Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-28 i Sunday Independent

South African consumers are feeling the pinch as food prices eased only slightly in September, while petrol prices face upward pressure and the Reserve Bank kept interest rates steady. Despite small reprieves, families continue to struggle to make ends meet. The September 2025 Household Affordability Index showed that the average cost of a basic food basket for a family of four was R3 689.64, a figure still well above what many households can afford. While prices for some items fell slightly, essentials such as chicken gizzards, beef liver, bananas and butternut increased, leaving families juggling tight budgets. At the same time, motorists were warned to prepare for modest increases in petrol prices next week as global oil fluctuations continue to affect the local market. Tando Ngibe, Senior Manager at Budget…

I have been following the rise of AI in music with both curiosity and concern. While some AI-generated songs impress me – one has stayed on repeat in my playlist – the growth of this technology raises important issues for traditional musicians. Despite AI music’s growing popularity and commercial success, the challenges it poses to traditional artists are becoming impossible to ignore. As technology advances, questions arise about its impact on creativity, fairness and the music industry as a whole. Some artists experiment with AI, exploring its possibilities, while others speak out against its growing influence. Recently, Kehlani and SZA addressed AI artist Xania Monet and the multimillion-dollar deal she secured. Monet is an AI R&B artist created by Talisha “Nikki” Jones, a designer and poet from Mississippi. Jones feeds…

When a child’s ribs start showing or their energy suddenly drops, it’s easy to dismiss it as “just a phase”. But in South Africa, health officials are warning that these could be early signs of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), a life-threatening condition that’s quietly affecting thousands of children every year. The Gauteng Department of Health recorded more than 1 000 cases of SAM in the past financial year, with the highest numbers in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni. “Even though malnutrition can be treated, many cases are only identified when children are already in severe distress,” spokesperson Motalatale Modiba told local media. By the time a child is hospitalised, complications like hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, and sepsis may have set in. That’s why the department is urging parents and caregivers to report suspected…

On Sunday mornings, townships, suburbs, and villages across KwaZulu-Natal come alive with the rhythm of Catholic life. Families rise early, children tug at polished shoes, elders clutch rosaries in their uniforms, and the scent of incense drifts from parish halls as the faithful congregate for Mass. For many, however, the spiritual week does not end at the church doors. At home, ancestral rituals continue, goats and chickens are slaughtered to honour the ancestors, and traditional healers are consulted. For generations, the two practices have sat side by side, a rhythm of faith and culture woven into everyday life. But now, KwaZulu-Natal's Catholic bishops have issued a stern warning that such blending of traditions, known as syncretism, is no longer to be tolerated within the Church. In a rare joint pastoral…

As the country celebrates Heritage Month to reflect on its rich diversity, a vibrant tapestry of cultures has woven itself into the nation’s collective identity. Among these, the Asian community has stood as both a historic and modern pillar of cultural exchange and contribution. And while Heritage Month celebrates the richness of South Africa’s heritage, it also shines a spotlight on communities like the Chinese-South Africans, whose presence has profoundly shaped the country’s multicultural landscape. Recent Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) revealed from the Mid-Year Population Estimates (MYPE) 2025 report that of the estimated 63.1 million population, the majority is Black African, with about 51.6 million people — roughly 82% of the total population. The white population is estimated at 4.5 million, while 5.3 million people identify as coloured and 1.6…

The Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is embroiled in a contentious debate regarding the recusal of DA MP Dianne Kohler-Barnard. This discussion follows Mkhwanazi's public accusation at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that Kohler-Barnard disclosed classified crime intelligence information, a claim she has adamantly denied. The issue of Kohler-Barnard's membership on the committee has become a focal point of contention, raising critical questions about conflicts of interest and moral integrity within the parliamentary inquiry. Although the matter was discussed earlier this week, it was deferred for further discussion until Friday on how to take it forward. DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach stood in support of Kohler-Barnard, asserting there is currently no valid reason for her to step down. “She is very acutely aware…

Political killings and assassinations are prevalent in KwaZulu-Natal and the province has earned the unenviable tag of being the motherland of hired assassins. Professor Nirmala Gopalal, criminologist and an academic leader in the School of Applied Human Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal weighs in. Q. What historical factors have entrenched the culture of political assassinations? A. Political assassinations in KZN carry a chilling and complex history, reflecting a deeply entrenched pattern of violence that has persisted for over four decades. This tumultuous region has been marred by the targeting of anti-apartheid activists, local civilians, political party members, and public office holders. The scope of this violence extends beyond political circles; it also includes the tragic assassinations of esteemed local leaders, such as chiefs, and is intricately woven into the…

Glenrose Xaba cemented her status as South Africa’s queen of the 10km with yet another compelling performance to win the Gqeberha leg of the Spar Women’s Challenge 10km on yesterday morning. The Boxer Athletic Club star has now triumphed in four of the five races in the Spar Grand Prix Series and need only line up at the final leg in Johannesburg next Sunday to capture the overall title. In doing so, the Mpumalanga athlete will become the first black runner to win the popular series three times, joining fellow South Africans René Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl on that illustrious list. Namibia’s Helalia Johannes and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare have also been crowned champions on three occasions. Xaba’s victory yesterday was never really in doubt. Her decision to skip Wednesday’s…

New Zealand staved off an Australia comeback yesterday to win their Rugby Championship Test 33-24 and extend their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 52 matches. The Wallabies rallied from 20-3 down but Cam Roigard's second try late on ensured the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup in a winning response to their record loss to South Africa. World class scrum-half Roigard was the standout performer in his return from two months out with injury. He scored two tries and New Zealand showed the kind of control which was missing when they were humiliated 43-10 by the Springboks in Wellington two weeks ago. All Blacks Secure Victory Over Australia in Rugby Championship Clash All Blacks skipper Ardie Savea said: “We got a good start and we know the Aussies…

Not even John Dobson, the Stormers’ director of rugby, could have predicted that his relatively inexperienced side would keep Leinster scoreless for 80 minutes in their United Rugby Championship (URC) opener on Friday. That’s exactly what they achieved, beating the competition’s defending champions comfortably at DHL Stadium, scoring four tries in the process in a 35-0 drubbing. It was the perfect start to the new season for the Cape side, but they know they’ll have to maintain that standard when they face the Ospreys this coming weekend. While it took them a full 40 minutes to get a grip on the game, the graft in the first half pleased Dobson and captain Ruhan Nel, even though two chalked-off tries left the score at just 6-0 at the break. “I didn’t…

While the shift toward cashless payments is gathering pace globally, with just 16% of in-store transaction value being made in cash in 2023, the picture in South Africa remains noticeably different. Despite high levels of bank account penetration, many South Africans still rely heavily on cash. For this reason, we should be creating a ‘cash-smart’ society that caters for those who want to use money, while also promoting the development of cost-effective and widely accessible digital alternatives. Let’s face it, the use of cash isn’t just a habit, but a deeply practical choice for millions of South African consumers, many of whom put more trust in physical money that is both tangible and familiar. Currency is immediate; there is no specific account, device or password or internet connection needed for…

AS NEARLY a million South African learners approach their matric examinations, the nation is forced to confront a recurring national paradox. South Africa holds a unique position on the global stage as the only African nation which is a member of the G20 and the first African nation to be co-opted into the foundational BRICS nations. This status, however, stands in stark contrast to its domestic reality. South Africa holds the highest rates of public investment in education, but consistently produces education outcomes that rank among the world’s poorest. An entire generation needs to be urgently reoriented towards future-facing skills. Our nation is simply not technologically ready or equipped for a world where the nature of work is being transformed beyond traditional models of dependency. This failure is most acutely…

The family of Struggle icon, Stephen ‘Steve’ Bantu Biko, whose inquest into his death has been reopened, believes that there is sufficient evidence to assist the court in making an ‘unambiguous pronouncement’ on the murder of Biko and to lay the ground for other legal processes. Nkosinathi Biko, the son of Steve Biko, stated that the past processes have helped the family develop deep archives on this matter, which they have made available to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Biko’s inquest comes after those looking into the murders of Ahmed Timol, Nokuthula Simelane, David Webster, Imam Haron Abdullah Haron, Hoosen Haffejee, Griffith Mxenge, Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli, Sparrow Mkhonto, Chief Albert Luthuli, and the trial of one of the killers of Caiphus Nyoka, led to a conviction. He…

AfriForum's decision to deliver a dossier on EFF leader Julius Malema to senior officials at the White House has raised warnings about potentially undermining the already fragile relations between South Africa and the US. Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said the move risked complicating diplomatic and trade engagements while feeding narratives of racial tension. “This group from South Africa has shown more confidence in the US government than in the South African criminal justice system,” Ndlovu said. He noted that Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau was in Washington trying to repair ties strained by trade tariffs, while AfriForum and its partners were sending a contradictory message abroad. AfriForum, the civil rights organisation representing Afrikaner interests, handed the dossier alongside the Solidarity Movement as part of its ongoing international campaign to…

The remark by ANC insiders that President Cyril Ramaphosa had “quietly entered the departure lounge” arguably expresses a growing sense of disquiet about his leadership. Ramaphosa found himself having to backtrack after he urged ANC members to learn from the DA. Ramaphosa remarked that in terms of the auditor-general reports, “municipalities that do best are not ANC- controlled municipalities… they are often DA-controlled municipalities”. For Helen Zille, the DA’s Federal Council chairperson, this was manna from heaven. The timing couldn’t have been perfect. For Zille, this was an unequivocal endorsement of the DA and for her campaign to be the next mayor of Johannesburg. This is not the first time Ramaphosa’s authority has been found wanting and undermined. Two years ago, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe refused…

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is locked in a conflict with the unionised workers and drivers of his Nigeria-based oil refinery. After violating an agreement with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (Nupeng), signed earlier this month to end its strike, Dangote Refinery secured a court order on September 18, restraining the union from returning to strike for seven days. Operational since January 2024, the Dangote refinery is the largest on the continent, built for US$20 billion R347.4bn) on the outskirts of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, by the Dangote Group. After dominating sub-Saharan Africa’s cement production and cornering large portions of its market in sugar, salt and packaging industries, the Nigerian multinational conglomerate is moving fast to take over the oil sector. “This is not philanthropy, it…

The wait is almost over. Eight of the top nations in the world have gathered in India and Sri Lanka for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, set to take place from September 30 to November 2. The showpiece event returns to the subcontinent for the first time since 2013, when India hosted the tournament. However, this time, the tournament returns even bigger, with a record total prize fund of $13.88 million — more than that of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 — with the winner’s purse worth $4.48 million. Without surprise, the seven-time champions, Australia Women, are favourites to win the tournament. However, many are also backing the hosts, India Women, and several other strong teams from the subcontinent, including Sri Lanka Women,…

In Ecuador, football is a deadly sport, with players competing in the shadow of match-fixing mafias and under threat of an assassin's bullet. Midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez, 31, was relaxing at his home near the Colombian border this month when a hitman approached on a motorcycle and shot him in the head. "Speedy," as he was known to teammates, had played for the Club 22 de Julio, a second division side from Esmeraldas, and was one of three Ecuadoran pros killed in the last month alone. He was "a good kid who died because of betting," club employee Oswaldo Batallas told AFP. Gonzalez's death shocked the club and Ecuador, but it was not a total surprise. Just days before, fellow second division pros Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yepez were gunned down…

Marc Marquez moved a step closer to clinching his seventh MotoGP world title this weekend in Japan after finishing second in the sprint race yesterday behind Francesco Bagnaia. Ducati's Marquez is on the verge of winning his first world championship crown since 2019 and can seal the deal if he finishes second in today's grand prix at Motegi, even if his brother and closest rival Alex wins the race. The Spaniard was not at his dominating best in the sprint after starting third on the grid but stretched his championship lead after picking up nine points to his brother's zero. Alex Marquez finished 10th after starting eighth on the grid. "The pace was good, the feeling every time is better and better, so tomorrow will be a long race," said…

The remarkable thing about Pieter-Steph du Toit featuring in Saturday’s Rugby Championship match against the Pumas in Durban is that he could only do so because his father donated part of his hamstring to his son. It was six months before the 2019 World Cup that Pieter-Steph’s knee was so badly injured that doctors said nothing could be done. His career was over. But medical science had not reckoned with the legendary fighting spirit of the Du Toits — more of which later. Du Toit famously gets his strength from his grandfather, Piet “Spiere” du Toit, who played 14 Tests at tighthead prop for the Springboks between 1958 and 1961. “He died when I was four, but I recall him tossing me about with those powerful arms,” Du Toit told…

When the Springboks faced the haka before the Wellington Test against the All Blacks, the television cameras panned onto the faces of the South African players, who were mouthing something, but viewers could not make it out. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the starting flyhalf that day, has ended the mystery. “Siya (Kolisi) was next to me. He was saying the Lord’s Prayer,” the young flyhalf said. “Me? I was mouthing the words of the haka. I was getting ready for the game. It is nice to watch the haka, but I flip it around and use it for my own motivation, a bit of fuel for myself.” About 20 minutes later, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was in the first-aid room at the Cake Tin, undergoing a head impact assessment, which he was heartbroken to fail.…

When Shirley Phiri joined her first group tour at the age of 20, she was the youngest traveler in the group. That experience planted a seed that would later grow into Travel Generation, a company she founded to make travel more affordable and accessible for young people. “I remember thinking to myself, I want to start a company that doesn’t just encourage travel, but makes it affordable and accessible for other young people like me,” Phiri said. “I wanted my age to be a weapon, not a disadvantage. I dreamed of creating a company that would grow alongside me, and I’ve been seeing that growth over the past four years.” Her own journeys shaped the foundation of Travel Generation. Volunteering in Zambia taught her that travel was less about the…

We all know that water is the cornerstone of good health. It helps regulate body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, and provides essential building blocks for our cells. Yet, despite its importance, many people don’t drink enough of it each day. Health experts generally suggest aiming for around 30-35mm of water per kilogram of body weight daily, with higher amounts needed for those who exercise regularly. Over the years, water has been reinvented to make it more exciting - think sparkling water, flavoured infusions, cucumber slices, and even alkaline water. The latest trend to take over TikTok, however, is “loaded water”, a creative way to stay hydrated with added nutritional benefits. What exactly is loaded water? Loaded water is essentially plain or sparkling water “dressed up” with ingredients such as coconut…

Some of the Moerane Commission’s recommendations are bearing fruit as they led to the police’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) formation and the reduction of murders in Glebelands Hostel, south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, said a former secretary of the commission. The former secretary, who asked not to be named to protect his business’s integrity, said the commission completed its work and handed the report to the premier’s officer, who had a mandate to implement the recommendations. When contacted, Advocate Marumo Moerane SC declined to comment on the implementation of his recommendations. He said he often gets calls from journalists seeking his comment on the implementation. “Each time I give the same answer, for professional reasons, I don’t comment on the work that I do. We submitted the report, which is…

IT IS not always easy to read with prescience the policy announcements of President Donald J Trump. It is even intellectually reckless and somewhat egregious to take his every word at face value. This is because as POTUS 47, the Donald has been honing his skills at doublespeak. Deception equates diplomacy. This may be on account of the fact that the US President does not seem to have invested much in the acuity of the language with which he communicates his policy positions. This constrains his vocabulary on weighty matters requiring elaborative articulation. There remains some two steps in the art of political posturing that still elude him however. These are when the Donald has to issue direct threats on the one instance. And on the other, is when he…

THE 9th China Trade Fair South Africa, held at Gallagher Convention Centre on September 23, was not merely a trade exhibition — it was a geopolitical statement. It signaled that South Africa, and the continent at large, was no longer content to be a passive consumer or raw exporter. Instead, it is stepping forward as a serious economic force — forging strategic partnerships, demanding fair terms, and reshaping the rules of global trade from a Global South perspective. This trade fair was exemplary of a hub of industrial possibility, as more than 600 Chinese manufacturers met face to face with thousands of South African entrepreneurs, suppliers, and small business owners. But this was not China giving, and South Africa receiving. This was Africa demanding, negotiating, and building on its own…

On September 20, the DA officially nominated Helen Zille to be its mayoral candidate in Johannesburg in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Election (LGE). This announcement finally confirmed speculation that had already started making the rounds about Zille’s candidacy. Like any political party, the DA has the right to decide who to deploy as a mayoral candidate. It has become fashionable for some political parties to nominate someone who does not reside in an area for the mayoral position. Some people (especially party members) applaud this practice for preferring talent and skill instead of one’s residency. Others, however, cry foul and question this decision, which undermines local talent. This is an ongoing debate. But what does Zille’s nomination mean for the ANC? This question is more important than its counterpart,…

In an era defined by interconnected crises, from the escalating climate emergency and persistent underdevelopment to the proliferation of conflict, the necessity of a robust multilateral system has never been more apparent. The challenges we face are borderless, demanding collective action and a renewed commitment to international co-operation. The theme for the general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly, from September 23 to 29, is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”. This theme embodies the essence of the UN as the cornerstone of global governance. Its 80th anniversary must catalyse profound transformation, particularly of the UN Security Council, so that it becomes fit for purpose in the 21st century. The escalating prevalence of unilateral action, often in contravention of Security Council…

Kaizer Chiefs are once again at a crossroads after the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. His exit, so soon after ending the club’s 10-year trophy drought, has left the Glamour Boys searching for yet another head coach. The new man will face huge pressure. Chiefs fans want both stability and silverware, and the next appointment will be judged on how quickly the club can close the gap on rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Finances will also play a role. Chiefs must decide whether to pursue a proven winner with a big price tag or take a gamble on a younger coach with long-term potential. With all this in mind, Independent Media Sport suggests several names that are already in the mix. Here are some of the candidates who could be…

Troubled Manchester United crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford yesterday, as Bruno Fernandes’s penalty miss piled pressure on beleaguered boss Ruben Amorim. Amorim’s side paid the price for another error-strewn display, with Igor Thiago netting twice inside the opening 20 minutes to punish shambolic defending. Benjamin Sesko reduced the deficit with his first goal for United before half-time. But United captain Fernandes squandered a golden opportunity to rescue a draw when his tame penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher late in the second half, before Mathias Jensen wrapped up the points in stoppage time. Amorim had arrived in west London hoping to finally win successive league matches as United boss. Instead, he left fearing the sack after another low moment since moving from Sporting Lisbon to replace the axed…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised William Saliba's consistency and maturity on Friday, with the French defender understood to be close to extending his contract at the Emirates. Saliba, whose current deal expires in 2027, is expected to sign a new five-year deal with the Gunners despite interest from Real Madrid. "Hopefully it will be everybody in the world, Arsenal included, (reporting it) very soon and that's what I'm hoping," said Arteta ahead of Sunday's trip to Newcastle. Saliba joined the Gunners in 2019 but had a number of loan spells before establishing himself as a regular in Arteta's team during the 2022/23 season. Since then the 24-year-old France international has been at the heart of an Arsenal side that has finished second in each of the past three seasons in…

West Ham sacked Graham Potter yesterday after only nine months in charge, with former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo tipped to take over the troubled Premier League club. Potter's exit was widely expected after the Hammers slumped to second bottom of the table ahead of tomorrow's trip to Everton. Nuno is expected to replace Potter in time for the clash with Everton after reports the Portuguese coach has had positive talks with the West Ham board. Potter managed just three points from West Ham's five league matches this season, while they also crashed out of the League Cup against Wolves. The former Chelsea and Brighton manager only took the reins at the London Stadium in January, with last season's disappointing 14th place finish putting pressure on him to hit…

Sharks coach John Plumtree was proud of the fight shown by his team despite their 35-19 defeat against Glasgow Warriors in their United Rugby Championship season opener at Scotstoun on Friday night. Springbok speedster Edwill van der Merwe scored the first try on his Sharks URC debut as the visitors enjoyed a bright start and also had a hand in centre Lukanyo Am’s try. But the home side weathered the early pressure and grew into the game, eventually securing a bonus-point win with their fourth try as the Sharks faded. The Durban outfit were also hampered by two late yellow cards and ill-discipline in other facets of play. However, Plumtree was keen to stress the positives to emerge from the match against the former champions in Glasgow — the first…