Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-19 i Sunday Independent

October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when stories of resilience and healing take centre stage. Among these is the story of Amanda Nkuna, a young entrepreneur whose belief in the power of words gave rise to SpeechCraft Academy, a platform that has turned communication into both a business and a movement for change. Founded in 2023, SpeechCraft Academy aimed to equip young people and professionals with practical skills in public speaking, debate, poetry, and communication coaching. But at its heart, it became something deeper, a space for healing, confidence, and leadership. “The idea for SpeechCraft came from realising that young people have powerful stories but often lack the confidence or platform to share them,” Nkuna said. “I wanted to create a space where communication could become a tool…

RIGHT in the immediate aftermath of the fragile Gaza peace deal, US President Donald Trump appears set to keep his momentum, hinting at pulling off a spectacularly similar deal in Ukraine. At the behest of the Kremlin, Trump held a two-and-a-half-hour telephone meeting with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin. They discussed several key issues, among them the potential supply of the US Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which Moscow pointed out, would amount to an exercise in futility as it would not change the frontlines but would instead damage the rapidly improving US-Russia relations, according to Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin Aide. Trump hinted at the possible rescinding of the decision on the Tomahawk missiles, saying that the US needed the missiles too, as Washington could not afford to empty its…

THE Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, tasked with tackling serious and organised crime, has come under intense scrutiny following revelations of systemic investigative failures in a monumental R1.2 billion fraud scheme. The forensic report on a R1.2bn transnational criminal enterprise exposes a troubling pattern of neglect, mismanagement, and systemic obstruction that has hampered justice and allowed a criminal enterprise to operate unchecked across domestic and international borders. The report was addressed to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. One of the most glaring shortcomings outlined in the report is the DPCI’s failure to employ even fundamental investigative procedures. The lead investigator, Lieutenant Colonel Tiwane, notoriously admitted on 19…

Two men have been sentenced to 15 years’ each in prison by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court. Their crimes, committed on October 7, 2022, include pointing a gun at, robbing, and kidnapping an e-hailing driver at the conclusion of a requested trip. The perpetrators, Victor Junior Sebata, 35, and Kagiso Patrick Mthimunye, 31, both from Mamelodi, approached the e-hailing driver at the end of a requested trip from the Propaganda Club in Pretoria Central to Silverton. Sebata and Mthimunye pointed a gun at the 34-year-old, unnamed driver, robbed him of his belongings, and forced him into the boot of his vehicle. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the duo drove with the driver to Mamelodi, where they removed him from the boot, tied him up, and…

The Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) has found that repeat offenders whose parole was previously revoked are considered for parole on new sentences, and remand detainees do not participate in rehabilitation programmes. The AGSA also found that offenders sentenced to less than 24 months lack Correctional Services Professionals (CSPs) to assist them, and that some offenders began participating in rehabilitation programmes closer to their parole placement. Also of concern at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) was that some offenders with sexually related offences did not have the required mandatory psychological services as part of their CSPs. The AGSA Budget Review and Recommendations Report (BRRR) was presented to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services by the AGSA on Friday. Theunis Eloff, senior manager at the AGSA, said that they…

Residents in Umbilo and surrounding areas in Durban are voicing deep frustration over the growing issue of truck congestion, citing significant impacts on their quality of life, property values, and local businesses. Jonathan Erasmus, from the Umbilo South Association and member of the CPF, said trucking has been a significant issue in this part of Durban and has increased tenfold since the rails collapsed. He said that when there is congestion on Umbilo Road, the traffic automatically starts filtering through Bartle Road, which is the main road in Umbilo. “When we’ve got heavy congestion, I can count up to about 24 trucks coming past my house in a given day. That's a significant amount for a residential road,” he said. Erasmus said trucks are incredibly destructive vehicles that break the…

Police remain mum over claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel following complaints about leaking investigation reports implicating National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and crime intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo. Ramaphosa announced this week that Fazel, whom he appointed in November 2022, had been suspended with immediate effect but did not provide reasons. He said Fazel was suspended pending a decision in an investigation by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) into his conduct. The committee informed Ramaphosa that it had received a complaint on Fazel’s conduct and that it would conduct an investigation in accordance with the Intelligence Services Act. The Act makes provision that “if the Inspector-General is the subject of an investigation by the (JSCI) in terms of subsection (4), he…

The Department of Basic Education has given assurances that the issuing of three Occupational Health and Safety Act prohibition notices at the Government Printing Works’ (GPW’s) Tshwane building will not affect the matric exams. There were fears that the national senior certificate examination, which will start on Tuesday, would be adversely affected by the prohibition notices issued this week, forcing the GPW to halt operations at the facility on Bosman Street in Tshwane. The Department of Employment and Labour's inspection and enforcement services (IES) cited poor ventilation and the presence of chemicals in the litho area threatening or likely to threaten the health and safety of employees among the reasons for issuing the notices. The IES stopped the use of all emergency steel staircases due to rust and being unsafe…

On October 19, 1977, the apartheid government invoked the Internal Security Act and took two serious decisions that left an indelible mark on South Africa’s beleaguered past. Firstly, it banned two newspapers – The New World and Weekend World. It also detained some of the columnists – including the editor, Percy Qoboza. Secondly, the apartheid government banned 19 Black Consciousness organisations. The aim was to silence the voice of anti-apartheid activists. This decision was informed by the political mood at the time, following the brutal assassination of Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko on September 12, 1977. The apartheid government was aware of the potential danger that could destabilise the country. When South Africa transitioned to the new political dispensation, various changes were implemented to align with the new Constitution. Regarding…

China embodies the economic progress and political independence that African countries strive for. A country with a recent history not unlike Africa’s own, with relatively similar challenges, yet it continues to surge ahead, overcoming hurdles that still hold many African countries back. Whether admired or critiqued, its ability to deliver tangible development to its people suggests a governance formula worth examining closely and learning from. For instance, what can African countries learn from China’s “eight-point decision”? When the Communist Party of China (CPC) introduced the “eight-point decision” in December 2012, few imagined that such a brief set of rules would spark one of the most significant transformations in China’s modern governance. It was met with skepticism by many observers who viewed it as a modest administrative adjustment. However, more than…

When you’re in the kind of rut that the Lions have found themselves in at the start of this United Rugby Championship season, you take a win — no matter how it’s achieved — and bank the points with relief. That was the story at Ellis Park on yesterday afternoon, where the home side beat the Scarlets 29-18, securing a bonus point for scoring four tries in the process. This was a clash between the bottom two teams in the 16-team log — and it showed in a largely forgettable encounter. The Lions had most of the early possession, but it was the Scarlets who struck first in the 12th minute when Wales flyhalf Sam Costelow slotted a superb penalty from 40 metres out. As the first quarter drew to…

Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign had its share of ups and downs, but in the end, they reaped the rewards of their persistence and resilience. Their qualification marks a monumental opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best when the global showpiece kicks off next year. Head coach Hugo Broos and his assistant Helman Mkhalele have etched their names into footballing history. Their achievement sees them join an exclusive group of individuals who will represent their nation at the World Cup both as players and as coaches. Since his appointment in 2021, Broos has broadened his player pool, building a well-balanced squad that mixes youthful energy with seasoned experience—a formula that has proved vital as South Africa prepares for both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World…

Stellenbosch FC have announced that the historic Danie Craven Stadium will be temporarily unavailable until the end of December due to major renovations being undertaken by Stellenbosch University. The upgrades form part of preparations for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens, a prestigious global tournament that will showcase elite university athletes from around the world. As the stadium is owned and managed by Stellenbosch University, the decision to refurbish the iconic venue falls outside the jurisdiction of Stellenbosch FC. However, the club has expressed its full support for the redevelopment, recognising the long-term benefits it will bring to the local community and future sporting events in the region. The temporary closure will see Stellies play their home fixtures at alternative venues, most notably Athlone Stadium and DHL Stadium,…

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has downplayed the favourites tag ahead of their CAF Champions League Preliminary second round clash against Nigerian champions Remo Stars at the MKO Abiola International Stadium on Sunday. Currently perched atop the Betway Premiership table with a game in hand over second-placed Sekhukhune United, Sundowns have endured a challenging start to the 2025/26 season, having already conceded two domestic titles. This slow beginning has sparked frustration among sections of the fanbase, with some attributing the team’s form to what they perceive as a more pragmatic approach introduced by the Portuguese coach. However, Cardoso remains confident, drawing on the team’s attacking dominance last season, when they shattered the PSL record for the most goals scored in a single campaign. “Regarding being pragmatic or not, I…

The food industry is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped not just by economic pressures and climate realities but by consumers who are reimagining what they eat, how it is produced, and why it matters. According to PwC’s Voice of the Consumer 2025 report, South Africans are playing a leading role in pushing for healthier, tech-driven, and sustainable food choices. The survey, which engaged more than 20,000 consumers globally, including over 1000 South Africans, revealed that people are no longer passive participants in the food system. They are driving the change. Nearly three-quarters of local respondents said they are concerned about ultra-processed foods and pesticide use, while 70% plan to increase their consumption of fresh produce in the coming months. “Consumers are asserting their values-led appetites,” the report noted, highlighting a…

SINCE the fall of apartheid, there has been an increase in immigrants seeking entry into South Africa from all over the African continent. With the influx of immigrants seeking entry into South Africa, the government has had to enact legislation and formulate policies that regulate, enforce and control the admission of foreigners into the country as well as their departure from the country. It was in 1999, when Thabo Mbeki took the helm from Nelson Mandela, South Africa and the world regarded him as the urbane and intellectual African statesman. Indeed, Mbeki has done a lot of good since ascending to South Africa’s presidency in 1999. He was a significant force in Africa’s drive to democratise, for example.At home, democracy and its institutions have remained generally strong. For this, Mbeki…

Besides the illicit cigarettes trade, the shrinking number of smokers in South Africa and the government’s effort to restrict smoking have been attributed to the legitimate tobacco industry losing market share and the state losing billions of rand. The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) said this in reaction to concerns that British American Tobacco South Africa’s (BATSA) plant in Heidelberg, which falls under the Lesedi Municipality in Gauteng, is engaged in restructuring and reducing its production. The Lesedi Black Business Forum (LBBF) is concerned that the challenges will escalate unemployment in the small town, whose population mostly relies on BATSA for employment. An attempt to get hold of BATSA for comment has been unsuccessful. The LBBF held a symposium on Wednesday to discuss how to save BATSA from collapsing and…

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has commended members of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) for arresting 106 motorists in one night for drunk driving. The operation formed part of the Alufakwa Zero Tolerance and No Nonsense campaign. Duma said he was happy that the team was cleaning the province’s road networks after he received a report from RTI on Saturday about the successful outcome of the operation. The MEC commended the team for their efforts. “By arresting 106 motorists for drunk driving by 1.30 this morning (yesterday), the team has displayed a high level of firmness and commitment to protecting innocent road users from reckless drivers.” The department is encouraged by the public's support in removing irresponsible motorists from our roads, said Duma. “These individuals have inflicted suffering on many…

A repeat offender rapist will stay behind bars for life after the appeal against his sentence was dismissed in the Western Cape High Court this week. Audrey le Roux, 40, who at trial entered into a plea agreement admitting to the charges brought against him, brought his automatic appeal from the regional court. His appeal came after being convicted and sentenced for the rape of a minor and a charge of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. His appeal was specifically against the life sentence he received in connection with the rape. According to the court judgment, the 13-year-old rape victim (first complainant) was in the company of her friend (second complainant) when they were accosted by Le Roux “out of the blue”. He struck the second…

Professor Salim Abdool Karim has called upon the nation to utilise the recently approved $115 million (approximately R1.9 billion) from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) Bridge Plan to promote independence in managing the HIV/Aids crisis. The Pepfar Bridge Plan (PBP) is set to provide vital support from October 1 to March 31, 2026. The South African Cabinet expressed its gratitude for the ongoing commitment from the US government. During a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced the approval, highlighting that the PBP aims to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery, focusing on country-specific needs and essential services. This comes in light of a recent funding freeze by the US government, which resulted in job losses and disruptions to service provision earlier…

The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has voiced concerns over the R1.9 billion approved by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) Bridge Plan, stating it is 50% less than the aid received last year. The TAC has called for the Department of Health to take action for the provision of additional funding support for South Africa’s HIV/Aids control efforts. The Pepfar Bridge Plan (PBP) has been approved to provide essential HIV service delivery in South Africa from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This plan addresses a US government funding freeze that caused job losses and service disruptions earlier this year. TAC general secretary Anele Yawa said this bridge plan is meant to keep the programme operating as it has been since February of 2025, but new…

A group of protesters expressed their disappointment at President Cyril Ramaphosa and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela after both failed to meet with them during the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday. The demonstrators, who stood metres away from the venue where Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address, represented the Union Against Hunger, a civil society organisation advocating for food security in South Africa. Nzama Mbalati described the day as significant because the president was attending the social justice conference. “As the head of state, I think the issue of hunger is critical. We know that 11,000 children die every year simply because they do not have enough food to eat. “It is important today, in commemoration of their lives, to bring the…

The usual suspects have hailed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to establish “a panel for the selection of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP)” as a testament to his commitment to openness and transparency. Nothing could be further from the truth. The establishment of a panel is a cynical response to strident calls wanting the NDPP appointment to be done entirely by Parliament and to have “the appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to be taken off the president’s hands”. (Cosatu). For its part, the DA has proposed an amendment to the Constitution “to ensure Parliament appoints the head of the NPA – not the president – following a transparent and rigorous vetting process”. The current process does little to dilute the presidential prerogative. First, the…

For decades, the prevailing notion was that the “solution” to the Israeli occupation of Palestine lay in a strictly negotiated process. “Only dialogue can achieve peace” has been the relentlessly peddled mantra in political circles, academic platforms, media forums and the like. A colossal industry burgeoned around that idea, expanding dramatically in the lead-up to, and for years after, the signing of the Oslo Accords between Yasser Arafat’s Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Israeli government. The unmaking of “peace”: The problem was never with the fundamental principles of “dialogue”, “peace” or even “painful compromises” – a notion tirelessly circulated during the “peace process” period between 1993 and the early 2000s. Instead, the conflict has largely been shaped by how these terms, and an entire scaffolding of similar terminology, were…

British authorities faced growing pressure Friday to overturn a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a European match at English club Aston Villa that Israel's government branded "shameful". Villa announced on Thursday that following advice from the police no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with the Israeli club in Birmingham on November 6 due to "security concerns". "Shameful decision! I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision," the foreign minister of Israel Gideon Saar wrote in a post on X. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a keen football fan, also slammed the move, calling it "wrong" in a statement late Thursday. "We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can…

After nearly two decades of racing, South Africa’s Anthony Raynard will put the pedal to the metal in the 2026 Dakar Rally in the bike category. Known as the ultimate endurance challenge, the Dakar Rally will be a major focus for the multiple national champion and international competitor Raynard. At 35, the seasoned veteran has had success in motocross, supercross, enduro, and rally raid. It’s been something of a long-term ambition to compete in the Dakar Rally, explains Raynard. Raynard’s Journey: From Motocross Champion to Dakar Rally Dreamer “The Dakar Rally is the ultimate test,” says Raynard. “It’s where everything you’ve trained for physically, mentally, and mechanically is put to the test,” said Raynard. “For me, it’s a dream I’ve had since I first saw those riders pushing through…

Proteas opening batter Ryan Rickelton believes South Africa were not completely outplayed in the first Test in Lahore and that only minor tweaks are needed ahead of the second Test in Rawalpindi. The Proteas lost the opener by just over 90 runs, but there were promising performances from several individuals — including Tony de Zorzi, who struck a century, Rickelton and Dewald Brevis, who both scored half-centuries, and Senuran Muthusamy, who claimed 11 wickets in the match. The Proteas pushed Pakistan hard, and because of that, Rickelton believes the margin of defeat did not reflect how competitive the match truly was. The 29-year-old reckons they conceded 50 to 100 runs too many in the first innings, a lapse that ultimately proved costly. “I think we competed really well. I thought…

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, believing he was acting in the best interests of South African football, wrote a letter to Fifa on Thursday. The correspondence aimed to get answers for the yellow card debacle that cost Bafana Bafana three points in World Cup qualifiers, nearly derailing their campaign. In his letter to Fifa president Gianni Infantino, McKenzie writes that it’s not his department’s intention to interfere, but to get a report on how the administrative oversight happened, and the steps taken to ensure it never happens again. McKenzie’s letter comes after Safa president Danny Jordaan declared the matter closed. In another letter addressed to Jordaan and Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao, McKenzie writes: “The fans deserve full reassurance that appropriate measures have been taken, including thorough accountability processes,…

Industry players have reacted positively to plans for the R50 billion development of the Port of Gauteng. The White Paper for the Port of Gauteng was released two weeks ago. Developer Francois Nortje said the Port of Gauteng aims to become Africa’s most advanced inland trade gateway, addressing chronic inefficiencies in the national logistics system while creating more than 50 000 permanent jobs. Malcolm Hartwell, Norton Rose Fulbright director and master mariner, said that in the first instance, any investment in logistics infrastructure is welcomed by traders and transporters who have struggled with South Africa’s inefficient and expensive logistics network, which has been dominated by Transnet’s monopoly over the ports and rail network. “Low-margin traders need efficient and cost-effective logistics networks to develop and grow their businesses. The decline in…

It’s already mid-October, and if you’re like me, you might have taken on the Sober October challenge. For an entire month, we’re saying “no thanks” to alcohol. Why? For me, it was a simple personal dare: Can I really go a whole month without a drink? I’ll be honest, I’m not what you’d call a heavy drinker. My usual go-tos are a crisp gin and tonic or a celebratory glass of bubbly, which is my absolute favourite. Since I rarely drink alone, my drinking is almost entirely social. A couple of glasses of wine with family at a get-together, or coming up with creative cocktails on girl nights, that sort of thing. Because of this, the first half of the month, which I’ve mostly spent alone, hasn’t actually been that…

THE dismissal of Lumka Oliphant, the former chief director of communication in the Department of Social Development, is more than a simple personnel matter. It is a stark microcosm of the systemic corruption, political protectionism, and targeted silencing of whistleblowers that continues to thrive under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership. Her case, emerging just days ago, serves as a clarion call, revealing an administration that, despite its promises of a “New Dawn”, is enshrined in moral decay. Oliphant’s dismissal, following her exposure of Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s R3 million New York trip, reveals a political system that punishes integrity and rewards loyalty. Oliphant’s account of a sustained “humiliation” campaign underscores a chilling reality for whistleblowers. Her statement: “Many Black professionals have been purged and silenced because we fear for our lives,” connects…

THE passing of Nathi Mthethwa sent shockwaves through our movement, leaving a void filled with unanswered questions. How could a revolutionary die with his task unfinished? It is a question that haunts us, a stark reminder of the long and arduous journey that still lies ahead. Yet, amid the grief and confusion, one thing remains certain: Comrade Mthethwa was incapable of betraying the revolution. For him, the revolution was not a mere political slogan; it was a sacred cause, a lifelong commitment to transforming the lives of our people and breaking the shackles of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. I first encountered Mthethwa during my time as the president of the Congress of South African Students (Cosas). He was a towering figure, a central force in the ANC’s ideological architecture. As…

SOUTH Africa’s high unemployment is not merely a problem of economics, which means economic solutions produced in isolation are ill-suited to address it. The issue lies in the fact that unemployment has been depoliticised, and this diverts the possibility of a new South African economic development model. The nation of ‘two economies’ cannot be dismantled by economists and their econometric models. This critique seeks to highlight that the roots of unemployment are political and structural, and the economic explanations of this phenomenon are simply out of sync and are unable to provide solutions. Economics, at its core, is a social arrangement that determines what to produce, when and how, including what to buy and consume. South Africa’s economic challenges demand an economic theory that refocuses reasoning in economics, that takes…

The Philippi East community in Cape Town has been left reeling after seven men were shot and killed on Friday night. The local community policing forum (CPF) said the incident may be linked to ongoing extortion activities, noting that several Somali-owned shops had closed earlier in the week. “We are very shocked by this as this is not the first incident like this. In February, five men were shot and subsequently set alight inside a vehicle near the scene of Friday's incident. “We would like to urge people to come forward with any kind of information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. “We know that people fear coming forward with key information, but we plead with them because the police have not been able to track down…

IN THE heart of Potchefstroom, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It’s not led by politicians or celebrities, but by a 22-year-old man named Peterson Sebati and a dynamic force of young South Africans who have resolved: “We will not wait for change – we will create it ourselves.” They are embodying what it means to “be the change you want to see”. Peterson founded Retsa Tsela, which, loosely translated, means making a way, with a simple yet powerful mission: to restore dignity to neglected public spaces. What began as cleaning up a local park has blossomed into a nationwide movement, with volunteers transforming schools, taxi ranks, post offices, and more. The before-and-after photos are striking, but it’s the stories behind them that truly matter. These young people are not motivated…

The actress ex-wife of an internationally acclaimed DJ has detailed how she helped build his career while hers stalled due to his unease with kissing scenes as they battled over their R100 million estate. The former couple finalised their separation last Friday when Acting Judge Mongezi Ntanga of the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg granted the decree of divorce. Their identities cannot be revealed because they have minor children. She told the court that her ex-husband promised that when his career was up and running, he would help chase her dreams and ambition of being an international performer and undertook to use his influence to assist her. The suggestion was that she should stop working for a while and look after their home. Court documents detailed that after their traditional wedding…

Proteas Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt believes the team is getting closer to playing their best cricket following their ten-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the rain-affected encounter in Colombo. Wolvaardt breezed to an unbeaten 60 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, her second half-century of the tournament. Her opening partner, Tazmin Brits, hurried to an unbeaten 55, her first half-century of the tournament as she turned her form around following her back-to-back ducks against India and Bangladesh. The pair guided South Africa to their fourth victory, a feat they have not been able to accomplish in the opening four games of the tournament. Reflecting on the Sri Lanka fixture and the previous four games where different players have stood up and carried the team over the line, Wolvaardt expressed that she…

The Springboks have conquered the south — now their attention turns north. After lifting the Rugby Championship trophy for the second year in a row, South Africa’s next mission is to prepare for the unique challenge posed by Europe’s top rugby nations. Their upcoming end-of-year tour will see the world champions face Japan (Wembley Stadium, London), France (Stade de France, Saint-Denis), Italy (Allianz Stadium, Turin), Ireland (Aviva Stadium, Dublin), and Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff) — five Tests that will not only test their depth and adaptability but also serve as key preparation for knockout-style rugby against northern hemisphere teams ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Head coach Rassie Erasmus and his assistants have built a reputation for meticulous planning, and this tour will be another crucial step…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has to find solutions after three consecutive defeats for the Premier League champions, but today's meeting with Manchester United is arguably even more important for Ruben Amorim. AFP Sport looks at the challenge that faces both managers ahead of the hotly anticipated clash between English football's two most successful clubs. Slot's first crisis The Dutchman made the unenviable task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp look easy last season as Liverpool won the league with four games to spare, equalling United's record of 20 English top-flight titles. Only once in Slot's debut campaign did Liverpool suffer back-to-back defeats and that came in exiting the Champions League and losing the League Cup final in March as a gruelling winter schedule took its toll. The Reds were determined to…

Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou was sacked on Saturday after just eight matches in charge - just minutes after a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea. "Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect," the club posted on X. "The club will make no further comment at this time." Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis left his seat during the contest at City Ground and an announcement on Postecoglou's future was confirmed shortly after fulltime. Postecoglou was only appointed on September 9 - months after Europa League success with Tottenham - but after no win and six defeats from his first eight matches, Marinakis has acted and Forest are on the hunt…

Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann was full of praise for his side’s fighting spirit after they edged Connacht 27-26 in a pulsating United Rugby Championship encounter in Galway, Ireland, on Friday night. The visitors looked to be in control for much of the match but were forced to survive a late scare when Connacht scored in the closing stages after pouncing on a wicked bounce from a kick chase. The hosts then had a chance to snatch victory with a last-minute conversion attempt that drifted wide. There was further drama when the referee ordered a retake after an early charge from the Bulls, but that attempt also sailed wide — much to Ackermann’s relief. “Obviously you couldn’t get it closer,” Ackermann said afterwards. “Tonight we could have lost it –…