Several days of cold and wet weather are forecast for the remainder of this week and into next week in the Western Cape.
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Warren Hammond’s Personal View: Geopolitical risk surges as April and June warnings unfold
Geopolitical violence is escalating fast; June and July 2025 are shaping up to be dangerously volatile months.
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EXCITING: Orlando Pirates target two 19-year-old prodigy’s!
Orlando Pirates are hoping to add more youth to their already young roster. These would both be great signings.
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UK’s busiest high street set to ban cars – turning it into ‘world-class’ tourist attraction
THE UK capital could see big changes this summer amid the Mayor’s plans to regenerate Oxford Street and introduce Al Fresco dining across the city.
Sadiq Khan plans to pedestrianise the famous street in central London, which is the busiest shopping street in Europe and which includes popular destinations such as Selfridges, John Lewis and more recently, Ikea.
These businesses have also backed the plans which aim to boost retail and drive growth for London.
The Oxford Street area would include see the pedestrianisation of the main shopping roads, currently busy with buses and taxis.
Traffic and highway proposals will be developed and consulted on later this year.
A new report published by the Mayor of London found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Londoners are in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I’m pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.
“We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue.
“This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.
“Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, added: “We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change.”
In addition to the new plans for Oxford Street, the Mayor has also revealed that a number of different areas in London will gain al fresco dining and later opening hours this summer.
Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch and the West End will all gain outdoor dining for the summer months, after the Mayor has been granted licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital’s nightlife.
In Westminster, the widely popular al fresco dining programme that was seen during the pandemic will return on St Martin’s Lane in the West End.
The street will be car-free from 11am to 11pm and al fresco licenses will be available available for up to 34 businesses.
Plans will be developed in the coming months to make this permanent.
In Shoreditch, for the first time ever independent bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will offer outdoor dining and drinking until midnight.
Both streets will be car-free on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.
In Brixton, there will be 400-square-metres of outdoor dining space for around 80 extra tables and 400 extra seats for businesses in Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road.
Running on selected weekends, the roads will become car-free zones until 10pm, with daytime activities including food markets, art workshops and live music.
In Leyton, Francis Road will extend its car-free hours and boast seating, outdoor games, late events and a weekend market.
The £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will ultimately enable areas across the city to open-up to more guests across longer hours this summer.
The hope is that the scheme will also be expanded in the coming years.
Sadiq Khan said: “The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we’re looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead.
“London’s food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class and I’m determined to do all I can to help them thrive.
“With new licensing powers granted by Government being developed, I’m looking forward to doing even more – working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these.”
Also, London’s newest tourist town in ‘forgotten’ district is £1.3bn attraction with hotels, theatre and rooftop bar.
Plus, the exact time to get a free performance from huge Hollywood star on London street EVERY night this summer.
Former ITV presenter ‘punched boyfriend and chucked her chips at him during bust up at train station’
A FORMER ITV journalist punched her boyfriend and chucked chips at him during a row at a train station, a court heard.
Victoria Mayo who also worked for the BBC, is accused of assaulting Edward Royall at Oulton Broad North railway station on February 22.
The 41-year-old appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court where she pleaded not guilty to the charge.
JPs heard Mr Royall, who supported Mayo in court, had called police and also claimed his hair had been pulled.
He has since written to magistrates asking for the assault charge to be dropped, Mayo’s solicitor said.
Rob New also claimed the behaviour is “consented” to in their relationship.
He added: “Miss Mayo’s partner will be a witness [for the defence] at the trial, so the dispute is whether a crime has actually taken place.
“There is said to have been an incident at the train station. They had a disagreement, which resulted in her throwing things at him, chips at him.”
Prosecutor John Cooper said the alleged attack had been recorded on CCTV and the footage would be played at the trial.
It shows Mayo allegedly “pull his hair, punch him and throw chips at him”.
The prosecutor also said photos of Mr Royall’s injuries will also be presented to the court.
Mayo was released on unconditional bail ahead of her trial at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court on September 12.
The journalist worked for 13 years at ITV Anglia before leaving to last year to focus on her PR business.
Mayo also carried out freelance work for the BBC and Global.
Penneys selling must-have denim mini dress in two different colours that’s perfect for warm weather – and only €20
PENNEY’S fans are rushing to buy the latest chic look in stores that comes in two different colours and is perfect for concert season.
The new Denim mini dress is now available for just €20.
With a heatwave on the way this week, the retailer has all the best buys to keep you cool and stylish.
Dance away in the fields of Stradbally or rock out at Malahide Castle in the latest look from Penneys.
The new denim mini dress is just €20 and is the perfect festival fit.
As the weather gets warmer, let your style get cooler in either the light or mid blue colour.
Complete your warm weather collection as you pair this dress with combat boots, a cross body bag and some funky shades – perfect for Electric Picnic.
Or get a more chilled day to day vibe with this trendy look when styled with an oversized shirt and low top trainers.
Penneys bosses said: “The rounded neckline is super chic and gives it an elevated look and feel, while the seam detailing adds structure.
“Stretchy for added comfort, it’s finished with a central zip closure to the back that makes it easy to put on and take off.
“Team it with your fave flat sandals and get set to soak up the rays in style”.
All sizes are available online starting from six and going up to a 20.
Meanwhile, other fashion fans are loving the new dreamy dress in stores that is a must-have this summer.
The new puff sleeve maxi dress is no exception to the rule at only €30.
Pick between the green or white to stand out this summer.
Sizes range from six up tp 20, so everyone can be chic this summer.
Penneys said: “Soft details and a solid green finish make this maxi dress an effortless choice.
“The V-neckline and gathered detailing at the bust and waist create a gentle shape, while short puff sleeves with elasticated cuffs add a touch of volume.
“Pair it with your favourite accessories and some sandals or low top trainers depending on your plans.”
Both styles are available in select stores around the country.
THE HISTORY OF PENNEYS
THE Penneys brand grew from humble beginnings on Dublin's Mary Street, where it opened its first store in 1969.
Known as Primark outside Ireland, the company was the brainchild of Garfield Weston, who hired Dubliner Arthur Ryan to make his vision reality.
Penneys branched into the UK in 1973 with its first store opening in Derby. The UK now has 191 Primark stores in total.
However, the Penneys name could not travel to Britain as the American retailer JC Penney had the right to use the name in the region.
And in 2006, the expansion into Europe began with an opening in Spain, followed by the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Austria, France and Italy.
Primark went Stateside for the first time in September 2015, with the opening of a store in Boston. There are now 27 stores in America with branches in Florida, Brooklyn, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The retailer’s opened its largest store in Birmingham in 2019.
It spans five floors and features Primark’s biggest beauty studio to date, a barbers and three restaurants.
‘A cult’: Floyd Shivambu fires dig at former employers EFF and ANC
Former EFF co-founder Floyd Shivambu said together with the party's leadership they agreed that Julius Malema can never lead South Africa.
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Bumblebee 1000’s Talladega Nights roadtrip raises €231,458 for Little Blue Heroes charity
BUMBLEBEE 1000 came, we saw, and we conquered, plus we raised €231,458 for the Little Blue Heroes charity.
Our latest supercar roadtrip, Talladega Nights, took place over the weekend and this was our biggest event to date with over 100 vehicles taking part.
On the start line at Barberstown Castle we had one of the fastest and most expensive hypercars in the world — a 1,600bhp Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+.
This Bugatti, worth over €5million, is a limited-edition variant of the Chiron that has an incredible top speed of 490.484kph.
And taking part in the full roadtrip was a 950bhp LaFerrari, one of only 499 in the world, that’s powered by a 6.3-litre V12 and uses F1-derived tech.
It was a sight to behold to see this stunning red €3m hypercar cruising the streets of Ireland alongside other beautiful Ferraris like the SF90, the 296 GTB, the F8 and the 458.
As always Bumblebee 1000 events raise money for the incredible Little Blue Heroes.
It is voluntarily led by Garda members, provides vital support to the families of sick kids in Ireland and now Bumblebee 1000 has raised over €840,107 for this incredible charity.
I joined the action in a 727bhp M5 super saloon thanks to my friends at BMW Ireland and was dressed as the Irish Sun’s tamed Motoring Editor The Ligg.
But if I had a euro for every time someone commented, ‘There’s The Stig’ as I drove by, I would have easily covered my fuel bill for the weekend.
And it’s always fun at all the fuel stops to take selfies with all the spectators and all the wonderful Little Blue Heroes I meet along the way.
Part of our three-day road trip took us through the stunning scenery of the Ring of Kerry.
The hills were literally alive with the sound of supercars, and to see and hear over 100 of them roar down through Moll’s Gap in sunshine was breathtaking.
And I’m sure the thousands who turned out to see their favourite cars were blown away with the sheer amount of rare machines like the limited edition Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63.
It’s so rare there are only 63 of them made, and the amazing silver model on the trip was also right-hand drive — only a handful of them are in existence.
The finish lines on a Bumblebee 1000 road trip always draw the biggest crowds and on Friday at the Neil Armstrong Way in Kerry the turnout was incredible.
While on Saturday at the Lewis Road Car Park in Killarney, the whole town turned out to see us arrive and join in the party atmosphere.
But we saved the best to last as on Sunday when we pulled into the Portlaoise Plaza it was packed with spectators who got to see the finest collection of supercars ever in Ireland at one time.
For more info head over to bumblebee1000.ie or find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
GK Barry reveals reason I’m A Celeb cast no longer speak seven months after show – and Maura and Danny’s drunken kiss
I’M A Celeb star GK Barry has split the tea on her relationship with her former campmates – and who she’s still in contact with.
Speaking on The Katie Price podcast, the GK told the former glamour model how the group has disintegrated – just seven months after forming a jungle bond.
TV star Katie inquired if she still communicated with her 2024 camp buddies.
The 47-year-old asked: “Have you kept in contact, because this is another thing, when I’ve done Big Brother and all of that, you’re like, Yeah, I’ll stay in contact…
“But you know the ones you’ll stay in contact with and some you just know… in the beginning you text and then…”
GK admitted: “We had a group chat. It has died down slightly as you can imagine, it’s died down.”
She added: “But I still keep in contact with the Rev [Richard Coles] – and Dean [McCullough] I still keep in contact with a little bit, but mainly the Rev and Melvin [Odoom].”
The 25-year-old concluded: “I keep in contact with Melvin quite a lot.”
The internet personality entered the I’m A Celeb Jungle last year and quickly became a fan favourite and ended up placing fifth.
Following her TV stint she went on to make multiple appearances on daytime TV show Loose Women.
Back in April, the group was still active and radio star Dean lifted the lid on what went on in the cast’s infamous WhatsApp thread.
Before the group fell apart, he said: “No, no one’s left. Everyone’s in it. Everyone’s chatting away.
“I just love it because you’ll just wake up one morning, and there’ll just be a picture of Coleen [Rooney] on the school run with the kids, or Richard the other day sent us a picture of him at 10 o’clock in the morning in full fancy dress.
“He was dressed as a nun. Everyone’s in it, of course, and excited to meet up again.”
While love is in bloom for GK and her footballer girlfriend Ella Rutherford, McFly star Danny‘s marriage to his wife Georgia has been rocked since appearing on the show.
Singer Danny, 39, has been trying to move on from the fall out from his “drunken kiss” with Maura Higgins, 34, at the Brit Awards.
The pair starred alongside GK in the 2024 series of I’m A Celeb.
Wife and podcaster Georgia – who briefly moved out of the family home following the kiss scandal – was reportedly “furious” at the way the Star Girl singer had handled the aftermath of the scandal.
A few of the campmates are set to be working together soon, which could make things very awkward for Maura and Danny.
Georgia broke her silence on social media after three months on from the kiss and posted her first photo of her husband in a Father’s Day tribute.
Dunnes Stores to sell new bikini perfect for hot weather with secret trick to save on luggage space – from just €6
DUNNES Stores is selling a cute new triangle bikini set that has a secret trick to save you on luggage space this summer.
The Irish retailer has a huge range of swimwear in stores now.
From towels for the pool to date night dresses, Dunnes Stores has all you need for summer.
The new triangle bikini top from Dunnes Stores is just €8 and it is a must-have to save you space in your suitcase.
Designed with a reversible feature, this bikini top offers two vibrant colours in one.
Switch up between a stunning pink or orange depending on your mood as this item offers two styles in one.
Dunnes Stores have said: “A delicate charm detail adds a playful touch, while the adjustable tie-back ensures a comfortable fit.”
Set the look with the matching bottoms for as little as €6.
These bikini briefs also offer two different outfits in one as they are finished with a tie side detail.
Shoppers can get this suitcase saver this summer in sizes ranging from six up to 18.
But fans will need to be quick as there are only a handful of sizes left on the company’s website.
Run, don’t walk to Dunnes as these items are both available online and in stores.
Pair your new bikini set with the latest beach-day item from Dunnes Stores.
The new skirt cover up is just €20 and a must have in your suitcase.
Made from pure cotton, this easy skirt has a front that opens at each side, giving it a breezy feel – perfect for those hot temperatures.
It comes in a variety of sizes starting from XS going up to XL.
The stunning white colour is perfect for matching with any style, pattern or colour.
Pair with the reversible bikini top or any swimsuit for a chic beach look to take you from the pool to pints.
Or pair the look with combat boots and sequin cami top for a stunning festival fit.
This versatile look is available online and in select stores.
Why police were called to first Dunnes Stores opening
BETWEEN the weekly food shops and bargain fashion - Dunnes Stores is a staple retailer in Irish households.
But this wasn’t always the case, and when the initial branch of the shop opened its doors in 1944 it caused quite the stir
On March 31 of the year, Ben Dunne opened the first ever Dunnes Stores on St Patrick’s Street in Co Cork.
Locals quickly learned of the grand opening and flooded into the store in what the retailer’s archives recall as a “shopping frenzy.”
The bargain clothing on sale inside the new store at “pre-war prices” was one of the factors cited for the buzz.
During the chaos a window was forced in and Gardai were called to the scene.
Cops worked to deal with the eager crowds and keep shoppers calm and safe before they made it into the store for their first Dunnes experience.
Fast forward some 80 years, the business now employs over 18,000 people and although an opening of a Dunnes branch hasn’t caused quite as much stir since the very first one, it has cemented its place as one of the nation’s leading retailers.
Dunnes Stores now has 138 stores across Europe:
- 118 in the Republic of Ireland,
- 15 in Northern Ireland
- Five stores in Spain.