Innholdsfortegnelse for Sunday, May 23, 2021 i Sunday Independent

Tail Piece MOROCCO URGES SPAIN TO OPEN INVESTIGATION INTO POLISARIO CHIEF Morocco on Saturday urged Spain to open an investigation into the circumstances of a Western Sahara independence leader’s arrival in the country for medical treatment and explain its findings to Rabat. Madrid should explain “the conditions, circumstances and connivances that led to the fraudulent entry of this person using false documents and a usurped identity,” said Foreign Ministry Director General Fouad Yazourh. Spain’s decision to host Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali without telling Rabat while using what Morocco says are travel documents provided by Algeria and a false name, has angered Rabat, which regards Western Sahara as part of Morocco. The Algeria-backed Polisario seeks the region’s independence and last year said it was resuming an armed struggle that was…

CRIME Zama Zamas run amok in ‘war zone’ ROLAND MPOFU roland.mpofu@inl.co.za THE residents of West Village in Krugersdorp say they are living in a “war zone” because of the Zama Zamas who are terrorising their community fighting for territory for the lucrative illegal mining business in the area. The villagers complain that the police are turning a blind eye to rampant crime in the area. They allege that these illegal miners are said to be illegal immigrants from Lesotho and Zimbabwe who are better armed – some with AK 47s and automatic rifles – than SAPS officers. “What is problematic in this area, is that these gangs are known, where they live and where they are (illegally) mining. So, why are the police not arresting them?” asked a villager, who…

REVIEW ‘An ode to SA women’ LESEGO MAKGATHO lesego.makgatho@inl.co.za WHEN reading the title of Sindiwe Magona’s latest offering, When the Village Sleeps, one can’t help but think about the African proverb "it takes a village to raise a child". Carved in 25 chapters, When the Village Sleeps is a visionary novel about what the loss of identity and dignity does to a people afflicted by decades of brokenness. Told through the lives and spirits of four generations of Amatolo women, including the old, who speak wisdom with ever-increasing urgency, it moves between the bustling township setting of Kwanele and the different rhythms of rural village life, while boldly exploring urgent and contemporary issues. The grandmother, Khulu, is a woman of strength, wisdom and immense courage and drives a lot of…

EDITORIAL Zandspruit: Where are our leaders? MOB psychology is inherently dangerous; in fact there is no case to be made for the vigilantism it breeds. The barbaric act of rounding up nine young men, frog-marching them to a communal point – the local stadium – beating them to a pulp and burning them alive speaks to the collective dementia of a community of adults. If it has achieved anything, this week’s mob attack in Zandspruit has exposed our brittle underbelly as a people. It matters little what the young men were guilty of; that we should debase ourselves to behave like Stone-Age neanderthals is the saddest by-product of the saga. The culprits were accused of terrorising the informal settlement via a myriad acts of criminality. Four of them died on…

CALL A SPADE A SPADE Revolutionary change on way as millions embrace Palestine IQBAL JASSAT RENOWNED journalist John Pilger recounts that during 2003, following the invasion of Iraq, he interviewed Charles Lewis, fellow distinguished American investigative journalist. The question he put to him was, “What if the freest media in the world had seriously challenged George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld and investigated their claims, instead of channelling what turned out to be crude propaganda?” He replied that if journalists had done their job, there was a good chance that “we would not have gone to war in Iraq”. Pilger's recollection is a stark reminder of the onerous responsibility media institutions have to report truthfully and fearlessly. The courage required to do so obviously comes at a huge price. More so in…

AWARDS Cheers and jeers for SAMA nominations AMANDA MALIBA amanda.maliba@inl.co.ca TRACEY ADAMS African News Agency (ANA) JUST less than a week after the announcement of the South African Music Awards (Samas) nominations, there’s already been a mixed bag of reactions from the public and celebrities alike, with Kelly Khumalo asking to be removed from the list, to popular singer Makhadzi sulking at her applications being “overlooked” although being one of the most talked about artists in the last year. The awards, celebrating the 27th milestone, announced a total of 36 nomination categories with Kabza De Small, taking the biggest chunk of nominations tallying up to six for his solo album I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust and for his collaboration work with DJ Maphorisa, Once Upon A…

TV GUIDE TODAY Athletics: Diamond League, Müller Gran d Prix, 8pm, ACT; World Athletics Continental Tour: adidas Boston Boost Games, 11.30pm, SSM, VR3 Cycling: Giro d’Italia, Stage 15: Grado to Gorizia (145km), 1.05pm, VR1 Golf: PGA Championship, Day 4, Second Feed, 2pm, GOL, GSD (5pm), CRI (6.30pm); PGA Championship, Day 4, 7pm, GOL, GSD; LPGA , Tour: Pure Silk Championship, Day 4, 10pm, ACT Hockey: FIH Men’s Pro League: Great Britain v Spain, Match 2, 1pm, VR2 Motorsport: FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SBK Superpole Race, 10.45am, SSM, ACT, MSP, GSD; FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SSP Race 2, 12.15pm, MSP, SSM, ACT, GSD; FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SBK Race 2, 1.30pm, SSM, GSD, ACT; FIM Superbike World Championship, Aragon SBK Race 2, 1.55pm, SSM, ACT, GSD; FIM Superbike…

STARS TANYA OBREZA Aries (March 21 - April 20) Spurred on by a fiery ambition, your desire for independence and success is even greater than usual. Stop talking about what you would like to do – instead, get busy, and do it. Money and status are easier to achieve if you take the lead, rather than follow. Prepare well, and be honest in all your dealings. Taurus (April 21 - May 20) Taureans focus on finances this week, giving you an opportunity to increase income. Start saving now and you’ll soon have plenty to spare for that proverbial rainy day. Jobs connected with finances or the media do particularly well. Ditto for those linked with health care. Romantically, many discover a hot new stamping ground. Gemini (May 21 - June…

QUICK READ SUU KYI’S PARTY DISSOLVED MYANMAR’S junta-appointed election commission will dissolve Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party because of what it said was fraud in a November election. The chairman of the junta-backed commission, Thein Soe, said “Those who did that will be considered as traitors and we will take action.” Suu Kyi has been held in detention and faces charges. Security forces have killed more than 800 people since protests against a military coup. | Reuters CLIMATE CHANGE PROTESTS THOUSANDS of Australians marched in nationwide climate protests on Friday, with many pupils skipping school to voice their anger at a massive new gas project and government foot-dragging on emissions targets. From Perth to Brisbane, protestors urged the government to do more to tackle climate change.…

COVID BAROMETER Business leaders, NGOs gain trust as governments, media fail JEHRAN NAIDOO Jehran.Naidoo@africannewsagency.com AFRICAN countries appear to be on par with the rest of the world in terms of trust, according to the global index the 21st Edelman Trust Barometer. In a recent report, the online survey featured respondents from 27 countries, primarily looking at society’s level of trust in businesses, governments and the media and how the Covid-19 pandemic affected them. The survey included respondents from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa – the first-, seventh- and fifth-most populated countries on the continent respectively. Around 66.3% of African respondents believe the pandemic has deepened inequities across the world, so that those with less education, less money and fewer resources are being unfairly burdened with most of the suffering and…

REVIEW Ryan Murphy’s ’Halston’ fails its subject BUHLE MBONAMBI buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za Netflix RYAN Murphy had all the ingredients for what should have been a delicious series and yet he left out the salt – the actual story. Fashion lovers were excited when they heard there was going to be a mini-series on fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick. Some have described him as the first celebrity designer, which is fair really, as he was mononymous – he was known by the name Halston. The late Halston was an American fashion designer who rose to international fame after designing Jackie Kennedy’s inauguration pillbox hat. He became a major star in the 1970s, thanks to this his minimalist aesthetic and garments made using ultrasuede and cashmere. He became a favourite of society doyenne’s of…

EDITOR’S CHOICE Local neo-noir has power cast DEBASHINE THANGEVELO OUR local crime TV offerings continue to give me goosebumps. I’ve just started watching Skemerdans and I’m blown away by the star power, script, cinematography and directing. Wow! If you were put off by the fact that it is in Afrikaans, don’t be. This Cape Flats neo-noir murder mystery is bolstered by a phenomenal cast of Kevin Smith, Ilse Klink, Vinette Ebrahim, Brendon Daniels, Carmen Maarman, Trudy van Rooy, Kim Syster, Danny Ross, Carl Weber, Bongo Mbutuma, Sanda Shandu and the late Ceagan Arendse. The premise is built around the Fortune family and The Oasis jazz club, which is run by Glenn (Smith) and his wife Shireen (Klink). The business hasn’t been doing well and Warren, who is the black sheep…

SAFETY What Africa needs to do to lure tourists CLINTON MOODLEY PEXELS AFRICA was a top destination for travellers pre-Covid-19, especially for its safari, cuisine, culture and landscapes. However, luring travellers to Africa may not be as easy post-Covid-19. With many countries, including South Africa, slow with their vaccine roll-outs, people may skip some destinations in the continent for safety reasons and opt for places ahead with their roll-out process. Jiten Vyas, regional group chief operating officer – Australasia, Africa, China, and CIS & Europe at VFS Global, said Africa has what it takes to become a top post-Covid-19 destination. He said the aftermath of Covid-19 lockdowns will probably cause a significant shift in perception of holiday destinations, caution around air travel, increased preference for “safe and trusted” destinations and…

EDITOR’S CHOICE VISIT SITUATED in the Valley of a 1000 Hills, PheZulu Safari Park is a 35-minute journey from Durban. The park was once a Zulu village. Travellers have many options to keep everyone occupied, from the crocodile and snake park, Zulu dancing and cultural experience, segway tours and game drives. Tours run every hour. See www.phezulusafaripark.co.za/. DINE Qunu at the Saxon offers a modern African table where local and international flavours meet to inspire unique, vibrant, and entertaining culinary experiences. It pays homage to its South African roots and honours the small rural town. Located at The Saxon, 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst in Johannesburg. See www.saxon.co.za Clinton Moodley…

PRIVACY ISSUES Why WhatsApp policy matters For Facebook WESLEY DIPHOKO wesley.diphoko@inl.co.za Pexels WHEN WhatsApp forced users to accept a new policy that would endorse the sharing of data between Facebook and WhatsApp it triggered a migration to other messaging platforms. The Facebook-owned company had to extend the date of implementation and change its approach. It came back to users with a sugar-coated promise that functionality would gradually be phased out for failure to accept the policy. This has prompted some countries to challenge the social media giant legally. Why would WhatsApp insist on doing something that it knows users don’t like? The obvious reason is that this change will mean more revenue for WhatsApp, by enabling businesses to interact with users with ease. What is not so obvious is that…

Tail Piece SOUTH AFRICA TO PUSH FOR MILITARY ACTION AGAINST MOZAMBIQUE INSURGENTS SOUTH Africa will press for urgent military action by regional body SADC to quell an Islamist insurgency in Mozambique threatening to destabilize neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said on Friday. It will make this call at a summit of the Southern African Development Community’s 16 member states next week, Naledi Pandor told Reuters in a telephone interview. SADC leaders have been discussing how to tackle the insurgency by Islamic State-linked militants, with an option for force, but this is the first time South Africa has explicitly thrown its weight behind the idea of a military intervention. Since 2008, SADC has had provision for a standby brigade, part of a regional defence pact that allows military intervention to prevent…

MIDDLE EAST But both sides claim victory NATHAN CRAIG nathan.craig@inl.co.za FOR weeks the world has taken to the streets and social media highlighting the Israel-Palestine conflict to vent about the death, destruction and terror but the complexity of the issue makes both sides of the divide believe they are right. Following 4 400 missiles and 11 days of deadly hostilities claiming 248 lives, including 66 children and 39 women, a ceasefire took effect on Friday leading to both Israel and Palestine’s ruling authority Hamas claiming success. But for those on the ground, the suffering continues such as analyst and co-founder of the SA-Israel Policy Forum Rolene Marks who left Johannesburg a decade ago with her husband to live in Israel. “We are living in conflict. People think we hate Palestine…

TECHNOLOGY SA food app takes root, exceeds 50K downloads KESHIA AFRICA keshia.africa@inl.co.za A FOOD app that connects users with the specials at restaurants or events has started to gain traction and has obtained 50 000 downloads in the past five months. Fomo uses geolocation to show users specials available at nearby restaurateurs listed on the app. Co-founders Ryan Marx and Jax Du Plessis conceived the idea for the app after a night out. After going out for supper and left the restaurant, they saw specials available at a different restaurant in the same area and wished they had gone there instead – hence the name of the app, Fomo (fear of missing out). Marx said: “When you search Google for what to do in a specific area, we’re often given…

LOCAL ELECTIONS IEC weighs up voter registration options TSHEPISO TSHABALALA THE Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) is considering implementing an online voter registration system ahead of the October local government elections. The commission told Parliament this week that this was due to only having one registration weekend compared to the normal two they had in previous elections. The Covid-19 pandemic is also expected to keep voters away as they avoid potential infection as the third wave looms large. “Online self voter registration will be introduced to augment the available platforms available to voters to register and to update their details. “We plan to do this before the closure of the voters roll for this year’s elections. This online registration system is being developed in-house by the IEC and its costs…

MUNICIPALITIES HAVE KEY ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA Local government brings policy home DAVID MOHALE WERNER BEUKES SAPA SOUTH Africans will once again go out on polls on October 27 to vote for their local public representatives with the hope that their votes will bring a democratic dividend in terms of visible and sustainable service delivery and development. It will be the fifth time the nation votes in what is called a wall-to-wall, democratic and developmental local government system. The new system was birthed in 2000 in the aftermath of the publication of the White Paper on Local Government in 1998. Very few people would argue against the assertion that this White Paper by far remains the clearest source of a vision of local government in post-apartheid South Africa. The Constitution…

TRANS TASMAN Crusaders thrash Reds to underline New Zealand dominance RICHIE Mo'unga put on a masterclass as the Canterbury Crusaders made it 10 wins out of 10 for New Zealand teams in the first two rounds of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman with an emphatic 63-28 victory over Queensland Reds in Brisbane yesterday. The All Blacks flyhalf scored a hat-trick of tries and kicked eight conversions as the champions of Super Rugby Aotearoa made light work of the Super Rugby AU champions in front of a crowd of 20 000 at Lang Park. The Crusaders scored nine tries with Sevu Reece grabbing a brace and Cullen Grace, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams and a penalty try further inflating the scoreline and earning them a record win over the Reds. The Reds scored tries…

RAINBOW CUP Stormers romp home as Sharks sink again MIKE GREENAWAY THE Stormers prevailed 25-22 over the Sharks in a messy Rainbow Cup match in Durban where the miserable weather in large part contributed to a miserable affair. The Stormers came to Durban smarting at having lost a nail-biter to the Sharks in Cape Town, while the Sharks were desperate to bounce back after a mauling in Pretoria, and ultimately the visitors deservedly snuck home for the same reason that the Sharks could not last the distance against the Bulls. They just don’t have the forwards to secure primary possession for long enough to win tight games. The Stormers now overtake the Sharks on the log, moving up to second place, with two rounds of the competition left, while the…

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Mosimane shows ‘three wise men’ who’s the chief MIHLALI BALEKA MAMELODISUNDOWNS (1) (1) Lebusa 30’ AL AHLY (1) (1) El Hanafi 10’ AFTER the final whistle went off at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pitso Mosimane raced down the tunnel in dejection. It was an expected reaction as his Al Ahly side had to progress to the semi-final of the Champions League after a gruesome quarter-final tie. And this was against his former employers Mamelodi Sundowns who are now coached by “three wise men” Manqoba Mngqithi, Rhulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela. Sundowns, who were led to the continental crown by Mosimane 5 years ago, held the Red Devils, the defending champions, to a 1-1 draw in Tshwane yesterday. There have been some mouth-watering clashes between Sundowns and Al Ahly…

PROGRESS Milestone centenary for Chinese Communist Party DAVID MONYAE AND SIZO NKALA Xinhua THE Chinese Communist Party (CCP) also known as the Communist Party of China (CPC) turns 100 years old in July this year, having been founded in the eastern Chinese city of Shanghai in July 1921 when it held its first national congress. From humble beginnings, the CCP has created and now presides over the world’s second-largest economy, tipped by many to supplant the US as the world’s biggest economy by 2027. The CCP, a self-declared Marxist political outfit, came into existence as a result of the untiring work and enthusiasm of young Chinese intellectuals such as Li Dazhao, Chen Duxiu, Li Hanjin, Mao Zedong and Chen Wangdao, who wanted to effect a social revolution in China. Chinese…

AFRICA DAY: CONTINENTAL STABILITY NEEDS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSE Leadership failures erode peace MOHAMED IBN CHAMBAS Reuters WE LIVE in a peculiar moment in history in which prevailing threats to peace and stability have collided with a pandemic that occurs once in a century. For the African continent, it is rather a precarious moment in which our realities and limitations have come to the fore more than in previous decades. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has not only exposed the weak health infrastructure on the continent and exacerbated socio-economic hardship across the board, it has also exposed the fragility of states, especially those with economies that are dependent upon single commodities. The provision of basic needs for the citizenry such as jobs, medical care, security and protection of the…

SPEAKING OUT Celebrities, activism and the Israel Palestine conflict BUHLE MBONAMBI buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za WE LIVE in an age where keeping quiet in the face of injustice is seen as immoral. Ordinary people are speaking out, as are social justice activists and some governments. However, it is only when celebrities speak out that the world pays attention. Year 2020 changed the relationship between celebrities and social justice. The pandemic forced many of them to relook at their privilege and find ways to contribute to countries and communities, in the fight against Covid-19. George Floyd’s murder exposed a long-festering wound that was seeping through the bandage. Suddenly, celebrities were speaking out about Black Lives Matter and racism. Over the past two weeks celebrities have been increasingly taking to social media to speak for…

CULTURE & COHESION Lalla Hirayama shines sun on Japanese culture NONTANDO MPOSO nontando@condenast.co.za OBAKENG MOLEPE A NEW 13-part YouTube series takes an exciting look at the deep and mutually beneficial relationship that has blossomed between South Africa and Japan. Titled Sharing the Sun, the series is hosted by Japanese-South African TV host, entrepreneur, DJ and entertainment commentator, Lalla Hirayama, and explores the long-standing relationship between the Land of the Rising Sun and sunny South Africa. Sharing the Sun showcases the way in which co-operation between the two countries has contributed to reconstruction and development in South Africa, not least through a number of successful economic partnerships. “The sun is a common motif in both Japan and South Africa,” she says, “and is the perfect symbol to represent the cordial and…

MUSINGS How to journal your pandemic holidays CLINTON MOODLEY CHARAN SAI Pexels. WHEN the pandemic started in March 2020, I took out my journal to jot down my feelings and the thoughts that ran through my mind. I was in Namibia. “Monday, March 16, 2020: Catching an early morning flight from Windhoek, Namibia to Johannesburg, South Africa. Nervous to fly after hearing that the country identified two cases of Covid-19. “Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will close borders to countries with high infection rates. I can’t wait for the flight to be over. I do not know what to expect.” Looking back at those scribbles, it transports me to the stressful time when masks and sanitisers were the new travel accessories, a time when travelling felt scary.…

5 things you should do when travelling in South Africa CLINTON MOODLEY Pexels MOST people who are travelling during the pandemic have already discarded Covid-19 regulations set by the country. As South Africa moves closer towards a possible third wave, people need to adhere to the regulations to avoid an increase in cases and Covid-19 related deaths. Here are 5 things you should do when travelling amid a potential third wave: Wear your mask Wearing your mask over your mouth and not your nose doesn’t cut it. If you have the privilege of travelling, you should ensure that you wear your mask at all times. It protects yourself and others from contracting the virus. Keep extra masks in your car, bag or anywhere convenient in case you forget yours at…

QUICK READ HP UNVEILS NEW GAMING LAPTOPS, PC TO BOOST gamers, PC and printer major HP on Friday introduced OMEN 16 and 17 gaming laptops, along with OMEN 25i gaming monitor and community gaming with OMEN OASIS4 Beta feature in OMEN Gaming Hub5. The company also debuted Victus by HP, its next-generation mainstream-level gaming PC portfolio, with a 16-inch laptop. OMEN 16 will start at $1 049.99 (about R15 000), OMEN 17 $1 369.99 and Victus by HP 16 $799.99. HP’s next-generation gaming portfolio is designed for veteran gamers and enthusiast explorers to be entertained, connected and empowered to progress in their favourite games, the company said. Victus by HP 16 is expected to be out next month and OMEN 25i Gaming Monitor in July. | IANS HUAWEI TO EXPAND…

HORNS OF A DILEMMA PPE corruption: Makhura’s conundrum as Masuku is cleared KARABO NGOEPE and LESEGO MAKGATHO GAUTENG Premier David Makhura is sitting with a problem following the exoneration of former MEC of Health Dr Bandile Masuku of any wrongdoing in Covid-19 corruption. Masuku and presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko were this week cleared of any wrongdoing by the ANC’s national disciplinary committee (NDC). The two were suspended from participating in any party-related activities in October, pending the disciplinary processes. Masuku was fired by Makhura to bring stability in the department, following a report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into personal protective equipment (PPE) tender irregularities. At the time, Makhura said that should Masuku be cleared of any wrongdoing, he would reinstate him. However, he later appointed Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi…

MIND GAMES It is tad hard to think when pressed THATO SILINDILE BENGU IT’S A Tuesday afternoon. I am in a mall that is not too familiar to me. I am here to pick up a few things for a dinner planned for this evening. I am experiencing a pressing situation. I need the ladies. The nearest relief hub is nowhere in sight. It means I need to do more walking and searching. My pulse is not friendly with me at this point. Minutes later, after a much needed relief, my thinking buttons are back with me, flowing and singing in lively dance. At this point, I realise something I already know but never really processed before. It is somewhat hard to think freely and clearly when pressed. When pressed…

WELL-BEING Psychologist, healer raises the bar for African spirituality AMANDA MALIBA amanda.maliba@inl.co.ca Anele Siswana An academic, a psychologist, an activist, a gay black man and a healer. These are just some of the adjectives Anele Siswana uses to describe who he is, a young black South African who is using his spiritual gift together with his profession to help address issues of mental health. The 33-year-old from Gqeberha’s Kwazakhele township, believes his calling to be a psychologist, dates back to his childhood when he went through confusing challenges he could not decipher, and later found refuge and a voice through psychology. Out in Africa’s richest square mile, Sand-ton, where he established his private practice in 2015, Siswana describes his offices as a space for both worlds, a space that has…

LETTERS Polyandry will lead to hostilities Unfortunately, this polyandry nonsense has cropped up around the time of Mother’s Day, a time when we are supposed to honour our mothers is becoming associated with adversity. What becomes clear is that the proponents of this constitutionally valid practice are pushing a man vs woman agenda, perhaps under the auspices of feminism and equality. Fair enough, but it is unavoidable that the polyandry talk will lead to more hostility between black men and black women to cause more instability in black communities while other races remain united and progressive. I am particularly excited by the fact that the polyandry talk has turned even some of the staunchest supporters of "free-for-all" against the Constitution. Sadly, though even men who used to support women empowerment…

‘Safta mention speaks volumes’ AMANDA MALIBA The prestigious South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) have for many years celebrated talent and quality work in the Mzansi film and TV space. Last night was no different as the ceremony announced gongs in over 50 categories this year, with MultiChoice shining the brightest with the highest number of total wins at this year’s annual celebration, taking 47 awards over both nights, boasting wins in various categories such as best film for kykNET’s Griekwastad, best telenovela for M-Net’s first telenovela Legacy and best structured soapie reality show for Life with Kelly Khumalo. The glamorous do was hosted by one of South Africa’s seasoned presenters Dineo Langa, funny-man Mpho Popps and the dashing and talented Graeme Richard, under the themed “Still Shining”. And…

FEATURE Cosafa countries set to benefit from Spanish connection HERMAN GIBBS Picture: © Steve Haag/BackpagePix Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix FOOTBALL coaches from Southern Africa were afforded a fascinating insight into the world-renowned academy programme of Celta Vigo, the Spanish La Liga club which captured the imagination of South Africans in 1999 when they signed Cape Town-born striker Benni McCarthy from Ajax Amsterdam. The coaches, drawn from the professional and grassroots ranks, recently attended the four-week-long virtual masterclass sessions convened by La Liga, the mother body of Spain's professional leagues. It is arguably one of the best technical leagues in the world. Last November, La Liga and the Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) concluded a memorandum of understanding to assist with football development in Southern Africa. The partnership has ensured…

COMMENT McGregor: A superstar or a sporting imposter? MARK KEOHANE JEFF BOTTARI USA TODAY Sports; Reuters A message to the content creators and editors at Forbes Magazine: When you bracket Conor McGregor’s wealth, do it under the guise of rookie business personality but don’t credit him as being the wealthiest sports person of 2020. When determining wealth of the best among the sporting elite, categorise the earnings in relation to performance. McGregor, of ‘Once was a Warrior’ MMA fame, is a very rich individual but it is his catapult to the top of Forbes’s ‘Wealthiest sports star of 2020’ that has nothing to do with sporting performance. McGregor fought a big name of combat fighting in his solitary outing in 2020 and it was a very well picked big name…

Home hero Leclerc crashes to pole position in Monaco FERRARI’S Charles Leclerc crashed on his way to taking pole position at his home Monaco Grand Prix yesterday, with rivals unable to better his time after red flags halted qualifying for Formula One's showcase race. The 23 year old smashed into the barriers with 18 seconds of the session remaining and will have to wait and see whether the car can be repaired without incurring grid penalties. “With the crash, I don’t know where I’m starting tomorrow (today),” said Leclerc. “I’m not feeling well for now, I’m just waiting for mechanics to open the gearbox.” Red Bull’s title contender Max Verstappen was one of those frustrated rivals who had to abort their final flying laps, but the Dutch driver stands to…

QUICK READ GAZA THE EU has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas after 11 days of deadly fighting that pounded the Palestinian enclave and forced Israelis to seek shelter from rockets. “We commend Egypt, Qatar, the UN, US and others who have played a facilitating role in this,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. “Restoring a political horizon towards a two-state solution remains of utmost importance … The EU is renewing its engagement with key international partners and other partners in the region, as well as with the revitalised Middle East Quartet.” | AFP JAPAN JAPANESE shippers are seeking alternative routes between East Asia and Europe following the incident in which the 224 000-ton ship Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal in Egypt in…

MALAWI Public’s favourite appointed as anti-graft DG MOLAOLE MONTSHO molaole.montsho@africannewsagency.com AFTER a week of public outcry and threats of mass demonstrations, the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) in the Malawian parliament has finally confirmed Martha Chizuma as the new director-general of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The PAC did not confirm her appointment last week. Members of the committee rated her 14 out of 25 points and she needed at least 17 out of 25 to be confirmed. According to Malawi media, the former ombudsman appeared before the committee for confirmation following her appointment by President Lazarus Chakwera. Before the appointment, she reportedly emerged top in technical interviews for the position. Nine members of the committee scored her 1 out of 25 and nine other members scored her 25 out 25, but the…

HEAR YE, HEAR YE Why do we hate the sound of our own voices? NEEL BHATT PICTURE: Unsplash AS A surgeon who specialises in treating patients with voice problems, I routinely record my patients speaking. The recordings allow me to track slight changes in their voices from visit to visit, and help confirm whether surgery or voice therapy led to improvements. Yet I’m surprised by how difficult the sessions can be for my patients. Many become uncomfortable upon hearing their voice played back to them. “Do I really sound like that?” they wonder, wincing. (Yes, you do.) Some become so unsettled they refuse to listen to the recording – much less go over the subtle changes I want to highlight. The discomfort we have over hearing our voices in audio…

WELLNESS The beauty of non-invasive cosmetic treatments NONTANDO MPOSO nontando@condenast.co.za AN INCREASING number of women are turning to convenient and fast non-invasive beauty treatments that produce maximum results with little effort. However, you still need to get the basics right. Lebo Dioka is a clinical dietitian, entrepreneur and owner of the Body20 studio, which specialises in non-invasive beauty treatments. At 17, she already knew she wanted to own a women-centred wellness centre and had a clear idea in her mind of what she wanted it to look like. So she pursued a BSc in dietetics instead of medicine and after years in the corporate world and having worked for several multinational pharmaceutical companies, she reached the point where she wanted to be more hands-on in helping people reach their health…

EDITOR’S CHOICE READ Vagabond – Wandering Through Africa On Faith by Lerato Mogoatlhe THIS is the memoir to read if you want to fall in love with Africa. Lerato Mogoatlhe tells the story of how she was so exhausted by her work as a fame-adjacent lifestyle journalist that she needed a break. And so she trekked to West Africa. What was supposed to be a three-month stint ended up becoming a five-year trip. The book documents her time spent in 21 countries in five regions of Africa and her hilarious, dramatic and sometimes dangerous adventures. WATCH Africa Day Benefit Concert (Tuesday, YouTube at 7pm CAT and MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) at 9pm) Hosted by Idris Elba, this year’s concert will shine a light on Africa’s next wave of talent…

KEEP CALM Use travel to improve your wellbeing VUYOLWETHU FUNDAM Vuyolwethu.Fundam@africannewsagency.com WHEN stress gets the better of us, we turn to travel to help alleviate the pressure. What’s not to love about it. A place to unwind with scenic views. Basking in the joys of not having to cook or clean. A place where there are no chores, only calm. Aside from the pampering perks of travel, recent studies indicate that it also aids in one’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Let’s have a look at some of these benefits: Heart health Travelling is said to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In an article published by Forbes Travel Guide, Dr Mehmet Oz said travelling can lower men’s risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease by 32%. He said women…

REAL NUMBERS Archaic record system in use for Covid jabs is worrying PALI LEHOHLA BEING over 60 comes with some benefits. On Tuesday, I was one in a group of privileged adults who queued for vaccine. A jab of Pfizer in my left arm and another expected in 20-odd days. I have written a few articles referencing the contribution of the economist Mariana Mazzucato, who also sits on the Presidential Advisory Panel of South Africa. This I do because of the freshness and the materialist dialectics in her logic. She debunks the madness of a small state and free-market doctrine that often shamelessly usurp the cause of ascendency to a strong economy. Her central thesis is captured in her book, The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs Private Sector Myths. To…

STRATEGY Connecting with new customers vital for growth BEN BIERMAN THE MOST critical requirement for a business to grow and evolve is a constant increase in its customer base using its products or services. However, reaching new audiences while retaining repeat customers can be tough – it costs money, takes time and requires a lot of effort, especially in a competitive market. While companies may typically employ sales agents to drum up new business, a well thought-out marketing campaign can be just as effective. More importantly, meaningful relationships with potential customers must be created, and often this requires a company-wide approach. Four tips to grow your customer base: One size does not fit all Whether your clients are other businesses or consumers, keep in mind that each customer is unique.…

QUICK READ SNAP ANNOUNCES NEW GENERATION OF SPECTACLES ON THURSDAY, Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel unveiled the company’s first true augmented reality glasses, technology that he and rivals like Facebook think will one day be as ubiquitous as cellphones. A demo showed virtual butterflies fluttering over colourful plants and landing in Spiegel’s extended hand. The new Spectacles have dual waveguide displays capable of superimposing AR effects made with Snapchat’s software tools. The frame features four built-in microphones, two stereo speakers, and a built-in touchpad. Front-facing cameras help the glasses detect objects and surfaces you’re looking at, so that graphics more naturally interact with the world around you. However, the big catch is that you can’t buy them yet. | IOL Tech SA E-HAILING COMPANY LAUNCHED A NEW South African e-hailing…

QUICK READ GADGETS SAMSUNG AND GOOGLE COLLABORATE ON NEW WEARABLES Google and Samsung have joined forces to create a software platform for smartwatches and other wearables. This is a move to ramp up competition in the wearable-tech arena with market leader Apple. The move, announced at the Google developer conference in the US, means Samsung will use Google’s Wear OS for its upcoming Galaxy smartwatches instead of its Tizen platform. | IOL Tech TECH SNAPCHAT AND DESIGN MUSEUM CREATE WORLD’S FIRST COMPUTER-GENERATED SNEAKER London’s Design Museum, in collaboration with Snapchat, has come together to create the world’s first entirely computer-generated sneaker. Since Tuesday, the Sneakers Unboxed: From Studio to Street exhibition has been letting visitors try on one of the sneakers in augmented reality, and take the experience home with…

VACCINE HOARDING: A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY KUMI NAIDOO MOTSHWARI MOFOKENG African News Agency (ANA) Main image: Keagan Le Grange (ANA Graphics) FOR a species that prides itself on its superior intellect and triumph over nature, humans have shown themselves to be remarkably fragile. A humble virus, one of nature’s most primitive biological entities – a form so pared-down, in fact, that scientists debate whether to classify it as “life” – has brought us to our knees. The virus evolves faster than we could ever dream, outpacing us and leaving chaos in its wake. Scientists have produced several vaccines against Covid-19 in record time. Sadly, the economic system that puts profit far above people and planet has ensured that even though, in theory, we have the ability to stop the pandemic,…