Latest news with #IndependentMedia
IOL News
15 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
EXCLUSIVE: Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi focusing on team culture ahead of World Cup
In a fun and insightful twist, Mashimbyi challenged them to take part in an opportunity to engage with one another to better understand each other's strengths, perspectives, and personal contributions to the team. With various camps around the country, Mashimbyi has taken steps to achieve that goal. Recently, the coach hosted a team builder where he challenged the players to reflect on the unique profiles each of them brings to the team environment. IN his early engagements with the team, Proteas Women's coach Mandla Mashimbyi highlighted how he wishes to help establish a culture that will make every player feel important in the team. 📸 Day 1 at Training Camp Before diving into the intensity of preparations for the upcoming season, our Proteas Women kicked things off with some fun and games, making use of recreational activities to strengthen team bonds and build connections. 💚🏏 #WozaNawe Mashimbyi believes that culture forms an important part of the team, especially in a World Cup year as the Proteas Women prepare for the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later this year. "In terms of culture, it is something that is very close to me because I don't think you can build something strong when the culture is not strong," Mashimbyi told Independent Media in an exclusive interview. "It's important that our culture is where it needs to be, to create an environment for every player to feel like they belong, an environment that will be fertile for everybody to grow in and an environment where everybody will be understood and listened to. We want an environment where somebody can feel like they are home away from home when they walk into our team environment. "And also just to build on stronger relationships and connections. To obviously encourage the players to communicate a little bit more with one another so they can further understand one another, and for them to understand the value of teamwork because nobody can win the World Cup by themselves, so it's gonna require the whole squad. "I think once the culture is good, the environment becomes good, and then a lot of things just come into place that way. "Something that we emphasise during our team builder is that we need to become better human beings, and better human beings create a really strong culture. I hope whatever we've learned and picked up from the team builder pertaining to our why as a team and the objectives that we want to achieve, helps us to realise how strong we can be in world cricket. "Hopefully, you know by the time we get to the World Cup, more than half of those things will be taken care of."
IOL News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A perfect Storm
Storm Gulzar, a six-week-old Siberian Husky rusn on the charm to win July's pet of the month competition Image: Supplied Staff Reporter Meet our July winner and finalists in the Independent on Saturday's May Pet of the Month competition. This month winner is Storm a six-week-old Siberian Husky from Clare Estate, who narrowly beat his litter mate Koda to the title. Storm's mum said: "Storm is full of mischief and tiny howls. He brings endless energy to every moment. A cuddle bug at heart, his bright eyes already sparkle with adventure." Storm wins an exciting new prize open to all pet winners this year – an exclusive photoshoot from pet photographer Tilanie Grote worth R1 500. How to enter: Snap a photo of your pet showing its unique personality, with a sentence telling us why he or she is so special to you. Please review your picture regarding focus, cropping, extraneous backgrounds etc. Add your name, your pet's name, breed, age and the area you live in. Email it to 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 ✕ Ad loading Supplied Litter mate Koda Gulzar, 6 weeks, another Siberian Husky puppy from Clare Estate. Image: supplied Playing with a favourite toy is Doodoos, a three-year-old mixed breed from .Umhlanga. Image: Suplie Prize: Winners will receive a photoshoot from pet photographer Tilanie Grote worth R1 500. Competition rules: The competition is open to all pets and only one picture may be submitted. Employees of Independent Media, the sponsor, their advertising agencies and their immediate families may not enter. The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered next Pet of the Month feature will be published on August 30. Entries close on August 25 at noon. The competition will run until February 2026. An independent panel of judges will select the Pet of the Month. Because of space constraints, not all pictures will be published in the newspaper. However, every pet will be considered and all entries will be published on our Facebook page. Kiko, a 10-week-old cocker spaniel from Ballito is daddy's darling. Image: Supplied Trinity, 8, an English Bullterrier from Isipingo. Image: Supplied Danger, 6, is a Rottweiler from Merebank. Image: Supplied Lulu, 18 months, is a Boston Terrier from Reservoir Hills. Image: Supplied Skylar, 1, is an African Grey parrot from Malvern. Image: Supplied Bella, an 8-year-old cross breed from Phoenix. Image: supplied Lola, 7 months, cross between Boer bull and Husky, Phoenix Image: supplied Codi, 8, Cross Boerbul and Labrador, Durban North Image: Supplied
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
SANDF Soldier Killed by Elephants While on Limpopo Border Patrol
indications show that Private Raynard was fatally injured by elephants while performing his duties. 'His service weapon was recovered at the scene Image: Thobile Mathonsi/Independent Media A soldier from the South African National Defence Force tragically died after being trampled by a herd of elephants during a routine patrol near the Zimbabwe border in Limpopo. Private X. Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, was found dead late on Sunday, July 27, 2025, close to the Madimbo Operational Base. Private Raynard was serving under Operation Corona, a national initiative focused on securing South Africa's borders and fighting cross-border crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking. The operation involves soldiers patrolling remote and challenging areas, often dealing with harsh weather conditions, rough terrain, and the threat of wild animals. Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, spokesperson for the SANDF, confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident. He said early indications show that Private Raynard was fatally injured by elephants while performing his duties. 'His service weapon was recovered at the scene,' Tshabalala noted. The incident is currently under thorough investigation by SANDF officials working alongside environmental and wildlife experts to determine exactly what happened. A formal board of inquiry has been set up to look into the matter. 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 ✕ The Madimbo area, where the tragedy occurred, is a known wildlife habitat located near the border with Zimbabwe. It is a strategic location for border patrols due to its history of illegal crossings and other criminal activity. However, the presence of wild animals, including elephants, adds a dangerous and unpredictable element to the work of soldiers stationed there. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Private Raynard. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Private Raynard,' she said. 'He gave his life in service to the country, and we honour his sacrifice.' General Rudzani Maphwanywa, Chief of the SANDF, also paid tribute to the soldier's commitment and bravery. 'Private Raynard served with dedication and courage. We mourn his passing and stand with his loved ones during this difficult time,' said Maphwanywa. The soldier's next of kin, who live in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, have been formally informed of his death. The SANDF is providing support and counselling to the family and the members of the unit affected by this tragedy. Operation Corona is one of South Africa's key efforts to protect its borders. It aims to prevent illegal entry, smuggling, and other criminal activities that threaten national security. Soldiers deployed in this mission face not only human threats but also the natural dangers posed by wildlife and the environment. 'The risks taken by members of the SANDF in securing our borders are significant,' said Tshabalala. 'Private Raynard's death is a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by our men and women in uniform. We salute his courage and commitment to protecting the nation.' As investigations continue, the SANDF is committed to learning from this incident to improve safety for soldiers working in similar high-risk environments. The loss of Private Raynard is a solemn moment for the Defence Force and the country, highlighting the harsh realities faced by those who guard South Africa's borders.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Is FlySafair's ‘fair' shift proposal for real? Put it in writing, Solidarity demands, as talks resume
FlySafair continues to operate a reduced schedule as the strike drags on. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Media Negotiations between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing its striking pilots, were set to resume on Wednesday afternoon, with the airline's controversial shift scheduling system still leading the agenda. There appears to be a level of miscommunication between the parties following FlySafair's latest statement to the media, issued on Wednesday morning. The low-cost carrier said its pilots were indeed guaranteed rest weekends in the new shift schedule, and that pilots had access to the schedule. However, in a statement released later on Wednesday, Solidarity said this was 'new information' that had never been mentioned during the previous negotiations. The union's deputy general secretary, Helgard Cronjé, said there was no valid reason why FlySafair should not agree in writing to the pilots' demands regarding the shift schedule. 'The request for a three-day weekend in a five-week cycle cannot be accommodated by their system's algorithm, according to FlySafair. Such a shift schedule was among our conditions that were rejected. Yet some of our proposals are already being accommodated and used in the very system,' Cronjé said. 'Our request is simply this: put the agreement in writing so that the pilots can hold the company to it'. He claimed that FlySafair was refusing to put these provisions in writing, describing them as 'soft' rules that the company could change as it sees fit. ALSO READ: 'Is it too much to request a single weekend with our family?': Flysafair pilots issue open letter amid strike FlySafair said its most recent settlement proposal, which was rejected by the union, was designed to empower the pilot body to shape its own roster rules through an independently chaired committee. Solidarity stated that it is accepted practice in South African labour law for an employee's terms of employment, including working hours, to be stipulated in an employment contract. 'It's simple. Take these rules that are already being implemented and let's put them in an agreement so that pilots can enjoy the same protection as other employees,' Cronjé added. 'Instead, the company's conditions on which they were prepared to give the pilots a vote on a committee were that the pilots would first have to give up their right to strike on the issue. Furthermore, the committee will also have no powers to enforce recommendations'. 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 ✕ Ad loading Solidarity believes that pilots would be signing away their only constitutional right, while the company retains its full powers to implement decisions. 'The company's argument is that we are seeking operational control (on behalf of the pilots). An agreement in which they have a say on shifts protects a basic right and is certainly not a takeover of operational control,' Cronjé explained. 'It rather serves as protection for an employee so that an employer's powers are limited to its business interests and so that it does not control the employee's life'. In its statement released on Wednesday, FlySafair said it was committed to reaching an outcome that protects the long-term health of the business and supports the well-being of all its employees. The pilot strike is now in its second week, with no resolution in sight. Over the weekend, Solidarity said FlySafair's offer of a 5.7% pay increase was largely acceptable, but the rostering system remained a point of contention. An open letter from the pilots, issued on Tuesday - read the full statement here - raised concerns over safety, fatigue, and a culture of intimidation at the airline. Pilots have been asking for fairer working conditions and at least one guaranteed weekend off per month. 'Let us be clear: this strike is not about greed. It is about dignity. It is about safety. It is about fairness. It is about being heard,' the letter declared. Although FlySafair claims its pilots average 63 flight hours per month, Solidarity countered that many line pilots fly 85 to over 100 hours monthly. Amid the strike, FlySafair said it continues to operate a 'stable but reduced' flight schedule, with more pilots returning to duty each day. IOL Business
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Life sentence for Boschfontein man who raped nine-year-old girl
Lazarus Manzini, 46, who had lured his nine-year-old victim threatened the girl to not tell anybody about the incident. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media A child rapist will serve life behind bars after being sentenced in the Boschfontein Regional Court this week. Lazarus Manzini, 46, who had lured his nine-year-old victim when she enquired about the whereabouts of her grandmother, threatened the girl not to tell anybody about the incident. Despite his attempts to cover his detestable deed, a vigilant neighbour noticed the girl was struggling to walk and appeared distressed while she was playing with a group of friends, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa. The victim was living with her grandmother in Boschfontein at the time of the incident. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Throughout the trial, the man maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty. 'On 5 November 2021, the victim was walking home from playing with friends when she encountered Manzini. He deceived her by claiming her grandmother had gone to a nearby butchery to buy meat. Unable to find her grandmother there, she returned home, where Manzini grabbed her, dragged her to his house, and raped her. He then threatened her not to tell anyone. 'The following day, while playing with friends, another neighbour noticed the victim struggling to walk and appearing distressed. Upon inspection, the neighbour found her bleeding and, after questioning, learned of the rape, identifying Manzini as the perpetrator,' said Nyuswa. The grandmother was informed, and the victim was taken to the Tonga Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical examination and psychosocial support. The police were notified, leading to Manzini's arrest. In court, Manzini pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. However, Nyuswa stated that the State prosecutor Joshua Sibeko presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony (facilitated through intermediary services to minimise trauma), as well as testimonies from the grandmother and neighbour. 'A J88 medical report confirmed the injuries. The court found the State's witnesses credible and dismissed Manzini's defence as implausible. In aggravation, Sibeko argued that Manzini, as a neighbour, was expected to protect the victim, not violate her, and urged the court to impose the prescribed life sentence. '(Sibeko) submitted a Victim Impact Statement, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lizzy Mhlongo, which detailed the victim's psychological trauma, enduring fear, and declining school performance.' The court, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, sentenced Manzini to life imprisonment, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and ordered his name added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. Nyuswa said the NPA welcomed the sentence, reaffirming its dedication to justice for gender-based violence victims and building safer communities. 'This ruling sends a clear message that sexual violence against children will face the full force of the law, and the NPA remains resolute in its pursuit of justice,' said Nyuswa.
