Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-07-08 i Star

TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) will be investing R16.1 billion on infrastructure development at the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha and Cape Town for the next seven years. This is part of the TNPA’s strategic repositioning of its Western Region ports to efficiently facilitate trade and create much-needed jobs amid rife unemployment. Industry players, including stakeholders in the fruit and wine industries, have been calling on the government to invest in infrastructure for a while now with the long turn-around times and shipping backlogs resulting in many cargo vessels bypassing Cape Town altogether. The Western Region’s capital investment programme has an allocation of R2.2bn to the Port of Mossel Bay, R8.4bn to Saldanha and R5.5bn to Cape Town. TNPA managing executive Advocate Phyllis Difeto yesterday said the state-owned ports…

TRADE union Solidarity has recommended the removal of all barriers to the deregulation of electricity generation and the development of a tariff system favourable to small-scale power producers, in a bid to combat South Africa’s energy crisis. Solidarity yesterday called on small power producers to apply in their hundreds for generation permits to the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa). Last year, the government amended the regulations for large-scale private power generation, giving effect to the generation of up to 100MW, without needing a licence. However, Solidarity chief executive Dr Dirk Hermann said there was still uncertainty among entrepreneurs and power producers due to the major lack of political will. Hermann said that Solidarity would also submit a parliamentary petition to get any possible obstacles or barriers out of the…

THE LATEST European Parliament’s vote inching to a declaration of nu- clear energy and natural gas as green energy heightened the tension in the local debate as persistent load shedding raises the energy stakes. Nuclear physicist Dr Kelvin Kemm said yesterday that the de- cision cleanses the conscience of European investors who previously would have been crucified for investing in nuclear as well emboldening South Africa’s nuclear capability. Kemm, who said his company had been talking to funders for the South African developed HTMR-100 modular reaction, which is compact enough to be installed at various sites around the country. However, investors had been reluctant because of possible backlash. “There is no shortage of money, but potential investors faced two barriers, firstly if they could survive in their own country…

Beyoncé has reportedly run “#MeToo checks” on potential collaborators. The hitmaker is said to have vetted artists and producers for her upcoming album Renaissance and rejected anyone who had faced allegations of harassment or abuse. An insider told The Sun’s Bizarre column: “Her team now run #MeToo checks on any potential collaborators. Two songs from high-profile artists have been rejected because of allegations they are facing. “Although neither has been found guilty, she’s sending a clear message to the industry in the wake of troubling cases from people like R Kelly and Harvey Weinstein.” It’s said she “wants to set an example”, and she “doesn’t care” how people react to her decision. The source added: “She’s rubbed some people up the wrong way but she doesn’t care. She won’t go…

PROPERTY experts have warned that another interest rate hike later this month could translate into higher rents for tenants. The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which is responsible for fixing the benchmark interest rate, is set to meet again later this month and all signs point to yet another interest rate hike, with some analysts even predicting a bump of 75 basis points. This would mean higher bond repayments for homeowners and RE/MAX Southern Africa Regional director and chief executive Adrian Goslett said: “Landlords who are still paying off a home loan on the rental property might also decide to increase the rental amount to make up for the higher bond.” Nevertheless, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Southern Suburbs rentals manager Lorraine-Marie Dellbridge said that coming after the…

THE ANC in Gauteng said it was ready to continue its 14th Provincial Conference this weekend at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni. This leg of the conference, happening tomorrow and on Sunday, will see the election of additional members to the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and discussions of policies. The conference will conclude the election of additional members of the PEC, who have been duly nominated. Most importantly, the conference will pay particular attention to political discussions which will largely touch on organisational renewal, strategy and tactics, balance of forces, election strategy for 2024 and socio-economic issues that are affecting Gauteng citizens. Newly-elected provincial secretary Thembinkosi Nciza said coming out of the conference they want to be clear on policy issues that the…

TAXi fares are set to rise following the fuel price increase. The July increase has now tipped the cost of petrol to more than R26 per litre. At the start of the year, South Africans were paying R19.71 for 95 unleaded petrol, and the same grade now costs R26.31 in July, representing a R6.60 increase since January. In May, the chief strategic manager of the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco), Bafana Magagula, said the minibus taxi industry had no choice but to increase fares as the price of fuel continued to break record prices as it had in recent months. “To be very honest with everyone, I think if South African are honest to the situation, they will understand that the taxi industry has taken a knock for too long…

Police are on the hunt for suspects responsible for the murder of infamous trophy hunter Riaan Naude. He was reportedly shot dead near the Kruger National Park last month. Naude owned Pro-Hunt Africa and regularly hosted trophy-hunting exhibitions. His body was found just outside a farm on the R518 near Mokopane. He was believed to have been on his way to a hunt when he was accosted and killed. Police say Naude was found lying on his back next to his vehicle. His firearms were stolen. They were alerted to his body by a local who reported hearing gunshots and then seeing a vehicle speeding away from the scene. No arrests have been made and police are investigating. Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is urged to…

RENOWNED R&B and soul singer is ready to exhilarate SA music lovers as she gears up for her highly-anticipated Karyn White Live in South Africa tour set to take place in August as part of celebrating women’s month. The popular and multiaward-winning American singer will be at GrandWest and Entertainment World Casino in Cape Town on August 26 and at SunBet Arena Time Square, in Pretoria, on August 28. The music powerhouse is known for her long list of smash hits including I’d Rather Be Alone and Can I Stay With You, among many other hit songs. This tour marks her as the first international soul and R&B artist to come to South Africa (post) Covid-19. White is a multi-platinum selling international superstar with more than 10 million copies sold…

The two-headed southern brown egg-eater snake – now named Jean-Claude van Egg-eater, but which goes by the name Jean-Claude – has found a permanent home at the Dangerous Creatures exhibit hall in the Village at uShaka Marine World. The announcement was made by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) on Wednesday afternoon after sharing a video of Jean-Claude. Saambr vet Dr Francois Lampen said: “The radiograph images show clearly that the two spines are fusing. It would then be safe to assume that the two heads share most of the organs, such as the stomach and lungs. The left neck/head is 33mm long, and the right neck/head is 37mm long. The radiographs show the lungs clearly, but it is also obvious that the spinal cord is still…

GAVIN Hunt has rejoined SuperSport United on a two-year deal in an emotional return for both coach and club. The 57-year-old previously led Matsatsantsa from 2007-2013 before departing to join Wits. Hunt’s first spell with SuperSport was the stuff of legend. It yielded three consecutive Premiership titles between 2007-2010. After 2010, SuperSport hit a plateau and it became evident that the club would not be able to challenge for the championship anymore, though they did claim the 2012 Nedbank Cup. The plateau is the likely reason why Hunt departed and moved across Gauteng to take charge of Wits. Hunt walks into a SuperSport side which is similar to the one he had in 2010. The team will not challenge for the title next season and could find it hard to…

ONS Jabeur, who yesterday became the first African woman in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam singles final, has emerged as a national hero at home in Tunisia. Since breaking into the world’s top 50 rankings at the Australian Open in January 2020, she has surged up the rankings to become world No 2. She bagged her latest victory yesterday to secure a place in the final at Wimbledon, beating her friend Tatjana Maria 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. “It’s a dream coming true from years and years of work and sacrifice,” the 27-year-old, dubbed ‘Minister of Happiness’ by fans, told the crowd. Tomorrow, she will face Elena Rybakina for the Wimbledon title. “I’m a proud Tunisian woman standing here today and I know in Tunisia they’re going crazy right…

BEFORE ‘Bazball’ the Proteas need to deal with Jos Buttler, who Rassie van der Dussen describes as the nearest thing to AB de Villiers that he’s seen. Buttler was recently appointed captain of England’s limited overs sides, following the retirement of Eoin Morgan, who led the English to the 50-over World Cup title in 2019. The Proteas will face England in three ODIs and three T20 matches before taking on ‘Bazball’ in the three-match Test series in August. With the Test side having provided plenty of thrills in recent weeks, it’s no surprise that Buttler wants England’s limited overs units to tap into that spirit as they prepare to tackle the Proteas. In Buttler England have a captain who is a naturally attacking batter and who is also in pretty…

AFTER rejecting three offers, Mediclinic International’s board said yesterday a fourth offer that values the private hospital group at $4.44 billion (R74.1bn), by the Remgro and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), consortium appears attractive to shareholders. The consortium made an unsoli- cited cash offer to acquire all of Mediclinic on May 26. On June 9, it’s board rejected the offer of 463 pence (R92.20) a share (including a final dividend of 3p paper share for the year to March 31), on the basis that it significantly undervalued Mediclinic. Remgro is Mediclinic’s majority 44.6 percent shareholder. Mediclinic’s share price shot up 8.6 percent to R95 on the JSE yesterday afternoon, while the price was up 7.46 percent to 475.20p per share on the London Stock Exchange. Its…

THE SA CIVIL Aviation Authority (Sacaa) and South African Airways (SAA) have thrown out the window accusations of incompetence of pilots and the safety concerns at the carrier after reports of malfunctions on a flight from Accra to Johannesburg in April came to light. They stressed it was the fuel contaminated with water at the last stop. SAA chief executive John Lamola said: “The cause of the incident was not linked to maintenance as such. It was linked to a refuelling event, where the fuel was found by SAA technicians to be contaminated with water. There is always an aircraft technician on board SAA long-haul flights.“ This comes as the heat is turned up on the safety standards of the airliner after the incident which happened in April was kept…

Actress and businesswoman Khanyi Mbau better hold on tight to her wig as Celeste Ntuli, SelBeyonce Mkhize and Devi Sankaree Govender take their seats on the panel for Comedy Central’s upcoming Roast of Khanyi Mbau. Actress-and-comedian Ntuli, radio host and DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Award winner SelBeyonce Mkhize and award-winning investigative journalist Devi Sankaree Govender have been confirmed as some of the panellists who will be firing shots at Mbau. They join roastmaster Mpho Popps, who said the event would go down as one of his career milestones. “For me to be the chosen one to throw her into the flames to be roasted is not only historical but legendary. As the roastmaster I say, ‘May the thickest skin win’.” “Being on the Roast in the age of cancel culture…

ACTING Public Protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka was within her rights to withdraw the court papers filed in the Western Cape High Court by suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Accountability Now director Paul Hoffman said yesterday. “She is now in charge. It is up to her to decide, as the person in charge, whether the money of the people of South Africa should be spent on preserving the career of Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who is suspended,” Hoffman said. He made the statement after Gcaleka dropped a bombshell on Wednesday when she informed the Registrar of the Western Cape High Court as well as Mkhwebane, Parliament, the DA and President Cyril Ramaphosa of her intention to deliver notices of withdrawal of the application for leave to appeal, and the amended notice of motion.…

ESKOM has announced that it is battling to keep up with the demand of failed mini-substations and trans- formers in Gauteng due to the record number of electrical equipment failures and a shortage of replacement stock. The power utility said the failures had put such a strain on it, that it had ultimately affected its ability to replace and restore supply to the affected areas across the province. Eskom’s Ronel Kotze said they were experiencing challenges due to the limited stock levels of mini-substations and transformers because of a recorded exponential number of cases of failed electricity equipment due to network overloading. Kotze said in such instances they found that the network overloading was caused by illegal connections, meter bypassing and tampering with unauthorised operations on the network. This also…

THE City of Joburg is dedicated to setting the standard for resilient urban design and development. We are constantly looking for the best method to reduce the social and economic difficulties associated with the switch to low carbon fuels. Recently, the city approved its first Green Building Policy (GBP). The GBP established the benchmark that must be followed for all new buildings, including major refurbishment. This plays a significant role in the city’s plan to transition to low-carbon buildings and will help the city get closer to Net Zero Carbon (NZC) by 2030. The city’s Green Building Policy defines a net zero building as “a building that is highly energy efficient by design, with the energy used drawn from renewable energy sources, whether on-site or off-site, so that there are…

A new digital platform and app FemConnect was launched this week aiming to make menstrual hygiene, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) wellness, and family planning and products easily accessible. That platform and app will see women in sub-Saharan Africa have quick access to organic menstrual hygiene products, as well as free access to tele-health across sexual and reproductive wellness and family planning. FemConnect also has a feature that enables citizens to donate sanitary pads, or to as apply to mentor a young girl. “Many young women do not have access to quality and holistic SRHR services in their communities. When young girls require these SRHR resources, they are often judged and stigmatised or told they are dirty during the time of their period. “Even more concerning is…

THERE is no doubt that it has been both liberating and exciting for people to be out and about after a two-year Covid-19-driven hiatus. Marvel Studios has just added to the thrill after announcing that the much-anticipated production of Thor: Love and Thunder would be showing in Mzansi cinemas from today. Thor: Love and Thunder headlines popular movie stars Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Tessa Thompson (King Valkyrie) and Christian Bale (Gorr the God Butcher). The special screening of this superhero film, that took place in Mall of Africa on Wednesday, will tell you everything you need to know about how devoted people are to Marvel Studios productions. Celebrities, influencers and all those who graced the spectacular movie screening were all dressed to the occasion in red…

WHEN the load shedding stages increase, so does the frequency of power cuts, which have a replica impact in increased risk of damage to sensitive electronic items due to power surges, fires and crime. Attie Blaauw, Head of Personal Lines Underwriting at Santam, says South Africans needed to mitigate the damages caused by load shedding by being prepared prior to power going off. “The reality is, load shedding has an immense impact on consumers and businesses alike – who must cope with the damage to appliances brought on by power surges and dips, as well as the increased crime-related risks as a result of faulty security systems.” He cautioned consumers and provided advice to consider to mitigate against risks that may be caused by power cuts: Make use of surge…

COACH Eddie Jones yesterday said three new faces in England’s back line would give his team more attacking options for their must-win second Test against an Australian side that has been forced into five changes. The visitors crashed 30-28 against a 14-man Wallabies in the first match of the three-Test series at Perth last weekend and with the pressure mounting, Jones rolled the dice for their clash in Brisbane on Saturday. Leicester Tigers’ Jack van Poortvliet will make his first start at scrum-half, replacing veteran Danny Care, after scoring a try off the bench last weekend. Jones also handed debuts to Northampton Saints’ Tommy Freeman (left wing) and the Tigers’ Guy Porter (outside centre), in place of the under-performing Joe Cokanasiga and Joe Marchant. Owen Farrell starts at inside centre…

THE Formula One circus sets up camp in the picture-postcard Styrian Alps this weekend for the Austrian Grand Prix which presents Max Verstappen with the perfect antidote to last week’s Silverstone suffering. The world champion has a fearsome record at the circuit owned by his Red Bull team, winning not once but twice last year, claiming the Austrian and Styrian Grand Prix in successive weekends. That took his tally to four wins out of seven at one of the shortest venues and he again has the chance of double celebrations with the RedBullRing chosen to stage one of this season’s three sprint races. Saturday’s 100km dash offers eight points to the winner with Verstappen capable of walking off Sunday night with all the 34 points on offer. He managed that…

Rafael Nadal is facing a race against time to be fit for today’s mouthwatering Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios, but can either man stop Novak Djokovic in his relentless push for a fourth straight crown? A meeting between 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal and the mercurial Australian has been since Kyrgios defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in an ill-tempered third-round meeting. Kyrgios cruised through his quarter-final against unseeded Chilean Cristian Garin on Wednesday to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final. But it was a different story for Nadal, who had to battle an abdominal injury in a gruelling five-set win against 11th-seeded American Taylor Fritz. The second seed looked unlikely to finish the match when he was forced to take a medical time-out in the second set. But he returned and twice…

THE RAND SLUMPED deeper into the red yesterday as the dollar strengthened after the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes confirmed a further tightening of monetary policy amid accelerating inflation, and fears of a global recession. The domestic currency weakened to R16.86 during early trade, its weakest since August, 2020, pressured by the dollar’s strength and the dampening sentiment over ongoing power cuts in South Africa. The rand is also at risk of further weakness as the US continues to show a strong resolve of reducing inflation. The US FOMC June policy meeting indicated that the central bank could raise interest rates at their next meeting in July by either 50 or 75 basis points. The minutes from the FOMC policy meeting on June 14 and 15 underscored that…

BIDVEST has acquired 100 percent of BIC Services in Australia from private investors for A$160 million (R1.81 billion). “We are excited to have found a business and management team I believe can contribute to advancing Bidvest’s international growth strategy and add value to a stakeholder base that now includes Australia,” Bidvest chief executive Mpumi Madisa said yesterday. BIC’s management team had signed service agreements and remained committed to the business. Bidvest’s share price closed 2.72 percent higher at R213.23 on the JSE yesterday. The acquisition would be settled from the group’s international bond proceeds raised in October, 2021. BIC, headquartered in Sydney, operates across Australia, and is a leading provider of facilities management-services across office, commercial and education sites. Its cleaning services leverages an interactive technology solution…

THE two cases of conspiracy to commit murder against convicted cop- turned-serial-killer Rosemary Nomia Ndlovu have been postponed to September. Ndlovu appeared briefly in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday on two separate cases of conspiracy to commit murder. The former police officer gained notoriety during her serial murders trial last year, which resulted in her receiving six life sentences after she ordered hits on five relatives and a boyfriend. Ndlovu fraudulently received over a million rand following the brutal killings. Judge Ramarumo Monama convicted the former police officer of six murders, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice and fraud. Ndlovu was back in court yesterday after she was accused of plotting the murder of Sergeant Keshi Mabunda, who investigated the killing spree targeting her own family…

SUSPENDED Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association member Carl Niehaus has accused the Cyril Ramaphosa government of using the courts and justice system to fight their enemies. Niehaus was speaking at a media briefing at Booysens Conference Centre where he, members of the Gauteng RET support group and Democracy in Action decried the state of judicial “capture” in the country since Ramaphosa’s rise to power. The former ANC spokesperson said Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm was a “plain mafia-like corruption cartel”. Niehaus added that the South African justice system had become “dysfunctional, corrupt and captured”. This, he said, was evidenced by a series of court cases against members of the RET force and ex-president Jacob Zuma, who was sentenced to a 15- month jail term a year ago. “Today is exactly a…

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on the public to help in the cleaning of South African rivers during Nelson Mandela month as part of its annual Clean River Campaign. Annually, the DWS celebrates the Clean River Campaign in a bid to clean up and protect South Africa’s water resources. The department said that under the theme, “South Africa is a water source country, clean up and protect our water resources”, the campaign aims to actively engage communities and promote and create awareness and education on protecting our water resources among communities, municipalities, government departments and industries such as mining and agriculture, which are major sources of water pollution. “This proactive approach is greatly encouraged to protect rivers, streams, wetlands and other water ecosystems, given the drought…

IN a city where most young people are unemployed and some short-term contracts are ending, the skills development and workplace preparedness training hosted by the Department of Public Safety is empowering for those looking for work. Vusi Gumbi, an intern in the department, said the training held recently was inspiring for all attendees. “It’s not every day where you see such a prestigious moment wherein industry experts dish out their knowledge to help us young people find meaningful employment,” said Gumbi. Scores of youngsters recently filled the lecture auditorium at the Metro Centre to attend the training, which was facilitated by, among others, the Department of Labour, the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Social Development, and the New Beginnings Recruitment Agency. Esther Mokoena, the founder of New Beginnings…

JOBURG Community Development MMC Ronald Harris and the Joburg City Parks and Zoo recently forged an association with the Johannesburg Muslim Cemetery Association. The purpose of the association was to outline and close the gaps within Muslim communities in the City of Johannesburg in terms of cemeteries, burials, and administrative issues.​ Harris explained the structure of the Department of Community Development and its role in the promotion and preservation of heritage sites. He added that cemeteries, heritage and culture formed a big part of the department’s responsibilities. “We cannot say we have any culture and heritage in Johannesburg if we do not embrace the Muslim faith, religion and culture,” he said. The association expressed concern about the indigent burials. It said Muslim dynamics were different because burials were concluded within…

A FEW months ago, Basadi In Music Awards were launched – giving a platform to honour women from all walks of life in their career endeavours. While the nominees list boasts women who are not only dominating the music arena but other industries as well, The Star’s entertainment journalist Kedibone Modise has been nominated in the Entertainment Journalist of the Year category. Also announced was the prestigious CEO’s Mosadi in Business Achievement Award, which will be bestowed on a select few in recognition of their successes in business. DBN Gogo is up for Artist of the Year, DJ of the Year and Song of the Year for Bambelela, while Pabi Cooper earned nods for Sampra Amapiano Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for…

In her upcoming memoir Soul Survivor, American soul singer PP Arnold has claimed that Ike Turner “locked her in a room and raped her” while she was a member of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. The claim was made public in an interview she gave to the Telegraph in the UK before the publication of the book there. According to Variety, Arnold, now 75, mentions the attack in the interview and says, “It was terrible. On that level, I hated Ike, but I didn’t know how to say it. Ike was allegedly chasing me, and Tina [Turner] wanted to get rid of me. I would have had to return home if I had rushed to Tina or dialled my folks.” She said although she was still a teenager, she…

CELE has finally lost it... Screaming at a human rights activist at a Gugulethu gathering, he immediately attempted to turn it into a racist rant. Referring to himself as a “garden boy”, Cele avoided the harsh realities that the country does not have sufficient policing resources. Sadly, Minister Cele’s outburst reflects that he is unable to remain cool under pressure, and give meaningful, coherent answers to burning questions. It’s tough being a minister, so Cele needs to consider his way forward... Listening to his outburst, he did not cover himself in glory, leaving us with question marks about his mental state and his ability to be a minister of such an onerous portfolio.…

DAN Biggar has every reason to be proud of his team, and the renewed sense of confidence permeating throughout the Wales squad. The captain, however, will know that every ounce of that renewed sense of self will be required if they are to repeat their first Test heroics when they face a much-changed Springbok team tomorrow; and go that extra step further by claiming a historic win. Last week, Biggar & Co were largely expected to capitulate, but instead they startled the Boks with an impressive display. They might have lost 32-29, but they certainly restored some pride to the jersey after a tough Six Nations earlier this year. Yesterday, at their team announcement for the second Test at Free State Stadium, Biggar gave some insight as to where his…

AKANI Simbine and Wayde van Niekerk will again carry the hopes of South African glory at a major event when Team South Africa pits its speed, strength and might against the best at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in the US next week. The duo are the standout stars of a 40-member squad announced by Athletics South Africa (ASA) this week, and given their current form, there is every reason to expect them to challenge for the podium. Simbine, having announced at the national championships that he has altered his training programme, is seemingly peaking at the right time and could finally deliver on the promise he has shown for years, and win a major championship. His victory in the 100m at the Diamond League in Stockholm last…