Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-04 i Mercury

The Development Bank of Southern Africa’s profitability soared in the year ended March 31, 2025 after net interest income grew and non-performing loans decreased despite “unsatisfactory” local and regional economic growth rates, unfavourable interest rates and geopolitical risk factors. Net interest income for DBSA for the year firmed up by 8.6% to R8.4 billion while operating income increased 12.3% stronger at R8.8bn. Net profits for the year resultantly grew 14.4% to R5.3bn, a record for the financier, attributable to “a solid increase in net interest income and positive fair value” adjustments. This was partially offset by currency losses reported following the rand’s appreciation against the US dollar. DBSA CEO Boitumelo Mosako said Wednesday that the “bank has again delivered strong financial results while advancing the developmental mandate with tangible”…

South Africa’s logistics sector should be the engine of economic growth – yet it is weighed down by mismanagement, corruption, entrenched crime syndicates, unyielding labour unions, and crumbling infrastructure. The result is a bleak and unsustainable picture. In response, the private sector has been forced into a survival mode, quietly fixing what it can and actively finding ways around the dysfunction. Operating on the principle that it is often “easier to ask for forgiveness than permission,” businesses across logistics industries are taking matters into their own hands simply to stay afloat and keep contributing to an economy in decay. It is in this context that private participation across Transnet assets is such a glimmer of hope for logistics industry, and for the South African economy. South Africa’s move – albeit…

Parliament's portfolio on health has stubbed the ambitions of the National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITASA) to submit on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (Tobacco Bill) amid concerns that banning the sale of loose cigarettes for the over 2 million informal traders would be a death knell for the sector. Informal traders have raised concerns that the Tobacco Bill introduces a ban on the sale of single cigarettes, which effectively criminalises the lifeblood of the informal trade, that the ban would drive up the illicit tobacco trade, which currently sits at 70%, and oppose the public display of tobacco products. NITASA said it has been excluded in a box ticking exercise after it had made a written submission on the Tobacco Bill in 2023,…

It seems I may have been the only one in South Africa who missed the Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert—talk about living under a rock. My consolation prize? Catching up on the lyrical miracle via Instagram stories, because my people are always standing on bizness. And honestly, with the seamless production and futuristic visuals, it almost felt like watching a 3D blockbuster from the comfort of my bed. South Africa has long carried the world on its cultural shoulders, and this show etched the duo’s names firmly into our creative history books. Beyond the spectacle, the event was a bold reminder that creativity is not just entertainment, it is a force that shapes social experiences, builds industries, and drives economies. Amapiano, once the soundtrack that kept us together during…

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings delivered a commendable performance in its Commercial Pharmaceuticals division, reporting a 10% increase in normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year 2025. This growth is primarily attributed to robust advancements in their injectables, over-the-counter (OTC), and prescription drug segments. The division, which accounts for over 70% of group revenue, has experienced a resurgence bolstered by the rollout of Mounjaro in South Africa and the integration of an acquired product portfolio in Latin America. Despite this positive trajectory, Aspen faced challenges stemming from the appreciation of the rand against its major trading currencies, which diluted overall earnings. The company also announced a dividend declaration of 211 cents per share, which represents a significant drop of 41.2% from the previous year’s 359 cents. This…

THE council of the eThekwini Municipality has been accused of failing to act on allegations of financial misconduct within the City. Integrity Forensic Solutions (IFS) CC, Next Technologies (Pty) Ltd, Fairways Golf Lodge (Pty) Ltd, and several former and current city officials have filed court papers with the Durban High Court. They seek to overturn a decision by the eThekwini council not to investigate allegations of financial misconduct. The papers state that the allegations relate specifically to the conduct of city manager Musa Mbhele as well as other officials. The court papers list the municipality, the eThekwini council, the executive committee, several city officials, and the MEC of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, among the respondents. In an affidavit, a representative of Integrity Forensic Solutions CC sets out…

A former Glencore employee who was dismissed after he was injured at work and left disabled lost his application for reinstatement at the Labour Court in Johannesburg. Moshe Kgatla was employed by the company as an electrical apprentice on a learnership in April 2014 at Glencore Lydenburg Smelter. Sometime in March 2015, Kgatla was involved in an accident while performing his duties, and he sustained serious injuries that led him to be permanently disabled. He was subsequently charged with negligence after he was accused of jumping into a moving hot-charge car that was outside of his working area. Following a disciplinary hearing, he was dismissed in February 2016. He referred an unfair dismissal dispute to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The arbitrator overturned his dismissal, and a…

About 50 of the 121 dockets handed over to the Madlanga Commission deal with political murders involving councillors and political office bearers while 42 of them are related to the killing of traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal. This information was revealed by a source who said these murders involve politicians and business people. Police yesterday confirmed that the Madlanga Commission will receive copies of the 121 dockets linked to political killings, while the original files remain with the KZN Political Killings Task Team. The decision came after Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola agreed to submit the dockets to the commission. This follows a meeting between the two on Monday. Cachalia and Masemola recently clashed after the commissioner made the decision to return the dockets…

The Springboks, despite their imposing physicality, are facing growing scrutiny at the breakdown – an area that has traditionally underpinned their defensive strength and counter-attacking prowess. That frailty at the tackle area was exposed in the Tests against Italy and, more recently, Australia. The world champions can expect the All Blacks to target that weakness ahead of Saturday’s first Rugby Championship match at Eden Park (9.05am kick-off). Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his disappointment at just how ineffective his side was in this area of play, especially in the first match against the Wallabies. Things improved in Cape Town, but it was still not up to the standard that an international Test match demands. Ardie Savea and his teammates will be licking their lips to get stuck into the…

South Africa’s women’s team are stepping out from the monumental shadow of the four-time world champion Springboks as they prepare for their first-ever quarter-final appearance in a Rugby World Cup by taking on France this weekend. The team has come a long way since disappearing in the 2010s, drawing more attention as they develop, though they still do not enjoy the public adoration reserved for the men’s squad. Under the guidance of Swys de Bruin, the Springbok Women take on France on Sunday in their final pool game, having already secured a history-making place in the quarter-finals following their battling 29-24 win against higher-ranked Italy in matchday two. “We are sitting on a goldmine that can explode if we’re really serious about it” said former coach Stanley Raubenheimer, who led…

4000 jobs on the line as Newcastle blast furnace is placed into temporary care and maintenance Newcastle communities have raised major concern about the possible closure of ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) and its long steel business, putting close to 4 000 jobs on the line. This follows Amsa announcing on Tuesday that a sustainable solution has not been implemented to secure the future of its Long Steel Business beyond the current deferral period, which ends on 30 September 2025. Amsa said that the company has worked closely with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), government, and other stakeholders to explore every possible strategic option. “Unfortunately, no solution has been concluded yet. As a result, the Newcastle blast furnace has been placed into temporary care and maintenance, and the company is now…

India, which has been bracing for the negative impact of Donald Trump’s sweeping trade tariffs, has shown surprising economic resilience, posting record growth of the country’s private sector economy in August. The International Monetary Fund has raised its FY26 and FY27 forecasts for the country, and domestic demand remained robust in the face of the initial 25% tariff imposed by the US. However, India’s ingenuity and resilience are set to be tested to the limit now that Trump has slapped an additional 25% to the earlier 25% export tariff imposed by Washington against India. New Delhi now faces a whopping 50% tariff on its exports, as punishment for purchasing crude oil from Russia in defiance of a US embargo. Amidst the gloomy reality of being among the countries facing the…

For the time-pressed entrepreneur, the prospect of having a bot attend weekly project meetings and deliver a graphical progress summary appears tremendously valuable. However, this efficiency-focused perspective overlooks a fundamental aspect of business success: the irreplaceable value of human relationships. Strong interpersonal connections build trust and internal cohesion while enabling accurate, nuanced communication. Despite advances in sentiment analysis, much of human communication relies on body language, tonal subtleties, and emotional intelligence that current AI cannot fully appreciate. The purpose of a stand-up meeting is not simply information transfer. It's about building team cohesion, reading the room's energy, and catching those subtle cues that signal when someone is struggling but won't say so directly. While AI can analyse sentiment and emotion with increasing accuracy, it cannot replicate the trust built through…

Cashbuild, one of southern Africa’s largest retailers of building materials and associated products, grew revenue from market share gains in a very difficult consumer spending environment through the year to end-June 2025. The group, which sells to a predominantly cash-paying customer base through 318 stores, saw its margins come under pressure in spite of good cost controls, chief operating officer Shane Thoresson said in an interview on Wednesday. The average selling price inflation remained steady and low, at 1.7%. Thoresson said although the market was still tough, they had seen a slight uptick in market sentiment towards the end of their financial year, and footfall was up 6%, indicating “more customers are coming through our doors.” He said there was likely little scope to grow margins significantly in the new…

A California couple, Matt and Maria Raine, have launched legal action against OpenAI, claiming its chatbot ChatGPT played a role in their 16-year-old son Adam’s death. Filed recently in the Superior Court of California, the case marks the first known wrongful death lawsuit against the AI company. According to court documents, Adam began using ChatGPT in late 2024 to help with schoolwork and to explore personal interests such as music and Japanese comics. The Raines claim that their son started confiding in ChatGPT about his anxiety and mental health struggles, before moving on to discussions about suicide methods by January 2025. Logs submitted to the court allegedly show that Adam uploaded photographs of self-harm and revealed his plan to end his life. Rather than directing him to immediate help, the…

The ANC plans to significantly revise its leadership election protocols as part of a party revitalisation initiative, following a substantial decline in public trust and recent electoral defeats. Against a backdrop of persistent allegations of vote-buying and factionalism, the proposed reforms, which include a suggestion for an open ballot system from some party members, are set to be discussed at the National General Council (NGC) in December. In an NGC discussion document, the party acknowledges the dwindling public trust, evidenced by a historic decline in support and failure to secure a majority vote in recent elections. While the document does not yet outline specific changes to how leaders will be selected, it heavily emphasises the need for an improved quality of leadership and a renewed commitment to ethical governance. "Organisational…

Luxury vehicles and two residential properties worth a combined R7.7 million were among the assets that Gauteng businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala disclosed to the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court during his bail application. Matlala, who said he is the director of four companies, stands accused of orchestrating a hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane in 2023. Matlala faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. He is charged alongside four co-accused, including his wife, Tsakani Matlala, who is currently out on bail. The charges stem from a shooting incident on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023, during which Thobejane, best known for her role in the television series ‘ Muvhango’, was shot in the foot. A female passenger in her vehicle suffered a serious spinal injury. In…

ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has called for the formation of a special task team within the eThekwini Municipality's Metro Police unit to address the issue and the impact of illegal immigration. ActionSA councillor in eThekwini, Zwakele Mncwango, tabled his motion on the matter during the full council meeting held yesterday. The motion received support from the majority of the council, while the EFF and the ANC proposed additional amendments to the motion. In his written motion, Mncwango stated that the municipality is facing challenges related to illegal foreigners engaging in unlawful activities such as drug peddling and the illegal occupation of buildings. The safety and security of residents are of paramount importance and require effective measures, he said. The council resolved that the executive committee investigate and report back to the…

The Proteas have another triumph in their sights when they return to Lord’s today for the second ODI against England, but will have to do so without Tony de Zorzi after the top-order batter was ruled out of the remainder of the series due a hamstring strain. The glorious memories of the World Test Championship final of just under two months ago will still be fresh in the minds – although the Proteas will now be back in the away dressing room after enjoying the comforts of the home change room against Australia. While an ODI series may pale in comparison to playing for the ICC’s golden Test mace, the Proteas’ white-ball record in England leaves a lot to be desired, and they now have an opportunity to win just…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ new attacker Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng is exactly where he’s always wanted to be – which is why he believes he’s made the perfect homecoming. Ntsabeleng was unveiled as Sundowns’ latest signing this week after joining the club on a season-long loan deal from US-based outfit FC Dallas. While his arrival turned heads on social media, the 27-year-old is no stranger to the Brazilians. Ntsiki made his football breakthrough in the club’s youth structures back in 2017 before moving on to rivals Kaizer Chiefs, where he spent some time in the reserves before heading to the US. After impressing during spells with Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (CC University), Oregon State Beavers (Oregon State University) and FC Dallas – juggling between football and academics – he once received an offer to…

The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) quarter three released on Wednesday indicated that the Index dropped further by one point to 39 following a five-point decline in the second quarter of 2025. Economists have raised concern about the drop in BCI. Isaah Mhlanga, the chief economist at RMB, said that this is three points below the long-term average level of 42, and implies that just over 60% of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. “The underlying results point to an economy that is muddling through, with many activity and demand indicators in line with the 20-year average levels.” Mhlanga added that the current level of confidence is insufficient to drive an acceleration of much-needed investment to improve South Africa’s potential economic and employment growth rates. “The South African business…

South Africa’s Tobacco Bill will help to save lives and protect children from harms caused by smoking the commodity, Bintou Bityeki, the Africa programs director for the lobby group Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said Wednesday. This comes as big tobacco producers BAT South Africa, Philip Morris, and others are pushing for the separation of legislation between traditional cigarettes and new smokeless alternatives. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is a proposed South African law that aims to strengthen public health by regulating the sale, advertising, and use of tobacco and electronic nicotine/non-nicotine delivery systems, such as vaping devices. Bityeki has described the draft legislation as a “landmark public health bill” that will “provide an important example for tobacco control efforts across Africa” when adopted. “The Campaign for…

In business, few skills are as universally valuable as the ability to negotiate well. Whether you’re securing better payment terms from a supplier, finalising a contract with a new client, or discussing equity with an investor, strong negotiation skills can directly affect your bottom line. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where margins are often tighter and resources more limited, every negotiation counts. Yet many business owners approach these discussions with hesitation, unsure of how to balance firmness with flexibility, or how to push for favourable terms without jeopardising relationships. The good news is that negotiation is not an innate talent; it’s a skill that can be learned, practised, and refined over time. By understanding the core principles and applying them consistently, SME owners can secure outcomes that strengthen their…

Woolworths' Food division delivered above-market performance, reinforcing its position as a leading South Africa food retailer, after its turnover and concession sales grew by 11% for the year to June 29. This was even though the South African retailer on Wednesday reported a 23.9% decline in full-year headline earnings, due to a weaker than expected performance from its Australian clothing chain Country Road Group (CRG), which underwent a significant restructure. The Foods division reported sector-leading growth of 7.7% on a comparable-store basis. Excluding the Absolute Pets acquisition, Food sales grew by 9.2%, highlighting strong momentum in the core business. Volume growth was driven by increased footfall and larger basket sizes, supported by an innovation pipeline and enhanced customer experience, the group directors said in its financial results that were released…

Failure to manage the privatisation of state-owned enterprises and a lack of political will are some of the reasons trade unions and political parties have raised as key factors in the monumental job losses affecting various industries in South Africa. With close to 4 000 jobs on the line at South Africa’s largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal South Africa, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has raised her concerns over the job losses in the country. Meth stated that these job losses, in light of the job losses at Goodyear SA and Ford Motor Company, and other entities, are deeply concerning. ArcelorMittal South Africa said on Tuesday that it is taking preparatory steps towards the potential closure of the long steel business, which includes communication with employees and, if…

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that a series of critical vehicle recalls have been issued by car manufacturers, including Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, and Hino for certain models. In a statement, the NCC said, “The National Consumer Commission (NCC) notifies the affected consumers about the recalls for Ford Mustang, Ford Transit Custom, BMW X3 (G45) vehicles, and Hino 500 Series buses as notified by the suppliers.” Ford Motor Company confirmed that Mustang vehicles made available from 2021 to 2022 are affected by a defect in the low-pressure fuel pump. According to the notice, “Loss of fuel pressure and flow can result from internal contamination of the jet pump, particularly in low fuel conditions, and from reduced internal clearances of the fuel pump, leading to increased internal friction and sensitivity…

KwaZulu-Natal's Ezemvelo Wildlife and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority have responded to a recent hyena attack at Cape Vidal Campsite, where a camper sustained injuries. Park authorities expressed sympathy, stating: “Our thoughts are with the individual, and we extend our sincerest wishes for a swift and full recovery,” the park said in a statement. In response, efforts are underway to capture and relocate two or three hyenas suspected of roaming the campsite and causing the incident. “Following this incident, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and iSimangaliso are taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of all visitors. Work is being carried out to capture and relocate the two or three hyenas that often roam within the campsite and are suspected to have been responsible for the recent incidents.” Trap cameras will now be…

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has announced a two-day shutdown that will take place in Durban today and tomorrow. The move will affect thousands of commuters, including workers and schoolchildren. The organisation’s chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Mathula Mkhize, stated that the city's regional associations will meet to finalise the move after attempts to engage the eThekwini Municipality on taxi operators' grievances had failed. “I’m sure we'll know the details by midday, but we are neither calling it a stay-away nor a strike," Mkhize explained. He emphasised that their stance is not strike action but rather a stay-away. “We cannot find any government leaders to listen to us,” lamented Mkhize. He mentioned that the ongoing taxi stay-away in KwaDabeka and Clermont, which began on Tuesday, is just the tip of…

Kamogelo Sebelebele wants to repay the faith Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has shown in him by helping the team take a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bafana are currently in camp as they prepare to face neighbours Lesotho and arch-rivals Nigeria in back-to-back qualifiers at the Free State tomorrow and Tuesday, respectively. Wins in both matches would go a long way in helping Bafana reach the promised land – the World Cup finals. At the moment, Broos’ men are top of Group C with 13 points, five ahead of second-placed Rwanda. However, uncertainty hangs over their lead after the team fielded Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to play due to being on two yellow cards, in the first-leg game against Lesotho. Should FIFA decide to sanction…

With the next World Cup kicking off in just over nine months, European champions Spain and some of the continent’s other heavyweights finally begin their qualifying campaigns this week. France, Germany and Portugal are also only just embarking on the journey which they expect will take them to the tournament in North America, The state of play in Europe is in stark contrast to elsewhere. World Cup holders Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador have already qualified from South America, where the campaign is almost complete. Meanwhile, six spots have been secured in Asian qualifying. Europe has 16 qualifying berths, a third of the total for the first-ever 48-team World Cup. All 12 group winners will go through, with four more spots available in play-offs. Spain, second only to Argentina in the…

The world did not need Albert Einstein – or so the dubious claim goes – to tell us that “doing the same thing and expecting a different result” is foolhardy. And yet, here we are for another Betway Premiership season, and we are again crying foul about refereeing decisions in South Africa’s top football league. It does seem rather pointless. But I also have the belief that keeping quiet would be a crime. Referees simply cannot deliver poor results on a weekly basis and escape without any consequences. There is simply too much at stake. It’s not only coaches and players’ futures that are on the line, but often the livelihood of everyone involved at the club. It is a matter that our bombastic Minister of Sports and Culture Gayton…