Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-09-10 i Pretoria News Weekend

For those wondering, that giant orange bag with a metallic navy and white racing stripe that Serena Williams was seen toting around the US Open last week is the Niccolo bag by Newport, RI, designer Kimberly Pucci. Hand-crafted in premium pebble leather, the carry-all with its padded handles retails for $1 950 (about R33 700) on the designer’s website. According to Pucci, in an interview with Bloomberg Radio, Williams fell in love with the bag at a party in the Hamptons hosted by the 1640 Society, a gathering of billionaire family office heads and the moneyed set who summer in the beach community. Williams, who is an investor in unicorn start-ups and wellness companies such as Daily Harvest Inc, was speaking at the event when Pucci introduced herself as an…

Controversial Mamelodi businessman Vusi “Khekhe” Mathibela has turned to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria in an urgent bid not to be detained at the C-Max section of the Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria while awaiting his sentencing later this month. He and his co-accused were convicted in June for the murder of businessman Wandile Bozwana, who was gunned down at the Garsfontein offramp in Pretoria East in October 2015. Their sentencing procedure is expected to start on September 20. Mathibela first approached the court in June – shortly before he and his co-accused were convicted – after Correctional Services decided to move him from the awaiting-trial section of the prison to C-Max. While no reasons was given for this, the department said it assessed detainees from time to…

AFTER the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, King Charles is scheduled to be officially proclaimed Britain’s new monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James’s Palace today. The 73-year-old King Charles boarded a plane to London yesterday and was expected to be proclaimed at Accession Council at 10am in the State Apartments of St James’s Palace, said Buckingham Palace. King Charles, who was by his mother’s side at her beloved Scottish Highlands home as her health deteriorated, returned to the capital and held his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss as king before he addressed the nation on television, reported Sky News. Dressed in a black suit and tie, the grieving king left Balmoral yesterday afternoon seated in the back of a car with…

The City of Tshwane will in the next few weeks visit several estates where residents are in arrears or have tampered with the meters. According to the metro, the estates include Sable Hills Waterfront Estate, Eldo Park (Eldoraigne), Kosmosdal, Silver Lakes Estate, Irene Farm Village, Amberfield Valley, Sunderland Ridge, Thatchfield Estate, Thatchfield Hills, and Centurion Golf Estate. This week, illegal overhead electricity connections were disconnected in the west of the capital and the city team also went to the Copperleaf Golf Estate following suspicions of illegal connections. City spokesperson Selby Bokaba said this was part of the revenue collection campaign. “The City of Tshwane has identified households in various estates whose accounts are in arrears. “On Tuesday, the city had a successful revenue collection campaign in Copperleaf Estate, Centurion, which…

AYO Technology Solutions has brought an application for an urgent interim interdict against Access Bank South Africa in the Western Cape High Court after the bank closed two of the company’s accounts on May 31. AYO’s urgent application is for access to and the reopening and/or restoration of its accounts. The legal counsel for AYO has stated that due to the closure of its accounts, money that was deposited into those accounts was reversed and now it has no access to the funds. “AYO cannot access the money, which runs into millions,” said senior counsel advocate Tanya Golden. It was also submitted that Access Bank had allegedly breached its customer banking relationship. Golden told the court the bank’s decision to close its accounts, without prior notice, was irrational, unlawful, unreasonable…

THE top 10 in Idols SA season 18 is drawing nearer with the last six contestants in a final bid for votes. Things went up a notch last week with the second group of the remaining 12 giving the performances of heir lives in the hope of a top 10 place. The first group to perform were Zee, Thapelo, Mpilwenhle, Hope, Kabelo and Tesmin-Robyn. Lerato, Nandi, Ty Loner, Noxolo, Nozi and Ceejay made up the second group. The question remains: Who will make it to the top 10? Will Thapelo, the 29-year-old Pretoria gent, who described himself as humble and dedicated, make it all the way to the last 10? Thapelo is a self-confessed perfectionist who has spent the past few years honing his musical skills. In 2012, he…

LIKE most of the automotive industry, Bentley will soon be wafting down electric avenue, with the British marque’s first battery-powered model due in 2025 and a full line-up of EVs expected by 2030. We have no doubt that the future Speed models will live up to that name. But for now, that badge means none other than Bentley’s W12 engine in one of its most potent forms, but its days are certainly numbered. Bentley revealed its new Flying Spur Speed sedan this week, along with the news that it would be one of the last models to feature the marque’s 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 engine. Replacing the regular Flying Spur W12 variant, the Speed will treat customers to 467kW and 900Nm. It might not be the most potent W12 model –…

SuperSport has a show called Cover to Cover in which the personable commentator Andy Capostagno reviews sports books. He is always firm but fair in his analysis and when I heard he had given this book 10 out of 10, I wanted to see why. So I arranged to meet the authors, Steve Camp and Brad Morgan, in a coffee shop in Gillitts, less than a hop, step and a stumble from the actual Comrades route and found out how this masterpiece came to be. Brad, I knew from his time covering rugby with me in the Kings Park press box when the Sharks were the Team of the ’90s, and I wasn’t surprised to learn he had done most of the writing. Steve is a renowned adventurer and I…

More travellers are taking wellness trips as travel has been shown to decrease stress, improve brain function, boost your immune system and make you feel happier over time. Wellness retreats are the highest form of “self-care” and “me time” where you can switch off and forget about the worries of your life or learn healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress. With Heritage Day around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of five luxury wellness retreats to help you connect with South Africa’s rich, multicultural and diverse backgrounds. Hammam Turkish Bath & Spa If you’re looking for a wellness retreat with hints of Middle Eastern culture, this is the place for you. A Turkish Hammam is a traditional Turkish bath package that includes 45 minutes of washing, traditional body scrubbing…

Maude Apatow has hit back at being branded a “nepotism baby” and admitted she is “in a lucky position”. The Euphoria actress and daughter of Hollywood power players Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann admitted the abuse initially got her down until she realised she would just have to keep working to prove herself in the industry. Maude, 24, told the new issue of Porter magazine: “At first, I was sad… I try not to let it get to me because I obviously understand that I’m in such a lucky position. “A lot of people (in a similar position) have proven themselves over the years, so I’ve got to keep going and make good work.” She had been called a “nepotism baby” by online trolls and says in the new…

Victoria Beckham has just launched her new leather goods range for her eponymous label, and while she admits it’s not “the sexiest thing to say”, it was important to her that they were made to be used as opposed to just looking stylish. The 48-year-old singer-turned-designer said, “I often design with myself in mind, I’m very particular and detail-oriented when designing ready-to-wear, so I wanted to apply the same approach to creating a leather goods line. “Although it’s not the sexiest thing to say, practicality was hugely important for me and has been considered throughout the design process. The handbags I use have to work for my everyday life and fit everything I need into them, so that was a great starting point for all the designs in the collection.”…

SIMPHIWE Dana, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Mandisi Dyantyis and Nobuhle have been celebrated and honoured by artists services company Platoon with a large new mural in Maboneng, Johannesburg. The South African vocal stars’ mural was unveiled last Friday with all artists present to mark the beginning of Heritage Month. Dana took to Instagram to share: “Please see our mural in Maboneng, among all the street art, fashion, cuisine. Maboneng is the idyllic reflection of SA with its modern and pan l African aesthetic.” The mural was done by renowned street artist Dbongz. Platoon says the mural represents different generations and genres of artists who have had a significant cultural impact within their careers and who continue to enrich the cultural landscape. The company said: “Simphiwe Dana is a vocal legend within South…

Since the promo for the new project by DJ Edit SA started doing the rounds in the middle of August, one question has remained unanswered – who is Kgantse? The question has its roots in the first single off the project, Grace (Song for Kgantse). To deepen the mystery, the Pretoria music producer, DJ and recording artist is not revealing much. He prefers to let his music do the talking when Grace.Mercy.Peace, a three-track project, drops on digital music platforms on September 16. All he is prepared to say is that the title of the project is inspired by the Scripture, 2 John 1:3 (“Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father ...”) “Grace is courteous goodwill. It’s neither asked for nor deserved, but freely given. “Mercy…

THE cast of the Showtime drama series King Shaka keeps growing with local additions. Award-winning South African actress, film producer, casting director and businesswoman Terry Pheto has been announced as the latest addition to the series. Executive produced by Antoine Fuqua and written by Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, the series stars British actor Charles Babalola as Shaka. Pheto will play Juma, wife to Zwide (played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje of Oz, The Bourne Identity and Game of Thrones fame). Taking to social media, the Tsotsi star said that she was honoured to be a part of the “important story and incredible cast”. Pheto once again steps in front of the camera after being behind the scenes, holding the reins as a film producer and casting director for Netflix productions…

WITH its off-beat five-cylinder thrum, the Audi RS3 is one of the cars we’re going to miss the most once the brand goes all-electric in the early 2030s. Thankfully that day has yet to arrive, and South Africans will get to experience at least one more generation of the RS3 in its current format, with the new version going on sale from September 1. Featuring a torquier engine and a new all-wheel drive system with drift mode, the Audi RS3 is priced at R1 215 000 in Sportback form and R1 245 000 in Sedan guise. While the 2.5-litre TFSI motor produces the same 294kW power output as before, maximum torque rises to 500Nm between 2250rpm and 5600rpm, which is an increase of 20Nm. With launch control activated you can…

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe – and the world – Venice sells an image of ancient wealth, singing gondoliers and Gothic architecture. The city would appreciate it if you wouldn’t mess that up. Dating back to at least 1986, Venice has imposed decorum codes with the threat of fines. Some guidelines are intended to preserve its fragile lagoon environment, and others to pre-empt tourists’ antics. Recent actions have included banning cruise ships from approaching the city centre and approving “day-tripper” fees for tourists that will go into effect in January. The city promotes an #EnjoyRespectVenezia campaign, listing actions that are no longer allowed “to preserve urban cleanliness and landscape, and also for reasons of safety and public hygiene.” Some of the “forbidden” behaviour includes sitting on…

Can you spend your way to the next Game of Thrones? Jeff Bezos, the world’s second-richest man and, incidentally, the owner of The Washington Post, certainly appears to have tried. According to some news reports, the Amazon founder and JRR Tolkien fan had his company plunk down an estimated $250 million (about R4 billion) just for the rights to make a TV show based on The Lord of the Rings. The resulting series will be the most expensive made. But you already know what I do: if money were all it took to make the next fantasy monoculture phenomenon, it would’ve happened by now. Amazon Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrives 21 years after the first film in Peter Jackson’s theatrical trilogy – and…

Experts preach about the importance of stress as a motivator, however, it should never consume you. Unmanaged stress and anxiety can start to interfere with your daily life and take a toll on your mental and physical health. If there’s one thing anyone can learn from millennials and Gen Z, it is that we deserve to rest, take breaks, and simply exist without conditions. Self-care and me-time are well-liked strategies for lowering stress and anxiety levels and emphasising both mental and physical well-being. Self-care is not just about doing things that make you feel good. In fact, taking care of yourself occasionally entails doing things you really don’t want to do. This entails reducing the amount of time spent on social media, declining social invitations, and paying less attention to…

FOLLOWING the rape and killing of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana, a fellow student wrongfully listed as an “assaulter and rapist” claimed damages from a student who added his name to the list. The student’s name appeared on the list handed out on campus and published on social media. Mrwetyana’s death sparked outrage in 2019 and while a memorial service was held for her on campus, students distributed the list of who they regarded as women abusers and rapists on campus. While UCT at the time distanced themselves from this and pleaded with students not to distribute the list, it found its way to social media. The university said it had a service to assist students who fell prey to abuse and called on students to follow this process rather than…

Ahead of their boxing exhibition match-up at Pretoria’s Sun Bet Arena on October 1, Cassper Nyovest and Priddy Ugly are both knee-deep in their respective preparations. Similarly to the Naak Musiq v Cassper Nyovest showdown in Sun City in the first instalment of Celeb City earlier in the year, this exhibition will once again include a full weekend experience with events and musical performances from September 30 to October 2. The occasion will also see numerous professional boxers take each other on for various titles through a partnership with Boxing South Africa. “Three weeks then I eat,” Nyovest tweeted. “October 1st!!! 10 000 people expected!!! Tickets out at web tickets!!! Don’t miss out!!! #CassperVsPriddy- Ugly” Nyovest, whose real name is Refiloe Phoolo, also shared in a press statement that he…

THE hairs on the back of my neck are standing on edge, and something otherworldly is going on here, but not of the kind you see in horror films. Faced with a practically deserted stretch of tarmac between Villiersdorp and Hermanus in the Western Cape, the flattened right pedal of the new Porsche Cayman GT4 RS suddenly thinks it’s a machine-gun trigger. The beastly shriek that permeates the cabin as the rev needle approaches the 9 000rpm mark is a sensory experience that’s hard to describe in mere words, but one that will remain etched on your soul. Porsche has often been accused of being too conservative with the engine choices provided to 718 Cayman customers, possibly to avoid cannibalising the 911, which is understandable. But with the new GT4…

This season has been filled with intrigue. Quite a few clubs have been reported to be in crisis. First it was Manchester United, then Bournemouth, who lost 9-0 to Liverpool. Former Cherries manager Scott Parker became the first tactician to lose his job this season. Now, Liverpool find themselves in a spot of bother. If one thing is certain, Leicester City are in a crisis. The Foxes are last in the Premier League, having lost five out of their six games to date. It may still be early in the season, but the signs do not look good for the 2015/16 Premier League Champions. There is a good chance that they will be involved in the relegation battle this season. Brendan Rodgers is hardly responsible for the state of his…

ARE you an active couple planning a trip to Mauritius? If so, then consider the following fun activities to shake off the cobwebs and get moving again. Active holidays are a great way for couples, families and friends to bond in the outdoors and provide the perfect way to discover new passions. Mauritius offers everything you need for an amazing beach holiday. That being said, here are four fun activities to explore there. Hiking Mauritius is an excellent destination to enjoy a hike through forests and take in the fresh mountain air. One of the most popular hikes is the Tamarind Falls hike which takes you through lush tropical rainforest and a variety of waterfalls. The Tamarind Falls, also known as Sept Cascades or Seven Cascades, are in the central…

According to Scott Thwaites, head of emerging markets for TikTok Global Business Solutions, billions of users are flocking to social platforms for travel inspiration and basing their travel choices on the reviews and recommendations of their favourite content creators. “Video has proven particularly effective at showcasing travel content, providing users with a snapshot into the sights and sounds of travel destinations around the world,” he says. Thwaites believes that with a number of local creators leading the charge and contributing to the development of the rising #traveltok subculture, TikTok is well positioned to become South Africa’s platform of choice for travel and tourism content. He says the influence of social platform users plays a key role in how other users make decisions, particularly around travel and tourism. According to Thwaites,…