Latest news with #PortElizabeth
The Herald
11 hours ago
- General
- The Herald
Pearson snatch draw against Framesby
Pearson pulled off a thrilling draw against Framesby in the final minute when wing Siya Ncwadi sliced through the defence for an outstanding try next to the poles in their King Price Derby Series schools rugby clash at Framesby on Saturday. Despite the relatively easy nature of the conversion, the pressure was on Pearson fullback Keano Beling with time running out, but he nailed the kick to draw the scores level at 19-19. The drama, however, was not over because from the kickoff Framesby were awarded a penalty around the Pearson 10-metre line, five metres in from touch. However, the kick to win the match failed to find its mark and the teams had to settle for a stalemate. At Framesby, the home side were forced onto the defensive early on, conceding a scrum penalty in the second minute and allowing Pearson two shots at goal. Both of those missed, however, and it was Framesby who struck first when a bad error in Pearson's in-goal area saw flank Ethan Terblanche pounce on a loose ball to dot down. Jaiden Brewis added the conversion to make it 7-0. But Pearson had come to play and they soon spelt out their intentions when a brilliant backline move saw centre Sibu Mkhontwana surge through a gap to put away the irrepressible Denilo Jordaan for their first try. Soon after halftime, Framesby extended their lead when livewire wing Damian Witbooi darted past a couple of defenders to score next to the poles, with Brewis adding the conversion. But it was a game where nobody could really take control and Pearson's ability on attack was again shown when Jordaan was put into space for his second try, making it 14-12. Then came a crucial turnaround when, with the visitors pressing hard in the Framesby 22, the ball bobbled around from a pass, only to be collected by Witbooi, who showed extreme pace by running 80 metres for a try in the corner, chased all the way by Mkhontwana. The conversion failed, but Framesby had a cushion, only to be crushed by another spectacular attack for Ncwadi to become the Pearson hero. • In Makhanda, Graeme College seized the advantage after halftime when they crossed for three tries to transform their 22-21 halftime lead into a 43-42 victory. Graeme College built up a critical cushion in their clash with Nico Malan after a tightly contested first half. From a score of 22-21, the home team scored two tries to make it 36-21 and though Nico Malan hit back once, another try restored Graeme's 15-point advantage. That ultimately helped them secure the win because Nico Malan were not done and crossed for two tries in the last 10 minutes to close the gap to one point. Unfortunately for them, the referee blew for full time after their final try and there was no chance for them to try to snatch the win. For Graeme, the standout players included Lucritia Magau, Erin Nelson, Luke Doyle and Ayola Mali, while Waldo Krige and Neil Lategan each crossed for a brace of tries for Nico Malan and Leighton Lawrence kicked six conversions from six attempts. — Additional reporting by The Herald
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Forbes
The Ultimate Guide To South Africa Cruises
South Africa cruise with Azamara Cruises. E dging the sun-kissed shores of South Africa on a sumptuous voyage—where dwarfing mountains meet pristine beaches and rolling vineyards—is both a rebirthing and beguiling journey, even for the most seasoned of cruisers. Here, you'll sit at the epicenter of South Africa's most sought-after wildlife—from Africa's 'Big Five' to the endangered African penguin—but without the lofty planning usually needed to see these majestic creatures up close and personal, exploring lesser-visited game reserves far from the swathes of selfie-snapping tourists. Azamara Quest If you're looking for a way to explore South Africa more in-depth, among a group of well-traveled guests, with more time in ports (and even overnight stays), without compromising on luxury—Azamara is the cruise line for you. Destination immersion goes far beyond its well-curated excursions—from breath-taking safaris to sensory-tickling tastings at world-famous vineyards—with its renowned 'AzAmazing Evenings' (held once per voyage) offering an intimate slice of local culture. Imagine attending a glittering Xhosa Cultural Concert at the Feather Market Center in Port Elizabeth, where you'll gawp at Xhosa Warriors, Nguni stick-fighting, and graceful Grass Maidens as you hear the pulsating beat of the djembe drums and songs of the marimba players—and you're thinking in the right direction. Onboard, personal service is at the heart of the boutique cruise line—and you'll be surprised by just how quickly the crew will learn your name and remember your favorite aperitif—serving it to you, before you even order. You won't find any kids clubs or teen hangouts—but as the teens creep into their mid-20s, it becomes the perfect multi-gen holiday as millennials and their grandparents share a life-changing experience—exploring and immersing deeply into South African culture, together—and sharing a cosmopolitan or two up on deck at night. Azamara Quest Carrying just over 700 passengers, Azamara Quest is a chic, boutique cruise ship—serving as your home while exploring the sparkling shores of South Africa. Small enough to access lesser-known ports around the world, you won't find skydiving simulators, robot bartenders, or 10-story waterslides. Instead, you'll immerse yourself into a relaxed, floating country club—think cozy library lounges, boutique shops, sexy cocktail bars, expert-led talks, and a large crowd-gathering pool guarded by twin whirlpools, where mixologists waltz from behind the Pool Grill with platters of champagne. Here, you'll also join the famous once-a-cruise 'White Night'—a celebration under the stars, where you'll sit at white-clothed tables, all dressed in white, as the crew parade around with flags of the world, chefs prepare global cuisine, and traditional dancers step aboard for a blood-pumping performance. Wellness junkies will adore the Azamara Spa—complete with its private Sanctum Terrace with a bubbling salt water bath and powerful massage jets. Here, you can opt for Elemis volcanic stone and seaweed massages, BIOTEC 'Firm-a-Lift' facials, manicures, teeth whitening, and even acupuncture. But if you want to stay active during your voyage, join group classes like al fresco yoga, pilates, cycling, and core workouts—or make use of the ocean-view Fitness Center, with personal trainers and a dedicated Body Sculpt Boot Camp. You'll find 352 staterooms onboard Quest, from Interior Staterooms to World Owner's Suites—while its Ocean Suites are rich and jazzy, set across 734 square feet, boasting a sweeping wraparound balcony with twin sun loungers and al fresco furniture. Club Ocean Suite Spill into your spacious suite, and you'll find a cozy nook with a comfy sofa and armchairs (with a bottle of champagne waiting on your arrival) and a little dining table—perfect for hosting intimate dinner parties. Plus, a fully-stocked minibar with soft drinks, tonics, and premium beers—as well as four complimentary liter bottles of spirits (of your choice) from Gordon's London Dry Gin to Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky. A sliding door reveals a master bedroom with a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe, a writing desk, and a wingback queen-sized bed (adorned with nightly turndown treats) gazing out of a giant porthole as you sail by crimson sunrises and sunsets. Club Ocean Suite While its rich marble ensuite is virtually the size of a stateroom itself—with a deep soaking tub, a walk-in rainfall shower, and a nifty sliding door—cutting the bathroom in half—perfect for offering a private guest bathroom when hosting sunset soirees or champagne receptions. Staying in an Ocean Suite, you'll also be allocated your own personal butler. They'll serve you daily afternoon tea on your balcony as you snuggle up in fluffy Terry bathrobes—grazing on delicate finger sandwiches, decadent cakes, and fresh scones—and replenish your minibar with your favorite tipples. While 24-hour room service, shoe shine service, one free bag of laundry service per suite (every 7 days)—and complimentary wifi, specialty dining, and access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, complete a weighty list of suite-level perks. Azamara Butler Surf through seven restaurants, cafes, and lounges onboard Quest—starting your mornings at Windows Cafe, bright and elegant, known for its panoramic views and expansive buffet breakfast (plus an outdoor Sunset Bar at the back of Quest) serving global cuisine—while sometimes highlighting ingredients from your sailing's ports of call. Or, simply opt for a butler-served breakfast on your sun-kissed balcony, for the more discreet traveler. At night, Forbes readers will want to make the most of Aqualina and Prime C—two specialty restaurants onboard Quest. While the cuisine is certainly nothing subpar in Quest's main restaurant, Discoveries, choosing the specialty route makes for a more serene, intimate atmosphere. It is offered complimentary all voyage long for suite guests—feasting on gourmet Italian delights in Aqualina and some of the finest steaks at sea at Prime C. Afterward, you can head to Cabaret Lounge, a cabaret-style theater serving up musical revues, comedians, and classical solo performers—or catch a live band and nightly disco in The Living Room (also housing the Card Room for bridge lovers) and retire to The Drawing Room for a whiskey or two as a pianist tickles the ivories. The Cellars-Hohenort Embarking in Cape Town, a cosmopolitan city on the southwestern tip of South Africa—where gliding cable cars climb to the top of Table Mountain, and ferries sail for Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was held until 1982)—you can opt for a sumptuous pre-stay at the Cellars-Hohenort. Nestled in Constantia Valley, known as 'Cape Town's Vineyard' for its rolling vineyards and world-class wineries, the Cellars-Hohenort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World—with its roster of exclusive, intimate, ultra-lavish properties. Boasting just 51 elegant rooms and suites, an award-winning nine-acre garden, two swimming pools, a spa, a salon, and a full-size tennis court—it makes for the perfect pre-cruise escape, far away from Cape Town's busy thoroughfare—while offering complimentary shuttles to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Constantia Village, and the V&A Waterfront; the best of both worlds. Liz McGrath Villa Set across two floors, its two-bedroom Liz McGrath Villa is oozing country charm and elegance, hand-crafted for VIP guests—think cozy fireplaces, plump cushions and luxurious drapes, Bonnievale wines, Molten Brown products, deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, a large private courtyard, and a dedicated concierge and personal shopper. Saunter along to its snug spa where you can indulge in a myriad of treatments from skin peels to body scrubs, milk and mud wraps, manicures and pedicures, hot stone massages, and even a CBD-infused full-body massage ($75 for 60 minutes) for the ultimate level of slumber. Then, dine at The Conservatory, grazing on West Coast oysters, South Atlantic tuna tartare, and traditional Cape Malay bobotie—complete with sweet pumpkin tart or its famous Liz McGrath Chocolate Plate. Port Elizabeth, South Africa Sailing onto Port Elizabeth, a major port city on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape, you can wander across its pristine golden sand beaches, such as King's Beach—named after King George VI, who frequented here with the Queen Mother, and a young Elizabeth and Margaret, during their Royal Visit of 1947. Or, take a short 10-minute shuttle to Nelson Mandela Bay, where you'll hop on a speedy 20-passenger catamaran My China and set your sights on St Croix Island—home of the endangered African penguin—bouncing across the glittering waves as you're surrounded by soaring Cape gannets, scalloped hammerhead sharks, lazy sunbathing seals, and leaping bottlenose dolphins ($409 per person with Azamara). Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa Sailing onto Richards Bay, one of South Africa's largest harbors, you can explore this bustling port town, watching surfers riding the rolling waves at the North Pier—or spotting luxury yachts nudging old fishing trawlers at Richards Bay Harbour. Take a 90-minute coach transfer, passing forests of towering Eucalyptus trees and tiny rustic villages, and you'll reach Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. Dating back to 1895, it's the oldest proclaimed reserve in South Africa (tied with the nearby St. Lucia Reserve) and the only park under formal conservation in the KwaZulu-Natal coastal province. Here, you'll hop onto canopied safari jeeps and journey across its impressive 96,000 hectares home to Africa's Big Five—prowling lions, herds of elephants, cheeky leopards, grunting buffalos, and munching rhinos—stopping for a myriad of photo-snapping opportunities along its dusty tracks and a sundowner on the savannah as you toast your gin and tonic to a blazing sunset ($299 per person with Azamara). Mossel Bay, South Africa Stopping in Durban, you'll journey onto Mossel Bay on South Africa's southern coast—with a history of Stone Age hunter-gatherers and early European colonization. Explore its Cape St. Blaize Cave, once home to shellfish hunters thousands of years ago, before meandering up a zigzag path to its clifftop Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. Or, you can join a cheese and wine tour at Reed Valley Wine Estate. Established in 1826, it is one of the oldest estates in Mossel Bay, enjoying a Mediterranean climate—ideal for its wine production. You'll sample a range of wines from the estate's Eden Valley Wines to its Zandvliets—paired with fine cheeses ($229 per person with Azamara). Cape Town, South Africa Back in sapphire-skied Cape Town, the 'Mother City' of South Africa, you'll enjoy one final overnight stay on your voyage—visiting its crowning jewels like the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (home to over 8,500 indigenous plant species), sampling fine Stellenbosch wines, or befriending the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. But if you're seeking a bit more thrill, hop on a helicopter flight (approx 1.5 hours) soaring above Cape Town along the Atlantic route as you hear the blades thundering in your ears, absorbing the sights of the towering Twelve Apostles and the wreck of Llandundo—before passing over the majestic Seal Island and tracing the curves of Chapman's Peak Highway (forged by Italian prisoners in World War II). You'll then glide over the lagoons of Noordhoek Beach and through Sun Valley, passing the lush Constantia Valley—with a grand finale hovering above the mighty Table Mountain—no better climax to your mighty South African adventure ($499 per person with Azamara). Join Azamara's 15-night 'Africa Cruise' from $4,075 per person—including complimentary room service, beer, wine and spirits; signature AzAmazing Evenings, and all tips & gratuities. For more information, visit
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Timothy Omotoso: South Africa to pursue appeal against Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape
South African authorities say they will continue with legal proceedings against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso who was acquitted of rape last month, even though he has left the Omotoso, who denied the 32 charges against him, was accused of sexually assaulting young women from his church in Port National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will still appeal against the judgement which found Mr Omotoso not guilty, saying his presence is not reports stated that Mr Omotoso was en route to Nigeria, departing from OR Tambo International Airport, where he was filmed by public broadcaster SABC wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses. Mr Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 as he attempted to leave South his accusers was a woman who said she was raped by the pastor when she was aged a statement, South African prosecutors accepted "there are no legal grounds to prevent" Mr Omotoso from leaving the country following his if the appeal were allowed, the authorities would apply for Mr Omotoso to be extradited back to South Africa, the statement added, highlighting South Africa's "bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria". After his acquittal in April, Mr Omotoso also faced immigration issues, with the Department of Home Affairs alleging earlier this month that he was in South Africa department has said that Mr Omotoso faces a five-year ban from the Africa's public broadcaster reports that the pastor was not deported, but left the country voluntarily. Mr Omotoso leads the Jesus Dominion International church which has branches in the UK, Nigeria, France and Israel as well as in many parts of South Africa, according to its website. Mr Omotoso's trial made South African history as the first high-profile rape case to be broadcast live. More BBC Africa stories about South Africa: South Africa shocked by live rape trial of Timothy OmotosoNigerian pastor acquitted of rape after eight yearsFake pastors and false prophets rock South African faith Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Woman who was disemboweled, raped, and nearly decapitated during horrific South African attack speaks out in true crime podcast
A South African woman who was abducted, disemboweled, raped, and nearly decapitated has written a book detailing her horrific ordeal. Alison Botha was just 27 when she was subjected to a sickening attack that left her having to hold onto her intestines as her partially-decapitated head 'flopped backwards and almost rested between [her] shoulder blades'. She was working as an insurance broker when, on December 18, 1994, she drove home to her apartment in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, after a night out with friends. Alison had just parked her car and was reaching to the passenger seat to get her laundry when the nightmare unfolded. She recalled how a blond man pushed his way into her vehicle and left her frozen with fear. Frans Du Toit, a police officer's son, threatened to kill her, stating he didn't mean any harm but needed to use the car for an hour. In a desperate attempt to build a rapport with her kidnapper, Alison offered him the vehicle. But he insisted he 'wanted company', according to Morbid, a true crime podcast, citing her book I Have Life: Alison's Journey. After travelling a distance from the town, Du Toit passed by a crowd of people on the street twice, his eyes scanning for one individual - Theuns Kruger. The short man, who was dressed entirely in black, approached the driver's side and climbed into the car. Du Toit, who had introduced himself under the false name 'Clinton', adjusted the driver's seat forward as Kruger got in, introducing Alison (who was also using a pseudonym) as his friend Susan. The journey to a suburb outside Port Elizabeth was eerily quiet until the deafening silence was broken by Du Toit declaring 'Theuns doesn't speak good English'. Approaching a wooded area, Du Toit slowed down and parked on the sand. Kruger exited the car and 'Clinton' proceeded to rape Alison. Kruger began to assault her too but abruptly stopped, exclaiming, 'No I can't do this' inadvertently shouting 'Frans' at his accomplice. Alison committed this name to memory. Frans then warned Alison, 'If we take you into town now you'll go to the police.' Du Toit then asked a terrifying question, saying: 'What do you think Oom Nick would want us to do with her.' Oom Nick is an Afrikaans reference to Satan. Kruger responded: 'I think he wants us to kill her.' The duo forced Alison to remove her rings and clothes before Du Toit strangled her until she passed out. Disturbingly, Alison remembered Du Toit apologizing to her in the moments before she lost consciousness. She then woke up surrounded by rubbish before she saw a man's arm slashing in front of her eyes and came to the terrifying realization that he was cutting her throat. Alison has described the horrifying moment she 'could hear the flesh slit' in her book. It was later determined the men slit her throat 16 times, and Alison was nearly decapitated. The attack then stopped abruptly and Alison managed to turn over on to her front. She remembered: 'I tried to hold my breath, but I realized I had no control over my breathing - I moved my hand up to cover my neck - my whole hand disappeared into it, but it seemed to have worked - the sound was silenced.' Pretending to be dead, she heard one assailant ask if she was deceased with the other replying 'no one can survive that'. Holding on to hope that her attackers would face justice, Alison scrawled her attackers' names in the sand, adding 'I love mom'. She then spotted some lights and realized she was closer to the road than she initially thought. Alison managed to muster enough strength to push herself up to her knees before she touched her stomach and felt something 'tepid, wet and slimy'. Looking down, she was confronted with the disturbing sight of her intestines hanging out from a gaping wound. Alison added: 'My head had flopped backwards and almost rested between my shoulder blades. I expected to feel something but was completely taken aback when my hand disappeared inside me almost like I had swallowed myself.' With one hand holding her head stable and the other on her stomach wound she managed to reach the middle of the road, where she lay horizontally to force drivers to stop. Despite desperately waving for help, the first car swerved to avoid her. But eventually a woman and a young man came to her rescue. It was 2.45am by the time she was found - meaning the time period between her abduction and her discovery had taken only an hour and a half. It was Tiaan Eilerd, a vet, who stumbled across Alison that evening. Tiaan was shocked that Alison was still alive, describing her as a 'creature straight out of a Dickens novel' with her neck split open 'almost ear to ear'. Alison's intestines had been stabbed multiple times, and her abdominal muscles were badly damaged. She later revealed that one of the men told her they were intentionally trying to mutilate her reproductive organs. Miraculously, she went on to have two children. After hours of surgery, Alison was transferred to the ICU. As news of her attack spread, police discovered that the pair were already on bail for rape. Both men claimed to be Satanists and pleaded guilty to kidnapping, rape, and attempted murder. Du Toit had raped another woman but said the 'urge to kill her had passed' after he sexually assaulted her. Both men were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in 1995. When there was a chance the law might change in 2012, Alison said: 'Can you imagine if just 100 lifers were reintroduced to society without rehabilitation.' Her campaigning efforts were instrumental in ensuring that such prisoners remained behind bars. But, on July 4, 2023, Du Toit and Kruger, who had served only 28 years of their life sentence, were granted parole without anyone notifying Alison. On her Facebook page, Alison expressed her shock: 'The day I hoped and prayed would never come. When I was asked "How will you feel if they ever get parole?" - my immediate answer was always - "I'm hoping I'll never find out".' Alison has bravely recounted her harrowing ordeal and remarkable survival through her book I Have Life and the 2016 documentary film Alison. She has also tirelessly spoken to hundreds of people, inspiring others by sharing how attitude, belief, and choice helped her survive. Recognized for her incredible courage, Alison was given the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Award for Courage Beyond the Norm. In the same year she was the first recipient of Femina magazine's Woman Of Courage award as well as being chosen as Port Elizabeth's Citizen Of The Year. Upon the release of the movie, Alison said: 'I have always hoped that by sharing my own journey with others, it would give them hope and courage for their own. 'To have my story and ultimate triumph shared on screen would mean that so many more people would see the power of choice that we each have; and might also choose to triumph over life's hardships'.
The Herald
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Omotoso declared as a prohibited person in SA
Controversial televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been arrested and is due to appear in court on Monday for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act. The department of home affairs said in a statement on that the arrest of Omotoso -- who was found not guilty last month on rape and human trafficking charges in the Port Elizabeth High Court -- was related to a decision by the minister of home affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber. "A justice, crime prevention and security cluster-led law enforcement operation arrested Timothy Oluseun Omotoso in East London this morning. "The arrest follows the decision of the minister of home affairs to reject the application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn the earlier decision of the department of home affairs to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person. "The minister's decision means that Omotoso is now illegally in the Republic of South Africa and, therefore, subject to deportation." The statement noted that Omotoso had earlier challenged his status as a prohibited person in court, and the court held that his status should be remitted back to the department for reconsideration. "After carefully reconsidering the matter, the minister upheld the decision to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person. "In order to ensure compliance with the laws of the Republic, Omotoso is scheduled to appear in court on Monday , on charges of contravening provisions of the Immigration Act." It is believed that Omotoso was arrested at about 5.45am on Saturday outside a church on the corner of Fleet and Currie streets in East London. Omotoso, 63, who is the leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, and his co-accused and church members Lusanda Sulani, 41, and Zukiswa Sitho, 33, were found not guilty on 32 charges including rape and human trafficking. Delivering the judgment in April, judge Irma Schoeman found that they were not guilty due to technicalities, mainly that the former prosecutors in the case had acted improperly and the accused had not been sufficiently cross-examined by the state. The Herald
