Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-11 i Mercury

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been mandated to retrofit decommissioned coal-fired power stations with advanced clean coal technology. This initiative aims to mitigate the challenges posed by soaring electricity costs and dwindling availability that have threatened the operational viability of ferrochrome smelters in the region. Appearing before the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources on Tuesday, the CSIR outlined a bold vision for the coal-to-carbon materials industry. The Council asserted that this venture not only offers alternative uses for coal but also promises sustainability for the local coal sector as part of the broader just energy transition. "The technology is ready, it's a matter of localising the technology, make it adaptable to the local conditions, the quality of the coal," the CSIR said. "There is…

The sugary beverages industry in South Africa is bracing itself for potential impacts as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) intensifies its focus on compliance among manufacturers. SARS is now targeting businesses involved in the manufacturing of sugary beverages, with the revenue collector saying manufacturers of sugary beverages must be registered as commercial manufacturers if they use more than 500kg of sugar in their manufacturing process. Professionals from Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys, Erasmus Theron and Herman de Jong, on Tuesday said the government was facing a daunting tax deficit following the vacuum left by an unchanged sugar tax amidst rampant fiscal constraints. They said that with an ambitious revenue target of R2.006 trillion set for the 2025/2026 tax period, the government has turned towards indirect taxes—specifically excise duties, fuel levies,…

There are established markets, and then there are conditions that precede them. Africa’s renewable energy sector finds itself suspended between the two – an area where assets have begun to accumulate, but where the mechanisms for scaled capital reallocation remain embryonic. The signs of emergence are there: a growing base of operational projects, increasing engagement by institutional investors, and a gradual deepening of regional power strategies. Project finance remains the dominant mode of capital deployment, limited by nascent markets and structured around risk more than strategy. Institutional capital remains cautious not because it lacks appetite, but because the architecture it relies on remains unevenly distributed. Without foundational reforms in funding architecture, including the creation of creditworthy pipelines, improved tariff bankability, and mechanisms for absorbing early-stage risk, the pool of M&A-eligible…

KAP, the group with industrial, chemical and logistics divisions, on Tuesday warned that it expects lower earnings for 2025 amid challenging trading conditions. Earnings per share (eps) is expected to decrease by more than 30% for 2025, which is a decrease of at least 13.1 cents per share from 43.8 cents the prior comparative period. Headline earnings per share (heps) is expected to decrease by more than 30% for 2025, which is a decrease of at least 13.6 cents per share, when compared to the heps of 45.3 cents for the year ended June 30, 2024. In an update guidance on the company’s operational performance for 11 months of the 2025 financial year up to May 31, 2025, compared with the prior comparative period, KAP said trading conditions have…

As winter blankets South Africa with its crisp mornings and chilly evenings, it also brings seasonal challenges. From battling colds and flu to staying warm and energised, maintaining good health becomes a priority for many families. But while we often focus on keeping our bodies warm or boosting immunity, there’s an unsung hero we sometimes overlook: gut health. For children, a healthy gut is critical to overall well-being, influencing not only digestion but also immunity, mood, and energy levels. Let’s explore the signs of poor gut health in children and how thoughtful food choices, especially during winter, can make a world of difference. Signs of poor gut health in children Gut health issues in children can show up in unexpected ways, making it crucial for parents to stay vigilant. Common…

I like to think of myself as a Type C parent – which is basically code for “I’m trying really hard, but things don’t always go according to plan” - and I’m okay with that ... mostly. It’s that sweet spot between the highly organised Type A parents – you know the ones with children who eat broccoli for snacks without complaining and the laid-back Type B crew, whose kids wear pyjamas to the mall and have never heard of a bedtime. As a mother of twin daughters – one who is on the autism spectrum – every day is a fine balance of managing chaos and embracing it. Like the time when they were 4 years old and I took them to a five-star hotel in the V&A Waterfront.…

June 1976 - it was at this time that the momentum had already been building up; the Afrikaans language policy was the final straw, and thus began the countdown to the Soweto uprising, a historical moment that caused a shift in South Africa. I applaud the students of 1976 for their bravery in standing up to the unfair and unjust past educational system. As June 16 approaches, I realise that we just overcame the apartheid system not long ago. I get that people want to make us forget, as if we're talking about something that happened many moons ago, how I wish I could also see it that way too, maybe my problem is that I like to create mental images or scenes in my mind and end up having…

SOUTH Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies are here to stay. This was said by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who reaffirmed the country’s affirmative action policies as being key to economic transformation and inclusion. Ramaphosa and Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, during their recent address before the Black Business Council summit, affirmed the current legislative framework. This comes as the DA and other commentators have recently voiced their opposition to the country’s economic policies. In his weekly newsletter issued this week, Ramaphosa indicated that the country’s economy will not succeed without the current policies, adding that now is not the time to back-track on these policies, as they are the cornerstone of economic inclusion and the much-needed economic growth as enshrined in the Constitution and the Freedom Charter. “Our…

Siviwe Gwarube, the Minister of Basic Education, has instructed all MECs and Heads of provincial Education Departments to submit comprehensive plans aimed at safeguarding the delivery of quality education to pupils across the country. The plans will also address irregularities in school personnel management. The Mercury reported yesterday on the concerns raised by the labour unions about the challenges faced by the department that are impacting the well-being of teachers. The challenges include severe staff shortages that have burdened other teachers with extra work. The Department of Basic Education said these plans must uphold the constitutional right of every learner to quality education while also restoring fiscal stability within the sector. The completed recovery plans must be submitted to the Department of Basic Education ahead of the next Council of…

This breakdown in trust creates perfect conditions for criminal elements to thrive The fractured relationship between communities and police – especially in high-crime areas – is undermining our collective safety, as was recently demonstrated by the attack on police officers attempting to arrest a drug suspect in Westbury, Johannesburg, last week. Attacks on police are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These acts of violence, often perpetrated by individuals disguising themselves as community members, undermine the safety and security of our neighbourhoods. Communities must stand together in rejecting such behaviour and refusing to be represented by unelected individuals who engage in crime and distort the truth. But the incident in Westbury is not isolated. It reflects a dangerous pattern where police officers face hostility in the very communities they…

South Africa will not feature on the 2026 Formula One calendar, as organisers unveiled a revised schedule that includes a new race in Madrid, making Spain the only country to host two Grands Prix. The season promises major changes both on and off the track, with new teams joining the grid and fresh regulations set to transform the sport. Next year's campaign will open for the second successive season in Australia at Melbourne's Albert Park street circuit on Friday, March 6. The race in the Spanish capital, Madrid, is scheduled for weekend of September 11 and will bring the curtain down on the European segment of the season. The new Madrid circuit will include both street and non-street sectors. The 24-race campaign will again conclude in Abu Dhabi on December…

Whatever has happened in the past won’t count for much for the Bulls in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship final against Leinster in Dublin. That was the word from Bulls boss Jake White yesterday as he addressed the Irish media ahead of the title decider at Croke Park (6pm SA time kick-off). The Pretoria side have come up short twice in the URC, losing the 2022 final to the Stormers in Cape Town, and then going down 21-16 to Glasgow at Loftus Versfeld last year. But White doesn’t feel that losing two previous finals will have any effect on this weekend’s game against the Irish giants. One could argue that Leinster are in a similar boat, having failed to clinch the URC crown since the South African teams joined the competition.…

Manchester City on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of two former Liverpool coaches to Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff, including Jurgen Klopp’s ex-assistant Pepijn Lijnders. The Dutchman arrives at the Etihad Stadium alongside a new set-piece coach, James French, who has spent the past 13 years at Anfield. The appointments follow the departures of three members of Guardiola’s backroom staff. Lijnders, 42, worked under Brendan Rodgers and Klopp at Liverpool. He left the club along with Klopp at the end of the 2023/24 season and took up the post of head coach at Red Bull Salzburg but was sacked in December. City director of football Hugo Viana said: “Pepijn and James have each amassed huge experience working in their individual roles over the past few years. Their talent, application, work ethic and…

The Springbok Women’s coaches have trusted in the team that started their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener, to again get the job done against Kenya at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Wednesday (12om kick-off). The only change from the team that beat Uganda 62-7 is on the bench, where Nompumelelo Mathe will add impact as a loose-forward, with wing Nomawethu Mabenge missing out. The vote of confidence in the side that scored 10 tries in their opening round victory will be a boost. The extra player in the pack an indication that the team will not deviate from their forward-based game against Kenya, who opened their campaign with a good 28-5 win over Madagascar. It is also a sign of the physical challenge that the Bok Women, led by lock…

FirstRand on Tuesday confirmed that regulatory approval has been received for the transaction for FirstRand to take transfer of the clients, the banking assets and liabilities, and the employees of HSBC's branch in South Africa. The clients of HSBC South Africa are mainly subsidiaries of multinationals operating in South Africa and some large domestic corporates and the transfer will be led and implemented by FirstRand's corporate and investment banking franchise, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). "This will ensure that the transferred HSBC clients will have on-going access to corporate and investment banking services in South Africa. HSBC's multinational clients headquartered outside of South Africa can continue to have connectivity through HSBC's global digital channels for account visibility and payment initiation for their South Africa accounts once they have transferred to…

According to Stats SA the decline is broad based and is driven by contractions in nine of 10 manufacturing divisions Economists have warned that the ongoing macroeconomic and policy uncertainty will continue to leave operating conditions unfavourable for manufacturing production and drag the sector’s contribution to South Africa’s economic growth. This comes after manufacturing output fell 6.3% year-on-year in April following a revised 1.2% contraction in March. This was the sixth consecutive monthly contraction and the sharpest drop since March 2024. Maarten Ackerman, chief economist at Citadel, expressed deep concern over the sector's trajectory, emphasising its vital role in job creation and economic stimulation. Manufacturing remains one of the few sectors in the South African economy with significant potential to create jobs, stimulate broader economic growth, and provide opportunities for…

Minister of Agriculture John Steehuisen has announced a significant increase in vaccine supplies in KwaZulu-Natal in a bid to combat the ongoing outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). This announcement comes in the wake of urgent calls from livestock commodity groups united under the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) for the province to be declared a disaster area due to the severe implications of FMD on local livelihoods. During his address at the TMR Conference hosted by the Milk Producers Organisation on Monday, Steehuisen FMD has severely impacted the red meat industry since the outbreaks in 2019. “It has closed doors to critical markets. It disrupted supply chains. And it sent shockwaves through producer confidence. We have learned some hard lessons. We cannot achieve prosperity through exports without credible, science-based, and trusted…

Premier Group, a leading consumer packaged goods company with brands Blue Ribbon, Snowflake, Dove, among others, produced strong results the year ended March 31, 2025 despite consumer spend still being under pressure. At a macro level, despite the successful transition to a Government of National Unity and inflation moderating to below the middle of the target range, high interest rates, volatile soft commodity prices and low economic growth continue to besiege the consumer. Despite this, shareholders got a final gross dividend of 271 cents per share up, up 23% from the prior year. The market welcomed the results, with Premier's share on Tuesday afternoon rising 2.95% to R137.39 on the JSE. Revenue increased by 7.0% to R19.9 billion, supported by revenue growth in both the Millbake and the Groceries and…

A Western Cape man has been sentenced in the Paarl Regional Court following his conviction on a raft of charges, including rape and child pornography. The 27-year-old man was found guilty on two counts of trafficking in persons for online exploitation, four counts of rape of two minor children, three counts of using children for or benefiting from child pornography, 629 counts of possession of child pornography, three counts of unlawful and intentional distribution of child pornography, and three counts of child abuse. The court sentenced the accused to a total of 195 years but ordered most of the sentences to run concurrently. The rapist cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, who were violated during the commission of these crimes. The affected children include two girls…

The Mpumalanga MEC for Health has to pay a mother R540 000 in damages after her baby boy was born with cerebral palsy due to the negligence of the staff at a government hospital in the province. The mother initially claimed R4 million in damages before the Mpumalanga High Court, which was sitting in Mbombela. Her child had, meanwhile, died at the age of six, and the mother only claimed general damages on behalf of herself for the hardships she had to endure while looking after the child until his death. The court earlier ruled that the provincial health authority was liable for 90% of the damages the mother could prove she had suffered. The mother blamed the fact that her son was born with brain damage on the negligence…

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina painted a sad state of affairs in the local government sphere regarding the provision of water yesterday, saying many municipalities were unable to collect revenue. Majodina noted with concern that when municipalities collected the revenue, they used it for something else. “They don't ring fence water sales to be able to maintain the water infrastructure, because that is where the water infrastructure has totally collapsed, but also the technical capacity and skills of municipalities,” she said. Majodina made the comment when her department appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa). She said that when there was no water in a village or township, people blamed her department, which was responsible for building water resources such as dams, canals, or water treatment plants.…

An elderly woman who is in the process of divorcing her husband has been advised by the court to tighten her belt, as she can no longer maintain the lavish lifestyle she has grown accustomed to since their separation. In her quest for financial support, she turned to the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, seeking an increase in the monthly maintenance her husband is currently providing her during the divorce proceedings. Apart from the nearly R54 000 a month she is demanding from him, she also insisted that he pay all her other expenses, such as her gym membership and furnishing her new home. The husband said his company mostly paid for her luxuries in the past, but the now cash-strapped company had been sold, and the money had dried…

Caster Semenya is confident in SA’s medal prospects at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo in September, but called for more backing for South African athletes. TeamSA, especially the sprinters, are continuing to light up international meets. Sprinter Akani Simbine is unbeaten in the 100m so far this year, while youngster Bayanda Walaza is staking his claim as the heir apparent. Zakithi Nene boasts the fastest time over the men’s 400m so far in 2025. “I think if you can continue being consistent and working hard we’ll do great,” Semenya told Independent Media on Sunday at the Comrades. “Simbine is doing quite well; he has been consistent and unbeaten this year, so I’m happy with where he is. And obviously, the young boy Walaza is coming okay. I wish…

Australia’s serial winners are in no danger of becoming complacent ahead of their much-anticipated bout with the Proteas in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday. Pat Cummins’ team are the defending champions and overwhelming favourites to retain their Test crown to go along with the 50-over World Cup title won in India a couple years ago. "With some success you just want to experience more of it and that means when the going gets tough or the pressure is on you embrace that. You take it on," Cummins told the media at Lord’s on the eve of the showdown. "You want to be the match winner. Hopefully you don't get overwhelmed by big moments. "That's been most of the conversation this week. The guys just have excitement.…

Some of the Sharks’ Springbok stars were heavily criticised on social media following the United Rugby Championship semi-final defeat to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last weekend. Centre Lukhanyo Am bore the brunt of the fall-out after he had a nightmare in Pretoria, with a number of uncharacteristic handling errors in particular blighting his performance. But does that mean that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus must now ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater’ when it comes to Test selection in 2025? In fact, Erasmus has a lot to ponder on during this week’s camp in Johannesburg, as there are still three international seasons to complete before he picks his final squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. There is a definite possibility of a Bok ‘Dad’s Army’ rocking up Down…

England went into the 1995 Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Newlands on June 11 hoping to avenge their heartbreaking loss in the final on home soil four years earlier. England had reached that final by playing an attritional, forward-dominated game, but appeared to respond to criticism from Australia’s David Campese and rejected this style of play in the final in favour of a more expansive running game. The tactic backfired and Australia triumphed at Twickenham. The fierce rivals were again placed on a collision course four years later after England had finished top of Pool B and Australia had finished second behind the Springboks in Pool A. The match wasn’t exactly a running spectacle, but it was no less dramatic, as it went right down to the final kick. England…

The World Bank has warned of economic slowdown as heightened trade tensions and a cloud of policy uncertainty loom over the global economy. The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report released on Tuesday projected growth to reach its slowest pace since 2008, excluding outright global recessions. The report highlights a striking trend: growth forecasts have been downgraded in nearly 70% of economies worldwide, spanning all regions and income categories. The World Bank estimated global growth will decelerate to 2.3% in 2025, a figure that falls short of expectations set just at the beginning of the year. While a global recession is not on the horizon, the World Bank said if current forecasts materialised, the average global growth throughout the first seven years of the 2020s will be the most…

South Africa is under siege once more, and this time not by force of arms, but through fibre cables and Wi-Fi routers. In the name of “connectivity,” we are witnessing the second coming of a land grab. First, they came for our land. Now, they are coming for our markets, our digital land, in townships and rural areas that black-owned Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have long nurtured and pioneered. We are not watching history repeat itself, we are living it. The Historic Echo: From Stolen Land to Stolen Market The dispossession of black people from their ancestral land is one of the darkest stains in South Africa’s history. Through the 1913 Natives Land Act and decades of apartheid legislation, 87% of land was allocated to a white minority. Even today,…

The renewable energy industry is booming in Southern Africa and beyond. However, we face a growing challenge in making the transition to a more sustainable energy future: the talent pipeline. The sector has typically relied on older, experienced professionals from the legacy power sector, but they are ageing and retiring, and young people are not entering the sector in meaningful numbers, leaving us without future talent to continue driving the industry forward. Fixing this gap to enable real transformation and long-term success will require collaborative action from both industry and the youth themselves, as well as a new approach to how we educate, inspire, and involve the next generation. The importance of starting early One of the issues we currently face is that education initiatives and recruitment drives into the…

The market on Tuesday cheered as Telkom rang in robust results for the year ended 31 March and resumed its dividend, which saw its share surge 7%. In morning trade the share was up 7.35% at R42.95 on the JSE. Telkom said mobile subscribers were up 13.4% to 23.2 million. Serame Taukobong, Telkom Group CEO said, “The company has largely modernised its technology infrastructure and executed on a robust, detailed strategy across its operations. The financial results for FY2025 confirm that the business has not only stabilised but has built a platform for accelerated growth." In key financial metrics, adjusted headline earnings per share rose 102.4% to 583.2 cents; while adjusted basic earnings per share were up 128.9% to 681.7 cents. Ebitda was up 25.1% to R11.8 billion; while revenue…

The government in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent has been urged to consider scientific evidence and innovation when coming up with policies and regulations for the tobacco industry. As experts highlight the dangers associated with tobacco consumption, players in the industry are pushing for the adoption and “proper regulation of smoke-free nicotine” products. Industry players are basing their approach on scientific innovation and data pointing to tobacco harm reduction through adoption of what they are calling "safer nicotine products" that are smoke-free. This comes at a time when smoking and tobacco consumption is on the increase across Africa, sharply contrasting other developed regions where trends are pointing to a decline in smoking. Nonetheless, Branislav Bibic who is Philip Morris International vice president for Sub-Saharan Africa, on Tuesday said…

Butter chicken, or “murgh makhani”, is a beloved dish that hails from the heart of Indian cuisine. Traditionally celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavour, this dish typically relies heavily on butter for its signature taste. However, with dietary restrictions and health conscious consumers on the rise, many are left wondering: Can you make butter chicken without the butter? The answer is a resounding yes! As culinary innovation grows, so does the exploration of alternatives that retain the delicious essence of classic recipes. Crafting a butter-free version of this beloved dish successfully caters to the diverse dietary preferences of today’s food lovers while preserving the heart of what makes butter chicken so irresistible. To appreciate the evolution of butter chicken, it is crucial to understand its foundational components. The…

The company currently managing parking meters in the Durban city centre is locked in a bitter dispute with the eThekwini Municipality over its operations, as the City says there has been no valid contract in place since the end of 2017. Emtateni Logistics, however, says that it is a recognised service provider to the municipality and continues to submit reports to the City every month, which is part of the agreement it has. In addition, Emtateni Logistics accused the City of failing to fulfil some of its obligations regarding the operations of the meters, which has led to the severe decline in parking revenue. The company was founded by the late Prince Sifiso Zulu but entered business rescue and was liquidated in 2013. Cindy Naicker came in as the business…

The KZN Top Business Awards 2025, brought to you by Standard Bank and the WOA Group, are fast approaching the closing date for entries. KwaZulu-Natal businesses have until June 20, 2025, to submit their entries and be recognised among the province’s best. These prestigious awards honour excellence across a broad range of sectors, showcasing businesses — both large and small — that are making a significant impact in KZN. “The KZN Top Business Awards are more than just accolades; they’re a powerful platform for growth, credibility and connection. The awards are not just about competing, it’s about celebrating your journey and showcasing your impact in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Pria Hassan, CEO, WOA Group. Imraan Noorbhai, Head of Client Coverage PPB Standard Bank KZN, commented, “At Standard Bank, we believe that recognising…

In a surprising turn of events, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has announced the removal of its leader, Vuyo Zungula, amid internal shifts within the party. Zungula, a prominent figure in South African politics, has been reportedly replaced by Professor Caesar Nongqunga, the current Chief Apostle of the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ (TACC). Insiders said that this move is to boost the party’s performance in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 2026. Zungula, a lawyer by training, emerged as a key figure in South African politics when he founded the African Transformation Movement in 2018. Known for his advocacy for social justice, economic transformation and his vocal stance on corruption, Zungula quickly gained visibility on the national stage. His leadership style combined political activism with a grassroots…

The Pietermaritzburg High Court, sitting in Port Shepstone, has sentenced 57-year-old Rogers Perumah to two life terms behind bars for the brutal rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in Umkomaas last year. Perumah lived in the same neighbourhood as the child. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said on the afternoon of March 17, 2024, the girl accompanied him on a search for his missing pet dog, a dog that she was also fond of. "When they got to a bushy area, Perumah raped the child. “He then assaulted her and strangled her before fleeing the scene," said Ramkisson-Kara. Community members discovered the child's body and apprehended Perumah the following day. He was handed over to the police. During the trial, Advocate Mziwodumo Miza led compelling evidence that…

South Africa is a country reared on hardship and struggle. It is part of the DNA of our nation. The Proteas have suffered through their fair share. It's been 27 years since the national men’s tasted success in a major ICC final. There have been fleeting moments of joy when Graeme Smith lifted the ICC’s golden Test mace here at Lord’s back in 2012, but that was via a different format. This is a winner takes all showdown against the defending champions Australia at the most revered cricket stadia of all. The fact that Australia have been the Proteas’ chief tormentors over the years further fuels the fire, especially with the scars still fresh after their last meeting in 2022-23 when Pat Cummins’ side struck down an out-of-sorts South African…

Proteas legend Hashim Amla has backed allrounder Wiaan Mulder for the crucial No 3 spot for the World Test Championship final against Australia, starting on Wednesday at Lord’s. Amla, who was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in London on Monday evening, walked to the crease in the crucial first drop position in 107 of his 124 Tests. He formed the bedrock of the Proteas batting line-up during their most successful era, scoring 7993 runs at an average of 49.35, including a record unbeaten 311 from No 3. The Proteas currently though have been in a state of flux, having utilised Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Mulder, at No 3 in their last four Tests. But with Rickelton having been promoted to the top of order, and successfully banked…

With an eye-watering $1 billion (about R18bn) in prize money, some of the biggest stars in the game, and clubs competing from across the globe, Fifa's new Club World Cup has all the ingredients to be a major event. But the 32-team tournament, which will be played across the US from early Sunday morning, has faced criticism and scepticism since Fifa president Gianni Infantino first floated the idea. As a completely new addition to an already congested football calendar, it remains to be seen whether the competition can secure a regular place on the international stage. Players’ representatives, such as global union FIFPRO, have warned of excessive workloads, while others have questioned whether fans will turn out in sufficient numbers for the group-stage fixtures. "Players will have to perform at…

The eagerly awaited PSL promotion/relegation play-offs are set to begin as Orbit College hosts Casric Stars at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg on Wednesday (3pm kick-off). A coveted spot in the Betway Premiership will be at stake when both NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) teams rekindle their rivalry. Despite the extended delay before the mini-tournament gets underway, the intensity and significance remain undiminished. Durban City secured promotion to the top flight, and although their celebrations were put on hold due to an ongoing investigation into the registration of former Marumo Gallants midfielder Saziso Magawana, they were on Tuesday officially crowned and began their top-flight journey. In contrast, Cape Town City face the threat of relegation and will be the third side competing to retain their place in the Premiership after…