Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-05 i Sunday Independent

As the festive season approaches, South Africans are grappling with an ever-increasing strain on their finances, exacerbated by soaring living costs and high interest rates. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, expressed grave concern about the ongoing financial struggles faced by households across the nation. “With inflation remaining stubbornly high, the economic outlook for South African consumers in the final quarter of this year is daunting,” Roets said, pointing to looming economic challenges. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources recently announced an increase in petrol prices, adding to the sense of desperation among consumers. While a decrease in diesel prices offers a sliver of hope, many South Africans were left disheartened by the petrol price hikes of 1 cent per litre for petrol 93 and 8 cents per litre…

Our knees carry us through life, yet they’re often the joints we take most for granted. By the time many of us reach our thirties, the first warning signs may appear – stiffness in the morning, an ache on cold days, or hesitating before crouching down. Over time, these niggles can grow into bigger problems, especially if you lead an active lifestyle, carry extra weight, or have underlying health conditions that affect your joints. Knee pain is the second most common musculoskeletal complaint after back pain, and it can greatly impact mobility and overall quality of life. Research shows that with every step, our knees endure a force up to one and a half times our body weight. Fortunately, targeted exercise can make a real difference. The knee’s stability depends…

The recent tirade by Ngizwe Mchunu against a gay couple’s traditional wedding attire was more than a crude assault on the LGBQTIA+ community; it was an affront to our Constitution and a betrayal of the values that underpin South African society. By condemning the same-sex couple for wearing imvunulo (traditional Zulu attire), he weaponised culture to stoke hate and division. His rant reduced a living heritage rooted in respect, ubuntu (humanity) and communal pride to a tool of exclusion. We cannot allow pseudo-custodians of tradition to dictate who may claim Zulu-ness or how it is practised. South Africa’s Constitution guarantees dignity, equality and freedom of association for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or belief. Section 16(2)(c) explicitly excludes hate speech from the right to freedom of expression, making it…

LET’S be blunt; the air in South Africa is deadly, and the government is doing nothing about it! Just days ago, Greenpeace Africa confronted the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in Pretoria. With gas masks and tombstones in hand, activists spotlighted the deadly toll of pollution: over 42 000 South Africans die prematurely each year due to toxic air. This wasn’t just for spectacle; it was about the survival of our entire nation. In 2023 alone, air pollution killed at least 42 000 people, including more than 1 200 children under five. The economic toll alone equates to about R1 trillion per year, about 14% of our GDP. This crisis is the direct result of unchecked industrial emissions and government inaction. For over 150 years now, South Africa…

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, will take the stand on Tuesday to address serious allegations he made during a July media briefing. Mkhwanazi and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola will form part of the first batch of witnesses to give testimony next week. Mkhwanazi’s appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee was announced by the committee Chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, at a meeting on Friday. “On October 7, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi appears before us,” Lekganyane said. This follows the committee's previous indication that Mkhwanazi would give his testimony on September 22, upon concluding consultation with evidence leaders on September 17, once done with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. His appearance will take place amid the adjournment of the Madlanga Commission until October 13, after Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo was unable to continue…

ANC fractures deepen under Ramaphosa’s leadership SOUTH Africa’s 2024 general election ended the ANC’s uninterrupted parliamentary majority since 1994, which led to the ANC negotiating a Government of National Unity (GNU) with multiple parties, including the DA. This outcome has since intensified debate about the ANC’s internal cohesion and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, with some political commentators and senior ANC figures reportedly expressing concerns about the party’s direction. The Sunday Independent reported about five years ago that some senior ANC figures alleged that Ramaphosa was working with external parties to collapse the governing party and replace it with a centre-right coalition led by him after the 2024 general elections. These claims are part of ongoing political discourse. Now have a Government of National Unity (GNU). Public commentary has included strong…

Cape Town’s iconic 2010 Fifa World Cup Stadium will play host to the weekend’s marquee Carling Knockout first-round fixture between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs today (kick-off at 3pm). South Africa’s equivalent to the English Football League Cup promises to deliver an exciting spectacle as Stellenbosch, the 2023 champions, take on the record 13-time winning Chiefs. Stellenbosch FC will draw on their remarkable triumph in 2023, when they claimed the championship by overcoming TS Galaxy in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Winelands outfit is eager to revive that victorious spirit as they prepare to contest a team that has historically posed a challenge. Chiefs, currently on a mission to reclaim their former glory after more than a decade with only one tournament title, are poised to put their mettle to…

South Africa had to dig deep in a fiercely contested encounter at Twickenham to edge Argentina 29–27 in a nervy clash and clinch a historic back-to-back Rugby Championship title. The Springboks were forced to graft early on, absorbing sustained pressure from a fired-up Pumas side that dominated territory and possession. But resolute defence kept the scoreboard tight, allowing the world champions to flip the momentum in the second half and seal the campaign. With their forwards taking control through scrum dominance and rolling mauls, and the backs finding space, the Boks surged ahead to put themselves out of reach — though they were pushed until the 82nd minute to secure their first-ever consecutive Rugby Championship crown. Two crucial tries by scrumhalf Cobus Reinach before half-time and hooker Malcolm Marx shortly…

Ange Postecoglou believes Nottingham Forest are close to turning a corner despite supporters' calls for him to be sacked after less than a month in charge. Chants of "sacked in the morning" rained down on the Australian in the closing stages of Thursday's 3-2 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland. The former Tottenham boss, who replaced the sacked Nuno Espirito Santo on September 9, is the first permanent Forest manager in 100 years to fail to win any of his first six matches in charge. “The fans are disappointed, they're entitled to have an opinion on it and I heard their opinion," said Postecoglou in the immediate aftermath of defeat to the Danes. However, on Friday he reiterated his belief that Forest can compete for trophies. “I knew I was getting…

In Greek mythology, the warrior Hercules was tasked with slaying the sea monster known as the Hydra. It was a mighty serpent with nine heads. Hercules’ problem was that each time he chopped off a head, two more grew back in its place. Opponents of the Springboks must feel the same frustration and hopelessness when they look at the multiple game plans the Boks have perfected, and the endless reservoir of talent Rassie Erasmus has unearthed. Just as you get the hang of what the Springboks are about, they add another arrow or two to their tactical quiver, or just as a great player approaches the end of his career, a couple of Young Turks put their hands up. Of course, the relentless evolution of the Boks under Rassie Erasmus…

At the start of the year, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus put his players through gruelling fitness and performance tests. The first round took place during their opening camp in Johannesburg, where the players were pushed to a “dark place” during their assessments. Veteran wing Cheslin Kolbe described it as the toughest pre-season camp he had ever experienced. It was the first time since his appointment in 2018 that Erasmus had introduced such demanding evaluations at the beginning of a season. By conducting these gruelling tests, Erasmus was assessing his senior players to determine whether they could still meet the physical demands of Test rugby at the highest level. But the purpose went beyond endurance. He also wanted to see if his veterans possessed the conditioning required to play a different…

The mother-city is buzzing as South Africa concluded hosting the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting and the AI for Africa Summit, drawing ministers from G20 member states, guest countries, and African Union dignitaries. As part of the South African delegation, I had the privilege of contributing to bilateral discussions that revealed an undeniable truth: Africa’s economic future hinges on the growth of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), the vibrancy of our innovation ecosystems, and the equitable deployment of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Economic backbone: SMMEs are the lifeblood of our economies, though their contribution is often understated. In South Africa, they contribute close to 40% of GDP, and provide about a third of formal employment. Across the African continent, they represent around 95% of all registered…

After a rough season, Miss South Africa is entering a new era, and they have had to make strategic changes that ensure the pageant remains relevant in today’s society. ​Former titleholders Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy-Sue Khumalo have been announced as co-chairs of Miss South Africa. ​They will serve as mentors to the contestants, who are now viewed as ambassadors. Basetsana and Peggy-Sue have made strides in their careers from the young women who were crowned in 1994 and 1996. ​Viewers, unfortunately, will not get to see Basetsana and Peggy-Sue in action and giving the young women the tips that helped them succeed in their journeys that were kick-started by Miss South Africa, as there will be no Crown Chasers. ​Crown Chasers is the reality show that documents the Top 10…

THE United States has correctly gained an international reputation as a dishonest peace broker. There is no need to look beyond Gaza, the epicentre of the failure of global diplomacy. Every credible institution in the world has described the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza since October 2023. It is the human tragedy never seen in both scope and history. Within a period of only two years, the Gaza Strip, home to some 2 million Palestinians, lies in total ruins. Officially, an estimated 65 000 Palestinians have been killed. Unofficial estimates put the death toll at more the 100 000. Additionally, scores of Palestinians remain trapped in heaps of rubble from the ruins. On social media visuals and on the Arabic international news channel Al Jazeera, the destruction of Gaza is…

Local and international banks are facing accusations of complicity in corruption, allegedly enabling criminal syndicates to funnel illicit funds without proper scrutiny or reporting of suspicious transactions. The allegations came from the Public Service and Commercial Union of South Africa (PSCU). The PSCU asserts that banks only close suspicious accounts and blacklist corrupt companies after profiting significantly from illicit transactions, often when it's too late to prevent the financial damage. PSCU secretary general Tahir Maepa stated that banks are not held sufficiently accountable for their role in facilitating corruption. Maepa highlighted that criminal syndicates, such as those implicated in the R2 billion fraud at Gauteng’s Tembisa Hospital, could not have succeeded without bank transactions. However, the Banking Association South Africa (BASA), which represents over 30 commercial banks operating in South…

JAVIER Milei, the President of Argentina, is an eccentric spectacle full of theatrics. He had carefully, if somewhat loudly, cultured the image of an indomitable chainsaw-wielding warrior against leftists or communists, whatever that means within the context of that beleaguered country, a group he is fond of insulting on national television. Despite the protestations of his sensitive interviewers, he revels on the irrationality of his own assumptions and insists on the illogicality of his thesis. He came to power in 2023 on the promise of fixing an economy whose construct is predicated on free social programmes. As unaffordable as the size of the social largesse was and continues to be, the reasons attributed to it, however, remain anti-intellectual, fascist even. For indeed, the high mark of fascism, whether in…

PHOTOGRAPHS elicit emotional responses from the viewer. We respond to the memories preserved in old family snapshots, the visual beauty of a landscape, the joy or grief captured in an interaction between people, we are appalled by the violence of an event or swayed by the propaganda behind a photograph. Since the invention of the camera, photographs have recorded South Africa through a panoply of social, cultural and political subjects for nearly 200 years. In his new book, Life Itself: Photography and South Africa, Simon A Clarke charts that history. A chance meeting in Paris with renowned photographer Roger Ballen aroused Clarke’s curiosity in South African photography. New technology was behind its advance and growth, particularly in the 1860s with the carte-de-visite camera which created multiple duplications at low cost.…

An ANC councillor, sought for the murder of a fellow councillor in Umlazi, was reportedly advised by an attorney to evade the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) police officers. Concurrently, a senior crime intelligence officer directed one of the councillor's bodyguards to steal the lawyer’s car containing the councillor, enabling him to escape arrest by the PKTT. This was revealed by Magistrate Jackie Jonck, who has since convicted the crime intelligence officer Thulani Obed Thango. Thango was found guilty of defeating the administration of justice by helping former eThekwini councillor Mthokozisi Nojiyeza evade arrest for a few hours on December 21, 2018. Nojiyeza was wanted for the murder of Umlazi councillor Sibusiso Maphumulo. PKTT sergeant Sizwe Sokhela testified in the Durban Magistrate's Court that on the morning of December 21,…

The state of politics in South Africa today reflects profound disillusionment. As the next local government elections approach, the prevailing mood is one of fatigue and withdrawal. Voter apathy has deepened due to a growing perception that political participation has failed to yield tangible improvements in the quality of daily life. South Africans are not asking for grand transformations or utopian projects. We want running water, reliable electricity, punctual public transportation, clean streets, safe communities, a criminal justice system that is effective and incorruptible, and an economy that favours the poor and marginalised. These are the most fundamental functions of government. Yet, despite the significant increase in access to basic services over the past three decades, efficiency remains elusive in many areas. Increasingly, the ANC, which once embodied the aspirations…

A whirlwind amid multiple maelstroms best sums up the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which opened this month under the theme, “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”. This year, UNGA’s 80th session (UNGA80) identified four core priorities for survival: Pushing for peace in conflict zones. Ensuring sustainable financing to tackle the big issues like climate. Making AI safe and inclusive. Delivering on a new pact for the future. When the UN Charter was signed in 1945, it included a promise: its rules could be reviewed. Yet in nearly 80 years, Article 109 – the built-in mechanism for reform – has never been used. Small island states suffer immense marginalisation amid the rising tide of climate emergencies, narrow nationalism, and a…

As India gear up to face arch-rivals Pakistan in their second ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 encounter in Colombo today, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana perfectly captured the emotions that surround one of cricket’s most storied rivalries. “The atmosphere during India–Pakistan games is always very intense; it’s always a full house. Everyone you meet since morning tells you to win. That sort of atmosphere also brings out the best in you sometimes. My teammates and I absolutely enjoy that,” Mandhana said in a conversation with JioStar, ahead of the high-voltage clash. The stakes are always high when India and Pakistan meet, and Mandhana’s words reflect not just the competitive spirit but also the pride that comes with wearing the Indian jersey in such contests. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, began their…

Former Manchester United winger Antony has said he felt a "lack of respect" from the club and complained of being treated with "rudeness" after he was frozen out of Ruben Amorim's plans. The Brazil international was forced to train away from the first-team squad and left off the club's preseason tour after he was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old eventually rejoined Real Betis in the summer after a successful loan spell with the Spanish side during the second half of last season. "Look, I'm not the kind of guy who gets involved in controversies, who names people, in fact, I won't mention anyone's name here," Antony told ESPN Brasil on Friday. "But I think there was a bit of a lack of respect there, even a…

The Stormers could have their Springboks available for their first United Rugby Championship (URC) overseas match in Wales this coming week, barring any injuries in the final Rugby Championship Test on Saturday. After their second victory on Friday, the Cape side remains unbeaten as they embark on their first trip of the new season, with a couple of tough matches awaiting them in the north. They beat the Ospreys 26-10 in a hard-fought duel, narrowly missing out on a second bonus-point win. However, the momentum they’ve built up ahead of the tour will greatly benefit them as they look to improve their performances when playing overseas. Another boost will be the possible inclusion of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, utility back Damian Willemse, and new scrumhalf acquisition Cobus Reinach, who may join…

The promise of weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy has captured global attention, with many patients shedding significant kilos while others see little change. Now, new research suggests the answer may lie not in the drug itself, but in the reasons why people eat in the first place. A Japanese study involving 92 patients with type 2 diabetes has revealed that eating behaviour plays a crucial role in determining how effective GLP-1 medications are. Over the course of a year, participants were monitored for weight, body composition, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and eating habits. While most experienced weight loss and improvements in cholesterol, the degree of success varied depending on how they approached food. The study focused on three types of eating linked to weight gain l External eating –…

The family of slain whistle-blower, Babita Deokaran, is disappointed and shocked by the findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report that more than R2 billion was looted from Tembisa Hospital. Deokaran, who was a Gauteng Department of Health official, uncovered around R850 million in suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital and was killed in August 2021 for exposing this corruption, implicating at least 15 current and former employees. The six men accused of her murder were sentenced earlier this year, but the mastermind behind the hit has not been caught. Babita’s brother-in-law, Bishop Tony Haripersadh, said it has been difficult for the family, who still struggles to find closure since her death. He believes that the authorities and law enforcement are not concerned about finding the mastermind behind her…

A 40-minute hijacking ordeal in Khayelitsha on Friday night has left three Gift of the Givers staff members deeply traumatised after they were kidnapped at gunpoint. The team, a man who was the driver and his two women colleagues, had been driving through the area when seven armed men cut them off, forced them out of their vehicle, and bundled them into a blue Toyota Yaris. Meanwhile, two other suspects sped off in the organisation’s branded van. The hijackers later abandoned the staff in the middle of a dark, informal settlement. The hijackers stole the Gift of the Givers bakkie but triggered the alarm, which activated the vehicle’s tracker. Project coordinator Ali Sablay confirmed the incident. “Gift of the Givers regrets to confirm that members of our team were hijacked…

PROPOSALS to remove the term "Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs)" from the eThekwini Municipality draft Supply Chain Management (SCM) Policy 2025/26 financial year came under discussion at Tuesday’s council meeting. During a municipal Finance Committee meeting, councillors raised several points, including concerns regarding the definition and splitting of contracts (unbundling of contracts). The report supporting the removal of HDIs referenced Section 217 (1) of the Constitution. This section mandates that organs of state, when contracting for goods or services, must do so through a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective. Councillors expressed the view that with the HDIs clause, the municipality will lose cost-effectiveness as procurement will be based on skin colour rather than skills. It was noted that the definition of HDIs does not align with other…

Eskom announced that smart meter installations will begin in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, October 6, 2025, and will be rolled out throughout the entire province. The power utility said it is taking decisive steps to transform South Africa’s energy future through the installation of smart meters across the province. This comes after Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, recently unveiled a bold and comprehensive plan to end load reduction. This initiative aims to achieve its goals within the next 12 to 18 months, with the potential for even earlier milestones through robust community cooperation. Eskom said the smart meter rollout forms part of its drive to modernise the national grid and transform the customer experience. “Already introduced in selected areas, the programme is now accelerating, with around 800 000 customers…

The path to peace for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region is a path of bold moves and collective accountability. The current political and security situations in the region, and more specifically in the DRC, call for an unorthodox analysis at the four most dominant levels of international politics: international systems, the regional, state and individual levels. The past failed attempts by the international community and Congolese actors to restore peace in the DRC show that best wishes and superficial resolutions alone are not enough. Agreements must include reinforcement mechanisms, measurable outcomes and clear accountability measures. Whether supported by the UN Security Council (UNSC), as in the case of UNSC Resolution 2773, or through regional arrangements, such as the recent merger of the Congo…

Proteas Women skipper Laura Wolvaardt refused to blame the wicket for the thumping 10-wicket loss in their World Cup opener against England in Guwahati, India, on Friday. The South Africans were unable to recover from an early batting collapse and stumbled to 69 all out in the 21st over after they were put in to bat first. England cruised to the total in the 15th over. World Cup debutant Linsey Smith was England’s destroyer-in-chief with 3/7, as the SA batters struggled to cope with the drift from the spinner who opened the bowling alongside Lauren Bell. “I wouldn’t put it down to the toss. I think there was a lot of swing around early,” Wolvaardt said in her post-match media conference. “I think Linsey Smith was excellent with the…

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Saturday Lamine Yamal's groin injury is not simple to heal from and cast doubt over a potential return date. The Spanish champions said Yamal would be out for two-to-three weeks in a statement on Friday, but Flick suggested the 18-year-old winger's absence could potentially be longer. Yamal will miss World Cup qualifiers with Spain and is aiming to return before Barcelona face Real Madrid in a Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. "This injury is not so easy, like a muscle (injury), we have this experience with (those), the coaches, the therapists. "With this kind of injury, it's not easy to say now, okay, he can play in two weeks, in three weeks or four weeks, so he's able to play in the…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed satisfaction with the progress made within South Africa’s domestic football scene in developing a new generation of young players ready to step up to the national team. South Africa will take on Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (6pm kick-off), before closing off their Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium a few days later. Bafana are currently in second place, level on 14 points with Benin, and both matches will be crucial as they look to secure qualification for next year’s global showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Speaking after announcing his latest 23-man squad, Broos highlighted the continued growth of local talent and named Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe…

Kaizer Chiefs will have the opportunity to get back on track when they face Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout round of 16 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town today (3pm kick-off). It will be the second meeting between the two sides this season, with Chiefs having claimed a 2-0 victory at the same venue in their league opener. Both teams have endured inconsistent results in recent weeks, though Stellies have struggled more severely, managing just one win from their nine league matches. Amakhosi will take confidence into this fixture, drawing inspiration from their most recent cup success—the 2-1 Nedbank Cup victory over Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last season, which ended their decade-long trophy drought. They now face a Stellies side that reached the MTN8 final…

The Sharks have banked their first two United Rugby Championship log points but will be kicking themselves for not having doubled that tally after a 17–17 draw with the Dragons in Newport on Friday night. Sharks fans around the world were left wondering why their team didn’t take the points in such a tight contest — with rain and wind lashing Rodney Parade — instead of repeatedly kicking for the corner. Conditions were dreadful, yet several of the penalties awarded were certainly within range. Mind you, there was some curious decision-making from the home side, too. At fly-half, they had former Pumas player Tinus de Beer, an accomplished all-round kicker. At the end of the game, with the Dragons camped on the Sharks’ tryline, De Beer was standing deep in…