Durban City coach Pitso Dladla admitted it “wasn’t pretty” but praised his players’ resilience and discipline after they booked a historic first Nedbank Cup final berth with a 1-0 victory over Casric Stars at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

Dladla conceded his side made life difficult for themselves, particularly after failing to build on their early advantage, courtesy of a Casric Stars own goal.

“In the first half we made things a little bit difficult. We had moments where we could have gone for a second goal but took our foot off the pedal and allowed them to play,” he said. “At that stage it was about protecting what we had.”

Casric threatened more after the break with a direct approach, but Dladla highlighted his midfield unit for standing firm.

“We had to make sure we win the first ball and secure the second ball. Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Thabo Nodada did exactly that,” he said. “A lot of work was done by the players – credit must go to them.”

While acknowledging a slice of fortune, the coach insisted City had earned their moment.

“In football you need luck, but you must make your own luck. It must be accompanied by hard work and proper planning,” he explained.

Dladla also pointed to strong leadership behind the scenes as key to the club’s rise, stressing that the achievement was a collective effort beyond the technical team.

Despite the milestone, he urged humility ahead of the final against TS Galaxy or Milford FC, who will contest Sunday's second semi-final.

“We must remain humble. Finals are very challenging and only the winners are remembered,” he said.

The victory, he added, would serve as a major confidence boost for a side determined to compete with the country’s top teams.

"Just imagine if we lost this game. I'm not saying we don't respect Casric Stars, but they are playing in a lower division. Should we have lost this game, we were going to lose confidenc," he said.

“This win gives the players belief that they are good enough. We are ambitious and want to stay within touching distance of the teams that are above us. I believe that we'll do well in the remaining games of the league.”

There was heartbreak for the Bulls yet again at the hands of their nemesis side, the Glasgow Warriors, who beat them 25-21 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup.

Like the Stormers in the earlier game in Toulon, the Bulls looked well placed to manufacture an upset but just could not get over the line.

The game kicked off in awful conditions, with rain lashing the Scotstoun stadium and driving winds making handling and kicking challenging.

The opening 10 minutes were all the Bulls and Glasgow were lucky to get away with, conceding just three points via a Handre Pollard penalty.

But the Warriors are not unbeaten in 11 games at Scotstoun for nothing — they shook off the pressure from the Bulls and rampaged up field from the restart for lock Max Williams to crash over.

The Bulls retaliated with an excellent passage of play off a lineout, which culminated in hooker Johan Grobbelaar diving over at the corner flag. Pollard missed the conversion to leave the Bulls in front at 8-7, but shortly after nudged over a penalty in front of the posts.

In a coach killer for Johan Ackermann, the Bulls went offside at the restart to give Glasgow a good attacking opportunity. They needed no second invitation, and No 8 Jack Dempsey scored off the back of a maul.

The conversion attempt went wide to keep it a one-point game at 12-11 to the home team.

It was the turn of Glasgow and Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu to make a silly disciplinary error, and Pollard coolly kicked the Bulls into a 14-12 halftime lead.

In what is becoming a trend, the Bulls were suspect under the high ball from restarts, and loose forwards Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom clumsily spilt the ball to give territory and momentum to the Warriors.

Consequently, from strong territory, the Warriors went over off the back of a lineout drive, with the score going to prop Patrick Schickerling. The conversion went wide for a 17-14 lead to the Warriors with just over a quarter of the match to go.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, the Bulls could not get their hands on the ball as the Warriors pushed for a score-clinching score.

It came after 15 phases and saw outside centre Stafford McDowall score in the corner. With the conversion sent wide, the home team led 22-14, meaning the Bulls had to score twice in the remaining seven minutes to salvage a win.

Marco van Staden muscled over after a Canan Moodie break, and the conversion made it 22-21 with three minutes to play, but it was game over when Louw was sin-binned under pressure on the Bulls' line, and the penalty kicked over was the last act of the match.

Scorers

Glasgow — Tries: Max Williams, Jack Dempsey, Stafford McDowall. Conversions: Dan Lancaster. Penalties: Adam Hastings (3).

Bulls — Tries: Johan Grobbelaar, Marco van Staden. Penalties: Handre Pollard (3). Conversion: Pollard.

Kearsney College were welcomed with a roar when they took to Stott Field for a Saturday afternoon Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival(KERF) showdown with Hoërskool Transvalia.

Both sides won their first festival games on Thursday — Kearsney by 43-14 over Rustenburg and Transvalia by 26-5 over Peterhouse from Zimbabwe — so both were eager to keep their clean records intact.

For the hosts, No 8, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, fullback Lwazi Mbebe, and Daniel Miskey at flyhalf pulled the strings to telling effect, and they fully deserved their 33-13 victory.

Transvalia will take heart from their efforts in the second half, which they edged 10-7.

For a third year in succession, Durban High School and Hoërskool Rustenburg did battle at KERF. DHS had finished KERF with an unbeaten record on the previous two occasions, and they were intent on repeating that feat this year. Rusties tested the Horseflies early on by keeping the play tight, but DHS defended with determination to keep the action around midfield.

The final score was close to the sides' previous KERF results, with DHS winning 45-0 in 2024 and 41-7 in 2025. Yet, Saturday’s final score of 38-7 was a little unkind to Rustenburg. They impressed with their never-say-die attitude, but in the end, they succumbed to the unrelenting pressure from DHS.

Peterhouse from Zimbabwe and Milnerton opened the day’s play, just as light early morning mist cleared over Botha’s Hill. The contest was a showdown between teams that like to run the ball, and it delivered a thrill-fest. The Capetonians were first onto the scoreboard when their captain Chadlin Sellidon slotted a penalty from 40 metres out after five minutes.

But when the final whistle sounded, Peterhouse had avenged an 18-34 defeat against Milnerton at KERF in 2025, to finish with a 29-23 win this year.

In the third clash of the day, with barely a minute played, Zwartkop opened the scoring against Dr EG Jansen, when flank Luan Wepener forced his way over after some fluent play from the Pretoria side.

The tiredness that showed in the Zwartkop ranks early in the game appeared to evaporate, and, with committed defence, they closed out the game and recorded a hard-fought 41-32 victory over EG Jansen.

 The first match of Saturday afternoon was about redemption for Framesby, after they were run off their feet by Westville on Thursday. For Glenwood, beaten by Helpmekaar in their opener, it was a chance to make their many local supporters happy. From the opening whistle, one could sense greater urgency in Framesby’s approach, but the Green Machine was uncompromising, and that made for a hard-hitting contest. Both sides showed their willingness to run the ball, and both showed equal enthusiasm for closing down space as quickly as possible.

Miles Feltham, who controlled the game confidently from flyhalf for Framesby, opened the scoring with a cleanly struck penalty kick in the seventh minute of the contest. There was no evidence of the team that had folded under pressure in their opener. The Gqeberha school was up for the challenge.

Having escaped a potential hammer blow, Framesby worked their way up the field and prop Handré Schnetler powered over from a quickly taken penalty to reduce the deficit to one. Feltham slotted the conversion, and with that, the Gqeberha gang led 15-14.

When Glenwood was awarded a penalty with eight minutes left, 44 metres out, but dead in front of the posts, Loutz had the distance but not the accuracy, and Framesby maintained their narrow lead. As time expired, the Green Machine launched a late attack, which eventually won them a penalty in a similar position to the one from which Loutz had missed a short while earlier. This time, his effort was slightly short and to the left, and Framesby heartily celebrated a morale-boosting win.

Helpmekaar were motivated to take on the challenge of Westville Boys’ High in the final game. Stott Field was rocking, and it offered both teams a prime stage to score a statement win.

After a frenetic first 50 minutes, the pace slowed slightly towards the end of the match, for Westville to win 33-17.

FIXTURES

Day Three, Monday, April 6

08:00 Transvalia vs Framesby; 09:20 Glenwood vs Dr EG Jansen; 10:40 Peterhouse vs Rustenburg; 12:00 Ogwini v Mowat Park; 12:50 Closing ceremony; 13:00 Westville vs Milnerton; 14:20 Durban High School vs Helpmekaar; 15:40 Kearsney vs Zwartkop

This showdown between the Bulls and the Warriors could well be the Champions Cup clash of the weekend.

The Bulls are fielding probably their strongest side of the season, while the Warriors are not only top of the United Rugby Championship points table but have won 11 home matches in a row.

The Scotstoun Stadium is indeed a fortress for the Scots, and their fast 4G pitch perfectly suits their attacking brand of rugby.

These teams keep on bumping into each other in knock-out games, and which Bulls fan can forget the agony of losing the URC final to the Warriors at Loftus Versfeld in 2024?

The Warriors are unbeaten in the Champions Cup while the Bulls have won just one of their four games. That makes them firm underdogs, but that will sit well with the Bulls players — they love the backs-against-the-wall mentality.

“We’ve got a strong side, and we know we have to be at our best, because Glasgow are one of the best sides in Europe,” Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said.

“They’ve got a lot of internationals. Scotland had a good Six Nations, so there are a lot of players with confidence. They play an exciting brand, score a lot of tries, have a good set-piece, and they’ve got a very strong home record.

“So it’s a big challenge for us, but it’s a great opportunity as well. When I played, you played the game to go up against the best players in the world and constantly test yourself, and that’s what we’ll get on Saturday — an opportunity to test ourselves.”

Glasgow Warriors: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Steyn (c), 13 Stafford McDowall, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Ollie Smith, 10 Dan Lancaster, 9 George Horne, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Alex Samuel, 4 Max Williamson, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 1 Patrick Schickerling. Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Olujare Oguntibeju, 20 Euan Ferrie, 21 Angus Fraser, 22 Ben Afshar, 23 Adam Hastings

Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Willie le Roux

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France) Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France), Julien Caulier (France) TMO: Tual Trainini (France)

Date: Saturday, April 4.

The Stormers can feel very aggrieved by the refereeing performance in their Champions Cup knockout match against Toulon on Saturday afternoon in France.

They bowed out of the European competition with a fighting 28-27 performance against their hosts, the home crowd and the match officials, while some errors, especially in defence, cost them early on.

But they will look back at some questionable decisions from referee Christophe Ridley and his television match official Ian Tempest, who denied them three potential tries — one at the death where lock Adré Smith went over from close range, one from replacement loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu also from a pick-and-go, and a potential penalty try off a rolling mauling.

However, three tries by Smith, eighthman Evan Roos, and scrumhalf Imad Khan kept the visitors going until the final whistle.

Ridley decided a rumbling maul was pulled down in front of the try line, but it only warranted a yellow card and not a penalty try. Tempest and Ridley’s decision, when Mchunu burst over the try line, was that the ball separated from his hand when he placed it on the line.

That was just a couple of really questionable calls by Ridley. Late in the game, there was a very high tackle on Wandisile Simelane by Ma’a Nonu, and Ridley looked at it but had to call in his TMO. He relied on the TMO for intervention, although the incident occurred right in front of him. It eventually ended in only a yellow to Nonu, where he made direct head contact with the head of Simelane, which normally warrants a straight red.

But that first half cost the Stormers, despite them only trailing 14-14 at the break.

Toulon kept finding space out wide in the first forty minutes, and the Cape side — normally good at shutting the ball down in the midfield — were having trouble stopping the home team with their linespeed on the defence.

Never stopped fighting and finished on the front foot. Heartbreaking ending for us. #RCTvSTO #inittogether pic.twitter.com/ByMvIng4YQ

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 4, 2026

Both tries for the French club in the first half came from exploiting the space out wide, and they found it too easy to circumvent the tackles. However, that second five-pointer in the first stanza should not have been a try.

The Toulon winger chasing the kick clearly knocked the ball on when he beat Stormers winger Leolin Zas on the outside, but referee Christophe Ridley and his assistant ref failed to pick that up. Not even the TMO got involved in it. 

There was even a clear tucked shoulder making contact to the face of Oli Kebble of the Stormers, yet it was only a penalty and Ridley and his TMO judged it to be a glance only.

Director of rugby John Dobson can be proud of this performance. And although they did not deserve to lose, they can now focus all their attention on the United Rugby Championship and securing a top-four spot over the next couple of months.

Points scorers

Toulon 28 (14): Tries: Ben White, Gaël Drean, Mathis Ferte, Setariki Tuicuvu. Conversions: Marius Domon, Tomos Albornoz (3). Stormers 27 (13): Tries: Adre Smith, Evan Roos, Imad Khan. Conversions: Jurie Matthee, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalties: Matthee (2).

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has refused to get carried away by his side’s emphatic victory over Chippa United, insisting the focus remains firmly on consistency in the race for the Betway Premiership title.

The defending champions produced a commanding performance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, running out 4-1 winners courtesy of goals from Marcelo Allende, Iqraam Rayners, Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Leon Muniz.

The result saw Sundowns climb two points clear at the top of the standings, extending an impressive run of nine consecutive league victories as they chase a ninth successive league crown.

Yet, despite the growing momentum and a performance that also boosted their goal difference, Cardoso struck a measured tone post-match, warning against complacency at a critical stage of the season.

“It’s very important but not enough, we need to look forward and continue to collect (points) because if we sit on what we did, for sure we will not arrive where we need to arrive,” he said.

Brayan León, what was that? 🤯

The Super Sub wraps it up in style for Masandawana 🟡💫#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/yzwhcRPdo8

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 3, 2026

The Portuguese tactician was quick to downplay the significance of the scoreline itself, urging his players to prioritise results over margins.

“So, next match let’s try to go to Durban and make a job similar to the one we’ve been doing not worrying about how many (goals we scored), don’t even think about that because it just takes us to a spot, to a place that cannot give you nothing.”

With rivals Orlando Pirates still firmly in contention, Cardoso emphasised that the title race will be decided by consistency rather than isolated performances.

“I think that if we want to be champions we’ll have to make a good series of victories still on the matches that we have for sure.

“And there will not be space for many losses of points.”

That reality places added importance on every fixture in the run-in, with Sundowns now preparing for a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and continental commitments.

Katlego Ntsabeleng reflects on a strong team performance and an important win to kick off April. 🗣️#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/uMGmubcPTi

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 4, 2026

“So, we need to think about the next one and then we see. Next one will take us to this sequence of two matches and then stop for the Champions League.

“And then there will be three more matches on the month so let’s focus on Durban match and then we have to play Champions League.”

Sundowns will next travel to KwaZulu-Natal to face Durban City FC at the Chatsworth Stadium, a fixture that could prove pivotal in maintaining their advantage at the summit.

“There is no space to lose many points so we have to add more points to that sequence for sure,” Cardoso concluded.

As the title race intensifies, Sundowns’ message is clear — the job is far from done, and only sustained excellence will be enough to secure yet another league triumph.

TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic insists his side have moved on from their humiliating defeat to Orlando Pirates, but standing in their way is a Milford FC side arriving with quiet momentum.

The two teams meet in a Nedbank Cup semi-final at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday, with Galaxy looking to steady their season and Milford chasing a fairytale final.

For Galaxy, the shadow of their 6-0 thrashing still lingers, even if the club has tried to compartmentalise it.

“Ja, it’s also very important, but I think the FIFA break helped us a lot because it came at the best time for us after that tough game,” Beganovic said.

“It’s difficult to explain how we conceded all of those goals and why we struggled so much in that game.”

The break allowed Galaxy to reset, analyse and, crucially, move forward.

Locked in on the mission. 🎯@aQuelle @aQuelleViV#Siyadumuza #TheRockets#TSG pic.twitter.com/UVLRJU7rEM

— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) April 2, 2026

“We’ve had some meetings with them and wanted to analyse everything that happened in that game,” he explained.

“We explained it to the players and then immediately wanted to close that case.”

But while Galaxy look to rediscover their rhythm, Milford arrive with a form line that demands respect.

Their recent results paint the picture of a side capable of both resilience and attacking punch.

A commanding 5-0 victory over Baroka FC stands out as a statement performance, showcasing their ability to dominate when given space.

They also demonstrated their giant-killing credentials earlier in the competition, eliminating Sekhukhune United on penalties after a hard-fought 2-2 draw — a result that underlined both their character and composure under pressure.

Even in defeat, Milford have remained competitive.

A narrow 1-0 loss to Kruger United and a similar result against Midlands Wanderers suggest a team that is rarely outclassed, while their 2-2 draw with Cape Town City FC highlights their ability to match top-flight opposition.

That unpredictability mirrors Galaxy’s own season — a campaign defined by sharp contrasts.

From knocking out Mamelodi Sundowns earlier in the competition to suffering a heavy league defeat, the Rockets have shown both their ceiling and their vulnerability.

Beganovic is adamant the Pirates result was an anomaly. 

“I think it’s the first time in two years that a game like that has happened,” he said.

“We tried to find reasons why something like that happened, and we also made the point not to allow this to happen in the future.”

He expects a very different performance on Sunday.

“We can’t allow anyone to show a huge difference between two teams,” he added.

“We don’t deserve that as players here have quality, which we have shown many times against the strongest teams in the country.”

With a place in the final at stake, the equation is simple. Galaxy must prove their consistency.

Milford, meanwhile, will look to extend their momentum and continue a run that has already captured attention.

For Beganovic’s men, this is about response while for Milford, it is about belief. And somewhere between those two narratives, a place in the final will be decided.

Mamelodi Sundowns (2) 4

Chippa United            (1) 1

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Katlego Ntsabeleng believes the defending champions are firmly on course to retain their Betway Premiership crown following a commanding 4-1 victory over Chippa United on Friday night.

Masandawana returned to the top of the standings with a clinical display at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, underlining their intent in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested title race against Orlando Pirates.

Goals from Marcelo Allende and Iqraam Rayners put the hosts in control before halftime, with Ntsabeleng playing a key role in the second, providing a composed assist. 

Although Sinoxolo Kwayiba pulled one back for the visitors, further strikes from Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Leon Muniz sealed a dominant win.

Speaking after the match, Ntsabeleng, who’s on loan from Major League Soccer side FC Dallas, reflected on both his individual progress and the team’s growing confidence.

Brayan León, what was that? 🤯

The Super Sub wraps it up in style for Masandawana 🟡💫#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/yzwhcRPdo8

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 3, 2026

“It means a lot to get this award. First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty for just giving me the opportunity to express the talent he’s given me,” he said.

The midfielder acknowledged the demands that come with representing Sundowns, but believes he is beginning to find his rhythm within the squad.

“We all know playing for Mamelodi Sundowns, it comes with pressure, and when you get a chance you have to take it, and I think I’m doing my best at that.

“I think I started a bit slow, but as I got used to the team everything went well.”

Ntsabeleng credited the team’s training ground work for their attacking cohesion, pointing to improved movement and decision-making in the final third.

Tsiki delivers a standout performance and takes home the Man of the Match award. 🔥#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/MaUg3VEH3m

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 3, 2026

“I think it’s the things we work on in training… creating space for each other, complementary runs — as you can see it’s all coming together now.”

With supporters turning out in numbers, the 22-year-old also emphasised the importance of fan backing during the run-in.

“It means a lot for the fans to come out in numbers. We need them, it’s a title race and it’s a difficult one this year.”

“But, I believe we gonna come out on top if we keep playing the way we are.”

With momentum building, Sundowns appear to be peaking at the right time — and if Ntsabeleng’s belief is anything to go by, the champions are not ready to relinquish their crown just yet.

The last time the Warriors lost in Glasgow, it was to the Bulls. The problem is that they have won 11 consecutive matches since, as the Bulls prepare for their Champions Cup visit to Scotstoun on Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm).

Fresher in the minds of the Bulls players is their controversial loss in Glasgow last October. The visitors seemed to have the game won, but a dubious penalty try and a yellow card changed the game. The Warriors won 21-12.

Coach Johan Ackermann said his team won’t be distracted by thoughts of revenge and would rather draw on their experience in general of playing the Warriors — the teams have met six times, with each team winning three times. The Warriors, of course, beat the Bulls in the 2024 final at Loftus Versfeld.

“We respect Glasgow in the way they play, the style they play, their brand,” Ackermann said. “They have built up a great squad over the last couple of years.

“They have a lot of continuity and coaching with Franco Smith being there, and players playing for Scotland and then back at Glasgow. So it’s a well-respected team. Both teams know each other quite well, so it should be a great game.”

Cameron Hanekom, the 2025 URC Next-Gen Player of the Season, takes the next step in his comeback from the torn hamstring that kept him from playing for almost a year. Ackerman has been using him sparingly from the bench, but it feels he is ready for a start.

The 23-year-old replaces the injured Nizaam Carr at No 8.

“We’ve blooded Cameron well since his return. It was about getting enough volume into him first, and then he played in the last two games.”

“We think Cameron is well-suited for this game. He is renowned for his speed and movement,” Ackermann explained. “Glasgow are a fast team, with a pack that can move and an exceptional backline, so we felt this was a good opportunity to start him.

“We want to get him on the field early and let him get into the game. It’s an exciting challenge for us, and hopefully Cameron will go well.

“Also, we’ve got loosies like Marco (van Staden) and Jeandré (Rudolph) who can come on later and hopefully make a difference,” he said. “If the game is fast, we can bring that impact from the bench.”

The Stormers are determined to mount a serious challenge from start to finish when they face Toulon in their Champions Cup Round of 16 clash on Saturday afternoon.

While they have opted to rotate players in a couple of key positions for this make-or-break European encounter at Stade Mayol (4pm kick-off), it remains one of the strongest match-day 23s they could have selected for the French trip.

Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Deon Fourie, along with lineout specialist JD Schickerling, are set to make an impact off the bench. Their experience could prove crucial in closing out the contest.

Much will rest on the shoulders of relatively inexperienced flyhalf Jurie Matthee and young lock Connor Evans, who will be tasked with guiding key areas in the backline and the tight exchanges up front.

The return-from-injury of veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, with his wealth of experience in France, alongside No 7 flanker Hacjivah Dayimani, adds valuable insight into the opposition. Both players recently featured in the Top 14 with Montpellier and Racing 92 before returning to Cape Town.

Based on the selected side, director of rugby John Dobson clearly wants his team to make a genuine statement. The Stormers certainly possess the calibre to do so and it is not a team that will just roll over and accept their fate in the Champions Cup. They will look to mount a serious challenge to make it to the quarter-final of the tournament.

Round of 16, here we come. #inittogether pic.twitter.com/4R6tlqgVcO

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 1, 2026

Now, the onus will be on the starting XV to silence the notoriously vocal Stade Mayol crowd from the outset. Thereafter, the ‘Storm Squad’ – as the replacements are known – must deliver a composed finish to secure what would be a memorable victory on French soil.

Stormers XV

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Damian Willemse, 13 Ruhan Nel (capt), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Oli Kebble.

Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Imad Khan, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Toulon XV

15 Marius Domon, 14 Gaël Drean, 13 Nacho Brex, 12 Antoine Frisch, 11 Setariki Tuicuvu, 10 Tomas Albornoz, 9 Ben White, 8 Mikheil Shioshvili , 7 Charles Ollivon (captain), 6 Junior Kpoku, 5 David Ribbans (captain), 4 Corentin Mezou, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Teddy Baubigny, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros.

Replacements: 16 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17 Dany Priso, 18 Beka Gigashvili, 19 Giorgi Javakhia, 20 Matthias Halagahu, 21 Zach Mercer, 22 Mathis Ferte, 23 Ma'a Nonu.

Kick-off: 4pm

Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)

Deputy President Paul Mashatile called on the church and government to work together to address the country’s challenges as he attended the Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church’s Easter Friday service at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

Speaking alongside church leaders, Mashatile emphasised that a strong partnership between faith and state is essential to tackle issues like crime, violence, and service delivery, and to improve life for all South Africans.

He was among several politicians attending worship services of different denominations across the country, primarily to hear the sermon delivered by church leader Bishop Marcelo Pires.  

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli started his day on Friday by attending Diakonia Council of Churches’ Good Friday prayer service, which started at about 6am at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and ended at the City Hall. 

In the Durban event, Ntuli was accompanied by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and the city’s Speaker Thabani Nyawose. 

At Ellis Park, Mashatile was accompanied by his wife Humile, former ANC Women’s League president Bathabile Dlamini, and City of Johannesburg Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku.

Mashatile pleaded with God to help the country deal with its challenges.

“I want to say to Bishop that the government and the church must work together as we are busy trying to resolve the problem of the country,

“As we are trying to resolve the problem of electricity and water, the government and church must work together.”

He said the unity between the church and the government would be able to win the fight against crime, violence, gangsterism, and gender-based violence.

“Because when we partner and hold each other’s hands, there is nothing that can defeat us. We need to unite and stand together because if we are divided, we shall fall,” he said.

He pledged that the government will continue to work with the church. 

“The Bishop reminded me this morning that the first time he met me was eight years ago here (Ellis Park), and I said to him that yes, I remember, and I don’t want to come only when we have the function at Ellis Park, and he said I can also come to Soweto. 

“Therefore, we are going to be with you, as I was saying to the Bishop that I am enjoying myself so much today,” said Mashatile.  

He described himself as a man of God who frequents various churches, as they all follow one God.

Outside the Durban City Hall, Ntuli told hundreds of members of various denominations affiliated to the Diakonia Council of Church that they should use the commemoration of Easter Weekend to address poverty and inequality. 

“It calls for us to extend a hand to those who are suffering. 

“As we witness poverty, inequality and the effect of injustice, let us strive to be the inspirers of new hope by working towards a society that reflects the divine love we celebrate today,” said Ntuli.

He said God blessed KwaZulu-Natal with cultural, social, and spiritual diversity, which he said was the province’s strength, providing people with the opportunity to learn from one another and work together toward a common vision.

“It is essential that we embrace our differences and unite in the spirit of cooperation and understanding to build a brighter future for all. As we celebrate Easter, let us also remember those who are most in need, marginalised, or forgotten.

“We must continue to advocate for justice and equality, and ensure that each voice is heard and valued, especially the voice of a woman who is subjected to gender-based violence and femicide,” said Ntuli. 

Ntuli also attended Shri Mariammen Temple Society in Mt Edgecombe, Durban North, African Gospel Church Passover Conference at City Centre Port Dunford in Mpangeni, north coast, and ended the day at the Fruit that Remains Passover Convention at Esikhaleni TVET College, which is also in Empangeni. 

KwaZulu-Natal ANC Provincial Task Team leaders also visited various church events across the province.

They include its provincial coordinator, Mike Mabuyakhulu, who was at Eshowe and Esikhaleni, and second deputy convenor, Weziwe Thusi, in Ixopo.  

SATURDAY STAR

A historic surgical milestone in Limpopo has ended in heartbreak: one of the conjoined twins separated last month has died from organ failure, despite a successful operation led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo.

Officials confirmed that the surviving twin is stable and recovering.

In a tragic twist the baby boy died from organ failure, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba revealed, as reported by IOL.

Ramathuba has confirmed that one of the conjoined twin boys who underwent a “historic” separation surgery in March at a rural hospital in the province has died from organ failure.

Ramathuba made the announcement during a media briefing on Friday at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo.

Two weeks ago, Saturday Star reported that the twins had been successfully separated. 

They were born on January 28, with initial assessments indicating they were joined at the abdomen. 

The complex surgery, led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo, began at about 7:45am and concluded shortly after 3pm, lasting approximately eight hours.

Ramathuba said she received a call early on Good Friday informing her of the situation.

“One of our twins was experiencing multiple organ failure,” she said. 

“A follow-up call later confirmed that, despite the team’s best efforts, the baby had sadly passed away.”

She described the day as deeply painful.

 “It is supposed to be a Good Friday, but it is not a good one for us. We had hoped to see these babies grow and succeed in life.”

Ramathuba said the medical team had been closely monitoring both infants and providing regular updates. On the fifth day after surgery, concerns emerged about possible infection.

“In neonatology units, sepsis is a common and serious complication,” she said. “Many newborns succumb to infections, particularly in the critical first two weeks after surgery.”

She explained that post-operative infections can lead to septicaemia, organ failure and death. 

The affected twin was taken back to theatre more than once as doctors attempted to identify and address the cause.

“The baby showed signs of recovery, and after two and a half weeks we believed the danger had passed,” she said. 

“However, in the past two days, the condition worsened significantly.”

Despite the loss, Ramathuba praised the medical team’s efforts.

“The surgery itself was a success. The babies were separated successfully, which is a remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, infection set in.”

She confirmed that the surviving twin is recovering well.

“Twin B has been extubated, is breathing independently and is active. We ask the public to continue praying for him.”

Ramathuba also said officials had met with the mother to support her during the difficult time and urged the public to respect the family’s privacy.

Professor Tshifularo thanked stakeholders and the public for their support.

“We prepared well and performed the separation successfully,” he said. “The challenge came during the recovery phase, which is always critical.”

He said complications began around day five post-surgery when severe infection developed.

“We returned to the theatre to investigate and found no surgical issues. We continued fighting the infection. We succeeded with one baby, but unfortunately not the other.”

Tshifularo emphasised that infection remains a major risk, particularly for vulnerable newborns.

“We fought hard for both babies. Sadly, one did not survive.”

He extended condolences to the family and called for continued public support.

The twins were born to a 29-year-old woman and were referred from Maphutha Malatjie Hospital in Namakgale, where the condition was identified during labour, prompting an urgent transfer.

Ramathuba previously said the provincial government planned to build a home for the family before the surviving child is discharged.

SATURDAY STAR

The traditional Easter exodus from Gauteng is in full swing, with major arteries leading out of the economic heartland experiencing a significant surge in traffic as the long weekend officially begins.

Authorities have intensified law enforcement and awareness campaigns across the country, urging motorists to prioritise safety amid the heavy volumes, as reported by IOL.

The N1 North, the primary route for pilgrims heading to Moria in Limpopo, and the N3 South towards KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are shouldering the bulk of the initial traffic load.

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, noted the expected rush, stating: “We have already seen a surge in traffic volumes on this route, which is the N1 and all other routes. The N1 is expected to have more than 2 500 vehicles passing its toll gates at its peak, as many travellers will be going for the Easter pilgrimage in Moria, while others will be travelling to neighbouring countries.”

To manage the heightened risk, law enforcement visibility has been dramatically increased.

The minister confirmed: “Law enforcement has been intensified, including the deployment of the National Traffic Police, to ensure visibility day and night and to ensure compliance with road regulations. They will be operating in a three-shift system.”

A high concentration of the National Traffic Police deployment is focused on Limpopo and Gauteng due to their strategic national travel role.

According to reports, traffic officers were seen on the ground in Gauteng, inspecting vehicles and stopping motorists not complying with road rules, which could result in an accident.

On the N3 corridor, traffic volumes have been consistently high since the early hours of the morning.

Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer for the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), reported robust southbound movement on Friday morning.

“N3 is starting to look fairly busy. We're seeing southbound traffic volumes of just under 1,400 vehicles an hour. So that's many people heading into KwaZulu-Natal,” Dhoogra said.

However, a noticeable and somewhat unusual pattern is emerging with significant northbound traffic, people moving into Gauteng.

Dhoogra provided insight into this trend, suggesting it relates to the festive season's nature: “Especially around Easter, it's a family time. And with many people having moved into Gauteng and into that economic heartland, you know, a lot of people are now tending to come into Johannesburg to visit and spend time with their family, and that might be part of the reason.”

As traffic increases, so too does the risk of crashes, prompting strong appeals for defensive driving.

Dhoogra highlighted common driver errors, advising motorists on crucial adjustments needed.

“They tend not to maintain safe following distances. They don't give themselves enough time to make proper decisions based on the changing conditions around them,” she noted.

The N3 Toll Concession reported several accidents along the N3 that had been cleared as at 2pm.

It has also been reported that in the early hours of Friday morning, three people were killed in a head-on collision on the R63 between Seymour and Whittlesea in the Eastern Cape.

A particular emphasis has been placed on public transport safety, especially for the high number of buses transporting church congregants.

Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu detailed their extensive safety measures for the 550 buses deployed for the Moria pilgrimage.

“We have deployed 550 buses... under the original manufacturer maintenance plan. What we've also done is that we've come up with plans to make sure that even though we believe that there won't be breakdowns... we've also placed some of the spare buses along the route,” Xulu explained, underscoring a prepared approach to potential disruptions.

The MEC for Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, while on the road monitoring operations, expressed disappointment over initial fatalities but stressed the continued commitment to enforcement.

Mathye raised a specific concern regarding passenger safety in taxis: “Most of our taxi operators, their taxis don’t have belts for their passengers to buckle up. So we're not happy, but we are calling upon all the taxi associations to make sure that when they cover their seats, they must make sure that those belts are not covered also.”

Ultimately, the minister’s message rests on personal accountability. “I therefore call on every road user to take personal responsibility,” Minister Creecy urged.

“Our message this Easter is simple: road safety begins with each one of us.”

karen.singh@inl.co.za

I love morning radio, especially when people who know their stuff get interviewed. The economist Dawie Roodt was on the other day, and he went hammer and tongs  at the decision by the South African government to reduce the levies imposed on the price of fuel. This measure is intended to ease the impact on consumers of the oil price hike caused by the orange disorder’s madness in Iran. Roodt opposes the levy decrease because he correctly argues, the country will have to pay for this tax break in the future when the government has to fill the gap in revenue that will have arisen.  He called for macro-economic reform that would allow for greater investment, and argues that the relief could have been found elsewhere. What struck me the most in his argument was the almost fervent devotion to the wisdom of an inanimate system called the market to regulate our lives. His position was rooted in the notion of short-term suffering – don’t reduce the levy - for long-term gain – we’ll have a stronger economy at the end. This is at the core of austerity, a policy stance that asks people to tighten their belts as public expenditure, usually on social services or grants or relief to consumers, is reduced. It is much like households would do when there is reduced income, usually when the primary earners lose jobs or take a cut in salary. We spend less because we have less, and we don’t even consider taking loans to tide us over. Instead we eat less, get less medical treatment, cancel Easter eggs as a luxury, and for a while live pretty miserably in the hope that our suffering will pay off sometime in the future. 

There’ve been a couple of these interventions by government to relieve the pain of reduced public spending and economic shocks. During Covid there was the Social Relief of Distress Grant of R350 given to people with no income. It continues today and provides a lifeline for many. In 2024 we had the introduction of the two-pot retirement system, which allows withdrawals of a portion of our retirement savings without being heavily penalised by the tax man. Now we have the fuel levy relief in light of the global economic carnage caused by Israeli and USA bloodlust. And of course South Africa has a safety net of social grants for people at the margins, and it is a significant factor in keeping many from starvation. Some argue that there should be more, but the austerity numbers don’t add up.

Another economist who is often on the radio is Duma Gqubule, and he is similarly strident in his opinions. They differ from those of his fellow commentator, though, in that he often argues that government does not do enough to address the vulnerability of poor people. He is a strong proponent of increasing social security spending, and is implacably against austerity.

I don’t know enough about economics to enter the fray with great confidence. My Economics 101 tells me that the market is great at seeking equilibrium where supply and demand keep each other honest, and the government regulates the environment to ensure this balance is good for everyone. It gets tricky, though, when you have to consider shareholding and trading on the stock exchange, or the impact of imperialist aggression and bullying on the ability of governments to manage policy. Add environmental factors to that mix and the consequences of climate change and the concept of balance is thrown out of kilter completely. 

My gripe is that we seem to have relinquished our agency as thinking and rational beings, and will happily make decisions based on how ‘the market’ will behave. We designed the market as humans – it is an inanimate concept, and yet it designs how we behave. It seems to have especially little compassion for those at the bottom of the wealth pyramid. The loudest proponents of austerity always seem to be those with a lot, those who stand to benefit via their saved wealth or investments. 

Surely as sentient beings we can make the rules that determine how we live? Surely we can find the courage to imagine something beyond what the current situation demands that we accept? Surely now is the time of the dreamers to get stuck in to find a different way to regulate our lives and our ability to survive.

Ashley Green-Thompson runs an organisation that supports social justice action.

SATURDAY STAR

TS Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbunjana believes his side has the perfect opportunity to carve out a new chapter in the club’s history as they prepare for their Nedbank Cup semi-final.

The Rockets face Milford FC on Sunday, with a place in the final at stake in what promises to be a defining moment in their season.

Galaxy enters the encounter carrying a unique distinction: they are the only remaining side to have previously lifted the trophy, having famously won it in 2019. By contrast, fellow semi-finalists Durban City FC, Casric Stars, and Milford FC are all navigating this stage for the first time.

However, Mbunjana was quick to point out that past success carries little weight for the current group.

“We are preparing very well, and the confidence is back within the camp since that 6-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates,” he said. “Everyone knows the club last won the competition in 2019, but none of the players who won it then are still here. This is a totally new squad.”

For the Galaxy skipper, that reality has only heightened the sense of opportunity. “It’s a chance for everyone here to write their own names in the history books. For the young players, it’s an opportunity to start their careers by lifting a cup. And for those closer to retirement, they can finish their journeys with silverware.”

That blend of youth and experience has created a unified sense of purpose within the dressing room. “The motivation and desire are there from everyone,” Mbunjana added.

“Yes, we have individual goals, but all of those come together right now. We are grounded and preparing well.”

Galaxy’s journey to this stage has been built on resilience and organisation—qualities they will need again against a Milford side eager to continue their "fairytale" run. While the Rockets carry top-flight experience into the encounter, Mbunjana’s comments suggest there is no room for complacency.

Instead, the focus remains on discipline and seizing a rare opportunity. With history within reach and a place in the final on the line, Galaxy will look to draw on both their tactical maturity and collective hunger as they aim for a second Nedbank Cup title.

The return of Eben Etzebeth could not have come at a better time for the Sharks as they prepare for Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Connacht in Galway.

After serving a 12-week suspension, the Springbok lock steps straight back into a side battling a growing injury list, bringing a physical presence and leadership qualities that head coach JP Pietersen believes will galvanise the group.

“It’s great to have Eben back,” Pietersen said. “He’s a highly experienced guy and will probably go down as one of the greatest Springbok players. He’s a professional; he slotted straight back in, did his job, and led well.”

Etzebeth has remained closely connected to the squad during his time away, training with the team over the past two months. That continuity has allowed for a seamless reintegration, with Pietersen highlighting the immediate shift in standards.

“He holds everybody accountable,” the coach explained. “You can see the level of the group rise to the standard he brings. There’s no pressure on him, but he’s so competitive that he will showcase exactly what he can do.”

The towering lock’s return is particularly timely given the Sharks’ injury concerns. Locks Emile van Heerden and Jason Jenkins are among those carrying niggles following a bruising encounter with Cardiff, while several key backline figures remain sidelined.

Pietersen admitted the squad is “under the pump with injuries” but remains confident in the match-day 23. “This is our best possible team and a fit team for this encounter. We’ve come here to win,” he said.

Etzebeth’s influence is expected to be most keenly felt in the set-piece battle, an area Pietersen identified as crucial against a well-drilled Connacht outfit. The Irish side are renowned for controlling possession, applying pressure through their kicking game, and capitalising on mauling opportunities in the opposition’s 22.

We’re ready for knockout rugby 🥊🏆 pic.twitter.com/w6HOPJVOx3

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 2, 2026

In challenging Galway conditions — where wind and rain are forecast — the Sharks will rely heavily on structure and discipline.

“It’s going to come down to the set piece, to discipline, and how we manage territory,” Pietersen noted. “We back ourselves in the scrum and at lineout time, and Eben brings that physical edge we need.”

Beyond the technicalities, Etzebeth provides an emotional lift. He links up with fellow Springboks Ox Nche and Vincent Koch in an experienced front row, while Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe offer attacking threats out wide. Van der Merwe earns a start on the wing following the injury to Yaw Penxe and will also provide cover for young full-back Hakeem Kunene.

As the Sharks look to overturn a poor record in Galway, they do so with renewed belief. In a knockout fixture likely to be decided by the finest of margins, Etzebeth’s return could prove the difference.

Sharks team for Connacht

1 Ox Nche, 2 Eduan Swart, 3 Vincent Koch, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Deon Slabbert, 6 Tino Mavesere, 7 Jannes Potgieter, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 9 Ross Braude, 10 Jean Smith, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Le Roux Malan, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 15 Hakeem Kunene.

Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Ethan Hooker.

The old picture today is the notable Art Deco residential building Grandborough Court on Durban’s Marine Parade (today OR Tambo Parade). It is taken from the online postings of the city’s Art Deco Society.

Completed in 1935, it was designed by AG Frolich of the practice Obel & Obel. This "grand old lady of South Beach" was among the first major luxury apartment blocks built on the beachfront. It remains a prominent landmark of the city's 1930s architectural heritage. The building is a prime example of Durban's rich Art Deco movement, often cited alongside other notable nearby buildings like Anthea Court.

Recently the building has undergone exterior renovations to maintain its aesthetic, with a colour palette influenced by the Miami Design Preservation League. It has been repainted and preserved to maintain its original Art Deco features. 

Today those paint colours have faded somewhat, it looks like the grand dame could do with a judicious touch-up job or face lift.

Youngster Hakeem Kunene will step into the problematic fullback slot for the Sharks, while veteran Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth returns straight to the starting line-up for Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Connacht.

Etzebeth’s inclusion follows the completion of his recent suspension, providing a massive boost to the Durban side as they shift focus to the knockout tie in Galway.

Head coach JP Pietersen has made 13 changes to the starting XV that secured a United Rugby Championship victory over Cardiff last weekend, seeking to balance a mounting injury toll with the physical demands of an overseas trip.

“Injuries test the character of the squad, but they also give the next guy an opportunity,” Pietersen said. “It’s a test of how you bounce back as a group.”

Despite missing several frontline players, the Sharks welcome a formidable dose of experience in the pack.

Etzebeth is joined by fellow double World Cup winners Ox Nche and Vincent Koch in the tight five, while the backline remains dangerous with Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe providing firepower on the wings.

Captain Nick Hatton anchors the side at No 8 and is one of only two players retained from the win over Cardiff, alongside recent centurion Mapimpi. Pietersen has also opted for a high-impact bench, featuring the likes of Vincent Tshituka and the versatile Ethan Hooker.

Kick-off at the Dexcom Stadium is scheduled for 9pm (SA time) on Friday.

We’re ready for knockout rugby 🥊🏆 pic.twitter.com/w6HOPJVOx3

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 2, 2026

Sharks

1 Ox Nche, 2 Eduan Swart, 3 Vincent Koch, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Deon Slabbert, 6 Tino Mavesere, 7 Jannes Potgieter, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 9 Ross Braude, 10 Jean Smith, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Le Roux Malan, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 15 Hakeem Kunene.

Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Ethan Hooker.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (Sars) for a five-year term, effective from 1 May 2026.

The appointment, made in terms of the Sars Act of 1997, follows a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

Makhubu will succeed outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, whose extended two-year contract concludes on 30 April.

Makhubu brings more than 17 years of senior leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. Since 2023, he has served as Sars Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Engagement and Operations, playing a central role in strengthening compliance systems and improving taxpayer services.

His career spans multiple industries, including fast-moving consumer goods, mining, power generation and public revenue administration—experience that positions him well to lead one of South Africa’s most critical state institutions.

Makhubu has also been closely involved in shaping Sars’ strategic direction over recent years.

Since 2020, he has contributed to the development and implementation of the organisation’s Vision 2024 strategy alongside Commissioner Kieswetter. The strategy has delivered measurable gains, including a compounded annual revenue growth rate of 7.6% and a 3.4 percentage point increase in voluntary tax compliance.

In announcing the appointment, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of Sars as a cornerstone of the country’s fiscal framework. He noted that the revenue service plays a vital role in enabling government to fund infrastructure, deliver social services, and support economic development.

Ramaphosa congratulated Makhubu on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to build on recent progress and further strengthen the institution’s performance and credibility.

At the same time, Ramaphosa paid tribute to Kieswetter’s leadership, describing his tenure as marked by innovation and a strong focus on rebuilding Sars following a period of institutional challenges.

Under Kieswetter, Sars has re-established itself as a key enabler of fiscal stability, improved trade facilitation, and strengthened investor confidence.

“The leadership transition reflects the strength of succession planning within Sars and its contribution to building a capable and effective state,” Ramaphosa said.

Sars has also achieved a historic milestone, collecting more than R2 trillion in net revenue for the 2025/26 financial year for the first time since the dawn of democracy, marking an 8.4% increase from the previous year and exceeding earlier projections by R24.7 billion.

Makhubu's appointment comes at a time when South Africa faces ongoing fiscal pressures and a need to sustain revenue collection amid a challenging economic environment. Sars remains central to these efforts, not only through tax collection but also through its role in customs administration and enforcement.

As the new Commissioner, Makhubu will be tasked with consolidating recent gains, enhancing compliance, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and taxpayer engagement. His leadership will be closely watched as government continues to rely on Sars to underpin public finances and support broader economic reform.

BUSINESS REPORT

Ahead of the Easter holiday travel rush, authorities have arrested over 500 drivers for drunk driving as part of an intensified road safety campaign.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the effort, combined with increased patrols and vehicle inspections, has contributed to a significant drop in crashes and fatalities this year.

She made the announcement on Thursday during a road safety compliance inspection at the N1 Kranskop Toll Plaza, ahead of the Easter travel period.

The province is expected to host two of the country’s largest Christian gatherings over Easter, as the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and the St Engenas Zion Christian Church (St Engenas ZCC) draw millions of worshippers to Moria, outside Polokwane. 

The event is among the largest religious gatherings in South Africa.

Creecy said early data shows a decline in crashes and fatalities between March 20 and March 30.

“Preliminary statistics indicate that fatal crashes have decreased from 306 recorded during the same period in 2025 to 255 this year, representing a 16.7% decline,” she said.

She said fatalities dropped from 356 to 291 - an 18.3% decrease.

Reductions were recorded in all provinces except the Free State and Eastern Cape. Gauteng, Limpopo and the Northern Cape reported the sharpest declines, ranging between 46% and 47%.

Creecy said the progress was encouraging as the country enters the peak Easter travel period, adding that intensified law enforcement contributed to the improvement.

She said authorities conducted 321 roadblocks, stopping and checking 374,161 vehicles.

A total of 1,122 vehicles were discontinued for defects rendering them unroadworthy, while 1,147 were impounded, mainly for permit violations.

Creecy announced that more than 500 motorists were arrested for drunk driving, 14 for speeding, and 93 pedestrians for jaywalking on freeways.

Officials also observed widespread offences, including excessive speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, driving without licences, operating unlicensed vehicles and using worn tyres.

Creecy said violations such as overtaking across barrier lines and using mobile phones while driving would not be tolerated, as they contribute to avoidable crashes.

Traffic volumes have already increased on major routes, particularly the N1, which is expected to see more than 2,500 vehicles passing through toll gates at peak periods.

She said law enforcement has been intensified, including the deployment of the National Traffic Police on a three-shift system: 6am to 2pm, 2pm to 10pm, and 10pm to 6am.

However, she said due to budget constraints, deployments will be concentrated in Limpopo and Gauteng, given their strategic importance during the holiday period.

Officers will patrol key routes around the clock, including:

-N3 from Pretoria to Villiers

-N1 south from Pretoria to Kroonstad

-N4 east from Pretoria to Middelburg

-N12 from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom

-N4 west from Pretoria to Rustenburg

Measures on high-risk routes include increased patrol density, continuous speed monitoring, alcohol testing, and coordinated operations at toll plazas, rest stops and known accident hotspots.

Creecy said authorities are also focusing on long-distance buses, minibuses and vehicles transporting church congregants.

She said the department has partnered with faith-based organisations, including the Bantu Church of Christ, the South African Council of Churches and the ZCC, to promote road safety awareness among congregants.

Officials are working continuously to remove unroadworthy vehicles and impound those operating without permits, she said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, IOL News reported that Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye said the province is fully prepared for the Easter travel period, with intensified law enforcement operations in place.

She urged motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid driving under the influence, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and wear seatbelts, adding that pedestrians should remain vigilant, use designated crossings and avoid walking on busy roads, particularly at night.

Mathye said heavy traffic is expected due to the annual pilgrimage, especially on routes including the R71, D4040, N1 and surrounding roads leading to Polokwane.

The province aims to maintain last year’s zero-fatality record on the N1 during Easter and extend it to other routes.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” Mathye said. “No journey is worth a life - arrive alive.”

IOL News

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos believes his side may hold an unexpected advantage heading into the 2026 Fifa World Cup — and it has little to do with rankings or reputation. Instead, it lies in perception.

South Africa will be among 48 nations competing across the United States, Mexico, and Canada when the tournament kicks off in June, marking their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage. It will be Bafana’s first appearance at the World Cup since 2010, when they were eliminated in the group stages on home soil.

In a challenging Group A, Bafana are set to face co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. This time, however, the context feels different. There is less noise, less expectation, and, according to Broos, that may be exactly what his team needs.

Following a recent international window that included a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 defeat to Panama, Broos has already begun shaping the narrative around his side’s World Cup identity.

“Nobody expects Panama or South Africa in the quarter-finals or whatever,” said Broos. “And this is maybe an advantage for us; that we can provide a surprise, that we can be surprising for the opponent because they don’t really know how strong we are. I am very, very happy with those two games against Panama. It will help us a lot, and I hope it is the same for the Panama coach.”

His comments point to a calculated mindset. Rather than resisting the underdog label, Broos is embracing it — turning it into a potential weapon. In modern international football, where data, scouting, and analysis often leave little to chance, unpredictability remains a powerful asset. Teams that arrive without the burden of heavy expectation are often afforded the freedom to play without fear and to take risks.

For Bafana, this could prove crucial. The recent matches against Panama offered a glimpse of both promise and vulnerability. While South Africa showed an ability to control phases of play and create chances, inefficiency in front of goal and lapses in key moments proved costly.

Yet, in Broos’s eyes, those lessons are part of the process. The focus is not on perfection now, but on progression by the time the tournament begins.

There is also a broader psychological element at play: opponents may not view South Africa as a primary threat, a perception that can lead to complacency. In a tournament setting where margins are defined by moments, that slight edge in mindset can be decisive.

For Broos, the challenge will be balancing belief with realism. While a lack of expectation removes pressure, it does not remove responsibility. Bafana will still need to be clinical, disciplined, and mentally sharp to capitalise on the opportunity.

If Broos is right and the underdog tag works in their favour, South Africa may arrive at the World Cup with something more valuable than hype. They may arrive with freedom — and in football, that can be dangerous.

Israel has crossed a line it has long approached but never formally declared: legalising the killing of prisoners. By passing a law permitting the execution of Palestinian detainees, what they once carried out in the shadows with impunity now stands codified in law. In a system where Palestinian conviction rates in military courts are consistently reported by human rights organisations and legal experts to exceed 95%, often reaching as high as 99%, the death penalty is not a measure of justice, but a guarantee of death.

To understand the gravity of this moment, one must first understand the scale and function of imprisonment in the Palestinian context. Detention has never been merely a legal measure; it has been a central instrument of control. One in five Palestinians (20%) has been arrested or detained by Israeli authorities since the 1967 occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. This system of mass incarceration falls most heavily on Palestinian men, with estimates indicating that nearly two in every five (40%) have been arrested and charged over the course of their lives. An entire generation marked by detention.

At the heart of this system lies administrative detention, a practice that allows individuals to be held without charge or trial, often on secret evidence, for renewable periods of six months. In reality, this means indefinite imprisonment without due process. Under the current trajectory, and in the shadow of this new inhumane law, such detention risks being extended in prison time, and in consequence, transforming from prolonged incarceration into the possibility of state-sanctioned execution.

Since October 2023, conditions within Israeli prisons have deteriorated dramatically. The findings of Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, point to widespread and systematic abuses against Palestinian men and women in Israeli prisons: rape, torture, sexual violence, humiliation, solitary confinement without access to family, and deliberate medical neglect. These violations form part of a broader pattern made possible by sustained international inaction. Impunity is not incidental; it is enabling.

Therefore, the newly approved law must not be understood as something abnormal, but as a continuation. For years, proposals to formalise the execution of Palestinian prisoners have circulated within the Israeli parliament, repeatedly amended, repeatedly delayed. The intent has not changed; it is the timing that has. At a moment when global attention is diverted by expanding regional tensions and shifting geopolitical priorities through the US-Israeli war against Iran, this far-right government has seized the opportunity to advance a measure that would have once provoked immediate international outrage. The silence is not accidental. It is being relied upon.

Palestinians know too well that execution has never been confined to courtrooms. Field executions, extrajudicial killings carried out with impunity, have long been a feature of life under occupation. What this law does is remove any remaining ambiguity. It provides legal cover for what has already been practised, the systematisation of murder within governance structures.

For those in South Africa and across the African continent, this moment should resonate deeply. The use of detention and imprisonment to suppress resistance is nothing new. Under apartheid, political prisoners were jailed, and executions were carried out by the state between 1961 and 1989. Yet South Africa ultimately chose a different path, abolishing the death penalty in 1995 as part of its commitment to human dignity and constitutional justice.

Today, a new shift is occurring: the law is being repurposed to authorise the destruction of life rather than protect it.

Figures such as Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Sa’adat, widely regarded as central voices in Palestinian political life, now face a risk that echoes beyond their individual cases. Their standing, comparable in many respects to that of Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and other South African freedom fighters during the struggle against apartheid, underscores what is truly at stake. This is not only about prisoners. It is about leadership, resistance, and the future of a people.

More than 9,000 Palestinian prisoners are currently held in Israeli detention. This law places them under a new and immediate threat. It converts imprisonment into a pipeline to execution, governed by a discriminatory and politicised system.

Such a measure could not have been adopted in a vacuum. It is the product of a broader failure of international institutions that have not held Israel accountable, and of governments that have chosen silence over principle. The credibility of the international legal system is now on trial as much as the lives of those it has failed to protect.

The response must therefore be clear and decisive. Parliaments across the world must urgently reconsider their relations with the Israeli parliament. This includes imposing sanctions on its members, suspending its participation in international parliamentary bodies, and supporting efforts to isolate an institution that has moved to legitimise racism and killing under the guise of law.

The State of Palestine calls for the boycott of this legislative body as a necessary step to uphold the most basic principles of international law and human dignity.

History will not remember this moment for the arguments made in defence of such a law. It will remember who acted, and who remained silent, as the legalisation of death took its place on the statute books.

Hanan Jarrar is the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Malawi

Bafana Bafana may have ended their international window with a disappointing defeat, but there was still recognition for individual brilliance — particularly from an unlikely source.

Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen singled out Relebohile Mofokeng as a standout performer across the two friendlies, underlining the youngster’s growing reputation beyond South African borders.

South Africa’s defeat in the second encounter marked their first home defeat under Hugo Broos since his appointment in May 2021. It followed a draw in the opening fixture — a match in which Bafana controlled large spells but failed to convert their chances.

That inefficiency proved costly once more. Panama, by contrast, were clinical; they created fewer opportunities but displayed the composure and precision that ultimately separated the two sides, underpinned by a disciplined defensive organisation in the second leg.

Yet, despite the result, Christiansen was quick to acknowledge the quality within the South African ranks.

“The South African side... Mofokeng is a very good player. He can make the difference,” Christiansen told the media. “He’s fast, technically skilled, and very strong. He has a good view; he can give good passes and, as a young player, he’s very important for the future."

The former Barcelona striker also noted the depth of the squad: “You have [Lyle] Foster up front with experience, midfielders who cover a lot of space, and a good goalkeeper. Their full-backs are technically strong and good in attack.

"Mbokazi, although I didn’t mention him initially, is a good centre-back with a lot of quality. And we also had the player from Minnesota [Bongokuhle Hlongwane] — yes, he’s also a good player. I could mention everyone.”

God given talent. The boy is marvelous to watch!

Relebohile Mofokeng 🤩 pic.twitter.com/oJ15q2Ow1w

— STAR. (@makwande_m) April 1, 2026

Mofokeng’s impact comes as little surprise given his form for Orlando Pirates this season. The 19-year-old has been a revelation in the Betway Premiership, consistently influencing matches in the final third. His ability to carry the ball, create chances, and operate with a confidence beyond his years has made him a key figure at club level — and, increasingly, for the national team.

What stood out across the two matches was not just his raw talent, but his willingness to take responsibility. In a Bafana side still searching for a cutting edge, Mofokeng looked like one of the few players capable of unlocking settled defences and injecting urgency into the transition.

For Broos, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While the broader team performance will raise concerns — particularly regarding finishing and game management — the emergence of players like Mofokeng offers a genuine glimpse into the future. If Christiansen’s assessment is anything to go by, that future has already arrived.

Rele Mofokeng A Good Listener!!!

The Great Shikabala giving Rele some advice a word from wise is enough.

And I like how the president is listening attentively ka teng pic.twitter.com/Z2yGieKtFK

— Commander!!! (@maetsebane) March 28, 2026

China said on Thursday that US and Israeli strikes on Iran were the "root cause" of the Strait of Hormuz blockage, after US President Donald Trump called on affected countries to seize the key waterway.

Trump said countries that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait should "take care of that passage", which has been effectively closed by Tehran in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

He urged such countries to "just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves".

China is a major importer of oil through the vital waterway, and the foreign ministry in Beijing blamed the United States and Israel on Thursday.

"The root cause of interruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the United States and Israel's illegal military operations against Iran," ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference.

Trump, faced with sinking approval ratings over the war, has sought to assure that the conflict is nearing an end. However, he also warned in a televised address that there would be another "two to three weeks" of heavy strikes that would "bring (Iran) back to the Stone Ages".

If no agreement with Tehran is struck, he said, Washington would eye key targets including Iran's electricity-generating plants.

Asked about Trump's threats, Mao told reporters that "military means cannot fundamentally solve the problem, and the escalation of conflicts is not in the interests of either side".

China is the main buyer of Iranian oil, most of which passes through the Strait.

The effective closure of the waterway has sent global oil prices surging by 40 to 50 percent, affecting key industries, particularly the aviation sector.

Several Chinese airlines, including national carrier Air China, said they will raise their fuel surcharges on domestic flights from Sunday as the war in the Middle East drives up oil prices.

Several other airlines, including Air France-KLM, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Qantas, and SAS, have raised their fares to reflect the increase in jet fuel prices, and rerouted flights to avoid the war-torn region.

A barrel of Brent oil, the benchmark reference for energy markets, has risen to around $100 since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, leading Iran to retaliate against oil installations in several Gulf states.

AFP

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Donald Trump sparked anger in France on Thursday after making fun of the French president and his wife, imitating a French accent and saying Emmanuel Macron's wife "treats him extremely badly".

The US president on Wednesday unleashed his latest broadside against Macron during a private lunch as he lambasted NATO allies for not joining the war against Iran.

In France, politicians including a Macron critic were outraged by Trump's attack.

"Honestly, it's not up to par," said Yael Braun-Pivet, president of France's lower house of parliament.

"We are currently discussing the future of the world. Right now in Iran, this is having consequences for the lives of millions of people, people are dying on the battlefield, and we have a president who is laughing, who is mocking others," she told franceinfo.

Even Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the hard-left France Unbowed party, rushed to Macron's defence.

"You are aware of the extent of my disagreements with the president, but for Donald Trump to speak to him like that and to speak of his wife in such a manner – I find that absolutely unacceptable," Bompard told broadcaster BFMTV.

Conservative French daily Le Figaro said: "Another controversial outburst from Donald Trump."

'Still recovering'

Trump mocked the 48-year-old Macron in a video posted briefly on the White House YouTube channel before access was blocked.

"We didn't need them, but I asked anyway," Trump said.

"I call up France, Macron -- whose wife treats him extremely badly. Still recovering from the right to the jaw," Trump said.

The US president was referring to a May 2025 news video that appeared to show Brigitte Macron shoving the French president's face on a trip to Vietnam, which Macron later rejected as part of a disinformation campaign.

At the time Macron denied any "domestic dispute" with his wife, saying that they were "joking as we often do."

"And I said, 'Emmanuel, we'd love to have some help in the Gulf even though we're setting records on knocking out bad people and knocking out ballistic missiles. We'd love to have some help. If you could, could you please send ships immediately,'" Trump continued.

He then mimics a French accent to give Macron's alleged answer: "'No no no, we cannot do that, Donald. We can do that after the war is won,'" he said.

"I said, 'No no, I don't need after the war is won Emmanuel,'" Trump said.

"So I learned about NATO -- NATO won't be there if we ever have the big one, you know what I mean by the big one," Trump said, without elaborating.

He also branded NATO a "paper tiger," the latest salvo by Trump and his top officials against the transatlantic alliance since he returned to the White House last year.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "is going to have to reexamine" its relationship with NATO once the war against Iran has concluded.

AFP

Parliament has recommended the dissolution of the Athletics South Africa (ASA) board, delivering a damning verdict on the state of the country’s athletics administration.

The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture concluded that the federation has failed in its fiduciary responsibilities and is no longer capable of safeguarding the interests of athletes. The decision follows a series of governance lapses, financial concerns, and internal conflict.

Committee chairperson Joe McGluwa warned that ASA is “on the verge of collapse” due to weak financial controls and a breakdown in leadership.

“There is no way the entity could run an effective athletics programme with the level of brokenness manifest in this board,” McGluwa said. “We are going to be wondering why we fail to bring home medals when we are managing chaos instead of running successful programmes.”

The recommendation follows a tense parliamentary briefing on 31 March, where ASA officials were grilled on several issues, most notably the failure to pay winners of ASA-sanctioned marathons in Mpumalanga and Soweto. MPs described the situation as unacceptable, noting that it undermines both athlete welfare and the credibility of the sport.

Committee member Tebogo Letsie called for urgent accountability, questioning why prize money had not been paid and urging ASA to take decisive action, including opening criminal cases against errant organisers. He further suggested that events linked to repeat offenders should be shut down to protect the integrity of the competition.

The committee also raised concerns about broader governance failures, including inaccuracies in ASA’s presentation, the absence of board members during critical engagements, and the lack of progress in key administrative appointments.

Criticism extended to the handling of previous investigative reports, with MPs noting that recommendations from a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe had not been fully implemented.

Adding to the pressure is scrutiny from World Athletics, which has indicated it will monitor ASA’s compliance with a reform roadmap. The global body has flagged issues such as inadequate financial oversight, weak governance structures, and a need for improved professionalism.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has been criticised for failing to attend the parliamentary session, despite earlier commitments to intervene in ASA’s ongoing challenges.

While the recent suspension of ASA president James Moloi over findings of credit card abuse adds another layer to the crisis, lawmakers made it clear that the problems run far deeper than any single individual. With Parliament now formally calling for the board’s dissolution, the focus shifts to whether decisive action will be taken to reset governance at ASA before the damage becomes irreversible.

A Florida judge ruled on Wednesday that Tiger Woods may leave the United States to undergo "comprehensive inpatient treatment" following his recent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Woods's attorney, Douglas Duncan, submitted the motion in Martin County Court, citing the 50-year-old golfer's urgent need for an "intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated programme," as well as a requirement for privacy from intense media and public scrutiny. Judge Darren Steele granted the motion following a teleconference on the matter.

In the wake of a rollover car accident last Friday, Woods has confirmed he will "step away" from all golf-related activities. Consequently, the PGA of America confirmed on Wednesday that Woods will no longer captain the 2027 US Ryder Cup team.

Woods pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to misdemeanour charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test. While a breathalyser test showed no alcohol in his system at the time of the crash, Woods reportedly refused a urine analysis.

In requesting the court's approval for international travel, Duncan stated that Woods’s doctor recommended a specific facility based on the "defendant’s complex clinical presentation." The motion argued that the required level of care cannot be safely or effectively provided within the United States due to repeated compromises of his privacy.

"Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment," Duncan stated.

The 15-time Major winner has battled debilitating injuries throughout his career. According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office accident report, Woods informed officers he has undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg, noting a persistent limp and a seizing ankle.

While Woods initially told officers he was distracted by his mobile phone and the radio, deputies described his movements as "lethargic and slow," noting his eyes were "bloodshot and glassy." The report further alleged that Woods was found with two hydrocodone pills — an opioid painkiller — and appeared unable to safely operate a vehicle.

This is not Woods's first encounter with such charges. In 2017, he was arrested after being found asleep at the wheel; he later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, attributing the incident to a mix of prescription painkillers. In February 2021, he survived another serious rollover crash in California that resulted in multiple compound fractures.

Woods, who underwent surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 and a further back procedure in October, has not competed in a top-level event since the 2024 Open Championship. Despite his competitive hiatus, he has served as chair of the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health," Woods said in a statement. "This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."

The golfing world has offered swift support. PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley both released statements backing Woods’s decision.

"Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta," Ridley said of the five-time Masters champion. The PGA of America added: "We commend Tiger for prioritising his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision."

AFP

Bafana Bafana legend Teko Modise has delivered a blunt assessment of Sipho Mbule, warning that the Orlando Pirates midfielder risks becoming a player defined forever by potential rather than achievement.

Mbule’s current situation reflects a frustratingly familiar pattern. After a bright start to the season following his high-profile move to Pirates, the 28-year-old has seen his influence fade, slipping out of regular contention and becoming a bit-part figure in recent weeks.

Once regarded as one of the most naturally gifted midfielders in South African football, Mbule burst onto the scene with SuperSport United during the 2017/18 season. He quickly earned a reputation as a player capable of dictating matches with ease, a promise that eventually led to a move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

But instead of ascending to the next level, his progress stalled. Off-field distractions and inconsistency saw him fall down the pecking order at Chloorkop, leading to a loan spell at Sekhukhune United. His permanent move to Orlando Pirates was intended to be a career reset — a fresh start at a club known for granting attacking players the freedom to express themselves.

For a brief moment, the move appeared to be working. Mbule began the campaign in strong form and earned a place in the squad for the 2025 AFCON finals. Yet, as the season has unfolded, that momentum has dissipated.

His performances have dipped, opportunities have become limited, and his standing in the national setup has taken a significant hit. Once tipped by Hugo Broos as a potential successor to Themba Zwane, Mbule now finds himself outside the Bafana fold, with his chances of making the 2026 Fifa World Cup squad increasingly uncertain.

It is this stagnation that prompted Modise’s frank intervention on the iDiski Dine Podcast.

“I know I might sound like a hater, but for me personally, it feels like he’s been ‘bubbling under’ for so long,” Modise said. “When Sipho was still at SuperSport, there were rumours of him going to [Kaizer] Chiefs, rumours of going everywhere. I remember doing a Sundowns-SuperSport game; as I left, I bumped into Stan Matthews and he said to me, ‘I need to talk to you.’

“He took me aside and said, ‘After you at SuperSport, the very same talent you had, the very same way I felt about you, is this boy Sipho. Can you please talk to him? I think he has great potential, just like you had, but I think he is just stuck in his ways.’”

Modise revealed that the pleas for him to mentor Mbule have been a recurring theme throughout the player’s career.

“I have been asked to talk to Sipho for such a long time. Stan Matthews did; when Sipho signed for Sundowns, our chairman [Tlhopie Motsepe] did. Maybe because we don’t have similar stories, but from a talent point of view, they saw a connection. Maybe there are people who told Sipho that I have an issue with him,” the former Pirates star continued.

“Sipho has the potential to be great, just like Rele [Mofokeng], [Jayden] Adams, or Teboho Mokoena. They all have greatness. But the reason why 'Mshishi' (Themba Zwane) is Mshishi is that he goes and trains extra every single day. The very same distractions that everyone playing football has, we had them too. Social media was there. There is no excuse; it’s on you. Use us as a reference.”

For Mbule, the message is clear: talent alone is no longer enough. At 28, the window to transform promise into a lasting legacy is narrowing. Unless there is a decisive shift in application, Modise’s warning may soon become an uncomfortable reality.

School holidays have officially begun, and with the kids now at home, parents are exploring every option to keep their children's minds engaged. For any parent, this time also highlights the immense value of quiet time - a truly priceless commodity.

Offering a family-friendly, whimsical escape, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" provides a welcome reprieve from the typical "I’m hungry" or "I’m bored" complaints.

Based on the beloved books by Roald Dahl, this production showcases a selection of your favourite songs.

The music is drawn from "Willy Wonka Jr.," "Wonka," and the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" film soundtrack, and includes tracks like "I Eat More" and the enduring classic, "Pure Imagination".

Kerry-Anne Beldon directs this adventure, which was produced by Clive Martin. Sibu Molaba and Jaden Taferner both star, playing the whimsical Willy Wonka. Choreography and vocal direction are handled by Virtuous Kandemiri.

Where: Theatre on the Square.

When: Runs until Sunday, April 11. Times vary between 10am, 2pm and 6pm, depending on the day.

Shrek the Musical Jr

Naturally, parents will be seeking additional choices, which is why this highly regarded show, back again following its successful previous season, is a perfect solution.

The musical, featuring everyone's favourite green ogre, is currently playing exclusively at the Peoples Theatre.

Also, the production features new choreography, costumes, and a fresh cast.

The audience follows the journey of the misunderstood ogre Shrek and his wise-cracking sidekick, Donkey, as they strive to reclaim their swamp from the ambitious Lord Farquaad.

Their journey brings them face-to-face with a variety of fairy tale outcasts, such as a fierce princess and a dragon that breathes fire. In the end, this diverse group of individuals demonstrates that true beauty comes from the inside.

Where: Peoples Theatre.

When: Runs until Sunday, April 19. Times vary between weekdays and weekends.

Man with No Surname

For theatregoers hankering for something more dramatic, this production is worth watching. 

At its core, the narrative follows a man seeking a sense of belonging and a home. However, his moral compass is lost after the woman he loves is victimised by a sexual predator.

Exploring themes of memory, identity, masculinity, and the enduring effects of political struggle, the story unfolds against an ocean backdrop, enriched by the presence of jazz, classical music, and ancestral echoes.

Due to the strong language used, the show is restricted to viewers aged 16 and over.

Where: The Lesedi at Joburg Theatre

When: Runs until April 12, 7.30pm. Times vary on weekends.

The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond

Fans of the award-winning singer won’t want to miss this homegrown tribute show. 

The show pays homage to Diamond with a compilation of his classics. These include "Sweet Caroline," "Cherry Cherry," "Red Red Wine," "Crunchy Granola Suite," "Shilo," "Cracklin’ Rosie," "You Don’t Bring Me Flowers," "Both Sides Now," "Heartlight," and "Forever In Blue Jeans," along with "Girl You’ll Be a Woman Soon," and many others.

Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre.

When: Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at 2pm.

“My child is dead.” These were the words of Portia Mhlathi, who discovered her missing 18-year-old son drowned in a Gqeberha lake. The tragedy has left the mother of three struggling to come to terms with her loss.

When Portia Mhlathi phoned her son on Saturday and he did not answer, she immediately knew something was wrong, IOL reported.

Unaware his remains were drifting in a lake, his face already being eaten away by fish, the Mthatha mother, roughly 520km away, frantically phoned everyone she could think of to help find him.

But Mhlathi’s hope that Lathitha, a first-year economics student at Nelson Mandela University, was out of harm's way was completely annihilated on Tuesday morning when she was told a body had been found that looked just like him.

And so with nothing to her name, the jobless mother of three went door to door, asking for money to make the long trip to Gqeberha, where her son had been staying in a university hostel.

However, on arrival, her worst fears came true when a body bag was unzipped, and her sister, who had gone with her and looked on her behalf, positively identified her beloved son.

According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, his body was discovered at North End Lake in Sydenham.

Sydenham is a suburb in the northern part of Gqeberha, close to the harbour.

"Police received information about a human body floating in the lake at Milner Avenue at approximately 11.45am," Janse van Rensburg said.

"Upon arrival, members spoke to a witness, who indicated that he had been fishing when he noticed the body floating in the water.

"The SAPS Divers Unit assisted and successfully retrieved the body from the lake."

She said the cause of death had been determined to be drowning.

And though no mother ever wants to hear that her son has died, Mhlathi now has some closure but still faces the daunting task of bringing his body home to Mthatha.

With her insurance policy less than three months old and his death classed as unnatural, she must beg the funeral parlour on Thursday to help bring her son home and, hopefully, cover any and all costs.

"All I can say is it is very, very, very painful," a weeping Mhlathi told IOL on Wednesday night.

"Knowing I do not have the money to bury him also hurts.

"We are in a city we do not know, and all I want is to get my son's body back home."

The grieving mother said her nightmare ordeal, something she would never wish on another parent, started on Saturday.

Mhlathi said she had called her son late on Saturday and got no answer, which was unusual because they spoke every day.

“I kept calling him but he did not pick up,” she said.

"We called each other almost every day and whenever I phoned he always picked up."

By Sunday, she still had not heard anything about Lathitha, who would have turned 19 in June.

Out of options, she decided to call his roommate at the residence.

“I even called his roommate at the residence, and he said 'no, mama, he is not here’.

"I was worried... I wanted to know here where he was."

Because that did not give her any answers, she resorted to social media.

“I then put something on Facebook just to say my son was missing,” the bereaved mother said.

Mhlathi said she kept checking her post, but nothing concrete came in.

It was not until Tuesday that she was told a body had been found, one that looked almost identical to the picture she had posted on Facebook.

“They said he was wearing a red shirt and had dreadlocks.

"I knew it was my son, but I wanted to go to [Gqeberha] to see for myself. I knew I had to be there,” she said.

With no fixed income, she had to gather money from neighbours to make the long trip from Mthatha to Gqeberha.

She said her sister ended up going with her.

“It was my sister who saw his face," she said.

"I was not in a good space to see the body myself.

“My sister said it was him for sure, but his face looked like it had been bitten by the fish, or the… I don’t know, the things in the [lake].

"He wasn’t injured otherwise and there were no other injuries on his body.”

Mhlathi said she was a broken mom.

“I can’t even explain how I feel," she said, breaking into sobs.

"I sent him off to university, and now he’s gone. My child is dead.

"I don’t know what to say. It was very, very, very painful.”

She said she would remember Lathitha as a fun and outgoing young man.

“My son was very eager for school and happy to get into university," Mhlathi said.

"He was doing a diploma in economics.

“He was a bubbly child. He loved to sing, to laugh, to play. He was always full of life.”

She said as if the death of her son was not enough, she now also had to figure out how to get his body all the way back to Mthatha.

With no money, she said she did not know what to do.

“On [Thursday], I have to go to the funeral parlour so I can take him back home,” she said.

“I don’t have enough money to bury him. I have to go home and ask for… I don’t know what.

"I need money to bury my son because I don’t have any. I can’t do this on my own."

She said she had a funeral policy with AVBOB, but it was still new and she hadn’t yet completed the waiting period.

“His death was not natural, so they said maybe they could help, but they will have to see on [Thursday],” she said.

Janse van Rensburg said an inquest docket had been opened. 

SATURDAY STAR

Londie London has opened up about the moment that ended her acting ambitions, sharing that a difficult experience while filming an intimate scene left her unwilling to return.

Speaking on the "Read The Room," part of the Podcast and Chill Network, reality TV star and singer sat down with hosts Shamiso Mosaka and Phil Mphela and unpacked the experience that made her step away from the craft completely, IOL reported.

Best known for her time on "The Real Housewives of Durban," London explained that acting was never her trained field and that lack of preparation played a major role in what happened next.

“First of all, I am not a trained actress and there was no trainer to prepare us for these types of scenes, so nobody told me what to expect,” she said.

The star went on to describe filming an intimate scene that quickly became overwhelming. Wearing lingerie and acting opposite a male co-star, Londie said the situation escalated in a way she wasn’t mentally prepared for.

“I was very confused about what was happening,” she shared.

That moment became the turning point. Instead of pushing through discomfort for the sake of the role, London chose herself.

“I swore to myself that I would never take up acting again. I had a horrible experience when filming that hot scene with this man.”

While she kept the production and actor’s identity under wraps, she did admit there was some on-screen chemistry just not the kind she was interested in exploring off-screen.

“He was actually very hot… but he was way younger than me. If I am older than a guy, maybe by two or even three years, then he is just a boy to me,” she added.

London has previously dipped her toes into acting with appearances on shows like "The Wife" on Showmax but it’s clear that chapter is now closed.

SATURDAY STAR

The push for a spot in the United Rugby Championship (URC) Top 8 is starting to feel real, and for South Africa’s franchises, the pressure is building at a critical time of the season.

All four local sides are still in the hunt to make the playoffs in what could be a first-ever four-team knockout berth for SA rugby in the tournament.

On the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, Leighton Koopman, Mike Greenaway, and John Goliath unpacked a big weekend of action — and the tricky situation facing the Stormers, Bulls, and Sharks as they try to balance URC ambitions with European knockout rugby.

Meanwhile, the Lions are cruising on their way to a potential quarter-final at Ellis Park, with some big games left in April and May.

For the other three SA franchises, a simple yet uncomfortable question arises: do you rotate your squad for the EPCR competitions or go all out? Resting players could help in the URC, but it might cost valuable momentum ahead of the return.

On the other hand, going full strength in the Champions and Challenge Cups could leave teams stretched when it matters most in the URC. It’s a balancing act with no clear right answer.

Every point matters now 👀

The Race To The Eight is alive 🔥@Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/Nv8ZgsGV0E

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 29, 2026

There was also plenty to chat about player movements. Springbok Eben Etzebeth’s return for the Sharks couldn’t come at a better time, bringing leadership and physicality when it’s needed most. Meanwhile, rumours around Bok lock Salmaan Moerat heading to France next season are doing the rounds, adding a bit of off-field intrigue.

One of the brighter talking points was Northampton Saints’ JJ van der Mescht, who continues to grow in stature and is pressing hard for a Springboks call-up this year. He is already in the plans of the world champions.

The conversation wrapped up with a look at how Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is managing his coaching squad with the acquisition of another Northern Hemisphere coach ahead of the 2026 season. Poaching Joe Lewis could be another masterstroke by the out-of-the-box thinking Erasmus ahead of facing England, Scotland and Wales in the Nations Championship.

The South High Court in Johannesburg has dismissed an unemployed husband’s attempt to secure maintenance for a child born outside his marriage, ruling that his estranged wife has no legal obligation to support the child.

The court ruled that the relief sought falls outside the scope of Rule 43 proceedings and that the wife has no legal duty to support the child born outside the marriage.

The parties were married in community of property in April 2022. At the time of the marriage, the husband was 30 and the wife 46. No children were born of the marriage. However, the husband fathered a child with another woman in June 2025 while still married, IOL reported.

The wife instituted divorce proceedings in September 2025, citing the husband’s extramarital affair and the birth of the child. Despite the pending divorce, the husband continues to live in the marital home and relies on food purchased by the wife.

Both parties are currently unemployed. The wife’s only income comes from rental cottages located on property in Germiston that she owned before the marriage. Although eight cottages exist on the property and could generate approximately R24,500 monthly when fully occupied, current rental income stands at about R7,200 per month.

The husband sought two forms of interim relief, R4,500 per month in maintenance for his child as well as shared control of rental income generated from the cottages on the marital property.

He argued that he previously supported the child and the child’s mother using rental proceeds and that the wife’s decision to instruct tenants to pay rent directly into her personal account deprived him of funds needed to support the child.

The court found that the primary purpose of the husband’s application was to secure financial support for his child, rather than maintenance for himself.

Acting judge DJ Smith held that the wife has no legal duty to maintain a child born to her husband outside the marriage unless she explicitly undertakes such a responsibility. The evidence showed that she had never assumed a duty of support toward the child.

The court also noted that the husband’s own needs were already being met, as he continued to live in the matrimonial home and relied on food purchased by the wife. His claim for transport expenses lacked sufficient detail and supporting evidence.

As a result, the judge ruled that the husband failed to establish a case for interim maintenance.

The court also rejected the husband’s attempt to secure shared control of the rental income. Judge Smit emphasised that Rule 43 proceedings are limited to specific interim relief such as maintenance, contributions to legal costs, and childcare arrangements.

The court held that disputes about ownership or distribution of assets within the joint estate including rental income, must be decided during the divorce trial itself.

" Therefore, I make no finding regarding the lawfulness or not of the wife’s actions in instructing the tenants to pay the rental income to her rather than into an account controlled by the husband); or whether the husband is or should be entitled to any part of this income from the joint property given the possibility of a forfeiture order which the wife asks for in the divorce. These are matters for the trial court," said the judge.

SATURDAY STAR

It was a case of the good, the bad, and the ugly for Bafana Bafana as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Panama at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Coach Hugo Broos made a number of changes to the side that started against the same opposition last Friday, allowing several fringe players to stake their claim ahead of the Fifa World Cup in June.

He also handed reserve goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner an international debut, with captain Ronwen Williams exiting the stage at half-time.

The good

Relebohile Mofokeng

The Orlando Pirates star, nicknamed "Cocomelon" for his youthful exuberance, possesses all the silky touches and vision required of a high-level number 10.

The 21-year-old was influential across both matches, sitting at the heart of Bafana Bafana’s attacking forays and making a stellar case for Broos not to rush veteran playmaker Themba Zwane back into the midfield following his lengthy injury lay-off. Mofokeng’s performances earned high praise from Panama’s head coach, Thomas Christiansen.

"Mofokeng is a very good player," the Danish-born Spaniard explained. "He can make the difference. He’s fast, technically skilled, and very strong. Mofokeng has a good view; he can give good passes, and as a young player, he’s very important for the future."

The Cape Town crowd

Perhaps it is because Bafana are not over-exposed in the Mother City — having last played at the DHL Stadium two years ago — but Cape Town’s football fans were clearly relishing the chance to see the national team in action.

They turned out in their tens of thousands, decking the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue in a sea of green and gold. The energy was pulsating, with the national anthem sung with passion by an eclectic mix of people representing the Rainbow Nation.

“When you have such a stadium, the form of the stadium, it's overwhelming,” Broos said. “It gives you energy. For the players, it has to be fantastic to play in that stadium. The crowd is always there when you come to Cape Town.”

The Bad

Physicality

Physicality is an area where Bafana have traditionally been found wanting, and it was no different against a powerful and aggressive Panama team.

The hosts were bundled off the ball on occasion, while Los Canaleros’ superior physicality saw the visitors dominate the duels. Coach Broos remains unphased, however, having navigated similar challenges during AFCON. He remains confident he can prepare his team to match such aggression.

"It's not a worry, certainly not, because I know that if we can be together for a while and work on that, South Africa can also play,” the Belgian said. “We don't have players of 1.85m—not all of them—but we can work on it. We succeeded in doing it at AFCON two years ago, and we will succeed now also.”

The Ugly

Goal-shy

The situation has become so dire that former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett has called for a specialised striker coach to be appointed to the national team's support staff. As Bafana’s second all-time leading goalscorer, Bartlett’s call carries weight following the two matches against Panama.

Bafana were creative in their build-up play and, according to Broos, created 10 clear chances across the two games, yet they only managed to convert two of them. Furthermore, the goal in Cape Town was a moment of individual brilliance from centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who unleashed a long-range pile-driver.

Bafana will need to pack their scoring boots for Mexico and the USA if they are to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Megan Thee Stallion's Broadway dreams hit a terrifying snag this week when the 31-year-old Grammy-winning rapper was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday, March 31, after falling ill right in the middle of her performance in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”.

Fans at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City got a serious scare when the show came to an abrupt halt shortly after the opening scenes.

Megan, who recently took on the iconic role of cabaret club owner Harold Zidler, had to be escorted off the stage.

Her spokesperson quickly released an official statement to address the sudden medical emergency.

"During Tuesday night’s production, Megan started feeling very ill and was promptly transported to a local hospital, where her symptoms are currently being evaluated," the rep shared. "We will share additional updates as more information becomes available."

The situation behind the scenes seemed incredibly tense.

Megan's hairstylist, Kellon Deryck, posted an urgent plea on X to rally her fanbase. "Everyone say a prayer for Megan, we are all at the hospital," he wrote.

Everyone say a prayer for Megan, we are all at the hospital 🙏

— Kellon Deryck (@KellonDeryck) April 1, 2026

Audience members were left in the dark for a brief period. Entertainment news correspondent and producer for “The Breakfast Club”, Loren LoRosa, was in the crowd and shared her real-time experience on social media.

She noted that Megan looked great during her initial scenes before everything came to a sudden stop.

The crew apologised to the confused audience and asked everyone to stay in their seats.

LoRosa even asked security if the crowd was safe, to which they replied that they were safe for now and would be updated if anything changed.

Came to see Meg The stallion on broadway and that was short lived.

The few opening scenes I saw her in she was great on stage! I was excited BUT…

They just stopped moulin rouge mid show apologized to the audience and said ..”stay inside and seated” I asked security if we’re… pic.twitter.com/rlqHTveHhc

— BROWN GIRL GRINDING⭐️ (@LorenLorosa) April 1, 2026

Eventually, an understudy stepped into Megan's shoes to finish the remainder of the evening's performance.

This unexpected health scare comes just a week after Megan made her highly anticipated Broadway debut on March 24.

She had been vocal about her excitement for this strictly limited eight-week engagement, which is scheduled to run through May 17.

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Before the curtain first went up, the Houston native shared how thrilled she was to tackle the new medium.

"Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” team is an absolute honour," she said at the time.

"Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I’m up for the challenge and can’t wait for the Hotties to see a new side of me."

IOL Entertainment

CIVIL rights organisation Free SA strongly condemns Parliament’s exploration of regulatory measures targeting South Africa’s rapidly growing podcasting sector, warning that such intervention would pose a direct threat to freedom of expression and democratic discourse.

Recent developments indicate that legislators are considering extending regulatory oversight to digital audio platforms, including podcasts. While framed as a means to ensure accountability, Free SA argues that this move carries the obvious risks of imposing unnecessary and unconstitutional restrictions on one of the last truly open spaces for public debate.

“Podcasting represents one of the most accessible and decentralised forms of communication for South Africans,” said Gideon Joubert, spokesperson for Free SA. “Any attempt to regulate this space must be viewed with extreme caution, as it opens the door to censorship, political interference, and the silencing of dissenting voices.”

Unlike traditional broadcasting, podcasts operate in a diverse, voluntary marketplace of ideas where audiences choose what to consume.

Free SA warned that introducing regulatory controls, particularly those that resemble licensing, content restrictions, or compliance burdens, could stifle innovation, discourage independent creators, and concentrate power over public discourse in the hands of the state.

Free SA emphasises that South Africa’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information without interference. Extending state control into digital content creation risks undermining these protections.

“History has shown that once governments begin regulating speech under the guise of ‘oversight’, the scope of control tends to expand,” Joubert said. “Today it may be podcasts, tomorrow it could be social media, online publications, or private communication platforms.”

The organisation further warned that vague or broadly defined regulatory frameworks could be weaponised against critics of government, journalists, and ordinary citizens engaging in political or social commentary.

Free SA argued that existing legal frameworks already provided adequate recourse against unlawful content such as defamation, incitement to violence, or hate speech. Creating additional layers of regulation for podcasts is therefore redundant and disproportionate.

Instead of expanding state control, Free SA calls on policymakers to:

• Uphold constitutional protections for free expression
• Encourage media diversity and digital innovation
• Avoid burdensome regulations that limit entry into the content creation space
• Ensure that any policy discussions include meaningful public participation
• Defending the Digital Public Square

Free SA has launched a public campaign urging South Africans to oppose podcast regulation and defend their right to speak freely in the digital age.

“This is not just about podcasts,” Joubert said. “It is about protecting the principle that individuals, not the state, should decide what ideas may be shared, debated, or challenged. A free society depends on open dialogue, not controlled narratives.”

Free SA called on Parliament to abandon any proposals that would impose regulatory controls on podcasting and to reaffirm its commitment to constitutional freedoms.

Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Kagiso Rabada must rediscover his ability to bowl the yorker if he is to regain his effectiveness during the death overs of IPL 2026.

Rabada, the Purple Cap winner in 2020, has struggled in recent seasons, claiming only 20 wickets in 21 matches across the last three editions. He began the current campaign with figures of 1/34 from three overs for Gujarat Titans, who suffered a three-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.

"One thing we have noticed over the years about Rabada — and Dale Steyn used to do this too — is that he bowls that cross-seam sort of outswinger," Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo. "He used to bowl a very good yorker early in his career when he was bowling seam-up.

"But has he started bowling too much of that cross-seam? He has lost his yorker. I think that is why he isn't bowling as well at the death. He was excellent in those closing overs when he first started. Perhaps that is something he needs to bring back into his game."

Steyn, the legendary former South Africa pacer, agreed that Rabada appeared to be "searching" for wickets and had lost his radar with the yorker in recent years. He compared Rabada’s current trajectory with that of Marco Jansen, who returned figures of 1/20 for PBKS in the same match.

"He had a fantastic yorker, and then there was a period where the South African bowling line-up went back-of-a-length and cross-seam," Steyn noted. "I think that’s where he lost that yorker a little bit. Marco doesn’t bowl a lot of yorkers, but he uses his variations well.

"KG has been searching for that yorker and just missing it; he’s been missing with low full-tosses and getting hit out of the ground. Meanwhile, Marco uses his length and his height, with the odd yorker thrown in.

"KG is searching, whereas Marco has figured it out. You can tell by the stats — one guy is taking a wicket every ten balls at the death, versus 71 for the other [since the start of IPL 2025]. One guy is searching, and the other knows exactly what he wants to do."

IANS

The case of two men allegedly involved in the case of  Warrick "DJ Warras" Stock, has been postponed to May 27 in the Warrick "DJ Warras" Stock.

Taxi boss Victor Majola, 44, and Mozambican national Armindo Pacula, 25 - who were arrested separately in December 2025 and January 2026, respectively - appeared in court on Wednesday, April 1.

During a court appearance in February, Pacula told the judge he fears for his life and indicated his intention to plead guilty to charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and contravening the Immigration Act.

Majola, arrested first, is accused of orchestrating the killing, while police allege that Pacula fired the fatal shots that ended the life of the popular radio and television host.

DJ Warras was shot on December 16, 2025, in Johannesburg’s Central Business District. At the time, he was overseeing a security system upgrade at the Zambezi Flats, an area recently linked to a spate of hijackings.

Five people have died and two others were seriously injured in a head-on collision involving three vehicles on the N1 in Limpopo on Wednesday morning.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed the crash occurred at about 7.45am near Boekenhout in the Waterberg District.

According to the department, the accident involved a Renault light motor vehicle, a Ford light delivery vehicle and a Toyota light delivery vehicle.

Preliminary information indicates that the Renault made a U-turn on the freeway, resulting in a head-on collision with the other two vehicles.

Two male drivers and three occupants from one of the vehicles were killed in the crash.

Two passengers sustained serious injuries and were transported to FH Odendaal Hospital for treatment.

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, expressed shock at the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have passed away,” Mathye said.

Authorities suspect reckless and possibly drunk driving may have contributed to the crash.

“The possible cause of the accident is reckless driving, potentially due to a drunken driver. We urge all road users to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others,” said Mathye.

The department has reiterated calls for motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations as investigations into the crash continue.

IOL News

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A GROUP of young innovators from the University of Cape Town (UCT) are stepping forward with a creative solution to a problem many South African families know all too well: children outgrowing their school shoes faster than parents can afford to replace them.

Now, thanks to a project developed through UCT’s Genesis Programme as part of a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Entrepreneurship) in 2025, those shoes may soon be able to grow alongside the children wearing them.

The idea was sparked during field research in Langa, where the team saw firsthand how quickly worn-out or tight-fitting shoes can become both a financial burden and a source of discomfort and embarrassment for learners.

The innovation was developed by Charnè Verster, together with Kelly O’Sullivan and Cindy McKenzie, after identifying the impact poorly fitting shoes can have on both families and children’s confidence.

“We kept seeing the same issue: parents struggling to repeatedly buy new school shoes because their children outgrow them so quickly. It’s not just a financial burden; it also affects children’s confidence when they have to wear worn-out or uncomfortable shoes,” said Verster.

“That’s when I asked a simple question: what if school shoes could grow with the child? That question became the foundation of everything that followed.”

From that question, the team began building what is now Smart School Shoes, a product designed not just for walking to school, but for keeping up with growing feet.

Verster led the concept development and worked closely with her teammates to bring the idea to life.

At the heart of the innovation is a patented mechanism in the sole that allows the shoe to expand by up to three sizes. The design also includes a broad toe box for added comfort, a reflective heel strip for visibility, and a built-in smart tracker.

But creating a shoe that can stretch without compromising on strength wasn’t simple.

“One of the biggest challenges was balancing durability, comfort, and expandability. School shoes go through intense daily wear, so the materials had to be strong enough to last, while still allowing flexibility for growth,” Verster explained.

With plans underway to partner with one of South Africa’s largest retailers by the end of the year, the team hopes their invention will soon be walking its way into classrooms across the country and eventually, across the continent.

South African drivers are facing one of the country’s biggest fuel price hikes today, as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts oil supply and global prices soar. Brent crude has surged past $105 per barrel this month, with peaks even higher.

Locally, the Central Energy Fund reports massive under-recoveries. Petrol prices have increased by R4.50 - R5.76 per litre, and diesel by R7.50 - R10 per litre, pushing 95-octane petrol toward R25 - R26 per litre and diesel close to R28 per litre in some areas. Analysts warn that if disruptions persist, further increases could follow in May. Combined with a weaker rand and a 21-cent-per-litre tax increase, households already under pressure from load-shedding and rising living costs face added strain.

In this environment, motorists are increasingly considering hybrids as a hedge against fuel volatility.

The Benefits of Hybrids

Hybrids combine a petrol engine with electric assistance, offering improved fuel efficiency (often 30–50% better than equivalent petrol models on mixed driving), lower emissions, no range anxiety thanks to the backup petrol engine, and the ability to run on electric power for daily commutes. Popular hybrid models in South Africa include the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Honda Fit Hybrid, Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid, and Haval H6 Hybrid.

“No option is perfect, and drivers should weigh their own circumstances,” the story notes. Hybrids excel in fuel economy without full dependence on charging, are versatile for city and highway driving, produce lower emissions, and generally cost less than full EVs. However, they still use some petrol, have slightly more complex maintenance than traditional cars, and cost a bit more upfront.

Traditional petrol or diesel cars remain attractive for their lower purchase price, widespread refuelling options, and familiar servicing, but are fully exposed to volatile fuel costs, higher long-term running expenses, and greater environmental impact.

Expert Advice

“More than ever before, the global picture is making pre-owned hybrids the intelligent choice for South African families and commuters,” said Errol Levin, CEO of Weelee. “The ongoing conflict has sent fuel prices soaring, and analysts warn of sustained volatility ahead. Drivers who switch now can protect themselves from these unpredictable spikes while enjoying better fuel economy and far fewer trips to the workshop.”

A LEGACY decades in the making just got its flowers. 

Iconic R&B singer Brandy Norwood, has officially taken her rightful place among legends after she was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 30. 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored the singer and actress with the 2 839th star, presented to successful individuals who have significantly impacted the entertainment industry.

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The multi-hyphenate delivered a speech at her induction, revealing that since childhood, it was always her dream to see her name on one of those stars.

“Seeing the stars on the Walk of Fame lit something in me. It made me believe. It made me affirm over my own life: I'm going to sing my way onto one of these stars. And I did! I have always believed my mark in this industry could be something meaningful and lasting."

“As honoured as I've been by every accolade, every milestone, every form of recognition, I didn't want to stop at just being remembered on the Hollywood High School mural. I wanted a legacy written in stone,” she said

“The Boy Is Mine” singer further explained that the star's significance lies in their power to solidify and acknowledge the dedication and effort invested throughout their career.

“A star on the Walk of Fame is a definition of legacy. It doesn't just celebrate your success; it cements your story.

“It doesn’t just honour your work, it immortalises your light. It is a symbol that says you didn’t just arrive, you endured. You didn’t just dream, you became,” she said.

The 47-year-old is definitely a force in the entertainment industry. From being the first black actress to portray the role of “Cinderella” to producing hits such as “Have You Ever”, “Missing You” and “I Wanna Be Down”.

Legal Aid South Africa has increased the income and asset thresholds for its Means Test, making it easier for more people to qualify for legal aid.

“In response to ongoing economic hardship and the rising cost of living, the Legal Aid South Africa (Legal Aid SA) Means Test has been revised upward in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” the organisation said in a statement.

The revised thresholds aim to ensure that no one is denied legal representation simply because they cannot afford it. Legal Aid SA said the changes are “a vital step toward safeguarding equitable access to justice” and reaffirm its commitment to helping those in financial need.

The updated thresholds are as follows:

• Criminal matters: from R9 100 to R9 400
• Civil matters (individual): from R9 100 to R9 400
• Civil matters (spouse/household): from R9 900 to R10 200
• Movable assets (household, no property): from R167 900 to R173 300
• Immovable and movable assets (household, owns property): from R787 600 to R812 800

In criminal cases, children automatically qualify for legal aid and do not need to meet the Means Test. For civil cases involving children, their families will need to take and pass the Means Test.

The changes take effect from April 1, 2026 and apply to all new applications submitted from this date.

Legal Aid SA said it continues to strengthen its role as “a champion of equal access to justice” and that the revised Means Test is designed to support more South Africans who might otherwise struggle to secure legal representation.

For more information, Legal Aid SA encourages the public to visit www.legal-aid.co.za or call the Legal Aid Advice Line on 0800 110 110.

As fuel prices climb, taxi operators are weighing fare increases, a move that could stretch already tight household budgets even further.

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) said it noted the recent fuel price adjustments that come into effect at midnight on April 1, 2026. However, the organisation indicated that the petrol price rise of over R3 per litre and the R7 for diesel, which was used by most taxis, would impact the industry.

“The significant increase of over R7 per litre means the industry will continue to absorb the greatest impact of the current fuel price adjustments,” Santaco National Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said, highlighting the disproportionate pressure on diesel-reliant operators.

Although the government has introduced a R3 fuel levy relief measure, Santaco described it as only a temporary buffer against a broader cost surge.

“Santaco acknowledges and welcomes the R3 fuel levy relief as a necessary short-term intervention,” Phala said, adding that the relief does little to offset the overall increase in operational costs.

The taxi industry, which transports millions of South Africans daily, operates in a largely deregulated fare environment, meaning individual taxi associations determine pricing. Santaco said these associations are now reviewing their cost structures and profit margins before deciding on any fare adjustments.

“Taxi associations across the country are currently assessing the impact of these increases on their operational costs and profit margins. Based on these assessments, associations will communicate directly with their commuters regarding any potential fare adjustments,” Phala said.

Crucially, the organisation sought to reassure commuters that any increases would not be implemented hastily.

“Santaco wishes to assure the public that any fare increases implemented by associations will be approached with caution, transparency, and responsibility,” Phala said, signalling awareness of the already strained household budgets many passengers face.

IOL reported earlier in the week that the latest fuel hike was among the steepest in recent months, reflecting a combination of global oil price volatility and a weaker rand.

Economists have warned that rising fuel costs tend to ripple across the broader economy, pushing up food prices, transport costs, and inflation.

For the taxi industry, the impact is immediate and difficult to absorb. Unlike larger transport operators, many taxi owners operate on thin margins, making them particularly vulnerable to sudden input cost increases.

Santaco said it was continuing engagements with the government to explore further interventions aimed at cushioning both operators and commuters.

“These engagements are critical to ensuring that the burden of rising costs does not disproportionately affect those who rely on public transport daily,” Phala said.

The organisation also appealed for patience from commuters as the industry navigated the latest price shock

“Santaco calls for understanding and cooperation from commuters during this challenging period, as the industry works to balance sustainability with affordability.”

THE POST 

Four schools in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have received a share of 20 000 loaves of bread to support their learner nutrition programmes.

The beneficiary schools are Saambou Primary School in Manenberg and Willows Primary School in Heideveld in the Western Cape, Bruntville Primary School in Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal, and St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg.

The bread will be delivered regularly to the schools to supplement existing feeding schemes and ensure learners have access to daily meals.

The initiative follows a national campaign in which listeners nominated schools in their communities they felt were most in need of support.

For many learners, school nutrition programmes play a critical role in their ability to focus and participate in class, particularly in communities where food insecurity remains a challenge.

“Through the campaign, we’re able to support learners with one of the most important foundations for success, which is good nutrition. A child who is well-nourished is better able to focus, participate and reach their full potential in the classroom.

“The campaign also allowed us to celebrate a unique shopper behaviour, the gentle squeeze that reassures consumers of Albany’s unmatched freshness in a fun and engaging way. By bringing these elements together, we’re able to make a meaningful difference in schools,” says Abongile Dzai, Senior Brand Manager, Albany.

A further 3 000 loaves are expected to be distributed to three additional schools in communities in need.

SATURDAY STAR

The DHL Stadium was absolutely buzzing on Tuesday night as a sold-out Cape Town crowd turned up to see Bafana Bafana take on Panama. These raw, high-energy shots by Ayanda Ndamane capture the drama of a night where the scoreline only told half the story.

The big moment of the night was undoubtedly Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s absolute "cracker" from distance. His celebration says it all — pure, unadulterated joy that sent the Mother City fans into a frenzy. It’s great to see the brotherhood on the pitch too, with teammates like Khuliso Mudau right there to swarm the goal-scorer.

Sure, the 2–1 result went the way of the visitors, but these moments show a team that’s finding its rhythm and fighting for every millimetre. Head coach Hugo Broos and his technical team will now return to the drawing board to contemplate all they have learnt this past week as they decide on their final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Although the Belgian will no doubt be disappointed with the results over both matches — the previous encounter in Durban ended 1–1 — he will be pleased with the handful of positives gleaned from the matches.

One area of concern that will require immediate attention is the lack of cutting edge upfront, and Broos can now attempt to find a solution to that particular problem. There is one more FIFA international window to stress-test his theories and strategies in early June.

Thereafter, Bafana will begin their World Cup campaign in Mexico against tournament co-hosts Mexico on June 11.

The planning can now also take on full dimension, as it was confirmed on Wednesday morning that South Africa will face the Czech Republic in Atlanta in their second Group A encounter on June 18, after the latter secured qualification by beating Denmark. Bafana will then complete their group fixtures against South Korea in Guadalupe, Mexico on June 25.

On April 18, South Africa’s heartwarming community movement, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, will celebrate the essence of creativity and compassion with vibrant public gatherings across the nation. Bringing together knitters, crocheters, families, and supporters, the events are set to transform simple acts of creativity into warmth and dignity for those in need.

The central hub of these celebrations will be in Johannesburg, at the City Centre at Steyn City, where a lively Family Day Out is envisioned. Attendees can look forward to an array of colourful blanket displays, creative activities, and the infectious spirit that epitomises the 67 Blankets community. Similar festivities are slated to unfold in cities such as Cape Town, Durban, White River, and Gqeberha, showcasing the movement’s extensive reach across the country.

67 Blankets invites the public to join in the spirit of giving by bringing their yarn, knitting needles, or crochet hooks. Volunteers, both seasoned and new, will work together to create blankets that ultimately provide warmth to vulnerable South Africans, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The welcoming atmosphere at each gathering is set to reflect the vibrancy of community interconnectedness, inviting families and individuals from all walks of life to engage in stories, learn new skills, and contribute to acts of kindness through crafting.

A leadership transition marks new beginnings

The celebrations on April 18 will also usher in a pivotal new chapter for 67 Blankets, with Annie Robinson Grealy stepping into the role of head of operations. While founder Carolyn Steyn will remain closely involved at the executive level, guiding the movement's vision and growth, Robinson Grealy's appointment reinforces the organisation's commitment to evolving while staying true to its roots.

“67 Blankets has always been about community and shared purpose. Annie’s passion, organisational skills and deep commitment to the movement make her the perfect person to help guide our operations as we continue to expand our impact across South Africa,” Steyn said, reinforcing her trust in the new leadership.

Robinson Grealy shares her enthusiasm for her new role, underlining the importance of the community: “This movement has touched thousands of lives and continues to grow because of the unwavering generosity of ordinary South Africans. My focus is to support and strengthen the incredible network of ambassadors and volunteers who make it all possible.”

A tapestry of warmth and generosity

Since its inception in 2013, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has mobilised thousands of volunteers to knit and crochet blankets that are distributed to those in need, effectively weaving together connections across various backgrounds. What started as a modest initiative has blossomed into a nationwide movement that has brought warmth to hospitals, shelters, schools, and other vulnerable communities, creating a rich tapestry of humanity.

The gatherings on April 18 present an excellent opportunity for the public to feel the spirit of 67 Blankets first-hand. Families, experienced crafters, beginners, and supporters are welcome to join in this empowering experience, as they share stories and transform colourful yarn into meaningful acts of kindness.

Johannesburg - Family Day Out

City Centre, Steyn City

April 18, 2026

Free entry

Blanket displays, creativity and family gatherings.  

9.00am – 3.00pm

Pop up food outlets on site

Gqeberha - World Creativity Picnic

Pearson Conservatory, St George’s Park

April 18, 20260

9:30 – 12:00

Entry: One ball of wool

Cape Town – Creativity and Innovation Day

Congregational Church, 222 Main Road, Claremont

April 18, 2026

Free entry - Bring along your handmade Creativity and Innovation blankets to be displayed for all to see.

9.00am – 1.00pm

Wool donations welcome

“Bring and Share” eats event

Durban (Westville) – Westville Social Knitwits Gathering

Westville Methodist Church, Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville

April 11, 2026

Free entry

View beautiful blanket creations and meet the Westville Social Knitwits community. Tea and cake served on arrival

10.00am – 12.00pm

Family and friends welcome

White River – Creative Gathering & Easter Activation

Methodist Church Hall

White River Knitwits will host two special gatherings celebrating creativity, community and connection: A launch and lunch to unveil their Giant Easter Egg installation — a joyful, community-led celebration. April 21 – UN Day of Innovation & Creativity: A vibrant display of creative blankets with guest speaker Felicity Bell, an artist sharing her creative journey.

2pm

Open to the public

IOS

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to celebrate Easter for the first time as pontiff a year after his predecessor's death, as concerns grow among Christians over the Middle East war.

Holy Week began with a clash in the Holy Land as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was denied entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem by Israeli authorities in what he called a first "in centuries".

On Tuesday, Leo said he hoped that US President Donald Trump was "looking for an off-ramp" to end the war, as he called for an end to the violence.

"We are in Holy Week, Easter is coming, and it should be the holiest, most sacred time of the whole year," but the world was witnessing "so much  suffering, so many deaths, even of innocent children",  Leo told journalists.

"We continually appeal for peace, but unfortunately many people want to promote hatred, violence, and war."

Against this tense backdrop, Rome is preparing to welcome thousands of worshippers for the Easter celebrations, the most important feast in the Christian calendar, which commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Among Catholics, the memory of the late pope Francis will loom large.

Last year, Holy Week was the setting for the Argentine pontiff's final public appearances, during which he appeared frail and short of breath.

He died on Easter Monday, following a final tour around St Peter's Square in his popemobile to greet the crowd. Leo was chosen as his successor on May 8.

Eagerly anticipated this year will be the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") blessing, which Leo will deliver on Sunday at noon from St Peter's Basilica - usually a message as political as it is spiritual.

The 70-year-old US-born pope has so far shown diplomatic caution and has not directly condemned his home country's role in the turbulent Middle East region.

On Sunday, during the Palm Sunday Mass marking the beginning of Holy Week, he expressed regret over "Christians of the Middle East who suffer the consequences of a terrible conflict and and in many cases cannot fully live the rites of these holy days".

Sombre Easter in Mideast 

Easter celebrations are shaping up to be sombre for Christians in the Middle East. In southern Lebanon, where Israel is stepping up its bombardment of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, Christian villages are on the front lines.

Many are "afraid to leave and not be able to return to their homes, given Israel's intention to occupy this area," said Hugues de Woillemont, general director of L'Oeuvre d'Orient, an association that helps Eastern Christians.

"If Christians were to disappear in large numbers, it would also mean the loss of educational and healthcare services in many of these countries - in Lebanon, but also in Syria and elsewhere," he told AFP.

In Rome, the Easter celebrations will begin Holy Thursday, April 2, with mass in the morning at St Peter's Basilica and another in the afternoon at the Basilica of St John Lateran, one of the four major basilicas in the Italian capital.

On this occasion, Leo will return to tradition by performing the traditional "washing of the feet" of 12 Roman priests.

Pope Francis had performed this ceremony, which re-enacts Jesus's gesture toward his apostles, among marginalised people, whether prisoners, migrants or the homeless.

Carrying the cross

On Good Friday, the pope will preside over the liturgical celebration of the Passion, then attend the traditional Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome, a ceremony that draws thousands of people each year to the illuminated amphitheatre.

The pope will personally carry the cross through all 14 stations retracing Christ's journey, from his condemnation to his crucifixion and to his burial, according to Vatican sources.

The carrying of the cross was performed by John Paul II during the first part of his long pontificate, which lasted from 1978 to 2005, and then by Benedict XVI on a more limited basis.

But Francis had not resumed this tradition, largely for health reasons.

On Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil will be held in the atrium of St Peter's Basilica.

Leo's first Easter as pope comes just ahead of his first major international tour, in which he will visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea from April 13 to 23. - AFP 

THE POST 

As digital communication continues to evolve, so too does the language we use to interact with one another. A recent analysis of Google search data for the first three months of 2026 by Unscramblerer.com has unveiled South Africa's most popular texting acronyms, shedding light on how social media and technology are reshaping the way we communicate.

Leading the pack is "TBH," which boasts a staggering 22,100 monthly searches. Short for "to be honest," this abbreviation encapsulates a growing trend where honesty and frankness dominate online dialogues. Close behind is "SMH" (21,900 searches) meaning "shake my head," a response often employed to convey disbelief or disapproval, showcasing how quickly acronyms can adopt contextually rich meanings.

The exploration of texting culture doesn’t stop there. Acronyms such as "PMO" (21,400 searches), which has shifted in meaning from "put me on" to the more recent interpretation of "p-sses me off," underscore the ever-changing lexicon of texting that reflects societal sentiments and nuances. Similarly, other popular abbreviations include "POV" (19,700 searches), a trendy way of conveying perspective, and "ETA" (17,400 searches), exemplifying our fast-paced lives where timing matters.

In further analysis, acronyms such as "FML" (16,300 searches), expressing feelings of frustration with "f--k my life," and "FWB" (15,800 searches) for "friends with benefits," reveal how texting both reflects and influences contemporary relationships and attitudes. The acronym "HMU" (15,300 searches), meaning "hit me up," demonstrates a casual invitation to engage, while "ISTG" (14,400 searches) — "I swear to God" — signals a deep emotional investment in the conversation.

Research insights from Unscramblerer.com emphasise the fluidity and contextual dependence of acronyms, indicating that their meanings can vary widely based on community usage. This continual evolution makes it crucial for users to be aware of their social context. “The meaning of an acronym can change depending on the community it is used in,” Unscramblerer.com spokesperson Randoh Sallihall suggested, stressing that effective communication often requires navigating this ever-shifting landscape.

An interesting finding from a 2024 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology indicates that reliance on acronyms may signal lower effort and sincerity, potentially leading to a decrease in engagement, said Sallihall. This is an important consideration in maintaining meaningful conversations across digital platforms. The trend reveals a delicate balance; while acronyms offer a trendy shorthand, they might inhibit connection if overused.

A deep dive into the search data also reveals that terms such as "WYD" (12,900 searches) - "what are you doing?" - and "LOML" (12,800 searches) - "love of my life" -  respectively demonstrate a deep engagement in personal communication, while phrases like "FAFO" (10,600 searches) - "f--k around and find out" - and "WFH" (8,500 searches) - "work from home" - reflect societal attitudes amid modern work practices.

As the landscape of digital communication continues to change, the rise of these acronyms signals not only the creativity inherent in texting culture, but also the inherent challenges of maintaining clarity and connection in our increasingly digital lives.

IOS

The Stormers have kept the composition of their squad for this week's Champions Cup trip to Toulon under wraps, but one confirmed traveller is Hacjivah Dayimani, who has only recently returned to South Africa following a two-year stint in France.

Dayimani addressed a media conference on Tuesday and seems set for a more prominent role on Saturday, after primarily being used as an impact player by coach John Dobson since his return.

The loose forward, a product of Jeppe High School for Boys, began his career at the Lions before moving to the Stormers. In 2024, he joined the Parisian club Racing 92. He admits he learned a great deal in the Top 14, but when he found himself regarded primarily as a winger, he decided it was time to come home. He rejoined the Stormers in February.

“It’s obviously good to be back,” Dayimani smiled. “The more things change, the more they stay the same. I guess one big difference is that before I left, Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] was a youngster coming through, and now he is the man!”

Dayimani noted that his time in the uncompromising world of French rugby has matured him. He left South Africa as something of a maverick but returns as a more rounded professional. “My role has changed a bit. I’m trying to serve the team more and fill in wherever I’m needed,” the 28-year-old said.

“I was out for seven months with an Achilles injury in Paris,” he explained. “When I came back, I transitioned to the wing and played there for a few months. The coaches saw me as a hybrid player — 80 percent wing and 20 percent flanker. I started to think about a change.

“In the end, the return was about my career and getting the right game time. There was also the factor of my family [he has a wife and a young child]. An agreement was reached that allowed me to come back home.”

Dayimani added that a major positive of his positional shift at Racing 92 was being coached by former internationals Frederic Michalak and Joe Rokocoko.

“The Racing coaches told me, ‘If we don’t put you on the wing, it’s a waste.’ I spent three or four months training there, working on positioning, kicking, and understanding the game from a different perspective,” he said.

“That has opened up my arsenal. If I’m needed on the wing, I’m comfortable. I can play there, at centre, or at flanker. It depends on what the team needs. The game is changing. It used to be about offloading — everyone was just trying to offload to crack open the defence. Before that, it was about playing around the fringes to try and expose a vacuum. Every two or three years, there’s something new as teams try to innovate and identify space.”

The Springboks management learned last month that RG Snyman had injured his knee playing for Leinster against Glasgow Warriors, but the severity of the injury has likely caught them by surprise.

For the third time in his career, Snyman has suffered a season-ending ACL rupture, which carries a six-to-nine-month rehabilitation period. This means he will play no rugby for the Boks in 2026 —  a significant setback ahead of the "Greatest Rivalry" series against the All Blacks, and a devastating blow to the 31-year-old, who might have hoped his ill luck had finally run its course.

Snyman’s first two ACL ruptures occurred in his left knee (2020 and 2021), while this latest blow in March affected his right. The rugby gods have frowned on Snyman more often than not; during his first ACL rehab with Munster, a fire-pit accident resulted in severe burns, ruling him out of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour.

When fit, Snyman is among the world’s most dynamic players — evidenced by his being named the URC Players' Player of the Season for 2024/25. However, his misfortune restricted him to only 20 appearances across four seasons at Munster. His first rupture famously came just seven minutes into his Munster debut following the 2019 World Cup triumph.

After that 2019 final victory over England in Japan, the injury curse meant Snyman did not play for the Springboks again until 8 July 2023, against Australia in Pretoria. It ultimately took him eight years from his 2018 debut to reach his 50th cap, which he earned last November against Ireland in Dublin.

That remains Snyman’s last Test, and he will only have the opportunity to add to his tally in 2027—injury permitting. The solitary silver lining is that he has time to recover for the Boks’ defence of the World Cup in Australia next year.

Rassie Erasmus at least knows where he stands. He has shown an increasing interest in JJ van der Mescht, the 26-year-old former Junior Springbok who has been displaying great form—and a newfound maturity — in the English Premiership with Northampton Saints.

At 146kg and 2m tall, the lock is highly athletic despite his bulk and would be a "like-for-like" replacement for Snyman in terms of the impact he could provide from the Bomb Squad.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has said his charges will need to produce something special in the Champions Cup to beat the red-hot Glasgow Warriors on their home turf this Saturday — so why not throw caution to the wind with his selections?

The Warriors are one of the finest attacking sides in Europe. They boast a beefy pack that provides quality ball, brilliant backs, and an astute, attack-minded coach in Franco Smith. To beat the Warriors, who sit atop the United Rugby Championship with four rounds remaining, you simply have to outscore them.

The Bulls’ pack is arguably a touch stronger than their Glaswegian counterparts, and on the fast 4G pitch at Scotstoun, the men from Pretoria have the backline to rack up the points. To that end, this is Ackermann’s opportunity to give the sensational Cheswill Jooste a bigger share of the game time.

The 19-year-old scored a jaw-dropping 50m try against Munster at the weekend, underlining exactly why Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus rates him so highly. Jooste was invited to the Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town in early March. Against Munster, he received the ball out wide near the halfway line, stepped inside a defender, and screamed towards the posts, swerving around would-be tacklers.

Jooste’s pedigree is elite; he clocked 10.74 seconds for the 100m at a school athletics meeting in 2024, with a 200m time of 22.05 recorded on the World Athletics website. A product of Vredenburg in the Western Cape who was schooled at athletics powerhouse Hoërskool Noordheuwel in Gauteng, Jooste represented SA Schools in 2023 and 2024, and the Junior Springboks in 2025. He has been at the Bulls since then but has battled for minutes in a backline awash with Springboks.

After the Bulls’ hard-fought win over Munster, Ackermann noted: “If we’re in the play-offs in the Champions Cup, we must give it a full go. We will give it our best shot. We have a big challenge ahead of us, but we’ve got nothing to lose. We understand that it is a privilege to play in a Champions Cup Round of 16 match — we are alive in one of the best competitions in the world, so we will give it our best.”

Fortune favours the brave, and Ackermann should boldly back Jooste on one wing, moving either Canan Moodie or Kurt-Lee Arendse to full-back in place of the hot-and-cold veteran Willie le Roux. The latter had some deft moments with the boot against Munster but was also guilty of clumsy handling. Both Moodie and Arendse have experience at number 15.

If the Bulls arrive in Glasgow with an attack-to-win mindset, a back three of Jooste, Moodie, and Arendse is the ultimate dream team.

There is a quiet indignity in being a football fan from a country that failed to qualify for the Fifa World Cup. It hits you hardest when you are actually there, standing in a stadium halfway across the globe, surrounded by fans from 32 other nations.

At Qatar 2022, I found myself walking into the posh Lusail Stadium wearing a Brazil shirt for their match against Serbia.

Without South Africa in the mix, I was a nomad, searching for a second team to borrow some passion from, trying to convince myself that a Selecao goal mattered to me as much as a Bafana Bafana strike. I specifically chose the shirt because of Tottenham striker Richarlison, who ended up scoring a cracking bicycle-kick goal to win the match.

Outside the stadium, the Brazilian supporters were celebrating and having a good time following their 2-0 win. We joined in the celebrations and partied with Brazilians without understanding a word of Portuguese. It felt a bit like 2010, except that I wasn’t as eager to pay for rounds that included R250 beers.

But while the hangover was familiar, the gees just didn’t feel the same. I felt like a bit of an impostor. It was a lekker experience, don’t get me wrong, but it lacked the visceral, heart-in-throat anxiety that only comes with watching your own team in the stands.

For 16 years, South African fans have been forced into this role of the neutral observer at the Fifa World Cup, politely applauding the success of others while our own team remained an afterthought.

Thankfully, as we look toward the World Cup in North America, those days of "borrowed jerseys" are officially over. All this will change in June and July, when we will be able to cheer on Hugo Broos and his Bafana Bafana team. South Africans won't have to scan the groups to see which underdog is worth supporting ... we have our own horse in the race.

The most remarkable part of this journey wasn’t just the qualification itself; it was the erasure of the so-called “calculator era”.

For years, being a Bafana Bafana supporter required a degree in advanced mathematics. Every qualification cycle followed a depressing, predictable script, which ended in a final day where we needed a win, two draws elsewhere, and a specific solar eclipse to occur just to stand a chance.

We became the laughing stock of African football, a nation with world-class infrastructure and a top-tier domestic league that somehow couldn't figure out how to beat minnows without needing a slide rule.

The man who finally threw the calculators in the bin is Broos.

Broos did something his predecessors refused to do: he prioritised mentality over reputation. He stopped selecting players based on their star power and started building a well-oiled machine of soldiers who understood his tactical blueprint.

⚽️ 𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕝𝕪 ⚽️

🥅 ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Oswin Appollis gets an equalizer for Bafana Bafana!

🇿🇦 1⃣➖1⃣ 🇵🇦

🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC 3
🌐 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/pQ83LeuG5G

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) March 27, 2026

Under Broos, the transformation has also been psychological. The team that used to shrink under pressure has been replaced by a disciplined, fearless unit. We saw the first real fruits of this labour during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations bronze-medal run, and the momentum has only snowballed.

Despite the Teboho Mokoena saga, the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign wasn't a desperate scramble; it was a statement. By securing the top spot in a group that included Nigeria, Bafana Bafana proved that they no longer need favours from other teams to succeed. They are masters of their own destiny.

Walking into a stadium in the United States or Mexico — for those who can afford it, of course (I will be watching on TV) — will feel fundamentally different. There won’t be a need to buy a Brazil shirt to blend in; people from Mzansi will be wearing the green and gold, partying in their own language.

Broos hasn't just qualified us for a tournament; he has restored a sense of pride that had been missing for 16 years. The calculators are gone, the second teams are retired, and for the first time in a generation, the world will see South Africa exactly where we should be: on the pitch, not in the stands wearing someone else's colours.

Proteas Women’s stalwart Sune Luus has been there, done that and just fell short in a couple of World Cup finals.

In the early hours of this morning she added to her illustrious record after taking the field for Proteas Women’s in the second One Day International New Zealand in another milestone match.

The veteran all-rounder became only the second South African woman to reach the milestone of 150 caps for South Africa, a testament to her longevity and importance to the national side since making her debut as a 16-year-old in 2012.

But, for all her experience, Luus has rarely encountered the type of confidence and free spirit with which the new breed of Proteas Women’s youngsters are playing the game with, especially the talented Kayla Reyneke, who has taken to international cricket like a duck to water.

Reyneke has been the talk of the town after hitting a six off the final ball to help the team win the first ODI against the White Ferns. Coming in at No 8, her knock of a 42 off 32 balls basically won the South Africans the game, while the blow off the final delivery showed her winning mentality.

Luus says the fearlessness of the next generation is a major positive for the future of the Proteas Women and the performance of the team's debutants has particularly impressed her.

It’s in stark contrast to when she started playing at this level, where keeping your wicket intact was more important than trying to hit the ball out of the ground.

“It was great to see the debutant taking that responsibility. It's a great sign for the future of South African cricket,” Luus said.

“It’s awesome just to see the players come in and flourish. When we were younger, I can’t remember being that confident or coming in and hitting sixes for fun. It shows how the women’s game has grown.”

With one more ODI to play after this morning's match, Luus emphasised the need for the rest of the batters to step up in the series to help them secure victory and crucial ICC Women’s Championship points that go with it. The Proteas Women are currently second on the table, tied on points with leaders New Zealand.

Avoiding the uncertainty of the qualifiers remains the ultimate goal for the Proteas.

“Any points at this point are very crucial. You don’t want to go to qualifiers and you don’t want to be leaving it up to chance or relying on other teams. Every game is vital.”

Petrol and diesel prices rise this April 1, meaning higher costs for commuters, delivery services, and everyday groceries. Here’s the full breakdown:

South Africans will be hit with unprecedented fuel price increases on Wednesday, April 1, after the war in the Middle East sent international oil prices surging in the past month.

However, National Treasury and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) have jointly announced a short-term relief measure in the form of a R3 tax reprieve for petrol and diesel for the month of April. This will temporarily reduce the general fuel levy from R4.10 per litre to R1.10 per litre on petrol and from R3.93 to 93 cents in the case of diesel.

The DMPR announced on Tuesday that both grades of petrol will see a price increase of R3.06 per litre, while diesel will increase by between R7.37 (500ppm) and R7.51 (50ppm). Illuminating paraffin will see a price hike of R11.67 per litre.

After the price adjustments take effect on Wednesday, April 1, a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol will cost R22.53 at the coast and R23.36 in the inland regions, where 93 Unleaded will cost R23.25. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel will rise to R25.35 at the coast and R26.11 in Gauteng.

Treasury said the relief measure, which will cost the government around R6 billion per month, will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis for the following two months. The relief measure is designed to be fiscally neutral, it said, and the government will implement mechanisms to recoup the foregone revenue within the fiscal framework approved during the 2026 Budget.

Government further reiterated that there is sufficient fuel supply in the country to meet current and projected demand. It said the shortages reported in certain areas were largely due to localised distribution and logistical challenges driven by panic buying rather than a lack of national fuel stocks. These should self-correct in the coming days, it added.

Government is also exploring a broader package of measures to support households and key sectors of the economy, of which further details will be announced at a later stage.

Oil price surge

Although the South African rand has weakened due to uncertainty caused by recent conflict in the Middle East, the primary reason for April’s fuel price hikes is significantly higher international oil prices, also driven by the war.

Brent Crude oil surged by around 38% since the previous review period, averaging around $94 per barrel during the current review period. This is a significant increase over its average of $69 during the preceding month.

Impact on ordinary South Africans

Rising fuel prices in April are expected to feed through the economy, with the transport and logistics sectors likely to bear the brunt. Higher diesel costs, in particular, tend to push up operating expenses across supply chains, placing further strain on businesses already grappling with weak demand.

For consumers, the impact is usually felt in the form of higher prices for essentials such as food and household goods, as distribution costs increase. This fuel-driven pressure is also likely to complicate South Africa’s inflation outlook, potentially reducing the scope for interest rate cuts.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has warned that taxi fare increases may be imminent as operators grapple with fuel shortages, rising diesel costs, and supply constraints across the country.

In a statement, the council said growing uncertainty around projected fuel price increases has already begun to affect daily operations. 

SATURDAY STAR

Proteas Women’s stalwart Sune Luus will add to illustrious legacy when she takes the field for Proteas Women’s in the second One Day International against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington (midnight start SA time) in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The veteran all-rounder is set to become only the second South African woman to reach the milestone of 150 caps for South Africa, a testament to her longevity and importance to the national side.

“I’m obviously very happy and excited for it,” Luus said ahead of the clash. “Every time you get onto the field and represent your country is a big honour, and tomorrow is no different. Hopefully, there can be 150 more.

The Proteas won the first ODI, a high-scoring affair that saw South Africa successfully chase down their second-highest target ever thanks to a six off the final ball by starlet Kayla Reyneke.

Luus said they take take a lot of confidence from the result, especially after going down 4-1 in the T20 series leading up to the ODIs

“We made it a lot more difficult than what it was supposed to be, but that’s cricket,” she remarked. “There is going to ebb and flow, there is going to wickets and there is going to be sixes.

“A few learnings we took out of it, if you are the in batter, probably just stay there, it helps the team a lot. But it was just awesome to see the debutant take the responsibility.

A major positive for Luus has been the fearlessness of the next generation. The performance of the team's debutants particularly impressed her.

“It's a great sign for the future of South African cricket,” she said. “It’s awesome just to see the players come in and flourish. When we were younger, I can’t remember being that confident or hitting sixes for fun. It shows how the women’s game has grown.”

As foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) spreads across Gauteng, pressure is mounting on the provincial government to strengthen coordination and contain the outbreak.

The DA has accused Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa of failing to ensure a coordinated response, as farmers face mounting livestock losses and financial strain.

The DA's Bronwynn Engelbrecht said the absence of structured cooperation between provincial and local government is weakening efforts to contain the disease.

“As FMD continues to spread across Gauteng, farmers are losing their livestock, which is affecting food security,” Engelbrecht said.

She called on the provincial government to empower municipalities to take a more active role, including enforcing livestock movement controls, supporting roadblocks, and engaging directly with affected communities.

“Municipalities are not bystanders in this crisis,” she said. “Under the Animal Diseases Act, they have a clear duty to prevent the spread of controlled diseases, particularly on municipal and communal land.”

Engelbrecht warned that the current response remains fragmented.

“Without active involvement of municipalities, Gauteng’s response remains fragmented, reactive, and ineffective. This undermines enforcement, weakens communication, and allows the disease to continue spreading unchecked,” she said.

The DA contrasted Gauteng’s approach with that of the Western Cape, where it says local government leaders are playing a more direct role in managing the outbreak.

According to Engelbrecht, district mayors in the province are working alongside law enforcement, enforcing biosecurity measures and participating in coordinated command structures.

By contrast, she stated that there is “no evidence of local government coordinating livestock movement control” in Gauteng, nor is there consistent communication with affected farming communities.

The criticism comes as some municipalities begin to implement relief measures. Midvaal Local Municipality has approved a 10% rebate on property rates for agricultural properties affected by the outbreak, in a move aimed at easing financial pressure on farmers.

In a statement, the municipality said the disease has had a “devastating impact on the agricultural and farming sector, resulting in livestock losses, export restrictions, and significant strain on farmers, with broader implications for economic growth”.

The rebate will be in effect for 12 months and is subject to review, following the declaration of a national state of disaster earlier this year.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. While it does not pose a direct threat to human health, it has significant economic consequences, particularly for the livestock and export sectors.

South Africa has faced recurring FMD outbreaks over the past decade, with major incidents reported in provinces including Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State. These outbreaks have often led to export bans on red meat and livestock products, costing the agricultural sector billions of rand.

The Gauteng Provincial Government rejected the claims and labelled them as misleading. Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said the DA's claim is patently false as demonstrated by the Special EXCO decision taken on the weekend of January 25, 2026.

He said the meeting directed that CoGTA will facilitate and coordinate intergovernmental relations sessions to keep all municipalities informed and activate their structures.

“Furthermore, it mandated all departments to work with municipalities on a comprehensive communications strategy and ordered operational support from Transport and security cluster, including road blocks and route controls. Far from being bystanders, municipalities are embedded in a coordinated, province-wide response,” he said.

“These allegations are, therefore, not only incorrect but also reflect a troubling level of inconsistency and political opportunism from the DA. It is deeply hypocritical for the party to cast aspersions on provincial coordination while their own national leadership has been actively working in partnership with Gauteng to address this challenge.”

Mhlanga added that the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has played a constructive and supportive role in assisting the province.

He said under his leadership, the national department has collaborated closely with Gauteng authorities to facilitate the procurement and distribution of vaccines, as well as to support vaccination campaigns aimed at protecting cattle and limiting the spread of the disease.

This cooperative approach underscores a shared commitment across government spheres to protect the agricultural sector. The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has, from the onset of the outbreak, implemented a comprehensive and coordinated response plan,” he said.

According to agricultural authorities, controlling the disease depends heavily on strict biosecurity measures, including movement restrictions, quarantine zones, and vaccination programmes. Failures in coordination between national, provincial, and local governments have previously been identified as a key challenge in managing outbreaks.

Communal and peri-urban grazing areas, which are common in Gauteng, are considered high-risk zones due to the difficulty of enforcing movement controls. This places additional responsibility on municipalities to monitor livestock and prevent the spread of infection.

Engelbrecht said the lack of visible municipal involvement in Gauteng is particularly concerning given these risks.

“At a time when farmers are fighting to protect their livelihoods, and consumers face rising food insecurity, cooperation between all spheres of government is not optional but essential,” she said.

SATURDAY STAR

Nigeria has warned its citizens in South Africa to prioritise their safety and keep a low profile following violent unrest in the Eastern Cape linked to a disputed traditional leadership installation.

The advisory, issued by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, comes after protests in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, turned violent on Monday amid controversy over the reported installation of a Nigerian traditional leader.

In a circular titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa”, the mission cited rising tensions and urged immediate caution.

“In view of the recent developments in Eastern Cape Province and the current palpable tension in the country, the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria, would like to issue the following advisory and enjoin all Nigerian nationals living and working in the Republic of South Africa to observe the following safety protocols,” the statement reads.

The advisory calls on Nigerians to limit movement, avoid unfamiliar individuals, and “maintain a low profile at all times”. It further instructs citizens to “suspend any form of socio-cultural activities forthwith” and to avoid “inflammatory statements on social or mainstream media capable of heightening the current tensions”.

They were also urged to steer clear of demonstrations, report threats to authorities, and refrain from “unnecessary ostentation and flamboyance”, reflecting concerns that foreign nationals could be targeted.

“All nationals are enjoined to consult… if in doubt of any of the safety measures,” the statement adds.

The warning follows escalating unrest in KuGompo, where protests were triggered by the alleged coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo”, a development that has drawn sharp opposition from local political groups and traditional leaders.

What began as a planned demonstration quickly descended into violence, with property damage and clashes reported.

According to South African Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, authorities were deployed to manage the situation as it deteriorated.

“The protest began as a planned peaceful demonstration by various traditional leaders over the alleged coronation of an Igbo king,” she said.

“Violence broke out when some participants moved away from the city hall, where a petition was being handed over. Twelve vehicles have been damaged, and several buildings have been torched. Emergency services, including the fire department, remain on the scene, along with the Public Order Policing Unit,” she said.

“This is an active scene, and updates information will be shared in due course.”

Police also confirmed a stabbing incident during the unrest.

“The stabbed person is not linked to the march,” Gantana said.

However, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March Movement, claimed on social media that the victim was one of her members.

The controversy has also drawn a strong response from traditional leadership structures. The AbaThembu Kingdom distanced itself from the protests while raising concerns about governance failures and the handling of the situation.

“We wish to unequivocally distance ourselves from the acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property that occurred during the recent march in East London, KuGompo,” the statement said.

The kingdom emphasised its support for lawful protest while rejecting criminal conduct.

“The AbaThembu Kingdom supports the constitutional right to peaceful protest, but rejects any form of lawlessness and criminal conduct.”

It also made clear that its leadership was not involved.

“His Majesty, King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, and no member of the AbaThembu Royal Council deployed to or participated in this march. Those who attended did so in their personal capacity and do not represent the AbaThembu Kingdom in any official form.”

Beyond distancing itself, the kingdom raised pointed questions about the role of authorities in preventing the violence.

“What steps were taken when the call for this march was first announced?” the statement asked.

“If the country has intelligence capabilities, why were early warnings not acted upon to prevent the violence and looting?”

It further questioned whether failures within law enforcement had enabled the unrest.

“Did failures within the police and intelligence community effectively give space and power to hooligans to terrorise communities?”

The kingdom also criticised the broader implications of the alleged coronation.

“The Eastern Cape is not an annexure or colony of any foreign nation. There must be accountability and clarity on how such a situation was allowed to arise.”

The developments have once again highlighted underlying tensions around migration, identity, and economic pressure in South Africa.

In recent years, outbreaks of violence targeting foreign nationals have been recorded across several provinces, often linked to competition over jobs, housing and small businesses. Nigerian nationals have at times been among those affected, prompting diplomatic engagement between Pretoria and Abuja.

SATURDAY STAR

ILLEGAL offshore gambling continues to dominate South Africa’s online betting landscape, diverting more than R50 billion a year out of the country and exposing millions of users to fraud, financial loss and possible prosecution.

That is according to the South African Bookmakers Association (SABA), which on Tuesday raised alarm over what it describes as a deeply entrenched illicit market operating beyond the reach of local regulators.

A data-driven report commissioned by SABA from global research firm YieldSec in November 2024 found that illegal operators account for about 62% of all online gambling activity in South Africa. The same report estimates that around 16 million South Africans engaged with these platforms over the past year.

“While the positive impact of re-channelisation away from the illegal market is acknowledged and supported by SABA, not enough is being done to address this area of the illicit economy,” said SABA CEO Sean Coleman.

Illegal gambling, as defined under South African law, occurs when players place bets with operators that are not licensed locally. In terms of the National Gambling Act (2004), it is unlawful both to offer and to participate in gambling services without a valid South African licence.

Yet offshore operators continue to target local consumers, often presenting so-called licences from jurisdictions such as Curaçao, Malta, Gibraltar and the Philippines. These licences carry no legal standing in South Africa and offer no protection to users.

“These numbers are deeply concerning,” Coleman said. “The majority of online gambling activity in South Africa is still taking place outside the regulated system. That means millions of consumers are exposed to operators who pay no local taxes, provide no consumer protection, and operate entirely outside of South African law.”

He added that each transaction on a foreign-based gambling platform constitutes unlawful activity, facilitated in part through local financial systems.

“Each time a player located in South Africa places a bet on a foreign based online gambling site an unlawful gambling activity occurs, with such illegal gambling activity being facilitated by, among others, the bank of the player in South Africa,” said Coleman. “As such, South African banks, third party payment providers, and credit card institutions serve as a conduit between the SA online gambler’s banking account and the foreign based gambling website operator’s banking account, without which the unlawful gambling transaction would not be able to occur.”

Sections 8(a) and 11 of the National Gambling Act 7 of 2004 prohibit engaging in or making available any gambling activity that is not licensed within the country.

For consumers, the risks extend beyond financial loss. Winnings from illegal gambling are not legally protected and may be confiscated by the state. Participants also face the possibility of prosecution.

SABA said it is working with the banking sector to enforce these provisions.

“Many consumers are unaware that using these sites is not only risky, but unlawful,” Coleman said. “There is no guarantee that winnings will be paid out, and players have no recourse if they are defrauded or exploited. There is also the unregulated risk of gambling harm.”

The association has urged South Africans to verify that operators are locally licensed, noting that legal platforms are required to display their licence details, including their registered entity name and the relevant provincial gambling board.

Unlicensed operators, by contrast, typically display foreign credentials or reference offshore jurisdictions that do not authorise them to operate in South Africa.

Licensed operators are subject to regulatory oversight, including age verification, anti-money laundering controls and responsible gambling measures — protections largely absent in the illegal market.

“Choosing a licensed operator is about protecting yourself,” Coleman said. “Consumers should take a moment to check who they are betting with. If the operator is not licensed in South Africa, they are operating illegally, and by betting with such an operator, the South African consumer is committing an offense in terms of the National Gambling Act.”

SABA said it will continue working with regulators, law enforcement and the banking sector to curb illegal gambling and protect consumers.

Aletta Rose, 63, has appeared in the Bellville Magistrate's Court for murder after she was arrested for beheading her sister, Constance Scholtz, in a case that has shocked the Bellville South community.

Rose was arrested on March 19 after police found the decapitated body of her 79-year-old sister affectionately known as “Aunty Connie”, inside her home in David Street, Bellville South.

Not only was Aunty Connie decapitated, but her killer cut off her hands too. 

It isn’t the first time Rose is charged with murder, after she was also charged with murdering her brother-in-law - her husband’s brother - in 1996.

It is believed that she stabbed her brother-in-law during an argument with her husband.

Rose was convicted of murder and sentenced to six years in jail- three of which were suspended for five years. She only served three years in jail.

When Rose appeared before the court on Monday morning, she kept staring at the cameras of the media without showing any signs of emotion.

When the magistrate asked if she wanted to be referred for a psychiatric evaluation, she told her legal aid lawyer that she did not want to be referred.

The matter has been posted to 5 May 2026 for further investigation, as the witness statements, crime scene photos, and post-mortem are still outstanding. Rose will remain in custody.

During her first court appearance on 23 March 2026, when the magistrate asked if she wanted to apply for bail or remain in custody, she responded that she wanted to remain in custody as she does not have money to apply for bail, a fixed address and is homeless without a job.

The court proceedings were attended by Aunty Connie’s son, who refused to comment.

The funeral of Aunty Connie will be held on Saturday.

Reports have been swirling online that Rose allegedly stored body parts of her sister in Tupperware after the murder. 

However, the National Prosecuting Authority debunked those claims, saying, “no body parts have been stored or found in  Tupperware as has been reported.”

Meanwhile, IOL reported that Scholtz lived alone and neighbours became suspicious after noticing her usually neat curtains, appearing dishevelled.

When they called her name, Rose told them she was fine and was out of town.

Another neighbour, who is related to Scholtz, alerted her son about her concerns.

Reports state that when the son went to his mother’s flat, his aunt told her that his mother was away. He then left the property.

Another neighbour apparently noticed a blood stain on Rose’s clothing and the son was alerted once more and he returned to his mother's flat.

It is alleged that when he entered the flat, he found his mother’s dismembered body parts.

Weekend Argus

Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has vowed to step down if President Cyril Ramaphosa suspends him over the renewed allegations of criminal connections.

McKenzie, who serves as a minister in Ramaphosa’s cabinet, has rejected accusations from inmate Jermaine Prim, calling them “baseless” and without merit.

His loyalty to Ramaphosa, McKenzie stressed, remains unwavering, and he would respect any decision to remove him from his position.

His comments come amid resurfaced allegations by Prim, who claims links between McKenzie, his party, and various individuals, including accusations of involvement in drug dealings.

McKenzie made the remarks on the sidelines of the launch of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) on Monday, emphasising that his role in government is an act of service rather than personal gain.

He said he had been chosen by the president from millions of South Africans and remained grateful for the opportunity.

“If he recalls me, I will thank him. I will thank him, and I will respect him for the time that he trusted me with the portfolio,” McKenzie said.

He added that he was “not like other people that depend on this ministry” and insisted that his political career did not begin or end with his current role.

Reiterating his loyalty to the president, McKenzie said he serves “on the behest of the president” and not due to personal alliances.

“If I must be temporarily suspended, I will resign. Because I’m doing this as a service,” he said, adding that he would instead focus on campaigning for the 2026 local government elections.

“What President Ramaphosa has done to appoint me, I will never forget, and I will still sing his praises. Even if I am no longer part of the GNU, I respect the work he is doing.”

Addressing the allegations made by Prim, McKenzie dismissed the claims as baseless and lacking evidence.

“Anyone can say anything about you. Which drug dealer can say I’ve given him drugs? Where is the proof?” he asked.

In an SABC interview, he maintained that he had never met Prim in person and had only communicated with him via telephone and social media, noting that it took months before he learned Prim was incarcerated.

Their interaction ended after complaints were raised by women in his party, who accused Prim of harassment and threats.

McKenzie denied that Prim played any formal role in Patriotic Alliance activities or funding. “How can I go and ask a prisoner for money?” he said, also rejecting claims that he had supplied phones to inmates or engaged in unlawful conduct.

He further rejected associations with other individuals named by Prim, including Katiso “KT” Molefe and Vusimuzi Cat Matlala.

“I do not know Katiso "KT'' Molefe. I do not know Vusi Cat Matlala. I do not know anybody. I’ve never phoned those people. They’ve never called me. I’ve never been to their houses. There’s no picture I’ve ever taken with them. They don’t have my numbers. I don’t have their numbers,” he said.

On claims that the late William “Red” Stevens had funded the PA, McKenzie said: “How can William Red Stevens fund the PA? Like I’m broke. Like, we are broke.

''We as PAs don’t go around and take money from guys. We know crime. We know what the repercussions of crime are. I have never taken money from any gangster in this country.”

McKenzie dismissed allegations that he acted as a “proxy” for Cape Town drug cartels or anyone else. “Anybody who knows me, Gayton McKenzie, how can I be a proxy for anyone? A proxy, me?

''These are taxi drivers, taxi owners. I grew up knowing exactly who the big gangsters in this country are, and it isn’t even these guys. Those I recruited to work with the PA to leave crime behind, and I failed,” he said.

McKenzie also highlighted his long-standing anti-drugs stance, emphasizing his work with young people over 15 years to educate them about the dangers of substance abuse.

“No community in South Africa suffers more from the repercussions and the scourge of drugs than the coloured communities. And those communities vote for us because they see how we fight drugs,” he said.

Regarding his personal life, McKenzie confirmed that neither his romantic partner nor his family conducts any business with the state. “Zero business with the state. If my partner does business with the state, you can pull out something now and say, here’s your partner doing business with the state,” he said.

McKenzie also indicated that the PA intends to make submissions to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

He said the party has mandated Liam Jacobs to compile evidence on firearm-related violence in the Western Cape, focusing on the prevalence of police-issued firearms in fatal shootings on the Cape Flats.

“We want to go share about the guns. But our party has taken Liam Jacobs to put that together,” he said. He claimed that “80 to 90% of people who die on the Cape Flats are dying with police-issued guns” and insisted the party had proof, adding: “We have got 100% evidence of it.”

SATURDAY STAR

Posting a bible verse on a WhatsApp group during xenophobic tensions came at a high price for a Zimbabwean national, as he was fired from his job as a bakery manager.

The CCMA later, however, found that the dismissal of Cloudious Gogo was too harsh and substantially unfair.

The employer who fired him, Erarite Ltd, trading as Khayelitsha SuperSpar, recently turned to the Cape Town Labour Court to have the CCMA’s decision reviewed and overturned.

Gogo was employed as the bakery manager at Khayelitsha SuperSpar, but he was dismissed in July 2022 after it was alleged that he posted content on the WhatsApp status for the company’s management group that was provocative and harmful, quoting the Bible verse of Deuteronomy.

The post read: "Foreigners who live in your land will gain more and more power while you gradually lose yours. They will have money to lend you, but you will have none to lend them. In the end, they will be your rulers."

The message was also shared on Gogo’s personal WhatsApp status.

The events leading up to the posts involved the creation of a Facebook group that accused the company of employing foreign nationals for jobs that could have been offered to residents.

The Facebook post listed the names of 23 foreigners employed by the company and called for protest action to shut the SuperSpar down.

In response to the Facebook post, the employer met with the workers' forums and told them that the Facebook group was under investigation, and those involved would be disciplined.

There was also a separate meeting with the foreign nationals, during which they were asked not to exacerbate the situation.  At that time, relations within the store were tense.

The Facebook post, meanwhile, caught the attention of the Departments of Labour and Home Affairs. Both departments requested documentation from the employer for the foreign nationals, which was subsequently supplied.

It was during all of this that Gogo posted the offending WhatsApp statuses. When asked about it, Gogo explained that the management WhatsApp group status was a mistake, blaming his phone, which he said would freeze occasionally.

He apologised for the status, which was removed within 10 to 12 minutes. Gogo, however, defended his personal WhatsApp status and said he is free to post whatever he wants on his own status.

At a subsequent disciplinary hearing, Gogo was found guilty and dismissed. He referred an unfair dismissal dispute to the CCMA, where he admitted his wrongdoing but argued that a final written warning would have sufficed.

As Gogo did not want to return to work, the CCMA ordered the company to pay him three months' salary.

The company argued that Gogo’s actions were intended to incite unrest as retaliation against the Facebook group.

The post was seen by Gogo’s store manager and his subordinates. Although the post was removed shortly after publication, management at other stores became aware of it.

Gogo’s version was that he was informed of the posting to the management WhatsApp group by the store manager.

He was unaware that the post had exceeded its intended audience. He blamed his phone problems and said he did not do this intentionally. He apologised to all the managers in the management WhatsApp group.

The commissioner found that Gogo had committed misconduct, but he could have been issued a final written warning instead of being fired.

It was found the Bible verse was not hate speech and that Gogo was not trying to incite violence. Judge Tapiwa Gandidze, in turning down the review application, said she cannot fault the CCMA’s reasoning.

zelda.venter@inl.co.za

Mumbai: In the Malad East area of Mumbai, a minor dispute over a bill took a horrifying turn, leaving onlookers shocked. A customer who had visited the Sahara Vada Pav shop to eat samoosas and cutlets allegedly turned violent and bit off the shopkeeper’s finger, despite having already paid the bill.

The Dindoshi Police have registered a case and arrested the accused, while further investigation is underway.

According to Mumbai Police, the incident occurred around 8:30pm at Shivaji Chowk.

The shop owner, Ranjit Harivansh Singh, 40, stated that the altercation began when his son, Aryan, asked the customer for payment after he had finished eating.

Although the customer reportedly made an online payment, he became agitated, started verbally abusing the staff, and created a hostile environment.

When Singh intervened and asked the customer to calm down and leave the premises, the situation escalated rapidly.

In a sudden outburst of violence, the accused allegedly attacked the shopkeeper. During the scuffle, he grabbed Singh's right hand and bit his middle finger with such force that the tip was completely severed.

In addition, the attacker reportedly bit and severely injured two fingers on Singh's left hand. Shop employees, along with Singh's son, managed to restrain the accused before the situation worsened further.

Singh, who was bleeding profusely, was immediately rushed to KEM Hospital in Parel, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

The accused has been identified as Laxmidhar Mangal Malik.

Police have taken him into custody, registered a case against him, and formally placed him under arrest. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and any additional factors behind the violent incident.

In April 2024, a man bit off the fingers of a shopkeeper after a dispute over Rs 50 while purchasing a dress in Uttar Pradesh's Banda district.

The incident occurred when a shopkeeper, Shivchandra Karwaria, who sells clothes at a garment shop, said a customer approached his shop to buy a frock. He had purchased a dress and left.

The next day, the man returned to the shop and told Karwaria that the dress he purchased was small and said he wanted a bigger size. The shopkeeper told him that he would have to pay another Rs 50 for a larger dress.

Soon after, an argument broke out between the duo over Rs 50 more needed to be paid for the larger-sized dress. During the altercation, the man then bit off the top finger of Karwaria's left hand. He also injured his son by biting him as well. - IANS 

THE POST 

Hot cross buns, our favourite Easter indulgence, are everywhere right now. From fruitless options to decadent chocolate versions, they come in so many variations that you’re almost spoilt for choice.

Sometimes, simply toasting one and adding a generous spread of butter is more than enough.

But if you’re ready to take things up a notch and really wake up your taste buds, there’s a whole world of creative toppings worth exploring.

Whether you lean more towards savoury or have a serious sweet tooth, these combinations will give your classic hot cross bun a bold new twist.

Here are some adventurous topping ideas to try the next time you want to elevate your hot cross bun experience.

Something savoury

Blue cheese, fresh fig and honey drizzle: The sharpness of blue cheese paired with sweet fig and a touch of honey creates a rich, balanced bite.

The breakfast bun: Turn your bun into a morning treat with crispy bacon, a fried egg and melted cheddar for a sweet-savoury combo.

Mature cheddar with onion marmalade: A thick slice of aged cheddar with a hint of punchy mustard or sweet onion relish adds depth and warmth.

For extra sweetness

Peanut butter and jam: A nostalgic favourite that blends nutty richness with fruity sweetness for a comforting classic.

Cream cheese with cinnamon sugar: A simple spread of cream cheese finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar enhances the bun’s natural spice.

Mascarpone and fresh berries: Smooth mascarpone topped with berries adds a light, creamy freshness that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Whether you’re in the mood for something savoury, sweet or a little bit of both, these topping ideas prove that hot cross buns can be far more versatile than we give them credit for.

This Easter, don’t just toast and butter; experiment, layer, and turn your bun into something unforgettable.

POST

Billions of dirty diapers end up buried or burned every year in Japan  - more from seniors than babies - but a recycling breakthrough has given them a new lease of life, one hot mess at a time.

A pilot project, billed as a world first, reuses the main ingredient in nappies to make new ones, offering hopes to ease bloated landfill sites and respond to a growing need for adult diapers in ageing Japan.

"Demand for baby diapers is falling. But a growing number of elderly people wear diapers, and more recently, even pets do too," Takahisa Takahara, president of Japanese hygiene product maker Unicharm, the firm behind the new initiative, told AFP.

"If we can transform the sense of guilt ordinary consumers may feel about using disposable products into something positive, and make using recycled products the norm in society, it will become economically viable," he said.

Unicharm is testing the scheme in two pioneering southern Japanese municipalities, Shibushi and Osaki, which recycle 80 percent of household waste - four times the Japanese average.

The two localities, home to about 40 000 people, decided to take radical action around 25 years ago after predictions that their communal rubbish dump would be full by 2004.

Now, the landfill site will stay open for another four decades.

In 2024, diapers were included in the recycling drive, with residents required to write their names on designated bin bags.

"Ultimately, our top priority is to reduce our trash and extend the life of the landfill," Shibushi environment official Kenichi Matsunaga told AFP.

- Nappy ending -

The collected diapers are shredded, washed and separated into pulp, plastic and super-absorbent polymer (SAP).

Unicharm has been able to recycle these materials into products with less rigorous sanitary requirements, like toilet paper.

It has also achieved the breakthrough of managing to use the pulp, which makes up the bulk of a diaper, to make new ones.

The process follows a special ozone treatment for sterilisation, bleaching and deodorisation.

By 2028, Unicharm aims to recycle the plastic and absorbent polymer from soiled diapers to make new ones as well, Tsutomu Kido, senior executive officer of Unicharm's recycling business, told AFP.

For now, its recycled products are on sale only in some local stores, priced around 10 percent higher than those with fresh raw materials, or distributed to selected childcare and senior care centres.

The company is also testing a method to cut the amount of water in the recycling process, and aims to team up with 20 municipalities by 2035 to recycle their diapers.

- Ageing nation -

Japan has a poor recycling rate, reusing not even 20 percent of municipal waste, according to the National Institute for Environmental Studies.

That compares to 67 percent in Germany, 44 percent in Britain and around 32 percent in the United States.

Waste per capita, however, is less than two-thirds the OECD average - a typical American throws almost three times more.

Japan does relatively well on generating electricity by incinerating trash, too.

In the ageing nation, home to almost 100 000 people over 100, diapers and related products are used more by seniors than babies.

In 2024, Japan produced 9.6 billion adult diapers and incontinence pads, compared to eight billion for babies, according to the Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association.

The group predicts Japan will throw away 2.6 million tons of dirty diapers every year by 2030, up from around 2.2 tons in 2020.

By that date, the share of dirty diapers in Japanese trash by weight will rise to 7.1 percent from 5.2 percent in 2020, the environment ministry said.

By 2030, the national government wants at least 100 of more than 1 700 municipalities to start recycling diapers, or at least talk about it.

Most toddlers express their tantrums with a scream and a stomp. Merlin expresses his tantrums using a purple button and by slamming the laundry room door. At 180 pounds, this Sacramento resident isn't your average social media star—he’s a Vietnamese potbellied pig with a vocabulary, a Guinness World Record, and a very specific demand for vegetables.

“I love him like I would my own child,” Alali, 28, told The Washington Post.

Merlin often communicates with Alali by pressing buttons she has designed and set up in their home in Sacramento. He will make simple requests with the buttons - like asking for a vegetable or an ice cube - but he also presses buttons labeled with emotions and asks for attention. One button says “Clap for Merlin.”

His ability to communicate - along with his stubbornness - has made Merlin, 4, an internet sensation. Guinness World Records said last week that Merlin’s 1.1 million followers earned him the distinction of having the “most followers on Instagram for a pig.”

When Merlin and Alali leave their house, Merlin is either on a leash or riding in a wagon (he outgrew his strollers).

“My fiancé and I joke that it’s like we’re walking next to Brad Pitt,” Alali said of Merlin’s fame.

Merlin celebrated his world record by strolling around the Sacramento area, where fans fed him vegetables and fruits. Merlin didn’t have his light-blue button that says “Happy” when he pushes it, but Alali said she knew he was pleased because he was relaxed and wagging his tail. He also shows his joy by smiling.

Alali's journey to becoming a pig owner began in 2019 when she adopted a bearded dragon named Mochi.She taught him to sit, wait and come to her. When Alali began posting Mochi’s tricks on TikTok in 2020, she gained thousands of followers.

Unsure of what career to pursue, Alali said she found her purpose in bringing animals into her home that others might not see as pets. Alali later adopted three rats and another bearded dragon, Muffy.

In March 2022, Alali saw a video of a cute pig and decided she wanted one. She adopted a miniature Vietnamese potbellied from a Northern California farm a few days later.

Merlin slept in a kennel his first night in Alali’s home but then started cuddling with Alali in her bed. He soon became the star of Alali’s social media accounts.

The path to pig stardom was paved by other famous house pigs, including Esther the Wonder Pig, who wore stylish outfits and was an internet darling about a decade ago. There was also Wellington, a miniature pig who thought he was a dog, who was adopted from a Maryland animal shelter last year.

Alali grew up in Davis, California, with more traditional pets - two dogs, two rabbits and a fish - so she had a learning curve when she adopted Merlin. Studies have shown that pigs possess 'cognitively complex' abilities in memory, problem-solving skills, emotions, and personality.

Alali quickly learned she needed a childproof lock on the food pantry to prevent Merlin from breaking in with his snout. And she found she no longer needed an alarm clock because Merlin would wake her up each day squealing at 6 a.m.

Alali figured out she could train Merlin to walk on a leash and use the bathroom outside as long as she rewarded him with food. She taught him simple commands, like “sit” and “wait.” He learned so fast that Alali decided to teach Merlin to communicate with buttons - a skill some dogs can learn with consistent training.

Alali recorded herself saying “hungry” onto a recordable button. When Merlin pressed it - producing the sound of her voice - she fed him oats.

Around the same time, Alali added a white button that said “outside.” Alali put on Merlin’s harness and leash before pressing the button to show him he could click it to use the bathroom outside, dig in the dirt or search the grass for food. Another button said “water,” which prompted Alali to fill Merlin’s water bowl.

Each button has a different color (pigs can distinguish some colors) and symbol. For example, the “outside” button has a drawing of a tree and the sun, and the button that says “thank you” shows a heart. Alali trained Merlin to press the latter after she gave him a treat.

After Merlin pushed the basic buttons - including “vegetable please” and “fruit please” to ask for a snack - Alali added some she found funny. One said “dance with me mommy,” which caused Alali to pick Merlin up and spin him in her arms. Because Merlin has grown to about 180 pounds, Alali had to retire that button. Another says “pay attention to me right now.”

“If he’s going to be pressing these all day,” Alali said, “I might as well get a chuckle out of it.”

Merlin squeals when he’s upset, wags his tail when he’s happy and gives Alali side-eye when he’s frustrated, Alali said. For when Merlin gets mad, Alali trained him to press the button that says “I’m mad.” She made different buttons for his other emotions in an effort to help him express himself, Alali said.

He can press buttons to ask to hang out with the rats - it says “bring out the rats” - or Alali’s pigeon, Al Capone. Merlin enjoys lounging on his side or belly while the other animals stand atop him. The only animals Merlin is aggressive toward are other pigs, Alali said.

The buttons are lined up against a wall in the kitchen. Alali said she trains him almost every day. One video of him pushing buttons has more than 26 million views.

Jose Biascoechea, a veterinarian in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, said Vietnamese potbellied pigs are smarter than most people think, but training one to express themselves with buttons takes a lot of work, patience and food.

“They’re definitely not a pet for everyone,” Biascoechea said. “They need to have a very dedicated owner.”

In addition to eating and sleeping, Merlin enjoys chasing Alali’s dog Maverick, popping balloons and playing with a blue tarp from Home Depot. He’s a certified therapy pig who sometimes visits assisted living homes, Alali said. Almost every night, he cuddles with Alali on the couch.

Merlin will be the ring bearer at Alali’s wedding in September. She has to work out the logistics, but Alali is sure food will motivate him to come to the altar.

Vietnamese potbellied pigs can live up to two decades, and Merlin might not be done growing - physically or intellectually.

Alali recently added a button that says “good job,” which Merlin pressed last week after Alali brought him Al Capone. On a kitchen shelf, she keeps a stash of unused recordable buttons, which she plans to use in an effort to keep adding to Merlin’s vocabulary.

She said she’s happy Merlin has so many fans who appreciate his smarts and sassiness. Her ultimate goal with his account remains the same: “more compassion and love for pigs.”

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced plans to appoint a law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic wall collapse at Lerutle Primary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.

The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, claiming the life of an 8-year-old Grade 3 learner, Lwazi Motuse.

Chiloane went to visit the bereaved family on Monday.

During the visit, the MEC extended condolences and pledged the department’s continued support following the devastating loss.

Chiloane said the independent investigation is necessary given the seriousness of the incident and it aims to establish the full circumstances that led to the collapse of the school wall.

The department confirmed that psycho-social support services are being provided to affected learners, educators and the grieving family. It also stated that all other learners who were injured in the incident have since been discharged from hospital.

“We convey our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. We remain committed to supporting the family and the entire Lerutle Primary School community during this deeply difficult time,” Chiloane said.

The department said the wall collapsed and fell onto six learners, leaving them with severe injuries.

"Emergency services responded swiftly, and all six learners were transported to various medical facilities for urgent medical treatment. Tragically, one of the injured learners, a Grade 3 boy, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention in hospital," the department said at the time.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

IOL News

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South Africa’s tourism sector has staged a steady recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic shock, with employment nearing one million and economic contribution strengthening, although international visitor spending remains below pre-pandemic levels.

This is according to the latest Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa (TSA) report released by Statistics South Africa.

The data shows tourism employment rebounding sharply after the pandemic slump. An estimated 777,686 people were directly employed in the sector in 2019, before dropping to 456,311 in 2020.

By 2024, employment rose to 953,981, with the sector creating 185,158 jobs that year. The road passenger transport industry was identified as the main driver of this growth.

In that same year, tourism accounted for more employed people than agriculture, mining and utilities, and accounted for 5.7% of total employment, up from 4.8% in 2019. This means that about one in every 18 workers in South Africa was directly employed in tourism in 2024.

The sector’s contribution to the economy has also strengthened. Tourism contributed R208.5 billion, or 3.7%, to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. This fell to 2.1% in 2020 at the height of the pandemic but recovered to R361.7 billion, or 4.9%, in 2024.

“In other words, for every R100 produced by the South African economy, R4.90 was generated by tourism,” the report states, noting that the sector is now larger than utilities, agriculture and construction.

Total tourism spending within the country reached R779.2 billion in 2024. Domestic travellers accounted for the bulk of this, contributing 85% of internal tourism expenditure, while inbound visitors made up the remaining 15%.

Although domestic tourism has shown a strong recovery, spending by international visitors continues to lag. Inbound tourism expenditure declined from R121.5 billion in 2019 to R25.2 billion in 2021, and while it has since recovered to R113.9 billion in 2024, it remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The report also highlights differences in spending patterns. In 2024, inbound visitors spent R17 out of every R100 on road passenger transport, while domestic tourists allocated R29 out of every R100 to non-specific products.

The TSA further categorises tourism-related spending into tourism-characteristic products, such as accommodation and air transport; tourism-connected products, including retail items like food and fuel; and non-specific products that are not primarily linked to tourism.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

In a bold unified call during the recent 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, African Heads of State and Government underscored a pressing need for new financing methods to combat malaria, a disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year. With member states accounting for an astonishing 270 million malaria cases in 2024 — making up 96% of the global total — African leaders are sounding the alarm that without urgent intervention, decades of hard-won progress stand to be lost.

The stark realities captured in the 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report paint a grim picture of the potential fallout from reduced funding. A projected 30% cut in financing could lead to a staggering reduction of 640 million insecticide-treated nets, alongside an additional 146 million malaria cases and around 400,000 deaths, three-quarters of which would be children under the age of five. Economically, this scenario translates into an estimated $37 billion (R635 bn) loss in gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.

In light of these challenges, African researchers are turning to innovative and complementary strategies to reinforce malaria control. Highlighting these efforts, Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the nation's investments in research and innovation to tackle malaria head-on.

“Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies,” she said. Among these efforts is gene drive technology, which aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer carry the malaria parasite. “This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge,” Hassan added.

Gene drive technology has generated significant interest owing to its innovative methods. As Dr Jonathan Kayondo from Target Malaria explains, gene drive is a naturally occurring biological process that increases the likelihood of inheritance of specific genes or traits. This research strives to be a complementary tool alongside existing malaria prevention methods, such as bed nets, insecticides, and vaccines. By creating modifications that bias inheritance, gene drive has the potential to significantly impact malaria mosquito populations.

Research teams are investigating two approaches within gene drive strategies: either reducing the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes or stopping them from becoming infected by the malaria parasite. Target Malaria is centred on the former strategy, specifically targeting four species of Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors of malaria transmission in Africa.

Despite the enthusiasm around gene drive technology, significant queries remain. For instance, the distinction between gene drive technology and genetically modified crops is fundamental. The focus of gene drive research is decidedly on mosquito populations, not crops, humans, or livestock, ensuring that ethical concerns are distinctly addressed.

Currently, controlled laboratory experiments are being conducted in Europe and the United States, with no gene drive mosquitoes present in Africa at this stage. All research adheres to international and national safety regulations, strict ethical review processes, and will require extensive community engagement and approvals before any field trials can commence, expected around 2030 in a malaria-endemic African country.

The imperative for gene drive research lies in the persistent challenges posed by malaria, which remains a major public health issue, particularly in Africa. The disease continues to be a leading cause of mortality among children under five and poses an enormous economic burden, estimated to cost approximately $16 billion annually in affected nations. While current tools remain valuable, rising insecticide resistance and drug-resistant parasites threaten to undermine their effectiveness.

In light of a projected additional 500,000 malaria-related deaths and 123 million clinical cases over the next 25 years due to climate change — despite meeting current climate pledges — researchers are exploring gene drive as a potential complementary tool. This approach aims for a self-sustaining impact that is not reliant on insecticides and built through transparent regulatory frameworks and community engagement.

IOS

What began as a peaceful demonstration in KuGompo City, in the Eastern Cape, escalated into chaos on Monday, with vehicles set on fire and buildings damaged. Protesters condemned the alleged coronation of a Nigerian man as a local king.

A man was also allegedly stabbed during protests, as reported by IOL.

The situation is so serious that fire services have been dispatched to the scene, while police are using teargas to disperse the crowd.

The protest comes after videos and images of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko being crowned ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ in the city, formerly East London, went viral.

Several groups, including ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, civic movement March and March, and several traditional leaders, have joined the demonstration, condemning the ceremony as unlawful.

Police spokeswoman Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that police had responded to the scene.

"The protest began as a planned peaceful demonstration by various traditional leaders over the alleged coronation of an Igbo king," she said.

"Violence broke out when some participants moved away from the city hall, where a petition was being handed over.

"Twelve vehicles have been damaged, and several buildings have been torched.

"Emergency services, including the fire department, remain on the scene, along with the Public Order Policing Unit.

"This is an active scene, and updates information will be shared in due course."

A man was allegedly stabbed in the back by a foreign national and taken to the hospital.

Gantana said the man was not part of the march.

"The stabbed person is not linked to the march," she said.

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, however, said on Facebook that it was one of her members who had been stabbed.

She said the member was also knocked down by a car.

ActionSA Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip previously told IOL there was no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape.

"We do not support that," he said.

"We support the existing local kings in the Eastern Cape, of which we have five, and no Nigerian kings.”

PA spokesperson Steve Motale said: "We condemn that fake coronation.

"We are happy that even the Nigeria High Commissioner in SA has also condemned it."

The Royal House of AbaThembu, in a statement to IOL, previously denied reports on social media that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo welcomed and granted royalty to the Nigerian national.

He said he was not involved. 

AbaThembu royal ambassador and senior royal advisor Adv Matthew Mpahlwa said the claims come from “sick and depraved minds".

"The Royal House of AbaThembu wishes to distance itself from the trending social media posts and pictures purporting to portray King Dalindyebo as welcoming and officially granting royalty to a particular Nigerian national," Mpahlwa said at the time.

SATURDAY STAR

Justice Sisi Khampepe cannot be removed from the commission probing political interference in TRC investigations, the Gauteng High Court has ruled.

This comes after the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg on Monday dismissed the legal bid by former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki to have her recused herself from the commission. Justice Khampepe was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May last year to head the commission.

It was claimed that a whistleblower revealed that Justice Khampepe colluded with the commission’s evidence leader, Semenya, and gave him advice during an application last year for his recusal from the commission. The claims included that she also told him to give certain “tips” to advocate Vas Soni SC, who had represented him in the recusal application, and that she had “coached” him  on how to conduct his case.

Among the grounds sought for Justice Khampepe’s recusal were that she worked for the TRC’s amnesty committee and as Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) before being appointed to the bench. Zuma sought a declaration from the high court that Justice Khampepe’s dismissal of the recusal application was unconstitutional and invalid, as well as review and set aside the decision.

Alternatively, Zuma has asked the court to review and set aside Justice Khampepe’s decision on the basis of the principle of legality. Mbeki has asked the high court to order that Ramaphosa terminate his appointment of Justice Khampepe and declare all the decisions the commission has taken so far under her null and void.

This is a developing story.

SATURDAY STAR

Every manager reserves the right to have one veto player selection. For Hugo Broos, it's Themba Zwane.

The coach and veteran playmaker have endured a rollercoaster relationship since the Belgian tactician was placed at the helm of the national team in May 2021.

Initially, Zwane — despite being the architect of perennial Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns’ success — Broos deemed him surplus to requirements due to his advanced age and favoured younger players such as Jesse Donn and Ethan Brooks early on in his tenure. But Broos soon saw the error of his ways by recalling the gifted Zwane with the 36-year-old having now earned more than half of his 52 Bafana Bafana caps under Broos.

Cape Town showed up and showed out! 🇿🇦 Incredible scenes at the V&A Waterfront today for the @adidasZA meet and greet with the boys. Nothing beats the energy of the fans! ⚽️🔥#BafanaPride @adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbankza @10betza @freddyhirschsa @flysaa… pic.twitter.com/YBAD6xB5YM

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 29, 2026

They could, however, have been much more were it not for Zwane’s habitual injury problems that has kept him on the sidelines for both Bafana and Sundowns at various times. 

But such is Zwane’s quality and game intelligence that he brings to the Bafana midfield that Broos has gambled on recalling the midfielder, who is on the comeback trail after rupturing his Achilles tendon in 2024 before a knee injury derailed his comeback in August 2025.

Broos has even played open cards and stated that Zwane will head to Mexico for the Fifa World Cup later this year if he manages to get through Tuesday’s friendly against Panama at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town unscathed.

“We will see him next Tuesday, and he’ll recuperate. And if he recuperates, he will play again, because he needs that,” Broos said. “If Themba stays like he is now, fit, no injuries, then even when he’s not ready for 90 minutes, he will be with us at the World Cup.”

A sneak peak behind the scenes with Bafana Bafana 👀🔥🇿🇦⚽️#BafanaPride @adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbankza @10betza @freddyhirschsa @flysaa @honorza @castlelagersa @cocacolaza @sabcsport @nutritechfit @southernsunhotels pic.twitter.com/B9HSGqKYQz

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 28, 2026

Broos’ loyalty to Zwane stems from the magical moments he provides when he is indeed on the park — like was for 60 minutes in the first game against Panama last Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

“I think everybody saw why I put him (Zwane) in the team. He is such a good player,” said Broos.

“He made us play better football. But I knew also that he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. And we have to take attention with him and be careful with him, not to overload him because when you overload him, he could have injuries, I’m sure of it.”

Broos has tested the Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule, who impressed while filling in during the latter stages of last year’s Fifa World Cup qualifiers and AFCON preparations, in Zwane’s absence, but the Bafana coach still believes that nobody matches the Sundowns star for consistency.

Zwane has, however, made 16 appearances for the Brazilians this season with Sundowns coach using him sparingly and primarily as an impact player.

Broos is fully aware of the situation and is willing to give Zwane the time to get match-fit.

“He needs those minutes to play. You saw a few moments also in the game that he was a little bit too slow. And that is the reason. It's because he doesn't play enough. 

“I can't decide about that, but I hope that he gets more play time in Sundowns also. Because he needs that rhythm of the game.”

Limpopo ANC chairperson Dr Phophi Ramathuba has made it clear that the party’s electoral ambitions in Limpopo hinge on one thing: delivering basic services that work.

Ramathuba warned that voter loyalty is conditional, not automatic, saying the ANC’s hopes of winning 90% of the vote in the province were dependent on whether they deliver services or not.

Fresh from her re-election at the ANC’s weekend elective conference, Ramathuba wasted no time setting the tone: the path to overwhelming political dominance runs through taps that work, roads that hold, and communities that function.

“If we were consistent in delivering basic services, we would overwhelmingly achieve 90%,” she said in an interview with NewZRoom Afrika on Monday.

“Our people are not asking for shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). They are asking for water, roads, and the ability to live with dignity.”

Her remarks come as President Cyril Ramaphosa pushes the party to raise its electoral support in Limpopo from 70% to 90%.

Across Limpopo’s rural expanse, service delivery failures are not abstract policy debates but daily crises.

In village after village, taps run dry, electricity is unreliable, and roads crumble under neglect and recent flood damage.

For many residents, accessing clean water means long walks to unsafe sources, while clinics and schools operate under severe strain due to failing infrastructure.

The consequences are profound: disrupted education, compromised healthcare, and stalled local economies.

Mounting frustration has increasingly spilled into protests, with communities demanding accountability from municipalities plagued by financial mismanagement, corruption, and chronic skills shortages.

Ramathuba acknowledged the scale of the challenge but insisted the solutions are neither complex nor out of reach.

“We know what needs to be done. We just have to do the correct thing,” she said. “If we prioritise water access, especially in rural areas, repair roads, rebuild after floods, and drive economic growth, people will respond.”

Her argument placed the ANC’s electoral fortunes squarely on its governance record at a time when public trust remains fragile.

Beyond service delivery, Ramathuba also pointed to internal divisions as a critical threat to the party’s prospects.

“We either unite or we perish,” she warned. “When we focus on factional battles, we lose sight of the issues that matter most to our people.”

SATURDAY STAR

A seaside holiday turned tragic when a Gauteng man collapsed and died shortly after leaving the water at Westbrook Beach in Tongaat on Monday morning.

According to a statement from Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), it is alleged the 50-year-old man had a heart attack. However this could not be immediately confirmed. 

"Members of Rusa were dispatched after a beachgoer reported a possible drowning. Reaction officers proceeded to the scene while the Rusa Robinson R44 Helicopter had been pre-flighted in the event that an aerial response would be required.

"On arrival, reaction officers found paramedics from multiple private ambulance services conducting CPR on an unresponsive male on the shoreline. It was established that the man was from Krugersdorp in the West Rand and was holidaying in KZN with his family... Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, the man was declared deceased on scene." 

THE POST 

Saadaat* smiles as he recalls how, at the age of seven, he first felt the freedom of wearing women’s clothing and being draped in jewellery. 

“I started acting, just in a local stage theatre, you know. So, they were giving me female roles where I was wearing female clothes and things like that,” Saadaat says.

Saadaat was assigned male at birth, and raised as a boy. And although he still identifies as male, at the age of 56, Saadaat is part of Nigeria’s older generation yan daudu.

According to the website, African Spiritualities, yan daudu are considered “perhaps the earliest queer people among the Hausas of Northern Nigeria”. 

“Yan daudu,” it continued, “are named after a flamboyant male spirit in the Hausa pantheon of spirits, [who] is often described as a loose, gambling, and well-dressed male spirit. [T]he name yan daudu translates to ‘sons of Daudu’.” 

In Rudolf Pell Gaudio’s 2009 ethnographic study of the yan daudu, Allah Made Us: Sexual Outlaws in an Islamic African City, the author writes: “In the Hausa-speaking region of Northern Nigeria, prevailing interpretations of Shari’a, Islamic law, mandate a strict separation of the sexes and different rules of behaviour for women and men in virtually every facet of life. Yan daudu break those rules. As men who are said to talk and act ‘like women’, they are widely perceived to be witty and clever, but they are also persecuted for their presumed involvement in heterosexual and homosexual prostitution.”

A 2013 report by The Guardian notes that “for more than a century, hundreds of yan daudu were tolerated as part of an unremarkable but fringe subculture… sometimes even accompanying politicians during election campaigns.” Increased religious conservatism in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north has, however, seen yan daudu being persecuted, forcing many to keep their identities hidden. 

Gaudio notes that, “while yan daudu have been subject to both official and unofficial persecution for at least several decades, with the adoption of Shari’a, they became even more vulnerable”.

From his home in the city of Kano – and through a Hausa-English interpreter – Saadaat says: “You know, here in Northern Nigeria, the people they call yan daudu wear men’s Jalabiya [a traditional, ankle-length robe]. But most of us will wear a wrapper [cloth wrapped around the waist to create a skirt] underneath it.” 

When going out in public, in addition to his hidden wrapper, Saadaat wears contact lenses (grey and sky blue being his favourite colours). He also wears discreet “eyelashes and just mild makeup, in order not to make trouble”. 

In the privacy of his own home, he has more freedom, and is able to wear what he wants:miniskirts, singlets, bras, women’s briefs.

“You know,” he says, “Northern Nigeria is very homophobic. So, when going out, I must be decently dressed. And, since I have a trade that I am doing, if I wear female clothes [in public], nobody will even come to buy from me.”

In Kano, the state in which Saadaat lives, presenting as anything other than male in public could carry consequences more severe than just people not supporting his business. Under the state’s Shari’a Penal Code Law 2000, “cross-dressing” is criminalised and carries sentences of imprisonment of up to one year and caning (up to 20 lashes). 

Same-sex sexual activity is also punishable by caning (one hundred lashes), and imprisonment of one year for unmarried offenders. Married offenders – or those who have been previously married – face death by stoning. The state’s Hisbah Corps is the religious police force responsible for the enforcement of Shari’a law. 

While Saadaat says he is “not afraid” of being arrested by the Hisbah Corps – “because I make sure that I follow the rules and regulations of the laws diligently” – he is all too aware of the dangers queer persons in Northern Nigeria face. This awareness led to him opening the doors to his home as a place of safety – and learning – for younger, vulnerable and destitute queer persons.

“At the moment there are about six young people here [in my home],” he says. “Most of them came here from different states in search of greener pastures; to work.” In addition to providing them with a roof over their heads and food in their bellies, Saadaat also upskills them by passing on his skills as a tailor. 

“I teach them how to sew, but also how to be responsible citizens, and how to be self-reliant,” he says.

Nour* is one of the younger generation yan daudu being mentored by Saadaat. A 27-year-old gay man, Nour has been under Saadaat’s tutelage for the past six years. Nour concedes that living in Kano as a young dan daudu means being “very, very careful” at all times. 

As with other yan daudu, Nour finds true freedom and self-expression behind closed doors. 

“At home, if I feel happy, I dress fully, with heavy makeup, and just dance and be happy,” he says. “I know a lot of people that have been persecuted and prosecuted through the Shari’a Law because of being gay. Maybe, like, 15 to 20 people. So, I need to be careful. I try to abide by all the laws and try to be very responsible. I only go wild at parties, when I’m out of town.”

*******

The parties Nour refers to are monthly events where, says Saadaat, “most of these yan daudu from other states all gather to party and to get along”. The gatherings take place in different regions across Nigeria and draw huge crowds. “They come from different states; from different towns – and even some people from [neighbouring countries,] Niger and Chad.”

And while the events are important spaces of connection for queer people who are often marginalised and isolated within their respective communities, the beauty and dance competitions can be fierce, with prizes including cellphones, “expensive clothes”, makeup kits, and cash. 

“I want my students to be among the best and winning,” says Saadaat. “So I [show] them the kind of clothes to wear, the kind of makeup to apply, and how to walk.” 

Nour adds, proudly: “And [he] also taught me traditional dance to perform during the competitions.” 

To try and ensure greater security, events are held in “states with less strict Islamic laws”. Event organisers also partner with non-queer organisations or individuals “as camouflage, so that the police will not say ‘LGBT party’”. 

Still, the risks are high. Human Dignity Trust notes that LGBT people in Nigeria are “frequently subject to arrest, individually or en mass, often accompanied by police violence and brutality”. 

Saadaat refuses to give in to fear, believing firmly that his chances of arrest are slim because he is “a well-respected person, even among the non-LGBT community”. 

*******

With decades of living as a dan daudu behind him, Saadaat has seen first-hand the rapidly changing societal attitudes towards Northern Nigeria’s yan daudu. And while this shift towards intolerance is often laid at the feet of Islam, Saadaat sees it differently. 

“It’s not Islamic laws that have changed things, because all religions here in Nigeria frown on [being] LGBT. And our cultures also don’t accept it. But even if you are yan daudu and you are very responsible and you are decent, people will definitely respect you. Islamic laws have stayed the same. Nothing has changed. It’s just that some people [fundamentalists] came with extreme laws to stigmatise certain people. That’s all that has really changed.” 

Despite his commitment to protecting and nurturing a younger generation yan daudu, Saadaat believes they themselves are, in some ways, to blame for this increased repression.

“You know,” he says, “the new generation will go on social media and say things that are not supposed to be said. Like, they would be telling the social media that they have sex with men. And also having multiple sex partners. All of that contributes to damaging the image of yan daudu here in the north. Because before, we were well-respected in all our northern emirates. Inside each emirate, you’ll find yan daudu – and they were well respected. In fact, we were kingmakers. But, you know, all that has deteriorated now.” 

* Not their real names

** Originally published on Beyond the Margins, a platform that showcases underrepresented voices and perspectives through art, writing, and storytelling.

SATURDAY STAR

12 chocolate hollow Easter eggs

230g plain cream cheese

200g milk chocolate + the tops of the chocolate hollow Easter eggs

100ml fresh cream

½ – 1 tsp espresso powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

a pinch of sea salt

coffee beans or chocolate shavings to garnish, optional

Method

Use a small sharp knife to cut the tops off the chocolate eggs (dipping my knife in hot water helps get the tops off perfectly).

Set the eggs aside.

Place the milk chocolate and the chocolate tops of the eggs into a heat-proof bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring until melted.

Set the chocolate aside to cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Add the cream, cooled chocolate, espresso powder, salt and vanilla, and beat until combined.

Place the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe the cheesecake filling into each egg. Top each egg with coffee beans or chocolate shavings. Store in the fridge.

THE POST 

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is facing one of its most significant internal crises, after a group of members called for the disbandment of its national leadership while volunteers in Gauteng announced mass resignations across key regions.

The developments, outlined in documents dated 27 March this year, point to deepening divisions within the party as it prepares for upcoming elections, with allegations of factionalism, internal sabotage and leadership failures emerging from within its ranks.

In a circular addressed to party structures, members questioned the role of senior leaders, including Nathi Nhleko, Tony Yengeni, John Hlophe and Brian Molefe.

“We are confronted with a grave problem,” the letter states. “The conduct of these comrades raises the question: are they here to build uMkhonto weSizwe, or to dismantle it from within?”

The document accuses senior figures of shielding individuals alleged to be undermining the organisation and raises concerns about what it describes as an agenda aimed at weakening the party ahead of the 2026 elections.

“Whose mandate are you serving? It is clear you are not serving the mandate of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party,” the letter reads.

Members also questioned recent internal processes, including regional consultations and leadership selection mechanisms, suggesting they could be used to manipulate internal power dynamics.

“Who are the handlers behind this enemy agenda, an agenda designed to weaken us and cost us the 2026 elections?” the circular asks.

The letter follows a series of party engagements in Gauteng led by Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo, during which leadership structures in the province and regions were dissolved.

“Yesterday, we had a meeting with the provincial detachment in Gauteng and told them they are no longer a structure. Today, we are here in Johannesburg to inform the regional leaders that they are no longer a structure,” Nomvalo said while addressing delegates.

The decision appears to have triggered the wave of resignations.

At the centre of the circular is a set of sweeping demands, including the immediate dissolution of the party’s national leadership and the removal of all deployees in Parliament and provincial legislatures. Members are proposing that provinces and regions be given the authority to nominate replacements.

“As members on the ground, we have taken a sober and revolutionary resolution: the national officials must be disbanded,” the letter states. “This is not only fair, it is the only way to restore integrity and unity.”

The circular further calls for Jacob Zuma to remain as the sole leader of the organisation during what it describes as a “critical juncture,” with all other national structures to be dissolved.

“This is not a request, it is a revolutionary directive from the ground. The survival of uMkhonto weSizwe depends on decisive action. Delay is betrayal,” the letter warns.

The party leadership has not yet publicly responded to the demands.

At the same time, the party is dealing with mass resignations in Gauteng, one of South Africa’s most politically significant provinces.

In a separate letter addressed to Zuma, a collective of volunteers announced their immediate departure from the party, citing disillusionment with internal divisions and a lack of leadership intervention.

“We’re writing to you with heavy hearts, torn apart by the pain of betrayal and abandonment,” the letter states. “Your failure to protect us from the toxic forces tearing our party apart has left us with no choice but to walk away.”

The group confirmed it was stepping down from all activities and responsibilities in Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and the West Rand.

In their resignation, the volunteers accused senior figures of fuelling division and weakening the organisation.

“We’ve watched as those who should be safeguarding our movement’s integrity have instead fueled division and chaos,” the letter reads.

They also alleged that some leaders had compromised the organisation during recent by-elections in Gauteng and questioned the loyalty of certain officials, including Nomvalo.

The volunteers said their decision followed repeated attempts to raise concerns internally.

“We cried out for help, but you didn’t hear us. We’ve been left to fend for ourselves against the predators circling our party,” the letter states.

“This wasn’t an easy decision. We loved this party, and we loved you. But your neglect has forced our hand.”

Nomvalo, however, defended the decision to dissolve structures, saying it followed an internal assessment of the party’s readiness for the elections.

“We arrived at that decision in the interest of the organisation. The reality is that if we go to elections without having made decisive interventions, we are going to lose the elections,” he said.

karabo.ngoepe@inl.co.za 

Outdoor education is far more than adventure or recreation - it is a transformative approach to learning that drives holistic student development beyond the classroom. As schools increasingly seek ways to prepare students for a complex and fast-changing world, outdoor education stands out as a powerful catalyst for building resilience, leadership, and lifelong skills.

Cultivating Resilience and Self-Confidence

Through activities such as hiking, camping, paddling, bushcraft, and multi-day expeditions, students are challenged to step outside their comfort zones in supportive, structured environments. These experiences foster perseverance, enhance problem-solving abilities, and strengthen decision-making under real-world conditions. Achieving difficult goals in nature builds authentic confidence grounded in experience.

Developing Authentic Leadership and Teamwork

Outdoor environments provide natural opportunities for students to practice leadership and collaboration. Group expeditions and shared challenges cultivate trust, communication, and accountability. Unlike classroom simulations, these settings require genuine teamwork, where success depends on mutual support and shared responsibility.

Supporting Physical and Mental Well-Being

The benefits of outdoor education extend to both physical health and mental wellness. Activities like hiking, cycling, and paddling improve fitness and stamina, while time spent in nature reduces stress, sharpens focus, and enhances overall mood. This holistic approach contributes to stronger academic performance and well-rounded student development.

Nurturing Environmental Stewardship

Direct engagement with natural ecosystems fosters a deep appreciation for the environment. Students gain firsthand understanding of biodiversity, conservation challenges, and sustainable practices. These meaningful experiences cultivate environmentally conscious individuals committed to responsible stewardship of the planet.

Enriching Academic Learning

Outdoor education brings academic subjects to life by connecting theory with real-world application. Concepts in life sciences, geography, and social studies become more tangible when explored in natural settings. This experiential learning deepens understanding and improves retention across academic disciplines.

Building Independence and Practical Competence

Time spent outdoors equips students with essential life skills, including navigation, campcraft, planning, and personal responsibility. These practical competencies promote independence and resourcefulness, preparing students to confidently tackle challenges both in and out of school.

Strengthening Community and Belonging

Shared outdoor experiences create strong social bonds and lasting memories. Whether overcoming a challenging trail or completing an expedition, these collective achievements foster a sense of belonging and unity within school communities.

A Foundation for Holistic Growth

Outdoor education is not a supplementary activity - it is a foundational component of comprehensive education. By nurturing resilience, confidence, environmental awareness, and social responsibility, these programs develop students who are prepared not only academically, but emotionally, physically, and ethically.

As educators look toward the future, outdoor education offers a proven pathway to shaping capable, grounded, and purpose-driven leaders ready to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Garry Townsend, head of outdoor pursuits at Treverton College in the Midlands

Five South African women were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday after authorities found drugs worth more than R5 million concealed on their bodies.

The arrests were carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). A preliminary report suggests the women were travelling to China via Dubai.

During a search, the drugs were discovered hidden in takkies, underwear, and private parts, SAPS said.

The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 31 March, facing charges related to drug trafficking.

Investigations into the case are ongoing.

A political comeback is quietly unfolding within ANC structures as suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu re-enters the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) space while still facing scrutiny over serious governance allegations linked to policing decisions.

Mchunu has returned to active ANC NEC duties after a few months of absence, marking his first public party engagement since stepping aside. His reappearance was marked by his delivery of a eulogy at the funeral of ANC member Bhekabathethwa Mthethwa in Richards Bay.

His return comes against the backdrop of ongoing formal processes in which he has appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission, where he has been required to account for his role in the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), as well as respond to allegations of corruption, including alleged links to businessman Vusumusi ‘Cat’ Matlala and claims of interference in policing operations.

The controversy stems from allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of ordering the disbandment of the PKTT on December 31, 2024 without consultation with national police leadership, and allegedly doing so to shield politically connected individuals.

Ahead of his return, Mchunu formally wrote to the ANC requesting to resume his NEC responsibilities, a move confirmed by his spokesperson Sithembiso Mshengu.

“He voluntarily stepped aside, he wrote to the party to inform the leadership that he was returning to his position, not necessarily seeking permission. You remember that he is not facing any criminal charges to be forced to step-aside. He asked to be excused to protect the image of the ANC after Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s accusations,” said Mshengu.

The ANC’s step-aside policy requires members who face criminal charges to vacate party and government positions, though Mchunu has not been criminally charged.

Mchunu was previously placed on special leave in July following the emergence of Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

At the same time, President Cyril Ramaphosa has maintained that Mchunu will not be dismissed from Cabinet, responding to parliamentary questions from MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe.

Ramaphosa said the decision to place Mchunu on special leave was intended to allow for proper examination of the allegations.

Shongwe, however, raised concerns that evidence presented before Parliament already implicated Mchunu, questioning whether executive accountability only applies after criminal conviction and whether ethical and governance standards should trigger earlier intervention.

In response, Ramaphosa stressed that the allegations raised serious concerns affecting national security and public safety.

“Following the publication of these allegations, I took the decision to place the Minister of Police on special leave to have the allegations properly ventilated and their veracity determined. I established a Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System to investigate the allegations made by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi.”

He added that executive accountability is grounded in the Constitution and requires members of the executive to avoid conflicts of interest or misuse of office for personal gain.

Ramaphosa said his actions were guided by constitutional obligations and the principle of legality, including appointing an Acting Minister of Police, placing Mchunu on special leave, and establishing the Commission of Inquiry.

DAILY NEWS

The Bulls face a tough Champions Cup challenge this week in the form of United Rugby Championship (URC) log leaders Glasgow Warriors on their home turf, but coach Johan Ackermann says they will not be daunted in the Round of 16 clash.

The Bulls are in a fight to qualify for the URC play-offs — they are seventh with four rounds to go — but Ackermann says they will give equal focus to the two competitions.

“If we’re in the play-offs in the Champions Cup, we must give it a go. We will give it our best shot, and then we’ll take it from there.

“Glasgow are in front of us this week, but we’ll need to be better than we were against Munster if we hope to win,” Ackermann said, of his team’s erratic 34-31 URC win. The Bulls banked the log points, but they were inefficient in the process.

“Glasgow will definitely punish us if we continue to make the defensive errors of the Munster match, so they will be a massive challenge over there.

“The Warriors are probably the best attacking side in the URC, so we have a big challenge ahead of us, but we’ve got nothing to lose. We’re going to Glasgow and will work hard to give ourselves an opportunity to win.

“If we progress, that would be great. We want to give the Champions Cup a good run. We can’t control what happens after that. When we return to the URC, we’ll have to play our best available team every week because qualification is so tight.

“We understand that it is a privilege to play in a Champions Cup Round of 16 match — we are alive in one of the best competitions in the world, so we will give it our best.”

The Bulls will travel to Scotland without loose forward Nizaam Carr, who hobbled off the field in the Munster match.

“He injured a hamstring, so I doubt he will be getting onto the plane,” Ackermann said.

“We’ll have a light training session on Monday to put a few plans in place for Glasgow, and then we’ll fly out on Monday evening. Tuesday will be a chill day to get the players’ bodies rested, and Wednesday we’ll have a training and recovery session to get the players’ bodies back in shape after the flight.

“On Thursday, we’ll have a tough session, and Friday will be the captain’s run before Saturday’s clash.”

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie is suing broadcaster eNCA, its journalist, editor, and correctional services officials after an inmate accused him of sending mobile phones while behind bars.

The move follows an interview with inmate Jermaine Prim, who alleged that McKenzie sent two mobile phones to him while he was in prison, as reported by IOL.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has strongly condemned the telephonic interview, which was conducted at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre, confirming that an investigation has been launched into how it took place.

In a statement issued on Saturday, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the interview occurred without the approval of the National Commissioner.

“This engagement, conducted without the approval of the National Commissioner, represents a clear violation of established Standard Operating Procedures.”

He added that media houses must formally apply for permission to interview offenders to ensure that security, legal processes and victims’ rights are not compromised.

“No such application was received or approved,” he said.

Nxumalo said the extended and uninterrupted nature of the interview raises serious concerns about possible breaches of internal controls and whether unauthorised communication channels were used.

He said the investigation will focus on determining the method of communication and identifying any compliance failures.

“The department remains committed to upholding institutional security and will act decisively against any conduct that undermines the correctional system.”

Nxumalo urged media institutions to exercise due diligence and adhere to the regulatory framework governing engagements with offenders.

During the telephonic interview, Prim was asked to explain his relationship with McKenzie.

Prim alleged that he met McKenzie through an associate, Mario “Ikit” Darzis, around 2012, and reconnected with him in 2020 after the death of Nathaniel Julies.

Julies, a 16-year-old boy with Down syndrome, was shot dead by police in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, in August 2020, sparking national outrage and renewed scrutiny of police brutality.

"We made a big noise with the death of Nathaniel Julies because that was close to my heart; my children live a street away from them," Prim said in the interview.

Prim further claimed that McKenzie later enlisted his help in running a social media campaign for party’s by-elections.

"He then asked me if I could please (work) on a social media campaign and get people on the ground to help him win the Riverlea by-election. I ran the social media campaign. I also invested quite a bit in the campaign. As a result, the PA won the by-election," Prim alleged.

He said the relationship later deteriorated over an alleged unpaid debt.

"Gayton owed me quite a bit of money that I had invested in the campaign; this led to a dispute between the two of us."

Prim also made a more explosive allegation.

"Yes, Gayton sent in two phones for me at the time," he said when asked if this occurred while he was in prison.

The controversy comes after Parliament’s ad hoc committee, investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, recently concluded oral hearings that revealed new claims and evidence.

During proceedings, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party MP David Skosana questioned Mkhwanazi about allegations contained in a letter from Prim.

The letter, which has not been published in full, refers to conversations Prim allegedly had with murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.

Prim claims he shared a prison cell with Matlala at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility and detailed their discussions in the letter.

Mkhwanazi acknowledged that the letter constitutes hearsay evidence.

In it, Prim alleges he has a voice recording linking McKenzie to drug dealers and illicit funds.

However, the PA has denied all the claims.

“The Patriotic Alliance condemns in the strongest possible terms the reckless and defamatory allegations made by convicted fraudster Jermaine Prim during a recent media interview given from prison of all places,” PA national spokesperson Steve Motale said.

“His claims are categorically false.”

Motale said Prim is a convicted criminal serving a sentence for fraud, scams and theft.

“His credibility is not a matter of debate - it is totally absent. This individual has a proven history of deception, impersonation and manipulation. Among his laundry list of cases is a charge of impersonating the head of the National Prosecuting Authority himself.”

Motale added that claims by Prim’s family that he is awaiting trial are false.

“Not a single piece of credible, verifiable evidence has been produced to support Jermaine Prim's wild claims.

“He has shown no bank records, has no corroborating witnesses and has no documentation - although we have no doubt that he has the ability to fabricate anything he pleases, including people's voices on telephone calls.”

“He has done so before and faced charges and sentencing for exactly this,” he claimed.

The party said a 2022 report in the Mail & Guardian alleged that Prim ran a sophisticated fraud syndicate from prison using cloned phone numbers and impersonating senior officials.

“What South Africans are witnessing now is a continuation of that same modus operandi: misdirection, fabrication and the deliberate targeting of high-profile leaders to generate attention and credibility for his otherwise baseless claims.”

Motale said Prim initiated contact with McKenzie in 2020.

“Prim himself reached out to President McKenzie in 2020, from prison, as part of his broader pattern. At first, President McKenzie had no knowledge that he was communicating with a convicted inmate.”

“He was deliberately misled into believing he was engaging with an ordinary member of the public who was presenting himself as someone willing to volunteer time, assist with marketing efforts and contribute to the growth of the Patriotic Alliance.”

“It was only later that it became apparent that this interaction formed part of Prim's wider pattern of impersonation, manipulation and deception.”

Motale said McKenzie has made it clear he has never met Prim in person.

He added that after contact was cut, McKenzie lodged a complaint against Prim for allegedly threatening PA members from prison, leading to an investigation and Prim’s transfer to a more secure facility.

Motale also raised concerns about how the interview was conducted.

“By his own account, Prim was able to initiate direct contact with a journalist from within a correctional facility. It raises serious questions about how such access was obtained, whether it was authorised, and whether correctional regulations have been breached.”

McKenzie said the matter reflects Prim’s “old modus operandi”.

"We have seen this before. Last year, we were subjected to the same abuse, through the same eNCA news channel, and the same journalist.”

“No evidence was presented then, no evidence has emerged since then, and no new evidence has come to light even now. And yet they continue to run with this story as though there is anything worth reporting."

"I do not know who this so-called 'Big Five' is. I have never met anyone whose name has been mentioned in connection with it, and I categorically deny any links to such individuals."

"This is dirty politics at play. With the tremendous success of our party, and my work as a Minister, we fully expected these kinds of campaigns ahead of a very important election."

McKenzie confirmed legal action will be taken against Thobakgale, Groenewald, broadcaster eNCA, its editor, and journalist Heidi Giokos in her personal capacity and that the matter will be reported to the Broadcasting Ombudsman.

“South Africans are not naive. A convicted fraudster does not become a credible whistleblower simply by making louder or more sensational allegations, even if he is aided and abetted by excitable members of the media.”

The party urged the public to dismiss the claims.

“This is a calculated attempt to exploit the public interest, attach a conspiracy theory to a high-profile political figure, and manufacture credibility where none can possibly exist.

“We remain committed to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. Should any credible evidence be presented through proper legal channels, it will be addressed accordingly.

“Until then, these allegations remain what they are: baseless, unproven and unworthy of public trust, and we call on members of the PA to ignore this charade and focus on hard work and delivery for the people of South Africa,” it added.

SATURDAY STAR

South African motorists, squeezed by rising petrol prices and repair costs, are increasingly bypassing traditional workshops in favour of on-demand mechanics that come to their homes or workplaces. The trend mirrors global shifts in vehicle servicing, as digital platforms connect independent mechanics directly with customers and reshape routine car maintenance.

Global market gains momentum

The mobile vehicle repair market is projected to grow from USD 4.27 billion (R70bn) to R108bn by 2030, expanding at close to 9% annually, as operators worldwide respond to rising demand for convenience and preventative maintenance.

The appeal is moving beyond emergency breakdowns. Drivers are proactively requesting preventative care or addressing early-warning issues - including overheating, auto-electrical diagnostics, scheduled services, and brake replacements - before they escalate into costly repairs.

The shift is also unfolding amid rising cost-of-living pressures, with motorists increasingly sensitive to fuel prices, repair costs, and time lost to long workshop delays. Platforms that offer upfront pricing, reduced downtime, and digital booking are gaining traction as consumers seek greater predictability.

On-demand culture reshapes expectations

As mobile servicing expands, Dikgale emphasises that convenience does not come at the expense of quality. Mechanics undergo identity verification, criminal background checks, trade certification verification, and professional registration confirmation. Customers receive mechanic details and ratings in advance, while digital job tracking and service monitoring maintain accountability throughout.

The model is also reshaping the economics of vehicle servicing. "Customers benefit from upfront pricing, digital booking, and service at their home or workplace - significantly reducing downtime and the hidden costs of towing, waiting, or taking time off work," Dikgale said.

Reshaping vehicle servicing economics

For independent mechanics, these platforms provide access to a wider customer base and more consistent demand. "Skilled technicians who previously struggled to find consistent work can now connect directly to a steady stream of demand, earn more predictably, and operate with greater independence - while still benefiting from the credibility and technology infrastructure provided by the platform," she added. Analysts suggest that as the sector expands, it could also help formalise portions of South Africa’s fragmented independent repair market.

The Stormers did just enough to secure a bonus-point 33-14 victory over Edinburgh in Cape Town on Saturday evening — but it was far from a convincing performance in their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash.

Two tries from eighthman Evan Roos, who impressed with his carries and defensive work, and one apiece from winger Leolin Zas, loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, and replacement Deon Fourie secured the five points that kept the Cape side in second place on the overall log.

However, they made it difficult for themselves on the night.

For a second weekend in a row, they created opportunities, but their inability to convert those chances proved costly, especially in the first half, where the scores were tied 7-all at halftime.

While the plan was clearly to kick Edinburgh into submission — and it worked to some extent — the 20 000-plus supporters in the stadium did not witness the brand of rugby the Stormers are capable of producing. Aimless and inaccurate kicks from scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu cost them valuable territory.

It was evident that the tactic was not working, yet the home side persisted with it, eventually wearing the visitors down.

#Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson on Damian Willemse shifting to wing for this weekend's #URC clash vs Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/A4PEVoMxdu

— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) March 27, 2026

However, whenever they kept the ball in hand — as seen in the tries by Zas and Mchunu — the Scots had no answer. Why they did not continue with that approach remains a mystery.

Roos, fetcher Paul de Villiers and Mchunu — despite a needless yellow card — were the standout performers up front. In the backs, their play was less convincing, although the experiment of Damian Willemse on the wing delivered encouraging results.

The Stormers’ bench ultimately proved decisive in the second half. They gained dominance in the scrum when Neethling Fouché came on at tighthead shortly after the break, while loose forwards Hacjivah Dayimani and Fourie injected much-needed energy. Fourie capped it off with the final try at the death following a powerful scrum.

Started it. Finished it.

In the chase for Glasgow Warriors… this matters 💥@Vodacom #URC | #STOvEDI pic.twitter.com/bSUbL1Kagu

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 28, 2026

At the back, flyhalf Jurie Matthee showed some sharp attacking touches, and given Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s performance, his understudy may warrant more minutes ahead of the playoffs.

While the performance raised plenty of questions, the Stormers will take the five points as they edge closer to securing a top-two URC finish.

Points scorers

Stormers 33 (7): Tries: Evan Roos (2), Leolin Zas, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Deon Fourie. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (4). Edinburgh 14 (7): Tries: James Lang, Boan Venter. Conversions: Ross Thompson (2).

Another week and another Player of the Match award for the sensational Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier.

The 28-year-old could not be making a more convincing riposte to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who left him out of the recent Bok alignment camp.

Papier’s individual brilliance in scoring two superb solo tries was arguably the difference between his team winning and losing to Munster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls won 34-31 and were outscored five tries to four.

“We were pretty good in the first half, but in the second, we made it difficult for ourselves,” Papier said. “We were in front by 14 points and then we made mistakes to give them opportunities to punish us. Throughout the game, we gave them easy tries to stay in the match.”

"He continues to bring the magic." 🎩🪄

Embrose Papier with a stunning individual effort 👏

📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/GQFfDYKcoa

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 28, 2026

Papier, who played seven Tests for the Springboks in 2018, but has since been ignored, downplayed his personal contribution.

“I am playing next to some of the best guys in the world in Pollie (Handre Pollard), Willie (Le Roux), Kurt-Lee (Arendse), and Moodie (Canan). They are all world-class, and they assist me in playing in the right areas of the field.”

The win keeps the Bulls on track for a place in the URC playoffs, but Papier acknowledged that the Bull shave to cut out the “silly mistakes.”

“The mistakes cost us momentum. We have to sort that out as we head overseas now. We have to be better than this.”

Next week, the Bulls play the Glasgow Warriors in a Champions Cup match. Next are URC away matches against the Dragons and Scarlets, before URC home matches against Zebre and Benetton.

The Bulls were outplayed by Munster in their United Rugby Championship match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon, but their blushes were spared by individual brilliance as they hung on to win 34-31.

Former Springbok Embrose Papier and Junior Bok Cheswill Jooste were the heroes, while deadly goal-kicking from Handré Pollard helped nudge the Bulls over the line.

Munster surprised the Bulls with their speed to the breakdown and the quick ball they generated. There was certainly a greater urgency about the men in red compared to their recent defeat against the Sharks. One of their dangerous early attacks required a brave Pollard turnover at a breakdown to save his team from conceding points.

However, a clear area where the Bulls enjoyed a significant advantage was the set scrum. Gerhard Steenekamp — celebrating his 100th cap — dominated Michael Ala’alatoa, leading to three scrum penalties in the first 20 minutes.

"He continues to bring the magic." 🎩🪄

Embrose Papier with a stunning individual effort 👏

📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/GQFfDYKcoa

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 28, 2026

The Bulls intended to get the ball wide to dangerous wings Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse, but Munster had done their homework and shut them down quickly. It was a Munster wing, Seán O’Brien, who scored the first points at the 20-minute mark following wave after wave of attacks.

As the Bulls creaked under the pressure, it was Papier who relieved the tension with a sensational solo try. Currently in the form of his life, the scrumhalf showed blistering speed and nifty footwork to outstrip the defence.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, Ruan Nortjé — usually a tireless toiler for his team — recklessly dived into an attacking ruck. He not only left his feet but also made head-to-head contact with a Munster defender and was yellow-carded. Remarkably, the Bulls scored next through a lovely finish by Moodie, who finally found space.

The half-time score was 14-7 to the Bulls, but Munster struck first in the second half when scrumhalf Craig Casey broke cleanly for Tom Ahern to finish. Jack Crowley missed the conversion.

Papier soon had the blue flags flying again with another brilliant try out of nothing. After Munster lost possession deep in the Bulls' half, Elrigh Louw kicked downfield and Papier turned on the afterburners to beat everyone to the ball.

Look at the speed of Papier 🤯🤯

📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/hFoEiq7hLU

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 28, 2026

But the Bulls could not shake the determined Irishmen. In the 53rd minute, sustained pressure produced a second try for Ahern, making it a two-point game at 21-19.

It was substitute Cheswill Jooste who broke the game open with a memorable try. The 19-year-old stepped inside a defender out wide and screamed towards the posts, skirting past cover defenders with ease. Pollard soon followed with a penalty from the halfway line, making it 31-19 with a quarter of the match remaining.

Still, Munster refused to lie down. Crowley nailed a stunning 50-22, and from the resulting lineout, full-back Ben O’Connor scythed through to score. Pollard added another long-range penalty, but in a "coach-killer" moment, Cobus Wiese spilled the restart, allowing Edwin Edogbo to crash over.

Crowley missed the final conversion, leaving the score at 34-31 as the Bulls held on for a vital URC victory.

Scorers

Bulls — Tries: Embrose Papier (2), Canan Moodie, Cheslin Jooste. Conversions: Handre Pollard (4). Penalties: Pollard (2).

Munster — Tries: Sean O’Brien. Tom Ahern (2), Ben O’Connor, Edwin Edogbo. Conversions: Jack Crowley (3).

Bafana Bafana showed plenty of promise in their 1-1 draw against Panama.

Here are five takeways from the match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, as the team looks forward to Tuesday's second match in Cape Town.

Defensive gamble paid off ... sort of

A single lapse in concentration at the back ultimately cost Bafana, leading to Panama’s only goal. Outside of that moment, however, the defensive pairing stood firm. Khulumani Ndamane delivered a rock-solid display, showing composure and awareness throughout the match.

While his partnership with Ime Okon at the back was seen as a gamble by Hugo Broos, it was one that worked out. The pairing could be a good back-up for Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, especially with the demands of tournament football in mind.

Foster’s frustrating night in front of goal

Lyle Foster will be the first to admit it wasn’t his night. The striker found himself in excellent positions repeatedly but failed to convert, missing multiple clear-cut chances, including two one-on-ones with the Panama goalkeeper. For a player of his calibre, currently plying his trade at Burnley in the English league, the expectation is far higher.

"I think he showed good intent in the first half. He created space and was moving but got a bit lazy towards the 70th minute," Broos explained after the match.

His struggles mirror a dip in form at club level, raising concerns for fans. That said, he wasn’t alone in carrying the attacking burden, with Tshepang Moremi and Relebohile Mofokeng offering support and creativity in the final third.

Zwane’s influence adds creative spark

Veteran Themba Zwane added a noticeable layer of composure and flair in midfield. Though not initially in the starting plans, his presence complemented Mofokeng’s attacking instincts and helped Bafana settle into a more fluid rhythm.

Broos explained his decision to include Zwane, emphasising the need for experience and control in key moments. The veteran’s ability to link play and unlock tight spaces was evident, giving Bafana a different dimension in attack. However, his fitness for 90 minutes seems a far-fetched dream; using him for strategic points will be the likely option.

“There’s still a game in June, but we don’t have so many games to let him play, so it’s important to know where he is physically. Technically, football-wise, we know there’s no problem, but physically ... we'll have to see," Broos told media after the Panama game.

Mofokeng’s impact off the bench

If there was one player who truly injected life into the contest, it was Relebohile Mofokeng. Introduced as a substitute, he immediately began driving into central areas, cutting through Panama’s structure with confidence and intent.

His movement across the edge of the box and willingness to take on defenders created new attacking avenues. Mofokeng’s performance not only energised the team but also excited fans, hinting at a bright future.

Appollis continues his electric form

Few players have been as consistently thrilling this season as Oswin Appollis. Once again, he proved why he’s become a mainstay in the national setup. Every time he touched the ball, there was a sense of anticipation, and he delivered by scoring Bafana’s equaliser early in the second half.

Appollis has been in exceptional form on the international stage, building on his performances during last year’s World Cup qualifiers. Right now, he makes a strong case as one of South Africa’s most in-form players, both for Bafana and at club level for Orlando Pirates.

Next week marks the third anniversary of the passing of rugby legend Ian McIntosh, the innovative coach responsible for the powerhouse that the Sharks are today.

"Mac" transformed Natal from the "Cinderella team" of the 1980s — a side that made many friends with their good fellowship but never won anything — into South Africa’s "Team of the ‘90s".

The thousands of rugby people that Mac touched will each have a special story about this remarkable man, so forgive me if I tell my favourite.

It is set in the scenic splendour of the New Zealand mountain resort of Queenstown. Nestled in the Southern Alps, Queenstown is breathtakingly beautiful; its rugged landscape provided the setting for much of the Lord of the Rings films and, unsurprisingly, it is the adventure capital of New Zealand.

The Sharks were pioneer visitors to Queenstown in the mid-1990s, and great fullback Hugh Reece-Edwards loves telling this tale. The Sharks were about to start a training session at the Queenstown Rugby Club, which nestles on a rare piece of flat ground at the foot of a mountain.

However, one player was missing. John Allan was conspicuous by his absence, and Mac seethed that he would drop him if he did not appear within ten seconds. Just then, a shadow grew over the coach as an apparition drifted from the sky.

It was the missing hooker. Having parachuted from the top of the mountain with an instructor while wearing his practice kit, Allan landed, unclipped himself, and said deadpan: “Right Mac, let’s get cracking.”

Nobody laughed louder than Mac.

Queenstown is like the Drakensberg on drugs. Snow-capped peaks rise from a tranquil lake teeming with trout, though you must return your catch unless you have a note from a restaurant confirming they will cook it. The world's first bungee jump originated here, and adrenaline junkies have flocked to the town ever since.

One year, Springbok number eight Warren Brosnihan signed up for "Fly by Wire". Strapped to a metal arrow attached to a cable, he was shot across mountain peaks at startling speed. He climbed out of his leather suit, ashen-faced, and remarked: “That was the most thrilling two minutes of my life I never want again.” I noticed on my next trip that the attraction had closed.

Another enthusiastic tourist was Springbok flanker AJ Venter. In just two days, he went hang-gliding, bungee-jumping, go-karting, and river rafting. In the evenings, he joined Stefan Terblanche at the casino, where the winger showed the same slick skill at blackjack as he did when scoring for the Boks.

There was a memorable moment during AJ’s bungee jump. A cable car was ascending the mountain just as Venter dived off the precipice.

A Japanese tourist’s face became a mask of terror as 110kg of bellowing Bloemfontein beef hurtled towards her — a sight compounded by the fact that he was clad only in his underpants.

But it was not all play. There were training sessions at the rugby club, and one year, a local player got an adrenaline ride of his own by annoying Ollie le Roux. Mac had organised a practice match with the Queenstown team, and this fellow hoped to impress the home crowd by niggling Ollie, only to be knocked out cold. The crowd was indeed impressed.

One year, a tall, dark, and handsome flanker, who shall remain anonymous, met a Swedish backpacker. Each night she snuck into his room, and his roommate found a spare bed elsewhere. On the morning of departure, a roll call was made on the bus and the love-struck player was missing.

“Where the hell is X?” yelled Mac. “Erm, still in his room,” the roommate timidly said. “And he says to tell you he has retired.”

He probably believed he had — for the five minutes it took the coach to kick his backside onto the bus.

This column is based on an extract from Mike Greenaway’s best-selling book, The Fireside Springbok.

ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) has announced the termination of the membership of Kholofelo Morodi, following the conclusion of a disciplinary process linked to allegations arising from testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

“This decision was taken after a thorough and procedurally fair process,” the party said.

“Morodi was formally notified of the allegations, afforded an opportunity to respond, granted an extension, and ultimately provided with a 72-hour period to make representations. The PEC considered all submissions received before arriving at its decision.”

The PEC reviewed evidence related to conduct inconsistent with the values, constitution, and code of conduct of ActionSA, including provisions of the party’s Interim Constitution concerning actions that bring the Party into disrepute.

“ActionSA takes matters of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct with the utmost seriousness, particularly where public office and public trust are concerned. Members of ActionSA are held to these standards without exception,” the party said.

“This matter underscores the importance of acting decisively where concerns arise. ActionSA will not hesitate to act where the conduct of its members undermines the integrity of the Party or the public institutions it seeks to strengthen.”

This follows Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya’s announcement of Morodi’s removal, who said:

“I have noted the testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, and the matters relating to the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Kholofelo Morodi. Following a formal process in which Cllr Morodi was afforded an opportunity to provide written representations in respect of the issues raised before the Commission, I have carefully considered her response together with the information available to me, including relevant communication records submitted to the Commission.”

“Based on this assessment, I am not satisfied that the concerns raised have been adequately addressed. The material before me reflects a pattern of engagement and conduct over an extended period, including an inappropriate relationship between Cllr Morodi and Sergeant Nkosi, which raises serious concerns regarding the handling of information and adherence to the standards expected of members of the executive.”

Saturday  Star

If there was one theme that stood out for JP Pietersen after the Sharks’ gritty United Rugby Championship win over Cardiff on Friday night, it was not flair — nor even the first-half surge that broke the game wide open — but resilience.

In suffocating Durban humidity, where handling errors were inevitable and momentum swings frequent, the Sharks displayed a quality that has too often been questioned: the ability to stay in the fight.

“Normally we would have given up and given the opposition easy tries,” Pietersen admitted post-match. “But now we’re chasing back, making tackles. That shows the growth in what we’re doing.”

It is a telling shift. Cardiff, who are dangerous from anywhere, applied sustained pressure and carved out line breaks, particularly during a spell where they clawed their way back with two quick tries. In previous outings, that might have triggered a collapse. This time, the Sharks bent but did not break.

“Defensively we were good. To concede only two tries against a team like that is massive for us,” Pietersen said.

That defensive steel has been underpinned by a leadership group growing in authority. Captain André Esterhuizen has led from the front, supported by Ethan Hooker, Vincent Tshituka, and Emile van Heerden.

“There’s a group around André that’s leading really well,” Pietersen said.

Composure, however, remains a work in progress. The Sharks created enough chances in the second half to put the result beyond doubt and secure the bonus point but were repeatedly undone by small errors — often just a final pass that would not stick in the heavy conditions.

“The ball was slippery, like a bar of soap,” Pietersen explained. “We were this close every time to the line, just one pass away.”

For Pietersen, those frustrations form part of a broader learning curve. The next step lies in sharpening decision-making, particularly around territory and game management, ahead of a demanding tour.

“What we need to work on is how we control the kicking and territory game, and staying composed in the 22 to come away with points.”

Squad depth will also come under scrutiny, with injuries continuing to bite — youngster Luan Giliomee being the latest casualty in the backline.

“I was maybe thinking I must put my boots back on just to give us a boost,” Pietersen joked.

Yet even that challenge is framed as an opportunity.

“Injuries test the character of the group,” he said. “When someone goes down, the next guy must step up. How you bounce back and pull together determines your culture.”

Reinforcements may also be on the horizon, with the possible returns of Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi offering a timely boost as the play-off race tightens.

Jaco Wessels Kemp (36), Louise Coetzee (29), and Gert Frederik van der Westhuizen (38) have been sentenced to life imprisonment each for the premeditated murder of farm dweller Dumisani Phakathi.

The sentence was handed down at the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria.

The court further declared all three accused unfit to possess firearms and ordered them to surrender all firearms, ammunition, licences, authorisations and permits to the investigating officer.

According to evidence presented in court, the incident took place on 16 September 2023 at a chicken farm in Mamokgalieskraal, where the three accused had been attending a braai. At approximately 16:00, they saw Phakathi walking past the farm gate on his way to collect water from a nearby furrow commonly used by community members.

They approached him and assaulted him before dragging him into a storage facility on the farm, where the attack continued until he succumbed to his injuries.

In the early hours of 17 September 2023, Kemp and Coetzee were stopped by police at around 02:00 during a stop-and-search operation on the R511 towards Brits while driving a bakkie loaded with black refuse bags.

“During the search, police noticed human legs protruding from underneath the bags,” authorities said. “Upon further inspection, they discovered the bloodied body of the deceased, with his head covered in plastic.”

The pair were immediately arrested at the scene, while Van der Westhuizen handed himself over to police on 19 September after investigations linked him to the offence.

“In court, all three accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and shifted blame onto one another. However, the State Prosecutor, Advocate Lawrence More, presented compelling evidence through State witnesses, proving the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt,” authorities said.

“In mitigation of sentence, the accused requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence because of the time they had already spent in custody since their arrest and that they have children to take care of,” authorities revealed.

However, Advocate More argued for life imprisonment, saying the trio killed the deceased without reason.

“The deceased was killed in an inhumane and cruel manner, his body placed in rubbish bags in an attempt to dispose of it at a dumping site,” he told the court.

The court also heard victim impact statements facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese, including one from the victim’s sister who expressed deep trauma following the incident.

In handing down sentence, the judge agreed with the State that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, affirming that the brutality of the crime warranted life imprisonment.

Saturday Star

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has urged the public to respect the work he has done over the last five years when he eventually steps down and brings his coaching career to a close.

An unexpected candidate to bag the Bafana job in May 2021, Broos dealt with a host of criticism, including suggestions that he took the position for a final big paycheque as he was then close to 70 years of age.

But the Belgian vehemently denied those suggestions. He promised that he simply wanted to awaken a "sleeping giant", pledging that if he did not qualify for the last Afcon and the upcoming Fifa World Cup, he would gladly step down.

That was a promise kept. Broos returned Bafana to the best continentally and globally as they finished third at the Afcon in Ivory Coast and qualified for the most recent continental showpiece without defeat. They also automatically qualified for the upcoming World Cup in North America for the first time in 24 years.

The event will mark a full circle and déjà vu moment for both him and the team. Broos will return to Mexico, where he played his first World Cup as a player, while Bafana will face El Tri in the opening game of the global showpiece on June 11 — a repeat of the 2010 event on South African soil.

Amid all the success, Broos revealed how he would like to be remembered by locals when he finally leaves his post and potentially returns home to Belgium.

“I just hope that people will respect what I did here in the last five years,” Broos said. “I am a stupid man. I know where Bafana were before I arrived here; I see where Bafana are now. Everyone loves Bafana again. They come to the stadium and support us. I just hope that people know that it was five years of hard work."

Broos had initially declared that he would retire post-World Cup. However, such has been his impact that Safa president Danny Jordaan suggested they would open talks with the 73-year-old after the tournament over a potential extension.

Broos sounds open to that conversation, saying that the focus now is solely on doing well at the World Cup, not his future.

“Maybe it was not a good idea for me to say I should retire after the World Cup. I should have said, 'I will decide',” Broos added. “So, let’s wait and see what will happen in three or four months. If I decide to retire, I will do so with beauty. It has to be a beautiful ending for me."

Broos' men have been hard at work, continuing their preparation with two international friendlies against Panama: at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night and at DHL Stadium on Tuesday night (7.30pm kick-off).

Ahead of the two clashes, Bafana captain Ronwen Williams urged his troops to win back the coach’s trust and return to their core values — the team’s DNA, positive attitude and strict discipline — which were evidently lost at the recent Afcon, resulting in a disappointing exit in the last 16.

“We need to go back and return the coach’s trust,” Williams said. “Obviously, we’ve let him down. We have built a very good thing over the last few years. So, for us to let it go at a crucial moment shows that this game can humble you."

The climax of the PSL season, where the real challengers are separated from the pretenders, is upon us. But before the thrills and spills are unleashed in the next few days, let’s catch our breath and reflect on the traditional "big three".

With every passing campaign, the PSL proves its uniqueness. Stories are not pre-written but told in real time, as there’s a whirlwind of events on a daily and weekly basis.

There’s only the last quarter of the season remaining, with two of the four trophies — the MTN8 and Carling Knockout — already won, both by Orlando Pirates. Only the Betway Premiership and Nedbank Cup are still up for grabs.

Given that success, the season has belonged to Pirates. They have succeeded where most of their 15 counterparts have failed on the pitch — an achievement that illustrates the tactical prowess of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The Moroccan has shown that no project is too big to handle, having been lured from Marumo Gallants. His belief in local competencies, continuing with a largely South African technical team, has also helped him thrive.

That success would not have been possible without the players. They have steered Pirates into calmer waters, and things could get even better if they go all the way and win the league title.

In the true sense of “let the football do the talking”, the Ghost have heeded the call, rallying behind the team after seeing the desire, determination and mentality to succeed.

It hasn’t all been smooth. There have been allegations of ill-discipline, which have momentarily disrupted their momentum, as a quieter dressing room might have ensured full focus instead of reported suspensions.

It is not over yet. The grand prize, the league title, is still up for grabs. But Pirates know better than anyone that they will need to double their efforts if they are to wrestle it away from serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The league is not like any other silverware for Sundowns; it’s their bread and butter. It guarantees not only local dominance but also a place among Africa’s elite the following season.

Sundowns had not fully flexed their muscles earlier this season, allowing Pirates into the title conversation with fewer than 10 games to play. It was uncharacteristic, given their habit of building an early lead.

Their struggles unsettled the fanbase, with calls for the dismissal of coach Miguel Cardoso and sporting director Flemming Berg, and the return of Pitso Mosimane.

Those calls ultimately fell on deaf ears, as the club opted to stick with the duo. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. Sundowns are back, playing attractive football and collecting points with ease.

Players who were once on the fringes, amid possible exits, have returned to prominence in Cardoso’s matchday squads. That’s why another title celebration at Chloorkop looks increasingly likely.

The euphoria that Sundowns have made a tradition has, however, become a rare experience at Naturena. Kaizer Chiefs have struggled for consistency, often stumbling into short-lived success.

Wandile Duba takes his chance ✌️

Kaizer Chiefs are ahead at the Moses Mabhida Stadium 🟡🔥

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/p8QoQ81TNt

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 21, 2026

Chiefs won the Nedbank Cup last season, ending a 10-year trophy drought. They were expected to build on that foundation under coach Nasreddine Nabi. Instead, the club parted ways with him early in the season and promoted his assistants.

Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef vowed to prove their critics wrong, but recent performances have forced them into making apologies after a poor run of form.

Some observers have even called for their dismissal, arguing that a struggling Chiefs side is not good for South African football. However, the Motaung family has persisted with them, setting a top-three finish as the target.

That still looks achievable after back-to-back league wins, but whether they can sustain that form remains uncertain. They are neither convincing nor particularly threatening in attack.

With fatigue setting in across the league, conditioning coach Safi Majdi will need to ensure the squad remains physically ready to capitalise on their games in hand.

It would be a welcome sight for the big three to all embody that tag this season. I can only hope they live up to the hype and expectations when the final lap gets underway after this window break.

The Lions head into today's United Rugby Championship (URC) clash with the Dragons carrying massive expectations of another victory, despite a couple of notable absences.

On paper, losing experienced players like Morné van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye could have unsettled the side. However, this Lions team has shown enough depth and resilience to suggest they will still be firmly in control at Ellis Park (4.30pm kick-off).

Van den Berg’s absence at scrumhalf removes some composure and tactical sharpness, while Ntlabakanye’s physical presence in the scrums will be missed. His ongoing doping hearing also casts a shadow on his involvement going forward, but the Lions have little time to dwell on what is missing.

Nico Steyn will step into the No 9 jersey, while rising star Haashim Pead provides scrumhalf cover on the bench. Young tighthead RF Schoeman will get another starting opportunity in Ntlabakanye’s absence.

Instead, the focus shifts to the players stepping in. This season, building depth in key positions has been a strength for the Johannesburg outfit. For the Dragons, the challenge is massive; they will likely look to exploit early uncertainty and disrupt the Lions’ rhythm, but sustaining that intensity for 80 minutes at altitude is a different story altogether.

“The Lions are a good side and they're also a smart team,” Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said. “They have different types of kicking plans.

"Because of the altitude, teams will try and defend the length of the kick, but they’ve got small, short, little dinks too. They’re big men too, so the physicality won’t be any different. We’ve got to get in the ground, and then it’s about how we impose our game.”

The Lions have built solid momentum recently, with growing confidence in an attacking game that transitions quickly from defence. Following their dismantling of Edinburgh last weekend, more of the same precision is required on Saturday.

This match represents an opportunity to remain in the top eight of the official log and a chance for fringe players to prove the team's success is not dependent on a handful of stars.

“Asa (Ntlabakanye) is a massive part of our game plan,” Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys said. “He brings physicality and leadership. But when he is gone, other guys must step up.”

The URC's top points scorer, Chris Smith, said the team is looking forward to the challenge.

“We know the challenge the Dragons pose; on the attack and defensively, it’s going to be a monster,” Smith said. “The Dragons are a good team and it's a good thing that they challenged the Stormers. It means we cannot become complacent. Each week we want to get better.”

Teams for Ellis Park

Lions: 1 SJ Kotzé, 2 PJ Botha, 3 RF Schoeman, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 6 Siba Mahashe, 7 Ruan Venter, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 9 Nico Steyn, 10 Chris Smith, 11 Erich Cronje, 12 Bronson Mills, 13 Henco van Wyk, 14 Angelo Davids, 15 Quan Horn.

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Eddie Davidsa, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Richard Kriel.

Lions: 15 Cai Evans, 14 Jared Rosser, 13 Fine Inisi, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Angus O’Brien (co-c), 9 Niall Armstrong, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Thomas Young, 6 Ryan Woodman, 5 Ben Carter (co-c), 4 Seb Davies, 3 Chris Coleman, 2 Brodie Coghlan, 1 Rodrigo Martinez.

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Jordan Morris, 18 Owain James, 19 Levi Douglas, 20 Harrison Keddie, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jac Lloyd, 23 Fetuli Paea.

Stormers tighthead prop Sazi Sandi is set to reach a significant milestone this weekend, earning his 50th cap for the Cape side in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Edinburgh.

Getting the opportunity in the starting line-up means Sandi will lead the team onto the field — just as he does almost every weekend when he leads the squad in song with their “war cry”, Impi yamaStormer, after victories at DHL Stadium.

As a prop, the 27-year-old might not typically be associated with singing, but just as he commands the scrum with authority, his voice carries powerfully through the stands. And the burly No. 3 will be hoping to do the same on Saturday as he celebrates his half-century of appearances.

But his journey to professional rugby very nearly didn’t happen.

Sandi endured a long road, marked by injuries during his time in the Cape and before that, while also navigating his father Bonisile’s hopes for him to pursue a tertiary qualification and a more traditional career. His father, a lawyer and judge in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), passed away in 2017.

“My dad was a bit reluctant because of maybe a lack of knowledge and not understanding the rugby landscape in the early 2000s, and he didn’t see it as a career,” Sandi explained.

“He was more focused on us growing up, going to university, getting a degree and finding a job. And he loved his job. He was very influential to us. However, he could see that I was keen from a young age, and my brother also got into his ear, spoke to him, and he was excited that I was doing well — but he needed more information about it.

Big milestone for the Big Smoke this weekend. What a guy. #inittogether pic.twitter.com/cnxcOaD4dg

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 27, 2026

“At the end of matric, we visited a few unions and then came down to the Stormers. We got to Newlands, my dad asked all the questions he wanted, and he was sold — he became very excited.”

After that visit, Sandi and his father sat down to map out his path to the top — from U19 rugby all the way to the Springboks. It was a defining moment.

“It was kind of my dad saying, ‘Go for it — and if you’re going to go for it, go for all of it’. He passed away shortly after that. Being on 49 games, it would be great to look back on that story on Saturday and say, ‘Dad, I’m still on my way’,” Sandi added.

“My dad was a very hard worker, and that rubbed off on me. As a youngster at school, during the holidays, I’d always go into town to train and do extras because I would see him at three o’clock in the morning in his study, working through his notes — always meticulous, always taking pride in what he did.

The half-century comes up for Sazi Sandi on Saturday night. #inittogether pic.twitter.com/F0lL4Yqz0r

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 27, 2026

“He never said, ‘You must be like this’. He just led by example. One of his big things was that whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability and give everything towards it to create a platform for success.

“He took great pride in his work and truly loved what he did.”

On Saturday, Sandi will have the chance to test himself against Scotland loosehead Pierre Schoeman, with a potential second-half battle against Springbok Boan Venter also on the cards.

For the Stormers anchor, however, the focus remains firmly on providing a solid platform in the scrum and proving himself against top-quality opposition. The Cape side dominated in the scrums against the Dragons last weekend and will be aiming to carry that momentum into their clash with the Scottish outfit.

#Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson on Damian Willemse shifting to wing for this weekend's #URC clash vs Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/A4PEVoMxdu

— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) March 27, 2026

“It’s going to be a big challenge. Pierre and Boan are both very good, and they’ve shown that on the international stage. It’s a great opportunity for our pack, and for me, to put my best foot forward.

“We have a great scrum culture here. As props, we love it when the back five tell us, ‘Let’s go for it’. It gives you that confidence, knowing the guys are behind you — then you just have to do your job.

“As a youngster, I learned the hard way and took a few knocks. But we’ve got excellent scrum coaches here, and over the years you refine your craft. I feel I’ve taken the right steps forward. It also helps having experienced players like Frans Malherbe, Neethling Fouché and Ali Vermaak around you.”

Proteas Women’s assistant coach Claire Terblanche has reiterated the importance of consistency in execution as the side builds for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand.

Following the team’s 4-1 T20I series loss against hosts New Zealand Women, the Proteas Women set their sights on the upcoming three-match One Day International series against the same outfit.

The side has taken important lessons from the T20I series loss, with Terblanche highlighting consistency from a bowling point of view as the key to a much-needed redemption in the ODI series.

“I think our consistency — we weren't that far off the mark with our bowling. Comparably, we were quite close to them; they just executed a lot better than what we did,” said Terblanche. “So I think taking learnings from that and moving into the ODIs, I think will be a good thing for us.”

From the batting point of view, Terblanche emphasised that the team needs to exercise patience and build partnerships to come out on top in the ODIs.

The coaching staff has also sung the praises of youngster Kayla Reyneke, who impressed during the T20Is in what was her first tour with the Proteas Women, having debuted against Pakistan earlier this year.

“I think (what we need are) patience and partnerships. I think those are the two Ps,” said Terblanche. “Setting up a good foundation up front and then just holding in that middle period so we can have a good surge at the back.

“And talking about (the middle order), Kayla Reyneke, on her first tour away from home with the team, she really stood out, especially with that lower order, making sure we get to competitive totals.

“I think it's a role she's kind of found herself in. She's done really well, she's taken us to above-par scores at the grounds and I think kind of stamped herself to say that yes, she's here, but not yet arrived. So I think well done on what she's done in the T20s.”

Terblanche reiterated that the team needs to implement the learnings that they have taken from the T20I series.

“I think again, (it’s important) to take the learnings away out of the T20 games. We're playing at Christchurch again for the first ODI and then bearing in mind that it is a build-up to that World Cup that we do obviously want to qualify for,” she said.

“So yes, (the ICC Women’s Championship) points are important, but how we string those points together with performances, I feel for us will help us gain momentum moving forward.”

The first match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand is scheduled to get underway in Christchurch at 3am SA time on Sunday.

Sharks coach JP Pietersen pulled the pin on his own "bomb squad" early in the United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Cardiff at Kings Park on Friday night, replacing his entire front row while his team were down to 14 men.

It was a move that could have backfired. Instead, it turned out to be an inspired decision as the home side surged into a 21-12 halftime lead and, after a scrappy second half, an important win.

They never took their foot off the pedal in the second stanza as they coasted to a comfortable 21-15 victory in humid conditions in the Shark Tank, a result that moved them up one spot to 10th in the standings.

The Sharks scored the first try of the match off a lineout maul, with Phepsi Buthelezi powering over the whitewash in the sixth minute after lock Jason Jenkins had done well to charge down an attempted clearance. Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse added the extra two points.

Yaw Penxe with a try for the #VURC showreel 😮‍💨💥

He puts the Sharks ahead at half-time with a beauty 🦈

📺 Stream on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/bGrSWFk6xk

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 27, 2026

The visitors hit back with a try in the corner by Mason Grady in the 17th minute after a period of sustained pressure.

Young fullback Luan Giliomee was forced off early, prompting a backline reshuffle by the Sharks. Hendrikse then earned a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown in the 27th minute, and the Welsh visitors scored almost immediately — a clever Ben Thomas cross-kick pounced on by Grady to make it 12-7.

Pietersen did not hesitate to pull the trigger, bringing on Springbok props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, as well as hooker Ethan Hooker, in an effort to wrest back control of the match.

The move reaped dividends straight away; Buthelezi bagged his second try with a barnstorming run in the 32nd minute off a powerful lineout maul. Bradley Davids put the Sharks 14-12 ahead with the successful conversion.

Yaw Penxe then showed great individual brilliance with a chip over the top and gather to score in the 38th minute. The returning Hendrikse converted that try to take the Sharks into the break with some breathing room.

They were able to keep Cardiff away from their try line in the second half, which became an arm-wrestle.

A penalty brought the visitors within six points in the closing minutes, but 21-15 was as close as they would come. The result secured back-to-back home wins for Pietersen as the Sharks remain firmly in the race for the top eight.

The vibrant city of Cape Town is gearing up to host a full international match on Tuesday as Bafana Bafana take on Panama in a crucial Fifa World Cup warm-up game.

This match marks a milestone in Cape Town’s football history, given its infrequent hosting of national games compared with other South African cities such as Durban and Johannesburg. While Cape Town has long been a pivotal location for various sporting events, its association with Bafana Bafana has been relatively sporadic since the team returned to international football after years of isolation.

The first encounter came in July 1992, when a young South African team faced Cameroon at the Goodwood Showgrounds, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat. That moment marked an emotional re-entry into international football and was a key event in a pivotal phase for South African sport.

In the years since, Cape Town has seen only limited appearances by the national team, lagging behind more frequently visited venues.

The last time Bafana Bafana took to the field in the Mother City was in November 2024, when they secured an impressive 3-0 victory against South Sudan at the iconic Cape Town Stadium.

That match saw a jubilant home crowd celebrating a performance in which Cape Town-born Iqraam Rayners scored the opening goal, further igniting local passion for football.

Tracing Bafana Bafana’s remarkable journey in Cape Town reveals a string of notable matches. After the emotional debut in ’92, the team played their first match in the now-defunct Afro-Asian Cup against Saudi Arabia at Newlands in 1999, where they triumphed 1-0, led by Cape Town’s own Mark Fish.

Subsequent matches followed, including a 2003 friendly against Jamaica’s ‘Reggae Boyz’ before a zealous crowd, amidst the excitement surrounding South Africa’s 2010 World Cup bid. The national team graced the city again multiple times in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2014 before returning in November 2024.

As excitement builds for Tuesday’s showdown, Bafana Bafana aim to strengthen their bonds with Cape Town fans as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

With the backdrop of the stunning Table Mountain and a vibrant football culture, this warm-up game against Panama promises to be a spectacle that showcases the team’s prowess and celebrates the enduring spirit of football in South Africa.

Durban City are riding a wave of confidence built on their daring performances this season, but their biggest home test yet now looms large: a clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

At the heart of their campaign has been the fortress of Chatsworth Stadium. The Durban outfit have turned their home ground into one of the most difficult venues to visit in the Betway Premiership, grinding out results through discipline, structure and sheer work rate. For a side in their first season back in the top flight, their consistency has been nothing short of remarkable.

Currently sitting inside the top five, Durban City have firmly established themselves among KwaZulu-Natal’s strongest sides, holding their own alongside AmaZulu and Lamontville Golden Arrows. Their push for a top-five finish is no longer a hopeful ambition but a realistic target. A large part of that success lies in the numbers behind their performances.

Defensively, Durban City have been one of the more compact units in the league, conceding just around 15 goals in over 20 matches — a statistic that places them among the better defensive sides this season. Their structure without the ball, combined with a tireless midfield engine, has allowed them to remain competitive in tight encounters.

Going forward, they may not be the most prolific side, but they have shown a knack for decisive moments. Narrow victories, like their 1-0 derby win over Richards Bay FC, highlight a team that understands how to manage games and capitalise when it matters most. Yet beyond the stats, there is a deeper story: one of humility and collective belief. Chairman Farook Kadodia has been central to capturing that spirit.

“At the start of the season, returning to this league was both exciting and daunting. We knew the road ahead would be challenging, and our expectations were cautious,” he reflected. That cautious optimism has since transformed into pride, as the club continues to exceed expectations.

“Every match, every save, every goal, and every moment of support from our fans has reminded us why we fight for this club. This achievement is not just about the players on the field or the staff behind the scenes; it’s about the entire Durban City family.”

There is admiration in his words, but also a clear understanding of the price of success. Durban City’s journey has been built on relentless hard work, from the defensive discipline on the pitch — often held together by Mfanafuthi Mkhize — to the unseen effort behind the scenes.

It is this balance of belief and realism that has defined their campaign, backed by supporters chanting "Weh City" to the beat of the drums. Often has it been thick with humidity or raining at Chatsworth Stadium lately, but the supporters still come in droves to back their team.

Now, they stand on the brink of what could be a defining moment in their season. First, a semi-final against one of the most dangerous teams in South African football this season: Casric Stars. It is their first semi-final cup game since joining the PSL, with enormous pressure on their shoulders. There is also a lot of pressure on Casric Stars to follow through on their success, giving both teams an opportunity to fight to the death.

Should Durban make the final of the Nedbank Cup, then perhaps that confidence will be enough to take on Mamelodi Sundowns in Chatsworth a couple of days later. A draw against Sundowns, given the gap in experience, squad depth and financial muscle, would feel like a victory in itself.

But a win? That could likely blow the roof off Chatsworth Stadium and cement Durban City’s place as one of the league’s most compelling underdog stories.

The mixture of no expectations, hard work and consistency has been a winning recipe for the team despite changes to their coaching unit mid-season. Gavin Hunt was initially brought on to steer the team in the PSL but was soon dropped, with Pitso Dladla resuming his role as head coach as he did in the NFD.

Dladla has managed to get ahead of many seasoned PSL campaigners and affirmed his team's place in the KwaZulu-Natal football sphere — on top. With their current form and a bit of luck, there is no reason why they cannot pull a fast one over one of Africa’s best teams.

Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.

South Africa’s Gautrain marks a historic milestone as its 19½-year concession agreement with the Bombela Concession Company (BCC) officially concludes, paving the way for a new operational phase starting March, 28 2026.

The transition follows an announcement earlier this month confirming that the rapid rail system will be formally handed over to the Gauteng provincial government as a fully paid-up asset.

The Bombela Operating Company (BOC) will continue managing the Gautrain under a contractual holdover arrangement for up to six months, ensuring uninterrupted services while final negotiations with the preferred bidder, who will operate, maintain, refurbish, upgrade, and modernize the system for the next 15 years, are concluded.

“The conclusion of the BCC concession marks the end of an era and a proud moment for Gautrain,” said Tshepo Kgobe, CEO of the Gautrain Management Agency.

“As we enter this transitional phase, our priority remains to deliver uninterrupted, world-class service while preparing for a seamless handover to the next concessionaire.”

Passengers can be fully assured that Gautrain services will continue without interruption, maintaining the high standards, reliability, and efficiency that have defined the system since its inception.

Since opening in 2010, the Gautrain has contributed R46 billion in economic value to Gauteng. For every rand invested, R1,72 is returned to the province.

Property development around stations has created some 245,000 jobs, and approximately 59% of all major office development in the province now clusters around Gautrain nodes.

“These are not coincidences of geography. They are the direct result of what reliable, high-frequency rail does to the value of land and the decisions of investors,” the Gautrain Management Agency noted.

Earlier this month, Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, confirmed that the system will be formally handed over to the provincial government.

“On 28 March this year, the Gautrain will officially be handed over to the Gauteng government as its asset, meaning we have finished paying for Gautrain,” Maile said.

He added that the network, initially constructed at a cost of approximately R26 billion under a PPP arrangement with the Bombela Consortium, has significantly appreciated in value over the concession period, with an estimated worth of R45–50 billion by the time the transfer is finalized.

Looking ahead, the next phase under the new concessionaire will focus on;

Enhancing the passenger experience through modernized technology and improved amenities.

Transforming stations and surrounding precincts into integrated hubs for business, retail, and social activities through transit-oriented development.

Introducing more flexible and dynamic pricing to improve affordability and accessibility.

The Gautrain remains a shining example of how long-term Public-Private Partnerships can deliver world-class infrastructure and services, setting the benchmark for PPP success in South Africa.

With the new operational phase set to begin, the province aims to ensure stability, continuity, and sustained private-sector participation while preparing for the next 15 years of growth and modernization.

Saturday Star