Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-20 i Independent on Saturday

As the festive season shopping ramps up, many South Africans are thinking a little more carefully about what they put under the tree. This year, global animal welfare organisation Four Paws is encouraging shoppers to make kindness part of their style choices by choosing fashion that does not harm animals. To help make that easier, Four Paws has updated its Wear It Kind brand directory, a go-to guide for cruelty-free fashion. The latest update includes more than 300 fashion brands, with 60 new additions now rated for their commitment to animal welfare. Among the newly listed brands are big international names such as Diesel, Fendi, J Crew and Dior. The directory assesses brands based on clear criteria. These include banning fur, replacing wool and down, adhering to credible animal welfare…

My Secret Santa is peak festive behaviour. It’s awkward, it’s forced fun, and it only exists because Christmas tells us to participate. So yes, from the title alone, Netflix understood the assignment. The film feels warm and safe in the way only a Christmas romcom can. It made me crave a white Christmas I have never experienced, complete with ice-skating rinks, fireplaces, eggnog and those checked pyjamas people only wear in December and nowhere else. The aesthetic is doing most of the emotional labour here, and I respect that. Even vinyl records make an appearance, because nostalgia is a paid actor in these films. Visually, it works. From the very start, we’re dropped into a classic festive meet-cute. Two strangers meet unexpectedly, exchange cheeky remarks, and you already know how…

Each December, long-distance buses, minibus taxis and private cars stream northwards from South Africa as Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second biggest city, prepares for its annual ritual: the seasonal homecoming of injiva – migrants returning for Christmas. The old industrial city, where businesses have declined and shops and restaurants struggle to survive, fills temporarily with cars with South African number plates and people dressed in trendy clothes signalling urban South African lifestyles. Trailers are loaded with remittances known as “Christmas boxes” containing cooking oil, soap and other groceries. A jumping castle is erected in the park, and popular music merges with laughter in the restaurants. These are historically rooted signs of achievement and success earned abroad. They are a refashioned form of the festive season of colonial-era injivas: men from the Matabeleland…

As South Africans take a well-deserved rest and prepare to put their feet up and enjoy the festive season, many will find that the beloved braai is costing more than expected. This comes as the country continues to grapple with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which has disrupted cattle farming and tightened the supply of beef. Popular cuts such as sirloin, rump, and T-bone steaks have surged by up to 37% compared to last December, leaving holiday budgets tighter and backyard grills a lot more expensive. According to FNB agricultural economist Paul Makube, the spike in meat prices is the largest in almost eight years, with beef, lamb, pork, and even chicken all showing significant increases. “If you’re heading to the coast for the holidays, expect to pay even more.…

Donovan Moodley, who is serving a life sentence for the killing of Bond University student Leigh Matthews, has been denied parole, the Department of Correctional Services said yesterday. The department said Moodley’s parole profile was considered in terms of Section 78 of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998. “After careful consideration of all relevant reports and submissions, the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) recommended to the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, that parole placement not be granted at this stage,” departmental spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said. The council further recommended that Moodley undergo additional interventions before his profile is reconsidered. Nxumalo said Groenewald concurred with the recommendation. Moodley’s parole profile will be resubmitted after 24 months for reconsideration by the NCCS and thereafter, by the minister. During…

THE festive season may be marketed as a time of joy, but for many South Africans it remains an emotional roller coaster. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has released the results of its 2025 Festive Feeling Study, revealing a nation juggling financial anxiety, emotional strain and pockets of quiet resilience. The nationwide survey collected 2 095 valid responses from people aged 18 to over 65, with most respondents living in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Participants came from across the employment spectrum; from the fully employed to the unemployed, self-employed and students. Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter says the findings paint a picture of a country experiencing the holidays in profoundly different ways. “Some are thriving, enjoying the holidays despite challenges. Some are surviving, feeling stressed about money,…

Chef Donell Stallworth remembers when he first noticed Charlie Hicks almost a decade ago. The Air Force veteran would come every day to the Shrimp Basket in Pensa- cola, Florida, where Stallworth runs the kitchen. Hicks, who had just retired from a second career as an accountant, would always order a cup of gumbo (a thick stew) for lunch and sit and watch baseball on the restaurant’s TV. Stallworth started sitting with Hicks when the kitchen wasn’t too busy. The two men would talk about baseball – Hicks loves the Yankees, Stallworth is a Dodgers fan. “When baseball was over, we had no more sports he liked so we just started talking about everything else,” Stallworth said. “He grew on me, and I grew on him.” One day in early…

Austin Dirks walked through a shallow stream of water in a Utah canyon that looked and felt similar to dozens of others the avid hiker has passed. But during his Sunday hike earlier this month, his left foot suddenly sank into the ground. He shifted his weight to his right leg, which plunged into the earth to his knee. He freed his left foot but his right leg, submerged in a 45-degree angle, felt like it was stuck in concrete, he said. After a few minutes of trying and failing to wiggle free, Dirks, 33, realised he was trapped in something he had only heard about in books and movies: quicksand. When Dirks called rescue workers, they were almost as shocked to hear about a quicksand trap as he…

Rockpool Restaurant Where: 1 South Beach Rd, eMdloti Open: Monday to Saturday 11.30am to 9pm, Sunday 11.30am to 6pm. Call: 031 568 2286 Food writer Ingrid Shevlin and I went for lunch this week at an old favourite that’s been completely relaunched. So Mundo Vida is now called Rockpool and the whole vibe is so much more relaxed. The small inside restaurant (which was never used) is now a cocktail bar. The rest offers floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean beyond. Just while we were lunching at least two or three couples came straight off the beach for a glass of wine and a simple plate of calamari. One even had a large dog in tow. While chef Morne Fourie and front-of-house Andre Schubert are still at the helm, they feel…

2025 was a brutal teacher. Over the first three quarters alone, South Africa lost on average 63 people a day to murder. At the same time, women’s unemployment remains at 35.9%, compared with 31.0% for men even as labour-market statistics show modest gains later in the year. These are not distant headlines; they are households' lives cut short, dreams deferred, dignity under assault. Yet some of the loudest voices arguing over violence are fixated on rural tragedies and sensational farm murders. Those are real. They must be heard. But they are only a fraction of a far larger crisis ravaging the urban townships, informal settlements, the overlooked neighbourhoods and everyday communities. That imbalance in public attention, what gets airtime, what draws outrage, what yields policy reaction, is not harmless. It…

The Raging Bull Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of the investment industry, will this year be sponsored by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and DRDGOLD. The prestigious ceremony, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 13 February 2026, marks a significant milestone as the awards celebrate their 30th anniversary. For three decades, the Raging Bull Awards have honoured excellence in the collective investment schemes industry, recognising funds and managers who consistently outperform their peers and providing South African consumers with a trusted benchmark for choosing investments with confidence. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Leila Fourie, Group CEO of the JSE, a position she has held since 2019. With more than 30 years of international experience in banking, capital markets, and payments,…

South African insurers across the board typically see a rise in claims over the festive season, due to an increase in lifestyle and safety risks. According to the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), the Easter and Christmas periods remain the two annual peak periods for motor insurance claims, while the latest data from Stats SA (2024/25) shows that about 1.5 million incidents of housebreaking occurred in the period (representing roughly 5.7% of all households in the country). But really, it should come as no surprise that December and January carry a higher-than-usual level of risk. Roads are busier as families clock long distances, often in hot weather, which increases the likelihood of accidents and breakdowns. Alcohol-related accidents also tend to increase. Necessities like a tyre pressure check and stopping to…

TO WIN the Africa Cup of Nations title is the dream of every African country, every footballer and every coach. It is a dream many die without realising. And anyone who does it more than once is worthy of being feted and afforded legendary status. Hugo Broos could add his name to a very short list of coaches who have been crowned African champions on more than one occasion when he leads Bafana Bafana at the 2025 edition in Morocco, as it kicks off from tomorrow to January 18. The silver-haired Belgian is going to retire from coaching after the FIFA World Cup in north America next year and how grand it would be were he to cement his standings as one of the best coaches to have worked on…

Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt capped off a historic year for South African cricket with a sublime, unbeaten century to lead the Proteas Women to a six-wicket victory over Ireland at the Wanderers yesterday. The win confirms a 3-0 ODI series whitewash and serves as a formidable statement of intent ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Chasing a target of 206, the South African innings was defined by Wolvaardt’s technical excellence and ice-cold composure. While the top and middle order struggled to maintain momentum against a disciplined Irish attack, the skipper remained immovable. The chase wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. Tasmin Brits (26) and Sune Luus (25) provided starts but failed to convert, while young Karabo Meso contributed a valuable 17 before falling to Aimee Maguire. The Irish bowlers, led…

Betway SA20 Season 4 will see the gathering of six of the world’s finest franchise T20 coaches. Each of the franchises boasts coaches with experience, astute tactical awareness and mentoring abilities. From two-time champion Adrian Birrell to legendary Sourav Ganguly, these elite coaches will manage international superstars along with guiding some of South Africa’s burgeoning young talent. Lance Klusener — Durban’s Super Giants Appointed: Season 1 Best finish: Runner’s up (S2) A true South African cricketing legend, Klusener brings tactical nous, a deep understanding of T20 dynamics and local knowledge of Kingsmead. Under his guidance, the DSG have been competitive throughout the league’s seasons with a best-ever runners-up finish in 2024, and now with a superstar-laden squad will be eager to take the next step this coming season. Klusener: “A…

Think about the last time you felt truly happy. Not a polite smile. Not a “this is nice” moment. But a full-body kind of joy, the kind that feels sun-drenched and effervescent, where laughter spills out easily and time softens around you. Now think about how you felt when it ended. That quiet, hollow feeling that creeps in afterwards, the heaviness, the wistful ache has a name. Psychologists call it a post-event low, but in everyday language, it’s often described as a “happiness hangover”. And during the festive season, it shows up with surprising intensity. December and early January are drenched in anticipation. We plan trips, curate outfits, book tables, host dinners, and reconnect with old friends. Our calendars fill up, our phones buzz and our dopamine rises. Then, suddenly,…

Popular South African YouTuber and influencer Lasizwe Dambuza has checked himself into a mental wellness retreat, opening up candidly about his struggles with burnout and depression. “This year has been mentally challenging. I’m burnt out. I’m depressed,” Dambuza told fans in a social media post this week after arriving at the facility. He shared that he will be spending a few weeks at the retreat, which means he will be offline and unable to interact with his followers over the festive season, including wishing them a Merry Christmas, as he will not have access to his phone during his stay. “I wish people could take mental health seriously. And to you watching this, please find someone in your community, in your family, your friendship, to speak to regarding your feelings,…

We are in the middle of the season of “goodwill to all humankind”. It started with the Day of Reconciliation on December 16, takes us through this season of Christmas (and Hanukkah), and stretches up to January 1. Can we spend this time showing love and peace to those around us, remembering the less fortunate, and reaching out to those who are alone or suffering? Perhaps. Certainly, organisations like the Denis Hurley Centre benefit at this time from the generosity of people wishing to volunteer or make a gift to help those in need. But caught up in our own indulgences, or distracted by the shiny baubles of the malls, we might struggle to succeed even for these two weeks. And then what confidence do we have that goodwill can…

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has said his department will not review salaries for state veterinarians, noting that newly qualified vets are already paid at a middle-management level in the public service. Steenhuisen was responding to a parliamentary question from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Laetitia Heloise, who raised concerns about the shortage of veterinarians and the ongoing loss of qualified professionals to other countries. Steenhuisen said that reviewing salaries was not the responsibility of his department, but the Department of Public Service and Administration. He said the department has commissioned the South African Veterinary Council to conduct a study on the impact of the compulsory community service programme, which is expected to end after the 2025/26 financial year.…

As the calendar turns to 2026, South Africans pause to reflect on a year that was both turbulent and unforgettable. From political controversies and shocking crimes to moments of national pride and sporting triumphs, 2025 tested the nation’s resilience while also highlighting its achievements. Debates, fear and the Afrikaner Exodus One of the most polarising stories this year involved Afrikaner communities raising concerns about safety and perceived marginalisation. Online and in political circles, warnings of an alleged threat to Afrikaners – sometimes framed as “massacre rhetoric” – sparked intense debate. The conversation escalated internationally when US President Donald Trump weighed in, urging attention to the community’s plight. President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside senior government officials, visited the White House to defend South Africa’s stance amid growing international attention. The delegation sought…

Nearly five years after her rescue dog disappeared, Patricia Orozco still thought about Choco every day. “I still talked about him all the time,” she said. “I wondered what he’s doing; I wondered how he is … When you have a pet disappear, everything races through your mind. … Is he alive? Is he okay? Is he being treated well?” Then, unexpectedly, Orozco – who lives in Sacramento – received a text from a microchip company. Choco had been found – 3 701km away in Lincoln, Michigan. “I never thought in a million years this would happen,” said Orozco, 29, who adopted Choco, a wirehaired Dachshund mix, from her local shelter in 2016. Choco was found tied to a fence out- side Lincoln Park Animal Shelter late last month.…

Cosy knits, sparkly bobbles and Santa hats were all the canine rage last Sunday as hundreds of sausage dogs and their owners converged on central London for an annual parade and get-together. The dachshunds’ gathering in Hyde Park came after a previous “Sausage Walk” planned for Halloween had to be postponed because it had become so popular that the organisers needed to apply for an events licence. One thing everyone present had in common: a cast-iron belief that dachshunds are the ultimate pet. “They’re naughty and stubborn, very affectionate, very funny and have bags of character,” said Bailey, a 48-year-old interior designer from West London. “It’s dachshunds all the way for me. They’re just about the cutest thing I think you could ever look at.” The walk was started eight…

South Africa’s social fabric is frayed, and we cannot cloak that truth in euphemism. The 2024 Social Cohesion Index, measuring interpersonal trust, institutional confidence, attitudes to diversity, civic participation and respect for social rules, offers a picture that is at once sobering and insistently instructive – small gains in isolated pockets, yet large failures in the structural core. While the index registers modest improvements in neighbourhood solidarity and interpersonal trust, its deeper pillars, confidence in institutions, acceptance of diversity and adherence to shared norms continue to deteriorate. This is not a statistical quibble – it is the slow unravelling of the civic glue at a moment when the country most needs the adhesive of mutual obligation and shared purpose. Coming out of the unstable post-2024 coalition landscape, with governance fractured…

A year or so ago I suggested in this column that cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, may be stabilising and becoming more respectable in investment circles. There were a couple of reasons for this: large institutional asset managers such as Blackrock had been unable to resist the tantalising profits that could be made and had climbed aboard the crypto rollercoaster; and regulators, including the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, were tightening regulation. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Bitcoin is as tumultuous as ever, and 2025 proved another crazy ride for the crypto industry in general. Newly installed US President Donald Trump and his circle unashamedly embraced the razzle-dazzle crypto culture (or should that be cult?), with Trump launching a meme coin in his name. $Trump launched at US$1.2…

On December 15, 2025, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) issued a media release reminding trustees and provisional taxpayers of the trust and provisional tax filing season, confirming that the filing deadline for trust income tax and provisional tax returns is January 19, 2026. While framed as a filing-season reminder, the release reflects more than a routine administrative notice. A clear emphasis on preparation for the trust tax filing season and trust compliance The communication focuses on preparation for the trust tax filing season, the use of Sars’ systems and guidance, and voluntary compliance by trusts with their tax filing obligations. Trustees are encouraged to ensure that supporting documentation is in order, beneficiary information is verified, and available tools such as eFiling are used to facilitate accurate and complete submissions.…

When Bulls coach Johan Ackermann visits Kings Park this evening for his team’s United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter with the Sharks, he will have memories of one of the toughest times he has had in rugby. And it will be a memory shared with his opposite number, JP Pietersen — the new coach of the Sharks. Ackermann and Pietersen were in the same Sharks team that contrived to lose the 2007 Super Rugby final that ultimately went the way of Victor Matfield’s Bulls. Ackermann, ahead of today’s crunch clash with the coastal side (6pm kick-off), says that game continues to haunt him. “The 2007 Super Rugby final still sticks in my mind,” the Bulls coach said. “That match was so intense and a fantastic spectacle in front of a sold-out…

Could fast-charging Manchester City top the Premier League at Christmas or will Arsenal cling on to the festive number one spot? Pep Guardiola's City host struggling West Ham at home today after six straight wins in all competitions, while the Gunners face a tricky trip to Everton later in the day. Aston Villa take on Manchester United, looking to maintain an astonishing run that has catapulted them into the title race, while Liverpool travel to face stumbling Tottenham. Here we look at three talking points ahead of the weekend action: City eye top spot Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have clicked ominously into gear and are just two points behind long-time Premier League leaders Arsenal. The Gunners have a tough run of league fixtures coming up, starting away at Everton, with…

When the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 kicks off in Morocco tomorrow, eyes across the continent will turn to a new generation of startling talents. The tournament will serve as a grand stage for a vibrant group of young players who have already shown glimpses of brilliance. They are ready to write their own stories and reshape the competition’s narrative as they don the national colours of their respective countries. Here are five standout youngsters who have aspirations of becoming household names in football. 1 Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) The 21-year-old Carlos Baleba, a product of Cameroon’s rich footballing tradition, is regarded as a modern midfielder with a unique blend of physicality and technical prowess. Baleba highlights his gameplay with remarkable stamina and an impressive ability to connect with his teammates…

It is generally agreed that Morocco and Senegal go into the Africa Cup of Nations finals starting tomorrow as hot favourites, their recent impressive form giving good reason to expect them to shine brightest at the biennial continental showpiece. Football though, is pretty fickle at the top and surprises are part and parcel of this beautiful game and thus cannot be ruled out. Here, senior soccer writer Matshelane Mamabolo chooses the countries he believes can pull the rug from underneath the favourites’ feet. BURKINA FASO Twice the Stallions have reached the semi-finals and they’ve been to the ultimate stage on one occasion when they lost to Nigeria in the 2013 edition hosted by South Africa. While they are unlikely to repeat that feat attained thanks to the genius of…

Honey, 2025 was a full-on season of identity shifts, beauty debates, and jaw-dropping transformations from some of the biggest names on the planet. From bold style overhauls to cosmetic tweaks that had us all whispering, “How are they spending their coins like this?” These seven stars reminded us that reinvention is always in style. Kris Jenner’s new face The Kardashian‑Jenner matriarch surprised (well, maybe not that surprised) everyone with a deep‑plane facelift that literally had her looking like a Hollywood Benjamin Button. Her face now has that natural lift without the “too-tight” vibe of old-school surgery, and social media went wild, with comments about defying gravity and fans demanding to know which surgeon is turning Hollywood into a time machine. Cardi B The rapper refuses to do anything quietly, and…

During a recent cinema trip to see the romantic drama Regretting You, I was left fascinated by the trailer for The Housemaid, which was shown before it started. This psychological thriller is an adaptation of Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel of the same title. However, what amplified my excitement was the stellar cast, led by Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar and Michele Morrone, with Paul Feig in the director's chair. By the way, Sweeney and Seyfriend also share the executive producer credits. The premise centres on Millie Calloway (Sweeney), the new housemaid for the influential Winchester family, comprising Nina (Seyfried) and her husband, Andrew (Sklenar). In case you are wondering, Morrone is cast as Enzo, a groundskeeper. The plot centres on Millie’s new role within this household, where that familiar…

TOURISM bosses are confident Durban is heading for a record-breaking festive season, even though some visitors arriving for their seaside holiday may have to stay on dry land after four of the city’s beaches were closed due to pollution. Blue Lagoon, Ethekwini Beach, Country Club Beach and Battery Beach, all in the city centre, were closed as a “precautionary measure” on Thursday while a team investigates the source of the pollution and implements “appropriate mitigation measures”, the City said. The closures come just days after record-breaking crowds flocked to the beachfront on Reconciliation Day, with at least 75 000 bathers entering the water and 234 500 people using the promenade – one of the busiest days in recent history, according to the council. Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana told the Independent…

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has assured South Africans that the suspect responsible for the murder of Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, will be arrested before Monday. Masemola was speaking during an oversight visit to Safer Festive Season operations in Pretoria yesterday. “With regards to the DJ Warras case, a suspect has been identified, and he will be arrested – I am sure before Monday,” Masemola said. “He is a known suspect. If not today, then over the weekend.” Masemola’s remarks came as a memorial service for DJ Warras was held at The Galleria in Marlboro, Sandton. Family, friends, industry colleagues and senior officials attended to pay tribute to the late radio and television personality. DJ Warras was shot dead on December 16 as he was leaving…

So, it seems the raccoon might have a problem. Not just the drinking – although its recent bender through a Virginia state-run liquor store did capture international headlines and the imagination of sketch comedy writers at Saturday Night Live. It may also have a bit of a break-in habit. The raccoon, who has remained un- named because it is, well, a wild animal, is suspected of sneaking into multiple businesses in the same Ashland shop- ping centre before its November 29 spree that landed it in the liquor store bathroom, passed out and wasted, according to county officials. In a recent episode of local podcast Hear in Hanover, Animal Protection Officer Samantha Martin told county spokeswoman Kristin Smith Dunlop that the now-famous mammal is likely the same raccoon that has…

For a while last year, scientists offered a glimmer of hope that artificial intelligence (AI) would make a positive contribution to democracy. They showed that chatbots could address conspiracy theories racing across social media, challenging misinformation around beliefs in issues such as chemtrails and the flat Earth with a stream of reasonable facts in conversation. But two new studies suggest a disturbing flipside – the latest AI models are getting even better at persuading people at the expense of the truth. The trick is using a debating tactic known as Gish galloping, named after American creationist Duane Gish. It refers to rapid-style speech where one interlocutor bombards the other with a stream of facts and stats that become increasingly difficult to pick apart. When language models like GPT-4 were told…

Drinking and driving, leaving your home unattended, and leaving valuables visible in your car could see your insurance claims rejected this festive season, as a quarter of South Africans prepare to hit the road. Online lender Wonga's Summer Spending Survey of more than 10,000 South Africans found that 26% plan to travel, with KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Gauteng topping the list. Although this is a time for celebration, it also brings higher risks, including increased crime levels, says Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances, a high-net-worth insurer and a subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure. When one drink costs you everything Beyond the increased crime risk, the festive season brings another major insurance pitfall. The non-life Insurance Division of the National Financial Ombud Scheme has already seen a surge…

Proteas batter Quinton de Kock’s impressive half-century at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during the fifth and final T20I against India was not enough as the Proteas suffered a 30-runs defeat and 1-3-series loss. In engagements with the media, De Kock has consistently emphasized that his break from international cricket reignited the fire in him to reverse his retirement in the white ball formats. The 32-year-old has reiterated that he missed playing for South Africa and being out in the field and fighting for the country. Yesterday, he continued to display his hunger and determination in the green and gold, as he smashed 65 off 35 deliveries, a knock which saw the left-hander hit nine boundaries and three maximums, as he looked to help the Proteas chase a mammoth…

Egyptian football icon Mohamed Salah is a serial medal collector, helping Liverpool win the three domestic competitions, the Champions League and Super Cup in Europe and the Club World Cup. But there is one prized medal missing, and he gets a fifth chance to obtain it at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which kicks off tomorrow. Salah has come agonisingly close twice and, on two other occasions, has seen the record seven-time AFCON champions, his native Egypt, crash out in the first knockout round. He created the goal that gave Egypt the lead in the 2017 final against Cameroon in Gabon, but a late goal gave the Indomitable Lions victory. Hosts Egypt were favourites two years later, but suffered a stunning last-16 loss to South Africa in…

The Africa Cup of Nations’ Group F, referred to as the ‘group of death,’ features a compelling mix of reigning champions, established contenders, emerging challengers, and motivated underdogs. The matches for Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in Marrakech and Agadir are likely to provide significant competition, showcasing high-level play and compelling narratives. IVORY COAST (holders) CAF Ranking: 7 Coach: Emerse Faé Player to watch: Amad Diallo Best AFCON performance: Three-time champions: Tournament prediction: Semi-finals Ivory Coast enter the tournament not just as the reigning champions but also on a wave of optimism after securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team displayed a style marked by tenacity rather than flair during last year’s continental showdown, but they emerged on top, showcasing their effectiveness when it mattered…

MOROCCO are topping all the charts as firm favourites to end their 50-year Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draught with all the stars seemingly aligned in their favour, but the likes of Senegal and Algeria hold the line as title contenders with South Africa not legging far behind from the top four finishers. Below are some predictions from the Independent Newspapers football journalists, ahead of the tournament kick-off tomorrow with Morocco hosting Comoros at 9pm. Matshelane Mamabolo Champions: Morocco Runners-up: Senegal Semi-finalists: South Africa and Mali Where will Bafana finish: Fourth Surprise Package: Mali - The Eagles have flattered to deceive in many tournaments in the past, but this time around they have a squad that will shine brightly and take home a medal. Best Player: Sadio Mane Coach of…

So we’ve all heard it growing up: “Santa lives at the North Pole!” Like some epic VIP address that makes every other “world famous” spot look sad by comparison. But how did this icy little point on the globe become the festive hot spot in our imaginations? It all starts with a guy named Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from what’s now Türkiye. Known for secretly gifting the needy, he became the OG Santa. That kindness turned into legend, and the legend kept shifting, like a really dramatic Snapchat filter, until someone decided he should have a permanent mailing address far, far away from the sun. So how did the North Pole become Santa’s postcode? Surprisingly, it wasn’t a Google Maps moment. In 1866, American cartoon genius Thomas Nast drew…

December in Mzansi is a time filled with festivities and celebrations, coinciding with the summer season. During the holidays, many couples seize the relaxed atmosphere as the perfect time to tie the knot. Getting married in December is particularly popular among South African couples, as it aligns with the annual festive holiday period, making it easier for guests to attend and creating a joyful atmosphere. Planning a honeymoon is a crucial next step for newlyweds. Whether they opt to discover local gems or travel internationally, countless destinations await, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. Here are some ideal honeymoon spots. Cape Town and the Winelands: This stands out as a premier choice for honeymooners, offering breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Imagine waking up to the majestic Table Mountain and enjoying a leisurely…