Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-12-11 i Star

China’s green economy will boost growth in 2024 and 2025. In 2023 the clean energy sector emerged as a key driver of gross domestic product (GDP) growth, as government policy pivoted to making China the global powerhouse for green economy products. The pivot was aimed at compensating for the downturn in real estate. The move meant that the green economy accounted for some 40% of 2023’s economic expansion. The green economy is now estimated to be a $1.6 trillion (R29trl) behemoth. This pivot highlights that the green transition is not an obstacle, but a new engine for growth. President Xi Jinping has emphasised that green development is integral to the broad goal of “high-quality development,” positioning it as a core driver of China’s economic future and this policy directive was…

We round up this year looking forward to 2025 being an exciting year for South Africa as we become the first African nation to preside over and host the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, which we believe will be delivered with success both logistically and in terms of its substantive outcomes. With the G20 being regarded as a premier forum for global economic cooperation and global governance on issues affecting the world, it remains widely regarded as a vehicle for promoting effective multilateral cooperation as it brings together the world's leading economies to ensure global economic stability and sustainable growth for all nations - our hosting is indeed a major responsibility. In these difficult times of a world order characterised by increasing narrow nationalism, declining global solidarity, world hunger, poverty…

Indian clean energy companies will only be able to use solar modules built locally from June 2026, according to a government order apparently aimed at reducing Chinese imports. Clean energy sector leaders in India, including ventures by conglomerates Reliance Enterprises and Tata Power, rely on Chinese vendors as their major suppliers. As much as 70% of India's solar power generation capacity is powered by Chinese equipment, according to industry estimates. Indian companies are already required by law to use locally made solar panels in government projects. The new rule mandates that only modules made from locally built photovoltaic cells, which convert light energy into electricity, can be used in projects with a bid deadline after Monday's order. "This condition will have to be followed irrespective of the date of commissioning,"…

South Africa’s mining industry remains resilient despite facing numerous challenges, as statistics from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) yesterday indicated that overall production in October firmed up by 1.4% year-on-year. However, this progress is marred by a 3% decline from the previous month of September. The fluctuations present a mixed bag of outcomes for various commodities, reflecting both the sector’s potential and the hurdles it continued to encounter. Stats SA’s principal service statistician Jean-Pierre Terblanche said platinum group metals (PGM) output grew by 3.3% chromium ore by 14% and diamonds rebounded a massive 27.9% on a year-onyear basis in October. However, iron ore production fell by 6.4% while gold tanked 3.4% despite elevated bullion prices. “Chromium ore increased by 14%. Diamonds, copper and coal also recorded positive amounts,” he said.…

Emilia Perez looks set to be the big winner at the 2025 Golden Globes after scooping 10 nominations. The musical crime comedy led the way when the shortlist was announced on Monday with Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana both gaining nods in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture category. The film was also nominated in several other categories, including Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Gomez also earned another nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for her role in hit TV show Only Murders in the Building. Other films to have scored big in the nominations include post-war drama The Brutalist and the Vatican…

In a poignant turn of events, tributes are pouring in for Thulani Mngomezulu, the esteemed lawyer representing accused number one in the high- profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, who died in the early hours of yesterday morning. Mngomezulu’s family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, revealing that he succumbed to his illness at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus. Mngomezulu had been absent from court since November 8 due to health complications. Earlier this year, during the ongoing trial of those accused of murdering former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana captain Meyiwa, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng had to take extreme precautions to protect Mngomezulu following reports of death threats against him. The judge then instructed the police to ensure Mngomezulu’s safety after two unidentified men tried to harm him at his…

The political landscape in South Africa is shifting as the South African Communist Party (SACP) prepares for an elective congress this weekend in Johannesburg, where it is expected to formalise its decision to contest local government elections independently of its ally, the ANC. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has revealed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been mandated to lead the ANC delegation to the SACP congress. The SACP which recently announced that it will be contesting the upcoming local government elections independently outside the ANC will this week host an elective conference which it said will be used to formulate SACP’s manifesto for the 2026 local government elections. The party is due to hold its 5th special national congress from 12 to 14 December. This pivotal moment comes at a…

Hearing JF van Heerden face the media for the first time since joining the Bulls senior side, it is clear that the big man doesn’t get easily flustered. His calm demeanour must be part of the reason why Bulls boss Jake White had little hesitation on calling on the 20-year-old Junior Springbok to fill the considerable shoes of injured Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé in recent weeks. Another top young talent in Reinhardt Ludwig is also sidelined at the moment, which has resulted in Van Heerden going from taking on juniors earlier this year to squaring off with England stalwart Maro Itoje in the Champions Cup last weekend. Although the Bulls went down 27-5, they were highly competitive and had opportunities to score more than just the lone try that they…

The Bulls and Stormers’ Champions Cup defeats last weekend were infuriating, as both South African teams could’ve won their respective matches. Don’t let the 27-5 score-line in the Bulls v Saracens encounter fool you. The Pretoria outfit had more than enough opportunities to put the English giants away in the first half already. It was crucial that they did more of their scoring in the opening 40 minutes due to the strong wind blowing at the StoneX Stadium following Storm Darragh winding its way through the UK. Jake White said he had never experienced such bad weather conditions for a game in 42 years of coaching, and that says something as the former Springbok mentor has worked in France, Japan and Australia as well. But White and the players will…

522km of cable has been lost by the utility and cost Transnet about R4bn in lost revenue Transnet’s rail network is at a crucial juncture as the utility has indicated that it needs over R70 billion to address significant deterioration caused by financial underinvestment and rampant theft and vandalism. This stark revelation was made by Transnet chairperson Andile Sangqu, who detailed the challenges facing the state-owned company and its newly established unit, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), which is tasked with overseeing rail infrastructure and operations. Sangqu on Monday confirmed that the year-to-date figures, week 37, showed that 522km of cable has been lost by the utility and cost Transnet about R4bn in lost revenue. “As TRIM, we envisage that a minimum of R70bn is required to fix it…

South Africa's agricultural sector is diverse and export oriented, shaped by market policy reforms enacted in the mid-1990s. Over the past three decades, South Africa has maintained its position as a net exporter of primary agricultural products, gaining market access in over 181 countries. It remains the largest food producer and exporter in Africa. Despite the sector’s resilience and growth over the years, it continues to be plagued by several issues, namely adverse climatic conditions; biosecurity challenges; low gross capital formation; and infrastructure constraints. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), South Africa’s real gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.3% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024. The agricultural sector was among the main contributors to this decline along with transport, trade and government services sectors. The…

From hopelessness to closing the year 2024 in high spirits of hopefulness for the year 2025. The best part about being a writer and analyst is the privilege of observing, documenting, and interpreting historical events in their rawest forms. The art of column writing lies in capturing these moments and rendering them in ways that remain relatable across time. Why, all of a sudden, has South Africa become globally infamous for championing a negative phenomenon that birthed the now commonly used phrase "load shedding," a term that elsewhere simply refers to frequent power cuts? In our uniquely South African way, we adopted a technical term to describe these power cuts. Eskom defines load shedding as a controlled process of temporarily switching off power to certain areas to reduce demand on…

Lanseria International Airport is poised to redefine its role as a pivotal aviation hub in Africa following a shift in its shareholding structure. This comes as decisions by two of the airport’s major shareholders – the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) and the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF) – have set the stage for a plan aimed at positioning the airport as the continent’s “gateway to Africa”. The GEPF, represented by the Public Investment Corporation, yesterday announced an increase in its shareholding at Lanseria, while PAIDF prepares to realign its interests through the establishment of a new investment vehicle called Harith Infraco Limited. Rampa Rammopo, CEO of Lanseria International Airport, expressed optimism regarding the investors’ renewed commitment. He said that this restructuring not only reinforced the shareholders' confidence…

Commissioner’s nephew Ciniso added to list of accused IEC commissioner Nomsa Masuku’s corruption case has deepened. Her nephew Ciniso Masuku, 30, has been added to the accused list, bolstering the State’s case against the Masukus. The State is believed to have “a watertight case” against the Masukus. Ciniso, which means Truth, is facing graft charges and appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge for allegedly benefiting from the R1.2 million meant for underprivileged learners. The Electoral Commission of South Africa has, however, not suspended Masuku for an allegation that calls the IEC’s integrity into question. Ciniso handed himself over to police yesterday morning and was processed at the Johannesburg Central police station on charges of fraud and theft in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act,…

JOBURG mayor Dada Morero decried the high levels of homelessness within the city saying it was out of the ordinary. Morero recently expressed his remarks in passing at a media briefing in Braamfontein, while addressing the relocation of his office to Usindiso building after the decision to close the Metro Centre. Morero pointed out that the city’s properties are often vandalised as displaced individuals sleep, drink and smoke in these places. “Homelessness is a big problem affecting Johannesburg, we are probably the highest in the country with high numbers of homeless people,” he said. City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane stated the metro’s Social Development Displaced Person Subunit has been rendering services to about 20 000 homeless people within the city since 2022. Modingoane clarified that local government has…

Matthew Lani, the social media phenomenon who sparked controversy by impersonating a medical doctor, has issued a heartfelt apology to his followers and the public. His rise to fame, which involved giving medical advice and peddling weight-loss supplements under the guise of a healthcare professional, has now reached a fitting conclusion marked by this acknowledgement of wrongdoing. Lani’s portrayal of “Dr Matthew”, a persona he created in 2021 with the intent of educating South Africans about HIV and Aids, attracted significant attention. However, as his platform expanded, so did the concerns surrounding his credentials. His claims of studying at the prestigious University of the Witwatersrand were swiftly quashed by the institution, leading to public outcry and a distancing from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), which clarified that…

As 2024 draws to a close, the Clover Mama Afrika project reflects on a year marked by resilience, determination, and success through community empowerment. This corporate sustainability initiative, is a community-led strategy aimed at reducing poverty in neighbourhoods by empowering women and their communities to empower future generations. Since its inception in 2004, the project has maintained a steadfast commitment to alleviating poverty through the empowerment of women, fostering sustainable community growth, and laying foundations for future generations. It is revealed that this year, 440 training sessions have served over 2 313 beneficiaries, underscoring the project’s profound impact. Professor Elain Vlok, the manager of the Clover Mama Afrika Trust, poignantly expressed the sentiments of the program as the year concludes. “Our Mama Afrikas have not only built thriving businesses but…

In a significant move to foster a love for nature among South Africa’s youth, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden has unveiled its newly launched R1.9 million Children’s Edutainment Garden, a vibrant space dedicated to educating the youngest generations about biodiversity and environmental conservation. Officially inaugurated by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, the facility aims to ignite curiosity and deepen the appreciation for the environment through interactive learning experiences. During the launch, Dr George expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to inspire a lifelong passion for biodiversity among young South Africans. “The innovative garden is designed to cultivate curiosity and nurture a deep appreciation for nature, particularly among our youth,” he emphasised, underscoring the importance of educating future generations about the environment. The…

Frustration is mounting among participants of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Green Army in Gauteng as over 300 workers report they have not received their monthly stipends for the past three months. This troubling news follows a revelation made last week by The Star, highlighting the distress faced by these workers who rely on their payments for daily sustenance. Among the affected individuals is a female participant who wished to remain anonymous. Speaking to The Star, she expressed her dismay, saying: “For the past three months (September, October, and November), we have not been paid. Now it is November, and there is no transparency regarding this. Some of us have heard that an official has used the money. This is affecting all of us who are under the…

Miners working on South Africa’s gold, diamond and other mines, from more than 100 years ago to the present, have made a large contribution to our economy. Money emanating from mining was used to develop cities and towns; to pay for infrastructure; to start industries and businesses. All this would not have been possible if it was not for the men (and more recently the women) who worked on our mines – people from South Africa, neighbouring countries, and further away. They worked in dangerous conditions – some getting killed or injured in mine accidents. Others developed serious lung diseases from mining. Today people are still working in our mines and benefiting our nation. In view of this, should we not consider honouring these miners by changing the name…

After days of more fuel supply disruptions and flight delays at South Africa’s busiest airport, OR Tambo International, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille yesterday appealed to Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) to “identify the immediate causes and implement robust contingency plans that can be swiftly activated”. Acsa, now caught in a maelstrom of operational issues and legal claims, also yesterday vigorously denied reports that it was insolvent and that it owed money to service providers. De Lille’s appeal followed hard on the heels of other issues that have dogged the airport operator, not least being several applications for its liquidation by service delivery operators who claim they have not been paid for services rendered, and claims that its financial statements were “fake”. Yesterday, OR Tambo International experienced disruptions due to…

Sentiment in the business sector in South Africa has surged to its highest in nine years, buoyed by economic prospects since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said yesterday that the Business Confidence Index (BCI) climbed to 118.1 in November 2024, the highest since October 2015, up from 114.2 in the prior month. The BCI has, since the formation of the new administration in June, improved gradually from a low level of 107.8 in May to 118.1 in November – a 10.3 index-point improvement. Over the year to November, the BCI improved by 6.6 index points. Sacci said the broader political representation in the administration of national government has facilitated a positive assessment of economic prospects by business,…

The head of the world aviation industry body complained yesterday that the current supply of new low-carbon aircraft fuels risked not being enough to help the sector meet climate targets. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a statement that production of "sustainable aviation fuels" was expected to reach 1.3 billion litres in 2024, more than double the figure for the previous year. That was below the 1.9 billion litres IATA had forecast for this year for the fuels, which are produced from sources such as "biomass" -- vegetable or animal matter -- or used cooking oil. It forecast the level would rise to 2.7 billion litres in 2025 - just 0.7% of the fuel used by aeroplanes worldwide. "We're not seeing sufficient supply coming into the market,"…

Thungela Resources, the prominent South African coal miner, is set to exceed its production targets for the year ending December 2024 on the back of notable improvements in Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) capacity following collaborative efforts within the industry. Despite experiencing lower coal prices, the company yesterday said it was optimistic that it would “exceed the full year export saleable production guidance” in South Africa and Australia. Thungela said export saleable production from Australia for the year to December was likely to be about 4 million tons. This surpasses the company’s revised guidance range of 3.5 million tons to 3.8 million tons issued in August. The higher productivity for Thungela in Australia has been attributed to productivity efficiencies. In South Africa, Thungela’s export saleable production is expected to top 13.4…

How do you feel about Disney+ treating the legacy of the Beatles like its corporate IP? That’s the main hurdle standing between you and some of this holiday season’s most tempting comfort television, Beatles ’64, a new documentary recounting the historic two-week stint that the band first spent on American soil, earning its permanent position in the greater American psyche. Directed by David Tedeschi and co-produced by Martin Scorsese, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, family members of John Lennon and George Harrison, and others, Beatles 64 repurposes much of the vérité footage shot by Albert and David Maysles after the renowned documentarians were hired to hustle over to John F Kennedy International Airport and shoot the Beatles stepping off their airplane into history. They ended up tagging along for the trip,…

South African veteran actor Sello Maake kaNcube is suing for defamation after Sunday World published an article about his alleged HIV status. The article stated that Maake kaNcube’s estranged wife Pearl Mbewe had opened up about him allegedly exposing her to HIV. This is believed to be concerning tests that she had done in 2021, when the couple were trying for a baby. In response to the allegations, Ncube released a statement through his lawyers, announcing that he would be suing for defamation. “Besides what is said about my family by a discredited, backwards and colonised media house whose intention is to destroy African families, I will stand by the African family unit,” he said. “December being a family month, I want to encourage and support family units, me, Sello…

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) launched the Safe Schools App in Pretoria yesterday in efforts to eliminate the problem of pit toilets in schools across the country. The app was donated and developed by one of the biggest cellphone brands in the country. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said this new technology allows the public to report existing pit toilets in their areas. “This will allow citizens to be able to log any pit toilets or unsafe infrastructure in schools that are in their communities. “This information will be directly fed back to the DBE so we may be able to see in real time where the issues are, and where pit toilets are,“ said Gwarube. The Safe Schools App aims to ensure the safety of learners and…

Operations on the South African side at Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique, a key coal and chrome export hub, remained suspended yesterday as the post-election related protests that flared in the south-east African nation compound daily losses for local business estimated to run to R10 million a day. According to Freight News, the largest industrial employer in Mozambique has told the outgoing government of President Filipe Nyusi that, unless supply to its smelter on the outskirts of Maputo is restored, it may have to pull out of the country. This is according to a source who said Mozal Aluminium, along with 29 other companies, had a meeting with Nyusi on Monday in a bid to secure their investments in a country that’s dangerously close to open insurrection. Demonstrators on the…

Mahindra South Africa, an automobile brand, has unveiled its inaugural Fusion Fest, a celebration of music, fashion, and art, uniting diverse cultures and showcasing local talent. The festival, featuring a slew of local heavyweights such as renowned artists Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, Kamo Mphela, and Mi Casa, among many others, is set to take place on February 22, 2025, at the prestigious SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria. It is explained that this festival aims to unify diverse cultures through the electrifying combination of music, fashion, and art while simultaneously marking a significant milestone for the brand as it embarks on its third decade in the country. The ethos behind it further encapsulates the vibrancy, youthfulness, and cultural richness that defines SA. As the company continues to deepen its roots…

THE University of South Africa's (Unisa) Council has reappointed Professor Puleng LenkaBula as Principal and Vice-Chancellor for another five-year term, effective January 1, 2026. This decision follows a thorough review of her first term, which was deemed robust, rigorous and fair. Professor LenkaBula made history in 2021 by becoming the first woman to hold the position of Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Unisa, a university with almost 150 years of history. Her first term has been marked by significant achievements, including improved scientific output, teaching, and learning, as well as increased internationalisation and partnerships. Under her leadership, Unisa has seen notable growth in commitment from academics, researchers, and support staff. The university's academic rankings and financial growth have also improved significantly. Chairperson of the Unisa Council, Dr Dan Mosia, expressed the…

THE newly-elected regional committee of the SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) in Tshwane is gearing up for a fierce battle with the City of Tshwane. At the forefront of their fight is the demand for the municipality to honour the historical wage agreement, which includes salary increases of 3.5% and 5.4% from 2021 and 2023. Regional Samwu secretary Donald Monakisi said the committee will stop at nothing to ensure that municipal workers receive fair compensation for their work. The union has been facing numerous challenges, including a labour dispute that disrupted Tshwane Bus Services operations in November. One of the most pressing issues on the committee's agenda would be the “unlawful dismissal” of 45 municipal workers, who were accused of serious crimes during last year’s unprotected wage strike. Monakisi said:…