Innholdsfortegnelse for 2021-10-16 i Pretoria News Weekend

It has been a dire 18 months for the South African restaurant industry. Iconic restaurants had to shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic that brought crippling lockdowns. The alcohol industry also suffered, with alcohol sales prohibited by the government. Wine and restaurant bodies lobbied the government to be lenient, requests which sometimes fell on deaf ears. So the recent wins by the country’s best restaurants and vineyards, has been met with joy by the industry and will likely bring in foot traffic to aid in the recovery of the industry. South African restaurants and vineyards dominated on an international scale in the World’s Best Vineyards and World’s 50 Best Restaurants lists. It should never come as a surprise to anybody, least of all South Africans when our wines…

Thobile Mazibuko thobile.mazibuko@inl.co.za Tonight, one lucky woman will go to bed as Miss South Africa 2021, taking over from the current titleholder, Shudufhadzo Musida. Miss SA 2021 will be crowned at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town. The event will be screened live from 5pm on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and will also be streamed online for an international audience on MissSA.live with extra highlights and exclusive content. Musida’s reign will go down in history. Crowned during a global pandemic, she resorted to finding ways to use social media to further the cause she was advocating for mental health. And yet, even with the challenges the pandemic posed during her reign, she accomplished things that some of her predecessors did not have the…

Sameer Naik sameer.naik@inl.co.za IT’S a debate that has raged on for months: Should Covid-19 vaccines be mandatory in South Africa? With the government exploring the possibility of mandatory vaccines and certificates (passports) for everyone in the country, Independent Media chatted to several South Africans to find out where they stand on the issue. Rushil Vallabh of Johannesburg: “The more people who are vaccinated, the better it is for getting the world/country on the path to normality, without further lockdowns and restrictions. “Whether the government should make it mandatory is debatable. On the one hand, people should be able to decide what they want to do with their own bodies. On the other hand, the anti-vax movement does pose a risk to society in general. “The vaccine passport shouldn’t at all…

AS WE mark International Day for the Eradication of Poverty tomorrow, it is timely to reflect on some causes of poverty, and the challenges and prospects of addressing this global problem. Poverty is a condition that arises from injustices in society. It is a problem for all of humanity and not only for the poor. Eradicating poverty should, therefore, be addressed from a human rights perspective related to justice and obligation rather than charity. According to a statement of the Bahá’í International Community, “poverty can be described as the absence of those ethical, social and material resources needed to develop the moral, intellectual and social capacities of individuals, communities and institutions”. “Moral reasoning, group decision-making and freedom from racism, for example, are all essential tools for poverty alleviation. “Such capacities…

Jason Woosey jason.woosey@inl.co.za IT’S ALREADY a well known fact that Mazda plans to expand upmarket with a new rear-wheel-drive platform and straight-six engines, but now the company has gone into more detail about what we can expect on the SUV front. On Thursday the Japanese carmaker announced that it planned to launch five new SUVs over the next two years, these being the new CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. The CX-50 will be marketed in the US only as part of a joint venture with Toyota, meaning it will likely be based on the latter’s Rav4. The other four, from CX-60 to CX-90, are under consideration for South Africa, with final announcements set to be made at a later date. These models will form part of Mazda’s “Large Products…

CRYSTAL Palace boss Patrick Vieira is looking forward to an emotional return to Arsenal as he prepares to face his old club for the first time in his managerial career. Vieira heads to the Emirates Stadium on Monday for an occasion that will stir countless memories for the former Arsenal and France star. The 45-year-old won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, captaining them through their unbeaten “Invincible” top-flight season in 2003/04. He played around 400 games for the Gunners after joining from AC Milan in 1996 -- proving one of Arsene Wenger’s most astute signings. “I am really looking forward to it," Vieira said. "I had the chance to play for this football club for nine years. I arrived at this football club when I…

Mike Greenaway mike.greenaway@inl.co.za AN interesting sideshow in tonight’s United Rugby Championship match between the Sharks and Cardiff will be the performance of newly “kilted” Scot Dylan Richardson, who will want to empty the tank to show that he fully deserves an international career at Murrayfield. Richardson’s announcement in the Scotland squad for their matches next month against Australia, Tonga, Japan and South Africa was not greeted with unanimous approval, with Scotland’s ’80s Grand Slam flyhalf Craig Chalmers telling the Daily Mail that Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has “gone too far” regarding the balance between non-Scotland-born players in the squad and genuine Scots. Townsend has also called up former Bull Pierre Schoeman and for some time has used the services of Duhan van der Merwe, Ollie Kebble and WP Nel. “Does…

Natalie B Compton Pandemic travel has looked a little different for the rich. While the everyman debated whether it was safe enough to visit family for the holidays, there was the Kardashian who used a loophole to go to Paris when the border was closed or the other Kardashian who rented out a private island in Tahiti for her birthday. But brief backlash hasn’t stopped the wealthy from returning to travel. After a year of being confined to their one, two or three homes, they are spending more than ever on holidays to make up for lost time. So what does a dream pandemic holiday look like when you've already been everywhere and bought everything?. Erica Jackowitz, co-founder of Roman & Erica, a travel company for ultra-wealthy clients, said her…

Bang Showbiz The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) is set to honour the best performances of 2021 despite NBC previously confirming it wouldn’t be airing the annual ceremony in 2022. A source told Variety: “The HFPA plans to recognise the performances of 2021 to celebrate the great work of the industry this past year at the 79th Annual Golden Globes.” A letter was sent out to film studios on Friday explaining eligibility rules for the upcoming Golden Globes. The focus is reportedly on performances, and it’s unclear whether or not other areas like directing or music will be honoured. Back in May, NBC cancelled plans to broadcast next year’s event after the HFPA came under fire for a lack of diversity among its members. At the time, the HFPA responded:…

Shingai Darangwa shingai.darangwa@inl.co.za If you’ve been paying attention, you'll have noticed how over the past few weeks ’Konka’ has been trending at or close to the top every Monday and Tuesday. So what is Konka and why does it keep appearing on our timelines? Why can’t people stop talking about Konka? Konka Soweto is a restaurant and nightclub in Pimville, Soweto. The establishment, which was revamped and rebranded from the old Icon Soweto nightclub earlier this year, is believed to be owned by Kutlwano Pitso, the entrepreneur who owns another Soweto hangout spot, Moja Cafe. A few weeks ago, as the lockdown restrictions started to be eased, videos began to emerge online of high-end luxury vehicles parked outside the establishment, and bottles upon bottles of expensive Champagne being ordered…

Buhle Mbonambi buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za When Snoop Dogg was in Durban for his performance at the MTV Africa All Stars concert in 2013, everyone was speaking about one thing – the sales of cannabis in Durban. We sniggered at the press conference when a journalist asked him about the quality of Durban’s weed and if he had tried it yet. He laughed, clearly already high. That was the answer we all needed. So it is not a surprise that the rapper is one of the celebrities who has quickly taken to getting into the cannabis business. It is already aligned to his brand. An early adopter, he is dabbling in a number of cannabis centred businesses, from Leafs by Snoop in 2015, which he found in the state of Colorado. He…

Zelda Venter zelda.venter@inl.co.za THE immense void which the death of former Pretoria News editor Val Boje left in not only the media fraternity, but also in the lives of those who knew her, was evident when the National Press Club celebrated her life on Thursday evening. Boje was the chairperson of the press club before her sudden death a week ago while undergoing surgery at Zuid Afrikaans Hospital in Pretoria. Members of the club, old friends and colleagues, as well as among others, representatives from the Government Communication and Information System, SA National Editors Forum and various embassies, raised a glass in remembrance of Boje, who had clearly touched the lives of many. Friends and colleagues shared their love and admiration for Boje during the function hosted by the…

Goitsemang Tlhabye goitsemang.tlhabye@inl.co.za THE City of Tshwane’s jacaranda trees should be conserved, preserved, protected and regarded as natural features of cultural significance wherever they stand in bloom. This is according to historian and archaeologist Anton van Vollenhoven. Yesterday, he said jacaranda trees, which are already blooming across the capital, should be protected as they were natural cultural heritage resources of importance. Van Vollenhoven was speaking during a virtual presentation on jacaranda trees organised by the Ditsong Museum in collaboration with the City’s arts, culture and library services division, and the community and social development services department. As it stood, he said, there existed legislation which already recognised the trees as a natural heritage due to the fact that once cultural significance was attributed to a natural phenomenon, it had the…

James Mahlokwane james.mahlokwane@inl.co.za THE world biggest Afrikaans show and South Africa’s longest running car show on TV, La’t Wiel, celebrated 25 seasons and 500 episodes in speed at the Zwartkops Raceway this week. Founded by motoring journalists Waldo van der Waal and Hannes Visser, who always felt sad that there was no Afrikaans motoring show, La’t Wiel attracted a large diversity of car enthusiasts who have tuned into kykNET to get their dose of torque, speed, fun and specs since 2004. The crew enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Zwartkops Raceway, taking rides with champion racer Michael van Rooyen, who is practising for the South African premier racing track championships, the Global Touring Car series. The crew and media teams rode the trendy Yaris GR Rally, whose capabilities and costs…

THE Department of Transport is completely out of touch with the sentiments of Gauteng motorists, the Automobile Association said this week. This comes after Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula recently reiterated that the e-tolling system could not be scrapped, as the Citizen newspaper reported. However, the minister did hint that a solution was being sought, stating that the funding model that we have employed as a country for our roads is affected by our attitude towards e-tolls. “But we are working on that, and an e-toll solution will be found,” Mbalula said. However his comments have come under fire by the AA. Suggesting that road funding and maintenance is an either/or situation based solely on e-tolls is misleading, the association said, as there are other options available. “Scrapping of e-tolls should…

Herman Gibbs herman.gibbs@africannewsagency.com CHIPPA United coach Gavin Hunt returns to his old stomping ground at FNB Stadium today in the hope of eking out a win against hosts Kaizer Chiefs in their DStv Premiership clash (start 5.30pm). Five months ago, Chiefs and Hunt parted ways after a poor Premiership campaign. A few weeks later, Chippa appointed Hunt. Six matches into the season, Chippa are also faring poorly with a win and two draws after six matches. Hunt’s opposite number at Chiefs, Stuart Baxter, is having an equally poor run this season. Six matches into the season, Chiefs have a win and three draws. Both teams find themselves in perilous positions and languish at the foot end of the table in 12th (Chiefs) and 13th. The dreadful run of insipid performances…

Clinton Moodley Travelling during the pandemic has its own set of challenges. Plane journeys in the past used to be fun, especially when it was a long-haul flight. I remember making a playlist, packing healthy snacks that I shared with my seatmate and admiring destinations we flew over from the screen in front of me. These days, flying is a lot more different. Now I count the hours until I reach my destination. I thought masks would be a problem, but I struggled with adjusting to flying long distances. And the different personalities of travellers didn’t help either. If you are flying international soon, here are some tips on what you shouldn’t do: Do not take a million loo breaks If you are in the middle or window seat, be…

QUEENS, the Disney+ series, is set to document the reunion of the Nasty B*****s – a hip-hop group from the ’90s – and Brandy is thrilled to have been cast in the role of Naomi, who is also known as Xplicit Lyrics. She said: “Music is my first love so to be able to be a part of a show that is representing women empowerment and a ’90s legendary group – that’s never been done before. “I felt like I could relate to my character Naomi, being a single mom, trying to balance everything even though she doesn’t do a good job at it. I did a way better job at it but, balancing, going after her dreams and having to raise a young daughter, that is something I can…

IANS Digital’s latest technology Non-Fungible Tokens is redefining the essence of fashion, and the industry has no choice but to start understanding what NFTs are. Being digital is no longer just a trend for fashion, it’s essential. Just like sneakers are no longer considered sportswear but a core item of both luxury and high street fashion. With NFTs being the new buzzword of digital, fashion is trying to wrap its head around this phenomenon. (And Gucci has already started selling digital-only sneakers, by the way.) NFTs are Jpeg files that are limited or unique thanks to blockchain technology. They are the new collectables. They come with their certificate of authenticity. Art has embraced the NFT for a few years now. Both Jeff Koons and David Hockney recently announced they would…

Rapula Moatshe rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za THE South African Health Products Authority has approved the Pfizer vaccine roll-out for children between the ages of 12 and 17, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said yesterday. Children will not need to obtain the consent of parents to be vaccinated, in line with the Children’s Act, providing that those aged 12 to 17 could give their own consent for any medical treatment, according to acting director-general Nicholas Crisp. Speaking during a virtual media briefing on the government’s efforts in the fight against Covid-19, Phaahla said the inoculation of this age group would take effect from October 20. According to him, the decision was taken following the recommendations from the ministerial advisory committee on Covid-19 vaccines, supported by health MECs during the statutory health council meeting on Tuesday.…

NOKWANDA NCWANE nokwanda.ncwane@inl.co.za HISTORY will be made tonight when the title holders of Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss Supranational attend the Miss South Africa 2021 finale at the same time. Miss World Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica will join Miss Supranational Chanique Rabe of Namibia and Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico, when Miss SA is crowned at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town. Miss South Africa Organisation chief executive, Stephanie Weil, said they were determined to show the world that the pageant embraced the spirit of Ubuntu. The three beauties would meet the reigning Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida – who will be competing on the Miss World stage in November – and witness who will inherit her mantle, she said. “The world is opening up to…

James Mahlokwane james.mahlokwane@inl.co.za THE community of Atteridgeville got together to celebrate the life of business pioneer Johannes Motshwane Letsoalo, popularly known as “One Time”. The event was attended by Makgoba Royal Family members and leaders of the Zion Christian Church. Letsoalo is credited with establishing the first fuel station in Atteridgeville and founding the ZCC Business Forum. He died 48 years ago. The family decided to honour him after a civic organisation placed his name on a statue opposite the police station to celebrate the people who made the township what it is today. Letsoalo built the first shops, which still exist in the townships. His other business, Madibakwena Liquor Store, was torched during the 1976 youth uprising. He is also one of the people who established the Atteridgeville taxi…

Jason Woosey jason.woosey@inl.co.za SINCE its debut back in 2018, the Volvo XC40 has impressed us with its combination of style, comfort and practicality, and the argument in its favour grew even stronger this year with the introduction of the T4 variant. Slotting between the three-cylinder T3 entry model and the sportier all-wheel-drive T5, the Volvo XC40 T4 strikes a really compelling balance between price, performance and refinement. Priced from R675 500 (or R728 300 in fancier Inscription guise as per our test car), the T4 costs just R40 000 more than the T3, but R68 000 less than the T5. Like the former, it remains front-wheel driven, through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Well balanced is how we would describe the drivetrain package on offer here. With 140kW on tap, versus…

PRINCE Charles has spoken out about his personal efforts to combat the climate crisis which include pumping wine and cheese by-products into his Aston Martin DB6 and installing solar panels at his royal residence, Clarence House. Speaking to the BBC about his carbon footprint ahead of a UN climate summit later this month, the heir to Britain’s throne said that the vehicle, which he has owned for more than 50 years, runs on “surplus English white wine and whey from the cheese process”. The car has been converted for biofuel.…

Ashfak Mohamed ashfak.mohamed@inl.co.za HE hasn’t had a lot of game time over the last 12 months, but new No 8 Muller Uys will be expected to spark the Bulls pack into action in tonight’s United Rugby Championship showdown with Edinburgh (6.15pm SA time kick-off). The former SA Under-20 star, who went to school at Paarl Gym in the Western Cape, hasn’t seen much action due to the plethora of loose forwards available to coach Jake White. Duane Vermeulen, Nizaam Carr, Arno Botha, Marcell Coetzee and lately Elrigh Louw have worn the No 8 jersey, but with Louw given a break on the bench, Uys’ pace might come in handy for the Pretoria side on the fast 4G pitch at the DAM Health Stadium. The 23-year-old Uys will face a stern…

Clinton Moodley If you have ever wanted to tour the grand hallways and spaces of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, now will be your chance. The 5-star hotel has introduced Inside Burj Al Arab, a hotel tour that takes visitors on a journey inside the iconic property, with fascinating tales and unique experiences guaranteed. Led by a butler, the tour, which costs AED 399 (about R1 638), affords 12 lucky explorers a curated and immersive 90-minute experience. Tours take place every 15 minutes between 9.30am and 8.30pm daily. As a complement to the tour, premium experiences are also available to guests. These include indulging in the hotel’s 24-carat Ultimate Gold Cappuccino, signature afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar in the atrium or a glass of champagne with mesmerising ocean views at…