Saturday Star - April 19, 2025

In this issue

April 19, 2025

Forum threatens legal action against minister

THE recent deaths of two young girls and the hospitalisation of an eight-year-old boy over suspected food poisoning from spaza shops have reignited fierce discussions about compliance and regulatory measures in the food retail sector.

2 mins

Maldives imposes entry ban on Israeli passport holders

THE Maldives has formally amended its immigration laws to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country, escalating its protest against Israel's military operations in Gaza.

2 mins

Artificial intelligence, efficiency, and the space for creativity

USING artificial intelligence (AI) can feel like having a superhero sidekick — if your superhero is really good at remembering schedules and executing daily tasks. Imagine this: you’re trying to have a serious conversation with your virtual assistant about your grocery list; and it suddenly turns your request for eggs, milk, and bread into “eggs, a giraffe, and a chunk of brick!”

2 mins

Getting ready for the bunny hop

I’M turning back the hands of time all the way to 672-735 AD for this one, revisiting the writings of Venerable Bede, an Anglo-Saxon daily named Eostre who was accompanied by a hare or rabbit because she represented rejuvenation and fertility of springtime.

2 mins

A decade later, Jephta’s ‘Homecoming’ reborn

WHEN artist Benjamin Jephta steps onto the stage at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), it won’t be just another gig.

3 mins

How Chris Excel can profit from removing Bianca Coster’s picture on X

THE conflict between Chris Excel and Bianca Coster has once again shot up the X trends list.

1 min

Bogus doctor arrested for practising medicine illegally

IN AN ONGOING crackdown on unregistered medical practitioners by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), a bogus medical practitioner was arrested on Wednesday in Chatsworth, south of Durban, after it was discovered he was unlawfully operating medicine at a local medical centre.

1 min

A new exhibit ahead of International Chinese Language Day

WHILE ‘International Chinese Language Day’ takes place on April 20, a number of dignitaries and cultural lovers attended the unveiling of the ‘Joy Wishes’ beauty of Chinese Characters’ exhibition at Iziko Rust en Vreugde Gallery at Groot Constantia on Thursday.

3 mins

Court rules statements admissible despite torture claims

THE Joshlin Smith trial took a dramatic turn when presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus ruled that statements made by two of the accused, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn is admissible as evidence in the main trial at the Western Cape High Court.

3 mins

How power lines threaten SA’s vultures

IN A WORLD increasingly dominated by human settlement, South Africa’s endangered vulture populations are suffering catastrophic losses due to expanding infrastructure.

2 mins

Rhodes University’s plan for a secure water future

FOLLOWING years of sustained water challenges that at times threatened the academic project and the standing of the University, Rhodes University is making significant progress in its efforts to reduce reliance on municipal water supply and ensure long-term water security on its campus.

2 mins

Wits Sterkfontein Caves reopen

THE acclaimed Wits Sterkfontein Caves, a treasure trove of human evolutionary research, officially reopened to the public on April 15.

3 mins

Al a double-edged sword of challenges and opportunities

ARTIFICIAL intelligence may be the most significant disruptor in the history of mankind. Google's CEO Sundar Pichai described AI as \"more profound than the invention of fire or electricity\". OpenAl's CEO Sam Altman claims it has the power to cure most diseases, solve climate change, provide personalised education to the world and lead to \"astounding triumphs\".

2 mins

Why collapse of GNU would carry a heavy cost

SOUTH Africa’s multi-party government of national unity (GNU), which emerged in the wake of the May 2024 elections, marked a turning point in the country’s political history. It took South Africa back to the 1990s, when the country showed that political opponents could find common cause.

3 mins

TROOP WITHDRAWAL Plans for R5bn SANDF peace mission funds

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana said any decision regarding the R5 billion allocated for the SANDF peace mission will take into account the Department of Defence needs amid the withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

2 mins

Hamas 'ready to release hostages' for end to war

HAMAS wants a comprehensive deal to end the war in Gaza and swap all remaining hostages in return for Israeli military group of electing senior officials from an interim truck.

2 mins

US threatens to leave Ukraine talks

US SECRETARY of State Marco Rubio yesterday said Washington needed to decide soon whether a ceasefire was possible as left it to allow more meetings with Ukrainian officials.

3 mins

Diapers, blankets and lip balm: the stuff people flush down airplane toilets

BRENT Wells has seen things that most people would pay to forget. But that’s to be expected when your company’s slogan is “We un-clog airplane lavatories.”

2 mins

We don't need to worry about what Arsenal is doing

JUST two victories separate Liverpool from Premier League glory: This week-end could see them take a giant leap towards that title if they see off Leicester City side battling relegation.

1 min

University confronts dark history of a stolen heart

MORE than 50 years after his heart was taken and used in a landmark transplant without his or his family’s permission, Bruce Tucker has been formally honoured in a pair of vibrant murals outside a medical school auditorium in Virginia’s capital.

6 mins

SA should invest in trauma-based education

EDUCATION is more than the mere transmission of knowledge; it is the foundation upon which societies build their future.

2 mins

The rise of eSports in schools

ESPORTS, once seen as a niche pastime, is rapidly gaining ground in South Africa. This is not just about gaming and entertainment, but about cultivating essential 21st-century skills in students.

1 min

Alexforbes expands high schools chess championship

FOLLOWING the success of the inau-gural 2023 Alexforbes Ekurhuleni Boards Chess Championship, the company is expanding the online competition to include high schools from all nine provinces across South Africa.

1 min

Celebrating 28 years of the best in schoolboy rugby

THE 2025 St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival returns and takes place this weekend. A cornerstone of the schoolboy rugby calendar, the Festival continues to celebrate the very best in schoolboy rugby, school spirit, and community.

2 mins

Is sick leave sinking South Africa’s SMEs?

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of South Africa's economy; employing millions and driving growth.

3 mins

Earned Wage Access benefits

SOUTH Africans are struggling under the weight of rising costs – and there are a number of ways employers can support their employees through these tough times, while cutting their own costs too.

2 mins

'Truthful energy' the secret to being a magnetic leader

MAGNETIC leadership is when others. follow you because they are attracted to the power of your example. This is the most powerful way to lead because it's most aligned with how our brains. operate.

3 mins

Navigating the rollercoaster caused by Trump's trade policies

IT'S been a rough few weeks for investors across the globe with volatility caused by higher-than-expected tariffs announced by United States President Donald Trump on April 2, which he called Liberation Day, before walking them backwards somewhat.

3 mins

How technology is widening the gender inequality gap

NOT only are women more financially responsible than their male counterparts, but they are also increasingly losing out at work at a time when technology is developing at a rate of knots.

3 mins

How markets fared in the first quarter

IN THIS column I look at how the investment markets performed in the first quarter, up until March 31.

2 mins

Minister Kubayi addresses crisis in South Africa’s Master’s Offices

I RECENTLY had the opportunity to be part of a webinar where Minister of Justice and Constitutional Develop ment, Mmonaoko Kubayi, directly engaged with stakeholders on the dire state of South Africa’s Master’s Offices.

2 mins

What happens to a spouse’s pension after the death of a pensioner?

WHEN a fund member reaches retirement age, he or she has a choice to purchase a living annuity.

4 mins

Inside Melinda Gates' memoir: the impact of Jeffrey Epstein on her marriage

MELINDA Gates realised her marriage to Bill Gates was in jeopardy in her new memoir, The Moment of Lift.

2 mins

Diddy's legal team seeks delay in sex trafficking case

SEAN “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is trying to stall the start of the rapper’s sex trafficking trial.

1 min

The toxic reality of child YouTubers in 'Bad Influence'

IF YOU grew up in the days of playing in the street with your friends, building mud pies, chasing each other around lunchboxes, and streaking a popsicle when no one was watching, consider yourself lucky.

3 mins

Understanding Gen Z slang Because apparently ‘drip’ isn’t just a leak

IF YOU’RE a millennial, chances are you’ve been hit with slang that leaves you completely baffled.

1 min

Why men feel the pain of breakups more than women

WHEN it comes to breakups, society loves to paint women as the emotional wrecks, drowning in tubs of ice cream and tear-stained playlists.

3 mins

Bridging the cosmetic procedure gap between fair and dark skin

IF YOU’VE ever binge-watched The Real Housewives or scrolled through Instagram, you’ve likely seen the influence cosmetic surgeries from lip fillers to facelifts, the “Instagram Face” trend has shaped how people, especially women, view beauty.

4 mins

Historic all female crew or just a celebrity stunt?

THE world watched with interest as American pop star Katy Perry made history as part of an all-female crew launching into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-23 spacecraft.

2 mins

Your guide to the best places, activities for the CTJF

AS THE sun begins to set over the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, anticipation builds for one of the most exciting events on the South African calendar, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTJF).

4 mins

Milestones and memories: SA’s hidden gems for life’s big moments

MODERN celebrations have evolved beyond simple gatherings of friends and family to encompass a spirit of adventure, exploration and personal growth.

2 mins

SA racer AJ Venter scores R4.2m boost for dangerous Isle of Man TT

THE Isle of Man TT race is probably the toughest and certainly the most dangerous motorcycle race in the world.

3 mins

Chinese cars on the rise in SA

IN THE past few years, Chinese vehicles have become a formidable threat to established manufacturers, particularly in the SUV space. But just how significant are these sales figures?

2 mins

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon goes green, keeps its form

NAME any vehicle that was built almost 50 years ago, is still in production and is instantly recognisable by virtually the entire world.

3 mins

Infantino on player welfare, more LaLiga teams in UCL

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said player health and welfare remains a key consideration for the game’s governing body amid concerns about expanding tournaments in an already crowded calendar.

3 mins

Artera seeks quick reset after Madrid heroics ahead of Ipswich trip

Arsenal beat Real Madrid in both quarter-final legs to advance 5-1 on aggregate but the achievement of reaching a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 could easily be swept aside if Ipswich Town suffer defeat at Ipswich tomorrow.

1 min

Unravelling Real Madrid face Athletic Bilbao Liga test

REAL Madrid are still reeling from their Champions League destruction by Arsenal but must immediately refocus when they face Athletic Bilbao tomorrow lest the La Liga title escape them too.

2 mins

“Variawa prepares for a historic home race in the World Rally Raid Championship”

It’s the first time since its inception in 2022, South Africa will host the third round of the W2RC from May 18 to 26.

2 mins

Verstappen bluntly shuts down Aston Martin rumours

RACERS should race and commentators should commentate.

2 mins

Maresca urges stuttering Chelsea to seize the moment

CHELSEA'S players must embrace the pressure they are under and make the most of the few matches they have left to turn around their season, manager Enzo Maresca said ahead of a Premier League meeting with rivals Fulham tomorrow.

2 mins

Man Utd buy time to make miserable season ‘special’, says Amorim

MANCHESTER United can turn a miserable season into a memorable one, Ruben Amorim said Thursday after watching his Sporting beat Benfica 2-1 to edge closer to the Portuguese league title.

1 min

Liverpool poised for Premier League coronation, Leicester, Ipswich for relegation

LIVERPOOL could seal the Premier League tomorrow should Leicester concede to relega tion and Arsenal suffer a Champions League hangover by losing at Tottenham.

2 mins

Lions face Benetton in a must-win match for URC playoff hopes

THE Stormers selected one of their best backlines to date as they look to run Connacht off their feet in today in the URC clash.

2 mins

'Special' Sazi Sandi set to fill big boots of Malherbe and Fouché

THE Stormers selected one of their best backlines to date as they look to run Connacht off their feet in today in the Vodacom Rugby Championship (URC).

2 mins

PSI clubs must release players for the U20 Afcon

IT’S continental football - the Caf Champions league and Confederation Cup - this weekend, and the Summer Soccer League (SSL) will be well represented.

2 mins

CAF Slaps Pirates and Sundowns with hefty million-rand fines after fan chaos

CAF has come down hard on Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns following violent post-match incidents during their recent Caf Champions League clashes.

2 mins

Sundowns' Rayners sets sights on African glory against Al Ahly

IQRAAM Rayners is yet to realize the dream that saw him take up the challenge of trading his home province Western Cape, for Gauteng a second time.

2 mins

White wants his Bulls to rebound with an upset victory over Munster

BULLS coach Jake White says his team's match against Munster today at Thomond Park will be between two teams desperate to bounce back from the disappointment of being knocked out of the European cup competitions last week.

2 mins

Read all stories from Saturday Star

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.