Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-30 i Sunday Independent

IN warfare history, psychological strategies have long been used to achieve strategic goals. China’s psychological warfare is not new but differs from past methods that were closely linked to violence. Instead, China employs zhengti gongji tixi (a holistic offence system), spanning politics, economy, science, technology, diplomacy, and culture, targeting not just adversaries but also neutral states and global audiences. This strategy operates subtly, influencing thought and behaviour while maintaining plausible deniability. Aided by non-linearities, China can influence thoughts and behaviour without detection, working by attrition to lull opponents into complacency. The lack of physical confrontation and the difficulty of discerning intentions enable countries to misinterpret China’s statecraft, allowing Beijing to maintain strategic ambiguity while disregarding mainstream values. Observers searching for nuances in official statements or overt actions may find themselves…

TRANSPARENCY, efficiency, restoring unity, improving service delivery, and holding non-performing deployees accountable are some of the strategies that the recently appointed ANC KwaZulu-Natal Convenor, Jeff Radebe, is banking on to rebuild public trust and voter confidence ahead of the 2026 local government election. Radebe was recently appointed as the provincial convenor to lead a team of 65 members with a focus on unity and rebuilding public trust after the party fell from political grace, dropping from 54% to 17% in KZN. Since 2004, the ANC has held a majority in the province since the general election on May 29, 2024. The losses were said to have been inflicted by the emergence of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), led by former president Jacob Zuma, who was expelled from the ANC…

THE enduring subtleties of the tragedy called apartheid continue to churn out wide-sweeping and gratuitous lessons. The most prominent of these is the utilitarian deployment of fear as the foundational basis for propaganda, wherein the masses freely gouge for their own deception. Eric Hoffer was right. Propaganda does not deceive people. It just helps them deceive themselves. Examples abound and the mind boggles. For apartheid to enjoy some support, there ought to be ‘swart gevaar’ with its myriad of connotations ranging from the comical to bloodthirsty and gory violence. On the basis of that fear, any version of deception and propagandised messaging could be promoted. As a deduction of that syllogism and from the punted fear of mass deaths, the Covid yarn was spun with reckless abandon, especially exploiting the…

IN a revealing new report, the KnowBe4 African Cybersecurity & Awareness Report 2025 has shed light on the increasingly perilous landscape of cybercrime in South Africa. With a significant financial toll and an alarming shift in public perception, the findings call for urgent reforms in cybersecurity education and practices. The survey, which polled 800 employed adults across seven African nations, found that 58% of respondents in South Africa were “very concerned” about falling victim to cybercrime — a drastic increase from 29% in 2023. “One of our survey’s key findings is that Africans are more concerned about cybercrime than they were towards the end of 2023,” senior vice president of content strategy and evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa, Anna Collard, said. “Fear of online fraud and losing money remains their top…

IF you still view cryptocurrency as the Wild West of finance — a lawless frontier where anonymity shields criminals and illicit funds flow unchecked — you’re clinging to a narrative that has been overtaken by reality. Far from being a haven for criminals, the crypto industry in South Africa and globally now operates under the same stringent controls as traditional finance, with an added layer of transparency that makes illicit activity even harder to conceal, according to a statement by Luno this week. Cryptocurrency’s early association with illicit financial flows stems from its anonymous features, which once made it attractive for illegal transactions. A 2013 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted Bitcoin’s use on darknet markets like Silk Road, where drugs, weapons, and other…

ELON Musk’s xAI has acquired X in a deal that values the social media platform at $33 billion ($608bn) and allows the value of his artificial intelligence firm to be shared with his co-investors in the company formerly known as Twitter. The deal could also help xAI’s ability to train its chatbot known as Grok. “xAI and X’s futures are intertwined,” Musk, who also heads Tesla and SpaceX, wrote in a post on X. “Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, compute, distribution, and talent.” He said the combination valued “xAI at $80bn and X at $3bn ($45bn less $12bn debt)”. Representatives of X and xAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Much of the deal’s specifics remain unclear, such as how X’s leaders…

HECTARES upon hectares of luxuriant orchards cover the land from which Bernard Shabangu’s ancestors were once brutally evicted by South Africa’s apartheid government. Thousands of families lived on these green hills near the Kruger National Park, 400km east of Johannesburg, until the early 1900s, when colonial and subsequent apartheid regimes eroded the rights of black South Africans to own land. “Our ancestors suffered brutal treatment at the hands of those that were taking the land,” Shabangu said. Some were tortured and killed by police; others were thrown into the crocodile-infested river, he said. “But out of these ashes of dispossession and devastation, something positive must rise. And that’s the future we’re planting here,” he said, pointing to stretches of papaya, banana, lychee, and citrus trees managed in a joint venture…

Ramaphosa’s ‘smoke and mirrors’ leadership is leading ANC into oblivion IN Economic Freedom Fighters and Others v Speaker of the National Assembly and Another (2017) ZACC 47 (29/12/2017), the Constitutional Court argued that the President, “as the first citizen of this country, occupies a position indispensable for the effective governance of our democratic country… Whoever and whatever poses a threat to our sovereignty, peace, and prosperity, he must fight.” The oath of office demands as much as President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to advance the interests of the Republic and oppose all that may harm it. Ramaphosa’s second term presidency will be judged primarily by how effectively he navigates the geo- political terrain which is being defined by the US administration under the incumbent, President Donald Trump, on the…

THE Mother City excitedly awaits! As it prepares to host one of its crown jewels in sports - the TotalSports Two Oceans Marathon - Cape Town road running is abuzz with excitement, anticipating yet another stellar showing from the country’s darling of the road. Gerda Steyn has made her name synonymous with that of the ultra marathon fondly referred to as the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon after five years of incredible running in the 56km event. A winner in all of the last five editions of the race, the ‘Smiling Assassin’ has run record times in the previous three as she cemented her status as ultra running’s golden girl. She is expected to win the race yet again, and in record time too. Perhaps more intriguing about this year’s edition…

TS Galaxy will continue their pursuit of a coveted Caf Confederation Cup position when they take on relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday at 5:30 PM. The Rockets have been in impressive form, remaining unbeaten in their last four league outings. The Mpumalanga-based club now aims to extend its positive run when it hosts Gallants at home, currently sitting in 4th place on the Betway Premiership standings. Guided by coach Adnan Beganović, TS Galaxy have demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline in their recent performances. The team’s win over AmaZulu is a testament to their ability to perform under pressure, with a recent record of three wins, one draw, and only one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions. This solid form has strengthened their position in…

While many consumers in South Africa steer through the headwinds faced by the country’s economy, the affordable housing sector has seen a surge in demand for properties priced between R350 000 and R700 000. Standard Bank said it reported a double-digit increase in activity within this market over the past four years, driven by urbanisation which continues to intensify the need for accessible housing in metropolitan areas. “This segment continues to show resilience, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape, where demand remains strong despite economic pressures,” said Toni Anderson, Head of Standard Bank Home Services. For primary buyers, however, despite the convenience, cost-saving and upgrading potential of renting or owning solar panels, they also come with several risks. These affordable homes are households earning up to R30 000…

Lights, camera, action! As the curtain rises on the world of fame and stardom, South Africa’s screen luminaries stand tall, casting enchanting spells that make our screens sparkle and our hearts race. These are not just actors; they are the crème de la crème of Mzansi, having taken on more roles in films and television series than other performers in the nation. It is no secret that SA boasts an extraordinary lineage of actors, each having made indelible contributions to the tapestry of the film and television industry. Legends such as John Kani, Leleti Khumalo and Sharlto Copley have not only defined their craft through compelling performances but have also become symbols of resilience and creativity for generations to come. As we celebrate their legacies, it is important to reflect…

ON March 21, EFF leader Julius Malema – a rabble-rouser of note – disrupted South Africa’s national peace and comfort when he chanted the controversial political slogan “kill the boer, kill the farmer”. One thing is for sure: Malema knew too well that no one, not even Afri- Forum, could haul him before the courts. In 2022, AfriForum lost the legal battle after taking the EFF and Malema to the Equality Court over the public chanting of “kill the boer, kill the farmer”. The predominantly white-aligned civil rights group had argued that Malema’s chanting of the Struggle rendition in public incited violence against white Afrikaner farmers. However, Justice Edwin Molahleli, who presided over the matter, could find no evidence of a link between the chanting of the slogan and the…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate several government institutions, including payments to a Gupta-linked company by the state-owned diamond mining company, Alexkor. Along with covering the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the investigations will also broaden the scope of current enquiries into major state organisations such as Eskom, SABC, SAA and the SA Council for Educators, the Department of Human Settlements, PetroSA, and Transnet. The investigation into Alexkor will include additional institutions and broaden its scope to include the Alexkor Richtersveld Mining Company Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture, and the State Diamond Trader. “The amended proclamation authorises the SIU to investigate the procurement of and contracting for goods or services by or on behalf of…

The SANDF is set to retain the R5 billion allocated by the National Treasury in the 2025/26 Budget for its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This happens as the SADC countries that contribute to peacekeeping mission in the DRC are set to withdraw their troops after the summit by the East African Community and SADC resolved on unconditional ceasefire in the DRC that required the withdrawal of troops from the DRC. President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the deployment of SANDF’s 2 900 soldiers as part of SADC mission to support the DRC government in the fight against armed groups in the eastern part of that country. This extension will last from December 16, 2024, to December 16, 2025, incurring an estimated R2.3 billion in deployment costs. While…

The DA will wait for the Information Regulator to conclude its investigation of Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi’s refusal to release forensic investigation reports, which it claims is an attempt to shield corrupt officials and politicians. The 177 forensic investigation reports, some of which date back to 2016, have all been to institutions such as the Special Investigating Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Office of the Public Protector, according to the provincial government. Some of the reports relate to the Anglo Ashanti Hospital, Tembisa Hospital, and the driving licence testing centres, which involved vast sums of money stolen and misused. The DA demanded full access to the reports in October last year and Lesufi’s office refused the request for access to the records requested. However, the refusal did not…

AS South Africa gears up for the implementation of Budget 2025, the government’s proposal to increase the value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points to 15.5% in May 2025, followed by another increase in April 2026, raises significant concerns. This policy, expected to generate R43.3 billion over the next two fiscal years, reveals a dire dependency on tax hikes amid a struggling economy. Critics have argued that this approach lacks creativity and fails to address systemic issues, echoing the words of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the Budget Speech, who acknowledged the urgent need for “the right fiscal choices today in the interest of South Africa’s tomorrow”. Since the tabling of this year’s Budget Speech, South Africans have had time to scrutinise it along with its related documents, with diverse…

THE global financial system is undergoing a subtle but profound transformation in how reputational risk is treated within banking policies. In 2023, the United States — home to some of the world’s most influential financial regulators — signalled a decisive shift, deprioritising reputational risk as a standalone justification for denying banking services. This change addresses concerns that overly broad interpretations of reputational risk have led to de-risking, where banks avoid serving entire sectors or individuals deemed controversial, even if they are lawful and compliant. While this development originates in the US, its influence will inevitably ripple across global financial systems, including South Africa’s. For South African banks, which often align their practices with international standards, this shift could spark a reevaluation of how reputational risk is applied domestically, particularly in…

THE Portfolio Committee on Social Development has welcomed a two-month extension for the validity of SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) gold cards, granting beneficiaries additional time to transition to Postbank’s black cards. The extension, announced by Postbank and the Sassa, aims to ensure a smoother process as beneficiaries migrate to the new payment system. The committee, however, issued a firm reminder that this extension was final. After May 2025, beneficiaries who have not swapped their gold cards for black cards will no longer be able to access their grants. “The committee is with you in this journey of changing to the new black cards,” Chairperson Bridget Masango said. “Please get your black cards within this extended period to avoid the unbearable consequences of not accessing your grant without a black…

LAST Sunday, the IFP celebrated 50 years of its existence. It was on March 21, 1975, when the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi formed Inkatha Yenkululeko Yesizwe. This was dubbed a cultural movement disguised as the revival of Inkatha ka Zulu which was established by King Dinuzulu in 1922. On the eve of the first democratic election in April 1994, Inkatha Yenkululeko Yesizwe converted to a political party called the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). Buthelezi was the only leader of the IFP, from 1975 to 2012. In 2012, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi of Mbongombongweni was elected as the first Deputy President of the IFP. There was speculation that Inkosi Mzamo would be the next president of the party. However, it was Velenkosini Hlabisa who took the reigns from Buthelezi in 2019. What…

It is crucial for any American administration to recognise that, regardless of political agendas, the views of the American public regarding the situation in Palestine and Israel are undergoing a significant shift. A critical mass of opinion is rapidly forming, and this change is becoming undeniable. Paradoxically, while Islamophobia continues to rise across the US, sentiments supporting Palestinians and opposing Israeli occupation are steadily increasing. In theory, this means that the pro-Israeli media’s success in linking Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people to the so-called “war on terror” – a narrative that has demonised Islam and Muslims for many years – is faltering. Americans are increasingly viewing the situation in Palestine as a human rights issue, and one that is deeply relevant to domestic politics. A recent Gallup poll underscores…

Eberechi Eze capped a memorable week with a goal and an assist as a clinical Crystal Palace beat London rivals Fulham 3-0 yesterday to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals. The winger, who scored his first England goal on Monday, whipped in a brilliant opener against the run of play in the 34th minute to stun the home crowd. Four minutes later Eze's left-wing cross was headed in by Ismaila Sarr to put Palace in control of the tie. Most of the second half was played in Palace's half as Fulham tried to respond but the hosts were caught cold again when substitute Eddie Nketiah fired a shot past Bernd Leno in the 75th minute. While Oliver Glasner's Palace can look forward to a semi-final at Wembley and…

Motsepe Foundation Championship side Durban City FC have entered a collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) through the Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise, and Leisure Sciences (BELS). The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a major step in bridging the gap between professional sports and academic expertise in the province. Durban City, newly rebranded having moved from being Maritzburg United, are enjoying a promising start in their first season in Durban. They’re currently leading the second division and showing the strongest potential for promotion to the top-flight Betway Premiership. Durban City won against Upington City on Friday - opening a 9-point gap. With the partnership with UKZN, they aim to enhance their sporting performance through the integration of sports science. This collaboration follows in the footsteps of Mamelodi Sundowns,…

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, recently signalled her intentions to stabilise and reposition the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). She has overhauled the senior leadership at NSFAS. A new leadership has been appointed by the Higher Education Minister that could change the fortunes of deserving students. The appointment of Dr Karen Stander as the new Board Chairperson and Waseem Carrim as the Acting CEO of NSFAS, is nothing less than groundbreaking. For the first time in its history, NSFAS is led by two people with a track record in leading high-performance organisations. Could this be a watershed moment in the history of NSFAS? Minister Nkabane should be commended for her courageous leadership in making the right appointments based on ethical leadership and performance-based criteria.…

In asking the Durban High Court to compel the State to make annexures and reports available in the fraud case of the former mayor of eThekwini municipality Zandile Gumede, the defence said the investigation against Gumede was politically motivated. Gumede and 21 others are on trial for money laundering, racketeering, fraud, corruption, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act relating to the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender of R300 million. The court has heard the evidence of a State witness from the Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU), an investigation unit within the municipality that appointed the Integrity Forensic Solutions CC (IFS) to investigate the DSW tender irregularities after receiving a stack of documents anonymously. After the completion of the IFS investigation, the matter was…

EDUCATION in Africa remains contentious. Historically, it has been both empowering and subjugating, enforcing colonial ideologies and eroding indigenous knowledge systems. The intersection of knowledge, power, and colonial legacy shapes contemporary debates on who is deemed “educated” and whose knowledge is legitimate. This tension is exemplified by Prince Mashele’s disparaging remarks about MK Party MP Gezani Kobane (Papa Penny). Mashele called him an “idiot” for lacking formal education: “He has never seen a classroom, yet he makes laws for me, who has a master’s degree.” Mashele’s perspective reflects colonial education’s influence, which socialised African elites into Eurocentric frameworks. This system reinforces cultural, racial, and economic hierarchies, marginalising indigenous knowledge. Despite his lack of formal education, Papa Penny is a successful artist and respected community leader, having served as a councillor…

AS the country prepares for its first value-added tax (VAT) increase in seven years, new research reveals a consumer class under unprecedented financial pressure, forced to make painful spending cuts just to stay afloat. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his National Budget Speech on March 12, as South Africans listened with bated breath, wondering if the Government of National Unity (GNU) was really tackling the country’s cost-of-living crisis head-on. The somewhat anticipated announcement of incremental VAT hikes over the next two years, coupled with rising debt servicing costs and a lack of decisive strategies to curb consumer expenses, has left many questioning if relief will ever come. Director of storytelling at BrandMapp, Brandon de Kock, provided crucial context: “By the fourth quarter of last year, South Africa’s consumer confidence index…

IN a landscape marked by uncertainty and economic strain, South Africa’s formal non-agricultural sector has shown a modest glimmer of recovery in the final quarter of 2024. According to the latest figures from the Quarterly Employment Statistics report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), employment in this sector rose slightly by 12 000 jobs, bringing the total to 10.64 million by December 2024. Despite this increment, it remains overshadowed by a troubling year-on-year decline of 91 000 jobs since December 2023. Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA, echoed these findings, stating: “The Quarterly Employment Statistics survey released by Stats SA shows that while the employment rate increased in the last quarter of 2024, the year-on-year figures between December 2023 and December 2024 show a gap between jobs…

AS Human Rights month comes to a swift close, we must reflect on the pertinence of turning our gaze inward, taking stock of our nation’s gruelling history, as well as the ongoing struggles in our post-democratic society. This month was the historic commemoration in which those who fought against the barbaric apartheid regime, particularly those slain in the Sharpeville and Langa massacres — many of whom were young children — are honoured. South Africa is particularly sensitive and connected to human rights activism because of our arduous history. Under the barbaric apartheid regime, black South Africans experienced many of the worst human rights abuses in history, and this took place for well-over half a century. Human rights issues are not a matter of the past, they are still a stringent…

Despite diplomatic efforts to stop hostilities in the Eastern Congo, the M23 rebels have captured key cities, including Goma, Bukavu, and Walikale. Their advance has significantly weakened the Congolese military presence in these areas, disrupting local governance and displacing tens of thousands of civilians. Walikale’s capture is particularly significant due to its rich mineral deposits, which provide crucial funding for armed groups operating in the region. Steward Muhindo, a member of the Congolese civil society organisation Lucha, described the dire conditions faced by civilians in dialogue with Peoples Dispatch: “The situation is not good. The killings continue in areas controlled by M23. It’s challenging for civilians as there is no humanitarian assistance now, as many people have run because of war, and their homes including displacement camps have been…

In a dramatic turn of events, the auction of Pietermaritzburg-based soccer team Royal AM FC has unravelled amid financial turmoil. Jaco Venter, the curator appointed by the South African Revenue Service (Sars), announced the successful bid from Global Investments 0107 (Pty) LTD just days ago, only to cancel the agreement due to the bidder’s non-payment. The news sent shockwaves through the local football scene, raising serious questions about the future of the club as it grapples with its already turbulent circumstances. The auction, viewed by many as a hopeful turning point for Royal AM FC, has now spiralled into disarray following the failure to deliver the required funds to seal the deal. Speculation surrounding Global Investments 0107 began to surface immediately after it was named the successful bidder. Many were…

Jake White had called on his Bulls team to be “smarter” after the Leinster game, and they responded in kind to thrash a plucky Zebre outfit 63-24 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The Pretoria side ran in nine tries to three to move temporarily to second position on the log on 50 points after 14 matches, one point more than Glasgow, who will face the Lions late on Saturday night. The Bulls were all over the place and needed a late David Kriel penalty to see off a weakened Leinster 21-20 last weekend, and White expressed his unhappiness afterwards as they made a number of errors and poor decisions, while also conceding red and yellow cards. But while there was an unlucky yellow to lock JF van Heerden against Zebre,…

Phil Salt has opened up about his partnership with Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), revealing that the franchise was very clear about his role when they secured him in the IPL 2025 auction. Following the departure of former captain Faf du Plessis, RCB needed a new opening partner for Kohli, and Salt was identified as the ideal fit. The English wicketkeeper-batter has played a crucial role in RCB’s opening two matches, adopting an aggressive approach to allow Kohli to settle into his innings. During their win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk on Friday, the duo added 45 runs in just five overs, setting a strong foundation. Despite Kohli struggling to accelerate early on, Salt took charge, executing his role to perfection. Speaking at the post-match press…

Andre Arendse and Diogo Peral will begin their shot at redemption when their teams clash in the Betway Premiership at Peter Mokaba Stadium this afternoon. SuperSport United and Cape Town City will meet in the league in Polokwane under the custodians of the two men in charge of the respective teams. Arendse and Peral got the SuperSport and City roles on an interim basis after and before the FIFA international break. But such is their limited time to make sure that their teams turn their fortunes around, they have to hit the ground running and win matches. SuperSport are drowning 15th on the standings - a spot beyond the automatic relegation position following their poor run of form under coach Gavin Hunt. Hunt had been at the club, in his…