Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-02 i Mercury

South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.1 billion in April, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) reported on Friday, a decline from the revised R22.6bn surplus in March. The April surplus was driven by exports of R166.2bn and imports of R152.1bn, including trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia (BELN). However, the surplus was lower than the R24.8bn recorded in March, reflecting a month-on-month export decline of R4.3bn (-2.5%) and an import increase of R4.3bn (2.9%). Compared to April 2024, exports fell 4.0% from R173.2bn, while imports dropped 4.2% from R158.8bn. The year-to-date trade surplus (January to April 2025) stood at R39.7bn slightly below the R40.6bn surplus for the same period in 2024. Sars attributed the export decline to reduced shipments of grapes, gold, and…

SA forced to adapt to new challenges as President Trump announces fresh round of import tariffs South Africa must adapt to new challenges as US President Donald Trump announced a fresh round of import tariff hikes of up to 50% on steel and aluminium this week, compounding the effects of April’s 25% increase, according to stakeholders and analysts. The local sector is still grappling with disrupted global supply chains, rising manufacturing costs, and reduced competitiveness for South African automotive products in the US market. Many South African businesses are now exploring alternative markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to reduce reliance on the US. The announcement came as South Africa and other countries trading with the US benefited from a 90-day tariff suspension beyond the 10% base…

When world leaders engage, the assumption is always that they engage on issues based on verified facts, which their administrative staff are supposed to prepare. Under this assumption, we thought the meeting at the White House on 21 May between South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, and US president Donald Trump would follow this pattern. Disappointingly, the televised meeting was horrifying to watch as it was based on misrepresenting the reality of life in South Africa. Issues of agriculture, farming and land (and rural crime) were central to the discussions. What is clear to us as agricultural economists is that the skewed views expressed by Trump about these issues originate in South Africa. This includes Trump’s statement: “But Blacks are not farmers.” In our work as agricultural economists, we have, in…

The JSE had a bumper month and year-to-date. Given all the growing uncertainties on the global and domestic geo-political front, investors and the public expected the worst for the share and foreign exchange markets during the month of May. Given the Trump administration’s chop-and-change announcements in the trade war between the US and other countries, like China, Canada, and European countries, as well as the jittery South Africa/US relations, it was expected by many members of the public that the economy and financial markets would go from better to worse. Table: Various share indices performances since the beginning of 2015 In contrast, share prices on the JSE reached record high levels and their best annual five months since the 2020 Covid-Virus equity downward streak, and all the main indices…

Dis-Chem Pharmacies’ share price slumped 5.5% on Friday despite reporting good annual earnings growth and solid revenue growth for the first quarter to May 27. Group revenue grew by 8.6% for the three months of the new financial year compared with the same time last year, while retail revenue was up 7.8%, supported by the opening of 9 pharmacy stores, with comparable pharmacy store revenue growth at 4.6%, the group said in a statement Friday. It plans to open a further 39 stores this year. Revenue increased 8% to R39.2 billion in the 12 months to February 29, 2025, while headline earnings a share (Heps) was up 20% to 137.5 cents. The final dividend was raised 23.8% to 27.85 cents, bringing the payout for the year 19.9% higher to 54.83…

Absa on Friday announced a strengthened Retail and Business Banking leadership team and operating model to boost its market competitiveness. Christine Wu and Geoffrey Lee, former chief executives for Everyday Banking and the Product Solutions Cluster respectively, have been appointed as interim co-chief executives for the newly formed Retail business. Absa veteran Faisal Mkhize, chief executive for Relationship Banking assumes the role of chief executive for Business Banking. “Today marks the beginning of a new era for Absa with the establishment of the Personal and Private Banking and the Business Banking divisions in South Africa,” said Charles Russon, Absa’s Interim Group CEO. “The strength of our personal and private banking and business banking franchises is integral to our performance as a Group, and this development bolsters a core revenue engine…

For many years, nail trends have been dominated by elaborate nail art, rhinestones, and vibrant colours. However, thanks to the latest “Princess Nails” trend, a refreshing shift is quietly taking place. This latest trend is defined by short, neatly manicured nails with a clear or nude polish finish, channelling understated elegance. Inspired by royal women who traditionally opt for clean, natural nails, “Princess Nails” are capturing the attention of beauty enthusiasts who are embracing a more minimalist aesthetic. The look is being reclaimed by the fashion-forward as a symbol of quiet luxury and timeless beauty. Despite its regal name, the appeal of “Princess Nails” isn’t reserved for royals. The trend is effortlessly chic and incredibly easy to maintain. All you need is a quick file, a clear coat (or maybe…

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane was grilled over the now-withdrawn appointments of chairpersons for the boards of the Sector and Education Training Authorities (SETAs). The questioning came as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts had given MPs a set time to engage in question-and-answer engagements. So intense was the grilling that tempers flared with Nkabane showing irritation and at one point retorting that she was not in a court. MPS criticised Nkabane and SETA's chief director for coordination, Mabuza Ngubane, for glossing over the appointment process, emphasising the criteria that was followed. Nkabane was forced to restart the appointment process following a public outcry over the appointment of ANC members and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, to SETA boards. When questioned, Nkabane stated that she…

Brazen scammers are impersonating Postbank officials and entering the homes of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) social grant beneficiaries in an effort to rob them of their money. This is according to Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako, who urged SASSA social grant beneficiaries using its Black cards and SASSA Gold cards to be wary of the rise in fraud scams targeting their cards and PIN information. “The beneficiaries are then duped into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PIN information under the pretext that there is something that requires fixing on the cards, or fear is instilled in them that they will not receive their future grant payments if they don’t hand over their card’s PIN information,” said Diako. Postbank assured beneficiaries that there is nothing that requires fixing…

WHILE the Constitutional Court has declined leave to a law firm to directly approach the apex court in an urgent bid to overturn a directive introducing mandatory mediation in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, a vehicle accident victim who is also objecting to the directives will take her plight to court. The Durban-based woman, who was left a paraplegic following the accident, will turn to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, later in June to ultimately have the directives issued by the head of the court overturned. She said her accident occurred six years ago and she eventually obtained a court date issued in 2023 for her hearing. Her matter is scheduled to be heard in August this year, but her case is now first subject to arbitration in…

John Plumtree has been involved in rugby in some shape or form for half a century but Saturday’s night’s bizarre ending to the United Rugby Championship quarterfinal against Munster was a first for the Sharks coach. After 100 minutes of tense arm wrestle, the match had to be decided by a soccer-style penalty shoot-out, although the kicks at goal were taken from various points on the field. The match had ended at 24-24 and 20 minutes of extra time could provide no further scoring. Plumtree said that as the second half of extra time was winding down, there was a scramble in the Sharks’ coaching box to find the map of how the kicks would be taken. There was also the shrewd decision to get young Bradley Davids onto the…

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says it will be important for the team to win their final Three Nations match against Zambia on Tuesday as they continue preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Banyana started the tournament on a high, beating neighbours Botswana 3–2 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday. It was a patchy display, though, as they went into the break 3–1 up, only to concede another goal in the second half, making for a nervy finish. Ellis knows that mistakes are part and parcel of football, and that’s why she won’t be hard on the players if they make errors at this stage of the build-up to WAFCON. Banyana will need to produce a sterling campaign in Morocco, where they will head as…

Shares in Santova, the JSE-listed international supply chain solutions group, surged over 9% on Friday after after it had acquired 100% of The Seabourne Group, a logistics provider across the UK and Europe, for about R417.7 million. Santova’s share traded 9.33% higher to close at R8.20 on the JSE on Friday. The Seabourne Group has nine offices and warehouses in the UK, Netherlands, and France. Its services include Customs Clearing & Freight Forwarding, fulfilment centres, and boutique services such as in the publishing sector, mainly in subscription magazines. Santova is already represented in 11 countries through its offices in South Africa, Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Netherlands, Singapore, UK, US, and Vietnam. Santova’s directors owned 21.05% of the group shares as of February 28, 2025, and there were no…

In a play on its "Phanda Phusha Play" slogan, Ithuba Lottery has introduced "No Pause, Just Play" as it confirmed a 12-month temporary extension of its operating licence, while the incumbent licence holder, Sizekhaya, prepares to put systems in place. In a statement yesterday, Ithuba said that after careful consideration and prioritising the interests of South Africans, it had reached an agreement with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition and the National Lotteries Commission to operate the South African National Lottery, ensuring its ongoing contribution to good causes. "As a proudly 100% black-owned South African operator, Ithuba remains steadfast in its commitment to operating the National Lottery with integrity, transparency, and for the benefit of South Africans. Participants can rest assured that all games, draws, and prize payouts will…

Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec has been named the preferred bidder for the 123 MW/492 MWh Haru Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in South Africa by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, as part of the third bid window of the country’s Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. Under a 15-year agreement, Scatec will receive payments for providing storage capacity to the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), which will use the capacity to stabilise the national grid. The project, with an estimated capital expenditure of R2.2 billion, will be financed through 90% non-recourse project debt and 10% equity from the owners. Scatec’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts account for approximately 80% of the total capex. “This award strengthens our position as a leading…

The story of the lamb and the lion bears testimony in today’s experience of water runs upstream. The poor contribute continuously to the wealth of the rich, and are surprised by the unexplained riches of the rich against the wretchedness of the poverty in which they languish. Water continues to run upstream instead of downstream. Nothing ever trickles, let alone down under the trickledown economy of neoliberals. It only floods upwards away from the poor. When the story of the lamb and the lion was told under kerosene lamp to enthused youth with soot packed nostrils and mealie pap filled gums decades before Milton Friedman market fundamentalism of the Chicago School indeed were prophesy accomplished in their life time. Decades later visited by crimson red gums with a dispersion of…

JSE-listed black-owned ICT company AYO Technology Solutions, which has received an offer from Sekunjalo Investments to acquire all its shares, said Friday its full-year results are expected to show a meaningful reduction in losses compared to the loss reported for the first half. AYO’s results for the six months to February 28 showed a resilient performance under difficult conditions, and the company was on track with a clear path toward significantly reducing losses compared to the prior full year, its directors said Friday evening. Revenue fell by 23% mainly due to the absence of one-time contracts from the previous year, as well as the unwinding of certain contracts that had contributed to prior-year revenue, but were not repeated. On a positive note, the cost of sales fell 24%, in line…

Olorato Mongale, the 30-year-old former Wits student who was killed after going on a date last Sunday, has been described by her family as a fighter who fought to the end of her life. This is how her mother, Basetsana Mongale, described her daughter as she paid her last respects during an emotional send off as scores of mourners, including friends, relatives and community members gathered at the Bloemfontein City Hall for her funeral on Sunday. Last week police named three suspects linked to the killing as Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu. On Friday, Makhanya shot at police, who returned fire and killed him at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti while Ngubane was cleared in the investigation after police established that he had also been a victim…

A SMALL batch of Afrikaners quietly arrived in the US on Friday as part of President Donald Trump’s offer to resettle them amidst false claims of white genocide and persecution in South Africa. There are 8 000 applications for resettlement which will be processed within the next few months, according to Jaco Kleynhans, head of Public Relations for trade union Solidarity. Last month the first group of more than 49 white South African Afrikaners landed in the United States after a private plane was chartered for them. This after Trump in February issued an executive order where Washington cited the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 as one that enables the persecution of Afrikaners. Kleynhans said the second group departed on a commercial flight on Thursday and landed in Atlanta in…

A Muslim man who was imprisoned in Chad on grounds of his sexual orientation and fled to South Africa after he was released, as he feared persecution, turned to court after home affairs officials here refused to grant him refugee status. The man, only identified as MA, on Friday headed to the urgent court at the Western Cape High Court, where he obtained a lifeline. He asked that the decision by the Refugee Status Determination Officer, in refusing his refugee status, be overturned. Judge Gayaat da Silva-Salie ordered that his application for asylum status had to be heard afresh by another officer. The judge remarked that the reasons given by the officer for refusing his application were nonsensical. MA fled to South Africa to join his lover, a doctor working…

The popular cliché ‘all roads lead to...’ is often misused. For once, though, there will be some truth to it this week, as KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Pietermaritzburg and Durban become the destination of many. So here it goes: “All roads will lead down the N3 south this week” as runners make their way to the 98th running of the world-famous Comrades Marathon. It is an annual pilgrimage that brings together people from all walks of life to tackle arguably the most gruelling road race in the world – the approximately 90km run between KZN’s two biggest cities. This year’s race will be run from the capital city, Pietermaritzburg, down to the commercial hub of Durban, with the biggest question on Comrades enthusiasts’ minds no doubt being whether the flying Dutchman, Piet…

After the Bulls had beaten Edinburgh and before the Sharks had kicked off against Munster, Jake White was asked which team he would prefer to play in this week’s semi-final. “I do have a preference,” the Bulls coach said. “If I wear my commercial hat, I want the Sharks to come to Loftus because we will get a full house. “If I am wearing my other hat, I wouldn’t mind playing Munster. I suppose I am talking myself into a corner here. What I am trying to say is that you have to beat whoever comes here if you think you are good enough to win this competition.” White has his wish. It is the Sharks, and Loftus will almost certainly sell out – not just because it is a…

James Moloi is ready to hit the ground running after retaining his position as president of Athletics South Africa (ASA) at the national federation’s quadrennial general meeting in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday. Moloi received the majority of votes from ASA members and will now lead the association for a second four-year term. Among his challengers was former president Aleck Skhosana. “I’m thankful for the support shown by the council, which shows that we’ve done well over the last four years, and now I’m going to do my level best to uplift the sport even further and bring more events to South Africa,” Moloi said afterwards. He immediately outlined several key focus areas for himself and the new board, including stabilising the federation administratively and attracting more sponsors to the…

ACTOM has invested R32 million in a cutting-edge industrial fan manufacturing plant in Driehoek, Germiston, marking a significant step toward advancing South Africa’s industrial capabilities. The facility was officially opened by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, who hailed it as a milestone in the country’s reindustrialization efforts. “This investment repositions South Africa as a globally competitive industrial economy, rooted in localization, innovation, and sustainability,” Tau said during the opening ceremony. “ACTOM’s commitment demonstrates how strategic government procurement, aligned with industrial policy, can drive tangible economic growth. This facility is not just a vote of confidence in our economy—it’s a bold leap toward building the energy and industrial infrastructure we need.” Tau further said the plant will manufacture large-scale industrial fans essential for key sectors such as energy,…

In a few weeks, Cosatu along with many other South Africans celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter drafted at the historic Congress of the People in Kliptown by the African National Congress led Alliance. This visionary document, that declared boldy, that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, provided the foundation for our internationally respected Constitution and much of what government seeks to achieve. A discussion needs to be held on whether the South African National Defence Force is able to fulfill its constitutionally mandated role today of defending the Constitution? The worrying answer that has been appearing over many years is that it may struggle. All nations require the capacity to defend themselves not only from other nations’ governments’ adventurism but increasingly from non-state threats.…

South African investment holding company Huge Group is positioning itself for long-term growth, despite the challenging economic and political landscape, it said in its annual report released on Friday. With assets under management of R1.463 billion for 2024, the company is actively refining its investment strategy, focusing on ecosystems and technology enablement. Its investment portfolio companies comprise: n Huge TNS is a network enabler offering a comprehensive suite of data, voice, and network services, along with ICT hardware solutions for corporate businesses, small and medium enterprises (SMME) and small home offices. n Huge Connect recently embarked on a process of pivoting the business to incorporate a much broader, full-service IoT proposition for enterprise and SMME clients. n Huge Distribution is a customer-centered, channel-only telecoms and renewable energy solutions distributor serving…

VIRGINITY testing for girls under the age of 16 has resurfaced as a contentious issue after the cultural rights commission issued a directive prohibiting the practice for that age group — a move that has drawn strong opposition from Zulu traditionalists. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva met Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga last week and directed that the testing of maidens below 16 years of age was illegal and should be stopped; however, culturists have vowed to defy this order. Dr Nomagugu Ngobese, the founder of Nombukhubulwane Institute, a cultural body advocating for the preservation of African cultural practice said the practice will continue and will not be stopped. Ngobese said the practice has helped…

Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, officially retired yesterday after 41 years of service in the police. The SAPS Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI-Hawks) held a legacy report briefing for the outgoing national head in Pretoria on Saturday. Lebeya reflected on his tenure at the helm of the DPCI from 2018 to 2025 and recommended that part of the improvement plan for the SAPS should include: Work on capacitation of the DPCI to achieve 100% human resource capacity. Work on the implementation of the remaining provisions of the SAPS Act. Work on the acquisition of office accommodation for the personnel. Continue to work on the acquisition of modern tools of trade. Continue to build the DPCI to be a criminal investigative elite unit of South Africa.…

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane squared off against each other over the pass rate in matric, with the former insisting on the need to strengthen the foundation phase rather than obsessing over the outcomes in the final school year. This played out during a question and answer session in the National Assembly. Maimane asked when Gwarube envisaged establishing the consultative forum she promised last year to undertake a fundamental review of the school curriculum, including reforming the 30% pass mark. The question was on revising the so-called 30% pass rate in matric — Maimane’s party has been championing this issue, saying the current pass rate is not a true reflection of the actual results. In her response, Gwarube said matriculants are not…

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued an update following the recall of certain Chevrolet vehicles and Honda motorcycles due to potentially dangerous defects. Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd., the supplier for Chevrolet, has recalled three vehicle models, the Cruze, Aveo and Orlando, manufactured and sold nationally between 2010 and 2018. The company says the issue lies in the airbag system. According to Stellantis, “the propellant inside the driver’s airbag may experience alterations over time, which may cause it to generate gas faster than it was designed when the airbag inflator is deployed during a crash.” This could pose a serious safety risk to drivers in the event of a collision. The NCC has urged all affected consumers to take immediate action. “Consumers must visit the nearest authorised dealership for…

Service providers contracted to feed KwaZulu-Natal schoolchildren have warned that some schools will not receive food deliveries today, due to non-payment of invoices by the provincial Department of Education. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers Association says many of its members have not been paid for April and earlier invoices despite submitting all necessary documentation, and the department has offered no formal communication or explanation for the delay. The issue of payments, either not being made or being late, have been a challenge since the start of the school year. Last month, the payment issues was also raised by the services providers. The KZN education department admitted that there had been some service providers who were not paid and said this was due to system errors. NSNP association…

Paris Saint-Germain teenager Desire Doue, who wasn’t even guaranteed a place in the starting XI, exploded onto the world stage on Saturday night with a dazzling performance in the Uefa Champions League final. The 19-year-old delivered a goal-laden performance, netting twice and providing a sublime assist as PSG thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 at Munich’s Allianz Arena. Doue, who turns 20 on Tuesday, had been considered a squad option throughout the campaign, but seized his chance on the biggest stage of all – turning in a performance that instantly elevated him from rising talent to overnight superstar. “He is reaping the rewards of his hard work,” said coach Luis Enrique, in the build-up to the final. “He will continue to grow. He’s at the right club for his development.” Enrique’s decision…

PYRAMIDS (2) 2 Mayele 23’, Samy 56’ MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (0) 1 Rayners 75’ Pyramids won 3-2 on aggregate It was a case of ‘so close, yet so far’ for Mamelodi Sundowns as they missed out on the CAF Champions League crown after losing 3–2 on aggregate to Pyramids in the final. Sundowns lost 2–1 in the second leg at 30 June Stadium last night, courtesy of goals from Fiston Mayele and Ahmed Samy, having drawn 1–1 in the first leg at home, Loftus Versfeld. The Brazilians were their own worst enemies in Cairo, conceding both goals through avoidable errors in each half. Mayele capitalised on a poor clearance by Grant Kekana in the first half, pouncing inside the box to unleash a low-driven strike past the goalkeeper. The DRC-born striker…

Triple-defending Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek battled into the quarter-finals of the French Open yesterday overcoming a bruising first-set loss to eventually defeat former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina. The four-time holder of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen displayed great resilience to win 1–6, 6–3, 7–5 in two hours and 29 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. Swiatek will next face Elina Svitolina for a place in the semi-finals, after the Ukrainian earlier saved three match points to eliminate last year’s runner-up, Jasmine Paolini. After winning Roland Garros last year to complete a remarkable treble of clay-court victories in Madrid, Rome, and Paris, the Pole’s turbulent 2025 season looked set to hit a new low as she found herself a set and a break down against the 12th-seeded Kazakh. Following early exits at…

WHILE all the attention focused on Zakithi Nene’s blistering world lead of 43.76 to take gold in the 400m at at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on Saturday, there were also podium fin- ishes for Bayanda Walaza in the 100m and Shaun Maswanganyi in the men’s 200m contest. The achievements marked another stellar weekend for South African sprinters. Nene was the best of the SA athletes on the international track and field circuit this weekend. He became the second SA athlete to run under 44 seconds over the one-lap distance after world record holder Wayde van Niekerk. Nene finished well clear of Nigerian athlete Chidi Okezie, who took second place in 44.98. All eyes will be on the one-lap star as he heads for the Rome Diamond League meeting,…