Innholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-14 i Cape Times

Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) reported record volumes through 2023, while the expansion and investment of its logistics systems continued. JSE-listed trade corridor focused Grindrod said Tuesday the port handled a total of 32 million tons, a 3.4% increase compared to the previous year's 30.9 million tons. To provide an indication of the relative size of the port, the Port of Durban handles about 80 million tons a year, while Rotterdam's port in the Netherlands handled 435.8 million tons in 2023. "This performance reinforces the port's position as a key regional logistics hub and reflects the resilience and efficiency of the integrated port and corridor system," said MPDC CEO Osório Lucas in a statement. In Maputo Port, Grindrod operates and manages dry bulk and automotive terminals, handling exports and imports…

Taiwan has reached a “general consensus” with the United States on a trade deal, the democratic island’s negotiators said Tuesday, after months of talks. Taiwan and the United States began negotiations in April to hash out a trade deal after US President Donald Trump slapped a 32 percent tariff on Taiwanese exports, which was later lowered to 20 percent, as part of his sweep of measures against dozens of trade partners. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has pledged to boost investment in the United States and increase defence spending as his government tries to further reduce the levy on its shipments, as well as avoid a toll on its semiconductor chip exports. “The goal of the US-Taiwan tariff negotiations has always been to seek reciprocal tariff reductions without stacking tariffs, and…

Tharisa's share price surged 5.5% after reporting first quarter production as planned, while platinum group metal (PGM) prices averaged 13% higher. The JSE and London-listed chrome and platinum producer said Tuesday in a production report for its first quarter to December 31, 2022, that PGM recoveries improved at 78.8% from 61.7% in the first quarter of 2022, while chrome recoveries improved to 70.3% from 65.7%. The share price traded at R28.40 on the JSE in the afternoon, representing a sharp 88% increase in the price over 12 months. Planned risk mitigation was successful at the group in the quarter with double the rainfall and lightening events year on year. PGM prices averaged $2 208 per ounce versus $1615 for the 2025 financial year. The average chrome concentrate price was $276/t…

THE investigating officer in the murder of popular media personality DJ Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras, has detailed the dispute that he believes led to him being killed outside the Zambesi Building in Johannesburg last month. Captain Abe Montwedi took the stand in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday when the State opposed murder accused Victor Majola’s bail application. Montwedi told the court that the original owner of the building died in 2018, after which his son inherited the property. The son later noticed a sharp decline in rental income, from more than R700,000 a month to about R400,000. This, he said, raised suspicions that something was wrong. According to Montwedi, it later emerged that certain tenants were collecting rent from other occupants and not paying it over to…

BEHIND ETHAN Neil Naicker’s accolades including being named KwaZulu-Natal’s top matric achiever for Matric Class of 2025 was a deeply personal journey marked by tragedy a month before his finals. The 18-year-old, from Port Shepstone Secondary School balanced grief and academic excellence to become not only that province's best but also one of South Africa's top 40 achievers. At the provincial awards ceremony at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) yesterday, Naicker was visibly overwhelmed when he was announced as KZN’s performer. Speaking to the Cape Times’ sister publication the Post, Naicker said his remarkable matric results fulfilled his dream of studying medicine at UCT. But the journey to this point has not been easy. He had suffered the loss of his cousin in December 2024. “My matric year started…

A STRONG academic culture, the use of data to improve results and teacher commitment are the ingredients behind Silikamva High School’s remarkable 100% matric pass rate in Hout Bay. The Quintile 3 no-fee school founded in 2013 had struggled in the past, with a matric pass rate of just 40.4% in 2019. The class of 2025 turned things around with 76% of learners achieving bachelor’s passes, while eight subjects, including Business Studies, English First Additional Language, Physical Sciences and isiXhosa Home Language, recorded a 100% pass rate. The school also recorded 75 distinctions from 154 candidates. Its achievements were underscored by Education MEC David Maynier’s visit yesterday, along with parents, teachers and NGOs. Maynier praised the collective effort behind the achievement, saying the collaboration between the school leadership, staff, learners,…

MI Cape Town’s Reeza Hendricks has not given up hope that the defending champions can still sneak into the playoffs. Robin Peterson’s side suffered a demoralising 53-run defeat to Pretoria Capitals at Centurion on Monday night which has left MI Cape Town’s campaign in tatters. They currently have 10 points from eight games and are rooted to the bottom of the table. With only two matches remaining - both against Sunrisers Eastern Cape - in the group phase, MI Cape Town virtually need a full house of two bonus point victories to potentially lift them to 20 points if they are to reach the knockout stages. Hendricks, who played a lone hand against the Capitals with 68 not out off 50 balls, steadfastly believes the fight is not over yet.…

While the Stormers will welcome back the majority of their main players for Saturday’s clash against the Leicester Tigers, the team has received a further shot in the arm. Experienced back Ruhan Nel has been declared fit to run out in the Champions Cup match after missing the last month with a calf injury. The outside centre returned to training on Monday and will boost the Cape side’s backline stocks, which have been depleted by injuries. “Ruhan brings a lot, not just defensively but also as a leader. That kind of presence helps settle things when you’re under pressure,” backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman said yesterday. The Stormers, largely made up of fringe players, were hammered 61–10 by Harlequins on Sunday. The players who went to London have…

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 will convene in Davos next week against what organisers describe as the most complex geopolitical backdrop since the end of World War II, with rising global tensions, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change shaping discussions at the start of the year. Unveiling key details of the meeting during a press briefing on Tuesday, WEF President and CEO Børge Brende said the gathering comes at a pivotal moment for the global economy, which has proven more resilient than many expected. “Despite the geopolitical challenges, the global economy has been very resilient,” Brende said, adding that growth of more than 3% is expected this year, an improvement on the more pessimistic outlook seen in 2025. However, he cautioned that sustaining growth would depend on…

Global growth continued to improve throughout 2025, with the latest reading of 3.4% according to the Bloomberg economics global GDP tracker. US growth continues to lead the charge, with the initial estimate for the third quarter 2025 coming in at a very strong 4.3%, well above trend growth. The Atlanta Fed GDPNow forecast for the fourth quarter has deteriorated to a still very strong 3%. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill should continue to support US GDP into 2026, particularly in the first half as tax refunds will support both consumers and businesses. Other developed economies are also expected to be strong in 2026 as fiscal stimulus and rate cuts flow through to the underlying economy. Europe’s defence spending kicks into gear in 2026 but really comes in from 2027 onwards,…

A FAMILY of three including a 15-year-old boy had a narrow escape when their pitbull turned on them during an attack earlier this week. The pitbull attacked the mother and her two sons. None of the Durban family members wanted to be identified or their injuries photographed following Monday’s attack. The 15-year-old boy managed to escape after he pried its jaws open with his hands when it locked onto his leg after biting two other family members. Recounting the moments, a family member said he was in the room when he heard his brother scream. He rushed outside to find the dog had bitten his mother and brother outside the front door. He said that he pulled them inside the house and closed the gate but the dog pushed…

The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has turned to court to have one of the former directors of a Kempton Park law firm removed from the roll nearly three years after eight former clients of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) lodged a complaint over irregularities regarding the handling of their claims. The application against former director Jakkie Supra, who was at the time tasked with overseeing the RAF claims at the firm Schurmann Van den Heever & Slabbert Inc, is due to be heard on an unopposed basis by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria later this month. The conduct of the law firm came to light after a whistleblower, William Crichton, then a candidate attorney at the firm, leaked information as he felt that the firm was not operating ethically. Following…

As AFCON 2025 in Morocco unfolds, four of Africa’s top five-ranked teams have reached today’s semi-finals. The distinguished teams that have successfully advanced include Egypt (seven-time champions), Nigeria (2013 champions), Senegal (2021 winners), and the hosts, Morocco, the 1976 winners. Morocco is particularly motivated to secure its first title in 50 years. With such a long wait, the stakes for the host nation are higher than ever, promising an exciting race to the final. Indepedent Media takes a closer look at tonight’s blockbuster semi-finals. Senegal vs Egypt Egypt secured their place with a riveting 3-2 victory over the defending champions, the Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, Senegal advanced to the final four with a disciplined 1-0 win over Mali. Both nations are pinning their hopes on their star players. For Egypt, Mohamed…

Fifteen years after his acrimonious departure from Orlando Pirates, former Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise has revealed how he finally made peace with club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, bringing closure to one of South African football’s most emotive fallouts. Modise left the Buccaneers in 2011 to join rivals Mamelodi Sundowns following a breakdown in his relationship with then coach Ruud Krol and growing frustration over limited game time. At the time, the midfielder admitted feeling more like “an asset” than a valued member of the squad, a sentiment that fuelled a bitter exit marked by disciplinary hearings and accusations of going AWOL. Pirates eventually allowed Modise to leave, with Khoza confirming that the club would not stand in his way, bringing an end to a turbulent chapter at the Soweto…

The honeymoon phase is officially over. Three years into South Africa’s northwards migration, the novelty of the United Rugby Championship and the glamour of the Champions Cup have been replaced by a cold, hard reality check. While we’ve seen some incredible highs – the Stormers’ early URC title and the Bulls’ run to various finals – the European experience has been, let’s be honest, a bit of a rollercoaster. Lately, it’s been the kind of ride that leaves you feeling more bruised than exhilarated. Competing with Europe’s elite in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup isn’t just about showing up with Springbok pedigree and a “never-say-die” attitude; it’s a logistical and tactical puzzle that we haven’t quite solved yet. The most glaring issue is the one we can’t change: geography.…

South Africa walking a diplomatic and economic tightrope after the US House of Representatives approves extension South Africa is walking a diplomatic and economic tightrope as the proposed extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) moves from the US House of Representatives to the Senate, with analysts warning that the country’s full participation in the trade pact is far from guaranteed. The US House this week overwhelmingly approved a bill extending Agoa to 2028, a move welcomed by African exporters but clouded by lingering political tensions between Washington and Pretoria. At the heart of the uncertainty is South Africa’s insistence on maintaining an independent foreign policy, even as it faces growing pressure from the US over its geopolitical positioning and strategic partnerships. Relations have been strained by South…

Primary Health Properties (PHP) will pay out a 40.276 cents (1.825 pence) per share cash first quarterly dividend to its South African shareholders, following a positive rental growth outlook for 2023, the JSE-listed UK-based private healthcare facilities group said Tuesday. The 30th year of consecutive dividend growth had marked a transformational period, with the combination between PHP and Assura successfully delivered, creating a £6 billion healthcare REIT, the company remarked in a trading update for the 12 months to December 31, 2023. Some 60% of £9 million of synergies identified at time of the deal had already been delivered in the 2 months since Competition and Markets Authority clearance, and integration moves forward "at pace", CEO Mark Davies said. Rent reviews generated an additional £8.3m, a 6.8% increase over the…

The release of the matric results is a high-pressure moment for many South African households. While many will be celebrating, some families will be facing the heartbreak of a "did not pass" notification. If your child received the bad news, your home might feel heavy with disappointment, confusion, or even anger. It is important to remember that while this feels like a finality, it is actually just a detour. Here is how you can help your child navigate this difficult time and find a way forward. Manage your own reaction first Before you speak to your child, take a moment to check your own emotions. It is natural to feel worried about their future or even embarrassed by what the neighbours might think. However, your child is likely already feeling…

THE Public Servants Association (PSA) is mulling over hauling the Government Employees’ Medical Scheme (GEMS) to cout for its its decision to increase member contributions by 9.8% this year. The PSA says the increase implemented by GEMS was not agreed upon with the unions at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and that the medical aid scheme merely consults and then implements unilaterally. The union has told its members that it has held numerous meetings to discuss GEMS’ increase, with the last meeting held on December 18. “GEMS had tabled the revised increase from 9.8% to 9.5%, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), which was rejected and sent back for reconsideration. “Sadly, during the meeting of December 18, GEMS reported that, upon…

South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has been ordered to go back to the drawing board after the Supreme Court of Appeal found it had unlawfully hiked levies on service and rest area developers. The ruling overturned a Gauteng High Court ruling that the increased levy was a commercial negotiation rather than administrative action. The court action followed a dispute between the Kasselman Trust and SANRAL over the operation of a filling station. The Trust turned to court after it lost its high court bid against the road agency. It wanted to construct and operate a filling station and rest facilities on the road between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad. Because SANRAL is the registered servitude holder of the road reserve next to that piece of road, the appellants negotiated with SANRAL…

Dewald Brevis never refuses to acknowledge a young fan requesting an autograph. It goes back to when he was just a child with a beaming smile asking his heroes for a moment of their time. But on Monday evening at Centurion, Brevis had to decline for he had an important matter to attend to. “I remember the little kid asked me to sign and I said, wait, I need to take a catch now. And then literally the next ball. So that was quite funny,” Brevis said. It was the first of two outstanding catches that swung the Betway SA20 clash in the Pretoria Capitals’ favour. After already contributing a crucial 34 off 19 balls during an explosive 69-run partnership off just 34 balls with Sherfane Rutherford (53 off 27…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched a thorough investigation into incidents of misconduct that marred the closing moments of two crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final matches. The events unfolded during matches between Cameroon and Morocco and Algeria and Nigeria, prompting concerns about player and official behaviour and the integrity of the tournament. In an official statement, CAF revealed it has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating “potentially unacceptable behaviour” involving players and officials. The football governing body emphasised its commitment to upholding professional conduct at all CAF events and has referred the findings to its Disciplinary Board for a detailed examination, stating it will take swift action if wrongdoing is confirmed. The violation of expected standards became acutely visible after Algeria’s 2-0 loss to…

ADRIAAN Wildschutt wants to set the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10K alight yet again like he did last year, but this time the America-based athlete from Ceres in the Western Cape needs some help. “It wasn’t ideal running alone for most of the race last year,” Wildschutt says of his stellar solo effort which saw him setting a new South African record of 27:28 having led from the 3km mark. His time has since been improved by Maxime Chaumeton who ran a 26:55 in Romania and Wildschutt is now looking to become the first athlete to clock a sub-27 minute 10km on African soil. The fastest verified 10km time on the continent belongs to Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei who ran a 27:16 at the Absa Run Your City Durban 10K…