Sunday Tribune 2025-10-19

October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when stories of resilience and healing take centre stage. Among these is the story of Amanda Nkuna, a young entrepreneur whose belief in the power of words gave rise to SpeechCraft Academy, a platform that has turned communication into both a business and a movement for change. Founded in 2023, SpeechCraft Academy aimed to equip young people and professionals with practical skills in public speaking, debate, poetry, and communication coaching. But at its heart, it became something deeper, a space for healing, confidence, and leadership. “The idea for SpeechCraft came from realising that young people have powerful stories but often lack the confidence or platform to share them,” Nkuna said. “I wanted to create a space where communication could become a tool…

The food industry is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped not just by economic pressures and climate realities but by consumers who are reimagining what they eat, how it is produced, and why it matters. According to PwC’s Voice of the Consumer 2025 report, South Africans are playing a leading role in pushing for healthier, tech-driven, and sustainable food choices. The survey, which engaged more than 20 000 consumers globally, including over 1 000 South Africans, revealed that people are no longer passive participants in the food system. They are driving the change. Nearly three-quarters of local respondents said they are concerned about ultra-processed foods and pesticide use, while 70% plan to increase their consumption of fresh produce in the coming months. “Consumers are asserting their values-led appetites,” the report noted,…

Industry players have reacted positively to plans for the R50 billion development of the Port of Gauteng. The White Paper for the Port of Gauteng was released two weeks ago. Developer Francois Nortje said the Port of Gauteng aims to become Africa’s most advanced inland trade gateway, addressing chronic inefficiencies in the national logistics system while creating more than 50 000 permanent jobs. Malcolm Hartwell, Norton Rose Fulbright director and master mariner, said that in the first instance, any investment in logistics infrastructure is welcomed by traders and transporters who have struggled with South Africa’s inefficient and expensive logistics network, which has been dominated by Transnet’s monopoly over the ports and rail network. “Low-margin traders need efficient and cost-effective logistics networks to develop and grow their businesses. The decline in…

Netflix South Africa loves a little razzle and dazzle to celebrate any of their new shows, and as before, they hosted a launch for the upcoming series Bad Influencer. Nelson Mandela Square was buzzing with famous faces that had shoppers turning into fans and screaming excitedly as they saw them. The fans braved the scorching Johannesburg sun as they waited to see Mzansi stars, and thankfully, there were a few stars. Bad Influencer is a seven-part crime drama series that balances high-stakes survival with the glossy illusions of influencer culture. At its heart is BK (Jo-Anne Reyneke), a street-smart single mom whose greatest hustle is protecting her son. Destiny puts her in the path of Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu ), a rising influencer with flair and chaos to spare. For the…

For an edge-of-your-seat thriller, Wayward is an excellent choice. In this fictional town of Tall Pines, an unsettling and suffocating eeriness permeates everything. You know that saying, “Hurt people, hurt people”, well, here, it’s a similar mindset in that the brainwashed brainwash others. It’s a disturbing but widely accepted reality in this town, where everyone knows your business. However, rebels lurk in its midst, and that is where the suspense gains momentum. The eight-part series opens on an innocuous note: Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin), a young police officer who is also transgender, moves to Tall Pines with Laura Redman (Sarah Gadon), his heavily pregnant wife. Amid them settling in and Alex getting ready for his first day on the job, high school BFFs Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Abbie (Sydney…

Guess who’s back, baby? Our favourite real estate reality show, Selling Sunset, has returned for a ninth season. Our guilty pleasure where the homes are dream-worthy, but the tea? The absolute main course. Let’s be real, we’re not just here for mansions (though yes, we’ve all imagined ourselves living there). We’re here for the drama. Maybe they should name the series Selling Drama, but let’s not go there. Season eight gave us all the usual: lip fillers, fashion statements, and plenty of drama. But it was the messy entanglements between Emma Hernan, Bre Tiesi, Chelsea Lazkani and Chrishell Stause that truly kept fans hooked. And now, the new season is already stirring the pot. The trailer hints at the incident that led to Nicole Young being temporarily paused. Young, part…