Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-06 i Star

Woolworths Holdings (WHL) lowered its interim dividend by 28% and has warned that recent US-related global trade relations positions have elevated the macro-economic risk outlook for South Africa, even though consumer confidence has increased. The higher-end retailer, which on Wednesday announced financial results for the 26 weeks to December 29, 2024, will pay out a half-year dividend of 107 cents per share, after strong sales and market share growth in its Food division was offset by lower contributions from the clothing businesses both in South Africa and Australia, which are undergoing transformation. “We have a world-class Food business that remains our engine room for value creation, and we are building the foundational capabilities of our apparel businesses to drive long-term sustainable growth,” WHL group CEO Roy Bagathini said in a…

The postponement of the appointment of the National Lottery Licence operator has ignited a firestorm of discontent among Parliamentarians, who on Wednesday questioned the motives behind the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition's (the ditc) handling of the tender process. The decision to extend the timeline by a year has raised suspicions, particularly regarding the direct engagement of the dtic minister Parks Tau with various bidders, including the current operator, Ithuba Holdings. The Portfolio Committee on Trade demanded that Tau, who along with department officials was conspicuously absent at the presentation of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) financial results for 2023/2024, appear before it to account for the postponement. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sinawo Thambo questioned the NLC board if it did not consider it illegal for the minister…

It is very unfortunate that divisive characters like Ernst Roets continue to be given international influential platforms like The Tucker Carlson Show to spew their bile and hatred about the unity project in South Africa. The democracy and diversity we enjoy today in South Africa did not come easily, but it was fought for with the blood and sweat of our fathers and mothers. The vision for a democratic South Africa was never one that envisioned the country partitioned into small enclaves divided on ethnic and racial lines, but it wished for all races, classes, and ethnic groups to live in harmony with each other while embracing their diversity and using it as a strength for unity. However, charlatans like Roets would like to see nothing less than to erect…

Small businesses in South Africa are often managing multiple priorities such as business efficiency, innovation and growth. Amidst these daily challenges, many overlook the value of claiming the full range of tax benefits available to them. The Tax Base at a Glance At the forefront of this movement is the South African Revenue Service (Sars), which collects the bulk of its revenue from three main sources - Personal Income Tax (PIT) at 37.4%, VAT at 25.7%, and Company Income Tax (CIT) at 18.2%. The Sars tax ecosystem is large and multifaceted. In 2023/24, there were 959 000 registered VAT vendors, but only 488 118 were active, amounting to just 50.9% of the total. Out of 3.6 million registered CIT taxpayers, only 1.16 million are actively contributing - 643 948 are…

Old Mutual's share price fell a hefty 3.18% after it said adjusted headline earnings per share (AHEPS) were expected to increase between 7% and 27% in the year to December 31, 2024. The insurance and financial services group that plans to launch a bank in South Africa said it expected AHEPS to be between 138 to 163.8 cents per share versus 129 cents last year. The share price fell fairly hard to R11.88 on the JSE on Wednesday afternoon, with the price also marginally below the R12.15 it traded at a year ago. Further details of the bank’s launch, expected early this year, will likely emerge when the full-year results are released on March 18. OM Bank received approval from the SA Reserve Bank to appoint Clarence Nethengwe as CEO…

Sandton is set to become the epicentre of cinematic excellence as it welcomes the 7th Joburg Film Festival (JFF) from March 11 to 16. This year’s festival promises a plethora of remarkable films, thought-provoking discussions and enriching masterclasses, drawing film-makers, industry experts and film enthusiasts from around the globe. Renowned for its commitment to celebrating storytelling through film, the Joburg Film Festival offers an unrivalled platform for local and international talent. Attendees can look forward to an exciting line-up of film screenings that span a variety of genres and themes, showcasing the diverse narratives that emerge from different cultures. Among the highlights of this year’s festival are masterclasses hosted by some of the industry’s leading lights. Film-makers including Angus Gibson, known for his compelling work in Shaka iLembe, the visionary…

The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, has once again urged social grant beneficiaries to replace their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards with the new Postbank black card or switch to a bank of their choice, as the deadline for the transition approaches. The initial deadline of February 28 was extended to March 20, 2025, after some beneficiaries experienced difficulties making the switch and raised concerns about potentially missing their payments. Tolashe previously criticised Postbank’s original deadline, stating that it was not supported by tangible facts and labelled the slow transition to the new black cards as a crisis after elderly beneficiaries were forced to queue for hours in their attempts to get the card. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing an “efficient social security system,” Tolashe…

Opposition parties have criticised Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for refusing to release the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) report on the Phala Phala scandal. The report, which was finalised in October 2023, has been classified as “top secret,” sparking outrage among those demanding transparency and accountability. The Phala Phala scandal revolves around the 2020 theft of a large sum of foreign currency hidden in couches ($580 000 or R8.7 million at the time) at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo. Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing involving allegations of money laundering and corruption, but the scandal has raised questions about his integrity and accountability. Mchunu made his revelation in a written response to a parliamentary question by Vuyo Zungula, the leader of African Transformation Movement (ATM). Zungula was inquiring about the…

Meet Hennie Terreblanche, Independent Media’s representative and the potential winner of a Toyota Fortuner GR-S. Terreblanche was selected as the most suitable candidate among a plethora of entries for the 2025 Fortuner Challenge powered by Quartz Engine Oil. While at his wife’s biokineticist waiting rooms, a patient suggested that he should enter the challenge. “I hadn’t heard about the challenge before so I did some research and decided that I’d like to enter. I filled in the application and I am honoured to have been chosen to represent Independent Media.” The 27-year old software engineer is also a CrossFit coach when he’s not busy with his engineering work at an employee welfare company. Strongest attribute: “I think my biggest attribute is that I’m well rounded and naturally fit although growing…

Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids is crossing his fingers that their lock stocks remain healthy for the international season. The world champions will play 15 Tests – two still need to be confirmed – this year, and after having a minor lock crisis last season due to injuries, Davids is hopeful that things will look better in 2025. Through last year’s struggles, especially at No 5 lock, the Bulls’ lineout caller Ruan Nortjé made a name for himself at the highest level, but the same Nortjé is currently out with an injury. The Boks will have the likes of RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager available – they are all fit and firing at the moment, and Nortjé should be back in action for the Bulls in April.…

Arsenal will derive a great deal of confidence from their 7-1 mauling of PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie – and the Premier League club are determined to keep the momentum rolling, manager Mikel Arteta said. Arsenal registered their biggest away win in European club competition on Tuesday night, putting themselves in a virtually unassailable position to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will meet either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid. Arsenal dominated from the outset. Declan Rice’s powerful shot into the PSV net on 11 minutes was chalked off for a narrow offside, but it was a taste of what was to come. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring in the 18th minute, followed by a strike from teenager Ethan Nwaneri, before Mikel Merino…

It has been a case of ‘local is lekker’ for the Lions’ last five games in the United Rugby Championship (URC), but they must rouse themselves for one last SA derby this week before a challenging overseas tour. The pride will be in Durban on Saturday for their return match against the Sharks and coach Ivan van Rooyen will be asking his troops for an almighty effort before they turn their attention to Europe. It will be the Lions’ fourth consecutive weekend of derby matches and their sixth in a row in the URC since they started their local run in December in Cape Town against the Stormers (they lost 29-10). Challenge Cup matches against Montpellier (lost 28-5) and the Dragons (won 60-10) followed before they hosted the Bulls in…

The Sharks appeared to be in slow motion during the opening exchanges of last week’s match against the Lions at Ellis Park, but speedy Yaw Penxe says the afterburners will be blasting in Saturday’s rematch. The Lions were 14-0 up in no time and kept the throttle wide open to lead 19-0 at half-time and 38-0 with three minutes to go. “It is 100% correct that how you start sets the tone for the match,” the stocky wing said. “A fast start is what every team goes for. If you lose that first 20 minutes, it gets into your head, and you lose confidence. So, a huge priority against the Lions on Saturday is to get a better start than last week.” Penxe, a Junior Springbok in 2017, said that…

Sentiment in the business sector in South Africa will remain cautiously optimistic about prospects for activity in the second quarter of 2025 despite strong performances in the new vehicle sector, as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) benefits are seen at risk. The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI), released on Wednesday, remained unchanged at 45 index points in the first quarter of 2025 following three consecutive increases. Although this figure lies just above the long-term average of 43 points and is markedly higher than the sentiment recorded at the start of 2024, the overall picture reveals a troubling slip in confidence across four of the five key sectors surveyed. The BCI survey, conducted between 5 and 24 February, reflects responses largely collected shortly after US President Donald Trump announced…

After Steinhoff’s implosion in 2017 when audit firm Deloitte flagged accounting issues, the JSE tightened regulatory measures by implementing “innovative reforms to strengthen the South African financial markets”. Because the Steinhoff group’s primary listing was on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE), that bourse’s regulations were applicable, said Andre Visser, the JSE’s issuer regulation director. A PwC probe into wrongdoings at Steinhoff summarised how the shift in primary listing from the JSE to Frankfurt came about. In the length report, which Business Report secured under a Promotion of Access to Information Act, the advisory company stated that Steinhoff International, registered in the Netherlands, started trading on the FSE on December 7, 2015. This followed a deal through which the Steinhoff group effectively bought out the South African division. The company’s year-end…

The building retail sector did not benefit from an increase in consumer spending arising from cuts in interest rates, lower inflation, and the Two-Pot pension payouts in the six months to December 29, said Cashbuild’s chief operating officer Shane Thoresson on Wednesday. Cashbuild, one of southern Africa’s largest retailers of building materials and associated products that sells to a mostly cash-paying customer base through 318 stores, reported its financial results for the six months. The results saw the share price rise more than 3.3% to R182.49 on the JSE Wednesday morning, a price 25% higher than a year ago. The tough trading conditions were reflected in single-digit sales growth over the six months, with revenue for the 309 stores opened prior to July 2023 up by 4% compared with the…

MTN Group has formalised a landmark agreement with the Ghanaian government to support the ambitious 'One Million Coders Program'. The initiative, aimed at equipping the nation's youth with foundational skills in artificial intelligence, coding, and digital technologies, was officially announced during the Mobile World Congress 2025 held in Barcelona. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, and MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. George described the programme as a flagship initiative of the newly inaugurated administration under President John Mahama, emphasizing the government's commitment to fostering digital excellence through targeted partnerships. “We engaged with the MTN Group and expressed our desire for a partnership that will lead to fuel the capacity of young Ghanaians in the area…

Former Mommy Club cast member, Nozipho Ntshangase dropped the first episode of podcast, Life Lately this week, featuring a no-holds-barred conversation with her co-reality tv star, Nonkanyiso Conco who is popularly known as Laconco. The episode, which has garnered over 65 000 views in just one day, touches on the heartbreak of polygamy, Laconco’s childhood, motherhood, a bit about the father of her child – former president Jacob Zuma – and her journey in the entertainment industry. The reality TV star also opened up about being in a polygamous marriage. When asked if she ever imagined getting married or being in a polygamous marriage, Laconco, answering mostly in Zulu, replied: “I have always imagined (a husband in) a suit, tie and a briefcase, I don’t know how. I never imagined…

LOCAL poultry farmers are on tenterhooks amid the possible spread of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu, that is usually transmitted by wild birds on their worldwide migration. The HPAI is known to be a highly contagious disease and known to carry deadly consequences for poultry. When South Africa was hit by a bout of bird flu in 2023, the local poultry industry had suffered the loss of nearly 10 million birds, and many farmers are still recovering from that episode. While the virus has not since been detected in the country, farmers fear that once it hits locally, the government is likely to be caught napping and without counteractive measures. Izaak Breitenbach, from the South African Poultry Association (Sapa), said their industry would…

Tragedy struck on the R101 as a mother was arrested for murder after allegedly throwing her four-month-old baby out of a moving vehicle, resulting in the infant’s heartbreaking death. Captain Johan van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District Police, said that Pretoria North police officers responded to the tragic incident on Monday at 12:30 PM, where they discovered four individuals standing beside the vehicle. “Police officers from Pretoria North responded to a report of a possible murder on the R101 road to Pretoria. “Upon arrival, officers found a white bakkie with four individuals standing beside the vehicle.” Van Dyk stated that the driver told officers he had been assisting three passengers with transportation, including a woman with a four-month-old baby whom he had agreed to take to a clinic. “He…

Eighteen years ago South Africa raised its collective eyebrows when Great Wall Motors (GWM) entered the market. Our first introduction to their bakkies was the GWM Steed and when they launched the luxury P-Series lifestyle double cabs in 2020, they fully announced their intention to take on the recognised players in the market. It was received with mixed reaction but they had a steady flow of sales and now it’s been updated and improved with the launch of the P-300. The most significant change comes under the bonnet with the addition of a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine with 135kW and 480Nm of torque matched to their own eight-speed automatic transmission. GWM says it has put the motor through vigorous testing to ensure its reliability. It included extreme environments and 76…

The Springboks didn’t want to lose Felix Jones after the 2023 Rugby World Cup as one of their assistant coaches, but they are happy to have his services back. Rassie Erasmus, the Bok head coach, said they understood Jones’ reason for returning to the United Kingdom, which was to be closer to his family a couple of years ago. When the opportunity to get him back into the Bok fold presented itself recently, they could not let it pass ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia. “It was definitely not a plan,” Erasmus said on sending Jones overseas to collect intel (intelligence) and then signing him again 18 months later. “That speculation must maybe stop. Things didn’t work out in England for whatever reasons. But you don’t relocate your…

New Zealand shattered South Africa’s dreams of playing in a rare ICC final with a convincing 50-run victory in the second Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday. Ongama Gcwabe highlights the plays of the day... Diagnosis The real reason behind South Africa’s loss could be traced back to the lack of partnerships with both bat and ball. From the new-ball duo to the death overs, there were no real partnerships as the bowlers toiled. With the bat, apart from the century stand between Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) for the second wicket, there were no substantial contributions in tandem in a game where the side needed big partnerships to come close to the 363-run target. Innings The Proteas bowling attack knew beforehand that Kane Williamson,…

Real Sociedad are hoping to forget their struggles this season and compound Premier League giants Manchester United’s when they meet tonight in the Europa League last 16. The Basque side host Ruben Amorim’s tormented Red Devils in San Sebastian, before the second leg at Old Trafford next week. Manchester United are unbeaten in the Europa League this season, but the visit to the Reale Arena is arguably their toughest test in the competition yet. On top of United’s poor form, with two wins in their last six games, the under-pressure Amorim has a spate of injury worries to contend with. Exciting teenage striker Chido Obi is also ineligible for the Europa League, with the low-on-confidence Rasmus Hojlund set to start despite not scoring in his last 18 matches. “It’s going…

AmaZulu playmaker Rowan Human will consider himself unlucky to have missed out on both recent Bafana Bafana call-ups after being one of the shining stars in the PSL so far in 2025. On Tuesday, Human’s name did not appear in Bafana head coach Hugo Broos’ 37-man preliminary squad, just as it was absent when assistant coach Helman Mkhalele named his African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier squad. Fair enough, AmaZulu would not have wanted to release their star player for CHAN qualifiers. That is understandable, as only third or even fourth-string players usually get called up for the tournament, which falls outside Fifa international dates. On the other hand, Arthur Zwane is building a squad at AmaZulu to secure a CAF spot by the end of the season. After their early…

Gautam Gambhir was a feisty character during his playing days. He was frequently involved in altercations with both opponents and teammates alike. Growing older and going in to become a mentor and coach has done nothing to dim the fire that needs very little touchpaper to spark it yet again. Gambhir also doesn’t care who he challenges. Just ask Indian legend Virat Kohli and his current bowling coach, former Proteas fast bowler Morné Morkel. And anyone who has ever had any engagement with Morkel will take an oath that the gentle giant would not even pick a fight with a fly. But even taking into consideration Ghambir’s trademark hostile persona, his unprovoked attack on journalists after India’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final victory over Australia in Dubai bordered on insanity. Gambhir…

The JSE All Share Index rose more than 1% to 87 679 index points by 5pm The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) experienced a noteworthy surge on Wednesday, hitting a one-week high, while the rand strengthened to its most robust level in seven days. The gains are largely attributed to rising hopes that Canada and Mexico may reach a compromise with the United States, steering clear of retaliatory measures in response to newly imposed tariffs. The JSE All Share Index rose more than 1% to 87 679 index points by 5pm, buoyed by resources stocks, particularly platinum mining stocks. Impala Platinum soared 9.5% to R103.74 per share, followed by Northam Platinum and Anglo American Platinum at 8.3% and 6.0% to R8.77 and R35.83 per share, respectively. Harmony Gold stocks also rose…

In the face of Ernest Roets, Elon Musk, and United States President Donald Trump: Is it business as usual? That would be a resounding no. Yet all one can do is keep calm and carry on - to make money despite the disruption and grow one’s bottom line, to hold one’s head up high and say we are South African and stop messing, or “kaking”, on our national sovereignty. Unfortunately, as the global chessboard of politics sees its horsemen stomping and charging in unpredictable moves, the undeniable fact remains: America is broke. “It’s the economy, stupid.” People are distracted by Musk's chainsaw moves and Zelensky White House "diplomacy" instead of heeding what Musk is saying. Every decision Musk makes aims to cut the US deficit by $1 trillion (R18tn), and…

Valentine’s Day, along with the month of love, has come and gone, leaving many of us reflecting on our relationships with friends, family, colleagues and business associates. But what about the relationship you have with your business? For entrepreneurs, a business venture can often feel like a love story – full of aspiration and excitement at first but, over time, the novelty can wear off, and your business may start to feel more like a job than a passion. It’s important to remember that, like any relationship, a business requires ongoing effort to consistently move forward in your desired direction. So, if you feel like you’ve fallen out of love with your business, here are five ways to reignite the spark and rediscover joy in your entrepreneurial journey. Reconnect with…

Spur Corporation, a leading restaurant franchise group, dished up sizzling results with a 10% increase in total restaurant sales for the six months ending December 2024 despite intensified competition in the casual dining sector. This as Group CEO Val Nichas presenting the results on Wednesday, said, “Spur is looking at new markets, new new regions and new opportunities" as well as creating more value for customers across all business verticals. Headline earnings per share rose 12.1% to 179 cents from the prior period. Headline earnings increased by 11.5% to R144.4 million. Revenue grew by 13.8% to R2 billion, driven by a 10.0% increase in total restaurant sales to R5.9bn and contributions from the Doppio Collection, acquired in December 2023, which added R351m in sales. The board declared a dividend of…

Curro Holdings’ share price was caned 6.9% on the JSE, one of the biggest declines on the bourse Wednesday, after it reported that the number of learners has declined so far this year. The share price for the independent schools group fell to R10.60 on Wednesday afternoon, a price that was also below the R11.15 traded at a year ago. This was even though the board lifted the final dividend a solid 13.4% to 16.60 cents a share. In a presentation, CEO Cobus Loubser said that the average number of learners had increased by only 1% in the year being reviewed, rising to 72 638 from 72 031. By February 10 this year, 72 109 learners had been enrolled, which was lower by 1 018 learners than at the same…

Tyrone Willard, the 26-year-old multilingual media enthusiast, entered Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 with a clear goal – to gain exposure and break into the entertainment industry. As an openly gay white South African, fluent in isiXhosa and other local languages, Willard knew he was different, and he wanted to use that uniqueness to his advantage. Growing up, Willard was fascinated with the entertainment world. Inspired by Bonang Matheba’s ability to build a brand beyond just being a TV personality, he has set his sights on a media career combining creativity and business acumen. His participation in Big Brother Mzansi was his way of kick-starting that dream, hoping to use the platform to network and make a name for himself. “My biggest dream has always been to work in media,…

The provincial government is holding a high-level discussion with President Cyril Ramaphosa about the national government’s decision to reduce King Misuzulu’s security details, Premier Thami Ntuli told the parliament during the State-of-the-Province (Sopa) debate on Tuesday. Ntuli was responding to concerns by King’s deputy prime minister, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, that the trimming of the guards from 12 to five had placed the King’s life in grave danger. In his capacity as the leader of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) in the provincial parliament, Chiliza said the issue of the safety of the King was of grave concern. However, Ntuli informed Chiliza that the provision of security guards to the King was the responsibility of Ramaphosa’s office. “The security of the King falls under the office of the president, and I…

The portfolio committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has expressed its concerns with cyber-bullying meted out against some of the candidates who appeared before it for the interviews of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board. Last week, the committee conducted interviews with 19 aspirant candidates for the board. Speaking during a meeting of the committee to score the interviewed candidates, chairperson Liezl van der Merwe noted that interviews of some of the candidates were reposted on social media and fun was made of some of the candidates deemed to have not performed well. Van der Merwe said she found the ridiculing to be unfortunate. “It amounts to cyber bullying. It goes against the spirit of what we wanted as this portfolio committee. “We are here to give…

Things are about to get real. When you get an email from Motorsport South Africa to create your profile and register as a driver for the 2025 Toyota GR Cup Season representing Independent Media and IOL, on one hand it’s exciting and on the other, rather nerve-wracking. I mean, every legend of motorsport in South Africa has had their profile there. There’s no turning back now. We’ve completed our shakedown, signed indemnity forms and participation agreements and had our kit fitted so drivers start your engines! Round one The first round of racing takes place at Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town this weekend. It will be my first time racing in anger with my motoring journalist colleagues, GR Cup Dealer Challenge drivers in GR Corollas and GR86 Development Academy…

NASREDDINE Nabi, like most coaches, believes in protecting his players, and the Kaizer Chiefs coach is unlikely to criticize them in public. However, the Tunisian does occasionally open up about the shortcomings of those under his charge as he seeks to help them improve. He did so late Tuesday night, deep in the bowels of FNB Stadium, following Amakhosi’s 1-0 Betway Premiership victory over Magesi FC, courtesy of an Ashley du Preez goal. Nabi spoke openly about what Ranga Chivaviro needs to do to save himself from the boo brigade, who are always on his case. He also revealed that he and his technical team are working hard to help Pule Mmodi become the national team player they believe he has the potential to be. Chivaviro was his usual wasteful…

For the second time within a week, New Zealand and India are set to meet at the Dubai International Stadium. Only on Sunday, they will be playing for the grand prize in the ICC Champions Trophy final after the Black Caps comfortably beat the Proteas by 50 runs in the second semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday evening. It was the Proteas’ fifth despairing defeat in an ICC Champions Trophy semi-final. Despite David Miller’s 67-ball unbeaten 100, the Proteas were hardly ever in the contest from the moment captain Temba Bavuma lost the toss on a docile surface. Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) took full advantage of the batter-friendly conditions with sublime centuries, and coupled with cameos from Daryn Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49…

Aston Villa earned a 3-1 win away to Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Belgium on Tuesday night, thanks to an own goal and a penalty kick in the final eight minutes. Leon Bailey put Villa ahead after three minutes and Maxim de Cuyper levelled nine minutes later. But Brugge’s Brandon Mechele scored an own goal eight minutes from time, and with two minutes left, Marco Asensio converted from the penalty spot. The sides will meet again at Villa Park next Wednesday for the second leg, to decide who will face either Liverpool or Paris St Germain in the quarter-finals. “I am happy, but calm. “There are still 90 minutes to play,” Emery told reporters. “We are not in the quarter-final. I know…