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IOL News
4 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
COMMENT: Sundowns fall short at Club World Cup – but is it a win for South Africa?
Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe pictured next to the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. | Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Mamelodi Sundowns may have exited the FIFA Club World Cup at the group stages, but their campaign in the United States did more than just make up the numbers — it made a statement. Despite falling short of the knockout rounds, their performance and presence on the global stage could be seen as a major win, not just for the club, but potentially for South African football at large. The Betway Premiership champions ended their tournament with four points from three matches — a 1-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai, a narrow 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and a goalless draw with Fluminense. While that wasn't enough to book a place in the last 16, Sundowns walked away with their heads held high and their bank account significantly heavier. The club is set to pocket an eye-watering R228 million in prize money — the biggest single payday in their history — following their participation in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup. And for a team that has invested heavily in continental dominance, this financial return represents more than just cash — it's validation. At the heart of their competitive showing was Miguel Cardoso, the Portuguese tactician who took over from Manqoba Mngqithi seven months ago. In that time, Cardoso has implemented a modern, structured style of play that translated impressively onto the world stage. His side was bold and technically sharp against Dortmund, showed composure in the win over Ulsan, and displayed tactical discipline to hold Fluminense. While their early exit was disappointing on paper, context matters. Sundowns didn't look out of place — they looked like they belonged. And that matters in a tournament where African clubs are often seen as mere participants.
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Family fun and comedy await Joburgers this weekend
Matthew Mole will performing at LIFE Fest in Joburg this weekend. Image: Picture: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers LIFE Fest Some of the nation's top musical acts are set to take to the stage in the first-ever LIFE Fest. They include Matthew Mole, Majozi, as well as Desmond & The Tutus. The family-friendly event fuses music with sport and community spirit. It will also include food stalls and family zones. Attendees will also get the chance to watch the Springboks take on the Barbarians as the game will be broadcast live on a big outdoor screen. Where: Benoni Northerns Sports Club. When: Saturday, 28 June, from 12pm. Mpho Popps' Birthday Show This annual comedy special, which has become a highlight on the Joburg comedy calendar, is a celebration of renowned local comedian Mpho Popps's birthday. The show will feature some of the funny man's comedy friends as well as surprise musical performances. Popps will also take to the stage and his stand-up act is set to include his sharp humour and charismatic stage presence. Where: The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino When: Saturday, June 28, from 7pm. Hands-On Art Jam Keep the kids entertained these winter holidays at this artistic event, which includes painting, sculpting, crafting, and collaging for youngsters. Expect themed art projects with a twist, playful introductions to cool graffiti art techniques, a collaborative mural that showcases creativity, and fun art games and challenges. Where: Food Jams at Feastivity in Kempton Park. When: Monday, June 30, 10am to 12.30pm.
IOL News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Education Revolution: Namibian President declares free university tuition
The #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, a student-led campaign that drew global acclaim, was a powerful call for decolonised and affordable education. l HENK KRUGER/FILE Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers 'WE have heard your cries, the fees have fallen,' announced Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. A mere month into her presidency, the first female president of the sub-Saharan nation made waves this week after announcing that university fees would be scrapped from 2026. 'I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100% subsidised by the government,' the president said during her first State of the Nation Address in Parliament. She emphasised that 'no registration (or) tuition fees' would be required from any student at a public university or technical college. This is a particularly significant achievement by Nandi-Ndaitwah, considering the #FeesMustFall movement across neighbouring South Africa, a student-led campaign that drew global acclaim as a powerful call for decolonised and affordable education. In South Africa, #FeesMustFall not only emerged as a call to halt increases in student fees, but it also spotlighted systemic inequalities in education, largely deriving from our tyrannical history of apartheid. The systemic injustices within our education systems are not only a critical component of the apartheid legacy in our post-democratic society; they also reflect the failures of the South African government in promoting a critical human right: the right to education. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In Namibia, the #FeesMustFall movement was a reflection of the South African-led one, with a specific call for a complete shift to free, government-funded tertiary education. Similarly to South Africa, it also called for the further need to address equitable access to education, and recognise that access to quality education is not equal for all Namibians. It is, therefore, groundbreakingly admirable that Nandi-Ndaitwah has taken this significant stride in ensuring equally accessible education across all of Namibia. Continentally, Namibia will be joining Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia in the provision of free tuition at public universities. Now, Namibia joins Kenya in their educational commitment: offering free primary and secondary education to its citizens. However, Namibia now stands as the ultimate benchmark, offering free education from the primary schooling level, all the way to tertiary education. This is, indeed, what the youth call 'a big flex' (meaning an impressive feat). President Nandi-Ndaitwah has certainly set the bar high. Her actions reflect a leadership that is not only listening, but also readily taking action. And all African nations desperately need to follow suit. One of the US Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, once cleverly said: 'An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.' This is certainly an outlook that is being upheld in Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration. What needs to be clear is that there is nothing that exempts Namibia from any of the challenges that are faced across African nations. Like many of its neighbours, it also contends with issues of economic access, especially for impoverished communities, shortages in qualified teachers, high dropout and reposition rates, and more. What the Namibian government has done is to meaningfully commit to addressing these challenges by putting their money where their mouth is. They have solidly implemented the subsidisation of fees, and they continue to rework their inclusivity policies, particularly where marginalised groups and foundational education are concerned. 'It is what we make of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from the other'. This profound statement by South Africa's first democratic President, Nelson Mandela, is an exact echo of the performance of Nandi-Ndaitwah. While the youth across the continent hunger for knowledge and innovation, too many of our governments continue to treat education as a secondary concern, throwing words around instead of resources, when we're in a crisis that demands action. We cannot build an independent, thriving Africa on broken chalkboards, underpaid teachers, and overcrowded classrooms. Educating the youth and every member within our society will be critical to the empowerment of our people. As a society, it is pertinent that we demand more than just slogans from those in leadership. We need leaders who prioritise our children's future over comfort and convenience. We need governments that understand that education is not charity, but a right; not a burden, but a backbone of true liberation. The calm before the storm is over. It's time for our leaders to invest, reform, and truly educate, or step aside for those who will. What's truly evident, now more than ever, is that, have examples of prolific leadership emerging across Africa. Leaders like Nandi-Ndaitwah in Namibia and President Ibrahim Traore in Burkina Faso ensure that the pessimistic, harmful narratives and prejudices around African leadership are crumbling to pieces. These are leaders who are stepping up to the plate and truly demonstrating commitment. They are aligning their actions with their words and putting the needs of the people at the forefront. The potential for Africa's proliferation is endless when guided by ethical, committed leadership, and we are seeing living examples of this, a little bit at a time. For generations, colonial and neoliberal systems have restricted access to education, gatekeeping opportunities behind tuition walls that excluded the poor, the rural, the working class, and so many more. This profound move by Nandi-Ndaitwah has essentially torn down those walls. African youth have consistently challenged systems that treat knowledge like a commodity instead of a birthright. To drive forward reform in education and succeed is a commendable achievement that cannot be understated. This is truly exemplary of 'the power of the people'. These types of new policies are those that bring about meaningful transformation, especially for children, women, those with disabilities, youth in remote areas, the historically excluded, and so many more. We cannot let uncertainty be an excuse for inaction. We must remember that no liberation movement in our history began with perfect conditions. Freedoms are built upon the audacity to act. Nandi-Ndaitwah has planted a golden seed. Let the rest of the continent take note. Africa's renaissance will not be imported; it will be built by educated, empowered, audacious Africans. Free education is not just about entrance to classrooms; it is about human rights and justice at its core. It is about healing our society from a pervasive imperialist system that still has its roots tightly wound around SA's institutional neck. Education is about reclaiming our collective right to dream of an empowered self and to shape the Africa we want to see. 'No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated,' Mandela once profoundly said. 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' * Tswelopele Makoe is a gender and social justice activist and editor at Global South Media Network. She is a researcher, columnist, and an Andrew W Mellon scholar at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, UWC. The views expressed are her own. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
IOL News
21 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Captain Jesse Kriel: Start of a crucial season for Boks and we want to set the tone against the Barbarians
CAPTAIN Jesse Kriel looking to lead the Springboks to the right direction as they open their Test season with the Barbarians. | Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers The Springbok coaches and players have been speaking from the same mouthpiece the entire week and haven't deviated from their plan to play at Test-match intensity against the Barbarians in Cape Town. While the invitational side will look to open the game with their flair and instinct that is true to the club, despite the predicted wet weather conditions, the world champions want to use this 2025 opening clash at the DHL Stadium (5.10pm kick-off) as a match to lay a benchmark for the rest of the season. Head coach Rassie Erasmus stressed it on Tuesday with his team announcement. Before him, attack coach Tony Brown spoke about handling the clash as a Test on Monday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ On Friday, stand-in captain Jesse Kriel emphasised it in short as well: 'We will treat it like a test.' The Boks are aware that the Cape winter might spoil their chances of delivering a spectacle in the festival match. However, the focus will first be on getting their season off to a proper start as they prepare for a watershed Test season ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Kriel replaced regular captain Siya Kolisi as the leader with the latter pulling out with a stiff neck. The outside centre said they've arguably had one of their toughest two-week camps in his time with the Boks and he's ready to see them translate that training onto the playing field, starting against the Baabaas. Jesse Kriel on the #Springboks captaincy: 'I'm very happy about accepting this responsibility, although I was a little nervous at one stage' 🫡#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 27, 2025 'We've worked hard on how we want to play and what we want to achieve as a Springbok team. This game is the first opportunity to test it,' Kriel said on Friday. 'It is a crucial first game. You wait six months at your club, and you want to perform well there to be involved here. This is what you want to be involved with, these kind of games and test matches. The guys are excited about it and are embracing the opportunity. 'We are approaching this game as a Test. It is the start of a massive season for the Springboks and looking at what we want to do, this is a crucial game to set the tone.' Kriel says he is extremely honoured and excited to lead the Boks for the first time. However, not a lot will change for him and how he plays his game. He will rely on other leaders, such as Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe in the backs, and hooker Malcolm Marx and Lood de Jager in the forwards. He says he has been very fortunate to learn from and be surrounded by strong leaders like Siya Kolisi and Handré Pollard. According to him, not much will change on Saturday, even if he is captain. Your #Springboks team to face the @Barbarian_FC in Cape Town tomorrow, and what a special team photo for Jesse, Vincent, Marnus, Asenathi and Neethling 🤩#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 27, 2025
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Johannesburg's political landscape shifts as ActionSA targets new speaker following Mthembu's removal
The City of Johannesburg council in Braamfontein will vote for a new speaker after ActionSA's Nobuhle Mthembu was axed. Image: Nhlanhla Phillips / Independent Newspapers Political parties represented in the City of Johannesburg council are looking to replace speaker Nobuhle Mthembu after she was ousted this week. ActionSA's caucus leader Lebo Modukanene said the party was fully aware that its refusal to defend Mayor Dada Morero would likely prompt the ANC to retaliate, voting alongside the DA, to remove Mthembu. 'We made it clear that if taking a principled stance came at a political cost, then so be it. ActionSA does not make decisions based on threats or favours - we act on merit, principle, and in the best interests of Johannesburg's residents,' she said. Modukanene added that since joining the ANC-led Government of Local Unity in July last year, ActionSA has maintained an approach based on specific issues. 'We have never given the ANC a blank cheque. Our support must be earned, not assumed. This position was once again demonstrated yesterday (Wednesday). We could not, in good conscience, defend the ANC's Mayor Morero, whose leadership has failed Johannesburg,' she explained. According to Modukanene, ActionSA supported the ANC's chief whip, Sithembiso Zungu, whose work in promoting discipline and functionality in the council has been commendable. 'Speaker Mthembu served with exceptional integrity and fairness, and her deep commitment to public engagement set a standard for leadership in this city. Her removal has nothing to do with performance - it is a symptom of the political decay that continues to undermine governance in Johannesburg,' she added. ActionSA is consulting internally and its leadership will continue engaging the ANC on this and other matters of common interest. 'We will communicate our final position once those consultations have been concluded,' said Modukanene.
