Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-05 i Mercury

Despite issues faced in Africa, there is potential to attract investment from all regions, says Le Pallec S&P Global Ratings has said that the outlook for the country remains positive, during its South Africa Capital Markets Conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday. S&P global experts and industry leaders, engaged in dynamic panel discussions during the conference. Yann Le Pallec, President of S&P Global Ratings, highlighted Africa's potential for growth, particularly in sub-Saharan regions. He projected that the region's real GDP is expected to increase by 4% over the next two years, outperforming advanced economies that are anticipated to grow by a mere 1.5%. "Despite issues faced in African economies, there is potential to attract investment from all regions,” Le Pallec said, emphasising the continent's pivotal role in the global energy transition.…

Amazon South Africa on Wednesday unveiled a major expansion of its product offerings, introducing three new Everyday Essentials categories: Groceries, Pet Food, and Vitamins and Supplements. The move brings thousands of non-perishable food items, pet products, and health supplements to its customers nationwide, with free delivery on Amazon-shipped products. It said the launch addresses high-demand categories since Amazon's entry into South Africa, featuring international brands like Nestlé, Red Bull, and Starbucks alongside local favourites such as Beacon, Simba, and Koo. “We’re thrilled to bring these extensive new categories to our South African customers,” said Robert Koen, Amazon’s managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Groceries, pet supplies, and health supplements have been top customer requests. This expansion underscores our commitment to becoming a one-stop shopping destination with convenience, competitive pricing, and reliable…

South Africa has just nine months to address critical infrastructure, policy, and pricing developments to avert a looming gas cliff, according to discussions between government energy departments, intensive industrial users, and Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy. Industry stakeholders said the country must finalise a fiscal framework, develop a gas-aggregation platform, and conclude transactions to facilitate investment decisions for LNG importation infrastructure by 2030. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Gwede Mantashe noted that the debate surrounding the gas cliff remains fragmented and lacks a cohesive strategy. He pointed to ongoing impediments to the gas sector’s development, which have led to a reliance on imported gas rather than utilising South Africa’s own resources. “The court has directed the Central Energy Fund (CEF) to issue regulations to lift the moratorium…

Venture capital (VC) across South Africa and the broader African continent is entering a period of cautious recovery and renewed opportunity, after two years of contraction and recalibration. After a turbulent period in 2022 and 2023, 2024 was a year of recalibration. Now in 2025, we're seeing signs of resilience and reawakening across African venture capital. The key differentiator has been quality, due to founders who are building real businesses with disciplined capital use, strong unit economics, and scalable platforms. Following a 46% drop in African VC funding in 2023, 2024 showed early signs of stabilisation. According to internal valuation memos from Endeavor’s Harvest Fund II, African equity funding declined just 2% year-on-year in 2024, totalling $2 billion (R36bn). This suggests the market may be bottoming out. Quarter four 2024…

The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) fell by five points to 40 in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting pessimism about trading conditions amid a loss of economic momentum in South Africa . The decline follows a stalled recovery from the first half of 2024, with only 40% of respondents in cyclically sensitive sectors expressing satisfaction with business conditions. The data comes a day after Statistics SA said South Africa's gross domestic product increased by 0.1% in the first quarter of 2025, down from the increase of 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The survey, conducted from May 7 to May 26, 2025, highlighted global trade uncertainties, strained US-South Africa diplomatic relations, and local logistical challenges as key drags on sentiment. "The majority of the respondents are thus…

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s 2025 National Budget has finally been approved following the adoption of the fiscal framework that is the backbone of the budget. This was Godongwana’s third attempt to get the National Budget passed after an outcry over two proposals to increase VAT earlier this year. During a joint meeting with the Standing Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Finance, Members of Parliament adopted the document that establishes economic policy and revenue projections and sets the overall limits for government spending. The process, which took three hours yesterday, was not without its issues, with some members arguing that the process was flawed and that not everyone was able to make their voice heard. Insults also flew, with one member saying that her peers should “learn…

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald is expected to meet with relevant department officials about the three inmates who disappeared at Pollsmoor Juvenile Centre in Cape Town. This comes as the DA is seeking an explanation from the Ministers of Correctional Services and Justice on why the departments failed to implement measures outlined by the court when ordering the detention of the three inmates. The party said it had written to the chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, demanding urgent appearances of both ministers. The DA said that inmates Xolani du Preez, Mikyle Mentoor and Me-Kayle Timmie disappeared at the correctional centre. The three were convicted of various crimes including murder, rape and robbery. They were minors at the time of their arrests. Initially, they were held at…

The Nedbank Running Club’s training group, fondly referred to as The Happy Bunch, are looking to regain their joy at this year’s Comrades Marathon following a forgettable outing in the 2024 Up Run. The 2024 edition of The Ultimate Human Race is sure to be chalked up by the group as an episode in their illustrious Comrades story best forgotten. Save for Dan Matshailwe finishing runner-up and Joseph Manyedi coming in fourth, there were no other gold medals for the group, who are accustomed to dominating the top ten. The duo have since left the group, leaving former champions Edward Mothibi and Tete Dijana, along with multiple gold medallist Johannes Makgetla, to carry the torch – the trio having “seen dust” last year. For reasons still baffling to them, they…

Not so long ago, coach Shukri Conrad found himself with a weakened bowling attack, with Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger out through injury, while Anrich Nortje withdrew from Test cricket during the 2023–25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. However, heading into the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s next week, the coach finds himself with a selection headache. While other quicks were injured during the summer — including Lungi Ngidi, who was unavailable for the home Tests — Dane Paterson grabbed his opportunities with both hands. The 35-year-old took a five-wicket haul in his first Test at home since January 2020, ripping through the Sri Lanka batting line-up at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. In the very next Test match, on Boxing Day at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Paterson claimed…

In every sporting team, a player feels most welcome when they have been handed a nickname that speaks to their character. For his sins, Kyle Verreynne has been dubbed ‘Scholesy’ by his teammates. The reference to the ginger hair is obvious, but what set Manchester United legend Paul Scholes apart from many other midfielders was his ability to step up when it mattered most. The century in the searing heat of Dhaka, Bangladesh, last October, as well as the two half-centuries in tough conditions against a potent Australian attack three years ago, have earned Verreynne the respect of his teammates. At Lord’s, on the ultimate stage of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the Proteas will be looking to their ‘Scholesy’ to rise to the occasion. “It’s Lord’s. It’s an…

McDonald’s South Africa has announced the appointment of Max Oliva as its new CEO, effective July 1, 2025. The news comes three months after Greg Solomon, has mutually parted ways with the fast food giant after 15 years at the helm and McDonald’s South Africa at the time said it was looking for a new CEO. McDonald’s South Africa said in a statement on Wednesday, "Oliva brings more than three decades of executive experience in retail and supply chain management, with a strong track record of delivering operational excellence, building high-performing teams, and driving sustainable growth. “He was selected following a rigorous executive search process aimed at identifying a leader with the vision, discipline, and commercial acumen to guide the business into its next phase of transformation." It said…

The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) has urged the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to immediately resume poultry imports from countries that have declared themselves free of Avian Influenza, in line with World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines. These countries include France (February 4, 2025), Sweden (March 31, 2025), and both Denmark and Belgium (May 23, 2025). The last recorded imports from Denmark were in 2020, when South Africa imported an average of 1 384 metric tons of poultry products per month, including both poultry cuts and mechanically deboned meat (MDM). AMIE on Wednesday also welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to make a determination on a partial lifting of the Brazilian import suspension by the end of this week. This would be based…

Upcoming events that will influence South Africa’s position in a rapidly reshaping global order, and the effect of this reconfiguration on small medium enterprises (SMEs): Budget treads tricky course without cutting expenditure The national budget outlined a programme of continued expenditure propped up by less contentious funding mechanisms than previously tabled. VAT will remain at 15%, providing certainty for SME pricing and cash flow planning after the proposed increase was dropped. In order to make up the shortfall, the general fuel levy will increase by 16 cents per litre for petrol, and by 15c per litre for diesel starting June 4, and the Minister suggested that tax compliance would be a continued area of focus. The fuel levy increases will compound existing cost pressures for SMEs, particularly those in…

Santam, South Africa’s leading short-term insurer, has unveiled a strategic rebranding initiative to consolidate its specialist business units under a single brand, Santam Specialist Solutions (SSS), to streamline operations and strengthen its market presence across Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and other emerging markets. Gareth Beaver, the CEO of Santam Specialist Solutions, described the move as a natural evolution for a portfolio that has grown significantly over time. “Each of these sub-brands has earned a reputation for technical expertise and client insight. Their success stems from a strong partnership with Santam, whose financial stability and national reach have been critical, especially during crises,” Beaver said. The rebranding, effective in quarter four 2025, will unify five specialist units: Emerald Risk Transfer, Mirabilis Engineering Specialists, SHA Risk Specialists, Travel Insurance Consultants, and Vulindlela…

Ninety One’s share price was one of the biggest movers on the JSE Wednesday after it announced an increase in global assets under management by 4% to £130.8 billion (R3.15 trillion) in the year to March 31, buoyed by a stronger second half performance. Full year net outflows for the JSE- and London-listed group that was spun off Investec in 2020 came to £4.9bn, following first half net outflows of £5.3bn and net inflows of £0.4bn in the second half. The share price gained up to 6.7% on the JSE to R41.54 on Wednesday, bringing the year-to-date gain to over 13%. “Ninety One regained positive flow momentum in the second half. Business conditions improved in the final quarter,” founder and CEO Hendrik du Toit said at the release of the…

The Women’s Legal Centre, which is representing the Eastern Cape High Court judge’s secretary, Andiswa Mengo, in her sexual harassment complaint against Judge President Selby Mbenenge, has condemned the recent death threat sent to the court employee. This is after it had been reported that Mengo received a handwritten note left at her desk at court on Friday, with the words “a bullet is waiting for you”. Mengo is still working at the high court. In a statement, the Women’s Legal Centre confirmed that Mengo received a written death threat at her place of work. “We can further confirm that this is not the first threat she has received since filing a complaint of sexual harassment against the Judge President of the Eastern Cape,” the centre said. The Judicial Conduct…

THE National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has called for the removal of legislative red tape when it comes to prosecuting crimes related to captive animals. During a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment this week, national chief inspector and manager of the NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit, Douglas Wolhuter, said that in 2023 they advocated for no permits to be issued to new facilities, for a full audit of the lion farming industry, a moratorium on breeding and for putting an end to lion bone stockpiles. He said that some of the challenges faced were the slow pace of proceedings in the justice system and poor penalties for transgressors. Wolhuter pointed out court cases where the accused were found guilty and sentenced to a R4 000 fine…

The Personal Injury Lawyers Association (Pipla), which represents the interests of lawyers, as well as five claimants against the Road Accident Fund, has lodged a legal challenge against the directive introducing mandatory mediation in the Gauteng Division of the High Court. They will ask the court to declare the directive unconstitutional and invalid. The applicants want an order provisionally interdicting Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo from further implementing the directive until the Constitutional Court has spoken the last word on the subject. Advocate Justin Erasmus, the chairperson of Pipla, said in an affidavit filed with the application that the practice notice is unworkable. In terms of the directive issued by Judge Mlambo from mid-April this year, no trial dates are allocated for civil trials (where evidence is led) without the…

The brutal murder and mutilation of a Gauteng teenager has sparked outrage in the community. Likhona Fose, 14, was brutally murdered in Durban Deep, Roodepoort. Her lifeless body was discovered by a passer-by in the veld in Durban Deep, on the West Rand, with her genitals removed at the weekend. This week, City of Joburg Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu and Executive Strategic Advisor to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety David Tembe visited her family. Reports indicate that the family suspects it was a hate crime, as the Grade 8 pupil identified as a lesbian. Tembe, who faced protesting community members and anti-gender-based violence (GBV) activists during his visit to the area, extended his condolences to the bereaved family, stating, “Her tragic and brutal killing, suspected to…

While Wilco Louw didn’t want to make Saturday’s scrum duel with Ox Nche a two-man battle, the Bulls’ hardman is eager to test himself against the front row of the Sharks in a high-stakes clash. Loftus Versfeld (6.15pm kick-off) will host the second semi-final of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and while the match is already a high-profile one, the scrum battle between the two sides could enhance the clash. Two Springbok front rows will go up against each other in all likelihood with Louw leading the Bulls’ onslaught alongside young Boks hooker Johan Grobbelaar and loosehead prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels. On the side of the Sharks, it’s a veteran front-row with Nche, and double World Cup winners Bongi Mbonambi (hooker) and Vincent Koch (tighthead) probably waiting on the Bulls. According…

An inspired Lois Boisson delighted Roland Garros as the French world No 361 downed Mirra Andreeva yesterday to set up a French Open semi-final against Coco Gauff. Boisson, making her debut at a Grand Slam event, powered her way to a thrilling 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory on a raucous Court Philippe Chatrier to become the first Frenchwoman to reach the semi-finals since Marion Bartoli in 2011. The 22-year-old, who was due to play at last year's French Open but suffered a knee injury the week before the tournament, is the lowest-ranked woman to reach a major semi-final in 40 years. “It was incredible to play in front of this crowd and feel support like that,” said Boisson, after hitting 24 winners past Russian sixth seed Andreeva to follow up her…

Manchester City have agreed a deal with AC Milan for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders — their first major signing of the summer transfer window, reports said yesterday. The deposed Premier League champions are set to pay €55 million (R1.14 billion) for the 26-year-old, who is understood to have agreed a five-year contract, with the formalities yet to be finalised. City hope to complete the deal for the Netherlands international in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which kicks off on 14 June. Reijnders joined AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and scored 15 goals for the Italian club in 2024/25. He will bolster Pep Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. The veteran Belgium international is not expected to be involved…

Critically needed economic growth in Africa is being held back by high borrowing costs imposed by international lenders, with unpredictable US policy changes adding to the strain, the head of the G20 panel on the continent said. Seasoned politician and anti-apartheid activist Trevor Manuel chairs the panel of experts working on proposals to address issues affecting Africa, including high debt, to be presented at a summit of the Group of 20 leading economies in November. African nations are not necessarily more indebted than major economies but they face higher debt servicing costs, Manuel told AFP in an interview. The "unbelievably expensive and prohibitive" cost of capital for African nations has hobbled their development, said Manuel, who served as finance minister in post-apartheid South Africa for more than a decade. "We…

Experts say that a slight decrease in petrol price will create some breathing room for consumers. This follows the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe announcing on Wednesday a 5 cents per litre decrease on both grades of petrol and 36.90 cents per litre decrease on both grades of diesel. Waldo Krugell, an economics professor at the North-West University (NWU), said that consumers are lucky that the slightly stronger rand–dollar exchange rate and stable crude oil price have absorbed the impact of the increase in the fuel levy that came into effect today. “It is not quite relief, but the fact that the price is not going up adds to the little bit of breathing room in household budgets. Last week's repo rate cut will also help.…

Grab your flying drone with the eye of an eagle and a robust pair of Shosholoza gumboots, because South Africa’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are once again marching through the African financial jungle in search of the elusive Goose that lays legendary Kruger Rands. Having wrapped up May with a modest 0.25% reduction in repo rates from our responsible uncle, the Reserve Bank, Governor Lesetja “Data Dependent” Kganyago, we also acknowledge the release of the Finfind South African MSME Access to Finance Report 2025, where MSME data meets the risk profile drama and access to funding proves elusive. According to the report, over 70% of MSMEs in South Africa earning revenue below R1 million per annum are still struggling to secure formal finance. Yes, you read that right;…

The SPAR Group, which is divesting of some of its businesses in Europe, plans to grow in Southern Africa by enhancing its retail segments, leveraging partnerships with Uber Eats and Vida e Caffè, and increasing private label product penetration. The retailer outlined its strategy for Southern Africa at the release on Wednesday of its interim results for the 26 weeks to March 28, which showed headline earnings a share falling by 0.4% to 450.1 cents. Revenue was flat at R66.1 billion (R66.2bn). Operating profit before extraordinary items grew by 1.6% to R1.46bn. South African operating profit increased by 5.5%, with the operating margin improving to 2%, up from 1.9%. The interim dividend was passed due to the ongoing restructuring and in line with capital allocation priorities, directors said. Following a…

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects more than 2.8 million people globally, with women making up approximately 74% of those diagnosed. Yet, for many South Africans, the reality of living with MS remains a mystery. It’s a condition that often goes unnoticed, leaving those affected struggling with symptoms that can feel isolating and misunderstood. Understanding MS is not just for those diagnosed – it’s for their families, friends, and communities, too. By raising awareness, we can support and empower those living with MS while breaking down the stigma and misinformation that surrounds it. The Roche MS resource page shares six essential facts about MS that may change how you view this invisible illness: 1. The early symptoms of MS are often invisible, but they’re real Imagine waking up one morning with blurry…

Business and civil society in Durban believe that the eThekwini Municipality has turned a corner and is on track to deliver economic growth, attract tourists, and provide essential services to communities. They said they had noted that parts of the city that had become “uninhabitable” in the past due to the proliferation of criminality and drug abuse are being cleaned up, alongside improvements in the cleanliness of the city and investment in infrastructure that has the capacity to deliver services and unlock billions in potential investments. Stakeholders also said the City’s budget for the 2025/2026 financial year was much better than those of previous years and will be a cornerstone to unlocking further potential in the city. The City held a business breakfast yesterday to discuss the budget that was…

Young South African graduates are becoming more and more despondent about their careers as they continue to face unemployment. As the job market becomes more competitive due to the economic downturn, several graduates are having to find other work not related to what they studied in order to make a living. Graduate Alondeh Zooloo recently posted about her experience of unemployment on Facebook and the post went viral with others sharing their stories. “I remember the promise I made to my mom,” she wrote. “A promise to build her a beautiful home as soon as I graduated, but life had other plans. Despite my hard work and dedication, I’m still struggling to find a job.” Zooloo, who holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology and Sociology and an…

The Msunduzi Municipality is giving its embattled ratepayers a chance to reduce their debt to the municipality. The City kicked off a debt relief programme this month that could see the debt of its customers being reduced by up to 50%, provided they meet certain conditions. The municipality is owed billions of rand by its ratepayers. In a statement, the council said it has approved the #BePartOfTheSolution Debt Collection Campaign, a targeted debt relief initiative designed to assist distressed consumers in the city who are struggling with arrears on their municipal accounts. The campaign will run from June 1 to September 30, 2025. Key features of the campaign include significant discounts on municipal debt and structured payment arrangements for qualifying residents and businesses. The city stated that the #BePartOfTheSolution Campaign…

A pothole in the North West province will cost the MEC of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport more than R26.6 million after a motorist was involved in an accident when she drove through the pothole, which left her a paraplegic. The North West High Court, sitting in Mahikeng, ordered the department about three months ago to pay this amount to the plaintiff, only identified as Beauty. However, the department has to date not yet paid up. Her attorney, Righardt Bezuidenhout, said the department promised that it would pay by Wednesday. However, by the time of publication, she had not yet been paid. When the department failed to pay her prior to now, Bezuidenhout had obtained an order to attach the assets of the provincial department, to sell…

It is safe to say that South Africa ticked their boxes on Day Two at the Arundel Castle Cricket Ground on Wednesday, with captain Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs showing promising signs ahead of next week’s World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. Having lost the opening day of the warm-up match against Zimbabwe to rain on Tuesday, South Africa won the toss on Wednesday and sent Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton in to open the batting. Batting first was always in the plans of coach Shukri Conrad, who emphasised after the rained-out opening day that the priority was to give the batters time in the middle while allowing the bowlers to rest. Markram lasted only 5.3 overs, facing 15 deliveries before he was undone by Alex…

Spectators who gathered over the weekend for the Qualifying Masters tournaments were treated to thrilling displays of top-tier bowls, as Port Natal's rising stars stepped into the spotlight. The event, known for unearthing future Masters champions, did not disappoint — with games marked by intense competition, tactical brilliance and no shortage of dramatic comebacks. From nail-biting finishes to unexpected turnarounds, the greens were alive with the kind of energy that only high-stakes play can produce. As the crowd leaned in and selectors took notes, one thing was clear: the next generation of Port Natal talent is not just knocking on the door — they’re kicking it wide open. Stella Tweedie and Ray Ducray, conveners of the ladies’ and men’s selection committees respectively, highlighted the significance of the Qualifying Masters as…