Home//Star/2024-06-13/In This Issue
Star|2024-06-13R1 million in cyptocurrency passes through Pick n Pay tills in a monthPICK N PAY, which reported a massive loss of R3.2 billion for the year to February, said yesterday that it was seeing R1 million a month in sales from shoppers buying groceries, data, airtime and paying their municipal bills. While this is insignificant in terms of its overall sales, the retailer, South Africa’s second largest, says its innovation in terms of its pay stack allows customers to use a variety of payment methods. In April this year, Pick n Pay joined the likes of Shoprite in offering a store-to-store Domestic Money Transfer service, at R8 a transaction. Four times more customers a month are using Crypto QR codes at nearly 700 Pick n Pays, mostly in the Western Cape followed by…2 min
Star|2024-06-13MultiChoice losses double on currency, and less subscribers But re-launch of Showmax in February is already showing early tractionSUPERSPORT and DStv owner, Multi- Choice, which is being acquired by global broadcaster Canal+, more than doubled its losses in 2024. This was after its subscriber numbers fell, substantial currency headwinds and an increase in investment spending such as for the launch of Showmax. The headline loss per share slid to 718 cents for the year from the 301c loss at the same time a year before. No dividend was declared in lieu of the Canal+ offer. As of March 31 its total assets stood at R43.85 billion, down from R47.6bn in 2023, while its liabilities are at R43.8bn, less than R47.6bn. CFO Tim Jacobs said such were the currency headwinds that while the group reported some R4.3bn of foreign exchange losses in the period from its listing…3 min
Star|2024-06-13SA port inefficiencies persist as miffed Transnet shrugs off World Bank IndexTRANSNET has remained under sharp criticism for the inefficiencies rocking South Africa’s ports and economic activity, despite its dismissal of findings by the World Bank that the Cape Town Port is the worst in the world while Durban, Coega, and Port Elizabeth in Queberha are also lowly ranked. In its 2023 Container Port Performance Index released last week, the World Bank ranked these South African ports and terminals among the worst in the world. However, the State-owned logistics firm yesterday dismissed the rankings, saying they were erroneous. “The World Bank incorrectly uses the duration of a vessel’s stay as a measure of container port cargo-hand- ling performance, relied on third party sample data and failed to give a measured terminal access to the data sample for verification prior to publication,”…2 min
Star|2024-06-13How two KZN locals went up against the tea giantsJOE SWART and Jonathan Kelsey embarked on a project 30 years ago to make quality tea available and afford-able for all South Africans. The pair formulated their business plan in Swart’s mother’s garage, and that was the early brewings of Joekels Tea Packers. The two combined their skills, knowledge and their names (Joe and Kels), along with the little money they had, into building their fledgling business, Joekels Tea Packers. It took them five years to turn a profit, but they stuck at it, teaching themselves what they needed to know to run a tea factory and business along the way. They weren’t completely in the dark as Swart came from an accounting background and Kelsey was a qualified tea taster. They had to wear many hats in those early…3 min
Star|2024-06-13sab foundation and idc launch township fund to mitigate energy challengesTHE SAB FOUNDATION has partnered with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to launch and co-fund a R15 million Township Energy Fund. This fund was launched in recognising the negative impact of load shedding on small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and the additional costs associated with adopting alternative energy sources, the companies said in a joint statement yesterday. The electricity crisis in South Africa is a major issue affecting small businesses, eroding their income and threatening their viability. “The initiative is aimed at providing grant funding to small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises in townships, rural areas, and small towns, enabling them to implement renewable energy solutions, restabilise operations and catalyse their business growth,” they said. The IDC has committed R10 million towards the fund, with a co-contribution of…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Lebo Keswa calls it quits with actress Letoya MakheneThe marriage of former Generations actress and singer, Letoya Makhene, and her wife Lebo Keswa is on the rocks following claims of infidelity and abuse. The couple, who married on December 22, 2020, in a lavish wedding, are calling it quits after Keswa, in a statement, revealed that their “marriage had ended in a toxic relationship”. The official statement read: “After much thought and consideration, Lebo Keswa has made a difficult decision to separate indefinitely from her ex-wife, Letoya Makhene and her separation goes beyond irreconcilable differences.” It said that for the sake of both their mental health, livelihood and the well-being of their children, Keswa had decided to dissolve the marriage. “She made this decision graciously and with gratitude for the time they had spent together.” The statement confirmed…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Horse-trading in full swing; Lesufi eyes premiershipThe Gauteng Legislature, like Parliament, is due to hold its first sitting tomorrow following the tumultuous elections of May 29. Justice Dunstan Mlambo said the sitting to kick-start the seventh administration for the province will inaugurate the new Gauteng Legislature. However, it is not clear at this stage who will lead the province, but Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi remains optimistic that he will return to his throne. The sitting is scheduled to conduct the swearing-in of members of the legislatures, the election of the premier, speaker and deputy speaker of the province; as well as the election of chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of committees; the designation of Gauteng’s perma- nent delegates to the National Council of Provinces; and resolution on the Gauteng mandate on the election of the chairperson and…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Bail bid in MKP case postponedFOUR suspects arrested in connection with the murder of two uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) members remain behind bars amid a failed special bail hearing. The accused appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing two counts of murder. MKP members sang Struggle songs and chanted outside the court while holding placards with messages requesting the court not to grant bail to the suspects. The matter was postponed to June 18 and 19. The four suspects are accused of killing Bongani Mkhwanazi, who left a son aged 2, and Xolani Nzimande, who left a pregnant girlfriend. Police told the media last month that the double murder happened after an alleged dispute with ANC members, while the Ekurhuleni Thathazonke crime-fighting unit alleged that there was a road rage incident. As…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Couple found dead in home, husband ‘behind foul play’A Limpopo couple were found dead in their home on Monday afternoon in what police believe could be a murder-suicide. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the couple were found dead in the Motserereng Village at around 2pm. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the couple had a heated argument that led to a 49-year-old man burning his 45- year-old wife with hot water,” Ledwaba said. “The victim sustained severe burn wounds on the body and succumbed to her injuries.” Ledwaba said following the murder incident, it appears the husband committed suicide. “His body was found hanging in one of the rooms inside the house,” Ledwaba said. “The police also found a death note next to the deceased and it will help in the investigation of this tragic incident.” Provincial SAPS…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Ex-soldier concealed HIV statusFormer SANDF member Leon Santos Conga has been convicted of attempted murder and rape, for failing to disclose his HIV status to his former partner, and infecting her with the virus. The complainant, Antoinette Ndishishi, is represented by Afri- Forum’s Private Prosecution Unit (PPU), which has been supporting her fight for justice since she approached the unit in 2018. The evidence that the unit helped secure was critical to the conviction. The unit forced the SANDF to release Conga’s medical records, which revealed that he was aware of his HIV status since 2007. Their refusal to provide these records forced the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to withdraw the case twice. Without these records, the docket lacked sufficient evidence to charge the accused. Conga pleaded not guilty to the charges in…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Word war between diamond dealer and sleuthA WAR of words between controversial diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg and well-known private investigator Mike Bolhuis has turned into a legal battle. Liebenberg this week turning to court for an “extremely urgent” order that Bolhuis immediately remove “defamatory” postings made on social media regarding himself (Liebenberg) and his wife Dezi. The diamond mining mogul said the host of postings, made on May 28 on Bolhuis’s Facebook page, are derogatory and depict himself and his wife in an extremely negative light. The postings were done on the eve of the elections, in which Liebenberg stood as an independent candidate. Bolhuis had in the past done work for Liebenberg, but their relationship had since soured. In an affidavit before the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, Liebenberg said he…2 min
Star|2024-06-13UP Introduces Doctorate of Education for professionals, a first of its kind in SAThe University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Education has introduced a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Management, oriented towards professional rather than academic engagement at National Qualifications Framework level 10. It is the first professional degree in this field offered at a South African university, and proposes an alternative route to a doctorate from an appropriate research-based or master’s degree. The programme is designed around the development of high-level performance and innovation in a professional context, and enhances the possibility of a career as a highly qualified, skilled education leader at any level in the education enterprise. The new qualification was inspired by the faculty’s aim to be responsive to the professional leadership and management needs of the educational community. Applications have opened for the first batch of…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Task team to deal with informal settlement issuesCITY Manager Johann Mettler has instituted a high-level multidisciplinary task team to engage with concerns raised by residents affected by issues arising out of the Plastic View, Wolwespruit and Cemetery View informal settlements in the east of the city. Notably in Plastic View, the City is responding to the issue of open fires being started to burn plastic waste and rubbish which significantly contribute to smoke in the area. Noise pollution and illegal dumping were also highlighted as problems that needed urgent attention. The task team met yesterday to craft a comprehensive plan to be implemented to address the problems plaguing residents around the three informal settlements. Drastic action is planned to curb illegal activities taking place in the settlements. The Metro Police chief has been mandated to enforce by-law…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Drinks poll reveals men’s beverage preferencesDr GERALD Maarman, a biomedical scientist and rooibos researcher, shared insights from a poll during Men’s Health Month, highlighting South African men’s beverage preferences as a healthy and versatile option. The survey of over 700 men across various settings, professions, and age groups provides valuable data on their beverage preferences, drinking habits, and views on healthier lifestyles. It reveals that 46% of men start their day with coffee; 30% prefer rooibos, water, black tea, and herbal infusions, followed by water at 9%. Maarman says it’s encouraging to see such a significant number of men choosing rooibos to kick-start their day. “Its natural sweet taste, rich antioxidant profile, and caffeine-free nature make it an excellent morning beverage.” He says rooibos offers a myriad of health benefits, particularly for men. “Its antioxidants…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Most sick claims from under-45sSanlam’s 2023 claim statistics for sickness and disability show more than 60% of claims came from clients under 45. Sanlam said it paid out R10.7 billion in claims across both Sanlam Group Risk and Sanlam Risk and Savings for 21 896 claims. A notable trend in its 2023 risk and savings claim statistics was the prevalence of claims from younger clients, particularly in the areas of sickness and income protection, Sanlam said. “Two-thirds of sickness-and disability income claims came from individuals younger than 45. “Additionally, more than half of all severe illness claims (57%) were for clients younger than 55; for women this was 70%. “62% of disability claims came from people younger than 55, in their prime working years; for women, this sits higher at 70%. “In 2023, Sanlam…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Climate Commission adopts apex reportsThe Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) held its 14th Ordinary Quarterly Meeting on Friday at the Constitution Hill Precinct in Johannesburg, and adopted two apex reports, the inaugural South African State of Climate Action Report and the Just Transition Financing Mechanism Report. In deliberating over reports, the commission emphasised the need to respond tangibly to the glaring science and signs, as well as the daily experiences of many South Africans over a range of climate-related phenomena and the increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. These, it noted, called on everyone to respond to the climate crisis with a sense of urgency and redoubled effort. The maiden report, which is the PCC's first assessment of climate action in South Africa, presents a snapshot of the country’s progress towards…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Chery Tiggo 8 Pro flagship takes value to the MaxThe Chinese motor industry is something of an emerging superpower, both globally and in South Africa. With many established brands gradually pricing themselves into oblivion, buyers are finding it impossible to ignore the value on offer from the Land of the Red Dragon. At the moment Chery is leading this charge on the local market, and the importer was the seventh best-selling car brand in May. While the smaller Tiggo 4 Pro is the volume pusher, with over 1 000 of them finding homes each month, the Tiggo 8 Pro remains a strong seller among the seven-seat contenders in the market, with around 300 monthly sales being the norm. In size and concept it is rather similar to Volkswagen’s Tiguan Allspace, except cheaper. Whereas the latter is priced from R667…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Citizen participation should not be limited to voting, strikesAfter the 2024 elections, South Africans are not optimistic about a coalition government. The former leading party, the ANC, is no longer in the lead. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has stated that as long as President Cyril Ramaphosa is in power, it would not consider a coalition with the ANC. Then there are disputes about how fair and accurate the elections were, despite the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declaring the election fair. But central to it all was the growing mistrust among politicians and citizens. The coalition negotiations were taking place in an environment of growing mistrust of politics and the state, said Ebrahim Fakir, an analyst at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, pointing to the fall in turnout to 58.6% from 66% at…4 min
Star|2024-06-13Morena: I had to do my best to give everything for amazing Bloem fansThapelo Morena has opened up about his emotional return to Bloemfontein in the colours of the South African national team. Bafana Bafana boosted their chances of securing qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup with an impressive 3-1 win over Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday night. Morena was rightfully named the Player of the Match as he came on at half-time to score two decisive goals, and sent the home crowd into a frenzy, marking the perfect return to a city that once chanted his name every week. The 30-year-old burst into the scene in the colours of the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic in 2013 and was adored for the next three years, and later left when Mamelodi Sundowns came calling in 2016. Born in Randfontein, west of…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Conditions will dictate any Proteas changes, says WalterTHE Caribbean region is renowned for its knowledgeable locals. Everyone’s an expert on the game of cricket, whether it’s the taxi driver or the men excitedly playing dominoes on the street corners. The Proteas seem to have taken this to heart, with coach Rob Walter leaving no stone unturned on their arrival in Saint Vincent and Grenadine for Saturday’s World Cup clash against Nepal (1.30am start, SA time). “Our bus driver, when we arrived here at 3am in the morning, told us when the sea is rough, there is pace and bounce, and when the sea is calm, it spins,” Walter told the media yesterday from Kingstown. “So that was a nice bit of information. We gather it from wherever we can.” Seriously, though, Walter and his management team have…2 min
Star|2024-06-13SA player ratings: Morena, Appollis shineBafana Bafana proved too much for Zimbabwe as they beat them 3-1 at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday night, and moved up to second place in their Fifa World Cup qualifying group. The South African national football side ensured that they collected four points from their past two games, following their draw with Nigeria in Uyo last week, and boosted their chances of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026. Here are our individual ratings for Bafana’s players ... Ronwen Williams: 6/10 The forever reliable shot-stopper had a busy day at the office, with Zimbabwe’s attack providing a reasonable threat, but he kept his composure throughout the match. And when he was called upon, he provided the stability by coming off his line and made decent blocks on the…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Telkom shares rise on expected whammy profit for the full yearTELKOM climbed 5.7% to close at R24.99 per share yesterday on news that normalised headline earnings per share (Heps), a core measure of profit- ability would climb by as much as 205% in the year to end-March. The telecoms company also said that basic earnings per share, on a normalised basis would gain by as much as 450%. Telkom, which recently sold its masts and towers business Swiftnet for R6.75 billion, said next-generation revenues grew by approximately 7% and now comprise almost 80% of its total revenue. Reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda), grew by about 18%, while normalised Ebitda grew in line with its previous guidance of 5%, it said. It explained that growth in earnings was also positively impacted by lower depreciation and write-offs…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Coega working to diversify income in tough environmentTHE COEGA Development Corporation (CDC) has embarked on a range of complementary and innovative business activities to diversify its income streams and become more sustainable and less reliant on support from the fiscus. The CDC operates the special economic zone (SEZ) outside Gqeberha, which is in the 22nd year of an 80-year development phase. It has so far attracted 60 investments. The 11 new investments for the year to March 31 were despite the environment of load shedding, logistics issues, growing geopolitical tensions globally and low economic growth, and it has made Coega the best-performing SEZ in Africa in terms of new investments, said the CDC’s head of marketing, Dr Ayanda Vilakazi. Speaking during a media tour of the facilities this week, he said that with such a long development…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Lacking access to cooking fuels strain net-zero energy transition targets, says IEATHE INTERNATIONAL Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that current poli- cies and investments in the sub- Saharan Africa region were not sufficient to ensure universal access to clean cooking by 2030, with the number of people without access to clean cooking in the region increasing, largely due to the rate of population growth outpacing access to clean cooking. This comes as estimates from the IEA and the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that 1.8 billion people globally will still lack access to clean cooking by the end of the decade. According to the IEA’s Energy Progress Report released yesterday, the number of people without access to electricity increased for the first time in over a decade, as population grew – mostly in sub-Saharan Africa – at a higher rate…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Four attributes displayed by super successful entrepreneursFROM THE OUTSET, it’s crucial to understand there truly is no winning formula for the “perfect entrepreneur”. Many entrepreneurs can build busi- ness success and penetrate a market due to personal insights, situations, upbrin- ging, experiences as well as strategic and creative thinking. There are many nuances and differences that make each entrepreneur unique, which is what enables them to produce many “industry-firsts” and brand new, innovative ideas that solve a variety of challenges for their target audience. With that being said, there are several commonalities that successful entrepreneurs in South Africa and the world share. Not only do they possess strong visions for what they want to achieve and strong leadership skills, but they also have a unique ability to adapt, pivot and innovate their way through rapidly-changing markets.…4 min
Star|2024-06-13PPC predicts a profit but share falls 7%PPC SHED 6.69% to close at R3.07 per share on the JSE yesterday, despite a trading update that highlighted the cement-maker’s return to profitability on the back of a stronger performance by its Zimbabwe unit in the year ending March 31, 2024. This sustained the company’s 3.52% and 4.91% losses in the 30 days and six months comparatives respectively, although in the past year, PPC is up a remarkable 40% on the JSE. The company said yesterday it expects its earnings per share (EPS) and headline earning per share (Heps) for the period under review will be higher by at least 20% compared to the previous contrasting period. “This difference is primarily due to the current period EPS and Heps numbers being impacted by a strong performance by PPC Zimbabwe…2 min
Star|2024-06-13‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ misses mark as it seeks to be tale of redemptionEvery long-running action franchise hits a point where the lead character groans that they’re too old for this. In Bad Boys: Ride or Die Martin Lawrence goes one step further, and you should stop reading here if you want the details to come as a surprise. Minutes into this fourth instalment, Lawrence’s Miami detective Marcus Burnett clutches his heart at partner Mike Lowrey’s (Will Smith) wedding and drops dead. The series that never says no to a bikini montage suddenly gets metaphysical. Returning directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who worked on 2020’s Bad Boys for Life, pull off a surprisingly evocative sequence in the underworld, imagining the Great Beyond as a spectral Margaritavilla. The ghost of Marcus and Mike’s former captain (Joe Pantoliano), murdered in a previous film,…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Jail doctors prescribed addictive drug: KrejcirLAWYERS representing Czech Republic-born mobster Radovan Krejcir have accused prison doctors of prescribing a highly addictive drug to treat the underworld boss for his undisclosed health condition. Yesterday, with an army of no less than 15 SAPS and private security officials guarding him, Krejcir, who reported in 2021 that he fears for his life in prison, returned to the Gauteng High Court, seeking an order of the court to be allowed access to private medical services after he claimed that prison officials were denying him this right. Krejcir is facing an array of charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circ*mstances and the alleged possession of an unlawful firearm. However, his appearance in court yesterday was a separate matter as he wanted an order by the court…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Manamela, Mapaila weigh in on ANCANC national executive committee (NEC) member and Education Deputy Minister Buti Manamela has weighed in on his party’s failure to achieve an outright majority in the May 29 elections. The former Young Communists League leader said the ANC’s failure to achieve its goal at the polls presented an opportunity for alliance partners to reflect. Manamela was speaking at the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) policy conference taking place at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Tuesday evening. The current political juncture could be regarded both as a crisis and an opportunity for the ANC to advance and deepen the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), he said. Depending on the choices the party takes, it would influence the ANC’s position regarding the NDR, he said. “We have to take a step backward,…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Husband denied wife’s pension fund in divorceAn unemployed Pretoria man who thought he was entitled to his wife’s pension fund got a rude awakening after a judge ruled that he wouldn’t be getting a cent following his dubious evidence during the divorce proceedings. The man got married to his now ex-wife in community of property in March 2000. They had one child, a daughter who was born in 2005. After her birth, he slept in a separate bedroom throughout their marriage. The wife moved out of their home in 2021. The husband subsequently filed for divorce and wanted a share of the joint estate, including half of his wife’s pension fund. The wife has been employed by the department of education as a senior administration clerk since June 1996. She argued that husband failed to support…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Caught with 25.3 tons of abaloneAn alleged abalone syndicate appeared in the George Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape after they were arrested on Monday. The eight suspects were arrested during a takedown operation across the Western Cape by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) who also filed charges against a company being used by the group. Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani, said warrants of arrest were executed by the multi-disciplinary team led by the Western Cape Hawks, supported by the Public Order Police (Pop) and Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) attached to the Overberg District. Jianxian Wu, 49; Jerome Jacobs, 51; Magnon Swartz, 56; Marius Robyn Hendricks, 50; Francois Visser, 46; Jacob Arendse alias Jappie, 56; Danny Ralph Marais, 65; Koobadran Naidoo, 62; and Kaiden Logistics CC face a series of charges ranging from…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Tshwane’s power ‘load reduction’ angers the residents of SoshanguveTHE City of Tshwane’s decision to implement electricity ‘load reduction’ in Soshanguve this week has sparked community backlash, especially in Jukulyn, where residents are the hardest hit by the extended power outages. The City said load reduction in the township was implemented in and around areas supplied by Soshanguve 132/11kv substation. Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said: “The inclement weather has resulted in an increase in consumers’ electricity demand and the available grid is unable to cope with the strain, hence the decision to embark on the reduction of energy consumption from 6pm until 10pm daily.” The affected areas were Block V, T, W KK, SS, X, S, R, R, X-Buffer A and B, which experienced load reduction on scheduled days. Mashigo said: “The move to implement load reduction in Soshanguve…3 min
Star|2024-06-13100 days to Africa’s top aerospace exhibitionA MILESTONE has been reached in the lead-up to the 12th biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and airshow which will run from September 18-22. On Monday it was officially 100 days to the launch of this premier exhibition of aerospace potential, which draws 40 000 visitors a day. To celebrate this milestone, AAD, in collaboration with its strategic partners – South Africa’s Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Association, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor), and the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa, along with the South African Department of Defence and Military Veterans – unveiled the 100-day countdown. The event took place at the Royal Elephant Hotel and Conference Centre, where the features and activities planned for AAD 2024 were outlined. Nakedi Phasha, exhibition director…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Union vows to oppose NHIPRESIDENT Cyril Rama- phosa will oppose Solidarity’s court application against the recently- ratified National Health Insurance policy (NHI). Since Solidarity instituted the court battle, Ramaphosa officially gave notice that he will oppose its legal action. The Minister of Health expressed similar opposition after Solidarity, along with the DA and pressure groups, slammed the NHI policy as unconstitutional, unworkable, and unaffordable. The battle lines have been drawn following Ramaphosa’s signing the bill into law just days before the May 29 elections. Solidarity and other parties opposed to the policy say the NHI deprives health-care workers and patients of choice, leading to less access to quality health care in the country. Solidarity chief executive, Anton van der Bijl, said: “The court battle is now fully under way. “While the ANC…2 min
Star|2024-06-13ANC new + MKP + EFF = more of the sameANC ‘new’ plus MKP plus EFF equals ANC – old. It will still represent overflowing sewage, potholed roads, load shedding, water problems, unemployment and surging crime. A coalition of the three makes no sense. It’s going backward. A coalition of the ANC, DA, IFP and ActionSA makes more sense. But the ANC must only shift to the right on condition that the government continues its strong pro-Palestine and Russia stance and design a BEE that benefits all blacks, not only a few. And White Monopoly Capital is good, it paid for and is the enabler of trillions in taxes over the past 30 years which paid for ANC looting, Sassa, teachers, nurses, doctors, and all kinds of other government expenditure. Can President Ramaphosa provide leadership like Margaret Thatcher did by…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Baseball pitch a slice of apple pieI WAS in London in 2019 for the 50-overs Cricket World Cup when “America’s favourite pastime” came to the UK for the first time. It was groundbreaking territory. An official MLB (Major League Baseball) game was set to be held between arch-foes New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at London’s former Olympic Stadium, and now home of English Premier League club West Ham United. And if you thought the International Cricket Council (ICC) had done wonders to build Eisenhower Park in Nassau County in close on 12 months for cricket’s first rodeo in New York, here the organisers had just 24 days to construct 13 183m2 of artificial turf and 345 tons of dirt for the infield diamond. The game was a record-breaker, with the Yankees belting six home…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Toyota Gazoo Racing looks to another Le Mans titleREIGNING FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) team Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) takes on the challenge of the 92nd running of the Le Mans 24 Hours this weekend, having secured five victories in the past six editions of the iconic race. Toyota made its Le Mans debut in 1985, and has achieved five victories, 17 podiums and eight pole positions, completing more than 16 000 laps, the equivalent of more than five times around the circumference of the Earth. The team will be racing two cars, joining a 23-strong Hypercar grid alongside Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Isotta Fraschini, Lamborghini, Peugeot and Porsche in the largest top-class field at Le Mans of the 21st century. Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck de Vries and Mike Conway, winners at Imola this season, were scheduled to drive…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Open gateway to deeper states of awarenessIt is clear that having a profound yet elevated awareness is contagious which could essentially be trademarked as “protagious”. Our brain is often described as a lively electrical hub that rules our emotions, thoughts and all aspects of ourselves. In this overstressed world, it is common to seek a state of awareness that can inspire, offer insight and even transform those around us. This article focuses on how elevating alpha brainwaves can permanently level up our brains, opening up a gateway to deeper states of awareness. What are brainwaves? Our brain cells, which are called neurons, communicate with one another using electricity. The activity of neurons sending an electrical signal to another group of neurons is called brainwaves. An electroencephalogram, aka EEG, tool can be used to create pictures that…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Sweet smell of support for Bafana in the City of RosesTHE passionate football supporters of Bloemfontein embody the town’s nickname – the City of Roses – as they offer a bouquet of special joy and pleasure. That was on full view when they came out in full force on Tuesday when Bafana Bafana were in town, bringing a buzz to the Free State capital. It was a night on which their cacophony of noise and support reminded the masses why football needs to come to this part of the country on a regular basis. The vibrant people of Bloemfontein have been sent into a deafening silence in the professional football landscape since the sale of Bloemfontein Celtic a few years ago. But their backing of Bafana from start to finish in their 2026 Fifa World Cup group stage qualifier against…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Man United manager Ten Hag set to remain as Old Trafford bossManchester United manager Erik ten Hag will remain in the job for next season, and has entered into talks with the Old Trafford club over a contract extension despite the team’s lowest Premier League finish of eighth, British media reported. The decision comes after an end-of-season review by the club’s board for the 2023/24 campaign, which finished on a high with a shock FA Cup final win over favourites Manchester City. Ten Hag’s contract runs until the end of next season, with the club having the option of extending it a further 12 months. Former Ajax Amsterdam coach Ten Hag had come under increasing pressure after 20-time English champions United suffered their worst start to a season since 1962/63, with eight defeats in their first 15 matches in all competitions.…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Gebhardt saves the day for Baroka against AmaTuksTHE University of Pretoria grabbed a vital point against Baroka FC yesterday to keep their Premiership ambitions in their hands, while Bakgaga ba ga Mphahlele switched to hope mode, needing results to go their way for the rest of the play-off campaign. The 1-1 draw at Global Stadium in Limpopo left the Pretoria side second in the three-team promotion-relegation mini-league, level on four points with Richards Bay FC having played one match more than the KwaZulu-Natal outfit. Looking the livelier of the two sides, AmaTuks pinned Baroka back and had control of proceedings for large parts of the first half. A Thabang Sibanyoni shot in the 42nd minute needed a double save from Katlego Molefe to keep his side in the contest. Baroka had a response of their own seconds…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Spar share price surges as steps to stabilise group are implementedTHE SPAR GROUP passed the interim dividend and was also unlikely to pay a final dividend in the interests of preserving cash and to reduce debt, CEO Angelo Swartz said yesterday. The share price shot up by 11.78% to close at R110.65 on the JSE yesterday, despite the absent dividend and the 7.6% decline in headline earnings per share to 465 cents that was reported for the six months to March 31. Swartz said consumers were struggling globally, with high inflation and interest rates and low growth and while first half trading was weaker than expected, an improvement was anticipated in the second half. He said in an interview that while the grocery warehousing and distribution group that supplies independent retailers using the Spar brand produced a mixed bag…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Discovery Green’s service is on track as new insights sproutDiSCOVERY Green, the renewable energy subsidiary of Discovery Group, has said the uptake of its product to wheel renewable energy from wind and solar sources on demand to clients was near oversubscribed. This is as new research reveals that businesses can just as easily rack up costs by acquiring too much solar energy as current approaches available to businesses for procuring renewable energy are short-sighted and risky. Head of Discovery Green, Andre Nepgen, yesterday said there had been extremely positive response from the market with the unit, quoting more than three times the quantity of firms it intended to take on at inception. “I obviously can only give you a non-quantitative update and that is there has been a very positive signal from the market. We are ready to start…3 min
Star|2024-06-13To save our politics, we need to accelerate S Africa’s socio-economic transformationEARLIER this year, I watched season one of the Turkish drama series Kubra, where the protagonist Gokhan received messages from the app Kubra. The sender provides intel and warnings that seem like divine messages about what is to happen. Gokhan became spiritually inclined after his military service and started believing that the messages were from Allah. He amassed followers, only to discover that the messages were artificial intelligence (AI) generated from a software company. Instead of revealing this to his followers (Semavi followers/movement as they’re called), he continued his mission. In today’s world, many of us believe that the world is unfair and does not treat everyone equally. “Saviours”, like Gokhan, would not be able to amass the kind of followers they do if there was social justice in their…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Motus forecasts lower earnings as consumers are struggling financiallyMOTUS Holdings said its revenue was expected to increase by single digits for the 12 months to June 2024, but headline earnings per share would likely decrease, compared to the prior year, in a tough local vehicle sales market. South Africa’s biggest automotive sales and distribution group said in a trading statement yesterday that a review of the year’s results showed that they expect that earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation would remain in line with the prior year. However, headline earnings per share were expected to decrease by between 25% and 35% to between 1 330 cents and 1 535c per share compared with 2 046c per share last year. Earnings a share was expected to be between 1 305c and 1…2 min
Star|2024-06-135 must-watch films at Encounters South African International Documentary FestivalThe Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is returning with an exciting line-up of local and international films. The festival runs for 10 days from June 20 - 30, at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town and The Zone in Rosebank, Johannesburg. It will focus on amplifying diverse voices with insightful perspectives and compelling narratives. Film-makers Miki Redelinghuys and Pearlie Joubert’s captivating Mother City has been selected to open the premier documentary festival. The hard-hitting film grapples with the rights for access and fairness for people to be able to participate in an urban economy. Here are five other compelling films to watch at the festival: Black People Don’t Get Depressed (SA) Directed by Sara Chitambo-Hatira, this is an engaging documentary about depression, which often goes unacknowledged in indigenous Southern…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Kevin Spacey confesses to being ‘handsy’ at timesKevin Spacey has been too “handsy” in the past. The 64-year-old actor was previously accused of committing a series of sexual offences in the US and the UK, and although he’s now been acquitted, Spacey has admitted to making mistakes. During an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Spacey said: “[I was] pushing the boundaries ... being too handsy, you know. Touching someone sexually, in a way that I didn’t know at the time that they didn’t want.” Asked if his behaviour amounted to groping, Spacey replied: “Yeah.” He added: “I agree that the word grope is a very odd word. I personally ... I have caressed people. I have been gentle with people. That is the way that I am. “You’re making a pass at someone, you don’t want to…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Just like in 1993KZN coalition government discussions came to nought, says Hlabisa Following days of speculation on a controversial ANC-DA coalition, the IFP has finally let the cat out of the bag. The IFP has confirmed that the party is joining a ANC-DA coalition. The coalition could see the ANC split even further. At a media briefing late yesterday, the IFP said that the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) did reach out to them to discuss a possible coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal. When their party members arrived for a meeting, they were left waiting for more than four hours. IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa confirmed that they accepted the MKP’s invite to discuss the possibility of co-governing in KZN. “However, MKP leaders failed to honour the meeting. Our team waited for two hours,” Hlabisa said.…4 min
Star|2024-06-13‘Withdrawal can be deadly’From Page 1 The lawyers further allege: “From recommendation and reports from our client’s previous doctor, it was indicated that OxyContin is an extremely addictive drug (and from research more addictive than heroin). “These medications cannot be stopped suddenly as it could cause death due to the severe withdrawal symptoms,” the lawyers said. Speaking on behalf of Exclusive Mediators, a prison rights activist, Glynnis Marriday, said: “The court has ordered DCS to give Radovan permission to access a private doctor.” Krejcir is due back in court when his matter resumes with his other co-accused on July 24. DCS spokesperson Sibangabakho Nxumalo dismissed the allegations. “Inmates are never denied access to health care. We have a chief directorate for health care, and health-care professionals located across all correctional centres. They examine…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Road crashes the leading cause of death among the youthAHEAD of the celebration of Youth Day on June 16, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has urged road users to reduce the number of devastating road crashes by driving safely. This follows an analysis of available data that revealed that the average number of road fatalities when Youth Day falls on a weekend is 74. In a statement, the RAF said statistics also revealed that the youth in South Africa mainly die because of road crashes. From 2020 to 2022, the estimated number of young people who died on South African roads was 13 963 out of 34 946 fatalities. This translates to an annual average of 4 654 fatalities in the age group 15 to 34 compared to the total average of 11 649. In the same period, most…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Rooiwal Phase 1 project is on track for completion in 2025WORK to refurbish the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant has made significant strides and it is expected to be finished by April 2025. This was said by City of Tshwane deputy mayor Nasiphi Moya, who was part of the municipal Rooiwal subcommittee members who visited the plant. She said the subcommittee was encouraged by the steady progress made by officials to ensure that Phase 1 of the refurbishment of Rooiwal was completed by April next year. “The visit offered incredible insights into the tremendous progress being made in comparison to a previous visit conducted on May 9, 2024,” she said. According to her, there has been progress in securing the site with security personnel, with the future aim of installing camera surveillance. Other areas of improvement, she said, included equipment management…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Suspect arrested for allegedly shooting and setting alight siblingsGauteng police arrested a suspect linked to the murders of Soshanguve siblings, seven-year-old Tinyiko, and four-year-old Mpfumo. The children, along with two others were shot in an attack at Changing Spot informal settlement in Soshanguve earlier this month. Armed suspects arrived at a shebeen at Changing Spot and allegedly fired shots at the patrons. Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said a man and woman died at the scene while four others were taken to the nearest medical care centre. Masondo said the men proceeded to a dwelling where the children were, allegedly fired shots at them, fatally wounding them before setting their home alight. According to reports, the 35-year-old suspect was arrested in Akasia at the weekend. Masondo said a vehicle, believed to have been used by the…1 min
Star|2024-06-13TUT Theatre Arts lecturer takes New York by stormTshwane University of Technology (TUT) alum and part-time Theatre Arts lecturer, Bongani Masango, is making waves on the American theatre scene. As part of a dynamic theatre ensemble, Masango is captivating audiences with his performance in the provocative and powerful production, Dark Noon. The ensemble has been gradually building its reputation and creating a compelling presence by engaging in a narrative of energetic and thought-provoking storytelling. Dark Noon offers a reinterpretation of America’s colonial expansion, focusing on the guns, violence and exploitation associated with the infamous Wild Wild West. The production, co-directed by Tue Biering and Nhlanhla Mahlangu, is a whirlwind of action. The troupe of South African artists, including Masango, brings a fresh and critical perspective to American history. They challenge the traditional narrative where the white-hatted cowboy is…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Trans activist honoured by magazineYAYA Mavundla, an award-winning transgender activist, is among the names brimming with pride after being recognised by Glamour South Africa, a leading fashion and beauty magazine. Mavundla, who won Glamour’s Most GLAMOURous Awards Reader’s Choice Award, was praised for her outspoken approach to activism, which can also be found in her work, which she uses to confront stereotypes. She took to her social media platforms to thank everyone who voted for her and said, “Forever grateful! Winning the @GLAMOUR_sa’s Most GLAMOURous Reader’s Choice Award was truly special. Becoming the first transgender woman to win this isn’t a flex but a celebration for all those that look like me.’’ She underlined the necessity of promoting a positive image of transgender women in industry and society, and conveyed her gratitude. “I am…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Heat linked to miscarriages]A STUDY by University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) scientists, to be published in an upcoming issue of Women’s Health journal, has found a clear relationship between maternal heat exposure during the month preceding conception and miscarriage in a sub-Saharan African setting. The scientists believe that it is likely that progressive climate change leading to increased temperatures will exacerbate existing challenges for women’s reproductive health in this region resulting in increased pregnancy loss. The study investigated the relationship between maternal heat exposure and miscarriage (pregnancy ending before 20 weeks gestation) in a rural community in the uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal between the years of 2012-2016. The community has been monitored for over two decades as part of the Africa Health Research Institute’s Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Scientists included Dr Yoshan Moodley…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Time ripe for SACP to run for electionsTHE ANC has been slowly moving, from being a centre-left party pre-1994 to becoming a centre-right party. On this trajectory, the working-class hegemony over the state will not materialise. Many workers are voting for other parties who claim to be Left rather than for the ANC. Workers have lost confidence in the ANC to defend their rights. It has become a necessity that the SACP contests elections to offer workers a more credible and reliable option on the Left, one that will protect and advance the rights of workers through the means of state power. During Cosatu’s 14th National Congress in September 2022, members of the largest public sector union in the country, the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union, called for the SACP to contest the 2024 elections.…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Mini Countryman grows in size and statureWITH apologies to Fatboy Slim, you’ve come a long way, baby. That’s certainly the case when it comes to the Mini. First released in 1959 and quickly becoming a 60s icon in popular British culture, the little three door measured 3.05m long, 1.41m wide and stood 1.35m tall. Enter the latest Mini Countryman with its pasta and steroids diet over the years, and it’s grown to 4.297m in length, 1.822m wide and 1.557m high. At its heart, though, it’s still fundamentally a Mini with its short front and rear overhangs, and won’t be confused with anything else on our roads. There are four versions of the Countryman available: Countryman C, Countryman Cooper S, Countryman John Cooper Works and the all-electric Countryman Cooper SE. For now, the Countryman C and Cooper…3 min
Star|2024-06-13SVI’s armoured Volkswagen GTI protects against AK47sTouted as an ideal rapid-response solution for crime-ridden South African cities, SVI’s new “AK47” Volkswagen Golf GTI was designed to offer protection against handguns and rifles up to 7.62x39mm. The Pretoria-based manufacturer revealed its new armoured performance hatch at the Securex 2024 exhibition at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand this week. The armoured conversion costs R649500, excluding VAT and the purchase price of the donor vehicle, which means you should be in for around R1.55 million once all the bills are settled. “Hot hatches are well suited to rapid-response duties but are generally available only with level B4 armour, leaving occupants vulnerable to higher ballistic threats,” said SVI Business Development director Nicol Louw. “The SVI AK47 Golf 8 GTI is our solution to that problem and may just be the…2 min
Star|2024-06-13Spotlight on mental health this Youth MonthMENTAL health issues among the youth are under the spotlight again as the country commemorates Youth Month. Recently, 31-year-old Thabo Ntokozo Nzimande made headlines after he allegedly decapitated his grandmother, Beatrice de Lange, and kicked her head up and down like a soccer ball at their home in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. Nzimande made his first appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court this week. During that appearance, it emerged that Nzimande allegedly could not remember the incident and was mentally unfit to stand trial. According to a report by Dr Sheroshnee Govender of RK Khan Hospital, Nzimande had been diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder as well as substance-induced psychotic disorder. She noted that Nzimande had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. KZN Social Development Department spokesperson Mhlaba Memela said substance abuse…1 min
Star|2024-06-13Broos happy Bafana created chancesBAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos is pleased that their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign is back on track following their exploits in the recent window. Bafana climbed to second place in African Group C qualifying with seven points, level with leaders Rwanda, after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria and beating Zimbabwe 3-1. But while the draw with the Super Eagles in Uyo was massive for the team given the challenges they faced ahead of the game, it was Tuesday night’s win that was largely celebrated. At a sold-out Free State Stadium, Broos’ men reminded the sporting fraternity why they were once one of the best national teams in the land. Bafana tore Zimbabwe to shreds as Thapelo Morena scored a second-half brace to secure victory after Iqraam Rayners put them…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Steenekamp’s ‘smart tricks’ in scrums can rock Furlong at LoftusMANY loosehead props may be worried about having to face up to Tadhg Furlong in a scrum, but that’s unlikely to be the case for Bulls No 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. It’s not because the 27-year-old from Potchefstroom is a brash character – far from it, as he is one of the most chilled, unassuming members of the South African rugby community. Rather, it’s due to having to scrum down against one of the best tightheads around, Wilco Louw, during training every day that would make Steenekamp well prepared for anything that Ireland Test star Furlong can throw at him in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final between the Bulls and Leinster at Loftus Versfeld (4pm kick-off). “As soon as he joined the Bulls, me and Wilco clicked quite quickly, and actually…3 min
Star|2024-06-13Proteas must be ‘smart with bowling’ on India tourPROTEAS Women captain Laura Wolvaardt admits it is “a bit weird” to be on tour in India without long-serving coach Hilton Moreeng, but is really enjoying the “fresh ideas” that are coming to the fore. Moreeng was an institution within the Proteas Women set-up, having enjoyed a 12-year tenure, serving as head coach in 279 international matches across all three formats. The 46-year-old remains the only coach to lead a South African senior team to a major ICC tournament final when the Proteas finished runners-up at the Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil last year. However, Moreeng’s final 12 months in charge were tumultuous due to a string of high-profile retirements, and Cricket South Africa (CSA) extending his contract virtually on a series-by-series basis after the T20 World Cup.…3 min
