Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-02 i Star

The ongoing evolution of trade relationships between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa has entered a critical phase as the USA moves towards establishing a new trade-matters template. This template will guide its future engagements with African nations, a development revealed by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, following discussions last week with the US Assistant Trade Representative for Africa, Connie Hamilton. On the heels of South Africa's submission for a proposed Framework Deal aimed at bolstering trade and investment relations with the US, the government has urged local businesses to brace themselves for potential changes poised to emerge from this new framework. Godlimpi's dialogue with Hamilton occurred during the recent US-Africa Summit in Luanda, Angola, where pertinent issues surrounding reciprocal tariffs were also addressed. While the…

South African made vehicles and components are exported to 155 international markets. South Africa’s automotive industry has expressed anxiety about the potential impact of the impending export tariffs from the United States after vehicle exports rose by 7.9% in June, despite the growing toll of geopolitical and trade-related disruptions. The Automobile Business Council (Naamsa) on Tuesday said vehicle exports increased by 2 647 units year-on-year to 36 343 units exported in June from the 33 696 units exported during the same month last year. The automotive industry contributes 5.2% to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), 3.2% in manufacturing and 2.01% retail. In 2024, the export of vehicles and automotive components reached a record amount of R268.8 billion, equating to 14.7% of South Africa’s total exports. Vehicles and components are…

Sentiment in the manufacturing industry in South Africa remained in the contractionary territory despite ticked up slightly in June, marking its second-highest reading of the year. Data from the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) on Tuesday revealed a modest recovery in South Africa’s economic landscape, with the index rising by 5.4 points to reach 48.5 in June from 43.1 in May. Despite this encouraging movement, the PMI indicated that the economy remained in contractionary territory for the eighth consecutive month., revealing the ongoing struggles facing the nation. Nonetheless, economists welcomed this increase, noting that the 5.4-point gain stood as the most significant rise since the 9-point jump recorded between August and September of 2024. Nkosiphindile Shange, economist at the Bureau for Economic Research, which conducts the PMI on behalf of…

Speaking at the G20 High Level Intergeneration Dialogue in Sandton last Friday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasised the imperative of empowering youth to lead economic and social transformation and to be at the core of the global engagement on the future of the society they will inherit – It was warming. We have observed the month-long sacrament called youth month in South Africa by bemoaning our challenges and celebrating our youth heroes and trailblazers. Now that the elders have once again temporarily remembered the youth of 76 we must not cast our eyes off the existential global crisis - the climate crisis. South Africa’s energy transition is both a national imperative and a strategic opportunity for youth empowerment. The convergence of youth unemployment, skills shortages, and infrastructure challenges makes it…

Hyprop has entered into an agreement to sell 50% of the Hyde Park Corner shopping centre, together with the rental enterprise thereon, for R805 million, to Millennium Equity Partners, with an option to dispose of the remaining 50%. The JSE-listed retail-focused Real Estate Investment Trust with properties in mixed-use precincts in South Africa and Central and Eastern Europe said Tuesday that the transaction was consistent with the company’s strategy to allocate more capital to the Western Cape and Eastern Europe, and focus on regional malls rather than mid-sized malls. Millennium is a property private equity fund, the general partner of which is beneficially owned by Stanger Enterprises, TF Holdings, and Nisela Private Equity, none of whom are related parties of Hyprop. Hyprop’s directors said the proceeds of the disposal would…

“The president can fire us from the GNU, and there are many people from the ANC wishing that he would fire us,’’ said DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille yesterday. “But here is the thing, if he fires us the rand will crash, the economy will go into a tailspin, investors will withdraw, unemployment will increase, and we will probably be pushed out of AGOA and tariffs will go up.” The DA has since backtracked on its threat to implement a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa, despite tensions between the two parties. Zille confirmed that her party would not be proceeding with the motion “for now”, but emphasised that they would not be bullied by the ANC within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Experts have viewed…

A 43-year-old man who tried to murder his girlfriend’s mother by brutal stabbing, will serve life behind bars after being sentenced in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court this week. The man attacked his ex-girlfriend’s mother in reaction to her returning to her mother’s home, fleeing from an abusive relationship. Convicted Tambudzeni Justice Maphari of Madodonga village pleaded not guilty to the charge he faced, confirmed National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi. The woman, who was stabbed multiple times and lost consciousness during the attack, survived the vicious knife-wielding attack while carrying a child on her back. Despite Maphari trying to maintain his innocence, the court heard compelling evidence that on 15 June 2023 the victim was at home with her daughter, who had returned home after fleeing an abusive relationship…

Frans Boshielo, Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Utility Services, has dismissed the DA’s claims that the city is experiencing more power outages than during load shedding as nothing more than electioneering tactics. This follows DA finance spokesperson Jacqui Uys’ statement that her party met with Tshwane officials amid widespread and ongoing power outages across the city. She said: “Ineptitude and poor workmanship have caused continuous power outages across the City of Tshwane, with the city now seeing more power outages than during load shedding.” Uys said the coalition government’s decision to prohibit officials from working on emergency power outages after hours has exacerbated the situation. She was referring to the new overtime policy, which restricts after-hours work and aims to cut excessive overtime payments while supposedly maintaining critical…

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)-facilitated talks between the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the City of Tshwane on June 10 and 23, broke down without an agreement over the outstanding 3.5% wage increase for the 2021/22 period. The talks followed a May 9 Labour Court ruling, which sent the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new hearing on the 3.5% wage increase after the city initially sought an exemption. In the same breath, the court ruled that the city is exempt from implementing a 5.4% wage increase for the 2023/2024 financial year after it cited financial constraints. The city approached the court after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining…

After the removal of the Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in Matlosana due to poor performance, the City of Matlosana, by majority vote pushed through by the ANC majority, appointed a new Chairperson, Councillor Tagaree of the ANC. The continued failures of the ANC in the City of Matlosana have highlighted the critical need for robust oversight, accountability, and transparency in the municipality. In this regard, an opposition-led MPAC remains a vital mechanism to ensure transparency and good governance. The ANC in Matlosana has consistently failed to provide clear answers on irregular and wasteful expenditure, poor service delivery, and the mismanagement of public funds. These failures have eroded public trust and placed an unnecessary burden on residents who deserve efficient and ethical administration. In the case of…

HONOR, a global leader in smart devices and AI-driven innovation, has officially opened pre-orders for its latest flagship lineup, the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro in South Africa. With its breakthrough features, bold design, and next-level AI capabilities, the new series is set to redefine the smartphone experience for South African consumers. Built to push the boundaries of mobile photography, creative editing and intelligent performance, the HONOR 400 Series brings the perfect blend of style, power and innovation to those who demand more from their device. Elegant, Nature-Inspired Design Meets Flagship PowerThe HONOR 400 will be available in Midnight Black and Desert Gold, while the HONOR 400 Pro comes in Midnight Black and Lunar Grey Capture Life with Game-Changing AI PhotographyThe HONOR 400 Series redefines mobile photography with its…

Internal divisions are brewing within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party caucus in Parliament, as several Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for the immediate removal of newly appointed chief whip Colleen Makhubele. Makhubele, who took office at the end of May, is accused by some MPs of making unilateral and undemocratic decisions, betraying party ideology – particularly in relation to her stance on Israel – and demonstrating poor leadership. In a letter addressed to party president Jacob Zuma, the dissenting MPs argue that her leadership threatens party unity and describe her as a “political novice and newcomer.” The letter also states that since taking over from former chief whip Mzwanele Manyi, Makhubele’s conduct has alienated members of the caucus. Makhubele, the former speaker of the City of Johannesburg, joined the…

A tragic incident took place last week in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where a 3-year-old girl was fatally attacked by a pack of dogs. In response, community members allegedly demolished shacks believed to belong to the dog owners, sadly resulting in the death of seven puppies. Although the community’s reaction cannot be justified, it highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to the widespread problem of uncontrolled dogs. This incident in Ekurhuleni is not an isolated case; too many dogs roam our streets, and even family pets can sometimes become aggressive. Understanding dog behaviour is essential for preventing such tragedies. Experts suggest that dog attacks on children can be caused by various factors, including herding instincts, dislike of children, or an increased prey drive. Dog aggression, which may include growling, lunging, or…

Banyana Banyana’s experienced midfielder Regina Mogolola has called on her teammates to unite and fight as a collective as the defending Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions gear up to begin their title defence in Morocco. Banyana will kick off their 2024 WAFCON campaign against Ghana on Monday, as they return to the country where they famously lifted their maiden continental crown in 2022. This time, they are heading into the tournament with targets on their backs as one of the favourites to lift the trophy again, and their group – which includes Ghana, Mali and Tanzania – promises a challenging path. The team has been hard at work in Casablanca, where they’ve been based for the final phase of preparations. Under the guidance of head coach Desiree Ellis,…

“ANY great gift of power or talent is a burden ... But there is nothing to be done. “If you were born with the gift, then you must serve it, and nothing in this world or out of it may stand in the way of that service, because that is why you were born and that is the Law,” writes Susan Cooper, an English author of children’s books. I can’t help but think Cooper’s words may have been prescribed for Proteas superstar Kagiso Rabada. A Junior World Champion at 18. Now a World Test Champion at 30. It’s as if Rabada’s script was written for him. “I think it’s amazing, man. So many times we've been inspired by various South Africans… South Africans going around the world, showing their best…

Kaizer Chiefs are all set to take on their European pre-season tour, with the Netherlands confirmed as their trusted destination – a trip they hope will spark the beginning of a turnaround after two difficult seasons and a tough past decade. While neighbours Orlando Pirates continue to enjoy their limited success, the footballing rivalry between the two Soweto giants has become unbalanced. Pirates have followed up an impressive showing last season with a couple of top-class signings, showing clear ambition. Chiefs, on the other hand, continue to tread carefully, as usual – avoiding panic, even though their recent results suggest that a little urgency may be long overdue. Yesterday, the Glamour Boys unveiled former AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale midfielder Ethan Chislett, Potugese striker Flavio Silva and left back Nkanyiso…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a $474.6 million (around R8.4 billion) loan earmarked for South Africa's Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth Programme (IGGGP). This funding, designed to bolster the country's transition to a low-carbon economy, is a vital component of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to enhance its energy landscape amidst pressing challenges. The IGGGP represents the second phase of the bank's strategic backing for a Just Energy Transition in South Africa, following the success of the earlier $300 million Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme, approved in 2023. This prior initiative succeeded in reinforcing financial stability whilst expanding renewable energy capacity throughout the nation. Structured around three crucial pillars—transforming energy security through power sector restructuring, promoting a low-carbon and just transition, and enhancing transport efficiency—the IGGGP is…

I quite like reading through policy documents, which I know is a little odd, but we are about to publish our third scrap metal report in July, and I got stuck into some of the documents which preceded the implementation of the Price Preference System (PPS) in 2013. The goals were so noble, yet the outcomes have been so perverse. It reminds me that once the government opens that free money tap, it is very hard to ever close. A reason South Africa’s industrial policy has yielded such poor economic returns since the first Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) was published in 2007, is that no one wants to think about trade-offs. There is an assumption that once we identify a problem, whatever is implemented will solve the problem (PPS…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa recently approved average tariff increases of 12.74% for Eskom direct customers (effective April 1, 2025) and 11.32% for municipalities (effective July 1, 2025). These adjustments, coupled with structural changes to tariffs, including an overall increase in fixed charges and winter energy time-of-use peak energy charges for large industry, mining, and commercial customers, are forcing businesses to re-evaluate their energy strategies. The current energy climate in South Africa presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. The reality of persistent tariff increases and the ongoing need for energy security means that relying solely on Eskom is no longer a viable long-term strategy for many industrial and commercial operations. Businesses are also facing a threat of tariffs being added to goods they export to the…

Impala Platinum Limited (Impala) and Impala Bafokeng Resources Proprietary Limited (IBR), two key subsidiaries of Implats in response to low prevailing rand platinum group metal pricing have agreed to consolidate their operations. "This consolidation will align the legal structure with current reporting lines in place, and facilitate and progress the realisation of synergies between the two operations," Implats said in a statement. It is expected that, over time, the consolidation will improve profitability and ensure the sustainability of the combined operations, which shall be ongoing and continuous. Implats said there is no cash consideration attributable to the consolidation, nor will the shareholders of Implats, Impala or IBR change due to the consolidation. The consolidation also does not involve any related parties to the Implats group. The consolidation will see Impala…

Astral Foods, which is planning to expand its recently approved bird flu vaccination programme, wants the government to ease conditions for such initiatives and to finalize payments of compensation to the industry for birds culled to control diseases in the past few years. This appeal comes in the wake of mounting challenges within the poultry industry, which has been grappling with heightened biosecurity risks following successive bird flu outbreaks. Gary Arnold, CEO of Astral Foods, told Business Report in an interview on Tuesday that the company will ramp up its poultry vaccination against bird flu. This comes after the company on Monday announced that the Department of Agriculture had approved its bird flu vaccination program at one of its farms in the country. “It's only 5% being vaccinated.…

A diplomatic and legal impasse over the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has sparked tensions between Lusaka and Pretoria, exposing deep political rifts and challenging cross-border legal norms. Last week, moments before a private burial ceremony was set to begin at Johannesburg’s Cathedral of Christ the King, the High Court in Pretoria issued an emergency order halting the proceedings. The decision followed a petition filed by Zambian Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, who argued that Lungu, as a former head of state, must be accorded a full state funeral in Zambia. Lungu, 68, died earlier this month in South Africa while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. His death has since triggered a bitter dispute between his family and the Zambian government led by President Hakainde Hichilema. At…

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has apologised for the delays in processing the details of some of its assistant teachers who have not been paid their stipends this past month. This comes as the new programme involving more than 8 000 assistant teachers began early last month. As a result of the delays, the department has indicated that some might not be paid. “The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) wishes to notify the public, particularly education and general assistants, of potential delays in payment due to an ongoing data verification process. Education and general assistants, of potential delays in payment due to an ongoing data verification process. The placement of assistants officially began on 1 June across various participating schools under the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI),” departmental spokesperson,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to broad-based economic transformation, emphasising that the country’s empowerment laws are practical, effective, and central to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa highlighted that the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework and the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) are key to both economic redress and development. “Amongst the most salient features of our country’s empowerment laws are their practicality, feasibility and responsiveness to economic conditions without deviating from the objective of redressing the economic injustices of exclusion of the past,” said Ramaphosa. He explained that South Africa’s transformation agenda is guided by two complementary goals: changing the racial ownership and control of the economy, and ensuring inclusive, long-term economic growth that brings black South Africans,…

The FF Plus has called on the City of Tshwane to launch an investigation into the qualifications of 1 283 security guards appointed in 2021 as part of the insourcing process, citing concerns over their lack of adequate training. The party is also urging the city to consider using technology for specific security tasks, rather than solely relying on hiring more security guards. This comes after the party’s rejection of a report allocating R230 million over three years for benefits to contracted security guards at last week’s council meeting at Tshwane House. The report in question proposed providing medical subsidies, pension funds, and housing allowances to security guards who were hired without benefits. Instead of adopting the report, the FF Plus proposed a thorough investigation into whether the guards meet…

THE Labour Party of South Africa has launched a blistering legal and political offensive against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s controversial National Dialogue, branding it an unconstitutional, fiscally reckless, and elitist manoeuvre designed to sideline Parliament and the working class. The Party’s urgent High Court application, filed on June 18, seeks to interdict the process, citing its estimated R700 million to R800m cost as “unjustifiable” amid South Africa’s deepening crises. Announced by Ramaphosa on June 10, the National Dialogue proposes a two-phase convention – first in August to “set the agenda”, followed by a 2026 summit – to address national challenges. But the Labour Party argues it is a redundant, unlawful parallel to Parliament and institutions such as the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). “South Africa doesn’t need another elite…

The ongoing saga around Starlink’s attempted entry into the South African market has been yet another song and dance by our politicians. It is blatantly obvious that having this kind of satellite technology turned on overnight has the potential to transform our country, which is desperately in need of any economic benefit, but once again, our regulators are pushing their own interests over those of citizens. It’s been heartening to see that our President and the Communications Minister are using existing legislation to assist foreign satellite internet providers to become licensed to operate in South Africa through equity equivalent programmes. If Starlink is required to invest locally through equity programmes, changing lives in the process, why not allow them to do business here? Ramaphosa and Malatsi deserve full public support…

Mzansi, we get it. Sometimes, life can feel like a never-ending carousel of choices. From choosing what to eat to deciding if you will be there now, now or just now, the carousel just keeps turning. But what if there were an easier – and more fun way to make decisions? That’s right. For the first time, you can twist, lick and dunk your way through your day with new #AskOreo cookies embossed with sayings that are at the heart of Mzansi culture. The limited edition ASK OREO cookies, Milk’s Favourite cookies, have been reinvented with playful answers for your everyday dilemmas. Each pack has the classic sandwich cookie consisting of two cocoa biscuits with a vanilla crème filling, now etched with playful South African phrases like 100%, Now Now,…

MILLIONS of children around the world may be at risk because of stalling vaccination efforts in recent years, according to an analysis of a half-century of global vaccination efforts. The study, published recently in the Lancet medical journal, said that the World Health Organization’s global vaccination program “has achieved remarkable success” since it was created in 1974, reaching more than 4 billion children and saving 154 million lives. But progress has stalled in recent decades, the authors said, with inequalities in access and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, continuing to hinder progress. The study said that while global coverage for key vaccines, including those against measles, polio and tuberculosis, almost doubled between 1980 and 2023, progress slowed in many…

The leadership of our country continues to repeat past mistakes, undermining effective governance. The recent decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry has plunged South Africa into a new political quagmire, threatening the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU). This action, taken without adequate consultation or transparency, reflects a troubling disregard for the principles of responsible and rational governance enshrined in our Constitution. The GNU, formed to foster cooperative governance among diverse political parties, relies on consultation, transparency, and trust to function effectively. However, as DA leader John Steenhuisen explained in Parliament on June 26, the president’s decision to remove the deputy minister was made unilaterally, bypassing key GNU partners. Steenhuisen highlighted that the dismissal was announced abruptly, with no prior…

THE character of the Proteas Test team shone brightly once again, this time in Zimbabwe, and without many of the regular players, including the injured captain Temba Bavuma, the rested Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, the trio that played a key role in the side winning the WTC Final last month. The fresh-faced Proteas team beat Zimbabwe by 328 runs inside four days to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Like the full-strength team, this new team, led by Keshav Maharaj, saw different individuals stand up in different moments of the match. Firstly, it was 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius (153) who stood tall in the face of adversity, scoring a century on debut despite coming in to bat under pressure with the score on 23/3. The youngster became the…

Al Hilal’s Italian coach Simone Inzaghi hailed his “extraordinary” team after their stunning 4-3 extra-time win over Manchester City at the Club World Cup in Orlando. “We knew we had to do something extraordinary if we were to beat Manchester City, and that is what the boys did tonight. The lads were simply wonderful,” said Inzaghi after the tournament’s biggest shock. “We had to climb Everest without oxygen to win the game – and we made it. All the players were exceptional, in the possession phase, the non-possession phase,” added the former Inter Milan coach, whose previous club were defeated by Fluminense just hours earlier. Marcos Leonardo was Al Hilal’s hero, scoring twice, including the winner in extra time. City had taken the lead through Bernardo Silva, but Al Hilal…

In Boxer’s first annual report since its listing on the JSE, the retailer revealed its ambitious plans for the 2026 financial year. The company aims to open 60 new stores (25 Superstores and 35 liquor stores), invest R1.2 billion in capital expenditure, and further expand and enhance the infrastructure that supports its growth and efficiency. As South Africa’s fastest-growing discount supermarket chain, Boxer acknowledged the emerging challenges ahead, including low price inflation, rising cost inflation, annual listing-related expenses, and increased competition within the market. Board chairperson James Formby reflected on the milestone, stating, "The listing of Boxer Retail Limited on the JSE and A2X in November 2024 was a defining moment for the Boxer Group. It marked a point of pride, purpose, and the culmination of decades of hard work,…

The 2025 citrus export season has now reached its peak. The estimates suggest that, should all go well, a record amount of 171.1 million 15kg cartons of citrus will be exported by the end of the season. As South Africa's largest agricultural export industry, the value of smooth and improved logistics is widely recognised by the sector. Port logistics have been receiving more attention in general, but the role improved rail usage can play in bolstering the sector should be more widely acknowledged. Just over a week ago, the first train carrying dozens of refrigerated containers of citrus departed from City Deep in Johannesburg to the port of Durban. 2025 is expected to be a bumper year for this route and its success is largely made possible by the organisational…

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) on Tuesday said its Cato Ridge Works operations (CRW) and business would close permanently, and all affected employees would be retrenched on August 31, 2025. Its Malaysia business is also being sold. The CRW joint venture between ARM, which has well known South African businessman Patrice Motsepe as its biggest shareholder, and Assmang employed about 600 employees. ARM stated that a structured and comprehensive consultation process in accordance with Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act had been completed. “This decision has been reached after a comprehensive review of CRW's operational and financial position. Despite sustained efforts to explore alternatives to closure, the operation has continued to experience significant and unsustainable financial losses,” ARM’s directors said in a statement on the JSE's news service. They indicated…

The City of Johannesburg’s new closed-circuit television (CCTV) by-law faces court action by the SA Property Owners’ Association (Sapoa). In papers filed at the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, Sapoa states that it intends raising the following constitutional issue. “Declaring that the first respondent’s privately owned closed-circuit television surveillance camera by-law (the by-law) is unconstitutional, ultra vires (beyond the powers) and invalid, and is accordingly set aside,” the association said. The municipality promulgated the by-law in February to allow for the obligatory registration of all CCTV camera systems operational within Johannesburg, and which have an angle of view to public places. According to Sapoa, the association is concerned not only about the introduction of the by-law, but also regarding its scope and operation. “Sapoa has identified a number of deficiencies regarding…

The SAPS in Gauteng arrested three City of Tshwane municipal employees on Tuesday morning for allegedly stealing a R7 million transformer from the Laudium electricity substation. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation that started in November 2024, in which 11 suspects were initially arrested. Of those, 10 suspects were subcontractors and released due to a lack of evidence, while one municipal worker remains in custody and is scheduled for a court appearance on August 8. Tshwane District Commissioner Samuel Thine said an investigation by the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit resulted in the arrest of three employees. The suspects will face charges of theft of essential infrastructure and are due to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today. “We are making inroads because essential infrastructure theft, as we know,…

US President Donald Trump said yesterday he could consider deporting Elon Musk, after the South African-born billionaire slammed his flagship spending bill. Trump also said the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – which Musk headed before stepping down late May – may train its sights on the Tesla and SpaceX founder’s government subsidies. Trump doubled down on the threat when he said he believed Musk was attacking his so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” because he was annoyed that it had dropped measures to support electric vehicles (EV). “He’s losing his EV mandate. He’s very upset about things, but you know, he could lose a lot more than that, I can tell you right now. Elon can lose a lot more than that.” Trump made similar comments on his Truth Social…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has opened a criminal case against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament about the appointment of ANC-linked individuals to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Yesterday morning, DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille and DA MP Karabo Khakhau, who serves on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, laid the charges at the Cape Town Central police station. Khakhau said the charges relate to Nkabane’s alleged deliberate misrepresentation of the appointment process for SETA board members, during which she claimed an “independent” evaluation panel was responsible for the selections. “She falsely claimed an ‘independent’ panel made the appointments – including a chair who confirmed he wasn’t involved,” said Khakhau. “The DA has laid criminal charges against Minister Nkabane for…

At the screening of the Legacy of Hope documentary premiere, Executive Chairman of the Sekunjalo Group, and guest of honour, Dr Iqbal Survé highlighted the importance of solidarity among the Global South, and building solidarity amongst South Africans at home. The issues of inclusivity, unity and global solidarity was among the top points highlighted by panelists at the premiere of the Legacy of Hope documentary, which took place on Thursday, at The Wave Theatre Café in Cape Town. Organised by Zoetic Management, in collaboration with Moja Multimedia, Legacy of Hope, Freedom Through Solidarity: The Russia, Cuba, South African Chapter is a new documentary exploring the crucial role of international support in ending apartheid. Many people gathered to hear panel members, which included members of parliament, Bheki Radebe and Fadiel Adams,…

The Seoul city government has asked online retail giants Temu and AliExpress to suspend sales of certain children’s products over safety concerns, saying Friday that some goods far exceeded local limits for hazardous substances. Chinese e-commerce titans like Shein, Temu and AliExpress have seen a surge in global popularity in recent years, drawing in consumers with a wide range of trendy, ultra-low-cost fashion and accessories – positioning them as major rivals to US giant Amazon. Their rapid rise has triggered growing scrutiny over business practices and product safety, including in South Korea. The Seoul city government said Friday it recently inspected 35 children’s products sold on Temu and AliExpress – including umbrellas, raincoats and rain boots – and found that 11 failed to meet South Korea’s safety standards or contained…

Three men were scheduled to appear in court yesterday after they were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, for defrauding a woman of her R3 million in a dating scam. Last week, IOL reported that a third suspect was arrested for an intense scam where an unidentified woman lost R3m in the name of love, back in 2024. The victim, whose identity is withheld to protect her from victimisation, said she developed an online relationship with a person she believed was a white man called “Mark Hermanus”, whom she had met on Facebook. Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said after exchanging numbers, the woman and the scammer started chatting on WhatsApp, and once they had “gotten to know each other”, the…

The future of agriculture relies heavily on nurturing the next generation of young, ambitious talent who are rooted in local soil. However, this growth needs to be bolstered by the right type of support to ensure a positive outlook for the industry. The truth is the age range of farmers isn’t as young as we would think. AgriSA estimates the average age of a South African farmer to be around 57, while the latest Census of Commercial Agriculture puts the age at just over 50. Alarmingly, a hefty 65% of commercial farm managers were found to be between 45 and 65 years old. Across the country, a generation of young farmers, many of whom are small-scale, is proving that agriculture can be innovative, sustainable, and a driver of inclusive economic…

One of local football’s worst-kept secrets is set to be confirmed later today, with SuperSport United announcing the sale of their status. For most of the past campaign, rumours abounded that pay channel MultiChoice – who own the club – were keen to exit the football space, having already ended their sponsorship of the elite league via DStv. It is common knowledge that MultiChoice have faced financial difficulties in recent years, and there is speculation they may be acquired by French company Canal+. Independent Media has reliably learnt that the sale of the club’s Betway Premiership status has been finalised at R50 million to a Bloemfontein-based consortium, reportedly including Sports and Recreation Minister Gayton McKenzie. The group is intent on reviving Bloemfontein Celtic. However, there is a snag – the…

Coach Robbie Deans looked rather shell-shocked following the Springboks’ big win over his Barbarians on a miserable day in Cape Town on Saturday. The Barbarians were always going to be on a hiding to nothing against a Springboks team who has been preparing for this clash for a good few weeks. But it was more about how the Springboks went about their business on a drenched Cape Town Stadium pitch that left Deans in awe. The Barbarians would have braced themselves for an exhibition of power at set-piece time and ferocious defending, which was the case in the first 10 minutes when the Boks climbed into the legendary invitation side with plenty of venom. But it was the Springboks’ willingness to chance their arm and vary their attack in difficult…

Springbok Women’s goal-kicking ace Jakkie Cilliers’ recent uptick in form could be crucial to the team’s chances against Canada, and in the tight matches at the World Cup. The 24-year-old wing, who sometimes plays at outside centre, is the first-choice goal kicker for the Boks and the Bulls Daisies. The Springbok Men’s team has demonstrated the value of an accurate goal kicker on the biggest stage of all, especially when matches are decided by one or two points. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, a hat-trick of one-point wins led them to a historic fourth title. The Springbok Women, like the men, play a forwards-dominated game, and the ability to capitalise on the penalties that accrue from the often relentless pressure is crucial. “I am kicking well again,”…