Innholdsfortegnelse for 2021-09-18 i Pretoria News Weekend

Victoria Beckham only scored 5 out of 10 for singing in her Spice Girls audition. The band’s founder Chris Herbert has spilt all the secrets of the formation of the iconic girl group – also comprising Geri Horner, Melanie C, Emma Bunton and Mel B – in 1994. On Spice Girls: How Girl Power Changed Britain, Chris, who put together the line-up with his father Bob, also of Heart Management, reveals all about the audition process for the Wannabe group, originally called Touch. Chris – who was replaced by Simon Fuller as their manager – has insisted Posh Spice, 47, now a fashion designer, didn’t have the best singing voice but there was something striking about her. The audition revelations come after the band’s former voice coach previously slammed Mel…

NOKWANDA NCWANE nokwanda.ncwane@inl.co.za THOUSANDS of high school pupils from Gauteng are set to benefit from the return of the “Raise the Bra” initiative spearheaded by celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Deon Weyers. The initiative was launched in International Women’s Month in 2020. Weyers’ patients and members of the public were asked to donate bras they no longer used. The undergarments are collected at Weyer’s practice, DW Skin & Body at Life Hospital, Fourways, and then distributed by the team from the Zabran–AfreeBra initiative. The international volunteer network works with organisations looking after women in their care who can benefit from receiving new or used bras free of charge. The initiative’s Jeanette Kruger said that the bras would be distributed to high schools in Soweto, Alexandra and elsewhere in Gauteng where they…

NOKWANDA NCWANE nokwanda.ncwane@inl.co.za THE so-called Cabbage Bandit – Tshwane resident Djo BaNkuna – this week became an instant hero for his defiance after police fined him for planting vegetables on the pavement in front of his house. BaNkuna had taken to Facebook to detail that Tshwane Metro Police Department officers threatened him with arrest for the vegetable garden on the pavement in front of his Theresapark property in Pretoria North. The metro police have since issued a R1 500 fine to him after he refused to remove the garden. For most of the week, sympathisers accused the metro police of being harsh and unreasonable in dealing with the matter. But who exactly is the “Cabbage Bandit”? BaNkuna is a 47-year-old businessman born and raised in Tzaneen, Limpopo. He has a…

Kennedy Mudzuli kennedy.mudzuli@inl.co.za TO PUT it mildly, TorQue MuziQ is music, and music is him. As he puts it, the musician, DJ and producer he is today was conceived out of a love for music. Over the years it evolved to a point where he goes to bed at night thinking about music and the next hit song. And when the sun rises, music is all he thinks about. “So, automatically, my body and soul is connected to music. That’s how I do it and that’s what keeps me going,” said TorQue MuziQ, born Thabiso Clifford Popela in Tzaneen, Limpopo. Now wiser and aged 30, he has since relocated to Gauteng to be closer to opportunities to take his career to greater heights. He is based in Tembisa and Vosloorus…

Once more the world will be marking the International Day of Peace on September 21 and it is timely to contemplate how global peace may be achieved. Peace, according to the governing council of the Baháí international community, is more than just an end to war. “Banning nuclear weapons, prohibiting the use of poison gases, or outlawing germ warfare will not remove the root causes of war. “However important such practical measures obviously are as elements of the peace process, they are in themselves too superficial to exert enduring influence”. There’s need for change in attitudes and the creation of a universal framework to uphold peace. There are many helpful and well-motivated proposals for solving our global problems. However, the solution to complex and interrelated problems cannot be found in…

James Mahlokwane james.mahlokwane@inl.co.za ALFRED and his wife Constance Mhlahla of Atteridgeville yesterday finally took their first steps into their new three-bedroom house, which replaced the one illegally demolished by the Red Ants five years ago. They had been living in a shack since December 2017. On the day, the Pretoria West sheriff arrived at the informal settlement with a court eviction order and the Red Ants, who demolished the family’s house as the eviction notice stated that the people had settled there illegally. However, the family’s home should not have been demolished – they had documents to prove they had been relocated to the area from Brazzaville informal settlement, which was dolomitic, and had just finished building a five-room house. The couple’s daughter, Lindiwe Toheed, had used her last savings…

GERMANY’S biggest motor show, which took place in Munich recently, is no longer just about cars, but about mobility in general, from bikes to e-scooters to cars. Activists and environmental groups point out that for all the talk of mobility and diversified transport, automakers still make the vast majority of their money from fossil-fuel emitting SUV sales. “Adding ‘mobility’ to the event’s name and pushing their e-models to the fore won’t do the trick as long as they keep selling primarily gas-guzzling combustion engines,” Marion Tiemann, transport expert for Greenpeace in Germany, said.…

The Mazda CX-5 has been given a makeover for 2022, with the midsize SUV gaining new tech and a fresh look. Although nothing has changed radically in terms of the overall look, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 does gain a new and more three-dimensional grille as well as restyled headlights and taillights, while a new exterior colour debuts in the form of Zircon Sand. The overseas line-up sees the addition of three new model grades, although we’ll have to wait until its South African debut to see if there are any local specification changes. But the changes are more than skin deep as Mazda has incorporated elements of its next-generation Skyactiv vehicle architecture, with enhancements to the structure, suspension and seats all aiming to improve comfort and refinement. Mazda also claims…

MIKE GREENAWAY GIVEN the vast number of former South Africans living in Brisbane, it is more than ironic that the Springboks’ record in the Queensland capital is one of their worst in the world, and if the Boks are going to win on their hoodoo ground this morning (9.05am) they are going to have to produce something special. The Springboks have played 15 Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane since 1956 and have won only three of those matches, so it goes without saying that to a man they need to be substantially better than they were down the road from Brisbane on the Gold Coast last week. Before that match, the Boks spoke at length about their poor record in Australia in general — just five wins in the…

FORMER England captain David Beckham has increased his ownership stake in Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club said yesterday. Inter Miami, who made their MLS debut last year, said in a news release that co-owners Beckham and brothers Jorge and Jose Mas finalised the buyout of Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son. “We are immensely proud of the progress we’ve made over the past year and a half in Major League Soccer, and we are grateful to have had Marcelo and Masayoshi with us for the first part of our journey,” said 46-year-old Beckham. “I am more committed than ever to working with my partners and friends Jorge and Jose to build a lasting legacy, developing youth players from our Academy, competing for championships regularly, and most importantly, rooting…

| Reuters THE long-running feud between Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau has the potential to inspire the American team instead of weighing them down at next week’s Ryder Cup, Team Europe captain Padraig Harrington said yesterday. Koepka and DeChambeau have been involved in public spats for more than a year, with US Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker having to step in last month to broker peace between the duo. Harrington, however, said that the animosity could be of benefit to the US team and lift all the players as they look to wrestle back the Ryder Cup from their European counterparts. “If I focused on the US and had this idea of ‘Hey, look, this is going to impact their vibe’ or whatever, it could actually work in reverse... if…

Jennifer Hassan Britney Spears and long-term boyfriend Sam Asghari are engaged, the couple announced Sunday – days after the singer made progress in the long-running battle to resume control over her own life and end her father’s financial conservatorship over her. Spears, 39, announced the news in a video on her Instagram account, where she posed alongside Asghari, 27, and held a four-carat diamond up to the camera. Thousands flocked to congratulate the couple, who have been dating for almost five years. The ring, already branded “The Britney”, is engraved with the word “Lioness” – Asghari’s nickname for the star. Among the celebratory comments came pleas from fans – and other celebrities – for the best-selling singer to implement a prenuptial agreement to protect her estimated $60 million (about R850m)…

Sacha van Niekerk sacha.vanniekerk@inl.co.za All the sparkle without the ethical drawbacks, lab-grown and recycled diamonds are becoming more and more popular. Roman author and philosopher Pliny, who wrote the encyclopaedic Naturalis Historia, said in the first century AD: “Diamond is the most valuable, not just of precious stones, but of all things in this world.” Our modern fascination with diamonds began in Golconda, in the western part of Hyderabad city, India – the birthplace of diamonds. Mined from rivers and streams, historians state that the subcontinent had been trading the precious gems as early as the fourth century BC, according to Gia Education. Indian diamonds made their way to Western Europe via the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting India and China with Western Europe that was used…

Rapula Moatshe rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za IT’S all systems go for the final voter registration drive taking place today and tomorrow ahead of the local government elections on November 1. This was the optimism expressed by Independent Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) chief executive Sy Mamabolo, who said the commission was ready to carry out the registration process. He said the commission was looking forward to receiving potential voters at its 23 151 registration stations across the country. The stations are expected to be in operation from 8am to 5pm to enable eligible voters to register. Potential voters visiting the stations were urged to comply with Covid-19 safety protocols such as covering their noses and mouths with a face mask or cloth, sanitise and keep a minimum of 1.5m social distance from each…

THE Land Rover Defender looks poised to become something of a sub-brand like Range Rover, and this would see the line-up expanding to include a more luxurious variant as well as a bakkie, Autocar reports. Although Jaguar Land Rover has not released any official information as yet, Autocar understands that a new flagship is on the horizon for around 2025 and it will be built around the new MLA architecture that’s also set to underpin the next-generation Range Rover that’s due later this year.…

ZAAHIER ADAMS THE Proteas Women’s team are aiming to complete a 5-0 clean sweep of the West Indies in the final ODI tomorrow, according to Mignon du Preez. Du Preez showed off all her experience in the middle-order during the fourth ODI, by striking 65 (91 balls, 5 fours) not out after the Proteas suffered a rare top-order failure. Only Tazmin Brits, opening the batting for the first time in an ODI, posted a solid 30, before Du Preez and wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta (28*) shared a 63-run unbroken partnership for the seventh wicket to lift the Proteas to 185/6. Although the total was below-par, it was enough with the visitors restricting the Windies to 150/9, with captain Dane van Niekerk claiming 3/23. “I think the difference between the two teams…

Ashfak Mohamed ashfak.mohamed@inl.co.za MANIE Libbok has had to dovetail between flyhalf and full-back for most of his career, but Stormers coach John Dobson believes that the former SA Under-20 player could be the man to finally spark the Cape side’s attack at No 10 in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The 24-year-old from Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape was moved between the two positions from his youth career, and that trend continued when he came through the senior ranks at the Bulls and most recently the Sharks. He possesses the playmaking skills required of a pivot, with an impressive passing range, solid kicking game and a willingness to make his tackles. Libbok perhaps doesn’t possess that extra bit of explosive pace that a full-back needs, so he seems to be…

Travel Reporter There is no better time than Spring to enjoy South Africa’s splendid floral attractions. With the warmer weather, there are many destinations you can take a road trip to see the wildflowers. Cheapflights.co.za shares five places: The West Coast National Park The West Coast National Park comes alive during Spring – with bursts of colour painting the entire landscape. The attraction is about an hour away from Cape Town. Once there, soak in the views and snap a few selfies. The park opens daily. Entry costs R94 per adult and R47 per child. Clanwilliam Clanwilliam is another Western Cape attraction to visit. Home to the Wild Flower Festival, the small town is located about 200km north of Cape Town. A stunning place to visit is Ramskop…

Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis have boarded the Luther movie. Netflix obtained the rights to the forthcoming flick, which is based on the hit BBC TV series that stars Idris Elba as the titular detective DCI John Luther. And joining Idris in currently-unknown roles in the feature-length film is the 34-year-old Harriet star and the 57-year-old The Lord of the Rings actor. Neil Cross is penning the script for the big-screen adaptation, while Jamie Payne, who directed the fifth series of the TV show, is rumoured to have been tapped to helm the movie. The streaming giant tweeted: “Luther is coming back! “Idris Elba will reprise his iconic role – joined by Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis – in a new feature film written by series creator Neil Cross.” Idris,…

Val Boje val.boje@inl.co.za KNOWN for its architecture, art and fashion, the city of Milan in Italy is set to play host to a different kind of event this month: the gathering of hundreds of bright young climate change activists from across the globe ahead of COP26 taking place in Glasgow, in the UK, from November 1. To introduce the dynamic under-thirties chosen as our local climate youth representatives to the “Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition” meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Italian ambassador to South Africa, Paolo Cuculi, co-hosted an event in the garden of his Pretoria residence this week with the acting British High Commissioner, Adam Bye. Guests of honour were climate youth representatives Koaile Monaheng and Sandisile Mkhonza, while Sibusiso Mazomba joined by video. Monaheng,…

James Mahlokwane james.mahlokwane@inl.co.za WITH election fever heating up, the battle for the attention of voters is gaining momentum on the streets of Tshwane and beyond. South Africans head to the polls in the local government elections on November 1. Election debutant, ActionSA, seems to be ahead of the pack in terms of the posters campaign, with party posters appearing on almost all major roads and residential streets across the capital. The party, led by former Johannesburg DA mayor Herman Mashaba, has flooded numerous street poles with its green posters. The party is asking people, in various SA languages, if they are tired of politics and wanted service delivery. However, the EFF has been competing aggressively for votes in townships. Its red posters, encouraging residents to vote for the “red…

Amanda Maliba amanda.maliba@inl.co.za ZAKES Bantwini’s Ghetto King album, that dropped last Friday, was met with great enthusiasm after the star’s unexpected hit song Osama that trended weeks before the album dropped. Bantwini, real name Zakhele Madida, said the album that took two years to complete was a product of constant working and reworking, until such a time that he was happy with the final offering – music that has staying power until his next work is ready. “… On this current album, I must have spent two months or so working on each. Music for me is very spiritual and while working on each song, I would pray and ask, ‘let the people who are meant to be on the album come’. “Thereafter I would call everyone, requesting for a…

NOKWANDA NCWANE nokwanda.ncwane@inl.co.za UNIVERSITY of Pretoria student Monique Erens is hopeful that she will make it to the advanced stages of Idols Season 17. Despite an intense two weeks of the top 16 battling it out for viewers’ votes, Erens made it to the top 10. “I now feel like I can open up to endless opportunities, express myself to people and enjoy every moment as it comes. I want to continue working on my weaknesses and be open to trying new things,” the 25-year-old said. Originally from Cape Town, Erens comes from a family of passionate musicians. Another Tshwane resident, Karabo Mathe, also made it to the top 10. The 22-year-old had received positive responses from all the judges for her top 16 performance. Viewers cast over 8 million…

Hannah Elliott IF YOU are in the market for a Ferrari – I mean the kind of Ferrari that makes your hands sweat and your pulse quicken and your mind race long after you’ve parked for the night – do not buy the 2022 Ferrari Portofino M. The new R4.95 million convertible lacks the seriously sensuous curves and chiselled supermodel cheekbones that Ferrari has perfected over decades of making the most beautiful and collectable cars in the world. Aside from the signature manettino switch and thumb-activated indicators, the interior lacks a distinctive “Ferrari-ness” in the way signature cabins in vehicles from Bentley and Lamborghini have that whisper or scream, respectively, of the brand that birthed them. With plastic-feeling knobs and air vents, a torture-chamber of a back seat, and a…

MAVERICK Vinales, in the opening practice session on a dry Misano track, and Johann Zarco, in the rain on the second, dominated warm-ups for the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano. Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) finished seventh in the combined times after struggling with the tough conditions of the second free practice. Vinales (Aprilia) clocked the best time of 1min 32.666sec to finish ahead of compatriot Joan Mir, on a Suzuki, with the Ducatis of Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller following. Zarco, also on a Ducati, was 11th in the combined times, but had topped times in the second session and will no doubt be hoping for more rain after mastering the wet conditions. Home favourite Valentino Rossi, soon to be retired, could only manage 19th. Today will see…

FROM a qualifier winning the US Open women’s title, to the world’s greatest player getting stunned in the men’s final, to the high of Ronaldo’s sensational return to Old Trafford, only for the Young Boys to humble Manchester United and the King of Comebacks a few days later … The past week was a celebration of sport’s incredible ability to tell a story. I started playing sports when I was five-years-old in my first year at school. I played for the U-7 rugby team and by the time I was eight, my weekly calendar was filled with every and any sporting option at my school and every game that was going on in my street and at the park. It didn’t matter what it was, if the ball bounced,…

Clinton Moodley Hotels are more than just a place to lay your head after a long day of exploring. Some properties are pulling out all the stops to attract all types of travellers. Here’s what you can do as a day visitor at these South African hotels: Radisson RED Rosebank Hotel details: Radisson RED Rosebank, the second RED hotel in South Africa, is located at Oxford Parks, a mixed-use precinct comprising offices, apartments, retail outlets and restaurants. The Joburg hotel prides itself on creating an experience incorporating art, music and fashion. Experiences: Their OUI Bar + KTCHN and the Grab ‘n Go Bar eateries are perfect for those looking for trendy foodie spots in between tours. For those who want to chill by the pool with good music, their RED…

Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco has been named Best Resort Hotel in North Africa and the Middle East at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021. The 5-star property, part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection of luxury retreats, is situated in a remote village and marketplace in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Once the home of renowned antique dealer and interior designer Luciano Tempo, Kasbah Tamdot was transformed into a luxury oasis by Sir Richard Branson when he bought the property in 1998. The resort received its first guests in 2005. Hire it exclusively or choose from an array of accommodation like superior rooms to the master suite – all tastefully decorated with stunning artefacts from around the world. For those seeking privacy, the…