Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-10 i Mercury

Shareholders will receive a R73-per-share special dividend on top of other benefits South African shareholders in Anglo American will receive a R73 per share special dividend in addition to other economic benefits after the global miner agreed to a tie-up creating a merged entity with Teck Resources more than a year after turning down an offer from BHP. Teck Resources is a Canadian mining company. Its merger with Anglo American will be under a merger of equals is expected to yield $800 million in pre-tax recurring annual synergies. South African shareholders in Anglo American stand to get a windfall from the transaction, said analysts. Anglo American has been re-strategising after it rebuffed a buyout offer from BHP. “South African shareholders will receive the economic benefits of the merger without paying…

South Africa is a water-scarce country, facing profound water security challenges that are now being compounded by climate change. South Africa’s climate story is in many ways is a water story. Droughts and floods arrive in the same breath, shifting from one extreme to the next with devastating consequences. As climate impacts intensify, water emerges not merely as a casualty but as a catalyst shaping emissions, resilience, and social justice. If South Africa fails to integrate water into its climate response, it risks compounding crises of scarcity, inequity, and fragility. The Climate Crisis as a Water Crisis At its core, South Africa’s climate crisis is a water crisis. Floods, droughts, and crumbling infrastructure are no longer distant risks they are lived realities. The 2015–2018 Cape Town drought, culminating in the…

SUPER Group paid out a substantial special dividend of R16.20 for the year to June 30, arising principally from the sale of SG Fleet in Australia, compared with 60 cents a share paid out a year before. The special dividend amounted to R5.54 billion in total, and the per share payout was more than the share price of R14.12 on Tuesday. Tuesday’s share price was also well below the R24.15 it traded at one year before. The group did not, at the release of annual results on Tuesday, declare an ordinary dividend. The sale of SG Fleet in Australia had unlocked R7.47bn in capital and also enabled a R1.96bn repayment of interest-bearing debt. This dramatically improved the group balance sheet, reducing net gearing to 20.6% from 136.3%. Marking a transformative…

When South African actress and media personality Pearl Thusi steps into the spotlight, she brings more than just her star power. Known as “Mama Panther,” she’s a mother who looks out for her daughters. Thusi and her daughter, Thandolwethu Mokoena, have just launched a YouTube show called Say Less with Pearl and Thando. The show invites viewers into their lives, mixing generational banter, thoughtful conversations, and an honest look at what it means to raise and be raised today. In their words, it’s a front-row seat to the ups and downs of a modern mother-daughter relationship as they work through the generational gap. The show isn’t just entertaining, it’s easy to relate to. Their quick jokes and laughter highlight something we all know: relationships can be tough, but they’re also…

An online petition has called for Tiffany Meek to be released on bail, to receive fair treatment and to be considered innocent until proven guilty. This comes after Meek, 31, from Fleurhof, was denied bail in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on July 29. Meek, who is accused of murdering her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, is expected to appeal the bail decision. She also faces charges of crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. It remains unclear as to who started the online petition that has garnered over 300 signatures. According to the petition, Magistrate Annelin Africa “denied her [Meek] bail in a manner that went beyond legal requirements, relying on untested allegations and casting doubt on her innocence…

A bank teller who, along with two co-accused, allegedly embezzled over R3.9 million from client accounts has pleaded guilty to the charges. Bonginkosi Praise Khoza, 28, admitted to his role in the unauthorised transactions and is now awaiting sentencing. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said Khoza, alongside a bank manager identified as Selby Khoza and a fellow teller, Winny Mashaba, allegedly made off with R3 950 941 in fraudulent transactions in August 2016. The trio was arrested a year later, in 2017, by the Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation team on charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, confirmed the latest developments in the case. “Bonginkosi Praise…

South Africa’s creative industry generates billions for the economy, yet unions warn that the artists, actors, writers, and crews behind it remain excluded from labour protections and are too often left in poverty. In a joint statement, the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) described the sector as “parasitic, feeding off the labour of artists while denying them fair compensation and security.” SAGA chairperson and actor Jack Devnarain said, “For fifteen years, SAGA has lobbied government for labour protections and fair regulation. Until freelance actors are recognised as workers under labour law, we will continue to see heartbreaking stories of celebrated performers dying in poverty.” He added, “We’ve waited 30 years; how much longer must we wait while politicians prepare…

At least 86 officials were charged in connection with the unnatural deaths of prisoners over the past few years. Parliamentarians also heard yesterday that there was an alarming 30.09% increase in the number of unnatural deaths of offenders between 2022/23 and 2024/25. Briefing the Correctional Services Portfolio Committee, acting deputy commissioner for Incarcerations and Corrections Riaan Botha said there were 1718 deaths in prisons over the past three years. The deaths were made up of 1 144 natural deaths, 152 were confirmed unnatural deaths, and 422 were unconfirmed or under investigation deaths. Botha said of the 152 confirmed unnatural deaths, 67 were suicides, 55 homicides, 22 unknown, and eight were attributed to substance abuse. “Suicide was the leading cause of confirmed unnatural deaths in correctional facilities over the past three…

Springbok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen believes their issues at the breakdown are not as dire as many are making them out to be – despite again appearing second best in that area against the All Blacks at Eden Park. The attacking breakdown has been a thorn in the Boks’ side this season, with both Italy and Australia exploiting it to great effect before the South Africans travelled to New Zealand. At Eden Park, it seemed a familiar story as the All Blacks slowed down Bok ball, pounced on counter-rucking opportunities and secured crucial turnovers throughout the match. Italy flooded the breakdown in their opening match at Loftus Versfeld and could well have stolen the result had they not fallen so far behind in the first half. Against the Wallabies at…

Durban City boss Farook Kadodia has intensified coach Gavin Hunt’s mandate, stating that home games at Chatsworth Stadium are ‘a must-win.’ He said the club owes it to their fans, who supported them as they fought for and secured promotion to the Betway Premiership last season. Speaking to Independent Media yesterday, Kadodia said they look to display that attitude with their next game against Siwelele –another Premiership newbie. Kadodia said he wants his boys to find a bit more stability and rhythm as they settle into the season after a decent start to their Premiership campaign with two wins, two draws and a loss. But the mandate is finding stability in home games at Chatsworth Stadium. “You know, to come back into the PSL (Premier Soccer League) and still get…

At Monza, the legendary temple of speed, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen reminded the Formula 1 world why championship experience is often the decisive factor when pressure mounts. The Dutchman delivered a flawless drive to secure victory at the weekend in the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, capitalising on McLaren’s pit-wall mistakes and proving that even in a season dominated by the Papaya, Red Bull’s triple world champion still knows how to seize the moment. Going into the weekend, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had been the protagonists of the championship battle, holding the edge in raw pace across most circuits. Verstappen, meanwhile, had been lurking in the background, consistently finishing just behind the McLarens and waiting for opportunities. He had only won twice since May, prompting questions about…

The search for the right player combinations and pairings for next year’s T20 World Cup continues for the Proteas as they take on England in three T20Is this week. Since coach Shukri Conrad took over the white ball teams, the side has lost five out of eight matches, including losing a Tri-Series in Zimbabwe before going on to lose 2-1 against Australia Down Under. Conrad has made several changes since those two tours, dropping spinners George Linde and Nqaba Peter, and batter Rassie van der Dussen, while Keshav Maharaj, Lizaad Williams and Donovan Ferreira have all been called back to the squad for the England series. With the first of three T20Is set to get underway at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff today, Markram emphasised that the team continues to build…

South Africa’s economy gained momentum in the second quarter of 2025 as it delivered its strongest growth in two years, largely driven by strong production side, household consumption and softer imports. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday showed that real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0.8% between April and June following a marginal increase of 0.1% in the first quarter. Stats SA’s chief director for national accounts, Dr Bokang Vumbukani-Lepolesa, said eight out of 10 industries registered growth, with manufacturing contributing the most, followed by mining and trade. Vumbukani-Lepolesa said the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector saw a 2.5% rise during the period, thanks to stronger activity in both horticulture and animal products. “After two consecutive quarters of decline, manufacturing and mining turned positive. Manufacturing production…

Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, the first female CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is a trailblazing leader who officially took office in February 2025. Her star shines bright. In an interview with Business Report, shortly after presenting the IDC’s annual results, Lekhethe reflected on the path that led her to head one of South Africa’s most influential development finance institutions. The IDC’s mandate is to drive sustainable economic growth and build inclusive economies by promoting industrialisation, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering job creation, particularly for black-owned businesses, women, and youth. Lekhethe was born in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. She grew up in a family of five children, the only girl among four brothers. At the age of five, she moved with her family to Burgersfort, a small mining town in Mpumalanga. Her mother was…

South Africa’s solar energy sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years. This has been driven by falling equipment costs, technological advancements, and a shortage of electricity. Globally, the cost of solar panels and batteries has dropped by as much as 40% to 60% over the past two years, in addition to improvements in panel efficiency and battery power density. This means users can now install fewer units to achieve the same output. Combined with a more easily navigated regulatory framework and the risk of loadshedding returning, solar energy has become an increasingly viable option for households and businesses across the country. One of the most significant advantages of solar energy is how quickly it can be deployed. Residential installations can be completed in a single day, while larger commercial…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Tuesday for "more flexibility" from the EU in the transition to electric cars as resistance grows over plans to phase out combustion-engine vehicle sales by 2035. Merz made the appeal at the opening of the IAA motor show in Munich, as Europe's struggling automakers line up to plead for the bloc to reconsider the plan aimed at combating climate change. German titans VW, BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well as US-European giant Stellantis have voiced concerns as they struggle to build up competitive electric vehicles (EV) against Chinese rivals like BYD. While he did not openly criticise the EU's deadline to halt sales of new combustion engine cars in a decade, Merz said he wanted to see "more flexibilty" in European regulation. "We are of course…

There’s no better time than spring to take your book beyond the living room and into the fresh air. Whether it’s the park, the beach or your own backyard, reading outdoors can make the experience of getting lost in a story even more rewarding. However, it does come with its own set of challenges, including glare and distractions. Here are some practical tips and tricks to make outdoor reading easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Find the right spot Not all outdoor spaces are created equal for readers. A shady spot under a tree or a quiet corner of a garden offers a natural balance of light and comfort. Avoid places with too much foot traffic if you’re easily distracted. If you’re heading to a park, scout out benches tucked…

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has condemned the assassination of Bouwer van Niekerk, a respected insolvency attorney who was shot and killed at his Saxonwold, Gauteng, firm last Friday. According to police, van Niekerk was shot dead by four suspects while he was in the boardroom of the office. The gunmen fled the scene and the police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or provide anonymous tip-offs on the MySAPS app. The LSSA, in a statement, condemned the “targeted and brutal attack”. The organisation said violence against legal practitioners is an assault on the rule of law, public confidence in the justice system, and the constitutional promise that disputes will be resolved peacefully through lawful…

The decision by the Msunduzi Municipality to appeal a court judgment that had struck down its sponsorship deal with the Royal AM football club has drawn widespread condemnation from opposition parties and ratepayers. In August, the Pietermaritzburg High Court had found the agreement to be unlawful, invalid and had reviewed and set it aside. It further ordered that all payments made to the football club under the sponsorship deal must be repaid with interest. The DA’s Ross Strachan stated that the party in Msunduzi has noted with dismay the municipality’s filing of an application for leave to appeal the recent judgment. Royal AM, which was expelled from the Premier Soccer League earlier this year, was cited as a respondent in the case but did not participate in the matter. Strachan…

ALEXANDER Isak stated “not everyone has the full picture” of his move to Liverpool after Sweden’s 0-2 defeat against Kosovo. Isak joined the Premier League champions as their new No.9 on a long-term contract, which he signed on deadline day in a move for a British record transfer fee of £125 million. Isak made his intentions of leaving Newcastle clear and did not participate in the pre-season. The tensions then arose which led to him being excluded from Eddie Howe’s first team training, which ultimately led to Newcastle United’s faithful turning on the 25-year-old. His first appearance of the season came as a second half substitute in Sweden’s loss against Kosovo. “Not everyone has the full picture, but that’s something for another day. I can’t control everything that’s said or…

Durban’s Super Giants have significantly bolstered their squad with some high-profile signings, including that of Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram at the SA20 Auction held in Johannesburg yesterday. After reaching the final in the second season, the Durban-based side endured a dramatic fall from grace in the third edition, finishing bottom of the standings with just two wins from ten round-robin fixtures earlier this year. As a result, head coach Lance Klusener found himself under pressure, although the franchise opted to retain him for the fourth season, which is set to kick off on Boxing Day later this year. Held at The Galleria Conference and Events Venue in Sandton, the auction saw the Super Giants come out firing, clearly determined to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. In…

Veteran sprinter Wayde van Niekerk is confident that a South African team boasting a good blend of youth and experience can end their long medal drought at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, starting this weekend. Van Niekerk, the 400m world record holder, will tackle the men’s 200m and will form part of the men’s 4x400m relay team in the Japanese capital. The 33-year-old, a two-time former world champion in the one-lap sprint, is one of the most experienced athletes in the team. He announced his return to form with a 200m qualifying time of 20.07 on August 12 at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Budapest, but the time was outside the fastest times in the world this year. He knows it will take an extraordinary effort to reach the…

Limpopo’s provincial government has put its best foot forward to attract investment from multilateral financial institutions for critical infrastructure development projects that could yield economic growth and create jobs, including the protracted intra-provincial high-speed railway project. This comes as Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, participated in the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algeria this week where she made a business case for the province to prospective investors. Business Report witnessed a closed-door meeting on Saturday Ramathuba had with Denys Denya the executive vice president of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which organises the IATF. In an interview, Ramathuba confirmed that the IATF2025 allowed the provincial government the opportunity to engage with the bank and gave some details about what they engaged on. “We had a one-on-one session…

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has announced a significant regulatory measure aimed at aiding exporters as they grapple with new tariffs imposed by the United States. This is as the US additional tariffs require exporters to coordinate their activities in developing joint infrastructure for exports, sharing of market information and coordination of activities to achieve economies of scale and efficiencies that enable them to be competitive, which may have contravened the Competition Act. During the 19th Annual Conference on Competition Law, Economics and Policy on Tuesday, deputy minister of the dtic, Zuko Godlimpi, revealed that the newly introduced Block Exemption for Exporters will allow businesses to collaborate effectively, without contravening the Competition Act. Godlimpi said the Competition Commission has contributed to policy changes in response to…

On August 27, 2025, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) announced that it had reached an out-of-court settlement with Eskom after errors were made in determining revenue for the current and following two financial years. This triggered sharp responses from across the industry. Stephen Grootes described it as “the electricity pricing farce”, while Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busisiwe Mavuso said it had the “farcical effect of allowing Eskom to charge tomorrow’s customers for yesterday’s costs.” Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramakgopa responded that government intends to change the entire system. The problem is that this recognition comes too late. It is evident that the Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD) methodology is outdated and not fit for purpose. Designed by Nersa in the early 2000s, it functioned reasonably…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has greenlighted a significant adjustment in the maximum gas price set by Sasol Gas, raising it from R87.04 to R90.57 per GigaJoule (GJ) for the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. This 4% increase comes in response to various market pressures, including the rising costs of gas imported from Mozambique, fluctuations in oil-linked derivatives, exchange rate movements, and shifts in the US Producer Price Index (USPPI). This quarterly adjustment is part of an ongoing strategy put in place by Nersa on June 30, 2025, granting Sasol Gas the authority to revise its maximum gas price every three months, based on changes in gas acquisition costs. Sasol Gas is required to demonstrate the rationale behind price changes by providing relevant cost and…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the National Assembly aimed at instituting a sweeping ban on alcohol advertising. This bold move, spearheaded by MP Veronica Mente, seeks to amend the Liquor Act of 2003, which currently allows for advertising, promotion, and product placement of liquor across various media channels. It is explained that the Liquor Amendment Bill proposes stringent measures to curtail the marketing of alcoholic products, explicitly prohibiting the use of liquor brand elements, company names, or sponsorships at organised events. The EFF stated that the pervasive marketing of alcohol not only glamourises its consumption but also obscures the serious social and health issues that accompany excessive drinking, including rising incidents of gender-based violence, road fatalities, and pressures on the public health system.…

South Africa’s youngest learners are falling behind before they even reach Grade R, with fewer than half of four-year-olds enrolled in Early Learning Programmes (ELPs) developmentally on track. This is according to the Thrive by Five Index, the country’s largest survey of preschool outcomes, released this week. The survey, conducted every three years, assessed 5 000 children across 1 388 ELPs in all nine provinces. A smaller sub-study also looked at children from low-income households who are not enrolled in any ELPs. The findings paint a stark picture. “Too many young children in South Africa start school without the skills needed to succeed in the foundation phase and beyond,” the Index states. According to the results, only 42% of enrolled four-year-olds are on track for early learning, while 28% are…

The KwaZulu-Natal government is hoping it can secure R95 billion in investment pledges at this year's KZN Investment Conference. A total of R85.2 bn in pledges was announced at last year's conference. KZN MEC for Economic Development Reverand Musa Zondi announced yesterday that the province’s 2025 investment conference will take place from October 22 to 24 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. Addressing a media briefing yesterday in Sandton, Zondi said the province was committed to creating an environment for business to thrive. The conference has become the province's flagship investment gathering, facilitated by Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) on behalf of the provincial government. It is designed to showcase KwaZulu-Natal as one of Africa’s premier trade and investment destinations, while driving transformative and inclusive…

Could earlier clashes against the Black Ferns XV hold the blueprint for a potential Springbok Women’s victory over New Zealand in Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park in Exeter? Few expect Swys de Bruin’s team to cause another upset at the tournament in England where they have already accounted for Italy and reached the knockout round for the first time, their 57-10 loss to France notwithstanding. However, the matches in Cape Town in July and early August against players deemed to be on the fringes of selection for the New Zealand first team may prove instructive, especially the way the Bok Women fought back in the second match after being outplayed in the first. The DNA of the two New Zealand teams is the same, with…

New Zealand have called on former captain Richie McCaw for inspiration ahead of their second Rugby Championship Test against South Africa, saying yesterday they want to “go to another level”. The two-time World Cup-winning skipper McCaw joined the All Blacks squad in Wellington ahead of Saturday's rematch, after the home side edged a tight contest 24-17 at Eden Park. Midfield back Quinn Tupaea said McCaw's presence had already given the players a lift. Tupaea, who scored the final try to keep the fast-finishing Springboks at bay at Eden Park, is wary the visitors will be highly motivated to reverse the result. New Zealand do not have the same obvious incentives as last Saturday, when they were playing to extend their 31-year unbeaten record at Eden Park, as well as honouring…

Last year, my mate and sports agent Shafiek Mouton phoned me and asked what my day looked like. I told him I was off and about to head to the shops, nothing exciting. Then, casually as ever, he dropped a bombshell: I was one of his “phone-a-friend” lifelines on the Afrikaans version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Everything was hush-hush, of course. He’d been sworn to secrecy, as we were in July and the show would only air in November. Not long after, a woman called asking me to sign an NDA. It all felt very cloak-and-dagger, as if answering a quiz show question was national security stuff. I nearly forgot about it, until the call came through while I was leaving the shop, soaked in the pouring…