Author: The Free Stater

By Vince van der Bijl Cricket in South Africa is making encouraging strides forward, owing to a number of fine appointments that have added experience and gravitas to the executive and coaching managers and staff. One key change required, remains untouched. The president, Chris Nenzani, and vice-president, Beresford Williams, must step aside to ensure that the leadership of the Cricket SA board play their rightful role as strategic direction finders, leaders in governance and directors of general policy for SA cricket. Cricket is a serious professional business. It has wide financial global reach and the power of sport can unite…

A new search for a venue to house 184 South African citizens set to be brought home from the epicentre of the global and deadly Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, is now underway following a breakdown in talks between the government and management of the original facility. It has been confirmed that officials are no longer in discussion with the luxury Black Mountain Hotel in Thaba Nchu in the Free State, which was earmarked to become a quarantine facility for those returning to the country. According to two senior government officials with direct knowledge of the matter, the Black…

Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago says South African businesses should not be limited to adding value to locally produced raw materials but should also consider global trends and the capacity of local expertise. Addressing members of the Mangaung Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bloemfontein this week, Kganyago said some of the biggest producers of fine jewellery and mobile phones in the world today do not have vast mineral resources but used their expertise to add value to the little they have. “Benefitiation . . . itself is a very good idea,” said Kganyago. “But Switzerland produces world-class watches yet…

Drinkers and smokers will find little cheer in the 2020 budget following a hike in sin taxes which are expected to contribute R112.7 billion, together with customs duties, to the national fiscus. Presenting his budget speech today, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced taxes on beer, ciders, non-sparkling wine, spirits and cigarettes will all increase by 4.4 percent with effect from March 1. Users of pipe tobacco as well as cigar smokers will pay an additional 7.5 percent in sin taxes. This will translate to an additional R2.89 for a 750ml bottle of whiskey, vodka or gin, and 7.5 cents more…

ALCOHOL consumption is always a controversial subject to discuss. As much as many people may enjoy drinking alcohol and its effects such as the induced feeling of euphoria, there are many known effects of alcohol on the human body, including psychological and social effects. Many drinkers have been heartened in recent years by the news from several studies that alcohol may actually be good for you. However, it must be stressed that drinking alcohol is only beneficial if it’s done in moderation. Alcohol dependency is one of the most common drug problems all over the world. One person in 13…

THIS week we travel all the way to Japan for one of the world’s favourite oriental dishes. We know sushi quickly springs to mind whenever we think of Japanese delicacies. But so much more originates from the Land of the Rising Sun. You will agree, we believe, after trying out teriyaki chicken. Teriyaki is basically a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade. The word teriyaki comes from the noun “teri” which refers to a shine or lustre given by the sugar content in the sweet soy sauce…

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has threatened to strike and “collapse” the public service if government does not honour the current public service wage agreement, Cosatu national spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said on Wednesday. The agreement is non-negotiable and any attempt to review it would be out of line, Pamla added. This is in addition to the federation’s earlier threat to “part ways” with government should the review go ahead. Cosatu is one of the ruling African National Congress’ alliance partners. On Tuesday evening, both the Public Servants Association, which represents some 230 000 public servants – and Cosatu,…

To understand the new politics stance and other pro nationals of recent times, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement of the latest generation. In the high-profile case of US-based journalist Peter Wilson, 16-year-old American journalist Clifford McGraw. On Monday, UK fashion designer Andy McDonald disclosed his discussion with the style icon, Theresa May, and the renowned fashion hub, Downing Street. Accused of plotting against the principles of the UK Fashion Authority’s anti-trend regulations, a claim he firmly refutes. Following this, fashion enthusiasts were granted twenty hours to inquire about the perspectives of both parties. Addressing The…

To understand the new politics stance and other pro nationals of recent times, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement of the latest generation. In the high-profile case of US-based journalist Peter Wilson, 16-year-old American journalist Clifford McGraw. On Monday, UK fashion designer Andy McDonald disclosed his discussion with the style icon, Theresa May, and the renowned fashion hub, Downing Street. Accused of plotting against the principles of the UK Fashion Authority’s anti-trend regulations, a claim he firmly refutes. Following this, fashion enthusiasts were granted twenty hours to inquire about the perspectives of both parties. Addressing The…

To understand the new politics stance and other pro nationals of recent times, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement of the latest generation. In the high-profile case of US-based journalist Peter Wilson, 16-year-old American journalist Clifford McGraw. On Monday, UK fashion designer Andy McDonald disclosed his discussion with the style icon, Theresa May, and the renowned fashion hub, Downing Street. Accused of plotting against the principles of the UK Fashion Authority’s anti-trend regulations, a claim he firmly refutes. Following this, fashion enthusiasts were granted twenty hours to inquire about the perspectives of both parties. Addressing The…