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The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Proteas parade trophy at Nelson Mandela Square
Captain Temba Bavuma and the Proteas celebrated the team's World Test Championship final success by parading the mace at Nelson Mandela Square. Captain of the South Africa men's Cricket Team, the Proteas, Temba Bavuma holds the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship Mace, 19 June 2025, during a meet and greet event with fans at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton after winning the event at Lord's over the weekend. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘It's all about ubuntu': Fans celebrate with world champion Proteas
Supporters were given another opportunity to interact with the world Test champions. Hundreds of people arrived at Nelson Mandela Square on Thursday to meet the Proteas players. Picture: Michel Bega South Africa's latest sporting victory had special relevance for some, while others were just there to bask in national pride, with hundreds of fans turning up in Sandton on Thursday to welcome the Proteas team home. After securing the country's first major cricket title in 27 years, beating Australia to win the World Test Championship final last weekend, the Proteas squad returned to a lively reception at OR Tambo International on Wednesday. And Cricket South Africa invited fans to participate in an activation on Thursday which gave supporters another opportunity to interact with the Proteas players at Nelson Mandela Square. 'A special occasion' Abdul 'Jack' Manack, who played 50 matches for the former Transvaal team between 1983 and 1993 (including a game at Lord's), was disappointed not to return to the world-renowned ground to see the Proteas win last week. He turned out, however, to welcome the team home. 'What happened over the weekend was a special occasion,' Manack said. 'This is what we need in the country, to unite our country, to bring our country together. It's all about ubuntu, it's all about transformation.' Former cricketer Abdul Manack with Proteas player Kyle Verreynne. Picture: Michel Bega Rasta joins the celebration Well-known artist Lebani Sirenje, better known as Rasta, also shared his appreciation for what the SA cricket team had achieved. 'Congratulations to the Proteas. They have won it and made us proud, so we are here to celebrate them,' he said. Most of the Proteas players, perhaps tired following their travels (and maybe some post-match celebrations), were admittedly a little shy about dancing on stage, despite being enticed. But skipper Temba Bavuma said they appreciated the turnout and it was clear by the reaction of fans just how much of an effect it had on people at home when they lifted the Test mace in London. 'You've really shown us what it means, what we did out there, and to see all you guys enjoy this moment with us makes us really proud of our efforts,' Bavuma told the crowd. Golden run for SA sport The world Test cricket title is the latest achievement on a golden run of form for South Africa in the sporting arena, with the country having shone in multiple sports over the last couple of years. Though the Test title ended a lengthy trophy drought, the SA cricket teams have been performing well, reaching multiple playoffs. The Proteas men reached the final of last year's T20 World Cup in the West Indies, and the Proteas women progressed to the finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup on home soil and the 2024 T20 showpiece in the UAE. In other sports, the Springboks won a record fourth Rugby World Cup title in 2023 in France, while South Africa earned six medals in four codes – swimming, athletics, cross country cycling and rugby sevens – at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Midway though this year, Dricus du Plessis has already defended his UFC middleweight title for the second time in a rematch against Sean Strickland, Rayno Nel has won the World's Strongest Man competition, and the national sprinting squad have secured three medals (including two gold) at the World Athletics Relays championship.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Too many parties and too little progress
An overcrowded political arena, fuelled by breakaways and egos, leaves voters confused and public needs ignored. Who still fights for the people's cause? Ballot papers are seen as South Africans cast special votes at the Berario Recreation Centre on 27 May 2024. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen South Africa has a book-and-a-half that doubles up as an election ballot paper. The list of parties is long. There are many parties whose political agenda and manifestos are unclear. One would be forgiven for not knowing all of them. More so, for not knowing who stands for these parties and what it is that they speak of. The Polokwane elective conference created breakaways from the ANC. We watched as Congress of the People descended into nothingness as internal squabbles took centre stage. On the other side, DA supporters are in disbelief that a party hopper has jumped ship. ALSO READ: Democracy in retreat: Magaqa's murder shows the cost of silence and apathy Liam Jacobs, who rose through the ANC's ranks, has left the DA for the Patriotic Alliance (PA), declaring it as his 'freedom'. He labelled PA leader Gayton McKenzie's conduct as thuggish in certain instances, but now he finds his freedom in the comfort of the same thuggish people. In all this time, people who followed the individuals, not the party, find themselves having to jump ship with their preferred faces because they are convinced by charisma over political acumen. Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi and Jacobs – these are just a few of the people who have found themselves as the conversation piece of political musical chairs. The former is strongly suspected to be considering starting an independent movement, to add to the book-and-a-half that doubles up as an election ballot paper. ALSO READ: Westbury caught in a cycle of fear, silence and gang violence All of which remains speculation that would have been put to rest after yesterday's press briefing. But, can you imagine another political party to further divide an already over-indulged society? No ways. And all the while, the youth need jobs and electricity needs to stay on. Buying food seems to have become the most expensive chore of the adult years. Access to education, jobs and resources are hard to come by now – no matter your skin colour, gender, creed or station in life. But with so many political parties, personal agendas seem to take precedent over political responsibility and the oath of office. Who then fights the cause of the people in this country? Who guarantees us education, jobs, health services and the right to dignity? ALSO READ: Let SA rise above the false narratives The politicians are so concerned with positioning themselves favourably for parliament and Cabinet roles that the people who brought them to power are long forgotten, as are their struggles.
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Apartheid then, apartheid now: Israel's aggression is no different
The world can no longer stand in support of Israel, while women, children and the elderly perish daily in Palestine. Activists from various civil organsations demonstrate, 28 May 2025, at the head offices of Glencore at Merose Arch in Johannesburg. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen In my early years in journalism, I had an opportunity to visit Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall, which had previously split East and the West Germany during the Cold War. One of the most insightful moments was a visit to Nazi concentration camps like Dachau, where thousands of Jews were persecuted – part of what the world know as the Holocaust. Holocaust and apartheid are matters that should serve as a case study for any nation to not turn back the clock. While condemning the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians, which has left tens of thousands dead and hundreds injured, the world should make a distinction between the people of Israel and the fascist government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In South Africa under apartheid, not all whites could be painted as black oppressors. Among Jews in the forefront against apartheid, were the likes of Benjamin Pogrund, Joe Slovo, Helen Suzman, Albie Sachs, Ronnie Kasrils, Ronald Segal and countless more. Like apartheid, the plight of Palestinians is something the globe should never forget. Efforts by the SA Jews for a Free Palestine (SAJFP) and other global activists in keeping the spotlight on Gaza should be commended. Referring to the Israeli army bombing 70 Palestinian apartment blocks last Sunday, with about 40 Palestinians killed fetching food, SAJFP spokesperson Daniel Friedman said: 'We feel that local 'security concerns' often seem to be a way of distracting from the crime of all crimes – the genocide and murder on a horrifying scale, occurring currently in Gaza.' 'Our purpose as an organisation is to advocate for the freedom of Palestinians, rather than focusing on our own safety as South African Jews. 'We do, however, believe that with a free Palestine, will come greater security for not only the Palestinians themselves, but for Jews and indeed all people worldwide,' said Friedman. With the support of the US government, Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, have evaded prosecution for war crimes committed against humanity for depriving Gazans of food and directing civilian attacks. ALSO READ: French grandmother files genocide complaint over Gaza killings US President Donald Trump and his cronies have instead seen fit to punish South Africa for taking the plight of the Palestinians to the International Court of Justice at the Hague. Israeli forces have also attacked activists and journalists on board the Madleen – yet another mission to transport food to the needy in Palestine. The attack on the mission, led by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, is surely a violation against laws governing international waters. An attack on a civilian mission to help the needy, helpless and the hungry in Palestine, should get all of us to stand up. Attacks by Israel on the people of Palestine, have gone on for too long – despite the United Nations calling for an end to the war. The world can no longer stand in support of Netanyahu, while women, children and the elderly perish daily in Palestine; while we are watching as if all is normal. A call by Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) SA Chapter chair Rev Frank Chikane, to take a stand against the Israeli government, is a campaign worth supporting. The AAM has called for boycotts, disinvestment and an arms embargo against Israel – likening its practices to apartheid-era atrocities in South Africa. 'We want to ensure that countries supporting Israel stop the practice, with their citizens making sure that this happens,' Chikane has said. Until this happens, Netanyahu's reign of terror will continue. NOW READ: Israeli forces seize Gaza-bound Madleen with aid and Greta Thunberg [VIDEO]
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Thousands cheer for Comrades Marathon runners
PICTURES: Thousands cheer for Comrades Marathon runners Thousands of supporters took to the streets to cheer for brave runners tackling the 90km route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Runners take part in the Comrades Marathon, 8 June 2025, during the 'down run' from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Tete Dijana won his third Comrades Marathon title defeating last year's winner Dutchman Piet Wiersma, while Gerda Steyn dominated claiming her fourth Comrades win. Alongside the running action, thousands of fans and supporters cheered the runners on making for a colourful procession from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Tete Dijana wins the 2025 Comrades Marathon finishing outside People's Park on June 08, 2025 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images) Gerda Steyn wins the 2025 Comrades Marathon finishing outside People's Park on June 08, 2025 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images) Onalenna Konkobe entertains the crowds as he leads the Comrades Marathon through Cato Ridge, 8 June 2025. Konkobe eventually did not finish the race. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Runners take part in the Comrades Marathon, 8 June 2025, during the 'down run' from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Ability activist Chaeli Mycroft takes part in the Comrades Marathon. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Marissa Groenewald, known as the 'Rope Runner', seen at Cato Ridge. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen A supporter gives a 'high five' to a passing runner during the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Runners take part in the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen PICTURES: Runners brave Joburg rain to run for gender equality
