Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-06 i Sunday Independent

The cost-of-living crisis for South Africans has reached alarming levels with fuel prices, despite getting a cut this month, and energy costs quickly outpricing the reach of the average consumer in the country. This was according to CEO of Debt Rescue, Neil Roets, who told Business Report that hot on the heels of the hefty 12.7% electricity tariff increase that came into effect on 1 April, the small drop in the petrol price announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will not save the majority of South Africans from a bleak Easter this year. “Two of the most essential necessities, petrol to drive their vehicles and electricity to heat food and keep the lights on, have slowly but surely become outpriced and beyond the reach of the…

In recent years, chia seeds have skyrocketed in popularity, often deemed a superfood by health aficionados raving about their myriad nutritional benefits. Originating from the Salvia hispanica plant in Mexico and Guatemala, these tiny seeds are power-packed with essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibre and vital minerals. Just three tablespoons of chia seeds provide a significant portion of the recommended daily intake for many of these key nutrients. Nutritionist Deepsikha Jain, recently took to her social media platform to discuss what happens when you consume chia seeds daily. But beyond the mere praise of these seeds, do they truly live up to the hype? To answer this question, we delve into their health benefits and practical ways to incorporate them into your everyday meals. Keeps your gut happy…

"If God, who revealed life to us and whose only desire is to bring us to life, loved us so much that He wanted to experience with us the total absurdity of death, then, yes, there must be hope; there must be something more than death; there must be a promise not fulfilled in our short existence in this world…" (Henri J.M. Nouwen, A Letter of Consolation, Harper & Row, 1982, p.78) EXAMINING South Africa’s historical consciousness reveals that “forgetting to remember” is a pervasive element in the national psyche. Equally insidious is “remembering to forget”, symptomatic of the country’s historical amnesia. This anomaly is starkly illustrated by how the graves of loved ones are mistreated and neglected in the name of Christianity. Each time I visit my hometown, Ermelo,…

THIS past week, massive protests erupted across the nation following the harrowing sexual assault of a Grade 1 learner, seven-year-old Cwecwe, at Bergview College, a private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The incident, which reportedly resulted in the drugging and rape of the young child, allegedly occurred in October of 2024. Despite reports that the mother reported the matter to the police, for five long months, it was largely ignored. To date, the investigation is being led by the national Police Department, together with the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. Although Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade initiated proceedings to withdraw Bergview College's registration, the Eastern Cape Department of Education has since reversed the decision. Although the nationwide outcry over this deplorable incident is palpable, the…

Li Ka-shing may have planned it all along. After all, at 97 years of age, seldom do earth-shattering moves occur by random fortuity. For one, it took painstaking and genius planning to acquire 43 ports in 22 countries with 99 dockyards. After all, building a $36 billion (about R687.5bn) empire brick by brick must have taken a lot of proverbial bricks. On March 4 of the year instant, he announced that he had entered into an agreement to sell all the port assets of CK Hutchison Holdings to Blackrock, the US investment behemoth, subject to an elaborate catalogue of terms, each of whose segments is independently exercisable at different times. Leading up to this moment, he must have encountered a lot of powerful historic figures, the most prominent of which…

In politics, coalitions often resemble complex relationships. Just as in a personal relationship, there are moments of harmony, tension, and outright dysfunction. Regarding the South African political landscape, the relationship between the ANC and the DA appears to have spiralled into one of dysfunction, with both parties failing to navigate the complexities of their alliance. At this point, the coalition resembles the toxic dynamics often seen in real-life romantic relationships — one filled with distrust, frustration, and an inability to move forward together. The question that begs to be answered is: Why not just end it? To understand why this alliance has deteriorated into a toxic partnership, let’s compare it to the relationship between a couple, which is strained and filled with tension. Imagine a situation where one partner is…

IN a move that has sent shockwaves through the global trade ecosystem, US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs — including a staggering 30% rate on South African fresh produce — has been met with widespread criticism. The tariffs, announced on April 2 and effective from April 9, 2025, have been described as reckless and punitive by industry leaders and policymakers alike. While framed as a measure to address trade inequities, the policy risks destabilising fragile supply chains, inflating food prices, and undermining food security worldwide. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), a leading voice in the global fresh produce sector, has expressed sharp disapproval of the tariffs. Alexis Taylor, IFPA’s chief global policy officer, minced no words in condemning the broad application of these measures: “IFPA firmly…

Parliament's initiative to create guidelines for members to undertake unannounced visits at public institutions has sparked a cautious yet optimistic response among political parties. The move, prompted by frequent complaints, has reignited discussions regarding the balance between enabling parliamentary oversight and the necessity for operational protocols within government facilities. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has instructed that guidelines be formulated, following a rise in communications regarding the appropriateness of individual parliamentarians accessing government locations for oversight purposes. Secretary to the National Assembly Masibulele Xaso said Didiza has deemed that guidelines be developed to assist members in carrying out their function as individuals and through committees. “The oversight model envisages members to conduct individual unannounced oversight, but there have been problems and complaints from both sides,” he said. During a meeting…

THE Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development recently faced mounting frustrations over the slow progress in implementing crucial reforms aimed at addressing historical land injustices in South Africa. A meeting in late March focused on two primary issues: the readiness to implement the Communal Property Associations (CPA) Amendment Act and an update on the recommendations stemming from their oversight visit to Mpumalanga Province. Bonginkosi Zulu, chief director of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD), presented a briefing on the state of readiness for implementing the CPA Amendment Act. Despite being passed in 2018 and assented to by the President on 30 September 2024, significant challenges remain. “The process of recruiting the permanent CPA Registrar and Deputy Registrars would be aligned with public service regulations,” Zulu…

Mass murderer Siphamandla Dlomo has been sentenced to seven life terms for the killing of nine people in August 2023. Dlomo was charged with the murders of Mlungisi Lungisani Zuma, Phakamani Sibusiso Dlamini, Maxwell Bankeni Sibisi, Reginald Bongimpilo Ngema, Thabani Vincent Ngcobo, Meichel Mhlengi Khathi, Ayabonga Mbayise, Sifundo Sibusiso Dlamini, and Sifiso Alex Cele. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, confirmed Dlomo had been sentenced to seven life terms and 70 years imprisonment for the murders, attempted murders, and housebreaking. He was also convicted and sentenced for the unlawful possession of a firearm. “Before the incident, Dlomo had a fallout with one of the complainants and as a result, he (Dlomo) harboured ill feelings towards him. Shortly after the fallout, Dlomo planned with others to eradicate the family of…

THE post-inauguration and rapid-fire release of executive actions by US President Donald Trump appear, on the one hand, to be a significant instance of the Outrage Industrial Complex (OIC). It is almost as if Trump is feeding his desire to always claim he is completely right and those who disagree are wrong and are fools. On the other hand, many of these actions have been undertaken swiftly and have had an immediate and negative impact on people. Many programmes have been cancelled with immediate effect without any consideration of the effect such actions would have on people and programmes which are trying to find solutions to health, educational, environmental and other global issues. There can be no doubt that the impact in South Africa has been serious with Minister of…

Russia and China have emerged in recent years as standard-bearers of a world that aspires to multipolarity, sovereignty, and respect for international law. Their strategic partnership, tested by global crises and geopolitical turbulence, now serves as a cornerstone of what is often called the “world majority” – a growing group of states seeking independence in foreign policy and development. Despite intense Western pressure, including sanctions and information campaigns, Moscow and Beijing have preserved and even deepened their cooperation. This partnership is not only important to both countries, but it also carries global significance. It is a model for how major powers can challenge hegemonic structures while remaining committed to international norms. As Russia and China consolidate their own partnership, they must also pay close attention to major changes underway in…

Arsenal's small remaining hope of a first Premier League title for 21 years was further diminished after a 1-1 draw at Everton yesterday. Leandro Trossard's opener for the Gunners was cancelled out by Iliman Ndiaye's penalty to leave Arsenal still 11 points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. The Reds now need just 11 points from their remaining eight games to secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had said the best preparation for his side's Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid would be to win in Merseyside. But the Spaniard showed he had one eye on the visit of the European champions with his team selection. Bukayo Saka was forced to wait for his first start since December as the England…

The South African government has proposed an increase in several taxes such as the Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duties, as part of its fiscal strategy to generate additional revenue and address public health concerns. In the 2025/26 budget, the government proposed to increase VAT by 0.5% points in each of the next two years, bringing VAT to 16% by 2026/27. In addition, excise taxes on alcoholic beverages are set to increase by 6.83% in the current fiscal year. The South African government’s proposed tax hikes in VAT over the next two years and increase in excise duties on alcoholic beverages have ignited debates on their broader economic implications. These measures, aimed at boosting revenue and addressing public health concerns, will significantly impact household consumption, economic growth, and key…

UNITED States President Donald Trump has shocked America’s allies by lumping them together with the traditional foes of the West in a sweeping imposition of universal tariffs that have set in motion a global trade war. In typical cowboy fashion, the president left no one unscathed. The EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, and next-door neighbour Canada are all reeling with shock and disbelief. Many economists and market watchers say they have never seen anything like Trump’s boisterous move this week. There is no evident precedent. Presidents, prime ministers, queens, and kings – every leader of any kind – Trump has kicked each one in the backside. Of course, the international community need not be foolish. They were duly warned during Trump’s election campaign when the then would-be-president, number 47 of…

FROM the quiet town of Matatiele, Eastern Cape, a seven-year-old girl known only as Cwecwe has become the face of a national tragedy — a stark reminder that no child should live in fear. Her story, one of unimaginable pain and systemic failure, has ignited outrage across South Africa, with calls for justice reverberating from classrooms to the halls of Parliament. On October 14, 2024, the principal of Bergview College learnt of a despicable crime committed against the seven-year-old girl within the school’s premises — a place meant to nurture dreams, not shatter them. Yet, instead of acting swiftly to protect this vulnerable child, the principal delayed reporting the incident to authorities. It wasn’t until November 19 — 36 agonising days later — that the matter was brought to the…

IN A damning exposé of systemic dysfunction within South Africa’s municipalities, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) painted a bleak picture during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa). The session, chaired by Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi, revealed that despite marginal improvements in the submission and audit conclusion rates for municipal annual financial statements — up from 91% to 95% — the underlying issues remain catastrophic. The Free State emerged as a particularly troubled province, with persistent delays in submitting financial statements. Meanwhile, provinces such as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) boasted 100% compliance. However, this veneer of success belied deeper cracks in governance. Head of National Audit at AGSA, Bongi Ngoma, said bluntly: “The non-submission of annual financial statements has an impact on financial accountability,…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has defended the National Treasury’s ongoing use of the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) to conduct expenditure reviews aimed at enhancing the financial efficiency of government departments and state-owned enterprises. Speaking in the National Assembly, Godongwana said the National Treasury, through GTAC, has conducted expenditure reviews since 2013. “The majority of this work was done by the officials at the National Treasury. Some of the work was outsourced to consultants and contractors,” he said. Godongwana also stated that no department can have the capacity to do everything hence there were different departments. “With expenditure reviews, we require a particular set of skills relevant to that sector so Treasury can't have it. The capacity of the Treasury is to create an institution such as GTAC, where it…

CHINA, the world’s second-biggest economy, is leading international retaliation against US President Donald Trump’s wholesale imposition of universal tariffs that has triggered an unprecedented global trade war. President Trump’s minimum baseline 10 percent tariff on all goods exported from elsewhere into the US, the world’s biggest economy, has set off fear, shock, and uncertainty in global trade not seen in recent memory. Applying the cow-boyish theory of different strokes for different folks, Trump’s executive order signed amid growing unilateralism saw each nation — big or small — hit with its own specific “reciprocal tariff” that Washington argues only seeks to level the trade playing field that has thus far been grossly unfair to the US. President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are premised on the mantra “charge what they charge us”. However,…

IN the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East, the ANC took a bold step by filing a legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This move has drawn international attention and raised questions regarding the financial underpinnings of this initiative. A report by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) discusses funding sources and their potential implications for governance within the ANC. At the heart of the ANC’s application to the ICJ is its claim that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a narrative that gained traction after events in October 2023. The report notes that “the costs for the preliminary application are estimated at R200 million”. The ANC’s financial struggles have been well-documented, with reported debts of around R500m…

THE Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) found itself under intense scrutiny during a recent Parliamentary Committee meeting, as legislators grilled officials over persistent financial mismanagement, irregular expenditure, and governance failures. Despite assurances from UIF leadership, concerns remained about the entity’s ability to deliver on its mandate while addressing systemic challenges that have plagued its operations. One of the most glaring issues raised was the UIF’s consistent failure to submit its annual financial statements on time, leading to repeated audit qualifications. According to the ANC’s Gijimani Skosana, the entity’s “non-compliance with legislation is concerning”. He pointed out that the 2023/2024 audit outcome was still outstanding at the time of the meeting, despite legislative requirements for timely submissions. The UIF’s chief financial officer, Thembeka Puzi, attributed these delays to challenges in obtaining audited…

KHOARAHLANE Seutloali credited his victory in the Totalalsports Two Oceans Marathon to the tips he received from compatriot and former champion of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon. The Hollywood Athletics Club runner ended a decade-long drought for Lesotho by reigning victorious in 3:10:47, just 20 seconds slower than the time run by Motlokoa Nkhabutlane back in 2015 to win the famous 56km Mother City ultra. Not surprising then that it was Nkhabutlane who shared pearls of Two Oceans wisdom with his younger countryman prior to the race that spat out the main contenders. Of the elite men deemed worthy of addressing the pre-race media conference – only Nkosikhona Mhlakwana finished in the top 10, with former champions Givemore Mudzinganyama and Onalenna Khonkhobe as well as last year’s runner-up Lloyd Bosman…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou claimed VAR was "killing the game" after the technology was used to rule out a potential equaliser in the side's English Premier League defeat to fellow Londoners Chelsea. Spurs lost 1-0 against the Blues at Stamford Bridge in the league clash on Thursday night that took Enzo Maresca's side back up to fourth in the table. The Spurs boss thought midfielder Pape Sarr had cancelled out Enzo Fernandez's header for Chelsea, only to see the blistering strike chalked off after VAR intervened. Sarr was deemed to have fouled Chelsea player Moises Caicedo in the build-up. It took repeated replays to overrule referee Craig Pawson's decision to award the goal. The length of time it took to reach the decision was only one of the things…

The CAF Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) met on Thursday to view reports after the latest round of Champions League quarter-final matches but it has yet to announce it's findings and subsequent decisions. There were incidents at all four Tuesday games around the continent, but the bouts of crowd violence that swept through Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane, where Mamelodi Sundowns hosted Tunisian heavyweights Esperance Sportive, were hugely damaging to the image of CAF, the governing body of African football. The most alarming occurrences at Loftus compromised the safety of spectators and a few were treated for injuries afterwards. It severely tarnished the reputation of the high-stakes Champions League tournament. CAF’s swift response highlights the seriousness with which it approaches issues of crowd control and safety.…

The Stormers’ United Rugby Championship playoff hopes are already in dire straits, and now they have received yet another blow with the suspension of prop Neethling Fouché. The URC announced late on Friday night that the 32-year-old front-rower has been banned for four matches for his dangerous tackle against Ulster in the 38-34 defeat in Belfast last week Friday. Fouché was desperately unlucky to receive a red card on the night by referee Andrea Piardi, as he was on his knees in an attempt to tackle Ulster centre Ben Carson in the 45th minute. The referee and TMO deliberated and felt that Fouché did not wrap his arms around Carson in the tackle, and his right shoulder made contact with the Ulster player’s head. Stormers lock Connor Evans was involved…

Bread has always been a dietary staple in many homes, but in recent years, many people have chosen to eliminate it from their diets for various reasons, including weight loss, blood sugar control, and gluten intolerance. If you decide to stop eating bread, your body will go through several changes, both positive and negative. Here’s a look at what you can expect if you cut bread from your diet. Initial weight loss One of the first things you’ll notice when you stop eating bread is a drop in weight. This is primarily due to a loss of water weight rather than fat. Bread, especially refined white bread, is high in carbohydrates, which your body stores as glycogen. For every gram of glycogen stored, your body holds onto about three grams…

Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize has praised the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) for playing a major role in the Struggle against apartheid since it was formed to advance black business interests 60 years ago. Mkhize, who was a Struggle activist under the banner of the ANC during apartheid, said Nafcoc did not only focus on representing oppressed black businesses during the dark years of the country. “Nafcoc fought against all forms of discrimination, and it created a bank, which it named African Bank, to make it clear who it was formed for,” said Mkhize. The former ANC treasurer-general was addressing thousands of delegates who attended a dinner gathering at the end of the three-day celebration of the chamber’s anniversary at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre…

A SERIES of journalistic investigations has once again drawn attention to Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), the South African subsidiary of the German arms giant Rheinmetall. The company is suspected of violating South African legislation by sending weapons to conflict zones — namely, Yemen, Israel, and Ukraine. Serious consequences for the company may soon follow. The growing pressure generated by these revelations has elicited a significant response from civil society. Activists associated with the “Alkebu” social movement submitted an official statement to the Pietermaritzburg High Court. In the statement, which was circulated on social media, Nkosentsha Shezi declared: “There is strong evidence that Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) is breaking South African and international laws. “Independent investigations show that RDM sells weapons to Europe. The US Department of Defence and others have…

Frustrated Nilgiri Crescent ratepayers in Durban are burdened by a housing development’s non-existent sewage infrastructure. The Kanku Road Housing Development in Isipingo has been a source of contention for them since June 2023. The 330 semi-detached dwelling units were occupied by residents of a nearby transit camp. The development is built in an affluent suburb where property rates are R700 per month, said Isipingo Ratepayers and Residents Association spokesperson Sunildutt Ramadhar. Additionally, he said the development does not have a sewer pipeline connected to the municipal line. According to Ramadhar, some residents on the Nilgiri Crescent's edge connected their sewage outputs to stormwater drains. The sewers frequently overflow into the streets. The Kanku pump station has not been connected or put into service, added Ramadhar. “This has repeatedly led to…

Justin Lewis, a representative of the UK-based judicial rights group Casisa, has written to Leo Brent Bozell III, the US Ambassador nominated to South Africa, calling for sanctions against the country. In a letter dated March 27, 2025, and seen by IOL, Lewis, who leads a human rights advocacy group, claimed that South Africa's legal actions against Israel are part of a broader Hamas strategy. Lewis is currently involved in an investigation into alleged corruption within South African banks linked to UK tax havens. He asserts that the investigation aims to expose legalised "court-approved" international money laundering. The tensions stem from South Africa's December 2023 claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians following an attack by Hamas in October 2023. During this attack, Hamas gunmen crossed from the Gaza…

FOR countless years, black excellence has been stifled, with many achievements often overlooked. Historically, the African continent has been portrayed as a place of despair, suffering, hunger, and corruption. However, recent years have witnessed the rise of black industrialists who are transforming industries and revolutionising their respective fields. Despite their significant contributions, they do not receive the recognition they deserve. As a young black man residing in Africa, I find inspiration in their accomplishments, especially considering the challenges they faced. Some have built empires from scratch, while others have taken family businesses to new heights. I wish to honour them here. Black industrialists have been instrumental in shaping economies, driving innovation, and creating opportunities for communities that have historically faced systemic barriers. Unfortunately, their contributions are frequently overlooked in mainstream…

SOUTH Sudan, the world’s youngest country, is in the midst of a deteriorating political crisis which is moving it ever closer to another civil war. Vice President Riek Machar and his wife, Angelina Teni, who also serves as the Interior Minister, were arrested in the late hours of March 26 at their residence in Juba. The South Sudanese government blamed Machar for instigating a rebellion against the government with the intention of delaying elections. President Salva Kiir ordered the arrest of the vice president and his wife. Machar’s arrest came after renewed fighting between the government forces and the White Army militia in the Upper Nile state in the northern parts of the country. The militia ran over a military base and attacked a UN helicopter belonging to the UN…

It was an arm-wrestle for more than an hour, but the Bulls’ grit and determination was eventually rewarded as they pulled off a deserved 32-22 triumph over Bayonne to reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals yesterday. The men from Pretoria were on top for most of the game, with the forwards rolling up their sleeves and dominating physically. But a few wrong decisions and poor execution on attack let them down, while a sometimes shaky defensive line allowed Bayonne to make real inroads with their counter-attacks. The hostile home crowd at Stade Jean Dauger also seemed to influence referee Christophe Ridley at times, so credit to the Bulls for absorbing that pressure and tricky circumstances to keep their trophy hopes alive. Jake White’s team will now take on Edinburgh, who beat…

The 32-year-old, the first ever bridgerweight to come out of the African continent, will go up against Ukraine’s Serhiy Radchenko at the Sunbet Times Square Arena in Pretoria at the start of May in what will be his first defense after being awarded the title with English fighter Lawrance Okolie relinquishing it to pursue his heavyweight dreams. The then interim bridgerweight holder Lerena assumed the title and in a career that started without any amateur background, he has defied all the odds and he is currently the flag-bearer of South African boxing and a lot will rely on his upcoming fight against the Ukrainian international. Lerena has been amongst the standout boxers in recent years in a sport that is considered to be on a downward spiral; his participation in…

The Blitzboks spectacularly kept alive their Singapore Sevens aspirations when they upset champions Argentina thanks to a post-hooter try by Zander Reynders. It was a brave performance by the South Africans against a classy Pumas side that is unaccustomed to defeat and looked to have the game sewn up when they led 24-21 with seconds to go. But the Blitzboks forced a penalty, and nearly two minutes of attack culminated in Reynders haring after a grubber through the defence, and he won the race to the dot down. The Pumas went into the game having scored a mammoth 111 tries this season and they were overwhelmingly favoured to beat South Africa. They scored an early try, but Zain Davids equalised when he finished powerfully in the corner. The Blitzboks went…

Manchester United may have a grand vision to win the Premier League title in three years' time, but manager Ruben Amorim said on Friday that the club may not be title contenders in the next couple of years unless major changes are made. United are on course for their worst Premier League finish with the club 13th in the standings after 30 games and Amorim's task does not get any easier with a derby against Manchester City today. Amid the dire run, the club's ownership announced a plan to bring the title back to Old Trafford in three years to celebrate United's 150th anniversary, but Amorim said a lot of work needs to be put into the squad to become genuine contenders. "I understand and I am not naive. I…