Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-30 i Daily News

Durban's vibrant arts scene is in full swing this May, with a stellar line-up of theatre productions set to captivate local audiences. l Shrek The Musical Join Shrek and his loveable side-kick Donkey as they embark on an action-packed adventure to rescue Princess Fiona from a castle protected by a fearsome dragon. This stage adaptation retains all of the fun with an exceptionally talented cast and infectious musical numbers. Where: Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls’ High School. When: Currently on until May 4. l My Fellow South Africans The production is a satirical take on contemporary South Africa. Created by Mike van Graan and starring Kim Blanche Adonis, the production combines comedy, singing, poetry and drama through 60 minutes of high energy and focus. The play has resonated with…

TENSIONS peaked in the Western Cape High Court on yesterday afternoon as Judge Nathan Erasmus pressed the State on key contradictions in the case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith’s disappearance. While the prosecution insists there was a deliberate agreement to sell the child, Erasmus raised concerns about misalignments between the star witness’s evidence and that of the accused. At the centre of the storm was Lourentia Lombaard, a Section 204 witness who confessed to her role in the events surrounding Joshlin’s vanishing on February 19, 2024, but has been granted immunity in exchange for full disclosure. Her testimony forms the backbone of the State’s case, alleging that Joshlin’s mom, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, conspired with Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn to sell Joshlin for R20,000, a plan supposedly conceived…

A signed warranty is a contractual statement to which a person is bound, a judge found after the seller of a car sold the vehicle as being a 2013 model to a car dealership, while it later emerged that the vehicle was, in fact, a 2005 model The result was that the dealership paid the seller R60 000 more than what the vehicle was worth. When this was later discovered, the seller refused to pay the money back that he was overpaid with. The Magistrate’s Court in East London ruled against Eastern Cape Motors when it turned to court. The magistrate reasoned that the dealership should have established the model of the vehicle before entering into the sale agreement. On appeal, the Eastern Cape High Court sitting in Makhanda said…

“CHINA has hit back hard against the US' tariffs, not only to safeguard our own interests and legitimate rights, but also to safeguard the international trade system with fairness and justice.” This was how Chinese Consul General in Cape Town, You Wenze, articulated China’s strong response to the US' significant escalation in its ongoing trade conflict with not only China, but other key trading partners. On April 2, 2025, the US imposed a sweeping set of "reciprocal tariffs", including a 34% tariff hike on Chinese imports. In response, China firmly rejected these measures, reaffirming its commitment to free, fair, and multilateral trade practices that benefit all nations. Wenze explained that the imposed tariffs severely infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules,…

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about autism, promoting understanding, and advocating for the inclusion of individuals on the spectrum. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, interact socially, and engage in typical behaviours. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 100 children worldwide are affected by autism, but local studies in South Africa show a prevalence rate of between 0.08% to 2%. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning its symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe, and each child with autism experiences it uniquely. Despite its prevalence, autism remains widely misunderstood, and many children, especially in underprivileged communities, struggle to access the support and resources they need. Autism Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to…

The Proteas Women’s team were left to rue a couple of dropped catches and fielding mishaps with opener Tazmin Brits’ 109 not enough to get them over the line in the Tri-Series opener against India in Colombo. Although Brits was also dropped on 51 by Deepti Sharma off her own bowling and 67 by captain Harmanpreet Kaur at mid-off, India’s overall ground fielding in diving to save boundaries particularly during the death overs proved to be the difference in claiming a 15-run win. India had totalled 276/6 - which would have been a record chase for the Proteas - courtesy of opener Pratika Rawal's 78 - her fifth successive fifty-plus ODI score - and Laura Wolvaardt’s team leaking 82 runs in the last 10 overs. This was partially due to…

Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune United on Wednesday night at Orlando Stadium at 7.30 pm, looking to shake off their CAF Champions League disappointment and keep their league title hopes alive. The Buccaneers, currently second on the Betway Premiership table, return to domestic action just five days after their semi-final exit at the hands of Pyramids FC. While the loss in Cairo was a blow to their ambitions, the focus now shifts to closing the gap on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and securing a strong league finish. With 46 points from 20 games, Pirates trail Sundowns by nine points but have two games in hand. A win over Sekhukhune would restore belief ahead of Saturday’s crucial Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs—an encounter that could further define their season. However, standing in their…

Controversial podcaster, Macgyver “Mac” Mukwevho is once again facing backlash for comments made on his show, this time regarding TV presenter Minnie Dlamini. In a recent episode on Podcast and Chill, MacG commented on Dlamini’s recent split from plastic surgeon, Dr Brian Monaisa. The couple is said to have officially called it quits on their romance earlier this month. Confirming the news, Monaisa shared a statement on social media stating that their relationship ended due to “purely personal” reasons. He went on to squash rumours that their relationship ended due to cheating. “While our romantic relationship has come to an end, there remains mutual respect between Ms Dlamini and I,” he said. During the back-and-forth banter, MacG went on to question Dlamini’s ability to keep a man. “Bro, I’m telling…

SEVERAL business owners have called on the eThekwini Municipality to address the growing number of homeless people in the CBD precinct, claiming it is negatively impacting their businesses. The business owners, operating in the area stretching from Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (formerly Grey Street) to the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, allege that many of the homeless people were relocated from Albert Park during a recent clean-up campaign led by the city, Metro Police, and the South African Police Service (SAPS). They also blame the rise in homelessness for a spike in crime in the Durban CBD, which has led to a drastic drop in customers for them. Ahmed Mohamed, a business owner along Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street, told the Daily News that his clothing business had suffered due to the increased…

HINDUS in South Africa have arranged a series of mass protests in reaction to the killing of 26 tourists in the India-administered part of Kashmir. The incident happened last week, where gunmen, believed to be members of a terrorist group opened fire on a holiday resort in Pahalgman, a town in the part of Kashmir which was under Indian control. The organiser of the protests in South Africa, Mervin Govender from Phoenix, said the protests began in Phoenix on Sunday and would continue during lunchtime until the massive one next Sunday, where they would burn an effigy of the leader of the terrorist group to vent their anger. He said the group’s target was Hindus, and as Hindus in South Africa, they felt they should protest in solidarity with their…

Copper cable theft has become a blight on South Africa’s infrastructure, affecting essential services that millions rely on. With losses running into billions, the country’s rail and electricity sectors are experiencing significant setbacks, leading to frustration among citizens and businesses alike. The thriving illicit market exploits this situation, resulting in the sale of stolen copper to scrap metal dealers both locally and internationally. Recent statistics revealed by Transnet reported an astonishing 1 121km of stolen cable within a single year. Meanwhile, Eskom, the country’s power utility, incurs colossal losses totalling R5.7 billion annually due to copper theft, along with an additional R2 billion to replace the stolen cables. However, recent developments have provided a glimmer of hope. Last week, the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court delivered a significant ruling that may restore…

Inter Milan head into the Uefa Champions League semi-finals at risk of finishing the season empty-handed after a late-season slump killed their treble hopes and left them wondering where the next win will come from. Wednesday’s daunting clash at Barcelona could hardly have come at a worse time for Inter who, since reaching the last four, have lost three consecutive matches without scoring. Those three defeats handed Napoli a three-point lead at the top of Serie A with four matches remaining and saw Inter crash out of the Italian Cup following a dismal 3–0 derby defeat to AC Milan last week. Simone Inzaghi’s team look tired and bereft of ideas up-front. Sunday’s 1–0 home loss to Roma was played in front of a soporific San Siro crowd — a stark…

South African cruiserweight champion Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu returns to the ring on Thursday night for an eight-round bout against the DRC’s Amador Kalonji at the SunBet Arena at Times Square Casino in Pretoria. Mchunu, 37, enters the fight with a record of 23-8-0, with 13 knockouts. Despite his extensive experience, he admits Kalonji is an unknown quantity. “I don’t know much about my opponent, Mchunu told Independent Newspapers. “So, I have to prepare for everything and make the necessary adjustments in the fight. It’s risky for me because I have nothing much to gain but a lot to lose if I don’t perform. This fight is very serious — I have to win convincingly.” Although Mchunu has fought on major international stages, he heads into Thursday’s clash on the…

Liverpool have been untouchable in their march to the 2024/25 Premier League title. Here, Rowan Callaghan takes a look at five players who have stood out in a remarkably strong team performance from Arne Slot’s side. Alisson Becker Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper has enjoyed another great season. Despite No2 Caoimhin Kelleher stepping up admirably in his injury-enforced absence, Alisson remains an assured presence in goal for the Reds. He can rightfully lay claim to the title of the best goalkeeper in one-one-situations in the league. As the last line of defence, Alisson has often had to bail the Liverpool backline out of some tricky situations. He has conceded a miserly 20 goals in his 24 league games so far, including 10 clean sheets. Only Matz Sels of Nottingham Forest and David…

The annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) transformed the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) into a vibrant hub of rhythm and harmony on Friday and Saturday. As renowned artists from across the globe graced the numerous stages, festival-goers revelled in a weekend filled with unparalleled musical experiences. For 22 years, CTIJF has solidified its status as Africa’s premier showcase of world-class music, ambiance, and hospitality – a celebration that goes beyond mere performances to create unforgettable experiences. As attendees arrived, they were drawn into a realm where every detail had been meticulously curated, offering luxury hospitality that combined exquisite gourmet dining, premium beverages, and unparalleled service. The ambiance resonated with a sophisticated charm, turning the event into a blissful escape that mesmerised both local and international visitors. Day…

THE noose is tightening around the neck of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana following the controversial VAT increase blunder, which has sparked legal battles, public outrage, and deep political divisions within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Veteran economist Dawie Roodt, who has analysed South African budgets for four decades, made his feelings known during a candid interview with the Daily News, in which he called for Godongwana’s immediate resignation. “This is unprecedented. In the 40 years I have analysed this country’s budgets, I’ve never seen a finance minister make such a serious misstep,” said Roodt. Roodt’s utterances come amid the rising calls for Godongwana’s resignation or sacking by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has the powers to appoint and remove Cabinet ministers. Roodt also called on Ramaphosa, who made Godongwana’s appointment…

IN AN ERA where many restaurants have struggled to keep above water, Lord Prawn has not only endured but thrived for 50 years. The seafood restaurant will mark 50 years on Friday, May 2. The restaurant was first located on West Street in the Durban's city centre before relocating to uMhlanga. His late older brother, Gary, recruited John Chemaly, 77, a former policeman, to help run the business. Before leaving the force, he would help on his days off duty. Then Gary moved to Johannesburg. “When the casinos and Gateway shopping mall opened, I shrank the business and moved Lord Prawn to the front; we were in the back previously,” Chemaly said. When general manager, Gerhard Rothmann, 45, joined him, things improved tremendously, he added. “My brother passed away…

In mid-April, at a typical South African braai (barbeque), I found myself in a heated conversation with someone highly educated, yet passionately defending a piece of Russian propaganda that had already been widely debunked. It was unsettling. The conversation quickly became irrational, emotional, and very uncomfortable. That moment crystallised something for me: we’re no longer just approaching an era where truth is under threat – we’re already living in it. A reality where falsity feels familiar, and information is weaponised to polarise societies and manipulate our belief systems. And now, with the democratisation of AI tools like deepfakes, anyone with enough intent can impersonate authority, generate convincing narratives, and erode trust – at scale. Evolution of disinformation The 2024 KnowBe4 Political Disinformation in Africa Survey revealed a striking contradiction: 84%…

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes that current Formula One world drivers’ championship leader Oscar Piastri is “only going to get stronger” after securing his third win of the season at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The young Australian has been in impressive form this season, quickly emerging as McLaren’s top contender. With five rounds completed in the 2025 F1 calendar, Piastri holds a 10-point lead over his teammate Lando Norris, showcasing consistent performance and maturity under pressure. Speaking to F1 TV following the race in Jeddah, Brown was asked whether stepping into the role of the hunted rather than the hunter might shift Piastri’s approach or affect his mindset. Brown dismissed any concerns, saying: “I’m here to announce to everyone that I think he’s only going to get stronger.”…

Teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi was touted as "Indian cricket’s next superstar" on Tuesday after the 14-year-old’s IPL century off 35 balls shattered batting records. Left-handed opener Suryavanshi became the youngest player to hit a T20 hundred in Rajasthan Royals’ thumping eight-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Monday. “It is like a dream,” he said, afterwards. Suryavanshi, in only his third IPL match, scored the second-fastest century in competition history — second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton in 2013. Nicknamed "Boss Baby", Suryavanshi has drawn instant comparisons to the West Indies great, who styled himself as the "Universe Boss". Suryavanshi, who made headlines when he was bought by Rajasthan for $130 500 (about R2.4 million) after a bidding war at the November auction at age 13, has been fearless in the…

Barcelona beat arch-rivals Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey at the weekend, which will provide extra motivation when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, manager Hansi Flick said. Flick's side, who top La Liga, completed the first part of their treble bid in a dramatic extra-time 3-2 win on Saturday, and the manager was asked if he needs to curb the players' euphoria ahead of today’s first leg at home to the Italians. "No, what I can see is that everyone is focused on this match, that everyone knows how important it is to be able to go to the Champions League final," Flick said. "Also this win against Real is important for the positive vibes. We know we have to work hard to reach…

Defending Telkom Netball League (TNL) champions the Free State Crinums outclassed traditional rivals the Gauteng Jaguars at the Sun City Superbowl in a repeat of last season's final. The comprehensive 59-37 victory was a third dominant win in the first round of the tournament in Rustenburg, North West, for the defending champs. The Crinums put their foot on the pedal from the first centre pass and refused to let up. They were firmly in control, leading 46-25 by the end of the third quarter. They refused to rest on the lead, the 22-point margin was by no means flattering. As is usually the case, skipper Refiloe Nketsa, the Proteas star, was at the heart of all that was good about the Crinums' play at centre. In fact, they outplayed the…