Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-17 i Cape Times

Goldrush Holdings said the award of the R180 billion National Lottery License to 50%-held Sizekhaya Holdings has been challenged by two other bidders in the courts. Commenting on JSE-listed Goldrush’s interim results released on Friday, Goldrush director Jan van Niekerk said these cases were ongoing, and shareholders would be updated as soon as finality is reached. Sizekhaya Holdings is the incoming operator of South Africa’s National Lottery from June 2026 after winning the eight-year license in May 2025, and replacing Ithuba Holdings, which had managed the lottery since 2015. Sizekhaya’s directors include Moses Tembe, Sandile Zungu, Fundi Sithebe, and Dr Mabatho Mutshekwane. Van Niekerk said the team at Sizekhaya had made good progress in establishing the physical, technological, and legal structures to take on the management of the National Lottery…

South Africa is accelerating its nuclear energy ambitions as it positions itself to compete with China in the fast-growing African market for nuclear fuel and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said on Sunday. More than 20 African countries are now at advanced stages of planning SMR installations, creating what the minister described as an “insatiable” continental demand for nuclear fuel. Ramokgopa said South Africa’s nuclear development strategy is being revived and expanded, spanning the entire fuel cycle—from uranium enrichment partnerships with neighbouring countries to long-term waste disposal infrastructure. At the core of the strategy is the planned 2 400MW nuclear new-build programme at Duynefontein, the 20-year life extension of Koeberg’s two units, and the strengthening of institutions such as the National Radioactive Waste Disposal…

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has said that South Africa’s ports have seen significant efficiency gains in recent years. This comes as vessel waiting times are down 75%, while container handling has become faster, a trend confirmed by industry experts. Gondongwana last week noted that freight movement within the country had faced serious challenges, including congestion caused by a shift from rail to road transport “This led to an overall decline in the volume of goods and exports transited. Reforms in freight logistics are gaining speed. Eleven private train operators now have slots on 41 routes across six corridors,” he said. “Port efficiency is improving, with vessel waiting times down 75%, while container handling is faster.” Gondongwana added that with Durban Pier 2 welcoming private operators, Transnet was expected to…

The Minister for Finance, Enoch Godongwana, tabled government’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) at Parliament. Whilst appreciating the turnaround in key parts of the state under the African National Congress led government, in particular Eskom, Transnet, Metro Rail and the South African Revenue Service (Sars), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) remains deeply worried that the Budget, including the MTBPS’ proposed adjustments are not aggressive enough to take the economy from the 1% growth it has been limping along since 2008 or to tackle the 42.4% unemployment rate. Cosatu appreciates progress made including exiting from the Financial Action Task Force’ grey listing which is key to attracting investment as well as the creation of 248 000 new jobs over the past three months and the projected increase…

Liberty Coal Mine Services (LMS) has become the principal mining contractor at Mpumalanga-based Optimum Colliery. Re-opening of Optimum Coal mine, with potential to produce 13.5 million tons of the energy commodity, is projected to be a boost for Eskom’s electricity generation in addition to restoring employment for the more than 500 workers at the mine, as well as pushing up exports of the energy mineral. Controversy has dogged the former Gupta family-owned Optimum Coal Mine. Liberty Coal and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had jointly approached the Pretoria High Court and obtained a settlement order to allow the Optimum Mine to exit business rescue, trade as a going concern and to begin the process of rebuilding the mine. Liberty on Friday announced that Liberty Mine Services, a related company, had…

You’ve just met the love of your life, your baby. You’re soaking in the tiny fingers, the soft cries, and the overwhelming mix of emotions. Amid the whirlwind of advice from midwives and nurses, one simple yet profound phrase stands out: “Hold your baby skin-to-skin.” It may seem like another bonding moment, but science shows this close contact is one of the most powerful ways to help your newborn and yourself thrive. The science of skin-to-skin contact When a baby is born, their world changes instantly from the warm, quiet comfort of the womb to the bright, noisy chaos outside. That’s where skin-to-skin contact comes in. “From a biological perspective, skin-to-skin contact is like pressing a reset button,” explains Sr Londe, an independent midwife and trusted advisor to Vital Baby…

Purple is more than just a colour. It tells a story, stands as a symbol and makes a statement. Over the years, this bold shade has come to represent wisdom, dignity, courage and resistance. Today, purple is at the heart of a movement that goes beyond social media. It has become a call for justice, unity and change, especially in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Purple has held deep meaning from ancient royalty to today’s activism. But why is it the colour chosen by movements for women’s justice and equality? Historically, collective action using this colour has sparked significant change, uniting individuals under a common banner of resistance and hope. It stands as a beacon of solidarity that reminds us how powerful we can be when we come together.…

OUTGOING National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, is scheduled as the first witness when the inquiry into suspended director of public prosecutions (DPP), Johannesburg Advocate Andrew Chauke, gets under way in Pretoria today. Chauke was suspended in July after Batohi, nearly two years ago, asked for disciplinary action to be taken against him. Since he started in his position in 2011, he has faced allegations of quashing prosecutions against politically-connected individuals. The inquiry, which is expected to last for four months, will be headed by retired Constitutional Court Judge Bess Nkabinde, with evidence leaders being Advocate Mmotse David Mohlamonyane SC and Petunia Thulare-Sebone. Attorney Matshego Ramagaga and Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC will serve on the panel, together with Judge Nkabinde. The panel is expected to inquire into, report…

TEMBA Bavuma’s world Test champion Proteas completed the treble for South Africa’s major national sporting teams with their victory over rivals India yesterday. Following the Springboks’ courageous 32-14 victory over Italy and Bafana Bafana’s 3-1 win over Zambia, the Proteas rewrote the record books in India with a 30-run triumph over their hosts at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Bavuma was critical to the Proteas’ first win in India for 15 years, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 55 in the second innings. It was the highest score by any batter across both teams during the Test and enabled the Proteas to set India a 124-run target. From there, Bavuma manoeuvred his bowlers expertly during India’s run-chase and also made the crucial decision to bring back left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj into the attack…

DETECTIVES are working to identify the victims and track down those responsible for a suspected vigilante attack after the bodies of three men were discovered burnt in Siqalo informal settlement in Philippi. Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said officers were alerted to the gruesome scene at around 5.30pm on Saturday. “The victims were found set alight, and preliminary indications suggest that the incident is linked to vigilantism,” Traut said. SAPS has strongly condemned the attack, warning that acts of mob justice endanger communities and undermine the rule of law. “The South African Police Service condemns vigilantism in the strongest possible terms. Acts of mob justice are criminal and pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of our communities,” Traut said. He stressed that even community frustration cannot justify taking…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa and his daughter, Keneilwe Ramaphosa, were seen this month at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. While on the surface this appeared to be a father enjoying a moment with his child, for those familiar with South African politics, it suggested far more than a simple family outing. In a nation where political gestures are rarely accidental, this scene functioned as a subtle yet deliberate introduction of Keneilwe to the public sphere a “soft launch” disguised as casual sightseeing. The moment hinted that the Ramaphosa legacy could extend beyond Cyril’s current tenure in the Union Buildings. President Ramaphosa had kept his family out of public view until recently. This approach stood in contrast to a political environment where public exposure and orchestrated photo opportunities are the norm.…

South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 is set to significantly reshape the country’s coal industry, the Minerals Council of South Africa has said, even as coal output rose 1.5% in September amid a broader mining recovery. On a year-on-year bases, total mining production for South Africa increased by 1.2% in September, primarily driven by coal alongside platinum group metals and gold. However, Bongani Motsa, acting chief economist for the Minerals Council, said on Friday that Eskom’s coal consumption could flatten, posing significant disruptions for the coal sector, mainly as a result of the IRP. “The IRP 2025 marks a pivotal shift, with no new coal-fired power plant build planned. Without technological interventions such as carbon capture and storage, Eskom’s coal consumption could decline by approximately 60 million tons by…

South Africa’s construction sector continues to grapple with project delays, cost overruns, skills shortages, and governance failures, according to the Department of Public Works and the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb). Transformation in the sector also remains a key area of concern, officials noted following a two-day National Construction Summit attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The construction sector, a major driver of economic growth and employment, contributed 2.5% to GDP in the second quarter and accounted for 35% of gross fixed capital formation, with total spending of R247 billion. Construction industry stakeholders have now signed the 2025 National Construction Summit Declaration that commits stakeholders and players to “turbocharging the construction industry for improved performance and accountability” amid pressing challenges. Among commitments related to governance is a framework to track performance…

The question of who data belongs to is a dogged question haunting national leaders of statistics formations in countries. Like migration of human beings, data crosses borders in more complex forms and it is the duty of the statistician-general to collate and make sense of the numerical evidence. Digital colonisation will be the battle of statisticians. Here the statisticians have to put in place a system that enables equity in data exchange. A tough ask at that. Take for instance the International Comparisons Programme (ICP), which enables discovery in the economic sphere of countries. Participation in this transparency that enables movement of goods and services, peoples and pollutants is as complex as it comes. The world of electronics and virtual systems is upon us. It is a world where transparency…

JSE listed KAP, the diversified South African industrial group, announced Friday it would dispose of Unitrans Swazi Holdings for about R214 million. KAP is focusing on turning around its underperforming businesses, with the Unitrans division being the largest of these businesses. KAP has made significant management changes in all underperforming businesses and has either restructured or is in the process of restructuring them to support improved future performance and return on capital employed. On Friday, KAP’s directors said that the fully owned subsidiary Unitrans Africa had entered into a sale of shares and claims agreement with Freight-X, a company incorporated in Eswatini and beneficially owned by Swati citizens, Wayne Levendale and Thomas Albrecht, for the disposal of 100% of Unitrans Swazi Holdings (USH). KAP said Unitrans had largely completed a…

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s decision to boycott the G20 Summit in Johannesburg will not only further weaken strained US-SA relations, but will push Pretoria closer to China, Russia, and other BRICS nations. “This reality builds into the BRICS expansion and growth. This decision inadvertently speaks to a clearer call from the Global South towards multilateralism and a reformation of international power structures,” said University of Kwa-Zulu Natal international relations expert Dr Noluthando Phungula. Her remarks come after President Cyril Ramaphosa recently described the US decision to snub the summit "their loss," saying that "boycott politics doesn't work" and that the summit will proceed without the US. The two countries have had a tumultuous relationship since Trump took over as president, making unfounded claims of white genocide in South Africa. The…

Initial findings of a preliminary postmortem on Brutus, Rondevlei’s first and famous hippo, indicate a natural, age-related cause of death. The City confirmed Brutus was found dead at the age of 47 years last week. Brutus arrived at Rondevlei in November 1981, and was the first hippo to be reintroduced into the Western Cape in 300 years. He was still producing offspring until recently. Staff from the False Bay Nature Reserve were busy with routine patrols when they discovered the dead hippo bull in the Rondevlei section of the reserve on Thursday morning. The bull was removed from the vlei, and on Friday, the Biodiversity Management Branch’s veterinarian conducted an autopsy. It was thereafter established that the dead hippo was Brutus. The preliminary postmortem examination found no evidence of trauma,…

Our future need not be one of fear, invisibility or fragmentation NOVEMBER 16 marks the anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa. On this date in 1860, the first ship, the SS Truro, arrived in Durban carrying indentured labourers from India. In 2025, the 165th anniversary is being commemorated, and across the country Indian South Africans stand at a decisive moment in our history. We are a community rooted in struggle yet sustained by dignity, discipline and an unyielding belief in education and self-improvement. We are the descendants of indentured labourers who arrived with nothing but hope, traders who carved out livelihoods in the face of discrimination, and freedom fighters who stood firm for a democratic South Africa. Our story is one of overcoming the odds, but that…

The Proteas have recorded a memorable first victory at India’s citadel of cricket since 1996. Independent Media’s Zaahier Adams looks at five great come-from-behind Test victories by the Proteas over the years. Second Test | Sydney | January 2-6, 1994 South Africa: 169 & 239; Australia: 292 & 111 South Africa won by five runs After the great Shane Warne dismantled the Proteas with seven first innings wickets, the visitors trailed by 123 runs in the first innings. A courageous 79 not out from Jonty Rhodes in the second innings helped set the Aussies a paltry 117-run target. This set the stage for Fanie de Villiers to produce a heroic bowling effort of 6/43 to drive the Proteas to a miraculous five-run win. Second Test | Melbourne | December 26-30,…

NOW that Bafana Bafana have re-established themselves as one of the continent’s giants through their AFCON and World Cup qualification, as well as the weekend’s victory over Zambia, it is now the turn of the clubs to follow suit. All three of Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs will this weekend participate in CAF interclub competitions, hoping to ride the wave of Bafana’s recent success as the mini-league phase of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup begins. Perennial knock-out stage participants Sundowns, who were beaten finalists last season, welcome Orlando Pirates slayers Saint Elois Lupopo to Loftus Versfeld on Friday night. It is a tricky fixture for the Brazilians, who are the top seeds in a group that also includes Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger and Sudanese giants Al…

S&P expects SA’s real GDP growth to rise 1.1% after a subdued 0.5% in 2024 International ratings agencies expect South Africa’s economic performance to strengthen steadily over the next few years, with projections showing GDP growth rebounding by more than 1.5% between 2026 and 2028. This comes as S&P Global Ratings upgraded the country’s foreign-currency sovereign rating to BB, citing a more positive outlook for the rand and improved reform momentum. Moody’s, which maintains a Ba2 stable rating on South Africa, echoed the more upbeat sentiment, saying the country’s debt burden is likely to stabilise “because of high growth” in nominal GDP. S&P said over the weekend that it expects South Africa’s real GDP growth to rise 1.1% this year after a subdued 0.5% in 2024 before averaging 1.5% over…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved an adjustment to Sasol Gas’s maximum gas price for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, resulting in a 6% decrease from the previous quarter. Announcing the change on Friday, Nersa said the adjustment aligns with its June 2025 decision allowing Sasol Gas to revise its maximum gas price every quarter in line with fluctuations in gas acquisition costs. Under this framework, Sasol Gas must submit quarterly cost and pricing information to demonstrate that any changes are reasonable and justified. “In accordance with this decision, Sasol Gas must provide Nersa with cost and pricing information on a quarterly basis to demonstrate that adjustments to its maximum gas price are reasonable, justifiable and necessitated by cost variation.” Sasol Gas provided…

The Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) has highlighted certain burning issues that analysts, economists, investors, and fund managers were eager to hear. n The inflation target, as was expected, has been lowered to 3% (with a 1% tolerance band on either side) over the next 2 years. n Total government debt is projected to stabilise at 77.9% of GDP this year (higher than expected) before declining to 77% in fiscal 2028-29. n Treasury expects the budget deficit to shrink from 4.7% of GDP in 2025-26 to 2.9% in 2028-29. The primary surplus is expected to increase to 2.5% in 2028-29 from 0.9% in 2025-26. n The government expects the economy to grow at 1.2% in 2025. This is lower than the 1.4% expected…

The share price of luxury goods group Compagnie Financiere Richemont surged 4.8% on the JSE on Friday after it reported strong global sales in the six months to September 30, with sales accelerating in the second quarter. The group interim results, which includes brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Montblanc, showed sales up by 10% over the six months at €10.6 billion, while the acceleration in the second three months came to 14%. The share price traded at R3670.27 on the JSE Friday afternoon, a good 50% higher than R2446.00 a year ago. “Richemont delivered a solid performance against a persistently complex macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop,” said Johann Rupert, chairman and founder of the group. The growth in operating profit to €2.4bn was underpinned by a strong…

Social media users are doing a double-take after a content creator named Juliette unveiled what she calls a “hairbrush” made from fish bones. The video, which quickly went viral, has sparked curiosity, laughter and debate across platforms. While some praised her creativity, others questioned the hygiene and practicality of using fish bones as a grooming tool. In her video, captioned “Why I never throw away fish bones?”, Juliette explained her unconventional method. “I was three years old when I realised you can turn fish bones into a hairbrush,” she said. She then demonstrated how she cleans and repurposes the bones. Juliette carefully separated the flesh from the fish, rinsed the bones under running water and tied them to a straw. With that, she proudly combed through her hair using the…

A DISMISSED school principal has once again failed in his bid to return to his job after the Labour Court agreed his dismissal was fair. The matter relates to an inappropriate hug and a request for a “baby kiss” to a volunteer acting as his personal assistant. An arbitrator earlier confirmed his dismissal as being fair, but the principal, only identified as B, turned to the Johannesburg Labour Court in a bid to get his job back. According to the testimony, the complainant was accompanied by two colleagues when the applicant (B) approached her and requested assistance with proofreading letters. After completing the task in the applicant’s office, he allegedly asked the complainant for a hug. The complainant obliged, but during the hug, the applicant reportedly squeezed…

AN OUDTSHOORN father and son who brutally attacked a man with an axe and panga, leaving him permanently paralysed, have failed in their bid to overturn their seven-year sentences. Their sentence appeals were both dismissed in the Western Cape High Court. The pair, who also faced the possibility of their seven-year sentences being increased after they took their sentence on appeal, were on trial and convicted at the Oudtshoorn Regional Court. Marcelino Goliath and Piet Sederstroom both pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted murder. They brutally assaulted Henry Coetzee on August 22, 2021, at Bridgton when they unlawfully and intentionally attempted to murder him with an axe and a panga. Coetzee was brutally attacked inside the home of a woman who raised him as a child. According to…

Whilst comparisons with legendary Proteas teams of yesteryear may be inevitable, this current lot under Shukri Conrad and Temba Bavuma are writing their own manuscript. They are the current ICC World Test champions; have broken an 18-year record in Pakistan; and now they have done the same in India with a fairytale victory at Eden Gardens to end a 15-year barren run. These are some stupendous feats. Not only in terms of the result, but also for the character they have shown to come back from almost hopeless positions – like on Sunday morning when, after starting the day with the slender lead of just 63, they battled their way to a target of 124 before bowling out India for just 93 to get across the line by 30 runs.…

Scotland face a winner-takes-all shootout against Denmark tomorrow, with an automatic Fifa World Cup 2026 berth at stake, despite a 3-2 defeat against Greece. On a dramatic Saturday evening, Steve Clarke’s men narrowly failed to recover from 3-0 down, while Belarus held Group C leaders Denmark 2-2 in Copenhagen in a shock result. The Danes, on 11 points, lead Scotland by a single point after five matches ahead of their decisive meeting in Glasgow. With a far superior goal difference, they can afford to draw. Scotland must secure all three points to reach their first World Cup since 1998. Scotland captain Andy Robertson said his team were relieved to still be alive. “Winner takes all on Tuesday, that’s all we could ask for,” he told the BBC. “People were writing…

As the international Fifa break has closed, local football enthusiasts are preparing for an action-packed weekend brimming with regional and continental fixtures. Three PSL teams — Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC — will kick off their group stage journeys in the prestigious CAF competitions. In comparison, eight other teams resume their campaigns in the Betway Premiership. The excitement begins on Saturday as AmaZulu FC welcomes Siwelele FC to their home ground. AmaZulu, renowned for their fierce tenacity and spectacular home support, will be eager to bounce back after a shocking defeat to Polokwane in their last outing. That unexpected outcome saw the team drop to sixth place in the league standings, making this a crucial match for them as they strive to regain lost ground against a vastly…