Latest news with #LandCruisers
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
#Musings: Are headlights becoming too bright?
In amongst all the chatter about streetlights, I can't help but feel there is another increasingly dangerous lighting situation hitting our roads. When driving between Tongaat and Ballito along the R102 recently, I found myself almost blinded by an electric blue LED laser beam shot through my back window. The interior of my car was so bright that I had to pinch my arm just to check I hadn't lost focus and inadvertently landed at the pearly gates. After gathering myself and squinting to see the cause, I saw five letters that made my heart sink. GP SUV. Naturally, as a KZN native, I muttered under my breath, cursed the Joburger in his oversized car who thought he was still driving down Jan Smuts with his brights on and planned to move on with my evening. But after the driver eventually overtook me after camping on my tail for five minutes, I was astonished to see the halo of his headlights increase tenfold. He hadn't had his brights on after all. It begs the question, are headlights becoming too bright? After a bit of research, it turns out I'm not alone in feeling personally selected for spotlight torture. Two key shifts in automotive engineering and consumer trends seem to be to blame. Firstly, almost all new cars are fitted with LED headlights, which emit a white-blue hue, rather than the softer white-yellow colours of halogen headlights that were formerly the standard. According to American lighting scientist John Bullough, quoted in Vox, light intensity – typically measured in lumens or candelas – does not take into account how different colours impact the eye. That means a given LED headlight might measure at the same intensity as a halogen option, but our eyes perceive the LED as brighter because it is more likely to also be picked up by our peripheral vision. Secondly, bigger cars are becoming more popular, particularly in affluent areas. If you drive through Salt Rock or Sheffield now, you will no doubt recognise the parade of Range Rovers, Land Cruisers, Hiluxes and every other model of SUV or bakkie you can imagine. When was the last time you saw a real beat-up skadonk rolling around the suburbs? Combine the height of a large vehicle's headlights with the enhanced perceived brightness, and if you're in a hatchback or sedan, you've got your own private blue-light brigade following you. This is likely the new normal, with car manufacturers incentivised to include LED headlights for improved safety ratings. So, if you're behind the wheel of one of these monster machines, do the decent thing and give the smaller car in front a fair following distance so as not to burn their retinas. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Analysis: More of the same, just tighter
If the tax rate on bank deposit income is increased by one-third, what exactly is bold about this budget? There is no coherent strategy to broaden the tax base or to plug structural leakages. Instead, the incidence of taxation has simply been increased in selected areas. On the face of it, this is a conventional budget—lacking in imagination. The budget speech, much like in previous years, was long on verbosity and short on substance. That said, fiscal consolidation is evidently set to continue. The revised estimate for the primary surplus in FY25 is 2.2 percent of GDP, higher than the original budgeted 2.0 percent—a rare occurrence. The target for FY26 is set at 2.4 percent. FY25 already marks the highest primary surplus in the country's history, with another record likely to follow next year. The budget is getting tighter. Budget FY26: fiscal discipline without reform But nothing comes without a cost. The price here is rising poverty, a shrinking middle class, higher unemployment, and declining investment in the formal sector. Over the past few years, tax rates have increased sharply—whether income tax or indirect levies such as GST and FED. As a result, the incentive to stay informal continues to rise. There is little meaningful relief in the budget—just a token reduction in super tax and minor adjustments for the salaried class. GST remains high, and its full rate now applies to more items. Meanwhile, enforcement and governance remain unchanged. Tax rates keep rising, but administrative capacity stays flat. The outcome is predictable. Real reform would involve fixing customs valuation. Tariff rationalization alone is not enough. As long as income and sales taxes—many of which are collected at the import stage—remain elevated, under-invoicing will continue to be the norm. Tariff changes in the auto sector, in particular, are confusing. Duties on expensive imported cars (Land Cruisers and the like) are being cut, while secondhand imports are set to resume. At the same time, GST is being raised on smaller, locally manufactured vehicles, and a carbon tax is being slapped on internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Net result: small local cars will get pricier, and imported luxury vehicles are becoming cheaper. Then there is the petroleum levy, which is budgeted to increase. A new carbon levy will be added. Electricity consumers will face a circular debt reduction surcharge. Even solar panels are now subject to sales tax. All these measures will disproportionately raise the effective tax burden on lower- and middle-income households. Other signals in the budget suggest it is better aligned with elite interests. Tax on real estate transactions has been reduced. No new tax on stock market gains. Risky assets are being rewarded. Meanwhile, tax rates on bank deposits and fixed income mutual funds are up—hurting risk-averse savers. That will further discourage formal saving in a country already struggling with one of the lowest saving rates globally. There is little to incentivize formal sector saving or investment. Still, a few steps deserve mention. Tariffs on the range of imported goods are being cut, which could help ease prices in select sectors. The longstanding tax exemption for FATA is finally being phased out. Restrictions on asset purchases by non-filers have been introduced—these are positive signals. But then, tax on cash withdrawals by non-filers is also being raised. This duality—restricting and taxing non-filers at the same time—adds confusion. The government must decide what direction it wants to take. That clarity is currently missing. Despite the muddle, the broader fiscal consolidation continues. The total outlay for FY26 is lower than what was budgeted in FY25. The overall fiscal deficit is targeted at 3.9 percent of GDP, the lowest since FY08. External financing needs are also shrinking, which implies the current account surplus story may persist. But this also means that growth will likely remain subdued for yet another year. High primary surplus and lower fiscal deficit echo the so-called golden era of Musharraf. FY26 to FY28 might resemble FY04 to FY07. But only if we use this fiscal space wisely—for structural reform, not short-lived growth spurts. With or without reforms, the party continues for real estate players. Stock market investors are in for more good times. Traders, as usual, remain untouched. And the salaried class? Perhaps their kids can look forward to a slightly pricier ice cream budget. It is more of the same—except for tighter books. Let us hope this discipline is not squandered chasing ephemeral growth. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This New Howler Brothers x Toyota Land Cruiser Collab is Perfect
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." You've probably heard of Howler Brothers, the Austin, Texas-based lifestyle brand known for its fun and innovative outdoor gear, clothing, and accessories. Today, Howler Bros. launches its latest capsule collection celebrating the iconic go-anywhere, do-anything Toyota Land Cruiser. This official collaboration features co-branded clothing and accessories specially designed to honor the pioneer spirit of the iconic off-road vehicle, including Howler Bros.' trademark snap-front shirts, caps, shorts, and other lifestyle clothing and accessories. It's Howler Brothers' largest co-branded capsule drop to date, and infuses the brand's rich Costa Rican history with its well-known ruggedness. The collection is now available at the Howler Brothers website as well as Backcountry [LINK] and [>> TOYOTA?????]. 'This collaboration with Toyota Land Cruiser is a natural fit. Both of our brands are rooted in a shared love for exploration and craftsmanship,' said Chase Heard, CEO of Howler Brothers. 'We've combined Howler's signature style with Land Cruiser's legendary legacy to create a collection built for the jungle roads ahead.' Howler Brothers is the brainchild of two buddies who shared a love of surfing and the outdoors. It was inspired by their shoestring approach to their Costa Rican surfing excursions, many of them powered by a 70s Land Cruiser that exemplified their DIY ethos. Surfing, fishing, beach camping, tacos, dogs, skateboards, guitars, western it all comes together in Howler Brothers' designs and in this capsule collection. Howler Brothers describes its ethos as "a kung-fu surf movie set in the wild west," and that tracks. Check out the hilarious-but-somehow-still-informative Howler Brothers origin story on YouTube: That whimsical pastiche carries over to the new Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers collection. It draws inspiration from the founders of Howler Brothers' early adventures in Costa Rica. Their expeditions, often undertaken in vintage Land Cruisers, fueled the brand's origin story and instilled a deep appreciation for rugged trucks and the spirit of adventure they represent. This collection features a range of apparel and accessories designed for diverse outdoor activities from camping and fly fishing to surfing. The collection's design thoughtfully incorporates elements that blend both the classic Land Cruiser aesthetic and the signature Howler Brothers style. Toyota Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Apparel: Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers T-Shirts Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Tech Polo Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Monoloha Shirt Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Lined Depot Jacket Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Hoodie Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Salado Shorts Toyota Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Accessories: Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Snapback Hats Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Patches Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Bandana Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers Keychain Full details on the Howler Brothers and Toyota partnership can be found at Fans of both brands can follow along on Howler Brothers' social channels on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
On the trip of a lifetime, I left my camera behind. I don't regret it
It's when I'm packing for this trip that I realise I have one small-plane flight with severe luggage restrictions. At the last minute, I decide to leave the new camera behind. As I'm driven to the airport, however, I feel like I've left my passport at home, that's how important this piece of equipment feels to my identity as a traveller. And that's when I catch a glimpse of my past self being one of those photo bro types. And when the very same charter flight that caused me to leave my camera behind swoops down across Kruger National Park, affording impressive panoramas of the 2-million-hectare vastness, it is just begging to be captured with a wide-angle lens. The plane lands at Ngala's private airstrip, where one of the special green LandCruisers awaits with its three-tiered open-air seating for our party of five, our tracker Ernie and guide Marcus standing by it smiling welcomely. It's a Kodak moment. And it won't be long before I realise the camp, edging the wide, sandy, bed of the Timbavati River, is built right on an elephant crossing which the (mostly) gentle giants often use to access the lush greenery directly in front of Ngala's spa, bar and dining areas. I'm full of high-res regret. Fortunately, at camp, there's plenty to distract me. The marvellously situated 25-year-old property greatly pleases this design devotee. It has just emerged from a six-month closure during which it was fully renovated to reflect modern tastes as well as its environment. A spa was added, and the tented suites were given large verandahs. Considered the benchmark for ethical luxury safari, &Beyond's credentials are many. It is also at the higher end of experiences. With only one other property, the family-friendly Ngala Safari Lodge on its nearly 15,000-hectare unfenced reserve, the couple-focused Ngala Tented Camp offers exclusivity and a price to go with it. The tariff, however, not only covers these exquisite digs, but three sublime meals a day, with three courses at lunch and dinner and matched wines during the latter. There are drinks available all day, including a help-yourself bar by the pool, a cocktail bar featuring full bottles of premium spirits alongside a beans-grinding Jura coffee machine and snacks. A scrumptious afternoon tea is served and the staff organise special treat meals, such as breakfast and dinner, to be served in the bush or poolside. Then there's the opportunity to visit communities to learn about the good works &Beyond affiliate, Wild Impact is doing in inventive and inspiring ways. But of course, the main game is those safari drives. And therein lies the true value for money. Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over wilderness owned by the World Wildlife Foundation and leased to &Beyond. At the tented camp, there are only nine suites. And it's this that really facilitates my photo bro rehab. Africa is far from immune to overtourism and crowding has become a serious issue in popular safari destinations with large numbers of vehicles jostling for the best positions to view wildlife that may become skittish because of this human activity, not to mention endangering said animals. It is anxiety inducing for humans as well. The frantic atmosphere of competition and limited opportunity contributes to the compulsion to mindlessly snap away, for fear the moment ends without having something to show for it. At Ngala, we watch the animals live their lives without greatly interrupting them, mostly with one, perhaps two safari vehicles present. In eight drives (two a day) of around four hours each, we only have one instance of three vehicles in situ, and because they are all on the same team, the interaction is respectful and careful. And because of this minimal interruption, the interface with the wildlife is extended. That, my friends, is a real luxury. There are many highlights across our stay. They begin with our first drive, when a male lion saunters around a corner directly in front of us and stops at a small body of water in the river bed to drink. We are so close, we hear him lapping. A leopard appears on the same patch of road, letting out a low growl as it passes our stopped vehicle, so near, I see her whiskers twitch. Amid a group of nine lions, part of a bigger group known as the Birmingham Pride, we watch a white lion cub, one of only four of this hue known in the wild. I relish hearing the soft shuffle of elephant feet in sandy soil, the rustle of rhino in bushes, the chomp-chomp of giraffe feeding, lions calling and oh, the birds. So many stunning feathered friends. We even love watching the grisly spectacle of vultures finishing off a buffalo carcass. I giggle like a kid to hear an elephant fart. Ngala is famous for lions – the name actually means 'lion' in the local Shangaan language. On one of our last drives we witness a lioness attacking a zebra. We hear the thud as she lands on its back, and a crack as the zebra kicks her and escapes. Loading We sit and watch a dam for an hour as hippos emerge, measuring whether the heat of the day has dissipated enough to warrant them fully getting out of the water. There, the sky turns a deep velvet blue splashed with tutti-frutti – oranges, yellows and pinks. Ernie and Marcus set up the sundowners. The stars emerge and spangle. It's one of the most peaceful interludes I can recall, and mostly, I have simply immersed myself in it. I say mostly – I have my iPhone with me, and snap plenty of memories. That's a different kind of photography, at least, for me: more about reminders, less about possession and obsession. Will I always leave my camera behind? No. I enjoy photography, and truthfully, I would have loved to have seen what my new equipment could do with all that beauty and magnificence at Ngala. But I know I'll be different the next time I go visiting a wildlife and wilderness environment. I will probably still chase that dopamine fix of Instagram posts, but I hope, as with this trip, I'll do it considerably less. And I'll be mindful of tempering the ego- and anxiety-driven desire to get the best shot of an animal, enjoying instead the feelings of humility and awe that come from simply watching such precious creatures go about their business. THE DETAILS VISIT &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp is in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, Timbavati, South Africa; From $2080 (ZAR24,100) fully inclusive per person a night twin share. Transfers are not included in the price. See STAY On arrival in Johannesburg, we stayed at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a European villa-style property with maximalist decor and a great restaurant, 20 kilometres from the city centre. Rooms from $380 a night. 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa; +27 11 808 7300. See On the way home, I bunked in at the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport, one of the nicest airport hotels anywhere – and very conveniently situated opposite the International Arrivals Hall. Rooms from around $630 a night. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Johannesburg; +27 11 961 5400. See Loading TRANSFER Transfer options include by road in a private car – Ngala is about six hours from Johannesburg. Federal Airlines flies charters and shuttles from Johannesburg to Ngala Private Airfield. See Airlink flies between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit. See &Beyond can organise a pick-up from there. The road trip takes about an hour.
The Age
27-05-2025
- The Age
On the trip of a lifetime, I left my camera behind. I don't regret it
It's when I'm packing for this trip that I realise I have one small-plane flight with severe luggage restrictions. At the last minute, I decide to leave the new camera behind. As I'm driven to the airport, however, I feel like I've left my passport at home, that's how important this piece of equipment feels to my identity as a traveller. And that's when I catch a glimpse of my past self being one of those photo bro types. And when the very same charter flight that caused me to leave my camera behind swoops down across Kruger National Park, affording impressive panoramas of the 2-million-hectare vastness, it is just begging to be captured with a wide-angle lens. The plane lands at Ngala's private airstrip, where one of the special green LandCruisers awaits with its three-tiered open-air seating for our party of five, our tracker Ernie and guide Marcus standing by it smiling welcomely. It's a Kodak moment. And it won't be long before I realise the camp, edging the wide, sandy, bed of the Timbavati River, is built right on an elephant crossing which the (mostly) gentle giants often use to access the lush greenery directly in front of Ngala's spa, bar and dining areas. I'm full of high-res regret. Fortunately, at camp, there's plenty to distract me. The marvellously situated 25-year-old property greatly pleases this design devotee. It has just emerged from a six-month closure during which it was fully renovated to reflect modern tastes as well as its environment. A spa was added, and the tented suites were given large verandahs. Considered the benchmark for ethical luxury safari, &Beyond's credentials are many. It is also at the higher end of experiences. With only one other property, the family-friendly Ngala Safari Lodge on its nearly 15,000-hectare unfenced reserve, the couple-focused Ngala Tented Camp offers exclusivity and a price to go with it. The tariff, however, not only covers these exquisite digs, but three sublime meals a day, with three courses at lunch and dinner and matched wines during the latter. There are drinks available all day, including a help-yourself bar by the pool, a cocktail bar featuring full bottles of premium spirits alongside a beans-grinding Jura coffee machine and snacks. A scrumptious afternoon tea is served and the staff organise special treat meals, such as breakfast and dinner, to be served in the bush or poolside. Then there's the opportunity to visit communities to learn about the good works &Beyond affiliate, Wild Impact is doing in inventive and inspiring ways. But of course, the main game is those safari drives. And therein lies the true value for money. Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over wilderness owned by the World Wildlife Foundation and leased to &Beyond. At the tented camp, there are only nine suites. And it's this that really facilitates my photo bro rehab. Africa is far from immune to overtourism and crowding has become a serious issue in popular safari destinations with large numbers of vehicles jostling for the best positions to view wildlife that may become skittish because of this human activity, not to mention endangering said animals. It is anxiety inducing for humans as well. The frantic atmosphere of competition and limited opportunity contributes to the compulsion to mindlessly snap away, for fear the moment ends without having something to show for it. At Ngala, we watch the animals live their lives without greatly interrupting them, mostly with one, perhaps two safari vehicles present. In eight drives (two a day) of around four hours each, we only have one instance of three vehicles in situ, and because they are all on the same team, the interaction is respectful and careful. And because of this minimal interruption, the interface with the wildlife is extended. That, my friends, is a real luxury. There are many highlights across our stay. They begin with our first drive, when a male lion saunters around a corner directly in front of us and stops at a small body of water in the river bed to drink. We are so close, we hear him lapping. A leopard appears on the same patch of road, letting out a low growl as it passes our stopped vehicle, so near, I see her whiskers twitch. Amid a group of nine lions, part of a bigger group known as the Birmingham Pride, we watch a white lion cub, one of only four of this hue known in the wild. I relish hearing the soft shuffle of elephant feet in sandy soil, the rustle of rhino in bushes, the chomp-chomp of giraffe feeding, lions calling and oh, the birds. So many stunning feathered friends. We even love watching the grisly spectacle of vultures finishing off a buffalo carcass. I giggle like a kid to hear an elephant fart. Ngala is famous for lions – the name actually means 'lion' in the local Shangaan language. On one of our last drives we witness a lioness attacking a zebra. We hear the thud as she lands on its back, and a crack as the zebra kicks her and escapes. Loading We sit and watch a dam for an hour as hippos emerge, measuring whether the heat of the day has dissipated enough to warrant them fully getting out of the water. There, the sky turns a deep velvet blue splashed with tutti-frutti – oranges, yellows and pinks. Ernie and Marcus set up the sundowners. The stars emerge and spangle. It's one of the most peaceful interludes I can recall, and mostly, I have simply immersed myself in it. I say mostly – I have my iPhone with me, and snap plenty of memories. That's a different kind of photography, at least, for me: more about reminders, less about possession and obsession. Will I always leave my camera behind? No. I enjoy photography, and truthfully, I would have loved to have seen what my new equipment could do with all that beauty and magnificence at Ngala. But I know I'll be different the next time I go visiting a wildlife and wilderness environment. I will probably still chase that dopamine fix of Instagram posts, but I hope, as with this trip, I'll do it considerably less. And I'll be mindful of tempering the ego- and anxiety-driven desire to get the best shot of an animal, enjoying instead the feelings of humility and awe that come from simply watching such precious creatures go about their business. THE DETAILS VISIT &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp is in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, Timbavati, South Africa; From $2080 (ZAR24,100) fully inclusive per person a night twin share. Transfers are not included in the price. See STAY On arrival in Johannesburg, we stayed at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a European villa-style property with maximalist decor and a great restaurant, 20 kilometres from the city centre. Rooms from $380 a night. 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa; +27 11 808 7300. See On the way home, I bunked in at the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport, one of the nicest airport hotels anywhere – and very conveniently situated opposite the International Arrivals Hall. Rooms from around $630 a night. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Johannesburg; +27 11 961 5400. See Loading TRANSFER Transfer options include by road in a private car – Ngala is about six hours from Johannesburg. Federal Airlines flies charters and shuttles from Johannesburg to Ngala Private Airfield. See Airlink flies between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit. See &Beyond can organise a pick-up from there. The road trip takes about an hour.
