Innholdsfortegnelse for Saturday, May 22, 2021 i Pretoria News Weekend

TRAGEDY Family to bring home body of woman who died in China NORMAN CLOETE norman.cloete@inl.co.za THE family of Kgothatso Mdunana is no closer to finding out how she died but her body will be home soon. Her mother, Nomsa Mdunana, said Chinese undertakers informed the family this week that her remains should arrive in South Africa by June 3, but the date is tentative. The 24-year-old final-year engineering student allegedly fell through the window of a 13th-floor apartment in Hangzhou, China, while visiting a “friend” on April 30. Neither the family nor Kgothatso’s roommate, known as Princess, in Qingdao know the mystery friend she visited and have not been able to speak to the person since the tragedy. Mdudana said the family received a video from Princess, who received it…

MUSIC AWARDS Sama27 fever MPILETSO MOTUMI mpiletso.motumi@inl.co.za THE 27th annual South African Music Awards (Samas) announced the official nominations for the best in the music business last night. Amapiano superstar Kabza De Small walked away with six nominations, the highest of the night. His album, I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, proved to be prophetic as he walked away with nods in Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Best Amapiano Album. Once Upon A Time in Lock-down, his collaboration with DJ Maphorisa (Scorpion Kings) also secured nods in Duo / Group of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Amapiano Album, bringing his tally to six nominations. The talented Sun-El Musician came in at a close second with five nominations for his…

CORONATION Zulu family feud throws a spanner in the works SAMKELO MTSHALI samkelo.thulasizwe@inl.co.za THE feud over the Zulu crown was adjourned by the Pietermaritzburg High Court yesterday, casting doubt over the coronation of new AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini following the court’s adjournment of the matter without specifying a date for a further hearing. This has cast doubt over the impending coronation, which the KZN government had last week announced would be taken care of with part of the R66.074 million budget the provincial government had allocated to the Zulu royal family. Last month, late king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu’s first wife, Queen Sibongile Dlamini, brought an application before the court in which she sought to inherit 50% of the late king’s estate, as she claims she was married in civil law…

ICYMI | IOL.CO.ZA DO MOSQUITOES HAVE A TASTE FOR THE BLOOD OF CERTAIN PEOPLE? Controlling mosquitoes is tough. It’s not quick; it’s not easy. It requires work day in and day out to track where mosquitos are and to apply safely the appropriate mosquito control methods.TOM FRIEDENUS infectious disease and public health physician A research group at the University of Pretoria is working on a project that seeks to answer the question: why do mosquitoes prefer certain individuals above others? Go to: www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/health…

TRANS TASMAN Highlanders extend Australian pain after Hurricanes crush Rebels THE Otago Highlanders fended off the Western Force 25-15 in Perth yesterday to extend Australia's winless streak to 7-0 in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition. The Highlanders' away win followed the Wellington Hurricanes' 35-13 romp over the Melbourne Rebels, underlining the gap in class between the rugby nations' provincial sides. Having humbled Australian champions Queensland 40-19 in week one, the Highlanders stormed out of the blocks with three first-half tries to Jona Nareki, Ayden Johnstone and Scott Gregory before locking down the match after the break. Mop-haired inside centre Gregory grabbed a second try on the hour-mark, leaving Force with too big a mountain to climb despite a late five-pointer from Angus Wagner. In the early match, Julian Savea scored…

RAINBOW CUP SA Will the Sharks ride the Cape storm? THE Sharks and Stormers do battle at Jonsson Kings Park at 1pm today in the first match of the second-round of Rainbow Cup SA. Mike Greenaway looks at three factors that could influence the outcome. Forward Supremacy The big talking point after the Sharks were soundly beaten by the Bulls last week was the disappearance of the Sharks’ forward pack in the last half an hour of the match. Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett put it his way: “The white flag went up from the Sharks.” The criticism has stung the Sharks and coach Sean Everitt has promised that there will be a response from his troops. Of course, there will be effort from the Durban men, but will that…

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PSL giants on a mission to conquer Africa MIHLALI BALEKA BackpagePix THE journey to conquer Africa will continue for the big three in South African football this weekend. But ahead of the Champions League and Confederation Cup quarter-final return legs only Kaizer Chiefs have one foot in the semi-finals. Chiefs visit Simba holding a healthy 4-0 advantage. Mamelodi Sundowns have to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Al Ahly at home, while Orlando Pirates will need to score away to Raja Casablanca after their 1-1 draw in order to keep alive their chances of reaching the semis. SIMBA V CHIEFS Chiefs were the biggest winners in the Champions League quarter-finals last weekend. They thumped Simba 4-0 at the FNB Stadium to ensure that progressing to their…

QUICK READ Strange but smart tips to boost your well-being VIWE NDONGENI-NTLEBI viwe.ndongeni@inl.co.za THERE are many ways to achieve health. Here are some strange but healthy tips: SKIP ENERGY DRINKS WHEN YOU’RE TIRED According Time Magazine, they contain up to five times more caffeine than coffee, but the boost they give is fleeting and comes with unpleasant side effects like nervousness, irritability, and rapid heartbeat, says Amy Goodson, dietician for Texas Health Ben Hogan Sports Medicine. Plus, energy drinks often contain high levels of taurine, a central nervous system stimulant, and upwards of 50g of sugar a can (that’s 13 teaspoons!). The sweet stuff spikes blood sugar temporarily, only to crash soon after, leaving you sluggish and foggy-headed – and reaching for another energy drink. BALANCE HORMONES WITH SPEARMINT TEA…

QUICK READ LEWIS F1 CAR UP FOR SALE A Formula One McLaren driven by Lewis Hamilton in 2010 will be up for auction at the British Grand Prix in July as it does laps of the Silverstone circuit. The Mercedes-powered MP4-25A will carry a price estimate of $5-7 million. Seven-times world champion Hamilton is Formula One’s most successful driver of all time. “It’s an amazing opportunity to have a piece of his story,” Felix Archer, a car specialist for auctioneers and Formula One partners RM Sotheby’s, said. | Reuters CELEBRATING IN STYLE Twenty-seven-year-old soccer star striker Paulo Dybala recently collected his Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster, following a life-long passion for the super sports cars from Sant’Agata Bolognese. After a factory visit at Lamborghini headquarters, the Argentinian football player decided to…

RICH EXPERIENCES Africa luxury hotlist – where to go if money is no object CLINTON MOODLEY GIRAFFE MANOR JAO CAMP WHEN you think about Africa, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? For me, Africa is rich. Rich in experiences, in culture, in history, in landscapes and luxury. In celebration of Africa Day on Tuesday, May 25, here is a guide to some destinations on the continent and the unique experiences it offers: Botswana Botswana has become a leading safari destination that prides itself on offering luxury experiences for travellers. Jao Camp in the heart of Okavango Delta is among the stops to add to your bucket list. The camp features two exclusive villas and five suites equipped with private plunge pools, lounge, dining areas and en-suite…

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY AT ITS most basic level, estate planning is ensuring that your “house is in order” by, among other things, having a valid will were you to die suddenly. It’s not rocket science. However, it’s surprising how many people are ill-prepared in this regard. In the 2nd quarter 2021 edition of Personal Finance magazine, we learn valuable lessons from celebrities who failed to plan for their deaths, with solid advice from professional financial planners. Also in this edition: u Your personality type has a bearing on your investment decisions. u Can you afford tertiary education for your children? u How shopping for short-term insurance is changing. u Does your portfolio need Bitcoin? ... and much more. Personal Finance magazine is the only…

RANDS & SENSE Protect your capital through risk management ABDALLAH MOOSA RISK management is often under-appreciated by investors because it is not always obvious what risks they really face when making investment decisions. An important risk that many investors face, often unknowingly, is concentration risk. This is where an investor has all his or her investment assets exposed to either a single investment or to a few investments that are similar, and as a result is exposed to the risk of losses so significant that recovery would be unlikely. Put simply, you have all your eggs in one basket, and your entire fortune depends on the success of this basket. Business owners are one example of investors who are often faced with a great deal of concentration risk, because they…

WORDS ON WEALTH Covid impact revealed in life companies’ claims data MARTIN HESSE LIFE insurance claims statistics for 2020 released this week by Liberty and Old Mutual reveal how Covid-19 has disrupted normal business between life insurers and consumers, directly and indirectly. Old Mutual paid out 22% more on claims for its underwritten risk products (way above its average 9% year-on-year increase), with a rise in claims related to respiratory illness and a rise in retrenchment claims. And although the increase in payouts on Liberty’s risk products (of 7.94%) was broadly in line with its average annual increase, the company saw a significant rise in its mortality and retrenchment figures. DEATH AND ILLNESS Cancer remains firmly at the top of the list of reasons for claiming: 23% of Old Mutual’s…

QUICK READ E-TOLLS THE DA has failed to convince the ANC to support its motion seeking to scrap e-tolls. DA MPL Solly Msimanga introduced the motion in the Gauteng legislature this week. The ANC in Gauteng has taken a different stance to its national party members on how e-tolls should be dealt with. The province has promised to scrap them. Adding to concerns is the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Bill, which could see motorists fined for ignoring e-toll bills. The EFF has threatened mass action if people were blocked from renewing licences for not paying e-tolls. | IOL CLOSE-UP NEW guidelines for handling intimate scenes in film and television shoots have been released. Similar to those adopted in other countries, the protocols provide guidance on how to…

SA’S INEQUALITY GAP There can be no equality without redistribution ISOBEL FRYE African News Agency (ANA) THE only way to understand how South Africa continues to be scarred by such profound inequality is by remembering how long apartheid endured. The finest Constitution in the world seems to be of little help, and our militant pre-1994 leadership is now part of the establishment. We are living on borrowed time. Inequalities erode the stretched social fabric that we committed to building after the defeat of apartheid; the elephant in the room is always the question of redistribution. South Africa’s redistributive fate was cast in Section 25 – the property clause – of the Constitution. Despite a preamble that “recognises the injustices of our past”, South Africa’s founding document did not prioritise the…

SCANDALOUS LIFE OF WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS GEEK NELANDRI NARIANAN nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za WHAT a week to be Bill Gates! Having failed to hit Ctrl+S on his marriage and money, the billionaire businessman’s reputation crashed spectacularly this week as details of his checkered past lifted the veil on the freak behind the world’s most famous geek. From growing revelations about his uncomfortably close relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, bizarre endeavours to land the Nobel Peace Prize, office shenanigans and sexual harassment, Gates is drowning in a scandal vortex. An unquestionable genius of our time, the Microsoft co-founder was the world’s most important and influential donor, a civic-minded role model who showed big corporate how capitalism’s gains can be used to make the world a better place. However, the latest sensational revelations…

Judge slams wife’s high financial demands ZELDA VENTER zelda.venter@inl.co.za THE financial demands of a mother of two children on her estranged husband, which included R2600 a month for new clothes, did not sit well with a Mpumalanga High Court judge. The judge would have none of the applicant’s demands because she had a stable job and earned a decent income. When applicant’s lawyer argued that his client’s demand for R2600 a month for clothing was not unreasonable, the judge put her foot down. The applicant and her husband are divorcing but she, in the meantime, is demanding the bulk of his salary to maintain herself and their two children. She is staying with the children in the matrimonial home. The woman told the judge that her monthly expenses were R31407.70.…

COMMENT Africa’s contribution to civilisation FLORA TECKIE ON MAY 25 we will be celebrating Africa Day, reflecting on the valuable contributions that Africa makes to human development and advancement. People on the continent, according to the Baháí Writings have “a great contribution to make to the advancement of world civilisation”. One example is the concept of extended family, a distinguishing African practice within a family or a tribe. Through such a practice, society is able to assure assistance to many who are needy. Of course, care must be exercised that such positive qualities are not abolished through materialism and urbanisation of life. The Baháí Writings compare the indigenous people of Africa, “to the black pupil of the eye”, through which “the light of the spirit shineth forth” and express the…

Reusable bags to fund forests ZELDA VENTER zelda.venter@inl.co.za LEADING up to World Environment Day on June 5, Pick n Pay has launched its latest 100% reusable bag, featuring some of South Africa’s most beautiful trees. It is designed to bring visibility and awareness to the country’s important forest ecosystems and their preservation. Partnering with NPO Greenpop for the latest, limited-edition range, the bags are part of a collaborative series to help raise awareness and funding for worthy projects across the country. More recently, the “Save our Beach Huts” bag showcased the beach huts in Muizenberg and St James. The project was aimed at restoring the 36 beach huts that are a rich part of Cape Town’s heritage. Proceeds from sales of the limited-edition bags, which cost R30 each, will help…

CORRUPTION Gigabas battle it out at Zondo commission KAILENE PILLAY kailene.pillay@inl.co.za THE battle of the Gigabas took centre stage at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture as former minister Malusi Gigaba and his estranged wife, Norma Mngoma, went head to head about their relationship with the Guptas, their finances and lifestyles. Mngoma claimed Gigaba used money, allegedly given to him by the Guptas, to fund his lavish lifestyle, support his father and bail his sister out of crippling debt that saw her blacklisted by the credit bureau. But, Gigaba – who submitted a replying affidavit and appeared shortly after Mngoma – claimed all the allegations were fabricated and were an extension of Mngoma’s “creative imagination”. He denied most of Mngoma’s testimony and told the commission that his…

Mixed views as Pandor hosts Zim minister Shava JONISAYI MAROMO jonisayi.maromo@africannewsagency.com INTERNATIONAL Relations and Co-operation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor was yesterday hosting her Zimbabwean counterpart, the neighbouring country’s minister of foreign affairs and international trade Dr Frederick Shava, in Cape Town. Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Co-operation Clayson Monyela said Shava was on a working visit to South Africa. “The visit by Minister Shava takes place against the historical and fraternal bonds between South Africa and Zimbabwe, which were cemented during the period of the struggle for liberation against colonialism and apartheid,” said Monyela. He said the two ministers representing Pretoria and Harare were expected to discuss a wide range of bilateral, continental and international issues of mutual concern. “South Africa and Zimbabwe consolidate their strategic relations…

COMMENT BIG NAMES THAT NOW PLAY FOR OBSCURE CLUBS ESHLIN VEDAN eshlin.vedan@inl.co.za LIFE can be strange and some footballers who were household names in the football world now find themselves playing for obscure teams. Here are some high-profile players still playing, but in modest leagues. Maicon Ten years ago, the Brazilian was playing for Inter Milan and widely considered to be the best right wing-back in world football. With Inter, he won four Serie A titles and was a key component of Jose Mourinho’s Inter side which won the Champions League in 2010. Now 39 years old, Maicon is still active and playing in the Italian Serie D (fourth tier) for Sona. Ahmed Musa Musa plays for a less obscure club than Maicon but it’s safe to say that his…

RAINBOW CUP SA Lions have a tough task to stop rampaging Bulls MORGAN BOLTON morgan.bolton@inl.co.za THE Lions have the unenviable task of facing the Bulls this weekend in Round 4 of the Rainbow Cup South Africa. The Joburg-based team is winless after three rounds, the men from Pretoria, meanwhile, have swept aside all challengers. Here we look at three factors that will define the match at Emirates Airline Park today. (kick-off 3.30pm) Who will prop up their team? An almighty match-up is on the cards between the beefcakes of the Lions and Bulls pack. On the one side, would-be Springboks Sti Sithole and Carlu Sadie, and in the other corner Springboks Trevor Nyakane and Lizo Gqoboka. On paper then, the Bulls have the finer, quality props, but as both Sithole…

Mkhalele roped into the Bafana fold MIHLALI BALEKA BackpagePix BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos says his decision to appoint South African footballing legend Helman Mkhalele as his local right-hand man was based on his “impressive knowledge of the local game”. “Broos said he was highly impressed by Mkhalele’s knowledge of the game and (that’s why he) didn’t hesitate to appoint him as his number two,” read an official statement from the South African Football Association (Safa) yesterday. It’s been two weeks since Broos was announced as the new Bafana coach, taking over the reins from Molefi Ntseki. During his first press conference with the media, Broos confirmed that he’ll have two deputies: a Belgian and a South African. Cedomir Janevski will come in as his Belgian assistant due to his…

QUICK READ Nicki Minaj’s nude snap ‘causes website to crash’ NICKI Minaj’s nearly nude snap in a pair of custom hot pink Crocs reportedly caused a 4900% spike in sales of the footwear. The 38-year-old rapper posed with just two fluffy heart pillows covering her modesty and a pair of bedazzled Crocs, featuring Chanel’s iconic double-C logo. And, according to Page Six Style, fans were clamouring after the website went down after the striking snap was shared. It’s not yet known if the Super Bass hitmaker is working with Crocs on a campaign. However, she wouldn’t be the first musician to team up with the brand, with the likes of Justin Bieber and Post Malone releasing their own Crocs collections. The latter recently donated 10000 pairs of his sold-out Duet…

WELL-BEING From Goop vibrations to 24K magic – the meteoric rise of the humble sex toy MARCHELLE ABRAHAMS marchelle.abrahams@inl.co.za @goop/Instagram REMEMBER when sex toys were hidden under three layers of clothes in your underwear drawer only to be taken out when you were absolutely sure you’d have a few precious moments to yourself? Their obvious phallic shapes made them virtually impossible to go out in public with them. We’ve all heard the horror stories: “Buzzing sound in woman’s luggage turns out to be vibrator” or “sex toy’s electric shocks leaves more than a sizzle in the bedroom”. These are the cautionary tales that stopped us from adding them to our reckless abandonment lists, so they never went further than our bedrooms. Fast-forward a few years and these gizmos come in…

QUICK READ MZANSI BMW South Africa has just pulled the covers off a fresh-for-2021 X3 Sports Activity Vehicle derivative and the company is calling it the Mzansi Edition as it’s built in South Africa for South Africa only in this case. BMW’s spokesmen say while the X3 is capable and competent, the recently introduced Mzansi Edition takes things further with an added dynamic flair. To differentiate the Mzansi Edition from the standard xDrive20d model, BMW has fitted it with an M-specific body kit. | IOL Motoring SAFETY FORD South Africa has partnered with the ChildSafe Pedestrian Safety Programme to launch Global Road Safety Week in association with the Eastern Cape Department of Transport. The launch, which took place at Masakhane Primary School in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha, is aligned with the UN…

CALLING STELLANTIS CARMAKER Stellantis and iPhone assembler Foxconn said this week they plan to create a joint venture to supply in-car and connected-car technologies across the auto industry. The two companies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form Mobile Drive, a 50:50 joint venture based in the Netherlands, focused on infotainment, telematics and cloud service platform development. Mobile Drive will operate as an automotive supplier and take part in tenders to provide software systems and related hardware for Stellantis. Reuters…

HOW TO DEAL WITH A PASSENGER FROM HELL GERRY CUPIDO geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za WHETHER you’re on the red-eye flight and all you want to do is catch 40 winks before you land, the last thing you need is to have to deal with an annoying passenger seated next to you. Even though you carefully selected your seat, you just never know who your seatmate will be. If you’re lucky, you may get a well-behaved seatmate who mind their business and doesn’t hog the armrests or take up the entire space. Sadly those are few and far between. Here’s how to deal with different offenders: 1 The chatterbox There are times that you might be in the mood to chat with the person next to you. Especially if they are interesting (or hot)…

10 things you should know before travelling in Africa CLINTON MOODLEY Pexel AFRICA is home to stunning landscapes, culture, cuisine and friendly people. Jennifer Morris shares 10 things you should know before travelling in Africa: PASSPORT Your passport needs to be valid at least six months after your date of return. If it isn’t, renew it before you depart. VISA REQUIREMENTS While many African countries allow visa-free travel for South Africans, some destinations require a visa to enter. Check all visa requirements with a travel professional when booking your trip as it can take a few weeks to obtain one in some destinations. People travelling on a European or UK passport may pay additional visa costs. HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS When travelling during the pandemic, travellers need to be mindful…

COMPLAINT STATISTICS ACCORDING to the 2020 annual report, the office of the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance was able to claw back R119 548 901 for consumers who approached its office for assistance. Ombud chief executive Edite Teixeira-Mckinon said that in 2020 the office registered 11 095 new complaints, 7% more than in 2019, and closed 10 805, 17.9% more than in 2019. Of the complaints registered in 2020, 786 (7%) related directly to Covid-19, with 562 relating to business interruption cover and 224 relating to travel cover. Of the 10 805 finalised complaints, the biggest proportion (36%) related to motor vehicle claim disputes. This was followed by disputes related to homeowner/ building disputes (21%), commercial cover (14%) and household contents cover (5%). The balance of 24% related to other types…

OMBUD COMPLAINT STATISTICS ACCORDING to the 2020 annual report of the Insurance Ombudsman, also released this week, the office of the ombud dealing with long-term insurance received 14 198 written requests for assistance last year (compared with 11 915 in 2019), which included 6 756 valid complaints. This is the highest number of written requests the office has ever received. A total of 6 512 complaints were finalised. This includes 3 624 full cases in which the ombudsman intervened, and of these 31.73% were resolved wholly or partially in favour of complainants. Declined claims remained the biggest cause of complaints, with a slightly higher percentage (50%) of the total complaints than in 2019 (47%). The ombud’s office says it received 456 complaints that were directly related to Covid-19 or to…

WORLD HUNGER DAY: SUPPORT FOR NGOs CRUCIAL Food for thought on hunger issue CATHERINE CONSTANTINIDES Catherine Constantinides AS A humanitarian, there are certain days of importance that are powerful moments for reflection, a realignment of where we are and where we ought to be, a moment to drive awareness and education on some of the most pressing issues of our time. On Friday, May 28, we observe World Hunger Day. Across the world, more than enough food is produced to feed the global population, yet 690million people live with chronic hunger. World hunger is on the rise, affecting 8.9% of the global population. From 2018 to 2019, the number of undernourished people grew by 10million and there are now almost 60million more undernourished people than there were seven years…

ICYMI | IOL.CO.ZA COPING MECHANISMS The pandemic has been such an awful time for so many people around the world, but it has also been a reminder for us about the things that really matter - the people in our lives and the love we have for them.ANANYA BIRLA What about the effect of the pandemic on our children? We need to give them hope by projecting it as a learnable, measurable skill. It entails making a conscious decision to find ways to make it through the pandemic, and deal with anxiety. Go to: www.iol.co.za/education…

INFORMATION Communication in all languages vital during pandemic VALERIE BOJE val.boje@inl.co.za COMMUNICATION in a language people can understand has been described as a “matter of life and death” in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. In South Africa, where more than 30 indigenous languages are spoken, and 11 along with sign language are recognised for official communication, speakers at a webinar highlighted the role indigenous languages play in ensuring good communication in a health crisis. Chief executive of the Pan South African Language Board, PanSALB, Xolisa Tshongolo, has questioned if communication of Covid-19 across all languages, especially reaching those living in deep rural areas, has been clear and unambiguous enough. He was one of the speakers on a discussion on Public Health Communication in Indigenous Languages co-hosted by the Government…

PARLIAMENT ‘I have not misled nation on e-tolls’ – Mbalula MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za TRANSPORT Minister Fikile Mbalula said yesterday he had not misled the National Council of Provinces when he promised a possible solution on e-tolls within two weeks earlier this month. Speaking during a debate on the transport budget vote debate, Mbalula also said he agreed with all parties that a solution should be arrived at for the sake of the country and economy. He said the government was on the verge of resolving the matter and that the National Treasury has been mandated by cabinet to with his department. “An announcement is imminent and I, therefore, have not misled the NCOP,” Mbalula said. He was responding to criticism from MPs after he steered clear of the e-toll except…

OPPOSITION Phumzile van Damme denies she quit the DA NTOMBI NKOSI ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za PHUMZILE van Damme has denied that she has resigned as a member of the DA. The party said this week that she resigned as an MP and her membership of the party. But yesterday Van Damme said she remained a DA member and there was a misunderstanding. “No. Not a U-turn. I didn’t relinquish my membership. I honestly think it was a misunderstanding on the party’s part,” Van Damme wrote on Twitter yesterday. “The DA would have to terminate my membership. I didn’t say I resign as a DA member. “Maybe, or rather, a misunderstanding. My letter to the leadership quite clearly stated. It is not the DA I resign from.” Recently, the DA has been rocked by…

TV GUIDE TODAY Athletics: World Athletics Continental Tour: Bronze Meeting – Meeting Jaen Paraiso Interior, 7.30pm, VR4 Cycling: Giro d’Italia, Stage 14: Cittadella to Monte Zoncolan (205km), 11.20am, VR1 Golf: PGA Championship, Day 3, Second Feed, 2pm, GOL, CRI (6.30pm); PGA Championship, Day 3, 7pm, GOL, GSD (8pm); LPGA Tour: Pure Silk Championship, Day 3, 9pm, VR1 Hockey: FIH Men’s Pro League: Great Britain v Spain, Match 1, 2pm, VR2 Motorsport: FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SSP300 Superpole, 9.35am, GSD, ACT, MSP, SSM; FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SSP Superpole, 10.20am, ACT, SSM, MSP, GSD; FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SBK Superpole, 10.55am, SSM. ACT, MSP, GSD; FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SSP300, Race 1, 12.30pm, ACT; FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon Race 1, 1.30pm, ACT; FIM Superbike World Championship,…

YOUR STARS Barbara Kiselev If today is your birthday: This new year if you can dream it, you can make it happen. So go for broke, go for that love, give your all. Turns out a good year for good things. It’s that simple: it’s all good. For you and yours. Aries (21 March-20 April) It’s down to the wire and so be prepared for anything. So this week make sure you know what you want out of life. Then it’s clear you’re on your way, and you can handle anything sent your way. Taurus (21 April-21 May) Sometimes you need motivation, sometimes you’re inspired. This week you’re rocking it. So take all those good things in your life, and make the best of them. And maybe try something new,…

MISS UNIVERSE Zozibini Tunzi overwhelmed with emotion during last walk ALYSSIA BIRJALAL alyssia.birjalal@inl.co.za SOUTH African beauty queen Zozibini Tunzi was overwhelmed with emotion as she took her final walk as the reigning Miss Universe 2019. Zozibini handed her crown to new Miss Universe Miss Mexico Andrea Meza. She posted a picture of herself on her Instagram page, along with a descriptive caption of how she felt. “I think you can tell from my face the overwhelming emotion that came over me as I walked on that stage a final time as a reigning Miss Universe. “I am reminded every day that my journey wasn’t just mine alone. I want to thank you all. “Thank you for welcoming me into your hearts and walking side by side with me on this…

DRINK The language of tea: What does your favourite brew say about your personality? LUTHO PASIYA lutho.pasiya@inl.co.za Independent Media TEA is just a beverage with some herbal mixture, milk and water – but, for many, it is an emotion. Tea is a lifesaver for many, as it helps them in coping with their mood. Different types of teas say a lot about your personality and emotions. As said, tea is emotion, meaning the choice of tea changes with the change in the mood of the person having it. There are hundreds of varieties of teas, served all over the world, but a few are common and preferable. Experts reveal that when the tea is brewed, its ingredients says a lot about the personality and how the ingredients’ changes reflect the…

EASY DRIVING Kia’s Sonet pure poetry in motion WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE willem.vdputte@inl.co.za KIA’S new Sonet is the carmaker’s entry point into their SUV range and is probably the most attractive within its segment. It’s more understated than loud and in this market that’s not a bad thing. The LX versions are equipped with an impressive list of standard specifications such as automatic headlights, remote central locking, electric windows, electronically adjusted side mirrors, 8-inch infotainment system that’s Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible, height adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth. Safety-wise it has ABS, electronic stability control, hill-assist control and dual front airbags. If you opt for the EX trim, it adds rear park distance control, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, silver skid plate, roof rails, side indicator lamps…

READY, SET, BID Now you can bid on your SA holidays CLINTON MOODLEY CAR and house bids have been around for ages, but now travellers can also bid on their holidays. With the travel sector facing severe strain due to the pandemic, Mike Richardson came up with an idea to entice travellers with affordable holidays. Richardson started Bid on Travel, a Facebook page that offers holiday auctions, in October 2020. The page currently has over 8 000 members. Every week, Bid on Travel hosts four to five auctions featuring some prestigious South African establishments. There are also deals on holidays in some African countries open to South African travellers. Richardson said the demand for the holiday auctions grew overnight, with people bagging deals for affordable rates –if they bid correctly.…

QUICK READ Inflation CONSUMER Price Index inflation jumped to 4.4% in April from 3.2% in March, largely due to a combination of higher fuel prices in the month and base effects created by price imputations last year, says Anchor Capital investment analyst Casey Deport. Although this is the highest reading since before the Covid-19-induced lockdown (inflation was at 4.6% in February last year), inflation remains well within the South African Reserve Bank’s target band of 3% to 6%, Delport says. Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.3% year-on-year. Interest rates AT ITS bi-monthly meeting on Thursday this week, the monetary policy committee of the South African Reserve Bank decided to keep the repurchase rate unchanged at 3.5% a year. The decision was unanimous. This was despite a sharp uptick in…

EDITOR’S CHOICE ON IOL STARTING A SIDE HUSTLE: 3 IDEAS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THE “side hustle” has been around a lot longer than you might think. The phrase was first used during the recession of the 1950s, when people had to find additional ways to supplement their income in order to make ends meet. It stands to reason that the side hustle has regained our collective attention. And the numbers clearly demonstrate the rising interest in alternative revenue streams: a recent survey reported that as many as one in three South Africans earn income from an extra job. HOW DOES SARS TREAT CRYPTO IN YOUR ESTATE? CRYPTOCURRENCY has attracted the attention of the South African Revenue Service (Sars). Many people are becoming crypto traders overnight. For some, it’s just for…

USEFUL CONTACTS OMBUDSMEN AND REGULATORS BANKING Ombudsman for Banking Services ShareCall 0860 800 900 or phone 011 712 1800 Email: info@obssa.co.za Website: www.obssa.co.za CONSUMER ISSUES National Consumer Commission Toll-free 0860 003 600 or phone 012 428 7000 Email: complaints@thencc.org.za Website: www.thencc.gov.za Consumer Goods and Services Ombud ShareCall 0860 000 272 Email: info@cgso.org.za Website: www.cgso.org.za CREDIT AND DEBT Credit Ombud MaxiCall 0861 662 837 or phone 011 781 6431 Email: ombud@creditombud.org.za Website: www.creditombud.org.za National Credit Regulator ShareCall 0860 627 627 or phone 011 554 2600 Email: complaints@ncr.org.za or (debt counselling complaints) dccomplaints@ncr.org.za Website: www.ncr.org.za FINANCIAL ADVICE Ombud for Financial Services Providers Phone 012 470 9080 or 012 762 5000 Email: info@faisombud.co.za Website: www.faisombud.co.za INVESTMENTS Financial Sector Conduct Authority ShareCall 0800 110 443 or 0800 202 087 Email: info@fsca.co.za Website: www.fsca.co.za LIFE…

QUICK READ VACCINE DATE SHORT NOTICE SENIOR citizens have been left scrambling to get to vaccination points after receiving SMS notifications from the Department of Health to arrive in less than 12 hours. Family members are raising concerns over the short notice. As vaccination centres are not allowing walk-ins, a confirmation SMS forms the final step of the registration process. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the programme was designed to avoid long queues. Elderly citizens say they are still waiting to receive the SMS despite registering. | African News Agency (ANA) NEW ELECTION EQUIPMENT THE Independent Electoral Commission has said 1 000 new voter management devices would go a long way to tackle the perception of possible double voting. “We now have devices to be in a position to detect…

QUICK READ RISE IN OBESITY ADMISSIONS THERE were more than a million hospital admissions for obesity-related treatment in England in the year leading into the global pandemic, the BBC reported. The figures, published by the National Health Service Digital, show a 17% increase in hospital admissions where obesity was a factor, compared with the year before. Women accounted for 64% of admissions. Obesity affects one in every four adults and one in every five children. | African News Agency (ANA) INCREASE IN SAHEL ATTACKS COUNTRIES of the Sahel region have seen an escalation of attacks by rebel groups, who often strike against security forces and civilians, said a UN peacekeeping official. Under-Secretary-General for peace operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said this week that the fight against armed groups had intensified. Regional troops…

QUICK READ Spain MIGRANTS were still trying to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Wednesday after a record 8 000 people poured over the border this week. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that at least 5 600 migrants had been sent back. People have continued to gather on the Moroccan border with Spain. Police blocked dozens of youths, who responded by throwing rocks. The migrants reached Ceuta by swimming or by walking at low tide. One drowned. The crisis comes after Madrid allowed the leader of the Western Sahara independence movement to fly to Spain to be treated for Covid-19. The region is a former Spanish colony mainly under Moroccan control. | AFP Denmark ACTIVISTS in Denmark are planning a protest in solidarity with Syrian…