Since I started motoring, I’ve had two Isuzus.  One was a D-Max 1.9 litre bakkie that I labelled a workhorse but it wasn’t something I would buy for everyday driving.  The second was a flagship SUV, the MU-X, which proved to me that Isuzu can put together a stunning SUV from the inside out, without compromising its identity.  I found the 3.0 litre four cylinder engine turbodiesel in the MU-X  exceptional, so I was excited to receive the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross bakkie that uses the same engine.  This is the range-topping version of the D-Max series, so I had high hopes for the bakkie.  I also managed to get the Onyx Black, which was released only in November 2025, thanks to the success of MU-X ONYX XT and the X-Rider Black in Onyx Black.  Now, in full black, the bakkie is super attractive. In fact, I had people tell me that they couldn’t believe it was an Isuzu.  No disrespect to the brand but it’s not every day a bakkie makes you head turn and an Isuzu one at that. From the outside, it looks the part. It looks like it has entered the posh pickup category.  It doesn’t stop there.  As I mentioned, I’m a huge fan of the 3.0 litre diesel engine because it’s smooth for a bakkie and relatively efficient.  By smooth, I mean, I could drive it every day, not only when I want to go off-road, have a lot of things to transport or need to tow something.  It can do all those things with ease. It hasn’t lost the workhorse identity, while managing to provide a comfortable drive.  The engine is slightly noisy but only at low speeds. Once you get going, it’s smooth sailing.  The 140kW and 450Nm of torque is more than enough. The bakkie has a towing capacity of 3500kg and 800mm of wading depth, so it will be fine even if you need to get across water.  I averaged around 9 litres/100km of fuel and found this to be extremely good considering the 3.0 litre turbodiesel. With the exorbitant diesel price nowadays, if the figure is moving above 10 litres, I would rather stay away.  The interior is where the car disappoints me a little.  While Isuzu has tried with leather upholstery and some good touches along the dash to make it comfortable for the driver and passengers, it misses that premium.  I’ve been in the Ford Ranger Platinum and the BYD Shark 6. Those bakkies really turn it on when it comes to the interior.  I’m not asking for big screens and multi-colour ambient lighting; just a few changes — like integrating the infotainment screen more neatly into the dashboard and a fully digital drivers display.  Perhaps the brand can also switch to an electronic parking brake and a more modern gear-shifter?  Maybe it will get there in time but based on the attractiveness of the exterior of the bakkie, the interior could have been better.  I say this because the shift of the interiors of bakkies are changing into more car-like interiors.  The Ranger, the Shark, the Changan Hunter and the new Hilux that’s coming later this year have all given their interiors a premium feel that makes a big difference to today’s consumer.  The D-Max V-Cross is a top-quality bakkie and I would hate to see it get left behind because it doesn’t compete due to its interior design. That said, it has come a long way and I’m hopeful that the next overhaul will be sufficient to translate the stylish exterior into a more modern interior.  The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 4×4 is priced from R934 900.

There are buildings and then there are institutions.  La Concorde is not just another office block on Main Road in Paarl. It is a concrete memory, a historical statement and now, thanks to the right developer at the right time, a second act done properly. Before La Concorde became a development opportunity, before it became a conversation about premium office space or asset repositioning, it was the beating administrative heart of one of South Africa’s most important agricultural strongholds — the KWV. You cannot talk about KWV without understanding what it meant to this country. For decades, KWV was more than a wine body. It was the backbone of the South African wine industry. It regulated production, stabilised prices and shaped how wine moved from farm to market. If you were part of the wine industry, KWV was part of your story. When it built its head office in Paarl circa the 1950s, it wasn’t just about needing space, it was about securing a presence. Construction began in 1956 and by 1958, La Concorde stood completed — a bold, deliberate building designed to reflect both authority and heritage. KWV certainly didn’t cut corners. The architecture drew from the Cape Dutch vernacular with its thick walls, symmetry and gables. This was a reinterpretation rather than a copy-and-paste of history. A modern building for its time, rooted in tradition but clearly looking forward. Every detail of the building tells a story. Take the front gable (picture a simple house a child would draw — a square with a triangle on top. That triangle? That’s the gable). At first glance, it is beautiful. But when you look closer, it becomes something else entirely. The sculptural work was done by Florencio Cuairan, a Spanish artist who spent more than two decades in South Africa. He modelled the pediment in clay before casting it, embedding mythology, symbolism and local references into the façade. At the centre sits Ganymede from Greek mythology, carried by an eagle — a symbol of elevation, of offering, of something being lifted to a higher place. Around him are cherubs, vines, barrels and even Cape lions. It is art, yes, but it is also narrative. There is a detail that makes it deeply human. One of the cherubs was modelled on a real child from Paarl. A girl whose likeness was immortalised in concrete, visible decades later if you know where to look. That is what makes buildings like this so special and different. They carry people inside them. Over time, like many large institutional buildings, La Concorde evolved. Wings were added and offices expanded. By the 1970s, the building had outgrown its original footprint, with extensions built to accommodate leadership and operations.  Then, slowly, things changed and KWV reduced its footprint. Parts of the building stood underused.  By 2016, ownership had evolved and by 2018, sections were being leased out. The tennis courts became parking areas. The building was standing but it had lost its centre of gravity. Generally speaking, this is usually where the story goes wrong. This is the part where buildings get stripped, chopped up or turned into something disconnected from what they were originally designed for. Thankfully, that is not what happened here.  In 2020, Giflo Property Developers stepped in. And what it has done since is something I wish more developers understood: they listened to the building and acknowledged its story before trying to change it. It didn’t arrive with a wrecking ball mentality; it arrived with respect. Michiel Scharrighuisen, one of the two founding brothers of Giflo Property Developers, said: “When we first walked into La Concorde, we knew this wasn’t a building you impose yourself on. It tells you what it needs.  “Our role was never to change its identity but to reveal it again and make sure it can carry that identity forward for another generation.”  Starting with an infrastructure upgrade: more than 200 air-conditioning units replaced, thousands of square metres of new carpeting installed, electrical rewiring and solar and battery systems added to future-proof the building. The Kiaat front door remains there, along with the yellowwood boardroom, the Roodeberg room and the grand entrance hall. The bronze railings are polished regularly. Even the façade is maintained under strict heritage oversight, with every crack carefully repaired and every surface properly treated. There is a strong sense of stewardship over cosmetic-focused design and maintenance. And that is why La Concorde today feels different. It’s confidently old but working as a modern commercial building should. Which brings me to what it is becoming: Phase 2. Now the story moves from preservation to positioning. Giflo Property Developers will be building basement parking, a rooftop restaurant and an additional four storeys of contemporary premium-grade office space on an underused part of the site, elevating the asset to a level the Winelands has not seen before. I don’t say this lightly: this building has the potential to become the “Waterfront of the Winelands” as far as premium office space goes. “There’s a gap in the Winelands for truly premium office space that still has soul,” said Scharrighuisen. “Phase 2 is about delivering that, a space where top-tier businesses can operate at a global standard but in an environment that feels rooted, intentional and unapologetically Paarl.”  He goes on to discuss where a law firm can establish a presence in Paarl without compromising on quality. Besides Val de Vie, there aren’t many other premium office options in the vicinity.  The premium office precinct is the perfect set-up for asset managers, private banks, family offices, auditing firms or high-end advisory firms wanting to position themselves within proximity to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Cape Town but set up shop in something distinct. A place where they can firm up an identity in a central location. La Concorde is not another glass-box office park. She has character, scale and history that you cannot replicate, no matter how big your budget. Importantly, it offers a setting that makes people feel something when they arrive. We often reduce buildings to rental rates per square metre, parking ratios and yield profiles. Yes, those things are essential for good business. But the best buildings, the ones that hold value over time, are the ones that people connect to.  Giflo Property Developers has taken a heritage asset that could easily have been neglected and instead positioned it for another 50 years of relevance. And in doing so, it has given Paarl an iconic building that remembers where it came from, while making space for what comes next. And that, in property, is about as close as you get to getting it right.

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Two senior police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Gauteng following an extensive investigation into illegal dealings and the unlawful possession of precious metals, with court appearances scheduled for Monday.

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote feels there has been “real growth” in the team’s game following their capturing of the U20 Rugby Championship title in Gqeberha on Saturday. The Junior Boks drew 29-all with New Zealand in their final game to finish on top of the points table, following earlier wins in the competition against Argentina and Australia. It was a first U20 Rugby Championship title for the Junior Boks. ‘Real growth’ On Saturday Foote’s team fought back from three to one tries down against their New Zealand counterparts to draw and win the title. “We had moments where things didn’t go our way, but what stood out was the fight in the group and the resilience to keep coming back. That’s what you need in games like this, especially on occasions like these,” said Foote. The coach added the Junior Boks showed clear development in their physicality and kicking game compared to previous encounters with New Zealand. “Twelve months ago, we came here and didn’t kick particularly well. This time our kicking was mature, contestable, and it allowed us to play in the right areas of the field. There’s been real growth in our game.” However, Foote admitted breakdown efficiency and ball security were areas where they could be better, especially ahead of the U20 World Championship later this year. “We probably turned over the ball too easily at times, and that’s something we’ll definitely work on. Against a team like New Zealand, you get punished if you’re not clinical,” said Foote. Depth tested Captain Riley Norton, who had another solid game at No 5 lock, echoed his coach’s sentiments, particularly around the tense closing stages. “Those last 10 minutes were hectic. Momentum kept swinging and that’s where you learn the most,” Norton said. “We made a few simple errors and lost shape at the breakdown, and that gave them chances.” Despite that, the Junior Bok skipper stressed the value of the tournament experience. “These are exactly the kind of pressure situations we’ll face at a Junior World Cup. You have to stay composed, control what you can, and trust your systems.” Both Foote and Norton agreed that while the draw was bittersweet, the broader objective had been achieved. “We’ve won the tournament, we’ve tested our depth, and we’ve learned a lot about ourselves,” said Foote. “This experience will serve us well going forward.” The Junior Boks finished the tournament unbeaten on 13 points after they and New Zealand both earned three points from the closing game – two points for the draw and one bonus-point for scoring four tries each. The Kiwis finished with eight log points in total followed by Australia and Argentina who finished on seven points each.

Two senior officers and a civilian were arrested over the weekend in connection with illicit precious metals transactions, corruption and related offences. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest following an intensive investigation by the Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS). “These arrests form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit trade of precious minerals and corruption,” Mathe added. The suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges that may include the unlawful dealing in precious metals, defeating the ends of justice, corruption and contravention of applicable legislation regulating precious metals in South Africa. This came amid reports by eNCA of Gauteng Hawks Boss Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa being arrested by the Political Killings Task Team in Johannesburg, with the unit also reportedly raiding an upmarket apartment in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Sunday. Crime intelligence’s Major-General Feroz Khan is reported to reside in the building but was apparently not present during the search just after 6am. This is a developing story

SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026 look like they will go ahead without incident next month. Better still, payment fall on the earliest possible day of the month. Following last week’s disbursements, and a tumultuous period of sustained uncertainty, things appear to be settling down over winter.  For example, SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026 stick to a regular four-week cycle next month. Therefore, more than four-million beneficiaries can expect payment on Tuesday 2 June 2026. As before, SASSA Old-Age Grants for 60 to 74 years old receive R2 400 (R80 up from R2 320). While SASSA Old-Age Grants for 75 years and older are R2 420 (R80 up from R2 340). SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR JUNE 2026 At the same time, as SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026 rollout, there is plenty of backroom politics taking place at the South African Social Security Agency. Of late, the Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has been in hot water over two Chinese SUVs gifted to the ANC Women’s League, of which she is the president. In the aftermath of the scandal, Action SA and the Democratic Alliance (DA) say she benefitted personally from the gifts. And they call into question the integrity of the minister in charge of billions of rands of money dedicated to social welfare in South Africa. INFLATION CRISIS FOR SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR JUNE 2026 Plus, following lower-than-expected 3.4% SASSA Grant increases back in April 2026, the economy has begun to struggle. Principally, when it comes to record fuel-price increases that have seen diesel go well beyond R30 per litre nationwide due to the conflict in the Middle East. This has put strain on food and energy prices for the country’s neediest residents. However, in the interim, the agency has continued to push its SASSA eLife Certification and other eligibility requirements. It says this must be now done annually so the agency doesn’t accidentally withhold or cancel grant payments to recipients it can no longer contact. Better still, SASSA’s long-dormant online service portal is supposedly back up and running – and this can now be done online. ELIGIBILITY FOR SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR JUNE 2026 Diarise the all-important payment date for June 2026. Thankfully, it’s as early as can be in the month. Image: File Nevertheless, SASSA told parliament earlier this year that it can save R3 billion over the next two years by tightening administrative loopholes. Recipients of SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026 have their data cross-referenced with other government departments – like Home Affairs, SARS, UIF and all the major banks – monthly. This is to ensure no one who is ineligible continues to receive taxpayer money when others are, in fact, more deserving. Therefore, for new applicants and those completing their eLife certification for the first time, let’s recap all the eligibility requirements for SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026. First and foremost, the most important thing is you are over the age 60, and not receiving any form of personal pension or another SASSA grant. Next, there is the all-important asset and means test you must comply with to meet SASSA eligibility requirements:  Your income must be less than R8 983 (single) or R17 980 (married) per month. This is R107 800 (single) or R215 760 (married) per year. Your total assets (property) cannot be worth more than R1 524 600 (single) or R3 049 200 (married). And anyone claiming a SASSA government grant who shouldn’t be, if caught, will have to pay back the money back with interest. HOW BEST TO COMPLETE YOUR SASSA APPLICATION IN 2026 All new applicants for SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026 can expect to wait three months for processing. However, if successful, you will be back-paid to the date of your first appointment. Likewise, if you don’t have the following documents in order, you may be turned away from your appointment and made to visit again at a later stage: Official RSA identity document (ID) preferably a Smart ID Card with digital ID photo. Valid three months’ statement certified by your bank, plus copies. All documents proving your marital status, plus death certificates if necessary. Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it, not older than three months). Documents proving your income and/or financial dividends (very important). Comprehensive information regarding assets/valuation of any property you own. Full declaration of any and all private pension in your name. Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous job. A copy of your will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years. CAN YOU RECEIVE OUTSIDE HELP FOR SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR JUNE 2026? Don’t forget that SASSA/Postbank users (all those who are left) must swap their cards by August 2026. Image: File If you’re too old or sick to make your SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026 appointment in person, a family member or loved one is allowed to help you. All they need is a letter from your doctor. All of the above documentation must be copied and certified by a commissioner of oaths. If you are denied a grant, you have three months to appeal the decision by filling in the form HERE. Of course, SASSA is notoriously difficult to get hold of, with terrible queues at most offices. Nevertheless, here are their contact details: SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011 Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322 Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za Visit the SASSA Service portal HERE But what do you think of SASSA Old-Age Grants for June 2026? Are you expecting smooth sailing? And are they enough to sustain the country’s elderly in this economic climate? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below …  

Orlando Pirates legend Steve Lekoelea has praised coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for finally playing Evidence Makgopa ahead of Yanela Mbuthuma. The Buccaneers have struggled to find goals from their striker, with their attacking midfielders and wingers providing most goals. Mbuthuma and Makgopa have only scored just 10 league goals between them. In the past two matches, Ouaddou have opted to start with Ngwana Sesi upfront and the striker netted against Chippa United. “I’m happy the Pirates coach finally saw the light and started the game with Makgopa,” Lekoelea told KickOff. “So, yesterday [Wednesday] he started and won the game for us and even scored.” “We would be talking a different story as far as the league race is concerned if he started in all those matches.” Lekoelea said the Buccaneers have the momentum on their side as they battle Mamelodi Sundowns for the league. “But I’m happy the coach has finally realised his Mbuthuma mistake,” he added. “After the win, this season’s league title race has become even tighter, unlike last season, where Mamelodi Sundowns won it with five games left.” Lekoelea said the Buccaneers needed to win their remaining matches to win the league. “There are only 5km left to the finish line,” he said. “Sundowns are dangerous with only a few games remaining. “Pirates need to win all three remaining games to be on the safe side because Sundowns have good players who can easily win all three of their remaining matches.” Which team will win the Betway Premiership?

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