Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-06 i Sunday Independent

It’s school holidays, and during this period, parents often find themselves facing the delightful yet daunting task of keeping their kids entertained. Adding to the challenge is the need to manage tight budgets, especially with rising costs of living. However, this period also presents an opportunity to unleash creativity in the kitchen. From easy-to-prepare snacks to fun family meals, there are myriad ways to keep young appetites satisfied without breaking the bank. Planning is key One of the most effective ways to stay on budget is to plan your meals. Create a weekly meal plan that utilises ingredients you already have at home and factor in what is on special at your local grocery store. This method not only minimises waste but also allows you to make the most of…

“Heritage is an integral part of people’s identity, belonging, and sense of well- being around the world. The connection of communities to their sacred sites, places, landscapes, artefacts, archives, libraries, dances, music, and other artistic endeavours helps build safe and cohesive societies. When this heritage is damaged or denied, it not only destroys knowledge and memory of the past but also the building blocks of peace for the future.” – P Stone, President of The Blue Shield HERITAGE is a vital source of tradition and inspiration, shaping national and local identity. It presents significant opportunities for community development by leveraging cultural and natural assets. As a shared responsibility, heritage preservation guides necessary change. In recent years, the global community has increasingly recognised sustainable development as a key priority at political,…

THE Government of National Unity (GNU) was meant to be South Africa’s grand compromise — a reluctant union between the ANC and DA to stabilise a fractured political landscape. But less than a year in, the DA’s horseplay, including its decision to boycott the National Dialogue called by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has exposed this union as fundamentally unworkable, revealing a stark contrast in governing philosophies. While the ANC has at least nominally committed to inclusive nation-building processes, even endorsing a civil society-led National Dialogue it doesn’t control, the DA has retreated into obstructionist tactics more suited to opposition benches than a party sharing governance. The ANC’s willingness to participate in difficult national conversations, however imperfectly, stands in sharp relief against the DA’s petulant withdrawal over what amounts reportedly…

THIS week, all eyes will be on the upcoming 17th BRICS Summit that will be held in Brazil from the July 6 to 7. The summit convenes at a moment of profound contradiction between the bloc nations. The contradictions are outlined in the recent South China Morning Post article titled “Questions loom at BRICS Rio summit about group’s effectiveness,” illustrating the following. In April, BRICS foreign ministers failed to issue a joint communique due to disagreements over advocating for permanent UN Security Council seats for Brazil, India, and South Africa. The summit's significance is further underscored by the absence of key leaders: Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend for the first time, sending Premier Li Qiang instead, while Russian President Vladimir Putin will appear via video, with Foreign Minister…

IN a landmark move earlier this year, BlackRock — the world’s largest asset manager — launched its first tokenised fund on a public blockchain. With more than $100 million (about R1.7 billion) in US Treasuries issued via tokenised assets, this is not just a fintech experiment. It’s a signal: the traditional financial system is moving on-chain. While this development unfolded in the halls of Wall Street and crypto exchanges in the US, its implications extend far beyond Western markets. In fact, for Africa — home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population and one of the highest rates of mobile money adoption — this moment could be pivotal. What is tokenisation and why does it matter for Africa? Tokenisation refers to the process of converting rights to real-world assets, such as…

AS global financial markets grow increasingly fragmented and unpredictable, central banks — marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and structural volatility — are being forced to rethink investment strategies to navigate an evolving global financial landscape The OMFIF Global Public Investor (GPI) 2025 report offers a comprehensive insight into how institutions such as the SA Reserve Bank (Sarb) are adapting to these shifting dynamics, with particular emphasis on currency diversification, asset allocation, and risk management. OMFIF (the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum) is an independent think tank specialising in central banking, economic policy, and public investment. It serves as a neutral platform for engagement between the public and private sectors worldwide, producing research and hosting events to enhance understanding of the global economy. South Africa finds itself in…

On June 26, the United Nations Charter celebrated its 80th anniversary. The current international order is based on its principles, which stand out in its preamble: the prevention of war, equal rights of peoples and nations, justice, social progress and a better life for all. All multilateral institutions subsumed under its creation since 1945, such as the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the UN Refugee Agency, etc. But unfortunately we are seeing the principles of the UN Charter being disrespected in various parts of the world, precisely by the powers that considered themselves the creators and pillars of this order. Today, we live in a very complex international context marked by instability, regional wars, nuclear threats, attacks on the sovereignty of sovereign countries…

Mamelodi Sundowns did what they were supposed to do at the FIFA Club World Cup – they showcased the club’s ability on the world stage and won the hearts of the masses. Sundowns opened their Group H campaign with a win over Ulsan HD. That was no surprise given their pedigree and the strength of the team compared to the Koreans. But it was against German giants Borussia Dortmund when they announced themselves to the world, as they put up a fearless and charismatic performance despite the 4-3 defeat. Sundowns were so good in that game that many pundits and fans were rooting for them to beat Fluminense in their final group match and qualify for the last 16. But it wasn’t to be, as the match ended in a…

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is on the verge of entering a new chapter, as the winds of change are poised to sweep through the corridors of franchise ownership in South African football. This impending evolution not only heralds significant shifts within the league but also raises questions about the future direction and competitiveness of SA football. However, with the spectre of Royal AM's tumultuous tenure looming large, the league must approach this critical juncture with caution and diligence. The fiasco surrounding Royal AM serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls that can arise when ownership is not adequately scrutinised. Royal AM’s journey in the PSL was marred by financial mismanagement and allegations of irregularities, ultimately culminating in their expulsion from the league. This incident has raised pressing…

As Kaizer Chiefs went through their drills at their base, Apeldoorn, in the Netherlands on Friday afternoon, they were snapped in a huddle, praying in the forest. Amakhosi landed at Amsterdam Airport late Friday morning after an 11-hour direct flight from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. After checking in at Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon, the players enjoyed a loosening up session late afternoon on a grass area just across Het Loo Palace. The Het Loo Palace, where the Dutch royal family used to live, is beautiful with trees this time of the year given that it’s summer in the Netherlands. Chiefs want to be a “force of nature” next season, and challenge for all the trophies up for grabs, including the Betway Premiership. And that’s why they’ve taken their pre-season…

The youth of 2025 are growing up in a hyperconnected world. Yet many, particularly in South Africa, still lack access to the tools and knowledge that enable them to participate meaningfully in it. Young people have the innate power to shape a nation’s future. Still, in a country where unemployment remains a challenge for this sector of the population, achieving this impact calls for interventions aimed at equipping both young learners and school leavers with the skills and tools for digital and economic inclusion. For this to happen, two questions need to be asked: First, how do we prepare our young people to thrive as responsible, skilled digital citizens? Then, are we equipping them to lead not only in South Africa but also on the global stage? More than just…

July’s skin health observances remind us that sun protection isn’t seasonal, it’s essential. When the temperatures drop and the skies turn grey, it’s easy to believe your skin is safe from the sun’s rays. Here’s why your winter skincare routine needs a UV upgrade. But winter is not a free pass to skip the sunscreen. July, with UV Safety Awareness Month, World Skin Health Day, and National Love Your Skin Day, offers the perfect reminder: there’s no health without skin health.” Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It protects you from the world, and yet we often forget to protect it back, especially when it’s cold,” says Dr Cebi Sibisi, dermatologist and founder of Dr Cebi Dermatology. “Sun protection should be part of your daily health routine, all year…

UNITED States President Donald Trump attracts a wave of international scrutiny for all the right reasons – he is, after all, the commander-in-chief of the most potent army and presides over an economy with significant global influence. Washington’s penchant for a cantankerous foreign policy that is replete with unpredictability is also an added reason to the long list of why the US matters the most in international relations. However, of all the accusations Trump may face, he surely deserves credit for effort, at least, to end conflicts, particularly the Ukraine war. His surprise telephone call to his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, this week, reveals the side of the US President that confirms his unpredictable human nature. The one minute, he is bombing Iran under the guise of thwarting Tehran’s…

Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has postponed a meeting intended to address the alleged “unbearable” conduct of his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is an MP, and Nhlamulo Ndhlela, also an MP and the party’s spokesperson. Sources within the party informed IOL that Zuma had scheduled a meeting for this weekend to address the allegations against the two MPs. However, Ndhlela stated that there was no such thing as a “disciplinary meeting”, insisting that these claims were false and urging people not to spread misinformation. “I never got any call from the president telling me that there is a disciplinary hearing. There’s no such thing,” he said. An insider has claimed that Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela had attempted to approach Zuma to influence him and undermine both Colleen…

The South African Water and Sanitation Youth Network (SAWSYN) was launched at the National Youth Indaba Conference 2025 held in Boksburg between June 30 and July 2, 2025. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in partnership with Rand Water, held the indaba over three days, bringing together young leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders for insightful engagements on the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities within South Africa’s water sector. The indaba was held under the national theme: Skills for a Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation. Nthabiseng Fundakubi, deputy director-general in DWS, said that the youth play a pivotal role in shaping the water and sanitation sector, and that their voices were critical. “Nations need to invest in the youth to ensure balance and equitable growth,”…

Durban pensioner Ronnie Govender, 71, fears he will one day have to fork out an exorbitant fee for electricity consumption if his meter is not replaced soon. Govender explained that more than a year ago, his meter malfunctioned, and he claimed that the municipal contractors had bypassed it to give him what they termed a temporary power supply. Although Govender is receiving free power, he said he has several reference numbers and also visited three to four municipal offices to lodge his complaint of a faulty meter, but was informed they could do nothing for him because there was no stock of meters. “My wife and I are scared. While some may raise an eyebrow at our complaints, I believe it is wrong to receive something without paying for it.…

AFTER falling to about 4 900 in April 2025, the S&P 500 has made a new high of 6 200 as of the close of June. The US equity market has rallied more than 25% in less than three months, despite the ongoing threats of tariffs and the escalation of war in the Middle East. For years, market strategists have identified a potential war between Iran and Israel as a top geopolitical black swan event. When this fear materialised, the market barely reacted, falling only slightly more than during the fallout between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. We are now days away from the expiry of Trump’s tariff pause, which could see tariffs return to levels that might push the US into recession. However, the market assumes ongoing…

THE sad news about the passing of David Dabede Mabuza, affectionately known as “DD”, took many South Africans by surprise. Surely, those who are close to him would have known about his disappearance from the public eye. However, many South Africans thought that his disappearance was part of what he had been known for – being out of the limelight. Mabuza was not nicknamed “the cat” for nothing. He was a difficult person to understand. He seldom talked and was literally “an absentee deputy president” during his two terms after he was first appointed on February 27, 2018, and again on May 30, 2019. The big question we must pose as we pen his obituary is: What legacy is Mabuza bequeathing to the nation and the world? Importantly, what…

The Junior Springboks refused to panic under pressure before they clawed their way back into Friday night’s thrilling World Rugby U20 Championship match against England, recording their second win of the tournament in Italy. Sparked into life by some individual backline brilliance, the Junior Boks managed to erase an early 14-0 deficit. But much of the credit for the 32-22 win must go to the entire team for a sterling defensive effort as a unit, especially in the closing stages when enterprising centre Gino Cupido had been sin-binned. “England started unbelievably, running great lines, keeping us on our toes,” skipper Riley Norton said in the post-match media conference. “I think we were rushed because they were putting us under a lot of pressure. I think our timing in the tackle…

The sale of SuperSport United to Siwelele Football Club, pending PSL Executive Committee approval, has reignited an uncomfortable reality in South African football – one that has quietly unfolded over the past decade. Clubs are no longer preserved for legacy, community, or youth development. They are bought and sold like stock – and for fans, that’s deeply worrying. SuperSport’s decision to offload United after 30 years is not an isolated event. It joins a growing list of high-profile sales and disappearances that have reshaped the domestic football landscape. Bloemfontein Celtic was sold and rebranded. Bidvest Wits was bought out and vanished with 99 years of South African football history overnight. Highlands Park? Gone! Platinum Stars? Disbanded! Free State Stars? History! And now, even one of the most professionally run clubs…

Cricket South Africa (CSA) said the sport of cricket plays a huge role in contributing to the South African GDP, tourism, and economy. Speaking to the Business Report, CSA said that India’s tour to South Africa in the 2024/2025 season created a big economic boost. CSA believes that the Proteas' recent victory in the ICC World Test Championship will further elevate the sport in the country. The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) has also welcomed the role of cricket in growing hospitality and tourism. Edward Khoza, Executive, Domestic Cricket (CSA), said that cricket plays a vital part in our economy, especially in transport, playing equipment, maintenance of infrastructure, and keeping individuals employed (especially coaches who operate one-on-one coaching and private academy landscapes). “With the results that the Proteas…

IN South Africa, the winter season thus far has been nothing short of brutal. Across the nation, various regions have been experiencing harrowing weather. Storms have washed away homes, bridges and roads are flooded, and many areas remain generally inaccessible. The most notable of these winter storms has been the devastating Eastern Cape Floods, claiming more than 100 lives to date, including schoolchildren. What we are witnessing is more than just seasonal discomfort; we are seeing, yet again, the deadly collision between poverty, climate change, and systemic neglect. From Cape Town’s icy winds to rampant storms, to the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, severe cold fronts across the nation have been debilitating for millions of South Africans. In the Eastern Cape alone, thousands of homes have been destroyed, and…

When it comes to South Africa’s black pioneers, the name Sanele Mchunu now stands alongside the greats from Comrades Marathon champion Sam Tshabalala, to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and music star Khaya Mthethwa. Hailing from Mpophomeni in Howick, Mchunu has carved out his own place in history as the first black person to announce horse races in isiZulu on national television. The 41-year-old, who now lives in KwaNyuswa near Pinetown, was hired by Race Coast and took to the mic yesterday at the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July, a moment that marks both personal triumph and a step forward for representation in the horse racing industry. Speaking to Isolezwe, Mchunu reflected on the opportunity that came his way in 2023, when Hollywoodbets sought to revitalise horse racing by making it more…

AS investors around the world acknowledge significant risks in 2025 and beyond, a large majority (75%) also believe actively managed strategies offer value in current markets. An even bigger proportion — four out of five — say they will increase their investment in active strategies over the coming 12 months. Schroders Global Investor Insights Survey, which polled the attitudes of about 1 000 professional investors from around the world, captured the shift in market sentiment which occurred in the first half of 2025, triggered in large part by US trade policy announcements. The survey was undertaken from mid-April, a fortnight after US President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day”, on which initial US tariff policies were declared. Markets fell sharply in response. Investors were asked to rate their greatest concerns on…

On June 24, the National Treasury released an official statement: “South Africa and the World Bank sign $1.5 billion (R26bn) loan agreement to support infrastructure modernisation and development.” According to Treasury, the loan will “unlock key infrastructure bottlenecks”, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors. The financing terms are said to be generous: a 16-year maturity, a three-year grace period, and an interest rate benchmarked at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) + 1.49%. In simple Development Finance terms, this interest margin suggests that the loan carries relatively favourable conditions compared to commercial borrowing. The World Bank technocrats would have us believe that this Development Policy Loan (DPL) is both progressive and developmental. But behind this clinical language of policy and project finance lies a deeper crisis, a state…

Earlier this year, the DRC President Felix Tshisekedi reached out to US President Donald Trump for security assistance in the form of training and equipment supplies for his forces to enable them to push back the rebel advance in North and South Kivu provinces. In return, US companies would get exclusive access to the DRC’s abundant reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, coltan, lithium and tantalum, among others, which are important for the US industrial competitiveness and technological dominance. This overture led to the Trump administration’s active mediation of the conflict involving Rwanda and the DRC, culminating in a peace agreement signed by the two countries on the June 27 in Washington. Mediated by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the deal seeks to end the deadly conflict…

Banyana Banyana will begin their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence this weekend with a clear message from within camp – the past will not play a part for them in Morocco. The 2025 edition of the tournament officially kicked off yesterday with the final set for July 26. Banyana, who are based in Oujda, will face Ghana, Tanzania and Mali in Group C as they attempt to retain the crown they famously won three years ago. “We are focused on ourselves and not stressed about other teams. We just need to make sure that we do on the field what we do when we train,” said forward Noxolo Cesane, who is expected to play a key role in Desiree Ellis’ squad during the campaign. The team…

The British and Irish Lions tour is under way in Australia and I came across a delightful recollection of the Queensland Reds’ defeat of the mighty Lions of 1971, the team that went on to win a series in New Zealand. The anecdotes in the story highlight what a different sport it was in the amateur days and it is hard to argue that far more fun was had when the players were not playing too make a living. The Reds’ game was the Lions’ tour opener and they blamed their 15-11 loss on hangovers and jet lag. And they weren’t lying. Their travel schedule was excruciating and when they got to their last stop before Australia, Hong Kong, they had a long night on the lash. Their London to…

The sale of SuperSport United to Siwelele FC is a double-edged sword for SA football, given what the two clubs represented and will they will represent going forward. SuperSport had been in existence for over 31 years, and during that time they’ve won three titles and produced some of the finest talents. On the other hand, the people of Bloemfontein, where Siwelele originates from, boast the most passionate football supporters in the land due to singing and chants. Siwelele’s purchase of SuperSport is still awaiting the approval of the PSL, but, below, we look at five things that “we know so ar” about the incoming top-flight outfit. Deal has been on the cards for some time Sports minister Gayton McKenzie has been publicly endorsing the return of a Bloemfontein-bred based…