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IOL News
21 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Scottie Scheffler takes one-shot lead into British Open third round
So close US golfer Scottie Scheffler reacts after missing the course record when his putt failed to drop on the 18th green on day two of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 18, 2025. Photo: Glyn irk/AFP Image: Glyn irk/AFP Scottie Scheffler will take a one-shot lead into Saturday's third round of the British Open at Royal Portrush under the expectation to "dominate", according to his playing partner Matthew Fitzpatrick. The world number one eased to a magnificent seven-under par 64 in the second round to edge ahead of Fitzpatrick as he bids for a first Claret Jug, which would complete the third leg of a possible career Grand Slam. Scheffler, who sits at 10-under for the tournament, will tee off at 3:35 pm local time (1435 GMT) alongside England's Fitzpatrick. "He's going to have the expectation to go out and dominate. He's an exceptional player. He's world number one, and we're seeing Tiger-like stuff," said Fitzpatrick. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "I think the pressure is for him to win the golf tournament." Fitzpatrick, on nine-under overall, is a shot ahead of 2023 champion Brian Harman and China's Li Haotong, who make up the penultimate group. With no other player within four strokes of the lead, the pressure is on the chasing pack to make the most of excellent scoring conditions in Northern Ireland and cut the gap. Home favourite Rory McIlroy will need something spectacular to get back into contention for a second British Open title, getting his third round under way seven shots back. There were plenty of birdies on offer for the early starters, with Canadian Corey Conners carding a five-under 66 in the first group on the course to reach four-under overall. But Scheffler will be a strong favourite to close out his fourth major victory. The American arrived at Portrush following a run of 10 successive top-10 finishes, featuring three wins including the PGA Championship. Fitzpatrick is hoping to become the first English winner of the British Open since Nick Faldo won his third title in 1992. He described a missed cut at the Players Championship earlier this year as the lowest point of his career, but has found some form in recent weeks. The 2022 US Open champion carded a 66 on Friday, rolling in a 23-foot par putt on the 18th. Harman is targeting a second British Open in three years following his six-shot triumph at Hoylake in 2023. Li, who finished third on debut at the 2017 British Open, is still in the hunt to become the first Chinese man to lift a major title. "Definitely want to be comfortable... Will be a lot of pressure for sure, but just have to find a way to deal with that," said Li, playing in his first major since 2022. AFP Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
How South Africans can pay less tax without risking SARS penalties
Mthobisi Nozulela | Published 2 days ago South Africa has some of the highest tax rates in the world, but there are legal methods taxpayers can use to reduce their tax burden and retain more of their income. With personal income tax rates reaching as high as 45% for individuals earning above R1.8 million, and with the country's tax-to-GDP ratio expected to approach 25% in the coming years, many South Africans are feeling the pressure. However, in an interview with radio station Kaya 959, Roxanna Naidoo, Head of Global Strategy at Latita Africa, said there are other legal ways South Africans can use to pay less tax. "I'm a very strong advocate for tax avoidance and how to ensure that you're optimising your tax incentives legally. And there are quite a few ways," Naidoo said. Naidoo explained that many taxpayers miss out on important deductions simply because they don't fully understand what qualifies. "So, the tax system actually allows you to reduce your liability. And there are a few mechanisms there, but taxpayers aren't aware of that," she said. "We know the most common one is your retirement annuity contributions. They are deductible up to a certain limit. Then the second common one, again, is your medical contributions, but also out-of-pocket medical expenses. People forget about those". She also stressed that out-of-pocket medical expenses can also qualify for tax credits, and business-related travel costs may be deductible. "That can also qualify for medical tax credits. Then, if you earn commission or you travel for work, you may also qualify to deduct business travel expenses. That's where keeping those receipts comes in as very important, keeping all of those records" Naidoo also warned taxpayers to be cautious with SARS auto-assessments, which are pre-filled tax returns based on third-party data like employer records and medical aid contributions. "If you accept the assessment without checking, you risk under-declaring income or even losing out on those deductions that you should be getting. "Also, if SARS audits you later, and they do this sometimes up to five years down the line, they'll ask you for that documentation. And if you don't have it, they can then reverse deductions and charge penalties and interest. So, always check your assessment before accepting it and keep those records of everything, just in case" IOL News [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Linga Moonsamy: Guarding Madiba with heart and humour
Lingaraj 'Linga' Moonsamy, former bodyguard to Nelson Mandela, pictured during joyful moments with South Africa's first Black president. Image: Supplied 'Is it a TV or what?' That was Mandela's reaction the first time he saw a microwave — a moment of confusion and laughter he later shared with his former bodyguard, Lingaraj 'Linga' Moonsamy. It happened after his 1982 transfer from Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison, where modern appliances like microwaves were a mystery to prisoners who had spent years in isolation. Mandela, born July 18, 1918, died on December 5, 2013, following a prolonged respiratory infection. He was released from prison on February 11, 1990, after spending 27 years behind bars for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government. Speaking to IOL News, Moonsamy, who served as Mandela's personal bodyguard from 1994 to 1999, said working with Madiba was a privilege marked by moments of tension, humour, humility, and deep respect. His reflections come as South Africa prepares to mark International Nelson Mandela Day on July 18. Moonsamy said he joined the African National Congress's underground structures in 1986 after being recruited by a community and political activist, Neeshan Bolton. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He then progressed from working in ANC security team to eventually protecting leaders such as Ahmed Kathrada, a politician, anti-apartheid activist, and political prisoner who died in 2017, aged 87. In 1994, Moonsamy was officially assigned to Mandela's personal protection team. 'First, you're working with a global icon. Second, you have no idea what to expect,' Moonsamy said, recalling their first meeting. 'He asked me about my family and where I came from. I told him I was from MK (Umkhonto we Sizwe), and right away he was interested in my story. That surprised me, here was this larger-than-life leader who genuinely wanted to know who was walking beside him.' A photo collage of Lingaraj 'Linga' Moonsamy, former bodyguard to Nelson Mandela, alongside South Africa's first Black president, who once said he remembered him fondly. Image: Supplied Among his many memories, Moonsamy recalls Mandela recounting his transfer from Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town in 1982. 'He told me they saw a microwave for the first time and were confused,' Moonsamy said with a laugh. 'They didn't know what it was. 'Is it a TV or what?' they asked. They were so embarrassed. Eventually, someone explained it was used to warm up food.' Moonsamy also shared stories of high-stakes security challenges, including a threat from former ANC leader Sifiso Nkabinde, who warned that Mandela should never set foot in KwaZulu-Natal. 'Nkabinde threatened that if we came with helicopters or a convoy, he'd use rocket launchers to stop Madiba from entering the area,' he said. But Mandela was undeterred. 'He made it clear: He was the president of South Africa, and no one would prevent him from moving freely,' Moonsamy told IOL News. Nkabinde was shot and killed by unknown assassins on January 23, 1999. 'We flew in with three choppers - two as decoys and one with Madiba. I sat next to him in the chopper with my Uzi, and he joked, 'Linga, do you know how to use that?' We chuckled, but he was relaxed and not concerned at all.' Despite the threats, the people of KwaZulu-Natal welcomed Mandela warmly. 'People were ecstatic. They ran behind our convoy in the township, overjoyed to see Madiba,' he said. Moonsamy said what you saw from Mandela was what you got - on and off camera. 'The Madiba on stage, on TV, or at a conference was the same man we knew in private,' he told IOL News. 'He never saw himself as a saint. He made you feel like he was just a normal person.' Moonsamy also recalled memories of Mandela's holidays, not abroad, but in his birthplace of Qunu in the Eastern Cape. 'He loved going back to the rural village. We would wake up at 4am, walk the hills, and he would tell us stories about herding cattle, fetching water, and fighting as kids. He made those memories come alive.' Moonsamy also recalled an unexpected moment on a 1995 trip to New Zealand, when they made an unscheduled refueling stop on Cocos Island. 'There was just a runway and a building in the distance. Madiba asked how long we'd be grounded. When we said over an hour, he said, 'No man, I can't sit here.'' They walked to the building, which turned out to be a school. 'When the kids saw him, they screamed, 'Mandela! Mandela!'' he said. 'That's when I realised - there's no corner of the earth where people don't know him.' Asked what if Mandela was still alive and how would want South Africans to remember this Mandela Day, Moonsamy didn't hesitate. 'Madiba's dream was to unite the country. To see black and white South Africans live side by side, sharing the vision and fruits of freedom,' he said. 'Not just political freedom, but also economic freedom. That was his vision.' Every year on Mandela Day, Moonsamy said he and his family set aside time to do something meaningful and give back. 'We usually do some charity work and reflect on his life. We used to go to his house in Vilakazi Street, in Soweto, Gauteng, but with how things are now, we no longer do that due to the state of affairs. Still, we gather, have lunch, and remember what Madiba stood for.' Reflecting on his time with Mandela, Moonsamy said it was a privilege. 'We didn't see him as an icon. He made us feel like he was one of us. But we knew our job, which was to protect the president of South Africa, and we made sure we succeeded in that.' IOL Politics
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Brazen armed robbers hit traffic department, police seek community help
Armed robbers attacked security guards at the Mhala traffic department and broke into a safe, stealing an undisclosed amount of money. Image: File Police at Mhala in Mpumalanga are requesting community members' assistance with information that could lead to arrests of suspects who allegedly broke into the Mhala traffic department and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. The incident took place on Wednesday, at around midnight. 'It is reported that three security officers were on duty at the said department patrolling the premises when they were attacked by six African males who were armed with firearms - pistols and a rifle,' said provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane. The intruders allegedly pointed the security officers with firearms and forced them into one of the offices. 'They forcefully opened two burglar doors of the main entrance of the offices and broke all the burglar doors, which led to a room where there was a safe. It is further reported that the suspects damaged the safe and took an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene,' said Ndubane. 'Police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Detective Sergeant Collen Nyalungu on 076 936 7222. Alternatively, members of the public can anonymously call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPSApp.' Police have pledged that all received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous. In September 2022, IOL reported that armed assailants attacked police officers at Grootvlei police station in Mpumalanga and forcefully took three 9mm pistols, one R5 rifle and one shotgun, as well as about 180 bullets. At the time, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the assailants took one pistol from a police officer, and the other firearms were seized from the safe of the police station. 'According to the report, two suspects arrived at the police station on Friday evening, 02 September 2022 around 6pm, claiming to be from Soshanguve under the pretence of reporting a domestic violence incident,' said Mohlala. 'They played victims as if they needed help from the two members who were working at the community service centre (CSC) regarding a female who was a 'victim' of domestic violence. The CSC's safety door was locked at that point and they initially left and only to return later around 10pm where they complained that their concern was being disregarded by the members.' During this second visit, the group insisted that the door should be opened for them. 'The members [police officers] opened the door to obtain more information. As soon as they let them in, two suspects drew firearms and disarmed the two police officials,' said Mohlala. [email protected] IOL News
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
News you should know tonight: Top 5 stories you may have missed on July 16, 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa claims the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed with challenges in mind, including unemployment, rampant crime, poverty, corruption, and restoring the trust of the people, despite the ANC having lost its majority in the May 2024 general elections. Phando Jikelo Good evening, IOL News family! It's Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and it's time for a wrap of the biggest headlines making waves in South Africa and beyond. Don't forget to join the IOL WhatsApp Channel to stay in tune, informed, and in the know. Hlophe to Ramaphosa: 'A President broken beyond repair, your couch swallowed millions, you claim to fight corruption?' MK Party deputy president and MP John Hlophe launched a scathing attack on President Cyril Ramaphosa in Parliament on Wednesday, calling him a 'President broken beyond repair' and accusing him of hypocrisy over the Phala Phala scandal. To read on, click here. Ramaphosa says GNU was formed to fix unemployment, crime, and corruption in SA President Cyril Ramaphosa claims the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed with challenges in mind, including unemployment, rampant crime, poverty, corruption, and restoring the trust of the people, despite the ANC having lost its majority in the May 2024 general elections. To read on, click here. ANC and DA condemn MK Party's chaos over Division of Revenue Bill The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has criticised the MK Party for its handling and ultimate rejection of the Division of Revenue (DORA) Bill, which was passed during a special sitting of the KZN Legislature on Tuesday. To read on, click here. 'Choose your emojis carefully': Workplaces urged to establish emoji use policies Companies can no longer afford to ignore the use of emojis in the workplace, and should take steps to update their social media policies. To read on, click here. ARVs in the water: Department of Health calls for serious action The Department of Health believes that while the discovery of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in the country's tap water and rivers means those needing them are taking them, there is a need for stakeholders who clean our water to be more responsible. To read on, click here. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
