Saturday Star - April 05, 2025

In this issue

April 05, 2025

The spy who was sold a lemon

IT'S A classic line from a spy movie: Burn After Reading. For German agent Karl Muller, that advice would have really helped.

2 mins

Linen shortage threatens patient care

A CRIPPLING linen shortage at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is forcing the cancellation of surgeries and compromising patient care - a stark reflection of a public healthcare system in distress.

2 mins

SA REJECTS TIT-FOR-TAT BATTLE WITH US

THE government has announced its plans to counter the stiff retaliatory tariffs imposed on the country by US President Donald Trump but will not enter into a tit-for-tat battle with its second-largest trading partner.

4 mins

Celebrating change in the heart of antiquity

I’M writing this from Oxford in the UK where I am a delegate at the Skoll World forum, a space for networking and discovery.

2 mins

Formidable female characters shine in final season of ‘Adulting’

AS THE award-winning series Adulting prepares to conclude its third season, the spotlight has notably shifted towards the formidable female characters whose powerful performances have captivated viewers.

2 mins

Kandace Springs joins the CTJF

WITH just four more artists left to be revealed, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2025 is on the brink of unveiling its full line-up of 33 world-class acts.

2 mins

Exploring truth and reconciliation through fiction: Dr Berend Mets unveils his latest novel

DR BEREND Mets, an internationally acclaimed author and celebrated medical professional, dives deep into his latest novel, Truth & Conciliation, an exploration of forgiveness against the backdrop of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings.

2 mins

Nakhane’s triumphant return with ‘Killer’

MULTIMEDIA artist Nakhane has made a stunning return to the music scene with the release of their latest classic, Killer.

2 mins

Police recover three bodies amid flash flood rescues across Gauteng

A 16-YEAR-OLD girl who slipped while crossing a flooded stream was among three victims recovered by SAPS divers during a week of flash floods that ravaged communities across Gauteng.

1 min

Government unveils R500m fund to empower township spaza shops

IN A MOVE to support spaza shops across the country, the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition and Small Business Development will launch a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund.

1 min

ANC demands action against DA ministers after budget rejection

PRESSURE mounts from the ANC National Working Committee (NEC) for President Cyril Ramaphosa to deal with DA ministers who did not support the 2025 National Budget.

2 mins

Minister prioritises safe school infrastructure over pit toilet deadlines

AFTER her party, DA, for years slammed the government for delaying the process of eradicating pit latrines, Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says the deadline is not important, but children's safety and good infrastructure is crucial.

2 mins

Controversial 'Afrikaner Act' offers refugee pathway

AS THE US revs up plans to take in Afrikaners as refugees fleeing “persecution” in South Africa, the matter has escalated into what has been termed as Congress outlining the “volume for Farmers and Refugees in Crisis and Necessary Immigration Resettlement (Afrikaner) Bill.

1 min

Ramaphosa cleared of abusing state resources

PUBLIC Protector Advocate Khokeka Gcaleka concluded that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not abuse state resources during a campaign event in the Northern Cape in 2022 to benefit the African National Congress (ANC).

1 min

Remembering genocide: The Rwanda story

THE Rwandan High Commission in South Africa is gearing up for a profound moment of reflection as it prepares to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi people, an event known as Kwibuka31.

2 mins

Police Minister reveals no foreign DNA found in Cwecwe rape case

MINISTER of Police Senzo Mchunu brought this media yesterday on the high-profile case of the rape of Cheryi Cwecwe in Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape.

1 min

GBV victims 'failed by system' as Omotoso walks free after 5-year trial

This week, Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusindiso Salani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted of all charges related to racketeering, traf-ficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault.

4 mins

App to empower South Africans in navigating GBV issues

AS SOUTH Africa continues to grapple with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), a coalition of activism groups has united to launch an innovative application, Gen G Engage.

2 mins

World's tiniest pacemaker is smaller than grain of rice

SCIENTISTS said this week they have developed the world's tiniest pacemaker, a temporary heartbeat regulator smaller than a grain of rice that can be injected and controlled by light before dissolving.

1 min

Vape tax, enough to curb teen vaping?

THE South African government's recent proposal to increase the taxation of vaping products has sparked debate as the country grapples with the rising health crisis of teenage vaping.

2 mins

HIV patients look to traditional medicine

IN A SUNLIT shack on the outskirts of Lesotho's capital Maseru, 34-year-old Lieketseng Lucia Tjatji sits under a black cloth pegged to a tin wall and emblazoned with the head of a lion.

2 mins

Breakthrough HIV trial offers hope for drug-free remission

A SCIENTIFIC breakthrough that could transform the fight against HIV has emerged from KwaZulu-Natal.

3 mins

Redemption is on the line at Goodison Park

EVERTON, stung by their derby defeat to Liverpool, face a monumental challenge against high-flying Arsenal. The Toffees are desperate for three points to climb the table, while Arsenal know any slip-up could derail their title chase.

1 min

Sewing dreams together one stitch at a time

EVERY time you hear a success story. A story where somebody had a dream. A big dream. And the dream came true.

2 mins

Father defies odds to walk again with prosthetic leg after mining accident

PETROS Letsoalo suffered a severe compound fracture when a heavy piece of metal equipment crushed his lower right leg in an underground mining accident near Witbank in October 2024. Through hard work and determination, he is now back home and walking again - with a prosthetic leg that helps him keep up with his energetic young daughter.

3 mins

From schoolyard dreams to world glory

IN A WHIRLWIND of gravity-defying feats and unwavering determination, Jean-marc Johannes has etched his name into the annals of South African sporting history.

3 mins

The 'impossible trinity' at the heart of trade strategy

IF YOU'VE spent hopeless hours searching for coherence in the White House's trade strategy unveiled on Wednesday - a day US President Donald Trump called \"Liberation Day\" - don't fret because there is none to be found.

4 mins

And who will Trump's tariffs hit the hardest? The U.S., of course

WE NOW have a clearer picture of Donald Trump's \"Liberation Day\" tariffs and how they will affect other trading nations, including the US itself.

3 mins

Israel accused of 'deadly destabilisation campaign'

SYRIA accused Israel this week of mounting a deadly destabilisation campaign after a wave of strikes hit military targets, including an airport, and ground incursions left 13 people dead.

1 min

Ousted leader Yoon loses reckless gamble with martial law

SOUTH Korea's ousted leader Yoon Suk Yeol, a brash ex-prosecutor who came to power by repeatedly defying setbacks and taking gambles, ultimately fell victim to political recklessness that led him to impose martial law, former colleagues say.

2 mins

Bloc announces 'new era' in relations with Central Asia

THE EU announced a \"new era\" in ties with Central Asia yesterday at a major summit in Uzbekistan, as Brussels presses its influence in the region in the face of Russian and Chinese competition.

3 mins

We need a new international order

IT IS BECOMING clear that the political and economic systems of the world are inadequate to address the deepening global crises facing humanity, such as social conflicts, wars, extremes of wealth and poverty, moral laxity, or environmental negligence.

2 mins

How hyenas became symbols of female power in South African art

THEY are often disparaged as ugly, sly and cruel scavengers but for South African artist Hannelie Coetzee, hyenas are symbols of female power and the normalisation of queerness.

2 mins

Trump’s USAID cuts cripple American response to quake

HOURS after a 7.7-magnitude earth-1 quake devastated Myanmar last week, sending dangerous tremors across Southeast Asia, the American officials charged with responding to the disaster received their termination letters from Washington.

6 mins

Schools invited to enter Interschools 1 Mile Challenge

THE Oceans 8 Charity Swim is back, and this year’s Interschools 1 Mile Challenge promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever, encouraging on June 14-15 at Vetches Beach, Durban Undersea Club, this open-water swim invites students the chance to test their sporting skills, support worthy causes, and earn recognition for their school while boosting their mental and physical well-being.

2 mins

Magical Rainbow Easter Playground comes to Melrose Arch

MELROSE ARCH in association with 947 is bringing Easter magic to life with an exciting line-up of activities for families to enjoy.

2 mins

Faizel and the Stars

FAIZEL and the Stars came about as a result of Afrikaaps/Kaaps being a marginalised vernacular in South Africa.

3 mins

Exhibit your poise, persuasion at public speaking contest

ARE you silver-tongued? Do you have the gift of the gab? If so, the brand-new Nou praat jy! public speaking competition is meant just for you.

1 min

CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL

ACCORDING to the CCMA, “constructive dismissal is where an employee terminates the contract of employment with or without notice because the employer made continued employment intolerable for the employee.”

1 min

Parent versus no-kids conflict

IN an ideal world, your boss and co-workers wouldn't need to be parents themselves to understand the challenges that come with being a working mom or dad. Also, in an ideal world the school day and calendar would align better with the typical work schedule.

2 mins

Rethinking employee phishing tests

EMPLOYEE phishing tests have gained popularity as a way for organisations to gauge how vulnerable their employees are to phishing attacks and improve their awareness of cybersecurity. However, some have questioned whether it is appropriate to use 'less shame' and 'methodical simulated phishing tests'.

2 mins

Dismissal by stealth: ‘quiet firing’ trend in SA

AS THE global economy continues to limp along, the “quiet firing” trend – a tactic companies use to reduce the size of the workforce without having to pay severance packages – continues to gain momentum.

2 mins

How to protect yourself from investment scams

IMAGINE pouring your hard-earned money into an investment, trusting the promises of wealth and prosperity, only to find yourself empty-handed, shattered, and undone.

2 mins

Why life insurance and dread disease cover are essential

INSURANCE of any kind is a grudge purchase, and perhaps life and dread disease even more so because death, or being permanently incapacitated and unable to work, is not a pleasant thought.

3 mins

The risks of withdrawing from your Two-pot retirement system

UNDER the new “two-pot” system, the cash in retirement-fund “savings pots” presents a real temptation to fund members, but withdrawing it should be resisted for a few very good reasons.

2 mins

Don't put up with bad service from your bank

WHEN Capitec broke onto the retail banking scene over 20 years ago, I sensed that it would shake up the banking industry in South Africa. The simplicity and accessibility of incentivising consumers to immediate success, But I didn't expect the Big Four (Absa, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank) to be so resistant about this innovative new kid on the block.

3 mins

Tips to avoid overpaying for short term insurance

Short-term insurance shields you from financial blows resulting from damaging essential possessions like your home, car, or electronic devices.

2 mins

Life insurance industry shows resilience with record payouts

With assets under management totaling a staggering R4.5 trillion, the industry also achieved a solvency buffer of 2.0 – nearly double the Prudential Authority’s Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) of 1.

2 mins

On a road to nowhere?

Or can South Africa’s dangerous driving problems be solved? A criminologist weighs in

3 mins

How destinations are battling overtourism in a post-pandemic world

AS THE world emerges from the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, global tourism is witnessing a remarkable resurgence.

3 mins

SA millennials redefining travel amid tight budgets, family commitments

FOR a generation once regarded as the backpacking adventurers of their youth, South African millennials are now redefining their approach to travel as they settle into middle age.

2 mins

The rise of spiritual tourism and the inspiring destinations you can’t miss

AS THE Easter holiday draws near, many people historically take this time to travel to sacred places, seeking not only the season’s religious mark but also a deep connection to faith, heritage, and history.

3 mins

Mnqqithi ready for Chippa challenge

LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has urged his players to maintain their hard work and focus as they set their sights on the visit of Chippa United to the Mpumalanga Stadium today at 3pm.

2 mins

End of an Era: South African football icons Matlou and Nyandeni last dance for Banyana

AS BANYANA Banyana prepares to defend their title at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco this July, the team is also set to bid farewell to two of its most iconic players.

2 mins

Fireworks in Botswana as Walaza faces Simbine, Van Niekerk returns

THIS is the race we’ve all been waiting for: Akani Simbine versus Bayanda Walaza.

2 mins

After Hong Kong setback, coach Snyman demands ‘killer instinct’ from Blitzboks

LAST weekend in Hong Kong was a massive setback for the Blitzboks on their journey and a performance not up to their usual standard.

2 mins

Van der Merwe aims for a Sunshine Tour ticket to Europe

IN a bold stride towards elevating his professional golf career, the Fortress Rookie of the Year winner Altin van der Merwe compete on the Sunshine Tour in the upcoming season with aspirations firmly set on securing a spot in the top three positions of the Order of Merit.

2 mins

Winning has gotten me to where I am today, says Lerena

THE 32-year-old, the first ever bridgerweight to come out of the African continent, will go up against Ukraine's Serhiy Radchenko at the Sunbet Times Square Arena in Pretoria at the start of May in what will be his first defense after being awarded the title with English fighter Lawrance Okolie relinquishing it to pursue his heavyweight dreams.

4 mins

Riveiro has been the point of difference at Pirates, and will leave an endearing mark

YOU have to give it to Jose Riveiro. He exudes a good and unforgiving air at Orlando Pirates, like during his spell with the club.

3 mins

White can’t go hammer and tongs in Challenge Cup

IT has been a tough balancing act for Jake White this week ahead of the Bulls' Challenge Cup last-16 playoff against Bayonne on Saturday (1.30pm start).

2 mins

Kaizer Chiefs can't afford to drop any points going forward

KAIZER Chiefs are running out of time to cement their Top 8 spot, and that's why midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo says they must be at their best going forward.

2 mins

Springbok fullback Willie le Roux reveals reason behind Bulls' contract extension

SPRINGBOK fullback Willie le Roux says he hopes to make \"more of these special memories\" with the Bulls after signing a two-year contract extension yesterday.

2 mins

Liverpool march towards title as Man City face Man Utd

LIVERPOOL can move closer to the Premier League title when the leaders face Fulham tomorrow.

2 mins

Pirates face Polokwane City amid swirling talks of Riveiro's replacement

AS Orlando Pirates prepare to face Polokwane City, the air around the team is thick with speculation about coach Jose Riveiro's replacement at a time when the club is embroiled in a battle for the top position in the standings.

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.