Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-17 i Daily News

Get ready to dust off your dancing shoes and relive the golden age of disco – Durban is set to sparkle with musical magic this festive season. The Bee Gees Night Fever, a world-class tribute show produced by Showtime Australia, is returning to the playTSOGO Globe at Suncoast on December 27 and 28. Following a deafeningly successful tour in Johannesburg earlier this year, the production promises to transport audiences straight to the disco dance floors of the 70s with an immersive celebration of the Gibb brothers’ unparalleled legacy. Leading the international cast is Australian performer Zac Coombs, who steps into the high-waisted trousers and falsetto of Barry Gibb. He is joined on stage by South African talents Andre Behnke and Warren Vernon-Driscoll, who recreate the roles of Robin and Maurice…

A 58-year-old woman has triumphed in her quest for justice after devoting more than three decades to caring for her husband and his family. The ruling, delivered by Judge Pieter Bezuidenhout, recognised the wife's devotion and sacrifices, countering her husband's perceived entitlement to keep his wealth unaided by the commitment of their shared life together. The wife, who testified at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg, painted a picture of a marriage marred by her husband's unwillingness to share financial responsibilities. Despite her integral role in his business and the rearing of his young daughter from a previous relationship, she stood at the brink of financial hardship following their divorce. The ordeal began when the husband, now 70, adopted a steadfast belief that his wife should have made independent financial…

Following a 14-year recovery journey marked by resilience and dedication, Davey Jones (DJ), a loggerhead sea turtle, has made a heart-warming and triumphant return to the ocean. The moment marked not only the end of her rehabilitation but also a celebration of the relentless efforts by the teams at uShaka Sea World, who have supported her through several health challenges. The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) spokesperson, Ann Kunz, said that after 14 years of dedicated care, DJ, one of uShaka Sea World’s most memorable long-term rehabilitation patients, returned to the ocean on Monday. DJ’s journey began on April 8, 2011, when she was found stranded on Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town and taken to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Like DJ, many loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings wash…

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature was plunged into chaos on Monday, leaving many political leaders aghast as a violent scuffle erupted during the debate over the latest motion of no confidence brought against Premier Thami Ntuli. The chaotic scenes brought to light once again the growing trend of deteriorating respect for democratic institutions, where lawmakers were seen clashing with police after disputes during proceedings in Pietermaritzburg. Following the failure of the motion against Ntuli, members of the MK Party confronted police officers, resulting in a violent confrontation within the chamber that drew strong reactions from several political figures. Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA, expressed shock at the disorder. He said that such scenes reflected a troubling erosion of mutual respect, which was essential for governance. He stated that the state of democracy…

The fatal tragedy that struck the Verulam community on Friday, December 12, has plunged friends and family into mourning, as they recalled the vibrant life and enduring legacy of Vick Panday, who was affectionately remembered by his wife, Helena. Five people, including Vick, were killed when an extension under construction near the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam gave way. At Vick’s funeral held yesterday, Helena described him as an “incredible soulmate,” whose impact on the world extended far beyond his immediate relationships. Speaking on behalf of Helena, Sudeshni Prithipal, expressed her sorrow and condolences to all affected by this devastating loss. “My dearest Vick, you are my beautiful universe, and I find myself unable to breathe much these past few days. The immense impact of your departure…

There’s an old saying, “Once the rain is over, the umbrella becomes a burden.” In the storm, an umbrella is precious, shared, defended, and trusted. But when the clouds clear, it suddenly feels heavy, unnecessary, and awkward to explain. Loyalty often ends when the benefit stops. This old truth hits uncomfortably close to home as South Africans learn that the preliminary report of the Madlanga-led commission will not be made public. The storm seemed to have passed; the groundwork was done. The country waited for sunlight, for truth, only to find the umbrella remained closed. Who holds the umbrella? The question is simple: if the rain has stopped, why are we still being asked to carry the umbrella? Or more pointedly, who is allowed to hold it? Justice Madlanga has…

Paris Saint-Germain were ordered to pay their former forward Kylian Mbappe up to €61 million (about R1.2 billion) in unpaid wages and bonuses by a French labour court yesterday. France captain Mbappe, who left PSG in June 2024 to join Real Madrid, had been claiming over €260m (R5.13bn) in total from his former club. PSG, in turn, had demanded that Mbappe pay them €440m (R8.68bn). Mbappe, 26, also claimed the Parisian club applied the wrong French legal classification to his contract, but this was rejected by the court. The labour court said the final figure of between €60m and €61m comprised €55m (R1.08bn) in unpaid salary and around €6m (R118m) in holiday payments. Qatari-owned PSG did not immediately indicate whether they intend to appeal. Lawyers for Mbappe said in a…

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green made headlines yesterday after being roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record R46 million at the IPL 2026 auction, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Due to a mistake by his manager during player auction registration, Green was initially listed as a batter. He later clarified that he would be available to bowl as well during the tournament. By confirming his availability as an all-rounder, he surpassed the previous record held by his Australia teammate Mitchell Starc, who was bought by KKR at the IPL 2024 auction. Green made his IPL debut in the 2023 season after Mumbai Indians (MI) acquired him. At the time, he became the second-most-expensive overseas player in IPL auction history, the third-most expensive player overall, and…

The search-and-rescue operation at the collapsed Verulam temple site has concluded, with teams being stood down following an extensive project involving different teams since Friday's collapse. An extension under construction at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam, collapsed with several people rescued, and five bodies were recovered over the weekend. The temple, situated on the River Range Ranch, was built to resemble a cave. Five people including temple founder Vick Panday, Vasudeva Datta Das, Kishore Hurribhujan, Jayseelan (Jayce) Perumal and Abdul Prabhus died in the collapse. IPSS Search and Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said that after recovering the fifth body at the weekend, they started clearing the site as there was exposed rebar, metal strips and planting that posed a danger. “Then we were able to bring…

Elon Musk has made financial history by becoming the first individual ever to amass a net worth exceeding $600 billion. For any South Africans wondering, that is more than R10 trillion. The technology mogul passed the milestone earlier this week, driven by a massive surge in the value of his aerospace company, SpaceX, solidifying his position as the world’s wealthiest person by a historically large margin. The dramatic increase in Musk’s fortune occurred after SpaceX reportedly launched a tender offer valuing the company at $800 billion – double its $400 billion valuation from August this year. As Musk owns an estimated 42% stake in the rocket maker, the revaluation added approximately $168bn to his personal wealth in a single day, bringing his estimated net worth to $677bn. While Musk is…

The Supreme Court of Appeal has turned down a bid by a Free State judge for a permanent stay of prosecution of his theft, alternatively money laundering, trial concerning the alleged misappropriation from Road Accident Funds from a client, stemming from the time when he was still an attorney. The Free State High Court had earlier turned down an application by Bloemfontein Judge Mpina Abednego Mathebula for a stay of his prosecution. He then turned to the SCA, where he now faced another blow. He is facing criminal proceedings, together with his former candidate attorney, in a regional court ranging from theft to alternative charges of money laundering and fraud. He conducted his practice under the name of Uys Mathebula Attorneys, in Sasolburg, Free State. He is alleged to have…

In a damages claim case with a twist against the Road Accident Fund, the court ruled that the fund was liable for the damages a woman sustained while she was a passenger on the back of an open truck, and struck by a thorn from a tree branch, in her eye, Shereen Booysen turned to the Western Cape High Court where she claimed damages against the Fund, as she claimed the driver of the vehicle was negligent by swerving out for oncoming traffic and the vehicle hit the tree branches on the pavement. The driver, on the other hand, maintained that he had stopped before the tree line to drop passengers. The RAF, in defending the matter, claimed Booysen’s eye was not injured by the branch, but by something…

As families prepare to travel this festive season, one number should put every transport planner, engineer, and policymaker on edge: 41.9%. That’s the share of road deaths over the 2024/2025 holiday period that were pedestrians, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation. Out of 1 589 fatalities, 654 were people on foot – ordinary South Africans walking to work, public transport, church, or to visit family. These are not random accidents. They are the predictable result of a country where most roads are designed for vehicles, not people. Our roads endanger those on foot South Africa’s roads and intersections are built for speed and volume, not pedestrian safety. Road planning in South Africa prioritises traffic-related factors, such as the speed and volume of private vehicles, over considerations for pedestrian safety…

Enzo Maresca insisted earlier this week that he “absolutely” remains committed to his job as Chelsea manager after saying at the weekend he had suffered his “worst 48 hours” since joining the club. The Italian made the surprising comments following his side's 2-0 win at home to Everton on Saturday, hitting out at unnamed parties for failing to support him and his players, though he stressed he was not referring to fans. He refused to clarify his comments at a press conference on Monday. Chelsea were scheduled to play in the League Cup quarter-final against third-tier Cardiff last night. Maresca became visibly impatient with requests to explain remarks that have fuelled intense speculation he was taking aim at the club's owners and sporting directors. “I respect people's opinion,” he said.…

Abdeslam Ouaddou was undoubtedly the standout coach in the PSL top flight in the first half of the season, winning two trophies — the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout — while also finishing top of the Betway Premiership standings. However, there were five other coaches who impressed, even if their results were not as eye-catching. Here, Mihlali Baleka looks at that shortlist. Arthur Zwane – AmaZulu When Zwane started the season as sole head coach of Usuthi, expectations were high following the departure of co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi and a disappointing spell at Kaizer Chiefs. More than 15 games into the campaign, Zwane has delivered solid results. Usuthu finished the year fifth on the table, blending senior players with a mostly youthful squad that has consistently battled for results. Zwane has…

Proteas Women’s all-rounder Dane van Niekerk has promised an exciting contest in the third and final ODI in Johannesburg later this week, following the team’s 74-run victory in Gqeberha yesterday. The Proteas Women delivered a clinical performance in the second ODI against the Irish at St George’s Park, securing an unassailable 2-0 series lead with one match remaining. Van Niekerk scored 88 at home, while captain Laura Wolvaardt (124) and Sune Luus (111) starred with the bat, helping the Proteas Women post 375/6. Van Niekerk praised her teammates for their efforts. “It’s always nice to clinch a series with a game to go. I think the batting was fantastic. We speak about pushing that 400 mark all the time,” she said. “I think 370-odd on a wicket like that –…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is considering legal action against what it termed the ‘illegal processes’ followed by KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce, during the motion of no confidence against Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, on Monday. The MKP, supported by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), tabled a motion against Ntuli and demanded a secret ballot, but the Speaker ruled that the vote had to be public. Following Boyce’s decision, the majority of members of the Legislature voted against the ballot and this resulted in Ntuli securing victory which resulted in chaos. MKP and EFF members shouted, sang and banged on tables with their hands. Police officers were called in, and what appeared to be a water bottle was thrown in the direction of Boyce. Bonginkosi Mngadi, MK Party’s KZN Chief Whip,…

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) sailing team celebrated a historic milestone after securing their first podium finish at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Sailing Regatta, hosted by Wits University at the Vaal Dam on Sunday. The annual event brought together eight varsity teams from across the country for five days of competitive team racing. Each team consisted of up to six sailors, competing in the one-design TSL 14 class, with two sailors per boat. Led by captain Minenhle Ngcobo, the DUT squad arrived at the regatta well prepared, having sharpened their skills through a series of training camps. The team has also been competing in the Twilight Series in the L26 Class, where they currently lie fourth overall in a closely contested fleet. DUT made an immediate impact,…

Zimbabwe has formally reserved 14 economic sectors exclusively for its citizens, while ordering foreign-owned businesses operating in designated industries to surrender a controlling 75% stake to locals within three years. The measures are contained in Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025, titled Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment (Foreign Participation in Reserved Sectors) Regulations, 2025, which requires foreign investors to offload a minimum of 25% equity annually to Zimbabweans, ensuring a phased but accelerated localisation of ownership and control. According to the state broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), the newly gazetted law ring-fences everyday sectors for local investors, including passenger transport services such as taxis and buses, barber shops, hairdressing and beauty salons, bakeries, employment agencies, advertising agencies, tobacco grading and packaging, artisanal mining, borehole drilling and pharmaceutical retailing. ZBC reported that…

Scores of staff members from across the Survé companies attended the launch of the new book by patron and founder of the Survé Family Office and chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, Dr Iqbal Survé. The book, A Shared Future For Humanity, details the Survé Family Investments, Philanthropy and Global Initiatives in which they honour the friendships, partnerships, and global connections that have supported the family’s work in business, philanthropy, diplomacy, and nation-building. The reader is invited into the story of the Survé family, which is described as being the story of South Africa itself, “a journey shaped by resilience, sacrifice, heritage, and an unwavering belief that business must serve humanity”. The book takes the reader into how the family legacy was built across generations, inspired by ancestors who crossed continents…

As the festive season approaches, bringing with it opportunities for celebrations, family gatherings, and holiday traditions, we must also be aware of the increased safety risks for children, particularly in crowded public spaces such as shopping malls, and within the home. In 2024, over 632 children were reported missing to police nationally. Over the past 10 years, nearly 9 000 children were reported missing across the country. In the light of this information, we strongly urge all parents to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children, particularly during this holiday season. Safety tips for children • Maintain situational awareness: Do not walk in public spaces, such as streets or malls, with a phone visible or while wearing headphones. Please remain alert at all times. • Travel…

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has backed the Proteas “to be better” in Wednesday’s fourth T20I against India in Lucknow. The Proteas face a do-or-die situation after succumbing in the first and third matches of the series with India leading 2-1 with two matches remaining. Although the visitors’ batting unit failed in the last match in Dharamsala, the new-ball bowlers were also loose which allowed the Indian openers to get off to a flyer in the run-chase. Nortje, though, playing in just his second match upon return to international cricket after an 18-month absence was economical with figures of 0/14 in three overs, and is confident his teammates will bounce back. “We back what we do, 100%,” Nortje said. “We back how we play. Just got to be better, got to…

Hugo Broos is far too experienced a coach to be overly concerned by pre-tournament jitters. After watching Bafana Bafana grind out a 1-0 victory over Ghana in their final warm-up match before flying to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the silver-haired Belgian expressed disappointment with the performance but understood why it occurred. “Many times, a few days before a big tournament, it is not the game you want to see," Broos said. "But I am happy with the result. "It is always better to go to Morocco with a victory than a draw or, in the worst case, a defeat. We can do much better than we did (Tuesday)." The septuagenarian, who won the biennial continental showpiece with Cameroon in 2017, has worked with many players and understands…

This was the year the Proteas Test side came of age. Under the astute leadership of coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas closed a chapter containing 27 years of hurt, disappointment and trauma to be crowned World Test Champions at Lord’s. It was arguably the most seminal moment in South African cricket history since the first ball was bowled at Eden Gardens upon the team’s return from isolation back in 1991. The WTC final at the “Home of Cricket” was an occasion to savour. The opposition was the arch-enemy Australia, which added to the spectacle, especially as the Baggy Greens were expected to roll a young and inexperienced Proteas team that many believed were not deserving of their place in the showpiece due to the opposition they…