Latest news with #Lani
Eyewitness News
26-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Mchunu says no sight of letter from fake doctor Lani demanding R2m payout over 'unlawful arrest'
JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he hasn't had sight of a letter from controversial social media content creator Matthew Lani demanding a R2-million payout for what he says was his unlawful arrest. Lani was arrested at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, in October 2023, following a social media frenzy about his qualifications. He made headlines for parading as a medical doctor, giving unsolicited medical advice on TikTok. Wits University dismissed claims he was a graduate at the institution's medical school, while the health department confirmed he hadn't completed matric. Publication, City Press says a letter of demand dated 21 May has been served by Matthew Lani's lawyers to Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu. According to the publication, the demand for the money is listed as compensation for damages for his alleged assault and what Lani believes was an unlawful arrest. The letter was also directed at national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, giving them both 30 days to respond. Mchunu addressed the reports while on 702's Nguni programme, Siyaxoxa ku-702 . 'It may be that the letter has arrived at my office and has been referred. It has to through a number of internal processes, including being submitted to the legal department, before it arrives in my hands. It may be that the office has received it. I will deal with it once it has landed on my desk.' Last year, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided not to prosecute Lani for impersonating a medical doctor, citing a lack of evidence.
ABC News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Young female footy players pulled from Eyre Peninsula boys' Aussie rules competition
One of the nation's best female under 16 footballers has been stopped from playing the game she loves because she is a girl. Lani Cocks, 15, had just won best on ground at her match last Saturday when she was told she would no longer be allowed to play in the Tumby Bay Under 16s, which she was the vice-captain of. Lani has been playing football in the boys' competition since she was seven and was recently been awarded Most Valued Player (MVP) at But according to official AFL rules and modified South Australian rules, she and other 15-year-old girls — and some 14-year-olds — can no longer play in the boys' competition. Lani Cocks, pictured with Crows player Anne Hatchard, was named MVP at recent development competition. ( Supplied: Kyran Cocks ) There is growing anger among many country football clubs across the Eyre Peninsula where Lani plays, who say the South Australian National Football League's (SANFL) policy ruling was not communicated to them prior to the season's start. The ABC understands the news was delivered to some girls mid-match last week, while others learnt after the final siren of the first game of the season. It came despite the girls already being paid up to play for the whole season with the boys' competition. It is a bitter pill to swallow for Lani and the other girls, who had hoped to finish the year with their male teammates as top-aged players. Lani Cocks in action for the Bostons women's team in the Port Lincoln Football League competition. ( Supplied: Karen Hancock ) "It was pretty upsetting coming off a high playing at a state level and then coming back excited to play with the boys again and then being told afterwards I couldn't play," Lani said. " It's really disappointing, I feel like I've had something taken away from me that I'm really passionate about. " Ruling 'handled very poorly' Aussie rules leagues across the Eyre Peninsula say the SANFL's ruling regarding girls was not communicated prior to the start of the 2025 season. While players like Lani from the Great Flinders Football League (GFFL) were allowed to pay up to play with the boys, another three 15-year-old girls from the Western Eyre Football League (WEFL) had their permits denied by the SANFL. Cummins Ramblers Under 16s coach and former AFL Crows player Robert Shirley said he was only told this week 15-year-old girls could not play. Robert Shirley is disappointed his daughter cannot play in the Under 16 boys' team he coaches. ( Supplied ) "Girls were able to register and pay without a problem up until round one, so why didn't the SANFL pick up on anything about it happening until now?" he said. " [It] has been handled very poorly and the ruling itself, I completely disagree with. " The ruling means Mr Shirley's team is now two players short, after a 14-year-old girl and his own 15-year-old daughter learnt they could not play, despite being allowed to register by the SANFL. Mr Shirley said he had been looking forward to coaching his daughter Annabelle in her last season of Under 16s. He was also concerned about what the loss of players would mean for country teams already struggling for numbers and volunteers. Lani Cocks playing for Tumby Bay in the Great Flinders Football League Under 16s. ( Supplied: Kyran Cocks ) While there is an Aussie rules women's competition on the Eyre Peninsula, it does not run over winter when the sport is traditionally played. Outside of South Australia, official AFL policy excludes females who reach 14 years of age from playing in any competition that is not a "female competition". Eyre Peninsula SANFL community operations manager Richard Murphy said the rules came from the AFL level, but the SANFL had incorporated an extra year exemption for its leagues. He said the policy was not new and was "ultimately there to protect players for their safety and insurance reasons". The SANFL's exemption only allowed girls who were 14 to apply for a permit to play Under 16s, and for one year only, he said. Scientific argument Western Sydney University senior lecturer and interdisciplinary gender equity scholar Michael O'Shea questioned the scientific argument behind not insuring a 15-year-old girl over a 13 or 14-year-old girl. "Just because a boy is 16 doesn't mean that his skill level is as good or better; it doesn't mean that his playing history is the same or better; it doesn't necessarily mean that his growth stage is any different to her's nor [his] cognitive skill development or overall fitness, so it's challenging that discourse as well," Dr O'Shea said. "And the science is saying that age and gender aren't the only considerations. "There is actually some interesting research emerging that talks about how age and gender aren't the best indicators and that it's actually significant both for males and female athletes to potentially play among a different cohort be that gender or age." Annabel Shirley can no longer play with the boys in the Great Flinders Football League Under 16s competition. ( ABC Eyre Peninsula: Emma Pedler ) SANFL manager Matt Duldig said there was a commitment to creating opportunities across South Australia for female footballers, but it did not mean they could play with boys if there was reasonable access to a girls' or women's competition. "In the Eyre Peninsula region, there is a thriving Port Lincoln Women's Football League with senior and under-age competitions in which a number of girls now seeking exemptions have played in throughout the 2025 season," he said. "Exemptions are approved by the affiliated league of the player on a case-by-case basis, with the main consideration being whether there is an appropriate all-girls competition played within a reasonable distance that players can participate in. "Other considerations include the player's age, skill level and physical capability."
Forbes
20-03-2025
- Forbes
Fairmont Kea Lani: A Lush Retreat On Maui's Postcard-Perfect Polo Beach
Fairmont Kea Lani and Polo Beach Sweeping views of the gardens, pools, and ocean from the resort lobby It doesn't take long to fall in love with Fairmont Kea Lani resort in Wailea. From the moment you arrive at the capacious open-air lobby with gleaming stone floors, romantic archways and domed ceilings, lush gardens, and peaceful waterfalls, the resort's many charms are on full display. Then, you see the jaw-dropping views of Polo Beach, the glittering ocean, mesmerizing mountains, and postcard-perfect volcanic islands just across the way. Here's what to know about this destination-worthy Wailea hotel — the only all-suite and villa luxury resort in Hawaii — before you book your trip to Maui. Lobby The Fairmont Kea Lani opened in 1991 as Hawaii's only all-suite and villa luxury resort — a title that it's held ever since. The resort got a substantial makeover in 2024, with newly designed accommodations and refreshed communal spaces. Fairmont Kea Lani resort on Maui The newly-opened Pilina bar & lounge at sunset The resort boasts an enviable spot in the luxe resort community of Wailea, about a 30-minute drive from Kahului Airport. From the main building, the resort slopes down past lush gardens and swimming pools to Polo Beach, a secluded 600-foot stretch of white sand protected by black lava rock formations on both ends. (From the beach you can walk the easy path along the dramatic and stunning coastline, strolling past the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, and Kea Lani's other high-end neighbors.) Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani The resort's suites and villas, pools, restaurants, and lounges are all positioned to maximize its incredible views of the surrounding mountains and pristine coastline. The small islands of Kaho'olawe, and Molokini — the crescent-shaped volcanic crater that's a great destination for snorkeling — dot the horizon. (You can talk to the hotel about booking a half-day cruise to the famous marine preserve.) Lower pool at sunset Oceanview villa Stand-up paddleboarding is just one of the watersport options available on site Sunrise at Maui's Fairmont Kea Lani Kō restaurant Villa private lanai and plunge pool Villa bathroom Kea Lani translates to 'heavenly white' in Hawaiian, and that describes the resort's architecture and decór too. The light and bright contemporary spaces have a Hawaiian coastal chic vibe that showcases the vibrant and showy flora just outside, and panoramic views of the sparkling ocean, surrounding mountains, and neighboring islands. King suite Suite living room Ocean views from a King suite lanai The bright and airy suites range from a roomy 860 to 1,100 square feet. With comfy living areas with bistro tables, sumptuous marble bathrooms, and large private lanais with sweeping views of the ocean, mountain, or gardens, guests have ample room to spread out, relax, and really make themselves at home. Villa kitchen and dining area Views from an oceanfront villa Villa bedroom The ultra luxe 2-story villas, which can house a maximum of 6 to 8 guests, range from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet. The 2- and 3-bedroom villas come with lots of bells and whistles — from fully equipped kitchens to living rooms with top-of-the-line entertainment systems, sleek Italian marble bathrooms, and lush outdoor spaces with ocean views, private plunge pools, and grills — making them a great option for families with kids, and groups of friends or multi-generational families traveling together. Kō restaurant The sushi boat experience at Pilina The resort offers several options for dining and drinks throughout the day. Breakfast is served daily at Kea Lani Restaurant. AMA Bar & Grill offers casual lunches like salads, sandwiches, or Buddha bowls served on the lanai, or poolside. Nick's Fishmarket is the place for seafood and a stellar wine list with views of the vibrant gardens. But the best, most panoramic views of the stunning coastline are upstairs at Pilina bar & lounge and Kō restaurant. The sexy new lounge offers top-notch impeccably fresh (and extra beautiful) sushi, served alongside creative cocktails. Kō has received awards for its inventive regional Hawaiʻi cuisine like ahi with orange-ginger miso cooked on a hot lava rock, and the Paniolo bone-in ribeye with a Hawaiian rub, fern shoots, and a sweet potato croquette. If you need grab-and-go meals or snacks, the resort's MAKANA Market + Cafe is well-stocked with made-to-order smoothies and sandwiches throughout the day. It's also the perfect spot to pick up some edible souvenirs and other locally-made products before you head home. Spa massage cabana The spa features Hawaiian rain experience showers The sleek spa has indoor and outdoor cabana treatment rooms for massages, facials, and more services centered around traditional Hawaiian practices and locally sourced oils, herbs, and other products. Allow extra time before or after a treatment to take advantage of the men's and women's lounges, which have high-tech hydrotherapy options including steam rooms, saunas, and sleek Hawaiian rain experience showers. The fitness center, which has Technogym equipment, Peloton bikes, and lovely views of the grounds, is open 24 hours a day. Or, enjoy the scenery at golden hour with fitness classes like sunset yoga. Hawaiian canoe experience The resort participates in a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact. That includes solar panels that generate 20% of the resort's monthly energy, several water conservation programs, biodegradable food containers, and refillable water stations for guests throughout the resort in order to combat single-use plastics. 70 percent of the resort's produce (and 80 percent of its fish) is sourced locally. And in order to reduce food waste, the resort also donates hundreds of pounds of food to a local pig farm, and turns hundreds of gallons of cooking oil into biofuel, on a weekly basis. Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani / KORAY ERKAYA For more information or to book a stay, visit Fairmont Kea Lani.
