Latest news with #TheLastRanger
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Three suspected rhino poachers arrested in Paulpietersburg, KZN
The poachers were found in possession of two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn. Police have arrested three suspected rhino poachers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The rhino poachers, aged 34 and 50 years old, were handcuffed in Paulpietersburg in the early hours of Saturday morning, 26 July 2025. Rhino poaching Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said the poachers were found in possession of two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn. 'It is reported that in the early hours of Friday morning, the three suspects, who were wearing face-concealing masks, entered a game reserve, and accosted two security guards, tied them up and robbed them of a shotgun, an R5 assault rifle, as well as their cellphones. 'They then proceeded to shoot a rhino and remove its horn. Whilst busy with their criminal activity, they were distracted by the sound of an alarm which had been activated. They fled the scene, leaving behind the shotgun next to the rhino carcass,' Magwaza said. Picture: Saps ALSO READ: Foreign nationals sentenced for rhino poaching conspiracy in SA Arrest Magwaza said officers were alerted of the incident, and they responded swiftly. 'Upon their arrival at the scene, the suspects had already fled the game reserve. Police members, together with private security personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members, the suspects were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush. 'In their possession was an R5 rifle, a 303 rifle, and a rhino horn. The vehicle in which they were travelling was seized by the police. The suspects were charged with armed robbery, rhino poaching, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,' Magwaza said. The rhino poachers are expected to appear at the Vryheid Magistrates' Court on Monday, 28 July 2025. 'The Last Ranger' Meanwhile, an Oscar-nominated short film 'The Last Ranger' has highlighted the scourge surrounding endangered rhinos and South Africa's poaching crisis while exploring the emotional and ecological realities of rhino poaching in the country. Based on true events and told largely in isiXhosa, The Last Ranger follows Khuselwa, a committed game ranger in the Eastern Cape, and Litha, a curious young Xhosa girl who becomes her apprentice. Together, they represent two generations grappling with the dangers of poaching and the cultural weight of protecting one of the world's most endangered animals, the rhino. 'This isn't just a film; it's a window into a world many of us rarely see,' said Maluṱa Netshaulu, head of social impact portfolio development at Nedbank, who spoke at the premiere. ALSO READ: SA is in the forefront of saving rhinos from poaching
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Oscar-Nominated 'The Last Ranger' Reveals Poaching Reality
Oscar-nominated film explores the cost of conservation and the value of the rhino. A week ago, I had the privilege of attending the Johannesburg premiere of the Oscar-nominated short film 'The Last Ranger', a powerful film that highlights endangered rhinos and South Africa's poaching crisis while exploring the emotional and ecological realities of rhino poaching in the country. The film has not only captivated international audiences, earning a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, but it has also ignited an important conversation about wildlife conservation and the challenges faced by local filmmakers. True story The last Ranger. Picture: Supplied Based on true events and told largely in isiXhosa, The Last Ranger follows Khuselwa, a committed game ranger in the Eastern Cape, and Litha, a curious young Xhosa girl who becomes her apprentice. Together, they represent two generations grappling with the dangers of poaching and the cultural weight of protecting one of the world's most endangered animals, the rhino. 'This isn't just a film; it's a window into a world many of us rarely see,' said Maluṱa Netshaulu, head of social impact portfolio development at Nedbank, who spoke at the premiere. ALSO READ:BET, MTV Africa and other channels may shut down as Paramount reviews strategy 'It's a reminder of the massive costs, both monetary and emotional, that conservation demands.' Although The Last Ranger didn't take home the Oscar, its impact is undeniable. Director Cindy Lee and her team at Kindred Films and Studio Aether have delivered a visually arresting and emotionally stirring piece that highlights the intersection of environmental protection, cultural tradition, and socioeconomic factors. From awe to anger Maluṱa Netshaulu, head of social impact portfolio development at Nedbank. Picture: Supplied In a nutshell, you will cry watching it. 'After watching The Last Ranger, I can say with confidence that we're all experiencing a mix of emotions, from awe to sadness and a touch of anger,' said Netshaulu. 'That's the power of good storytelling.' Filmed in remote parts of the Eastern Cape, the production faced numerous challenges, including the high cost of working with animals. The film's rhino star, 'Thandi', was played by multiple animals. Yet the team persevered, determined to show the world what's at stake. The young actress who plays Litha, a 14-year-old with a deep emotional connection to the role, brought added authenticity. 'I tear up easily,' she said at the screening, 'and there were many scenes that made it feel very real. Litha's love for rhinos mirrors my own.' The Last Ranger is also a poignant commentary on the lack of support for the arts in South Africa. Rhino safety While the country has no shortage of compelling stories, many filmmakers struggle to secure the financial backing needed to bring their visions to life. 'Getting funding for a film in South Africa is incredibly hard,' said director Cindy Lee. 'We approached people who believed in the story. And we were lucky that Nedbank and the WWF got behind us.' Speaking to Netshaulu, I learned something new. The involvement extended beyond monetary support. For more than 35 years, the bank has collaborated with WWF through the Green Trust, a flagship conservation fund committed to building sustainable partnerships between nature and communities. This commitment is evident in other impactful projects supported by the trust. Community involvement The Last Ranger cast members. Picture: Supplied In KwaZulu-Natal, the Somkhanda Game Reserve is a Big Five reserve owned entirely by the Gumbi people. 'With Green Trust support, the community receives direct tourism revenue, which funds schools, clinics, and local businesses,' he said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Build One South Africa's Mmusi Maimane's gets his PhD In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, partnerships between Wildlife ACT, Ezemvelo, and local communities focus on human-wildlife coexistence and support for small-scale entrepreneurs. 'That's how conservation can work for people, not against them,' said Netshaulu. Back in the film, the emotional stakes are high. Khuselwa's role as a ranger is a symbol of strength and sacrifice, and her mentorship of Litha shows the transmission of values across generations. The tension in the film is not just about poachers and rhinos but about survival, identity, hope, and love for the natural surroundings. While it has yet to be released in South African cinemas, its message is already reverberating. The Last Ranger's impact is undeniable. It has opened a much-needed dialogue — not only about wildlife, but about the wild terrain of independent filmmaking in South Africa. It will leave you deeply moved and, perhaps, a little more inspired to protect what's ours.
The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Who is Kevin Lerena's wife Geraldine?
SOUTH African champ Kevin Lerena is married to Geraldine – who is also in the boxing business. As an emerging promoter, Geraldine is likely to be ringside supporting her man when he clashes with Lawrence Okolie at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, July 19. Advertisement 2 Kevin Lerena at the special screening of The Last Ranger at Montecasino in February this year in Johannesburg 2 Kevin, pictured with wife Geraldine, has spoken of the importance of 'teamwork' in their relationship Credit: INSTAGRAM Who is Geraldine Lerena? Together with Kevin, Geraldine is involved with Aquila Boxing Promotions but recently told an interviewer that her main role is to keep the couple's home running smoothly. "Kevin's life is stressful so I try to keep everything at home running as smooth as I can," she said. "There's a lot of teamwork." In the same interview, ahead of The Reckoning this year, The Reckoning was the name of a boxing event headlined by Kevin, where he defended his WBC bridgerweight title against Ukrainian fighter Serhiy Radchenko. Advertisement The event took place at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, on May 1. Lerena won the fight by knockout in the third round and Geraldine was – as usual – ringside. Oleksandr Usyk reveals 'the only opponent I don't love' ahead of Daniel Dubois fight The couple, who married in 2021, regularly post about their family life on Instagram. When their son Maximus was born last year, Kevin wrote: "Happy Birthday and a warm welcome to our beautiful blessing Maximus Matthew Lerena, who arrived weighing in at 3.3kgs with a full mop of hair!! Advertisement Most read in Boxing Comment "Though our little champ is currently in Neonatal ICU, we are grateful for the strength and health of Mommy!!! "Maximus came into the world fighting. Thank you for all the Love & Prayers. God is great! Lots of love from Kevin & Geraldine Lerena." In another post, on March 17 this year, Kevin wrote: "Happy birthday to my incredible wife. "A loving supportive wife, devoted mother, and incredible stepmom. Your kindness, and strength inspires me daily. Thank you … Forever grateful for you Mrs Lerena. Advertisement "Today we celebrate you."
Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Who is Kevin Lerena's wife Geraldine?
The power couple at the heart of a global business Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOUTH African champ Kevin Lerena is married to Geraldine – who is also in the boxing business. As an emerging promoter, Geraldine is likely to be ringside supporting her man when he clashes with Lawrence Okolie at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, July 19. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Kevin Lerena at the special screening of The Last Ranger at Montecasino in February this year in Johannesburg 2 Kevin, pictured with wife Geraldine, has spoken of the importance of 'teamwork' in their relationship Credit: INSTAGRAM Who is Geraldine Lerena? Together with Kevin, Geraldine is involved with Aquila Boxing Promotions but recently told an interviewer that her main role is to keep the couple's home running smoothly. "Kevin's life is stressful so I try to keep everything at home running as smooth as I can," she said. "There's a lot of teamwork." In the same interview, ahead of The Reckoning this year, Kevin said it is "also not easy being a mum" and said he tries to be as supportive as he can. The Reckoning was the name of a boxing event headlined by Kevin, where he defended his WBC bridgerweight title against Ukrainian fighter Serhiy Radchenko. The event took place at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, on May 1. Lerena won the fight by knockout in the third round and Geraldine was – as usual – ringside. Oleksandr Usyk reveals 'the only opponent I don't love' ahead of Daniel Dubois fight The couple, who married in 2021, regularly post about their family life on Instagram. When their son Maximus was born last year, Kevin wrote: "Happy Birthday and a warm welcome to our beautiful blessing Maximus Matthew Lerena, who arrived weighing in at 3.3kgs with a full mop of hair!! "Though our little champ is currently in Neonatal ICU, we are grateful for the strength and health of Mommy!!! "Maximus came into the world fighting. Thank you for all the Love & Prayers. God is great! Lots of love from Kevin & Geraldine Lerena." In another post, on March 17 this year, Kevin wrote: "Happy birthday to my incredible wife. "A loving supportive wife, devoted mother, and incredible stepmom. Your kindness, and strength inspires me daily. Thank you … Forever grateful for you Mrs Lerena. "Today we celebrate you."
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Shaka iLembe returns with fierce battles, royal intrigue, and tender romance
After a breathtaking debut that thrilled millions across the country, Shaka iLembe is back, and this time, the stakes are higher, the drama gets deeper, and the legacy even more powerful. The highly anticipated second season of the hit Mzansi Magic series picks up where the first left off: with Shaka no longer just the child of prophecy, but now stepping into his destiny as a leader and military strategist. While the first season explored Shaka's birth, his trials, and the ancestral forces that shaped him, the second season shifts the lens toward his rise as the legendary founder of the Zulu kingdom. Also read: 'A Queen's Lobola' sweeps awards season, bringing home top honours Lemogang Tsipa portrays the adult King Shaka, while Ntando Zondi plays the younger version of the future Zulu king. Tsipa said there was a lot to expect in this second series – power struggles, intense political manoeuvres, fierce battles, and yes, a few steamy romantic moments that show a different side of the man behind the legend. Yet at its heart, the series remains deeply rooted in historical truth, offering a visually stunning and culturally rich retelling of the Zulu kingdom's formation. Asked how he found portraying the transition of Shaka becoming king in the second series, Tsipe said, 'It is a natural progression. For me, it was a surreal kind of experience because it's one of those things where you dream as a person and then pursue that dream. Before Shaka was born, and this [to be king] was supposed to be his destiny, so I think it's a beautiful moment to be able to walk the journey from the start to the fulfillment of what he wanted. Also read: Fourways High presents Beauty and her Beast 'There's a particular side of Shaka that we haven't seen or heard about in the street books that we do explore in the series. A side that he is a bit more tender and romantic.' Wiseman Mncube portrays the late King Zwide KaLanga, a very intense character who is always eager for war. Mncube said tapping into KaLanga's spirit as a character was not easy. 'I always trust myself in anything that I do. Because it is a historical show, obviously we have to research, learn about AboZwide, and ask a lot of questions. So I just told myself, I'll just trust myself, and the script that was given.' Read more: The Last Ranger short film expose harsh realities of rhino poaching To mark the return of the show, fans were treated to a vibrant series of activations, where they met the cast, and even got up close with the elaborate costumes used on screen. The show will premiere its second season on June 15 on Mzansi Magic. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
