Sunday Tribune - March 23, 2025

In this issue

March 23, 2025

VAT, interest rate to hit consumers hard

THE Finance Ministry's proposed VAT increase and South Africa's Reserve Bank decision to keep a hold on interest rates will affect the economy and households.

2 mins

March against undocumented foreigners

THE spate of crime that is perpetrated allegedly by undocumented foreign nationals has jolted an award-winning radio personality to organise a march in protest against illegal immigration and related crimes in Durban tomorrow.

3 mins

SACP, Cosatu defy president

US-SA tensions rise over former ambassador Rasool's expulsion

4 mins

DA retracts false claims

THE DA in Abaqulusi Municipality, northern KwaZulu-Natal, has confessed to exaggerating the cause of an accident involving mayor Khehla Mkhwanazi’s car.

1 min

Winners of the Sishaya Ingoma Competition

THE Playhouse Company has congratulated the winners of its long-running Annual Sishaya Ingoma Competition which took place on Friday at the historic Curries Fountain Stadium, Berea, Durban.

1 min

No GO! Durban, says taxi council

THE Durban West Taxi Region that would be most affected by eThekwini’s integrated transport system, GO! Durban, has expressed its frustration at the eThekwini Municipality’s disregard for its patience and playing by the book as they see the perpetually delayed multi-billion project wither away.

3 mins

Mayor joins search for flood victim as family seeks closure

ETHEKWINI Mayor Cyril Xaba joined the search yesterday morning for a missing Lamontville woman who was washed away during heavy rains last month.

1 min

KWAZULU-NATAL Premier Ntuli expands GBV shelter network

KWAZULU-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has revealed that the province has more than 650 women who have been rescued from gender-based violence (GBV) in their families and are now housed in 46 shelters in various towns across the province.

2 mins

'NO CONCRETE EVIDENCE': Gumede's team hits back in R300m corruption case

THE former mayor of eThekwini Municipality Zandile Gumede’s foundation said no one has implicated her in the ongoing trial of R300 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender fraud.

2 mins

Mixed reactions as City prepares its draft budget

THERE has been mixed reaction from eThekwini councillors on whether they would approve tariff increases over 10% as Mayor Cyril Xaba gets ready to present the draft budget.

3 mins

Tributes for boxing legend

TRIBUTES continue to stream in for boxing legend George Foreman, who died “peacefully” at the age of 76, surrounded by his family.

2 mins

A life of excellence and spiritual depth

ASHWIN Trikamjee has been remembered as a distinguished legal professional, a committed activist and a respected religious leader.

5 mins

Skills transfer critical for industrial growth

THE KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Port- folio Committee on Economic Development and Tourism urged industrial developers to meaningfully transfer skills to local people when major projects were implemented.

2 mins

Mitchell Park playground in disrepair

A CONCERNED resident has reached out to the eThekwini Municipality to conduct inspections of playground equipment at its public parks.

2 mins

Grandson accused of brutal murder seeks to plead guilty

A 32-YEAR-OLD Pinetown man who allegedly killed his 80-year-old grandmother and kicked her head around like a soccer ball has told the Durban High Court that he wants to plead guilty.

1 min

eThekwini’s water crisis persists

THREE years after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found that eThekwini Municipality was in violation of the right to access clean drinking water, many residents continue to face significant challenges.

4 mins

Stealing a song is like stealing a car

WHEN we talk about property rights, most people immediately think of land, houses or cars. There’s a widespread misconception that property only refers to tangible assets. However, in South Africa, property rights are far broader and include intellectual property (IP), such as copyright in music.

1 min

Quest for economic freedom

THERE is a mixed record of South Africa’s human rights interventions in response to gender inequality, access to education, access to justice or to enforce the freedom of association — however, economic equality remains elusive.

3 mins

Why have women and youth leaders in SA failed to fight for their rights?

THE true essence of Human Rights in African philosophy is centred around “Botho/uBuntu”, where all society members have equal access to basic needs to sustain a long and healthy lifestyle.

2 mins

Dark energy changing, rattling our view of universe

DARK energy, the mysterious force thought to be driving the ever-faster expansion of the universe, appears to be changing over time, according to new observations released this week.

1 min

Elderly care robots hit fast track

IN A NURSING home in south China’s Shenzhen, an elderly resident curiously reaches out to hold the hand of Xia Lan, a humanoid robot with lifelike skin, blinking eyes and a warm, soothing voice.

1 min

Suited to families and savvy investors

IAN Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two properties that will go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on March 27 at 1lam at the Oyster Box Hotel, uMhlanga Rocks.

2 mins

US cuts threaten Africa’s young HIV patients

THE health clinic where Alice Okwirry collects her HIV medication in Kenya's capital Nairobi has been rationing supplies of antiretrovirals to one-month refills since the US government froze foreign aid.

4 mins

Ayushmann Khurrana is Fit India icon

THE three-day Fit India Carnival was inaugurated this week and Andhadhun actor Ayushmann Khur- rana has been made the Fit India Icon by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

1 min

Voice for Women Hang Ten with Natasha Portrag, aka Bash with Tash

EACH week, we feature an extraordi- nary Mzansi personality who is excel- ling in their line of work.

2 mins

Amavasya Darkest day of the month SOUL JOURNEY

AMAVASYA is the day of no moon (also called new moon) in the Hindu calendar. It is the darkest day of the month and holds a significant importance in our religion. Many people observe a fast on this day.

2 mins

Ex-Miss India SA makes waves in arts and entertainment

AT JUST 23 years old, TeKayha Anastasia Sukuram is making waves in South Africa’s arts and entertainment industry, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to dream fulfilment.

2 mins

KJo praises filmmaker from his stable

BOLLYWOOD producer Karan Johar (KJo) is all hyped about a new filmmaker who has been trained through his production house.

1 min

India’s World Peace Centre is a beacon of hope

IN AN increasingly polarised world beset by over 30 armed conflicts, including the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine wars, and amid growing fears of the outbreak of a third World War, India continues to play an important role in global peacekeeping.

4 mins

Actors in trouble for promoting betting apps

IN A NEW twist to the alleged pro-motion of betting apps by celebrities, Cyberabad Police have registered a case against Tollywood actors Rana Daggubati, Vijaya Devarakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal and others.

1 min

We are in the midst of cognitive warfare

BROWSING through various social media platforms lately proves that there's a widespread right-wing misinformation campaign that is on over-drive.

1 min

How the DA can leave the GNU to fight another day?

HISTORIAN Niall Ferguson states on Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom podcast how history can be noisy, unpredictable and volatile: “... it’s better to read history as a series of forking paths with a keen awareness of other futures that might have happened ... there are constant turning points, moments where it could have gone differently.”

3 mins

How Trump’s engagement with Russia challenges European policies

WITHIN 10 minutes of his call with US President Donald Trump this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed his military to halt all attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

4 mins

SA’s human rights agenda: a foreign policy conundrum

UNDER apartheid, South Africa was dubbed a pariah state. Locally and globally the apartheid government was accused of violating human rights and ruining the country’s international relations prospects.

3 mins

More than 340 held for mass protests

MORE than 340 people have been arrested in Tiirkiye’s biggest street protests in over a decade sparked by the detention of Istanbul’s powerful opposition mayor, a minister said yesterday.

1 min

Navigating the complexities of the African G20

SOUTH Africa hosts the G20 summit in a period of acute geopolitical storms.

4 mins

New threat to annex parts of Gaza Strip

ISRAELI Defence Minister Israel Katz has threatened to annex parts of the Gaza Strip unless Hamas militants release the remaining Israeli hostages held in the war-battered Palestinian territory.

3 mins

We will fight until our cause is heard, says DRC rebel leader

THE leader of the rebel alliance that has seized swathes of east Congo said on Thursday that the group was not bound by a ceasefire call issued during a surprise meeting in Qatar between the presidents of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

1 min

Kirsty Coventry first woman to lead IOC

KIRSTY Coventry became the first woman and African to be elected president of the International Olympic Committee on Thursday, saying it was an “extraordinary moment”.

1 min

Qatar’s mediation raises questions about AU, SADC effectiveness

THE conflict dynamics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are fast evolving. One of the major actors in the conflict, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held a virtual Extraordinary Summit last week to discuss the security situation in the country.

3 mins

Stench of death in battle for Khartoum

THE Sudanese army recaptured the presidential palace in the capital, Khartoum, from the Rapid Support Forces on Friday, dealing a major blow to the paramilitaries who responded with deadly drone attacks.

5 mins

GNU protects South Africans from the worst of VAT

SOUTH Africa’s political system entered further unprecedented territory on 19th February this year when, for the very first time in our 31-year-old democracy, the Budget Speech was postponed.

3 mins

Entrepreneurs can boost innovations with launch of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund

INNOVATION is the lifeblood of progress, and young South African entrepreneurs now have the chance to elevate their groundbreaking ideas to unprecedented heights through the newly launched Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme.

1 min

KZN South Coast entrepreneur transforms agriculture with innovative mushroom farming

THE sun-drenched hills of the KZN South Coast, known for their rich agricultural legacy in sugar cane, bananas, and macadamia nuts, are witnessing an inspiring transformation.

3 mins

The Saudi Arabian mega tourism project that's spiralling into chaos

THE Saudi crown family's megaloma- niacal dream of building a gigantic, futuristic holiday resort in the middle of the desert is facing a brutal reality check.

1 min

Set sail with the best: guests weigh in on their favourite cruise ships

CRUISE liners around the world were honoured at the 10th Cruise News Awards, held in Melilla, Spain.

1 min

Singapore Airlines bans in-flight charging of power banks

FROM April 1, Singapore Airlines pas- sengers will no longer be allowed to charge portable power banks using onboard USB ports or use power banks to charge their personal devices during the flight.

1 min

Adventurers: 7 must-visit South African gems

THE upcoming long weekends for Easter and Youth Day present the perfect opportunity to escape the daily grind and discover South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

3 mins

Cape Town's rental prices: luxury or lunacy compared to Joburg?

IT’S a debate that never seems to die: Cape Town versus Johannesburg, who's got the better deal when it comes to rent?

2 mins

Dropping beats and breaking barriers: how female DJs are claiming their space

AS THE music industry continues to grow and evolve, the rise of female DJs is a phenomenon deserving of both celebration and serious reflection.

2 mins

Eat well, move more: the secret recipe to a longer life

WE'VE all heard tales of the fabled fountain of youth from ancient myths to Hollywood blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean. But what if the secret toa longer, healthier life isn’t a mystical elixir but something much simpler?

3 mins

The Covid-19 storm that shattered SA and sparked its strength

TODAY marks five years since South Africa entered one of the strictest Covid-19 lockdowns in the world.

3 mins

Mrs Mops on shifting the focus from ‘The Mommy Club’ to her business ventures

SEASON three of The Mommy Club came with a few surprises such as reality TV veteran and OG cast member Mrs Mops’ announcement that she would be stepping away from the show.

1 min

Dive into a political world of deception, danger, espionage

Do you enjoy fast-paced action series? I’m talking about those of the same ilk as Homeland, The Diplomat and Black Doves. If you are, then The Night Agent season 2 needs to be added to your binge-watch list.

2 mins

Big Bucks: What the South African players will earn in the 2025 Indian Premier League

NO less than 16 South Africans will be involved in the big money 2025 Indian Premier League which starts on Saturday.

2 mins

Apartheid-defiant Coetzee was SA’s human rights world champ

HUMAN Rights Day serves to remind us of the inspiring contributions of sporting heroes like boxer Gerrie Coetzee in uniting South Africans and promoting social cohesion as a means of dismantling the walls of segregation in South African sport.

3 mins

I never gave up, says SA sprint star Simbine

“A STORY of resilience, perseverance & an attitude of never giving up! Don’t ever stop believing in YOURSELF... WELL DONE AKANI”.

1 min

Hamilton wins first F1 Sprint in a Ferrari

FROM start to finish, Lewis Hamilton led the 19 lap Sprint Race at the Shanghai Circuit in China for his maiden victory in a Ferrari.

1 min

Osimhen strikes twice to give Nigeria World Cup boost

FORMER African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen scored both goals as Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali on Friday to win for the first time in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

2 mins

New president Coventry wants sit down with Trump on LA 2028 Games

INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee's newly-elected President Kirsty Coventry wants to sit down with United States President Donald Trump to make sure the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are successful, she said on Thursday.

2 mins

The weird and wonderful world of Rassie and his affinity for the Irish

RASSIE Erasmus has a putting green on his rooftop garden, his bulldog Franks gets angry when he sees the colour red, Rassie’s perceived hatred of Ireland is a myth, and Rassie wears a watch engraved with the words “Choose Your Own Reality”.

2 mins

The Broos Effect: South Africa falling in love with Bafana Bafana over and over again

THANKS to the astute guidance of coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana has undergone a remarkable transformation and once again packed out the stadium at the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier match against Lesotho on Friday.

3 mins

Maphaka set to shine for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025

KWENA Maphaka may just be poised to be one of the big stars of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals.

1 min

Sharpeville Massacre united the world against apartheid, but SA sporting isolation took too long – ask the All Blacks

THE international media coverage of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 was the first time South Africa’s reality was brought to a wider audience, but although England Prime Minister Harold Macmillan called for “winds of change in South Africa”, it was an eternity before the breeze became a tornado.

3 mins

Chiefs in Top 8 crisis as Pirates battle title pursuit

AS the PSL's Betway Premiership unfolds, the drama intensifies as the season is set for an exhilarating conclusion with surprises and fierce competition for teams in their unpredictable pursuit of glory and survival over the next few weeks.

2 mins

Butt says Man Utd dream of Premier League title by 2028 'ain't going to happen'

FORMER Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes Jim Ratcliffe's grand plan to win the Premier League by 2028 has no chance of becoming a reality.

1 min

'We have to do better': Tuchel urges England to improve on winning start

THOMAS Tuchel admitted lacklustre England must \"do better\" after the Three Lions boss started his reign with a spluttering 2-0 win against minnows Albania on Friday.

2 mins

Plumtree laments poor skills against Zebre and calls for major improvement against Leinster

JOHN Plumtree was a dissatisfied coach on Saturday evening after his team had repeatedly shot themselves in the foot to labour to a 35-34 defeat of Zebre, a team in 15th position on the United Rugby Championship table.

2 mins

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Sunday Tribune Newspaper Description:

The Sunday Tribune is KwaZulu-Natal’s premier Sunday title with a weekly readership of 435 000 people. The title provides readers with news that affects their lives as well as background information on what’s making news. But there is more to the Sunday Tribune than just news, views and sports. The package includes Business Report, KZN Business (aimed at entrepreneurs), SM (a lifestyle supplement that includes food and travel), Herald (which is a cultural supplement aimed South Africans of Indian descent) and KZN Property (the province’s premier property guide).