Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-25 i Sunday Independent

As Janu-worry comes to an end, consumers will not be given any reprieve in the form of an interest rate cut this month. The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will be announcing their first decision on the repurchase rate (repo rate) this Thursday. Economists and analysts have predicted that the central bank will be moving with caution and keep the rate unchanged at 6.75%, translating to the prime lending rate also staying the same at 10.50%. Investec's lead economist, Annabel Bishop, said that the MPC meeting is not expected to see a change in interest rates, coming so soon after November’s -25 basis points cut. "With the repo rate currently at 6.75%, 325bp above the inflation rate, and with CPI inflation expected to fall below 3.0%…

“Kill line”, the relatively new American catchphrase that has come to describe people who have fallen on hard times, has lit the torch on the vulnerability to fall into the quicksand of poverty. The phrase “kill line” originates from video games, where it refers to a “health threshold below which a character can be instantly defeated, regardless of remaining defenses or abilities”. In real life, the phrase gained traction through stories like that of a former Meta senior engineer who ended up homeless within six months after a layoff despite having been on an annual salary of 450,000 US dollars. In a nutshell, therefore, “kill line” refers to a treacherous point at which one mishap can trigger an impossible-to-rescind slide into eternal hard times. Now, the stranglehold of US hegemony…

A Constitutional Court judgment on customary marriages has sparked concern among legal experts who warn that it could affect thousands of couples who entered into civil marriages after first marrying under customary law. The case centred on a couple who concluded a customary marriage in 2011, which by law placed them in community of property. Eight years later, the couple entered into a civil marriage and signed an antenuptial contract (ANC) intended to change their marriage to out of community of property. The applicant argued that section 10(2) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act was unconstitutional because it allowed spouses to change their marriage’s property system without court approval. This, the applicant said, could leave vulnerable spouses, particularly women, at risk of losing their property rights. In its judgment,…

AS the curtain fell on the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos on Friday, lingering questions remained about the influence of the Global South — and Africa in particular — on the global stage. With no major African keynote voices featured on the main stage this year, many delegates left private dinners and side events with the impression that discussions were largely driven by American and European priorities. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a forceful address, said his country would not be bullied and would assert itself as an energy superpower with vast critical mineral reserves. He signalled that Canada would engage the world “as it is”, rather than waiting for a more favourable global order. Against that backdrop, the question arose: is Africa prepared to claim…

I want to talk a little about elements of the political economy of the Global South, trying to prioritize what I identify as challenges, but also the possibilities of the emergence of a new global order. To begin, I will present some elements that help characterize the multipolar order that is approaching, or in which we are taking our first steps. An important characterization point concerns the fact that, for the first time, the alteration the world is experiencing in the global order is not being preceded by any major world war. Historically, major systemic reconfigurations have been preceded or catalyzed by prolonged wars. I cite the Napoleonic Wars, reconfiguring the process and preceding the Concert of Europe; the First World War, shifting hegemony from England to the United States;…

THE scholar transport accident that killed 14 learners and injured three others this week has exposed systemic lawlessness. School children were being driven in vehicles that were stolen, unroadworthy, overloaded and without the necessary permits and in some instances by drunk drivers. This was uncovered during an operation by the authorities following the deadly crash in Vanderbiljpark that claimed the lives of children who were on their way to school on Monday. The taxi driver, Ayanda Dludla, 22, who was transporting the learners collided with a side tipper truck while he was dangerously overtaking a number of cars, resulting in the collision. Dludla, charged for 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and driving a vehicle without a valid public driver's permit has appeared in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s…

Three months before DA elective conference, party leader John Steenhuisen has boasted about the success of his party since he took over the reins six years ago. Steenhuisen, who took over as interim leader in 2019 when his predecessor Mmusi Maimane resigned and assumed the position a year later, said he was incredibly proud of where he has taken the party. “I inherited a party in 2019 that was sitting at 16% of the polls,” he said, recalling that doomsayers thought it was over for the DA. “Well, look at us now in 2026. We are part of national government,” he said when he engaged with the Press Gallery Association in Cape Town on Thursday. He said the party was growing and that every single credible poll has the DA…

Africa is entering 2026 not at a moment of transition, but at a moment of reckoning. Across the continent, armed conflict, state fragmentation, humanitarian collapse, economic distress, climate shocks, democratic erosion and geopolitical entanglement are converging with a simultaneity and intensity unseen in recent decades. What distinguishes this moment is not the presence of crisis per se, but the growing risk that instability is becoming structural rather than episodic –normalised rather than exceptional. This reckoning is unfolding against the backdrop of a deepening global disorder. The international system itself is unraveling at an alarming speed. Established norms, institutions and rules are eroding, replaced by ad hoc power politics, coercive economic statecraft and fierce geopolitical competition. This disorder is not stabilising. It is accelerating – and its consequences are ominous,…

McLaren may not have turned a wheel yet, but the Woking squad has already chalked up a significant win ahead of the 2026 season, and this one came in a courtroom rather than on the racetrack. The British team has emerged victorious from a long running legal dispute with IndyCar star Alex Palou, after a UK High Court ruled that the Spaniard breached his contract with McLaren. The judgment sees McLaren awarded more than 12 million dollars (just over R193 million) in damages, a ruling that sends a clear and forceful message across the motorsport paddock. The case dates back to 2022, when Palou signed an agreement to join McLaren’s IndyCar operation for the 2024 season. The deal was not just limited to America. It also included ties to McLaren’s…

The Pretoria Capitals are set to take on the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final of the fourth season of the Betway SA20 at Newlands in Cape Town today. Independent Newspapers picks five Match-Ups to keep an eye on during the crucial encounter. Lungi Ngidi vs Quinton de Kock Ngidi has a point to prove at Newlands, having been put to the sword by De Kock this season. During the Centurion fixture, Ngidi was hit all around the park by the left-handed De Kock, while the right-arm quick bowled only two overs and went wicketless in Qualifier 1 at Kingsmead in Durban earlier this week. On the other hand, De Kock would be looking to close off the tournament on a high, having had a very successful campaign as he…

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela believes the club’s quiet January transfer window is less a sign of inertia and more a calculated move tied to plans beyond the current season. While Betway Premiership front-runners Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates both opted to reinforce their squads despite occupying the top two positions in the table, Chiefs resisted similar pressure to act. That decision has frustrated sections of the Amakhosi support, particularly with the transfer window set to close on 31 January without a single new signing. Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung has since confirmed that the Soweto giants will not be adding to their squad this month, a stance that has intensified debate around the club’s short-term ambitions and long-term vision. Speaking on the Soccer Beat podcast, Masilela suggested the…

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was left frustrated after his team’s 2-2 draw with Al Hilal in their CAF Champions League group-stage clash on Friday, but he remains adamant their fate is still in their hands. Sundowns are top of Group C in their continental campaign with five points, level with second-placed Al Hilal. So, had they beaten their closest rivals at home at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, they could have bought themselves some breathing space. The Brazilians were their own worst enemies against the Sudanese outfit, forgetting two of the golden rules of the continent: possession doesn’t win matches, and home games at any stage of the competition are must-win. And that’s not all. Sundowns let themselves down defensively on the two goals conceded, as they failed to…

South Africa has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita in the world, and our government has long used sin tax as a way to tackle the problem. By steadily raising the price of alcohol, the aim is twofold: discourage excessive drinking and generate revenue for public health. But while the intention is clear, the reality is more complicated. As prices climb, demand for cheaper alternatives has surged. This has created fertile ground for the illicit alcohol trade, a shadow market that brings its own dangers, not just for public health but also for workplace safety in high-risk industries such as mining, construction, and transport. When alcohol goes underground Raising alcohol taxes is not a new idea. However, history shows that restricting access to alcohol rarely eliminates…

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Tuesday speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was a wake-up call for Western middle powers, which have blindly followed the United States policy around the world, including ganging up to abuse other nations. Carney described the benefits the hegemonic US provided to the middle powers in the past. He confessed that the international rules-based order was partially false, that the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient, that trade rules were enforced asymmetrically, and "we knew that international law applied with varied rigour, depending on the identity of the accused or the victim". With the US threatening to impose tariffs, apart from threatening international organisations and the sovereignty of Greenland and even Canada, Carney believes the world is "in the midst of a…

FORENSIC consultant Paul O'Sullivan says he is ready to testify virtually before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is investigating serious allegations of misconduct and infiltration within the criminal justice system. He firmly rejected claims suggesting he left South Africa to evade testifying, asserting that he has business commitments in the UK. “No, I have business to do, and I am doing my business. I have business in the UK which I am doing. I have told them I am happy to do it virtually,” O’Sullivan stated during a conversation with IOL from London. O'Sullivan expressed concerns regarding his safety, alleging that the committee's insistence on his physical presence is motivated by ulterior motives. “They want me there in person so that I can be shot,” he alleged. He further indicated…

Sekunjalo chairman Dr Iqbal Survé has called for closer collaboration between government, business and society to strengthen South Africa’s image as an attractive investment destination, saying the country’s future success depends on stakeholders working together. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Survé welcomed the tone and substance of speeches by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, saying they reinforced the message that South Africa is moving in the right direction. “I think they were really good speeches by the ministers,” said Survé. “They reaffirm South Africa’s trend towards becoming a more investment-friendly destination. That’s good for the country and good for South Africa’s brand image.” As a leading figure in the private sector, Survé emphasised…

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, leading South African epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim delivered a clear message: the future of healthcare will depend on bold collaboration, universal access, and greater self-reliance — particularly for countries like South Africa. Speaking after a high-level session on affordable healthcare, Abdool Karim described Davos as a rare space where political leaders, global health experts, academics and corporate executives engage directly on the future of healthcare systems. “The World Economic Forum in Davos is just an amazing opportunity,” he said. “You have CEOs of major companies, ministers of health — including Germany’s — and academics from institutions like Harvard all in the same room. “The discussions are about where healthcare is going, how it will be funded, and…

AFCON promised pageantry. What it delivered was drama so excessive it made reality TV look subtle. Truly, the Senegalese AFCON win unfolded like a storm in slow motion. Goals ruled out, penalties handed like surprise plot twists, players storming off, and a stadium caught somewhere between awe and disbelief. The world tuned in for sport and got chaos — a masterclass in how a “celebration” can collapse spectacularly under its own hype. What was meant to be the apex of Africa’s biggest sporting event — the peak of the continent’s largest football tournament, bringing together skill forged from every corner of our highly multicultural context — was swiftly reduced to carnage. In the aftermath, Morocco’s reaction fuelled the fallout. Formal complaints filed against the champions, an online onslaught of horrendous…

At some point in the next few months, the SACP will convene a Conference of the Left. The aim is to bring together a diverse range of trade unions, progressive non-governmental organisations, and other civil society organisations, as well as left-wing parties and individuals. The broad character of the gathering reflects the determination by the SACP and those supporting its initiative to build a popular left front to tackle the polycrisis South Africa faces. Simply put, the system we live under is unable to deliver a decent life for all. It is locked into a collapsing global framework of monopoly capitalism that promises only wealth and comfort for the few while the many slog away to create it for them. A new dispensation is needed. The Conference of the Left…

In a rare development, former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma agree on one thing. They both share the view that President Cyril Ramaphosa erred when he appointed retired judge Justice Sisi Khampepe to chair the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases that have not been concluded. They unanimously agree that she must recuse herself. This view has sparked debates in various sections of society. One argument is that such a call is unwarranted and that it has the potential to delay the investigation. Those who hold this view argue that justice will be further delayed for the families of the victims of apartheid who need answers. A counter view is that these two leaders are correct. Buttressing their assertion, they reflect on Justice Khampepe’s…

After hosting the 2023 G20 Summit, India has assumed the presidency of another important multilateral grouping, BRICS, starting on January 1, 2026, and will host the 18th BRICS Summit later this year. India’s BRICS presidency comes at an inflection point in global politics – the transition toward multipolarity has become chaotic amid great power rivalries, the spirit of multilateralism is being challenged by unilateral impulses, and BRICS is trying to manage its expansion process without losing its significance. Multilateralism has been widely seen to be in decline as it has struggled to adapt to changing geopolitical circumstances. Interest-based and selective co-operation is now replacing the earlier universal rules-based multilateral co-operation. It is thus both a challenge and an opportunity for India to steer the BRICS grouping under its presidency this…

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick believes Kobbie Mainoo has the quality and character to become a key player for the club after a frustrating spell during Ruben Amorim's reign. Mainoo started for the first time in the Premier League this season in the first game of Carrick's interim spell, as United dominated local rivals Manchester City in a 2-0 win. The 20-year-old shot to prominence in the 2023/24 season under Erik ten Hag, scoring as United beat City in the FA Cup final and playing a starring role in England's run to the Euro 2024 final. However, he struggled for game time during Amorim's ill-fated 14-month spell, as the Portuguese coach defied calls to play Mainoo alongside club captain Bruno Fernandes. "This club needs young players coming through and being…

Brutal heat triggered a five-hour suspension of matches on outside courts at the Australian Open yesterday as Novak Djokovic powered to another landmark win but Naomi Osaka pulled out. Players and spectators roasted on day seven at Melbourne Park, where temperatures soared to 38 degrees. The tournament's Heat Stress Scale hit the highest level of five in the early afternoon, prompting the suspension on courts without roofs, and play did not resume until after 7pm. On a dramatic day on and off court, reigning champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys moved into the last-16, as did 10-time winner Djokovic. Two-time champion Osaka was supposed to be in action in the third round, but pulled out hours before because of an abdominal injury. The Japanese star, who made a grand entrance…

Not long after Natal defeated Transvaal in the epic 1996 Currie Cup final, James Small went to the Natal management and asked to be released from his contract to go to Western Province. It seemed a strange request given that Natal rugby was arguably at its strongest level. That was the year that Natal began their transition to the Sharks. It was exciting times. But Small had a romantic interest in Cape Town. That was where he wanted to be. Small was granted his wish, and Sharks fans were livid. They wanted their hero to stay in black and white. Ian McIntosh, the legendary coach, explained to me why they let Small go. He said that when a player’s heart is no longer in it, you have lost him as…

In the face of persistent inequality and systemic exclusion, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) has issued a clarion call for the radical redesign of entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Global South. As a notable voice in this crucial discourse, Charleen Duncan, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at AGOF, spotlighted the barriers that hinder entrepreneurs from marginalised backgrounds, suggesting that current systems favour a privileged few while sidelining the many. Addressing global delegates at the recent Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) Conference in Mexico, Duncan articulated a stark reality: “Prevailing global systems perpetuate exclusionary privilege and place unfair expectations on startup entrepreneurs from marginalised backgrounds to play by rules that were never designed to include them.” This inequity, she asserts, necessitates a transformative approach in which opportunities are normalised…

Google has quietly removed some of its artificial intelligence‑generated health summaries from search results after an international investigation found the feature could put users at risk of harm by offering misleading medical information. The AI‑powered feature, known as Google AI Overviews, is designed to sit at the top of search results with digestible “snapshots” of key information when people ask questions, including about health and medical issues. But a Guardian investigation found that in several cases the summaries were inaccurate and potentially dangerous, giving users false reassurance about serious health matters. In one example, the AI provided incorrect “normal ranges” for liver blood tests without accounting for crucial factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, or nationality. This is especially worth noting because these variables may affect clinical interpretations, including for…

EFF leader Julius Malema struck a defiant tone outside court this week after his pre-sentencing proceedings were postponed, with final heads of argument expected to be heard on April 15. Malema was found guilty of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failing to take reasonable precautions to protect people or property, and reckless endangerment of persons and property. During Friday’s proceedings, the defence argued that a harsh sentence would have a serious impact on the wellbeing of Malema’s children and would hinder his ability to carry out his political responsibilities as leader of the EFF. Addressing supporters gathered outside the court, Malema thanked those who travelled from across the country to show solidarity. He moved between confrontation and reassurance, at times sounding…

The so-called “Board of Peace” being created by President Donald Trump is profoundly degrading to the pursuit of peace and to any nation that would lend it legitimacy. This is a Trojan horse to dismantle the United Nations. It should be refused outright by every nation invited to join. In its Charter, the Board of Peace (BoP) claims to be an “international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.” If this sounds familiar, it should, because this is the mandate of the United Nations. Created in the aftermath of World War II, the UN has as its central mission the maintenance of international peace and security. It is no secret that Trump holds open contempt…

Reflecting on US President Donald Trump’s first year back in office, Tuesday marked the completion of his inaugural year as the 48th president of the US, following his second coming to the White House. His return was received globally with a mixture of expectation, anxiety and cautious optimism, shaped less by personality than by a world already burdened by deep structural crises and searching for decisive direction. These expectations were conditioned by material realities that long predated Trump’s return. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the fragilities of the global economic system with unmistakable force. Supply chains fractured, production stalled, labour markets convulsed and economies across continents were brought to a standstill. Recovery, particularly in the Global South, proved uneven, externally constrained and structurally fragile, reinforcing long-standing asymmetries between centres of capital…

There are a few certainties in life. Death, taxes and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the Betway SA20 final. In a format that is unpredictable where form rarely counts for anything and a single individual can change the course of the outcome it is a remarkable achievement. But yet here we are, on the eve of the fourth SA20 final, and the Sunrisers are here again preparing to face Pretoria Capitals in search of an unprecedented third title at Newlands today (3:30pm start) What is the magic formula that the men in orange seem to have in abundance? “I think this year we got a really balanced team,” said captain Tristan Stubbs. “I think we’ve got all bases covered but I think the way (coach) AD (Adrian Birrell) runs the…

Games are coming thick and fast for Kaizer Chiefs in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, and co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef knows that if they do not win their third outing against Zesco United today (3pm), they will have a tough task reaching the knockout round. Chiefs visit Zesco at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The hosts are third in the table in Group D with just one point after losing 2-1 to Al Masry and drawing 1-1 with Zamalek in their first two games. Chiefs need to win the match to climb up the table, get their campaign up and running, and take healthy momentum and morale into the second leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in a week’s time. While Zesco are based in neighbouring Zambia and have been…

The anxiety that comes with a new Formula 1 season is always real, but heading into 2026 it feels especially palpable. A sweeping set of technical regulations, new power units, revised aerodynamics and a reshaped competitive landscape have left teams, drivers and fans peering into the unknown. Before the spotlight swings to Bahrain and then Melbourne, the first clues about who has interpreted the rules best will emerge quietly, behind closed doors, in Barcelona. The F1 shakedown is scheduled to take place in late January at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and serves as the first collective on-track outing for the new generation of cars. Drivers will get a chance to test equipment from Monday to Wednesday. Unlike traditional pre-season testing, this is not about chasing lap times or making bold…

Khuliso Mudau has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Orlando Pirates this summer, pledging his loyalty to his current club, Mamelodi Sundowns. Mudau spoke before returning to the Sundowns starting line-up in the 2–2 draw with Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League group stage at Loftus Versfeld. He had previously been rested during the season restart against Orbit College following his AFCON commitments. “I think one of my friends sent me something like that, saying, ‘I am going to Orlando Pirates,’ which I don’t even know about,” he told the club’s media department on Friday night. A few weeks ago, reports emerged that Mudau was in talks with Pirates over a potential move, which allegedly led to Monnapule Saleng — who was on loan at Orbit College…

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has insisted that Cole Palmer remains "very happy" at the club, despite recent reports suggesting the 23-year-old is homesick in London. Manchester-born Palmer moved to Stamford Bridge in 2023 from Manchester City and quickly developed into the Blues' star player during his first two seasons in the capital. However, Palmer has been beset by injury problems this campaign, which have limited his impact on the pitch. "I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here," Rosenior said on Friday. "He's a huge part of our plans in the long term. He's an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their career in terms of injury; it's not any reflection of his quality." Palmer scored from the penalty spot and…

AmaZulu FC will walk onto the Moses Mabhida Stadium pitch this afternoon knowing that form and league position offer no guarantees when familiar opponents arrive with history firmly on their side. Kick-off is set for 3:30 pm, and once again TS Galaxy stand between Usuthu and the chance to finally break a run that has become increasingly uncomfortable. Galaxy make the short trip to Durban carrying a statistic AmaZulu would rather forget — five consecutive victories over the KwaZulu-Natal side in recent meetings. Today’s encounter is therefore about more than points. It is about rewriting a narrative that has repeatedly tilted in the visitors’ favour, regardless of venue or circumstance. From a broader perspective, AmaZulu’s season suggests a club moving in the right direction. Arthur Zwane’s side currently sit sixth…