Sunday Tribune 2025-12-07

As South Africa approaches 2026, the economic landscape for both businesses and households is imbued with a sense of cautious optimism. This outlook is underscored by the recent Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) and the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decisions, which suggest a gradual movement towards macroeconomic and financial stability. Adding to that was the GDP data released this past week which revealed that the country's economy expanded by 0.5% in the third quarter of 2025, this was slower than the revised 0.9% growth in the second quarter. According to Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG, nine out of ten industries displayed positive growth from the second to the third quarter, a positive indicator of a broadly distributed recovery. Blackmore emphasised that while some industries exhibit growth, the economy’s…

Golden Gloves has been the dominant force in African boxing for more than fifty years. Now the organisation is preparing for its most ambitious transformation yet, driven by South African tech entrepreneur Nivi Grogor who has been appointed to lead its digital future. For Grogor, the timing could not be more significant. She said the shift is essential because the modern fan consumes sport online and demands a fully connected experience. "The next generation wants accessibility, interactivity, transparency and instant access to results and personalities. Protecting a legacy brand means evolving with the era and digital is no longer an optional extra but the new standard of global sport," Grogor said. Grogor said she brings the mindset of a builder. Her company iME has grown into a multi vertical technology…

As South Africa works to strengthen its long-term economic resilience, it’s essential to recognise the critical role played by agriculture and agro-processing, sectors that underpin jobs, regional development and sustainable growth. On paper, the agricultural sector is a small contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – coming in at just under 3%, which means that it contributes around R200bn to the economy each year. However, if we consider that the mining sector was just 6% of GDP in 2024, this gives us pause for thought around the role that agriculture will play in the coming years. Our business gives us quite a unique perspective on the sector. If we look at our forestry business, we have first-hand operational insights into the challenges and opportunities that the agro-processing sector provides. Downstream,…

If you’re looking for a holiday movie that’s a bit different from the usual romcoms, look no further than Netflix’s Jingle Bell Heist. This quirky film combines the fun of a crime caper with a sprinkle of romance, set against the festive backdrop of London’s holiday season. The film follows Sophie, played by Olivia Holt, a smart and nimble small-time thief who works two jobs, at a posh department store named Sterling’s and at a local pub. She is also caring for her sick mother in the hospital, while trying to make ends meet. Her covert petty theft is unexpectedly uncovered by Nick, played by Connor Swindells, a tech-savvy former Sterling employee now working in a phone repair shop. Nick spent two years in prison for stealing from the same…

It’s difficult to ignore the real-life drama that follows actors. Justin Hartley found himself in such a predicament when his ex-wife Chrishelle Stause aired their dirty laundry on Selling Sunset. They tied the knot in 2017, not long after Hartley landed his big TV breakthrough role as Kevin Pearson in the critically-acclaimed drama, This is Us. In 2021, the couple parted ways. According to Stause, Hartley announced their separation via a text message. It was reportedly an ugly situation and harder for her as she didn’t see it coming, nor received an explanation. That being said, she paved the way for her own success on the reality show, recently confirming that she won’t be returning for season 10. Of course, Hartley flourished in his career as well. Following the end…

It’s the silly season. A time when lighthearted content is sought after, which explains the bombardment of Christmas movies. Of course, if you are partial to such offerings, then Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, a Bollywood romcom with English subtitles, is worth watching. It’s fun, playful and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Don’t go looking for a solid script either, it’s as far-fetched as they come. But, to be honest, that is unsurprising for bubblegum offerings of this nature. Sometimes, that is part of its appeal. Yes, there is an audience for them. The story centres on Sunny Sanskari (Varun Dhawan), who meets and falls in love with Ananya Bhatia (Sanya Malhotra). However, when he decides to take the next step and get down on one knee, he learns that…