Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-17 i Independent on Saturday

If your jaw is still firmly on the floor after that His & Hers finale, you’re not alone. Netflix’s latest viral hit has mastered the art of the “wait, what?!” ending, leaving us all frantically scrolling through TikTok to see if there were clues we missed. If you binge-watched the series in one day, you’re probably looking for another one that will leave you saying, “I didn’t see that coming.” Here are five limited series to put on your watchlist if you’re looking for that unimaginable ending. Behind Her Eyes This is arguably the most “viral” twist we've seen in recent years. What starts as a moody, slightly uncomfortable love triangle between a single mom, her handsome boss, and his mysterious wife slowly morphs into something much more sinister. By…

​ For many South African parents, the start of a new school year is a mix of excitement and financial stress. Rising costs for uniforms, stationery, transport and school fees mean families are rethinking how they prepare for the year. Mpumi Mavi, whose son is entering Grade 10, said that she has had to change how she buys school supplies this year. She explained that she only purchased what her son will need in the first half of the year. “This year, I bought only the items that he will need for the first six months instead of everything for the year at once.” When it comes to uniforms, she said that her usual approach has had to change. “I usually buy a new uniform at the beginning of the…

ARTIST Vincent van Gogh sliced off his ear with a knife during a psychotic episode. Ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky developed schizophrenia and spent the last 30 years of his life in hospital. Virginia Woolf lived with bipolar disorder, eventually taking her own life as she felt another deep depression beginning. Many famous creative artists have lived with severe mental illness. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mel Gibson have all reported diagnoses of bipolar disorder. Yayoi Kusama, Sylvia Plath, Kurt Cobain and Syd Barrett spoke about experiences of psychosis. Speculation abounds about whether Amy Winehouse, Marilyn Monroe and Ernest Hemingway lived with borderline personality disorder. The concept of the “mad creative genius” harks back to antiquity. Artists in the Renaissance and Romantic periods would sometimes assume…

South Africa has reason to celebrate one of the best matric pass rates in its history. An 88% national pass rate reflects resilience and hard work in a deeply unequal education system. But the celebration is hollow for tens of thousands of young people whose success has collided with a harsh reality: high marks no longer guarantee a place at university. The numbers tell a troubling story. Hundreds of thousands of applications compete for limited spaces at universities across the country. Institutions are overwhelmed, not because young people lack ability or ambition, but because the system is too small and poorly funded to accommodate them. For many matriculants, achievement turns into disappointment and uncertainty. This crisis exposes a long-standing failure in how South Africa thinks about life after school. For…

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s announcement of an urgent plan to amend the National Road Traffic Act to institute a complete ban on drinking and driving has been met with overwhelming support from road safety activists and labour organisations. The minister’s move, revealed during the release of festive season road crash statistics on Thursday, targets Section 65 of the Act, which currently allows for a small, permissible level of alcohol in a driver’s blood. The goal is to enforce a “zero-tolerance” policy, widely championed as the only effective way to curb South Africa’s persistently high road fatality rate. While reporting the country had recorded the lowest number of festive season crashes in five years, Creecy starkly noted that the 1 427 deaths recorded over the period remained a “reason for national…

FORMER Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Dion George has resigned from the DA and Parliament, following a bitter public fallout with party leader John Steenhuisen. George announced his resignation during a sit-down interview with eNCA, where he read a statement outlining his reasons for leaving the party he joined in 1995. He confirmed that he had written to the DA on Thursday to cancel his membership and had also stepped down as the party’s federal chairperson of finance and as a Member of Parliament. “The situation has become intolerable. I am being pushed out and it is no longer feasible for me to remain in the party,” George said. His resignation comes after he was removed as minister in November at the DA’s request and replaced by party spokesperson Willie…

“2026 is the year to invest in yourself.” Those are the words from Sbahle Mpisane, also known to many as the FitnessBunnie, as she begins a new chapter in her health journey with honesty and calm confidence. Mpisane recently shared a video of herself training, using the moment to speak openly about the choices that she made over the past year. She revealed that she intentionally gained 15kg after realising that her body needed something different. She explained that she stepped back from intense training, changed her public name from FitnessBunnie to Sparkles, and allowed herself the freedom to eat without pressure or restriction. “Last year I learned my body needed something different and intentionally gained 15kg to reset it,” she wrote. “I stepped back from training, I even changed…

The horizon in cinema looks promising this year as audiences prepare for a year overflowing with highly anticipated film releases. With sequels, reimagining, and the return of much-loved franchises, 2026 is set to keep movie- goers on the edge of their seats. From the thrill of horror to the heartwarming narratives of animated films, this upcoming year offers an eclectic mix for everyone. Mark your calendars, as we delve into the most anticipated titles hitting the big screen in 2026, ordered by their release dates: ■ Scream 7 (February 27): The horror franchise famed for its self-aware twists returns with its seventh instalment. Eager fans anticipate fresh victims and new plot twists as Ghostface evolves, promising high tension and shocking reveals. ■ The Devil Wears Prada 2 ( May 1):…

The question: Does ginger really help an upset stomach? The science: For more than 2500 years, ginger has been used for its medicinal properties. Ginger is still recommended as a way to ease stomach upset. It is often used as a spice, looks like a root but is technically a rhizome – a modified, horizontal-growing stem of the Zingiber officinale plant. And it has properties that can relieve mild to moderate nausea, experts and studies say. However, it works better for some types of stomach trouble than others – and it matters how you take it. “We live in a world where there’s this gigantic box of options for our patients and so many of them are costly and have side effects,” said Joshua Forman, a gastroenterologist at the…

At about 2.30am, a shelter dog named Dawson escaped from his gated enclosure and then used his teeth to open the front door of the animal shelter in West Virginia, slipping quietly into the night. When staff at Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter arrived at about 5am on January 4, they were puzzled to find the front door unlocked. “We just thought the last person had forgotten to lock the door, which would be very unusual,” said Courtney Proctor Cross, the shelter director. The shelter was hosting an adoption event and didn’t immediately notice that Dawson – one of about 130 dogs at the shelter – had disappeared. “There was a lot of movement … 80 dogs got adopted,” Proctor Cross said. The following morning, staff realised Dawson – a…

There was once an American who voted for both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In this year of the nation’s 250th anniversary, you should know his name. On November 2, 1792, John Phillips, a 32-year-old farmer from Sturbridge, Massachusetts, cast a ballot to help reelect Washington. That contest was essentially the nation’s first popular election for US president. Seventy-two years later, at the age of 104, Phillips left the same family farm in western Massachusetts where he had been born and joined with more than two million other men from 25 participating states to help re-elect Lincoln as commander in chief of the war-torn nation. “Deacon John” as his neighbours called him, voted in every presidential election during those intervening decades of growing American democracy, except for the pivotal 1860…

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of 372 Volvo EX30 vehicles in South Africa after a potential safety defect was identified in the vehicles’ high-voltage battery system. The recall follows a notification from Volvo Car South Africa indicating that, in rare cases, the battery may overheat when charged to high levels, potentially leading to a thermal event and posing a fire risk. According to the NCC, the affected vehicles include certain EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance models from the 2024 to 2026 model years, sold in Gauteng from December 29, 2025. “The National Consumer Commission (NCC) notifies consumers about a recall of 372 Volvo EX30 vehicles, as notified by Volvo Car South Africa. This recall affects certain EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and…

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump is weighing military action in Iran over the state’s crackdown on protesters. Reports suggest that more than 600 people have been killed since the protests began in late December, with the US president saying the US military is now “looking at some very strong options”. Trump has not yet elaborated on what these options are and has said that Iranian officials, keen to avoid a war with the US, had called him “to negotiate”. But he added that the US “may have to act before a meeting” if the deadly crackdown continues. There is a wide spectrum of measures available to Washington should it decide to intervene in Iran. These range from diplomatic condemnation and an expanded sanctions regime, to cyber operations and military strikes. However,…

Apart from the obvious ones, such as saving more, updating your will, and ensuring your loved ones are protected if you were to die suddenly, here are seven practical ways to improve your financial (and overall) wellbeing and reduce money worries in the year ahead. Know where your money is going It takes considerable effort to stick faithfully to a monthly budget and track expenditure down to the nearest cent. I think more people profess to do this than are actually doing it. If you’re not that disciplined with your money, there’s a base level of control you need to achieve: know to a fair degree of certainty what you’re spending in the broad expense categories – for example, groceries, accommodation, transportation, insurance, services, entertainment, and savings. It’s also important…

When Shukri Conrad first took over the Test side, one of the standout qualities his players praised was the clarity and honesty he brought to the team environment. Even before becoming national coach, Conrad had built a reputation in domestic cricket for being brutally honest — a trait players appreciated because they knew exactly where they stood. However, South African cricket fans were recently shocked to learn that this transparency appears to have vanished regarding one of the country's best T20 bowlers in a World Cup year. Following his record-breaking second T20 five-wicket haul in Pretoria on Thursday, Ottneil Baartman revealed there has been zero communication between himself, Conrad, and Convenor of Selectors Patrick Moroney regarding his omission from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad. The timing is particularly…

The Sharks conclude their pool commitments in this year’s Champions Cup tournament when they host Clermont at Kings Park this afternoon, and coach JP Pietersen’s selection reflects the diminished challenge expected from the French outfit. While it is a reasonably strong Sharks team that will be on duty, Clermont have only pride to play for — they are winless in the Champions Cup, having lost to the Sale Sharks (14-35) and Glasgow Warriors (21-33), following a heavy 10-47 opening-round loss to Saracens in London. Understandably, Clermont have switched their focus to their domestic "bread and butter" — the Top 14 — and have sent a reserve team to Durban. For the Sharks, a second win (following their 28-23 defeat of Saracens in Durban in mid-December) could secure knockout qualification and…

Coco Gauff said that a record prize pool at the Australian Open starting tomorrow was "progress" but "still not where we'd like it". The leading players in men's and women's tennis joined forces last year seeking from the four majors a higher percentage of tournament revenue and contributions towards welfare programmes such as pensions. They also want to be consulted when any of the Grand Slams consider making changes that could directly affect them. The Australian Open pledged a 16% increase in the total prize purse to $75 million this year. The winners of the men's and women's singles at the first Grand Slam of the year will each take home $2.8 million, up 19% from last year. Asked on yesterday about the increase, two-time major champion Gauff said: "The…

Orlando Pirates midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja has reinforced the club’s all-in mentality ahead of the second round of the season, insisting the Buccaneers remain committed to challenging for every trophy still on offer. Speaking at the 2026 Nedbank Cup draw on Thursday, Rasebotja underlined Pirates’ competitive mindset after they were paired with Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila, a side currently campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League. “Pirates play every competition to win it so we’re going to do our best this time as well and hopefully we can win it,” said Rasebotja. The Sea Robbers return to domestic action sitting top of the Betway Premiership, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns while also boasting a game in hand – a position that has sharpened belief within the squad. Pirates’ league form…

Why 2026 is the year to ditch ‘revenge travel’ After a few years of “revenge travel” characterised by a frenzy of many small trips, travellers are now feeling “travel fatigue”. The term “revenge travel” emerged in late 2021/early 2022 after lockdowns eased, signifying a compensatory surge in trips following cancelled plans, missed family events and a strong desire for freedom and a return to normalcy. KAYAK’s recently released 2026 Travel Trends Forecast indicates a change in travel habits: travellers are moving away from frequent, short trips in favour of a single, highly intentional and longer journey. International travel plans have slipped below an average of two trips per person for the first time since 2023, with people now choosing to “go big” once rather than “go often”. Reports from Explore…

With 2026 now officially underway, travel enthusiasts are busy planning their next adventures. Based on recent data from Condé Nast Traveller, several cities are emerging as the most-booked travel spots for the year. Here’s a closer look at these vibrant locations and what makes them irresistible. Bangkok, Thailand: Bangkok is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern excitement. Known for its stunning temples, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho, Bangkok offers a rich cultural experience. The city is also famous for its world-class street food, bustling markets like Chatuchak and floating markets, and vibrant nightlife. Why you should visit Cultural highlights: The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha are must-see attractions, while Wat Pho is home to a massive reclining Buddha statue and traditional…

Josh Safdie’s sports comedy-drama Marty Supreme stole the spotlight this week after Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. Interestingly, Chalamet also recently took Best Actor honours at the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards. Given the film’s success, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a surge in cinema attendance this week. Following Marty Mauser (Chalamet), a young hustler, the story unfolds in the underground world of 1950s table tennis. Marty fights for respect in a sport that no one takes seriously, a fight where ambition, obsession and survival ultimately collide. Sharp and dangerous, the narrative is surprisingly relevant to modern discussions surrounding masculinity. The stellar cast deserves equal praise, featuring supporting performances from Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion,…

Families are becoming increasingly estranged. Siblings stop speaking to one another, and in some cases, parents and children disown each other altogether. If the 21st century is defined by anything culturally, it may be the rise of family rifts, particularly those playing out in the public eye. Family splitting appears to be a growing trend, and it is often as painful as it is visible. There can be no greater hurt than being disowned or mistreated by a family member. It cuts to the core of who we are as human beings. We did not evolve to survive alone, and when family bonds break, the pain can feel deeply primal. For most of human history, being rejected by one’s family or tribe meant death. It signified the loss of protection,…

THE euphoria following one of the country’s best-ever matric pass rates has been tempered by the harsh reality that high marks do not guarantee a place at university. As the new academic year looms, tens of thousands risk unemployment unless they explore alternative career and study pathways. Across the country, universities face an overwhelming demand with unprecedented numbers of first-time applicants. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) received 326 546 applications for 9 000 first-year places. UCT received 102 182 applications for 4 000 places, while UWC received more than 177 000 applications for just 4 715 places. The University of Johannesburg processed 450 000 applications for its first-year intake of 11 200 students, while Wits University received 160 000 applications for about 5 800 places. Similar pressures are…

The looming closure of British American Tobacco South Africa’s (Batsa) sole local manufacturing facility, risking 230 jobs, has ignited a fierce response from Cosatu. The union is demanding an imme- diate, comprehensive, and multi- pronged approach from the government to combat the “explosion” of the illicit cigarette trade, which Batsa blames for making local production “unviable”. Cosatu’s Parliamentary Co-ordinator, Matthew Parks said: “We cannot afford to lose more jobs with an already dangerously high unemployment rate of 42.4%,” Parks said highlighting the severity of the crisis. The union argues that the keys to winning the war against the tax-evading market lie with law enforcement and the state. Parks pointed to estimates suggesting that illegal tobacco now accounts for a shocking 75% of total sales, a figure he said “should concern…

Four people were shot dead during a shoot-out with police in Woodlands, South Durban yesterday afternoon, following a massive jewellery heist in Tongaat on Thursday. The four were part of a gang of 16. SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said some of the wanted robbers managed to flee. “These were suspects mainly for business robberies, including the robbery yesterday in Tongaat where a jewellery store was targeted. Our informants, who are always on the lookout and whom we are thankful for, told us of their whereabouts. “During the confrontation, there was a shootout, which left four suspects shot and fatally wounded. “We have made seven arrests so far and recovered four firearms. Four narrowly escaped, and a search for them is under way,” Netshiunda said. He said that the…

As South Africa gears up for the 2026 local government elections, political parties are increasingly looking to social media to reach younger voters without having to spend a fortune on advertising. Step in social media influencers who have gained traction across multiple platforms. Some influencers are seen dancing in party regalia, remixing campaign slogans into trending audio clips or using humour and satire to poke fun at rival parties, while others participate more directly in political debates or commentary. Political analyst Nkosikhulule Nyembezi said the growing influence of social media personalities must be understood in the context of the expanding access to smartphones and the internet in South Africa. He said social media has transformed how people consume news and engage politically, with young voters increasingly relying on online platforms…

The double-decker bus pulled to a stop at a red light in London. The driver rolled down his window and raised his bubble gun. As he pulled the trigger, a steady flow of bubbles rose into the air, floating off in different directions. Outside, a man stopped in his tracks. And started dancing in the street. He took “a shower in bubbles”, recalled Ricki Reid, the driver. It’s one of Reid’s favorite memories from a work ritual that he has carried out for the past six years and has made him something of a celebrity more recently. Usually, the stream of bubbles stops pedestrians in their tracks. Some take out their phones, others smile at the sight. Some have been brought to tears. “I think that people, when they see…

Southern food is a rich and varied cuisine, full of complexities that make it nearly impossible to confine to a single cookbook. But that is precisely the challenge culinary historian Michael W Twitty took on in his latest cookbook, Recipes From the American South. “The South is not the Confederacy,” Twitty told the audience while we were in conversation at a Washington bookstore. “How do you take a place that has been settled by human beings for 13 000 years and reduce it to four years of white supremacy rule?” There is no strict border separating distinct worlds in the United States. “There is no such thing as you leap over a border and all of a sudden everything’s different,” Twitty said. “There is no sweet tea line. There is…

Towering accordion steps and a fantastical spiral staircase greet visitors to a massive bookstore in northern China’s Tianjin, where its striking interior is a bigger draw for selfie snappers than scholars. Sales of hard-copy books across the country have failed to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, data shows, despite the authorities’ efforts to boost consumption and an e-commerce boom. Yet in recent years, the number of physical bookshops has “maintained steady growth”, the head of a publishing industry group said last January. Tianjin’s Zhongshuge, which opened in September 2024, on social media draws comparisons to Harry Potter’s gothic Hogwarts. Tourists wielding selfie sticks and tripods thronged the central stairs, which extend into three- storey columns that arch onto the ceiling. Faded prints that read “The Best Spot for Photos” were…

The Porsche Panamera continues to occupy an interesting niche in the Stuttgart-based sports car maker’s line-up. Although not a popular option, it fulfils a need for those seeking a more practical Porsche, which is not an SUV. The Panamera sits low to the ground, even compared to most sedans, fostering a sense of oneness with the road, which many drivers simply don’t get to experience these days. That said, if you don’t like the idea of most other vehicles towering above you, then the Panamera is not for you. The third-generation Panamera, introduced in 2024, is a handsome beast too, at least in our humble opinion. It’s certainly come a long way since that awkwardly proportioned first- generation version. We recently spent a week with the newly launched Panamera GTS…

South Africa is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) transition, with dozens of charging stations being installed nationwide by both public and private players. This was revealed by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau during a parliamentary response to Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana, who asked about the progress of the 2023 Electric Vehicle White Paper. Gana also asked about potential delays, funding allocations, and other measures the government has taken to support the EV sector beyond the White Paper. “A number of charging stations are being installed by a variety of private and public sector stakeholders. “The Eastern Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape successfully rolled out thirteen universal public EV charging stations across the province…

As citizens around the world prepared to welcome the new year, Iranians began taking to the streets to protest their country’s deepening economic crisis. Spurred by the continued devaluation of the Iranian currency against the US dollar, as well as crippling inflation, the unrest is the latest in years of economic pain and protest. The Iranian regime initially acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters’ concerns, distributing hopelessly inadequate cash vouchers worth only $7 (about R115) to help with the cost of living. But it’s since taken a much heavier hand. According to the regime’s own figures, as of today, at least 2 000 people have been killed. Protesters bravely continue to take to the streets. Like clockwork last Thursday, the regime rolled out one of its most potent tools of…

Every January, South African families brace themselves for the financial and emotional strain of back-to-school preparations. The 1Life Insurance annual Back-to-School Survey for 2026 confirms what many parents already know: this season is one of the most stressful on the household calendar. A staggering 95% of respondents admitted that preparing for the academic year was stressful, underscoring the emotional toll that education costs continue to place on families. The survey reveals that 80% of households experience financial setbacks during this period, often forcing compromises that undermine long-term wealth-building goals. While this figure is slightly better than last year’s 88%, the reality remains that school uniforms and fees are still the most expensive items for 62% of parents, followed by stationery at 28%, and extramural activities, transport, and food at 9%.…

Your pension savings are critical to your financial future, and when something goes wrong with your pension fund, whether it is delayed payments or incorrect calculations, the Office of Pension Funds Adjudicator says it is there to help resolve disputes. During the 2024/25 financial year, the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator says it received 10 331 new complaints, up from 9 177 in the previous year, and disposed of a total of 10 100. The newly appointed Pension Funds Adjudicator, Lebogang Mogashoa, emphasises that every member of a pension fund should be aware of the existence of the Adjudicator’s office, as well as how and when to lodge a complaint if something goes wrong. “The Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) is an independent authority established by law in South Africa…

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen says the club’s focus has shifted from ending a drought to protecting a standard, as Amakhosi prepare to defend their Nedbank Cup title following Thursday’s draw against Stellenbosch FC. Chiefs were paired with the Winelands side in the last 32 of the competition, setting up another chapter in a cup rivalry that has delivered drama and fine margins in recent seasons. For Petersen, the draw immediately sharpened the sense of responsibility that now comes with being defending champions. “Going into the cup last season was for us to try to end the drought and now that we’ve ended it, our mindset now is to defend it and to ensure that we bring the trophy back home,” Petersen said. “For us it’s important to represent ourselves…

The Springbok Women’s Sevens will not only have to cope with the pressure of trying to overcome the next hurdle on their mission to regain their core status on the world series, but with three group opponents with different playing styles and strengths in the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai this weekend. The Bok Women boast a settled, experienced team that should be able to cope with anything their rivals throw at them. They also have recent high-level sevens tournament experience from their victorious Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens campaign. SA coach Cecil Afrika feels that they are well-prepared for the challenge at the Sevens Stadium where they will face Mexico, Czechia and Thailand in Pool A. “It is going to be an interesting pool, as all of Mexico, Czechia…

Junior Springbok stars Batho Hlekani and Hashim Pead will enjoy their first starts for the Lions in tonight’s Challenge Cup pool game against Perpignan in the south of France, kick-off is at 7.30pm (SA time). Pead was the hero of the Lions’ win in Durban a fortnight ago when he scored a last-minute try to steal the spoils 23-22 in a United Rugby Championship match. Hlekani, who joined the Lions from the Sharks at the beginning of January, made his debut off the bench last week in the 42-33 Challenge Cup defeat of Lyon at Ellis Park. The powerfully built, abrasive flank earned the Player of the Match award for his impressive efforts, and his reward is a starting place this week. Conspicuous by their absence are Springboks Morne van…

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen said he’s keen to get to grips with the new car Red Bull unveiled on Thursday for a 2026 Formula One season of massive change. The team unveiled the livery for their new cars before a few hundred guests at Detroit’s Michigan Central Station, less than two months before the season opens in Melbourne on March 7. New rules for 2026 see aerodynamic changes to make cars lighter and smaller along with modifications to engine specifications to make for a greater contribution from electric power in the hybrid units. “There is a lot of unknown, there are big changes in the engine, in the car,” Verstappen said. “Initially I’ll take time to adjust during test days. The motivation is very high. It always takes a…

Michael Carrick has the chance to make a fine first impression during his short-term stint as Manchester United manager by derailing local rivals Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge tomorrow. City have the opportunity to cut the gap on leaders Arsenal to three points at Old Trafford, while United desperately need the points to boost their chances of Champions League football next season. At the other end of the table, Tottenham’s Thomas Frank and West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo are fighting to save their jobs as their sides clash in a high-stakes London derby. Carrick faces a true baptism of fire with the Premier League’s top two teams serving as the opponents for his first two matches in charge. “It’s what we live for – big games,” Carrick said…

The CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has etched its name into the annals of football history, surpassing previous scoring records and showcasing a tournament that celebrates not only competition but the spirit of African football. With an astonishing 120 goals scored ahead of the weekend’s two matches, this edition has definitively claimed the title of the highest-scoring tournament ever, eclipsing the 102-goal benchmark set during the 2019 tournament in Egypt. This remarkable achievement underscores a significant transformation within the game, as teams across the continent have embraced a bold attacking style, blending technical prowess with vibrant confidence. Heavyweights like Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, and the Ivory Coast have illuminated the tournament with a display of offensive depth. At the same time, emerging talents have captivated audiences by stepping…

Leonardo DiCaprio may not have taken home the Best Actor award at the 2026 Golden Globes, but he absolutely conquered the internet. Forget the red carpet poses and the formal acceptance speeches. The real magic happened during a commercial break, and thanks to some eagle-eyed attendees and quick-thinking journalists, we got a rare glimpse into a side of the actor we rarely see. We are talking about animated, expressive, and downright goofy. The clip that has everyone buzzing shows a highly energetic DiCaprio in conversation with someone off-camera. While the identity of the person he was chatting with is still unknown, the content of the conversation is pure gold. Our favourite leading man was seen pointing, laughing, and doing what can only be described as a wonderfully over-the-top impersonation. The…

Last week, the influencer world was rocked when reports began circulating that Desmond Scott and his wife, Kristy Scott, were heading for a divorce. Not long after the news of their split emerged, Desmond took to his Instagram Stories to address the situation directly, releasing a detailed statement about the end of their marriage. “I want to begin by apologising to Kristy, our family, and everyone who has been impacted by the public attention surrounding this situation,” he wrote. “I know this news has been disappointing for many, and I’m truly sorry for the hurt it has caused.” Initial reports indicated that Kristy had filed for divorce, with allegations of infidelity surfacing shortly after news of the separation broke. At the time, neither Desmond nor Kristy publicly commented, leaving the…

Nine people have died, including a 5-year-old child, and close to 2 000 homes have been damaged after severe flooding hit Limpopo during relentless rainfall this week. Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Rama- thuba confirmed the extent of the disaster during a media briefing yesterday, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the province on Thursday to assess the damage. “We gather here today under a dark cloud that has unleashed astonishing rains, unprecedented in their intensity, measuring up to 400mm in mere days,” Ramathuba said. “The devastation inflicted upon our communities, our infrastructure, and, tragically, the loss of lives cannot be overstated. “As of today, we have lost nine lives to these floods, with the latest heartbreaking case involving a five-year-old child who could not be saved as their parents fought…

In an astonishing turn of events in Lephalale, Limpopo, a couple’s dream of owning a game farm turned into a legal battle due to misleading marketing practices. Juan and Freda Scholtz placed a substantial bid for a picturesque game farm, Ba Batle, only to discover that crucial images used to promote it, including a dam with a crocodile, were not part of the property they purchased. The couple, lured by the allure of the supposed amenities depicted in the promotional material from Root X Africa Auctioneers CC, won the auction on June 12, 2022, with a bid of R6.6 million, backed by a hefty deposit of R660 000. They also paid an auctioneer’s commission of R569 250. However, an unanticipated stark reality awaited them just days after the auction was…

As she nears two major milestones, her 50th birthday and 30 years in music, celebrated musician Thandiswa Mazwai is transforming reflection into purposeful action. Mazwai shares thrilling details about her inaugural Sankofa Heritage Festival, a cultural gathering celebrating memory, African heritage, and collective restoration at Carnival City, Johannesburg next month. She says that Sankofa is “deeply personal and expansively communal.” “I’m not getting any younger, and I wanted to create a space that would in some way house my legacy,” she says. Long known for weaving history, activism, and spirituality into her work, she describes the festival as another extension of her passion for “memory, heritage, and archive” and a way to open doors for other cultural workers. Though this is its first edition, Mazwai speaks of Sankofa as a…

Smart rings are finally going mainstream. It only took a decade. The category, popularised by the Finnish brand Oura Health Oy, is on track for a 49% jump in shipments in 2025, according to IDC data shared with Bloomberg, far outpacing an estimated 6% gain by smartwatches. And the segment is about to get more crowded in the new year. Once considered niche, smart rings have lately been catching on with consumers, offering many of the same sleep and wellness insights as smartwatches but with a more discreet design. Most modern smart rings can monitor sleep, activity and heart rate using hardware that’s lighter and, for most users, less intrusive than watches. They also tend to last longer on a charge and offer more accurate readings. That’s due to the…

Jessica Rader knew she was getting a car. Still, when the keys to a 2007 gold Prius were handed to her, she wept. “It’s not just about the car,” said Rader, 40. “It’s about community.” Students at Louisa County High School in Mineral, Virginia, spent several months repairing and refurbishing the car before they presented it to Rader, a single mother of three children. “Kids who never met me cared about me enough to put hard work into a vehicle to make sure myself and my kids were safe,” Rader said about the Prius she received in 2023. “I got to meet all of them; it was breathtaking.” For the past eight years, students enrolled in the school’s automotive technology programme have been reviving timeworn vehicles and giving them to…

Jazmine Walter knows the difference a toy can make to a sick child. As a high school junior, she endured a lengthy stay at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, to treat a digestive problem that left her with five ulcers and two holes in her stomach. A small stuffed dog named Hope – given to her by hospital staff – was her companion as she underwent uncomfortable procedures, or when she was bored or lonely. Now 24, Walter still feels “a special attachment” to Hope, which she has passed down to her daughter. “She loves that dog,” Walter said. “That’s kind of the one piece of that journey I have still.” The money that funded Walter’s stuffed dog may have come from an unexpected source: Portland strippers who…

The old picture this week takes in the Durban paddling pools and is taken from the website Facts About Durban. In it local historian Gerald Butigieg writes: “An interesting picture of the first revamp of Durban’s Paddling Ponds circa 1955/56. If I remember correctly, this was a major change of the old paddling ponds which I recall when arriving in Durban in 1948. “The paddling ponds are divided into three, the first is the Babies’s pond which was very shallow and mothers could sit on the edge, then the main paddling pond which was not deep and uniform depth throughout. “Then came the boat rides in their separate pond with the semi-circle tunnel at the end. The two fountains in the paddling pond were made of blue and green marble…

If we judged cars purely by what they looked like “on paper”, or I guess we’d have to say “on a screen” these days, as it’s no longer 1986, then the new Tata Tiago could easily be deemed as the best car in its class. The thing is, that’s not a very big class, because there really aren’t many cars priced around the R200 000 mark anymore. Spearheading the Indian brand’s local reboot at the entry end of the market, the Tiago costs R184 900, while the more “luxurious” XT manual that we sampled recently, sells for R209 000, and those willing to brave the AMT automated gearbox will part with R224 900 for that version. Its competitors include the Toyota Vitz and Suzuki Celerio twins as well as the…

For the first time since leaving Iran in 2016, I’m allowing myself to feel hope that I might one day return. Ten years ago this week, I was taken from my cell for the last time and, blindfolded, driven out of Tehran’s Evin prison. I had been held hostage there for nearly a year and a half. I was released in a prisoner swop that was co-ordinated with the implementation of the nuclear deal between world powers and Iran. But all of that is ancient history. Today, as Iran is electrified by massive nationwide protests, I find myself wishing I was back in Tehran, the city where I chose to live and work. The one where I was married and intended to reside for years to come. Our life plans…

LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes Bafana Bafana’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was largely self-inflicted, questioning whether head coach Hugo Broos was as sharp as he had been in the previous tournament. South Africa returned home earlier that expected after being eliminated in the Round of 16 by Cameroon, a defeat that sparked debate despite Bafana having won two of their three group-stage matches and losing only once overall. While results suggested progress, performances left many unconvinced, with scrutiny intensifying around Broos’ tactical decisions — particularly his use of a 3-4-3 formation against Cameroon. Mngqithi, speaking on Prime Time Sports on UKhozi FM, suggested that Broos deviated from the clarity and decisiveness that earned Bafana a bronze medal at the last AFCON. “Hugo did…

TOMORROW evening, the climax of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will unfold at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Senegal face hosts Morocco in the championship round. Since the teams rank as the highest in Africa, this fixture could be an epic showdown, promising to be as competitive as it is thrilling, with the best talent the continent has to offer in action. Entering the final, both nations boast unbeaten runs, although Morocco’s pathway had a dramatic twist. The hosts reached this final after a nail-biting penalty shootout against Nigeria, which rattled their home supporters but showcased their resilience. Despite these jitters, pre-tournament predictions were largely accurate, making Morocco the favourites in their own backyard as they prepare to reclaim AFCON glory, with only Senegal standing…

World number one Carlos Alcaraz warned yesterday that he was "hungry" to break his Australian Open title drought and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, calling it his primary target in 2026. The world number one from Spain is the title favourite along with two-time defending champion and great rival Jannik Sinner. The Melbourne Park crown is the only one of the four majors that Alcaraz has never won, with his best performances being the quarter-finals in 2024 and 2025. If he goes all the way this year, he will surpass fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal as the youngest man to win all four majors. Nadal was 24 when he achieved the feat, whereas Alcaraz is currently 22. The 22-year-old Alcaraz, who begins his title assault against…

The Stormers may have been forced into changes at the back, but they will lean heavily on a settled and powerful pack of forwards as they prepare for a must-win Champions Cup clash against Leicester Tigers at the DHL Stadium today (5.15pm kick-off). With qualification for the Round of 16 on the line, the Cape side knows that dominance up front in the scrums and lineouts must lay the platform for an attack that has to fire if they are to secure a convincing victory. Director of rugby John Dobson has opted for continuity among his forwards, reuniting an in-form loose trio and backing combinations that have already proven their worth this season. In a high-pressure contest against an equally desperate Tigers outfit, the Stormers’ pack will be expected to…

Following their loss at home in Centurion on Thursday night, Pretoria Capitals captain Keshav Maharaj hinted that there could be multiple changes to their playing XI and a possible reshuffle of the batting order ahead of today’s all-important SA20 clash against the Joburg Super Kings. The Pretoria Capitals have largely fielded the same team throughout the tournament, with only sporadic changes, as the likes of star all-rounder Andre Russell joined the side mid-tournament. The team recovered well after starting the competition with back-to-back losses, going on to win three successive matches before Thursday’s fixture against the Paarl Royals at Centurion. They suffered a six-wicket defeat at home to the Royals, a loss that stung deeply and prompted Maharaj to hint at changes in personnel and batting tactics. The skipper highlighted…

As the curtains prepare to fall on AFCON 2025, Egypt and Nigeria find themselves in a position neither team anticipated: grappling for pride in the third-place playoff at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca today. With hopes of clinching the coveted trophy dashed midweek, both historical heavyweights are now chasing redemption and a bronze medal. In the semi-finals, Egypt suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal. Meanwhile, Nigeria faced heartbreak of their own, losing to host nation Morocco in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw after extra time. As they prepare to go head-to-head, both sides will aim to shake off their disappointment and exit the continental competition with a commendable finish. Despite their semi-final setback, Nigeria has consistently demonstrated potential throughout the tournament. The Super Eagles stormed into…

For many school leavers, the phrase “I’m thinking of taking a gap year” can send shivers down the spine of parents still harbouring a belief in clear-cut paths to adulthood. But gap years have transformed from an uncertain leap into the unknown into a widely accepted, enriched experience that combines travel, volunteer opportunities, skill development and cultural immersion. The emerging trend means that today’s young adventurers are not merely contemplating the most popular travel destinations but are, instead, actively shaping their futures through diverse experiences. As we delve into 2026, several destinations are benchmarked as the best places for gap year exploration, each offering unique opportunities for growth, fulfilment and adventure. A gateway to adventure and culture – Thailand: This veritable paradise has become the go-to destination for young travellers…