Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-09 i Mercury

Renewable energy sector project in limbo due to President Trump’s Executive Orders The establishment of the Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS) project, an initiative aimed at revolutionising South Africa’s renewable energy sector, is currently in limbo due to a significant funding shortfall. Yunus Hoosen, head of Invest South Africa (InvestSA), disclosed to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry on Wednesday that the project was seeking an additional R60 million to continue its rollout across all provinces. The setback follows the withdrawal of funding from the United States under former President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders. "We have done the functional specs. We have been funded by donor agencies. We lost a little bit of funding from the US but we continue to talk to a number of other donors…

Manufacturing output in South Africa is facing a challenging start to 2025, with output continuing to decline and showing signs of deeper economic troubles. The sector continued on its downward spiral in March, ending the first quarter of 2025 on the backfoot and likely to negatively contribute to the quarter’s gross domestic product (GDP) print. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday showed that manufacturing production fell by 0.8% year-on-year in March, following a 3.2% slump in February. This marked the eighth consecutive month of annual contraction and the fifth consecutive month of declines in industrial activity, although it was the mildest in the sequence. Nicolai Klaassen, director of industry statistics at StatsSA said four of the 10 manufacturing divisions recorded lower production levels, with the petroleum, chemical…

Prosus, a subsidiary of Naspers listed on the JSE and Amsterdam stock exchanges, reported robust growth in revenue and profitability for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, said the CEO, Frabricio Bloisi. Speaking to shareholders on Thursday ahead of the detailed results release scheduled for June, Bloisi outlined the company's ambitious trajectory and strategic focus to solidify its position as a leading global technology company. Prosus, known for its expansive portfolio of investments across 100 firms worldwide, is on a mission to establish the leading lifestyle e-commerce company in Europe, India, and Latin America. This vision aligns with Bloisi's earlier commitment, made on October 1, 2024, to achieve an adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (aEBIT) of $400 million for its e-commerce vertical in the financial year 2025—a goal…

The former acting director of public prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, who has been practising as an advocate in his private capacity for a number of years, will be representing all five men accused of killing South African rapper Kiernan AKA Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. Advocate Lawrence Gcaba, the KZN deputy director of public prosecutions, revealed this yesterday at the Durban High Court. Forbes and Motsoane were shot and killed outside Wish restaurant in Florida Road, Durban, on February 10, 2023. The five accused, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, made a brief appearance in court. They are charged with two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, five counts of attempted murder, two…

Despite being defeated by the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in three recent by-elections in KwaZulu-Natal, the ANC national leadership said it still has confidence in the reconfigured provincial body led by Jeff Radebe and Mike Mabuyakhulu. Speaking on the sidelines of his meeting with the provincial leadership in Durban yesterday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said although the party is concerned that former president Jacob Zuma’s party snatched three wards from them in the recent by-elections, it was not a train smash as the ANC managed to win a ward from the IFP and retained some of its wards. “The situation is fluid. There is no complete erosion of the ANC support in these recent by-elections because while we lost some, we have won others. Despite by-elections losses, the comrades led…

IN A landmark victory, the Constitutional Court has handed down a ruling allowing for the creation of accessible format copies for the blind like Braille of copyrighted works without needing permission from the copyright holder. “This will allow blind people to have better access to published work so that it can improve our education and access to reading and material and thereby improve our participation in the economy and the country. For the last 20 years we’ve been trying to advocate for the exceptions in legislation,” said BlindSA CEO Jace Nair. The case centred on the President not signing the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) by September 2024, which left blind people without a legal exception to access copies of copyrighted material in accessible formats without seeking permission from the copyright…

Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has defended the new regulation mandating that individuals disclose their race and gender when dealing with property transfers in the country. Nyhontso reassured parliamentarians that the regulation, which will be used for statistical and land audit purposes, would not be used to discriminate against any race. “This regulation is going to be used to understand who owns the land, so that we are able to audit the land in this country. “By the way, even if you are buying a car, even if you are in the bank, you still have a form. Even if you are at the Office of Home Affairs, you are asked this question. Are you an African? Are you white? Are you Indian?,” he said. Nyhontso said…

When it was first introduced just before the turn of the century (yes, that long ago), the BMW X5 set the standard for large luxury SUVs and, in fact, some consider it the pivotal model in the category. I know, I’ve said some unflattering things about SUVs in general, and I still maintain that a sedan or coupe will always be more attractive than any SUV but the buying public seem to disagree. The list of sedan cars that have stopped production continues to grow, and as quickly as they disappear, another SUV pops up. You only have to look at the continuing entry of new Chinese models, and virtually every one of them is an SUV. Which brings us behind the wheel of the BMW X5, or to be…

With a blend of tactical nous and spirited execution, Kaizer Chiefs have a chance to reshape their Soweto derby narrative this weekend by turning the tide in this storied rivalry. Beyond the usual bragging rights accompanying this high-stakes match, tomorrow’s Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (3.30pm kick-off) brings an additional layer of urgency. The Nedbank Cup championship is on the line, and a golden opportunity for the Amakhosi to claim that elusive silverware for the first time in a decade. It will be an uphill battle to clinch a victory, but certain strategies will be pivotal to propel Chiefs to a win over their age-old rivals, Orlando Pirates... 1 Set-pieces, the Achilles’ heel of Pirates This season, Premiership teams have been carefully analysing their opponents,…

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is not entertaining any talk of personal glory as his side prepares to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow. The Spaniard, who joined Pirates in 2022, has led the Soweto giants to five trophies in less than three years – three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups – and could add a sixth this weekend. A win would also make it three Nedbank Cup titles in a row under his leadership, an unprecedented feat in South African football. However, Riveiro has made it clear that the focus is not on individual achievements. “Yes, we want to win it once again, but not because of Riveiro,” he said. “There is nothing more special with this one than there was…

Arsenal fell short on the big stage again as their painful Champions League semi-final exit against Paris Saint-Germain left Mikel Arteta to rue his club’s failure to provide him with enough attacking options. Arteta’s side were unable to reach the Champions League for the first time in 19 years as PSG clinched a tense 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. Trailing 1-0 from last week’s first leg in north London, the Gunners made a blistering start to the second leg, but couldn’t convert their chances as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s superb saves inspired PSG’s 3-1 aggregate victory. Arsenal were punished for those misses when Fabian Ruiz struck in the 27th minute, before Achraf Hakimi’s clinical finish in the 72nd minute put PSG on course for the final against Inter…

ORLANDO Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi might as well have been playing mind games on Wednesday when he downplayed his side’s favourites’ tag. But the reality is that the Buccaneers are under more pressure to win the Nedbank Cup than arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. The much-anticipated high-stakes battle of the last silverware of the eventful 2024/2025 season will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, starting at 3.30pm. Chiefs have had another poor season, and since they have not beaten Pirates under the tutelage of outgoing Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, only serious optimists would expect them to win on Saturday. Pirates on the other hand, have had a great campaign, winning the MTN8 for a third time running, reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, chasing…

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has named five companies as preferred bidders for the development of liquid bulk and green fuel terminals in the South Dunes Precinct of the Port of Richards Bay. With the project valuing approximately R17 billion, this venture marks a substantial expansion of the port's liquid bulk handling capacity, while also propelling the nation towards a more sustainable energy future. Following a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on 6 December 2023, TNPA on Thursday said it has awarded preferred bidder status to KZN Oils, Linsen Nambi, Protank, Bidvest/Mnambithi Consortium, and KNGM Engineering. This ambitious project encompasses funding, design, development, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual transfer of liquid bulk terminals over a 25-year concession period. Terminal designs will enable the handling of a range of essential petrochemical…

The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced another pause in rate cuts and warned of higher risks to its inflation and unemployment goals in a likely reference to President Donald Trump's tariff rollout. Policymakers voted unanimously to hold the US central bank's key lending rate at between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent, the Fed said in a statement. Speaking to reporters in Washington after the decision was published, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said there was "a great deal of uncertainty" about where the Trump administration's tariff policies will end up. The US president introduced steep levies last month on China and lower "baseline" levies of 10 percent on goods from most other countries, sparking weeks of turbulence in the financial markets. The White House also slapped higher tariffs on dozens…

Longer than expected maintenance shutdowns at two South African pulp mills and an uncertain global economy saw global paper and packaging group Sappi sink into a loss in the second quarter. The loss for the three months to March 31 came to $20 million versus a profit of $29m in the quarter to end March last year. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was $107m versus $180m in the same period in 2024. “Challenging market conditions across all segments were driven by heightened uncertainty from potential global trade tensions and a broader economic slowdown, which placed downward pressure on selling prices,” CEO Steve Binnie said in an interview with BR. The forestry fair value price for the quarter was a R307m loss adjustment. Nevertheless, year-on-year sales volumes…

Sustainable packaging and paper group Mondi’s share price gained 2.6% on Thursday after it reported higher sales volumes, good cost control, and fewer planned maintenance shuts in the three months to the end of March. The share price traded at R218.22 on the JSE in the afternoon, a price well down from R368.37 that it traded at a year before. The group said in a first quarter to end-March 31 trading update that average selling prices were lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the first quarter was €290 million, including a forestry fair value gain of €2m (Q4 2024: €261m including a forestry fair value loss of €27m). In Corrugated Packaging and Flexible Packaging, stronger order books drove…

A senior member of the EFF has confirmed that party leader Julius Malema and others are not planning to withdraw their visa applications to visit the UK, after a party delegation was not provided with visas to attend a conference at Cambridge University this weekend. Malema and other party members were invited by the African Society of Cambridge to speak at the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference but could not leave OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg as their visas did not arrive in time. Taking to X, Malema said he was at the airport when he received a letter, four hours before his departure, informing him he had been denied a visa. “The British authorities have denied me a visa to London for the Cambridge Conference this weekend,…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says resources have been mobilised to plug the gap caused by the withdrawal of US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) funding. Responding to questions during the question session in the National Assembly, Mashatile said the government was taking measures to prevent the negative impact of the withdrawal of the US funding. He noted that the UNAid and other partners have indicated the funding withdrawal without adequate replacement could lead to a significant increase in HIV-related deaths and new infections over the next decade. “The abrupt withdrawal of the funding has resulted already in job losses and a negative impact on the national response to HIV, TB and sexually transmitted infections.” Mashatile said Science, Technology and Innovation minister Blade Nzimande has announced the establishment of…

The Umbilo Business Association (UBA) is concerned about the repercussions that the removal of homeless people and drug addicts from Albert Park will have on the surrounding businesses and residential areas. The eThekwini Municipality recently conducted a clean-up operation of the eyesore Albert Park and fenced off the area so that residents could reclaim the park and put it to good use. Drug addicts and homeless people had created makeshift shelters in the park - a problem that the municipality has been grappling with for more than a decade. Ian Campbell-Gillies, a representative of the Umbilo Business Association, said that over many years the SAPS and Metro pursued an "unconscionable policy of chasing homeless/addicted/ criminal communities from one part of Durban to another". “It was not entirely their fault; the…

As Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday, the naturalist marks the occasion not with reflection, but with action, launching what he considers one of the most important films of his long and influential career. The new cinema-length documentary Ocean explores the role the seas play in sustaining life on Earth and highlights their current state of peril. For Attenborough, the message is clear: if humanity hopes to combat climate change and protect biodiversity, the battle must begin beneath the waves. “After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,” he said. Ocean, which premiered at London’s Royal Festival Hall with King Charles III in attendance, brings into focus the damage caused by industrial fishing, especially…

Residents in KwaZulu-Natal appear to have positive sentiment regarding the work being done by the police, with KZN police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi describing this as an encouraging sign. Mkhwanazi was speaking during a media briefing this week on the state of policing in the province. The police boss held a meeting with police commanders and commissioned officers on their performance in the past financial year and to chart the way forward. Mkhwanazi said it was encouraging that the mood seemed to be positive among community members regarding the work police were doing in the province. He said public sentiment on social media largely favours police and when crime issues are discussed online, KZN police received positive mentions. Mkhwanazi said client satisfaction is a reliable tool to gauge their…

It’s a new car, a new track and a new challenge when the Toyota GR Cup heads into the third round of the National Extreme Festival at the Aldo Scribante Race Circuit in Gqeberha this weekend. The Toyota GR Cup Media Challenge manual GR Yaris’ have been put out to pasture after three seasons and two races in the current season, which means we’ll be behind the wheel of the updated and more powerful Toyota GR Yaris. First view It will be the first time the new versions will be seen in South Africa because they haven’t officially been launched locally. The first batch of six was scooped up by Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) to make our stripped-out racing cars. Our outgoing track weapons produced 198kW and 360Nm…

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze says the team is comfortable with the underdog label ahead of tomorrow’s Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates. . The Nedbank Cup final kicks off at 3.30pm tomorrow and will be played in front of a sold-out crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. With Pirates currently on a five-game winning streak in the Soweto Derby, all the anticipation for the Sea Robbers to make it a sixth win in a row. Kaze, however, has embraced his team not being given a chance. “I’m very happy to come into this game as an underdog,” Kaze told the media in Durban on Wednesday. “And we know what are our chances, we played them not long ago. We feel it is a privilege to play them…

Sharks coach John Plumtree is without Springboks Ox Nche, Lukhanyo Am, Jordan Hendrikse and Grant Williams for tonight’s United Rugby Championship clash with the Ospreys in Durban (7pm kickoff), but the good news is they that they are expected back soon. The Sharks host the Scarlets next week, and if they win these two home games against the touring Welsh sides, they will bank a home quarter-final, possibly against local rivals, the Stormers. Before the playoffs there is the second Springbok alignment camp of the year, and Plumtree feels this should provide a gap for his injured Boks to recover for the quarter-finals. Scrumhalf Williams is nursing a neck complaint, flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse has a sore back, centre Am has a knee issue, and loosehead prop Nche has the flu.…

South African teenage prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ amazing season has just got wilder after he was signed up to the Indian Premier League on Thursday. The 19-year-old was called up by the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Nitish Rana, who will miss the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to injury. Pretorius has taken the cricketing world by storm over the last 12 months, particularly during his debut season in the Betway SA20, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer in Season 3. The young Paarl Royals batter amassed an impressive 397 runs at a breath-taking strike rate of over 166.81. His performance included four half-centuries, with an outstanding top score of 97 on debut. “It’s a real dream come true. I’m just trying to be…

Analysts are warning that the economic ramifications of rising military tensions between India and Pakistan could extend far beyond South Asia, impacting nations like South Africa that count India among their top trading partners. Earlier this week, India's Ministry of Defence announced the launch of Operation Sindoor, targeting nine alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This military action was framed by Indian authorities as a direct response to the tragic deaths of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, attributed to alleged terrorist attacks on 22 April. In retaliation, the Indian military has reported increased firing from Pakistan on its northern and western borders. Given the deep interdependencies forged through trade and partnerships, particularly within BRICS—a coalition that includes both countries—these escalating tensions are raising eyebrows among economic experts in…

The ability of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) to successfully meet its R12 billion tender commitment to the Durban port has been underscored by its recently announced financial results for the quarter ending 31 March. The company posted revenue from operations of $745 million (R1.3 billion) – a 17% increase year on year. The results highlight its financial muscle and ability to operate South Africa’s largest container port in partnership with Transnet and to help unlock South Africa’s economic potential. In an affidavit filed at the Durban High court, Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips also admitted “ICTSI plainly had and continues to have the necessary financial capacity.” Yet the partnership between ICTSI and Transnet has been delayed by losing bidder Maersk who have stalled the process by pursuing a spurious…

KAL Group, the JSE-listed agri, fuel and convenience speciality retailer reported a steady performance in the six months to March 31, with earnings only marginally lower, and it has predicted a stronger performance in the second half. It generated R557.1 million in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), a decline of 2.1% over the first half of last year, while R440.6m in pre-tax profit (PBT) was lower by 3.9%. However, the interim dividend was raised to 56 cents a share from 54 cents in 2024 – reflecting business confidence and a commitment to shareholder returns. “KAL Group has grown tenfold over the past 14 years. To put it in perspective – fourteen years ago, we made just 10% of what we’ve reported this half. That kind of growth,…

Grocery retailer OK Zimbabwe Ltd's majority shareholders have agreed to back a $30 million rights issue to cover a "funding gap" and stabilise the company's financial position, its chief executive said." Most of the top five shareholders have indicated interest in following their rights," CEO Willard Zireva told Reuters on Wednesday. Earlier this month, the company announced a capital-raising plan including a rights issue, the private placement of shares, and debt instruments to strengthen its balance sheet, liquidity, and support a strategic turnaround plan. It rehired Zireva as CEO earlier this year to lead the turnaround after he retired more than seven years ago. Previously, also as CEO, he had led the group through Zimbabwe's tumultuous hyperinflation era of 2008. OK Zimbabwe has been facing competition from smaller businesses amid…

LEGAL experts have warned that a call by the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) for the implementation of lifestyle audits for judges could insinuate illegal conduct by judicial officers and possibly undermine their rulings. Non-governmental organisations in the legal sphere, political parties, and legal experts have argued that there are already proper channels to raise concerns about judges without impugning their character, emphasising that any allegations must be substantiated. This reaction follows the MKP’s statement on Wednesday, calling for a lifestyle audit for judges. The party is disgruntled by several court judgments that it believes do not make sense and indicate that the judges may not be serving the South African public but rather other interests due to inducements. MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said they have been concerned for some time…

Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States yesterday, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Tens of thousands of people packed in St Peter’s Square cheered as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. White smoke from the Sistine Chapel had billowed into the sky on the cardinals’ second day of voting to announce his election in a secret conclave, while the bells of St Peter’s Basilica and churches across Rome rang out. Crowds of people rushed towards the square to watch the balcony of the basilica, which has been fitted out with red curtains for the first address to the world by the 267th pope. The new pontiff, who…

Nearly six months after the Constitutional Court heard the landmark ‘Please Call Me’ case involving inventor Nkosana Makate and Vodacom, there is still no indication on when the apex court will hand down its judgment. The case has seen numerous legal battles and spans over 25 years. Speaking yesterday, the #PleaseCallMe Movement, which has championed Makate’s cause, expressed alarm at the protracted wait. “Justice delayed is justice denied. We believe that every individual deserves timely justice, especially after such a lengthy journey,” it said. According to the movement, Makate’s legal battle has seen multiple victories across South African courts. “He has secured nine judgments in his favour, including three from the Constitutional Court – the highest court in the land. Notably, a 2016 order criticised Vodacom and its executives. Despite…

Eastern Cape police have arrested one of their own – a 48-year-old police officer stationed at SAPS Kabega Park for charges of fraud and money laundering linked to a case. The woman was arrested at the Kabega Park Police Station on Wednesday. Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobantu Gantana said the officer will appear at the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court. Another Eastern Cape police officer, stationed at Hogsback police station, was arrested for allegedly shooting her boyfriend following an argument in Alice. “During the altercation, it is alleged that the suspect drew her official firearm and fired a single shot, fatally wounding her boyfriend,” Gantana said. “A murder case has been registered and referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation as required by law in cases involving police…

Ford South Africa has lifted the cover off the new Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) Rally-Raid Championship Ranger for the 2025 season with a new livery and also renewed their partnership with Castrol EDGE lubricants. “Motorsport is one of our key brand-building pillars for the Ford Ranger, emphasising this proudly South African-built bakkie’s exceptional capabilities, quality and reliability, along with its ongoing sales success in the popular double-cab segment. "It captures the essence of our Live the Ranger Life brand proposition that embodies living without limits, driving innovation and technology, and embracing Ford’s community of passionate Ranger owners in South Africa,” said Tarryn Knight, general manager of marketing at Ford South Africa. “For Castrol, the 2025 season reunites this legendary lubricants brand with NWM at the highest level of rally-raid competition.…

When US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that China’s economy could lose “five to 10 million jobs” due to new tariffs, the headline predictably grabbed global attention. “The onus is on Beijing,” he added, laying the blame for de-escalation squarely at China’s doorstep. But such rhetoric, laced with provocation, ignores both the history and the present reality of US-China trade relations. More crucially, for countries like South Africa watching this power play unfold, Bessent’s remarks reveal not strength, but a strategic miscalculation: the assumption that China is cornered. The reality is quite different. China is not just enduring the storm – it is actively transforming it into a catalyst for growth and global integration. While Bessent frames tariffs as a hammer, China has chosen to wield them as a chisel,…

Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has downplayed the significance of his team’s recent dominance over Kaizer Chiefs, insisting that their focus is squarely on the performance required in tomorrow’s Nedbank Cup final. The Soweto giants meet in a sold-out clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off set for 3.30pm. This will be the second cup final for the Buccaneers this season, and a chance to complete a treble under coach Jose Riveiro, who is leaving the club at the end of the campaign. A win would mark Pirates’ third consecutive Nedbank Cup title and sixth overall trophy since Riveiro’s arrival in 2022. Despite the momentum favouring Pirates, having defeated Chiefs in both league encounters this season, Xoki insists that past results are irrelevant when it comes to finals.…

Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step toward sealing their eighth consecutive league title after a commanding 3-0 win over Chippa United in their Premiership clash on Wednesday night. The emphatic victory allowed the Brazilians to restore their 12-point lead at the top of the table over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who had earlier edged Golden Arrows 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday. Now just four points away from mathematically securing a record-extending 18th top-flight crown, Sundowns remain firmly on course for a historic season, with the possibility of adding a second CAF Champions League title also still alive. Head coach Miguel Cardoso praised his players’ determination and composure after what marked their 21st win from 25 league outings this season. “Every match that finishes 3-0 looks like flowers were coming…

WHEN Karabo Meso was making her come up in domestic cricket, many assumed that Sinalo Jafta would be under the pump for her spot in the Lions women’s team in domestic cricket, as well as the Proteas Women side. After all, the 17-year-old Meso is a much more skilled batter than the 30-year-old Jafta. As a result, Meso got the nod ahead of the experienced Jafta in the opening two matches of the ongoing Tri-Nation Series against hosts Sri Lanka and India. Asked yesterday if she views Meso as competition for her wicket-keeper batter spot in the national side, Jafta emphasised that they are not fighting it out for a position. The 30-year-old highlighted that her job is to play the supportive role to the 17-year-old as she finds her…