Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-08-21 i Sunday Independent

South Africa is embarking on one of the most important digital projects the country has seen. The Home Affairs Ministry seeks to digitise 350 million inactive and active paper records comprising birth, marriage and amendments records. In doing so, the ministry has called upon the youth of South Africa to form part of the digital workforce that will turn hard-copy print records into an electronic format. This will probably be one of the most important tech projects undertaken in the country. It will be im- portant for citizens, the youth and the government. South Africa has a chance to modernise its records and systems. How South Africa approaches the project can catalyse many other things, among them tech skills development, employment and government efficiency. At the same time, South…

Apart from a small and medium enterprise (SME) owner’s many responsibilities – maintaining healthy cash flow, maximising profitability, securing customers and hiring the right recruits, to name a few – there are also legal parameters to consider. The best way to understand the major compliance issues that apply to SMEs is to think of it in terms of three key areas: company registration, labour and tax. Let’s take a closer look at how these areas are regulated: Company registration One of the first steps when starting an SME is to have it registered as a company, which separates the running of the business from your personal assets, responsibilities and liabilities. This process is regulated by the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission, which operates according to the legal frameworks built around…

The millennial hustle culture is over, at least according to TikTok, as workers reduce their work efforts to avoid burnout. The new trend of quiet quitting has generated more than 3.9 million video views on TikTok. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, the top three reasons why Americans leave their jobs are inadequate income, a lack of promotion chances, and feeling disrespected at work. A downward shift between 2020 and 2021 marked the first annual decline in engagement in over a decade, according to research. What is quiet quitting? Simply put, quiet quitting is carrying out the duties for which you get compensated. The employees do the bare minimum instead of quitting completely. Leaving as soon as the clock strikes five, ceasing to answer messages received after office…

Think essential oils are just for aromatic or topical purposes? Think again! Certain oils can be incredibly useful in the kitchen. You can use essential oils in salad dressings, drinks, and smoothies, in place of dry seasonings or herbs, and in baking, just to name a few. Before you start though, it is crucial to understand what essential oils are. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants – depending on the oil, they can be extracted from its leaves, bark and roots. They have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatments and healthcare practices. Just make sure the brand of essential oils you use is suitable for internal use (not all are, some are just for aromatherapy). Essential oils have a lot of flavours, and because they are…

As we continue to commemorate Women’s Month, we salute the heroes of 1956, the mothers, aunties, sisters and daughters who took to the streets to fight for the freedom we all enjoy. No stranger to the film and television industry, Lala Tuku, pictured, has been newly appointed as head of local productions at the SABC. “I started on June 6 and it’s just been an incredible journey,” said Tuku. “They say change is as good as a holiday, but sometimes, change, when you’re a creature of habit, can shock you. But from a career point of view, it was my next. I’m taking this role as my big next, and I’m really looking forward to what I can do with it.” Tuku’s new role comes with big responsibilities, coupled with…

The hugely-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel is almost here. House of the Dragon, which has been created by George RR Martin and Ryan J Condal for HBO, is based on Martin’s 2018 novel, Fire & Blood. This offering is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. It explores the beginning of the end of House Targaryen, unpacking the war of succession, which is also known as the “Dance of the Dragons”. Of course, it is helmed by a stellar cast of Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Lady Alicent Hightower, Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower ( Alicent’s father and the Hand of the King), Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon…

To understand how it is that black businesses lose their intellectual property and virtually sign their livelihood away with their eyes wide open is a thing of mystery. The Shosholoza trademark is the initiative of George Moyo Ngoya, a renowned entrepreneur born in Alexandra, just north of Joburg. It was Moyo who was instrumental in protecting the Nelson Mandela name from unscrupulous business interests that were bent on making a killing from it, including his prison number, 466/64. He helped to trademark Mandela’s name against sharks who wanted to exploit it for personal commercial gain. It is not clear how the shrewd businessman could then fail to close all the loopholes in securing his intellectual property. His daughter, Busi Maile, who works in her father’s business says: “In 1995,…

The struggle for freedom – first from British imperialism and later from apartheid, was a struggle for land. These were the words of South African lawyer and author advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, who delivered the Dr Phyllis Naidoo Memorial lecture at UKZN’s Westville campus. More than 27 years after the new dispensation in South Africa, Ngcukaitobi said the dream for the return of the land has yet to be realised. “It has become a shattered dream. This is why a new reality is emerging – not controlled from the centre, but springing from the ground – asking the difficult question of the unfinished business of the revolution. “Until and unless there is a confrontation with the negotiated settlement of the transitional period, it is impossible to speak of freedom, of…

It’s only one Test and there’s still a series to be won, but taken in the broader context of South Africa’s improvement over the past 18 months, the fifth post-isolation win at Lord’s felt like a mark had been made in the sand. The series triumph over India was special in that the Proteas were underdogs and had to come from behind, while dealing with the retirement of their most attacking batter and the absence of their fastest bowler. However, it was a win that was lost in the noise around matters off the field – the new board of directors finding its feet and, more tangibly, the fallout from the SJN hearings that were hanging over coach Mark Boucher. This tour is the first one in which the Proteas…

FRIDAY’S signing of Real Madrid’s legendary Brazilian midfield kingpin Casemiro could just be the tonic that Manchester United need to kickstart what has so far been a disastrous start to Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager of the record 20-times English champions. Shambolic transfer activity, uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future and successive defeats in their two opening Premier League games have seen the Dutch manager endure a baptism of fire at the start of his first season in the Red Devils’ dugout. If a 2-1 home reversal to Graham Potter’s spirited Brighton & Hove Albion in the opening match of the 2022/2023 Premier League sounded the alarm bells over the need to act decisively in the transfer market, then last weekend’s 4-0 first-half drubbing by lowly Brentford was the shock…

This Women’s month, it has never been more important to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. Data from Airbnb highlights how women especially have turned to host on the platform in order to become tourism entrepreneurs. According to the data, women hosts now make up 56% of Airbnb’s global host community, and an even higher proportion in South Africa, at 65%. Airbnb also said women are embracing hosting at a higher rate than men, with 21% more women joining the platform than men in 2021. “New women hosts earned approximately $1.1 billion on the platform in 2021, including approximately R62 million in South Africa. In fact, between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2022, women hosts in South Africa have earned approximately R6bn…

While information around Elon Musk’s rumoured social network remains scarce, it’s not surprising that “x.com” could face the same hindrances which caused the demise of many new platforms. While by any normal social network moderation standards “x.com” may not be well favoured, Musk has touted it as the name of his proposed social network amid his legal battle with Twitter. However, its name remains very much in line with Musk’s intention for Twitter, which he initially “purchased’”for $44 billion (R690bn), just 16.7% of his net worth, in April. The transaction came after a barrage of tweets by Musk in which he described tweaks to the service, including a premium version, an edit button and less moderation on Tweets, hence the name “x.com” for his proposed social network. While being outspoken…

The raging argument between major stakeholders in the poultry sector over the impact of the recently suspended higher tariffs has raised the spectre of more than 13 000 jobs being lost in the sector. The raging argument between major stakeholders in the poultry sector over the impact of the recently suspended higher tariffs has raised the spectre of more than 13 000 jobs being lost in the sector as an impending deluge of imports is feared to usurp local producers’ market share. The Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) said in the Western Cape alone at least 1 000 jobs were at risk while on a national average, taking into account workers in the grain, animal feed processing and plantation sectors, this figure could be at more than 13 000…

Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, one of kwaito’s most important voices, understood the power of the “hook” well before it became a ubiquitous part of the genre. His hooks and his choruses, which often took the form of a rallying cry or some sort of repetitive chant-like refrain, were a major driving force in the music of TKZee, the popular group he was a part of. Today, his legacy is evident in the boisterous melodies we hear on amapiano records. As a solo artist and alongside TKZee’s other two members, Zwai Bala and Kabelo Mabalane, Magesh had one of the most prolific runs between 1997 and 2005, when the group released five stellar projects: Palafala, Halloween, Guz 2001, Trinity and Guz Hits, which was essentially a “greatest hits” album. Halloween in…

Nope (Cinemas nationwide) A science fiction horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Jordan Peele under his Monkeypaw Productions banner. Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott and Brandon Perea, it follows two ranch-owning siblings who attempt to capture evidence of an unidentified flying object. Pleasures of the Harbour by Adam Kethro (R199 on Loot.co.za) Adam Askew, a young man in a hurry, always wanted to be financially independent. Armed with guts, determination and a cocky self-assurance, he sets up a shipping company with a view to take on the world, one ton of cargo at a time. Fed up with the cliquey set-up in Durban, he takes a gutsy gamble – the biggest of his life – one that will ultimately make or break him. He heads…

August is august in South Africa – or it should be. But is it? The democratic national government of South Africa, led by the ANC, since the advent of political change in 1994, correctly declared August Women’s Month in recognition of the multiracial march to the erstwhile seat of power in Pretoria in 1956 by about 20 000 women, essentially for the right to be free. Such a seat of power, in both the apartheid and democracy eras, has actually been, invariably, the seat of patriarchy. Successive National Party-led governments, like ANC-led governments, had only men as heads of state. Patriarchy, which is the outright dominance of society by men, endorsed by both men and women, respects no racial classification, but is universal. For instance, in the US, for well…

The family of slain whistle-blower, Babita Deokaran, are angry that the mastermind of her murder has gone on with life for the past year while they have been grieving her loss. Deokaran, a mother of one child, was killed in a hail of bullets outside her home in Winchester Hills, Joburg, on August 23 last year. Deokaran, 53, the chief director of financial accounting at the Gauteng Department of Health, was assisting with investigations into a personal protective equipment (PPE) tender scandal that rocked the Gauteng Health Department. Less than a week after the shooting, six men were charged with her murder. Their case continues in the South Gauteng High Court in Joburg. This week, a year later, Gauteng Premier David Makhura said an independent forensic investigator would be appointed…

Many fans were reminiscing about their favourite jams of kwaito trio TKZee following the passing this week of one of the members, Tokollo Tshabalala, who was fondly called “Magesh” by his family, friends and fans. And if you grew up in the 90s, the legendary group would have well been among your favourites because they easily formed part of the kwaito culture that dominated that era. It was in 1998 when TKZee set the party scene ablaze with the release of their iconic Kwaito Halloween album which featured hits like Phalafala, Magesh, Mambotjie, Dlala Mapantsula, Masimbela and Shibobo/The Final Countdown featuring legendary soccer star Benni McCarthy. Their music shook Southern Africa even more with hits such as Fiasco, Fella Kae, and We Love This Place. When Tshabalala was born into…

The current Springboks are probably unaware of it but the only other time they have played a match in Adelaide was in 1971 when they smashed South Australia 49-0. Hannes Marais’ Boks won all 13 matches on their tour that year, including three Test wins, and Siya Kolisi’s men need all the good omens they can get given the dreadful record on Australian soil that they are addressing this week, and at a venue that is not a rugby union stronghold. Since readmission in 1992, the Springboks have beaten the Wallabies five times in 32 matches in Australia, the same number of victories they have over the All Blacks in New Zealand over the same period, and that just doesn’t make sense. It is puzzling because the All Blacks have…

One of the busiest airports in Europe, Schiphol has offered to compensate passengers who missed flights due to overcrowded airport lines at check-in between April 23 and August 11. The Dutch airport announced that passengers who incurred unexpected expenditure due to missing their flights would be given all their cash back – but only upon providing proof. Their claim will only be valid if they are able to provide a parking ticket with a time of entry, proof of check-out at the train station, a photo with a time stamp or a WhatsApp message. “We understand the inconvenience caused by your missed flight and by the extra costs you incurred as a result of the security check queues at Schiphol,” the airport said. Passengers who had booked flights departing from…

Mohahlaula Airlines has revealed plans to launch a local Lesotho airline within the next year. The operation will initially service the Maseru to Johannesburg route with plans to extend to other destinations in South Africa. Phafane Nkotsi, chief executive officer of Mohahlaula Airlines, said that they are thrilled to announce their intention to launch Mohahlaula Airlines over the next year. “It’s a service desperately required by Lesotho as the country grows economically and tourism picks up after the pandemic. We are looking forward to playing an essential role in driving Lesotho’s socio-economic growth,” said Nkotsi. Following the collapse of Maluti Sky six years ago, Mohahlaula is the first local airline that not only will connect locals to business and leisure opportunities outside Lesotho, but also open up employment opportunities for…

EA will honour the price which was temporarily available on the Indian version of the Epic Games Store due to a glitch Popular game publishing platform Epic Games Store’s Indian store-front recently listed pre-purchases for the latest (and last) FIFA instalment at a huge discount. This wasn’t the regular edition of the game either, this price was for the Ultimate Edition meant to be sold for 4,799 Indian rupees (INR) or about R1000. An error led to the price instead being listed as 4.8 INR - or just R1. Those who were quick enough to grab the 99% discount before it was fixed were quick to take their celebrations to social media, but it was unclear whether EA or the Epic Games Store would honour the pre-orders. EA…

“Do you know where you are going?” This was the question my three sons continuously asked me in 1989. I was reminded of the question when Abba Omar, the director of strategy at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, giving his closing remarks on Indlulamithi Day, commented that on the long trips between Johannesburg and Cape Town his children often asked: “When are we arriving home?” This common question is relevant as any South African from the top to the bottom always asks: “When are we going to arrive?” Obviously, this is on the heroic assumption that we know where we are going. A more realistic question is: Does the country know where it is going? Border posts are a good example of problems encountered in planning, despite knowing the…

Can getting married dull your sexual life? Yes, after a while, long-term partnerships can start to feel monotonous. It should be expected that your marriage will have some difficulties. However, do you feel trapped in your physical relationship? Is your sexual life experiencing a slump? Are you becoming tired of having sex with your partner? Dating App Gleeden suggests some tips to help you escape your monotony: Love language We usually love our partners how we want ourselves to be loved. Learning your spouse/partner’s love language can make your relationship healthy. Knowing your partner’s needs will remove the bubble of distance in your relationship. Don’t count It’s not how many nights and times you are involved with them, affection between you and your partner matters. Lasting longer does not spice…

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, TV shows provided welcome levity amid the growing anxiety and cabin fever. One was Indian Matchmaking. In fact, it was one of the most watched shows around the globe. Critics were either raving about it or slating it. At the heart of the reality show is Sima Taparia, aka Sima Aunty, who plays Cupid (well, tries to) with professional and successful Indians from India and the US. Mind you, the clients have a long checklist and are not easily swayed during the matchmaking process. Let’s just say some people look great on paper, but in person, not so much. Sima Aunty, who has been doing this for years, is treated as royalty when it comes to being an intermediary for marriage. Yet even…

Hulking out hasn’t been all it could be during the past couple of decades onscreen, but that’s all about to change with the debut of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law on Disney+. Eric Bana played the title role in Ang Lee’s 2003 film Hulk, which got mixed reviews – before the Marvel Cinematic Universe started and the role was passed to Ed Norton in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. In the infancy of the MCU, the Hulk was expected to be a major player. But after reportedly experiencing creative differences with Norton, Marvel Studios recast the role with Mark Ruffalo. His Hulk/Bruce Banner was relegated to guest appearances in Avengers movies, while Iron Man and Captain America racked up three solo films and Thor got four. Why no solo Hulk movies? The…

From Giyani to Germany, multi-talented Musa Nkuna is back home in South Africa, currently starring in Mozart’s Don Giovanni which ends its run at the Joburg Theatre today. In what has been billed as an extension to the Joburg Theatre’s 60th anniversary celebration of connecting stars to the City Of Gold, Nkuna has travelled a long road from bustling Limpopo to performing on stages around the world. Growing up in a musical family, his father, a composer and music producer for Radio Tsonga which is part of the SABC, had Nkuna and his brother travel with when he went to record choral groups. Now settled in Hamburg, Germany, Nkuna said: “I would like to visit and take opera throughout townships of South Africa so people can appreciate the beauty of…

Women across South Africa have made many strides in advocating for equality, yet gender inequality is still rife in the workplace. The push for representation and innovation should not only reach women when they start working or are promoted to positions of power, said Tambu Ndoro of the Graça Machel Trust. It has to be a community effort, with women doing their part, as well as men. “Innovation must strive to reach women and girls wherever they are. Women should not only represent, but must also be impactful in their role in accelerating and bringing more women up into C-suite roles,” Ndoro said. Ndoro’s view has ties to the motivation behind attorney Feziwe Phungula’s decision to study law. Phungula was admitted to the Natal Provincial Division of the High Court…

South Africa’s tertiary landscape may get another makeover following the recent call by the Minister of Higher Education Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, for public comment on the Draft Policy for the Recognition of South African Higher Education Institutional Types. One cannot help but feel that this process, which began in 2018, is just another futile cosmetic exercise that fails to address the more pressing issues around funding and quality of graduates coming out of South African institutions. Perhaps, as the curtain draws on his career, Nzimande is looking at the legacy he leaves behind. The minister and his team will insist that he has done a great job. But many outside will murmur about his ineffectiveness in handling the student funding crisis, sitting on numerous reports on his…

Could it be sheer coincidence that Dr Gregg Mills and Ray Hartley published thinly veiled West-centric apologetic berating the recently released South African “National Interest” framework document for embracing “undemocratic states” on the day of the arrival of American secretary of state Anton Blinken in South Africa on August 7? This could not have been coincidental. Reinforcing this view was Mills’ and a coterie of African opposition political parties’ co-authored opinion piece (published on July 28) openly calling for the African continent to rally behind the defence of Ukraine. Mills and Hartley also published a piece in the Daily Maverick (July 7) titled “South Africa and the Russian Federation — Pause before Engaging”, lamenting South Africa’s continued trade with Russia. The self-righteous anti-Russian discursive order has notably found resonance in…

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby coined the phrase “if they are good enough, they are old enough” in trying to explain how his “Busby Babes” ruled English football in the 1950s. That saying could apply to Canan Moodie as well. The Paarl youngster was called up to the Springbok squad on the back of an outstanding United Rugby Championship campaign with the Bulls, who lost to the Stormers in the final. The Springboks have a problem at right wing for next weekend’s Rugby Championship showdown with the Wallabies in Adelaide, with Cheslin Kolbe (injured) and Kurt-Lee Arendse (suspended) unavailable, while Sbu Nkosi is working his way back from injury. Jesse Kriel is back after starting in the No 14 against the All Blacks in Mbombela, where he was…

Chloe-ann Clark, the South African-born singer and songwriter, lives in The Netherlands with her husband and toddler. Travelling is one of her favourite things to do. She shares some of her memories, especially the solo trips and as a new mom. When did you first embark on your solo travel trip, where did you go, how old were you and how would you describe the experience? When I was 27, I booked a trip to Mauritius and a small tour around the island (I’m a jazz singer). While I was on the island for 10 days, I managed to meet a delicious pilot and this was the beginning of a wild adventure of a solo duo and, now, family adventures! One of my first solo trips was to Paris to…