Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-20 i Mercury

Elon Musk’s SpaceX urged South Africa to consider an alternative to Black ownership rules for telecom companies that want to operate in Africa’s largest economy. SpaceX asked the authorities to allow it to operate using an equity-equivalent program as an alternative to the existing requirement that Black people have 30% ownership of businesses operating in the ICT sector, the company said in a letter to the government seen by Bloomberg. It wants such programs to be a standard for the industry, according to the submission. “Equity equivalent investment programs will provide much-needed regulatory certainty and foster investment in infrastructure,” SpaceX said. “Uniform empowerment regulation will motivate both current and prospective operators to expand their business activities and network reach.” South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has asked the…

This past week offered another clear example of the ongoing reluctance to cede control and allow the energy transition to unfold. It reinforced once again that the energy sector remains a source of political power and financial leverage. The case concerns Eskom’s decision to take the regulator, Nersa, to court over the issuance of trading licences to independent traders. The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has joined Eskom’s position, expressing concern that the move, taken without a comprehensive regulatory framework and adequate public consultation, poses a serious threat to the financial sustainability, constitutional mandate, and operational integrity of municipal electricity distribution systems. Salga argues that municipalities will be left with less revenue to cross-subsidise service delivery and will inherit a disproportionate share of defaulting customers. They also contend that,…

BHP, the diversified natural resources group met its guidance across its assets and set new production records in copper and iron ore, even though full year underlying attributable profit fell to $10.2 billion, well down from $13.7 billion. CEO Mike Henry said, however, the year to June 30 had been “another strong year for BHP,” marked by record production, continued sector-leading margins, and disciplined capital allocation. Copper production exceeded 2 million tons for the first time, up 28% over the past three years. The group maintained its position as the world’s lowest-cost major iron ore producer at Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO), where it delivered 290 million tons – a new production record. A final dividend of 60 US cents per share was declared, also well down from 74…

For many working women, balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and personal time can feel like walking a tightrope. Add cooking into the mix, and it often becomes a challenge that can leave you exhausted before you even sit down to eat. This Women’s Month (and beyond), it’s time to simplify your kitchen routine with easy, practical cooking hacks that save time, reduce stress and make mealtime something to look forward to rather than dread. Life is busy, and working women are often juggling multiple responsibilities at once. Why cooking hacks matter Cooking hacks aren’t just about convenience – they’re about reclaiming your time, maintaining a healthy diet and creating meals without feeling overwhelmed. The right tricks can transform meal prep from a chore into an enjoyable, efficient and even…

Local and international banks, which were last year cleared by the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) of answering to allegations that they colluded in conspiring to manipulate the rand against the US dollar, have a case to answer to when the matter eventually goes to trial. This is according to Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, acting on behalf of the Competition Commission. He said there is enough evidence to establish a prima facie case that they were involved in the manipulation of the rand. The commission is appealing the majority of the findings of the CAC, especially the fact that the CAC found that the commission did not have jurisdiction over the majority of the international banks. The Constitutional Court yesterday heard arguments from the commission and the hearing is expected to last…

Earlier this year, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber sounded the alarm on what he described as a 'silent crisis' gripping the country, as millions of South Africans continue to live without identity documents. The matter has become more urgent as anti-immigrant groups like Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement have been demanding that those seeking healthcare provide documentation before entering public facilities. “I say there is a silent crisis in the country of undocumented South Africans. There are children who are going to school who didn't have their birth registered,” Schreiber told the National Council of Provinces. The minister warned that undocumented children are being denied access to essential rights such as education, healthcare, and social grants. Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), a prominent legal advocacy group, has…

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said she will restore labour inspectors’ powers to enforce compliance by employers with laws that require them to pay pension fund contributions within seven days of deduction from employees' salaries. Meth was responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Omphile Maotwe. Maotwe noted that the report by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) revealed that approximately 7 770 employers, including a large number of municipalities and companies in the security and cleaning sectors, failed to pay over pension fund contributions deducted from employees’ salaries as of December 2023. She noted that the non-payment resulted in a pension debt of R5.2 billion, affecting over 31 000 workers and severely undermining the implementation of the two-pot retirement system. Maotwe asked whether the Employment and Labour Department…

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Consumer Commission (NCC) descended on various businesses in Durban for surprise raids yesterday and seized non-compliant ready-to-eat processed meat products. NRCS Food and Associated Industries Business Unit principal inspector Grant Hingle said they were there to assess compliance with regulations regarding ready-to-eat processed meat products. He explained that following the listeriosis outbreak a few years ago, the Department of Trade and Industry mandated the NRCS to regulate the processed meat industry to eliminate a possible recurrence of the outbreak. All ready-to-eat processed meat product manufacturers are required to follow a national standard of compulsory specification and a South African national standard. “We have a situation where we have retail butcheries manufacturing processed meat products…

SO MUCH hype has been spread about the amount of greenhouse gases passed into the atmosphere by ruminants that environmentally sensitive consumers feel guilty about their love for beef and dairy products, even wool (which, by the way, doesn’t pollute the earth with microplastics the way synthetic materials like polyester do.) The truth is, say down-to-earth scientists, that herbivores actually do more good than harm and that part of the bad publicity they so unfairly attract can be blamed on the way their carbon footprints are measured. Only their emissions are considered and not the huge tonnage of carbon they put back into the soil every day. Environmental economist, Professor James Blignaut, explains that ruminants – from farm animals to antelope - are grazing herbivores that depend on plant-based…

The Proteas registered an emphatic victory over hosts Australia in the first ODI in Cairns yesterday after Keshav Maharaj claimed his maiden five-wicket ODI haul. The 98-run triumph, with Australia bundled out for 198 in response to the Proteas’ 296/8, was the visitors’ fourth consecutive ODI victory over the Baggy Greens. Such an outcome looked utterly out of the question when Australia’s openers Mitch Marsh and Travis Head had fast-forwarded to 60/0 after just seven overs. But Australia were utterly undone by their opponents’ decision to field three spin bowlers, all of whom played a significant role – none more so than Maharaj. The veteran left-arm orthodox tweaker enjoyed a magical night out on the eastern coast of Queensland, claiming a career-best 5/29, but it was ODI debutant Prenelan Subrayen…

The Springboks will keep a keen eye on Wallaby centre Joseph Sua’ali’i on Saturday in an effort to limit the space he has to operate in. After impressing in his first Test against the world champions, scoring a sensational intercept try, the 22-year-old will be looking to deliver another strong performance. However, veteran Bok centre Damian de Allende has highlighted the attacking threat Sua’ali’i poses, and the Boks will aim to shut him down before he can get his side on the front foot. Sua’ali’i scored the game-changing try at Ellis Park and will be eager to stamp his authority at the DHL Stadium (5.10 m start) when the two sides meet in the second Rugby Championship clash. “He is very agile and explosive and gets up in the air…

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane is in a race to find the right balance in his squad during the early stages of the 2025/26 season, and will be hoping to use their Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants today to lay a solid foundation for that project going forward. The Durban-based club are eager to build on last season’s Top 8 finish, which marked their best league performance in three years. Since taking over last season, Zwane has injected positivity into the Usuthu ranks. His leadership and tactical approach helped the club finish strong last season, but their inability to consistently convert chances into goals remains his team's Achilles’ heel. Despite creating the second most chances in the division last campaign, finding the net proved a struggle at crucial moments.…

When Washington’s 30% tariff on South African goods took effect on August 7, outrage was the easy emotion. The better response is discipline. Within days, Pretoria set out a five-pillar plan that blends firm diplomacy with market diversification and practical support for businesses. If we execute with urgency and transparency, this shock can become the push we needed to reset and broaden our export mix. Keep talking, not shouting The first pillar is engagement, not escalation. Cabinet has approved a revised offer that answers the issues highlighted by the US Trade Representative in its 2025 National Trade Estimates. The logic is straightforward: clear the technical hurdles, keep negotiations alive, and create room for the tariff to be reduced or removed. That is not capitulation. It is the work of professional…

In the Eastern Cape, the automotive industry sustains thousands of families and anchors the provincial economy and our country’s automative sector. The province is home to the largest automobile industry in the country, with four major vehicle manufacturers and even more vehicle component manufacturers. It produces 46.5% of light passenger vehicle in South Africa, as well as 53% of the light vehicle exports (NAACAM, 2023). But right now, it faces its most difficult challenge to date. Global trends are reshaping the automotive industry at an unprecedented pace. The automotive sector drives the province's economy, contributing to manufacturing employment and millions of rands to gross value added. However, the global shift towards New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), which require fewer parts and different manufacturing processes, presents both opportunities and challenges. At…

In a mid-season technical review of operations, Tongaat Hulett, which is in business rescue, said that three of its South African sugar mills are outperforming expectations, with the latest performance data showing continuous improvement at the halfway mark of the 2025 sugar season. Since entering business rescue in 2022, and thanks to funding support by the Industrial Development Corporation, the company has implemented a R1.45 billion rehabilitation programme aimed at stabilising and modernising operations across its Maidstone, Felixton, and Amatikulu mills, as well as its central refinery. Both Maidstone and Felixton mills have significantly reduced lost production time caused by equipment failure and unplanned breakdowns, marking a clear turnaround in mechanical reliability since the start of business rescue. Maidstone’s Lost Time % has dropped from 33.5% in 2021 to just…

The South African red meat industry is currently facing a pressing challenge with the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, characterised by a notable shortfall in available vaccines. However, industry leaders have assured stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm, as the Department of Agriculture has confirmed that more vaccine imports are on the horizon. Dewald Olivier, CEO of the Red Meat Industry Services, on Tuesday said that the current FMD outbreak was being managed, but it cannot yet be described as fully under control. “Outbreaks remain localised in certain areas, and containment zones together with movement restrictions in place to limit further spread. What is important is that industry and government are working more closely than in previous years, which has improved coordination of the response,” he…

Sometimes, parents really do know best, even when it comes to love. Just ask Michelle Obama. The former American First Lady recently revealed the simple but powerful dating advice she gives her daughters, Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24. And no, it’s not about waiting for Prince Charming or writing the perfect Hinge bio. Instead, Michelle’s approach to modern dating rules (or lack thereof) is refreshingly old school: date a lot. Speaking on her podcast, IMO, with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, Michelle admitted that her own love story with Barack Obama was shaped by having plenty of dating experience first. “I just try to get them to stay open to people,” she explained. “The thing that I did do was date a lot. And so when Barack showed up, I…

There has been mixed reaction from ratepayers and political parties to the appointment of Dr Michael Sutcliffe to assist with the turnaround strategy for Msunduzi Municipality. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, appointed Sutcliffe as the governance expert to support the municipality. He said this was a crucial step towards implementing a comprehensive turnaround strategy for the municipality. Buthelezi, said Sutcliffe’s appointment comes after a sustained outcry over deteriorating municipal infrastructure and a sharp decline in business confidence in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. According to Buthelezi, Sutcliffe’s immediate task is the implementation of a turnaround plan, with a specific and urgent focus on restoring service delivery, strengthening good governance, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring sound financial management. Sutcliffe previously served as the eThekwini municipal manager and…

An urgent call has been made to eradicate unsafe sanitation in schools after a recent incident where a six-year-old learner at Umzila Primary School in Dannhauser in northern KwaZulu- Natal died when he fell into a septic tank. The DA conducted an oversight visit to the school on Monday, following the incident which took place on August 6. According to the party, the child had “slipped away from the Grade R dismissal line and was playing near the school toilets when he fell into an underground septic tank that had not been properly cordoned off or secured”. DA KZN spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, said the oversight revealed that although the school was well-run, infrastructure failures placed learners at risk. “We found Umzila Primary to be a neat, well-managed school.…

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) session in Geneva, Switzerland, which aimed to deliver a binding global treaty on plastic pollution, ended without agreement. Talks collapsed due to deep divisions between nations and the absence of a clear process to resolve the deadlock. The South African delegation were disappointed by the outcome and concerned about the procedural failings that stalled progress. However, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is undaunted and will continue to crack down on plastic pollution. “South Africa is disappointed by the outcome and concerned about the procedural failings that stalled progress,” it said in a statement. “While the lack of agreement is frustrating, South Africa will not waver in our fight to end plastic pollution and create a fair, practical regulatory environment,” said…

A group of parents whose children attend Westville Senior Primary School has accused the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) of failing to deliver on its promises to investigate allegations of misconduct against the school’s principal. In a strongly worded statement, the parents said they were left “deeply disappointed and frustrated” by what they described as the department’s “troubling lack of capacity and inability to conduct timely, thorough, and transparent investigations.” The grievances against the principal are not new. In May, parents staged a protest outside the school, citing more than 50 unresolved complaints since 2023. Allegations ranged from financial mismanagement and procedural misconduct to the unilateral dropping of isiZulu as a first additional language. The principal was suspended in August 2024 to allow investigations to take place but was later…

Lukas Nmecha described his winning strike as the perfect way to start life at Leeds United after his controversial late penalty sealed a 1-0 victory over Everton on their Premier League return. The match had looked destined for a stalemate until James Tarkowski was harshly adjudged to have handled Anton Stach’s shot. Nmecha, introduced for his debut with just six minutes remaining, calmly slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford in the 84th minute. "For a newly-promoted side it (Elland Road) has to become a fortress," Leeds manager Daniel Farke said. after the match. "It's great to see the joy and the pride in their eyes. It's great to give the supporters, who are so emotional and care so much about their club, something to cheer." Nmecha reflected on the moment,…

Oscar Piastri will have a grandstand named in his honour at the Australian Grand Prix from next year, a recognition the McLaren driver described as “surreal”. The Piastri Grandstand will be located opposite the pit lane at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, the 24-year-old’s home race. “It is pretty surreal, it still feels weird racing at home – it is very cool racing at home,” the world championship leader said on social media. Other notable drivers to have stands named after them at Albert Park include Jack Brabham, Arthur Waite, Alan Jones, Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber. Piastri currently sits at the top of the drivers’ standings with 284 points, narrowly ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris, with 10 GPs remaining this season. Australia is set to host the…

There are two things I didn’t have on my 2025 sports bingo card. The one is definitely the reemergence of the long throw-in in the English Premier League, a throwback play that was once reserved for bottom-half teams to bully the big teams’ prima donnas in their penalty area. Rory Delap even had a ball-boy dry the ball with a towel before the throw-in during those cold and rainy nights in Stoke … There’s something beautifully unrefined about a long throw-in. It’s unapologetically agricultural, designed for teams who can’t find a goal with beautiful, intricate passing. In an era of false nines, xG metrics, and inverted full-backs, the long throw is the sporting equivalent of putting a steak on a plate without any garnish – it’s primal, no-nonsense, and strangely…

As South African steelmaker Arcelormittal (AMSA) vacillates on a crucial three-year contract, Assmang's Beeshoek Iron Ore Mine in the Northern Cape has found itself in dire straits, reflecting broader challenges within the mining sector. With a staggering R3.6 billion impairment loss annually and ongoing production declines, the mine is exploring drastic corrective measures, including the potential retrenchment of over 700 jobs. This comes as Assmang, the operator of Beeshoek Mine, has issued a notice of retrenchment to its employees and is conducting a consultation process with labour on the possibility of saving the threatened 700 plus jobs. In a notice on the retrenchment, Assmang notified its stakeholders that an approved recovery plan hinging on AMSA committing to a three-year deal to off take at least 2.2 million metric tons per…

Eskom has shifted its focus from merely addressing the crippling issue of loadshedding to positioning itself as a sustainable and competitive player in the energy market. In a bold move, Eskom on Tuesday announced the launch of its first Renewable Energy Offtake Programme, inviting large power users to submit bids for the procurement of 291MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at transitioning Eskom's generation mix away from its coal-dominated past towards a more diverse blend that includes a growing share of renewable energy sources by 2040. The acceptance of bids comes on the heels of the South African government's approval of six large-scale solar plants, totalling nearly 1.3GW, under the seventh bid window of its national renewable energy procurement programme. This…

Aveng’s share price shot up over 7% on the JSE after it announced it is in talks to sell its South African asset, the Moolmans contract mining company, as its strategy to create two independent businesses progresses. CEO Scott Cummins said Tuesday that although the talks to sell Moolmans were fairly advanced, he was not yet in a position to disclose when it might be finalised. Aveng’s other operating brands, MacConnell Dowell, which does infrastructure and construction, operates in Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, while the building segment, branded Built Environs, operates in New Zealand and the states of Victoria. Aveng's share price traded at R5.15 on the JSE on Tuesday morning, this after drifting from R10 a share a year ago. Cummins said in an…

The Ad Hoc Committee that will probe the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will use the services of an external legal counsel to lead evidence and obtain advice. This was one of the decisions taken when the MPs discussed the committee’s terms of reference. The decision came despite ANC MP Xola Nqola proposing that they should strive to curb costs by making use of the parliamentary legal services. “We must not use the services of external legal practitioners but rather utilise the services of the parliamentary legal and constitutional services,” Nqola said. He said Parliament has a capable team that can perform all the work that is required from an external legal counsel to advise and lead evidence. However, MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo said the…

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has outlined measures aimed at addressing the delays in magistrates’ courts, which result in cases taking months and even years to be finalised. Kubayi said her department has convened the National Case Backlogs Committee, comprised of members of the judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid South Africa, the Office of the Chief Justice, the SAPS, the Department for Correctional Services, the Legal Practice Council, and officials from the department’s court administration branch. “This committee is tasked with addressing blockages experienced in the courts, which lead to delays and postponements that contribute to growing case backlogs in the courts. “This committee has at its core an understanding that the co-operation and collaboration of every role player in the criminal and civil justice system…

The Bayhead Road Rehabilitation Project is advancing into its second phase. The project, which is aimed at easing port congestion, began in June this year with Phase 1. The second phase focuses on the crucial outbound carriageway from the Shell Garage to the Rotterdam Intersection, as well as the inbound carriageway from Wagtail to the Langeberg Intersection. Current construction activities include the removal of ageing asphalt and the laying down of new Bitumen-Stabilised Material (BSM) base and asphalt layers. Additional upgrades involve the cleaning and repair of kerbs, channels, and stormwater manholes. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said that several additional measures are being introduced to bolster road safety and improve traffic management. These enhancements include the installation of new road signage, marked lane indicators, reflective road studs, and measures…

After a meticulous seven-year investigation, the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit has successfully dismantled a significant transnational syndicate involved in rhino horn trafficking. This crackdown is linked to a fraudulent scheme that facilitated the illicit handling of 964 rhino horns, collectively valued at millions of rands, which were intended for black markets across Southeast Asia, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said in a statement. The department statement said authorities have apprehended six suspects, aged between 49 and 84, who now face serious charges including fraud, theft, and violations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004. In addition to these charges, investigators are also considering racketeering and money laundering allegations against the accused. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the…

Carlos Alcaraz won the ATP Cincinnati Open title after defending champion Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness in the opening set. World N o 1 Sinner began the final feeling unwell, dropping the first seven points before conceding at 5-0 down in hot, 30°C conditions. The contest lasted just 22 minutes, with the Italian calling for the doctor after losing the fifth game before shaking hands with Alcaraz. Sinner will now focus on his recovery ahead of the US Open, which begins this weekend. He is also scheduled to play in the tournament’s revamped mixed doubles on Tuesday, but his participation remains in serious doubt. “I’m disappointed, I didn’t feel great from (Sunday),” Sinner said afterwards. “During the night I thought I would recover a bit better,…

After starting the Springboks’ first match of the season against the Barbarians, loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez has pretty much been carrying tackle bags over the last two months. His initial foray into the team was necessitated by the suspension of regular No 8 Jasper Wiese. But he was still overlooked for the Boks’ Test against Georgia and the first Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies when Wiese was again suspended following a headbutt in the second Italy Test. Last weekend against the Wallabies, captain Siya Kolisi packed down at the back of the scrum, and before that, utility forward Cobus Wiese wore the No 8 jersey against Georgia. But Kolisi’s knee injury has opened the door for Du Preez to make a significant statement at No 8, having been…

For most teenagers, a severe crash that breaks bones would be enough to step away from the sport they love. For Ruchè Moodley, it was simply another challenge to overcome on his journey in motorcycle racing. The 18-year-old, Eastern Cape-born racer made his return at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring in Austria this past weekend following a harrowing crash at Mugello, Italy, in late June, and the mid-season summer break. At Mugello, Moodley went down and was struck by riders behind him, breaking his scapula and a vertebra. Yet, the teenager displayed immense determination to return after a short recovery, completing the Austrian Grand Prix in P17, after starting in P19, in the Moto3 category. Moodley admitted that regaining confidence was a challenge, but said he now feels fit again in…

Hope was rekindled when new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele made an immediate impact at his new club, levelling the score for Orlando Pirates in their MTN8 semi-final first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns this past Saturday. The goal was not only a significant milestone for the former TS Galaxy midfielder but also a timely boost for a team that had endured a lacklustre start to the season, restoring belief in what had been expected before the campaign began. While it is understandable that a new coach and several fresh faces are part of the equation, the reality remains that results are what ultimately matter. Heading into the crucial midweek clash against Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium this afternoon (7.30pm kick-off), securing a positive outcome will be at the forefront of the team’s…

Belgium winger Johan Bakayoko said a conversation with Jürgen Klopp was the decisive factor in his move to RB Leipzig from PSV Eindhoven this summer. With links to Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest as well as Borussia Dortmund, the in-demand Bakayoko, 22, signed with Leipzig in July. The winger was one of several young additions to Leipzig's squad in the first transfer window under Klopp, who took over as Red Bull's global head of football in January. On Tuesday, Bakayoko revealed Klopp's role in recruitment and said his chat with the former Liverpool coach was the "decision point" for the move. "When I had the talk with Jürgen Klopp, for me I thought, 'okay, I have to go'," said Bakayoko. That was the trigger point for me to…