Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-07 i Sunday Independent

As South Africa approaches 2026, the economic landscape for both businesses and households is imbued with a sense of cautious optimism. This outlook is underscored by the recent Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) and the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decisions, which suggest a gradual movement towards macroeconomic and financial stability. Adding to that was the GDP data released this past week which revealed that the country's economy expanded by 0.5% in the third quarter of 2025, this was slower than the revised 0.9% growth in the second quarter. According to Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG, nine out of ten industries displayed positive growth from the second to the third quarter, a positive indicator of a broadly distributed recovery. Blackmore emphasised that while some industries exhibit growth, the economy’s…

Let’s be honest, when we hear the word “detox”, we immediately imagine a better, shinier version of ourselves on the other side of the process. Whether it’s a juice cleanse or a tech detox, the promise is the same: you’ll be healthier, happier, and more in control. But when it comes to the trendy dopamine detox, is it truly the life-changing reset people claim, or just another fleeting wellness buzzword? This question lingered in my mind as I scrolled through countless TikToks and Instagram posts about dopamine detoxing. People were giving up their phones, music, and even socialising, all in pursuit of better productivity and presence. Here’s what I uncovered and why this wellness trend is sparking so much curiosity right now. What is a dopamine detox? At its core,…

IN a visibly divided international world order, cut down the middle between the Global North and Global South, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has nailed his country’s colours to the mast by brazenly defying the West and hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin on a state visit. It is a stance India has not taken lightly. To defy the US and EU combined requires balls of steel. The gradual but certain decline of Western hegemony has seen the Global North lose its stranglehold on the international governance system. The renaissance of the Majority World, better known as the Global South, has used the twilight of the 21st century to dare challenge Western dominance of the globe. This week’s very public embrace of Putin in the rarefied atmosphere of New Delhi at…

DStv has spent decades flexing its power as Africa’s Pay-TV giant, but power without gratitude always breeds downfall. While loyal subscribers endured incessant price hikes, endlessly recycled programming, and weak excuses, MultiChoice treated its customers like walking invoices, not the people keeping their lights on. It now seems a little too late to realise that those customers are actual human beings, with choices, voices, and standards. Now, with a mass channel collapse looming in January 2026, the irony is almost too perfect to ignore. This isn’t just a crisis; it’s the long-awaited consequence of a company that failed to value its customers, and maybe, just maybe, they’re finally getting exactly what they deserve. CNN, Discovery, Cartoon Network, MTV Base, BET Africa, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, and so much more might…

THIS year for the first time during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV), the United Nations embarked on a powerful campaign to highlight digital violence. Digital violence is real. It is not a harmless comment, a joke, or a passing post. It is a weapon. It uses technology to humiliate, defame, threaten, stalk, and silence. Once shared online, it never disappears - it becomes a permanent digital footprint that follows the victim for life. Abusers often incite hate, garner others to join and did you know online fighting can become a compulsive and potentially addictive behaviour driven by the release of dopamine and adrenaline? For five years, I have been subjected to digital violence because I dared to stand up against racism and injustice. I have…

SUSPENDED Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has handed the Madlanga Judicial Commission of inquiry an envelope he says contains details of alleged wrongdoing and crimes allegedly committed by members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). In his evidence, Mchunu told the commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system, that the “brown envelope” he handed contains details of the PKTT’s alleged crimes. “I appeal favourably to the commission to listen to those people that I submitted, the eight names, so that the commission can know and determine whether my assessment was actually correct as to be part of what would have influenced me to write the directive,” he said. The commission had advised him to seek…

A CRUCIAL piece of legislation aimed at modernising South Africa’s gambling regulation has become mired in procedural delays and intergovernmental conflict, raising questions about provincial autonomy, revenue security, and the social impact of an expanding gambling industry. The National Gambling Amendment Bill, first introduced in 2018, has lapsed twice and now faces renewed resistance from provincial authorities. They warn that the proposed law threatens their constitutional powers, creates costly bureaucratic duplication, and jeopardises vital income streams. Gambling addiction has taken a devastating toll across South Africa, disproportionately affecting poor and vulnerable communities. With economic hardship driving many toward the illusion of quick wins, reports indicate that South Africans wager over R1 trillion annually — R700 billion of which is spent on sports betting alone. This crisis is particularly acute among…

As India hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and Friday for the 23rd annual India-Russia Summit, the discourse is moving beyond old practices in the energy industry. Rising demand for clean power and secure supply chains is pushing the bilateral relationship into a new era, one based on civil nuclear co-operation, industry localisation, critical mineral supply chains, and modern connectivity corridors. India’s energy demand curve continues to climb. According to recent forecasts, India will drive a significant share of global energy demand growth in the coming decade. Meanwhile, India’s electricity landscape has changed a lot because of the shift to renewable energy, mainly solar and wind. As of late 2025, India’s total installed electricity capacity has surpassed 500GW, with more than 51% of that capacity coming from non-fossil. The…

The Proteas Women’s team will be hoping to close out the three-match T20I series when they meet Ireland in the second match at Boland Park on Sunday. The home team are leading 1-0, courtesy of a comprehensive 105-run victory at Newlands on Friday, and are looking to maintain their momentum in Paarl. The World Cup runners-up are ranked much higher than their Irish counterparts, and are expected to sweep the series, but allrounder Sune Luus believes it remains a test of the team’s ability to remain ruthless regardless of the opposition. “It stays an international match, whether you play Ireland or Australia. For myself, when I walk out to bat, I'm as nervous when I play Australia as when I play Ireland. I don't think it's a team you can…

The Stormers opened their European Champions Cup campaign with a gritty and mature performance, grinding out a 26–17 victory over Bayonne in France despite receiving a 20-minute red card in the second half. What had been a controlled and composed outing suddenly shifted when the red card to replacement lock Adré Smith put them under heavy pressure as their hosts started finding gaps. Instead of unravelling, as they probably would have in the past, the Cape side dug in and delivered one of their most determined defensive efforts in recent seasons to seal the victory. Two tries through scrumhalf Imad Khan, named Player of the Match, and lively flanker Paul de Villiers, and kicks off the trusted boot of flyhalf Clinton Swart secured the victory. Bayonne fought valiantly, even after…

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has voiced concern over Mamelodi Sundowns’ increasing preference for foreign signings, warning that the club’s shifting recruitment profile is already affecting the national team’s talent pipeline. Mngqithi, who spent more than a decade at Chloorkop in various roles, says Sundowns once carried a clear mandate to feed South Africa’s national teams with top-level players — a reality he believes is fading as the Brazilians load up on overseas talent. With Orlando Pirates now forming the bulk of Hugo Broos’ recent Bafana Bafana squads, Mngqithi argues the numbers reflect how club recruitment directly impacts the national setup. “I think the time I was there, it was one of the mandates from the boss — he wanted Sundowns to be able to help national teams, from…

For many footballers, a career is defined by key milestones, and for Bafana Bafana, their 3-0 triumph over Rwanda to secure qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup represented the realisation of lifelong ambitions. For players, simply taking part on football’s biggest stage is a moment to cherish, and for this squad, it was a dream come true. With the World Cup draw now complete, South Africa will face some of the world’s top talent while also enjoying the honour of opening the tournament — a feat they last achieved 16 years ago at the iconic FNB Stadium during the 2010 World Cup, which they hosted on home soil. In a poetic twist, Bafana will begin their campaign against the same opponents they faced in that historic opening match: Mexico.…

SOUTH Africa has seen too many state-owned emterprises (SOEs) collapse to be surprised by PetroSA’s crisis. The warning signs have been there for years: chaotic leadership, revolving-door executives, politically influenced boards, and murky procurement battles. But PetroSA’s decay is not just another SOE failure. It is a national risk, with devastating social consequences, and the government’s indecision is letting an entire generation in the Garden Route slip into despair. PetroSA was never an ordinary company. Its gas-to-liquids refinery in Mossel Bay was a world-class engineering achievement. It generated jobs, revenue, and pride. For decades, families in Mossel Bay, George, and surrounding towns built their futures around it. Young people believed it was a door to stability and opportunity. Entire communities depended on its economic gravity. Today, that anchor is gone.…

DREAMS do indeed come true, as evidenced by the life story of a little girl who grew up in Mahikeng in the North West. At a young age, she dreamt of being a doctor. Not only did she achieve this, but after her maiden degree, she went on to specialise as a radiologist. This week, Dr Aobakwe Segwe was a top 10 finalist in the “Standard Bank Top Women Awards” in three different categories. She was nominated for the prestigious “Top Women Leader in Professional and Support Services”. Her medical practice, Centre of Medical Imaging SA, was nominated for “Top Woman Owned Business SMME” and “Top Women Business in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical”. The glitzy awards were held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Dr Segwe and CMI SA were named amongst…

EVERY year, as the festive season approaches, millions across Africa enter a period of heightened financial pressure. Families prepare to travel, host, give, and support loved ones, while prices rise, obligations multiply, and January school fees loom in the background. But at the exact moment when financial needs intensify, access to traditional banking narrows. Banks close early, credit approvals slow down, and risk thresholds tighten. For individuals who are already unbankable — those with informal incomes, no credit record, or considered too high-risk — this seasonal shift is more than inconvenient. It is destabilising. Yet there is a parallel story unfolding beneath the surface. A story of adaptation, resilience, and financial innovation. A story where crypto — not as speculation, but as a utility — quietly steps in as the…

THE appearance of Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala before the ad hoc parliamentary committee reopened yet another debate over the disturbing behaviour constituting the fabric of black townships. Tsotsis are revered in townships, and women also expressed their undying love for hardened criminals. Women expressed their undying love for a “lovable, clean and good-smelling” man, and others adored his outfits from international fashion houses. This spectacle presents a side of the black community, from KwaMashu to Mitchells Plein (zones of entanglement), that we tend to overlook, maybe out of embarrassment. The mental wiring of many in the black community is among the most ludicrous in the sense that “soft” crimes are normalised and interwoven into our so-called cultures. People flock to churches and izangoma to seek “mahlatsi” (luck) and “umcebo” (fortunes), and…

The eThekwini Municipality stated that the bronze statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, costing R22 million, are part of the government’s broader programme to transform the country’s heritage landscape, reflect the diverse history of its people, and promote local tourism. The sighting of both statues, covered in plastic sheeting and fenced off from the public, has raised eyebrows as residents await the municipality's announcement of the official unveiling date. The statues stand at nine meters high. Tambo’s statue is located along North Beach, while Mandela’s statue is positioned in the parking lot of Moses Mabhida Stadium, facing Kings Park Athletic Stadium. Mandela was the country's former president, while Tambo was the ANC's president between 1967 and 1991. Tambo, Mandela, and Walter Sisulu also formed the ANC Youth League in…

A LANDMARK land restitution deal, meant to redress apartheid-era injustices for the Richtersveld community, has descended into a morass of financial mystery, legal warfare, and governmental failure, a damning Parliamentary committee report has revealed. At the heart of the crisis is the stunning disappearance of over R300 million in community funds and a bitter blame game that has left the community in poverty while a state-owned diamond mine nears exhaustion. The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources this week grilled the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and Alexkor over the unimplemented High Court Deed of Settlement concerning the Richtersveld community and the pending transfer of Alexander Bay. What emerged was a portrait of an agreement in catastrophic dysfunction. While Alexkor’s Board chairperson, Dineo Peta, claimed…

The ANC National General Council takes place in Gauteng from December 8 to 12. This mid-term review occurs under the theme “ANC renewal to advance the Freedom Charter: Forward to a national democratic society based on social justice, shared prosperity and human solidarity”. The NGC base document stands as one of the most substantial political reflections produced since the advent of democracy in 1994. Its significance is amplified by its timing, emerging 70 years after the adoption of the Freedom Charter and 31 years into democratic governance. It offers a moment of introspection comprised of a candid appraisal of its successes, missteps and contradictions. As is common with ANC documents, it articulates a wide range of principles and commitments with considerable clarity. Yet these rarely translate into decisive action,…

During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, African leaders revived the call for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to grant Africa a permanent seat on the UN’s top decision-making body. Voices by African leaders are backed by the Global South, the Caribbean and Eastern European nations, which observe that the UNSC’s current structure is not only outdated but is also marginalising a continent at the centre of today’s global challenges. In his address, Kenyan President William Ruto called for an end to what he termed an indefensible historical imbalance, stating that the much-needed reforms should guarantee Africa at least two permanent seats on the UNSC. President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the current UNSC structure was entrenching inequality at the expense of…

“It’s been busy ...” That’s how an emotionally charged Siphiwe Tshabalala summed up the sudden buzz on his phone after Bafana Bafana were drawn to open the 2026 Fifa World Cup against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June. Bafana’s clash with Mexico will not be an ordinary game for either nation or for Tshabalala. It is déjà vu — a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, played more than 15 years ago when Bafana hosted the tournament on home soil at Soccer City (now FNB Stadium), also on 11 June. The hosting of the 2010 global showpiece on home soil brought the nation together — whether at Soccer City, in front of the TV at a viewing party in the park, on the road, or in…

Emiliano Buendia ended Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run with a last-gasp strike that sealed Aston Villa’s dramatic 2-1 victory over the Premier League leaders at Villa Park yesterday. Mikel Arteta’s side fell behind to Matty Cash’s first-half goal before Leandro Trossard came off the bench to equalise after the interval. A pulsating clash saw chances squandered at both ends before Argentine winger Buendia capitalised on sloppy Arsenal defending to score with virtually the last kick of the game. It was Arsenal’s first loss in all competitions since a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on August 31 , highlighting the Gunners’ vulnerability when dealing with defensive injuries. Villa, under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, have repeatedly troubled the north Londoners in recent seasons and now sit just three points behind them, with Manchester…

Outgoing Sharks coach John Plumtree has opened up about the personal reasons behind his decision to step aside and fast-track JP Pietersen into the top job with immediate effect. Last week in Galway, Plumtree, Pietersen and owner Marco Massotti met before the Connacht game, where Plumtree put the proposal on the table — a suggestion all parties agreed on. For today’s match against Toulouse (5.15pm kick-off), Plumtree will be in the coaching box with Pietersen stationed pitchside, but from next week’s home clash with Saracens, it will be Pietersen leading from the Kings Park coaching box. Plumtree will move into a new role at the Shark Tank — still to be clearly defined — which will include mentoring Pietersen. A notoriously tough operator, Plumtree has effectively carried the weight of…

Australia are on the brink of grabbing a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series after dominating a demoralised England on the third day of the day-night second Test in Brisbane yesterday. The hosts batted England out of the game during the day session at the Gabba, then took full advantage of the changed conditions under lights to reduce Ben Stokes's men to 134-6 at stumps, still trailing by 43 runs. After losing inside two days in Perth, England are staring down the barrel in the match and the series. "We just wanted to put as many balls in the right area as we could. I think we bowled really well," said seamer Scott Boland, who took 2-33 as England's batting collapsed. "They always play their shots and I feel like…

Key reactions from coaches after the 2026 Fifa World Cup draw in Washington on Friday: Roberto Martinez, coach of Portugal. Drawn with Uzbekistan, a qualifier and Colombia in Group K: "I think ‘contenders’ is the right word. But I think the favourites are the teams that have won the World Cup before because there is a psychological aspect... I think we still have to grow, but we are full of hope and excitement. "The 1966 team of Eusebio is the reference point for us... We have won the European Championship and the Nations League and now I think it is very important that we should be able to fight for the dream we all have – to do something we have never done before." On Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity: "I think…

As South Africa works to strengthen its long-term economic resilience, it’s essential to recognise the critical role played by agriculture and agro-processing, sectors that underpin jobs, regional development and sustainable growth. On paper, the agricultural sector is a small contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – coming in at just under 3%, which means that it contributes around R200bn to the economy each year. However, if we consider that the mining sector was just 6% of GDP in 2024, this gives us pause for thought around the role that agriculture will play in the coming years. Our business gives us quite a unique perspective on the sector. If we look at our forestry business, we have first-hand operational insights into the challenges and opportunities that the agro-processing sector provides. Downstream,…

IN an unprecedented internal revolt, 70 senior Icasa managers have condemned chairperson Mothibi Ramusi for what they describe as a “blatant disregard” of legal obligations, institutional policy, and basic fairness, accusing him of scapegoating staff for the council’s own failures in a bitter dispute over non-payment of performance rewards for the 2023/24 financial year. This publication has had sight of two explosive internal documents — a letter from Ramusi to Nehawu and a 13-page memorandum signed by Icasa’s senior staff — that lay bare a deep institutional crisis at South Africa’s communications regulator. At the heart of the dispute is the Council’s decision not to pay performance bonuses for 2023/24, despite the organisation having met most of its targets. In his letter to Nehawu National Organiser Ryan Motau, Ramusi curtly…

INDIA’S engagement with Africa has deepened sharply over the past two decades, clearly making the continent a central pillar of India’s foreign and economic policy. Built on historical solidarity and complementary strengths between Africa’s resource-rich economies and India’s expanding industrial and technological capabilities, the partnership has grown into one of the most dynamic in the Global South. India is now Africa’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $80 billion in 2024/25, driven by energy, minerals, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture, and the rapid spread of digital technologies. India and Africa share a deepening economic partnership anchored in trade, investment and development cooperation. India’s cumulative investments in Africa stand at $75bn, reflecting its long-term commitment to the region. The relationship continues to strengthen across sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies and…

LET us be honest, when most people hear “cybersecurity”, their minds jump straight to firewalls, passwords, and maybe a stern compliance checklist. However, cybersecurity is no longer the sole domain of IT departments or compliance officers; it’s a shared responsibility that must cut across every layer of an organisation — from leadership to frontline staff. In South Africa, where digital transformation is accelerating across both public and private sectors, the need to move beyond tick-box compliance and cultivate a culture of cyber awareness has never been more urgent. As organisations modernise their infrastructure and shift more processes online, they are also widening their exposure to threats that are more sophisticated and unpredictable than ever before. Cybercriminals today do not rely solely on brute-force attacks or obvious phishing scams. They exploit…

DR Imraan Buccus has long been known as a political thinker with a deep interest in, and connection, to grassroots and working class struggles. South Africa, Buccus argues, is living through a moment of profound reckoning. Yet for someone who has long been immersed in the country’s social movements and working-class struggles, this crisis is neither exceptional nor inexplicable. It is part of a global and historical pattern where liberation movements that lose their moral compass, succumb to corruption, and ultimately betray the very people whose sacrifices enabled their rise. This stark assessment lies at the heart of his new book, Promises and Peril: The South African Crisis that was launched in Durban on Friday. Buccus says the book was driven by an “urgent need to understand South Africa’s deepening…

The highly contentious proposal by Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane to increase the National Senior Certificate (NSC) minimum pass mark from 30% to 50% has ignited a fierce debate in South African education circles. Parliament this week rejected a motion by Maimane to reassess the 30% minimum pass requirement for certain Grade 12 subjects. The motion was defeated by a vote of 119 MPs against and 87 in favour. Experts and the Basic Education Minister have reached a consensus, however, that foundational, systemic reforms are urgently needed long before any tinkering with the final pass metric. Maimane, championing the move as a necessary step to raise educational standards and better prepare students for higher education and the modern workforce, has met strong opposition from the ANC and DA. These parties caution…

NATIONAL Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has found himself once again on the wrong side of the code of conduct for Members of Parliament. This, after the Ethics Committee found that Adams has, for the second time, flouted the code after posting personal information of a DA staff member on Facebook without that person’s consent, after DA Chief Chip George Michalakis laid a complaint. “The dissemination of personal information by the member was reckless and irresponsible,” said co-chairpersons Lusizo Sharon Makhubela and Joseph Britz. Makhubela and Britz said Adams claimed to be unaware that he had captured sensitive information and apologised for the offence. The co-chairpersons said the code for MPs required that social media usage must not bring Parliament into disrepute. “The member was informed of the breach and…

The date of December 5, 2013, was deeply ingrained in my brain. It was a very cold and snowy day in Sweden, where I was attending a workshop, when I received the devastating news about Nelson Mandela’s passing. Given his international stature, various television stations covered this breaking news repeatedly. An important chapter in the life of the ANC and South Africa had ended. Mandela joined his comrades, including Chief Albert Luthuli, Chris Hani, Dr Langalibalele Mafukuzela Dube, Oliver Tambo and many others. From that day, South Africa was never going to be the same. This year 2025 marks 12 years since Mandela’s passing. As South Africa celebrates this 12th anniversary, it is the opportune time to reflect on how the country has progressed or regressed under the ANC since…

Ronwen Williams insists Bafana Bafana cannot afford to look too far ahead, despite being handed a World Cup draw that immediately sparked memories, excitement, and comparisons to a moment etched in South African football history. South Africa will face Mexico, Korea Republic, and a yet-to-be-confirmed European qualifier at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a group that blends history, intensity, and unpredictability. The final team will emerge from UEFA playoffs involving Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, and Ireland, ensuring Bafana’s path is anything but straightforward. The draw also serves as a symbolic reunion, with Bafana opening their campaign against hosts Mexico on 11 June — a fixture mirroring the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser. But Williams is adamant that any nostalgia cannot become a distraction ahead of a demanding few months.…

Boxing promoter Colin Nathan deemed 2025 a good year for the sport in the country and attributed it to forging relationships among the country's top promoters. In the Mixed Martial Arts world, the sport has also continued to grow in leaps and bounds. Nathan, a prominent figure in combat sports in the country, particularly boxing, believes that they have continued to push the boundaries in the sport this year. The promoter praised the new board at Boxing South Africa, appointed late last year after the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association took Boxing South Africa to court over the appointment of the preceding board. With Ayanda Zamantungwa Khumalo as chairperson, Nathan has expressed that the sport of boxing in the country seems to be heading in the right direction. "I think…

He got a gold medal. He made a game-show-style appearance with foreign leaders. And he danced to YMCA. The Fifa 2026 World Cup draw was officially about football, but in reality it was all about Donald Trump. The US president and former reality TV star stole the show on Friday from the moment he strolled down the red carpet of the Kennedy Center in Washington. Sticking to his side was global football’s governing body’s boss, Gianni Infantino, who has fostered close ties with Trump during both his terms in office, ensuring the spotlight remained on the US president from start to finish. Trump is hardly a stranger to bombast, but even he looked momentarily lost for words when, after a slick video proclaimed him the inaugural winner of Fifa’s new…

Manchester United great Paul Scholes says Kobbie Mainoo is "being ruined" by his lack of chances under Ruben Amorim, suggesting his best option is to leave Old Trafford. The 20-year-old had a breakthrough season in 2023/24, which ended with the academy graduate scoring in the FA Cup final and breaking into the England squad. But the midfielder has gone from starting the Euro 2024 final to struggling for game time at United. He requested a loan move in August but was turned down. Mainoo, still waiting for his first Premier League start of the season, was not brought off the bench in Thursday's 1-1 draw with lowly West Ham. That disappointing result left United eighth in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow's trip to bottom club Wolves. United boss Amorim…