Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-01-15 i Sunday Independent

South African retailers could face a tough 2023 as a global recession, load shedding persists and inflation is still rising. In 2022, the retail sector had to deal with several headwinds. Anchor Capital investment analyst Zinhle Maphumulo said the near-term outlook for the retail sector remained challenging, given the macro outlook, and because last year’s trading was marred by headwinds. Maphumulo said the South African retail sector last year was mixed. The initial six-month period was good, as there was little evidence then of elevated inflationary increases. “As the year went on, you had increasing interest rates. You had increased food inflation as a result of increased commodity prices. You had increased petrol prices, diesel prices, and that’s impacted the consumer negatively as incomes started to become constrained, and as…

When stomach contents go back up into the oesophagus, acid reflux occurs. Acid regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux are other names for this behaviour. You may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if you have acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week. About 20% of Americans, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, suffer with GERD. It occasionally results in significant problems if left untreated. GERD symptoms Acid reflux is the major sign of GERD. Your chest may feel like it’s burning, and the discomfort may spread to your neck and throat. Heartburn is a common name for this sensation. The back of your mouth may start to taste sour or bitter if you have acid reflux. Additionally, it could result in food or drink coming…

Sigh, the holidays are over. It’s back to work. Back to school. And back to routine, basically. Hopefully, 2023 will be kinder to everyone, especially during these horrendous stages of load shedding. Of course, as a default, we can always trust our streaming options to help chase away some of the blues. I recently watched Kaleidoscope and was fascinated by the crime anthology series that has been lauded by streamers. In my naiveté, I watched it as I do every other series. But, with this show, there is no need to do that. The eight-episode offering, which is distinguished by different colours, charts a specific timeline in the heist saga. To help a little, here’s a quick overview of the time frame, broken down by episode: Yellow (6 weeks before…

Mzansi Magic’s The Queen is no mean task. The award-winning telenovela, which was produced by Ferguson Films, ran for seven seasons and was a hit with viewers across the country. With that run coming to an end, Gqeberha: The Empire will be tasked with filling that void as it takes over the same slot on the channel. When it premieres on Monday, the show will make history as the first-ever Mzansi Magic telenovela filmed entirely in the Eastern Cape. The show’s star-studded cast includes Zikhona Sodlaka, Zandile Msutwana, Mbulelo Grootboom, Kay Bikitsha, Phila Madlingozi, Anele Matoti and Akhenime Mfenyana. Ahead of the airing of Gqeberha: The Empire, we caught up with the excellent Sodlaka. While she seems to be relishing the entire project, one thing that’s been particularly fulfilling for…

FORMER Gauteng premier David Makhura is tipped to become the new minister in the presidency when President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffles his Cabinet after winning a second term during the ANC conference in December. Ramaphosa is expected to announce his new Cabinet upon his return from the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Upon Ramaphosa’s return from Davos, the 80-strong newly elected NEC will meet to discuss among other things, names of those who would be recommended for ministerial positions. An NEC member, who asked not to be named because he isn’t allowed to speak to the media, said: “Ramaphosa is expected to appoint committed men and women to be ministers and not his cronies and proxies from his funders if he wants to be taken seriously and finish…

EDUCATION, all around the world, is considered the pathway to success. For one to have formal and decent employment, they are required to hold some form of qualification in line with their work. But the conversation around the hardships that many young people, especially those in disadvantaged black communities, face on their way to getting proper and quality education is almost non-existent. Many of these underprivileged youngsters lack basic school necessities such as food and stationery, among other essential materials. The lack of these basics may negatively impact the learner. Reflecting on his personal experience of how using low-quality stationery affected his school performance and self-esteem, Levi Mnguni, founder and CEO of Thuto Stationery, speaks about how he intends to use his brand to break the cycle of the negative…

THE Lady of Peace Community Foundation, in collaboration with UN Women’s South Africa Multi-Country Office, has initiated a programme to honour and celebrate actors and actions being taken to ensure that women and girls live violence-free lives. In December last year, the foundation identified and gave awards to 16 community actors who are focused on ending violence against women and girls across communities in Gauteng. Celeste Diale, the foundation’s concept developer, said the point of the award handover was to honour, recognise and acknowledge those on the front lines and doing the work in the fight against GBVF. “Our biggest concern is that many South Africans out there are doing great work in contributing towards ending violence against women and children, and in most instances go unrecognised. “They use their…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the EFF has no business getting involved in his Constitutional Court application to review and set aside Parliament’s independent panel report on Phala Phala, but the red berets insist they have to hold Ramaphosa accountable. The EFF, which has not been joined as one of the primary respondents in Ramaphosa’s application, seeks leave to oppose the court bid, citing “a manifest, clear and direct substantial interest in the relief sought”. After seeking consensus from Ramaphosa’s lawyers that he would not oppose the EFF’s participation, his lawyers said: “Your letter does not set out any basis for contending that the EFF has a material legal interest, entitling it to be a party to the application. The case is against Parliament and the Section 89 Panel.” Undeterred, EFF…

BELEAGUERED Tembisa Hospital continues to hog the limelight for all the wrong reasons. The hospital is currently dealing with a shortage of beds which has resulted in patients sleeping on the floor and others not even receiving treatment. A video circulated on social media over the festive season showed a dire situation at the facility with patients sleeping on the floor and filth everywhere. While the theatre unit is affected by load shedding and a shortage of staff (nurses and doctors), the casualty ward comes off as the most overcrowded with different patients suffering from different illnesses mixed together, including patients with mental health illnesses. A 36-year-old patient shared how neglected he felt from the day he was admitted to the hospital, saying that he doesn’t feel like he’ll make…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa jumped into tackling the country’s electricity crisis with a daring plan for Eskom. The president revealed the intention to move the state-owned enterprise (SOE) to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) portfolio from the Department of Public Enterprises during an address in Mangaung. The intentions are part of a resolution adopted by the ANC at its national elective conference in December. The party had decided to evaluate and move SOEs to operate in specific economic sectors and be overseen by the relevant government departments. “It is a clear mandate from (the) conference,” Ramaphosa said. “The resolution will be implemented,” and the government will decide how and when it will be done. Eskom’s energy crisis led the ANC-led government to wash its hands of its consistent…

MANCHESTER United fans can “dream” of a Premier League title challenge said Erik ten Hag after a stunning late fightback to beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford. Two goals in the final 12 minutes from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford moved United up to third and within one point of their local rivals. City looked to be heading to victory when Jack Grealish came off the bench to head the visitors into the lead. But the momentum swung on Fernandes’ controversial equaliser before Rashford continued his stunning return to form by scoring for the ninth consecutive game at Old Trafford. City could now fall eight points off the top of the table should Arsenal beat Tottenham in the north London derby today. Victory was sweet revenge for United after…

The Netflix series Emily in Paris has clearly inspired tourists to visit the city of love. According to a Google search analysis, conducted by NewCasinos.com, “Paris holidays” have seen a massive increase in the UK, with a whopping 161% since the series aired on December 21. According to Tom’s guide report, Emily in Paris is one of Netflix’s biggest hits since it aired in 2020. “Netflix said it was their most popular comedy of that year, seen by 58 million households in the first month.’’ The character in the series, Emily Cooper, lives a lavish life in which she explores glamorous locations in Paris. A spokesperson from New Casinos said: “It’s fascinating to see that her character’s influence is carried into the real world. The hit series shows off sides…

Summer is still in full swing and you can still travel and have the time of your life doing other outdoor activities like a beach day, park braai or hiking. Whether you’re looking for a riverside lodge to watch the world go by, or a farmhouse in the mountains to escape with your family, here are the best remote Airbnbs for an off-the-grid getaway in South Africa that can also help you avoid the current load shedding crisis. Tugela River Lodge: Kingfisher Cottage – Winterton, KZN If your idea of slowing down and connecting with nature is observing giraffes from your kitchen window, then you’ll be right at home in this cosy four-sleeper. Kingfisher Cottage on the banks of the Tugela boasts spectacular views of the Spioenkop Mountain. This…

TECHNOLOGY has taught us many valuable lessons over the years, and it continues to shape the way we live and work. Here are the top seven things technology has taught us: 1. The power of connectivity Technology has made it easier than ever before to connect with people from all over the world, regardless of distance or time. This has led to the creation of new and exciting opportunities for businesses, as well as the ability to stay in touch with friends and family in ways that were previously impossible. 2. The importance of innovation Technology is always evolving, and it’s taught us the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments is essential for…

Caviar – something we might imagine belonging to the crystal-and-silver-laden dinner tables of oligarchs, or the cocktail parties of one-percenters – is suddenly popping up far from those rarefied spaces. Bars are garnishing drinks with it. People are doing caviar bumps, licking the orbs off the backs of their hands like college kids downing salt before tequila shots. On TikTok, 20-somethings in sweatshirts are devouring it at their kitchen counters. And in one of the most unlikely juxtapositions, they’re dolloping it on Doritos, the junk food famous for leaving a telltale dusting of neon-orange powder on a binge-er’s fingers. The culinary mash-up of high- and lowbrow might be familiar, and caviar-on-everything isn’t even new, but this particular trend can be traced to Danielle Zaslavsky, a TikTok influencer who has become…

If you enjoy spy action-thrillers, you need to check out The Recruit. It is similar to offerings like The Flight Attendant, Burn Notice and Covert Affairs. What I enjoyed about this eight-part Netflix offering is that the action is offset by humour. Viewers can remain on tenterhooks and take a few comedic breaks in between. Noah Centineo makes for a great anchor as greenhorn CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks. His passion for the job is underpinned by his savvy in talking himself out of trouble. Although, that is not always the easiest thing to do, especially when he is tasked with ensuring Max Meladze (Laura Haddock), a former CIA asset currently behind bars, doesn’t go rogue on them. Of course, Max is a handful and then some. She plays hardball. And…

EXCITEMENT is high following the revelation of the cast of The Real Housewives of Durban and now, hot on the heels of that announcement, an introduction to the cast for The Real Housewives of Gqeberha. Last week, 1Magic released the teaser for The Real Housewives of Gqeberha and now they have revealed the ladies who are set to entertain the country. Set in a city known for its stunning coastlines and friendly people, the cast of the show is ready to show viewers a side to Gqeberha that they have never seen before, one where the circles are tight and where the women bond through power. The Real Housewives of Gqeberha will premiere on 1Magic on February 3 at 8.30pm and here are the five cast mates who will…

M3GAN (Cinemas nationwide) This science fiction horror film is directed by Gerard Johnstone based on a screenplay by Akela Cooper and a story by Cooper and James Wan, who produces alongside Jason Blum. The film stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw, with Amie Donald portraying M3GAN and Jenna Davis voicing the character. Its plot follows the eponymous artificially intelligent doll who develops self-awareness and becomes hostile to anyone who comes between her and her human companion. The Favour by Nicci French (R229 on loot.co.za) A good deed can turn deadly… When Liam unexpectedly turns up in Jude’s life after ten years of no contact, asking her for a favour, she just can’t say no. He was her first love, and even though she is now a successful doctor and about…

THE 2 500-strong group of Liberation Struggle War Veterans are resolute in their demand for a once-off payment of R10.5 billion in reparations, amounting to R4.2 million per veteran, as part of their submissions on Monday on the proposed military pension legislation. Aside from this, the former soldiers, who fought during apartheid for the freedom of black people in South Africa, are also demanding the government pay a pension of R36 million per annum, which translates to R15 000 a month per member. Last year, members of the group held two ministers and a deputy minister hostage during failed negotiations. In their submissions on the pension legislation, members of the group were also irked by the government’s failure to address the plight of veterans and their families. This was despite…

A COMPANY in which the eldest son of Black Consciousness icon Steve Biko, Nkosinathi Biko, is a director has been blacklisted by the government after being busted for collusive bidding and fronting. Inhouse Venue Technical Management and its directors were blacklisted from doing business with the state after the National Treasury was authorised by the state-owned Council for the Built Environment (CBE) to do so. A National Treasury report obtained by Sunday Independent shows that Inhouse Venue Technical Management and its directors, Biko, Ofer Lapid and Nasser Abbas, were placed on the National Treasury’s databases of restricted suppliers and tender defaulters. The reason for the restriction by the relevant accounting officer/authority was cited as collusive bidding and fronting. According to the report, dated December 23, 2022, the company and its…

Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla and the government have been warned against reviving the vaccination campaign. Anti-vaccine groups slammed Phaahla’s decision to reinvigorate the national Covid-19 vaccination campaign, saying he illustrated “great” ignorance when he said vaccination remains the best way to build up immunity against Covid-19. Phaahla made his announcement on Tuesday. Although Phaahla said no restrictions would be put in place, he said President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) approved reinvigorating the vaccination campaign and ramping up Covid-19 testing. This came after the case of a new Omicron sub-variant, XBB.1.5, was identified in the country last week. “Our vaccination ministerial advisory committee will soon make adjustments to qualification for the booster (vaccination) per age and also the timelines between the boosters. The remake…

Cameroonian business tycoon El Hadj Ahmadou Baba Danpullo believes First National Bank (FNB) misled the justice system in its decision to seize and liquidate all properties belonging to him in South Africa. Baba Danpullo said the decision was not justifiable. His properties, valued at R4 billion, were seized and liquidated in 2020. The FNB decision came after Baba Danpullo contracted a loan of about R520 million from FNB to purchase 1 Thibault building in Cape Town in 2017, with a repayment of R10 million a month to be spread over 10 years, with interest. He said the liquidation was not justified because he has been paying every month, as per the agreement with FNB. “FNB decided to ruin me and obtained a judicial liquidation of all my real estate…

WITH South Africa’s literary scene growing exponentially, avid readers are given something to look forward to every year. Various authors together with publishers from across the country and on the international front have got some exciting offerings lined up for the year. Here are a few upcoming 2023 book releases you can expect. The Dao of Daniel Lodewyk G du Plessis, Michiel Heyns NB Publishers Daan van der Walt, a Latin-quoting, God-fearing former Kalahari farmer, visits his estranged son in China. He soon finds himself on a difficult path (the Dao of the title) to come to terms with his feelings of remorse and guilt. He sets out to write his Historia, or confessions, in the form of letters to his deceased wife and imaginary observations of his beloved dog.…

THE fictitious new dawn tale that President Cyril Ramaphosa sold to South Africans remains in a tailspin, evident in the escalating management crisis and deterioration of performance at state rail and port company Transnet. The Minerals Council SA (MCSA) has run out of patience and is set to place a new demand on Ramaphosa’s desk for “an urgent ministerial intervention in the crisis” at Transnet. The big mining industry players have called for the dismissal of Transnet Group CEO Portia Derby. They also warned that any possible solution should be left to external experts since the company’s board could not take over the reins. The MCSA envisioned that the intervention could see the establishment of a structure similar to the National Energy Crisis Committee – which has also, ironically, failed…

THE African continent is seeing a shift in its economic landscape, with Zimbabwe recently banning all raw lithium exports after the government said it was losing €1.7 billion from exporting it as a raw mineral, and not processing it into batteries in-country. Lithium is a mineral used as a component in electronic batteries for mostly cars, cellphones and computers. It is so valuable that it is known as “white gold”, and its price has gone up by 1 100% in the past two years alone. The alkali metal is found in small amounts in minerals such as spodumene, petalite, lepidolite and amblygonite, as well as in indigenous rocks and the waters of some mineral springs. It’s produced through the electric decomposition of molten lithium chloride and potassium chloride. Zimbabwe holds…

Intercontinental travel remains open amid the spread of Covid-19 Omicron subvariants, known as XBB.1.5 or “Kraken”, and BF.7, derived from its full name BA.5.2.1.7. The XBB.1.5 sub-lineage was first detected in October in the US and has since been detected in South Africa in a sample collected late last month. The BF.7 subvariant was recently detected in China. Some specialists in infectious diseases say there is no reason to panic, and the South African government has aligned itself with this belief and has not restricted travel to and from the country, the US or China. Jaclyn Cole, public affairs officer at the US Consulate in Durban, said the US government continued to monitor the emergence and spread of XBB.1.5. “Additional research is needed to understand if the Omicron subvariant could…

There are many influencers who are “influencing” full-time, this is how they make their income. However, there is an annoying side to it; the photo shoots that take place everywhere, especially at a popular holiday spot. A user on Petty Revenge subreddit, made a statement about influences or aspiring influences, walking through people's social media photo shoots. His caption read: ‘’I am currently on holiday and my new favourite pastime is having no patience for Instagram wannabe models’’ And so many others who could relate to the statement shared. ‘’... the amount of people on hiking trails or at the beach that set-up a photo shoot and expect us all to go around them is too many.’’ It’s come to people’s attention that some models and influences come with…

The UCT Online High School has just completed its first year of operations, marking an important milestone in the history of online education in South Africa. When the school was launched, UCT vice-chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said: “The University of Cape Town is committed to playing our part in addressing the systemic challenges facing our education system. As a result, we have taken the bold step to launch an innovative online high school in January 2022, where the academic excellence of UCT can be extended to high school learners across the country.” Now that the year has begun, we have the opportunity to assess the performance of the school based on its first year of operations. Current reports show that it has not been a smooth process for pupils, teachers…

As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, our country’s economic outlook in 2023 remains lacklustre. For SMEs, the best way to prepare for the year ahead is to remain agile – be ready for “plan A” but keep “plan B” (and C) in your pocket so that viable alternatives remain close at hand should you need them. In short, SMEs are urged to buckle up for a bumpy ride. The topic of recession seems to feature in the minds of economists, who predict that the knock-on effects of the unstable geo-political climate, tensions in Europe and load shedding will sour South Africa’s chances of post-pandemic economic recovery. Others are “cautiously optimistic”, pointing to the resilience of the local mining and manufacturing sectors as indicators that South Africa will…

Nutrition plays a big role in our lives, and yet maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a focus on nutritious foods can be a challenge. With new year’s resolutions kicking in, one needs to focus on eating healthily and staying fit too. But where to start? How do you pick the healthy from the unhealthy? How much is too much? And so many such questions bombard our minds and bring us down. Well, not anymore. Celebrity nutritionist and founder of QUA Nutrition, Ryan Fernando, joins hands with California Walnuts to share five tips to help up your nutrition game. Bring omega-3 into your diet Omega-3 is an essential nutrient, but our body can’t make it from scratch, hence we must get it from foods. Omega-3 is a source of good fats,…

Theirs is a love story that spanned continents; a modern fairy tale of an actress finding her Prince Charming. As fate would have it, they knew the moment they set eyes on each other, they were destined to be together. That’s the blueprint for every great love story ever told, except this one gets teased out like an elastic band being pulled back and forth, stories are changed, and the main characters end up being the villains. For the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, their journey of finally finding freedom was never going to be as cut and dry. The second Prince Harry brought a mixed-race woman into the very private fold of the British royal family, sparks were going to fly. “Yay! Brown girl magic taking over Buckingham Palace,”…

Lisa Marie Presley was born into the celebrity spotlight as the only child of Elvis Presley and his wife, Priscilla. She had a career as a singer and songwriter with her own headline-grabbing moments, including marriages to pop star Michael Jackson and actor Nicolas Cage. She died on Thursday. The death was announced by her mother just hours after Presley was taken to hospital from her home in Calabasas, California. “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla said. She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known.” Throughout her life, Presley noted the feeling of being pulled in two directions. Like many children of superstars, she felt the weight of…

PRESIDENT Joe Biden has fashioned his administration as clean, suave and law-abiding. In the same vein, he has grabbed every opportunity to project his predecessor, Donald Trump, as a law unto himself who has scant regard for governance systems and processes. The recent saga around former president Trump’s very public spat – nay, confrontation – with the justice department over classified documents he hoarded at his Mar-a-Lago private residence in Florida caused Biden to pour scorn over the former president’s conduct. Biden’s projection of his administration as the opposite of everything that Trump represents is credited for the Democrats’ spectacular win of the Senate in the last mid-terms. But, then again, Biden should have known, or shouldn’t he? He who lives in a glass house does not throw stones. Biden’s…

THE unprecedented R490 million lawsuit by top businessman Dr Andile Ngcaba against information technology services company Dimension Data for paying its white executives significantly more than him looks set to finally go ahead this year. Ngcaba launched his claim against the company, of which he was chairman, in 2016. He stated that he had been given an oral undertaking by the company’s former chief executive officer, Brett Dawson, that he would always be compensated in a manner that was either equal or better than other senior executives, including white employees. Ngcaba is currently the controlling shareholder, founding partner and non-executive chairman of investment management firm Convergence Partners, which has an asset base of over US$400m (about R6.8 billion). He has accused the company of discriminating against him by underpaying him…

It’s been two weeks into the new year and South Africans are facing increased rolling power cuts as Eskom ramped up load shedding, with SA experiencing stage 6 on Wednesday. This has taken a toll on the mental health of many across the country. Load shedding, for many, is more than simply not having electricity. It’s a productivity issue, a safety and security issue, and a health issue – a crisis handled as though it is a minor inconvenience. And if you’ve wondered if the power cuts have caused a wave of anxiety and stress for millions of people, you would be correct. The Gross National Happiness index by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) revealed that South Africans are furious about load shedding. The announcement of stage 6 implementation has…

AFRICAN artists and designers have long been inspired by the continent’s bold graphics, vigorous silhouettes and magnificent craftsmanship. While each country has its unique style, some commonalities run throughout the region. While this is the case, the world of interior design has been moulded by the dominant culture of white people and white prestige. Numerous interior designers have remained silent in the face of calls for a more fair representation and diverse industry. Kgomotso Malope, founder and creative director of MoTSO DeSIGNED Interiors, has addressed the need for African designers who represent the modern African aesthetic. Established in 2016, the interior design company specialises in African-inspired interior design. MoTSO DeSIGNED Interiors provides interior design services in residencies, corporations and the hospitality industry. In addition, they also offer interior decorating consultations,…

Labour experts have warned that matric learners looking to go straight into the job market will face stiff competition as unemployment figures for school leavers were expected to rise to 80% this year. This comes as Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to release the 2022 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results later this month, after about 923 460 matric learners sat for the final exams in 2022. Labour expert Michael Bagraim said he expected the number of school leavers who couldn’t find jobs to rise from the previous year amid stiff competition. “The figures are getting worse. In 2021 about 75% of school leavers couldn’t find jobs. This year, that figure could rise up to 80%.” He said following retrenchments in the previous Covid-19 years, the market had shrunk…

A LOCAL security companies committee in Metsimaholo Local Municipality in the Free State is up in arms following the appointment of a security company. The committee is also calling for the immediate termination of the contract. The Metsimaholo security companies committee said the tender should be scrapped and re-advertised. The committee, which includes military veterans, businesses and community members, wants the municipality to give preference to local security companies. This is after the Metsimaholo Local Municipality recently appointed Isidingo, which is trading as Unitrade 1047 (Pty) Ltd. The company started its work on January 1. According to the committee, the appointment was irregular and illegal because the company is based in KwaZulu-Natal. On January 1, members of the committee protested outside the municipal offices to submit a letter of demand…

ONE of Cosatu’s troubled affiliates must hold its long-delayed national congress by the end of September after years of bickering among its leaders, mainly over the mismanagement of investments worth billions of rand. The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers’ Union (Ceppwawu) has been under administration following Registrar of Labour Relations Lehlohonolo Molefe’s intervention after it was embroiled in leadership clashes primarily over its company, Ceppwawu Investments, which has a portfolio worth nearly R2 billion, according to papers filed at the Labour Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Its former leaders, members and employees have launched several Labour Court applications in desperate bids to wrestle control of Ceppwawu from a succession of administrators appointed by Molefe to run the affairs of the beleaguered. Business rescue specialist Sipho Sono’s opponents accused…

THERE was a time when Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates supporters used to do the dirty work for these clubs when they felt the need to fire their coaches because of poor results. The supporters would kick up such a hullabaloo that the club chairman would inevitably issue a statement which usually read: “We can no longer guarantee your safety.” In this way, the under-siege coach would walk away from his post, and the club didn’t need to sack him or terminate the contract. When the coach walked, the club saved the expense of compensation. After Chiefs’ 4-0 humiliation at the hands of AmaZulu on Friday, Amakhosi fans vented their anger on social media and one headline read: “Zwane must leave immediately.” Comments were scathing. “We don’t have a coach,…

MAMELODI Sundowns will clash with cross-town rivals SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, tomorrow (6pm). Although Sundowns are enjoying a runaway lead at the top of the DStv Premiership standings, there is a growing belief that SuperSport is the one team that can slow down their effort for a sixth successive Premiership crown. Sundowns have struck a rich vein of form and will be looking to keep up a winning run, which was stretched to 10 league matches when they defeated Chippa United 2-1 last Tuesday. Sundowns will also have revenge on their mind, having lost to SuperSport when the teams met in a league match back in September, and they are looking stronger than ever after prolific striker Peter Shalulile returned from injury…

RISING teenage star Coco Gauff warned that her “best is yet to come” as she goes in search of a maiden Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open. The 18-year-old American, who was speaking in Melbourne yesterday, has the honour of playing in tomorrow’s opening match on the showpiece Rod Laver Arena against the Czech Republic’s world number 48, Katerina Siniakova. Seventh-ranked Gauff heads into the first Grand Slam of the year on a high after winning her third Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title at the Auckland Classic earlier this month. She is riding at her highest career ranking after breaking into the top 10 last year and reaching a Grand Slam final for the first time, losing to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros. “As much as I would like…

British brothers James and Thomas Lindesay have spent months this year traversing the Great Wall of China on foot. They set off from the Jiayuguan Pass in northwest China’s Gansu Province on July 15. It took the two, aged 28 and 21, 131 days of running and walking along the main west-to-east length of the heritage site to reach the Shanhaiguan Pass, where the structure meets the sea, on November 22. Their Great Wall journey covered 3 263km. Their desire to complete the adventure was inherited from their father, William Lindesay, who made his own journey along the wall 35 years ago. William, born in Liverpool in 1956, became enamoured with the Great Wall, and in 1987 made headlines by spending 78 days walking the wall across northern China. After…