Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-10 i Mercury

A legal battle between two bottled water companies that has bounced between various courts for more than two years has finally been settled – with no party emerging as the ultimate victor. However, one of the parties, Oasis Water, is considering claiming damages from three former franchisees in the wake of the ruling. The matter began when water shop network Oasis launched legal proceedings against three former franchisees who Oasis alleged converted Oasis outlets they owned into MANZI outlets in breach of contract. Around 12 separate legal cases were instituted by Oasis. This was followed by the former franchisees – by then rebranded as MANZI Water – alleging that it was Oasis that had breached contract. Their arguments included claims that Oasis was competing with its own franchisees. The dispute…

Minister for Electricity and Energy, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has said that as only R13 billion had been allocated to the integrated national electrification programme over the medium term expenditure period, the allocation would be used as a de-risking instrument to crowd in developmental capital and concessional finance. Presenting the department's Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Ramokgopa said the department was working in close partnership with development finance institutions and the National Treasury in developing an infrastructure finance facility that will enable the frontloading of capital requirements through debt market instruments. "The aim is to mobilise balance sheet financing whilst preserving affordability and fiscal discipline. By using the public allocation as an anchor, the strategy allows for accelerated electricity rollout in high priority provinces and municipalities, greater geographic equity and predictable…

SA Canegrowers, which represents 24000 small scale farmers and 1 200 large-scale growers, has expressed deep concerns about a new 30% tariff on South African sugar exports to the United States, set to take effect on 1 August. Industry leaders fear that this punitive tariff will render South African sugar uncompetitive in one of its most crucial markets and threaten the livelihoods of millions reliant on the sugar supply chain. SA Canegrowers chairman Higgins Mdluli highlighted the urgency of the situation, insisting that the South African sugar industry poses no threat to the US market. “It is important to stress that the South African sugar industry poses no threat to the US market, which relies on sugar from outside the US to meet local demand,” Mdluli said. “The US has…

Welcome to the whimsical world where philosophy meets entrepreneurship. You might wonder how the musings of ancient philosophers can help us today in our small business endeavours. Well, put on your ancient reading glasses. We are about to embark on a philosophical journey through the atmosphere where Socrates questions your reasoning like a judge, and Aristotle provides tips on customer value proposition. If you think philosophy is just for Unisa academics who wear turtlenecks and sip lattes in Brooklyn cafes, think again. This is the unconventional wisdom your enterprise has been waiting for. Before diving in, please report to the Start-Up gate, where you’ll be greeted by Socrates, who’ll immediately pester you with questions until you admit you know nothing about the business you are about to start. Socrates is…

Tharisa, the platinum and chrome mining company, on Wednesday reported a positive improvement in reef mining volumes by 27.7% to 1.45 million tons in the third quarter to June 30, but full-year production guidance was lowered. "An improving quarter as our reef mining volumes trended higher after good progress in the east pit with remediation post the heavy rainfall in the first half of the year. Work on the phased underground transition is on track with the scheduled development timeline,” CEO Phoevos Pouroulis said. However, “in line with the nine months' performance to date, production is trending towards the lower end of guidance, and we consider it prudent to lower guidance by about 5% from the lower end of guidance, which was set at 140 koz PGMs and 1.65 mt…

A trade war is brewing within South Africa’s tobacco cigarette sector after Polaris Manufacturing on Wednesday dismissed findings of an Ipsos research into illicit trade in cigarettes through under-pricing. Polaris Manufacturing, a cigarette and tobacco products manufacturing firm formerly known as Gold Leaf Tobacco Company, also accused British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) of illegal imports. The Ipsos research released on Tuesday and funded by BATSA named Polaris among companies whose products were being illicitly traded on the South African market. “The lpsos study determines whether a cigarette is illicit solely on the basis of price, assuming that any pack sold below the Minimum Collectable Tax (MCT) or an arbitrarily BAT-set Lowest Economically Viable Price is automatically illicit. This is not only legally unsound, it is dishonest,” said Raees Saint,…

Lower-income countries will gain access to a "game-changing" HIV prevention drug with a new deal signed between with US pharmaceutical giant Gilead and the Global Fund, the health financing group said yesterday. The Global Fund group, which was set up to battle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, described the deal to procure lenacapavir for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as "a significant milestone for global health equity". “This marks the first time in history that an HIV prevention product will be introduced in LMICs at the same time as in high-income countries," the Global Fund said in a statement. There was particular urgency in countries like South Africa, where adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV. “This is a game changer for South Africa,” Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi…

The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party) is demanding the immediate declassification of the investigation report completed by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on the role of the police in the Phala Phala scandal. The MK Party stated that it will not stand by and watch this scandal be buried. The investigation centres on an alleged cover-up of a 2020 theft involving large sums of US dollars hidden in couches on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. Despite no official police case being opened, state resources were reportedly used to trace the suspects. The IPID completed its investigation in October 2023. But Police Minister Senzo Mchunu later said the IPID report was “top secret” and would not be shared with the public. Amid the current scandals surrounding Minister…

WHEN thinking of Shauwn Mkhize, one is tempted to think of that musical lyric proclaiming one’s allure: ‘I’m too sexy for my shirt’. The excessive cleverness and cunning of Mkhize, the larger-than-life, enigmatic owner of the beleaguered football club Royal AM, have tripped her up again. She has been overly clever, too cunning, and was caught out by her schemes to save her beloved club, Royal AM, named after her son Andile Mpisane. The ruling announced on Tuesday by the Pretoria High Court may finally end Royal AM’s efforts to regain its Premier Soccer League (PSL) status. The court dismissed her case with costs. Last week, Judge Boitsheko Seleka reserved judgment and decided on a later date for the verdict. Around this time, there was speculation that Royal AM could…

The National Employers’ Association of South Africa (Neasa) and Sakeliga have jointly filed an urgent application for an interdict against the implementation of the 2025 Employment Equity sectoral numerical quotas and accompanying administrative regulations, as well as calling for the judicial review and setting aside thereof. The Minister of Employment and Labour, Dr Nomakhosazana Meth published the employment equity regulations of April 15. These quotas require employers with 50 or more employees to restructure their entire workforce to reflect national gender and racial demographics of the country. The application challenges the legality and constitutionality of the newly introduced employment equity framework. The legal challenge firstly aims for a judicial review of the procedural acts of the Minister in setting the quotas, which the organisations alledge were fraught with irregularities and…

Global intra-regional trade figures show Africa at roughly 16% - a stark contrast to Europe (65%) and Asia (43%). The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to address this disparity by establishing a unified market. For banking and financial institutions considering investing in Africa’s future, this is a pivotal moment to engage in the continent’s economic transformation. The AfCFTA encompasses 54 countries and 1.3 billion people. By 2035, intra-African trade will exceed $140 billion (R2.5 trillion), representing 15% of the continent’s exports. With full implementation, these exports could reach $952bn – a 29% increase. These aren’t mere statistics; they represent real opportunities for businesses. The AfCFTA investment protocol’s holistic approach requires abolishing tariffs, introducing regulatory conformity, open cross-border transactions, and protecting investments and intellectual property while ensuring investor obligations.…

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has issued urgent warnings following the release of its Trade Conditions Survey for June, which revealed a concerning contraction in trade conditions. Sacci on Wednesday reported that the trade environment was increasingly strained by global trade uncertainty, coupled with domestic economic challenges such as sluggish growth and soaring unemployment. The survey highlighted a significant downturn: trade conditions fell from a promising positive stance in March and April back into negative territory by May and June. According to Sacci, 56% of respondents reported positive trading conditions in March, yet this figure reduced dramatically with only 46% maintaining optimism in May and June. “Despite the downturn, a slight majority—51%—indicated that trade conditions in June 2025 were better than during the same period in…

Small business owners often see Public Relations (PR) as something reserved for brands with big budgets. Since PR focuses on building trust and visibility over immediate results, it’s frequently treated as a marketing accessory, not a business driver. But with more businesses fighting for attention online, PR has become a smart way to build credibility and stay top of mind, without breaking the bank. Business owners should know this: PR is not about instant leads, it’s about lasting impact. And that impact, when strategically planned and consistently executed, delivers a powerful return on investment (ROI). Too many SMMEs and entrepreneurs focus all their energy on lead generation without investing in the credibility layer that actually converts those leads into paying customers. PR fills that gap. PR Supports the Entire Sales…

Google co-founder Sergey Brin called the United Nations “transparently antisemitic” on Saturday in an internal forum for employees, according to screenshots reviewed by The Washington Post and verified with a current member of the forum. His comments came in response to a UN report released last month that alleged technology firms including Google and its parent company Alphabet had profited from “the genocide carried out by Israel” in Gaza by providing cloud and AI technologies to the Israeli government and military. “With all due respect, throwing around the term genocide in relation to Gaza is deeply offensive to many Jewish people who have suffered actual genocides. I would also be careful citing transparently antisemitic organizations like the UN in relation to these issues,” Brin wrote in a forum for staff…

What better way to embrace the chilly season than by simmering up a hearty dish that warms both your belly and your soul? Here are some recipes for hearty winter meals that won’t break the bank. Samp and meaty bones This savoury and hearty meal will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. This meal costs roughly R120, depending on the serving. Here’s how to cook it: For the meaty bones, you will need: Cooking oil One onion Crushed garlic Seasonings of your choice Beef cubes Sugar beans Tomato paste Method: First, fry the onions and add the garlic, then add your seasonings and tomato paste. After mixing, add the meaty bones and stir the pot. Add beef stock to the pot and hot water, and close your pot for a…

THE Department of Basic Education plans to review whether the progression and promotion programme in schools is still achieving their intended goals. This review will focus on all the requirements, including the policies that dictate the conditions under which pupils can pass or be promoted from each grade. During a meeting with members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) this week, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said the progression matter will be one of the issues that will be looked at by a council that she will be setting up. The department is set to table its budget today. While briefing the NCOP members, Minister Gwarube highlighted the importance of improving the state and quality of education in the country. “As a sector, we also need to take…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has informed his Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs counterpart, Velenkosini Hlabisa, that he intends to withhold millions of rand in grants to several municipalities due to their persistent failure to settle billions in debt. The 39 municipalities are in the Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo. According to Godongwana, 18 defaulting municipalities owe the highest amounts to the four water boards facing imminent bankruptcy. In total, the 18 municipalities owe Vaal Central, Magalies Water, Lepelle Northern Water and Rand Water nearly R18 billion. Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State owes Vaal Central over R8.13bn. Kopanong and Mafube local municipalities, both in the Free State, were owing R330 million and R253.4m, respectively, in arrears for pension fund contributions. Rand Water, Vaal Central,…

The Durban High Court yesterday found two men guilty of the gruesome murder of an uMlazi teen who was killed while at her home studying for her Grade 11 exams. Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo was killed on May 28, 2024. She was found bound and gagged. She lived with her father, Mondli Ngcobo, and her little sister. The Durban Girls' Secondary School pupil had been at home to study for upcoming exams. Delivering his judgment, Judge Garth Harrison said the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Sifundo Bongani Bhengu and Bongani Freedom Jali killed Wandile. He also found them guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The men had broken into the home to steal and had known that Wandile was home alone. Judge Harrison said all the State witnesses were…

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca hailed João Pedro and expressed his delight at reaching the Fifa Club World Cup final after the new signing’s brace secured a 2-0 win over Fluminense in the semi-final on Tuesday. “We are very happy and very proud to be in the final on Sunday because this is the first edition of the Club World Cup and the best clubs in the world are here,” said Maresca. João Pedro was making his first start since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £60 million (about R1.45bn) last week, fresh from an off-season break. The Brazilian made an immediate impact at the MetLife Stadium, just outside New York, with two clinical finishes on either side of half-time to book Chelsea’s place in Sunday’s final against…

I have an admission of guilt. Not since the 2010 Fifa World Cup here in Mzansi, have I purchased a ticket for a sporting event. It is one of the perks of being a sports correspondent – with some timeous application for media accreditation, I usually find my way through the turnstiles. I even had the privilege of watching the first-ever Major League Baseball (MLB) game held in Europe, when the New York Yankees faced off against the Boston Red Sox at London Stadium, thanks to media credentials in 2019. And even when not accredited, there’s usually a contact who ensures I don’t need to part with my hard-earned cash to watch live sport. But here I was, back in London six years later, coinciding with the week of Wimbledon…

Foreign policy expert warns that 30% tariff imposed by the US is likely the first in a series of actions US foreign policy expert Michael Walsh has warned that the 30% tariff imposed on South African imports by the United States was likely the first in a series of actions that will be taken against South Africa by the Trump Administration over the next year. This comes as US President Donald Trump this week slapped South Africa with 30% tariffs on “any and all South African products sent into the United States” from August 1 “to correct the unsustainable trade deficits” against the US. Walsh - a non-resident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, an American think tank based in Pennsylvania - said on Wednesday that Trump was…

The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) on Wednesday sounded the alarm over impending tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, which could impose a substantial 30% levy on South African exports starting 1 August, should no trade agreement be reached. The call for an exemption specifically targeting seasonal fresh produce underlines the potential economic devastation facing South Africa’s citrus farming communities, particularly if their products become uncompetitive in the American market. In a statement, the CGA expressed solidarity with Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, who welcomed the challenge to negotiate a trade deal beneficial to both countries during his Budget Vote Address on Tuesday. The CGA noted that South Africa must act swiftly in the coming weeks to secure its crucial trade relationships. In his speech, Steenhuisen emphasized…

While many South African businesses report increasing sales, growing revenue may be masking a deeper and more dangerous financial issue: poor cash flow management. One of the real indicators of a business’s sustainability comes down to working capital discipline, not just top-line performance. Recent data from a global Xero survey supports this trend: n 24% of SMEs in South Africa reported major cash flow issues in the past year. n 72% were forced to use personal savings to keep their business afloat. n Most SMEs faced liquidity challenges despite strong sales. The assumption that higher turnover equals financial health is flawed. In fact, we’re seeing many businesses under severe pressure precisely because their operational cash flow can’t keep up with their growth. The Revenue Trap This common misconception that sales…

EnX Group’s share price shot up over 5% on Wednesday morning after it announced a special dividend following the completion of a number of divestments. The industrial holdings group said it had accumulated an unrestricted cash surplus to the operational requirements of enX, and the plan was to distribute this to shareholders. A special dividend of R1.30 per share was declared. This followed the declaration of another R1.55 special distribution, amounting to R283 million, on March 12, 2025. In July 2025, it declared a special dividend of R5 per share. EnX’s share price surged 5.75% to R4.78 on the JSE Wednesday morning, within the R3.51 and R6 range that the share has traded at in the past year. In the six months to February 28, enX’s revenue from continuing operations…

The China Development Bank (CDB) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) have signed a landmark loan facility agreement worth $293 million (around R5.2 billion). CDB is the largest bank for infrastructure investment and financing in China, and a main bank supporting projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It is committed to promoting investment and financing cooperation with developing countries around the world. The agreement was reached during the annual meeting of the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism held in Brazil, signalling a new chapter in the collaboration between these two financial institutions. The recently established facility is set to fund a diverse range of projects in infrastructure, energy, information and communications technology (ICT), water, health, and manufacturing sectors across Africa. This multifaceted approach aims to address pressing development…

Allegations of collusion between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the criminal underworld are to be investigated by three committees, as assigned by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza. The Portfolio Committee on Police, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence have been instructed to investigate these claims. This comes after political and civil organisations intensified calls yesterday for a commission of inquiry to be instituted while others called for parliament to act. Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, has accused Minister Mchunu of obstructing police operations and shielding alleged tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Mkhwanazi further alleged that Mchunu interfered with police work by unilaterally disbanding a task team investigating political killings, bypassing consultation with both national and provincial commissioners. Mchunu has…

CLAIMS that thousands of social grants have been suspended are “categorically false”, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has said, urging recipients not to panic and to participate in an ongoing national grant review process. Sassa explained that the review, which targets beneficiaries flagged for possibly having undeclared income, has led to short-term delays in some payments — but no permanent suspensions. “There has been no suspension of social grants,” Sassa said in a statement issued on July 7, “but during the review process, grants get delayed momentarily until a beneficiary has successfully completed the review process.” However, a KwaZulu-Natal man who contacted The Mercury has complained about how Sassa is handling the process. The man said they were despondent when his wife’s pension grant was initially not paid.…

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga accepted the criticism levelled at the challenges that were highlighted by parliamentarians yesterday. Responding during the budget vote debate in the National Assembly, Motshekga said they have taken copious notes on some of the points raised. “I am happy members acknowledged the challenges we are confronted with as a department. Indeed, underfunding is an existential challenge for us, and we do need to speak in one voice in ensuring the Department of Defence gets more resources and, more importantly, its baseline is increased,” she said. She used the occasion to announce that all 2 215 soldiers who were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have returned home after the withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the DRC. “I want to thank our men and…

Resorting to coalition politics of lawfare and ultimatums, is unbefitting for a party leader IS THE DA wanting to have its cake and eat it? Is its establishment in 2000 and playbook a truly ‘Made in Africa’ construct in the morass of the post-apartheid dispensation and discourse, or a caricature conjured up from the melting pot of the losers in the majority struggle for freedom, equity and justice after over two centuries of colonial-cum-white supremacist rule? At first glance, the DA, the second largest party in the Government of National Unity (GNU) ‘coalition of the unwilling’ after the ANC, feigns the very epitome of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), which would be anathema to the DOGE dinosaurs roaming the urban sprawls and steppes of MAGA America, its ally of ideological…

The buzz in Port Natal bowls circles this week is the thrilling news that Hillcrest Bowling Club’s Wayne Roberts has been selected to represent South Africa in the inaugural World Bowls World Cup, to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 4 to 8. This premier tournament is designed as a preparation event for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and has generated great anticipation across the world bowls community. The World Cup, a platinum event on the World Bowls Series calendar, will be hosted at the prestigious Bukit Kiara National Lawn Bowl Centre – a world-class venue that staged the lawn bowls competition during the 1998 Commonwealth Games. A total of twelve nations will participate, including the host country Malaysia and the top 11 countries from the 2023 World…