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The South African
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
SA engineers detained in Equatorial Guinea back home
The families of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham have confirmed that the two South African engineers, who had been unlawfully detained in Equatorial Guinea since 9 February 2023, have been released and are safely home on South African soil. A family statement mentioned that their release follows a pardon from the President of Equatorial Guinea – for which the families are extremely grateful. This brings an end to a harrowing ordeal of anguish, uncertainty, and unwavering efforts by many to secure their freedom. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. In July 2024, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that their imprisonment was arbitrary, unlawful, and in breach of multiple international human rights obligations. The UN also, at the time, called for their immediate release. 'We are overwhelmed with relief and joy. The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both of our families. Today, we are finally able to say: Frik and Peter are safely back home,' said family spokespersons Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini. The families expressed their deepest appreciation to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including Potgieter and Huxham's employer (SBM Offshore), the South African and UK governments, international diplomatic partners, parliamentarians, legal teams, Hostage International and other civil society organisations, and the media. They are also grateful to former Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor, and the current Minister, Ronald Lamola, who visited Equatorial Guinea as envoys for the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. They also thanked the tens of thousands of individuals worldwide who signed petitions, supported media advocacy, offered emotional support and prayed for their safe return. 'Their return home is the result of collective efforts over many, many months, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in securing their freedom. 'This has been a long and difficult journey. We want to thank every person who stood with us; your support carried us through our darkest moments. We now respectfully ask for privacy and space as Frik, Peter and their families begin the journey of healing,' the families said. Post your 'welcome home' messages below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending 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
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Cyril Ramaphosa hails Proteas after World Test Championship win
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Proteas on their historic victory in the ICC World Test Championship final, after a five-wicket win over Australia at Lord's on Saturday. South Africa beat Australia on the fourth day, through a superb team effort at the home of cricket. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. 'Your win is a major boost for cricket in South Africa, and you have inspired a new generation of cricketers. I call on the nation to come and greet the cricket world champions when they arrive back in the country this week,' the President said in a statement. The President described the win as being built around excellent performances by the batsmen in the second innings. Aiden Markram scored 136 while captain Temba Bavuma added an invaluable 66 runs. Their match-winning partnership was pivotal in the team's success. The bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, also kept the pressure on the Australian batsmen and never allowed them to dominate. 'Coach Shukri Conrad, captain Bavuma and the team have done South Africa proud. They started the match as underdogs but that indomitable spirit, that is a characteristic of our nation, carried the team through. The Proteas underlined the importance of being focused on the field and triumphed,' Cyril Ramaphosa concluded. Leaving a comment below, or sending 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
13-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
SARS issues warning as 2025 tax season looms
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has urged taxpayers to verify and update their banking and contact details ahead of the 2025 tax season, warning that incorrect information could delay refunds or result in missed communications. SARS will begin rolling out auto-assessments from Monday, 7 July, meaning taxpayers have until Sunday, 6 July to ensure their details are current for a hassle-free filing experience. The move is part of SARS's continued drive to streamline the tax process, with many individuals expected to receive auto-assessments – pre-completed tax assessments based on data from employers, banks, and medical schemes. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Taxpayers can check and update their information on by: Logging into their eFiling account Clicking on 'SARS Registered Details' Selecting 'Maintain SARS Registered Details' Choosing which section to update (e.g. bank accounts, email addresses, mobile numbers) Clicking 'Done', then 'Submit' to save changes Failing to submit after updating will result in changes not being registered in the system. No action required if you agree with the auto-assessment. Refunds will be processed automatically if banking details are correct. with the auto-assessment. Refunds will be processed automatically if banking details are correct. Incorrect banking details will result in refund failures. Affected taxpayers will need to manually correct their details and follow up with SARS. will result in refund failures. Affected taxpayers will need to manually correct their details and follow up with SARS. SARS will send notifications via SMS or email to inform taxpayers when their assessments are ready. Taxpayers are advised to wait for this notice before logging into eFiling or the MobiApp. to inform taxpayers when their assessments are ready. Taxpayers are advised to before logging into eFiling or the MobiApp. If a refund is due and banking details are up to date, it will be paid within approximately 72 hours of the assessment. of the assessment. If you disagree with the assessment, you will need to complete and file a tax return manually via eFiling or the MobiApp before the due date indicated. SARS has fully transitioned to digital communication, meaning all critical correspondence will be delivered via email or SMS. This includes: Audit notifications Payment reminders Requests for documentation Dispute outcomes Penalty notices Missing such notices could result in penalties, enforcement actions, or non-compliance flags – which can affect future tax filings and SARS interactions. 'Taxpayers don't need to call or visit our branches. Most issues, including disputes, can be resolved online,' SARS emphasised in a statement. Taxpayers are advised to ensure that they have regular access to their SARS eFiling account or MobiApp and that their registered representative details are also current, particularly for business entities. 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
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
ICC World Test Championship final to wrap up TODAY
Australia captain Pat Cummins said the World Test Championship final against South Africa was a good advertisement for Test cricket despite hurtling towards a likely finish within three days. An astounding 28 wickets fell across the first two days at Lord's. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Fast bowler Cummins played his part by taking a superb 6-28 on Thursday's second day to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets. But as batsmen on both sides struggled for runs, an eighth-wicket partnership of 61 between Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out) enabled reigning champions Australia to reach stumps on 144-8 in their second innings, a lead of 218 with two wickets standing. 'It's set up pretty well,' Cummins told reporters. 'The mood in the changing room is pretty positive. It was a great partnership and a good way to end the day.' Asked whether the bowlers' dominance detracted from the occasion of a championship final, Cummins replied: 'After two days it's pretty close to 50-50. 'It's a pretty good Test match. Some blokes have got themselves in and looked comfortable out there, but a lot of other guys haven't.' Cummins said the rapid progress of the match was down to a combination of a tricky pitch and good bowling. 'Both teams have bowled really well, really disciplined,' he said. 'There haven't been many half-volleys.' The 32-year-old, appearing in his 68th Test, added: 'The trend of the game is that the runs are coming down. It's still pretty difficult out there, but we will have to bowl well tomorrow (Friday).' Cummins was outstanding as South Africa were dismissed for 138, giving Australia a 74-run lead on first innings, with the skipper especially devastating in a potent post-lunch burst of 4-1 in 17 balls. His return on Thursday took Cummins to exactly 300 Test wickets – something he described as 'pretty cool' – at a miserly average of 22.08. Cummins, just the eighth Australia bowler to reach the landmark, added: 'There's not too many on that list. It's something I've always thought about. 'It's a pretty good sign of durability and longevity.' South Africa's David Bedingham made 45 against Australia in the WTC final at Lord's © Glyn KIRK / AFP David Bedingham, who top-scored for South Africa with 45, agreed with Cummins about the standard of bowling. 'It's a fairly tricky pitch, but I think when you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch it obviously makes batting tough.' Nevertheless, Bedingham said South Africa remained confident of a successful run chase, even though their target will be signficantly higher than their first-innings total. 'It is an amazing chance and we are very excited about the opportunity to win,' he said, with South Africa bidding for their first major global title in 28 years. 'It could go either way but there is a lot of belief. 'I think the pitch is slowing down a bit and maybe in the fourth innings it will go a bit straighter. Hopefully, we can get those runs.' 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. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
The South African
12-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Netflix hikes package prices: How much you will now pay
Netflix subscribers are facing higher monthly bills as the global streaming giant implements price increases from June. Image: Netflix South African Netflix subscribers are facing higher monthly bills as the global streaming giant implements price increases across three of its four subscription tiers. The changes, which began rolling out in May 2025, are now in full effect for most users. The new pricing structure sees increases to the Mobile, Standard, and Premium plans, while the Basic plan remains unchanged. This marks Netflix's second price hike in South Africa since its 2016 launch. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. New Netflix South Africa pricing: Mobile : R59/month (up from R49) – +20% : R59/month (up from R49) – Standard : R179/month (up from R159) – +13% : R179/month (up from R159) – Premium : R229/month (up from R199) – +15% : R229/month (up from R199) – Basic: Remains at R99/month Subscribers were notified via email and in-app messages depending on their billing cycles, with the updated prices applying from their next payment date in June. While Netflix has not released an official media statement regarding the change, a note on its website reads: 'Plans and pricing may change as we continue to improve our service and add more TV shows and movies. Adjustments can also happen in response to local market changes, such as changes to local taxes or inflation.' The price hikes come at a time when South African consumers are increasingly sensitive to cost-of-living pressures, with many streaming platforms competing for attention in a saturated market. MultiChoice also upped prices Earlier this year, MultiChoice implemented its own price and product adjustments for DStv and Showmax, signaling a broader industry trend of rising subscription costs as content providers invest more in technology, content rights, and user experience. The unchanged Basic plan offers some relief to budget-conscious subscribers, while the Mobile plan -aimed at single-device viewers – is still Netflix's most affordable option, albeit now 20% more expensive than before. 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.
