Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-14 i Sunday Independent

South Africa’s water crisis is no longer looming. It is already here. Ageing infrastructure, rising pollution levels and increasing demand are converging to create a national emergency. Clean, safe water is critical not just for public health but for economic development and social stability. To move forward, water treatment must become part of a broader infrastructure renewal agenda. This includes decentralised solutions, private-sector innovation and long-term investment. Infrastructure and quality in crisis Many South Africans still believe tap water is safe to drink. Yet according to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s 2023 Blue Drop Report, only 14% of the country’s water supply systems consistently meet good quality standards. This means that nearly one in two municipalities supply water that could pose a serious health risk. The picture is…

The iLembe Book Festival returns to the Luthuli Museum in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, in October. The festival was founded by writers Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, Dudu Busani, Sifiso Mzobe and Niq Mhlongo. The idea for the festival began over lunch when Jele suggested creating a book festival in the iLembe District, noting the absence of literacy programmes in the area. “It was 2023, and we had both moved from Joburg to Ballito two years earlier. We came from a place where reading culture is strong to a place where it was non-existent. As writers, we felt we had a responsibility to change that,” said Busani. Busani reflected on how her own journey shaped the festival’s vision. “I started writing and publishing at a time when the perception was that black people don’t…

As a South African mom, I’ll admit that in my kitchen, pasta night usually means one of two things: macaroni or spaghetti. They’re easy, familiar and, most importantly, child-approved. My daughter never says no to a bowl of creamy mac and cheese, and spaghetti Bolognese is guaranteed to get smiles around the table. And I know I’m not the only one because these two classics are staples in so many homes. But just because they’re our go-to favourites doesn’t mean they’re the only options. The world of pasta is far more exciting, with different shapes designed to hold sauces, trap bits of cheese or even add flair to a salad. Once you get to know them, you’ll start to see why Italians are so passionate about pairing the right pasta…

On Friday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reopened the inquest into the death of Black Consciousness Movement founder Steve Bantu Biko exactly 48 years after his death. On paper, this looks like progress, but in reality, it feels more performative and symbolic. The evidence of Biko’s brutal death has never been in doubt. Doctors testified to the beatings. Witnesses spoke of the assaults. Even the apartheid state’s own inquest revealed the shocking injuries, but no one was held responsible. The democratic state, armed with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and decades of opportunity, could have pursued justice long ago. It did not. So why now, half a century later, when most of the perpetrators are either dead or too old to stand trial? Families of victims like Biko, Inkosi…

POOR-quality councillor candidates, politicisation of local government, and rigging of tender procurement processes in favour of companies with political links are some of the causal factors for the collapse of service delivery at the local government level across the country, experts say. There are multiple local government failures in South Africa, from the City of Johannesburg’s “U-turn” on a R1 billion tender investigation, the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West, which was placed under administration by the national Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) due to political infighting and a collapse of service delivery. Ditsobotla, according to CoGTA, adopted unfunded budgets for five consecutive years, accumulated over R1.6 billion in unpaid creditors, defaulted on salary and Eskom payments, and failed to implement court-ordered recovery measures. There…

WHETHER or not Donald J Trump (DJT) knows who William Congreve is remains uncertain. Whether or not he is familiar with the famous author’s 1697 play titled The Mourning Bride is even more contentious. Allowing that he may have casually encountered the aphorism that “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”, it may not have occurred to him that the proverbial rhyme would someday describe the impetuosity of an American president, or himself in this case. From the first day in office, The Donald has been trumpeting his virtuosity in negotiating wars to an end. Hitherto, he counts seven and so, received a lot of support from members of his administration, the White House spokesperson and an eclectic lineup of his acolytes. The list of the wars he claims…

Africa’s ordeal with the Hague ... THE vision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) when it was established in 2002 was to be a turning point in the history of global justice, administering justice in a way no external force or power could influence. It is an institution created to prosecute individuals for heinous crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression, serving as a neutral arbiter of international law. It is also to ensure that no one — regardless of power, geolocation or position — escapes accountability for atrocities. Yet, over two decades later, its legitimacy and impartiality, particularly regarding Africa, remain questionable. So far, African leaders like Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir, Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Laurent Gbagbo, and militia figures…

THE Western Cape is facing a sharp surge in violent crime, police and provincial officials warned on Friday, as gang shootings, taxi violence, and stretched policing resources threaten communities across the province. The Democratic Alliance (DA) held a media briefing to highlight the challenges, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, briefed the Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Police Oversight and Community Safety. DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers said municipalities are constrained by national legislation, which limits their ability to combat crime. “Our people deserve to live in safety, free from fear and free from the grip of crime. But for far too long, the national government has actually failed to provide adequate tools… Empowering capable municipalities to actually make our streets safer can…

BRICS competition regulators set out an ambitious agenda to reshape the global economic playing field at a high-powered gathering in South Africa this week, pledging deeper cross-border enforcement, tougher action on cartels, and a sharper focus on digital and pharmaceutical markets. The 9th BRICS International Competition Conference, hosted by the Competition Commission from 10–11 September, drew more than 300 delegates to Cape Town, including heads of competition authorities, global practitioners, policy experts and representatives of international organisations. Opening the two-day forum, Competition Commissioner Doris Tshepe framed the moment as a turning point for emerging economies and global antitrust. “The conference marks a new chapter in the journey of BRICS, in the evolution of global competition policy and in the collective effort of emerging economies to shape a fairer, more inclusive…

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) convened a Peace and Security Dialogue from September 3 to 6 in the serene surroundings of Magaliesberg. For nearly half a week, hearts and minds from across the continent gathered in reflective intensity. The dialogue was not ceremonial, it was surgical, cutting into the deep tissue of Africa’s unfinished questions. But it was the session on the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that dislodged something in me. A visceral unseating. My heart, long nestled in its biological comfort, seemed to shift, as if unwilling to stay still in the face of such testimony. Those voices did not read, they remembered. They remembered with clarity, with pain, with an honesty so searing it tore through the thin veil of diplomatic decorum. They…

The Springboks lifted South Africa into rugby heaven with a magnificent performance in beating the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington. Here’s how the players rated 15. Aphelele Fassi – 6. Stopped a certain try when he attempted an intercept. Good in the air. Off injured after 35 minutes. 14. Cheslin Kolbe – 9. Brilliantly taken interception try. Should have had another earlier but for Jordie Barrett dislodging the ball over the line. Took his second try superbly. Excellent in the air. 13. Canan Moodie — 8. Solid on defence out wide. Played with skill and composure beyond his years. 12. Damian Willemse — 9.5. Blistering Player of the Match performance. Led the backline from inside centre superbly. Great footwork, grubber kicking, and passing. Scored a cracker of a try. 11.…

The Springbok Women took the fight to defending champions New Zealand but seemed to run out of steam in the second half to lose 46-17 in their Women’s World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park in Exeter yesterday afternoon. The Bok Women’s power game and invention was evident from a rolling maul direct off a 15-player lineout in the first few minutes as they rumbled the ball up into the Black Ferns’ 22 and won an early penalty. They continued to be strong with the pick-and-drive but were held up short of the line. Their early dominance would set the tone for the rest of the half. Centre Aphiwe Ngwevu was strong in the carry throughout the half, alongside the likes of flank Sizophila Solontsi, skipper Nolusinido Booi and prop Babalwa…

As the MTN8 and the international break fade into the background, the Betway Premiership once again takes centre stage. With the season still in its infancy, the title race is beginning to take shape, and Tuesday’s fixtures offer another chance for teams to assert themselves and seize early momentum. One of the standout clashes on Tuesday sees Kaizer Chiefs take on Sekhukhune United at the FNB Stadium (7.30pm kickoff). Both sides have emerged as early pace-setters in the Premiership. While they entered the campaign as competitive outfits, few would have expected them to be level on 13 points after five matches, making this clash an early test of their ambitions. Their bright starts have not only turned heads but also signaled that they could be serious contenders as the season…

South Africa’s economy surprised on the upside in the second quarter of 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 0.8% quarter on quarter and 0.6% year on year, buoyed by a rebound in mining and increased consumer spending. Abigail Moyo, spokesperson for the trade union UASA, described the performance as a welcome development. “The GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025 is promising news for the South African economy. This growth was supported by a strong recovery in the mining sector and increased consumer spending,” she said. Moyo added that while the outcome provided hope for lower inflation and reduced debt burdens, growth remained too low to tackle unemployment. “We cannot ignore that current growth levels are insufficient to offset population growth and rising unemployment,” she said. Thanda…

September is Suicide Prevention Month. In South Africa, talking about mental health is more important than ever. Every year, about 14 000 South Africans die by suicide, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). Behind every number are families, friends, and communities deeply affected by these losses. On World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), SADAG launched its annual campaign with a theme that feels both simple and profound: “Hope Starts with Talking”. Talking openly about mental health and suicide can feel uncomfortable, but it’s often the first step toward saving a life. “Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility,” says Zamo Mbele, clinical psychologist and SADAG board member. “A simple conversation can be the difference between life and death.” Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to getting…

ISRAEL’S daring bombardment of Qatar this week revealed more than meets the eye. Let me cut to the chase: Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israelis have neither regard nor interest in brokering peace with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, a movement that was born in the 1970s as a militant response to the decades-long illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories by the Jewish State. Secondly, Qatar, a relentless honest broker that has been working evidently hard to bring about peace between Hamas and Israel that would result in the release of hostages – dead and alive – did not in the least deserve to be meted out the Jewish State terror. Israel’s audacious attack on a building in which Hamas leadership was meeting with Qatari authorities to discuss, favourably,…

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and his Tshwane counterpart Dr Nasiphi Moya have called on the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November to listen to the voices of city governments, especially those on the African continent. At the opening of the three-day Urban 20 (U20) mayoral summit on Friday in Sandton, Johannesburg, Morero said this year is a pivotal moment for city diplomacy under South Africa’s G20 presidency. "With the U20 taking place on African soil for the first time, we have a historic opportunity to show that cities are not junior partners but global political actors in their own right," he said. Morero promised that Johannesburg’s hosting of the first U20 Summit on African soil will help the municipality build on this legacy, transforming its shared priorities into the U20 communiqué…

ON September 16, Malawians will head to the polls in what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential elections since the country’s return to multiparty democracy three decades ago. At stake is not just the presidency, but the question of whether Malawians will place their faith in continuity or turn back to a familiar face from the past. This election also holds broader significance as it reflects regional democratic trends seen in recent elections across Southern Africa, such as those in Zimbabwe and Zambia, where shifts in leadership have underscored the dynamic nature of democracy in the region. The contest pits incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), against his predecessor, former President Peter Mutharika, 85, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). It…

RESEARCHERS have warned of critical losses for grain producers and price increases for consumers worldwide. According to the study From Farm to Futures: Competition, Financialisation, and Digitalisation in Global Grain Value Chains, prepared by a group of experts, total losses are estimated at no less than $2.5 billion (R43.4bn) per year for the main BRICS grain exporters. The research findings were presented by the HSE BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre during the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference held in Cape Town. The study offers an innovative approach to analysis from the perspective of global processes. Traditional antitrust analysis of the grain market has focused primarily on horizontal competition — interaction at the same level of the supply chain. However, to gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics in the…

THE brutal crackdown on Kathmandu’s youth mirrors the dark days of South Africa’s June 16 protests nearly 50 years ago. One survivor’s words still ring true: “When governments fear children holding placards, it exposes their own guilt.” This past week, Nepal’s government tore down the very freedoms that keep a society alive. Nineteen young people — predominantly students in uniform — were shot dead, with hundreds of others injured. This was the result of a wave of public outrage, sparked by a repressive new law that banned major social media platforms for refusing to comply with invasive surveillance demands. On Monday, September 8, thousands of young people in Nepal mobilised for what would be dubbed the “Gen-Z Protest”. They spontaneously, yet methodically, poured into the streets and marched across cities.…

On July 6, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi called a press briefing that left many South Africans tongue-tied as they listened to one blow after another about various illegal activities that Mkhwanazi said were happening. Implicated institutions included the SAPS, the judiciary, Parliament and individual politicians. While some accused Mkhwanazi of failing to follow police protocol, many applauded him for opening the eyes of South Africans and for confirming what they had been suspecting all along – that high-ranking officials collude with criminal syndicates. Since then, there has been commotion in Parliament and in the presidency. Parliament set up an ad hoc committee to investigate these allegations. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a commission of inquiry led by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Meanwhile, many South Africans have thrown their weight…

On the eve of the opening of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Israel on Tuesday once again displayed its contempt for international law and peace. In a brazen operation in Qatar, Israel struck the headquarters of Hamas’s political leadership as they gathered to consider the US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. The strike, condoned by the US in the capital of its ally, exposed Washington’s treachery and moral bankruptcy. This was not a battlefield strike but cold-blooded, extrajudicial murder on the soil of a sovereign state with which Israel maintains no hostilities. It was a direct assault on the principles that underpin global order, raising the stark question of whether we are witnessing the death of red lines. Qatar has often served as…

Ruben Amorim is confident Manchester United will rise to the occasion against a Manchester City side in transition for today's clash between the local rivals, who are both off to poor Premier League starts. One of Amorim's only eight wins in 30 league games since taking charge of the Red Devils came at the Etihad last season as two late goals earned a 2-1 victory in December. That defeat came amidst a run of one win in 13 games for Pep Guardiola's men as City collapsed last season after an unprecedented run of four consecutive Premier League titles. But hope that a major overhaul of Guardiola's squad would restore their former glories has so far proved a false dawn. After a convincing 4-0 win at Wolves on the opening weekend…

Sipho Chaine is living the dream. So much so that most of the things he once considered normal blessings or accomplishments have now become extra special. Born and raised in the country’s City of Roses, Bloemfontein, it ironically took a while—and a few heartbreaks—before Chaine’s flowers blossomed. Chaine cut his football teeth at hometown club Bloemfontein Celtic, where he starred in the reserves, helping the team win their first-ever MultiChoice Diski Challenge—now known as the DStv Diski Challenge—in 2019. A move to the senior team followed a season later, and Chaine grabbed the opportunity with both hands. But that didn’t last. Celtic was sold to Royal AM in 2021, and Chaine endured a frustrating season at the club, making only a single appearance before being shipped out to Chippa United…

THE Reed Dance — known as uMkhosi woMhlanga among the Zulu and uMhlanga in eSwatini — is not merely a spectacle. It is a living performance of cultural memory, moral instruction, and collective identity. Yet, its significance has long been misunderstood — or dismissed — by Western scholars who deny the existence of African aesthetics, claiming that African societies lack the conceptual frameworks to appreciate art, beauty, or ritual meaning. This dismissal rests on ethnocentric assumptions. Scholars like Hugh Trevor-Roper once declared that Africa had “no history”, while others, such as Alan Merriam and Daniel Crowley, argued that Africans possess no distinct criteria for aesthetic judgment because they allegedly lack the vocabulary for beauty. Such claims ignore the very practices they purport to analyse. Where there is art, there is…

Presidential Protection Services head Major-General Wally Rhoode has been cleared of wrongdoing by the SAPS after the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing into findings made against him by Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka two years ago. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said Rhoode was subjected to a disciplinary hearing in terms of the SAPS disciplinary regulations. “He was found not guilty of any misconduct related to the findings of the Public Protector in that he conducted an illegal investigation in relation to the robbery at the Phala Phala farm of the President, Mr MC Ramaphosa, in Limpopo in February 2020,” Cachalia said. He also said Rhoode was still an active member of the SAPS and held the position of head of Presidential Protection Service. Cachalia was responding to ATM parliamentary leader…

THE current consensus from recent sources is that the cryptocurrency market displays many signs of a bubble, characterised by rapid price increases driven largely by speculation, hype, and institutional involvement, with unstable fundamentals underlying these valuations. The term “crypto bubble” refers to when cryptocurrency prices, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, soar far beyond their real intrinsic value, often fueled by speculation, media hype, and the fear of missing out among investors. Key indicators include extreme price volatility, sudden spikes in trading volume, a new flood of crypto projects without clear value, and a market sentiment dominated by greed. Bitcoin recently surged to record highs of over $120 000–$160 000, driven by institutional adoption of crypto ETFs, corporate treasury investments, and political support, particularly from the US administration. However, experts warn…

ISRAEL’S strike on a Qatari building housing Hamas negotiators was not a military necessity. It was a declaration. By attempting to assassinate those seeking to mediate an end to the siege of Gaza, Israel made plain that peace is intolerable because peace requires sharing. The only peace Israel desires is the entire land from the river to the sea, free of Arabs and Palestinians. For years, Qatar collaborated with Benjamin Netanyahu, dutifully funnelling money to Hamas to keep Palestinian factions divided. The calculation backfired on October 7, 2023. Having sown division, Netanyahu reaped chaos. With that, he no longer required Qatari mediation. Doha had outlived its usefulness. When usefulness ends, Netanyahu’s method is consistent: destroy. He does not seek peace in Gaza; he seeks its erasure. Hence, the bombing of…

THRONGS of Black Consciousness adherents — young and old — some carrying babies, gathered at the historic prison cell where Steve Bantu Biko was mercilessly murdered by the apartheid regime 48 years ago. Kgoshi Mampuru II Correctional Facility, formerly the notorious Pretoria Central Prison where anti-apartheid leaders were hanged at the gallows inside the premises, was where activists sang revolutionary songs, rendered protest poetry and listened to speeches of defiance and inspiration to mark the 48th anniversary of Biko’s death. Biko’s cell has since been declared a place of heritage and historical significance by the post-apartheid government. However, the cells in the vicinity remain in full use. Biko’s cell is a sparse brick-and-mortar penitentiary block measuring roughly a mere 2X2 meters in total size. It is painted cream white, giving…

A SOUTH African environmental firm, Drizit Environmental Services, has uncovered a toxic scandal in Zambia's Copperbelt, exposing a cover-up of an acid spill that has the potential to poison millions of Zambians. The story, first brought to international attention by media houses like the BBC, Reuters, and Al Jazeera, began in February 2025 when a tailings dam at the Chinese-owned Sino Metals copper mine in Zambia burst, releasing toxic poison into the Kafue River’s watershed. According to Human Rights Watch, the dam spewed over 1.5 million tonnes of deadly toxins into the Mwambashi River, which connects to the Kafue River that sustains 12 million Zambians with water. Initially, Sino Metals avoided addressing the health and environmental concerns and instead turned the crisis into a geopolitical tussle by involving Beijing, which…

Wanted! A nation with a conscience. Forget the empty rhetoric surrounding the wasteful national dialogue led by those who proved during the last election that they can no longer be trusted. It is up to citizens to look within to rediscover the moral compass of good that would make South Africa great. The people must find their own voices on issues of national importance. No politician with a sofa-load of money is going to convince us about good or bad. Neither would that man who once led the Moral Regeneration Movement persuade us that he knows anything about what is good for the nation. Perhaps, if he paid back the money for his palace, things would change through that example alone. In a democracy built on the principles of equality…

Lucas Ribeiro Costa has officially transferred from South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns to Spanish club Cultural Leonesa, receiving Fifa's approval to play in Spain's Segunda División. This dramatic twist has captivated football fans worldwide, and the approval has not only left Sundowns stunned but has also initiated a legal saga that could take months to resolve. The Brazilian striker's impressive performances at the Fifa Club World Cup had sparked interest across Europe and beyond, ultimately leading to this unexpected move. Ribeiro, who scored 37 goals and created 23 others in 88 appearances for Sundowns, notably won the 'Goal of the Tournament' with a stunning strike against Borussia Dortmund. However, his journey to Spain was not without upheaval; the player had three years remaining on his contract with Sundowns when he…

“It is a lekker win and we will savour it, but we won’t rub this into the faces of the All Blacks. We haven’t won anything yet.” That was the immediate reaction of Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus after his side’s emphatic 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington. The Boks scored six tries in the process and delivered a clinical display to retain the Freedom Cup and keep their Rugby Championship campaign alive. South Africa currently sits in second place on the official log, one point behind Australia (11 points), with two matches remaining. The Boks will face Argentina in back-to-back Tests in Durban and at Twickenham at the end of September and the first weekend of October. The victory also lifted the Boks back to the top…

Kaizer Chiefs may be unbeaten in the Betway Premiership this season, but their ambitions are firmly set on finishing in the top three and securing a CAF spot rather than mounting a title challenge. With a defence that has yet to concede and an attack now bolstered by quality reinforcements, the only lingering concern is in midfield. For years, Amakhosi’s shortcomings have been exposed in the engine room. Inconsistency, a lack of creativity, and the inability to control matches against stronger opponents have been recurring problems. Even during last season’s Nedbank Cup triumph, there were moments when the midfield struggled to impose itself for long stretches. If the team is to make the jump from cup winners to top-three finishers in the league, they need a midfield that can carry…

Rassie Erasmus could barely talk when interviewed after his team’s Master Class in Wellington. His voice was hoarse from screaming into his microphone for 80 minutes, not to mention some triumphant yelling at the final whistle as he and his assistants danced a jig in the coaches’ box. They had every right to blow off steam because, as a group, they had held their nerve amid growing disapproval of the Boks’ iffy start to the Rugby Championship, which had the world champions one-from-three. They were also unimpressive losers at Eden Park in a game that had been billed as having the magnitude of the 2023 World Cup final. Sceptics were saying that Rassie’s fascination with “Tonyball” was taking the team too far away from the DNA that had won the…