Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-08 i Independent on Saturday

Netflix’s Bad Influencer is giving all the chaos, clout and glam you’d expect from the influencer world, but honey, with a proper Jozi twist that makes it feel oh-so-local. From fake designer bags to slang that doesn’t always make sense (“math isn’t matching – it’s giving…”), this show dives headfirst into the highs and lows of online fame. And sis, it’s messy in the best way. At the heart of it: BK Msinga, played by Jo‑Anne Reyneke, is a single mother and fashion designer with major grit. When she can’t make ends meet, she turns to counterfeiting luxury handbags to save up for her neurodivergent son Leo’s specialised schooling needs. Then there’s Pinky Sithole, portrayed by Cindy Mahlangu, a mid‑level influencer who’s all about the flex, the content and the…

Some of Zohran Mamdani’s detractors want you to believe his rise accelerates a clash of civilizations. In the buildup to New York City’s mayoral election – which Mamdani won Tuesday night, according to Associated Press projections – prominent US right wingers, including President Donald Trump, tarred the 34-year-old democratic socialist as a supposed “jihadist”, a “Jew hater,” and even a cheerleader of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (when Mamdani was barely 10 years old). In their eyes, Mamdani’s Indian-Ugandan origins were suspect, and his part Muslim background a threat. Rather than debate a political rival, a number of Republican lawmakers have sought to find ways to denaturalize and deport Mamdani. But in the eyes of many in the Big Apple, Mamdani is the consummate New Yorker. His social…

The relentless tide of gun violence sweeping across South Africa demands an honest assessment of its sources. Our investigation reveals a deeply unsettling truth: the very institutions mandated to safeguard our citizens are, far too often, complicit in arming the criminals who terrorise our communities. The proliferation of illegal firearms is inexorably linked to endemic corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly the Central Firearms Registry (CFR). Police officers selling state weapons or fraudulently issuing licences to underworld figures are a betrayal of public trust that has a direct, bloody cost. This flow of arms from official channels into the hands of organised crime fuels the murder rate and general violence epidemic. Compounding this crisis is the alarming lack of proper oversight on state-held firearms. With thousands of…

Being surrounded by his children, teammates, coaches, and the people who have shaped his life and rugby career has left Springbok captain Siya Kolisi calm and content ahead of his 100th Test match for South Africa. Kolisi will become only the ninth Springbok to reach a century of caps when he leads the world champions out against France at the Stade de France in Paris this evening (10.10pm kick-off). While the occasion marks a major milestone for both him and head coach Rassie Erasmus, who will take charge of his 50th Test, the double World Cup-winning skipper insists it’s not about personal achievements. For Kolisi, the focus remains on honouring the jersey and making South Africa proud. “It doesn’t matter about the milestone – if the team does well, then…

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has handed over electronic devices to the police in connection with a case opened by KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding allegations of defeating the ends of justice. Mchunu’s newly appointed spokesperson, Sithembiso Mshengu, said that the minister voluntarily handed over the devices on Thursday. This is part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and interference in the justice system. “We believe it relates to the case opened by the KZN commissioner for defeating the ends of justice,” Mshengu said. He said Mchunu would continue to co-operate fully with the authorities. The spokesperson also emphasised that Mchunu maintains his innocence. “From the outset, Mchunu has maintained that he has nothing to hide and welcomes any lawful investigation aimed at clarifying facts and upholding…

A critical shortage of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds in South Africa’s public healthcare system is producing tragic consequences, with citizens facing death and deteriorating health as a result. This alarming situation has been underscored by research from Professor Fathima Paruk, revealing that the nation has a mere five ICU beds per 100 000 people – a stark contrast to Germany’s 39. In some provinces, the situation is even more dire, with reports indicating as few as one ICU bed available. The implications of this bed scarcity are deeply personal for many, including Yolanda Dyantyi, who is mourning the loss of a close friend from Gauteng. Dyantyi alleges that her friend’s death was exacerbated by the critical shortage of ICU beds, a plight she attributes in part to what she…

Mojo’s Car Wash & Shisanyama Where: 8 Dunbar Rd, Wiggins, Chesterville Open: Tuesday to Thursday 8am to 5pm, Friday 8am to midnight, Sat and Sun 24 hours. Call: 061 516 1145 /076 447 7137 /072 268 1540 I was invited as part of a Durban Tourism media gig to one of the city’s famed shisanyamas recently and accepted wholeheartedly. Afterall it was some six years since I managed to persuade the Berea set to try Ma Mkhanye’s little shisanyama in Cato Manor. We’d had an enjoyable and very leisurely late Sunday lunch there. Her jeqe was superb. So after a sunset jaunt around the bay we went to one of the big players, Mojo’s Car Wash in Chesterville. We were there on a Tuesday evening when Mojo’s is not normally…

The final live stream of Daniel Naroditsky’s life had been broadcast for nearly two hours when the chess grand master put his head in his hands. His followers watched in silence. The 29-year-old rubbed his temples, sat up and began to play another game. “Deep breaths,” he muttered to himself. His eyes sagged, and he appeared to be drowsy. “Daniel, you need to get off,” a friend in the room said. “I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions. You know what I mean?” Naroditsky responded. “I know what you mean, but you don’t have anything to prove to those people,” his friend said. For more than a year, Naroditsky had been trying to prove himself after being accused of cheating by a former…

THREE hundred Saturdays and counting. This morning, Ramesh Deep- laul followed his usual routine; he woke up at 6, laced up his running shoes, and made his way to Shelley Park in Perth, Australia, to meet the familiar faces he’s come to know as friends. But the former Pietermaritzburg resident is far from your ordinary senior citizen. A few hours ago, he officially clocked up his 302nd Parkrun, a remarkable feat at any age, but especially at 82. Deeplaul’s journey into Parkrun began in 2018 when friends introduced him to the weekly event. Since then, he’s never looked back. While his family may think it’s time for him to slow down, he doesn’t see the point in doing that. After all, as he likes to say, no matter how many…

A German court on Wednesday ordered a life jail sentence to a palliative care nurse for the murder of 10 patients and attempted murder of 27 others with lethal injections. The court in the western city of Aachen found the 44-year-old man guilty of the offences committed between December 2023 and May 2024 in a hospital in Wuerselen near Aachen. The court also determined that the offences carried a “particular severity of guilt” which should bar him from early release after 15 years, normally an option in such cases. The man, who has not been publicly named, was accused by prosecutors of playing “master of life and death” over those in his care. His defence had demanded an acquittal at the trial which began in March. Prosecutors said he injected…

The burglars burst through the back door and hurried behind the sales counter, ignoring the register atop the glass cases. Surveillance video shows they were here for the goods, not the cash. Within minutes inside the Maryland store last month, they bagged and carried away a $1 000 (R17 363.65) Jackie Robinson baseball card, a $1 200 Baltimore Orioles Brooks Robinson rookie card, and 500 Pokémon cards, some in protective cases, others in unopened boxes. The owner of Pops Sports Cards & Gaming in Essex estimates the cartoon trading cards featuring characters with names like Pikachu, Charizard and Eevee were worth at least $4 000. Pokémon is a fast-growing segment of the multibillion-dollar trading card business, with the rarest finds valued at tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. One…

Mouhamadou Bamba tried to remain calm while stuck in traffic on Dakar’s famed oceanside highway, the Corniche, which becomes clogged every rush hour. The 43-year-old glanced at the Yango ride-hailing app on his phone, noting that his customer’s destination was still far away. Two months ago, the civil engineer, like thousands of others in the west African country, became a driver on the platform. For many like Bamba in the construction industry, the decision to pivot to Yango came after building projects stalled, a common fate in Senegal where urban development is rampant but plans easily falter even after they have begun. Since Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko came to power in 2024, the government in particular has halted much of the construction, both public…

Mazda’s stand at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo played host to the debut of two stylish new concept cars: the Vision X-Coupe and the Vision X-Compact. Both were designed to embody the theme for this year’s exhibition: “The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow” for the year 2035. Hopefully, we won’t need to wait that long to see production models on the road that take inspiration from these two new concepts, but if the brand’s previous “Vision” design studies are anything to go by, we shouldn't have to wait too long. The Vision X-Coupe takes a unique approach to “sustainable” motoring by combining an electric motor with a two-rotor turbocharged rotary engine to produce a maximum output of 375kW. The plug-in hybrid model can cover up to…

I wonder if, as adults, we monitor the number of times we use the toilet, especially for the number two business, as much as we do with our children? I want us to talk about our relationship with toilets, particularly with those who find toilets, or perhaps any mention of them, somewhat distasteful. My sister and I were talking the other day about what it means to raise children in South Africa’s current economic climate. She laughed so hard when I told her that beyond the rising costs of living, what truly tested me as a first-time mom was changing nappies. I am assured that anyone who has raised a baby knows the unspoken science of monitoring stool colour, texture and frequency. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary because one…

Here’s a question for young working South Africans. What is your most valuable asset? No, it’s not your property, and it’s not your retirement savings. It’s you. Unless you are in retirement or close to retiring, your ability to work and earn an income is more valuable than the assets you have accumulated. It is therefore essential to protect yourself as a living asset. Long-term insurance comprises mainly life cover and disability cover. If you’re young and single and own little in the way of assets, life cover is not essential; it only becomes so once you start a family and have dependants. Disability cover, on the other hand, is a must-have from the beginning of your career, because if you become disabled and cannot earn an income, you still…

Do you have questions about your last will and testament? David Thomson, Senior Legal Adviser at Sanlam Trust, answers some of the key questions South Africans have raised with Sanlam during Wills Month. He says that with two-thirds of South Africans (66%) not having a will (according to the 2025 Sanlam Legacy Wills Survey), this is a real concern for many South Africans. Understanding the process of drafting a will can help more people leave lasting legacies of love and avoid situations where families are left vulnerable and estates remain bogged down for years. Thomson addresses some of the main questions: Forged Wills: how do I stop someone from faking or manipulating my will? Sadly, you can’t stop someone from trying. What you can stop is a forgery being accepted…

Siya Kolisi says that while he will be honoured to join the Springbok 100 club, what matters to him right now is “what happens between the four white lines” at the Stade de France tonight (10.10pm kick-off). South Africans have been queuing up to congratulate the greatest Springbok captain of all time, but Kolisi, true to the iconic leader that he is, has distanced himself from the hype lest it distract him and the team from the enormous challenge of beating the fired-up French. “It is all about a critical Test,” Kolisi said yesterday. “The end goal for this tour is to remain No 1 in the world because of the World Cup draw coming up, so every game is like a knock-out game for us. We know how big…

The history books show that milestone matches for players rarely come with a guaranteed win to mark the special day. While teammates often play their hearts out for the man in the spotlight, sentiment only gets you so far at the highest level of sport. The Springboks have produced eight centurions — and Siya Kolisi will become the ninth when he reaches his milestone — but only half of those legends marked their 100th Test with victory. So far, Eben Etzebeth, Victor Matfield, Tendai Mtawarira, and Willie le Roux belong to the fortunate 50 percent, while Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Bryan Habana, and Jean de Villiers endured disappointment. To be fair, three of those four defeats came against an All Blacks side at the height of their powers between 2008…

With so much riding on the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens championship in Nairobi, Kenya, next weekend, it is no wonder the Springbok Women’s Sevens team is trotting out the big guns for the regional tournament that offers a shot at redemption … or a step closer to it. The Bok Women need a top-two finish to qualify for the 2026 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series, and are taking no chances in their bid to get back to the HSBC SVNS top table – having lost their core status at the end of the 2024 season. SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, Nadine Roos, a star of sevens and fifteens rugby, is among the stellar names selected for a training camp to prepare for the continental championship. She has…

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is bracing himself for one of the toughest tests of the season when the Sky Blues host Premier League champions Liverpool tomorrow. The Norwegian marksman lauded the quality of the opposition, describing Jürgen Klopp’s side as a formidable outfit with no obvious flaws. “I think they’re a really solid side,” said Haaland. “They won the Premier League, so they’re obviously a fantastic team with a lot of quality players. “I don’t really see any weaknesses. Of course, they’ve had a few struggles here and there, but overall, they’re such a complete team. “That’s what makes them one of the strongest sides in the league. They’re the champions, playing with the golden badge, so it’s definitely going to be a tough game.” Pressed further on potential…

Karma might be real after all. And that’s why you have to feel for Thembinkosi Lorch, as his improper conduct on and off the field seems to have caught up with him. Lorch is playing some of his best football in a long while. And while he was hoping for the grandest honour a footballer can get – a chance to represent his country at major tournaments – the only recognition he’ll get now is the loud cheers and applause from the Wydad Casablanca passionate ultras. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is not endorsing the return of the attacker to the national team – not now or in the near future. In fact, Lorch must forget about having an international career as long as Broos is still in charge. Broos…

Reboots have become a revolving door in Hollywood, whether it’s a TV series or film. Recently, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle dropped on Disney+. It is loosely based on the 1992 movie of the same title, helmed by Annabella Sciorra, Rebecca De Mornay, Matt McCoy, and Julianne Moore. Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera, the premise has been tweaked by Micah Bloomberg. The story centres on Caitlyn Morales (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), an attorney, who recently gave birth to her second daughter, Josie (played by Nora & Lola Contreras). She has the picture-perfect life with her supportive husband, Miguel (Raúl Castillo), and young daughter Emma (Mileiah Vega). What starts as an incidental meeting with Caitlyn representing Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe) before giving birth evolves when they bump into each other months…

The smoking gun behind SA’s blood-soaked streets may be closer to home than many realise. Stolen police firearms, missing civilian guns and smuggled weapons from neighbouring countries such as Namibia are fuelling a hidden trade that runs from Cape Town’s ganglands to towns and cities across the country. These weapons move easily through the country, often arriving first in the Mother City before being used in killings and gang wars, and then travelling inland to arm other criminal groups involved in robberies, assassinations and cash-in-transit heists. According to analysts and police insiders, the theft of guns from law enforcement is “the root of the evil” fuelling the country’s hidden weapons trade, leaving families, shopkeepers and cash-in-transit drivers living in fear. Over the past decade, more than 73 500 civilian firearms…

Olexander Scherba, Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Africa, has issued a stark warning to South Africans caught up in the turmoil of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, urging them to “surrender” rather than engage in the fighting. The advice comes after the South African government announced on Thursday that it had received distress calls for assistance to return home from 17 South African men, aged between 20 and 39, who are trapped in Ukraine’s war-torn Donbas region. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the men were lured to join mercenary forces involved in the Ukraine-Russia war under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts. Of the 17 men, 16 are from KwaZulu-Natal, and one is from the Eastern Cape. Scherba stated that they learned about the 17 South Africans in Ukraine’s Donbas region…

Nedgroup Trust, which administers the Irma Stern Trust, has clarified its plans for the future of Irma Stern’s art collection following a wave of criticism over the sudden closure of the Irma Stern Museum at the University of Cape Town (UCT). The decision brings to an end a 56-year partnership between the university and the Trust to manage The Firs, Stern’s former Rosebank home which has served as the museum since 1972. Under the 1969 Memorandum of Agreement, The Firs was owned by UCT, while the artworks and personal effects remained the property of the Trust. UCT Council approved the termination of the agreement and the sale of The Firs back to the Trust in October, saying the move was made “with much sadness and regret.” The university said it…

Selling for nearly R18 000 a cup, a café in Dubai is offering the world’s most expensive coffee, brewed from Panamanian beans sold at a premium price. The wealthy emirate is known for its extravagant ventures including an enormous mall with an indoor ski area, the world’s tallest building and an artificial island with five-star hotels. “We felt Dubai was the perfect place for our investment,” said Serkan Sagsoz, co-founder of the Julith cafe with the pricey offering. Located in an industrial neighbourhood that has become a hotspot for coffee lovers, Julith plans to serve “around 400 cups” of the precious beverage starting on Saturday, Sagsoz said. For a price tag of 3 600 dirhams (around R18 000), the brew offers an experience of floral and fruity flavours reminiscent of…

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he had renovated the Lincoln Bathroom. “It was renovated in the 1940s in an art deco green tile style, which was totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era,” he wrote on Truth Social, alongside two dozen photos. “I did it in black and white polished Statuary marble. This was very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and, in fact, could be the marble that was originally there!” Indeed, marble makes up the entire room – walls, floor, counters, tub – punctuated only by gold fixtures, a gold trash can and a gold towel rack. The reveal was startling, in part because of the total transformation and dramatic use of marble and because it comes on the heels of the demolition of the entire East…

Every year on October 29, at exactly 1.11am – the time he was born – Josh Chace’s mother would send him a birthday text. “Happy birthday to the best guy I know,” she wrote him in 2012. “A very happy 35th Josh,” she wrote in 2014. “Dad and I are very proud of you and your family.” After Chace’s mother, Carol Chace, died unexpectedly in 2021, the 1.11am birthday messages stopped. The annual silence became a painful reminder of the loss. “She would stay up the night before my birthday just to text me,” said Chace, who lives in Merrimack, New Hampshire. On his birthday last year, Chace shared screenshots of his mom’s old 1.11am messages on Reddit, figuring others might relate. “I think it helps people,” he said, adding…

Peru’s much-maligned political class has been plunged into fresh scandal after a photo emerged of a congresswoman having her toenails cut by an aide while reclining on the sofa in her office. The image of Lucinda Vasquez, 67, from a minor left-wing party, being pampered while talking on her cellphone in Parliament caused shock in a country reeling from an extortion epidemic. It comes after weeks of youth-led protests against a political class seen as corrupt and ineffective that left one dead and more than a hundred injured. The photo was taken on November 6 last year but was only published by an investigative TV show last month and quickly went viral. “It is a disgrace... that a person is being used, in an abuse of position and power, for…

Some people find new hobbies in retirement. Jennifer Doon from Pretoria found an entirely new world. In her 70s, with fading eyesight and no painting experience, she picked up a brush – and hasn’t put it down since. Just over two years ago, Jennifer hadn’t so much as held a paintbrush. She had always been artsy, dabbling in wedding cakes and flower arranging. Friends often told her she should paint, but she never quite believed she could. “I have always wanted to paint,” she says. “People would tell me I was artistic, but I never painted.” That changed when a family friend, who has since passed away, invited Jennifer and her husband to join him at art class. Pooran declined – he’s colourblind – but Jennifer decided to give it…

The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) Rights of Rastafari Report, released on November 3, arrives at a defining moment in the struggle for African dignity and self-determination. Its timing, one day after the global commemoration of the Transfiguration of Negus Ras Tafari – the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I – symbolises a spiritual and political awakening. Rastafari is not merely a faith-based tradition; it is a frontline grassroots decolonial project, confronting the racial and cultural hierarchies that persist in South African law and perception. For generations, Rastafari people have been criminalised for their African identity, their dreadlocks, and their sacramental use of the holy herb. Despite the Constitutional Court’s 2018 Prince judgment legalising private cannabis use, possession, and cultivation by adults, harassment persists. Police continue to raid homes,…

Two machines resembling robotic vacuum cleaners sped around a ring colliding, shooting sparks and catching fire, as Iranian engineering students watched from behind plexiglass. The dramatic clash was just one of many opportunities for competitors to go head-to-head at the country’s Tech Olympics, to determine the future of its engineering talents. Iran aspires to become a key regional player in emerging technologies, despite decades of international sanctions that have stifled its development. The fields at this year’s competition included robot battles, programming, artificial intelligence, as well as drones, cybersecurity and connected devices. A few hours before his event, Alireza Hosseini put the final touches on combat robot Arash – a rudimentary machine of wires and wheels without the appearance of a humanoid. “What’s more important than the design is the…

From the striking new Corolla concept to the futuristic Hi-Ace concept and the rugged Land Cruiser FJ, Toyota had something for everyone at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, held in Tokyo this week. Approaching the Japanese manufacturer’s stand, it was difficult to get up close and personal with the highly anticipated new Land Cruiser FJ, such was the intense interest shown in this new 4x4. As previously reported, the new FJ is under consideration for South Africa. However, with the Japanese launch only scheduled for mid-2026, don’t expect to see it on local shores any time soon. Built around the IMV platform that also underpins the current Hilux and Fortuner, the FJ aims to make the Land Cruiser sub-brand more accessible to prospective consumers, without taking away any of its…

BAIC South Africa has confirmed that the new BAIC B30 SUV will be assembled locally at its facility in Coega, Gqeberha, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the South African automotive industry. The announcement follows the B30’s debut at the Festival of Motoring and comes ahead of its official national launch in November. Local assembly will commence shortly thereafter, reinforcing BAIC’s strategy to build key models in South Africa and expand the plant’s production footprint. “Localising the B30 is about more than manufacturing – it’s about investing in people, skills, and a sustainable automotive future for South Africa,” said Ameena Hassan, the brand and the PR manager at BAIC South Africa. “Our Coega facility was built to support long-term growth, and the addition of the B30…

Black economic empowerment in South Africa is not collapsing by accident. It is being dismantled deliberately, but from two different ends of the political spectrum. From above, through constitutional litigation framed as “non-racialism”, but designed to protect historic advantage. And from below, through state incompetence, elite capture and patronage networks that hollowed out BEE’s purpose until the public could no longer recognise justice in its name. This is not policy failure – it is political sabotage. When the DA challenges BEE in court, it does so under the language of fairness, equality and constitutionalism, but the effect of its strategy is not neutral. It is racially restorative for those who already sit atop the economic ladder. Removing remedial measures in a society where ownership, capital and opportunity are still…

The 2025 DebtBusters Money-Stress Tracker reveals that South Africans over the age of 45, earning more than R20 000 a month, are facing a growing debt crisis. These individuals are now among the most financially stressed in the country, with 48% spending nearly half of their take-home pay on debt repayments. However, it’s possible to regain control of your finances and secure a stable future with strategic action and a clear understanding of your financial position. Data from the Sanlam Credit Solutions Credit Confidence Index, which analyses over 818 000 active credit users, supports this trend. The index shows that a significant 37% of Gen X users (44-58) spend over half their monthly income on debt repayments. With the cost of essentials like food, transport, and electricity continuing to climb,…

Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman says he is pleased with the progress made in refreshing his ageing squad and building depth, after wrapping up their final conditioning block ahead of the 2026 SVNS season, which kicks off in Dubai at the end of the month. “One of the main aims for this season is to expand our selection base with an eye on the 2029 Olympics, and that remains the case,” Snyman said. “Our squad is ageing, and we need to adapt to that. I also wanted to give myself more options in selection, especially among the forwards, and I’m happy with where we are. “Instead of three, I can now select from at least 10 players to start a match in the forwards — exactly the position I…

There will be plenty of venomous mini-battles within the grand war between the Springboks and France tonight in Paris. From the electrifying backs to the bruising forwards, fans can expect a series of fascinating one-on-ones as both sides look to gain the upper hand in what promises to be an intense showdown at the Stade de France (10.10pm kick-off). While victory will require a full 23-man effort, both the Boks and Les Bleus will lean on a few key players to set the tone. Here’s a look at the crucial positional duels that could define this blockbuster clash. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu vs Romain Ntamack (flyhalf) It will be a proper baptism of fire in the north for the young Feinberg-Mngomezulu; however, sinking won’t be an option for the wunderkind as he…

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel is on the brink of what could be one of the biggest milestones of his coaching career – guiding the Natal Rich Boyz to their first-ever domestic final as they face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium today. Having climbed through the ranks of South African football, winning league titles from the lower divisions up to the professional ranks, Gabriel admits this competition holds a special place in his heart. The 48-year-old tactician has achieved almost everything in local football – except lifting a top-flight trophy – and this weekend represents a golden opportunity to complete that journey. “Personally, as a coach, I’ve coached at all levels, won all the leagues in South Africa from the lower leagues…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has stirred up some controversy by expressing his hope that Orlando Pirates will be eliminated from the Carling Knockout this weekend. This unexpected statement comes as Pirates prepare to face Richards Bay in today’s semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Broos has a strong interest in the club, as his latest national squad selection includes nine Pirates – the most from any PSL club. The Pirates players are Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa and Masindi Nemtajela, . “I’m sorry to say this, but I am happy that Sundowns are out and that Chiefs are out,” said Broos, reflecting on the elimination of the two teams in the Carling Knockout’s earlier round. “I hope…

In an increasingly individualistic world, the African continent stands as a beacon of kindness and community spirit. A recent study from the 2025 World Happiness Gallup Report highlights six African countries among the top nations known for their generosity towards strangers. From communities offering helping hands to warm welcomes for visitors, these countries exemplify the African philosophy of Ubuntu – an idea that emphasises the interconnectedness of all people. Acts of kindness stimulate the release of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, inducing happiness and reducing stress. These are the top 10 countries known for helping strangers: 1. Jamaica: The island nation took first place globally for its openness to welcoming strangers. Known for their warm hospitality, Jamaicans often go out of their way to help visitors feel at home. 2.…

“New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do…” Right now, these iconic lyrics by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z are more than just an anthem for the city that never sleeps. They feel like the perfect soundtrack for Zohran Mamdani’s historic rise as New York City’s newest mayor. Viral TikTok videos from Mamdani’s campaign often show him singing along to Empire State of Mind. He comes across not just as a politician seeking votes, but as a real New Yorker who reflects the energy, diversity and resilience that make the city shine. When Mamdani took the stage to deliver his victory speech as the newly elected mayor of New York City, the energy in the room was electric. “Donald Trump, I have four words for…

Alarming concerns about neglect and inadequate funding have been raised by eThekwini councillor Ngiphiwe Xulu regarding the uShaka Beach lifeguard station in Durban. Xulu highlighted that essential equipment and facilities at the station had insufficient financial support. Following complaints from lifeguards, Xulu raised concerns at a council meeting about the alarming state of the uShaka Beach lifeguard station. A recent inspection, she noted, revealed visible signs of neglect, including substandard facilities and outdated equipment, negatively affecting the municipal lifeguards. “They perform critical duties. These conditions raise serious concerns regarding public safety and the municipality’s duty of care toward employees in high-risk positions,” she said. Xulu, directing inquiries to the municipality’s recreation and parks directorate, requested details on the budget designated for lifeguards and the number of current vacancies within the…

ANOTHER document scandal has rocked the Department of Home Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal. This time, birth certificates were allegedly sold to foreigners for the sum of R15 000 each. The Independent on Saturday has learnt that a senior Home Affairs official, who was previously implicated in the sale of passports, is now under investigation for his role in manufacturing and selling the birth certificates. He is believed to have sold the official documents to foreigners, mainly Bangladeshis, and generated R2.9 million. Whistleblowers say that the official appeared to have gained unauthorised access to the computer system where he made up the fraudulent certificates. However, he apparently blew his cover when he left some of the birth certificates at the station where he had been working. Thulani Mavuso, Spokesperson for the Department…

Few places in the small African kingdom of Eswatini have a more feared reputation than the Matsapha Correctional Centre, a high-security sprawl of concrete and rust outside the capital, Mbabane. “It’s like a jungle,” a former detainee said of the prison that is holding 14 men deported from the US in the Trump administration’s crackdown on migrants. For decades, the prison has embodied the repressive policies of the nation, routinely used to silence pro-democracy activists. Now, as the US expels foreign nationals, the prison has an additional and just as troubling role, lawyers say. Africa’s last absolute monarchy has agreed to accept up to 160 US deportees in exchange for $5.1 million (R88m) to strengthen its border and migration systems. “Life is not easy in there,” said former detainee Elvis…

The Washington Post’s Becky Krystal answers the question: “What is your go-to cutting board for meat and veggies?” I have a few go-to boards, not just one. Most of my savoury cooking prep takes place on a large wood cutting board. (I don’t recommend glass or metal, as they will dull your knives almost immediately.) It gives me plenty of room to cut vegetables – too-small boards are just a knife accident waiting to happen. I have a separate, smaller board I use for fruit. There are two main reasons. One, no matter how scrupulous I am about cleaning the big board, it can sometimes carry over garlic and onion flavours. Normally, that’s not a big deal for savoury dishes, which is why I don’t go crazy trying to remove…

The old picture this week features Durban’s Cave Rock, a distinctive and famed swimming, surfing, fishing and picnicking spot just off the headland of the Bluff. The pictures, old and new, were taken from a post by Manny Lutchaman in the Facebook group Durban History and Stories. Yet many Durbanites will know little about the spot because of an act of philistinism. It was deliberately dynamited in the 1940s by the South African War Department. Durban historian and blogger Graham Leslie McCallum describes the decision so eloquently in one of his posts: “For many hundreds of thousands of years this large sandstone formation stood proudly at the Bluff headland, witnessing the centuries rolling on like the ocean waves. “It was there that Christmas Day in 1497 when Vasco da…

Tom Brady revealed this week that a young dog of his is actually a clone created from a family pet who died almost two years ago. In a statement shared by Colossal Biosciences, a company that says it specialises in “species restoration,” Brady thanked it for giving him and his family “a second chance with a clone of our beloved dog.” Brady is an investor in the company. The original dog, Lua, died in December 2023, according to Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen. On Tuesday, Brady said he “worked with Colossal and leveraged their noninvasive cloning technology through a simple blood draw of our family’s elderly dog before she passed.” He credited the company with taking just “a few short months” to provide him with the clone, reportedly named Junie. Brady’s…

A crocodile took a dip in a luxury hotel pool in northeastern Australia this weekend but failed to stir guests relaxing in the sun a few steps away. Video posted on social media showed the juvenile carnivore lying on the bottom of the pool at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Port Douglas. “I don’t want to alarm anyone but there is a crocodile in the Sheraton pool,” TikTok user Lisa Keller said in a video showing the scaly predator. A handful of tourists could be seen taking it easy on sun lounges around the edge of the pool, though none ventured into the water. “Not a single person cares,” Keller said. The video matched images of the pool on the hotel’s website. Hotel manager Joseph Amerio said the crocodile…

A man has been arrested for allegedly groping and trying to kiss Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as she greeted supporters in the country’s capital. The incident occurred Tuesday as Sheinbaum walked to an event near the presidential palace, shaking hands and taking pictures with people along the way, videos on social media showed. The man approached Sheinbaum, put his arm around her shoulder, and with the other hand touched her hip and chest, while attempting to kiss her neck. A member of the presidential security detail pulled away the man, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Despite his behavior, Sheinbaum treated the man politely, agreeing to take a picture with him, then patting him on the back. Security authorities later reported that the man had…

In Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean island nation so close to Venezuela that on a clear day it’s visible, the second homes off the northwestern coast lie empty. Fishers are staying close to the shore, and some have stopped working at night. As US forces launch lethal attacks on boats the Trump administration alleges are carrying illegal drugs to the US, and the Pentagon masses fighter jets, warships and troops off the coast of Venezuela, the waters on which Trinidadians have long relied for their food and livelihoods no longer feel safe. The US attacks are sending waves across the Caribbean, exposing divisions between leaders on narcotrafficking and raising alarms in a region where a long history of US interventionism casts a shadow – even as officials acknowledge there’s little…

A VOLVO has become the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to drive up the historic Sani Pass into Lesotho in the Drakensberg Mountains. Closing South African Transport Month, the EX30 Cross Country ticked a box in the record books, proving that sustainable mobility can also thrive in some of the harshest conditions 56 years after the first Volvo climbed the pass in 1969. Exploration and innovation “The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, the managing director of VCSA. “It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain, and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.” Locke added that the historic journey also marks a…

Single motherhood is becoming the norm in South Africa, with 42.3% of households headed by women. But with the cost of raising a child hitting R1.6 million and women's unemployment at 35.9%, financial planning has become a matter of survival. Gerda van der Linde, Verso Wealth MD, says she and the female financial planners in her team have specifically seen that more women are finding themselves solely responsible for raising a child. She explains that this could happen for a variety of reasons, including divorce, the death or absence of a partner, or having to step into this role as the oldest child. “Becoming a single mother can happen to anyone,” says Van der Linde. “This shift in family dynamics is not just a social issue - it's an economic…

In an increasingly interconnected yet uncertain world, South African investors face a unique set of challenges. Local market volatility, political risks, and the persistent threat of a weaker currency have led many people to look beyond our borders for security and growth. However, offshore investing is far more than simply ‘chasing returns’ abroad; it’s a strategic and powerful tool for long-term wealth building, risk diversification, and building financial security. Nonetheless, navigating this complex landscape requires more than just a desire to invest globally and ideally necessitates professional guidance from a financial adviser. The value of global diversification One of the primary benefits of global investing is diversification. By spreading investments across different economies, currencies, and industries, you can reduce the impact of local market downturns on your overall portfolio. Not…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed profound frustration over his unsuccessful attempts to convene a meeting with all Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaches, indicating that he has now abandoned the effort altogether. This decision comes after four consecutive attempts over the past four years were cancelled by the PSL, leaving the seasoned mentor both incredulous and disheartened. Addressing journalists at SAFA House while announcing his squad for the upcoming international friendly against Zambia on November 15, Broos conveyed his disappointment at the apparent reluctance from the league’s governing body to facilitate cooperation between the national team and its clubs. “Four years ago, I asked to have a meeting with all the PSL coaches and in four attempts, they cancelled it. In four attempts, they didn’t even send the…

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says that for tonight’s epic encounter with France, the Boks will have to play as well as they did two years ago in Paris, when they knocked the home team out of the World Cup. That 2023 quarter-final was one of the finest spectacles the game has seen, with the Boks prevailing 29–28 after 80 minutes of high drama. “We have to be at our very best if we are to beat France on Saturday night,” Stick said. “I always say to people, when I look back to the 2023 quarter-final, if we had not been at our best, France could have given us 40 points, but we pitched up for that game. “We knew what was coming that day in front of their home…

As Siya Kolisi runs out to face France this tonight to earn his 100th Springbok Test cap, the occasion will rightly be framed as a national celebration, a monument to his leadership, his World Cup victories, and his symbolic significance as South Africa’s first Black Test captain. Yet the true measure of Kolisi’s journey is found not in the triumphs of 2019 or 2023, but in a crisis period around 2015, a pivotal moment when he nearly lost his prodigious talent to personal demons. This turning point, a battle fought off the pitch, is what truly forged the leader South Africa came to know. After Kolisi burst onto the international scene with one of the great Springbok debuts against Scotland in 2013, he went through a dip in…

Proteas top-order batter Tony de Zorzi says he went back to his routines on and off the field to be able to turn his form around in the ongoing tour to Pakistan. A little over a month ago, many wouldn’t have had De Zorzi in their Proteas squads, let alone a playing XI, because the 28-year-old was struggling for runs at the time. He showed good form during the white ball tours of Australia and England; however, he still couldn’t put together big runs. When he got injured in England, his involvement in the ongoing Pakistan tour looked even less likely. However, the left-hander has been able to make a full recovery and was selected in the Test squad against India next week, likely replacing Temba Bavuma. In the first…

There’s a quiet revolution brewing at Marumo Gallants, led by a coach barely older than some of his players. Tomorrow, the unflappable Alexandre Lafitte will stride into the King Zwelithini Stadium with a chance to write a new chapter in the club’s young story – a place in the Carling Knockout Cup final. The 28-year-old Frenchman has been one of the season’s most intriguing figures in South African football. Since taking over earlier this year alongside assistant Julien Outrebon, Lafitte has transformed the Bloemfontein-based outfit into a confident, compact, and tactically disciplined side – unafraid of facing the giants of the local game. Under his watch, Gallants have produced memorable performances against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns, earning admiration across the league for their structure, spirit, and growing…

As summer approaches, South Africa’s coastline comes alive, and the announcement of the Blue Flag Beach status for the 2025/26 season brings excitement to beachgoers. Every year, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) reveals the best beaches across the country, recognising those that excel in coastal management and sustainable tourism. This year, 70 beaches and pilot sites have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status, highlighting their commitment to cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. Among the 70 beaches, 12 are in KwaZulu-Natal, with eight of these situated along the picturesque South Coast. The Western Cape boasts 21 Blue Flag beaches, while the Eastern Cape is home to 17. Notably, McDougalls Bay in Port Nolloth, Northern Cape, has also received Blue Flag status as a pilot site. This…