Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-12-12 i Star

Growthpoint Properties, a leading South African real estate investment trust, is building a more than R2 billion, 400-unit residential and retail development, Olympus Sandton, in partnership with luxury residential developer Tricolt. Olympus Sandton will be situated in the mixed-use Sandton Summit precinct, anchored by the Discovery head office on the corner of Rivonia Road. The investment aligns with Growthpoint’s aim to create a premier walkable, mixed-use precinct, capitalising on Sandton’s status as Africa’s leading financial district, said Growthpoint South Africa head of asset management, Neil Schloss, in a statement yesterday. “We believe the development is well-timed for the reawakening of the powerhouse that is Sandton Central, and aligned with its accelerated transformation into a vibrant neighbourhood as it evolves with the trend of people wanting to live closer to workplaces…

Share price surged 15.6% to R107.10, a price that was already 48% higher than a year ago Barloworld’s share price ramped up over 15% yesterday after its CEO Dominic Sewela and the Saudi Arabian family-owned business, Zahid Group, firmed up an offer for all of the JSE-listed international heavy equipment distributor’s shares, at a whopping 87% premium to the share price. The offer, which will lead to the delisting of Barloworld if it goes ahead, values Barloworld at R23 billion and represents a total value unlock at R123.10 per share, comprising a cash offer to shareholders of R120 per share, which will not be reduced by the R3.10 per share dividend already declared by Barloworld on November 22, which values the total deal at R22.8bn. Barloworld’s share price surged 15.6%…

Entrepreneurship is a double-edge sword. It brings independence, purpose, fulfilment, and the hope of achieving a certain level of wealth. However, it also comes with unmatched levels of uncertainty and stress, made considerably more intense towards the end of the year when the pressure to meet final deadlines and financial obligations is at its highest. In general, finding and retaining clients, settling creditors, chasing down non-payments and providing for your staff can be taxing. By the time December comes around, you also have to contend with the pressure of reviewing the year’s performance, planning for the coming year, finalising budgets, completing the year’s tasks, and paying bonuses, all while dealing with the fatigue that comes from a full year of late nights and stressful days. After decades of founding and…

Libstar Holdings continued with its value-driving initiatives to enhance cost competitiveness, earnings quality, and return on invested capital during the second half of its financial year. The food company said yesterday in a pre-close statement that trading conditions improved from the fourth quarter, following a weaker-than-expected third quarter resulting from soft retail and food service channel demand, as well as delayed third quarter export shipments from the Cape Town harbour. Libstar’s year-to-date revenue for the period ending November 2024 increased by 2.5%. Price and mix changes contributed 5.4% of revenue growth, against a volume decline of 2.9%. The volume decline was primarily due to the direct import model implemented by a retail customer. Libstar’s gross margins were in line with the prior year, reflecting focus on price management, operational efficiencies,…

The EFF, nursing its wounds from recent leadership losses, is set to convene its third elective conference, formally termed the National People’s Assembly, from December 12 to 15 at the Nasrec Conference Centre in Johannesburg. EFF president Julius Malema confirmed these plans during a media briefing held at the party’s headquarters, outlining the significance of the upcoming gathering for the party’s future trajectory. The National People’s Assembly will serve as a crucial forum for EFF branches, enabling them to elect new leaders who will steer the party until 2029, alongside revisiting and reforming existing policies. In efforts to ensure a smooth and disruption-free conference, Malema stated that preparations are progressing seamlessly. “Registration of all delegates will take place at the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus on December 12, starting from…

THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is reviving the legal battle against the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) alleged electoral fraud that marred the outcome of the May elections. During a media briefing in Durban yesterday, party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu announced that the case is “ready”, but will be launched next year. “Cases are not presented in rallies. Cases are presented in courts of law, and in terms of the massive evidence that has been presented to the leadership, we are more than confident that when that is brought before a balanced, free, transparent, and open court of law, there will be a clear illustration that there was electoral fraud, which was targeted on uMkhonto weSizwe,” said Shivambu. The party held the briefing ahead of its first anniversary at the…

THE shift to estate living has seen somewhat of a boom in Pretoria East and Centurion with prices ranging from R5 million to around R18m paid this year. This is according to Gerhard van der Linde, MD of Seeff Pretoria East. Despite the subdued economic climate, he said agents have largely just put their heads down and continued guiding buyers and sellers, with Seeff selling a record 61 properties worth over R156m over the last two months in Pretoria East alone. While the R3m to R5m price band is the most in demand for estates, a number of high-value estate homes sold for over R5m, and the highest prices paid in Pretoria East were also mostly in the estates. Van der Linde said that aside from security, estates offer a…

Tshwane council Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana paid a heartfelt tribute to Palesa Malatji, a young learner from Soshanguve, who tragically lost her life to gender-based violence last year. The event, held at Ntsako Primary School where Malatji was a dedicated student, served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many children in South Africa. Palesa, who would have celebrated her 18th birthday this year, was brutally raped and murdered while making her way home from extra classes. Her lifeless body was discovered in a neglected park behind Echibini Secondary School, igniting outrage and demands for justice throughout the community and beyond. During the tributes, Speaker Ndzwanana planted trees and unveiled a memorial bench at the school, symbolising the commitment to keeping Malatji’s spirit alive. “This bench represents more…

It is without a doubt the world’s most demanding race and the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) competitors in the Dakar Rally are acutely aware of the challenges they will face in the 2025 version of the iconic event. After a 1-2-3 finish in the 2024 SA Rally-Raid Championship the team is hoping to carry that success through to the 8 000km, 12 stages including 5 000km of timed special stages race. Key to that success is the fact that TGRSA has taken those same cars and focussed on feedback over the season to refine and tweak the Hilux, rather than build new cars. “We’ve worked diligently to continuously refine the race-winning GR IMT Hilux EVO for Dakar 2025,” said Michael Jardim, Senior Engineer at SVR at a press…

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou returns to Glasgow tonight for a Europa League ‘Battle of Britain’ against Rangers in desperate need of a victory to calm speculation over his future. Spurs have won just once in their past seven games in all competitions – a spectacular 4-0 rout of English champions Manchester City – to tumble to 11th in the Premier League and ninth in the Europa League. A 4-3 defeat to London rivals Chelsea on Sunday encapsulated the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the Australian’s side in 90 minutes. Tottenham raced into a 2-0 lead, but gung-ho Postecoglou refused to sit on that advantage – and the in-form Blues hit back in a thrilling encounter that swung from end to end. Postecoglou bemoaned his team’s indiscipline after conceding two penalties,…

The excitement surrounding Kaizer Chiefs’ new head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, continues to be tempered by the realities of performances on the pitch. As the team navigate another challenging season, questions around Nabi’s strategy and leadership have arisen, suggesting that a thorough overhaul may be on the horizon. Upon his arrival, the Tunisian coach was met with high expectations. Many fans had their sights set on the dawn of a new era that would mark the end of the club’s decade-long trophy drought. However, nearly six months into his tenure, it is clear that the anticipated surge in progression has yet to materialise. Consistency in results has evaded the Amakhosi, leading to speculation about Nabi’s plans and the current squad’s capabilities ahead of their Premiership clash against TS Galaxy next Monday…

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said yesterday that it would focus its energy on the upcoming court hearing in March next year, which may decide whether it retains its hold on the 25-year contract to upgrade and manage the Port of Durban’s Pier 2 after the bid was challenged by APM Terminals, a Dutch-based subsidiary of the Danish AP Moller-Maersk Group. In a statement yesterday, Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI’s regional head for Europe and Middle East and Africa, said they were disappointed by the KwaZulu-Natal High Court’s decision to deny their application for leave to appeal an interdict which temporarily stops Transnet from implementing the public-private partnership agreement with the Philippine company. “ICTSI maintains that the reasoning underpinning the interdict stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the technical financial metrics…

South African actress, writer and director Quanita Adams delivers a personal and moving story with Hier.Na. It’s a drama that takes a close look at family tensions, the grieving process and the ways different cultures honour their loved ones after death. The story revolves around Julie, a strong-willed mother who dies suddenly from a heart attack. Her death forces her family to gather for a Muslim funeral, which Leila, Julie’s daughter, insists on organising with the help of Julie’s mother. The decision to follow Islamic traditions causes friction in the family, uncovering long-standing conflicts and undercurrents. Julie must be buried by sunset, as required by Muslim custom, and the urgency of the situation pushes the family into an emotional whirlwind. Leila, a medical student who recently reconnected with her Muslim…

In Christmas Clothes, director Athi Petela captures the essence of festive traditions and the significance of family bonds in a modern South African context. The Showmax Original, which premiered on Friday, is a delightful coming-of-age story which places youngsters in the spotlight. The South African Christmas comedy centres around Nqubeko, played by Omhle Tshabalala who also featured on Scandal! He stars as a teenager whose suburban life is upended when his parents (Thami Mngqolo and Khanya Sosibo) are hit with financial problems. Against his will, he and his older sister (Slindokuhle Tshabalala) are forced to spend Christmas week with their uncle and cousins in Soweto, Johannesburg. Despite being despondent at first, Nqubeko makes friends with Benny (Mpumelelo Magaga) and Small (Alex Tivani), who eventually help him do some odd jobs…

ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the party’s Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) will not be disbanded. Following their meeting with ANC in Gauteng on Monday, the party decided to postpone the possible disbandment decision until after January 8. The KZN PEC was also summoned last week on the similar matter. The provinces were called in to explain why they performed poorly in the May 29 national and provincial elections. Despite the mother-body dropping to 40%, KZN got 17% while the one in Gauteng received 45% electoral support. These are the ANC's strengths. In his campaign trail in KZN on Tuesday, Mashatile told the media that the postponement would give them time to reflect on the reports they received from the bruised provinces. The deputy president is…

Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald has recently disclosed that South Africa needs R36 billion to build new prisons to address the issue of overcrowding in correctional facilities. Groenewald made the revelation in a written Parliamentary response to a question posed by Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) Member of Parliament (MP) Marlon Vivienne Daniels. Daniels asked what other measures, particularly relating to building more prisons, were being put in place to address the overcrowding crisis. In response, Groenewald emphasised the urgent need to address the issue of overcrowding and additional beds at prisons despite recent efforts to increase capacity. He said the need to increase national bed capacity remains a priority, adding that plans are underway to build new corrections facilities. “The upgrade of outmoded facilities, regaining of lost bed space, and…

Leading search engine Google has unveiled its 2024 Year in Search (YIS) findings for South Africa, providing a window into the evolving landscape of public interests. This annual analysis not only highlights the top trending searches but also reflects the significant cultural conversations that captivated the nation over the past year. The data showcases a remarkable shift in online behaviour, with a notable surge in topics related to entertainment, current affairs, and a curiosity about the lives and legacies of celebrities and influential figures who have passed away. Among the year’s revelations is the trend surrounding the word “demure”. Once largely dismissed as an outdated descriptor of femininity, “demure” has experienced a renaissance, being embraced by a new generation. This trend, which originated from a playful TikTok phenomenon, has…

Say what you want, but the Kia Tasman double cab certainly isn’t a wallflower. When pictures first emerged of the Korean manufacturers’ attempt to disrupt the bakkie market, comments ranged from downright ugly to stunning. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I’m still on the fence, but it does attract attention and I’m sure as with many other first gasp-impression designs it’s likely to grow on us. Well, except Jaguar’s Type 00 Concept. We had a closer look at one in the metal that had been brought here from its reveal in Dubai. The Tasman won’t be a global bakkie so at this stage Saudi Arabia, Australia and Africa will be its main focus. We’re likely to only get the double cab in three variants, starting with…

Crash test shows SA’s safe VW Polo Vivo International crash testing authority Global NCAP has put the Volkswagen Polo Vivo through its full assessment protocol and the recently updated model came out with a four-star rating for adult occupant protection. However, that does come with a caveat as the vehicle that this rating applies to was fitted with the side head thorax airbags which are optional on the Life derivative and standard on the Style and GT models, but not available on the base Vivo. The voluntary test also saw the pre- facelift Polo Vivo with two front airbags being put through its crash testing paces and that vehicle emerged with a two-star rating. However, it’s not just the airbags that account for the difference in ratings as the facelifted…

SURELY the three years that all-rounder George Linde spent out of the Proteas team, with very few viable reasons, were tough to deal with. As Pieter Malan said on his Test debut almost five years ago, “International cricket is a privilege. Pressure is fighting for your career in empty stadiums in domestic cricket”, it must have also been tough for Linde to wait his turn as the country seemed to have completely moved on from him. In a post-match press conference following South Africa’s 11-run victory over Pakistan in Durban on Tuesday night, one could easily feel Linde’s pain as he struggled in his attempt to describe how he has been able to hold onto his desire to play international cricket again. “I did struggle for a year or two.…

The Standard Bank South African Schools Boat Race, one of South Africa’s best junior rowing events, was held on December 6 and 7 at Port Alfred. This year’s event was the 24th, with the previous 23 races all taking place on the Kowie River. The Boat Race presents a unique challenge to all competitors, as they must navigate the twists and turns and fluctuating tides of the Kowie River, as opposed to traditional rowing races, which take place on a straight track across one or two kilometres. A total of 28 boys and girls crews from across the country competed, with one school not only finishing second, but also serving as an example of the power of constant devotion, hard work, and an example of the power of devoted transformation…

NEW Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has to hit the ground running, and will have to avoid a baptism of fire when the Brazilians host Raja Casablanca in a CAF Champions League clash at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday (3pm kick-off). Here are five things Matshelane Mamabolo believes the bald-headed Portuguese must do fast... Beat Raja Casablanca Nothing will say ‘I am the right man for the job’ for Cardoso than a winning start to his Sundowns contract. His work permit is sorted, and he will be on the bench for Sundowns’ third match of the group stages. And with the South African champions winless in the Champions League after two matches, victory on Sunday will convince Masandawana that their club did the right thing by getting rid of Manqoba Mngqithi…

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is expected to shrug off the moderation in consumer prices and continue with its rate cutting cycle next year as headline inflation remains below the lower end of its 3%-6% target range. The SARB announced a second consecutive 25 basis points cut to interest rates last month, taking the repurchase rate from 8% to 7.75% and the prime lending rate from 11.5% to 11.25% per annum, after headline consumer inflation fell to 2.8% in October. Data from Statistics SA (Stats SA) yesterday revealed that the annual inflation rate rose to 2.9% in November, slightly up from a four-year low of 2.8% in October, driven by rising fuel prices. Though this marked the first increase in consumer inflation after five consecutive periods of easing, it…

The collapse of several high-profile local and international startups this year – including Zando, Ellies and the US and Canada’s Bed, Bath and Beyond – denotes how important it is for business owners to pay close attention to business performance. From economic instability and rising inflation to the wide adoption of AI in an increasingly competitive digital playing field – 2024 was full of lessons for the astute entrepreneur. Here are five of the biggest business lessons to take into 2025: Adapt or die During the 2024 African Entrepreneurs Summit, Rebecca Enonchong, a tech entrepreneur from Cameroon, emphasised the need for adaptability, especially in Africa where markets are unpredictable and diverse. She highlighted how her software company, AppsTech – built in an environment where access to technology was limited –…

The Minerals Council said yesterday that the big slump in South Africa’s iron ore production for the month of October can be attributed to Transnet’s shutdown of the iron ore railway line linking Sishen and Saldanha port. South Africa’s iron ore production dipped 14.3% in October while manganese output was also slower by 14.9%, dragging the country’s overall mining output for the month by sagged by 3% compared to the previous month. Nickel production was also subdued by 22%, with analysts attributing this to logistical challenges. Hugo Pienaar, chief economist for the Minerals Council said yesterday that Transnet’s annual maintenance shutdown of the iron ore railway line between Sishen and the Port of Saldanha was to blame for the slump in production of the commodity during the month of October.…

Jamie Foxx believes his daughter Anelise Foxx’s guitar playing saved his life after a bleed on his brain led him to suffer a stroke. The Creed III actor was hospitalised in April last year after suffering a mystery medical complication, which his family kept private but he has now detailed his health ordeal in the Netflix special Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was... The 56-year-old comedian – who has Anelise, 16, with his ex Kristin Grannis – revealed that staff at Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital thought they were going to lose him in the first two weeks of his hospitalisation as his vitals were all over the place but they miraculously started going down when the teenager started strumming the instrument at her father’s bedside. He recalled: “They said at one…

The hit Netflix series The Mabaso’s Family Reunion, which features some of South Africa’s top stars, is returning for season two. Starring Bonko Khoza, Natasha Thahane, Lerato Mvelase and Thulani Mtsweni, alongside Jerry Mofokeng, Alfred Ntombela, Lungile Yende and Yolo Noruwana, the dark comedy has been among the most watched TV shows since it premiered on the platform last month. It centres on four estranged siblings who reunite at their Joburg family home following the death of their mother. Driven by lust, fame and materialism, the siblings have their worlds turned upside down when they discover a coffin stuffed with cash and the wrong body. This forces them to come together as they must come up with schemes to outwit ruthless criminals and the law. The series is the…

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) believes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to postpone the implementation of the two contentious sections of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act was purely for political expediency, based solely on the objections of the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and her political party, the DA. The union, an affiliate of the ANC, has also informed Ramaphosa in a letter that it will not hesitate legally challenging his decision if he does give the green light for the implementation of the two sections, and also embark on a strike. Ramaphosa is under increasing pressure ahead of the deadline for submissions on the sections Bela Act, tomorrow. The country’s largest teacher union wants sections 4 and 5 of the Bela Act to be implemented by or…

IN a bid to combat cable theft in region 4 the City of Tshwane will partner with local residents to tackle the persistent problem, which has caused frequent power outages in Eldoraigne and surrounding areas. MMC Kholofelo Morodi said the community-driven initiative to combat cable theft in region 4 will be implemented before the festive season, with measures aimed at preventing the crime and mitigating its impact on the community. She said Tshwane wants to engage stakeholders in an effort to protect substation infrastructure in Eldoraigne. In May this year, the substation went up in flames, leaving in the dark residents in Wierdapark Ext 1, Celtisdal, Raslouw, Hennops Park and Eldoraigne. There was a strong suspicion that cable vandalism and theft to the control cable feeding to the transformer could…

THE Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), the nation’s leading voice for glass recycling, is encouraging people to recycle empty glass bottles and jars during the festive season to generate extra cash. The organisation explains that this is a unique chance to contribute positively to the environment while lining your pockets ahead of the new year. With numerous celebrations taking place at taverns, shebeens, restaurants, and community centres, TGRC assures that there will be ample opportunity for individuals to gather glass ready for recycling. The organisation highlights that identifying local sources is essential. Reach out to your community; local taverns, shebeens, and restaurants often have an abundance of empty bottles to spare, allowing you to not only help them manage clutter but also start your glass collection. Whether you collect whole, unbroken…

Gauteng MEC of Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile has announced that Gauteng province has received over 13 000 applications for spaza shop registrations. This includes over 2 000 applications from foreigners. He said nearly 2 000 application forms are incomplete. The deadline is Friday, December 13, 2024. The call for spaza shop registration was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a bid to curb the food poisoning incidents that have claimed the lives of more than 23 children. The children are believed to have died after consuming contaminated snacks bought from illegal foreign-owned spaza shops operated by undocumented foreigners. The move for registration was also intended to curb hazardous pesticide chemicals including Terbufos and Aldicarb, which we found in the snacks consumed by the children. Addressing the media on…

The compact Crossover space is to a large degree where South Africans are spending their time searching on Google and ultimately spending their money. Almost every manufacturer is vying for attention and it plays out in the monthly sales charts against those that don’t have an offering in that space. Think Suzuki, Mahindra, Toyota and Hyundai who are knocking about in fifth place thanks in part to their Exter having found 438 homes last month. That’s no small achievement if you consider the Korean manufacturer is only 131 sales below Ford. From the outside, the Indian-Made Exter initially looks a bit odd, a bit like a Lego build. But it’s something different in an array of same-same SUVs whether big or small and it has a sense of individuality and…

Champions League group phase leaders Liverpool virtually sealed a place in the last 16 with a tight 1-0 victory at Girona on Tuesday night after Mohamed Salah struck from the penalty spot. Liverpool have made a stunning start in the competition under coach Arne Slot, winning all six of their matches to move provisionally five points clear of second-placed Inter Milan. The English giants, six-time winners of the competition, were given a tough night by Champions League debutants Girona, who fell to a fifth defeat and are on the verge of elimination. Teams finishing in the top eight will avoid an extra round of play-off matches. “If you ask me about all six games, I’m really pleased with all the results... (but) I’m far from pleased about the performance tonight,”…

The Bulls are determined to bounce back at home in the Champions Cup from a harsh lesson learned amidst the damp conditions in England. After being comprehensively outplayed by Saracens in their opener last week, the South African side are setting their sights on a much-needed victory against the Northampton Saints in round two of the prestigious competition at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The 27-5 defeat to Saracens in London last weekend was a wake-up call for the Bulls, and now they are laser-focused on rectifying the errors that cost them dearly. For loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp, the impending showdown against Northampton presents an exciting challenge, particularly in the scrum department. “I enjoy scrumming against a side like Northampton with a good set piece,” Steenekamp said yesterday, highlighting…