Allegations of a governance crisis and favouritism have emerged against the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), as two publisher organisations call for accountability and transparency in the management of a significant funding initiative.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius stresses the urgent need for a productivity offensive in Germany as the automaker grapples with significant profit declines and increasing competition from China.

Though he wasn’t with them in the pool, Erin Gallagher said the SA 4x100m mixed medley relay team had Chad le Clos on their minds when they turned out in the final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Tuesday night. He did not compete in the final, with Gallagher, Pieter Coetzé, Michael Houlie and Aimee Canny setting an African record of 3:42.61 to secure silver, but Le Clos received a medal after participating in the first-round heats. In the process, 34-year old Le Clos earned his 20th medal at the quadrennial multi-sport showpiece, equalling the overall career record haul held by Australian swimmer Emma McKeon. Last week, the former Olympic champion had claimed the men’s record of 19 medals achieved at the Games. “We did it for Chad. We wanted to get that 20th medal for him,” Gallagher said after the medley relay final. Chasing 21st medal Le Clos could take the record from McKeon in the men’s 4x100m medley relay final on Wednesday evening, provided he is selected for the medal contest after being rested in the heats. If he does step on the podium again, it would be an appropriate ending to what has been a remarkable career history at the Commonwealth Games. He made his debut at the Games in Delhi in 2010, earning five medals, and he went on to secure seven medals in Glasgow in 2014. And though it seemed his career was winding down at later editions, he continued to rake in medals, claiming five in Gold Coast in 2018, one in Birmingham in 2022, and two thus far at the ongoing spectacle in Glasgow. If he can earn one more podium place, it would be a cherry on the cake to celebrate his remarkable longevity.

Centre Markus Muller will make his Stormers Currie Cup debut after already playing for the union in the United Rugby Championship in April, and featuring for the SA A against Zimbabwe last month. The former SA U18 captain was also part of this year’s U20 World Championship-winning side, along with Junior Springbok teammates, prop Danie Kruger and hooker Altus Rabie, also set to make their first appearance in the oldest domestic rugby competition in the world when the Stormers host the Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday. It comes after the Stormers beat the Griquas 25-19 in their opening match in Cape Town. They were then thrashed six tries to none (score 41-3) by Boland in Wellington. Muller’s Currie Cup debut The 19-year-old midfielder, Muller, was among a thrilling young backline in the SA A side. Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said these had the potential to become Springboks down the road. Saturday will be a double-header, with the Stormers Bolts in action against Sharks Gen U20 at 12pm and the Stormers facing against their Currie Cup opponents from Durban at 3pm. Muller links up with Josh Boulle in midfield, with Kyle Smith at flyhalf for the first time this season. The experienced Suleiman Hartzenberg makes a return on the wing. In the forward pack, Louw Nel joins the side of the scrum after injury. Gary Porter joins a fit-again Tom Barnard in the second row. Hencus van Wyk starts at loosehead prop this week. Kruger and Rabie are on a replacements bench that also features scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni, who returns from injury. Head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb said the team have prepared intensely given the short turnaround between matches. “This team is determined to put in a performance that all of us and our fans can be proud of at home this weekend,” he said. “We have been boosted by the inclusion of some players returning to our squad. We are really looking forward to seeing how the new combinations go out there. “There is a real desire to make a significant step-up in all departments. We have packed a lot into a short space of time, so we are excited for what should be a great day out.” Stormers starting XV: Dylan Miller, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Markus Muller, Josh Boulle, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Kyle Smith, Stefan Ungerer (captain), Wandile Mlaba, Louw Nel, Keke Morabe, Gary Porter, Tom Barnard, Herman Lubbe, Vernon Paulo, Hencus van Wyk. Replacements: Altus Rabe, Mhleli Khuzwayo, Danie Kruger, Gerbrandt Grobler, Xola Nyali, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Gino Cupido, Kian Davis

South Africans are being urged to stay alert as fraudsters use fake lottery ‘wins’ to trick victims into handing over their money. The latest scams often begin with an exciting message claiming you’ve won a cash prize, even if you never entered a lottery draw. What follows is a request for an upfront payment to “release” your winnings – a clear sign that it’s a scam. How the scam works Cybersecurity experts have identified a growing number of fraudulent Facebook Live streams and WhatsApp groups designed to lure unsuspecting victims. On Facebook, scammers host fake “lucky draw” livestreams where viewers are told they have won after placing a bogus “bet”. Victims are then instructed to pay a release fee via EFT or QR code before their prize can supposedly be paid out. Similar tactics are used in private WhatsApp groups, where fake winners post screenshots and testimonials over several days to build credibility. Once trust has been established, members are told they have won but must first pay an administration or processing fee. The money is sent, but the promised prize never arrives. The biggest red flag The most important rule is simple: no legitimate lottery operator will ever ask winners to pay money upfront to claim a prize. Whether it’s a processing fee, tax, administration charge or release payment, any request for money before receiving your winnings is a clear indication that you are dealing with scammers. If you receive one of these messages, do not send money or share personal or banking information. What to do if you’ve been targeted Anyone who has fallen victim to one of these scams should report the incident to the South African Police Service and the National Cybersecurity Hub as soon as possible. Victims should also report the fraudulent Facebook page, livestream or WhatsApp group to the relevant platform to help prevent others from being targeted. If a message claims you’ve won the Lotto but asks you to pay first, it’s not a prize – it’s a scam. Has anyone tried this on you or someone you know? Tell us in the comments below, Mzansi …

The new Motsepe Foundation Championship season will kick off on Friday, 21 August 2026, and conclude on 9 May 2027. 16 clubs will battle for promotion to the Betway Premiership in what promises to be another fiercely contested season. REAL NATIVE FC STARTS NEW ERA One of the biggest changes ahead of the new season is the rebranding of Casric Stars, who will now compete as Real Native FC. The Mpumalanga club will begin the campaign at home against Cape Town City FC on the opening Friday. The league will also welcome promoted sides Hope FC and North-West University (NWU FC), who secured their places through the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs. The opening weekend fixtures are: Friday, 21 August Real Native FC vs Cape Town City FC Venda FC vs Lerumo Lions FC Saturday, 22 August Hope FC vs University of Pretoria Hungry Lions FC vs Gomora United FC Leicesterford City FC vs Orbit College FC Midlands Wanderers FC vs Magesi FC NWU FC vs Upington City FC The Bees FC vs Highbury FC CAPE TOWN CITY EYE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE With Kruger United and Milford FC promoted to the Betway Premiership last season, Cape Town City are widely tipped as favourites to win the Motsepe Foundation Championship title. The Citizens narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after finishing second in the previous campaign. All Motsepe Foundation Championship matches will kick off at 15:00. The only exception is Orbit College’s home fixtures at Olympia Park Stadium, which will start at 19:30. Teams now have just over three weeks to complete their preparations before the race for promotion gets underway. Also read: Kruger United win promotion to the Betway Premiership

Incredible Business pairs Apple hardware with the guidance and support to choose that fits.

Government will provide guidelines and leave individual sectors to write their own artificial intelligence strategies.