Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-26 i Star

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) said Friday it will not be taking any action regarding the alleged share price manipulation of JSE-listed Mantengu Mining. The FSCA stated that its investigation into the alleged prohibited trading practices uncovered no evidence to support the allegations of price manipulation. On February 19, 2024, Mantengu reported to the JSE and the FSCA that a certain group of individuals were involved in the manipulation of the company’s share price. Mantengu further claimed that the FSCA had found a prima facie case warranting further investigation. “The FSCA wishes to clarify that claims that it found a prima facie case for further investigation are incorrect. The Authority received a complaint from Mantengu alleging prohibited trading practices and insider trading. Given the serious nature of the allegations…

As South Africa grapples with an increasing dependence on fuel imports, the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery in Sasolburg has raised alarm bells over its future sustainability. Sipho Mkhize, chairman of the South African National Petroleum Corporation (SANPC), on Friday outlined the financial strain faced by the only inland crude oil refinery, which is reliant on material transported via the Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) in the Indian Ocean off Durban. The backdrop to this crisis is the shutdown of Durban's local refineries, which has severely reduced SBM utilisation by 80%, leading to soaring operational costs for NATREF. Mkhize warned that if these financial pressures continue unabated, NATREF may have to cease operations, which would place an overwhelming burden on South Africa's petroleum supply chain "These financial strains…

The tourism and hospitality sector have praised the sport of golf in boosting the economy and bringing international tourists to KZN and South Africa. This comes after golfing legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen were invited as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's delegation to meet US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington on Wednesday. Rosemary Anderson, national chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), said on Friday that golf was a powerful driver of tourism and hospitality, especially in South Africa where we boast some of the world’s most scenic and high-quality golf courses. “From the Garden Route to the highveld, South Africa offers championship-standard courses at a fraction of the cost compared to those in Europe, North America or China,” Anderson said. “This…

Whilst a White Genocide is fake news spurred by race baiters on social media, crime is a real problem for all South Africans, in particular African and Coloured working-class communities, and especially women. South Africa is a nation that has struggled with high levels of crime for decades. During the dark days of colonial and apartheid rule, the lives of Black communities were subjected to the most brutal forms of violence unleashed by the state, including forced removals, assassinations, torture, detention and state sponsored vigilante attacks. During this time, the role of the police was to subject not protect communities. Much has been done since the advent of democracy by government led by the African National Congress to deracialise and transform the police into a police service focused…

Quantum Foods said the risk of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in South Africa is high, given outbreaks in many other parts of the world, and the group has adapted its strategy to lessen its risk to the disease. The JSE-listed diversified feed, poultry, and egg business operating in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, and Mozambique said on Friday it is placing less of its layer hens in areas that have a higher risk of HPAI, and is sourcing hatching eggs from geographically diverse breeder farms due to the escalating risks of an HPAI outbreak. “The risk of an HPAI outbreak is regarded as very high for the remainder of the 2025 financial year, with an increased number of outbreaks reported in recent months in the US, Europe, North…

Zach Galifianakis knows better than to mix business with pleasure. The actor and comedian, famed for his breakout role as Alan in The Hangover franchise, has made it clear that he chooses to keep his family life away from the limelight. In a recent interview with People magazine, the 55-year-old star expressed his desire to maintain a distinct barrier between his professional career and personal life. “I keep show business away from my family,” Galifianakis said. “I’ve never wanted my real life and show business to combine. This is my work, and that’s why they’re not here.” His commitment to privacy extends to his wife, Quinn Lundberg, whom he married in August 2012, and their two young sons, both under the age of 12. In fact, in a light-hearted confession,…

Business organisations and opposition political parties have reacted strongly to the recent policy directive issued by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, that could allow the Starlink satellite internet service to operate in the country without the requisite BBBEE laws, saying this is a threat to black economic empowerment. Critics of the move say that suggesting that Starlink, owned by Pretoria-born billionaire Elon Musk, might operate in South Africa without meeting the 30% HDG (historically disadvantaged groups) ownership requirement in the ICT sector – through an Equity Equivalent Programme (EEP), the minister is attempting to recast the country’s licensing laws through this policy directive. They have also questioned the timing of Malatsi’s gazette under the Electronic Communications Act (ECT), a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa returned from…

MORE than seven years after the shocking murder of a Jan Kempdorp farmer, justice has finally caught up with his killers. Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that the Northern Cape High Court this week sentenced two men – Kernels Persent, 23, and Maxim Hutama, 24 – to 18 years behind bars for the brutal murder of 60-year-old Renier Adrian Jooste, whose lifeless body was discovered in January 2018 on his farm plot. Jooste was found naked with a stab wound to the chest. He had been severely assaulted. The grim discovery by an employee triggered a high-level police investigation. The SAPS Provincial Organised Crime Unit, supported by the K9 Unit and Crime Scene Management team, followed up on leads that led them to a chicken farm near Jan…

The G20 Development Working Group convened yesterday with an urgent mission to cultivate solidarity, equality, and sustainability in pursuit of transformative global change. This gathering, set against the backdrop of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, signals a renewed commitment to multilateralism. During her opening address, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, said the global community is at a crossroads. Ramokgopa said humanity faces significant intertwined global challenges, including extreme poverty, inequality, geopolitical tensions, conflict, insecurity, climate change risks, extreme weather, and economic instability. Despite these complexities, there is potential for transformative progress and the realisation of dignity for all. “Notwithstanding all of these factors, our collective commitment and capacity as humanity to address and tackle these challenges and exploit the opportunities is key,” Ramokgopa said. She…

FORMER president Jacob Zuma was the “worst thing South Africa has ever experienced”, the general secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), Zwelinzima Vavi, said. “In my view, Jacob Zuma was the worst thing that this country has ever experienced, and I’m not saying this because of the expectations we had about what he was going to do for the working class in South Africa,” he said. Vavi was speaking during an interview on the EFF Podcast this week. The veteran trade union leader described Zuma as the worst thing that has ever happened to the country. In response, MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela defended Zuma, labelling Vavi as “irrelevant” and accusing him of using the former president’s name to maintain his own relevance. “Vavi is…

A sweet moment between Ciza (real name Nkululeko Nciza) and his father, Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza, has captured the hearts of fans. The young artist recently shared a video of himself showing his father the music video of his hit song Isaka (6am) for the first time. In a video posted on Ciza’s TikTok, he captioned it: “Had to show my dad ISAKA MUSIC Video and his reaction is absolutely priceless. What a full circle moment!” As TK watched the visuals, his face beamed with pride, and he could not help but embrace his son, telling him, “I love you, boy.” The emotional moment comes as Isaka (6am) continues to dominate the music scene. Since its release in April, the song has topped music charts, taken over radio stations, and gotten…

With World Veterinary Day and Save the Rhino Day commemorated recently, this is an opportune time to reflect on the efforts of conservation teams, including veterinarians, to combat the scourge of rhino poaching. There are five rhino species in the world, two of which occur in Africa: black and white. South Africa is the stronghold for the white rhino. There are said to be between 10 000 and 15 000 rhinos in the country, yet despite this large number, about 10 000 rhinos have been lost to poaching over the past 15 years, all for their horns. Rhino horn is a sought-after commodity in many parts of Asia, especially China. Having lost about half of our rhino population, it may seem that we are not making headway in our efforts…

The CAF Champions League final is hanging on a knife-edge, and the coaches of the two protagonists are in agreement that nothing can be taken for granted just yet. Even with the away goal advantage they gained from that last-minute equaliser to draw 1–1 with Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić was not prepared to consider his team champions just yet. The Egyptian side need only prevent Sundowns from scoring in the second leg, which they will host on Sunday, to be crowned continental champions for the first time. But the Croatian knows better than to count his chickens before they’ve hatched. “This is only the first half,” he said in the post-match media conference. “We still have one more m atch to play,…

Lando Norris resisted intense pressure to claim a well-deserved victory for McLaren ahead of Ferrari’s local hero Charles Leclerc in Sunday’s unusually chaotic and tactical Monaco Grand Prix. The Briton crossed the line 3.131 seconds clear of last year’s winner, with McLaren teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri completing the podium in third. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished fourth, ahead of seven-time title-holder Lewis Hamilton in the second Ferrari. Norris became the first McLaren driver to win in Monaco since Hamilton in his title-winning 2008 season. It was Norris’s first victory at the iconic street circuit, his second win of the season, and the sixth of his Formula One career. French rookie Isack Hadjar impressed in sixth for Racing Bulls, followed by Esteban Ocon (Haas), Liam…

Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed that all 260 of its employees were safely brought back to the surface on Friday following a potentially hazardous incident at the Kloof 7 sub-shaft at its South African gold operations. The miner said there was never any risk of injury to the employees during the event, which unfolded when the skip door of the sub-shaft rock winder malfunctioned at the loading point on Level 39, subsequently affecting Levels 40, 41, and below. Sibanye said comprehensive safety inspections were promptly carried out immediately following the incident, along with a shaft integrity assessment. This meticulous approach was deemed necessary before any employees could ascend safely to the surface. Sibanye said the first group emerged at approximately 13:30 CAT, while the remainder returned safely around 19:30 CAT. Management deemed…

Business sector remains optimistic that new law will accomodate Elon Musk The business sector has remained cautiously optimistic amid the possibility of a new law that could accommodate South African-born but US-based tech billionaire, Elon Musk, to operate his internet company in South Africa. This comes after the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, on Friday announced in a policy directive the proposed relaxing of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies in the ICT sector. The proposal would allow Musk’s satellite internet service to operate in the country without the usual requirements for 30% ownership to historically-disadvantaged groups, instead focusing on local investment and rural access. “This move was designed to break a long-standing deadlock and signal South Africa’s openness to innovative solutions, even as broader negotiations remained stuck,”…

Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on Friday firmly rejected claims of a genocide against white farmers in South Africa. This comes as crime statistics from the fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, covering the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025, indicated six farm-related attacks with attacks not being on race. Mchunu said that the National Rural Safety Strategy was designed to create a safe and secure environment in rural areas. “In the fourth quarter, six attacks on rural communities were recorded. We do not categorise people by race, but in the context of claims of “genocide of White people”, we need to unpack the killings in this category. “The two farm owners that were murdered during the fourth quarter were African and not White. Further to…

As South Africa approaches the 2025 agricultural season, the outlook for staples like maize, wheat, and soybeans is complex and critical for food security and consumer prices. Although strong harvests are expected, unpredictable climatic conditions such as droughts and excessive rainfall pose risks to crop yields. Rising input costs for fertilisers, seeds, and machinery add financial strain on farmers, which may lead to higher consumer prices, affecting vulnerable populations. Additionally, global market dynamics, including changes in trade policies and commodity prices, further complicate the situation. While there is optimism about harvest yields, these interconnected factors create uncertainty for agricultural stability and food prices. Stakeholders—including policymakers, farmers, and consumers—must remain adaptable to address the challenges ahead and ensure food security.Maize: A Double-Edged SwordThe Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) forecasts a commercial maize…

In the heart of South Africa’s vibrant film landscape emerges a poignant story that delves into layers of identity, self-discovery and resilience. Die Dekonstruksie van Retta Blom, adapted from Zelda Bezuidenhout’s beloved novel of the same name, invites viewers to share in Retta Blom’s journey. The film charts the life of Blom, played masterfully by Antoinette Louw, who appears to have the perfect life, an adoring husband, a young son and a charming home nestled in a leafy Johannesburg suburb. However, as her meticulous nature begins to expose cracks beneath the surface of her relationships, she embarks on a journey through doubt and introspection, leading her to question the realities of her marriage to Tobias, portrayed by Francois Coertze. “Retta is a middle-aged woman going through menopause,” Louw shares during…

The Four Seasons fans will get another chance to vacation with their besties when the series returns. Netflix recently announced the renewal of the comedy, despite the show initially being a limited series. After making its debut on May 1, the show quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list, prompting a swift green light for more episodes just two weeks later. The streaming giant teased this exciting news on Instagram, asking fans, “Who’s ready for another vacation?” Starring Tina Fey (Kate), Will Forte (Jack), Steve Carell (Nick), Kerri Kenney-Silver (Anne), Colman Domingo (Danny) and Marco Calvani (Claude), the series has captivated audiences with its relatable exploration of friendship and love in middle age. Adapted from Alan Alda’s 1981 romantic comedy of the same name, The Four Seasons follows…

ANC stalwart, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says United States President Donald Trump’s narrative of a white genocide in South Africa is not ignorance but deliberate misinformation. IOL reported that during a high-stakes meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, Trump said he has received many complaints about the treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa, insisting that many were being brutally murdered and their land taken away. “We have many people who feel they are being persecuted and they are coming to the United States. We take from many locations and if we feel there is persecution or genocide going on,” he said. “We have had a tremendous number of people, especially since they have seen this, generally they are white farmers and they are fleeing South Africa. It is a very sad…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R20 million during a high-impact operation in Bruma, east of Joburg. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the large-scale operation, involving units such as the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, SARS, Customs, Home Affairs, and private security, led to the arrest of 35 suspects connected to counterfeit goods. “The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals. One suspect was arrested for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, while 34 foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.” Van Wyk added that the operation confiscated over 24 000 counterfeit products, including imitation branded clothing. “Acting on intelligence gathered, the team executed search and seizure warrants following the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act.…

The growing incidence of vandalism at City of Tshwane cemeteries has raised security concerns, prompting the Section 79 Environment and Agricultural Management Oversight Committee to urge the Metro to install surveillance camera systems to curb the trend. The committee has expressed worries about the insufficient number of security personnel deployed to cemeteries and the inadequacy of their resources, saying it hampers their ability to provide effective protection. Committee chairperson Hluphi Gafane said the concerns were highlighted during a recent committee meeting, where members identified and tackled several pressing issues that require attention from the Department of Environment and Agricultural Management. “The oversight committee observed a worrying pattern of inadequate security measures currently in place. The department’s reliance on contracted security services has not yielded the expected results,” she said. Gafane…

Various organisations, including human rights and migrant movements, embarked on the Africa Day Solidarity Walk to protest against exploitation on the continent. The organisations called for an end to monarchy, dictatorship and oppression in Africa. The walk stretched from Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown to Constitution Hill, in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on Saturday and there was a march in Namibia yesterday. Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) in 1963. It is also an occasion to celebrate African unity, diversity, and progress while acknowledging the continent’s ongoing challenges and aspirations. Africa Day also serves as a reminder of the historical struggles against colonialism and apartheid. Labour unions such as the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), the South African…

According to solid intelligence reports, Israel is preparing to attack Iran from the Air and sea-borne missiles, in an attempt to decapitate Iran’s nuclear assets. The tense and escalating situation in the Persian Gulf Area is rapidly spiralling out of control. Any drift towards brinkmanship could ignite an inferno that will be difficult to extinguish. The latest deadly attack on Bandar Abbas and its distribution network graphically illustrates that the Mossad has infiltrated Iran’s entire infrastructure. Any military assault on Iran will have global consequences. At no point since the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima has the world been closer to the unthinkable. A nuclear holocaust which could potentially spread, in terms of radioactive fallout, over a large part of the Middle East. An operational plan to wage…

While President Cyril Ramaphosa stood shoulder to shoulder with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday, discussing trade and “mutually beneficial partnerships”, millions of South African workers were bracing for a far less glamorous reality: another punishing fuel levy hike. The timing of these two events – one dripping with diplomatic pomp, the other dripping with desperation – paints a stark portrait of a government increasingly out of touch with the daily struggles of its people. The Minister of Finance’s decision to raise fuel levies, effective immediately, is not merely a fiscal adjustment; it is an existential threat to households already teetering on the edge. For workers earning minimum wage, the levy increase per litre means choosing between a full meal and a full tank. For mothers…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad’s contagious smile will be just a bit broader this week after David Bedingham returned from injury for his English County Championship side Durham. The middle-order batter had fractured his toe at the start of the County season and was in a race against time to be fit for the Proteas’ all-important World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s next month. He was in the Durham squad for last week’s match against Nottinghamshire, but had not yet been given the clearance from Cricket SA. However, after a six-week layoff, Bedingham played a full part in this past weekend’s seven-wicket defeat to Somerset. The 31-year-old batted in both Durham’s innings, scoring just 17 and eight. Conrad will not be too fussed with Bedingham’s contributions, but rather the…

Shares in technology group AYO Technology Solutions Limited (AYO) leapt 20% after Sekunjalo Investment Holdings (Sekunjalo) on Friday confirmed that it has made a firm offer to acquire all remaining ordinary shares in South Africa’s largest black-owned and managed ICT investment group not already held by it or its related parties. Sekunjalo currently holds a 45% majority shareholding in AYO. Sekunjalo has also submitted a proposal for the voluntary delisting of AYO from the JSE. "Sekunjalo will acquire the Offer Shares, being a maximum of 155 331 790 shares, in respect of which valid acceptances are received prior to the closing date of the Offer, for a total maximum Offer Consideration of R80 772 531," AYO said. It said the Offer will be subject to the condition that the proposed…

“Houston, we have a problem.” The iconic Apollo 13 line feels oddly fitting for South Africa’s latest headache: the “Afrikaner genocide” narrative making waves in US-South Africa trade talks. This exaggerated claim, fueled by images of crosses symbolising farm murders, paints a distorted picture of crime in South Africa, ruffling feathers globally. It's a headache for the country's reputation overshadowing its “Rainbow Nation” legacy. To navigate this storm, South Africa must confront the misinformation head-on while addressing the root causes - crime, unemployment, and governance failures - with decisive action. The “Afrikaner genocide” narrative gained traction during the recent White House meeting, where US President Donald Trump presented video clips of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema chanting “Kill the Boer,” an apartheid-era struggle song. The South African delegation,…

Despite all the attention on the RSA (Ramaphosa) and Trump(US) standoff to gain political points at the news conference last Wednesday, as well as the “don’t want to cut the national government salary account” third national budget, financial markets in South Africa seem to react on the real issue of the US/SA negotiations, South Africa’s promising inflation data and foreign investment interest, that pushed the Rand/$ exchange rate to a new record level for 2025 and the ALSI to a new all-time record. The ALSI closed Friday higher for the fourth consecutive week at an all-time high of 93 529. This is a weekly rise of 1.0% and now has gained 10.8% since the beginning of the year and 18.0% over the last year. Once again, this movement is in…

In a striking demonstration of fiscal resilience, South Africa's metals packaging group Nampak has recorded a remarkable turnaround in its financial fortunes for the six months ending March 31. The company reported a profit of R3 billion, a stark contrast to a loss of R135 million reported during the same period last year. This turnaround has not only bolstered its's position, but also highlighted the impact of strategic management amid a tightening consumer environment. CEO Phildon Roux shared insights on the results, noting that earnings a share surged to 35 842.2 cents — a robust recovery from a loss of 1 123.5 cents in the first half of the previous year. “The first half yielded a rewarding financial outcome,” Roux stated, attributing the momentum to a concentrated focus on margin…

In yet another blow for Desiree (Dezzi) Liebenberg, wife of diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, turned down her appeal bid against the earlier refusal to grant her bail. The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court in November refused her bail as it found that she is a flight risk. The lower court also found that she did not play open cards about where she would stay if she was granted bail. On Friday, Judge Mashudu Munzhelele found that the magistrate did not err in refusing bail for Dezzi. Apart from the fact that it is still vague as to which address she will reside if she was to be released, the judge also found that the State had a strong case against her. She was arrested in October last…

A 69-year-old woman was found dead with multiple stab wounds at her homestead in Maliwa Location, Manzana Administrative Area (eMaxesibeni), Eastern Cape police said. Police said they were called to the scene around 7am on Saturday morning. Eastern Cape provincial spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said that upon arrival, officers found the body of a woman lying in her bedroom. “She sustained several stab wounds in the upper body,” Nkohli said. The motive is unknown at this stage. However, Nkohli said it is believed the deceased was alone at the time of the incident. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect or suspects. “Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigating team to contact a team leader on 082-319-8156. The information may also be shared via…

Dr Iqbal Survé, chair of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings and Independent Media, a visionary entrepreneur and innovator, has been honoured with a special Global Trailblazer Leadership Award. This took place on Thursday evening during the prestigious Future of Jobs Summit, a flagship event of the T20, the official think tank initiative under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. In his acceptance speech, he said: “All of us in our journeys are where we are because of the people that we work with and so I want to honour the 8 500 people in our group. I want to thank them for their contribution towards this award. And I think this award is really in honour of them.” He believed the award is a recognition for the role he played within the country and…

Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle secured places in next season’s Uefa Champions League as Liverpool lifted the English Premier League trophy following a 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace on a dramatic final day of the season on Sunday. A record-equalling 20th league title for Liverpool, and relegation for Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton, had long since been decided, leaving the focus of attention on the battle for European qualification. Liverpool and Arsenal had already confirmed their Champions League spots by finishing in the top two, while Tottenham will join them after winning the Uefa Europa League on Wednesday. City ensured a disappointing season did not end in disaster by qualifying for Europe’s top competition for the 15th consecutive year, thanks to a 2–0 victory over Fulham that secured third place. Ilkay…

Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has come to the defence of the club’s emerging talent, insisting their lack of experience is not to blame for the Buccaneers’ recent failures. Ncikazi, who has taken over the reins following the departure of head coach José Riveiro, was speaking after Pirates played out to a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday — their penultimate match of the Betway Premiership campaign. The Buccaneers had high hopes of finishing the season with multiple trophies. Having already lifted the MTN8 earlier in the campaign, Pirates remained in contention for the league title, the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup well into the final stretch of the season. But in a turbulent fortnight, those ambitions were dismantled. Pirates lost to Sekhukhune…

The French Open first round continues on Monday at Roland Garros, with defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek beginning their title defences, while world No 1 Jannik Sinner opens his quest for a fourth Grand Slam crown. Świątek, who lifted the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen in 2020, 2022, 2023 and last year, has been far from her best during the clay-court swing and slipped out of the world’s top three for the first time since March 2022 after falling short in Madrid and Rome. She faces Slovakian Rebecca Šramková in her opening match. In the pick of the first-round encounters in the women’s singles draw, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka takes on former world number two Paula Badosa. Osaka has never progressed beyond the third round in Paris but…