By Dylan Bettencourt

• Singer Winnie Khumalo, who started her career with Brenda Fassie, died at her Joburg home after a short illness.

• The star leaves behind her daughter Rethabile, who followed in her footsteps as a singer.

South African singer Winnie Khumalo has died at her home at the age of 51.

Her daughter Rethabile called close family friend Sabelo Sithole on Tuesday with the sad news, Sunday World reported. 

“I was contacted by Rethabile, and I could hear from her voice that she was not okay. She asked me to rush to her mother’s house because Winnie was not moving. I rushed there and unfortunately, it was too late. I am distraught and I have lost a friend,” Sithole said.

He spoke to Winnie on Monday. “I knew she was not fine, but I did not know she would come to this,” he said.

Winnie started singing as a teenager after the late Brenda Fassie took her under her wing. She became one of Fassie’s backing singers.

Just two months ago, in November, Winnie went to hospital in Joburg because she couldn’t breathe properly. Doctors told her she had asthma.

“I didn’t know that I had asthma until I had shortness of breath. I was so confused,” she said at the time. “I have never heard of anyone being diagnosed with asthma at this age. But the doctors have told me it’s still in the early stages. They said I need to manage it well and just take care of myself.”

Winnie battled other health problems too. She had diabetes and needed a wheelchair for weeks in 2017 after a back operation. But she stayed strong through it all.

“I am a fighter, everyone knows. Many of my peers have passed on. But I want to see my grandchildren grow old, so I pray for a long life,” she said.

Her music career started at 15 when she released her first album Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina. Producer Sello “Chicco” Twala worked with her on the album.

Besides singing, Winnie acted in TV shows like Muvhango and Mponeng, where she played a sangoma.

In 2008, she made a comeback with her album I Just Wanna Live My Life. The album did well, being nominated for awards at Channel O and the South African Music Awards.

Her daughter Rethabile followed her into music. In August last year, Rethabile fell ill after someone allegedly poisoned her. 

“She was poisoned by a friend. She was in and out of the hospital but thank God she recovered. Rethabile has a small baby and had to fight,” Winnie said then.

Pictured above: Winnie Khumalo.

Source: X

By Esther de Villiers

• The 36th Trans Agulhas Challenge ended on 31 December after covering a tough 700km route from Plettenberg Bay to Strand Beach over four days.
• Despite rough seas on the final day, race veteran Eben de Bod emerged victorious, proving TAC remains the ultimate test.

The Trans Agulhas Challenge (TAC) set off, as it has on 35 previous occasions, from Plettenberg Bay’s Hobie Beach on 28 December and finished four days and six stages later at Strand Beach in the Cape on 31 December.

From Plett, the 700km course headed to Mossel Bay (Stage 1 – 188.5km), on to Stilbaai on Day 2 (Stage 2 – 86km), Stilbaai to Struisbaai on Day 3 (Stage 3 – 161km), and finally to the Strand finish line.

On Day 4, the total distance covered was 223km (Stages 4–6), and the day’s three-tiered challenge saw boats racing via Uilkraalsmond and Gansbaai en route to Strand Beach.

“In 2023, we had to abandon one of the stages on the final day because of extreme weather off Cape Agulhas, but this year we had extra safety boats and were determined to finish on the water,” said TAC organiser Stefan Lindeque.

“This time round we had much better weather – the first three days were raced in perfect conditions. But on the last day, the sea and wind were rougher, so the guys could really show their mettle.

“A westerly wind from the front made it more difficult to navigate the 3–4 metre swells, but we chatted with all the racers and safety boat crews and decided to push through.”

Lindeque thanked NSRI stations along the way on Day 4 – including crews in Hermanus, Kleinmond and Gordon’s Bay – for being on standby.

The race started off with a record number of 40 boats. By the final day, 37 boats set off from Struisbaai, but only 23 boats crossed the finish line at Strand Beach on the last day of 2024.

“That’s why we were lucky with the weather: it was fair enough for many boats to finish most stages, but challenging enough to prove once again that it really is the toughest trial for inflatable boat racers,” said Lindeque.

Among the two-man crews that entered the challenge were Wimpie Ackerman and co-pilot Devon Henning in the Six Gun Grill title sponsor’s boat.

“Apart from the fact that no racer can compare with Wimpie’s 30-year record of TAC participation, he is also the reigning SA champ and took top spot in the Pro Stock class at the World Champs in Gqeberha last February.”

But finally taking the TAC 2024 crown was race veteran Eben de Bod, with Henco Nel as co-pilot.

“Their boat flipped when arriving at Stilbaai, and Eben, who has won the title on three previous occasions, said it may be a sign that it’s time to hand over the baton. But he’s simply in a class of his own and made up lost time over the next four stages to finish first overall at Strand Beach,” said Lindeque.

Officially titled the Six Gun Grill Trans Agulhas Challenge powered by Iconic Mossel Bay, the race again earned its reputation as ‘world’s toughest’. Visit www.trans-agulhas.com for full results.

Pictured above: Trans Agulhas racers again treated land-based onlookers along the Cape coast to spectacular racing action.

Source: trans-agulhas.com

Tumai is not a human being – she is an avatar, created by artificial intelligence (AI) software.

While Tumai’s appearance is not based on any single human being, she uses an AI-generated copy of the voice of Scrolla’s Zuzile Ndlela. 

Zuzile, who is on maternity leave, worked closely with the voice simulation software by spending a day reading hundreds of Scrolla articles to it. 

In this first appearance, Tumai presents a brief news bulletin and then introduces herself. She also explains that whenever she, or any version of herself is running, there will be an AI logo on the screen.

Says Tumai: “While I’m AI-generated, every story I read has been thoroughly researched, written, and verified by my human colleagues at Scrolla. For at Scrolla.Africa, we will always serve you with real news for mobile.”

As well as presenting the news, Tumai will also occasionally discuss AI and the opportunities – and threats – it means for us. 

The inspiration for Tumai came from the Centre for Innovation & Technology in Bulawayo, which launched the AI news avatar, Alice. Scrolla thanks CITE’s Zenzele Ndebele for his advice. 

By Michael Madyira

Mduduzi Shabalala struck twice to save Kaizer Chiefs from a third straight Premier Soccer League defeat in the 2-2 draw with Magesi FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

It was a four-goal thriller which saw Shabalala grabbing a brace within two minutes in the second half to cancel Magesi’s goals by John Mokone and Edmore Chirambadare in either half.

Magesi looked on course to slay another Soweto giant following their Carling Knockout elimination of Orlando Pirates.

But Shabalala earned Chiefs a point although they remain winless in three league matches to settle one rung up to position eight.

The result left Magesi also climbing one place to 11th position.

Before Amakhosi had settled into the match, Wonderboy Makhubu jumped highest between Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross to head home a Mokone cross to claim the lead for the home side.

Chirambadare then scored from a freekick to trigger some response from the Soweto giants.

Due to some relentless pressure on their hosts, Chiefs were always coming back with Shabalala first turning in a Gaston Sirino feed before finishing after Du Preez had initially hit the post.

At Loftus Versfeld, Mamelodi Sundowns perfectly responded to last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Polokwane City by beating visiting Cape Town City.

It was an evening of braces as Peter Shalulile grabbed a double while Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s goal was sandwiched between the Namibia international’s efforts.

The result for second-placed Sundowns saw them closing the gap between them and log leaders Orlando Pirates to three points.

It paid off for Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who decided to go for the kill by starting a three-pronged attack of Shalulile, Ribeiro Costa and Iqraam Rayners.

City dropped two places to number 13 on the standings following the defeat.

Elsewhere, Polokwane City rose to third spot after beating ninth-placed Royal AM 1-0 away at Harry Gwala Stadium with Bonginkosi Dlamini on target with 14 minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, Golden Arrows were held 0-0 by SuperSport United at Mpumalanga Stadium.

Matsatsantsa are now in seventh spot just above Chiefs, while Arrows are 10th.

Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala executes a shot while Magesi FC’s Delano Abrahams tries to block

Source: Kaizer Chiefs

By Michael Madyira

Rookie midfielder Mohau Nkota struck twice in the first half to help Orlando Pirates edge AmaZulu 2-0 in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Friday.

The 19-year-old first hit the target on the half-hour mark before sealing his double six minutes later.

Hendrick Ekstein’s stoppage-time goal for Usuthu was not enough to inspire at least a share of spoils.

Crucially for the Buccaneers, they registered a fifth successive PSL win of the season which placed them at the top of the table.

They now have three points more than second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns who could, however, reclaim top spot if they beat Polokwane City on Sunday.

Following the defeat to Pirates, AmaZulu have now gone for four consecutive defeats in the league as well as elimination from the Carling Knockout. 

The KwaZulu-Natal side remain at the bottom of the table

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was on point to start Nkota who repaid him with a brace as the teenager is making himself a key player in his debut PSL season.

He becomes the Soweto giants’ second league revelation in two seasons after Relebohile Mofokeng was always a threat and hit the upright post in the early stages of the first behalf.

After scoring his two goals, Nkota almost grabbed a hat-trick but shot just wide two minutes into the second half.

It was the first time since Excellent Walaza scored a brace in December 2006 for a Pirates 19-year-old to grab a double.

Friday’s result was a statement by Pirates who have now presented their case as serious PSL title contenders.

Pictured above: Orlando Pirates midfielder Mohau Nkota celebrates his goal against AmaZulu, joined by Makhehlene Makhaula and Deon Hotto

Source: PSL

Three Americans, a Briton, a Belgian and a Canadian were among 37 people sentenced to death after an attempt to overthrow Democratic Republic of Congo president Félix Tshisekedi in May this year.

According to BBC News, US national Christian Malanga was the suspected leader of the plot. Malanga and five others were killed during the attack.

Malanga is of Congolese origin and his son Marcel – one of the US citizens sentenced to death – told the court that his father threatened to kill him unless he took part. His friend Tyler Thompson was also given the death penalty.

The third American, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, had business interests with Christian Malanga. AFP news agency reported that the Briton and Canadian in question were of Congolese origin, and that fellow accused Jean-Jacques Wondo is a dual Congolese and Belgian citizen.

They were among 51 people tried in a military court, with hearings broadcast on national TV and radio. Of the 51 tried, 14 people were acquitted when the court found they had no connection to the attack.

The attempted coup began in Kinshasa during the early hours of 19 May. Armed men attacked parliamentary speaker Vital Kamerhe’s home in the capital before targeting the president’s official residence.

The death sentence has not been carried out in the DRC for about two decades, but the government lifted this moratorium in March this year. Those convicted have five days to appeal against their sentences.

Compiled by Staff Writer

Pictured above: The DRC flag.

Source: X

By Michael Madyira

Orlando Pirates could not hold on to a slim lead to draw 1-1 with Cape Town City, while Mamelodi Sundowns succumbed 1-0 at home to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-finals’ first leg on Wednesday.

Relebohile Mofokeng drew first blood for the Buccaneers 15 minutes into the match before Jaedin Rhodes struck back for City on 61 minutes at the Cape Town Stadium.

The Buccaneers grabbed an important away goal but might be regretting allowing their hosts to come back and make it one apiece.

After controlling proceedings in the first half, Pirates let City dominate them in the second stanza.

The Soweto giants had goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to thank for making crucial saves as he was duly named the Man of the Match.

Chaine impressively saved Rhodes’ shot on 45 minutes before the Buccaneers custodian returned to expertly tip the Pirates scorer’s shot over the bar in the 66th minute.

Pirates will now try to have their away goal come to their advantage when they host City in Saturday’s second leg.

At Lucas Moripe Stadium, Sundowns made life difficult for themselves by losing to visiting Stellenbosch.

Fawaaz Basadien converted a penalty on 62 minutes to hand his side a big advantage ahead of their home leg against the Brazilians.

It was a shambolic outing by Sundowns whose brand of football was an eyesore despite starting key men like Grant Kekana, Peter Shalulile, Teboho Mokeone, Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Khuliso Mudau.

It went south for the Brazilians when Kekana ploughed into Devin Titus inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot.

Basadien then sent goalkeeper Jody February the wrong way and Masandawana tried to come back through substitutes Arthur Sales and Themba Zwane who were denied by Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens towards the end.

Teboho Mokoena then had his trademark long-range shot hit the crossbar right on 90 minutes in what was Sundowns’ last attempt to restore parity.

The evening belonged to goalkeepers and Stephens was Man of the Match just like Chaine, and will try to replicate his form when Stellies host Sundowns in Durban on Sunday.

Pictured above: Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng wheels away from Cape Town City’s Tshegofatso Nyama.

Source: Orlando Pirates

By Michael Madyira

Orlando Pirates responded to last weekend’s CAF Champions League disappointment against CS Disciples in emphatic style with a 4-0 win at Orlando Stadium on Friday.

After being frustrated to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of this first preliminary round away, the Buccaneers picked themselves up on home soil to reach the next phase.

Tshegofatso Mabasa opened the scoring for the Buccaneers nine minutes into the match and Relebohile Mofokeng doubled their advantage in the 24th minute.

Patrick Maswanganyi was to add his name on the scoresheet four minutes later to hand the Soweto giants a commanding 3-0 first-half lead before Karim Kimvuidi rounded up the big win in stoppage time.

Coach Jose Riveiro made slight changes to the team that started in the first leg, bringing in centre-back Thabiso Monyane, Mbatha and Kabelo Dlamini.

That saw Nkosinathi Sibisi, Makhehlene Makhaula and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo being sacrificed.

From the first minute, the Buccaneers were on top of proceedings and hinted at a high-scoring evening with Deon Hotto being a big threat although the visitors’ Tendry Randrianarijaona almost killed their momentum by closely missing target early on.

Pirates were then duly rewarded in no time when Mabasa unleashed an impressive volley which gave the Disciples goalkeeper no chance.

Maswanganyi then combined with Mofokeng for the latter to easily finish and double the Soweto giant’s advantage.

It did not take long for Maswanganyi to register his name on the scoresheet with a beautiful curler which nestled into the top corner.

The goal sapped away Disciples’ hopes of a comeback although they tried to be a bit stubborn in the second half.

But Pirates maintained their defensive discipline and Monnapule Saleng had a goal ruled out to have been scored from an offside position on 72 minutes.

Substitute Kimvuidi then made it a big win by finding the back of the net at the second attempt of his initial blocked shot deep into stoppage time.

Pictured above: Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha trying to beat a Disciples player

Source: Orlando Pirates