Saturday Star - March 29, 2025

In this issue

March 29, 2025

TURNING TO GAMBLING FOR SURVIVAL

SA’s economic struggles fuel rise in problem gambling

3 mins

Should SA raise consent age to 21?

THE National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called for patience in the harmonisation of the country's marriage laws after claims emerged that there were calls to increase the consent age to 21.

2 mins

Red Rocket launches 10GW wind farm in Antarctica

WHILE the world is divided on Nasa's astronauts and uncovering the truth of what lies beneath the pyramids of Giza, leading African Independent Power Producer (IPP), Red Rocket, launched its mega 10GW wind farm in Antarctica.

1 min

Jazz festival delivers a feast of fusion

THE Cape Town International Jazz Festival has been building anticipation since early February with a series of announcements of participating artists.

1 min

Adventures in the city of gold

IT seems the rain has slowed down slightly and the sun has come out to play again. What a beautiful week it's been and a wonderful week to explore our city.

2 mins

Zozibini Tunzi sings song she wrote for her husband at their wedding

ZOZIBINI Tunzi is a woman of many talents, and who would have guessed that songwriting was one of them? A moment of pure love and emotion set the tone for Tunzi and her new husband Luthando Bolowana's fairytale wedding.

1 min

Lloyiso's anthem 'High' inspires resilience and self-discovery

LOYISO \"Lloyiso\" Gijana, the South African musical sensation, is riding high on the wave of success following the release of his latest offering, \"High\".

2 mins

JM Coetzee’s ‘Life and Times of Michael K’ comes to Market Theatre

A DARING spirit, a haunting story, in a time of war. Life and Times of Michael K is a literary masterpiece by Nobel Prize and Booker Prize-winning South African novelist, J.M Coetzee.

2 mins

Defence claims torture, coercion in Joshlin Smith confessions

THE validity of the confessions in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case was questioned by defence attorneys, who claimed that coercion, torture, and undue influence were used to obtain them.

2 mins

Zanzou Bar faces mounting allegations as eighth victim emerges

AN EIGHTH person has reportedly come forward, claiming that he was among those tortured at the now infamous Zanzou Bar in Pretoria, Gauteng.

1 min

Hawks raid houses, seizing over R730 000 in gold, cash

POLICE in Gauteng carried out a thorough joint operation, leading to the arrest of four alleged crack-down on illegal precious metals dealers and illicit miners.

1 min

Gautrain to revise its offerings

IN WHAT could be good news for rail commuters and in response to the changing ridership patterns post-COVID-19, the Gautrain announced that it plans to focus on customer related groups and their specific needs. The agency said it will be adapting its products and services to make local travel more accessible for a diverse range of passengers.

3 mins

Youth as active agents of change

YOUTH have a significant role to play in transforming society. However, the current approaches to raising youth often treat them as receptacles of information rather than active members of society. We see young people as anxious to have partners in helping to plan the world they will inherit.

2 mins

Understanding the factors behind the fatal crash of pilot James O'Connell

IN LIGHT of the tragic death of experienced pilot James O’Connell, who crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, aviation expert Dr Guy Leitch has provided important insights into the critical factors that contributed to the fatal incident.

3 mins

Fashion industry rallies against the crippling effects of illicit trade

SOUTH African fashion leaders have banded together to combat the rising burden of illicit trade, which compromises local businesses and jobs.

2 mins

Pupil's harrowing wait for care

A YOUNG learner's harrowing experience at Steve Biko Hospital exposes the grim state of South African healthcare system, raising urgent calls for reform and compassion in medical care.

2 mins

Alarm over USAID funding cut and impact on vet health services

THE South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has raised urgent alarms about the recent suspension of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

2 mins

Trump calls Lesotho unknown while workers sew for America

IN A SWEET-ERING factory in Lesotho, rows of workers hunch over thrumming sewing machines churning out piles of what for the great majority of the country is President Donald Trump has mocked as unknown.

2 mins

Hotel designed for business, completed by comfort

CONVENIENTLY located in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre is ideally central, very close to OR Tambo International Airport and the Peroni middle ground between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

1 min

The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda auctioned in SA

The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda has firmly cemented its status as a legend in the world of classic cars, known for its elegance, exceptional performance, and unparalleled investment potential.

2 mins

Clegg’s legacy immortalised

A LIFE-SIZE bronze statue of the late, legendary musician Johnny Clegg has earned its rightful place in the monumental Long March to Freedom at Century City, Cape Town.

3 mins

WORLD TB DAY 2025 Yes! we can end TB if we commit, invest, deliver

THIS year's World TB Day's theme of increasing commitment, increasing investment and strengthening delivery of services is very appropriate in the era of a new world order and what some have called the end of the golden age of global health consequent to the policy changes by the Trump administration on foreign aid.

4 mins

Load shedding sparks concerns over energy reliability

ENERGY experts have raised concerns about the reliability of Eskom's energy supply after the power utility unexpectedly implemented load shedding on Wednesday night following the loss of five generation units.

2 mins

Bolster recruitment processes to root out fake qualifications

THE persistent challenge of falsified or misrepresented qualifications in South Africa raises serious shortcomings in recruitment and appointment processes. Although the scale of the problem is difficult to quantify, it is considered to be reaching “pandemic” levels. It is worse in the public sector.

3 mins

Kenya sends Odinga to help defuse crisis

KENYA is sending former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to South Sudan as a special envoy to help defuse a growing rift between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar that threatens to drag the country back to war.

1 min

Putin renews call to 'finish off* Ukrainian troops, remove Zelensky

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin called yesterday for a \"transitional administration\" to be put in place in Ukraine and vowed his army would \"finish off\" Ukrainian troops, in hardline remarks as US President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire.

1 min

Tourists killed as submersible sinks

SIX Russian tourists, including two minors, died on Thursday when a submarine carrying dozens of passengers sank off a popular resort town on Egypt's Red Sea coast.

2 mins

Israeli defence minister threatens Beirut

ISRAEL'S defence minister threatened Beirut yesterday after rocket fire from Lebanon, rattling an already fragile truce that had largely ended more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah.

1 min

Border security deal signed in Saudi Arabia

THE defence ministers of Lebanon and Syria signed an agreement in Jeddah to address security and stability along their common border, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported yesterday.

1 min

Nations reel after 'mass casualty' earthquakes

A POWERFUL earthquake and tremors hit Myanmar and Thailand yesterday, killing dozens. Rescuers searched for people trapped in collapsed buildings and the death toll expected to rise.

2 mins

How rise of padel is leaving environmental footprint.

PADEL has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

2 mins

More rural roads leads to more road kill

AS ROAD networks continue to inch into the breathtaking yet fragile ecosystems of mountainous regions, a concerning trend is emerging: endangered and vulnerable wildlife is increasingly falling prey to vehicle collisions.

1 min

How muggy city barely uses air conditioning

THE wind ruffled Aun Abdullah's hair as he strolled along a path paved through lush grasses circled by apartments more than 20 stories high.

4 mins

Secret to successful online homeschooling

ONLINE homeschooling offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, but it also comes with unique requirements.

2 mins

Ways to make a difference for Global Recycling Day

WHETHER you’ve never recycled before or just aren’t sure where to begin, small actions can make a big impact, and Global Recycling Day, which was celebrated on March 18, is the perfect time to start your recycling journey.

3 mins

#SayYES to youth employment

CARNIVAL City has been running 29 learnerships since November and December 2024.

2 mins

Make today the first day of an active scholastic career

\"IT'S always a good time to get active,\" said St Martin's School headmaster Warren Venter.

2 mins

Six barriers to great listening

WE live in a world that seems to be getting busier and busier. We not only have our daily work tasks to do we also have more meetings, longer commutes and more interactions with more people in different locations than at any time in the history of work.

3 mins

Strategies for securing impactful career referrals

SECURING amazing referrals has become cornerstone for career advancement and expanding professional networks. Mastering the art of obtaining impactful referrals is not just beneficial it's essential.

3 mins

Can global equities benefit you in any environment?

Current political circumstances and geopolitical events can always provide reasons for investors to think twice about diversifying globally.

3 mins

UK tax crackdown hits South African expats’ wealth

AS THE United Kingdom moves to align its tax regime affecting residents who are not domiciled there with similar systems the world over, experts are warning that this poses massive changes in the tax treatment of income and assets and its effects are wide reaching.

3 mins

Choosing the right business structure: a guide for entrepreneurs

WHEN starting a business, choosing the right legal structure is crucial to avoid administrative, financial, and legal complications as your business grows.

3 mins

How can South Africans improve their financial literacy?

MODERN life requires us to know how money works.

3 mins

Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan Markle settle their beef' with a slice of pie

HOLLYWOOD and royal watchers alike were cooing this week as Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, influentially addressed rumours of a supposed \"beef\" between them.

1 min

A journey through deception, betrayal

NETFLIX'S latest documentary, Con Mum is the kind of true-crime story that leaves your jaw on the floor and your faith in humanity severely shaken.

3 mins

Elevate your winter wardrobe with luxe layers and bold colours

AS THE autumn chill has started creeping in across South Africa, it might be time to give your wardrobe a seasonal update.

2 mins

MATCHA MANIA

Can Japan’s tea industry keep up with the soaring global demand?

3 mins

JOURNEY INTO THE STARS The noctourism trend transforming African adventures

AS THE sun dips below the horizon, an enchanting new form of travel is taking flight - one that elevates our connection with the universe and invites us to embrace the stories hidden within a star-studded sky.

2 mins

Why South Africa is emerging as a top destination for halaal tourism

THE rise of halaal tourism is capturing attention in the travel industry, as more destinations cater to Muslim travellers with halaal-friendly services.

2 mins

A guide to SA's dreamiest autumn wedding destinations

AS THE leaves turn and the cool air sweeps in, it is a sign that autumn has arrived, enveloping South Africa in an atmosphere which is perfect for celebrating love. The wedding season kicked off with a series of enchanting nuptials, showcasing the nation's rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes.

3 mins

End of the road for the Mercedes A-Class

RUMOURED since 2022, a Mercedes executive has now provided official confirmation that the A-Class will not live beyond the current generation.

2 mins

Lewis Hamilton wants to help create a Ferrari F40 successor

IT GOES without saying that Lewis Hamilton is extremely excited about driving for the Ferrari Formula One team this year.

1 min

All you need to know about SA’s latest premium electric crossover

THE Mini has come a long way since the tiny two-door was revealed way back in 1959, and as generations have come and gone, it’s adapted with the times and remained contemporary.

3 mins

Bayern threaten Canada Soccer with lawsuit over Davies injury

BAYERN Munich on Friday threatened Canada Soccer with legal action after defender Alphonso Davies returned from the March international break with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

1 min

Patriotic fervour the spur for Ukrainian boxing legend Usyk

UKRAINE'S boxing icon Oleksandr Usyk said he will stay in the sport \"a little longer\" so he can provide \"financial support to our army and civilians\" and achieve his sporting goal of once again being undisputed heavyweight world champion.

3 mins

Flick praises focus of much-changed Barcelona

UNDEFEATED since late December, Barcelona extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 games with a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Thursday which moved them three points clear at the top of the LaLiga.

2 mins

At 73, Louis Massyn prepares for his 48th Two Oceans Marathon

LOUIS Massyn runs a bit too fast for a septuagenarian.

3 mins

Man City eye FA Cup success to save troubled season

MANCHESTER City face Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals aiming to keep alive their last chance of silverware in a turbulent season.

3 mins

Liam Lawson excited to be back at the Racing Bulls

AFTER being ejected from the Red Bull senior team seat just two races into the 2025 season, Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson said he's excited to be back at the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

2 mins

Blitzboks face crucial pool match against old foe New Zealand in Hong Kong

THE Springbok Sevens will go into day two of the Hong Kong SVNS today needing a win over New Zealand to go through to the play-offs of their bogey tournament.

1 min

Nkota grateful for the support he's got at Pirates, but believes there's still room for improvement

ATTACKER Mohau Nkota has been living the dream at Orlando Pirates. And that's why he's reminiscing on the few months he's had since his promotion.

3 mins

Rookie loose forward Jarod Cairns inspired by the Lions' Springbok contingent

LIONS loose forward Jarod Cairns has set a goal of making it to the top level of rugby and one day pulling the Springbok jersey over his head.

2 mins

Van Rooyen backs same Lions side for Glasgow URC redemption mission

LIONS coach Ivan van Rooyen has offered the starting XV that lost to Cardiff last week a shot at redemption in Glasgow on Saturday night (9.35pm kick-off) by naming an unchanged team.

2 mins

Inside the collapse of Royal AM's sale: insights from the SARS curator

THE sale of Royal AM's Premier Soccer League (PSL) status has encountered an unexpected setback, casting doubt on the club's future.

2 mins

Province in control at Newlands: No play at Bullring

WESTERN Province: 592/8d (Tony de Zorzi 141; Shaun von Berg 6/126) Boland: 158/3 (Pieter Malan 62; Dane Paterson 1/25) Boland trail by 434 runs with seven wickets remaining

2 mins

Mmodi, Chiefs eye crucial win against Golden Arrows

KAIZER Chiefs forward Pule Mmodi has admitted that their upcoming match against Lamontville Golden Arrows will be a tough challenge, but he is confident that the team can secure a vital victory to make up for lost ground in the Betway Premiership.

2 mins

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Saturday Star Newspaper Description:

The Saturday Star is an indispensable weekend read. It includes hard news from across the country, the best weekend sports coverage, great features, travel, and entertainment news. The paper is a perfect read for a time-pressed, spoilt-for-choice weekend reader. The Saturday Star remains the best-selling Saturday paper in the country. The first section comprises local news, international news, local and international celebrity gossip. The second section starts with Canvas Life. Opinion and analysis, business, property, media and marketing and letters make up the balance of the second section, with great sport coverage on the back pages. For those concerned about money the best advice for your financial future can be found in Personal Finance. There are also a number of supplements in the Saturday Star: Travel, 48 Hours, Property Guide and School Sport.