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55 Articles

SA Budget 2025: SMEs left out in the cold as VAT hikes loom

Small-scale to medium enterprises (SME) play a pivotal role in South Africa’s economy but they may well have been forgotten when Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his 2025 Budget Speech this week. Shawn Theunissen, the founder of Property Point and eTTP, said the 2025 budget statement “was a missed opportunity to leverage SMEs as a catalyst for economic growth and job” creation. “Instead of bold action, we saw vague commitments and a lack of urgency on the issues that matter most to small businesses,” he said. The 0.5% VAT increase proposed for 2025/26, rising by another 0.5% the following year was expected to add an additional direct financial strain on SMEs. The hike in the VAT rate will increase operational costs for small businesses and further squeeze profit margins at…

SA Budget 2025: SMEs left out in the cold as VAT hikes loom

Breaking down the Budget: from Parliament to your purse

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered this year’s postponed Budget Speech this week, which presented a Budget subject to Parliamentary approval. Knowing how the proposed Budget affects you will give you the power to take control of your finances, relook your financial plan and have confidence in your financial future. The Budget Speech isn’t just about big numbers for the nation – it is also about how it will affect us; from Parliament to person. What is the Budget about? In a thriving economy, people and businesses would find it more manageable to pay more tax. This, in turn, allows the government to spend money collected from taxes on short- and long-term priorities like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. On the other hand, an economy that does not grow sufficiently means…

Breaking down the Budget: from Parliament to your purse

Zulu Mien empowers women artisans to craft a sustainable future

In an age where authenticity and ethical practices take centre stage in the marketplace, Nikki Robertson’s Zulu Mien stands out as a beacon of hope. Founded in the serene backdrop of Leeuwfontein Estate in Pretoria, Gauteng, Zulu Mien champions sustainable craftsmanship, offering luxe beaded jewellery that embodies the rich traditions of the Nguni people. Each piece, delicately handcrafted with the highest quality glass beads, tells a remarkable story of artistry, culture, and empowerment. Robertson’s journey began in the heart of rural Kwa-Zulu Natal. An early training stint as a product developer exposed her to the profound skills of women artisans in the area, sparking the idea for Zulu Mien. “My journey began when I was invited to train as a product developer in rural KwaZulu-Natal, working alongside women artisans.…

Zulu Mien empowers women artisans to craft a sustainable future

Remembering Ebenhaezer and the call for mental health awareness

Three months into the new year, the entertainment industry has been faced with yet another massive blow: the death of comedian and TV personality Ebenhaezer Dibakwane. Dibakwane died on March 7, and was buried on March 14, in Mbombela in Mpumalanga. Preliminary evidence suggests that it was death by suicide, a tragic reality that resonates with many in an industry long plagued by the hidden battles of mental health. The 31-year-old award-winning comedian, actor and writer, who was adored for his exceptional talent in making people laugh, struggled with depression for several years. His death homes in on the silent disease, which has taken the lives of many talents over the years, such as rapper Riky Rick and actors Patrick Shai and Siyabonga Zubane. His family, heartbroken by the news,…

Remembering Ebenhaezer and the call for mental health awareness

How to age gracefully: top self-care tips for a youthful glow

Ageing is a natural part of life, but how we age is often influenced by our lifestyle choices and self-care routines. While genetics play a role, incorporating mindful self-care practices into your daily life can help you maintain a youthful appearance and feel more vibrant. Here are some effective self-care practices that can help you look younger and radiate confidence. Prioritise skincare Your skin is one of the first places where signs of ageing appear. A consistent skincare routine can work wonders in maintaining a youthful glow. ● Cleanse and moisturise daily: Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and impurities, followed by a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin looks plump and reduces the appearance of fine lines. ● Wear sunscreen: Sun exposure is one of the…

How to age gracefully: top self-care tips for a youthful glow

Is cockroach milk the next superfood? Discover its surprising health benefits

When you hear the word “superfood”, you probably think of kale, chia seeds, or even moringa. But what if I told you there’s a new contender in the wellness world that might make you squirm? I’m talking about cockroach milk. Wait, what? Cockroach milk? It may sound like something straight out of an episode of Fear Factor, but before you start cringing, hear us out. Scientists are buzzing about its insane nutritional value. Cockroach milk, specifically from the species Diploptera punctate, the only cockroach species known to give birth to live young, is one of the most nutrient-dense substances on earth. Yes, you read that right. Cockroach milk is packed with proteins, fats, and sugars that could rival, and even surpass, some of the most nutrient-rich foods we consume today.…

Is cockroach milk the next superfood? Discover its surprising health benefits

Address SA’s deteriorating road infrastructure before it’s too late

STEPHAN Flynn, author of The Edge of Disaster, said in the documentary The Crumbling of America: “When we look at Rome as a great civilisation, a big part of what made it so great was the infrastructure. The road systems, the bridges, the aqueducts. As the Romans started to neglect that investment, they crumbled and collapsed, and we ended up with the dark ages.” The same could be said of South Africa. For many years, country’s infrastructure has been impressive. However, in the past few years, South Africa's infrastructure has deteriorated. Almost all of its infrastructure has collapsed or is crumbling. The only remaining infrastructure that has remained unscathed is strongly fragile, as it is by now dated and highly vulnerable. The fragility has manifested itself through potholes and collapses…

Address SA’s deteriorating road infrastructure before it’s too late

The importance of women in the IOC leadership

IN a matter of days, from March 18 to 23, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) holds presidential elections of great significance in that, in one of the rarest moments, an African candidate has raised a hand to contest. Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe, an IOC Executive Board member with impeccable credentials. In my view, the fact that she is also a woman bears great meaning and implications. For far too long, women’s progress the world over has been held back by my tendencies, such as misogyny and male chauvinism. Coventry’s decision and resolve to contest against a string of powerful men from the so-called developed world is already a massive victory for Africa and the Global South in particular. Also of immeasurable importance, Coventry is the only woman running for the…

Under ANC-led GNU the poor are on their own

THE DA reminding the ANC of the working class’s struggle in this stagnant economy has been one of the most peculiar and unexpected outcomes of the proposed 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) increase by the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana. Disagreements were inevitable in the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) setup because of many pressure points and areas of divergence in policy. However, the ANC’s neoliberal policies give the impression that the organisation is now determined to go back to its origins and work for the “well-heeled”, which at the time of its founding in 1912 included the middle class, traditional leaders, and the educated. With the austerity measures in place, there’s no longer any pretence of caring for the poor. Across Europe, even in countries with stronger and bigger economies…

US-SA relations boil over: Rasool expelled over Trump utterances

There are diverse views on South Africa’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool's expulsion from the USA on Friday, after sharing his opinion on Donald Trump’s presidency during a webinar. Rasool previously served as SA ambassador to the US during the Barack Obama administration between 2010 and 2015. He was re-appointed in January 2025, as ambassador during the Joe Biden and then Donald Trump administration. The webinar was held by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra) where Rasool made the remarks. The theme was 'Implications of changes in US administrations for SA and Africa'. During the webinar, Rasool said people should get hold of the framework document of South Africa’s national interests — because this is going to be a guide for SA during these very turbulent moments that we are navigating…

US-SA relations boil over: Rasool expelled over Trump utterances

Royal family dispute deepens as King Misuzulu is demoted

THE Zulu monarch has described the action of some royal family members listing King Misuzulu as a prince in their newly unveiled royal family tree as disrespectful. Three Zulu princes, Vulindlela, Thulani, and Mathubesizwe, addressed the briefing at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on Friday to unveil the family tree, which listed the king and his siblings as princes and princesses. They are brothers to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and uncles to King Misuzulu. The release of the tree to the public was in anticipation of the outcome of a yet-to-be-heard appeal lodged by King Misuzulu at the Supreme Court of Appeal against the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, ruling against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recognition and gazettal of the kingship, which is being disputed within the…

Royal family dispute deepens as King Misuzulu is demoted

Budget crisis could trigger new elections

The government will not come to a standstill if the Budget is not passed by Parliament in April, but there is a likelihood of the collapse of the Government of National Unity (GNU) or emergence of reconfigured coalition government. The worst scenario in the event that parties don’t reach an agreement will be to call fresh elections to elect a new government. This is according to political parties and a political scientist in the wake of the opposition to the Budget that was tabled for the second time by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. It has been referred to parliamentary committees for deliberation and scrutiny before the two Houses of Parliament pass or reject it on April 2 amid the expressed dissatisfaction with its current form, especially the inclusion of VAT…

Budget crisis could trigger new elections

Callous tax hike fails the people

THE 2025 Budget Speech, delivered by South Africa’s Finance Minister, has been met with widespread condemnation, with critics slamming it as a callous and economically destructive move that will further cripple already struggling households. The proposed one percentage point VAT increase over two years, coupled with the failure to adjust personal income tax brackets for inflation, has been described as “unacceptable” and a “slap in the face” to taxpayers. Solidarity, a leading trade union, has led the charge, accusing the govern- ment of showing “no compassion whatsoever” for the people of South Africa. The Treasury’s proposal to increase VAT by one percentage point has been met with fierce resistance. Theuns du Buisson, an economic researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI), minced no words in his criticism: “This increase will…

Callous tax hike fails the people

Wealthy South Africans contribute half of R8bn tax revenue, reveals SARS

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has highlighted the complexities surrounding the proposed wealth tax, emphasising that this tax is not an instantaneous solution to the nation’s pressing fiscal challenges. Kieswetter underscored the need for extensive work to lay the groundwork for the initiative. “This is one of the areas where you may need to come back and do a deep dive discussion with members on wealth tax because the first question is, what is a wealth tax? How do we define a tax on the wealthy?” he said. He made the statement during the joint meeting of Parliament’s committees that deal with matters of finance and appropriation on Friday. The meeting was aimed to engage Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and the National Treasury on the 2025/26 Budget tabled earlier this week.…

Wealthy South Africans contribute half of R8bn tax revenue, reveals SARS

SACCI survey reveals mixed signals in country’s trade outlook

THE latest South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) Trade Conditions Survey for February 2025 presents a nuanced picture of South Africa’s trade environment, showing both signs of improvement and lingering challenges. Participants noted that trade conditions were better in February than at any time since mid-2024, following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in June last year. This change suggests that efforts by the GNU to enhance the economy are beginning to yield positive results. In February 2025, 54% of respondents faced tough trade conditions, an improvement from 65% in December 2024 and 60% in January 2025. This easing of trade conditions indicates a gradual recovery, likely influenced by the GNU's economic initiatives. However, expectations for the next six months are less optimistic, with only…

SACCI survey reveals mixed signals in country’s trade outlook

Budget 2025: a political tug-of-war with you wallet at stake Budget 2025 could lead to poll

ALL eyes were on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana this week, following last month’s postponed Budget Speech, which some GNU members refused to support. The initial 2% proposed VAT hike drew harsh criticism and was rejected by GNU members who demanded more emphasis on growth. In the days that followed, the recovery in the rand and bond yields suggested that the market was taking the GNU’s first real test in its stride. Rather than indicating dysfunction, the experience demonstrated that the GNU is, in fact, working. Like in any relationship, a compromise is necessary to move forward. Speculation around what that compromise might look like was rampant leading up to the event. Analysts felt a 0.5% to 1% VAT hike, coupled with spending cuts and more explicit measures to boost growth,…

Budget 2025: a political tug-of-war with you wallet at stake
Budget
2025 could
lead to poll

Is Legal Aid SA's land rights unit failing the marginalised?

SOUTH Africa’s Land Rights Management Unit (LRMU), a critical division of Legal Aid SA, is grappling with severe challenges as it strives to deliver justice to some of the country’s most marginalised citizens: farm dwellers, labour tenants, and land reform beneficiaries. Despite its mandate to provide legal representation to these vulnerable groups, the unit is hamstrung by chronic underfunding, systemic inefficiencies, and delays in resolving cases. These issues have sparked intense scrutiny and raised urgent questions about the government’s commitment to land reform and rural justice. Established in January 2022, the LRMU was tasked with taking over legal representation for farm occupiers, labour tenants, and land claimants from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD). However, since its inception, the unit has faced significant operational hurdles, leaving…

Is Legal Aid SA's land rights unit failing the marginalised?

Eight years, R200m later: GO! Durban remains stalled

eThekwini Municipality has spent a whopping R187.5 million in the past 75 months since the last quarter of 2018, providing security and maintenance for the almost completed GO! Durban bus route, including stations. The project has been dormant for the past eight years, with the city wasting a significant amount of money on a route that is not bringing in revenue. This has angered the national government, which recently threatened to stop providing additional financing. The supposedly state-of-the-art Corridor 3 (C3) route between Pinetown and Bridge City, in the north of Durban, whose construction began in 2014, remains a white elephant. According to the city’s GO! Durban News publication, the C3 was supposed to be completed towards the end of 2017 and become operational the following year. The city was…

Eight years, R200m later: GO! Durban remains stalled

King demoted in Zulu royal family tree

From page 1 to do so. “There is no family that wants to see their internal affairs discussed in public,” he said. The briefing was held while King Misuzulu was in Nquthu, northern KwaZulu-Natal, launching a R400 million project to upgrade the 31km P372 gravel road to the Isandlwana Battlefield heritage site. The repaved road would be renamed after him. The invitation to the briefing read: “In light of the multifaceted challenges facing the Zulu Royal Family, the time has come for the Zulu Royal Family to take the nation into confidence, setting the record straight, and allowing the truth to be heard.” Vulindlela said the tree would make it clear who belongs in the family so that those who claim to be princes and princesses, but who are not,…

Examining corporate immunity from NPA prosecution in SA

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi has announced that additional state capture cases will be enrolled in 2025. She emphasised the NPA’s commitment to progress, stating, “A great deal of effort is being put into this matter, and I am highly confident that this year will bring significant progress with further case enrolments.” However, public perception remains that the NPA’s success is judged solely by the imprisonment of politicians, a narrow view that overlooks the broader systemic issues at play. Batohi’s statement comes amid growing scrutiny of the NPA’s ability to hold powerful corporate actors accountable, particularly those implicated in state capture. South Africa’s legal landscape is riddled with contradictions, as highlighted by political analyst Aubrey Matshiqi, who describes a reality where truth-seekers must navigate between “angels with horns…

Examining corporate immunity from NPA prosecution in SA

Eskom’s gains overshadowed by corruption issues

ESKOM announced on Friday that load shedding remains suspended, marking 336 consecutive days (8 163 hours) without power cuts—a dramatic improvement compared to the 32 days (2 214 hours) achieved in the same period last year. The embattled state-owned power utility also reported a staggering R16.76 billion in year-on-year diesel savings, a 52.9% reduction compared to the R31.69 billion spent last year. While these figures paint a picture of progress, they are overshadowed by damning revelations of corruption and mismanagement within the organisation, as detailed in a briefing by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy. Eskom’s latest update confirms that the power system remains stable, with unplanned outages reduced to 13 469MW and available generation capacity at 27 231MW—enough to meet the day’s…

AUC, SADC strengthen disaster risk management

FOLLOWING a courtesy call to the President of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction of Mozambique, Luisa Celma Meque, the joint monitoring mission held a technical consultative meeting with the Institute in Maputo from February 28-29. During the meeting, INGD delivered a presentation on the various disaster risk reduction initiatives it is engaged in, with a specific focus on the multi-hazard early warning projects. INGD is receiving support from the CIMA Research Foundation to expand its situation room and align it with the continental and regional situation room at the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC). The AU Commission, SADC, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) presented updates on…

How India's drone initiative can empower SA women in agriculture

THIS past week, we celebrated International Women’s Day in South Africa and the world. As we reflect on the historical day, we are also obligated to revisit our commitment as South Africans to the emancipation of women in our country, particularly rural women. Rural women in South Africa continue to bear the brunt of triple oppression due to their race, class, and gender; hence, it is not a coincidence that in their majority they have not managed to achieve economic freedom. This situation is no different from the realities of many women in the Global South, and one country in particular that is also confronted with this circumstance is India. The patriarchal norms in India have hindered women’s progress in the country, but a lot is seemingly being done by…

How India's drone initiative can empower SA women in agriculture

Portfolio committee descends into chaos over SME Ombud

THE Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development’s meeting to establish criteria for appointing South Africa’s first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Ombudsperson descended into disarray, as members clashed over procedural delays, accusations of document tampering, and a proposed motion of no confidence against the committee secretary. The meeting, chaired by the ANC’s Masefako Dikgale, was intended to finalise the shortlisting criteria for candidates applying for the newly created position of SME Ombudsperson. The office, mandated by the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act, will adjudicate disputes and complaints within the small enterprise sector and report to the Minister of Small Business Development and Parliament. However, the proceedings were marred by infighting and accusations of incompetence. The EFF’s Babalwa Mathulelwa led the charge, proposing a motion of no confidence against the Committee…

Portfolio committee descends into chaos over SME Ombud

Cuba faces energy crisis as blackouts mirror SA's challenges

CUBA is facing its fourth significant blackout in just five months, a troubling scenario similar to that of close allies South Africa. This latest lapse in electricity supply further exacerbates an already dire energy crisis, signalling an urgent need for reforms and international assistance in the Caribbean nation. Residents of Havana and other major cities reported extensive power outages that lasted for several hours, disrupting daily life and prompting widespread complaints. The blackouts have sparked frustration and anger among the populace, many of whom are already grappling with the burdens of rising costs of living and dwindling resources. Experts suggest that these blackouts are symptomatic of a fractured energy infrastructure struggling under the weight of years of neglect and lack of investment. The country relies predominantly on ageing fossil fuel…

Cuba faces energy crisis as blackouts mirror SA's challenges

Unresolved issues with Budget 2025 could lead to poll

From page 1 the end of the road. There’s still room for the Cabinet to support the Budget changes,” Duvenhage said. He also said that another scenario will be that the ANC will go on its own and function like a minority government. “The ANC may negotiate with, among others, the EFF and the MK Party. Of course, what is clear is they need the support of one of the three bigger parties, And in that sense, they can follow the minority strategy. “The other line can be that there’s no consensus behind the scenes that the GNU will fall apart, and we may see either a realignment of parties. Let’s say the EFF is coming in the place of the DA and maybe even the Freedom Front Plus, or…

Celebrating a comedic legacy and mental health awareness

THIS past week, South Africa mourned a great loss — one of its brightest comedic talents — with the passing of Ebenhaezer Dibakwane. The actor, writer, creative, and award-winning comedic bright spark was a beloved figure in the comedy scene and on the big screen. His quick wit, infectious humour, and downright authentic relatability made him an endeared public figure, in any scene. Beyond that, Ebenhaezer had an ingenious way of conveying exceptionally insightful observations in a uniquely hilarious way. With a confident, yet effortless style that radiated charm, and thick, vibrant hair worthy of making Steve Biko jealous, Ebenhaezer was certainly an embodiment of incomparable energy. It is not often one realises the adverse impact of loss, not only to a family, community, or industry, but to an entire…

Celebrating a comedic legacy and mental health awareness

Government clarifies Z83 form challenges in recruitment

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has provided clarification on the operational challenges the government is facing in recruiting staff using its Z83 application for employment form. Acting DPSA Director-General Willie Vukela said that in the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, the department surveyed other government departments to identify the difficulties encountered when completing the Z83 form. According to Vukela, the survey revealed that the form was applied inconsistently across the public service. He said it highlighted challenges related to the instructions for filling out the form and addressing specific questions. The DPSA has advised government departments to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure the fair consideration of applicants. According to the department, the Z83 form must not be used in isolation during the selection process,…

Government clarifies Z83 form challenges in recruitment

Rapist gets 15-year sentence after committing crime while on parole

A repeat offender rapist has been served 15 years imprisonment and will serve the remainder of his previous sentence - being five years - before he starts serving the latest sentence. Bonginkosi Ngcingci, 36, was out on parole after serving 10 years of a 15-year sentence for rape, robbery, and housebreaking when he again committed a rape. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson for the Eastern Cape division, Luxolo Tyali, said Ngcingci - in the latest rape case - was convicted for the rape of a 26-year-old woman he claimed to have been in a relationship with and claimed they had consensual sex. Ngcingci was recently sentenced in the Makhanda Regional Court. Details that emerged in court were that in the early hours of December 23, 2023, Ngcingci followed the victim and…

Rapist gets 15-year sentence after committing crime while on parole

Reactions to the US expelling SA’s ambassador to Washington

From page 1 the news instead of engaging with the South African government diplomatically,” Booysen said. Dr Yacoob Abba Omar, director operations at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra), said they noted the implications of changes in the US administration for South Africa and Africa, and hope these issues will be resolved in the interest of the peoples of both countries. Omar said that among the topics Mistra thought would be useful to analyse was what is happening to American institutions, whether the checks and balances thought to be the bedrock of the political system are functioning, and what that means for the US society. “What are we to make of developments in domestic politics in the US, where shutting down of government departments in the name of efficiency,…

GNU Budget negotiations signal new political reality

South Africans should brace themselves for fierce negotiations over the Budget as the DA, the second biggest party in the Government of National Unity (GNU), has made it clear that they will not simply rubberstamp a Budget proposed by the ANC. DA leader John Steenhuisen has signalled that while the party will engage in negotiations regarding the Budget vote, they have serious reservations about the current proposal’s effectiveness in addressing economic growth and job creation. This sentiment was echoed on Thursday during a Budget discussion among DA leaders, where Finance Deputy Minister Ashor Sarupen voiced his disappointment with the Budget tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Sarupen said it did not resolve the fundamental problems in the economy. “It is business as usual, and business as usual is not good…

SA’s arduous journey towards building a culture of human rights

THE issue of human rights abuses has been one of the critical subjects in South Africa’s political history. The Khoisan communities were on the receiving end following the arrival of the whites on the shores of this country. The slaves also saw their human rights being violated. White expansion from the Cape of Good Hope saw the rights of black people being violated. The beginning of apartheid in 1948 and subsequent discriminatory legislation saw the human rights of the oppressed people being trampled upon. Given this context, it did not come as a surprise when Nelson Mandela emphasised human rights in his 1993 article which was the foundation of South Africa’s foreign policy agenda. Having been the victim of human rights abuses, Mandela pleaded with the world to respect human…

SA’s arduous journey towards building a culture of human rights

Rekindling the spirit of mass mobilisation in SA

THE struggle against apartheid was a collective effort involving various liberation movements, with the ANC being the oldest and most prominent. Once a unifying force, the ANC enjoyed widespread support from diverse communities. The Freedom Charter, adopted at the Congress of the People (COP) in Kliptown on 26 June 1955, became a blueprint for a non- racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa. It articulated the aspirations of the majority, declaring that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, providing an opportunity to reflect on the ANC’s evolution since it assumed power in 1994. While the Charter remains a beacon of hope, the ANC’s ability to uphold its principles has waned, raising questions about its future relevance. Power of…

Rekindling the spirit of mass mobilisation in SA

Election chaos causes more instability in country

South Sudan’s post-civil war Transitional Government of National Unity held together by a tenuous Revitalised Agreement for Conflict Resolution in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018 appears to be on the brink of collapse. This was after reports of renewed clashes between the South Sudanese forces controlled by President Salva Kiir and the White Army militia believed to be loyal to the First Vice President Riek Machar. Although the militia does not fall under the direct control of Machar, its members are drawn from the Nuer ethnic group to which Machar belongs and fought alongside his Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) against Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) during the five-year civil war from 2013 to 2018. South Sudan descended into a civil war in 2013, just two…

Election chaos causes more instability in country

SA, EU leaders vow deeper ties amid US threats

The European Union (EU) and South Africa vowed to deepen co-operation at a summit this week as both grapple with aid and trade threats from the new US administration. European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen also plans to mobilise a E4.7 billion (about R93.5bn) investment package in South Africa that includes funding for a transition to clean energy and to boost vaccine manufacturing. The EU-South Africa summit came at a time of “global uncertainty … characterised by rising unilateralism, economic nationalism”, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in opening remarks that referenced a huge global shake-up since US President Donald Trump took office. There had been a retreat from “a world order that seeks to advance all nations” and promote a human rights culture, Ramaphosa said. “If there ever was a…

Embattled Congo president considers sitting down with M23 rebels

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi has long ruled out dialogue with the Rwanda- backed M23 rebels rampaging through eastern parts of his country, but a string of defeats and waning regional support have forced him to think again. Neighbouring Angola caught many by surprise this week by saying the DRC and M23 would sit down for direct talks in its capital on Tuesday, at a time when the rebels are still seizing territory rich with coltan, tantalum and other minerals. Tshisekedi’s government has so far not committed publicly, but three government sources told Reuter he was seriously considering sending a delegation. With the DRC’s army and allied forces putting up weak resistance to the rebel advance, regional powers appear in agreement that dialogue is the only way…

Chinese modernisation: blueprint for global progress

AT China’s recent annual “two sessions” political gathering, Chinese modernisation once again captured global attention. International observers are closely following a range of new measures designed not only to accelerate Chinese domestic transformation but also to unlock fresh opportunities for global development. Chinese modernisation, built on a foundation of openness and co- operation, will continue to yield global benefits with each new milestone. Today, China stands as a formidable force in the global economy, accounting for around 18% of the global economy, and the added value of China’s manufacturing sector contributes to about 30% of the world’s total. Year after year, the nation has contributed about 30% to global economic growth. With import and export records with almost all countries and regions designated in the UN Statistics Division, the country…

Chinese modernisation: blueprint for global progress

No talks to resettle Palestinians, say African nations

Somalia and its breakaway region of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa have not received any proposal from the US or Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, their foreign ministers said on Friday, with Mogadishu saying it categorically rejected any such move. The Associated Press (AP) quoted US and Israeli officials as saying their governments had contacted officials from Sudan, Somalia and Somaliland to discuss using their territory for resettling Palestinians from the devastated Gaza Strip. Sudanese officials said they rejected the proposal by the US, and officials from Somalia and Somaliland said they were unaware of any contact. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said his country would reject “any proposal or initiative, from any party, that would undermine the Palestinian people’s right to live peacefully on their ancestral…

Justice Department to probe protests for terrorism violations

The US Justice Department said it was looking into what it said were possible violations of terrorism laws during protests over the Gaza war at Columbia University, putting fresh pressure on the epicentre of last year’s nationwide anti-Israel activism. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation was part of President Donald Trump’s “mission to end antisemitism in this country.” Civil rights proponents criticised the move, saying that protesters were covered by the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects rights including free speech. The announcement is the latest in a series of signals that the Trump administration has no intention of easing its crackdown on pro-Palestinian student activists and university policies that it says allows antisemitism to flourish on campus. The Trump administration has told Columbia that the school…

Putin tells Ukraine troops to surrender

President Vladimir Putin called on Friday for beleaguered Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk to “surrender” as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian leader of seeking to sabotage a ceasefire initiative. US President Donald Trump urged Putin to spare the lives of the Ukrainian troops as he said his envoy had held “productive” talks with Russia’s leader on a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Russia has mounted a rapid counteroffensive in the western border region of Kursk over the past week, recapturing much of the territory Ukraine seized in a shock incursion last August. Defeat in Kursk would be a major blow to Ukraine’s plans to use its hold on the region as a bargaining chip in peace talks for the three-year-old war. “If they lay down their arms…

Stuurman credits new recruits for breathing life into Boland

The last time Boland won a Division One title was during the Covid-19 bubble days when they won the CSA T20 Challenge at St George's Park in Gqeberha in 2022. After having rather forgetful seasons, the side has been able to turn their ship around in the ongoing CSA One Day Cup, dominating on their way booking a home final. Boland Seam bowler Glenton Stuurman told Independent Media that their new recruits including Gavin Kaplan and Grant Roelofsen have breathed life into their team. "After having a season like we had last year, we knew that we had to do something different and for us, it was getting some new faces in, new energy, a different type of hunger and ultimately everyone that will buy into what we want to…

Stuurman credits new recruits for breathing life into Boland

Zwane: We're more than just survivors

AmaZulu FC head coach, Arthur Zwane, is working tirelessly to foster a winning mindset within the squad as he seeks to elevate the club to new heights. Following his side’s 2-1 loss to TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday, Zwane reflected on his team’s current form and emphasised the need for a mental shift. A few weeks ago, Usuthu were on the cusp of securing a CAF Confederation Cup spot. Now, they find themselves in seventh place on the Betway Premiership table, with only seven games remaining in the season. Recent setbacks, including defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns and a draw with SuperSport United, have left the team fighting to stay within the top eight. “We’re trying to build character, a winning mentality,” Zwane said after the TS…

Zwane: We're more than just survivors

Kaizer Chiefs face critical Richards Bay clash

In what marks their final match before the first FIFA International break of the year, Kaizer Chiefs will head to Durban this Sunday afternoon to face Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium. Scheduled for a 3.30pm kick off, The Natal Rich Boys will be looking to disrupt the Glamour Boys' hopes of climbing into the top three by securing a crucial win over the Soweto giants. Chiefs, still licking their wounds after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, will be eager to bounce back. Meanwhile, Richards Bay are coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Magesi FC, a team currently struggling to stay afloat towards the bottom of the league. The first meeting between these two sides…

Kaizer Chiefs face critical Richards Bay clash

Slot eyes first Liverpool trophy against Newcastle

Liverpool can win the first trophy of the Arne Slot era in today's League Cup final against a Newcastle side desperate to end the club's 56-year wait for major silverware. In the first final of the English domestic season, runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool head to Wembley aiming to erase the bitter taste of their Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. The Reds were beaten 4-1 on penalties by PSG in the last 16 second leg at Anfield. It was a rare blow in what has been a successful first season in charge for Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord to succeed Jurgen Klopp last year. Sitting 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Reds are within touching distance of a record-equalling 20th English title…

Slot eyes first Liverpool trophy against Newcastle

Orlando Pirates can still win the title, says Shandu

Orlando Pirates’ defender-cum-midfielder Bandile Shandu says their title race fate is solely on their hands, and that’s why they are not focusing on other teams. Pirates are second on the log with 40 points, 18 behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have played four games more. With the rescheduling of their games in hand yet to be decided, Pirates could trim that gap to 15 points if they beat Sundowns today. Pirates will host Sundowns at the Calabash at 3.30pm, not only eager to bag three points, but to avenge their 4-1 loss in the first leg last month. Shandu, though, is adamant that they won’t be obsessed with beating the champions for external reasons, instead they want to improve themselves as a unit. “If we improve ourselves then we are…

Orlando Pirates can still win the title, says Shandu

Two of these drivers could be sitting in a Cadillac next year

Two lucky Formula 1 drivers could make history next season and join Cadillac - the 11th team to compete for the World Championship. It will be the first time that 11 teams take the grid since the start of F1 in 1950. Since then, only 10 teams and 20 drivers have competed but this month, the FIA made a historic announcement, confirming Cadillac’s seat on the grid, and the second American team behind Haas. The addition of Cadillac also means that there’s two new seats available next season, with a host of former drivers looking to seize a spot. But Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon said they are looking into hiring American drivers as well. Valterri Bottas Being a bunch of newbies in the paddock, Cadillac will have to align…

Two of these drivers could be sitting in a Cadillac next year

Building stadiums a key focus for Motsepe

Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF, who has extended his leadership of the organisation until 2029, has promised to address the issue of national stadiums across Africa. On Wednesday, Motsepe was re-elected unopposed for a second four-year term at the 14th CAF extraordinary general assembly in Cairo. He said national stadiums would be one of his key areas of focus. “In 2021, there were 36 countries that were not playing football in their own countries. The number has come down to 12, but for us, this is still a big number,” said Motsepe. “At CAF and Fifa, it is our job to continue supporting the development of sports infrastructure.” Motsepe urged national federations to work with private financiers to help build national stadiums in countries where government budgets are restrictive. He…

Building stadiums a key focus for Motsepe

Cheslin Kolbe reflects on his journey

Cheslin Kolbe didn’t think he would be crowned the South African Rugby Player of the Year coming up against big names like Pieter-Steph du Toit, current World Rugby Player of the Year, Springbok centurion Eben Etzebeth and star inside centre Damian de Allende. But the accolade fell to the fleet-footed winger on Thursday evening in Cape Town when he beat his Springbok teammates to be crowned the best player in SA for 2024. He follows in the footsteps of former Stormers teammate Jean de Villiers who was the last backline player, back in 2013, to win the prestigious award. Kolbe said he is still pinching himself after bagging the win after a stellar 2024 with the Springboks. “Growing up and seeing all the players who have lifted this award has…

Cheslin Kolbe reflects on his journey

Sacha set for exciting comeback

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is ready to return to action in the United Rugby Championship (URC) with the Stormers with an eye on an injury-free end to the tournament heading into the new international season. The 23-year-old picked up a couple of niggles that kept him on the sidelines for the last few months, but his return is imminent as the URC heads for an exciting ending. The Stormers will play two games overseas, starting next weekend, before finishing with four in Cape Town. After being crowned SA Rugby’s Young Player of the Year on Thursday evening in the Mother City, the rising star said he has fully recovered and is ready to dazzle on the field again. While picking up little traits covering a host of positions as a utility back,…

Sacha set for exciting comeback

Players that need to spark Pirates into life

Orlando Pirates face an uphill battle to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns as they go into this weekend’s clash at the FNB Stadium staring at an 18-point deficit. Obakeng Meletse looks at the five players that need to stand up to reduce the deficit. Tshegofatso Mabasa The Buccaneers are not only in arrears but they might have to deal with a goal difference that is also heavily weighing in the Brazilians’ favour with every match that passes. Mabasa was the 2023/24 season golden boot award winner and with only 12 matches of their season still left to play, the left-footed striker has not gone past even half of the 16 goals he scored last season. Relebohile Mofokeng Without a doubt, South Africa’s most talented player, Mofokeng, together with his Pirates side have…

Players that need to spark Pirates into life

Sharks recognised for commitment to transformation

The Sharks’ commitment to transformation was recognised at the SA Rugby Awards evening on Thursday when they landed the inaugural President’s Award. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander handed over the trophy to KZN rugby president Graham Mackenzie and thanked the Sharks for their “unwavering commitment to transformation.” It was under the stewardship of former Sharks CEO Ed Coetzee that the Sharks got ahead in the transformation game. Skilful black Africans were recruited at the top level and others were brought through the Sharks Academy. Every Saturday the Sharks field a team that is representative of South Africa. The coaching staff doesn’t have to wonder about player colour in terms of representation targets because the squad is richly integrated with South Africans of all races, colours and creeds. Alexander said: “The…

Sharks recognised for commitment to transformation

Tuchel hopes to bring league power to England reign

Thomas Tuchel said his England team must reflect the physicality of the Premier League as he hopes to inject more "intensity" into the Three Lions. The German's appointment as the third foreign manager to take charge of England has raised the pressure on Tuchel to deliver a first major trophy since 1966 at next year's World Cup. After consecutive European Championship final defeats under Gareth Southgate, plus semi-final and quarter-final exits at the past two World Cups, the English Football Association has invested heavily in Tuchel's track record as a serial winner. The 51-year-old guided Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 and also won league titles at Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Tuchel, though, said he is hoping to deploy the pace and power of the Premier League, rather…

Tuchel hopes to bring league power to England reign

Arteta 'proud' of Lewis-Skelly's England call-up

Mikel Arteta said he was "proud" of Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly after the teenager was named in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad on Friday. Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a meteoric rise since bursting onto the Premier League stage with Arsenal earlier this season. The 18-year-old only made his Gunners debut in September, but has already established himself as a key figure in Arteta's line-up. The Arsenal academy graduate grew up in Islington, near to the Emirates Stadium, and has been at the north London club since the age of nine. As a homegrown product, Lewis-Skelly's rapid progression to the England squad earned a glowing tribute from his manager. "Very proud of him," said Arteta, whose team host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday. "It's a huge moment for him and…

Arteta 'proud' of Lewis-Skelly's England call-up

Boks are best in the world because they transformed

This last week’s furore in South African cricket over the Eastern Province Warriors’ failure to meet transformation targets got me thinking about how rugby, ironically, has been the trailblazers in local sport. I say “ironically” because during the apartheid era, the Springboks were regarded by many as the poster boys of white supremacy. The lilywhite Boks were hated by large factions in this country and understandably so. Until 1992, only whites qualified for the Springboks and if you were not white, why would you support a team that excluded you? To this day there are many South Africans who still cannot bring themselves to support the Boks. In the Western and Eastern Cape there are All Blacks supporters clubs who turn out en masse to support the Kiwis when they…

Boks are best in the world because they transformed

McLaren dominate qualifying at Australian GP

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri put up stellar drives in the first qualifying round of the season, taking pole and 2nd place for the Australian Grand Prix. Norris edges his Australian team mate by 0.084s to take pole position as he fights for his first world title. Red Bull's Max Verstappen initially took pole but was beaten by the hometown hero Piastri by four tenths. Norris put a damper in the Australian crowd spirits shortly after with a blistering 1m 15.096s lap to trump Piastri. Verstappen had to settle for third, with George Russel in the Mercedes behind in fourth. Arguably the most impressive lap of qualifying belonged to Yuki Tsunoda in the Racing Bulls' car to finish the top five. Alex Albon broke Ferrari fans hearts around the world,…

McLaren dominate qualifying at Australian GP

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