Innholdsfortegnelse for 2021-12-11 i Pretoria News Weekend

FASHIONISTA, activist, international icon, member of the Order of the British Empire, racing driver … Very few sport personalities transcend their code, but in the case of Sir Lewis Hamilton, the British Formula One driver has ascended into the zeitgeist of popular culture. Much like Wayne Grestzky in ice hockey, Michael Jordan in basketball, Dan Carter in rugby and Sachin Tendulkar in cricket, Hamilton has become synonymous with F1 and beyond. The current and defending world champion is the most decorated driver of all time and many consider the 36-year-old the greatest racing driver of all time; the Ayrton Senna of his generation. And with good reason. Hamilton holds an array of illustrious records in the sport: The most grand prix victories with 103; the most pole positions, also 103;…

Buhle Mbonambi buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za It still shocks me that after the devastation of 2020 and 2021, we were able to get really quality TV that elicited a lot of emotion from viewers. Be it anger and frustration, or joy and excitement, the TV industry’s best creators were inspired by the difficulties brought on by the pandemic and created some of the best shows in a long time. This goes for both the local and international industries. So here are some of the shows that had us talking, both in person and on social media and we couldn’t get enough of them. SUCCESSION (Showmax) The Roy family came back with a bang in our lives, wreaking all kinds of havoc on our emotional well-being. They are toxic and the most despicable family…

BETTY MOLEYA betty.moleya@inl.co.za THE Covid-19 pandemic robbed art performers of the opportunity to showcase their talent and creative work last year after the State Theatre’s annual Mzansi Fela Festival was cancelled. But this year, the festival is back with its 14th edition, a variety of art and musical performances featuring some of the country’s well-known headliners. Among them are Afro-soul singer Amanda Black, Zoe Modiga, Mandisi Dyantyis, Msaki and talented performing art groups from communities around Tshwane. The events kicked off last weekend. The festival has a variety of shows, including Groet die Grotman comedy which depicts women and men in a hilarious way and the Mayibuye community outreach programme featuring 12 groups from various communities. The Mzansi Fela outreach programme, which started on December 1 and will run until…

Jonisayi Maromo jonisayi.maromo@africannewsagency.com CRIMINALS, travelling in an unmarked fake cash-in-transit vehicle and wearing what appeared to be uniforms of cash solutions security company SBV, allegedly tried to collect money at a business in Pretoria. Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee raised alarm on the vehicle on Twitter on Thursday, sharing pictures of the car and its Gauteng registration number plates. “Be on the lookout for a white cash vehicle with a cloned SBV number plate DM82HSGP. They tried to collect cash from a client in Pretoria West. The suspects were wearing SBV South Africa uniforms with bulletproof vests,” said Abramjee “This vehicle has no SBV markings and is not an SBV vehicle.” Hundreds of Twitter users reacted to the news with many questioning how criminals could be in possession of such a…

Jonisayi Maromo jonisayi.maromo@africannewsagency.com SOUTH Africa’s hospitality sector has been ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, with international travel restricted, varying lockdowns and a heavily suppressed economic outlook, but Hamza Farooqui, the chief executive of the Millat Investments Group, says there has been opportunity amidst the pandemic. Figures released by Statistics South Africa show tourism in South Africa is in dire straits, with foreign arrivals dropped by 71%, from just over 15.8 million in 2019 to fewer than five million in 2020. “I think a hotel is a place that is meant to be open. They say there are three places in the world that are meant to be open 24 hours each day, and that is a police station, a hospital and a hotel,” said Farooqui. The Millat Investments group recently…

THE South African new vehicle market continued its gradual recovery in November 2021. According to National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa), a total of 41 588 vehicles were sold last month, a gain of 553 units over the previous month and a 6.6% improvement over November 2020. Passenger cars led this charge with a 9.4% year-on-year growth, supported by a resurgent rental car market, while the light commercial vehicle market declined by 0.8%. The medium and heavy commercial market segments grew by an encouraging 22.1% and 8.1% respectively. Some 84.2% of November’s vehicle sales took place through the dealer channels, and the rental market accounted for 11.5%, while government and corporate sales represented 2.4% and 1.9% respectively. Vehicle exports plunged by 42.2% year-on-year, amounting to just 19 548…

| AFP ANTOINE Dupont yesterday became the first Frenchman to win World Rugby's Player of the Year since Thierry Dusautoir in 2011. The 25-year-old France scrum-half and skipper has been instrumental to the form of a vastly-improved national side. A deft passer of the ball and fast off the mark, Dupont's supreme covering and support play saw him cross for three tries in last season’s Six Nations. Handed the captain's armband for the November Tests, he led France to three wins, including a first over New Zealand (40-25) on home soil since 2000. Dupont saw off competition for the award from Australians Michael Hooper, Samu Kerevi and England and British & Irish Lions lock Maro Itoje. “It’s hard to believe,” said the player who also helped his club Toulouse…

IANS Marvel Studios’ recently-released miniseries Hawkeye might be a story of superhuman strength and fighting the outlaws in the post-blip world but lead actress Hailee Steinfeld says that at the heart of it, the series is quite human in nature. Commenting on how the series caters to the deep emotional bonding of a family, Hailee said, “as crazy and wild and surreal as this show might feel at times, it is very human”. “It feels very real, and it feels very raw. It’s rooted in family.” Talking about the innate human nature of the miniseries’ characters, the actress said, “they’re all emotional beings going through life and trying to get through challenges that either they have to prove to themselves that they can get through on their own, or that…

CHRISTMAS may not be cancelled this year, but fashion house Chanel might be – at least by underwhelmed and angry customers. The luxury brand promised fans an advent calendar “unlike any other”, filled with surprises they “could treasure for years to come". Shaped like an oversized Chanel No 5 perfume bottle, the limited edition calendar has 27 boxes numbered from 5 to 31, which creators said would include an array of treats such as make-up and perfume. But for many who spent more than $800 (about R12 700) on the calendar, opening the doors resulted in limited luxuries and a lot of disappointment, which customers say came in the form of a magnet, stickers, a plastic snow globe and an empty branded pouch. It was the stickers, which some mistook…

Nokwanda Ncwane nokwanda.ncwane@inl.co.za THE National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria ushered in the festive season with the launch of its first Christmas Wonderland and Night Market yesterday. The Festival of the Lights runs until January 2. Similarly, the Wonderland of Lights is taking place at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort, while Rotary Christmas Carols is set for the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. Events co-ordinator Ebirth Adams said Christmas Wonderland ’21 and the night market would outshine any other family holiday activity this festive season, with themed stages lighting up the beautiful botanical conservatory. “The Christmas lights have made their way from America to South Africa and should not be missed!” Tickets are R100 for adults, R80 for pensioners R80, while scholars between ages 6 and 18 pay…

James Mahlokwane james.mahlokwane@inl.co.za LAW enforcement authorities have already started cracking the whip on festive season criminal activities in busy places like malls and shopping centres and the taxi industry. While the SAPS having begun operations to combat crimes such as illegal dealing of alcohol, robberies, assault, driving under the influence of alcohol and gender-based violence, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has been concentrating on the taxi industry. RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said in the joint operation, dubbed Operation Tango, the National Traffic Police, Tshwane metro police and the RTMC’s National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit “discontinued” 19 vehicles and impounded eight others in Mabopane this week. A total of 58 fines were issued for traffic infringements during the operation which kicked off on December 1. “So far, 107 roadblocks have been…

Se-Anne Rall se-anne.koopman@inl.co.za GRAHAM Dickason, a South African doctor whose wife allegedly murdered their three daughters in New Zealand, is back home. The New Zealand Herald reported that Dickason travelled back to South Africa and it is unclear when he will head back to New Zealand. In September, IOL reported that Dickason's wife, Lauren Anne Dickason, allegedly murdered their three daughters, 6-year-old Liané and 2-year-old twins Maya and Karla. The girls were strangled with cable ties. A media report said Lauren had been on chronic medication but stopped taking it because she feared it would affect their immigration application. New Zealand has strict requirements and potential immigrants can be turned down on the basis of a chronic illness, or if they do not meet “an acceptable standard of health”.…

Willem van de Putte willem.vdputte@inl.co.za LIKE it or not, electric vehicles are here to stay and it’s just a matter of time before the whole world makes the switch to EVs. I feel this was probably also the intro to a story all those years ago when the internal combustion engine (ICE) first appeared and began replacing animals as the preferred mode of transportation. There are a myriad opinions out there, but what is clear is every car manufacturer in the world has in some way set themselves electrification targets, including the complete phasing out of the internal combustion engine. One of those is Audi. We recently caught up with Sascha Sauer, who heads Audi South Africa, to get a clearer picture of the company’s stated intention to launch its…

SOUTH African petrol prices have surged beyond the R20 per litre mark for the first time in history. There are many reasons why fuel prices are rising at such an unprecedented rate, but the prime culprits are strong international oil prices, a weak rand, and high taxes. A sobering reality is that the price of 93 Unleaded petrol in Gauteng has risen by 91.8% in the last 10 years, 60% in the past five years, and 41% in the last year. If we adjust the 2011 price to general inflation over the last decade then today’s price should be R16.94, according to inflationcalc.co.za.…

FORMER Australia skipper Ricky Ponting feels Usman Khawaja can replace David Warner for the second Ashes Test if the opening batter is ruled out of the game due to an injury. England and Australia are currently playing the first Ashes Test. Warner yesterday did not take the field after receiving blows on the chest while batting on day two of the first Test. "If (Warner) can't play, I think it's probably Khawaja that goes in and opens the batting. Although he hasn’t done it the last couple years for Queensland he’s done it for Australia before," cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying. "He's obviously in really good form, so I think that's probably the way to go. I think he's experienced enough, but the fact he hasn't done it for a…

Clinton Moodley ANEW Hotels and Resorts opened ANEW Hotel Green Point this month. The hotel marks ANEW’s first hotel in the Western Cape, a rebrand from Vib Best Western Hotel. The 76 well-appointed rooms feature keycard- activated power-saving technology, wi-fi, a 40-inch smart TV, work desk, Nespresso machine, under-bed storage drawers and suitcase compartment and a hand sanitiser dispenser. The property boasts a stunning rooftop pool deck overlooking the Atlantic Seaboard, a restaurant, and it’s well situated, close to golf courses, restaurants, shopping centres and theatres. Sales and marketing director Alan Campbell said the new hotel focussed on inclusivity and community. “Despite the tourism sector still being on shaky ground, we’ve happily seen an increase in the leisure market, which we’re keen to tap into to bolster our appeal…

Buhle Mbonambi buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za A FRIEND recently asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I was stumped. I hadn’t really thought about it and besides, I haven’t seen the need to celebrate the festive season in the past decade. “Oh, come on, surely there’s something you really want?” Well, I decided to be honest. I want a pair of Lindberg sunglasses, the Rihanna coffee table book and a trip to Las Vegas to watch Adele. My friend responded: “Are you mad? That’s nearly R100K.” And that’s when I got to thinking: “What would I want if money were no object? And what are some of the most amazing things people could buy for their loved ones this Christmas?” Here’s the ultimate Insider Editor’s Choice of some of the most fabulous items…

BETTY MOLEYA betty.moleya@gmail.com AFTER two decades of trying to have a baby, Alex Dandadzi and Eleanor Mukura welcomed their baby girl named Esther on November 30 despite their ages. Mukura, 52, gave birth to a healthy baby girl at Netcare Pretoria East Hospital. Against all odds, she has proven that you can have a baby in your 50s. She is a hope to many women who are having difficulties conceiving. She underwent a number of treatments at the Pretoria Fertility Centre based at the hospital. “I first became aware of my fertility problems when it was discovered that I had fibroids or growths in my uterus that were preventing me from falling pregnant. Twice I had them removed, and twice they grew back. “I was on the verge of making…

BETTY MOLEYA betty.moleya@inl.co.za RADIO presenter Bongani Mthomboti, popularly known as Bobo DaBeat, has taken advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology to start an online radio station. The Ikwekwezi FM presenter launched Good Life Radio last month, and within two weeks of being on air it had gained 45 000 listeners. The station aims to open up the industry for inspiring upcoming radio presenters and producers. Mthomboti said he drew inspiration to establish the station from his love and passion for radio, and with his associates took advantage of the opportunities brought to him by the 4IR. “The idea was born in 2020, when we started doing our research and raising funds for proper equipment,“ he said. The station was launched in Montana, Pretoria North, and is based next…

Nokwanda Ncwane nokwanda.ncwane@inl.co.za THE Voortrekker Monument this week launched its Historic Trek Trail Garden alongside the largest historical adventure game. The garden resembles the routes of the trek leaders, which include Piet Retief, Gerrit Maritz, Piet Uys, Andries Hendrik Potgieter and Louis Trichardt, who have towns and cities named after them in South Africa. The garden will become a focus facility, where children can relive the experience of the Great Trek. The facility’s Barry Muller said the launch on December 9 marked exactly 183 years since the Voortrekkers promised to build a church and “forever honour the day as a holy day of God in return for God’s help in obtaining victory”. They also vowed that they and their descendants would keep the day as a holy Sabbath. A replica…

James Mahlokwane james.mahlokwane@inl.co.za THE City of Tshwane said yesterday that repairs to the Mooikloof sub- station were ongoing, while those to the Wapadrand substation were completed and power restored just before midnight on Thursday. But despite the City having made progress to restore electricity to many homes and businesses in Pretoria East over the course of the week, residents were not impressed. Many were unforgiving towards the City after having spent a varying number of days without electricity – depending on where they lived – and being left in the dark, unable to run their businesses effectively, work from home or keep their food cold. The most frustrated were residents who took to social media to express their disappointment, after spending between seven and 10 days without electricity after the…

Jason Woosey jason.woosey@inl.co.za SOUTH African motoring history is dotted with unique and iconic cars, many of which were created as homologation specials for motor racing. Think BMW 325iS Evo and Opel Kadett Superboss. Another increasingly sought after circuit-inspired special is the Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0, and if you ever had doubts about its status as a collector’s car, consider that a pristine example sold for R1.1 million over the weekend at the Legend & Classics auction that was held at the Creative Rides showroom in Bryanston. The event, which saw over 100 collectible cars go under the hammer, drew an online global audience of more than 15 000. Bidding for the 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0 started at R200 000, but after a bidding war between local and Australian collectors,…

Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za WHEN countries around the world closed their borders to South Africa due to the Omicron variant, people scrambled to make alternative travel plans. Many cancelled their international trips in fear of being stuck abroad due to quarantine or travel restrictions. In the absence of other options, many travellers turned their sights toward South African safaris. Joe Cloete, CEO at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, said South African jet setters were enthusiastic about spending time at a game reserve following the travel bans and restrictions. “Fed up with travel bans, inconsistent policies, and the hassle of getting tested, South African jet setters are swopping skiing holidays in the Alps or beach breaks in Barbados for flying safaris on their doorstep. There’s been an increase in inquiries into private charters…