The proposed tuition and residence fee increase by South African Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has sparked opposition from the South African Union of Students (SAUS) and allegations of corruption against Nzimande. The proposed hike, coupled with a decrease in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) budget, may reduce the number of financially assisted students. Calls for Nzimande’s resignation are increasing, and the future of higher education in South Africa is in jeopardy. The crisis highlights the need for transparent educational policies and tackling corruption.
Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympic athlete convicted of murdering his partner, has been released from prison and there are rumors of a £1 million book deal for his memoirs. While he was in prison, Pistorius reportedly spent time writing his memoirs, but his parole conditions may make publishing the book difficult without official authorization. Pistorius’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of personal transgressions overshadowing public achievements.
Nadia Jaftha and Xavier Haupt’s digital love story, which played out on social media, has come to an end. The couple chose to maintain their privacy amidst rumors of a breakup but eventually released a joint statement announcing their separation while emphasizing their mutual respect and dedication to personal growth. Their story serves as an example of balancing public image and private life in the digital age, and their announcement showed grace and dignity under the spotlight.
Lalah Hathaway, a fivetime Grammy Awardwinning artist, is about to embark on her firstever tour in South Africa, promising an immersive musical experience. Her unique blend of pop classics, jazz, and R&B has earned her universal acclaim and partnerships with modernday hitmakers. The tour will culminate in a heartwarming performance honoring her late father’s musical legacy, set against the serene backdrop of nature. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical adventure with a prodigiously talented supporting act, Langa Mavuso.
Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks’ 2019 World Cup victory, is expected to return as head coach. His meticulous planning and strategic thinking have made him an essential figure in keeping the Springboks on top of world rugby. The announcement of his possible reinstatement has been met with unanimous approval from players and supporters alike, highlighting his coaching expertise and the trust placed in him by the SA Rugby community.
Cape Town’s port is facing significant operational inefficiencies and a loss of appeal that jeopardizes its productivity and international reputation, leading to demands for private sector participation in port operations. The potential advantages of involving the private sector include an additional R6 billion in exports, around 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, and over R1.6 billion in extra tax revenue over five years. The restoration of Cape Town’s port is crucial for paving a sustainable path for growth and development in Cape Town, and the city is urging the federal government to define a concrete timeline for private sector engagement.
Jonty Rhodes and Ryan Maron’s dedication to cricket continues to impact the sport through programs like the Cricket School of Excellence (CSE) and Adopt A School. They have successfully introduced hundreds of children to the sport, producing international players like David Bedingham while also aiming to extend the reach of cricket within Khayelitsha. The 25thanniversary celebration of CSE culminates with a cricket clinic, where Rhodes will be present to inspire the future generation of cricket stars and establish a solid foundation for the sport.
Simone Biles is an incredible American gymnast who has shown resilience, love, and perseverance in her journey through life. She has spoken candidly about her mental battles during the Tokyo Olympics and has found comfort in her relationship with NFL safety Jonathan Owens. Biles continues to focus on her gymnastics comeback and actively advocates for mental health while participating in charitable events. Her journey as more than an athlete continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and she is an inspiration to many with her incredible spirit.
Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid in an electrifying Spanish Super Cup SemiFinal match, winning 53 in extra time. Despite Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann scoring a crucial goal, Real Madrid’s fighting spirit remained unshaken, leading to their triumph. The teams are set to meet again in the Copa del Rey next Thursday, and Madrid is preparing to face either Barcelona or Osasuna in the Super Cup final.
Prince Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare,’ released a year ago, has revealed shocking claims about the royal family. The memoir describes a physical altercation with Prince Charles, his father expressing concerns over Meghan’s financial burden, and the suspicion that Princess Diana orchestrated her own death. These revelations offer a disturbing glimpse into the hidden dynamics of the royal family from an insider’s viewpoint, highlighting personal battles and insecurities behind the splendour of the royalty. Despite the memoir’s contentious nature, it serves as a powerful reminder that even the royalty is not exempt from family conflicts and emotional distress.
South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over allegations of genocide in Gaza. A hundred people gathered outside the Western Cape High Court to show their support for South Africa’s legal representatives in The Hague. Attendees included representatives from several civil society organizations, with a history of campaigning for justice, and supporters of different religions, social classes, and races. The case at the ICJ is a landmark one and a collective protest of numerous oppressed communities worldwide.
South Africa’s legal team is fighting in the International Court of Justice to acknowledge that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and to mandate a ceasefire. Civil society groups and political representatives gathered in Cape Town to show support for the legal team, highlighting the grave impact of the Gaza war and Israel’s disconcerting statements. The case is one of the most consequential legal battles of our time with potential global ramifications.
Get ready for an exciting battle between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto on January 20th. This fight is not only anticipated by UFC fans but also the sports community in South Africa. The broadcast will be available in three languages on SuperSport, making this match a global spectacle of power, stamina, and psychological fortitude.
The Mamelodi Sundowns face a tough decision on which player to drop to accommodate new recruit Matias Esquivel, as Premier Soccer League rules state that the team can only have five foreign players at any given moment. Sundowns legend Roger Feutmba recommends dropping Abubeker Nasir due to injury susceptibility, prioritising the club’s longterm goals over individual player prospects. Feutmba’s recommendation carries weight, but Nasir’s potential cannot be ignored, making the decision a delicate balance of assessing the new player’s potential against the existing players’ demonstrated skills. The Sundowns’ decision will have a profound impact on the team and set a precedent for future strategic decisions.
South African Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, delivered a passionate speech at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to justice, fairness, and human rights. He invoked the memory of Nelson Mandela and discussed South Africa’s balanced stance on the IsraelPalestine conflict. The legal team assembled to plead South Africa’s case reflects the nation’s dedication to justice and human rights. Minister Lamola’s speech reflects the spirit of a nation that consistently strives to uphold its values and principles on the global stage.
The Youth Career Fair in South Africa aimed to help young people find sustainable employment and career growth. Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, emphasized the importance of events like this, which connect job seekers with potential employers. The event saw over 1,100 young people register as jobseekers and receive career counseling services, with a focus on private employment agencies and the role of technology. Nxesi’s optimistic and pragmatic message encouraged attendees to seize every opportunity and utilize careerrelated information to achieve their goals.