Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-16 i Star

The government is poised to reshape the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) landscape with the recent approval of the Mineral Resources Development Bill of 2025 for public comment. This significant move by Cabinet marks a proactive step towards reforming a sector long burdened by regulatory ambiguities. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday that this landmark legislation was set to enhance investor confidence and stimulate economic growth through the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles and the provision of regulatory certainty. The Bill is part of a wider amendment to the existing Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002, and it proposes a comprehensive approach to address the regulatory gaps that have stunted the mining industry’s potential for years. “The Bill seeks to address key regulatory gaps, streamline licensing…

The South African mining sector, characterised by its energy-intensive nature, is facing numerous challenges that threaten its export potential and overall viability. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday showed that mining production shrank by 2.8% year-on-year in March following a 9.7% plunge in February. The latest reading pointed to the fifth consecutive month of annual decline in the sector, although much softer than in February, it will drag economic growth in the first quarter of 2025 as the March mining release concluded the results for the first three months of the calendar year. Jean-Pierre Terblanche, principal service statistician at Stats SA, said four out of 12 mining divisions recorded annual declines in March, but platinum group metals (PGM) and gold were the largest negative contributors. “Seasonally-adjusted mining…

With less than a week to go before the next iteration of the National Budget, Investec doesn’t anticipate major personal tax increases, although cigarettes and booze are, again, likely to cost more. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will, for the third time this year, present government’s fiscal framework in Parliament after two previous versions were rejected because of proposed VAT hikes. The National Budget will be tabled on May 21. The February National Budget proposed taking VAT from 15% to 17%, while a March document instead aimed to increase this tax by 0.5 percentage points. The second attempt to pass the document, which was mired in confusion as it was not clear whether the VAT hike had been approved, was challenged in court by the DA and EFF. Days before a…

Delta Corporation, Zimbabwe's leading brewer and soft drinks manufacturer, has painted a stark picture of the nation's economy, highlighting its persistent fragility despite signs of resilience in consumer spending. This comes amid intensifying competition in some of the company’s product categories and poor economic policies that are weighing down manufacturers. Delta Corp has the highest capitalisation on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. For the year to the end of March the company raised revenues by 5% to $807 million. However, this revenue increase was achieved against the backdrop of a tough operating environment. “Overally, the economy remains fragile and presents significant operational challenges,” said Todd Moyo, chairman of Delta Corp on Thursday. Moyo said the local operating environment was fraught with “challenging route to market policies, constrained market access arising…

The protracted criminal trial involving Hendrik Delport and 13 co-accused has been postponed once more, with proceedings now scheduled to resume in October 2025. This case, initiated in 2003, stands as the longest-running criminal trial in the history of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The accused face a multitude of charges, including fraud, tax evasion, and contravention of customs regulations. Delport, a businessman with extensive interests in aviation and logistics, is alleged to have orchestrated a complex network of companies involved in illicit activities. The trial has been marred by numerous delays, primarily attributed to the defense’s requests for access to additional evidence. These delays have drawn criticism from various quarters, including legal experts and public commentators, who express concern over the prolonged judicial process. The latest postponement has…

Funding cuts, particularly from the United States’ President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), have been cited as a reason behind South Africa’s startling decline in viral load testing. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump withdrew funding from the Pepfar. This meant suspending some of the United States’ funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries for 90 days. During his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the US funding represents about 17% of South Africa’s HIV spend. Reuters on Wednesday reported that data from the National Health Laboratory Service, a government entity, showed that viral load testing declined by up to 21% among key groups in the last two months. Viral load testing for individuals aged 15-24 declined by 17.2% in April compared to last…

The profound statement by Dr Iqbal Survé on the grim possibility of Nuclear War must be taken seriously. We live in a fractured world which is breaking up in slow motion. The many gruesome conflicts and bloodshed continue unabated. These debacles will give birth to new and more brutal conflicts in the years ahead. It is a sad fact that the entire world is engaged in perpetual conflict, wars with no end. The entire fabric of stable global governance is being torn to shreds. Recovery, stability and sanity will evade the area for decades to come. The bloody carnage in war-torn areas has morphed into brutal civil wars that defy description. Treachery has become a cardinal feature of the United States’ foreign policy for over 50 years. History will record…

Miguel Cardoso’s presence may seem understated on the touchline, but his philosophy roars through every performance his side delivers. Having led Mamelodi Sundowns to a record-extending eighth successive South African league title, the Portuguese coach was not focused on the silverware he and his team will receive at the weekend. Instead, his eyes lit up when he spoke about the intangibles — the heartbeat of a team that has, once again, proven itself the benchmark of South African football. “The values that we develop in the locker room; the way we pass through the worst moments, really developed among us a good sense of love, of brotherhood,” he said following the 3-0 defeat of Chippa United at East London’s Buffalo City Stadium on Wednesday night. “The spirit that made us…

The Premier League title race is settled, and the relegation battle has concluded — but the fight for Uefa Champions League qualification remains wide open heading into the final two rounds of the season. Champions Liverpool are the only side guaranteed a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, while second-placed Arsenal look almost certain to join them. However, just four points separate third-placed Newcastle from seventh-placed Nottingham Forest, leaving plenty to play for. Here, we break down the key talking points ahead of a pivotal weekend in the English top flight. Newcastle target second spot Arsenal have been Liverpool’s closest challengers for most of the season, and until recently appeared to have second place secured. However, Newcastle could leapfrog the Gunners with a win at the Emirates on Sunday,…

Reaching a third straight FA Cup final with Champions League qualification within reach is not enough for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who said the club had endured a "horrific season" after missing out on a fifth consecutive Premier League title. Haaland, who has extended his contract with City until 2034, told BBC Sport that the team had not been "good enough", in an interview published on Thursday. "It is a good habit to reach Wembley and it's always important to win trophies. We have the FA Cup final to play for, and in a horrific season we still managed to do this — that says it all," Haaland said. "When you have won four league titles in a row, if you don't win five it's not going to be…

If the Sharks hold their nerve as the United Rugby Championship league phase concludes this weekend, the rewards could be substantial — a home quarter-final and semi-final are within reach. Standing in their way is Saturday’s tricky fixture in Durban against the Scarlets, a Welsh side fighting for their play-off lives. However, a correctly focused Sharks team should see off the visitors and finish third on the final table — assuming, of course, that log leaders Leinster do their part and dispatch the Glasgow Warriors in Dublin. It would be a major upset if the Warriors managed to topple a Leinster side still smarting from their embarrassing Champions Cup defeat at home to Northampton. Last week, the Dubliners responded by thrashing Zebre 76–5, and given the ongoing fallout from that…

The Nampo Harvest Day 2025 has been declared a resounding success by Grain SA, highlighting the event's significance as a premier platform for agricultural innovation and industry collaboration. The first two days of the 57th edition drew impressive crowds and notable guests, underscoring both the event's enduring popularity and its vital role in advancing agricultural dialogues in South Africa. Grain SA on Thursday highlighted that the annual event commenced with a moving wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance, honouring those who have contributed meaningfully to the agricultural community. Dr Dirk Strydom, managing director of Nampo, said discussions touched on several urgent topics, including the challenging production conditions faced by South African producers, the troubling levels of farm crime and issues of rural safety, and the need to improve…

Afrimat, the multi-commodity, mid-tier mining group, has come through a cycle of acquisitions as part of its strategy of asset diversification and will focus on realising the significant potential of all its businesses in the new financial year. This is according to financial director Pieter de Wit, who was interviewed by Business Report on Thursday after the group reported a substantial decline in headline earnings per share to 72.3 cents for the year ended 28 February from 567.3 cents at the same time last year. The aggregate quarries and ash business delivered a solid performance, but the cement business made losses throughout the year, which contributed to the lower earnings. De Wit said they had revitalised the cement plant and it was operating well by the end of 2024, but…

“I don’t think the UK has had as good a property portfolio for sale in several years,” is how Equites Property Fund CEO Andrea Taverna-Turisan described the market where the REIT plans to dispose of its seven large logistics facilities. “The level of interest so far has been astounding. These are 100% highest quality logistics facilities, and we will certainly get our asking price and hopefully do better than that,” he said in an interview at the release of the annual results of the JSE’s only logistics-focused REIT. The group delivered a distribution per share of 133.92 cents for the year to February 28, at the upper end of its previous guidance, after focusing on like-for-like rental growth in South Africa and the UK, limited vacancies, and the ability to…

Amapiano is a popular music genre originating from South Africa. This locally crafted genre consistently tops charts and dominates airwaves, having also gained international recognition and a global fan base. It is more than just a genre; it has become a cultural phenomenon and an expression of creativity. Its infectious beats are crafted by passionate, success-hungry upcoming artists and producers. For some, it’s a way of life. From the “OG’s” to the breakout talent, everyone creates music from the soul, with songs that reach stardom. The genre’s global appeal can be attributed to its unique blend of piano keys and log drums, which have touched the hearts of many. However, amapiano is more than just its catchy beats; it is also about the message it carries. The lyrics often speak…

Once a pillar of South Africa’s steel industry, Unica Iron and Steel (Pty) Ltd now finds itself entangled in a legal storm threatening its very existence. At the heart of the turmoil lies a bitter dispute with the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), sparked by allegations of immigration violations, financial misconduct, and misrepresentation. The controversy began with an anonymous tip-off to the IDC. The whistleblower alleged disturbing human rights abuses at Unica’s Babelegi, Hammanskraal facility, including claims of human trafficking, modern slavery, and the employment of roughly 100 Indian expatriates with expired or fraudulent visas. Prompted by these claims, the IDC launched a forensic audit, which unearthed a series of troubling irregularities. The audit report was damning. It revealed the employment of undocumented foreign workers, misappropriation of millions…

The civil society organisation Right to Justice has confirmed that it will be pursuing a private prosecution against Ayanda Dakela, the suspended Head of Infrastructure at the National Department of Health, amid growing frustration over the state’s failure to bring criminal charges despite serious allegations of misconduct. This unprecedented move follows over a year of suspension without any formal criminal accountability. While multiple health department officials have been arrested and dismissed in recent months for procurement-related misconduct, Dakela remains uncharged, leading to criticism from anti-corruption activists and renewed calls for justice. Right to Justice will meet with the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) today to request a ‘nolle prosequi’ certificate. If granted, it would allow the NGO to proceed with criminal charges against Dakela independently of the State. “Health…

President Cyril Ramaphosa, through his office, has confirmed having received a memorandum of demands made by a group of artists, who, on Wednesday marched to Union Buildings and the offices of the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, in Tshwane seeking the President’s intervention over the collapse of institutions that fund the arts. On Wednesday, scores of South African artists, musicians, and representatives of arts organisations took their complaints against the country’s department of sports, arts and culture to the union buildings, accusing the ministry of systematically failing them. At the centre of the cries by these practitioners is the alleged collapse of various funding institutions meant to benefit the country’s arts, crafts, music and film industries. These artists marched under the banner of the Cultural and Creative Industries Campaign,…

An investigation report by the Mining Affected United in Action (Macua) revealed that over R284 million allocated for Social and Labour Plan (SLP) delivery in the mining areas went missing. Macua said this was based on audits across eleven mining communities. The organisation said the money was either undocumented, misrepresented or effectively lost to fraud and non-delivery. The report is called “Crumbs Capture” – a morally bankrupt system in which even the limited funds earmarked for development are misappropriated through inflated tenders, ghost projects, falsified delivery reports, and elite capture – while communities languish in deepening poverty. The report was launched yesterday. Macua said the report, using participatory research, physical site verifications and testimonies from directly affected communities – is a culmination of three-year-long audits of 11 SLPs of mining…

While some podcasters are mostly in support of the move to introduce regulations into the space, there are concerns about having their voices muted. Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies chairperson, Khusela Sangoni Diko, has explained that discussions surrounding regulating the podcast space aren’t new and are part of an effort to ensure current legislation is kept up to date with the evolving technological landscape. The discussion of podcast regulations re-emerged after well-known South African podcaster Macgyver ‘MacG’ Mukwevho was condemned last month for his offensive remarks about presenter, TV producer, and actress Minnie Dlamini. MacG is the creator and host of Podcast and Chill with MacG, which is one of the top podcasts in the country. He made crass assumptions about Dlamini’s previous romantic break-ups, saying: “Bro, I’m…

Orlando Pirates did their part in stirring up the Betway Premiership this season, but in the end, Mamelodi Sundowns were simply too consistent and clinical, sealing the title with a game to spare. Here, Obakeng Meletse picks out five of Sundowns’ most impressive performances and defining moments from a season that once again showcased their dominance. Laying the perfect platform – September 17 It was an unusually late start to the season, and with the Brazilians having clinched a seventh consecutive league title in dominant fashion, all eyes were on them to see whether they could maintain that level in the new campaign. They were handed no easy task in their opener — a derby clash against neighbours SuperSport United. Despite fielding a youthful squad the previous season, SuperSport had…

There will undoubtedly be a sombre atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday when the Bulls take on the Dragons in the final regular season match of the United Rugby Championship. Following the news of the passing of one of their stalwarts, former Springbok Cornal Hendricks, the Pretoria side will most likely play this game (3pm kick-off) in his memory, which should give them that extra motivation to entertain their crowd just like Hendricks did in his time. Hendricks passed away on Wednesday from a suspected heart attack and was a much-loved figure in the blue of the Bulls during his time at the franchise. Jake White, Bulls director of rugby, will announce his side on Friday morning. Even if they face the bottom side of the tournament, it is still…

The Motsepe Foundation Championship is reaching its climax, with the final round of fixtures scheduled for this coming weekend, but legal battles might stifle any celebration this weekend. Unlike last season, when Championship winners Magesi FC secured promotion to the top flight with a few games to spare, the race to the top this campaign has taken several dramatic turns. Durban City’s thrilling 3–2 win over play-off hopefuls Black Leopards has all but confirmed their long-awaited return to the Betway Premiership — their first since relegation under the banner of Maritzburg United. Their final match of the season carries added significance — not only for them, but also for their opponents, Cape Town Spurs, who are staring at relegation for a second consecutive season. However, just as celebrations began to…

When the Lions look back at their 2024/25 season, they will note with exasperation a number of matches that torpedoed their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign. Flying high at the start of the tournament with victories over Ulster, Edinburgh, Dragons and Zebre, there was a sense that something special was brewing at the Joburg-based outfit. Losses were expected, everyone agreed, but they would be quickly forgotten – the team now having enough experience and wherewithal to bounce back and mount a successful push for the Top 8. That charisma was certainly on display when they dispatched a Springbok-laden Sharks team at the beginning of March this year, winning 38–14; the match was proof positive of what this Lions team is capable of. It’s unfortunate the URC saw so little of…

Standard Bank has partnered with Metair Investments to facilitate a comprehensive restructuring of the South African automotive components and energy storage group's approximately R4 billion debt. The biggest bank in Africa by assets acted as Mandated Lead Arranger and Global Coordinator for the balance sheet restructure including refinance of existing debts, enabling Metair to rebalance a shareholder at one of its subsidiaries (Hesto) and achieve their long-term financing turnaround strategy. The restructured debt framework is designed to reduce Metair's liabilities and adjust repayment plans, ensuring they are in harmony with earnings growth and cash flow, thereby supporting the company's long-term financing turnaround strategy. Metair operates through two segments: Automotive component manufacturer and Aftermarket Parts and Services. The company is valued at over R1.1bn on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. “We always…

The government is ramping up its initiatives aimed at economic recovery by creating unprecedented opportunities for private sector involvement. This was highlighted by Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, and Minister for Transport Barbara Creecy during their addresses at the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Think Summit on Thursday. Masondo shared insights on the new phases of Operation Vulindlela, stating that a significant stride towards reform is the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA). This independent body will focus on designing, planning, financing, and managing bulk water infrastructure, having the capacity to leverage its balance sheet for robust financial backing in infrastructure projects. The government’s commitment to improving water services is further underscored by the introduction of a Water Partnerships Office. This initiative aims to foster private sector…

Your weekly dose of entertainment news has arrived, bringing you the latest happenings from the world of celebrities and beyond! This week, we delve into heartwarming Mother’s Day celebrations, showcasing how celeb moms spent their special day, to the shocking revelations in Diddy’s trial. Catch up on hottest entertainment news and celeb gossip which made waves this week. 1 Diddy’s sex trafficking trial The American music mogul is facing five federal criminal charges which include racketeering, sex trafficking and prostitution. Cassie Ventura, his ex-girlfriend, appeared in court to testify against the embattled rapper and revealed shocking details about their relationship. She shared that Diddy was abusive and would coerce her into doing drugs and in to having “freak-offs”. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team maintains…

In June 2024, Ryan Murphy, a top TV creator, proposed a show idea to reality star and business mogul Kim Kardashian on The Kardashians. Months later, fans are getting their first look at the legal drama All’s Fair, premiering later this year on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally. Starring Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Teyana Taylor, Matthew Noszka with Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close. In All’s Fair, a team of female divorce attorneys leave a male-dominated firm to open their powerhouse practice. Led by Kardashian, the fierce, brilliant, and emotionally complicated women, navigate high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets, and shifting allegiances, both in the courtroom and within their own ranks. Kardashian, in her confessional for season five, episode two of The Kardashians, shared her excitement to take on the…

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said yesterday that he was pondering whether to continue with court action involving the private prison in Bloemfontein where inmate Thabo Bester escaped three years ago. This as the disputed contract, which is the subject of litigation in court, was due to expire in a year’s time. Groenewald said despite the ongoing court action over the Bloemfontein Correctional Centre (BCC), which is managed by G4S security, the contract was coming to an end in June next year. “Is it worth it to continue to go to court with millions of rands of taxpayer money when the contract ends in June next year? Those are considerations I will have to take in this specific matter,” he said. Groenewald made the statement during a question and answer…

Facing mounting urban decay, financial strain, and deep-rooted service delivery backlogs, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is making it clear: the city’s challenges will not be met with rhetoric, but with decisive, bold action. In a series of recent engagements and policy declarations, Morero has signalled a hands-on approach to inner-city revitalisation, infrastructure renewal, and economic inclusion – a multi-pronged strategy to reshape Johannesburg’s future. This week, Morero joined the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners for the Inner-City Investment Open Dialogue, where he outlined comprehensive plans to unlock the potential of the inner city – Johannesburg’s geographic and economic heart. “The inner city is not just a place. It is a symbol of our national urban economy and a hub of cultural richness and entrepreneurial energy,” Morero said. “But…

In a fiery statement during the recent cabinet media briefing, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni challenged Afriforum, the Afrikaner civil rights organisation, to clarify its plans for convincing international audiences, including white Afrikaners and citizens, about the alleged genocide targeting white minorities in South Africa. AfriForum has been leading an international campaign claiming genocide against white minorities in the country, prompting the US administration to accept white South Africans who are alleged victims. Responding to questions about Afriforum’s claims, Ntshavheni emphasised the South African government’s firm stance that no genocide is occurring in the country. “Mr Kallie of Afriforum must clarify where the genocide is taking place,” she said. “As the cabinet, we emphasise that there is no genocide in South Africa. How do people with citizenship and under…

Some 10 million South Africans – the younger generation of between 15 and 24 years of age – face the “highest barriers to entering the workforce, with unemployment figures significantly outpacing that of older youth,” with dire consequences for South Africa’s economic growth. “For many young South Africans, landing a job is more than just a milestone, it is a crucial step toward economic independence and inclusion. Yet for millions, this first step remains out of reach,” Statistics South Africa said in a data print released this week. Veteran business commentator, Adrian Schofield, told IOL that the “growth in the proportion of unemployed young people is a direct obstacle to growth in the country’s economy”. He added that this sort of situation led to more crime, which would also dissuade…

If you don’t go for what you want, you won’t get it. A decade-long hunger and thirst therapy of Kaizer Chiefs supporters and players annexed the Nedbank Cup for the chair, Kaizer Motaung. Coach Nasreddine Nabi did little to nothing in strategising the Khosi’s victory against their archrivals, Orlando Pirates, last Saturday. The club was on autopilot. But their fighting and ancestral spirits prevailed. The Phefeni Glamour Boys’ nationally respected, iconic brand is too big for Nabi. He ran out of depth earlier in this Premiership Soccer League (PSL), evident in the yo-yo performance of his team. To maintain his pedigree, he’d better jump ship before he’s unceremoniously pushed out. A talented chef with a few basic ingredients (players) can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. That’s exactly what…

SOUTH Africa’s budget process reflects the nation’s ongoing struggle to balance economic growth, social development, and fiscal responsibility. From the first budget speech delivered by the government of national unity, the focus has been on addressing systemic inequalities, promoting economic recovery, and stabilising public finances. The initial budgets aimed to allocate resources transparently to priority sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, while attempting to manage the nation’s substantial debt burden. Over the years, the government of national unity faced multiple economic challenges - ranging from global economic shocks to domestic issues like corruption, inefficient resource management, and sluggish growth. These issues necessitated constant fiscal recalibration, leading to successive adjustments and, ultimately, the recent revised budget. The revised budget reflects a pragmatic response to unforeseen economic realities, including reduced revenue…

Shukri Conrad has already named his opening pair for the Proteas’ World Test Championship final against Australia — a bold move that has set the tone for what could be a fiercely contested clash at Lord’s next month. With Aiden Markram retaining his place at the top and Ryan Rickelton rewarded for his stellar form, South Africa’s batting order is beginning to take shape. But the inclusion of Rickelton raises questions about the rest of the line-up — most notably the role, if any, for Tony de Zorzi, as Conrad weighs his options ahead of the June 11 showdown. It will be Rickelton’s second outing as an opener, having filled the role for the first time during the New Year’s Test against Pakistan at Newlands earlier this year. The left-hander…

Outgoing Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro has tipped Mandla Ncikazi to steer the Sea Robbers into steady waters in the last four games of the season. Riveiro left Pirates this week, ending his tenure with a 3-0 win over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership, cementing their second-place position. The Spaniard, who opted not to renew his contract at the end of the season, leaves the Pirates jersey better than he found it. With the runners-up spot secured, the club will participate in the CAF Champions League next season — marking their third successive qualification for the competition under Riveiro. Although the hard work for the remainder of the season has largely been done, The Ghost will still want to see the team win their remaining league matches. The onus…

Back in 2017 the late Cornal Hendricks taught me two important life lessons when I invited him for supper one night at the Boardwalk in Gqeberha. I was in town to cover the Springboks’ Rugby Championship match against Argentina. But he wasn’t part of the squad after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition in 2015. He was basically told he will never play rugby again, and after being rejected by Toulon and the Stormers, he was trying to get a contract with the Southern Kings and had been training with them for about a week. I got wind that Hendricks was in town and organised a get-together to chat about his health and the prospect of returning to professional rugby after keeping fit for his beloved Roses Rugby Club…