Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-09 i Mercury

AFP The global auto industry has been rocked by China's decision to restrict exports of rare earth magnets that are crucial to making vehicles. With a near monopoly on the output of rare earth elements, Beijing is using them as a key weapon in its trade war with Washington. These are the implications for the sector: China's restrictions China accounts for more than 60% of rare earth mining production and 92% of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency, driven by generous state subsidies and lax environmental protections. As the trade war with the US has developed, Beijing has required Chinese companies since April to obtain a licence before exporting these materials - including rare earth magnets- to any country. While these rules were expected to be relaxed…

Quantumed, on Friday announced that its CEO, Avian Bell, has been named to the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the Healthcare category. "This recognition celebrates Bell’s visionary leadership and Quantumed’s unwavering commitment to the personal healthcare industry through community upliftment and public health education across South Africa," Quantumed said. Under Bell’s leadership, Quantumed (a proudly local start-up) has become a leader in promoting sexual healthcare, personal wellness and safety education, particularly targeted towards underserved and preciously marginalised communities. The company’s innovative outreach programmes and accessible healthcare solutions have empowered countless South Africans with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health. “This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the incredible work our team is doing to make healthcare…

Despite the news from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) that the South African economy recorded disappointing GDP growth (0.1%) in Q1 2025, and the news that Goodyear will close shop in RSA, resulting in nine hundred permanent job losses, the JSE and the Rand keep on recovering. On the JSE the ALSI ended Friday on a new weekly close record of 96 366 or 2.1% higher than the previous Friday. The index broke quickly through the 95 000 level on Monday and through 96 000 on Thursday. The South African economy recorded worrying economic growth and employment numbers for the first quarter of 2005. The economy in real terms advanced by only 0.2%, with manufacturing (-0.2%), mining 9-0.2%), construction (-0.1%) contributing towards a worrying picture. Since 2022 three quarters of contraction…

Fortress, a real estate investment company with a diversified portfolio of high-quality logistics and retail assets located in South Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, in an update on its operations for the period subsequent to December 31 2024 said on Friday that the logistics sector continues to demonstrate strong performance, with high-quality, secure space in sustained demand. Fortress reaffirmed its current forecast for distributable earnings of R1.93bn for the financial year ending June 30, 2025 and provided distributable earnings guidance for 2026 of between R2.046bn and R2.075bn, representing growth in distributable earnings of between 6% and 7.5%. "Vacancy rates remain low across the portfolio, highlighting the attractiveness of our assets. Currently, 117 915m2 of new logistics developments are underway, with 72.7% pre-let. This strong letting activity reflects the superior…

Imagine a world where blood shortages no longer cost lives. A world where emergencies in rural South African clinics or busy city hospitals aren’t derailed by the lack of compatible blood for transfusions. Thanks to revolutionary research by Japanese scientists, this future may be closer than we think. A critical breakthrough in healthcare is unfolding: the development of artificial blood. This innovation, led by Hiromi Sakai and his team at Japan's Nara Medical University, has the potential to save millions of lives globally by addressing one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, blood shortages. The blood supply crisis Blood transfusions are essential in healthcare, saving lives during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, and the treatment of severe illnesses. Yet, maintaining an adequate blood supply is a constant challenge, especially in low-…

A multibillion-rand energy project that is underway in Colenso, in northern KwaZulu-Natal is expected to create thousands of jobs in the town as well as in Estcourt and Ladysmith. The Colenso Power Project is valued at close to R10 billion and has been in the planning phases for some time, undergoing various legal compliance processes. The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) stated that this project is critical in ensuring that the province’s economy is not concentrated in major cities. Edtea said the Colenso Power Project, while privately funded, is a catalytic investment supported by the Department through packaging and facilitation. Valued at R9.78 billion, it features a hybrid base-load power facility utilising clean fuels, hydrogen, and battery storage, marking a national-scale anchor for the uThukela…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described ANC stalwart, Dr Tshenuwani Dean Farisani as a dedicated public servant, a mentor and a man who committed his life to uplifting disadvantaged communities. Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at Farisani’s funeral, held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Saturday, where scores of mourners including Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and many other dignitaries, paid their last respects to the revered ANC stalwart during a Special Official Provincial Funeral Category Two. “Here is a reflective message. A funeral of a man of the highest stature. As we say farewell to this remarkable soul. “We should celebrate a life that is well-lived. A life that is lived with conviction, with purpose and extraordinary vision. “Dean Farisani was not just…

A Cape Town school has finally received the green light from the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to change the name of Hoërskool DF Malan to DF Akademie to distance itself from being named after one of the chief architects of apartheid. The Western Cape High Court earlier dismissed a bid by four parents to prevent the school governing body (SGB) from changing the Bellville school's name to DF Akademie. The SGB years ago officially started the process to change the school name, but in 2021, aggrieved by the decision and the proposed new name, four individuals launched a review application. After losing that application, they subsequently turned to the SCA. In upholding the SGB’s decision to change the name of the school, the SCA, in a unanimous judgment, commented,…

Last week, Sharks coach John Plumtree had no choice but to keep calm about the loss of influential captain Eben Etzebeth ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against the Bulls, but after his team had lost 13-25, he admitted it had been a severe blow. Last Monday, Etzebeth took a head knock in training and was forced to withdraw from the semi-final. The loss of the most-capped Springbok of all time was exacerbated by the injury to another in-form lock in Jason Jenkins, who was injured in the quarter-final against Munster. “Eben is the best lock in the world as far as I’m concerned,” the Sharks coach said. “He’s our captain, and he inspires those around him. When he’s in our group, it’s probably a different pack, so…

Ahead of facing South Africa in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Final, Australia’s premier batter Steve Smith revealed that he hasn’t faced a single ball since missing a full toss from Mohammed Shami in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final. After that match, where Smith scored 73 as Australia lost the semi-final, he announced his retirement from ODI cricket and spent the last three months in New York, US, focusing heavily on his fitness. While his teammates were either participating in the IPL or the County Championship, Smith did not touch a bat at all – a surprising move considering his well-known obsession with the bat and regular shadow practice. “I’d normally have a bat lying around the house somewhere and just pick it up and do a bit…

If you haven’t got a lotto ticket, you can’t win the lotto. That is how Jake White feels about the Bulls’ chances of beating Leinster in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship final in Dublin. White said the challenge in front of his team is enormous but “if you are in it, you can win it.” “The wonderful thing for us is that we have a lotto ticket. You can’t win the lotto if you don’t have a ticket. We have a 50% chance of winning on Saturday. That’s how sport works.” The 2007 World Cup-winning coach said his team will be playing a match akin to a top level Test match. And when asked what it would take for the Bulls to be third time lucky in a final, White said…

Unions and analysts fear the closure in Eastern Cape could devastate the local economy amid high unemployment Goodyear South Africa’s announcement on Friday to discontinue its manufacturing operations in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, has sent shockwaves through the region, with over 900 jobs at risk due to a Section 189 notice served to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa). The decision, communicated by Goodyear’s Managing Director Paul Gerrard, has raised alarm among unions, and economic analysts, who fear the closure could devastate the local economy amid high unemployment. Mziyanda Twani, Numsa Eastern Cape Regional Secretary, said on Friday that the union is dismayed by Goodyear South Africa's announcement to discontinue its manufacturing operations in South Africa. “The union has been served with a Section 189 notice from…

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that it will activate a centralised Operational Centre (OC) at its headquarters on Monday in response to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. RMIS said the OC will be led by a designated RMIS veterinarian and will oversee a team of veterinary professionals and industry representatives, along with a specialist public relations and public affairs agency, forming the FMD Working Group. “The FMD Working Group will be mandated to develop and implement a structured, time-bound response to the outbreak, with medium- to long-term goals, including a focus on vaccination among other key areas.” The primary objective of this plan is to guide RMIS in addressing the current FMD situation in South Africa, with a strong focus on protecting red meat role players…

Cabinet recently approved the Employee Services Amendment Bill and the National Labour Migration Policy. These are welcome interventions by government led by the African National Congress in response to the deep frustrations of workers and society. They seek to empower the Department of Employment and Labour to manage the flood of undocumented migrant labour into the economy and to balance this with the need to tackle the dangerously high levels of unemployment, 43.1% overall and 72% for young people. Migration is the nature of humanity and South Africa is no exception. South Africa’s DNA is fused with centuries of migration, both forced and voluntary. This is magnified by South Africa’s status as Africa’s most industrialised economy. Whilst migration is a mark of all societies, the natural flows into South Africa…

JSE-listed international fashion, homeware and lifestyle retailer TFG’s robust financial results for the year to end-March 2025 were fueled by a strong second half from TFG Africa, store expansion, and the acquisition of White Stuff in the UK. Headline earnings a share (HEPS) were up 4.6% to 1015.6 cents. The final dividend was raised by 15% to 230 cents a share. “The result underscored a ‘relentless’ focus on market share growth, margin improvement, and cost management,” CEO Anthony Thunström said in a statement. The group has a portfolio of 39 leading retail brands, with over 4 900 outlets in 23 countries on five continents. “We are targeting the opening of over 100 new stores in the coming year while optimising our existing footprint. With the Riverfields distribution centre now close…

Market regulators from six countries are cracking down on the illegal promotion of financial products by influencers on social media, UK officials said Friday. Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said the action, which began on Monday, has resulted in three arrests in the UK and the authorisation of criminal proceedings against three individuals. The crackdown is being conducted jointly with regulators from Italy, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Some 50 "warning letters" have been issued, which will result in more than 650 requests to remove content from social media platforms and more than 50 websites "operated by unauthorised finfluencers", the FCA said. It has also sent seven "cease and desist" letters, and invited four so-called finfluencers for interviews. So-called finfluencers, or financial influencers, use their social…

The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, has filed an application for leave to appeal a recent court ruling that set aside his decision to grant a 12-month temporary licence to Ithuba Holdings, the current operator of the National Lottery. The appeal, lodged with the Pretoria High Court, effectively allows Ithuba to continue running the lottery until the outcome of the matter is reached. In his notice for leave to appeal, Tau denied any intention to favour Ithuba Holdings, saying that the conditions of the 12-month lottery licence bid were "unavoidable and natural" in the specialised lottery industry. "While the Minister acknowledged that the incumbent licencee might possess an inherent operational advantage due to its established infrastructure in South Africa to conduct the National Lottery, this is a…

South Africans are being urged to brace for severe weather conditions as a powerful cold front makes landfall, bringing chilly temperatures, heavy rain and widespread disruptions across the country. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that a low-pressure system is moving through the nation, affecting every province except Limpopo. The system, which began impacting the Western Cape on Saturday evening, is expected to intensify in the coming days. According to SAWS, extreme weather conditions — including heavy rainfall, strong winds and unseasonably low temperatures — will extend to the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape and parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Temperatures in some areas are forecast to remain below 10°C even during the day. In a televised weather update, SAWS meteorologists warned that the cold front could…

Gauteng has become the latest province to unveil a new number plate system, which they say is tamper-proof and will boost crime-fighting efforts. The provincial government this week launched a new high-tech number plate system to be piloted over the next six months on its fleet before being publicly rolled out. The government said the new system is tamper-proof and will boost crime-fighting efforts. The new system comes after the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government rolled out new number plates in 2023. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela officially unveiled the new system in Johannesburg. For the next six months, the system will be piloted using g-Fleet vehicles affixed with the technologically advanced new number plates as part of the stress testing project before the provincial rollout.…

Ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have spent more than R200 million in travel expenses since assuming office last year, ActionSA revealed. The party said this figure was compiled through its GNU Performance Tracker, following the latest replies to parliamentary questions submitted to every minister, including the president, deputy president, and the minister of sport, arts and culture. This painted a damning picture of executive indulgence at a time of deep economic crisis, ActionSA said in a statement. This week, the party revealed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile and his staff have incurred over R2 million in travel-related expenses for transport and accommodation since last year. This included spending over R900 000 on just four nights’ accommodation in Japan. In a written reply, Mashatile said the funds were…

There are not many that would choose Birmingham in the West Midlands of England as their first-choice honeymoon destination, but that’s where Australian allrounder Beau Webster and his long-time partner Maddy headed off to after their recent nuptials. Webster, having struck a half-century on his Test debut against India over the course of the home summer in the Gavaskar-Border series before touring Sri Lanka, was desperate to get in some more red-ball time in a bid to secure a place in the Australian starting XI for the World Test Championship final against Australia. “Yeah, she probably would have chosen somewhere sunnier than Birmingham, but I’m sure we will get away at some point in the next few months once the cricket is done,” Webster told the media at Lord’s on…

Mamelodi Sundowns made a grand departure for the Fifa Club World Cup in the US at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday afternoon. Sundowns’ players were clad in new, colourful tracksuits specially designed for the tournament, while the technical teams wore sleek grey attire. Head coach Miguel Cardoso stood out in a knitted hat featuring the South African flag – a symbolic and impeccable choice from the Portugal-born manager. It reflected both the team’s and his readiness to carry the nation’s hopes on the global stage. Sundowns have been a beacon of hope for South African sport, coming agonisingly close to lifting the CAF Champions League title just a week ago. However, their aspirations were dashed at the final hurdle, losing the second leg 2–1 to Pyramids in Cairo, and the…

It’s Youth Month and while we’re focused on all things young people, it’s hard to ignore the mammoth-sized elephant in the room: unemployment. With youth unemployment now sitting at a staggering 45.5% (Stats SA - F2025:Q1) – and no clear plans in May’s National Budget on how this will be tackled as a nation – you’d be forgiven for feeling somewhat despondent. This has led to many young people pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours, which shows proactivity and determination. However, our research shows that there are more school or college graduates who want to join a reputable company where they’ll be able to learn from their colleagues and leaders, rather than try to start their own business. Yet, their concern is that they don’t have the necessary experience to secure a job.…

The drivers of change in South Africa consisted of the pentagon of race, rail, gold maize and war. I will focus on the vertex of rail. Although today there is very little rail in existence compared to what it used to be in the 1960/80’s, it was pivotal to South Africa’s advancement. The first rail line was one constructed in 1860. It was three kilometres long and connected the Market Square in town to the Point. The Natal Railway Company was responsible for this. It is said that the Natal Mercury had this to say about this initiative “It will substitute the railway age of animation for the wagon age of sloth. It will set upon this portion of barbarism-bound continent the truest seal of the Englishman’s presence. It will…

Mr Price Group increased its final dividend a creditable 12.7% to 593.5 cents a share after the value fashion retailer managed to raise its operating profit margin through lower markdowns, increased sales, and market share gains, after a muted first half. Total revenue increased by 7.9% to R40.9 billion, and the group gained 50 basis percentage points (bps) of market share, as measured by the Retail Liaison Committee. The gross margin expanded 80 bps to 40.5%, and operating profit reached a record level of R5.8bn, with the operating margin increasing 20 bps to 14.2%. Headline earnings a share increased 10.7% to 1 424 cents, respectively, after a stronger second half. This was despite the weaker month of February for the retail sector and the shift of school holidays and Easter…

Anaemia is quietly but significantly affecting the lives of millions of young people worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly one-quarter of the global population suffers from anaemia, with adolescent girls being the most vulnerable. In sub-Saharan Africa, anaemia rates among teenagers have surged by 15% over the past decade, with about 40% of adolescent girls affected. This isn’t just a number, it’s a growing health crisis with profound consequences for young people’s energy, focus, and future. South African teens, already navigating the challenges of rapid growth, academic pressure, and physical activity, are particularly at risk. Anaemia is preventable and treatable if we can recognise the signs. What’s behind the rise in teen anaemia? For many South African teens, the root causes…

Opposition parties in the eThekwini Municipality have called for accountability from the officials who have caused the City to incur costs in a legal battle between the City and a service provider that ended up in the Constitutional Court. The matter stems from the municipality’s 2013 decision to cancel contracts with Daily Double Trading 479CC. The cancellation was challenged by the company and an out of court settlement agreement was reached between the parties. However the City argued that the lawyer that was involved in the agreement had not been authorised to make such a deal. The City challenged the agreement in court but lost. The municipality’s latest bid to appeal was dismissed by the Constitutional Court. The City therefore has to pay the service provider R53 million which includes…

A 56-year-old man from the Eastern Cape, found guilty of vehicle fraud, has been sentenced to six years' imprisonment, which has been wholly suspended. Zamile Nongogo was sentenced in the East London Commercial Crimes Court. Nongogo was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks) in October 2019 alongside his accomplice, Thobani Mabizela. According to Hawks, Nongogo was the mastermind who aided undeserving vehicle finance applicants by facilitating and creating false pay slips for the applicants who were applying to purchase vehicles. This was between January 2018 and February 2019. Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said: "Supporting documents were submitted to a financial institution in East London. Subsequently, vehicles worth over R600 000 were approved and successfully purchased after the aforesaid documents were verified telephonically…

After a decade of being confined to a tiny, bare circus cage in France, lions Goliath and Coralie are free to roam a huge 2.5-acre enclosure at the Animal Defenders International (ADI) Wildlife Sanctuary in the Free State. The lions were transported from France to South Africa via Doha on a flight donated by Qatar Airways Cargo as part of their WeQare programme. They will live the rest of their lives with dozens of rescued lions, tigers, and other animals at the sanctuary. ADI president Jan Creamer, who accompanied the animals on their journey to what the organisation described as “the land of their ancestors,” said Goliath and Coralie lived the first half of their lives in a cage on a truck; now they get to live as lions should.…

Carlos Alcaraz saved three championship points as he produced an astonishing fightback from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner in a French Open final for the ages yesterday. The reigning champion Alcaraz rallied from the brink of defeat to overcome world number one Sinner 4–6, 6–7 (4/7), 6–4, 7–6 (7/3), 7–6 (10/2) to clinch his fifth Grand Slam title after five hours and 29 minutes. The 22-year-old Spaniard is now unbeaten in five Grand Slam finals after snapping Sinner’s 20-match winning run at the majors. Alcaraz pulled off his first ever comeback from two sets down to stun Sinner in the longest Roland Garros final in history. It comfortably eclipsed the 1982 final in Paris, when Mats Wilander triumphed in four sets over Guillermo Vilas in 4hr 42min. Alcaraz…

Coco Gauff said her maiden French Open trophy was “one I really wanted” after clinching the title with a gritty win over Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday. The 21-year-old American fought back from a set down to beat the world number one 6–7 (5/7), 6–2, 6–4 in challenging, windy conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier. “I felt like this is one I really wanted, because I do think this was one of the tournaments that, when I was younger, I felt I had the best shot of winning,” Gauff reflected, after her triumph. “So, I just felt like if I went through my career and didn’t get at least one of these, I would feel regrets and stuff. (Saturday), playing Aryna, I was just, ‘I just gotta go for it and try my…

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to his former club Tottenham Hotspur, following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou on Friday. The Argentine, who managed Spurs from 2014 to 2019 and led them to a Champions League final, remains a beloved figure in North London – despite never having lifted a trophy during his five-year tenure. Pochettino, who signed a two-year deal in September to lead the US into the 2026 World Cup – co-hosted with Canada and Mexico – has nonetheless seen his name appear among the bookmakers’ favourites for the vacant Spurs role. Several UK reports have also linked him to the job. However, speaking after the US’s 2–1 friendly defeat to Turkey in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, the 52-year-old played down…