Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-21 i Sunday Tribune

As parenting evolves in the digital age, one familiar phrase continues to echo through homes worldwide: "Can I please have this?" The extravagant pleas for in-game items such as skins, weapons, or characters have become the norm, leading many parents to quietly concede and shell out hundreds of Rands for Fortnite V-Bucks or Roblox Robux, considering it a small price for maintaining peace. However, in the seemingly innocent world of gaming, a shadowy financial underworld is thriving, processing billions of transactions annually, an unregulated environment ripe for exploitation by financial criminals. In South Africa, banks and financial institutions have been ramping up their defences against money laundering, particularly under the looming pressures of the country's greylisting, which has only recently been resolved. Yet, as these traditional financial systems fortify, online…

This year saw the deaths of numerous South African artists, actors, musicians and cultural figures who left lasting marks on their communities, industries and fans. Their contributions shaped South Africa’s creative landscape, and their loss is felt across the country. Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor best known for his lead role in the 2005 Academy Award-winning film Tsotsi, died in May at the age of 40. His family confirmed it was from natural causes after experiencing sudden breathing difficulties at his home in Johannesburg. Chweneyagae was also celebrated for his portrayal of Cobra in the television series The River and its spin-off Cobrizzi, leaving a memorable mark on South African television. In June, the arts community mourned the loss of Rashid Lombard, a photographer, cultural activist and founder of the…

It always starts the same way – a date, a city, a familiar name and then the realisation that something big is coming back. This time, it’s Africa’s Grandest Gathering, which is returning to Cape Town. On March 27 and 28, 2026, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) will once again take over the Cape Town International Convention Centre, launching its 23rd edition with a bold new visual identity and a first-wave line-up that signals confidence, ambition and global reach. Ranked as the fourth-largest jazz and music festival in the world, CTIJF 2026 places Cape Town firmly back at the centre of the international jazz map. This is where the world comes to listen and where South Africa answers back. Leading the charge is seven-time Grammy Award winner Jacob…

THIS week in “The House of Motherly conversation, we visit the Gym with Amanda Lino the first South African woman to become a double-division EFC Champion, a world-title holder, and a professional MMA fighter and coach. A woman whose life has unfolded inside her body, inside external expectation, inside shifting identity, inside the public gaze, inside the cage, and ultimately, inside her own return home. Lino speaks with striking honesty about the season of her life where she felt lost, misaligned, and strangely disconnected from herself. Her inner world, her body, and her spirit were not speaking the same language, an almost disorientation that at some time or other has felt is familiar to many of us those moments where the stories we’ve told ourselves no longer fit. But the…

Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has confirmed that an internal inquiry into its suspended first deputy president and parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe, is under way and is expected to be finalised by the end of January 2026. The confirmation follows reports last month that the party had suspended Hlophe pending a full investigation into his conduct. The decision was announced after party president Jacob Zuma returned from a trip to Burkina Faso and convened a meeting with senior MK Party officials, where he was briefed about changes made in the National Assembly without broader consultation. At the time, the party said Zuma had issued a precautionary suspension to Hlophe from both his leadership roles in order to reaffirm the principle of collective leadership across all party structures. The party…

In a decisive move to address long-standing promotion backlogs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has promoted 9,548 officers to higher ranks, signalling a boost for morale and operational capacity across the force. The promotions, effective December 1, target officers who have spent 10 years or more in their current rank, spanning constables, sergeants, warrant officers, and other key personnel. This strategic initiative forms part of the SAPS’s Human Capital Strategy, designed to retain critical skills, nurture leadership talent, and strengthen service delivery. The breakdown of the promotions is as follows: 4,605 constables were elevated to sergeant; 3,989 sergeants to warrant officer; and 954 warrant officers received promotions to higher salary notches. Among the beneficiaries were crime intelligence operatives, detectives, uniformed officers, and support staff, reflecting a cross-section of the…

Kaizer Chiefs will be lending their support once more to the Joburg Super Kings cricket franchise when Season Four of the premier South African T20 competition, SA20, begins on December 26. Amakhosi and JSK have worked closely over the past two seasons and will continue collaborating in the new season. The Super Kings begin their campaign on December 27 with a Gauteng derby against the Pretoria Capitals on the road. Their first home game in Johannesburg is on January 1 against Durban’s Super Giants. “Over the past two seasons, we have had a wonderful partnership with the Kaizer Chiefs. This collaboration reflects a commitment to uplifting the sport and creating meaningful experiences for fans across regions,” said KS Viswanathan, the Director of Joburg Super Kings. “Both Joburg Super Kings and…

On the eve of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled some exhilarating developments for African football. The CAF Executive Committee made these progressive decisions at a meeting yesterday in Morocco, representing a significant step forward for Africa’s premier football competition. It will showcase the continent’s rich tapestry of talent and culture. During yesterday’s press conference at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe revealed that the AFCON winners will receive a staggering US$10 million (approximately R167 million), a substantial boost from the US$7 million (R117 million) awarded in 2023. Motsepe affirmed the commitment of his administration to promoting the financial self-sustainability of African football, stating; “It was less than US$5 million before the 2023…

KwaZulu-Natal is ready to welcome festive season holiday-makers, offering a vibrant and secure environment for visitors. This assurance comes from the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTFA), which recently launched a multidisciplinary safety activation campaign at Estcourt Ultra City on the N3 in the Uthukela District. The N3 serves as a crucial gateway to KZN, connecting the Free State and Gauteng to Durban, a popular holiday destination. As the province gears up for an influx of travellers, the campaign is part of KZN’s broader festive season programme, which anticipates between 1 and 1.1 million domestic trips and 34,000 international arrivals in December alone, contributing an estimated R13 billion to the tourism sector. According to Pinky Radebe, head of PR & Communications at KZNTFA, additional provincial travel indicators support this optimistic…

Mexico was recently named the friendliest country in the world for 2025. This news comes from the Global Friendliness Index, a ranking that assesses how welcoming locals are to visitors. The index found that Mexicans are not just friendly, but they are also incredibly helpful, making it easy for anyone to make friends and feel comfortable while exploring their beautiful country. From bustling cities to tiny towns and sunny beaches, countless travellers and people who have moved there say that Mexico shines with everyday kindness, warmth and a strong sense of community. Many visitors share stories of how locals go out of their way to help strangers, share food and introduce them to Mexico’s rich culture and traditions. According to these accounts, the welcoming experience makes people so happy that…

Over short periods, markets can be unpredictable, and 2025 was no exception. We expected a volatile year, and that has certainly played out. Nobody anticipated a placid administration out of the US or a quick resolution to any of the geopolitical tensions, but there have been some surprises on both fiscal and monetary fronts – both domestically and abroad – that signal where markets may be heading and where volatility could emerge. Not all of these surprises have been negative. The rand has performed far better than many expected, and South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October has helped reduce perceived country risk. Alongside incremental improvements at some of our key state-owned enterprises, this has begun to build momentum that could carry through…

If you’ve been scrolling for a binge-worthy reality show, then look no further than Love Thy Nader. Currently streaming on Disney+, the show follows sisters Brooks, Mary Holland, Grace Ann and Sarah Jane. They are from the swamps of Louisiana, taking on the concrete jungle of New York City, and they are ready to take over the world. Love Thy Nader instantly gives off old-school Keeping Up With The Kardashians vibes. I’m talking about the early days when the sisters were just starting out, weren’t afraid to fight dirty and had absolutely no problem outing cheating boyfriends on national television. This show feels raw, messy and is genuinely entertaining. The sisters all have interesting and unique personalities. Brooks, the eldest sister and leader of the pack, isn’t afraid to get…

NATHAN’S Pier frames Umhlanga Beach in yuletide festivity as visibly working class families nibble fried chicken and quaff fizzy drinks that match the effervescent sprays of the restless ocean. The jolly scene is crowned by a striking whalebone carcass artistically oxidizing in the salty wind and carefully cradling in its bowels teeming crowds seeking respite from the scorching sands and blistering sun. Excited chatter in Sesotho cuts through the air. The first sight of the sea for the excited infants, perhaps? The melodious northern tongue is unfamiliar in these parts save for Christmas when Jo’burg descends on Durban like an invasion of merry ants. A smile is enough to trigger a conversation: “Jozi people, welcome to the kingdom.” The ice is broken and there’s more in the ubiquitous cooler box.…

THE recent conduct of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, at the Nkabinde Enquiry has sparked serious concerns about the integrity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Legal analyst Bophelo Seleke said Batohi’s actions could significantly erode public confidence in an institution already under scrutiny. As the initiator of the enquiry into Advocate Andrew Chauke’s fitness to serve as South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Batohi's role is pivotal, yet her recent decisions raise questions about her commitment to accountability. The enquiry, chaired by retired Constitution Court Judge Bess Nkabinde was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate serious allegations against Chauke, who has been suspended on full pay since July. During the enquiry on Monday, Batohi faced intense questioning from the panel chair, Judge Nkabinde.…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate alleged irregularities, maladministration and unlawful conduct in major state institutions, including those involved in vaccine research and development, as well as SAA. The SIU has been tasked with probing procurement and contracting processes linked to four vaccine research projects at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Technology Innovation Agency, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The projects include developing a national vaccine manufacturing strategy, finalising an overarching vaccine development strategy, and initiatives related to a Virus-Like Particles (VLP) platform. SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the unit would examine whether the contracts “were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective”. He added that the investigation…

THIS year was not without drama for former president Jacob Zuma, his relatives, and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). While facing charges of inciting July 2021 violence, Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla allegedly risked her own relatives by trafficking them to Russia, where they ended up joining the war against Ukraine. Among the 17 men who found themselves in a war zone in Ukraine were the children of Zuma-Sambudla's sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Ncube, and those of her late uncle, Zuma’s brother. Zuma-Sambudla, who is now facing human trafficking-related criminal charges, relinquished her political role by resigning from the MKP, thus losing her salary as a MP, She was replaced by her other sister, Brumelda Zuma, a move that sparked controversy as political analysts thought that Zuma was treating his party as a…

The family of former ANC veteran Zibuse Mlaba can finally find some joy and happiness after the Camperdown Magistrate's Court denied bail on Thursday morning to the man alleged to be behind his assassination. Mlaba, a former member of the KZN legislature and the ANC’s provincial deputy chairperson, was gunned down on October 21, 2021. The murder took place outside his office at Wareing’s Shopping Centre in Cato Ridge. Prosecutors claim that Mlaba’s 63-year-old cousin, Mzamo Mlaba, orchestrated the hit, allegedly paying R130 000 and instructing Nhlanhla Hlongwa, Mncedisi Gwala and Fortune Dlamini to carry out the murder. Following the assassination, Mzamo allegedly bought the murder weapons for R10 000 each. However, the firearms have not been recovered. Mzamo was arrested on April 4, 2025. Although he initially abandoned his…

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ordered the minister of police to pay R650,000 in damages to Jabulani Mlabe, a 74-year-old man from Blaawubosch in Newcastle. The claim stems from an incident on March 12, 2008, where Mlabe was injured on his right leg during a shootout between police and suspects. The High Court ruled that the police were negligent, finding that they failed to keep a proper lookout during the shooting. At the time of the incident, Mlabe was 58 years old and working at Iscor, cycling home on the left side of the road. Mlabe testified that he was shot on the right leg while cycling, causing him to fall. He was subsequently taken to the hospital in a police van. Crucially, Mlabe maintained that the bullet that struck…

Nkosinathi Nkosingiphile Ngubane, 36, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ntuzuma Regional Court for the rape of a 16-year-old girl in the Lindeni area in March 2017. According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, the victim did not know Ngubane. On the day of the incident, Ngubane approached the victim to ask for directions. While she was assisting him, he managed to lure her to a nearby house and raped her. Initially, the victim was unable to identify Ngubane, as stated by Ramkisson-Kara. “Since the complainant did not know who Ngubane was, she was unable to identify him.” The matter was reported to the police, and the victim was taken to the Phoenix Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) for medico-legal assistance, where DNA swabs…

As South Africa winds down 2025 and prepares to enter 2026, it does so with a guarded but undeniable sense of optimism. The recently published Labour Market Dynamics data indicates that the economy created 248 000 jobs in the third quarter of 2025. After years of stagnation and policy drift, this outcome suggests that under conditions of stabilising electricity supply, easing logistics constraints and modest economic recovery, the labour market retains a residual capacity to respond. Most certainly, the economy is on a positive trajectory. The numbers matter. They signal movement where there has long been paralysis. Yet accordingly, they must be read soberly, not as evidence of arrival, but as an opening through which the deeper structural condition of the economy must now be confronted. The improvement recorded in…

A quarter of the way through the 21st century, Africa continues to face numerous familiar challenges, while also making strides in entrenching democracy, the rule of law and good governance. 2025 saw a mix of progress and setbacks across Africa, as coups and attempted coups continued to destabilize some countries. Meanwhile, conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, alongside broader geopolitical tensions, had far-reaching repercussions for the continent. At the same time, there has also been encouraging economic growth and infrastructure investments. What follows is a recap of some of the most significant developments in African peace and security during 2025. Elections: In 2025, 17 countries held various forms of elections across all of the continent’s regions, ranging from…

Aston Villa are the Premier League's form side, with Unai Emery's men surging into Premier League title contention alongside Arsenal and Manchester City. After failing to win any of their opening six games of the season, Villa have won 15 of their past 17 in all competitions, including 10 of 11 in a fiercely competitive Premier League. The Birmingham-based club have shrugged off their status as sleeping giants since Emery's arrival just over three years ago. But Villa have not won a league title since 1981 and that was their first since before World War I. Here we look at whether they can realistically maintain a title charge up against the might of Arsenal and City. Villa's winning streak is the latest example of year-on-year improvement under skilled tactician Emery.…

Devraj shares secrets behind award-winning curries ​“To anyone walking their own path, I want to share a piece of my journey – one that has been seasoned with patience, courage and a whole lot of determination,” said Shovanie Devraj, a Durban-based culinary entrepreneur and home cook. “When I first stepped into the kitchen, I had no idea how far I would come. I did not have all the confidence, but I knew that I had a skill in my hand. What I did have was a desire to grow. And that desire has carried me through every challenge, mistake and breakthrough.” Devraj is the founder of Keep Calm and Curry On, a business dedicated to sharing the traditional art of Durban curry. Her cooking is rooted in family recipes passed…

Summer is the ideal season to set sail and immerse yourself in the beauty of South Africa’s waterways. Whether you prefer the gentle flow of a river or the vastness of the ocean, there are countless opportunities to cool off and enjoy stunning sunsets. Boat cruises offer not only scenic views but also unique experiences that allow you to connect with nature. If you’re seeking relaxation, adventure and quality time with loved ones, these stunning destinations provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable summer memories. From chasing dolphins to spotting majestic whales, now is the perfect time to dive into the water and explore the breathtaking landscapes that South Africa has to offer. Nature’s tranquil oasis: Blyde River Canyon One of the most enchanting places for a boat cruise is the…

In a significant forecast for South Africa’s property sector, Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, has announced expectations for a robust recovery in the housing market in 2026. With the Cape region asserting its dominance as a seller’s market, Gauteng is projected to continue its struggles unless critical service delivery issues are addressed. Seeff stated that the property landscape will wrap up 2025 on a firmer footing compared to prior years. As economic fundamentals seem promising, the outlook for the next year remains relatively upbeat. However, the market will evolve as a “tale of two markets”, where the Cape continues to flourish, while other regions, notably Gauteng, remain more favourable for buyers. The Seeff Group is celebrating another record year in turnover, primarily fuelled by substantial sales in…

With the silly season upon us, my viewing preference leans towards shows that are light and require minimal concentration. If you are in a similar position, then it’s worth checking out Netflix’s Selling Sunset season 9. I remember being completely captivated by this real estate reality show during the Covid-19 lockdown. Visually, it served the la-di-da lifestyle on a platter, from multi-million dollar mansions to the covergirl-looking cast, who not only drive swanky rides but amplify the cattiness with their personality clashes. Generally, the Oppenheim twin brothers, Brett and Jason, choose to remain Switzerland when the air gets tense in the office or at one of the soirees everyone is at, but even they reach their breaking point this season. The show’s melodrama, although a primary draw, has unfortunately become…

Not everyone is spending Christmas surrounded by family and noisy cousins, which is perfectly okay. Whether you’re choosing solitude, working through the festive season, or simply craving a slower pace, a solo Christmas can be surprisingly joyful, freeing and deeply restorative. Here’s how to turn Christmas Day into a celebration of you with no awkward small talk required. Create your own Christmas ritual Who says traditions have to be inherited? Start one of your own. Wake up late, light a scented candle, play your favourite playlist, and enjoy your morning exactly the way you want to. Whether it’s journalling, meditation, or a quiet prayer, grounding your day with intention sets the tone for a peaceful celebration. Dress up even if you’re not going anywhere There’s something powerful about getting dressed…

IF actions indeed speak louder than words, this week’s decision by the US to approve a record weapons sale to Taiwan is proof that the Trump administration is doing everything in its military power to trigger a confrontation with China. The $11.1 billion sale (R186bn) of a massive package of advanced weaponry for Taiwan was greenlighted by Pete Hegseth’s Department of War and is the second since US President Donald Trump returned to power in January. The first was a $330 million deal for parts and components in November. Predictably, China has taken umbrage at the move, correctly highlighting that under international law, and recognised by the UN, Taiwan is an integral part of China under the One-China Policy. On October 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758,…

Leader of the controversial March and March movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, says the government should be blamed for the murder of media personality Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras. Ngobese-Zuma made the remarks on Friday during a picket at Durban City Hall in Church Square, where supporters gathered to demand justice and pay tribute to DJ Warras. Some South Africans have been backing her call for accountability, while others have urged restraint as police investigations continue. “We have a picket today in memory of DJ Warras and the patriot that he was. We are very saddened by his passing because it speaks to the issues we’ve been talking about since he started March and March, particularly hijacked buildings,” Ngobese-Zuma said. She said the government must take responsibility for Stock’s death,…

SOUTH Africa’s great political safety valve has always been the commission of inquiry. When pressure builds, we appoint a judge, hire evidence leaders, and wheel the cameras into a hotel ballroom. In 2025, that instinct has gone into overdrive. Three major inquiries have framed the year: the national Khampepe Commission into delays in prosecuting Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases; the Madlanga Commission into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system; and the Usindiso/Khampepe Commission in Gauteng into the deadly inner‑city building fire and the broader “bad buildings” crisis. Taken together, they show the good, the bad and the frankly ugly of South Africa’s reliance on commissions. The good – hard truths finally on the record: On the positive side, these inquiries are surfacing truths that have…

FORMER head of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit, Johan Booysen, is expected to appear before the The Enquiry into the Fitness to Hold Office of Advocate Andrew Chauke (The Enquiry), where he says he will respond to allegations linked to the controversial prosecution of his former unit. Booysen, who held the rank of major general during the unit’s operations, was mentioned this week at the enquiry, where National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi was questioned about her involvement in the criminal case against him and the unit. Speaking in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Booysen has maintained that his interactions with Batohi were minimal and strictly professional. “The first time I got to know about advocate Batohi was when she was the evidence leader or cross-examined Hansie Cronje…

A criminal investigation has been launched following the collapse of a multi-storey New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, north of Durban. Authorities are probing whether illegal construction practices, substandard materials, and the absence of approved building plans constitute criminal conduct. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson revealed preliminary findings this week, based on an early report compiled by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE). The report points to serious construction failures, including friable concrete, poor workmanship, and indications that no approved building plans or permits were submitted to authorities. “The structure, a reinforced concrete building still under construction, collapsed suddenly on Friday afternoon while work was under way on the upper floors,” Macpherson said during a media briefing in Mayfair, Durban. Preliminary evidence, including video footage, suggests…

South Africa today is a nation under strain – tested by corruption, deepening inequality, and social decay. Yet, across the country, and particularly in Tongaat and along the North Coast, I have witnessed something enduring and powerful: ordinary people rising in extraordinary ways. Whether confronting floods, tornadoes, drug lords, or injustice, our communities have repeatedly demonstrated courage and resilience. This spirit is the heartbeat of the Freedom Charter – a beacon that continues to guide us. I was born and grew up in Tongaat. By the late 1970s, I was a young activist actively involved in civic and welfare movements. For us, the Freedom Charter was far more than a political document – it was a lodestar. Adopted in Kliptown in 1955, it boldly proclaimed that “South Africa belongs to…

It is now a year and seven months since South Africa held its 2024 general election, which, for the first time since 1994, did not produce an outright winner at the national level. The ANC received the largest vote, albeit with only 40.18%. It had the responsibility to constitute a government to avoid a minority coalition government. There were various options at its disposal. The first one was a grand coalition with the DA, which had been the official opposition party. This option failed when members of the Tripartite Alliance did not approve it. The second option was a Government of National Unity (GNU), which would have included the ANC, DA, MKP and the EFF. This option, too, failed since the DA did not want the EFF or the MKP…

US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” is reportedly set to be announced before the year’s end. This news coincides with increasing reports that the US administration is serious about pushing forward the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. However, many critical questions remain unanswered. How can a governing council be superimposed on Gaza when Palestinians are unified in their rejection of any new form of Western mandate over their lives? Furthermore, how can the proposed “International Stabilization Force (ISF)” operate in Gaza without total clarity regarding its mission? If the ISF ends up serving primarily as an Israeli line of defence, the entire project will collapse before it begins. Neither Arab nor Muslim countries will seriously engage in subduing Palestinians on behalf of Israel. Any other participating force will…

The LIV Golf League and its players have no idea what awaits them in South Africa next year. According to Stinger GC captain Louis Oosthuizen and teammates Dean Burmester and Branden Grace, it won’t be a shock, but a thunderous reception driven by one of the most passionate sporting crowds in the world. After a season of ups and downs on the LIV Golf League, South Africa’s Stinger GC are ready to harness that homegrown energy as the tour makes its long-awaited stop in the City of Gold from 19-22 March at Steyn City. The past year tested the Stingers, with Masters winner Charl Schwartzel as the fourth, in every sense. Adapting to LIV Golf’s fast-paced, team-focused format came with challenges, and results did not always reflect the depth of…

“Sorry to disrupt your peace, but it’s what Midnight Avenue does.” The line, spoken half-jokingly during a late-night phone call, has become a slogan that captures the spirit of Midnight Avenue, a rising youth alternative rock band from Chatsworth in Durban. The group is driven by connection, shared ambition and a belief that music should make people feel seen. Their sound leans into atmosphere and emotion, built for live performance and honest expression. Midnight Avenue began taking shape toward the end of last year, sparked by an idea from drummer Trent Naidoo. After spending time learning guitar from rhythm guitarist Ravashlin Singh, Trent decided he wanted to form a real alternative rock band that would play live and aim for big stages. “It had always been a dream of mine…