Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-08-06 i Pretoria News Weekend

A middle-aged protagonist’s expectations of growing old in comfort and style with his rich, handsome partner in a tastefully grand Manhattan apartment are unsparingly dashed when said partner makes an abrupt departure. Stunned and devastated, the childless protagonist looks to a pair of long-time pals for support, as well as a prickly new friend who comes attached to a major real estate deal. A spirited but shambolic co-worker encourages the protagonist to figure out the next chapter of their life, while shots of a squeaky-clean, casually plutocratic New York, set to a jaunty, jazzy score, suggest that one’s post-40 years can be so much more than fretting in front of a mirror. That’s the story of the quinquagenarian Carrie Bradshaw in And Just Like That ..., the Sex and the…

MPs on the British House of Commons’ Health and Social Care Committee have warned about the dangers of a “conveyer belt” approach to cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers and called for more to be done to tackle the “wide-reaching” impact on mental health caused by body image dissatisfaction. “We heard of some distressing experiences – a conveyor belt approach with procedures carried out with no questions asked, procedures that have gone wrong, the use of filthy premises,” said chairperson of the committee Jeremy Hunt, as a new report calls for change. The report also recommended minimum training standards for people providing non-surgical cosmetic procedures and a “cooling off” period after consent, before the procedure is carried out. Hunt added: “In some ways, access is too easy for people…

THE ANC in Gauteng has controversially reinstated Mzwandile Masina as regional chairperson of the party in Ekurhuleni. The about-turn happened while various branches were still waiting for a report on the disputed May regional conference. Adding to the party’s woes, ANC members close to the controversy have expressed disdain and surprise that their top leadership under provincial chairperson Panyaza Lesufi chose to communicate its decision to the press. They said that in doing so, the party ignored almost 300 delegates who were part of the regional conference held at the Indaba Hotel in Four ways in May. Insiders told Independent Media that the so-called Adiwele faction within Lesufi’s provincial executive committee used its majority to push for the reinstatement of Masina and his disputed regional executive committee as bona fide…

COMMERCIAL banks have seemingly been undermining regulatory authorities in developing countries for a long time now by refusing to be held accountable by regulatory bodies, says outgoing commissioner of the Competition Commission, Tembinkosi Bonakele. Bonakele cited the example of the rand-manipulation saga where some banks such as Standard Chartered have admitted guilt to rand fixing in the US, but resist even pleading in their case in South Africa. Concurring with Bonakele, Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said the federation remained resolute in its call for the creation of state banks to give South Africans alternatives in the sector. Talking to the SABC’s Vuyo Mvoko recently, Bonakele reflected that the banks were among the worst in the world when it came to supporting the economy. “It is a very powerful industry, a…

HUMANS were responsible for reducing two-year-old Driepoot's quality of life, and it should be up to humans to improve and give her a better quality of life without further delay. It was with this spirit in mind that the Southern Africa Animal Cancer Association called on the public and sponsors to come on board to help donate towards the first fitting of a prosthetic leg for Driepoot, a baby giraffe at the Thulo Eco Reserve at Carousel Casino. Munnik Marais, founder and chief executive of the Southern Africa Animal Cancer Association, said last year, during a dinner function, he heard about Driepoot losing part of her right leg due to poaching. He said, following that, the organisation decided to adopt Driepoot but also looked to get her a prosthetic leg…

FERRARI pulled the covers off its brand new 296 GT3 race car at the 24 Hours of Spa this past weekend. Although it was revealed in the paddock rather than raced, the GT car is expected to make its track debut at the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours. This is the car that will in future fly Ferrari’s flag in GT racing, a sector that sees the greatest transfer of technology to production cars. Based on the 296 GTB road car, it sees the return of six-cylinder power to Ferrari’s GT race car, although due to regulations it doesn’t have the hybrid electric drivetrain found in the road car. The V6 competition engine is, however, based on its road-going equivalent, with turbos mounted inside the vee, and it is paired with…

MALAYSIAN automotive brand Proton is returning to South Africa soon and local importer CMH has released full pricing for the first two models. The Proton X50 is roughly the size of a Hyundai Creta and will cost between R449 900 and R579 900, while the larger X70, with dimensions comparable to a Tiguan, will set you back between R529 900 and R639 900. The importer says the vehicles will be available for test drives from 15 August 2022, before going on sale officially in September. All Proton X50 and X70 models are powered by 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines, albeit in different configurations depending on the model chosen. The version in the X50 Standard, Luxury and Executive models, for instance, produces 110kW and 226Nm and has a conventional multi-point injection…

SPRINT sensation Lythe Pillay rocketed around the track on Thursday night, winning gold in the men's 400m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia. Pillay sliced 0.25 off the personal best he set in Boksburg last year, securing victory in 45.28 seconds. Steven McElroy of the United States put up a fight against the rising South African star, but he was unable to stay in touch, earning the silver medal in 45.65. Yusuf Ali Abbas of Bahrain took bronze in the one-lap dash in 45.80. While Pillay was the only South African to step on the podium on Day 4 of the global junior showpiece, the national team narrowly missed out on a few medals, producing strong challenges in a variety of events. After grabbing…

On my 40th birthday, I sipped a boozy concoction out of a pineapple and declared Jenga victory over my husband, Steve, before jumping in the pool and commandeering a diamond-ring-shaped raft. The milestone birthday last year took place at Maui’s Hotel Wailea, Hawaii’s sole adults-only property until a few years ago. This meant an absence of poolside meltdowns, tantrums and preoccupied parents. Steve and I had experienced a version of this carefree, how-about-another-round beach resort existence at properties with designated adults-only pools, but the magic of those lazy afternoons broke by dinnertime as boisterous children and their too-tired-to-care parents reminded us of the hotel’s family-friendly vibe. Hotel Wailea’s founder, Jonathan McManus, said the impetus for opening the property 10 years ago was the desire to reach luxury markets that were…

WHAT’S the deal with coloured diamonds, and what makes certain colours special? According to the world’s leading diamond experts and enthusiasts, there aren’t many pure and natural coloured diamonds in existence. Finding pink and blue diamond variations, for example, is difficult because 90% of pink diamonds come from the Argyle Diamond mine in Australia, while blue diamonds are found only in two mines – the Argyle diamond mine and the Cullinan diamond mine in South Africa. The Golkonda region of India is also a mining and production centre for blue diamonds, but, the rarity of these diamonds is apparent. Now Aupulent, an emerging affordable luxury jewellery brand, is launching an artisanal and fine-crafted coloured lab-grown diamonds jewellery collection for the first time in India, adding a spark of colour to…

Humans are creatures of comfort. We gravitate towards familiarity, even if we know it’s not good for us; repeating the same mistake over and over again. The same goes for relationships. In all my years as a sex and relationship writer, I’ve come across some disturbing stories, often asking, “Why would you do that?” And the only answer I could come up with was – maybe it seemed like a good idea at the time. Most recently, I read a Twitter thread about a woman who left Limpopo and trekked all the way on a bus to Durban to meet a guy she met on Tinder. He ghosted her before she even reached her destination. Her situation was laughable yet sad at the same time. Another woman shared how she…

Controversial advocate Malesela Teffo yesterday blamed everyone – from judges to President Cyril Ramaphosa – for the “frivolous” and “unfounded” allegations of misconduct levelled against him. He should know soon whether his legal career is over after the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, reserved judgment yesterday in an application to have his name struck from the roll of advocates. The court promised to deliver its judgment as soon as possible, but the two judges presiding over the matter said they needed to thoroughly consider the application brought by the Legal Practice Council. Armed with only a copy of the Constitution, Teffo faced the judges in a bid to save his career. “It is clear from the so-called ‘applicant submissions’ that I am here because of the courts, police, National Prosecuting Authority…

AWARD-winning TV presenter Katlego Maboe, who was suspended after allegations of domestic violence against him, will be making a return on the small screen next week. The news of the star presenter were confirmed by the production company, CardovaTV, who are the producers of the SABC morning show, The Expresso Morning Show on Tuesday. An excited Maboe who will be making his comeback on Monday, August 8. “I am looking forward to having the opportunity, once again, to help an incredible team deliver an inspiring show to our people,” he said.…

IN AN automotive landscape where electrification is rapidly taking over, there is one saviour for those who like driving the good old-fashioned way and that’s none other than the next-generation Ford Mustang. Ford CEO Jim Farley has revealed that the new Mustang will make its global debut on September 14. “Excited to confirm that we’ll unveil the all-new, seventh-generation @FordMustang on September 14 at the Detroit Auto Show. It’s a stunning car and I’m excited to share it with the world!” Farley said on Twitter. But what we find most interesting is the “#SaveTheManuals” hashtag that followed the announcement. Manual gearboxes are becoming a rare commodity in the performance car world as customers have increasingly gravitated towards today’s much-improved autoboxes, but Farley’s statement all but confirms that the new Mustang…

Khama Billiat will start his fifth season with Kaizer Chiefs this afternoon, equalling the same number of campaigns he spent at Mamelodi Sundowns. But fulfilling as it may be that Billiat is set to spend a decade playing for two giants of South African football, his stint at Chiefs has been nightmarish. Unlike at Sundowns where he won seven major trophies, including the CAF Champions League, Billiat is yet to win a single trophy at Chiefs in four seasons. It was not entirely his fault though. The management got some of the coaches and player recruits wrong, while he’s battled with injuries as well. But Chiefs’ head honchos have now changed their approach, opting to start from scratch by appointing club legend Arthur Zwane as the new coach in May.…

ERIK ten Hag was coy about Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for Manchester United’s season opener but reiterated that the wantaway striker is part of his plans for the new season. The 37-year-old is keen to leave Old Trafford again after just a year back at the club he won trophies galore with during his first spell. Ronaldo missed the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a family issue, playing his first 45 minutes ahead of the new campaign in United’s final warm-up friendly against Rayo Vallecano last Sunday. When asked if the Portuguese will play in the Premier League opener against Brighton, Ten Hag said: “We will see Sunday.” Ronaldo was among a number of players that left the Rayo friendly early – something the manager told a Dutch…

Last week, Kylie Jenner landed herself in hot water after posting pictures of herself on Instagram, posing in front of two private jets, with the caption “you wanna take mine or yours?” Jenner’s blatant disregard for the massive amounts of carbon emissions released by the private jets did not go down well with climate and environmental activists across the world. Yes, we would all like to hop on a plane and visit some exotic island or historic city, and we can’t blame celebrities for wanting to do the same, but we have to look at the negative impacts of using private jets, especially for short journeys. While we’re stuck in economy class, with no leg room and a baby who won’t stop screaming for the entirety of the flight, celebrities…

Co-ords have come a long way to become socially acceptable. From a slouchy outfit to gaining a bona fide status in the menswear world, this lounge-wear is the best style statement to wear nowadays! To create a modish look, a co-ord set is the most comfortable and chic and can be worn from parties to drive-in dates. The best way to style is to keep it simple and accessorise minimally. Ashutosh Sirohiya, senior designer at Snitch, shares five tips to style co-ords for men: Accessorise with chains, bracelets and glasses Co-ords come in various assortments such as flower print, one solid colour and animal print. It’s recommended to select minimalistic accessories for a balanced look to best carry the co-ord sets with busy prints. When you choose to wear one…

MAYOR of Ekurhuleni, Tania Campbell, has blamed the economy for this week’s violent protests that erupted in Tembisa, resulting in four deaths and millions of rand in damages to public infrastructure. The residents took to the streets after Campbell failed to pitch for a meeting with them last Friday. They were unhappy with “expensive” rates and taxes, and high electricity bills. They blockaded roads with burning tyres, rocks and heavy metal objects and torched the municipal customer care centre as well as several municipal vehicles in Rabasotho, near the Tembisa police station. Campbell, speaking to the residents at Mehlareng Stadium yesterday, said: “It saddens me that the plight of our residents and concerns around the huge cost of living and our economy in South Africa have brought us to this…

THE love and appreciation shown to Banyana Banyana after the national women’s football team clinched the continental gold is not about to stop. Yesterday, Women’s Africa Cup of Nation-winning star midfielder Robyn Moodaly and kit manager Evah Mokwape were recognised by the City of Tshwane. Fans crowded them at Sammy Marks Library to take pictures. Banyana made their country proud when they beat Morocco 2-1 to win the continental championship last month. The City was giving special recognition to women who emerged from the Dlala Ntombazana soccer programme, which it has been supporting for the past 15 years. Moodaly and Mokwape said they were proud that the City recognised them alongside the people who played a role in their development at Dlala Ntombazana and the High Performance Centre at the…

Miss South Africa has announced its 2022 judging panel, and it is an all-female judging line-up comprised of some of the country’s most respected and influential personalities. The panel consists of reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu of India, Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss, award-winning investigative journalist Devi Sankaree Govender, businesswoman and Miss South Africa 1990 Suzette van der Merwe, actor and radio personality Thando Thabethe and former public protector advocate Thuli Madonsela. The next Miss South Africa will be crowned at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on August 19. Madonsela said she was looking for an inspirational leader who believed in the possibility of and was playing her part to build a more just world. “Miss South Africa is a symbol of all the beauty that…

THROUGH a new initiative, KidsCare is giving a strong positive message to children rescued under traumatic circumstances with little to nothing. The Pretoria East organisation collected donations for Build-A-Bag project, which were then donated to the Association South Africa and given to children rescued and removed from homes and taken to a place of safety. KidsCare founder Chanel Long said the organisation was started in March. “With the alarming rise of child abuse, I wanted to do something for little ones, so KidsCare was born.” Long said packed in the bag were a few necessities as well as a message of hope to the child. “This bag is the first step in their journey to healing.” Long said the project was so successful that they were now being asked to…

IN JULY, radio station Kaya 959 announced that Podcast and Chill with MacG co-host Sol Phenduka and seasoned radio host Dineo Ranaka would be the new hosts of the station’s breakfast show. Now, just a month after the duo took over Thomas Msengana and Skhumba Hlophe’s breakfast slot, listeners have made their voices heard on the new hosts. Listeners have taken to social media to air their dissatisfaction at how Ranaka overpowers Phenduka on the show. The social media streets are even referring to Phenduka as the “traffic guy”, because he just can’t get a word in without being disrupted by Ranaka. In one video clip posted on Twitter by user @tumeloditle, the co-hosts are seen during an interview with actress Bokang Phelane who is known for her roles in…

THE GR Toyota Yaris needs no introduction to enthusiasts, who appreciate the rally-bred technology that sets it apart from regular “hot hatches”. The GR Yaris was first launched locally last year in a limited batch that quickly sold out, and following strong demand for the performance hatch in markets around the world the carmaker has increased production, allowing Toyota South Africa to secure the second allocation of cars, albeit in limited numbers once again. However, whereas the Toyota GR Yaris was previously available in standard and “Rally” specification guises, only the latter will be available in the new allocation. It’s priced at R761 200, representing a price increase of R45 600 over last year’s model. For the record, the standard version, that’s no longer available, cost R606 600 in 2021.…

SOUTH African sportswomen have been performing well not only on the playing field, but in the media world. One such is Melissa Reddy, who occupies a high-profile role in the UK with Sky Sports, while another, former football journalist Rossella Marrai-Ricco, is doing great things internationally. Marrai-Ricco, 33, who has BA in English and Communications from Unisa, has been serving as international digital content editor of Italian football giants Juventus for three years. Her love for the beautiful game started at a young age, while playing alongside her brother Mick and his friends. She credits veteran SuperSport anchor Carol Tshabalala as an inspiration. “Carol paved the road for women in sports in South Africa. It’s been amazing to see her become a household name in South Africa and…

MONTHS after becoming one of the first women of colour to represent South Africa in gymnastics at the Olympic Games, Caitlin Rooskrantz again made history by claiming South Africa’s first medal in the uneven bars in Commonwealth Games history. The Johannesburg-born Rooskrantz is only the second South African woman in the sport to get a medal at the Commonwealth Games. Durban-born Jennifer Khwela became the first after she won a silver medal in artistic gymnastics at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. The two Tokyo 2020 Olympians Rooskrantz and Naveen Daries were the first persons of colour to be capped as gymnasts in the national Olympic team. It was one of many landmarks in Rooskrantz’s stellar career. A few days ago, trailblazer Rooskrantz pulled out all the stops…

South Africa’s tourism sector is forecast to grow at an average rate of 7.6% per year over the next decade, according to the latest Economic Impact Report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council. This projection significantly outstrips 1.8% growth projected for the country’s other economic sectors. Propr, South Africa’s largest short-term rental management company, has released data, which is already starting to reflect this growth based on the performance of short-term rental bookings this year. Propr co-founder and managing director, Chregan O’Flynn, said the company’s gross bookings grew by 266% and total revenue was up by 234% between October last year and May this year, compared to that of the previous season “Our total property count has doubled over the last year which speaks to the recovery in…