Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-04 i Sunday Independent

While there have been calls for Enoch Godongwana to resign, South Africa’s Finance Minister announced this past week that a third Budget Speech will be taking place later this month, on May 21. The announcement came after the 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) reversal, which was proposed in the March 2025 Budget, with the matter being taken to court by the DA and EFF. In February, the minister’s first budget attempt was thwarted by political parties in Parliament, as the minister proposed a larger VAT increase of 2%. Godongwana said that the Budget of March 12 and the proposed VAT increase sparked rigorous debate. “This is welcomed in a healthy democracy. Today there is clarity that VAT will remain at 15%. This decision was shaped not only by political debate but…

Physical activities are set to kick into high gear as the weather starts to heat up in South Africa. And whether it is a yoga class, a running programme, sports or going to the gym, it is essential to be conscious about your health and hygiene, which applies to your hair, too. Experts at international hair extensions retailer, Roxy Hair, explained that if the correct precautions aren’t taken, exercising can make your hair more susceptible to breakage, giving it a dry and brittle appearance. “Sweat can also cause your hair to become greasy, making you more vulnerable to breakouts,” they said. “Because of this, it’s essential to be conscious of your hair’s health while exercising over the summer.” Here is their guide on how to protect your hair during workouts.…

When was the last time you cleaned your make-up bag? Some people are very good at keeping their make-up brushes and sponges clean, but not many take the time, or even think about, cleaning the bag they keep their products in. Now, you’re probably wondering why you should worry about the bag itself since it’s meant to keep your favourite products protected and in one place. You might not realise this, but your make-up bag probably isn’t the cleanest thing in your bathroom. Many of us toss our make-up bags in our handbags and have most likely opened them up in a public bathroom to do quick touch-ups. Moreover, you often open it with hands that may not be clean. Now, can you imagine what that means for your make-up…

IN A scathing exposé of the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) deep-rooted issues, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) last week revealed a shocking level of corruption and mismanagement within this critical state entity. The revelations, presented by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), painted a distressing picture of an organisation that has failed in its mandate to compensate victims of motor vehicle accidents while simultaneously serving as a cash cow for unscrupulous officials and service providers. Action SA’s Alan Beesley minced no words when he declared: “To me, that is absurd, and if that is the case, they should all be fired.” This was in response to the revelation that basic financial practices like periodic bank reconciliations — what he termed “auditing 101” — were not being implemented despite the…

A DAY of heated debate and accusations marred the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development’s virtual meeting, as members clashed over the adoption of a report recommending candidates for the newly established Office of the Small Enterprise Ombudsperson. The session, which was meant to streamline support for small businesses, instead devolved into a battleground of partisan politics, procedural disputes, and allegations of manipulation. The meeting began with a presentation by the Auditor-General of SA (AGSA), led by Kumari Naicker, deputy business unit leader, and Tshidiso Thipe, senior audit manager. Their briefing focused on proactive reviews of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency’s (Sedfa) 2025/26 strategic and annual performance plans. However, the AGSA’s insights were met with sharp criticism from Committee Members.…

THE chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo, has commended the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers for their successful deployment in Goma as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). The troops have now safely returned home, marking the end of a critical mission that sought to stabilise one of Africa’s most volatile regions. Speaking at a press briefing held in Parliament on Friday, Mahumapelo expressed pride in the ambassadorial role played by the SANDF during their deployment. “South Africans should remain proud of the ambassadorial role the South African army has played despite the challenges it experienced during deployment at this specific Goma mission,” he said. The SANDF was deployed to Goma in December 2023…

THE Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), one of Africa’s premier music events, has long been celebrated not only for its world-class performances but also for its role in fostering social cohesion in South Africa. This year’s edition continued to serve as a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities through music, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange. South Africa’s history of segregation still influences social dynamics today. However, the CTIJF has consistently provided a space where people from all racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds gather in celebration. The festival’s audience comprises 40% local Capetonians, 30% domestic tourists, and 30% international visitors, creating a melting pot of cultures. Jazz, with its roots in African-American and African traditions, resonates deeply in South Africa, where it has been a medium for political expression and…

A VIRTUAL meeting of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on April 22 heard shocking revelations about the complete breakdown of governance at the State Information Technology Agency (Sita), with the Auditor-General of SA (AGSA) painting a picture of an institution in total disarray. The agency responsible for coordinating the government’s information and communication technology systems has regressed to receiving a disclaimer of opinion — the worst possible audit outcome — with auditors unable to verify the accuracy of its financial statements due to missing records and systemic failures. Senior Manager at AGSA, Lufuno Mmbadi, delivered the damning assessment: “The previous qualifications audit and the current disclaimer audit meant that the key role players within the Sita accountability ecosystem had failed to provide credible financial reports that were supported…

THE tension within the Government of National Unity (GNU) surrounding whether or not there should be an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) exposed the policy vacillation within political parties. Civil society groups, trade unions, grassroots movements and left-leaning political parties took to the streets well before the announcement to reject the regressive tax that would disproportionately affect people experiencing poverty. The Treasury nonetheless proceeded with the tabling of the VAT proposal. When opposition intensified, the government retracted the proposal for the national Budget to pass. The game has become tiring for countless South Africans for whom the gap between government promises and reality keeps widening. Rising unemployment, failing public services, the rising cost of living and ongoing inequality are leading to growing disappointment with the post-apartheid government. While some…

The death of Pope Francis on April 21, after being at the helm of the Catholic Church as the first Latin American pope for 12 years, immediately sparked a conversation about who his successor would be. As he was being laid to rest in an elegant ceremony on April 26, tongues had already started wagging and names of potential successors were being thrown around. The process of choosing the new pope – known as the conclave – is set to begin on the May 7 when the observation of the nine-day mourning period ends as stipulated by the church tradition. A total of 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will be eligible to cast their secret vote for Francis’s successor handing him the authority over 1.4 billion Catholics around…

WHEN the Proteas’ premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returned home early due to personal reasons from the Indian Premier League last month, not much was read into his return. However, in a statement released by the South African Cricketers’ Association on Saturday, it has been revealed that there was more to the 29-year-old’s early return from the IPL than the country thought. The SACA statement highlighted that the fast bowler returned after testing positive for a banned substance, and Rabada confirmed on Saturday that the substance taken was a “recreational drug”. The fast bowler is currently serving a provisional suspension, and it is not yet clear as to how long the suspension is. “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal…

Enzo Maresca believes his Chelsea team can get closer to Liverpool next season as he prepares to welcome the newly crowned Premier League champions to Stamford Bridge today (5.30pm SA time kick-off). Chelsea were within two points of Liverpool in mid-December, two months after pushing them hard in a 2-1 defeat at Anfield. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he felt the visitors were the better team that day. Fifth-placed Chelsea are now 22 points behind the champions, but still have their eyes firmly set on a top-five finish, which would secure Champions League qualification. “I think the gap (to Liverpool) is there, you can see it clearly,” said Maresca, whose team have won five of their past eight league matches. “My feeling is that we are in the right direction,…

Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill hit half-centuries to power Gujarat Titans to a 38-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL on Friday night. Gujarat posted 224/6, on the back of Gill’s 38-ball 76, after being invited to bat first at the world’s biggest stadium in Ahmedabad. Their bowlers then combined to restrict Hyderabad to 186/6, despite a valiant 74 from Abhishek Sharma. With the big victory, Gujarat moved up to second on the points table. Hyderabad remain in the running to qualify for the IPL playoffs, but their chances look slim. Gill said everyone on the team played a role in the victory. “The way our top-order plays, we know how to keep the scoreboard ticking,” the Gujarat skipper said. Gujarat openers Gill and Sai Sudharsan started the first…

AmaZulu and Polokwane City’s 1-1 stalemate could hurt their chances of finishing in the Premiership top eight as neither team managed to close the gap on those ahead. They also allowed the chasing pack to stay in contention in a tightly contested race following Friday night’s draw at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. Only two points now separate the teams following the shared points, with City still holding a game in hand over the KwaZulu-Natal side, who sit in sixth position on the log. Tebogo Mashigo gave AmaZulu the early lead with an impressive solo effort in the seventh minute, but Rise and Shine equalised through a 56th-minute penalty from Lehogang Nkaki, with both teams failing to take advantage of the chance to move ahead in the top-eight battle.…

One of the big secrets to Rassie Erasmus’s success has been “to make the Springboks bigger than the provinces”, says former national coach Nick Mallett. Mallett was the guest in the latest episode of “Rassie+”, the Bok coach’s podcast series that aims to inform the public about how things work at the world champions. Erasmus was given his Springbok debut by Mallett back in 1997, and would win his first 16 Test matches as Mallett guided the Boks through a golden era. Erasmus, a dynamic flank, lost just nine of his 37 Tests, and 35 of his appearances were under Mallett. Mallett told Erasmus that one of his biggest accomplishments was to overcome rampant provincialism. “Rassie, I couldn’t get it right but you have done it,” Mallett said on the…

While the latest inflation data for South Africa showed an easing, food prices in the country saw a sharp increase. This past week, data released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) in its April 2025 Household Affordability Index showed that the price of a basic food basket increased by almost R100 month on month. Last month, consumers had to fork out R5 420.30 to fill up a basic food basket. That means the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R90.94 (1.7%), from R5 329.36 in March to R5 420.30 in April. The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R83.99 (1,6%), from R5 336.31 in April 2024 to R5 420.30 last month. In April, of the 44 foods tracked in the basket,…

I’m sure many of us have walked into a supermarket to buy “just a few things” but ended up walking out with a whole lot more than we intended to. Even if you feel guilty about overspending and blame it on a lack of willpower, it's important to recognise that supermarkets use subtle tactics designed to encourage you to buy more. Supermarkets are masters of subtle persuasion, using a variety of psychological tricks and strategic layouts designed to make you spend more. Here’s how they do it and tips on how you can fight back. Store layout Most supermarkets are designed so that the essential items like milk, bread and eggs are placed at the back of the store. This forces you to walk past dozens of attractive displays to…

FREEDOM is not a state; it is an act. These words by John Lewis resonate deeply as we reflect on the meaning of freedom in South Africa today. The word “freedom” is so frequently used – and often abused – that it risks becoming a cliché. Yet, its essence remains profound and indispensable. In her book Another Freedom, Svetlana Boym reminds us that imagining freedom requires contemplating both “what is” and “what if”. This duality invites us to critically examine the constraints shaping our lived experiences while envisioning possibilities for progress. For South Africans, this exercise carries particular urgency. Once admired for its resilience, South Africa now faces significant challenges. Political and economic uncertainties highlight the depth of our national crisis. Democracy, which triumphed at the end of the Cold…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has escalated its criticism towards Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, demanding that he bear the costs associated with the R2.3 million wasted on his ill-fated Budget Speech in February. The Red Berets MP Omphile Maotwe made the call almost a week after Godongwana and Parliament suffered legal costs after the EFF and the Democratic Alliance (DA) took Godongwana to the Western Cape High Court over his first attempt to increase the VAT. Maotwe, whose party had called for Godongwana to step down due to the Budget delivery fiasco, described the R2.3 million, which was spent preparing for the Budget, as wasteful expenditure. “All of this was avoidable had the minister simply listened to the millions of South Africans who rejected the VAT increase and demanded an…

THE current US/China trade war has truly exposed how weak Africa is from a global economic and geopolitical perspective compared to countries such as India, which has managed to leverage the tariff crisis. As the global landscape faces increasing challenges from trade wars, rising tariffs, and economic uncertainty, particularly with the protectionist policies of US President Donald Trump, many nations struggle to navigate these turbulent times. Meanwhile, India is experiencing remarkable growth. Why? What is really driving India’s success when African countries are just passive observers in this battle of the titans? It is important to recall that in 2023, and for the first time in the history of the G20, the African Union (AU) was made a permanent member of the G20, comprising the world’s richest and most powerful…

DECADES of colonisation have left their mark on Nigeria’s history, drastically altering the nation. During its century-long rule over Nigeria in West Africa during the Industrial Revolution, the United Kingdom pillaged its natural resources. Like many other European nations, the English placed a high value on dominating Africa and the Atlantic trade in the 17th century. They played a key role in the transatlantic slave trade as well. The UK owes Nigeria $3.2 trillion (about R59trln at current exchange rates) in damages, according to Major General Dr Al-Tayeb Abdul Jalil, a Sudanese professor of international law. This sum covers the time that colonialism, forced labour, resource looting, environmental harm, and underdevelopment occurred. Experts on Trust TV News spoke about whether reparations were necessary and in what way this issue should…

CONSTRUCTION is a physically challenging and demanding industry requiring much physical work in the elements, long working hours and often more than a five-day week, employment on a “contract” or even “trade on a contract” basis. Furthermore, it is often transient in nature, which adds to the challenges due to working away from home and family. In terms of construction, regardless of how menial an activity or task may be, it is an integral part of a project. In terms of cost, over-excavation for column bases can result in excessive concrete wastage and financial loss. In terms of quality, placing of concrete requires proper compaction to avert segregation and “honeycombing”, and the compromising of quality and schedule requirements. In terms of client and principal agent satisfaction upon “handover”, clean floors…

A SENIOR official in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recently appeared in court after he was charged with two counts of rape of a 16-year-old girl. The 47-year-old man from the DPP Limpopo division appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Mashudu Dzhangi, confirmed. The names of both the accused and the victim are withheld to protect the identity of the victim. Dzhangi said: “It is alleged that since 2022, while the victim was 13 years old, the accused sexually abused her on several occasions. She further alleged that on 29 April 2025, the accused requested her to come to his place, where he sexually abused her in the garage. “This latest incident prompted her to relate the abuse to her mother, who…

WELCOMING more than 350 exhibitors and 6 000 visitors from more than 25 countries, the inaugural Africa Food Show is poised to become Africa’s premier event for the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry. The B2B event, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 10-12 June 2025, is considered to be the continent’s most influential when it comes to F&B sourcing and innovation. With a large number of people coming from abroad, and showcasing 15 international pavilions, the Africa Food Show is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for African businesses looking to tap into global markets. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African F&B market is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, on the back of rapid economic and urban growth on the continent.…

In the culture of the ANC, those who serve in the provincial legislatures and the National Assembly are expected to visit their constituency offices whenever Parliament is in recess. This is done to achieve a dual aim. Firstly, it allows them to report to their constituencies on what they had been mandated to do. They highlight their achievements and identify some glitches. Ideally, they should also seek advice on how those hurdles could be overcome if they cannot do so on their own. Secondly, constituency meetings allow elected representatives to solicit views on a wide range of issues and to receive a fresh mandate from their constituencies to take to the different parliaments when the latter resume their work. This is an old practice that has kept the ANC in…

SEVENTY years ago, from April 18 to 24 1955, a bold assembly took place in Bandung, Indonesia. Twenty-nine newly independent African and Asian nations united in defiance of colonial domination and Cold War bipolarity. The ANC, represented by Moses Kotane and Molvi Cachalia, also attended. This historic gathering – the Bandung Conference – marked the first large-scale Afro-Asian summit dedicated to mutual co-operation, peaceful coexistence and collective sovereignty. Bandung asserted the rights of developing nations to sovereignty and self-determination. Central to the conference were 10 guiding principles, Dasasila Bandung, that remain relevant today: Respect for fundamental human rights and UN Charter principles. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Recognition of racial and national equality. Non-interference in internal affairs. Respect for national defence rights under UN norms. Rejection of collective…

Akani Simbine once again showed that he means business in 2025 when he held off the challenge from Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson to win the 100m race at the Diamond League meeting in Shanghai yesterday. South African star Simbine was victorious in last week’s event in Xiamen, but that field didn’t include Jamaican speedster Thompson, who finished second to American Noah Lyles in the Paris Olympic final last year in the same time of 9.79 seconds. Simbine finished fourth on that occasion with a new SA record of 9.82, but is determined to reach the podium this year at the world championships in Tokyo in September. The 31-year-old already claimed a bronze medal in the 60m race at the world indoor championships in China in March – having also…

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has said he will not take any risks with players’ fitness in today’s Premier League match at Brentford (3pm SA time) ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg clash with Athletic Bilbao four days later. United enjoyed a 3-0 win over Bilbao on Thursday night, and Amorim stressed that the European competition is their priority as the only silverware up for grabs as they languish 14th in the Premier League. “The first thing is that the players who are at risk to get injured will not play, no matter what,” Amorim told reporters after the victory. “And then we are going to assess (on Friday) and the next day, who are the best players to start the game. “Then we have to be careful…

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff believes his former star driver Lewis Hamilton will be back to his best despite a difficult start to life with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion left Mercedes after 12 years to join Ferrari this season, but the 40-year-old has been well behind teammate Charles Leclerc so far. The Briton’s only success this year came in the sprint race in Shanghai, and Wolff said ahead of today’s Miami Grand Prix that the win was enough to show that Hamilton still has what it takes. “We have seen that magic in the sprint race in Shanghai. He dominated that race, and it is not like you have that magic in one race – and then suddenly you lose it in the following one,” said the Mercedes team CEO.…

Eskom’s latest push to enforce registration for all grid-tied solar systems, even those that don’t feed into the grid, has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s solar sector. As commercial and industrial businesses increasingly turn to renewables to escape erratic power supply, these new requirements raise serious questions about legality, cost, and Eskom’s role in shaping South Africa’s energy future. Eskom’s registration mandate Eskom recently intensified efforts to ensure all grid-tied solar power systems are registered, regardless of whether they feed electricity back into the grid. The power utility claims this move is primarily about safety, citing the need to maintain network integrity and referencing standards such as NRS 097-2-3 and the South African Distribution Code to manage power flow and mitigate risk. Yet, this approach has been met with criticism.…

THIS week, the international community once again stood still and listened to harrowing evidence of Israeli brutality amid its genocidal mission in Gaza and the occupied territories of Palestine, where more than 50 000 people have been killed since October 2023 and more continue to die every hour, week and month. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held the hearings pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 79/232, which requested an Advisory Opinion on the “obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international organisations and third states”. The resolution was initiated by Norway and supported overwhelmingly by the UN member states. Simplified, the UN is keen to hear what legal opinion the highest court in the world can give over what is…

Two months since the Western Cape High Court was proclaimed in Saldanha Bay, judgment was delivered on Friday in the trial of Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn for their roles in the disappearance and trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin. Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the case, delivered a detailed judgment that recapped a highly emotive and complex trial that began on March 3. The venue, White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, turned courtroom, was proclaimed a High Court venue under special judicial authority due to the extraordinary nature of the case and logistical constraints in the region, and public interest surrounding the case. Erasmus thanked the community members who prayed and stood vigil outside the courtroom throughout the proceedings. Hours after the judgment, the…

Ratepayer associations in the eThekwini Municipality continue to advocate for oversight of infrastructure projects to ensure budgets are spent accordingly and get value for money. Alicia Kissoon, eThekwini Ward 23 and Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, said they were alarmed by the findings presented at the Finance Committee meeting of March 2025, which confirm that the municipality is failing to invest in basic infrastructure while its financial position worsens. Kissoon said the municipality has spent just 7.87% of its total budget on capital projects like water, housing, and electricity. Kissoon stated that the municipality claims 96% of its grant funding has been spent, including internal transfers and operational costs. However, according to the municipality's own financial tables, only 55% of capital grants have been spent, leaving over R1.48 billion outstanding. “That…

IN a decisive move to shield the domestic steel industry from overwhelming foreign competition, the International Trade Administration Commission of SA (ITAC) has imposed safeguard duties on hot-rolled steel products imported from China. The decision, published in the Government Gazette, comes after an extensive investigation into the surge of imports that have been deemed injurious to local producers within the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu). The investigation was initiated following an application by the South African Iron & Steel Institute (Saisi), acting on behalf of ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited — the region’s leading producer of hot-rolled steel. Saisi argued that the influx of competitively priced steel from China had disrupted the local market, threatening the survival of key players in the Sacu steel sector. Hot-rolled steel is a cornerstone material…

AS South Africa observed Workers’ Day this week, the country found itself at a crossroads. While it was a day to honour the contributions of workers, the celebrations were overshadowed by grim realities: a staggering 43.2% youth unemployment rate, persistent corruption, and systemic barriers stifling economic growth. Against this backdrop, community activists, trade unions, and political leaders issued urgent calls for change, each offering solutions but united in their demand for action. Community activist Thulani Dasa delivered a scathing critique of the Tripartite Alliance — the ANC, Cosatu, and the SACP — accusing its leaders of betraying the very people they claim to champion. “We saw Tripartite Alliance leaders around the country portraying themselves as champions of the poor and working class, but who live in opulence while we are…

FROM 2015, Dr Iqbal Survé, the tycoon behind Sekunjalo Group, faced what could be described as the most brazen abuse of State Power from politicians, banks, and the media. His bank accounts were closed, and he was haunted by the court of public opinion. The targeted actions against Survé’s followed a strategy reminiscent of apartheid-era tactics: Financial restrictions through sudden bank account closuresRegulatory scrutiny via continuous investigations, media criticism aimed at influencing public opinionPolitical influence to influence other arms of the State and other actors Despite these hurdles, Survé exhibited resilience that distinguishes him as a survivor who weathered the storms and did not falter. Instead of conceding defeat, Survé became stronger and has put his enemies to shame. His determination not to surrender serves as a notable example of…

OUR society of today faces a plethora of challenges that are not only widely rampant, but severely implicate the quality of lives of millions of South Africans. In fact, according to the Academy of Science of SA (Assaf), more than 3 million citizens lack access to clean running water, while a hefty 14 million people lack access to safe sanitation, including flushing toilets and proper waste disposal. Water insecurity is one of the most dire challenges faced in our society today. This issue, in fact, disproportionately affects people living in rural communities, as well as informal urban settlements. Despite our efforts to further development, while contending with firmly ingrained greed and self-preservation, one citizen has grabbed the bull by the horns and led the charge in tackling the issue of…

Manchester City moved closer to qualifying for the Champions League as Kevin de Bruyne sealed a vital 1-0 win against Wolves on Friday night. Pep Guardiola’s side are embroiled in a tense battle for a top-five finish in the Premier League, and De Bruyne lifted them to third place with his first half strike at the Etihad Stadium. For just the second time in a turbulent campaign, City have reeled off five successive wins in all competitions. It was a major boost to their hopes of securing a place in Europe’s elite club competition. “We are better than we were weeks ago. If we play like we did today, it is really good – but we cannot relax. Winning in that way is good, because it will make us realise…

Norwegian Casper Ruud did not let a rib injury get in the way of setting up a Madrid Open final showdown with fifth seed Jack Draper as he reached the title match without dropping a set following a 6-4 7-5 win over Francisco Cerundolo on Friday night. Ruud, who ousted Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev in the previous rounds, needed treatment three games into the opening set, while he managed to stave off 15 of the 18 break points he faced against the Argentine to move into his third Masters 1000 final. He will face a red-hot Draper, who advanced to his third final of the season with a 6-3 7-6(4) win over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, in tonight’s final. Currently ranked World No 15, Ruud is set to break into…

Earlier this year, Russell Domingo received his first T20 league stint as head coach of the Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. Since taking over the side last month, the former Proteas mentor has helped the side secure second place in the current standings with two more round-robin fixtures left before the knockout stage of the tournament gets underway. In an exclusive interview with Independent Media this week, Domingo highlighted the differences between coaching in international cricket and in the T20 leagues. “It’s my first venture as a head coach in the league space, and it’s totally different to coaching in a domestic team or national team in terms of time to prepare, in terms of selections, in terms of management,” he said. “But it’s been a great…

For the good folk of Fremantle, Perth, it must have been a peculiar sight. In the local park, the Springbok rugby team was sitting on a little hill overlooking a marked-out ‘field’ while a team in smart green shirts was running rings around a bunch of misfits in a game of touch rugby. It was the 1998 Tri-Nations tour, and Nick Mallett had challenged the travelling media to a game of touch against his management team. It was an ambush from the start, given that Mallett’s team comprised either former rugby stars or fit physios and conditioning staff, and he knew it. Most of the media had not touched a rugby ball since brief flirtations with the game at school, and as for our physical conditioning... Well, we looked like…