It’s almost insane how many Chinese brands have entered the market in such a short space of time. What’s even more baffling is how good their cars are actually getting while still maintaining the price points that made people buy them in the first place.  Enter Changan, a brand that has sold over 30 million vehicles worldwide and almost 3 million vehicles in 2025 alone. In March, the brand reported that they expanded at nearly 12 times the rate of the overall domestic market from January to February.  It’s no coincidence. They entered with an entry-model, almost like a rideshare vehicle, a SUV, a bakkie that brought new technology and a premium fully electric SUV.  The last model is the one that we are going to discuss. Weirdly named the Changan Deepal S07, the car is meant to give consumers an idea of exactly where the brand aims to go and exactly what they are capable of. Changan’s slogan is “Driven to Evolve” and the Deepal S07 embraces that openly. It’s also different. Many Chinese manufacturers have brought in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle SUVs in the last year but Changan went straight to a full EV.  Of course, that also means that the Deepal S07 will come at a higher cost than the rest of its competitors.  Priced at R995 900, one has to wonder how clever it was from the brand to introduce an almost R1 million vehicle when it has entered into the country with no pedigree.  So that R995 900 has to warrant quality.  The Chinese have never been scared of bold designs and the Deepal is no different in that sense, except that it is not just Italian looking but it’s actually designed in Turin, Italy and engineered in the UK.  It almost gives Ferrari Purosangue vibes. The thin-curved headlights, the long bonnet and the sleek design lines make it a very pleasant car to look at.  It features a coupe-inspired silhouette, frameless doors and concealed door handles and 20-inch alloy wheels.  The concealed door handles could have been automatic pop outs however, just to keep in line with the premium feel that the vehicle is supposed to give. But in true Chinese fashion, it’s the features on the inside that might leave you in awe. To begin, the interior is plush with superb vegan leather seats that are comfortable.  There’s a huge 15.6 inch infotainment display that can automatically be tilted according to preference. It can either be slanted towards the driver or the passenger – or it can even just sit completely straight.  Imagine arguing over who wants to play the music. The screen will just be tilting back and forth. Jokes aside, it’s a very practical feature, not just something to show off.  Because everything from climate to driving settings are packed into the screen, it makes it very convenient that the passenger can navigate through it so that the driver can focus on the road.  I often find myself asking my wife to sort things out on the screen because I need to focus and then she normally has to stretch and do it. This car makes it very convenient.  It’s also quite spacious in both the front and back. Actually, even if the backseat passenger feels squashed, they have the privilege of moving the passenger seat forward using the controls built into the middle at the back.  The backseat passengers can also adjust the cover of the moon roof automatically.  The cabin also features door buttons, not handles, because this car is apparently too cool for it and is equipped with a 14 speaker Sony Surround System that means the driver and passenger enjoy speakers in their headrests.  When it comes to driving, the Deepal S07 is a smooth sailing coupe SUV. It doesn’t focus on extreme performance. Its electric powertrain produces up to 160 kW and 320 Nm, providing instant torque and smooth acceleration. However, unlike other EVs, it doesn’t throw you back the minute you put your foot down but rather it picks up speed in a calm, linear fashion to provide comfort to the driver. It’s still quick enough for overtakes but most importantly, it handles well and is certain on the roads. It doesn’t feel nervous at all, even on the N3 towards Germiston, where the road is not level and you feel like you are going up and down mountains when switching lanes.  Verdict The Deepal S07 had a lot to prove for that R995 900 price tag and I think it’s safe to say that it warrants the oodles of money.  It has more power than the front-wheel-drive BYD Sealion 7 and comes in over R100 000 cheaper, which in my books makes it feel fairly priced for what you are getting.

As geopolitical pressure exposes the fragility of global energy supply chains, the case for strengthening domestic energy security by developing South Africa’s own offshore energy resources to secure domestic supply has sharpened considerably. South Africa sits on one of the continent’s most promising, underexplored offshore basins. The country’s offshore oil and gas sector recognises the responsibility that comes with that potential. The debate around offshore oil and gas development is not new. At its core, it is a debate about how development should proceed responsibly. Science and regulation provide a structured framework for assessing and managing offshore activity in a way that balances environmental protection with economic opportunity. It is well documented globally that responsible natural resource development can and does contribute to economic growth, generating jobs, tax revenue and long-term opportunities for coastal and inland communities alike. We take our responsibility seriously. The offshore energy industry begins with environmental assessments and proceeds where science supports it. That is the foundation on which all activity rests. Science first Geoscience maps what lies beneath the ocean floor and identifies where energy resources might exist. Before any geoscience activities can occur, an independent environmental and social impact assessment (Esia) must be completed to evaluate potential effects on wildlife, marine ecosystems and any impact on human activities that depend on the resources. In practice, this means rigorous scientific work before any activity commences. Available scientific data and historical information on the marine environment are assessed to establish baseline conditions. Marine specialists map the seabed and biodiversity surveys identify species in the area. Fishing patterns and sensitive habitats are flagged. The baseline data shapes where activity may take place, how it must be conducted, what mitigation measures are required and whether certain activities may or may not proceed. Authorisation is granted only where risks can be effectively mitigated and responsibly managed through robust safeguards. Exploration cannot proceed without environmental authorisation and approvals come with enforceable conditions, monitoring obligations and rehabilitation requirements. Oversight applies throughout the life cycle of a project, including after operations cease. Seismic surveying and marine life Seismic surveys have been conducted in South African waters and across the region for decades and they are a non-invasive data-gathering activity that is essential to characterising what lies beneath the seabed for a wide range of purposes, from oil and gas exploration to foundation planning for offshore wind and seabed mapping. The technique has been used worldwide for more than 50 years and has dramatically increased the success, efficiency and safety of subsequent operations. Only if seismic results indicate potential oil and gas is an area subject to further exploration to confirm its presence. Seismic surveying uses sound waves to map rock formations beneath the seabed. Some marine animals respond to these sounds with short-term movements or changes in vocalisation. Research shows the effects are temporary and seismic surveys operate alongside productive fisheries in established offshore regions such as the North Sea and offshore Norway. Decades of research have broadened our understanding of marine mammals and other species, informing how operations implement risk-based mitigation to reduce residual risks to negligible levels. In addition to mammals such as whales and dolphins, studies now assess impacts across the food chain, including commercially important species. Scientific understanding continues to evolve and operational practices are updated as new research emerges. Importantly, research distinguishes between a measurable biological response and biologically meaningful consequences such as reduced survival or reproduction. From first activity to final output Every phase of offshore development is governed by approved work programmes and environmental authorisations, with rehabilitation and environmental management requirements applied continuously and maintained throughout the entire process. Robust regulatory oversight is what makes responsible offshore oil and gas development possible. Offshore development can deliver value for South Africa. Exploration and appraisal can generate early fiscal inflows through licence fees, VAT, customs duties and taxes. During construction, in addition to the above, numerous jobs and contracts with local companies can be unlocked and during operations, significant income taxes and eventual direct access to production through South Africa’s participation in projects. For municipalities and communities along the value chain, this can mean sustained funding over decades. This is revenue that supports water infrastructure, roads, clinics and schools. Long-term, predictable income streams matter in communities where service delivery budgets are under constant pressure. At a national level, domestic offshore production has the potential to reduce reliance on energy imports, contribute to price stability and strengthen energy resilience. It migh also allow South Africa to support regional energy systems through its existing industrial and financial capabilities. Commitment to responsible development South Africa’s offshore sector stands at a pivotal moment. The scientific framework is established, the regulatory system is being defined and environmental oversight is embedded at every stage. Responsible development is not separate from environmental stewardship; it depends on it. Environmental protection and economic resilience operate in the same framework. As global energy systems face increasing strain, South Africa’s offshore resources represent a strategic opportunity. Realising it responsibly requires transparency, scientific rigour and continued oversight, standards that are embedded in how the industry operates. No society has developed to be prosperous without responsible, abundant energy. Writers’ notes Offshore oil and gas development in South Africa is governed, among others, by the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, as amended in 2022, and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act. These two pieces of legislation ensure exploration cannot move forward without environmental approval. Approvals come with enforceable conditions, monitoring requirements and rehabilitation obligations. The legislation is built on the principle of continuous oversight and rehabilitative interventions. They require significant and ongoing financial commitments and reporting that continue even after operations cease. As the UPRDA Regulations are being finalised, the industry is contributing to a framework that will ensure implementation reflects both environmental best practice and operational reality. Niall Kramer is the spokesperson for the Offshore Petroleum Association of South Africa and Dr Ross Compton is the EAME consultant for EnerGeo Alliance

PHOENIX reached a remarkable milestone this year, marking 50 years of growth, perseverance, and a strong sense of community.

Explore the rich history of Phoenix, a community shaped by resilience and identity, as it navigates through struggles and triumphs, celebrating its cultural heritage and the voices of its people.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson admitted the team faced a potential crisis earlier in the week with five star players in danger of missing their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against Cardiff on Saturday, before all of them were passed fit. A training ground collision between Damian Willemse and Leolin Zas on Wednesday was widely reported, but Dobson said their were also question marks hanging over the heads of star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, eighthman Evan Roos and flank Den-Jason Dixon. But on Friday all five were named in the Stormers starting lineup for the knockout match at Cape Town Stadium, along with the injury returns of captain Ruhan Nel and wing Seabelo Senatla. “On Wednesday we were looking at possibly minus five if you looked at Evan, Sacha (who was ill), obviously the Damian-Zas situation, and then BJ (Dixon) also had a neck referral,” Dobson said at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “Those things are terrible (the collision) because it’s not like a normal knock. It could be something serious. So it’s a massive relief. Given where we were on Wednesday afternoon, it’s a big, big relief.” The Stormers will now be looking to put their disappointing finish to the URC pool stage behind them, where they dropped from top to third on the log, after they drew with Ulster in Ireland and lost to Cardiff in Wales, by bouncing back with a dominant performance against the Welsh outfit in their first knockout game. Perfect opportunity Dobson felt the game was the perfect opportunity for the team to prove they have what it takes to go on and win the competition for the second time. “This is a game that we need to show our true colours. We started off the season really well but this game will determine if we are still the team that was so good in the early part of the season or whether we have a lot of work to do to set things right before the next season starts,” explained Dobson. “This calendar year, since the Bulls game in early January, we have been inconsistent and it has understandably led to questions about our game and how we are tracking. “So this is a very important game for us, one that will determine how we view the season. If we aren’t still alive next week, it just won’t be good enough given how the first part of our season went.” The Stormers won their first eight URC matches this season, but then went on to lose six and win just four of their next 10. If they get past Cardiff they will likely be flying over to Dublin to take on defending champs Leinster, unless Leinster are massively upset by the Lions, which would then see them host the Joburg side in their semifinal.

While the Ford Everest is officially the biggest rival to the Toyota Fortuner, South Africa’s favourite ladder frame SUV, the reality is that it is miles behind in terms of sales. But with the introduction of the 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine, which has resulted in the seven-seater range starting at R128 000 lower than before, the Ford Everest might just make up a few strides on the Toyota Fortuner. Ford Everest makes a Pitstop On this week’s episode of The Citizen Motoring‘s Pitstop podcast, we discuss the arrival of the single turbo Everest. And we predict how it will impact the rest of the line-up. Like the Ford Ranger, the Everest has also dropped the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that produced 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque. But unlike the Ranger, which already offered the 125kW/405Nm 2.0-litre single turbo in its current generation, the Everest in its current form was not offered with this powertrain option since its introduction in 2022. Like the Ranger line-up, the revised Ford Everest range now features the single turbo and 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel mills. While a 2.3-litre petrol engine was introduced in the Ranger, the Everest will only later get the petrol mill. All the engine derivatives are mated to 10-speed automatic transmission. Starting price slashed The single turbo is offered on a new model derivative called the Active in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The two-wheel drive version is priced at R825 000, which is R128 000 less than the base bi-turbo model was. The most affordable automatic Toyota Fortuner in two-wheel drive 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre diesel guise starts at R712 900. The most affordable 2.8-litre derivative starts at R834 700. Two other ladder frame SUVs, the Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, starts at R752 400 and R789 990 respectively.

Orlando Pirates walked away with the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Betway Premiership title, ending a 14-year wait for a league crown. They wrapped up the league title with a strong run of results, dropping points only in a handful of matches as they maintained consistency from start to finish, with just three losses recorded across the entire campaign. ORLANDO PIRATES FLAWLESS The Soweto giants were the most dangerous attacking side in the league while also setting the benchmark defensively, keeping opposition chances to a minimum throughout the campaign. At the heart of that defensive solidity was Sipho Chaine, who enjoyed a standout season between the posts, regularly keeping clean sheets and playing a key role in the team’s consistency at the back. Beyond, Ncikazi says the season was defined by adversity, setbacks and resilience behind the scenes. MANDLA NCIKAZI SPEAKS Speaking on #MSWOn947, Ncikazi reflected on how the team managed to stay competitive despite losing players, injuries and off-field challenges that could have derailed the campaign. “It’s always good when you hear football loving people going across supporting lines,” said Ncikazi, as quoted by iDiski Times’ Lethabo Kganyago. “For me it’s belief that has been restored in the country, in the South African football. “And maybe what makes me more proud is the fact that we did not only win trophies, but the way we did that with young players. I think we had the third youngest squad in the country. He highlighted how Orlando Pirates consistently gave opportunities to younger players while still maintaining results at the highest level. He believes it made the season more meaningful than the trophies alone. The assistant coach also pointed to a long list of disruptions the team had to absorb during the campaign. “Opportunities for young players and a lot that happened, players that were lost in the beginning of the season, the central defence, the accident, the injury to Sihle [Nduli], the injury to [Tapelo] Xoki. “You lose a goalkeeper coach, the coach is injured, [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi gets a transfer,” Ncikazi said. Despite all of that, Orlando Pirates remained defensively solid. They finished with the best defensive record in the league and continuing to dominate matches even when personnel changed. “For me it was how it was done more than just trophies on their own,” he concluded. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM ORLANDO PIRATES IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEXT SEASON? Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.

In a raw and emotional Instagram Live, media personality Lerato Kganyago opened up about various aspects of her personal life, including her sincere thoughts about her husband, Thami Ndlala. Lerato is known for being quite a private person, especially about her marriage. Therefore, when she lifted the lid on the kind of person her husband is, many were pleasantly surprised to see her vulnerable. LERATO KGANYAGO OPENS UP ON INSTAGRAM LIVE  According to Lerato, one of the reasons they haven’t held their white wedding is the constant scrutiny from people, especially bloggers. “Life is tough, and I think it is even more tough for us because people just hate us. From day number one, that [sic] we got married. I think that’s why we have not had our white wedding,” said Lerato while holding back tears. Lerato’s husband is an ambitious entrepreneur who bought Ndlala Mall, formerly known as Sterland Arcadia, in Pretoria. Despite the negative press since taking over, Thami keeps forging ahead. BelezaManifique shared a part of Lerato’s live on X (formerly Twitter), in which Lerato mentions that many people doubted Thami’s credibility and questioned whether he would execute his vision for the mall. “If only y’all knew that my husband doesn’t even like tenders. He likes his own things. He’ll start from the top with the R1,00 that he has and hope for a miracle,” she said. “That’s how Ndlala Mall came about. It was not [sic] best in the first place, because people in the beginning were making fun. They were like “Oh, it’s not going to happen,” “Oh please, it’s not even theirs,” “We’re not going there,” she added. The Metro FM host also revealed that her husband has helped some of the biggest celebrities in South Africa and that, in her opinion, he’s a genius. “My husband is a genius but unfortunately for him the industry has painted him as a bad person and that’s why I hold him so high because that’s my ni**a. I know what he does,” she added. "Lerato Kganyago breakdown live revealing a lot about her husband, marriage, pregnancy and more 😭"By:Sip & Relax pic.twitter.com/UyGJxL2wSg— BelezaManifique (@BelezaManifique) May 27, 2026 LERATO SPEAKS ON THE TREATMENT FROM UNKIND PEOPLE The SAFTA award-winning TV presenter mentioned that some people believed she deserved to be on “a bigger broadcaster,” however she was disappointed once she stepped into that league of broadcasting. “I really thought they meant it. Until I joined SABC 1, and I got to see how malicious people are. And now all of a sudden social media doesn’t think you don’t deserve to do these things or achieve certain things,” said Lerato. “You host an award ceremony, which I did just now (Metro FM Awards), and I kicked a** with Lawrence,” she added.

The appointment reflects Eskom’s push to compete for customers as South Africa’s electricity market is liberalised.

Enforced rigorously, age verification to protect children from harms online could push us towards a less free internet.