Mpho Rantao - The African Mirror

Apr

27

2024

Jaguar’s Mitch Evans wins an intense Monaco E-Prix battle

MITCH Evans fulfilled his racing dream as he crossed the finish line to take his (and Jaguar’s) first win at the Monaco E-Prix after only making the podium in four previous races. The eighth round of the Formula E championship in the Principality featured a number of plot twists and damaged front wings collected by the track circuit barriers. "FINALLY!! Amazing work by everyone. Honestly, I have been waiting so long for this, way before Formula E. Great teamwork with Nick,” Evans said on a team radio post-race. Evans came from third to take his first chequered flag in the streets of…

Apr

27

2024

By Mpho Rantao

McLaren’s Sam Bird ruled out of E-prix, replaced by Barnard

MOTORSPORT

NEOM McLaren driver Sam Bird has been ruled out of the Monaco E-Prix this weekend, hampering his challenge for the Formula E (FE) championship. The British driver crashed into the wall at turn two (known as the Saint-Devote corner) during the first free practice session ahead of the main race. https://twitter.com/wearetherace/status/1784116761710731703 Bird crashed into the run-off zone at the end of the start-finish straight a few minutes before the end of the session, smashing his front right wheel into the track barrier. According to his team, Bird sustained a hand injury and will be replaced by their reserve driver, fellow…

Apr

24

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Zambia Football President Kamanga arrested for laundering

FOOTBALL

THE President of the Zambian Football Association (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga, has been arrested and charged with offences related to money laundering. The country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) announced the joint arrest and charging of FAZ President Andrew Kamanga and his deputy Reuben Kamanga and two other individuals for money laundering offences. In violation of Zambia's Penal Code, the DEC has charged the arrested individuals with conspiring to defraud, collecting money via false pretence, and acquiring financial advantage through false pretence. Kamanga is accused of using the money to fund trips for associates linked to him to the 2023 Africa Cup…

Apr

19

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Maserati launches electric drop-top GT

MOTORING NEWS

In 2023, Italian supercar manufacturer Maserati made a triumphant return to single-seater racing by partnering with MSG Racing in the Formula E (FE) championship. This marked not only a bid to reclaim its motorsport legacy but also a significant step in its venture into the realm of retail electric vehicles (EVs)." Maserati introduced us to its GranTurismo Folgore, its first electric vehicle. With a powerful three-motor electric drivetrain, it packs 818 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds. Its travel range goes up to 450 kilometres. Now they have launched another model, the GranCabrio Folgore,…

Apr

10

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Formula E double-header arrives at Misano Circuit.

MOTORSPORT

Formula E is set for a double dose of action in Italy this weekend. The series is set to take place at the Misano Circuit, in Rimini, for an exhilarating double-header racing weekend. Get ready for back-to-back races as the championship stages its sixth and seventh rounds following a competitive Tokyo Eprix. While Formula E has held races in Italy since its inception, this marks the series' inaugural visit to the Misano circuit, which is a stone's throw from Imola's iconic track used in Formula One (Emilia Romagna Grand Prix). Past Formula E races in Italy were held at the Circuito Cittadino…

Apr

10

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Fluence Africa Festival empowers micro creators

CULTURE

ACCORDING TO IT Web, the creator economy is set to top R 689 million by 2027. The social media landscape is witnessing a meteoric rise in the influencer marketing industry. This shift in consumer behaviour has opened a golden door for brands. Forecasts predict continued explosive growth in influencer marketing, with businesses projected to allocate a significant portion of their marketing budgets to partner with these social media stars. Fueled by the ever-growing user base on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, influencers are no longer just personalities, and brands have responded to the growth with projections of marketing budgets…

Apr

04

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Thandiswa Mazwai’s makes Tiny Desk concert dream debut

LIFESTYLE, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

South African music fans rejoiced when legendary Thandiswa Mazwai, a powerhouse vocalist and champion of kwaito music, graced the stage (well, desk) for NPR's beloved Tiny Desk Concert series. Premiering on YouTube on April 1, 2024, Mazwai's Tiny Desk set signifies a pivotal moment, not only for the singer but also for the global music community eagerly acquainting themselves with her sounds and performance style in this intimate setting. Mazwai follows a growing list of African artists from across the continent being honoured and platformed on the American YouTube channel. These names include the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Benin’s Angelique Kidjo,…

Mar

30

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Nissan commits to Formula E GEN4

MOTORING NEWS

NISSAN has announced its commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship until at least 2030, reinforcing its Ambition 2030 electrification plans. From Season 13 (2026/27) to Season 16 (2029/30), FE's GEN4 technology will be the most advanced yet, cementing the series' status as the world's most innovative laboratory for electric mobility solutions. Nissan Formula E Team managing director and team principal Tommaso Volpe signed the official registration document for car manufacturers in the FIA Formula E World Championship for Seasons 13 (2026/27) to 16 (2029/30). He was present with FIA Senior Circuit Sport Director Marek Nawarecki and FE…

Mar

18

2024

By Mpho Rantao

São Paulo heats up with dramatic win for Sam Bird

MOTORING NEWS

FORMULA E returned from a month-long break and travelled to Brazil for the fifth round of the world championship. Sam Bird celebrates towards the podium of the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix. Picture: Supplied São Paulo, a city with a rich motorsport heritage, was electrified as it geared up for the adrenaline-pumping race that brought feisty competition and flying front wings. NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird stormed to win the race, a tough battle against Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans that carried after the second safety car right until the end of the race 34-lap race. Evans and Bird engage in a…