Latest news with #KwaZulu-Natal-based
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Vuma FM clarifies Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract termination claims
According to Vuma FM, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract was coming to an end. The station says line-up changes are based on internal, annual evaluation and not influenced by any external party. Vuma FM has come out fighting following claims it terminated Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract due to her links with the March on March movement. In a short statement on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal-based radio station 'set the record straight' explaining that Ngobese-Zuma was not dismissed but rather that, as an independent contractor, her contract had reached its natural conclusion. "All of our presenter contracts are subject to annual renewal at the station's discretion, a standard practice in our industry. "Vuma FM made the line-up based on internal, annual evaluation and not influenced by any external party," the radio station said. It further thanked Ngobese-Zuma for her contribution to the station and wished her well in the future.
The South African
15-07-2025
- General
- The South African
Python on the M19: Dramatic rescue scares South Africans
A routine snake sighting call turned into an incredible wildlife encounter when renowned KwaZulu-Natal-based snake rescuer Nick Evans came face-to-face with a African rock python near the M19 highway in New Germany, stunning residents and social media followers alike. Initially sceptical about the reported species, Evans was surprised upon arrival to find a 3.3 to 3.5-metre-long python basking in the sun – a rare sight in this urban area. 'I didn't expect to find a python here. It's not typical of the area,' Evans said. What followed was a dramatic rescue. As Evans cautiously approached, the powerful snake sprang into action, forcing him to grab it by the tail to prevent it from disappearing into the bush. With the assistance of his colleague Joseph, the duo managed to restrain the snake safely. Evans suspects the python did not come from the nearby New Germany Nature Reserve, speculating that it may have hitched a ride on a truck and ended up near the highway. Following the successful rescue, the python was released into a safe, undisclosed location. Evans expressed gratitude for the swift assistance from the local municipality and emphasised the importance of public cooperation and awareness when it comes to snake sightings. 'This is why trained rescuers are crucial. Without care and experience, situations like this could end tragically – for the snake or people,' he added. This dramatic rescue not only highlighted the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions in urban settings, but also served as a reminder of the value of conservation efforts and wildlife education in South Africa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Richards Bay chairman quashes interference claims: We only care about results
Richards Bay chairman Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela has rubbished rumours of management meddling, insisting his only priority is the club's success. Photo: Backpagepix Image: BackpagePix Richards Bay chairman Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela has moved to quash ongoing speculation about alleged interference in team selection at the KwaZulu-Natal-based club, insisting that management is only interested in results, not control. The outspoken club boss was addressing media at the unveiling of the club's new signings ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign when he took the opportunity to speak on a narrative that has long followed not only Richards Bay, but several clubs in the league. Biyela's comments come after a turbulent three-year spell in the top flight that has seen the Natal Rich Boyz rotate through a carousel of coaches. ✍️ Richards Bay FC new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season: Mhango Mtshali Zuke Mangolo Vilakazi Nzama 7. Sboniso Madonsela Khumalo Mahala Nombengula Mbambo — Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) July 8, 2025 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. 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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 ✕ Since their promotion, the likes of Pitso Dladla, Vasili Manousakis, Kaitano Tembo, Vusumuzi Vilakazi and Brandon Truter have all had stints either as head coaches or in co-coaching capacities. In the wake of these changes, murmurs — sometimes from the coaches themselves — suggested that Biyela and the management team may have had a hand in dictating player selections and matchday tactics. But Biyela dismissed those claims as baseless, describing them as a convenient excuse often used when results go south. 'We work very well with our current coaches, but there's a trend of assumption — not just at our club but across the league — that whenever a team loses, then there's interference from management,' Biyela explained, in Zulu. 'Who would want to interfere and influence his own team to lose? "If the coach has a good plan, why would I want to come in and change that? "Which chairman would do that in their right mind?' 🏆 𝐊𝐙𝐍 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – Fixture Confirmed✅️ 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗖 will take on Midlands Wanderers FC in the first Semi-final 🏟 Umhlathuze Sports Stadium 📅 Sunday, 27 July 2025 ⌚ 09:00 AM ⚽ Richards Bay FC vs Midlands Wanderers FC — Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) July 8, 2025 Biyela was visibly frustrated at the perception that management meddling was a routine issue and questioned the logic behind such claims, especially when coaches are praised during winning spells but question motives when results turn. 'The only thing we need is results,' he added. 'There's no power struggle at our club just because the chairman wants to exert his authority. It doesn't work that way.' He continued: 'You never hear about 'interference' when a coach is winning matches. These things only come up when there's a losing streak. Then suddenly there's interference.' Richards Bay, now under the continued guidance of co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, are preparing for their fourth season in the Betway Premiership. The club enjoyed their best finish yet in 2024/25, ending eighth and qualifying for the MTN8 — a testament to the stability that management insists they are trying to foster. While Biyela admits results remain the primary focus, he also emphasised the importance of mutual respect between the boardroom and the technical team. He said his role is to empower coaches with the tools and resources to succeed, not dictate how they use them. With new signings in place and home games set to return to the revamped Mhlathuze Sports Complex, Richards Bay are hopeful of continuing their upward trajectory — and putting the interference rumours firmly to bed.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Hollywoodbets Durban July: And then there were 27
The race for the coveted Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 title has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur, leaving only 27 contenders still in the hunt for a spot in the R5 million Grade 1 event at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 6 July. The final field will comprise a maximum of 18 runners plus two reserves. Legend Of Arthur, trained by Sean Tarry and previously seen as a strong Durban July hopeful, was scratched due to a medical issue. The three-year-old was set to be the backup ride for champion South African jockey Richard Fourie. This latest development leaves Tarry, a two-time Durban July-winning trainer (with Pomodoro in 2012 and Heavy Metal in 2013), with just one possible runner in the shape of Litigation. All eyes are now on Justin Snaith's highly regarded colt Eight On Eighteen, whose participation remains uncertain. Conflicting reports have circulated in recent days regarding his fitness and intended entry. Monday, 23 June : Final declarations deadline : Final declarations deadline Tuesday, 24 June at 11:00 : Final field announcement and barrier draw live on Gallop TV : Final field announcement and Thursday, 26 June at 07:00 : Public gallops for KwaZulu-Natal-based horses at Hollywoodbets Greyville Gates open at 06:30 Free coffee and pastries available for attendees : for KwaZulu-Natal-based horses at As the excitement builds, racing fans are bracing for what promises to be another thrilling edition of South Africa's most iconic horse race. Horses remaining in contention for Hollywoodbets Durban July Horse MR Trainer Future Swing 117 Justin Snaith Immediate Edge 108 Mike / Mathew de Kock Purple Pitcher 122 Robyn Klaasen Rainbow Lorikeet 111 Candice Bass-Robinson Underworld 109 Justin Snaith Son Of Raj 119 Tony Peter The Equator (IRE) 110 Tony Peter Atticus Finch 121 Alec Laird Madison Valley 115 Frank Robinson Eight On Eighteen 129 Justin Snaith On My Honour 116 Glen Kotzen Magic Verse 113 Justin Snaith Selukwe 111 Andre Nel Confederate 118 Fabian Habib Royal Victory 125 Nathan Kotzen Beating Wings 113 Stuart Pettigrew Okavango 120 Justin Snaith Gladatorian 127 Stuart Ferrie Litigation 113 Sean Tarry Oriental Charm 127 James Crawford Pomodoro's Jet 118 James Crawford Holding Thumbs 107 Glen Kotzen Thunee Playa 104 Mano Pandaram See It Again 127 Michael Roberts Native Ruler 119 Justin Snaith My Best Shot 116 Alan Greeff The Real Prince 120 Dean Kannemeyer Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PSL transfer news: Mbesuma, Mbule, Mofokeng, Moremi, Rulani
Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs are preparing for the transfer window to open in the coming weeks. The Betway Premiership might have ended but expect more player movement from now until mid-September. While champions Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will look to capitalise and bring in top players to challenge for top honours. Last year, Amakhosi was the busiest PSL team in the transfer window, bringing in seven players before adding three more in the January period. Under Nasreddine Nabi, the Soweto giants won the Nedbank Cup but failed to improve in the league. Collins Mbesuma, who played for Amakhosi in the mid-2000s, has offered his services to his former club. 'A PSL club? Of course, Khosi for Life. At my peak, I could be solving their current goal-scoring crisis. I'm a striker's coach, you know, so I'm available to help any team,' Mbesuma told KickOff . The midfielder was been linked with Amakhosi for several weeks, having reportedly parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns. His agent, Mike Makaab revealed he offered the ex-Richards Bay midfielder to Amakhosi 'Let me set the record straight. Sipho Mbule has been offered to Kaizer Chiefs,' the agent admitted on X. 'It is up to the club to make the decision and we need to respect that decision.' Another player on the move is AmaZulu winger Tshepang Moremi. According to Soccer Laduma , the Buccaneers had secured a three-year deal with the KwaZulu-Natal-based talent. 'We can say that this Orlando Pirates and Moremi deal is as good as done,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . Yes, it's believed that Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs were also interested in him, but Pirates have won this race. It's as good as done at the moment,' the insider added. Another coach who could rejoin Orlando Pirates is Rulani Mokwena. With Jose Riveiro with Al Ahly, Mokwena is amongst the favourites to take over from the Spaniard. The 37-year-old has a short, unsuccessful stint with Tunisian giants Wydad Casablanca. Orlando Pirates will be the PSL team to watch this transfer period, having already released several players. One top player set to leave for Europe is Relebohile Mofokeng. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
