stealing a classmate’s cellphone. Days later, his burnt body was discovered in KwaMkhizwane, near Cato Ridge. Four people were arrested in connection with the crime. They were Asanda Nyawuza (23), Andile Myeni (19), Thuthukani Nyawuza (37) and Hopewell “Bhuti” Nyamakazi (47). Myeni, Nyawuza and Nyamakazi have been charged with intimidation, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping…

DOMESTIC workers continue to face a harsh reality of surviving on meagre wages that strip them of dignity and security, a new report has revealed. The 8th annual SweepSouth Report on Domestic Worker Pay and Working Conditions, released today, details the financial pressure domestic workers have faced over the past year. Based on a survey of more than 5 000 domestic workers across the country, the report found that 82% of respondents were breadwinners, and 58% supported an average of four dependents, yet their earnings have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. While the average hourly wage exceeded the R28.79 National Minimum Wage, 39% of domestic workers still earned below that threshold. Their overall expenses rose by 7% since 2024: rent or bond payments increased by 11%,…

Parliament has expressed its concern that the Home Affairs Department has introduced a divorce bill amendment, leaving limited time to process it considering that in just two months’ time the constitutional deadline expires. The matter came up when the National Assembly Programme was briefed this week about the bills that were before committees and those that had constitutional deadlines. Briefing the committee earlier this week, parliamentary legal advisor Charmaine van der Merwe said Parliament was given an October deadline to fix a constitutional defect in the Divorce Act by the Constitutional Court. Van der Merwe said the department introduced the General (Family) Laws Amendment Act in Parliament only on August 13. “Parliament has enquired from the department regarding an application to request the Constitutional Court to extend the suspension of…

Many older readers will recall Durban’s old department store. Greenacres, John Orr’s, Payne Brothers and Stuttafords with their tearooms, wide array of services and merchandise, were a favourite haunt of shoppers, particularly in December when their windows were festooned with Christmas decorations. Payne Brothers was founded by two brothers, John and George Payne in 1869. George had arrived in Durban in 1863, aged just 19. His first job was with Benjamin Greenacre, who had recently opened a small clothing shop. Quickly learning the business, the two brothers decided to open their own shop at the end of 1869. George Payne and Benjamin Greenacre had much in common. Both were ambitious, hardworking and knew what their customers desired. Both created formidable department stores with legions of loyal customers. As they prospered,…

The family of a man who was kidnapped and killed in 2022 by a detective from the Mariannhill police station said they were unhappy with the sentence imposed by the Durban High Court earlier this week. Former detective Ayanda Percival Ntombela was sentenced to 18 years for the murder of Sihle Mtshare, five years for kidnapping, four years imprisonment for defeating the administration of justice, and one year for theft, after he pleaded guilty to all the charges. The sentences would run concurrently. According to Ntombela, he suspected that Mtshare was involved in a hit that was being planned for Bongekile Ntuli. Ntuli was the adopted daughter of a Phungula couple in Mariannhill who had recently received an inheritance. The couple and a neighbour were killed in Mariannhill in…

A group of scientists has sequenced the genome of a man who was buried in Egypt around 4 500 years ago. The study offers rare insight into the genetic ancestry of early Egyptians and reveals links to both ancient North Africa and Mesopotamia, which includes modern day Iraq and parts of Syria, Türkiye and Iran. Egypt’s heat and terrain made it difficult for such studies to be conducted but lead researcher Adeline Morez Jacobs and team made a breakthrough. The Conversation spoke to her about the challenges of sequencing ancient remains, the scientific advances that made this discovery possible, and why this genome could reshape how we understand Egypt’s early dynastic history. What is genome sequencing? How does it work in your world? Genome sequencing is the process of reading…

The recently concluded Shanghai Co-operation Organisation Summit of 2025 was a significant milestone in the realignment of global geopolitics. For the first time in decades, global South powers rallied together at the largest summit in the history of the SCO to articulate a shared vision for a multipolar world. The summit affirmed that international law, multilateralism and multipolarity are the very instruments through which the global South can defend its sovereignty, achieve development and secure a fairer international order. Chinese President Xi Jinping captured the moment in his opening speech when he warned that the shadows of Cold War mentality and bullying have not dissipated. He observed that the world has entered a new phase of turbulence, with global governance now at a crossroads. Xi’s call for joint efforts to…

The Proteas men have a golden opportunity to secure a 3-0 series sweep when they take on England in the third and final One Day International (ODI) in Southampton on Sunday. South Africa sealed a second successive ODI series win on English soil with their five-run victory at Lord’s on Thursday, following up their 2-1 triumph in Australia last week. Who would have thought the Proteas could achieve back-to-back away series victories without their pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada? The fast bowling unit has been the backbone of the Proteas’ success in recent years, and Rabada has led the charge. The 30-year-old was central to South Africa’s World Test Championship final triumph and his absence from both the Australia and England series was expected to be a major blow. But Lungi…

Novak Djokovic vowed to “continue fighting" for Grand Slam titles after his US Open semi-final exit to Carlos Alcaraz on Friday. Djokovic, whose dream of a record 25th Grand Slam title ended in a straight-sets loss to Alcaraz, pledged to keep playing next year. "I'm not giving up on Grand Slams, I'm going to continue fighting," the 38-year-old Serbian legend said after his 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 defeat. “I still want to play a full Grand Slam season next year. They are just different from any other tournament. They are the pillars of our sport." Djokovic had warned before Friday's semi-final he would need to be in peak physical condition to stand a chance of toppling the 22-year-old Alcaraz. The Spaniard has dominated men's tennis alongside Italian world number one…

Love him or hate him, Max Verstappen has proved this season why he’s on the Christmas shopping list of so many team principals' and CEOs'. With a lap time of 1:18:792 seconds, and an average speed of 264.6km/h - Verstappen set the fastest ever lap time at Monza yesterday to take pole position for today’s race. By doing so, the Dutch champion secured the 45th pole position of his career and the 108th pole position for team Red Bull - beating a long held Lotus record. The third qualifying round at Monza was nothing short of nail biting, with the momentum shifting back and forth between Lando Norris and Verstappen. It was the last few seconds left on the clock during Q3 and Norris had just clocked a 1:18:896 to…

South African DJ and producer Sharm Pillay has been announced as one of the winners of the inaugural Lady of the House South African demo competition. The recognition positions her on the global electronic music stage and marks a significant milestone in her career. Lady of the House was established to celebrate women and non-binary creatives whose contributions have often been overlooked. For Pillay, music has always been more than entertainment. “Music is not just sound to me. It is my purpose,” she said. “It carried me through loss, gave me a voice when I could not find words and it shaped me into an artist who translates pain into rhythm and connection.” Her winning demo, Soul to Soul, is a melodic techno track that she wrote. The track speaks…

BOLLYWOOD, famed for its lavish song-and-dance numbers and vast production crews, now finds itself confronting a new kind of spectacle: artificial intelligence. From altering iconic endings to generating entire films, AI is shaking up India’s multibillion- dollar film industry, raising alarm for some, excite- ment for others. The debate first erupted when producers re-released the 2013 hit Raanjhanaa with an AI-modified finale, when the Hindi film was dubbed into India’s southern language of Tamil. The new ending changed the tragic death finale into a hopeful one – with the protagonist’s eyes seen to flicker open – triggering outrage from director Aanand L Rai and star Dhanush. They decried the change as a violation of creative rights. “This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul,” Dhanush posted on…

The makers of AJEY: The Untold Story of a yogi released the trailer of the film. It shows the extraordinary journey of a young man from humble beginnings to a spiritual seeker. Slated to release on September 19, the film stars Anantvijay Joshi, Paresh Rawal, Dinesh Lal Yadav and Ajay Mengi. The trailer begins with shots of Garhwal, glimpses of Ajay’s family, and early friendships, leading up to his life-changing decision to take sanyas. It sparks his spiritual journey in a land ruled by gangsters and bahubali politicians. Peace soon gives way to conflict as he challenges a corrupt system, moving from spiritual rituals to decisive leadership and reform. The trailer captures the turbulence of an unruly land and the depth of Ajay Anand’s inner journey. The film traces…

The 20th annual SA National Parks Week will be held from September 22 to 26, and extended to September 27 and 28 at selected national parks. During this period, free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks. These are the dates of when different parks will have free access: Cape Region l Agulhas National Park: September 22 – 28 l Bontebok National Park: September 22 – 28 l Table Mountain National Park: September 22 – 25 (Extension TBC) (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway) l Tankwa Karoo National Park: September 22 – 28 l Western Cape National Park: September 22 – 26 (not extending to the weekend as it is active Flower…

As Women’s Month concluded in South Africa with colourful banners and applause, it is worth noting that for many women and girls, the struggle for equal opportunity is a daily lived experience. Efforts to empower women and girls in South Africa have not resulted in an impactful shift in addressing historical disparities. The labour market continues to favour men and shows minimal signs of making real progress towards improving prospects for women. Stats SA’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2025 reveals ongoing disparities in the labour market. A media statement by Stats SA notes that the unemployment rate for women in this period was 35,9% compared with 31,0% for men, a gap of 4,9 percentage points. “These differences reflect persistent gender imbalances in unemployment, labour…

Primedia Studios and Opulent Entertainment Group have joined forces to produce new seasons of four popular global talent shows: Project Runway, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars and Idols. South African viewers experienced the thrill of these shows previously. The Voice lasted three seasons and Dancing with the Stars saw just one season. Project Runway ran for 2 seasons, and singing competition, Idols SA, had 19 seasons, with the final season airing in 2023. This new collaboration aims to uncover new talents and celebrate Africa’s unique storytelling. Leading the charge at Opulent Entertainment Group is Hollywood star Denim Richards, who is well-known for starring in Yellowstone alongside actor Kevin Costner. Aside from acting, Richards has made a name for himself as an entrepreneur who is dedicated to enhancing Africa’s entertainment…

Heritage Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and honouring the diverse cultures that make up our nation. For a fashion enthusiast like myself, there’s no better way to celebrate than by exploring the rich history and modern style of a true fashion icon: the headwrap. And while it’s certainly a stylish way to handle a bad hair day, its significance goes far beyond that. The headwrap, or “doek” as we know it, is more than just a piece of fabric. Its history is deeply rooted in African culture, serving various purposes from the practical to the spiritual. Historically, headwraps were used to protect hair from the sun and dust, but they quickly evolved into a symbol of status, identity and spirituality. Specific colours, patterns, and wrapping styles could signify…

LOVE may be patient and kind, but social media is fast. An invite to a religious wedding ceremony featuring one groom and two brides has gone viral, faster than you can say “save the date.” The star of the show? Abdul-Maalik Rajab, who is set to marry both Ashika Abdin and Kiara Baadjies – on the same day. Originally intended for close friends and family, the nikaah invite somehow found its way online and now it’s being RSVP’d by the entire internet (emotionally at least). According to the invitation, the ceremony is set to take place next Saturday, in Johannesburg. Rajab said he was not much of a speaker and referred the Sunday Tribune to a close family friend. His friend, who did not want to be named, described Rajab…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will oppose the application by deputy president Paul Mashatile’s bodyguards to have assault and malicious damage to property charges against them withdrawn after being acquitted in an internal inquiry. Eight members of the SA Police Service VIP protection unit – Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Pomso Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokgonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesibana Rambau and Moses Tshidada - face 12 counts of assault, malicious damage to property, pointing of a firearm, contravening the Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving and defeating the ends of justice. They were charged after they were filmed assaulting two people on the N1 highway in July 2023. The accused have launched a Section 174 application, seeking to have the charges dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence. In terms…

A Durban mother and humanitarian wants to leave a better world for her children and has joined an aid and peace mission to Gaza. Elham Mouaffak-Hatfield, 47, from Durban North, will be sailing from Tunisia with hundreds of other delegates on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is a coordinated, non-violent fleet of mostly small vessels sailing from ports across the Mediterranean to break the Israeli siege. Setting out from Tunisia, Mouaffak-Hatfield is part of the South African delegation comprising activists, health professionals, artists, journalists, and everyday citizens – all committed to breaking the Israeli blockade that has gripped Gaza for 18 years. The Palestinian Solidarity activists from across South Africa have joined a historic international coalition representing more than 40 countries united in a mission of peaceful resistance to Israel’s…

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli unveiled a comprehensive Provincial Jobs and Economic Growth Action Plan, aimed at rejuvenating the province’s economy through robust job creation and renewed investor confidence on Friday. This announcement follows an extended cabinet meeting on September 3, and is a direct response to the pressing challenges posed by persistently high unemployment rates in the region. Provincial spokesperson Bongani Gina said this strategic initiative – focused on immediately addressing unemployment and revitalising the provincial economy – was the result of extensive discussions with members of the executive council (MECs), department heads and public entities. “This milestone engagement marked a turning point in KwaZulu-Natal’s collective effort to convert resilience into shared prosperity, in response to Statistics South Africa’s latest data, which continues to show persistently high unemployment levels across…

The Zulu royal family has dismissed growing criticism over the practice of virginity testing on girls under the age of 16, saying opponents are seeking to undermine one of the Zulu nation’s most enduring cultural traditions. This comes as preparations intensify for this year’s uMkhosi woMhlanga (Reed Dance), which will be held later this month at King Misuzulu’s newly built Machobeni Palace in Ngwavuma, near the KwaZulu-Natal’s border with eSwatini. Royal spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu accused detractors of trying to erode the cultural significance of virginity testing. He was speaking at a briefing on the upcoming festivities. “I think they are missing the point when they say girls younger than 16 should not go for virginity testing,” he said. “We have girls, maidens, young women and women, all of whom…

Durban is set to groove back in time to hits like Never Gonna Give you Up, Locomotion, Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car or Listen to your Heart, as some of the biggest names of the 1980s prepare to take the stage for a one-night-only concert. The Icons of the 80s concert has a stellar line-up featuring the talents of Rick Astley, Kylie Minogue, Billy Ocean and Sonia. The four music sensations are set to perform in Durban on December 6 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park stadium. FX1 Production and Media and The Sharks will be hosting the one-night-only concert. Roddy Naidoo of FX1 Production and Media said there were hardly any concerts that happened in Durban. “We have taken the liberty of bringing four iconic stars to our…

SMALL business owners in eSikhawini, on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, have accused retail giant Shoprite of threatening their survival by introducing purified water refills at its eSikhawini Mall branch. In a formal petition to the store manager, local water purification operators warned that the move was pushing independent outlets into financial distress, with some already on the brink of closure. They argued their livelihoods depend entirely on purified water sales, unlike Shoprite’s, which draws revenue from a wide range of goods, including groceries, appliances, and prepared meals. “The introduction of water refills at your store has had a severe and direct impact on our businesses, with many experiencing drastic drops in sales, and some even being forced to close permanently,” the petition read. The entrepreneurs cautioned that Shoprite’s entry into their…

‘Pull Her Down Syndrome’ betrays the sisterhood Have you ever experienced the hurt of a woman minimising your accomplishments, downplaying your successes or discarding you? “Pull Her Down Syndrome” is the term for these challenging phenomena. More than a slight to the ego, it is a betrayal of sisterhood. All too frequently, women who question the status quo are labelled as “difficult” or “out of place”. This rejection might take the form of refusing support, exaggerating shortcomings or covertly undermining one another to uphold established hierarchies, as Gender Links points out. This begs the critical question: What became of sisterhood, the camaraderie that used to bind women together despite structural obstacles? Sisterhood has long been a network based on advocacy, empathy and a common struggle, serving as a haven. Social…

The decision by the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party (SACP) to contest the upcoming 2026 local government election (LGE) left many guessing about the future of this organisation. Following this decision, the ANC has been working hard to convince the SACP to change its mind. Unfortunately, the SACP has dug its heels in, insisting that it will contest the LGE independently. This resulted in the ANC’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, conceding that the negotiations had failed. He continued to complain that this decision would lead to confusion regarding candidates. Among other issues, the SACP complains about what it calls the ANC’s arrogance and its tendency to belittle other Tripartite Alliance partners. Secondly, the SACP blames the ANC for not consulting it as a partner when constituting the current…

The commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, was sworn in last week to lead a self-declared parallel government in Sudan, deepening the country’s political crisis. Sudan has been engulfed in a civil war between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces since May 2023, which has seen millions of people displaced and tens of thousands killed. A historic hot spot in Sudan, Darfur, is experiencing intensified violence, as an end to the conflict seems more and more out of reach. Hemedti took the oath before Chief Justice Ramadan Ibrahim Shamila in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. The ceremony marks the latest escalation in the RSF’s bid to formalise authority in parts of Sudan, amid widespread accusations of atrocities committed under its…

For years, the narrative around Bafana Bafana has been depressingly familiar: a lack of depth, an overreliance on a handful of stars, and a squad stretched thin whenever injuries or suspensions hit. But Friday night in Bloemfontein felt different. South Africa’s 3-0 win over Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers was more than just another step towards qualification. It was a show of depth and resilience not seen from Bafana in years, and testament to the steady work of head coach Hugo Broos. The goals from Mohau Nkota, Lyle Forster and Oswin Appollis grabbed the headlines, but the real story was in how comfortably South Africa coped without a raft of their usual stalwarts. No Themba Zwane! No Percy Tau! No Patrick Maswanganyi. In defence, no Khuliso Mudau,…

Carlos Alcaraz overpowered Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Friday to set up a blockbuster US Open final showdown against world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner. Spanish second seed Alcaraz produced a ruthlessly efficient display to end Djokovic’s latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in two hours and 23 minutes. Alcaraz was then followed into the final by arch-rival Sinner, who was forced to work hard by Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime before wrapping up a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. It means that Alcaraz and Sinner will collide in a third consecutive Grand Slam final this year today, where US President Donald Trump will be among a 23,000 crowd to watch the latest…

Western Province saved some pride in the Currie Cup yesterday afternoon in Cape Town, dispatching the Boland Cavaliers 40-22 for their first win of the tournament. Fielding an almost full-strength United Rugby Championship (URC) side in the 100th cap of captain Deon Fourie, the hosts were slow out of the blocks at the DHL Stadium but found their rhythm in the second half to pull away from their opponents. The visitors suffered three yellow cards, despite taking the lead early in the game, and that effectively had them playing with 14 men for 50 minutes of the Western Cape derby. That allowed Province to start dominating, scoring six tries in the process for a bonus-point win. Boland now have it all to do away from home in the Currie Cup…

ACTRESS and producer Pallavi Joshi has penned an open letter to India’s President Droupadi Murmu pleading to protect her constitutional right and let The Bengal Files be shown in West Bengal peacefully. Pallavi took to Instagram, where she shared the note with the headline: “An Open Letter To Her Excellency, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. She wrote: “Respected Madam President, With a heavy heart, I reach out to you, not for favours, but for protection.” She shared that the film, which was released on Friday, is the final chapter of the Files Trilogy. She mentioned that the film portrays the “long-suppressed truth” of the Hindu genocide during Direct Action Day, the horrors of Noakhali, and the Partition trauma. The Bengal Files, the final part of the Files Trilogy, tells the long-suppressed truth…

From the OG series, Catfish: The TV Show, on MTV to the subsequent string of streaming offerings like The Tinder Swindler, Con Mum and Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, to Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara, I believed I had seen every conceivable catfish scenario. Along comes Unknown Number: The High School Catfish on Netflix, and social media has been blowing up about the shocking twist in the tale. Curiosity got the better of me, and so I watched the documentary, which is based on a 2021 case of cyberbullying in Michigan. At the heart of the story is Lauryn Licari, a typical sweet-natured teenager living her best life and in a healthy relationship with Owen McKenny. The 14-year-old couple’s shared love for sports makes them the perfect fit.…

Advocate Norman Arendse, SC, was named on Friday as the evidence leader for the Ad Hoc Committee that will inquire into the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Arendse, will be assisted by two advocates, Maria Mokhoaetsi and Lerato Zikalala. This emerged when the committee met to receive a progress report on the preparations for its hearings set to start later this month. Briefing the committee, chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said invitations had been sent to seven people identified by the committee. These were Mkhwanazi, police commissioner Fannie Masemola, suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, deputy policy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, acting minister Prof Firoz Cachalia, deputy ministers Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo. “There is no additional witness that has been invited. Signed letters are sent to the seven…

NSPCA raises alarm over company’s plan to breed 89 000 chicks The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has raised urgent concerns over Daybreak Farms’s plan to introduce 89 000 breeder chicks this month, warning that the company’s precarious finances and record of welfare violations made the move reckless and unsustainable. Daybreak, currently in voluntary business rescue, intends to place 44 500 day-old breeder birds this week and another 44 500 later in September. The NSPCA has withheld its consent, saying Daybreak has repeatedly failed to provide documentary proof of funding or contingency planning. “Without the financial confirmation, placing these 89 000 additional birds under these conditions is reckless, irresponsible and may result in further suffering,” said senior inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, manager of the NSPCA’s Farm…

PROMINENT Zuma family names have surfaced at the Howick Magistrate’s Court, where Inkosi Simphiwe Eric Zuma is appearing for the murder of DA councillor in uMngeni Local Municipality, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu. Those mentioned include businessman Khulubuse Zuma and Thobani Zuma, an uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Member of the Provincial Legislature in Pietermaritzburg. Thobani is alleged to have been part of a R200 000 bribery attempt on a magistrate who presided over Inkosi Zuma’s earlier murder case in the eMpendle Magistrate’s Court. Khulubuse is accused of conspiring with Inkosi Zuma to poison a witness in a separate murder trial. Inkosi Zuma is also alleged to be in contact with a hitman jailed for the murder of ANC councillor Phendukani Mabhida in Mandeni Municipality. These explosive claims were presented when the State opposed…

SOUTH AFRICANS remain deeply pessimistic about their country’s direction, with 80% saying South Africa is on the wrong track according to Ipsos’s latest “What Worries the World1” study. This represents a return to pre- election pessimism levels, despite an initial surge in optimism following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in mid-2024. The monthly tracking data provides a compelling narrative of online South African sentiment over the past 20 months, clearly reflecting major political developments. The study shows how public mood fluctuated from the uncertainty preceding the May 2024 national elections, through the challenging GNU negotiations in June, to a notable improvement in July-September 2024 when optimism peaked at 40% saying the country was heading in the right direction. The “What Worries the World” study offers a…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring three properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on September 25 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first property is a luxurious eight-bedroom residence – 4 Burnham Drive, La Lucia. uMhlanga is known for its beautiful beaches, modern amenities, and a lively atmosphere. Amenities include direct beachfront access, upscale resorts, and various recreational options such as swimming, snorkelling, and hiking at the Umhlanga Nature Reserve. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants, top-rated schools and medical facilities. The property features 600m² of living space with eight spacious bedrooms, six bathrooms and a powder room as well as six entertainment zones, including two lounges and two dining areas. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen…

The ANC has released its National General Council (NGC) policy document, ahead of the gathering scheduled for December 8 to12 at Nasrec in Johannesburg. The 49-page document demands serious political engagement and intellectual patience. Most certainly, members of the ANC have historically demonstrated the capacity to assimilate and comprehend documents of this magnitude. I have no doubt. My cursory review of this 49-page document highlights its frankness in addressing the gravity of the moment, while also exposing areas where false theoretical assumptions are made. This is what makes the document demanding, for it requires not only reading but rigorous engagement, critique and ideological clarity. The forthcoming NGC will test not only their ability to process complex policy but also their resolve to confront the harsh realities of the present conjuncture.…

Bafana Bafana’s ticket to a fourth appearance at the Fifa World Cup could well be within reach, but South Africa’s senior national team are far from being home and dry. What with “Teboho Mokoena-gate” still up in the air as world governing body Fifa continues to remain silent amidst loud calls from Nigeria to have three points expunged from South Africa’s haul. Top of the table on 16 points with three matches to go, Hugo Broos’ team enjoy a five-point lead over second-placed Benin, while their nemesis Nigeria were nine points behind before last night’s match against Rwanda kicked off. Ahead of the bitter rivals’ crunch meeting on Tuesday at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, the Nigerians are banking on FIFA punishing South Africa for having fielded Mokoena in that…

Kaizer Chiefs’ Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung, says every piece of silverware will be important to the club this season as they also prepare for their long-awaited return to continental football. Motaung spoke at the handover of a brand-new multipurpose sports court in Kwa-Thema, Springs—a project born out of Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup win and aimed at giving back to the community. The Phefeni Glamour Boys have hit the ground running in the 2025/26 campaign, unbeaten so far after five matches and showing significant improvement from last season. Their turnaround began with a long-overdue triumph in the Nedbank Cup, which ended a decade-long wait for silverware just towards the end of the last campaign. That victory not only restored pride but also secured their place in this season’s CAF Confederation…

In a celebration of creativity and imagination, local author Lauren Bianca Maduray has just launched her latest novel, The Realm. With a portfolio that boasts comic strips and two captivating fantasy romance novels already under her belt, Maduray’s literary offerings continue to enchant readers. One of her standout books, The Shadower, was released in 2021. This captivating comic book transforms real people into superheroes, allowing readers a glimpse into their unique powers and adventures. But it was Maduray’s recent foray into fantasy romance that has truly showcased her storytelling prowess. Earlier this year, she captivated audiences with His Wolf Her Horse and Bring It All Back, both of which explore the whimsical themes of love and fantasy. The Shadower, features actual people transformed into characters, each embodying their own superhero.…

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has honoured outstanding student achievers with prestigious scholarships. Awards were given to students who excelled academically, demonstrated strong community engagement, and distinguished themselves as leaders, as well as excelled on the sporting field, earning provincial and national honours. Among the recipients were Master of Science student, Saarisha Govender, Bachelor of Business Science in Investment Science student, Yadiel Chatterpersad, third-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student, Bianca Lee Govender and Mechanical Engineering student, Dhruv Heeralal. Saarisha was awarded the Vincent Maphai Scholarship for being the top-ranked master’s student at UKZN. Saarisha, 22, from Queensburgh, said the rewards from the scholarship will support her research in Quantum Machine Learning (QML) and her path to her PhD. She said it was humbling and motivating, adding that it would enable her…

Backyard tourism is the practice of exploring the places and experiences within your own country rather than travelling abroad. It encourages people to discover local attractions, support local businesses and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history around them. In South Africa, backyard tourism offers a wide range of experiences, from natural wonders to urban adventures, making it a way to travel without leaving home. What does backyard tourism mean? At its core, backyard tourism is about treating your home country as if you were a visitor. It is an opportunity to step outside your routine, see familiar places from a new perspective and experience areas you might otherwise overlook. For many, it is a chance to learn about local history, engage with communities and connect with nature.…

If you’ve ever tried to plan a girls’ trip, you know the real struggle isn’t picking the destination; it’s actually getting out of the group chat. One week, everyone’s talking Paris, the next it’s Bali, and by the time you finally agree on dates, someone’s already dropped out because “it’s just too expensive right now”. But what if the money side of travel didn’t have to feel like a constant buzzkill? What if you could skip the endless “Who’s paying for dinner?” debates and finally make those getaway plans stick? That’s exactly what one viral TikTok is teaching groups of friends worldwide: create a shared travel fund that quietly builds in the background until vacation time rolls around. The TikTok hack that changed everything On August 17, Australian event planner…