Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-16 i Pretoria News

Do you find yourself struggling to close your suitcase before a trip? If so, you’re not alone. A recent study revealed that female travellers tend to overpack, taking an average of 60 clothing items for a week-long trip, despite only needing around 34. This trend has sparked conversations on social media, prompting many to reflect on their packing habits. Understanding the overpacking phenomenon According to a survey conducted by a travel insurance site, 72% of the 2 000 participants admitted to overpacking. Of these, 65% reported difficulties in closing their suitcases, while 58% exceeded airline weight limits. Surprisingly, even with their bags bursting at the seams, 42% of respondents planned to shop for more clothes while abroad. On average, women pack 19 tops but only wear 10, and they take…

The EFF has called on the South African government to reject the recent extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), warning that the programme primarily serves US geopolitical and economic interests rather than advancing African development. The US House of Representatives recently approved a three-year extension of AGOA, a trade arrangement offering preferential access to US markets for African goods. While US officials frame the programme as a tool for economic development, the EFF insists it has historically constrained African industrialisation, promoted low-value exports, and failed to deliver meaningful economic transformation. “AGOA has always been conditional, designed to bind African economies to US foreign policy objectives,” the party said in a statement. “Renewing it serves Washington’s strategic interests, not those of African people.” The EFF pointed to a…

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pretoria on Wednesday strongly opposed any form of military intervention against Iran, following recent domestic unrest. In a statement, the embassy sought to clarify recent events, reaffirm the government’s approach, and address what it described as mischaracterisations in external commentary. “On December 28, 2025, following temporary foreign exchange fluctuations, sector-specific gatherings occurred in several parts of Iran, including the Tehran Bazaar, reflecting economic concerns related to currency volatility and its impact on market stability and purchasing power,” the statement said. “These gatherings were largely peaceful and demand-focused. The government recognises such expressions as a legitimate form of civic participation, emphasising dialogue and engagement.” The embassy said that while most participants acted peacefully, a small number of individuals engaged in acts of…

The African Union must overcome financial dependency and operational weaknesses In a lecture delivered at the University of the Witwatersrand on 21 November 2025, leading economist Jeffrey Sachs presented an optimistic economic outlook for Africa. Sachs predicted that the continent could become a high-income, peaceful, and ingenious region by 2050, driven by its youth demographic, continental economic collaboration and integration, and vast investment potential. By 2050, Africa is expected to constitute 25% of the global population, and this could rise to 35% by 2100. If South Africa's young population is totally leveraged, this could be a real game-changer for the continent. Sachs is hopeful that annual growth rates of 8–10% are achievable. This brings to mind China's enormous leap out of epidemic poverty and into broad-based prosperity between 1980 and…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has sounded the alarm over persistent delays in school placements in Gauteng, warning that the failure to admit learners on time poses a direct threat to the constitutional right to basic education. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said it had been monitoring school admissions programmes and had identified a systemic problem of learners not being placed or being placed late. "This amounts to a direct threat to the constitutional right of every child to basic education," the SAHRC said. The Commission said it had received numerous complaints from parents and guardians, particularly in Gauteng, regarding learners who remain unplaced despite being eligible for admission. These include learners who should be attending mainstream schools as well as those requiring placement in…

When I watch the Bulls imploding in game after game this season, I have flashbacks to the Springboks’ Ellis Park nightmare against the Wallabies last year. In case your subconscious has blocked out that horror show, the Boks played sublime attacking rugby in the opening quarter to lead 22–0, but they ran themselves off their feet. In the second half, the Australians profited from the mistakes of the tiring Boks and ran in 38 unanswered points for a remarkable comeback victory. Ellis Park, of course, is where Johan Ackermann took the Lions to historic heights in Super Rugby. Ackermann and the brilliant attack coach Swys de Bruin had Warren Whiteley’s men playing exhilarating rugby, and three Super Rugby finals were the result – two under Ackermann before he left for…

While the debate continues to rage around the Proteas’ T20 World Cup squad — specifically the inclusion of Tony de Zorzi ahead of the in-form Ryan Rickelton — South African legend Vernon Philander has come out to bat for the dreadlocked left-hander. Critics of De Zorzi’s inclusion have pointed to SA20 statistics in a head-to-head comparison, highlighting season averages and strike rates where MI Cape Town’s Rickelton clearly holds the edge. De Zorzi, who featured for Durban’s Super Giants and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in his two seasons, has struggled to match those numbers. Rickelton has become the first batter to score multiple centuries in South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition, topping this season’s batting chart with 324 runs at an impressive average of 54. Furthermore, De Zorzi hasn't played since…

The US House of Representatives has approved a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the trade programme that allows many sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to American markets. AGOA expired last October after lapsing for a few months, with many economists and experts warning that the delay could disrupt African exports, hurt businesses, and weaken the continent’s trade ties with the United States. The US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favour of the extension, with 340 lawmakers supporting the bill and 54 opposed. The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where the fate of South Africa’s participation remains uncertain amid ongoing trade and diplomatic tensions with Washington. South Africa and the US have been at odds over trade and diplomatic issues in…

With just one week to go before the Tshwane Tourism Showcase 2026, excitement is building across the city’s tourism and business sectors. Taking place on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the CSIR International Convention Centre, this flagship event is set to once again bring Tshwane’s industry together under one roof – and this year carries special significance. As part of the Tshwane Tourism Association’s 25-year anniversary, the 2026 Showcase reflects not only how far the industry has come, but where it is heading next. Over the past two decades, the Showcase has become a trusted platform for meaningful engagement, business development and collaboration – and 2026 promises to be the most dynamic edition yet. The event attracts a diverse and influential audience, including tourism operators, corporate buyers, procurement officers, government…

Oblivious to the needs of the majority of South Africans, the Democratic Alliance is increasingly consumed by internal conflict that exposes deep weaknesses in its leadership, organisational culture, and political posture. This occurs as it prepares for its elective conference in April 2026. With the official nomination process set to open, this is not merely a leadership contest, but a wider crisis triggered by the party’s entry into the Government of National Unity (GNU) and its access to state power. For much of its recent history, the DA functioned comfortably as an opposition party. That position allowed it to criticise without governing, to posture without delivering, and to define itself largely in opposition to the failures of others. Participation in the GNU has fundamentally altered that dynamic. Power has brought…

Hosts Morocco will face Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after both emerged victorious from tense semi-finals on Wednesday, as Mohamed Salah’s dreams of winning the title were again dashed. Morocco beat Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a semi-final showdown of few chances in the capital, Rabat, finished 0–0 at the end of extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou performed heroics by saving twice in the shoot-out. Bounou, of Saudi side Al-Hilal, denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations among over 65 000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. As well as joy, there was relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick — Morocco's second in the shoot-out — was…

New Zealand fired coach Scott Robertson yesterday, less than two years before the Rugby World Cup, following a scathing 2025 performance review and rumours of a player revolt. The 51-year-old led the team to 20 wins in 27 matches – a return below the expectations of powerhouse New Zealand – while showing little perceived improvement during his two years in charge. New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) internal performance review found strong criticism from senior All Blacks, including a suggestion that star player Ardie Savea could walk out. NZR chair David Kirk said it was the right time to make a change, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup remaining the “key goal”. “The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress…

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says his team is not wasting time calculating Champions Cup permutations, choosing instead to focus their energy on improving “minute by minute” in Friday night’s clash against Pau. The Bulls are currently enduring one of the worst slumps in their storied history, having lost seven games on the trot. They sit at the bottom of Pool 4, while their opponents, Pau, are fourth in the group and fly high in second place in the French Top 14. Mathematically, the Bulls could still slip into the Round of 16 with a victory at the Stade du Hameau, provided other results—specifically the Scarlets’ trip to Northampton on Sunday—go their way. However, qualification remains a distant prospect unless they can refine a game plan that has looked haphazard in…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, says Dr Dion George left the party before answering claims of salary abuse, political meddling, and bringing the party into disrepute. George, who is a former Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, resigned from both the party and Parliament on Thursday. Zille said George resigned prior to appearing before the party’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC), which had been investigating allegations against him. “It is unfortunate that Dr. George has resigned before answering a pending disciplinary matter before the DA’s Federal Legal Commission,” Zille said on Thursday. George, who joined the DA in 1995, announced his resignation in an exclusive interview with eNCA, over a bitter public fallout with party leader John Steenhuisen. Zille said the allegations included unjustified staff salary increases…

It was good to hear another of our political leaders speaking up against tech billionaire Elon Musk and his arrogant intention of riding roughshod over South Africa’s laws to launch his satellite internet business in the country. Under our laws, specifically the Electronic Communications Act, telecommunications operators need to be at least 30% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals to obtain a licence. It’s written in plain English, but Musk doesn’t seem to understand the law. Or he expects South Africa to bend over backwards and pave a special path for him and his SpaceX business to launch the Starlink satellite service locally. Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi was correct to say South Africa would be “stupid” to allow this to happen. I would add that it would be a clear…

As the euphoria around the matric 2025 results cools down, the focus turns to university admissions. But the burning question over the public versus private education debate remains. One has to ask whether the elite Independent Examinations Board (IEB) schooling system is better equipped to give one’s child a better head start in life than the current National Senior Certificate (NSC) public system? Despite massive transformative shifts aimed at redress and inclusion, the annual noise around the matric gives one the impression that the system continues to perpetuate the apartheid goals. On the stage at the MTN auditorium, the Government of National Unity Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, celebrates the top achievers. Ditto these celebrations throughout the country as the Education MECs celebrated the cream of the crop in…

Celebrity businessman Thami Ndlala’s name has been back in the news with speculation that his property empire was collapsing. Early this week Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya announced that the City of Tshwane had disconnected electricity supply at a second property owned by Ndlala as part of its enforcement of credit control measures against defaulting property owners. The latest disconnection took place at Ndlala Dynasty, an accommodation facility in the Pretoria CBD, which owes the City of Tshwane R2.3 million in unpaid electricity bills. This follows an earlier electricity cut-off at the former Sterland Mall in Arcadia, which has since been rebranded as Ndlala Mall under Ndlala’s ownership. The property, located at the corner of Steve Biko Road and Pretorius Street, was disconnected after the City cited outstanding municipal arrears.…

The DA in Tshwane wants the municipality to institute an independent forensic and technical investigation into a spate of substation fires, citing concerns over potential negligence and procurement irregularities. The DA said its proposed probe aims to pinpoint the causes of recent substation fires, including the one at Koedoespoort, and hold those responsible accountable, after leaving residents and businesses without power. This follows a December 26 fire at Koedoespoort substation that left East Lynne residents without power for two weeks. DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink said he has written to energy regulator NERSA, alleging that the City of Tshwane may be breaching its licence conditions due to inadequate response to power outages. He cited concerns over reliability, response times, and communication with customers, saying the city's handling of the crisis…

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing shortage of locally based goalkeeping talent in South Africa’s top flight, warning that the lack of exposure for upcoming goalkeepers could pose a long-term problem for the national team. South Africa has traditionally been well stocked in the goalkeeping department, with current Bafana Bafana number one Ronwen Williams regarded as one of the best talents in recent times and widely considered among the continent’s top shot-stoppers. However, despite his presence and the other experienced performers in the Betway Premiership, Baloyi believes the bigger issue lies beneath the surface — the absence of young local goalkeepers coming through the ranks. This season, approximately 50 per cent of goalkeepers who have seen regular action in the Betway Premiership are…

If you’re South African, Rassie Erasmus is widely regarded as the best Springboks coach ever. However, internationally and in Ireland in particular, credit for Erasmus is not as forthcoming. Former Ireland back-rower Alan Quinlan, though, insists that Erasmus may just be the best rugby coach the world has ever seen. In 2025, the Springboks not only defended their Rugby Championship title but also went unbeaten on their November European Tour. That included victory over France, and most significantly, a victory over Ireland in Dublin for the first time since 2012. “Yeah, he is [the greatest rugby coach ever]. I think South Africa will be firm favourites going into the 2027 World Cup. “Their depth chart is incredible. South Africa have always had the players, but what he has done is…

France superstar Antoine Dupont says six-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse “do not have a choice” but to beat Sale Sharks and score four tries or more tomorrow if they hope to reach the last 16. Dupont’s side have lost two of their opening three pool games in the tournament so far, including a worrying 20-14 loss at Saracens last Sunday. The French giants and their galaxy of stars currently sit fourth in Pool 1 and need at least a win to reach the next stage, with the South African Sharks – who host Clermont – threatening to overhaul them. “We know we don’t have the choice if we want to qualify,” scrumhalf Dupont told reporters after the defeat to Saracens. “We have to claim the five points. We will concentrate,…