Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-23 i Sunday Independent

The sun-drenched hills of the KZN South Coast, known for their rich agricultural legacy in sugar cane, bananas, and macadamia nuts, are witnessing an inspiring transformation. At the forefront of this agricultural evolution is Oatlands Oyster Mushroom, a pioneering enterprise that’s tapping into the region’s unique potential for an unexpected produce – mushrooms. Established by enterprising local entrepreneur Asanda Mkhize in 2018, Oatlands is a proudly 100% black, woman-owned business located in KwaNositha. With no prior experience in agriculture, Mkhize ventured into mushroom farming, motivated by the significant income that agriculture generates in the community. “When I started, I didn’t have any background in agriculture, but I knew that was the industry I needed to be in because it’s where so much local income is sourced,” she said. Oatlands…

TODAY marks five years since South Africa entered one of the strictest Covid-19 lockdowns in the world. At the time, our streets fell silent, schools shut their doors, and the buzz of everyday life was replaced with an eerie stillness. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. For some, the memories of those turbulent days are a faded blur. For others, they remain raw and vivid, like an open wound that refuses to heal. It was a time that tested our resilience, pushing us to the brink as individuals, families, and a nation. It was also a time that revealed the fragility of life, the strength of community, and the power of adaptation. We were irrevocably changed, but we endured. From the heartbreak of saying goodbye to loved…

WITHIN 10 minutes of his call with US President Donald Trump this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed his military to halt all attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. That is how apparently eager and determined Trump and Putin are to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, which Trump vows would never have started had he been in the Oval Office. The meeting between the two presidents of the leading nuclear nations lasted more than two hours. It was the second known official engagement between the pair since Trump became the 47th US president on January 20. The cordial call evidently removed yet more hurdles on the road to a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia, and by extension, Moscow and the West. Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy…

AS South Africa grapples with the aftershocks of recent interest rate decisions, the repercussions for everyday consumers and businesses are becoming painfully clear. The latest stance of the SA Reserve Bank (Sarb), marked by a rather cautious approach towards monetary policy, is sending ripples through the economy, threatening to disrupt growth at a time when recovery is both crucial and tenuous. With inflation forecast to reach a new low point in 2025, Sarb still maintains a restrictive monetary stance with a terminal interest rate of 7.25%. This decision echoes through the financial corridors of the nation, fuelling a narrative that could lead to a significant slowdown in economic activity. In its latest interest rate meeting, Sarb described its position as a “hawkish hold”, deliberating on the implications of not merely…

IT would be insensitively naïve to imagine that the Washington-Pretoria relations can be gleaned from the US-RSA prism only. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quick in reminding us that it is the price South Africa must pay for initiating the genocide petition against Israel at the ICJ. Put differently, this means the genocide case is an adequate reason for the US administration to permanently damage its relations with South Africa. And considering Tel Aviv’s stranglehold over US succession politics and its policy machinery, it mattered very little whether or not it was US President Donald Trump in office or his democratic equivalent. South Africa may not have a Trump problem. It has a massive Netanyahu headache. There are many labyrinths that have conspired to this awkward moment.…

IN the heart of Mpumalanga, where unemployment and economic hardship loom large, a troubling trend is emerging: gambling is no longer just a pastime but a lifeline for many South Africans who are struggling to survive. A recent survey uncovered the sad reality of how South Africans in the province were turning to betting in a desperate bid to make ends meet. With unemployment soaring and the cost of living skyrocketing, gambling has become a high-stakes gamble for survival. The survey, conducted during Bettabets’ second Smart Money Management Workshop in Crossroads earlier this month, revealed alarming statistics. A staggering 54% of respondents admitted to using their grant money to fund their gambling habits. For many, the hope of a big win is a tantalising escape from financial despair. However, this…

AS South Africa commemorates Human Rights Month, the nation’s land reform programme has once again taken centre stage in the broader human rights discourse. Peter Setou, chief executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, this week emphasised that land ownership, access, and productive use were not merely economic issues but funda- mental to the fulfilment of human rights. In a hard-hitting statement, Setou said the right to land extended far beyond mere ownership. “It includes the ability to productively utilise land to improve the livelihoods of people,” he said. A persistent challenge in South Africa’s land reform process has been the underutilisation of the restituted land. To address this, Setou called for thorough assessments before land claims were finalised, alongside robust plans for land use and community support to ensure long-term…

TUESDAY’s phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump – their second publicly known discussion this year – has again drawn considerable attention. Lasting nearly two and a half hours, it became the longest call ever held between sitting presidents of the US and Russia. Their dialogue primarily focused on bilateral relations and addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Key preliminary outcomes from the call include a mutual agreement to halt strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days, establish a ceasefire in the Black Sea, exchange prisoners, and form expert groups from Russia and the US to continue working toward peace. Both the Kremlin and the White House praised the conversation as “very good” and highly positive. Here we explore if prominent experts in Russia share…

THE health clinic where Alice Okwirry collects her HIV medication in Kenya’s capital Nairobi has been rationing supplies of antiretrovirals to one-month refills since the US government froze foreign aid. On the outskirts of the city, meanwhile, millions of life-saving doses sit on the shelves of a warehouse, unused and unreachable. The clinic is a half-hour’s drive from the warehouse, but for Okwirry, they may as well be an ocean apart. Without US funding, distribution from the warehouse, which stocks all US government-donated HIV medicine to Kenya, has ceased, leaving supplies of some drugs worryingly low, according to a former USAID official and a health official in Kenya. The 90-day foreign aid freeze, ordered by US President Donald Trump after taking office on January 20, has upended the global supply…

INDIA is undergoing a significant transformation in its energy landscape, clearly driven by a commitment to sustainability, energy security, and economic growth. As one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the world and with a population that has surpassed that of China, India’s energy demands are expected to skyrocket, and it is quite fascinating to observe how the country is balancing its energy demands without being caught up in geopolitical tensions. The global conflicts between the renewable energy and fossil fuel industries have had political and geopolitical implications for many countries, but it has been remarkable to watch how India has continued to balance and manage its energy solutions without aligning with any bloc. The energy diplomatic prowess of India investing heavily in renewable energy sources, including solar and wind…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has reserved some special praise for Relebohile Mofokeng who grabbed his first start for the national team by the scruff of the neck on Friday night. Bafana beat Lesotho 2-0 at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to climb to the top of Group C with 10 points after five games. While Broos was happy with the result and overall team performance, Mofokeng duly grabbed the spotlight in front of the sold-out crowd in Polokwane. The 20-year-old crowned off his full start for Bafana in style as he scored the opening goal in the 60th minute before duly walking away with the Player of the Match award after the final whistle. Mofokeng's performance justified the outcry from the masses who've…

Human Rights Day serves to remind us of the inspiring contributions of sporting heroes like boxer Gerrie Coetzee in uniting South Africans and promoting social cohesion as a means of dismantling the walls of segregation in South African sport. Currently, South Africa pauses to reflect on the importance of Human Rights Day. It is fitting to explore the profound impact that sport has had on uniting this diverse nation. From the cherished memories of the 1995 Rugby World Cup to the inspiring stories of individual athletes such as Coetzee, ‘The Boksburg Bomber’, who was internationally acclaimed for criticising apartheid. He earned the respect from icons like Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali for various acts of defiance during the era of racial segregation. South Africa’s democratically elected post-apartheid government awarded Coetzee…

Rassie Erasmus has a putting green on his rooftop garden, his bulldog Franks gets angry when he sees the colour red, Rassie’s perceived hatred of Ireland is a myth, and Rassie wears a watch engraved with the words “Choose Your Own Reality”. Those are just some of the Springbok coach’s idiosyncrasies revealed in the first episode of his new podcast series called Rassie+. It might have been better named “The weird and wonderful world of Rassie”, but then he does actually discuss rugby on the show. However, when you are an eccentric genius, you can’t help but digress, and let’s be honest, it is the colourful titbits that most entertain the audience. Rassie’s guest in the first episode was Springbok prodigal son, Felix Jones, the Irishman who left the Bok…

South Africa’s political system entered further unprecedented territory on 19th February this year when, for the very first time in our 31-year-old democracy, the Budget Speech was postponed. This was a result of fundamental disagreement among parties within the GNU government over a proposed two per cent VAT increase by the minister of finance. Realising the political damage such an increase would cause, the tabling of the budget was postponed, affording GNU parties to re-negotiate and come to an agreement. The government has found itself in a financially tough space. It needs to fund the extension of the Covid-19 social relief distress (SRD) grant, provide a 5.5% increase in public sector wages, and cover the country’s debt servicing costs. This, amid a backdrop of the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio reaching a…

We’ve all heard tales of the fabled fountain of youth from ancient myths to Hollywood blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean. But what if the secret to a longer, healthier life isn’t a mystical elixir but something much simpler? In South Africa, where lifestyles range from fast-paced urban living to the more laid-back rural existence, the quest for longevity is universal. We spend a fortune on skincare, wellness retreats, and supplements, hoping to slow down ageing. But science tells us that the real key to living longer and, more importantly, living well lies in two fundamental aspects: diet and exercise. The link between diet and ageing In December, a study published in Clinical Nutrition reinforced what nutritionists have long suspected: what we eat directly impacts how we age. Researchers from…

ALMOST half a century ago, the American writer Gertrude Stein lay dying. Her good friend of many years, Alice Toklas, asked her: “Gertrude, what is the answer?” To which the dying writer replied –her last words – “Alice, what is the question?” In his his Human Rights Agenda, J Kenneth Blackwell posits that if we, as a people, are to analyse the many problems that confront us on the world stage and have any hope of identifying feasible solutions, we must accurately define the issues, zero in on the relevant facts, and avoid inflammatory political rhetoric that contributes very little to understanding. No wonder, argues Blackwell, that an ancient Chinese proverb suggests: “The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.” The Chinese proverb was perhaps…

TRADE union federation Cosatu and the SA Communist Party (SACP) are not backing down from today’s rally to welcome home now-former South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool after his expulsion. This is despite President Cyril Ramaphosa urging people to refrain from partaking or engaging in action that may seem inflammatory and worsen the already volatile diplomatic relationship with the US. The ANC in the Western Cape has bowed to pressure and indicated that it will adhere to Ramaphosa’s call, according to the party’s Khaled Sayed. Melvin de Bruyn, Western Cape provincial secretary of Cosatu, who initially made an announcement calling for Rasool’s welcoming rally at the Cape Town International Airport, responded with questions on what Ramaphosa meant by toning down the welcoming celebrations when asked if the event…

WHILE South Africans anxiously await to see if the Parliament will pass the Budget that has been labelled as “anti-poor” due to a proposed increase of 0.5% in value added tax (VAT), economic experts and political analysts revealed that failure to pass it could lead to a general election. According to economists, President Cyril Ramaphosa would face a vote of no confidence if the recently proposed Budget, which was tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, is not approved by the Parliament. If the president does not receive enough votes, a general election will be called. According to them, this is because every nation requires a budget for the government to run smoothly and offer its citizens services. The Budget faces challenges due to opposition from political parties over tax measures.…

A 43-year-old man who was out on parole has again been sentenced to 35 years imprisonment for housebreaking and robbing a 34-year-old woman at her farm in Verkeerdevlei, near Bloemfontein. The Free State regional National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced Thabang Michael Jantjies after he was found guilty on multiple charges, including housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. On August 11, 2019, Jantjies broke into the victim's home at Wilsoo farm, ambushing her on her arrival. “He overpowered and disarmed her, tied her hands with wire, and assaulted her while demanding money and firearms. He then fled the scene with her Mahindra bakkie, cash, firearms, jewellery, and other valuables,” Senokoatsane added. After…

THE Parliamentary Committee on Small Business Development, chaired by the ANC’s Christopher Malematja, unveiled the shortlist of eight candidates vying for the role of Ombud at the newly established Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service. This critical position, mandated by the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act, will be tasked with adjudicating and resolving complaints related to small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in a procedurally fair manner. The recruitment process, which attracted no less than 25 applications, has now entered its final stages, with the committee preparing to interview the shortlisted candidates later this month. The meeting, which was live-streamed, sparked controversy as committee members publicly discussed candidates who had not yet been informed of their shortlisting. This raised concerns about transparency and confidentiality with the Committee Content Advisor,…

OVER the past few days, a wave of misleading posts has circulated online, claiming that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov explicitly accused South Africa of human rights violations. These allegations stem from a brief clip of Lavrov speaking with Judge Andrew Napolitano, Larry Johnson, and Mario Nawfal. In truth, the excerpt in question was deliberately taken out of context by certain pro-Western influencers, presenting a false narrative that Lavrov attacked South Africa in the same way Western governments often accuse other nations of human rights violations. If one takes the time to watch the full conversation, it becomes evident that Lavrov’s remarks were actually directed toward Western countries, most prominently the EU, the UK, and others who repeatedly brandish accusations of human rights abuses against nations such as Iran, Venezuela,…

Thomas Tuchel admitted lacklustre England must "do better" after the Three Lions boss started his reign with a spluttering 2-0 win against minnows Albania on Friday. Tuchel had hoped to mark his debut with a dynamic display in England's opening World Cup qualifier at Wembley. But England struggled to deliver the wow factor Tuchel had demanded earlier in the week when he claimed they were "afraid" to lose during their inconsistent run to the Euro 2024 final under predecessor Gareth Southgate. Myles Lewis-Skelly repaid Tuchel's faith as the teenage Arsenal left-back put England ahead with a composed finish in the 20th minute of his debut. England captain Harry Kane finally wrapped up the win with a clinical strike in the 77th minute. But there were long spells of tedious sideways…

As the PSL's Betway Premiership unfolds, the drama intensifies as the season is set for an exhilarating conclusion with surprises and fierce competition for teams in their unpredictable pursuit of glory and survival over the next few weeks. The Premiership's state of play shows Sundowns is A for away, with Pirates in tow. The Top 8 standings show Kaizer Chiefs are on the edge of the zone, and the relegation pithole has no shortage of candidates. Leading the pack are Mamelodi Sundowns, who with 58 points after 23 games are comfortably perched at the top of the table, showcasing their determination and prowess as they chase an eighth consecutive title, and 18th in all. Their closest rivals, Orlando Pirates have 43 points with four games (19) in hand and are…

No less than 16 South Africans will be involved in the big money 2025 Indian Premier League which starts on Saturday. Players from around the world converge on India to play in the most-watched cricket league on the planet. And the rewards are just as big, as players become instant millionaires for just six weeks’ work. The IPL has generated billions in revenue since its inception in 2008, turning the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) into one of the richest governing bodies in sport. In June 2022 it sold the broadcast rights for five IPL seasons to global media giants for $6.2 billion. The IPL is a huge earner for Indian cricket and the tournament makes more than $11 billion for the economy each year. Indian wicket-keeper…

From start to finish, Lewis Hamilton led the 19 lap Sprint Race at the Shanghai Circuit in China for his maiden victory in a Ferrari. The 40-year-old started from pole position after a lightning quick qualifying on Friday, putting himself ahead of Red Bull and McLaren on just his second dance in the horse. Hamilton built himself a significant gap between P2, nipping and tucking the SF-25 like the seasoned 7-time World Champion that he is. Oscar Piastri’s patience paid off after Max Verstappen’s tyres failed him yet again in the dying stages, allowing Piastri to slip by and take P2. Verstappen held onto P3 with Mercedes' George Russell claiming fourth. Russell wasn’t given his P4 so easily with the other Ferrari driven by Charles Le Clerc, who finished P5,…

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and young South African entrepreneurs now have the chance to elevate their groundbreaking ideas to unprecedented heights through the newly launched Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme. This remarkable initiative is positioned to provide essential funding, ranging from R200 000 to R1 million, specifically targeting businesses that are not merely operational, but are truly innovative. Whether it's a disruptive product, a revolutionary service, or a bold new business model, OCIF GROW is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 anywhere in South Africa who have proven market traction and the potential to scale. With a unique mix of grant funding and interest-free loans, as well as expert mentorship and investment readiness support, this initiative, powered by CDI Capital, a subsidiary of the…

As the music industry continues to grow and evolve, the rise of female DJs is a phenomenon deserving of both celebration and serious reflection. Recently, British fashion icon Naomi Campbell made waves by stepping into the world of DJing, igniting a surge of reactions across social media platforms. While many applauded her new venture, others questioned the legitimacy of her entry into a space that has long been dominated by men. Comments varied from, “Amazing how anyone can become a DJ these days,” to jokes like, “Naomi Campbell becoming a DJ is an interesting retirement choice.” While Campbell isn’t alone in facing scrutiny – local celebrities like Dineo Ranaka, Cyan Boujee, and Thuli Phongolo have also drawn judgment for their DJ careers. However, such criticisms often ignore a pivotal reality:…

AT Hartebeespoort Dam, a tranquil body of water that once served as a vital resource for wildlife and local communities has been plagued by an invasive, rapidly-spreading menace: the water hyacinth. This vibrant yet destructive plant has transformed the dam into a hazardous, stagnant swamp. What was once a serene landscape of biodiversity is now a scene of environmental devastation. The vastly pervasive hyacinth that has enthralled the once-open waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West has been attributed to the pollutants that vitiate the waters and has been a consistent challenge since the 1960s. The hyacinth plants, which stretches hundreds of metres into the dam and can rise well over a metre in height, is distinguished by its rapid growth rate. In fact, the water hyacinth has…

Opposition parties in the Overstrand Municipality have given a mixed response to the resignation of Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie. While some see this as an opportunity for change, others have raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her departure. On Wednesday, Democratic Alliance (DA) Western Cape Leader Tertuis Simmers acknowledged Rabie’s decision to step down after serving as Overstrand mayor since November 2021. “Under the stewardship of Mayor Rabie and the collective efforts of the municipal team, the Overstrand Municipality has continued to lead the way in demonstrating that service delivery and ethical governance go hand in hand. Just last year, Overstrand Municipality achieved a clean audit for the 2024 financial year – the 12th consecutive clean audit for the DA-run municipality,” Simmers said. Rabie reflected on her tenure, saying: “In…

IN a telling revelation at the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (Afropac) Conference in Kampala, Speaker Anita Among exposed the devastating impact of illicit financial flows (IFFs) on the continent, with Africa losing an estimated $88 billion (about R1.6 trillion) annually. The figures, described as a “haemorrhage of resources”, underscore a crisis that continues to cripple development and impoverish millions across the continent. Speaking at the conference, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel this week, Among did not mince her words: “The impact of this loss has and continues to be felt by our citizenry through foregone health facilities and services, schools, roads, rural electrification, and development of natural resources,” she declared. Her remarks laid bare the human cost of IFFs, which divert funds desperately needed for public services…

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes Jim Ratcliffe's grand plan to win the Premier League by 2028 has no chance of becoming a reality. Project 150 is the United co-owner's blueprint, which includes returning the title to Old Trafford within three years to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary. Butt, however said after a "disaster" of a season - United are currently a lowly 13th in the table having lost 12 times in the Premier League so far this term - that such an ambition was way beyond the reach of the fallen English giants. "That ain't going to happen. It's going to be a long way off," he told the Daily Mail. "I think even if you got David Gill (former chief executive) and Sir Alex (Ferguson) back there,…

Kwena Maphaka may just be poised to be one of the big stars of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals. The teenager had his first taste of IPL cricket last year when he made his debut for the Mumbai Indians at the age of 17. Though he made just two appearances where he picked up one wicket across his two matches, the learning experience would have been invaluable. After making his IPL bow, Maphaka went on to debut for South Africa in all three formats. In January, the now 18-year-old Maphaka became the youngest-ever player to make his Test debut for South Africa in the New Year’s clash against Pakistan in Cape Town. Get your news on the go, click here to join…

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen scored both goals as Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali on Friday to win for the first time in 2026 World Cup qualifying. The 26-year-old forward, on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, struck after 11 minutes and three minutes into added time at the end of the first half. Reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman set up the first goal with a free-kick to the far post, where unmarked Osimhen fired past goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. As half-time loomed, Osimhen raced forward from just inside the Rwandan half, then deftly chipped the ball over Ntwari and into the net. They were the first goals scored by Osimhen in this World Cup campaign, and his brace came as a huge relief to…

InternationaL Olympic Committee's newly-elected President Kirsty Coventry wants to sit down with United States President Donald Trump to make sure the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are successful, she said on Thursday. “President Trump is a huge supporter of sport. There's never been a sitting president that has attended the Super Bowl,” Coventry told Reuters in an interview following her election victory on Thursday. "He was the president at the time when LA was awarded the Games (in 2017). I truly believe that he wants the LA 28 Games to be a huge success." Coventry, who is Zimbabwe's sports minister, as well as Africa's most decorated Olympian, said both the IOC and the United States wanted successful Olympics in three years time. The LA Games present a major commercial opportunity, with…

“A story of resilience, perseverance & an attitude of never giving up! Don’t ever stop believing in YOURSELF... WELL DONE AKANI”. That’s how SA sprint legend Akani Simbine captured the moment on his Instagram account after clinching a long-awaited individual medal at a global event at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China on Friday. Simbine – who anchored the SA 4x100m relay team to a stunning silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games last year – has had a series of near-misses in the 100m in the outdoor arena. While he has grabbed a gold and a silver at the Commonwealth Games previously, he has just missed out on a podium finish at the Olympics and world championships for nearly a decade. How’s this for a list of…