Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-21 i Mercury

Stats SA reports that consumer prices surged to their highest in 10 months in July The rand weakened to R17.70 against the US dollar on Wednesday, its lowest in more than one week, after Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported that consumer prices surged to their highest in 10 months in July, putting household food budgets under pressure. Data from Stats SA on Wednesday showed that the annual headline consumer price inflation (CPI) soared from 3.0% in June to 3.5% in July, driven largely by beef prices on the back of ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. The July inflation print marked the second consecutive monthly increase and was the highest rate since September 2024 when it was 3.8%. Stats SA's chief director for price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said annual…

When designing youth employment programmes, companies often focus on the obvious barriers: skills gaps, lack of experience, or geographical constraints. But for young women, particularly women of colour, the challenges run far deeper. Research from the Human Sciences Research Council reveals that young black women face South Africa’s highest unemployment rates, with black African women experiencing unemployment rates 4.2% higher than the national average at 42.4%. This group of women exists at the intersection of gender, race and class, creating a complex web of exclusion that requires us to think systemically rather than symptomatically. The barriers start with unconscious biases about which jobs and environments are “suitable”, or not, for women. I experienced this firsthand as a young civil engineer when my manager consistently denied me construction site experience,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with several Japanese businesses in the renewable energy and auto sectors on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan. This comes as Ramaphosa has embarked on a strategic mission to enhance South Africa's economic landscape and diversification strategy by courting Japanese businesses in light of the recent 30% upsurge in tariffs to the US market. Japan is one of the major investors with more than R90 billion in the South African economy, with 260 Japanese companies, sustaining over 150 000 local jobs. Ramaphosa met with Mitsui, the strategic investor (27.5% stake) in Mainstream Renewable Power, which currently has a 12GW SA wind solar pipeline and reached financial close on a 97.5MW solar farm for Sasol/Air Liquide.…

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of South Africa's economy, contributing more than R5 trillion in turnover, accounting for roughly 34% of the country's GDP, and employing 11.4 million people. These vital economic engines drive innovation, create jobs, and fuel economic growth across the nation. In this context, 84% of SMEs expect their businesses to grow over the next 12 months, 69% are confident the economy will be conducive to growth, and confidence in access to finance has risen to 64%. At the same time, cash flow, economic conditions, and access to funding remain the top concerns, and confidence that clients will pay on time sits at 72%, up 3 points year on year. This signals cautious but determined momentum despite ongoing pressures. In the face of ongoing…

Prosus, the Naspers subsidiary listed in Amsterdam and the JSE, increased adjusted earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (aEBITDA) by robust 54% in the internet group’s first quarter, CEO Fabricio Bloisi said. He wrote in a letter to shareholders at the annual general meeting on Wednesday, where all the resolutions were passed, that revenue for the period was up 15% year-on-year. “We realised $780 million of asset sales in the last four months, showing our commitment to disciplined capital allocation,” he said. He said the JET (Just Eat Takeaway.com) acquisition was approved in five and a half months, way ahead of market expectations; and if JET was included for the second half of the 2026 financial year, Prosus’ revenue could reach between $9.4 billion - $9.6bn and aEBITDA…

Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has approached the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to challenge his suspension, alleging that Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola admitted to breaching proper procedures when he suspended him. Sibiya's suspension followed explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused him of concealing crucial murder case dockets. Mkhwanazi also alleged that Sibiya colluded with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to dismantle the task team investigating political killings. In his replying affidavit in the high court, Sibiya stated that Masemola breached police disciplinary regulations by instructing him to “stay at home” during the investigation without following proper procedures. Sibiya argues that Masemola should have allowed him to respond to the allegations before suspending him. “In his answering affidavit, the commissioner conceded he did not comply…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is facing a critical staffing shortage, with less than 50% of its permanent positions filled in local offices nationwide. This shortage is contributing to long queues and delays in social grant services, raising concerns over service delivery. A recent parliamentary question from Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Alexandra Abrahams revealed that SASSA’s fixed staff establishment includes 18 603 permanent posts, but only 7 076 of these are currently filled. This means a vacancy rate of 62%, with 144 funded posts vacant at different stages of recruitment, and a total of 128 posts having been vacated. Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe explained that, while there thousands of vacant permanent posts there are only 272 funded posts. She said many posts remain unfunded due to…

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has dismissed media reports suggesting that a third-year student took his own life due to losing funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The university said in a statement, shared on their Facebook page and with students and staff, that Sphiwokuhle Madela, a BHSc Diagnostic Radiography student in the Faculty of Health Sciences, was fully funded by NSFAS and was not part of the NSFAS exceptions file, commonly referred to as “defunded students”. The latest payment to him was recorded on August 4. “This tragedy was not related to funding or academic matters,” DUT said in the statement. Madela died on Tuesday morning after falling from the fifth floor of the S-Block building on the Steve Biko campus. The university also urged…

SOUTH Africa’s performance Down Under in the first One Day International earlier this week left the country satisfied, but perhaps Proteas women’s wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta was the most satisfied. Following what was a difficult weekend for the country, where the Proteas lost the series-deciding T20I in Cairns, the Springboks lost to the Wallabies and Dricus du Plessis’ loss of his UFC middleweight title at UFC 319, the country needed something to celebrate. On Monday, the Temba Bavuma-led ODI team came to the rescue, demolishing Australia by 98 runs to take a one-nil lead in the three-match series. Like many South Africans, Jafta was up early for the match, at 6.30am, anticipating the return of captain Bavuma and longing for a victory that would set her up for a fruitful week…

Even though Durban claimed victory last week against Chippa and drew with Golden Arrows on Tuesday night, Hunt believes his side produced the better football and were unfortunate to walk away with just a point. Durban looked more composed against an attacking Golden Arrows outfit, spending more time on the ball and passing with patience – signs of cool heads, something Hunt also acknowledged when asked about it. In midfield, Haashim Domingo, Kyle Jurgens and Samkelo Maseko looked more adventurous, pushing the ball forward rather than back-tracking. Durban maintained the positive intent from the previous week, but with more structure in their attacking play. The Boys in Blue should have held onto their 1-0 lead going into half-time, but conceded when Junior Dion found the net just before the whistle.…

Africa may not boast the largest economies or deepest pockets, but it has what many regions lack: energy, youth, abundance, and innovation. While the rest of the world gets older and runs out of steam, Africa’s cities are expanding, consumer demand is rising, and resources remain plentiful. What this means is that in the next 25 years, over half of global population growth will emanate from Africa, shifting the currents of investment, infrastructure, and trade. Deep historic and cultural links are keeping the West engaged in Africa, but changing geopolitical dynamics are changing how its economic and strategic importance is viewed. First mover advantage Recognising its potential as a new frontier for global economic growth early on, China was Africa’s first meaningful investor in the 21st century. Over the past…

Youth unemployment in South Africa is at concerning levels, with the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey by Stats SA revealing that the youth unemployment rate has risen to 46.1% in 2025. That’s about 4.8 million young people without work, similar to the previous quarter. But in this bleak environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remain a beacon of hope, not only as potential employers, but as launchpads for the country’s next generation of entrepreneurs. As we look for solutions to this, it’s worth considering how small businesses can support young business owners, and how intergenerational collaboration can drive both innovation and resilience. Small businesses that intentionally create space for younger voices and ideas are often the ones that remain most adaptable in the face of change. When younger and older…

DRDGold’s headline earnings a share increased 69% and the dividend was raised 100% to 40 cents, following a greater level of stability and success during the year to June 30 and a robust gold price. The share price fell slightly by 0.77% to R25.90 on Wednesday morning on the JSE, but in a reflection of investor confidence in improving fortunes at the company, the share price is up over 53% over 12 months. The company, which has the retreatment of mine tailings as its core business, said Wednesday a “new normal” was established at Ergo and its life had been extended. Ambitious growth objectives were being pursued at Far West Gold Recoveries (FWGR). CEO Niël Pretorius said within DRDGold “we talk about Ergo 1 – this was from 2008 when…

Retailer West Pack Lifestyle plans to open three more outlets before the end of the year, it said as it announced it has emerged from business rescue. The group went into business rescue in May 2024 amid several challenges such as the economic aftermath of Covid-19 and an accelerated expansion strategy that stretched the business too thin. At the time, the group owed more than R100 million to different financial institutions such as Access Bank, Absa, and Preference Capital. Wespack Lifestyle Corporate was sold during the business rescue. The private sale of West Pack Lifestyle saw more than 1000 jobs being saved. West Pack Lifestyle currently employs 1000. The retailer's strategy is now centred on franchising, ensuring the group is positioned for stability and growth in a tough economic climate.…

Political analysts and a civil society group have raised concern about the new limit and threshold for donations to political parties, saying this could see more influence exerted on government institutions and politicians. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation to double the threshold and annual donation limit in the Political Funding Act (PFA). The annual donation threshold to political parties by an individual donor has increased from R15 million to R30m. He has also allowed for donations to political parties below R200 000 to remain undisclosed (the identity of the donor does not have to be made public), up from a limit of R100 000. These amounts were set in a government gazette dated August 6. Ramaphosa said he made these decisions in terms of the PFA…

Three DA Members of Parliament, who were injured in a brutal smash-and-grab attack in Philippi on Tuesday, received a warning about potential danger just moments before the assault. The MPs, Nicholas Gotsell, Ian Cameron (chair of Parliament’s police portfolio committee), and Lisa-Maré Schickerling, had just departed the SAPS training college when their vehicle was surrounded by men armed with bricks near the intersection of New Eisleben and Govan Mbeki Roads. DA MP Nicholas Gotsell told eNCA that a local man approached their vehicle at the first intersection and warned Cameron to “be careful”. Cameron noted this warning but saw Schickerling was uneasy after the encounter. Moments after crossing that same intersection, a brick was hurled through their vehicle window. Gotsell described blacking out when a brick struck his head and…

Businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe has been denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in connection with the 2022 assassination of music producer and club owner Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka. Magistrate Renier Boshoff ruled yesterday that Molefe failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify his release on bail. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on September 18. Boshoff said that Molefe also has a pending case in another court relating to the murder of Armand Swart, who was shot dead on April 17, 2024. He said Molefe and his three co-accused - Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Diego Floyd Mabusela - are implicated in multiple related cases. Molefe was arrested in July by the police’s political killings task team in Gauteng. He faces several charges, including…

The Springbok Women’s team have a few scores to settle with Brazil in their Rugby World Cup opener in Northampton on Sunday, according to utility back Nadine Roos. The Boks and Brazil have never met in the 15-player code previously, but Roos along with teammates Ayanda Malinga, Eloise Webb, Zintle Mpupha and Sizophila Solontsi have all suffered at the hands of the South Americans on the World Sevens Series circuit. In four matches, the Bok Sevens team have only beaten Brazil once. “I’ve faced Brazil quite a few times on the Sevens circuit. Some very close, some were a bit further away, slipped out of our hands,” Roos said from the Boks’ RWC training base in Kettering. “But I definitely think facing them at the Rugby World Cup, it's going…

Ben Youssef Khalil wears the head coach’s cap very well. In charge of Kaizer Chiefs in the absence of incumbent Nasredinne Nabi, Khalil has led Amakhosi to an impressive start to the season – the Glamour Boys winning all three of their Betway Premiership matches without conceding a goal. Granted, Khalil has repeatedly spoken of how Nabi remains the man in charge and that he is in contact with them. That may well be the case, but the reality is that Khalil is leading the team now and has seen Chiefs beating all comers to sit joint top of the table with Sekhukhune United. Their latest victory – a 1-0 defeat of Richards Bay at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night – was once again achieved courtesy of a…

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says he wants to see his team produce more goal-scoring performances like they did in pre-season. With his back against the wall, Mngqithi was speaking to the media after Arrows’ 1-1 draw with Durban City on Tuesday night at Chatsworth Stadium. The 54-year-old said he was happy with the team’s character but less so with their football. He suggested that while the squad has no shortage of potential, poor decision-making in matches remains a concern. “Dribbling the ball but ending up giving it away is not something I want to see as a coach,” Mngqithi said. “At this point, I’m happy with the character, not so much the football.” Durban City had the better of the first half, but the Pride of Lamontville came…

South Africans will feel the financial sqeeze as the average nominal take-home pay marginally declined in July, according to the latest BankservAfrica Take-home Pay Index (BTPI). The nominal average take-home pay reached R17 144 in July 2025, 1.1% lower than the R17 339 reflected in June 2025 and a significant 6.9% lower than in February 2025. The index which tracks the monthly salary movements of approximately 3.8 million South African salary earners. However, the latest salary payments data reveals the pressure on workers – caught between a weak job market and rising municipal rates. Although the slowdown in 2025 is concerning, the data also points to the current employment trends. “Given that the BTPI is based on the total value of salaries paid into employees’ bank accounts - excluding…

In South Africa, the word hustle often conjures up the image young men selling iPhones and sneakers on Instagram, the teenager washing cars at the corner, or the boys lingering outside a spaza shop asking for R2. Their creativity and energy embody one face of hustling: quick, visible, entrepreneurial activity that thrives on immediacy and modern platforms. This side of hustle is celebrated as a bold response to unemployment and limited opportunities, showcasing how youth reimagine livelihoods in a precarious economy. But hustle has another quieter, less visible, yet far more enduring face. This is the hustle of women, particularly those over thirty-five, who sustain South Africa’s informal economy through daily enterprise. They are the traders at taxi ranks, the women running home-based food businesses, the resellers of shoes and…

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is gearing up for a legal battle as it seeks to protect nearly 700 jobs at Assmang’s Beeshoek Iron Ore Mine in the Northern Cape. The union on Wednesday expressed strong opposition to any attempts at fast-tracking potential retrenchments that stem from the mine’s financial struggles, which are primarily linked to the economic woes of its major client, ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA). NUM’s Kimberley regional secretary, Mosepedi Sanane, signalled the union’s readiness to engage in consultations to explore alternatives to what could be one of the most significant job losses in the region. “The NUM will engage meaningfully in the forthcoming consultations. However, we are clear that we will robustly challenge any attempt at unfair job losses,” Sanane said. “Our members will be kept…

Getting a tattoo is both exciting and scary – a deeply personal experience, whether you’re adding to a sleeve or sitting for your very first piece. Have you ever thought about what goes into caring for your tattoo? The work does not stop once the design is complete. A fresh tattoo is an open wound and needs excellent care in the first few weeks to heal beautifully and maintain its detail. On platforms like TikTok, tattoo artists regularly share aftercare advice with their followers. They often stress that following the artist’s instructions is a must. This often includes cleaning the tattooed area gently with fragrance-free soap, applying a thin layer of recommended ointment or lotion, avoiding direct sunlight and fragranced lotions. It’s also important to resist the urge to scratch…

DUE to the cryptic nature of the allegations made against Nedbank, in relation to the bank being part of a conspiracy to manipulate the rand, the bank has no case to answer as there is not a shred of evidence regarding any wrongdoing against it. This is according to Advocate Anthony Gotz SC, who yesterday told the Constitutional Court that Nedbank should never have been added as a respondent in the Competition Commission’s referral of the matter to the tribunal. This argument follows the Competition Commission’s appeal following last year's judgment in which the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) cleared 13 banks — including Nedbank — from facing the music in a later trial regarding the rand/US dollar manipulation saga. Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, acting on behalf of the Competition Commission, on…

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has denied allegations of racism and hate speech, insisting he will not apologise because he believes he has done nothing wrong. Speaking during a live broadcast this week, McKenzie confirmed receiving a letter from Lawyers for Human Rights but criticised that it was shared with the media before reaching him directly. “I’m very happy that this opportunity is coming up where I can defend myself. I'm going to come out of here as a person who hates racism. I’m going to take this up to the Constitutional Court so that everything they said I said, we can prove,” McKenzie said. McKenzie had until yesterday to respond to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) regarding offensive posts on his X (formerly Twitter)…

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu wants to nail down his role on Saturday and help put the Springboks in the right areas of the field as they look to overcome Australia in the second Rugby Championship Test. The versatile youngster is part of a six-two Bomb Squad replacement bench for the clash at DHL Stadium (5.10 pm kick-off) and is aiming to replicate his performances from last year’s tournament. He knows the team is on the back foot, however, and that it will take a collective effort to turn their fortunes around. With potential playing spots up for grabs when the Boks head to New Zealand next month for back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks, Feinberg-Mngomezulu emphasised the importance of staying focused on the present and delivering a strong performance against Australia. What…

The 2025 league ended on a high note for the men of the Westville Bowling Club ‘A’ side and the ladies of the Amanzimtoti ‘A’ side, as both secured back-to-back titles in the PNB first divisions. Their successes capped a season that offered no easy rides, with strong opposition snapping at the leader’s heels right until the final round. Westville BC held top spot throughout the league, but Parkhill BC remained a constant threat. Heading into the last round, Westville were only 3,5 points clear of their Durban North rivals, and with 17 points up for grabs, the title was still wide open. Both clubs enjoyed home fixtures, and while Westville faced Stella Park and collected 10,5 points, the real cheer from Westville’s men came when news spread that Hillcrest…

Alexander Isak has broken his silence on his Newcastle United future, claiming his departure is now “in the best interests of everyone” as the £150 million (about R3.5 billion) transfer saga intensifies. The Swedish striker, who finished as the English Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer last season, has been absent from pre-season and missed the Magpies’ opening 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. Liverpool have already seen a £110 million offer rejected, with Newcastle holding out for a British record fee. In a strongly worded Instagram post on Tuesday, Isak said: “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. “That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. The reality…