Qatar Airways performs DHL Stadium flyover at historic Boks game
For the first time, Qatar Airways performed a low-altitude flyover in South Africa at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. The historic event took place during the Springboks vs Barbarians game on Saturday, 28 May.
The South African team beat the British side 54-7 at the cold and wet venue.
An hour before kickoff, Qatar Airways announced that its BB777 aircraft QR3245 would perform a low flyover at the DHL Stadium.
Take a look…
On social media, many South Africans wondered why a foreign airline, and not a local one like South African Airways or FlySafair – which had previously done iso at the DHL Stadium – had performed the flyover.
X user @NielM25614 asked: 'Where are the proud South African SAA?'
The Springboks vs Barbarians game was part of the Qatar Airways Cup, which was naturally sponsored by the Arab country's airline.
The historic event was celebrated 20 years since Qatar Airways' operation in South Africa. It also marked the first-ever men's team clash between the two sides on South African soil.
The airline's sponsorship is one of several, which also includes the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) competitions and the upcoming Qatar Airways Lions Tour to Australia later in 2025.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
15 minutes ago
- The South African
How Orlando Pirates can beat Sundowns for the league
Orlando Pirates will once again battle Mamelodi Sundowns for the league. Image: @orlandopirates/X Orlando Pirates have finished as league runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns four times in the past seven years. ADVERTISEMENT Last season, the Buccaneers led the Betway Premiership for the first seven rounds, but a few losses allowed Masandawana to take advantage. Despite a strong effort, the Sea Robbers lost crucial matches towards the end of the season, resulting in a 12-point deficit in the title race. As the new season approaches, many football fans expect Sundowns to claim their ninth straight league title. Their squad has appeared almost unbeatable, with only three losses and one draw last campaign. What can Orlando Pirates do to win the league? Consistency ADVERTISEMENT Pirates lost momentum in the second half of the season, which contributed to their failure to secure the title. Fans believe that if the Buccaneers had won all their matches in March and April, they could have pressured Sundowns into dropping points. Score Goals Both Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa failed to score 10 goals last season. In contrast, Sundowns' duo of Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro each netted over 10 goals during the league campaign. Find a Good Striker ADVERTISEMENT For Orlando Pirates to win the league, they need a striker who can score 15 or more goals. Mabasa needs to find his form and start scoring regularly, as does Makgopa. If the strikers can score consistently, it would relieve some pressure from the wingers and midfielders. Creativity The Buccaneers have already signed attacking players, but they lack creativity in the midfield. Once they resolve their creativity issues, they may increase their chances not only of winning the league but also of competing effectively in the CAF Champions League. Can the Buccaneers win the league this coming season? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 ADVERTISEMENT Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
40 minutes ago
- The South African
School's out! 9 epic kids' activities in Johannesburg these holidays
Johannesburg is buzzing with energy, and there's no better time to let the kids loose than school holidays. Whether your child is a budding scientist, thrill-seeker, or animal lover, Joburg has something to keep them entertained (and off screens). Here are nine awesome activities that'll make these holidays unforgettable… Lions, tigers, and kids on the loose! The Johannesburg Zoo is a classic holiday winner. With over 300 species and shady picnic spots, it's the perfect mix of education and fresh air. Who said learning can't be fun? This hands-on science museum in Newtown is packed with interactive exhibits, tech zones, and even a planetarium. Kids can build, tinker, and experiment to their heart's content. From heart-racing roller coasters to kid-friendly rides and the underground mine tour, Johannesburg's Gold Reef City is an all-in-one thrill fest. Plus, plenty of food stops to fuel the fun. 4. Discover dinosaurs at the Ditsong Museum of Natural History Take them back in time with fossils, skeletons, and a life-size dino or two. This museum is a hit for curious minds and perfect for a low-cost adventure. Let them burn energy the fun way at this indoor trampoline haven in Johannesburg's Greenstone or Fourways. With dodgeball, foam pits, and obstacle courses, boredom doesn't stand a chance. Sometimes, the simple stuff wins. Pack snacks, grab scooters or bikes, and hit the park. The open space in Johannesburg is ideal for kids to roam free while parents kick back under a tree. Located in both Silverlakes and Montana in Pretoria, this artsy spot lets kids paint their own ceramics while parents sip coffee. Bonus: they take their creations home. Trains, buses, and vintage cars – plus mini train rides for the little ones. This hidden gem in Johannesburg is a hands-on hit for young transport fans. Ready for a little adventure? Zip lines, rope bridges, and treetop courses await at Acrobranch in Melrose or Huddle Park. Safe, supervised, and totally thrilling. 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
44 minutes ago
- The South African
Ireland swamped by South African visa applications
Nearly a year after Ireland ended visa-free access for South Africans, the country is struggling under the weight of surging visa applications, leading to widespread delays and growing frustration among travellers. In July 2024, Ireland introduced new regulations requiring South African and Botswanan nationals to apply for visas, including transit visas, to enter or pass through the country. This marked a significant change for South Africans, who had previously enjoyed visa-free access to Ireland – one of the few European nations that allowed it. The Irish government cited multiple concerns at the time, including: A rise in forged South African passports , often used by nationals from other countries , often used by nationals from other countries An increase in international protection (asylum) claims by South Africans upon arrival by South Africans upon arrival The need to align immigration policies with the UK, which shares a common travel area with Ireland Irish Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, acknowledged the decision was 'harsh but necessary.' He pointed to a 100% increase in South African arrivals claiming asylum as a key trigger for the policy change. Despite the move, South Africa remains a key source of skilled migrants for Ireland, with deep business, trade, and educational ties. Many South African professionals, students, and entrepreneurs seek opportunities in Ireland, which is actively recruiting foreign talent to fill post-pandemic skills gaps. Since the policy took effect, Ireland has seen a massive influx of visa applications from South Africans. Although authorities committed to three-month turnaround times, many applicants report delays of 12 to 16 weeks, forcing them to cancel travel plans, including business trips and family visits. Former Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee had announced the set-up of a dedicated 'South Africa desk' at the Dublin Visa Office, supported by three local Visa Application Centres (VACs) managed by VFS Global in South Africa. However, this has proven inadequate. The Irish government has now doubled resources in a bid to clear the backlog, aiming to reduce turnaround to 4-6 weeks. 'We're seeing far more applications than expected,' Richmond said. 'We underestimated the demand, and we're now scaling operations accordingly.' Ireland has also proposed streamlining business and work permit visa processes, with a focus on faster approval timelines for skilled professionals. South African passports had faced scrutiny and misuse in Europe for several years prior. In 2022, airline Ryanair sparked controversy by administering a test in Afrikaans to validate South African passports – drawing global backlash. While the test was scrapped, questions over passport integrity remained. The visa requirement aligns Ireland with UK immigration policies, but has sparked criticism from both travellers and stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector. Despite current frustrations, Irish officials insist the visa measures are not permanent and could be re-evaluated once security risks are resolved and application volumes stabilise. In the meantime, thousands of South Africans are left navigating long waits and bureaucratic hurdles, a sharp contrast to the ease of travel they once enjoyed. 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.
