Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-14 i Star

South Africa’s grand ambitions – through a business and government partnership – to grow the economy 3% this year and, by doing so, create a million jobs is simply not happening as structural economic issues are hindering job creation prospects. In fact, in the first three months of the year, 291,000 people lost their jobs quarter-on-quarter while there was an increase of 237,000 in the number of unemployed people. This has taken the unemployment rate to 32.9%, up from the last four months of 2024 when it was 31.9%. The overall unemployment rate, which includes discouraged job seekers and is a truer measure of the job situation, went from 41.9% to 43.1% over the same quarter-on-quarter analysis, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday. Dr Elna Moolman, Standard Bank group head…

Nampo Harvest Day, hailed as the largest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere, officially commenced on Wednesday, welcoming industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Hosted by Grain SA, the annual event anticipates a robust showcase of innovations, technologies, and collaborations designed to fortify the future of South African agriculture. Grain SA acknowledged the pressing global challenges that modern agriculture faces, ranging from climate change to the intricacies of interconnected food systems. The forthcoming Nampo Harvest Day, running from 13 to 16 May, will emphasise the importance of utilising global knowledge and innovations to empower local producers. The Nampo Harvest Day continues to uphold its reputation as a platform where local farmers can engage with international advancements while respecting South Africa's unique agricultural landscape. Grain SA said the event remained the one-stop…

As the risks of climate change become increasingly evident worldwide, the need for reliable and accurate information is more crucial than ever. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report (2024) identifies misinformation and disinformation on all topics as a short-term risk to human society amongst others the issue of climate change and the notion of the green economy revolution as such targeted topics. Recent research has shown a dramatic rise in disinformation related to the climate crisis, spreading at an alarming rate through social media, messaging apps, and generative AI. Evident in South Africa’s just transition journey, the spread of misinformation distorts public debate, weaken policy consensus and scientific consensus around climate change, its consequences, and causes, consequently obstructing the various actors’ ability to respond with agility and effectively to…

In the latest episode of Podcast and Chill, Macgyver “MacG” Mukwevho addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments about television personality Minnie Dlamini. MacG joked about the situation and stated, “We took podcasting to another level; we’re now honourable speakers.” He asked: “Is it even a podcast if you haven’t been summoned by parliament?" MacG went on to say that sometimes the backlash he receives makes him want to quit. “Sometimes I feel like ah, f*** this s*** man, let me pack my bags and go back to Venda to start farming, I don't need this s***,” he said. Additionally, he said that seeing the love from his fans “fuels him” and makes him want to keep going. This nonchalant attitude comes after Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike called for…

In a firm stand against child abuse, the Giyani Regional Court has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 20 years of direct imprisonment for raping his minor stepdaughter. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that on May 28, 2024, an 11-year-old girl was raped by her stepfather inside their Giyani home while her mother was away on night duty. Ledwaba said that during court proceedings, it was revealed that the accused had sexual intercourse with the victim. The following day, on May 29, 2024, he asked his wife to arrange a family meeting, claiming he had a “burning issue” to address in front of relatives. “The meeting was arranged, and the 36-year-old stepfather revealed that he had sexual intercourse with the child, and it was not for the first time.…

The eThekwini Municipality stated that the high electricity bill of R2.7 million that a Reservoir Hills doctor received in April was due to an incorrect meter reading that was submitted. Doctor Terence Govender said his average monthly bill was R8 500 and was left bemused by his latest bill. For March, Govender was billed R2.7m in total. His bill for April totaled R91 000. This included water of R1 680, electricity of R55 000, cleansing and solid waste of R256, interest on arrears of R23 641, and VAT of R8 636. The total bill for March and April amounted to R2.8m. eThekwini Municipality’s Spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said they have noted the recent inquiry regarding an unusually high electricity bill reflected on a customer’s account. The municipality stated that it wanted…

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) reiterated yesterday that it has not taken a decision on the implementation of electronic voting, other than merely developing a document for a national conversation. Electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said they were taking measures to ensure excellence and robust systems in electoral administration. “Within that broad package of measures we are taking, one of the considerations is the possible introduction of electoral voting. We don’t see this as an isolated measure but as package of interventions, utilising technology to make electoral administration better,” Mamabolo said. “There is no decision to implement electronic voting precisely because that decision, we consider it a national policy matter, which is within the purview of Parliament as a policy-making institution of the country. Mamabolo stated that it did not mean…

US President Donald Trump has warned he will boycott the G20 Summit in South Africa this November unless the country addresses what he calls a “genocide of white Afrikaners”. Speaking during a press briefing at the White House on Monday, Trump criticised South Africa’s leadership and mainstream media for allegedly ignoring widespread violence against white farmers. “South African leadership is coming to see me, I understand, sometime next week, and we are supposed to have a G20 meeting there or something. I don’t know how we can go unless that situation is taken care of,” Trump said. His remarks came as his administration welcomed 49 Afrikaners who had fled South Africa, seeking refugee status in the US. The claim is that white people are being brutally murdered in the country.…

South African music icon Louise Carver has made a notable return to the pop scene with her latest single, Crush On You. Accompanied by a vibrant and nostalgic music video, the track beautifully captures its playful energy, promising a fresh dose of feel-good pop for fans and new listeners alike. This release marks a significant moment for Carver following her recent achievements, including her first-ever South African Music Award (Sama) win in 2023 for Best Adult Contemporary Album with her acclaimed work, Dark Secrets. With Crush On You, Carver re-establishes her mark in the spotlight, combining the retro shimmer of late-70s synth pop with her unmistakable vocals and emotive storytelling. The track is produced by her longtime friend and collaborator Simz Kulla, of The Muffinz fame, who has helped breathe…

The persistent issue of expensive data and telephone call costs in South Africa requires urgent and meaningful intervention. It has been six years since Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, committed to tackling the “exorbitant” pricing within the communications sector. Regrettably, this commitment has not yet translated into noticeable improvements for consumers. A comparison with other African nations clearly illustrates the price discrepancy. In Ghana, for example, 1GB of data can be obtained for as little as R1.49, with the highest price point around R23 for the same amount. South African consumers, on the other hand, face considerably steeper charges. To illustrate, Cell C offers 1GB valid for a single day at R25. Capitec Connect charges R25 for 1GB valid for a week, and R45 for data…

Mamelodi Sundowns are on the brink of yet another historic milestone as they prepare to face Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.30pm kick-off). A single point is all the Brazilians need to officially seal the Betway Premiership title — their eighth in a row — by reaching an unassailable 68 points, a tally that Orlando Pirates can no longer match, even if they win all their remaining games. The match carries enormous weight, not only as a potential title-clincher but also as another marker of Sundowns’ unquestionable dominance in South African football. Their sustained success this season has come despite significant changes on the technical bench. Following the shock departure of head coach Rhulani Mokwena — a move that caught much of the footballing…

Raymond Mdaka’s tactical nous and calm leadership have guided South Africa’s Under-20 national team to a long-awaited return to the global stage. Under the watchful eye of the quietly confident coach, Amajita sealed qualification for the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup with a gritty, extra-time victory over Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarter-finals of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. In a high-stakes, pressure-filled encounter, Mdaka’s side showed composure, resilience, and belief — traits that have defined their campaign and mirrored the personality of their coach. With the win, Amajita no t only reached the semi-finals of the continental tournament but also secured a coveted ticket to Chile later this year. Amajita needed extra time to see off their determined opponents, with Thabang Mahlangu scoring the only…

As José Riveiro prepares to exit the stage, the door swings wide open for a new dawn at Orlando Pirates. Whether by fate or design, Rulani Mokwena could step in seamlessly, offering both fresh energy and the continuity the club craves. The former Wydad Athletic Club coach was trusted by the Buccaneers following Milutin Sredojević's sudden departure in the 2019/20 season, when he was appointed interim manager. Mokwena, the nephew of Pirates legend Jomo Sono, took charge for 14 matches, managing four wins, five draws, and five defeats. His interim spell did not result in a permanent role, and he returned to his assistant position under newly appointed head coach Josef Zinnbauer. The 38-year-old was later loaned to Chippa United for a brief stint. Still, his departure from Pirates always…

Exxaro is sinking R11.6 billion into the acquisition of manganese assets in the Northern Cape Eskom coal supplier Exxaro Resources is diversifying its portfolio, sinking R11.6 billion into the acquisition of manganese assets in the Northern Cape in a deal expected to be closed early next year. Exxaro recently appointed Ben Magara as CEO, taking over from Nombasa Tsengwa after a protracted fall-out with the former top executive. Insiders on Tuesday said the company’s stalled diversification was among points of disagreement between the company’s board and Ndengwa. Magara’s appointment appears to have refocused the company on its diversification into manganese. Under the new deal, Exxaro will take over a portfolio of manganese assets owned by the Saki Macozoma-fronted Ntsimbintle Holdings, as well as those held by OM Holdings. “This acquisition…

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has announced the country's ratification of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol in a move poised to transform the railway landscape in South Africa. Officially enforced from May, this protocol is set to unlock international financing avenues for new market entrants, enabling cheaper financing options for railway rolling stock. Addressing the 25th Africa Rail Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday, Creecy emphasised the significant economic and environmental advantages of shifting freight and passenger transport from road to rail. Creecy said South Africa’s ratification of the protocol would support the development of international financing in the railway sector and was an important step in facilitating financing in the rail industry, which is a key element for social development and economic growth in the SADC region and whole continent. "As…

If we are serious about securing a resilient, sustainable future, we must learn the right lessons — and fast. Intermittent Renewables: An Engineering Challenge, Not a Silver Bullet Over the past decade, Iberia has significantly expanded its renewable generation capacity, adding vast amounts of wind and solar to the grid. Yet behind the headlines, one unavoidable fact remains: Renewable energy is intermittent by nature — and storage technologies remain prohibitively expensive, inefficient, or geographically constrained. Without sufficient storage, the inherent variability of renewables injects instability into the grid. Modern grids are designed to balance predictable flows, not to absorb infinite volatility without consequence. The Forgotten Fundamentals of Electricity: Synchronization and Stability Electricity is not merely generated — it must flow through high-voltage grids to reach consumers. For this to happen…

Greencoat Renewables, an owner and operator of renewable energy infrastructure in Europe, is applying for a secondary listing on the JSE’s Alternative Exchange, with a listing planned for later this year. The company, already listed in London and in Dublin, Ireland, has a market capitalisation of approximately €850 million (R17.23 billion) and its operations span five European jurisdictions, including wind farms, solar farms, and battery storage assets. As evidence of its growth, the company started out with only one energy asset in Ireland in 2017, the chief financial officer Diarmuid Kelly said in an interview. Its share price in London on Tuesday was €0.77. “Rapidly growing commercial demand for clean energy, accelerated by the hyper-scaling of AI and data centres, is supporting existing political support for the energy transition, with…

l The Sleeping Beauty by The Youth Russian Ballet Company The Youth Russian Ballet Company is bringing their enchanting production of The Sleeping Beauty to Joburg this weekend. The production features the organisation’s dancers, rising stars Karmia Postma and Elena Leonteva, who will alternate in the role of Princess Aurora. Guest artist Gabriel Fernandes, a soloist with the South African Ballet Theatre, will be joining the cast as the prince. Together, these young talents and guest artists will showcase breathtaking choreography to create an unforgettable performance. Where: The Main Theatre at the Roodepoort Theatre. When: Saturday and Sunday. Show times differ, depending on the day. l The Good White This powerful new play by the renowned local playwright Mike van Graan tackles pertinent South African issues. It takes theatregoers back…

The legal battle surrounding Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso continues to polarise South Africa, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape has officially filed for an appeal against the recent High Court ruling in Gqeberha. Last month, Judge Irma Schoeman cleared Omotoso and his two co-accused of multiple rape and human trafficking charges. The decision sparked immediate backlash, particularly from women’s rights groups and the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL), who argue that the justice system has once again failed victims of gender-based violence. NPA spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, stated that the appeal decision was not taken lightly. “This is a complex case involving a voluminous transcript. However, after careful analysis by a team of experienced prosecutors and external legal counsel, we believe there are reasonable prospects…

Eskom announced it would be implementing Stage 2 load shedding during evening peak periods from yesterday from 4pm to 10pm untiltomorrow. The power utility said this was necessary in order to manage the limited generation capacity and sure a continued supply during the working days. “This decision follows the delayed return of generation units amounting to 3 120MW, as well as an additional loss of 1 385MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns. ‘‘The primary reason for this setback is the delay in returning several units from planned maintenance. These delays, coupled with an unplanned capacity loss that has now temporarily exceeded 13 000MW, align with the risk scenarios shared in our Winter 2025 Outlook,” Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said. Eskom said its currently emerging from an…

South Africa continues to grapple with the haunting case of seven-year-old Cwecwe, whose parents allege she was raped at Bergview College. The heartbreaking story sparked national outrage, igniting protests, widespread social media support, and renewed calls for justice in a country plagued by Gender-Based Violence. But now, amid fading public attention, another question has emerged: Did Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema break the law when he publicly posed for photos with Cwecwe’s parents? The Children’s Act of South Africa is explicit when it comes to the rights of minors who are victims of sexual abuse. It strictly prohibits the identification of such children, either directly or indirectly, through any form of public exposure, including media and social media. The Act is designed to protect the dignity, safety, and…

Residents and small businesses in Soshanguve township and Lebanon in Mabopane, are still grappling with a severe water crisis, receiving minimal support from the municipality for alternative water sources. Distance Sithole, a salon worker in Soshanguve Block XX, said he struggled to get enough water, having to fetch it with a 20-litre bucket to wash clients, but it was inadequate. He expressed concern that he might lose income since he could not predict when the water supply would be restored. “It has been three days, and no one can tell us when the water will be restored,” he said, adding that a single bucket of water was not enough for the day, and he had no alternative plan to get more. Next to Sithole’s salon is a bunny chow business,…

DESPITE MacG’s recent public apology, media personality Minnie Dlamini has firmly rejected it – declaring her intention to take legal action against the podcaster instead. This comes after MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho issued a public apology to Dlamini following widespread backlash over offensive comments he made. The controversy erupted during an episode of Podcast and Chill, where MacG and co-host Sol Phenduka discussed Dlamini’s breakup with her former partner, Dr Brian Monaisa, in a derogatory manner. Dlamini recounted her shock and anguish as she witnessed her name, body, and dignity being publicly torn apart, calling MacG’s remarks vile, degrading, and utterly unjustifiable. “An apology, offered only after the damage is done and reputations are on the line, is not a meaningful act of accountability, especially when it comes from a…

South Africa is at a turning point in its energy journey. Driven by a commitment to cleaner energy and the swift uptake of solar power, the renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth. This expansion, spearheaded by both established Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private sector entities investing in their renewable energy initiatives, marks a clear shift from the government-led REIPPP programme of the past. However, this rapid growth brings with it a serious challenge: ensuring the availability of a skilled and adaptable workforce to support the development, installation, and long-term maintenance of solar farms and other renewable energy projects across the country. This is where Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers can step in to play a vital role in meeting South Africa’s clean energy needs. The workforce scaling challenge…

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Monday that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will take charge of the Brazil national team, presenting a significant logistical dilemma for the Spanish club. The CBF announcement stated that the Italian will begin his role at the end of May, meaning Ancelotti will not be in the Real Madrid dugout for the Fifa Club World Cup, which kicks off in mid-June. This leaves club president Florentino Pérez facing a major decision. Former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is widely expected to become Ancelotti's long-term successor, following his confirmed departure from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. The key question is whether Alonso should take charge in time for the summer tournament, or wait until after its conclusion. On the one hand, managing Madrid during the Club…

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a critical update regarding a series of vehicle recalls that could have serious implications for drivers across South Africa. Affected models include popular names such as the Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300C, Citroen C4, DS4, DS5, and luxury vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Consumers have been urged to act swiftly as safety remains paramount. First on the list are the Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300C, both manufactured by Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd between 2014 and 2016. The company has reported a troubling defect involving Takata airbags. The passenger airbag inflator may rupture due to excessive internal pressure during normal deployment, posing a lethal threat to vehicle occupants. The resulting metal fragments could cause serious injury or even fatalities. Owners of these…

The Africa Travel Indaba, one of the continent's premier tourism showcases, kicked off on Tuesday in Durban. KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Musa Zondi, said this year's Indaba boasted a record-breaking participation, with 1 200 exhibitors hailing from 26 African countries and 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets. "More than 7 430 business-to-business meetings have already been set up and I am confident that this number has grown to date," Zondi said. "One hundred and twenty small-and-medium tourism enterprises, including a dozen in our KwaZulu-Natal region, have been given the opportunity to showcase their products at this high-profile and vibrant event." Zondi reiterated the significance of the event last year, which bolstered the region's economy by over R550 million—comprising R226m in direct economic activity…

Namibia is well positioned for significant growth and transformation. With major oil and gas discoveries in the Orange Basin and a 40-well drilling campaign by Total, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in 2026, the country has a unique opportunity to redefine its economic landscape. To support long-term prosperity, however, it is essential that the right choices are made now. Logistics, construction, catering and other support services have already seen increased activity, and if this is managed wisely, it could have a widespread positive effect on GDP and employment. This will require inclusive planning, policy reform and a commitment to skills development to ensure sustainable economic reform. Investing in skills to foster job creation The oil and gas industry’s greatest promise lies in job creation across the value chain.…

Octodec Investments, a real estate investment trust (REIT) boasting a R11.3 billion portfolio of apartments, industrial and retail properties in Johannesburg and Tshwane, has revised its distribution income growth guidance down due to an increasingly uncertain market outlook. The new forecast ranges between 2% and 4% per share, a decline from the previously projected 3% to 5% growth. This shift comes in light of a changing geopolitical landscape, affecting trading conditions for the company. Octodec’s directors highlighted Tuesday that several factors were influencing their revised outlook. Chief among them is a recent notice from the City of Tshwane vacating of 12,086 square metres of office space in the Pretoria CBD. There was also ongoing uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Despite the challenges, Octodec’s residential…

The Gauteng Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) department is collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Development (GDID) and the City of Tshwane to address the growing sinkhole crisis in Centurion by seeking national assistance to rehabilitate affected areas. Cogta MEC Jacob Mamabolo announced on X after visiting a newly formed sinkhole in Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, that the three parties are in the process of compiling a detailed report on the Centurion sinkhole situation. He said the objective for putting together a comprehensive report was to secure resources from the national government to rehabilitate the affected areas. He explained that the work of the technical and professional teams from GDID is crucial in assessing the full extent of sinkhole damage in the area. “Over the past few years,…

The Gauteng Department of Health has remained mum over the ongoing investigation into the Tembisa Hospital fire, which engulfed parts of it last month. This comes after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the arrest of a suspect linked to the arson attack, which destroyed the accident and emergency unit over three weeks ago. On Monday, a 48-year-old man, who initially posed as an informant but later confessed to the crime after police interrogation, was arrested and charged with arson. According to reports, the suspect has also implicated several accomplices, among them a hospital security guard, with the case having been officially filed at the Tembisa Magistrate's Court. His bail hearing has been set for May 19, 2025. It is reported that the suspect gave orders on how the arson attack…

“There are certain clues at a crime scene which, by their very nature, do not lend themselves to being collected or examined. How does one collect love, rage, hatred, fear ...? These are things that we’re trained to look for.” – James Reese Gideon Many visible and invisible crimes have been committed within Parliament, provincial legislatures, and municipal councils. This is not a recent phenomenon; the apartheid-era parliament committed even more heinous crimes, including crimes against humanity. Some may agree that what has unfolded since then amounts to daylight robbery of land, property, and public trust. Corruption has become the norm. Without question, there is an ongoing crime against the poor. By implication, the crimes committed in these state institutions are crimes against the state but crimes against its citizens,…

Chief executive of lobby group AfriForum, Kallie Kriel, says the Afrikaners who have elected to take up United States President Donald Trump’s offer to become refugees have had genuine concerns in South Africa. IOL reported earlier that the Trump administration has welcomed the 49 Afrikaners who landed in the US on Monday at Dulles Airport outside Washington after they were granted asylum status following claims that they faced discrimination and violence in South Africa. The group, which included children who were waving small American flags, was welcomed by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar. Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Kriel said the concerns raised by the Afrikaners in South Africa are legitimate. He, however, said AfriForum does not define the situation as “white…

South Africa’s healthcare system is under serious pressure. The sudden suspension of critical US funding has resulted in the loss of around 15 000 healthcare jobs - many of them linked to HIV/AIDS programmes that served as lifelines for vulnerable communities. Combined with broader public sector budget cuts and a national hiring freeze, the situation threatens to undo decades of progress in healthcare delivery. As public hospitals struggle with fewer staff and shrinking resources, the country is at risk of losing not only jobs but skills, infrastructure, and hope. But in the face of these challenges, there are still ways to keep services running and people employed. One of them is through Temporary Employment Services (TES), which provides a flexible staffing approach that can help stabilise the system while longer-term…

WHEN Proteas coach Shukri Conrad announced his squad for next month’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s in London, many were anticipating a few surprises as the 58-year-old has made some old calls in his time as coach. However, Conrad only made one noticeable change from the squad that played Pakistan here at home last summer, with Lungi Ngidi replacing the young Kwena Maphaka in the side. Many would have thought that Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee would be in the squad, considering that they are back to full fitness. However, Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma believed their inclusions in the side would be too much of a risk, as they simply haven’t played much red ball cricket in the ongoing cycle. “There’s a guy like Gerald, and Ana (Nortje)…

India cricket will enter an uncertain new era next week when selectors name a Test squad without all-time greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the first time in more than a decade. Batting stalwarts Kohli and captain Rohit both retired from Tests in the past week, leaving Shubman Gill as the front-runner to lead a new-look India side in England. The retirement last year of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin leaves India without the backbone of the team that was formerly No 1 in the world Test rankings. Top-order batsman Gill is the favourite to be given the task of starting India’s rebuild with the five-Test England series, which begins on 20 June at Headingley. “Gill looks like the heir apparent, but his record overseas hasn’t looked too great,” veteran…

José Riveiro will officially vacate his post as head coach of Orlando Pirates on Wednesday, after the club granted his request to be released before the end of the season, with his last match in charge the Sea Robbers Betway Premiership clash on Tuesday against Golden Arrows The early departure has disrupted the club’s original plans to give him a fitting send-off, following his decision not to renew his contract next month. But regardless of the timing, Riveiro will leave Pirates as a bona fide club legend, having etched his name into the records during his three-year tenure. Riveiro reached seventh heaven Riveiro became the first Pirates coach in the PSL era to win the opening seven league matches of the season, surpassing Roy Barreto's six-game winning streak during the…