Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-06-25 i Pretoria News Weekend

When Wendy Williams debuted her syndicated daytime talk show in 2009, some industry-watchers wondered if the brash host, who made a name for herself on hip-hop radio stations in Philadelphia and New York, could translate to a national audience in the US. Williams quickly proved her critics had nothing to worry about. By the autumn of 2010, the talker, distributed by Debmar-Mercury, had been renewed in 80% of the country, including 18 of the top 20 markets. Last Friday, The Wendy Williams Show aired its final episode amid her ongoing health struggles and reports that the 57-year-old host was placed under a financial guardianship after Wells Fargo argued in a petition that she had been the “victim of undue influence and financial exploitation”. (Williams has publicly insisted she is of…

According to Variety, the new logline, 1923, focuses on the Dutton family’s next two generations as they struggle to survive historic drought, lawlessness and prohibition, and an epidemic of cattle theft; all battled beneath the cloud of Montana’s great depression, which preceded the nation by almost a decade. The show will also touch on the end of World War I, reports Variety. The show serves as a follow-up to the Yellowstone prequel 1883, which followed a generation of the Dutton family as they move across the country to settle in Montana. It debuted on Paramount+ in December 2021 and starred Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott. Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford are set to star in 1923, which is set to debut on Paramount+ in December. Sheridan created…

Potter, designer and author Jonathan Adler’s career is full of creative highlights, including designing swanky hotels, being a judge on HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen and creating a real-life Malibu Barbie Dream House. His furniture, pillows, rugs and vases are sold throughout the world, including at 11 Jonathan Adler stores. His latest gig is a 13-episode instructional series, Decorate Like a Designer, with Jonathan Adler, which premiered in May on Wondrium, a subscription streaming service for educational content. We caught up with Adler last week in an interview from the Shelter Island, New York, home that he shares with his husband, fashion guru Simon Doonan, who also appears in the Wondrium series. We asked Adler to share advice on finding your own style. How do you explain to people how…

THE controversial, feared Mamelodi businessman, Vusi “Khekhe” Mathibela, and his three co-accused will return to court for sentencing procedures in the Wandile Bozwana murder case on August 4. Mathibela, as well as Sipho Hudla and Matamela Robert Mutapa were convicted for the premeditated murder of the billionaire businessman by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, and the attempted murder of his partner Mpho Baloyi. In finding them guilty, Judge Papi Mosopa said the silence of Mathibela throughout the marathon trial did not assist them. Judge Mosopa said he was aware that there was mainly circumstantial evidence against Mathibela. “But his silence does not assist him as his cellphone records place him on the scene of the crime,” the judge said. He in fact found that the cellphone records of…

SOME of the most heartbreaking, emotional and positive moments of refugees ever captured on camera are on show at the University of Pretoria. The exhibition, titled Finding Home, Portraits Of Refugees, Displaced and Stateless People in Southern Africa, is being hosted by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. It opened this week and will continue until June 30. It comprises 47 images from nine photographers and UN High Commissioner for Refugees aid workers in the Southern Africa region. Among them is Hélène Caux, an aid worker and photographer based in Pretoria. She said the exhibition bore witness to the ordeals forcing millions to flee their homes. Caux said no one wanted to leave their homes like that, as they had left families and jobs behind. “Through these photographs, we tried…

THE government’s recent decision to do away with the mandatory rule to wear masks indoors has drawn mixed reactions between those saying it was overdue and cautious naysayers. The internet streets went wild when Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla published the latest amendments in the government gazette following a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council which questioned the relevance of the remaining Covid-19 regulations. Although a lot of people discussed the seriousness of the impact of lifting the regulation along with the mandatory cap on large gatherings, some people made light of the announcements and joked about how security guards would run out of things to do now that they could not enforce the wearing of masks. However, to a lot of people this announcement was serious because it…

WORLD-RENOWNED musician Lira has opened up about regaining her speech and learning to communicate again after she suffered a stroke in April. Taking to Facebook and Instagram on Thursday, the Rise Again hitmaker shared the news with her fans. She shared a video clip from one of her performances of her hit single Something Inside So Strong, with a caption: “Yesterday marked three months since I had a stroke. “I can talk now, although I need a little patience. I can read and I can write. “So much love for me makes me emotional. I am doing so well! “I’ve made such awesome progress. I’m proud of myself and I give thanks to God. Your prayers have been massively appreciated.” Fans and industry friends flooded Lira’s comment section to thank…

BY DAY, he works as an oil quality control inspector, but that can change at the drop of a hat or, in Juandrè Vorster’s case, when the first lightning cracks across the Gauteng skies. The 35-year-old Boksburg resident, known online as the Weather Hooligan, has been providing weather reports for the last four years, saying things that many think about the weather, but would never say publicly. Vorster’s choice of expletives makes for the most interesting weather reports around, and his one million views a month attest to that. “I have always had an interest in the weather. A friend of mine does his own weather charts, and I use the data from Afri-Weather to compile my reports. I find the normal weather reports on TV a bit boring, so…

Mansory doesn’t do subtle. In fact the German tuner has found itself accused of being more than just a little OTT with some of its creations. Mansory’s latest creation, which is calls the Feroza Edition is based on the Bentley Bentayga W12 Speed, but one thing’s for sure, this is a lot more than just a design package. Mansory has done some serious tinkering beneath the bonnet, resulting in outputs of 662kW and 1250Nm, which is 195kW and 350Nm more than you get in the already potent standard W12 Speed. To achieve this Mansory has installed new turbochargers, a reconfigured ECU and a upgraded sports exhaust system, among other measures. According to Mansory, the Feroza Edition will sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, which is a 0.4s improvement over the…

SHOW Me The Honey is not an easy theme. There are so many ways to interpret it that it may become too complex to execute. However, it shouldn’t be that deep. It’s either you wear the colours, or go for the texture of the bee’s body, the wings and how translucent they are. Be inspired by the flowers and the pollen the bees collect and then, of course, the characteristics of honey. Look at the shape of the honeycomb. Look at how honey drips. How it flows and folds when poured out of a bottle. And what about the beekeeper? There are various ways you can be inspired by apiarists in terms of the garments they wear when harvesting honey, without it being literal. We have taken all these things…

DURING winter, Herbert Baker Street in Groenkloof, Pretoria, is an ordinary road like any other, but come spring it becomes one of the most eye-catching sights in the world. Driving along Herbert Baker Street during this time of the year one would mistake it for having nothing special to offer, with ordinary trees and shrubs. However, during the rainy season it reveals beautiful hues of purple and white Jacaranda trees which make for a scenic view like no other. One of the main features that makes Herbert Baker so special is that it is one of the few places in South Africa where white jacarandas grow en masse. White jacarandas are said to be special because they’re very rare; according to conventional wisdom, the white-flowering trees are reportedly sterile and…

FOR soon-to-be-married couples needing wedding attire, props and services, the Umshado The Wedding Expo provides the opportunity for them to do wedding shopping. The expo, launched yesterday at Sunnypark Shopping Centre in Pretoria, showcases ethnic and white weddings under one roof, with a variety of decor options, cake tasting, spa and other necessities and nice-to-haves. Founder and organiser Marinda Botha said there were 68 exhibitors showcasing their work and services, some for the first time. “It was a challenge; some of the exhibitors have never been part of an expo. They have always worked in their business premises.” Botha said they had to go to places such as Marabastad and Mamelodi to find the hidden designers and service providers, “and explain to them what it’s all about”. Maureen Sumbana, the…

THE Jerusalem faction of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, led by Michael Sandlana, says it will continue to observe Covid-19 regulations and bring congregants back in a streamlined manner. This is despite the go-ahead by government for organisations to host mass gatherings, and the repeal of the wearing of masks indoors. “We are excited about this new development. It has been tough for us as religious communities. Our nature is to nourish our spirits, and the manner we do that is by gathering. We pray through gathering, but with the restrictions of the gathering numbers, it has been difficult,”said Jerusalem spokesperson Vusi Ndala yesterday. “In our case, even though we stopped congregating during the hard lockdown, we were able to gather using decentralised systems of congregating – allowing branches and…

The long-awaited Jeep Gladiator has arrived and it also has the distinction of being the most expensive bakkie in South Africa. Only one variant is available locally, with Stellantis having opted for the top-spec Jeep Gladiator Rubicon model, which is priced at R1 259 900. Until now Mzansi’s priciest double cabs were the Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI Extreme (R1 076 400) and Ford Ranger Raptor SE (R999 150). Although it is based on the Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator is a cool 787mm longer than its 4-door SUV sibling, with 493mm of that going into the wheelbase. The bakkie retains the Wrangler's impressive adaptability, including its fold-down windscreen and removable soft-top and hard-top roof options. Although the Jeep Gladiator is available with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine in some markets, the…

Motoring Staff Ford Motor Company is making a century of its archival material available to the public through a new online database called the Ford Heritage Vault. Ford created the Heritage Vault (https://fordheritagevault.com) for fans, journalists and car enthusiasts, making it easy to discover the company’s rich heritage from anywhere in the world. The artifacts are downloadable for personal use, free of charge, for the first time as part of the American auto industry’s most comprehensive online database. The Ford Heritage Vault contains more than 5 000 curated photographs and product brochures from Ford and Lincoln vehicles, spanning from the company’s founding in 1903 to its centennial in 2003. Ford will grow the Heritage Vault over time, drawing from its archives.…

WINTER temperatures tempt one to escape to an exotic destination that offers sunny skies, but not everyone wants the schlep of sorting out flights, accommodation and transport. A “sho’t left” escape offering a cosy fireplace, fresh air and wildlife isn’t a bad compromise, when it’s in keeping with the lap of luxury, but on home soil. Choices can be overwhelming, so we’ve picked five spots that will warm the cockles of the heart in every way. KWAZULU-NATAL The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa An hour-and-a-half’s drive from Durban, getting to this hidden gem in the dramatic Oribi Gorge was a few kilometres along a dusty road. Villas are perched on sandstone cliffs, and floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you never miss a sunset and sunrise. The air-conditioned room comes with…

Chinese scientists have discovered an area of “singing sands” on the tropical island province of Hainan, the first time the strange auditory phenomenon has been identified on the country'’s coastline. Singing sands – also known as rattling sands, whistling sands or musical sands – consist of sandy areas of desert or coastline that naturally produce sounds in the wind due to a combination of physical characteristics, including the size and composition of the grains. According to the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the discovery marks the first time that an area of Chinese coastline has displayed the phenomenon, and enhances the province’s tourism potential. “The discovery of the magical natural phenomenon fills the gap of coastal singing sands in China. It will…

Billie Eilish used a “body double” so she could explore Coachella undetected. The Bad Guy hitmaker headlined the music extravaganza in California in April, and in order to be able to go and explore the rest of what the festival had to offer, she persuaded one of her backing dancers to dress up as her, while she opted for a low-key black outfit to mingle with the crowd. She told Apple Music: “I had a body double, one of my dancers. We got a black wig and we put buns in it and we gave her a mask and sunglasses. “Everybody thought it was me. I put on a big black coat and a traffic vest, hood and glasses.” The 20-year-old singer will headline Glastonbury in the UK this weekend…

While the past two years were hard on many restaurants with frequent closures and switches to carry-out dining, these places are ready to serve delicious fare during this much better year. Ouzeri Last week, chef Nic Charalambous opened the doors of his first restaurant, Ouzeri, within the trendy foodie hub of Cape Town’s city centre. Inspired by the taverns in Cyprus and Greece it serves up a contemporary celebration of the two countries’ flavourful, regional dishes and culinary traditions. “My dishes are versions of the food I grew up eating. The menu is in many ways my interpretation of the food and culture of my Cypriot heritage,” says Charalambous, who is the owner and executive chef. The restaurant menu, which weaves between the ‘similar-yet-different’ dishes of both countries and…

THE University of Pretoria’s TuksSport has introduced its new mascot, a Bateleur eagle which is native to Southern Africa. The mascot has been provisionally named Masey, and students, staff and the university community are encouraged to suggest new names. They stand a chance of winning an Instax Mini 11 Polaroid camera and can enter the competition by visiting the university's and TuksSport’s official social media platforms. The competition ends on July 29 and the mascot name will be announced in the second semester once university activities commence. The mascot is a high flyer and continually strives to do better and be better. Its stand-out features are fluffy black hair and a big red beak, with a graduation cap. Angelica van Dou, marketing and communications manager at TuksSport, said the new…

THE SA Medical Association has welcomed the repeal of the Covid-19 regulations by the Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, and noted that there had been a decline in hospitalisation and reported cases of Covid-19 in South Africa. “We note that the virus is still present, although not as prevalent,” said Sama chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa. “Our members … are, however, faced with patients who may or may not present symptoms of the virus and other viral diseases.” According to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), new cases recorded on June 22 were 1 087, bringing the total number of laboratory confirmed cases to 3 987 979. “This increase represents a 7.8% positivity rate. Also, the National Department of Health reported 20 deaths and of these, three deaths occurred…

EDUCATION Africa is closing off Youth Month on a high note with its international concert, “Sounds of Celebration”, set to take place tomorrow. The star-studded line-up includes the internationally recognised Ndlovu Youth Choir, music duo Pops Mohamed and Dave Reynolds, and classical marimba queen Magda de Vries. The international acts include the Vienna Boys Choir from Austria, the Pipes and Drums of Queen Victoria School from Scotland, and US compser and violinist Michael Levine. Also taking part will be Education Africa’s Marimba hub bands, Masibambane College from Orange Farm, the John Wesley Community Centre from Etwatwa, the Dominican School for Deaf Children in Hammanskraal, the MCK Special Needs School from Lenasia, The Boys and Girls Clubs from Vrededorp and Protea Glen, Goede Hoop from Reiger Park, as well as the…

Ferrari has revealed plans to turn 80 percent of its production into all-electric or hybrid cars by 2030 in a major shift for an iconic brand renowned for its powerful combustion engines. "Electrification is a way to improve performance," new chief executive Benedetto Vigna said as he unveiled a four-year strategic plan at the brand's historic Maranello site in northern Italy. The 2022-2026 plan will be driven by the launch of new products - including Ferrari's first 100 percent electric car, set to be presented in 2025. "Ferrari's first all-electric car will be 100 percent a sports car," commercial director Enrico Galliera said. "We will develop an electric car that will deliver the same emotions as when you drive a (traditional) Ferrari," he pledged, without revealing any technical details. The…

Seven months after leaving Cape Agulhas, the Kingsley Holgate Defender Transcontinental Expedition has reached its geographic halfway point in Alexandria, Egypt, becoming the first exploration team in 30 years to cross the African continent from south to north through Sudan. Travelling in three New Land Rover Defenders, this geographic and humanitarian expedition aims to cover 30 countries on its route from the southern tip of the African continent to the northern-most point of Europe at Nordkapp in Norway’s Arctic Circle, and then through Europe to reach Anglesey in Wales. The core six-member team is made up of expedition leader Ross Holgate and his wife Anna, Kingsley Holgate and partner Sheelagh, Mike and Fiona Nixon, and assisted by African expedition members in each country who help with local knowledge and language.…

SEVEN-TIME Olympic athletics champion Allyson Felix’s farewell season is about more than medals, even if it does yield one last trip to the World Championships. The 36-year-old star said appearing at the trials even as she builds her Saysh shoe brand and advocates for women in the sport makes for a rich experience. “This is really special for me,” Felix said this week as she prepared to race in the 400m at Eugene’s Hayward Field, which will host the World Athletics Championships July 15-24. “I hope my legacy is one of trying to leave the sport better than when I came and fighting and advocating for women,” she said. “I’m proud of some of the things we’ve been able to accomplish lately and to be able to do all of…

This year Snow World Strand will bring real snow and ice to Water World Strand, creating an unforgettable undercover winter experience for the whole family. The new Snow World Strand, which opened on June 16, will be open every day over the school holidays, and will be open on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and public holidays after the school holidays until August 14. “Creating a magical wonderland that is safe and can be enjoyed by families has been a privilege. “We can’t wait to see what memories will be made at Snow World Strand this year and we are excited to welcome the public starting on Youth Day,” said the director of Snow World, Mark Wilson. So get ready to be entertained by some of the more popular animals of…

The tourism and hospitality industry is showing strong signs of recovery, after two years of turmoil. There are a number of key indicators that it’s only getting better as the year goes on. More flights to South Africa Lufthansa recently added a direct route from Frankfurt to the Kruger National Park. Other new direct routes include year-round flights between Cape Town and New York on United Airlines, with a possible Washington route coming towards the end of the year. And, just recently, Richard Branson announced that there will be daily routes between Cape Town and London on Virgin Atlantic. Zambia Airways will start direct flights to South Africa in under a month, and Air Côte d’Ivoire recently announced that it will launch a Johannesburg-Abidjan through Kinshasa route, at the end…