Saturday Star - April 26, 2025

In this issue

April 26, 2025

SHOCKING TEACHER VETTING RATES

Only 19% of SA educators screened against sexual offenders register

3 mins

Drones could replace private security guns

BRAINS, not bullets, might be the answer to South Africa’s rising crime challenge - amid heated debate over proposed legal changes that will alter how private security firms patrol and protect.

1 min

Sax player Igor Butman to enthrall audiences

WORLD famous Russian saxophone player Igor Butman is thrilled to be serenading festinos at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).

2 mins

The challenge of love for those at the margins

THIS column is appearing on the day the leader of the Catholic Church is being buried. World leaders universally have hailed Pope Francis as a man of the people. Tributes to his love for humanity have come from all quarters, from theologians and clergy, and from high-profile voices and commentators on social and political affairs. For me the most poignant expression of grief came from the priests and parishioners of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City.

2 mins

Raindrops keep falling on my head

DID anyone watch the Ben Stiller/ Jennifer Aniston classic: Along Came Polly recently? The universe totally eavesdropped on that basketball game scene between Stiller and his movie bestie Philip Seymour Hoffman but only took the “let it rain” part to heart?

2 mins

Model sets sights on international glory

THE newly crowned Miss Global Princess South Africa Jnr Teen 2025, Mbalentle Parkie, is brimming with excitement as she embarks on a significant chapter in her flourishing career.

2 mins

Minister issues apology to principal over Cwecwe rape case

POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu has apologised to Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse after wrongly identifying him as a suspect in the rape of a 7-year-old girl named Cwecwe in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.

1 min

Court dismisses former policeman’s claim of malicious prosecution

A FORMER policeman arrested for murder and later acquitted has failed to provide the Polokwane High Court with evidence that his arrest was malicious prosecution, the court ordered.

2 mins

VAT hike is dead - but fallout is just beginning

THE South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed that the planned 0.5% increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate, initially scheduled for May 1, 2025, will not proceed.

2 mins

Urgent solutions for court interpreter shortage

THE Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) has acknowledged the shortage of court interpreters and is working on strategic initiatives to tackle the problem.

2 mins

Residents demand action at crime prevention imbizo

DEPUTY Police Minister Cassel Mathale hosted a ministerial crime prevention engagement in Eldorado Park in Gauteng on Friday.

3 mins

Liverpool FC fans in Africa prepare for historic 20th league title celebrations

THE champagne is on ice, and a wave of anticipation is washing over Liverpool FC fans across the globe as they stand at the precipice of celebrating a historic 20th league title.

4 mins

The top 5 questions you should be asking your vet

TODAY is World Veterinary Day and we are celebrating the people who work tirelessly to protect the health and wellbeing of our pets: vets.

2 mins

Stem cell donor match found on unique sign up drive

JUST more than a year into the Matches on the Map inter-continental stem cell recruitment drive, a donor match was found in East London for a patient requiring a bone marrow stem cell transplant.

4 mins

The well-being of everyone in society

THE well-being of every member of society can be ensured through social justice, reciprocity, and equity. It is attainable by developing qualities that lie at the foundation of human happiness and social progress — qualities such as love, trustworthiness, courage, compassion, and humility.

2 mins

Here's how we can protect children, says child soldier

THE use of child soldiers is a profound human tragedy that continues to scar generations across the world.

4 mins

Sweden turns up heat with wacky sauna song for contest

SWEDEN is getting up a head of steam for what could be a record number of Eurovision wins this year with a humorous sauna act.

2 mins

An Al art student who might earn a diploma

IN FEBRUARY, faculty at the University of Applied Arts Vienna gathered around a laptop to interview a prospective student in the digital arts program.

2 mins

Husband mistakenly deported, wife caught in political crossfire

THE wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador by the Trump administration, has been moved to a safe house by supporters after US officials posted a court document on social media that included the family’s address.

8 mins

One isn't born a saint, says school nun of pope as a boy

AT THE school in Buenos Aires where he started his religious journey at the young age of 5, the nuns remember the boy who would later become Pope Francis as “mischievous”.

2 mins

Catholics mourn ‘lost voice for the dispossessed’

ON HIS last day — Easter, the holiest on the Christian calendar — Pope Francis doubled down on the defining theme of his papacy: mercy.

5 mins

Pakistan, India exchange fire after deadly shooting

TROOPS from Pakistan and India exchanged fire overnight across the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir, officials said yesterday, after the UN urged the nuclear-armed rivals to show “maximum restraint” following a deadly shooting in the region.

2 mins

Queues for pope ahead of funeral

TENS of thousands of mourners filed into St Peter's Basilica yesterday, on the last day to pay final respects to Pope Francis ahead of his funeral today.

3 mins

Israel warns of larger Gaza assault over hostages

GAZA'S civil defence agency reported yesterday that the death toll from an Israeli air strike the day before on a house in the north of the Palestinian territory had risen to 23.

2 mins

Russia ‘ready’ for a Ukraine deal

UKRAINE may have to cede territory in order to secure “temporary” peace with Russia, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko told the BBC in an interview published yesterday.

3 mins

Can wearing socks to bed improve sleep?

THE question: is it true that wearing socks to bed promotes sleep?

2 mins

What the science says about intermittent fasting

MANY of my friends have been trying intermittent fasting for weight loss. Does it work, and is it better than other diets?

3 mins

Human chain to move over 9 000 books to new store

WHEN 300 people formed a human chain to move thousands of books from one store to another, bookstore owner Michelle Tuplin could hardly believe her eyes.

3 mins

Inside the forensic academy where future guardians battle poaching

THE rhino lay frozen in the sand, its grey legs stiff, glassy eyes open, horn crudely sawed off.

2 mins

Albany's new recycling initiative

ON GLOBAL Recycling Day, Tiger Brands' premium bread brand, Albany, officially launched the Albany Collect-A-Pack (CAP) programme, which will see more than 900000 learners across 500 primary schools in South Africa learn the importance of recycling.

1 min

A skill-building journey for life

IN today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, there's a quiet revolution happening - one that doesn't make headlines but is quietly shaping communities, minds, and futures.

2 mins

Sasol's Mzansi Tour 2.0 and its impact on education

PROUDLY South African fuel brand, Sasol highlighted the importance of reducing the economic barriers to education as part of its Sasol Mzansi Tour 2.0 road trip, which took place earlier this month.

1 min

Celebration of schoolboy rugby

THE 28th St John's College Easter Rugby Festival yet again showcased a thrilling weekend of the best in schoolboy rugby, sportsmanship, and community spirit.

3 mins

Developing human-centric leadership

ALMOST two-thirds of professionals (63%) have admitted that one of the leading reasons for leaving a previous employer was a lack of “connection” with their management or leadership team. A further 68% stated that their exit was due to “empty promises” from management - with professionals feeling that leaders who fail to act on commitments erode trust.

2 mins

SA's key IT skills shortage

SOUTH Africa is experiencing a significant information technology (IT) skills shortage that is jeopardising its digital transformation and economic growth.

2 mins

Making things work when your boss is overwhelmed

THE first few weeks of working for a new boss are exciting. You're ready to jump in; hopeful for growth opportunities and eager to please. Your boss is enthusiastic too and will likely welcome you with open arms - setting up one-on-ones and taking a keen interest in your professional development. You both want to make a great impression.

3 mins

How South Africans are navigating financial challenges according to the SpendTrend25

IF you're curious about how South Africans are coping financially, ditch the dramatic headlines and take a closer look at the numbers.

2 mins

Insurance claims surge amid crumbling roads crisis

GIVEN the prevalence of potholes, sometimes craters, that dog South Africa's roads, perhaps Waze should stop warning drivers about them and let those behind the wheel know that the next stretch of road doesn't require a 4x4 to navigate.

3 mins

The importance of a holistic financial plan for lasting financial security

IN TODAY’S unpredictable and fast-paced world, achieving financial success requires more than just saving money or investing in the latest trends. A truly secure financial future is built on a holistic approach that integrates various aspects of financial planning.

2 mins

How asset managers are doing with your retirement savings

OVER five years to the end of 2024, multi-asset retirement funds with an offshore component fared only marginally better than funds invested wholly in South Africa, showing that, although there has been a significant shift towards offshore investments in that time, the domestic market has managed to provide solid returns.

3 mins

Heartwrenching tale of adoption gone awry

SOME years back, I happened upon The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, a documentary about a Ukrainian girl who was adopted by an American family, only to be abandoned two years later.

2 mins

Is your gym routine a germ magnet?

FLU season is officially here, and while most of us are focused on boosting immunity with healthy diets and exercise, we often overlook the hidden culprits sabotaging our health.

2 mins

The 2000s side fringe: your new (old) hairstyle has returned

IT’S official. The side fringe is no longer just a memory from your 2007 Facebook album.

2 mins

Perfectionism: the anxiety trigger you didn't sign up for – five ways to break free

WE live in a world where perfectionism is often celebrated. From social media filters to #hustleculture, striving for flawlessness is constantly framed as a sign of ambition and success.

3 mins

Vatican City in a time of mourning

EARLIER this week, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.

3 mins

The rise of personalised travel experiences

THE travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation as a recent McKinsey survey has revealed that modern travellers are no longer satisfied with traditional leisure packages.

1 min

New hotels that give the world's best a run for their money

RENOWNED for its diverse ecosystems, from the savannahs of the Serengeti to the pristine beaches of the Seychelles, Africa offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

2 mins

New Continental GT Speed docks in South Africa

WHEN it comes to the new-generation Continental GT, Bentley is bringing out the big guns first.

1 min

SA's automotive industry on edge as Agoa renewal uncertainty grows

AS THE African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) faces uncertainty over its renewal in September, South Africa's automotive industry is bracing for turbulence, with experts on Tuesday warning of significant repercussions if the preferential trade programme is allowed to expire.

2 mins

The flagship sedan redefining luxury and outshining SUVs

YOU'VE probably seen that meme with a turtle on a fence post and wondered how it got there, followed by a politician's face asking how they got into the position they occupy.

3 mins

Newcastle boss Howe ‘been through a range of emotions’ with illness

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe admitted he does not feel “100 percent” after returning to work following his serious bout of pneumonia.

2 mins

Slot: Still a job to do for Liverpool to clinch title

SLOT believes Liverpool have a “big responsibility” to clinch the Premier League title in front of their own fans when Tottenham visit Anfield tomorrow.

3 mins

Marquez hungry for more as MotoGP heads to Spain

MARC Marquez is determined to continue his blistering start to the MotoGP season as the riders gear up this weekend for their first visit to Spain.

2 mins

Barcelona Clasico Copa final offers Mbappe, Real redemption

REAL Madrid’s European failure this season stung, in particular for striker Kylian Mbappe and coach Carlo Ancelotti, but a Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona on Saturday would rapidly ease the pain.

2 mins

Nortjé bolsters Blitzboks for LA sevens championship

THE Blitzboks received a welcome boost for next weekend’s Los Angeles Sevens with the inclusion of three key figures.

2 mins

Madrid the last gasp for top players before Sinner’s return

THE Madrid Masters 1000 this week will be the last elite event at which top seeds can capitalise on the absence of World No 1 Jannik Sinner, before he returns to the fray in Rome.

2 mins

Williams neck injury a growing concern for Sharks and Springboks

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus would have noted with concern that electric scrumhalf Grant Williams is once more unavailable to the Sharks because of an ongoing neck injury.

1 min

Iconic Totalsports Women’s Race to light up South Africa’s streets in 2025

THE iconic Totalsports Women’s Race, South Africa’s largest celebration of Women’s Month, will feature three 2025 races in three major cities, over three consecutive weeks.

1 min

SA trio Justin Sammons, Charl Langeveldt and Rivash Gobind turn Zimbabwe cricket around

IT was not too long ago when Justin Sammons had to step away from his post as batting coach of the Proteas side.

2 mins

Parliament rips into Molokwane, Netball SA in criticism of systemic dysfunction

IN a shocking display of discontent, the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture has turned its critical gaze towards Netball South Africa (NSA), its president Cecilia Molokwane and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).

2 mins

Basadien: Stellenbosch FC can salvage CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against Simba FC

STELLENBOSCH FC defender Fawaaz Basadien remains optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup final, despite trailing Tanzanian giants Simba SC by a single goal heading into tomorrow’s second leg semi-final.

2 mins

Pep wants 'spirit' as City take aim at Forest in FA Cup semis

PEP Guardiola has vowed Manchester City will be back to their best next season after losing their “spirit” during a turbulent campaign that exposed an unexpected lack of hunger in his side.

2 mins

Stormers star Gelant: A student of the game expanding his rugby arsenal

HE'S a student of the game, and the day Warrick Gelant stops learning new skills to add to his impressive arsenal on the rugby field will likely be the day he plays his final match.

2 mins

Plumtree confident Sharks have shaken off Edinburgh rust

SHARKS coach John Plumtree has used horse-racing parlance to describe how he wants his team to progress from getting across the line by a short head in games to winning at a canter.

2 mins

Mokwena has grown to be his own man, and deserves plaudits

RULANI Mokwena has shown that he has nerves of steel, and given all that he’s achieved and taken on the chin in recent years, he’s destined for greatness.

3 mins

Is there more than meets the eye to Venter not playing for Lions against Connacht?

IT has been suggested in some quarters that there has been dissention in the ranks of the under-siege Lions because of the non-selection of talented flanker Ruan Venter for today’s United Rugby Championship match against Connacht at Ellis Park (4pm kick-off).

2 mins

Last-gasp goal sees Sundowns beat Al Ahly, reach CAF Champions League final

THE dream of the second star lives on! Mamelodi Sundowns are going to play the ultimate match of African football’s premier club knockout competition — the CAF Champions League — courtesy of an away-goals aggregate victory over Al Ahly in Cairo last night you would not associate with the aristocrats of South African football.

2 mins

AmaZulu brace for PSL KZN derby six-pointer against Golden Arrows

AMAZULU coach Arthur Zwane is looking at today's derby against Golden Arrows as a key opportunity to boost the club's chances of securing a top-eight finish in the Premiership.

1 min

Stormers must avoid defence ‘chain reaction’ in vital Benetton URC clash

CONTINUITY in selection could be what fires the Stormers to a win over Benetton in their third-last United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter at the Cape Town Stadium today.

2 mins

Don't repeat mistakes, Nabi tells Chiefs ahead of Gallants clash

KAIZER Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has called for a complete mental focus from his players at FNB Stadium today when they host the ever-improving Marumo Gallants (3pm start).

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.