Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-09 i Mercury

The Minerals Council South Africa has reiterated its warning that the proposed Minerals Amendment Bill, in its current form, could undermine the sector’s ability to attract investment, create jobs and stimulate growth. The 2025 Mineral Resources Development Amendment Bill (MRDB), published for public comment on May 20, proposes significant amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) of 2002. The draft law seeks to formalise artisanal mining, strengthen environmental and community consultation, promote mineral beneficiation, and enhance regulatory certainty for investors. Among the proposed changes are a new licensing regime for small-scale mining, clearer definitions for “community” and “interested and affected parties,” and tougher enforcement mechanisms. The Bill also addresses associated minerals, historic mine dumps, and suggests that petroleum resources may be separated into their own legislation. Speaking…

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have said that Eskom workers are preparing to demand a 15% wage increase, along with higher housing and other allowances, ahead of the upcoming round of salary negotiations with the power utility. NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu confirmed that formal wage talks had not yet begun but said preparations were underway. “The wage negotiations haven't yet started," Mammburu said on Wednesday. The wage talks come as Eskom returns to profitability for the first time in eight years, reporting a R23.9 billion profit before tax in its latest financial results — a sharp turnaround from the R25.5bn loss the previous year. This marked the first return to profitability since the 2017 financial year. Economists have cautioned that a 15% wage hike is unrealistic and unaffordable for…

South Africa’s agricultural machinery market continued its upward momentum in September, signalling renewed confidence among farmers and a broadly positive outlook for the 2024–25 production season. Data from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) shows that 758 tractors were sold in September, up almost 15% from 660 units in the same month last year. Year-to-date tractor sales are now 22% higher than in 2024. While combine harvester sales slipped to eight units in September from 17 units a year ago, cumulative sales for 2025 remain 17% ahead of last year’s pace. "Winter crop predictions, with the exception of barley, are marginally up on last year," said Willie Human, chairperson of SAAMA. "Looking ahead, weather predictions are that a weak La Niña will affect summer and winter cropping areas in…

Advertising has always been about being seen. Yet the uncomfortable truth is that most ads online are not. The latest wave of attention research from Karen Nelson-Field’s Amplified and Connect (part of The Up&Up Group, Africa’s largest independent group of creative companies) shows that up to 80% of digital ads never register with a human audience. For years, the industry has comforted itself with tons of funnel impressions, as if buying them guaranteed impact. What we now know, and probably what you always suspected, is that viewability does not equal attention. This gap is more than a technicality. It is costing brands globally an estimated $200-billion a year. Worse still, it is not just wasted spend. When people half-see an ad or scroll past it too quickly, their brains often…

Alphamin Resources Corporation has announced a robust 26% increase in tin production for the third quarter leading up to the end of September. The company, which operates the Bisie Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is listed on the JSE AltX and the Canadian TSXV markets, reported on Wednesday a total output of 5 190 tons of tin over the quarter, aligning closely with its target of 5 000 tons. As a result of the strong production performance, Alphamin has raised its annual production guidance for the financial year 2025, now projecting output between 18 000 and 18 500 tons. This revision marks an increase from the previous forecast of 17 000 to 18 000 tons, reflecting the company’s optimistic outlook following operational improvements. In terms of…

CALLS are mounting for the South African government to take a tougher stance against the Israeli government following the return of activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. The mission was recently intercepted by Israeli naval forces. On their return, these activists urged the South African government and the international community to escalate their efforts in imposing sanctions against the Israeli government. The six activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, were abducted in international waters while on their way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The group was treated to a hero’s welcome as pro-Palestine supporters turned up in their numbers to welcome them back at the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday morning. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Jared Sacks, one of the organisers, said that…

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said he will ask Parliament through the intelligence structures to look into the tenure of former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride. Mkhwanazi was delivering testimony for a second day at the Ad Hoc Committee probing his allegations of police corruption and interference. He provided more explosive allegations as he described WhatsApp messages linked to the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and that these were now under criminal investigation as he warned MPs that public disclosures of classified material had compromised operational safety. DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard attended the session virtually after the provincial commissioner accused her of disclosing classified intelligence information at both the parliamentary inquiry and the Madlanga Commission, an allegation she has denied. The DA…

Former mayor of the Msunduzi Municipality, Themba Njilo, has shared some sobering views of his time in politics, saying many who take up the mayoral chains have bright ideas to grow the city but face fierce opposition and challenges. As parties begin announcing their mayoral candidates ahead of next year's local government elections, Njilo, in a candid interview with The Mercury, characterised his years as mayor as the most challenging and unproductive period he has ever experienced in a leadership role. Njilo, a businessman, spoke about his experience as an outsider stepping into a fraught and complex environment of local politics. The Democratic Alliance (DA) recently announced their candidates for mayor in eThekwini and Johannesburg, while Action SA has announced its candidate for Ekhurhuleni. The DA introduced Haniff Hoosen as…

England and Portugal are in pole position to win their respective Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifying groups with two games to spare, with several other European nations also hoping to secure berths at the finals in the upcoming matches. Norway may also be only one victory away from reaching the tournament for the first time since 1998, which would leave Italy staring at a third successive World Cup watching from the sidelines. Thomas Tuchel's England laid down a marker last month with an impressive 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in Belgrade and are yet to concede a goal in five qualifiers. They are not in Group K action until Tuesday when a victory over Latvia in Riga would secure a place at next year's finals in the US, Mexico and Canada,…

The refrain “I thank God” has been uttered so may times before by footballers – and sports stars in general – that you wonder when it's really heartfelt or just another cliché. Yet, when Sphephelo Sithole said it, you knew he was not just regurgitating a phrase he had picked up from watching post-match interviews. This was a man truly grateful for his faith; a man thankful for a second chance; a man aware that it could well have ended a year ago. Back in the Bafana Bafana squad for the first time since he was stretchered off the pitch in South Sudan in September 2024, the man fondly referred to as Yaya could understandably not hide his delight. “I thank God for the opportunity he has given me to…

The national rugby unions of eight of the sport's major nations released a statement on Tuesday warning players and support staff against joining the rebel R360 competition. The R360 competition has backing from private investors, with former England centre and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall serving as the public face of the project, which remains shrouded in secrecy. Few details are known about the plans, but reports suggest it would involve six to eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, with ambitions to attract top players from around the world to compete for its franchises. However, there are growing concerns about where the competition would fit into an already congested calendar. In response, the national rugby unions of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and…

Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos is a forthright man. It’s a characteristic that has earned him the respect of both his players and the often-fickle South African media during his time in the country. Earlier this week, Broos issued a public warning to Sundowns duo Jayden Adams and Fawaaz Basadien that their lack of gametime at the Betway Premiership champions will negatively affect their chances of making the trip to Morocco for AFCON at the end of the year. Broos has already shown his hand by not including the pair in recent Bafana squads competing in the upcoming Fifa World Cup qualifiers. The Belgian-born coach stressed: “For players, it’s important that you play, and not directly where you play. But you have to play, and this is not the case…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has announced a R1.35 billion funding allocation to support early-stage mining opportunities across South Africa and the rest of the African continent. The largest asset manager in Africa with over R3 trillion in assets under management said on Wednesday that this move was aimed at boosting exploration, supporting the just energy transition, and driving inclusive economic growth. The PIC said the funding will target mining projects that are well advanced — from post-scoping to bankable feasibility study (BFS) stage — providing critical capital at a stage often considered too risky for traditional investors. According to the PIC, the strategic allocation will enable it to back the growth of South Africa’s mining sector through indirect investments, primarily via private equity, venture capital, specialist mining funds, and…

A new private-sector proposal has reignited debate about how South Africa might simplify transformation. The concept is simple: companies pay 3% of gross revenue in exchange for automatic Level 3 B-BBEE status — a neat alternative to the complex scorecard system. On paper, it sounds practical. The model offers predictability, reduces red tape and could channel significant funding into the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC) proposed Transformation Fund. For small and mid-sized businesses, particularly those with turnover under R200 million, it could turn empowerment from an administrative task into a straightforward contribution. However, this is not government policy. The idea was developed by Alan Knott-Craig Jr. and his NGO, Kululeka.org, and submitted privately to the DTIC. While Minister Parks Tau has said “challenge accepted”, there has been…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Sub-Saharan African countries to accelerate structural reforms and deepen regional integration to unlock growth potential and create jobs for the continent’s fast-growing youth population. Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of a new policy center ahead of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings next week, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that while the global economy has shown resilience in the face of multiple shocks, deep transformations in technology, geopolitics, and demographics were creating uncertainty — and opportunity — especially for emerging regions such as Africa. “In this multi-polar world of rapid change, policymakers must do much more to capture and deliver opportunity so they can meet the aspirations of their citizens, especially young people,” Georgieva said. Georgieva noted that Sub-Saharan Africa…

In a significant turn of events, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially lapsed on 30 September 2025, ushering in a new era for South African trade relations with the United States. This development comes amidst renewed U.S. tariffs and proposals for a potential, albeit short-term, extension of AGOA, further deepening uncertainty around the future of U.S.-Africa trade interactions. Despite this challenging landscape, opportunities are emerging for South African businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At the recent G20 meetings, two vital Memoranda of Intent were solidified with Brazil and Japan, promising to enhance trade, technology exchange, and agricultural cooperation. John Steenhuisen, South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, hailed these agreements as a testament to the shared vision for food security and competitiveness. Particularly notable is the agreement with…

Google on Wednesday announced a major initiative to support higher education across Africa by offering its premium AI subscription, Google AI Pro for free to university students for 12 months. The offer is available to eligible students aged 18+ in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, providing them with access to Google's most advanced AI tools to enhance their learning, research, and creative work. Through Google’s most capable model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, this initiative will equip the next generation of African leaders, innovators, and creators with fundamental AI literacy. By placing powerful generative AI tools directly in the hands of students, Google is helping to prepare them for a workforce where AI proficiency is increasingly essential. “We are seeing a new wave of innovation in Africa,…

SENIOR national leaders of the IFP and the ANC have now been drawn into the ongoing tension within the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). ANC’s Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya and IFP’s Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa recently engaged in a public “sparring” on social media. Sibiya of the ANC raised “questions” about whether a vote of no confidence can be passed against a “premier”, to which IFP leader Mkhuleko Hlengwa responded, stating that the same can be done to a “president.” Sibiya posted, “Can a vote of no confidence be raised against the premier, a rural Nquthu boy, just asking?” Hlengwa replied, “Yes, just like it can be raised against the president, a rural boy from eMfume, just answering.” When contacted for comment via messages,…

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has initiated urgent legal proceedings against what it calls the “unlawful and discriminatory” actions of groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March, who continue to block non-nationals and undocumented individuals from accessing public healthcare facilities. Despite multiple warnings and public appeals, the SAHRC said these groups and individuals have persisted in their campaign of intimidation at hospitals and clinics, denying vulnerable people their constitutional right to medical treatment. In response, the commission has lodged an urgent application with the Durban High Court, set to be heard on October 10, to safeguard access to public healthcare and protect the rights of all persons within South African borders — regardless of nationality or documentation status. “The right to access healthcare is universal and must…

Former SANDF special forces soldier Nicolas Le Roux, accused of murdering his wife at a Westville restaurant, abandoned his bail application when he appeared in Pinetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The 67-year-old Le Roux was charged with the premeditated murder of his wife Taryn. He allegedly shot and killed her at Waxy O’Connor’s last month and was expected to formally apply for bail after he missed court last week. However, he told the court that he would no longer continue with his bail application and would instead appeal Legal Aid South Africa’s decision to deny him a free lawyer. Legal Aid lawyer Mandisi Mathebula yesterday withdrew from the case as he said Le Roux failed the means test for the services. He said Le Roux exceeded the income threshold of R9…

“IND-YAAA, IND-YAAA!” This is the chant that will reverberate around Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VCDA Cricket Stadium whenever Smriti Mandhana elegantly strokes the ball through the covers. Drums will beat, trumpets and whistles blown, flags waved, and grown men fully painted in the tri-colours will create a cacophony of noise that the Proteas Women have yet to encounter. Facing India, in a World Cup, at home, is simply a different beast to any other challenge, but one the Proteas are looking to embrace. “It’s always a challenge, but I think it's also nice,” Proteas allrounder Nadine de Klerk said on the eve of this mouth-watering World Cup clash. “I think we were here last year, and it was also quite a big crowd. So, I think it's a nice thing…

The clear and present danger facing the Proteas on their upcoming Test tour of Pakistan may be the prospect of raging turning pitches and dual spin threat of the hosts, but the return of star left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is ominous. Afridi, who is also commonly known as ‘The Eagle’, was left behind when Pakistan visited South Africa last year. The 25-year-old, though, seemed to be reaching peak form again in the recent Asia Cup in the UAE and has now earned a recall to the Test squad. “I can't particularly say one thing has happened, but he bowled very, very well in the Asia Cup. And the pace was up,” former Pakistan Test cricketer and renowned commentator Bazid Khan exclusively told Independent Media from Lahore on Wednesday.…

Deal to acquire Teck gives Anglo access to the Canada-based company’s portfolio of copper mines Anglo American said $50 billion (R858bn) merger terms with Teck Resources would remain unchanged, this barely a month after the deal was announced and after Teck revised downwards its production guidance of its Quebrada Blanca (QB) copper mine. Teck on Wednesday lowered its guidance for the QB copper mine high in Chile’s Atacama desert, as part of a wider operational review, to between 170 000 to 190 000 tons, from previous guidance of 210 000 to 230 000 tons. The deal to acquire Teck crucially gives Anglo access to the Canada-based company’s portfolio of copper mines - copper has become a sought-after mining commodity given its soaring demand arising out of the global energy transition.…

Philip Morris International (PMI) said on Wednesday that South Africa’s new regulatory process for the tobacco industry could mark a turning point for the country’s harm reduction agenda, as government considers how to regulate new smokeless and alternative nicotine products. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, currently under discussion in Parliament, has reignited debate about the future of tobacco regulation in South Africa. Big tobacco companies — including PMI and British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) — recently made submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, calling for differentiation between combustible and smokeless tobacco products. PMI has argued that treating all nicotine products the same would be a missed opportunity to reduce smoking-related diseases, while BATSA said the proper regulation of less harmful alternatives could help…

Countless studies confirm the relationship between poor mental health or even a negative mood and lost productivity, but many of these focus on employees' productivity. What happens if you, as a business owner, are struggling with your own mental wellbeing? If this is the case, the impact on your business can be profound. Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health. Just as no one should continue running a business with an untreated injury, ignoring your mental wellbeing shouldn’t be an option either. A healthy entrepreneur is generally more resilient and better equipped to navigate the challenges they will inevitably face. Here are five ways to put your wellbeing first and help your business in the process: Recognise that burnout is a business risk Entrepreneurs are…

Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa’s family said he and his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, paid for every single brick of the perimeter wall at his home as they denied claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that Crime Intelligence slush funds had been used. Mkhwanazi, during his testimony on Tuesday before Parliament’s ad hoc committee inquiry to elaborate on his allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system, said that Crime Intelligence had secretly built a R600 000 wall at Mthethwa’s home in KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal. Mkhwanazi added that he believes the wall was built without Mthethwa’s knowledge or request. “We are sitting today, the country is in mourning because we lost one of our ambassadors in France. But that ambassador was a minister of police. “As you switch on the…

The EFF has written to Mzwandile Masina, chair of Parliament’s Trade and Industry Committee, raising concern over Minister Gayton McKenzie’s meeting with fashion giant SHEIN during South Africa Focus Week in Singapore. The EFF questioned the meeting’s appropriateness, stressing that it appeared to encroach on the jurisdiction of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the Department of Small Business Development. According to the party, the discussions touched on market access, manufacturing partnerships, and investment frameworks — areas traditionally overseen by the dtic. “While collaboration with international partners in creative and sports industries can bring opportunities, this engagement raises serious issues regarding ministerial authority and alignment with South Africa’s trade and industrial priorities,” the EFF said. The party highlighted that such discussions must be conducted within a properly…

Hundreds of Christians from diverse churches united in a march to the Union Buildings yesterday, voicing their opposition to the Council for Religious and Faith-Based Organisations’ (CRL) establishment of the Section 22 Committee. The protesters claimed that the committee infringed on their religious freedom, and they also called for the immediate dismissal of CRL chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva. They accused Mkhwanazi-Xaluva of enabling government interference in church operations through the CRL and failing to protect the autonomy of the churches. Pastor Mpfariseni Mukhuba of Unity Fellowship Church, an organiser, addressed the crowd, saying, “We are the church defenders, and we will not let Christianity die in South Africa. We will protect our heritage and pass it on to our children.” She emphasised that the church is under attack and that they…

Valtteri Bottas has spent the past year observing Formula One from the sidelines, officially as Mercedes’ reserve, attending briefings, analysing data, and staying fit in case he was needed. Unofficially, he has been waiting for another chance — a chance that comes in 2026 with Cadillac’s first F1 team. “Getting this seat has been my target for a while,” Bottas says. “This opportunity opened up, and I feel 100% good about it.” Bottas joined the Silver Arrows in 2017 to replace Nico Rosberg and quickly learned the scale of the task. For five seasons, he played the perfect lieutenant: scoring points, podiums, and occasional wins, while never threatening Lewis Hamilton’s authority. Together, they secured multiple constructors’ titles. Bottas won 10 Grands Prix but always in Hamilton’s shadow. When Mercedes chose…

Springbok and Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am isn’t being too hard on himself as he works to regain top form as quickly as possible in the United Rugby Championship (URC). He’s only been back for a couple of matches following a lengthy knee injury and is still finding his rhythm in the side. However, when the Sharks meet Leinster in Dublin on Saturday (6.30pm, the experienced centrer will be one of the key players for the Durban outfit in their clash against the defending champions. While he’ll test himself against some of Ireland’s top talent, the World Cup winner is more focused on getting back to his best than worrying about selection for the Springboks' end-of-year Tests in November. He’ll have just a handful of matches over the coming weeks to…

Joe Root insists England can end their 10-year long Ashes drought as they bid to finally “bring the urn home” from their tour to Australia later this year. England have not won the Ashes since 2015 and their last Test series triumph in Australia came back in 2010-11. England were held to a 2-2 draw by Australia on home turf in the most recent series in 2023, while their last three trips Down Under have ended in 4-0, 4-0 and 5-0 thrashings. But despite their struggles in Australia, Root is convinced Ben Stokes’ side are set to shine against their arch rivals. “It does feel like a long time and it’d be nice to put that right and bring the urn home. I just see it as a great opportunity…

The Bulls have never beaten Ulster in Belfast, and they will face the tricky task of trying to change that statistic on Saturday as they aim to kick off their first United Rugby Championship (URC) tour match on a winning note. After two bonus-point victories in Pretoria, the Bulls sit at the top of the URC log, but they know how quickly things can change if they don’t start well away from home. They had some relative success in Europe last season; however, winning in northern conditions remains a major challenge for South African teams. Following the clash with Ulster, the Bulls will also face fellow Irish side Connacht and former Scottish champions, the Glasgow Warriors — a demanding start to their tour. The Loftus-based side has travelled to Belfast…