Author: Larson Thebe
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has defended two boxers at the centre of criticism at the Paris Olympics, insisting that there was “never any doubt” they are women. Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting have been the focus of intense attention at the games, after some countries and commentators questioned their gender. This after the International Boxing Federation previously removed them from the 2023 World Championships, citing gender-based tests that are still unspecified and unproven. “Let’s be very clear, we are talking about women’s boxing. We have two boxers who were born as a woman, who have…
One person has died, and the other one is in a critical condition, after a freight truck rolled over on the N12 outside Klerksdorp towards Wolmaransstad in the early hours of Saturday. According to preliminary report, the truck collided with a vehicle coming the opposite direction when it allegedly turned in front of the truck causing the collision. Meanwhile, Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Wessels Morweng, has said the National roads needs special attention as lately there are reports of lawlessness but also motorists not adhering to traffic laws. The MEC urged motorists, especially those travelling during the night,…
South Africa’s Olympic swimming champion, Tatjana Smith, has bowed out of the sport, after clinching silver in the 200 meters breaststroke in a time of 2:19.60 at the Paris Olympics. The win makes her the country’s most decorated Olympian, in her 22-year career as a swimmer. The 27-year-old has now won two golds and two silvers in the past two Olympics, and despite previously indicating that she would only focus on short-course championships, Smith said this was her last race. “No, I’m done. I’m officially done. It’s a relief, but I definitely know I’m probably going to miss it tomorrow…
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has applauded the police for their work in rescuing a kidnapped businessman and apprehending eight kidnappers, including three Tanzanian nationals, at a house in Lenasia. The operation also led to the seizure of drugs suspected to be crystal meth, with an estimated street value of R300 million. “This operation reflects the dedication and bravery of our police officers, who risk their lives daily to protect our communities. Our fight against organised crime and drug trafficking requires a united front, leveraging the strengths of various law enforcement agencies. This success is a testament to what we can…
The Free State High Court has postponed the pre-trial hearing of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, his girlfriend Dr Nandipha Magudumana, and eight other suspects, to 10 February 2025. All the accused legal representatives informed the court that they’re ready for pre-trial, except Bester’s representative, Advocate Lerato Moela. Bester is accused of escaping from lawful custody, while his co-accused are accused of assisting him to escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre. “The matter is now postponed until 10th February 2025. Accused numbers one, seven and eight, you’re in custody. The rest, your bail is extended, you’re warned to appear…
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has expressed concern about the team’s poor performance in Australia during previous tours. The World Cup champions will face the Aussies in Brisbane and Perth on 10 and 17 August respectively, before returning to South Africa to play back-to-back matches against New Zealand. The Boks have only won five games against the Wallabies in Australia since 1996 and Erasmus is hoping to change the poor record when the team jet off to Australia on Wednesday to kick-off their Castle Lager Rugby Championship during the two-Test tour matches. “We are certainly well aware, every year there’s an…
The Governor of the Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago, has expressed concern about the slow economic growth in the country. He said despite the slow growth, the domestic economy is expected to grow by 1.1% this year, rising to 1.7% by 2026. He attributed some of these to load shedding and logistical challenges. Kganyago was addressing the SARB Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders in Pretoria. “Despite varied sectoral performances, output in the South African economy slowed to 0.7% in 2023 from 1.9% in 2022 and remains well below growth in peer emerging markets. Load-shedding and logistical challenges have been weighing heavily on economic activity,…
Energy and Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has expressed concern about the high electricity prices in the country. The minister said review of the energy pricing policy is imperative, for setting a clear pricing policy for the industry and National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to implement. He said most of the people who are bearing the brunt of the prices are poor households. Ramokgopa was briefing the media on energy and electricity related issues in Pretoria. “We must determine a threshold for the average consumption of a poor household. On the one hand you’re giving them social grants,…
The African National Congress (ANC) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) has expelled its former President, Jacob Zuma. According to a leaked ANC document which is yet to be confirmed by the party, the decision follows last week’s virtual hearing by the NDC which found him guilty. “The charged member is found guilty of contravening Rule 25.17.17.4 of the ANC constitution, read with subsection (2), for prejudicing the integrity or repute of the organisation by actin in collaboration with a registered political party, uMkhonto We Sizwe Party (MK Party), which is not in alliance with the ANC, in a manner contrary to…
Springbok Seven coach Philip Snyman has heaped praise at the team for enduring all the challenges to claim bronze at the Paris Olympics after beating Australia 26-19. This after the team lost their first two games against Ireland and New Zealand respectively, before they bounced back to beat Japan and shocked New Zealand to book a place in the semifinals. “We have a great management, and this win was also for those back in South Africa, but the moment belongs to the players – I am so proud of them and what they achieved here today,” said Snyman. “We had…