Visit North West University press office A plant long used in traditional medicine is now at the centre of research that could shape future cancer treatment options in South Africa and beyond. Researchers at the North-West University (NWU) are investigating the anti-cancer potential of Lessertia frutescens, commonly known as cancer bush, after laboratory studies showed activity against several forms of cancer, including drug-resistant small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. According to Prof Chrisna Gouws, a research professor in the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the research team tested extracts from the indigenous plant on cultured human cancer cells and more advanced laboratory-grown “mini-tumours” known as spheroids. “Lessertia frutescens has shown significant anti-cancer activity against several different cancer types in our research,” she says. Targeting cancers considered incurable She says the findings became more important when the team observed activity in cancers that no longer respond to conventional treatment. “What is very interesting and exciting is the apparent activity in drug-resistant cancers such as resistant small cell lung cancer, where known chemotherapies have limited to no activity,” Prof Gouws says. “This provides us with new avenues to investigate for treatment options to treat cancers currently considered incurable.” The research team said another factor attracting attention is the plant’s longstanding use in traditional medicine and its safety profile. “An important consideration is that this plant has a long history of use and is considered non-toxic and safe for use,” Prof Gouws says. “It’s anti-cancer activity comes without the significant side-effects known to occur with most standard chemotherapies.” Other systems in the body may benefit Researchers also found that the plant may support other systems in the body during treatment. “Lessertia has known boosting effects for the digestive and immune systems, and it can have mood-enhancing activities as well,” she says. “It may therefore not only target the cancer but positively impact the patient as a whole at the same time.” The team is now studying the plant’s phytochemicals to identify the molecules responsible for the anti-cancer activity and understand how they work.  “Although many molecules have been identified and shown to contribute to the anti-cancer activity of the plant, the mechanism of action remains mostly unclear,” says Prof Gouws. “We are therefore delving deeper now to try and understand how and why this plant works.” The next phase of the study will include animal model testing later this year to confirm safety and efficacy before future clinical trials can be considered. At the same time, the researchers are developing a complementary medicine product that may be available in pharmacies by 2027. Prof Gouws says the project could also create economic opportunities. “Chemotherapy can be very expensive and inaccessible in rural areas. A new plant-based treatment will be much more cost-effective and may be more accessible because it can be manufactured locally,” she says. “An increase in demand for the plant material will also create economic opportunities through farming.” More about Prof Chrisna Gouws Prof Gouws leads the strategic project for Human-Based New Approach Methodologies for Biomedical Research. She holds a PhD in biochemistry and has more than 15 years’ experience in utilising cell culture-based models for human health and disease research, including developing new complex in vitro models for applications in drug research, including traditional medicinal remedies and plant materials for cancer treatment. She is the founder and executive committee chair for the Society for Advanced Cell Culture Modelling for Africa, a board member of International Microphysiological Systems Society, and co-editor of the NAM Journal.

In light of the Champions League final defeat, it is tempting for many pundits and critics to brand Arsenal’s campaign a disappointment. That would be unfair and profoundly misguided. As a lover of the beautiful game, I believe people should celebrate what the Gunners achieved this season rather than dwell solely on the final hurdle. Winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final represents a remarkable double that few clubs manage in a year. To dismiss it because of one night in Paris is to misunderstand the nature of elite football. Arsenal’s Premier League triumph was built on consistency, tactical discipline and sheer resilience. In a league as gruelling and competitive as England’s, claiming the title before traditional powerhouses is no fluke. It speaks volumes about the squad’s character, the manager’s vision and the collective hunger that drove them week after week. This was not a team that fluked its way to silverware. It was a side that earned every point through determination and quality. That domestic success should stand tall, undiminished by events in Europe. Reaching the Champions League final was an enormous achievement. How many clubs across the continent dream of that stage and fall short? Arsenal navigated a path filled with elite opposition and emerged as worthy finalists. Their journey showcased growth, tactical evolution and moments of genuine brilliance. It’s undeniable that the final loss to Paris Saint-Germain stings. PSG were outstanding on the night, displaying superior quality and clinical finishing worthy of a trophy of this magnitude. Credit where it is due. PSG’s victory was hard-earned and should be applauded without a speck of reservation. The most agonising moment on the field that night came with Gabriel Magalhães’ missed penalty. In an instant, the weight of expectation, the pressure of the occasion and a moment of human frailty combined to swing the match. It was heartbreaking for the player, the team and the supporters.  Yet football history is littered with such moments. Roberto Baggio’s infamous miss in the 1994 World Cup final for Italy remains one of the sport’s most poignant examples. Great players have missed great penalties in great matches before. He was not the first and certainly will not be the last. Gabriel should not be defined by this kick. His overall contribution to Arsenal’s success this season has been immense. What followed PSG’s victory, however, left a deeply sour taste that went far beyond the pitch. The streets of Paris, known as the City of Love, descended into fiery chaos, with violent clashes resulting in more than 780 arrests. The number continues to rise. Flares illuminated the night sky, electric bikes were set ablaze and storefronts were smashed by jubilant yet destructive crowds. Public transport was disrupted and authorities had to deploy thousands of officers to restore order.  While football celebrations can be passionate, there is no excuse for this level of violence, hooliganism and vandalism. It tarnishes the achievement of the winners and embarrasses the sport. Clubs and authorities must do more to separate genuine fans from those who use victories as an excuse for mayhem and criminality. Public safety should never be collateral damage in football’s triumphs. As the club seasons across the world draw to a close, attention now turns to the international stage and the upcoming Fifa World Cup. The global spectacle offers a fresh canvas for national teams to write new stories of glory, redemption and heartbreak. It reminds us why we love the game: the unpredictability, the shared emotion across borders and the chance for underdogs to shine. Arsenal fans have every right to feel proud. A Premier League title and a Champions League final appearance constitute a highly successful season by any reasonable measure. The experience gained will fuel future ambitions. Losses in finals hurt precisely because the journey to get there matters so much. Arsenal have shown they belong at the very top table of European football. Football, at its best, is about resilience and perspective. Arsenal embodied that this season. While PSG deserved their second European crown in a back-to-back campaign, the Gunners’ achievements deserve lasting recognition. As we shift focus to the World Cup, let us carry forward this balanced appreciation, celebrating winners without diminishing those who pushed them all the way. Lelo Mzaca is an award-winning multitalented journalist, copywriter and presenter of The Big Breakfast Show on Radio 2000. He has an overwhelming passion for sport, lifestyle, music, arts and culture.

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Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani confirmed reported fears on Monday, stating that star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has suffered a Syndesmosis injury, and he will be out for a fair bit of time. Reports first surfaced on Sunday naming the injury Feinberg-Mngomezulu had picked up, that is more commonly known as a high ankle sprain, which is damage to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula, while scoring a try in their quarterfinal win over Cardiff on Saturday. The expected recovery time for this type of injury depends on the severity of it, with the lower end six weeks and higher end four months. Reports have suggested that Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be out for three months, which would see him in a race against time to be fit for the Springboks’ Greatest Rivalry Tour against the All Blacks, which starts in August. Hlungwani couldn’t elaborate on a timeframe for his return, but it is almost certain that one of the most exciting players in world rugby will miss the Springboks Nations Championship games against England, Scotland and Wales in July. “As far as I know it is a Syndesmosis injury, so he is going to be out for a while, but for how long I am not sure,” said Hlungwani during a Stormers online press briefing on Monday. It is a major loss for the Stormers going into an incredibly tough United Rugby Championship (URC) semifinal against defending champions Leinster in Dublin on Saturday. Jurie Mathee backed Back-up flyhalf Jurie Mathee has been backed by Director of Rugby John Dobson, and Hlungwani, to ably step into the massive hole left by Feinberg-Mngomezulu against the Irish giants. Mathee superbly led the line in their opening URC fixture of the season last year, which was against Leinster in Cape Town, with the Stormers winning that match 35-0, but it was against a very weakened touring team, which will be completely different this weekend with all of their Irish stars back. “If you look at that first URC game against Leinster, it will be a different team that we are playing now in terms of personnel, but Jurie started then and it really worked out well for us. So Jurie is someone who is ready to step in,” said Hlungwani. “He has never really been out of the team, he has played tough games for us, so we are quite confident that he will come in and do his thing. “In terms of how we play, we let the players play to their strengths, so Jurie fits in nicely. If it changes anything great, because he will be playing to his strengths. But there will be no particular change in plans in how we play. “We will still be doing the simple stuff. You don’t want to play in your half, you want to get into their 22m and convert. “So the general rugby approach. The team that spends more time in the opposition 22m has a better chance of scoring more points. It is what we have been trying to get right over the past few months and we will be doing the same this weekend.”

At the historic Chinese Theatre, Monroe’s handprints are immortalised alongside “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953) co-star Jane Russell. There, fans plan to sing “Happy Birthday”, echoing her famed sultry serenade to President John F. Kennedy. One hundred roses and a cake will be placed at the site. This gesture serves as a symbol of Hollywood’s golden age and a popular tourist hotspot. Guests apply make-up in Marilyn Monroe’s mirror during the exhibition preview for Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on 27 May 2026. Picture: Valerie Macon / AFP. Tributes to Tinseltown’s legendary daughter began on Sunday. The Academy Museum opened “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon,” an exhibit celebrating her film career and life cut short. After shooting to superstardom in the 1950s, the actress and model died of an overdose at her Brentwood home in August 1962. She was aged 36. An exhibit is seen during the exhibition preview for Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on 27 May 2026. Picture: Valerie Macon / AFP. The Academy Museum will host special screenings of her prolific filmography throughout the month. This includes “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950), “Niagara” (1953), “The Seven Year Itch” (1955), “Some Like It Hot” (1959), and “The Misfits” (1961). The exhibit, which runs until February 2027, includes hundreds of original pieces. Some are rarely on display-such as Monroe’s famed pink dress worn during her iconic performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Guests photograph iconic dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe during the exhibition preview for Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on 27 May 2026. Picture: Valerie Macon / AFP. Later in the week, on June 4, Julien’s Auctions will put nearly 200 pieces of Monroe memorabilia under the hammer. This is part of its special “100 Years of Marilyn” sale. The items include unpublished photographs, a script with notes from her final production, the unfinished short film “Something’s Got to Give,” and personal items. These include handwritten recipes and her Elizabeth Arden lipstick. Image maker An exhibit is seen during the exhibition preview for Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on 27 May 2026. Picture: Valerie Macon / AFP. Born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, Monroe had an unstable childhood spent between orphanages and foster homes. She married for the first time at age 16. She had her first brush with show business in 1944 while working in a factory. This happened when a photographer arrived to capture photos of women working on production lines during World War II. Dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe are displayed during the exhibition preview for Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on 27 May 2026. Picture: Valerie Macon / AFP. Launching into the world of modelling soon after, she divorced her husband. She then made a history-defining decision: dyeing her brown hair platinum blonde. She landed her first contract with Fox and, by the age of 30, had established herself as a global star. Behind the scenes, Monroe founded her own production company. She attended the prestigious Actors Studio in New York and even defied the studios. Guests view Marilyn Monroe’s dresses during the exhibition preview for Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on 27 May 2026. Picture: Valerie Macon / AFP. In the 1950s, while under contract with 20th Century Fox, she refused to act in the adaptation of the musical “The Girl in Pink Tights,” deeming the script mediocre. She also considered her salary, three times less than that of co-star Frank Sinatra, unfair. More than half a century before the #MeToo movement shook the global entertainment industry, Monroe denounced the Hollywood “wolves” preying on female talent.

The South African trade surplus halved in April to R15 billion from a revised R30 billion in March. The March surplus preliminary estimate was R32 billion. The first quarter 2026 surplus of R74.6 billion was almost triple the first quarter 2025 surplus of R26 billion. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) said the April surplus was attributable to exports of R191.6 billion and imports of R175.4 billion. Consequently, in the first four months of 2026, exports have risen by 8.0% year-on-year to R700.3 billion. In the same period, imports have edged up by 0.4% year-on-year to R611 billion. The graph is based on data provided by the South African Revenue Service Monthly changes Specifically, on a month-on-month basis, exports increased by R3.4 billion or 1.8%. This was driven the value of precious metals, which soared by 30% to R52.7 billion. Import rose by R18.5 billion or 11.8% to R156.0 billion. This was largely due to a surge in mineral products, which includes crude oil. There was a massive 76% jump in the value of mineral product imports to R48.6billion. Regional split Markedly, Asia was the highest export growth region in the first four months of 2026 with a 19.5% year-on-year gain. This was closely followed by Europe with a 15.9% year-on-year rise. Surprisingly, despite the implementation of the African Free Trade Agreement in January 2021, exports to the rest of Africa fell by 7.3% in the first four months. In 2025 exports to this region decreased by 2.1%. Country split The top 5 countries South Africa exported to in April 2026 were: China (11.2% of total exports), Germany (8.4%), the US (7.5%), the UK (6.3%) and Japan (5.0%). This was not much different from February when the order was China (10.8%), Germany (9.2%), the US (7.5%), the UK (5.5%) and Japan (4.9%). In January the order was China (13.6%), Germany (7.9%), the US (6.7%), the UK (5.9%) and the Netherlands (5.8%). It shows that despite the strained diplomatic relations with the US, it remains South Africa’s third largest export destination. The top 5 countries South Africa imported from in April 2026 were: China (21.2%), the US (10.6%), India (6.3%), Germany (5.7%), and Nigeria (5.0%). The March order was China (22.0%), India (7.6%), Germany (7.5%), the US (5.4%) and Oman (3.7%). The February order was China (25.4%), India (6.1%), Germany (6.1%), the US (6.0%) and Nigeria (3.6%). The January order was China (23.5%), India (7.7%), Germany (6.6%), the US (6.1%) and Oman (3.1%). Significantly, Nigeria replaced Oman before the Iran war started on 28 February 2026 and disrupted oil supplies. In March Oman was back in fifth spot. This is because Oman has a port that is south of the Strait of Hormuz. In April Nigeria once again displaced Oman.

Bafana Bafana are expected to depart for Mexico on Monday after visa issues that disrupted the team’s travel plans were belatedly resolved over the weekend. The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on Sunday night that all players had received their visas, clearing the way for the national team to begin its journey to FIFA World Cup 2026. Emergency meeting The announcement followed an emergency SAFA Executive Committee meeting convened to address the delayed travel arrangements. While player visas have now been secured, SAFA revealed that four members of the travelling delegation are still awaiting their documentation. The outstanding visas are those of an assistant coach, the team doctor, the head of security and an analyst. The association said it is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure they can also travel to North America as soon as possible. Organising committee established To strengthen operational coordination during the tournament, SAFA has established a three-member organising committee to oversee the team’s administrative and logistical affairs throughout the World Cup. The committee consists of Bafana Bafana head of delegation David Molwantwa, SAFA Finance Committee chairperson Mxolisi Sibam and team manager Vincent Tseka. According to SAFA, the trio will be responsible for ensuring that any logistical or administrative challenges that arise during the tournament are dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Although the visa delays cost the team a valuable day in its travel and preparation schedule, SAFA insisted that Bafana Bafana’s World Cup plans remain firmly on track. Apologised to South Africans The association also apologised to South Africans for the disruption and thanked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the United States Consulate in Johannesburg for their assistance in securing the players’ visas. “The matter has now been substantially resolved and the team’s World Cup plans remain firmly on course,” SAFA said in a statement. The delayed departure comes just days before Hugo Broos’ side’s final preparations for the global showpiece, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. South Africa will now turn its full attention to its final warm-up commitments before beginning its World Cup campaign on North American soil. Bafana Bafana’s Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00 (SA time) Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 (SA time) Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00 (SA time)

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