Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-05-01 i Sunday Independent

Wesley Diphoko He became its chairperson and later a CEO and in the process developed the leading automotive company in the world. In the space sector, he revived an industry that was dormant and so doing, propelled the private space industry. Now, he is buying a stagnant social media company, Twitter. Will history repeat itself? What is the future of the bluebird company? How will Twitter impact the future of society if Musk is at the helm of this modern-day media company? To understand what Musk might do with Twitter you have to look at his approach to every company he is currently leading. All of them are informed by the multi-planetary mission, to take human beings to space. Everything Musk is learning at SpaceX is applied and used in…

The state-owned insurer's finances suffered a massive blow after the civil unrest that gripped SA last July THE DEVASTATING floods, which hit Kwazulu-Natal last month, causing billions of rands in damage and taking the lives of hundreds of South Africans, is prompting a rethink into the accessibility of insurance by the South African Special Risks Insurance Association (Sasria), the state-owned insurance firm. Sasria is mulling a rethink of its insurance mandate after it was unable to assist in insurance in an “Act of God”. Roughly, an Act of God in insurance describes any event that humans cannot control, predict or prevent, such as a natural disaster. This comes as businesses, ranging from sugar producer Tongaat Hulett to car manufacturer Toyota, were hit by the disaster. The KZN government now estimates…

After a two-year hiatus, we are back in time to celebrate the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr with joy and fervour. As people are meeting more often than ever these days, there is an obvious need to do up your home for the festivities. Be it indoor or outdoor, your home Eid celebration should have a mix of colours, and textures and create a vibe that is casual, not over-manicured. Ramadaan is the festival of being thankful and coming together with your family, hence your home should be cosy. The right furniture and decor can create a sense of peace and invoke the spirit of the season. It’s the best time to update your home with lights, lanterns and colourful dinnerware ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Candles and lights Create a magical atmosphere…

And, boy oh boy, those perfectly-manicured claws came out this season. First, can we all admit that Thobile “MaKhumalo” Mseleku was a poor fit for the show? Her fashionably late arrival at her own black-tie event was a forewarning of her all-hype, no-substance presence. Like WTF, it was such an awkward keeping up with the Joneses moment. Throughout the season, her outfits exuded more personality than she did. Often, she was more of an observer than a participant. Annie Mthembu was the Queen Bee of instigators. That holier-than-thou attitude was toxic, especially with Nonkanyiso “LaConco” Conco. Say what you like about Nonku Williams, I appreciated her for the strong, sincere woman she was. Naidoo’s zen personality balanced many volatile situations, and Jojo Robinson’s sense of entitlement made her the least…

THE Crawley family are back, this time with a film that takes place at their famed Downton Abbey home as well as the French Riviera in the second movie stemming from the award-winning television series. Downton Abbey: A New Era sees the return of the fictitious aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, who run a sprawling estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century. “We’ve been a familiar group for over a decade and for nearly all of us to be there was remarkable,” actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays patriarch Robert Crawley, said of filming during the Covid-19 pandemic, at the movie’s premiere in London on Monday. “I appreciated the job far more than I’d ever done before after the experience that the world had been going through,…

The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOLagos) premiered just over a month ago to mixed reactions from South African viewers. While there was appreciation for the introduction of the women on the show and showing vignettes of what makes them tick, the people still wanted the drama and luxury associated with the format and it was not evident until the third episode. Now with the introduction of the sixth housewife in Friday’s episode, it’s all systems go for the show. Insider spoke to Dare Art-Alade, who is the chief creative director of Livespot360, which produces the RHOLagos. The Real Housewives was a concept that people looked down upon, but the tide has turned in the past few years. Do you think people have started giving women who sign up for…

DEPUTY Minister of State Security Zizi Kodwa is challenging the State of Capture Commission report implicating him as having benefited financially from a company fingered in corruption at the commission. Kodwa revealed that he would be taking part four of the report handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa during the week on review. In the latest report, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo recommended to Ramaphosa that Kodwa be fired. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Independent yesterday, Kodwa said the report had saddened him. “I don’t want to make speculations or political statements, but I am not beholden. I have a settlement agreement to pay back my loan. Since when is it criminal to ask anybody or any institution for a loan?” Justice Zondo stated that Ramaphosa should consider Kodwa’s position,…

South African tertiary institutions are preparing to roll out a bold new initiative to bridge the gap between the lecture room and the world of work. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a compulsory and essential component of many higher education qualifications. If done well, according to Minister of Higher Education and Training, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande, WIL would contribute massively to the competencies that graduates develop and can deploy as they enter the work environment. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all spheres of life in South Africa and has created many challenges in education. He said last month that the creation of WIL was a testimony to the resilience of South Africans that we have been able to collaborate and work together to find novel and innovative ways to…

On a recent trip to Paris, it wasn’t the elaborate Michelin-starred dinners that blew me away, but breakfast at the Ritz. A parade of baskets heaped with flaky croissants and pains au chocolat, silver platters of sliced fruit and eggs as light as air were all elegantly presented on starched white linens in a glass- enclosed winter garden. The best part: it didn’t cost me a thing. As a newly minted member of the Leaders Club loyalty programme, which I joined for free right before my stay, the €66 (R1 067) breakfast was included, from my first Paris morning to the last. Loyalty programmes can seem like a never-ending hustle of chasing down and redeeming points and miles. But smaller brands sometimes eschew those currency systems, offering valuable perks –…

A day after announcing a decrease in subscribers, the incorporation of advertisements, and charges for account sharing, Netflix stock was down 35 percent. Reports of decreasing subscriber numbers and a subsequent stock price drop come after months of experimentation by the streaming service leader. In a world where the pandemic pressures that pushed content streaming into its dominant position have slowed, Netflix has been experimenting with ways to stay competitive and reduce loss. As the beginning of an effort to crack down on account sharing, with Netflix claiming that their service is shared with more than 100 million non-paying households, Netflix trialled charging users in Peru and Chile an additional fee for accounts being used across multiple locations as well as introducing two-step verification when logging in to a device…

There were media reports this week that the ANC has drafted a discussion document on economic policy, ahead of the party’s policy conference. Central to this is the privatisation agenda and a negation of the state-owned enterprises path, captured as the Isibujwa outcome in the Indlulamithi scenarios – Growth Employment and Redistribution (Gear) de javu. Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios 2030 is a multi-stakeholder initiative born out of a need to develop a framework to better understand our country’s trajectory. At the onset of Covid-19, business compiled a document as the basis for discussion with the government to structure an Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan. The targets contained in the proposal by business were impressive and pointed to the fact that the National Development Plan targets could still be met albeit…

I’M NOT not going to lie, Selling Sunset has been a guilty pleasure for the longest time. I was all-in for the drama, catfights and high fashion. I mean, these ladies are catwalk-ready every single day. And here I am, working from home in my PJs. Hides. I was looking forward to season 5 to finally witness all that hype around Chrishell Stause and Jason Oppenheim’s romance. Of course, it was a tad hard to suspend belief during their lovey-dovey, on-screen moments as, thanks to social media, we know how it ends. But let’s unpack the new instalment ahead of the upcoming incendiary reunion episode. There is a lot of tea to be spilt with plenty of wooing going on for several of the cast, a wedding and a feisty…

THERE are many things that influencer culture has done. Beyond just cutting out the middle man (ie the traditional media) it has also forced celebrities to change the way they think about themselves and their brands. In recent years, personalities globally have shelved relying on what traditional media has to say about them, choosing to be their own representatives and like influencers, speak directly to their fans. This has, in a way, been important in order for them to secure their place in the celebrity hierarchy and prove their mettle as brands. For them to know what their fans like and expect from them. For some public figures, this means having to change how they approach their careers, their image and what they do. Everyone has become even more aware…

Netflix’s recently released first quarter earnings for 2022 reported a shocking loss of 200 000 subscribers – a worrying shift for a business that had previously only seen sustained growth since 2011. The New York Times headline: Netflix loses subscribers for the first time in a decade was catchy – however, a little bit of nuance is required. The company’s withdrawal from Russia as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and related sanctions saw a loss of 700 000 subscribers attributed to the quarter. The net result, taking into account the Russian loss, was a growth of 500 000 subscribers – a number still short of the expected growth of 2.5 million subscribers. Far worse in the report was Netflix’s estimation of a further 2 million subscribers to…

THE ANC national executive committee has tightened the step-aside rule to neutralise opponents of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second-term bid, and to undermine the rights of other party members who are facing charges. This is according to some ANC members who spoke to the Sunday Independent this week after the national executive committee (NEC) changed the rules and barred those facing criminal charges from contesting any leadership positions. Accusing the national leadership of over-reaching and abusing its authority, they vowed to challenge the new rules at the upcoming ANC policy conference in June. On Thursday, ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile told the media that the decision to tighten the step-aside policy was informed by recent developments where party leaders facing criminal charges were elected to top positions in the party’s regional and…

Police Minister Bheki Cele has been labelled the mastermind behind the delay in getting justice for slain Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. Cele has been accused of interference, bribery and underhandedness that have resulted in the seven-year-long delay in bringing Meyiwa’s killers to book. Sinqobile Maphisa, the sister of Mthokozisi Ziphozonke, one of the men currently on trial for Meyiwa’s murder, has made the claims, saying she could now longer keep quiet – especially after Malesela Teffo, the advocate representing her brother and the other accused, was arrested in court this week. Teffo was released on R10 000 bail on Friday. Maphisa said that, since the trial began, Teffo, who also represented Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Ntanzi and Mthobisi Ncube, had risked his life to prove that the accused had not…

In the 2022 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa made no mention of continuing to bail out under-performing state-owned entities (SOEs). Instead, he announced measures to standardise the management of all SOEs. Since his address, the SOEs in dire straits have yet to show any results of positive growth. SOEs such as Eskom, SAA, SA Express and Denel have become crumbling shells of the successful, functioning organisations that they once were. Wits University associate professor Sandile Swana said: “Eskom is a relative sledgehammer to the South African economy. It’s in an accelerated retrogressive state of economic development.” Swana pointed out that much of Eskom’s lack of recovery was due to the incorrect employees filling the gaps of technical roles that are best suited for engineers with the right…

In the era of Bitcoin and conspicuous consumption, many vulnerable investors lose their money at the hands of charlatans posing as financial advisers. An attaché case, a cellphone number and social media accounts are not the criteria. Financial advisers are expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree in a specific field, says Nick Mashilo Matseke, head of Matseke Business Investment – MBI – an authorised financial advisory firm. “These fields include finance, business, economics, accounting or maths, amongst others. “After completing your Bachelor’s degree, it’ll be time to focus on completing financial adviser training. “You still have to obtain the training on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Points from time to time and Regulatory Examination (RE) in order to meet your fit and proper requirements over and above your qualification. Depending…

For less than $30 a day, fans can taste authentic Middle Eastern flavours, or any international cuisine, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with local teas and “qahwa” coffee to boost energy levels in preparation for the match excitement. Chief operating officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sometimes, all a traveller wants is a quick, affordable but delicious meal to get them through the day.” In Qatar, visitors can grab shawarma with meat fresh off the grill, or dip warm falafel into tahini for just a few Qatari riyals. “With a never-ending portfolio of pocket-friendly bites on every street corner, sometimes the simplest meals are the best. “Football fans should get ready to be wowed with our low-cost sweet and savoury sensations.” While Qatar excels in luxury offerings, the…

SMALL businesses have unique human resource (HR) challenges, including employee retention, cultivating a positive company culture and employing sound methods for conflict resolution. Navigating these challenges requires a people-first mindset, excellent communication skills and, most importantly – time. Trying to give internal challenges the time they deserve can often be hampered by the significant administrative burden that falls on HR professionals. This is where using HR tools can make the world of difference. Ideally, small businesses should be automating as many processes as possible to allow for time to be spent on the tasks that involve building relationships, having meaningful conversations, and listening to the needs and experiences of employees. Choosing an HR tool will depend on your individual needs, so we’ve put together a list of the three top-rated…

Mecca by Susan Straight Susan Straight’s compelling novel carries listeners through Southern California with a large cast of characters whose personalities are enriched by the voices of three gifted narrators. Shaun Taylor-Corbett narrates the sections devoted to Johnny Frías, a Highway Patrol officer who shot and secretly buried a rapist, an act which eventually pulls together the stories of the central players. Patricia R Floyd takes on the sections devoted to Matelasse Rodrigue, whose husband left her and their two young sons for an Instagram-inspired lifestyle. She also gives us Merry, mourning her only child, her son, shot by a cop. Frankie Corzo is the voice of Ximena, an undocumented migrant from Oaxaca who saves an abandoned infant, becomes a target of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and must run…

Growing your own produce is a simple solution to numerous health, environmental and economic problems. When growing your own food, your diet is more diverse and healthy, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Food in its rawest, freshest form is not only the tastiest way to enjoy it, but also the most nutritional. Once harvested, produce begins to lose moisture and nutrients. At the grocery store, the freshness of your vegetables is largely out of your control. But when you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you know exactly when they’ve been picked and how fresh they are. Added benefits to getting your hands dirty is boosting your mental health. Research has shown that spending time outside is good for our bodies and our minds. ‌Gardening can improve many aspects…

SOUTH African Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022 collections kicked off on Thursday at the Mall of Africa in Midrand. It has been three years since most fashionistas attended in-person shows at the fashion week, and many were interested to see what the designers have been working on, especially those showcasing for the first time. As per tradition, emerging designers who entered the New Talent Search competition were the first to showcase their collections, under the theme “Show Us Your Print”. The top five finalists were Munkus, Ipikoko, MeKay Designs, Czene.24 and Sixx6. They presented amazing collections to a panel of judges consisting of industry experts like designer Thula Sindi, fashion editor Sahil Harilal, fashion buyer Sumendra Chetty, buying manager Bonolo Moleme and brand consultant Eddie Marquez. The designers went big on…

PUBLIC Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula, to request that she suspend an investigation against her until the matter into the possible manipulation of the judiciary has been finalised. Mkhwebane’s letter follows revelations that a Pretoria man, Ishmail Abramjee, allegedly sent a message to advocate Andrew Breitenbach, senior counsel for the Speaker, on a Constitutional Court matter against the public protector. In the message, Abramjee says he has it “on very good authority” that the court was going to “decline to hear the public protector’s rescission application”. The message was sent before any court hearing or submission of answering papers. Mkhwebane’s lawyers on Friday requested the Speaker “to implore the committee dealing with the public protector matter in Parliament to agree to suspend…

FED up residents of Merafong City Local Municipality refuse to pay for rates and tariffs, charging that service delivery has collapsed in the area. The residents said they had been forced to deal with uncollected refuse, power outages, sewage and potholed roads. Still, they are expected to give their hard-earned money to the municipality. In what could be described as defiance, residents have decided to not to pay and now owe the municipality around R4 billion. This week, the publication visited areas of Khutsong and Kokosi, where residents said they would not pay their bills for as long as service delivery was poor. Khutsong Extension 2 resident, Sehaudi Motsoeneng, said the situation was dire. “The situation in this area is worse. The roads are riddled with potholes, and the street…

Why is the US using every opportunity to arm Ukraine to the teeth instead of investing in the UN-led diplomatic endeavour to bring an end to a war that continues to claim the lives of the multitudes and destroying infrastructure? From the outset, methinks the reason is not hard to find. None of the victims in the Russia-Ukraine war are Americans or Europeans. Had the US, EU and Nato been counting the return of their loved ones from the war zone in body bags, I am certain that diplomatic efforts to bring a halt to a devastating war (all wars are devastating) would have long been accentuated. Washington’s unprecedented financial and military support for Ukraine raises more questions than answers. It lies at the centre of Europe’s sudden amendment to…

What do you do if you have three weeks before your next match? That is the conundrum facing Jake White as the Bulls prime themselves for the United Rugby Championship play-offs. The Pretoria side all but secured a quarter-final spot on Friday night with a 29-17 bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors at Loftus Versfeld, and they are also still chasing Champions Cup qualification for next season. The Bulls are on 53 points, while the ninth-placed Scarlets – who played the Ospreys late last night – are on 43 and can only go up to 53, and would need a massive points-difference boost in their last two games, as they are on -17 and the Bulls on 123. So, White needs to box clever over the next few weeks, as their…

Team Namibia will be bursting with pride following their showing at this year’s Africa MMA Championships. South Africa’s neighbours entered the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation-sanctioned tournament for the first time this year, and they proved that this will not be their last appearance. Entering the tournament with a contingent of only three fighters, Team Namibia made their nation proud bringing home three medals, one gold, and two bronze. Their golden boy happens to be an athlete who has never stepped into a cage prior to this weekend’s action in Joburg. 2022 African featherweight champion Veja Hinda made his debut on day one, fighting his way to three victories at the Extreme Fighting Championship Performance Institute, a feat that left many in shock considering Hinda’s lack of experience. Showcasing sublime…

Back in the day, townships were not the best tourism destinations, because of the segregation caused by the apartheid government. In the past 28 years, we have seen growth in township tourism, with local businesses striving to change the perception of townships. There are still some negative images around townships, but today, though townships have their struggles, they have come out of their shells in terms of tourism offerings – becoming friendlier and better serving the travel market. Tshepo Matlou, head of marketing and communications at online booking, Jurni, says: “Township tourism is no longer a portrait of poverty but a celebration of transformation and development of our nation. “South Africa offers world-class destinations and incredible cultural experiences, and a platform like ours has been created to showcase these special…