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Sixty years after putting South Africa on the international sailing map, the legendary ocean racer Voortrekker faces a critical race against time for restoration. This iconic vessel, with sail number SA 1, is essential to preserving the nation's maritime heritage.

Since its unveiling 25 years ago, the Nissan X-Trail has changed considerably from the compact five-seat original able to seat five, to an almost mid-sized offering capable of seating five or seven. Back to past form? One of most recent Nissan’s success stories, with global sales of 8.1-million units, the X-Trail has equally been a hit in South Africa since the original T30 arrived in 2002. Despite an offset of 50 000 units since going on-sale, the X-Trail’s popularity has tapered off since the delayed arrival of the current third generation or T33 in 2023. More premium and upmarket, but pricier and without a diesel engine the first three generation offered, the T33 has struggled to make the same inroads, not helped by the influx of cheaper and better equipped models from China. First ‘refresh’ Nissan’s almost “quick fix” was to lightly update the X-Trail last year with subtle specification upgrades, as well as a considerable albeit limited time price reduction of between R63 000 and R100 000 depending on the trim level. The refresh, though, didn’t involve the more prominent aesthetic tweaks applied to the Japanese and Australian and versions last year, neither did it yield the arrival of the e-Power hybrid system long known to be under consideration for South Africa. Now proper While the price cut has remained enforce, the confirmation of the “fully facelift” X-Trail earlier this month saw it being launched this week, still without e-Power, but at a further limited time price reduction. Centring around the Cradle of Humankind outside Johannesburg, the facelift X-Trail’s arrival forms part of an expanded SUV roll-out started with the revised Magnite at the end of 2024. Product expansion Following the X-Trail, the newly launched Tekton will make its market arrival September, while the Y63 Patrol will premiere in early 2027. Still being tested, the new year will also see the arrival of what its still known as the “three-row SUV” based on alliance partner Renault’s Boreal. A decision that will see the latter filter in above the X-Trail instead of replacing it, the updated model also serves as a final farewell for the T33 after the unveiling of the all-new incrementally detailed T34 in April this year. New outside On the aesthetic front, the still three model X-Trail range all receive a new wider angle V-shaped mesh pattern grille, a restyled bumper and headlights, new daytime running LEDs and updated side vents. At the rear, the bumper has been updated and the taillights altered, while the X-Trail name script across the tailgate gains a grey instead of the previous chrome finish. Each trim grade has its own alloy wheel design. Picture: Charl Bosch As before, the Visia, Acenta and Acenta+ trim grades are carried over, but with newly designed alloy wheels of 17-inches for the former, 18-inches for the middle grade and 19-inches for the flagship. At the same time, only the Acenta and Acenta+ can be had with the two-tone exterior finish, highlighted by two new colours, blue and beige, which can still be have in mono-tone form on the Visia. In addition, the Acenta+ is again only the variant to have not only seven-seats, but also four-wheel drive – the Visia and Acenta being five-seaters with front-wheel drive. New inside Building on the revisions from 2025, which only included the addition of wireless smartphone charging pad on all models, as well as walkway lock and approach unlock doors, Nissan has been more thorough by affording each with its own upholstery option. For the Visia, this means a new cloth finish, with the imitation leather on the Acenta and Acenta+ being model specific in look. Interior has been now been updated to resemble the Japanese-spec model. Picture: Charl Bosch More prominent is the new steering wheel and the 12.3-inch infotainment system with dramatically improved resolution for the surround-view camera system all models are equipped with from the start. Furnished with Nissan’s latest software, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the setup represents a significant step-up from before. Not stopping there, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which had been restricted to the Acenta+, becomes available on the Acenta for the first time, though, the former remains the only variant to have a Head-Up Display. Further revisions to the 12.3-inch infotainment system has resulted in an even better resolution quality for the display itself, as well as the new surround-view camera system. Picture: Charl Bosch Additional first-time inclusions on the Acenta are the following carried over from the Acenta+ dual-zone climate control; front parking sensors; heated and electric front seats; ProPILOT autonomous driving system Paddle shifters, the previously mentioned locking doors, wireless smartphone charging pad and rear parking sensors are still standard across all modes, as is a drive model selector with three settings; Eco, Normal and Sport. On the Acenta+, a new Terrain Mode system has been added with three additional “off-road” settings: Sand, Snow and Mud. Imitation leather upholstery features on the Acenta and the depicted Acenta+, albeit with different patterns and finishes. Picture: Charl Bosch Safety has also been stepped up, with all grades having the following as standard: Adaptive Cruise Control; Forward Collision Braking Blind Spot Warning; Hill Start Assist; Lane Departure Warning; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Prevention; Trailer Stability Control A tyre pressure monitor features on the Acenta and Acenta+, but only the latter gets Hill Descent Control, a new transparent bonnet view camera and what Nissan calls a T-Junction View display as part of its revised specification sheet. No change up front Where the X-Trail hasn’t been changed is on the power front. As before, it keeps the combination of the normally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine paired to a CVT. Producing 135kW/244Nm, the setup will get the X-Trail from 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and return a claimed 7.4 L/100 km. The claimed ground clearance is still 210 mm. Nissan has meanwhile confirmed that will the aforementioned e-Power is “ready” for South Africa, it remains hobbled by pricing constraints by lack of largely government support for new energy vehicles. The drive Out on the comparatively short launch route, the X-Trail failed to disappoint in the same manner as the “pre-updated” Acenta+ driven last year. Despite its mass, drivetrain and altitude threatening to spoil proceedings, the engine feels smooth and with just enough pull not for it to feel underpowered. What’s more, the amount of torque is equally sufficient for the CVT not to excessively drone when pushing on. As only the Acenta+ could be sampled, the inclusion of the four-wheel drive system makes the X-Trail feel surefooted, while the ride is pliant, comfortable and the suspension well tuned when presented with sudden surface changes or imperfections. What’s more, the steering feels little quick for a vehicle of this type, with refinement inside being also more than commendable against both road and engine noise intrusion. Conclusion An importer following the acquisition of its Rosslyn plant outside Pretoria by Chery, the introduction of the facelift X-Trail represents the next step of what Nissan calls its turnaround strategy for the South Africa. The first in a series of new models it will roll-out, excluding the ones already mentioned, the X-Trail, still faces a tricky route back to the heights of its predecessor against stronger and ultimately cheaper rivals from the People’s Republic, as mentioned. Its vested reputation and reduced price tag, though, could still swing momentum back into it favour for what is now a much better equipped and still solid segment entrant worth a second look. Price All models are covered by a six-year/150 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan. X-Trail 2.5 Visia CVT – R599 900 X-Trail 2.5 Acenta CVT – R688 900 X-Trail 2.5 Acenta+ 4WD CVT – R770 900

As the countdown to Miss Supranational 2026 ticks closer, the pageant’s national delegates have been unveiling their evening gown portraits – and if this year’s looks are anything to go by, the competition for the crown (and for Best in Evening Gown) is going to be fierce. The 17th edition of Miss Supranational will crown its winner on 31 July 2026 at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheater in Nowy Sącz, Poland, with Brazil’s Eduarda Braum handing over her title at the end of the night. But in the weeks leading up to the final, delegates from across the globe have been dropping their official evening gown portraits – glamorous, studio-lit images that give fans their first real look at how each queen plans to command the stage. From liquid velvet to hand-beaded fringe, here’s a look at some of the standout gowns doing the rounds. The front-runners Miss Supranational Côte d’Ivoire, Lisa Konan, went full drama in a black velvet mermaid gown finished with a cascading, hand-beaded royal blue cape that spills all the way to the floor – structured on top, sultry all the way down. Miss Supranational Côte d’Ivoire 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska Miss Supranational Ghana, Naa Asheley Nartey, opted for old Hollywood glamour in a wine-red velvet and rhinestone corset gown, complete with an off-the-shoulder drape and a thigh-high slit that’s already generating buzz online. Miss Supranational Ghana 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska Miss Supranational Guatemala, Elizabeth Blanco, is one to watch for Best in Evening Gown honours – her fully beaded lilac and lavender gown, with its sculpted long sleeves and sheer corseted bodice, is a masterclass in craftsmanship. Miss Supranational Guatemala 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska Miss Supranational Japan, Sadia Nagatori, kept things sleek and architectural in a cobalt blue two-piece with dramatic, floor-length sleeves that almost look like a cape and a bejewelled waist detail, proof that a gown doesn’t need embellishment everywhere to make an impact. Miss Supranational Japan 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska South Africa’s contender Closer to home, Miss Supranational South Africa, Shannon Benting, is turning heads in an emerald green, fully beaded fringe gown over a sheer nude base – a plunging neckline, a high slit and metres of fringe that will move beautifully under stage lights. It’s a bold, unapologetically glamorous choice from New Romantics Couture, and exactly the kind of look that tends to land on best-dressed lists. Miss Supranational South Africa 2026.Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska More gowns worth a mention Miss Supranational El Salvador (Argelia Rodriguez) went for understated sophistication in a teal, high-neck satin gown with a daring side slit. Miss Supranational El Salvador 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska Miss Supranational Portugal (Sabrina Gladio) chose a metallic magenta gown with a sheer, crystal-embellished corset and a dramatically draped skirt. Miss Supranational Portugal 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska Miss Supranational Tanzania (Tracy Nabukeera) stood out with a black gown featuring a striking turquoise feather-print train. Miss Supranational Tanzania 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska Miss Supranational United States (Marley Stokes) kept it classic in a red halter-neck gown with a beaded skirt and thigh-high slit. Miss Supranational United States 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska Miss Supranational Zimbabwe (Nicole Nyawera) brought texture to the mix in a powder blue, 3D floral-embellished gown with a matching floral shoulder detail. Miss Supranational Zimbabwe 2026. Picture: Instagram, @misssupranational by Radochna Śmigielska How to vote Fans don’t have to just watch from the sidelines. As part of an official influencer challenge, supporters can vote for their favourite delegate by interacting with her post on the official Miss Supranational Instagram account. Voting closes on Saturday, 25 July at 8pm, so there’s still time to rally behind your pick before the window shuts. With portraits like these already setting the bar, all eyes will be on Nowy Sącz on 31 July to see which of these gowns, and which queen, takes the final walk as Miss Supranational 2026.

Elon Musk’s net worth has fallen well below $730 billion after a failed SpaceX Starship launch attempt triggered another sell-off in the company’s shares. According to Forbes, South Africa-born Musk’s estimated fortune dropped to $722.4 billion after SpaceX stock fell 4.4%, extending a five-day losing streak. In addition, the pressure on Musk’s wealth intensified this week after Tesla reported weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings, sending the electric vehicle maker’s shares down almost 10% when Wall Street opened on Thursday. Despite the decline, he remains the world’s richest person by a wide margin. Google co-founder Larry Page remains the second-richest person in the world with a fortune estimated at $262.5 billion. Starship setback rattles investors The latest decline followed the last-minute abortion of SpaceX’s 13th Starship test flight after several Raptor engines failed to ignite. Musk said another launch attempt would come “hopefully in a few days” before later indicating that the most likely launch window would be early the following week. The launch was closely watched because it was SpaceX’s first Starship test since the company’s record-breaking initial public offering and was expected to demonstrate several important technical milestones, including updated Starlink satellite deployment capabilities. From trillionaire to under $730 billion The latest setback marks a dramatic reversal from just over a month ago. Following SpaceX’s historic IPO, Musk briefly became the world’s first trillionaire, with his fortune peaking at around $1.45 trillion when SpaceX shares reached an all-time high in mid-June. Since then, falling SpaceX shares have erased hundreds of billions of dollars from his paper wealth, leaving his estimated fortune below $730 billion. How far off are you from joining the billion dollar club? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

French authorities have formally placed a 70-year-old woman under investigation in connection with the fatal stabbing of British-South African mother-of-four Karen Carter in the Dordogne region of France last year. According to the BBC, the development marks a significant step in the ongoing murder investigation into the death of the 65-year-old, who had lived in the picturesque village of Trémolat for more than a decade. Investigation moves forward According to prosecutors, the woman was initially taken into police custody in 2025 as part of preliminary investigations before being released. On Wednesday, investigating judge Jacques-Edouard Andrault confirmed that further inquiries had led to formal legal action. “The investigations conducted as part of the judicial inquiry opened on 7 May, 2025, have led the investigating judge to formally charge her,” he said in a statement. Under French law, being placed under formal investigation does not amount to a finding of guilt. Instead, it means an investigating judge believes there is sufficient evidence to continue investigating and ultimately decide whether the case should proceed to trial. Karen Carter found fatally stabbed Karen Carter was discovered near her vehicle with stab wounds in April 2025 by a friend in Trémolat, where she managed two holiday rental properties. Her death shocked the quiet Dordogne community, where she had built a life after relocating from South Africa. Her husband, Alan Carter, previously said he first learned of her death after a relative spotted reports on a local community Facebook page. The news was later confirmed by French police. Husband pays tribute Speaking after her death, Alan Carter described his wife as a kind-hearted, outgoing person who was loved by everyone who knew her. “I’m an introvert, and she’s the exact opposite,” he said. “She’s an extrovert, she loves people, she loves to have fun. People love her, she has a good heart. “She’s the one who would bring home the lost dog, or cat, or whatever. She’s that sort of person. Everyone liked her. That’s why I married her. She’s just lovely.” The couple hail from East London. Both attended Rhodes University. French investigators have not released further details about the evidence in the case as the judicial inquiry continues. Personal life Local reports have long suggested the killing may have been linked to tensions surrounding Karen Carter’s personal life. She had reportedly been preparing to divorce her husband, Alan Carter, and was in a relationship with 75‑year‑old retired executive Jean‑François Guerrier, who lived nearby. Alan Carter, according to AFP, said that he and his wife were not divorcing, but ‘going through a difficult period’. Those said to be upset by the relationship included Marie‑Laure Autefort, now 70, another neighbour. Autefort’s brother, Philippe Monribot, acknowledged she had been in love with Guerrier and distressed by his affair with Karen Carter, but insisted she was incapable of violence. Both Jean‑François Guerrier and Alan Carter have denied any involvement and continue to cooperate with investigators. Guerrier discovered Carter’s body after a wine‑tasting event he had hosted earlier that day. He told police he became concerned when she failed to call him after arriving home. DNA samples were taken from Autefort, Guerrier and around 15 guests who attended the wine‑tasting, but none matched forensic evidence found at the scene. The only witness was Carter’s puppy, Haku, who remained inside her car.

Airports operator Acsa is adding an AI chatbot and augmented reality navigation to its smartphone app.

On the TechCentral Show: Optasia's Salvador Anglada on algorithms, Nigeria and lending without collateral.