Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-14 i Star

S&P Global Ratings (S&P) has downgraded Transnet's credit ratings due to high debt and negative operating cash flow. It lowered the long-term local currency and foreign currency ratings from BB- to B+. The standalone credit profile was downgraded from 'b' to 'ccc+', while its national scale rating was changed from 'zaAA-/zaA-1+' to 'zaA/zaA-1'. It kept the outlook stable and said it reflects S&P's view that Transnet will not face any material payment or liquidity events given the current R51 billion government guarantee framework. S&P highlighted several issues in its rating report. "The downgrade reflects the incremental deterioration of the financial profile in the past few years that extraordinary government support could partly mitigate but will not fully offset in our view, especially as the support is principally in the form…

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, officially announced on Friday that South Africa will lift its import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil, effective 4 July 2025. This decision comes in response to extensive discussions between South African veterinary authorities and their Brazilian counterparts, culminating in a resolution that addresses health concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The HPAI outbreak, first detected on 15 May 2025 in the municipality of Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, has since been contained. Steenhuisen confirmed that the stamping out measures, which included the depopulation and thorough disinfection of the affected premises, were executed in line with the standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). “The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of…

Half-a-billion rand. That’s the minimum in extra tax the South African Revenue Service (Sars) could collect if local regulators made a single regulatory change and designated cryptocurrencies as an onshore asset. If digital assets, such as Bitcoin, were formally classified as an onshore asset, it would allow local asset managers more ease in creating exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking its price, opening access to investments in the digital currency to both retail and institutional investors. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s sluggish economic growth, mounting debt and urgent social challenges, the increasing relevance of digital assets becomes both an investment opportunity and a potential source of tax revenue. South African founded Luno, which operates in more than 40 countries, has estimated through a conservative calculation that R540 million in tax revenue…

Public Works can and must become an enabler of state renewal and inclusive economic growth. For far too long, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), has been synonymous with state capture and corruption. Ministers have come and gone and the rot has continued. Yet this portfolio with decisive interventions, can help turn South Africa into a construction site, creating jobs and unlocking badly needed economic growth. This was a vision first outlined by President Nelson Mandela and one that must be pursued by government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress. A reimagining of this portfolio is all the more pressing with the economy barely averaging 1% annual growth over the past 15 years, unemployment a ticking time bomb at 43.1% and the fiscus facing…

Private equity investment firm Brait is focused on positioning its remaining big investments, which include control of Virgin Active and a shareholding UK fast fashion retailer New Look, for asset realisation or unbundling. Over the past two years, Brait, which has well-known South African businessman Christo Wiese as its main shareholder with an approximate 38% stake, has indicated at various stages an intention to realise its investments, possibly even through a listing of global wellness group Virgin Active, late in the 2026 financial year. However, the annual report released on Friday carried no further explicit plans to divest from its key investments. The report stated, however, that appropriate portfolio company board representation would be maintained to direct investment strategy, optimise growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA),…

Boeing has reached a settlement with a man whose family died in a 737 MAX crash in 2019, a law firm told AFP on Friday, meaning the US aviation giant will avoid a federal trial slated for Monday. Paul Njoroge, who lost his wife and three children in the Ethiopian Airlines disaster in which 157 people died, was to seek damages from Boeing in a case in Chicago. “The case has settled for a confidential amount,” said a spokesperson for Clifford Law, the firm representing Njoroge, whose mother-in-law also died in the crash. “The aviation team at Clifford Law Offices has been working round-the-clock in preparation for trial, but the mediator was able to help the parties come to an agreement on behalf of Paul Njoroge,” added Robert Clifford, a…

The wait is nearly over, Outcasts! Popular gothic series Wednesday is officially back, promising to thrill fans with a deeper dive into the eerie realms of Nevermore Academy. After the smashing success of its first season, which quickly became Netflix’s most-viewed English-language series, the anticipation for season 2 has reached a fever pitch. At the helm of this twisted retelling is actress Jenna Ortega, who reprises her role as Wednesday Addams. Ortega’s portrayal of the sardonic, death-obsessed teen is captivating, and she continues to redefine the character, earning her a place alongside Christina Ricci’s iconic depiction of Wednesday from the early ’90s. With season 2, audiences can expect Ortega to take on not just the role of actress but also that of producer. The streaming platform has unveiled the first…

A devastating shack fire in Olievenhoutbosch Extension 25 has claimed the lives of five family members, leaving the community in shock and grief. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni, said the fire was reported at around 5am on Friday morning, and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found that the four-room shack had been destroyed, and the five family members, including a senior citizen, one adult, and three minors, had fatally burned. The City of Tshwane has offered support to the affected family, with Mayor Nasiphi Moya expressing condolences. “This family was devastated by a fire that engulfed their four-room shack, killing five family members. The loss of two children, two adults, and one elder can…

TWENTY-ONE initiatites from Lesodi and Rantlakane village schools in Mapela, outside Mokopane, have been admitted to George Masebe Hospital after undergoing botched circumcisions. The initiates are expected to undergo re-circumcision procedures. Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Basikopo Makamu said he is deeply concerned about the reports from the two schools in the Waterberg District. According to the department, on July 10, while conducting routine monitoring, officials discovered that the two initiation schools were experiencing challenges that delayed the progress of initiates. “Considering the few days remaining before the 2025 season closes, the Department of Health, through George Masebe Hospital, was brought in for evaluation and intervention,” Makamu said. Health professionals identified 21 initiates in Lesodi and Rantlakane schools who required re-circumcision. Only five were…

The City of Tshwane’s allocation of service stands to Zithobeni Heights residents has been rocked by allegations of illicit sales of sites intended for beneficiaries in need. Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, expressed concern that some beneficiaries are selling their allocated stands shortly after receiving them. He made this revelation during a visit to the area on Friday, accompanied by Deputy Executive Mayor Eugene Modise. The visit was aimed to address allegations that threatened to deny deserving residents their rightful allocation of sites. Maluleka called for an investigation into the matter, with the City’s Group Audit and Risk division tasked with determining the full extent of these unlawful activities. “We adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards corruption and malfeasance. Any City officials found to…

Suspended Road Accident Fund CEO Collins Letsoalo, during a media briefing held on Saturday, together with chief investment officer Sefotle Modiba, attributed a lot of the problems at the fund to “corruption” within the legal fraternity, which he claimed included the judiciary. Letsoalo and Modiba, who has also been suspended, said they are being targeted for trying to expose corruption within the fund. The aim of the briefing was to provide “context” into the reasons behind their suspensions. While Letsoalo is soon due to once again face Judge Nasious Moshoanathe to ask for leave to appeal against the judgment in which the judge refused Letsoalo’s urgent application to immediately be reinstated, Letsoalo was clear that he thought the judge was biased from the start. He kicked off his part of…

Mandela Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a powerful call to action. It is a time to reflect on the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela and his unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and community upliftment. This year, FoodForward SA invites individuals, corporates, and groups to go beyond a symbolic gesture and transform compassion into a tangible, life-changing impact at the FoodForward SA Annual Food Packing Event on 18 July. Millions of South Africans live below the food poverty line, facing the daily reality of hunger. Food insecurity is not merely a statistic; it is a silent crisis eroding the very fabric of communities, impacting families, children, and the elderly across the nation. For over a decade, FoodForward SA has been on the…

Two Pretoria residents have struck it rich after winning their shares in Wednesday night’s Lotto draw. Ithuba announced that the first winner who has won the R8 356 457.60 LOTTO jackpot from draw number 2557, bought their ticket at a Shoprite Checkers store in Pretoria with aR70 wager using the Quick Pick selection method. “The second winner has won the R19 435 068.10 LOTTO PLUS 2 jackpot with a ticket bought on their banking app with a R30 wager, using the QuickPick selection method,” Ithuba said. Mabuza encouraged the in-store participants in the Pretoria area to check their tickets. “For the player who played through a banking app, their bank would have already notified them,” she said. All winners have 365 days from the draw date to claim their winnings,…

As sympathy is demanded for the Palestinians by the likes of E Essa and Alaa Nassar, I fail to understand how, when Hamas attacks Israel at a music festival, any sane person would demand such undeserved grace for the people of Gaza. Israel gave the Gazans multiple chances before for the acceptance of democratic autonomy, but they blew it by electing the bloodthirsty Hamas Neanderthals who would act as proxies for the IRGC. It is well documented that since 1979, the Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, always had one agenda in mind: suppression of his people, especially the women, and the destruction of Israel and so-called Zionism. I am sorry, but reading some of the disturbing doctrine written by the Islamic government of Iran, involving young babies and the overall treatment…

The proposal of constitutional amendment by the African Transformation Movement (ATM) to change the name of South Africa to the “Republic of Azania” is nonsensical, unnecessary, and irrelevant to the inhabitants of this place. We should be asking ourselves where the word “Azania” originates from, which language, and how it is related to the people of South Africa. There are no cultural, historical, linguistic, or political connections to the name. It was during my time as a young and vibrant activist within the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) that I was firmly convinced that South Africa should be renamed ‘Azania’. I had been persuaded by the existing argument that ‘South’ was merely a geographical direction and therefore did not have substantive cultural and historical connections befitting a nation’s identity. However, I…

WHEN Proteas stand-in skipper Rassie van der Dussen made his first-class debut back in 2008 a couple of his teammates for the upcoming T20I Tri-Series in Harare were still in diapers. But teenagers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka, who were both just two years old, now form the core of a whole new generation of talented South African cricketers that are being mass produced in the SA20 factory. Allrounders Andile Simelane and Dewald Brevis plus leg-spinner Nqaba Peter complete a dynamic group that have all been unearthed in South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition. Van der Dussen is certainly excited to be leading this group of young players in the Tri-Series, which kicks off against Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday. “It’s really exciting. We’ve got four debutants, they're guys who…

Tim Merlier won stage nine of the Tour de France in Châteauroux on Sunday, capitalising on a doomed but valiant breakaway effort from Mathieu van der Poel, who was caught in the final kilometre of a searing day of racing. There was no change in the general classification, with yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogačar maintaining his 54-second lead over Remco Evenepoel. French prospect Kévin Vauquelin remains in third. Merlier, riding for Soudal–Quick-Step, secured his second stage win of this Tour following his victory in Dunkirk on stage three. The 32-year-old Belgian was brought to the front by team leader Evenepoel in the final metres. “It’s mad – we are supposed to be helping him (Evenepoel) but he’s helping us,” Merlier laughed post-race. “I need to make it through the mountains…

The shareholders of MAS, the JSE-listed property company that is the target of two takeover bids and shareholder concerns about board governance, on Friday voted against resolutions to sell off the company’s central and eastern retail Europe assets. MSA’s share price fell 3.2% to R22.93 on Friday on the JSE - a year ago the share price traded at R19.21. The resolutions tabled at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), which was requested by development partner, potential bidder and shareholder PK Investments (PKI), were not passed by the requisite majority of more than 50% of the shareholder voting rights exercised, a statement to the JSE’s news service said. The first resolution would have authorised the directors to dispose of all the assets within 5 years, with the overarching aim of maximising…

The National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) has voiced serious concerns regarding the automotive sector’s negative performance, highlighted in the recent manufacturing production and sales report released by Statistics SA for May. Although the broader manufacturing landscape showed a modest increase of 0.5% compared to May 2024, the automotive segment—specifically motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment—recorded a stark contraction of 6.7%, contributing negatively to the overall figures with a loss of 0.6 percentage points. Stats SA indicated that this decline in the automotive sector reflects more than just temporary fluctuations, as it is compounded by a mixture of enduring challenges that have plagued the industry. Renai Moothilal, CEO of NAACAM, said that the decline in production within the automotive sector during May was attributed…

Workers unions in South Africa have raised concern about the impact of US President Donald Trump’s announcement of 30% tariff coming into effect on 1 August. The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) said while it did not subscribe to alarmist projections of a ‘jobs bloodbath,’ it was mindful that the implications for South Africa’s export-led industries, particularly the automotive sector, could be profound if such measures were implemented. Fedusa added it was particularly attuned to the concerns raised by its affiliate, the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), whose members were deeply embedded in a sector that has long relied on stable and rules-based access to US markets through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). “The proposed tariff would render South African automotive and manufactured goods significantly more…

Millions of people are leaving their home countries to permanently live in another country every year. During 2024 the number of international migrants stood at 304 million. According to the UN definition, a person is considered a migrant if they moved across an international border, changed their country of residence and is living in the receiving country for more than 12 months, regardless of the reason for their migration or the legal immigration status of the person. Four regions of the world are experiencing significant shifts in the portion of migrants as a share of their total population. In Oceania, 21.5% of the population are migrants, in Northern America it is 15.9%, in Europe 12.6%, and in Western Asia and Northern Africa 9.3%. The top destination countries for migrants…

Blue Label Telecoms said on Friday its directors will change the name of the company to Blu Label Unlimited Group, following a significant restructuring of its businesses that may eventually entail the listing of Cell C. The company announced in a notice on Friday that it is undergoing a significant restructuring that involves the separation of its telecoms and non-telecoms business units. The share price, which has risen from only R4.27 a year ago, had increased by 0.86% on Friday afternoon to R14.15. “In light of this strategic shift, the board believes it is prudent for the company's name to reflect this new direction by omitting the reference to 'telecoms.' They also noted that the adjustment of the term 'Blue' to the abbreviated form 'Blu' aligns with the recent adoption…

Back in 1999, factual television was revolutionised when Walking with Dinosaurs was released. The six-part nature documentary mini-series, created by Tim Haines, was a production collaboration between the BBC Science Unit, the Discovery Channel, BBC Worldwide, TV Asahi, ProSieben and France 3. Regarded at the time as the first series of its kind, the show depicted dinosaurs and other Mesozoic animals as living animals in the style of a traditional nature documentary. It has gained a worldwide cult following for the manner in which it recreated the extinct species through the combined use of computer-generated imagery and animatronics. Now, 26 years later, a bold reimagining with the same title, once again produced by the BBC Studios Science Unit, brings to life six extraordinary dinosaurs through groundbreaking visual effects, dramatic storytelling…

The music and beverage worlds have come together to fly the South African flag high with the release of Be Sure, Black Crown’s “Afrobeatanicals” track. Featuring the lyrics and vocals of Ama Gaisie, what makes the local jam – the brainchild of the SAB brand of African crafted gin and tonic – even more unique is that it uses Plantwave sound device technology, which converts a plant’s bioelectrical signals into musical tones. In addition, the bed music has been composed from the plants of African botanicals, namely those associated with Mzansi’s gin and tonics. “From juniper, rosemary, citrus and marula, to name a few, we created a world first,” said Candice van den Bosch, the Black Crown brand director. The intention to create the song in this way is…

TODAY, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is expected to begin its appeal on July 14, in the case of Nigerian pastor and televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused at the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Gqeberha. The ruling sparked widespread backlash, with civil organisations, political parties, and Gender-Based Violence activists criticising the NPA for failing to present a strong case against Omotoso. Many viewed the verdict as a miscarriage of justice. According to NPA national spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga, the court will hear the first part of the appeal process following a directive from Judge Irma Schoeman. The directive came after the State submitted a request for clarification of factual findings in her judgment, which is required before it can request the reservation of questions of law under…

An amputee reliant on a prosthetic leg, who was arrested for no reason by the police and detained overnight before he was told he could go home, is set to receive R60 000 in damages from the police. The North West Province High Court, sitting in Mahikeng, remarked that the plaintiff (who was only identified by his initials in the judgment) faced unique challenges, as police cells are typically designed with able-bodied detainees in mind, with little consideration given for the special needs of those with impaired movement. The plaintiff claimed R150 000 arising from his unlawful arrest on January 3, 2023, and his subsequent detention. While the father of three explained his nightmare ordeal to the court, the police did not appear in court to defend the matter. The…

Police have arrested a 31-year-old “close family member” in connection with the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek. A month ago, IOL reported that residents of Fleurhof marched to the Florida police station in Gauteng, calling for justice after the tragic death of the 11-year-old boy. On Friday, Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the relative was arrested on Friday morning following extensive investigations by Florida detectives with the assistance of the provincial investigative unit and tracking Team. Jayden-Lee was reported missing in May by his mother and was later found unconscious on the staircase of the apartment he was residing in in Fleurhof. He was declared dead at the hospital. “A case of murder was opened, and police conducted investigations which led to the arrest of the woman. She…

Durban community police forums (CPFs) have pledged their support for KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Last Sunday, Mkhwanazi said his team had discovered a syndicate operating within the police’s higher structures. He placed scrutiny on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya. Leading up to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address last night, Durban-based CPFs have voiced their support for Mkhwanazi. On the Umbilo CPF Facebook page, chairperson Calvin Thomas issued a message of unwavering support for Mkhwanazi. Thomas said the CPF stands firmly behind Mkhwanazi following his recent revelations exposing deep-rooted corruption within the country’s law enforcement and political structures. “Your bravery in speaking truth to power, despite the risks, has reignited hope in the hearts of South Africans who yearn…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has officially launched the 2025 tax season, calling on all eligible taxpayers to submit their annual income tax returns. Sars has reminded the public that submitting a return is a legal obligation and forms the basis upon which the tax authority assesses whether a taxpayer owes money or is due a refund. “Taxpayers are required to submit a tax return to Sars in order that Sars can calculate their tax liability based on the income they declare and the tax-deductible expenses they have incurred for a year of assessment,” said the revenue service. Sars added that in some cases; after completing the assessment, a refund may be due to the taxpayer. Who must file? Not everyone is required to file an income tax return,…

When I first arrived in the Transvaal (Gauteng ), I was very curious to see Alexandra township, where my brother, younger sister and I were born, but when my parents decided to go back to the Transkei, I was three years old. It took me some time to get to see Alexandra, and I will never forget the disappointment I felt because I had never seen such an overcrowded place before. But informal settlements were almost non-existent then, that was in 1972. Then came freedom with the liberation of not only South Africans, but also the mushrooming of shacks in every vacant space. Informal settlements are very unsightly, built with all kinds of material, black refuse bags, cardboard boxes, corrugated iron and just anything imaginable. Based on the sprawling…

Springbok Women’s performance coach Swys de Bruin is happy with the early signs from his experimental half-back pairing of Nadine Roos and Eloise Webb. Roos started at scrumhalf after she had started at fullback in the first Test at Loftus, with regular centre Webb coming off the bench to start at flyhalf in Saturday’s second Test against Canada in Gqeberha. The move was part of a backline reshuffle that had also seen Byrhandré Dolf start at fullback. Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who started at flyhalf in Pretoria, slotted in at inside centre. The South Africans succumbed 33-5 to the world’s No 2 team in the second Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after losing the first 50-20. “For the amount of pressure, it was a tough ask of Eloise…

Iga Swiatek pleaded with the Polish media to “leave me alone”, insisting she knows what she is doing after crushing Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 to win her first Wimbledon title on Saturday. The 24-year-old was the eighth seed at the All England Club after a disappointing first half of the season, although she had shown signs of resurgence with a run to the Bad Homburg final two weeks ago. She will rise to third in the world rankings on Monday following her sixth Grand Slam triumph. Speaking at her post-match press conference, Swiatek was asked whether her dominant performance was a response to recent criticism. “For sure, in the past months, how the media – and I’ve got to say unfortunately the Polish media – have sometimes described me and…

Marc Marquez won a bruising German MotoGP on Sunday to mark his 200th premier class start in style and extend his lead in the world championship standings. His brother, Alex Marquez, secured second place, with Francesco Bagnaia finishing third in a race of high attrition – only 10 riders made it to the chequered flag, the fewest in a MotoGP race since 2011. While much of the grid struggled to stay upright on the notoriously tricky Sachsenring circuit, Marquez enjoyed a dream afternoon. Starting from pole position, he led from start to finish, crossing the line more than six seconds clear for his seventh perfect weekend of 2025, having also won Saturday’s sprint. At the halfway point of the 22-race season, Marquez holds an 83-point lead over Alex in the…

Trump using tariffs on BRICS countries as a red herring to stifle perceived influence of China Investors in South Africa have cautioned that the US President Donald Trump was using tariffs on BRICS countries as a red herring to stifle the perceived dominance of China over the United States. Trump last week announced that he was planning to slap a 10% tariff on imports from the BRICS economic group of emerging-market nations, including Brazil, Russia, India and China, along with a 50% duty on all copper imports and a possible 200% tax on pharmaceuticals. The expanded BRICS+ now covers 43% of the world's population, 32% of the world’s land area, around 35% of global GDP and 20% of world exports. Trump explained the BRICS tariff threat was being driven by…

The Renewable Energy Statistics 2025 released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) on Friday shows that despite renewables capacity growing by over 15% in 2024, the growth gap widens across regions. Asia has kept its leading position since the past few years, accounting for 71% of new renewables capacity in 2024, followed by Europe and North America (respectively contributed 12.3% and 7.8% to the addition), leaving a huge gap with Africa, Eurasia, Central America and the Caribbean which together only accounted for 2.8% of total renewables capacity addition. Despite its massive economic and development opportunities, Africa only increased its renewables capacity by 7.2%. Commenting on the data update, Irena Director-General Francesco La Camera said, “The renewable energy boom is transforming global energy markets, driving economies and creating vast investment…

South Africa has not collapsed. It has been inverted. What once punished wrongdoing now protects it. What once honoured the honest now humiliates them. What once upheld truth now turns it into a liability. We are now living in what can only be called the age of the unpunished where accountability is an illusion and wrongdoing is a stepping stone not a stumbling block. This national inversion plays out not only in the streets or in the headlines but deep within our governance systems. The medical aid racial profiling scandal, the collapse of oversight structures and recent internal disclosures from senior police leadership have laid bare how criminal sabotage and systemic corruption have infiltrated the state from within. These are not opposition claims; they are acknowledgements from those entrusted to…

Accelerate Property Fund (APF), which has Fourways Mall Shopping Centre as its main asset, said Friday a R100 million rights offer that opens on July 14 will continue, in spite of uncertainty about the outcome of a R800m agreement with the developer of the mall. APF’s share price fell 5.56% to 51 cents on Friday, much in line with the share price of 53 cents that it traded at a year earlier. “APF remains committed to restructuring its operations with a focus on improving the Mall as APF’s largest asset. The opening of the rights offer… is an important step towards the completion of these restructuring efforts, the proceeds of which will be utilised for improvements of the Mall and working capital needs of APF,” a notice said Friday. APF’s…

Growth in oil demand is anaemic globally, with several countries in the crosshairs of US President Donald Trump tariff threats suffering drops, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said Friday. Annual growth in oil demand fell from 1.1 million barrels per day (mbd) in the first quarter of the year to just 0.5 mbd in the second, the IEA said in its monthly oil market review. Consumption in emerging markets was “particularly lacklustre”, it added. It lowered its forecast for oil-demand growth for 2025 as a whole to 0.7 mbd, “its lowest rate since 2009” apart from when the Covid pandemic shut large swathes of the global economy in 2020. “Although it may be premature to attribute this slower growth to the detrimental impact of tariffs manifesting themselves in the real…

Mark your calendars as Showmax’s Untied episode, featuring former Minister Malusi Gigaba’s ex-wife Noma Mgnoma will air tomorrow. This comes after Gigaba’s application to prevent the airing of the interview was dismissed. IOL reported that Judge Julian Yende dismissed the former statesman’s interdict application to prevent Showmax from airing the episode. In the application, MultiChoice is cited as the first respondent, while Goat Originals, which produced the show, is the second respondent, and Mngoma is the third. Gigaba’s legal action came after he received a WhatsApp communication from Vanessa Tloubatla, the executive producer of the show, who wanted to give him the right to reply to allegations that were made against him. Gigaba said that upon receiving the email, he sought legal advice to evaluate the potential impact of these…

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to attend the private burial of former Deputy President David Mabuza has shown that the two did not have a good relationship. This was according to political analyst, Ntsikelelo Breakfast, who also accused Ramaphosa of being dishonest during his eulogy speech at the funeral on Saturday. It has been alleged that Mabuza and Ramaphosa did not see eye to eye, especially following the outcomes of the ANC’s conference in 2022, which saw Mabuza vacate his office. The family confirmed that Ramaphosa and other ANC officials were invited to attend the burial. Mabuza passed away last week at the age of 64, following a short illness. He was buried at a family burial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga. During the morning session, held at his home, ANC chairperson…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and appointed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe his alleged interference in police work. Addressing the nation last night, Ramaphosa said that after the KwaZulu-Natal provincial Police Commissioner’s revelations that Mchunu had allegedly interfered with police work and allegedly colluded with business people in circumventing police investigations, he has decided to place him on special leave. The president also announced that the commission will be chaired by the Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who is due for retirement soon, adding that the retirement will enable him to focus on the job at hand. The president also announced that Professor Firoz Cachalia will act as Police Minister at the beginning of the next month; however, a cabinet minister will be…

A father who raped his daughter on at least two occasions, one of which was on her sixth birthday, will serve a lifetime behind bars. The man, who tried to evade justice and accountability when he attempted to cover his reprehensible acts, was sentenced by the Ladybrand Regional Court, Free State, and his name has been permanently entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence handed down to the 48-year-old man, who pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. NPA spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the sentence reflected the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children from heinous acts of betrayal. “In 2020, the accused, entrusted with the care of his daughter, raped…

EFF leader, Julius Malema, has taken the fight for Ward 13 in Seshego, Limpopo, to the ANC ahead of Wednesday’s by-elections in the area. Malema, who addressed the party’s Tshela Thupa rally in Seshego on Sunday, stated that the EFF is ready to retain this all-important ward with improved service delivery to residents as the cornerstone of the party’s promise to the people. The EFF president, who attended former deputy president David Mabuza’s funeral on Saturday, told EFF members that even the presence of ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, who revealed to him that he will be visiting Seshego ahead of the by-elections, will not change the outcome of the election because the EFF leader, Julius Malema, has taken the fight for Ward 13 in Seshego, Limpopo, to the ANC…

MINISTER of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, says finalising lifestyle audits for over 400 high-risk officials is a critical part of the Department’s efforts to end corruption and restore integrity in its operations. This comes after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) obtained a recovery order against a contractor that defrauded the department of R67 million through corrupt tenders. The Special Tribunal granted the order against Kroucamp Plumbers, whose contracts were found to be irregularly awarded between 2015 and 2019 through falsified bidding documents, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and bribes paid to officials. “We are working with the SIU to finalise lifestyle audits for over 400 high-risk officials,” Macpherson said. “Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.” He…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is not fooled by the Committee of Inquiry set up by the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, into the affairs of the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB). Maile established this committee to obscure evident corruption that has escalated within the GLB for many years. The sins of the GLB are obvious, and the solution is readily available. GLB’s incompetence can be addressed through retooling its business processes. Its corruption can be purged through forensic investigation and ruthless prosecution of those guilty. On 15 June, MEC Maile announced the appointment of a 15-member committee of inquiry to investigate the affairs of the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB). This committee has been tasked with probing allegations of corruption, bribery, and the long processing times for liquor…

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the state funeral of former deputy president David Mabuza, describing him as a unifier of the nation. The funeral was held at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday. Ramaphosa praised Mabuza for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans. “He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism, and quiet resolve,” said Ramaphosa. “To some, he was the ‘cat with nine lives’ – resilient in the face of political storms.” Mabuza’s passion for education was evident in his work as a teacher and his efforts to improve access to education for rural communities. Ramaphosa noted that Mabuza’s legacy includes establishing many rural boarding schools, which helped eradicate the barrier to education for…

Banyana Banyana will go into their final Group C match against Mali at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Monday knowing that their title defence could hinge on this one result. South Africa currently top the group on goal difference, but they are level on four points with Mali and have not yet secured a place in the quarter-finals. A win against Tanzania in their previous outing would have booked their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare, but a disappointing 1-1 draw means the final group clash will determine who goes through — and in what position. Head coach Desiree Ellis is aware that the pressure is now firmly on her side to deliver. “We know what’s at stake,” she said after the…

Kaizer Chiefs remain winless on their pre-season tour of The Netherlands after suffering a third consecutive defeat, this time a narrow 1-0 loss to NEC Nijmegen on Saturday afternoon. The Glamour Boys had previously gone down to Dutch top-flight sides Vitesse and FC Utrecht. While the lack of goals and results may raise questions back home, there is no panic within the camp. Instead, the focus remains squarely on long-term gains and sharpening the team ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign. “I hate losing,” George Matlou told the club’s media department, after the match. “However, these are highly competitive games, and that’s how you get better as a team. You don’t get better playing weaker teams.” Matlou’s words echoed the broader sentiment from the Chiefs squad and technical staff…

Love it or hate it, head coach Rassie Erasmus will continue to innovate as the Springboks look to find the smallest edge on the rugby field to take their game to the next level against opponents. On Saturday, Erasmus made the rugby world notice his ingenuity again, as the Boks conjured up two different tactical plays in the clash against Italy in Gqeberha that caught many off guard. The first was a short kick-off to generate a scrum shortly after the game started and this is the little bit of innovation that blew up on X (formerly Twitter) with pundits and couch critics tearing into the Boks for finding another way to bend rugby’s laws. While they’ve found a new reason to moan about the world champions, South African supporters…