Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-20 i Mercury

The Fiscal Service Commission (FCC) has urged National Treasury to urgently pursue proactive debt restructuring, arguing that South Africa is missing a rare window of opportunity created by sharply lower government bond yields. Briefing Parliament on the recently tabled Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), FCC head of research Chen-Wei Tseng said the yield on the 10-year government bond has dropped from a peak of 11% to 8.67%. He said this signals that investors now perceive lower sovereign risk, and that government could potentially refinance its debt at a significantly lower cost. Chen-Wei said Treasury could now possibly borrow the same amount as before but costing less, however, warned that such savings do not materialise automatically. "But it does not happen automatically. It needs active market engagement. It's not an easy…

Transnet on Wednesday celebrated a major milestone in its fleet renewal programme as the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive was completed at its Durban manufacturing facility. The locomotive forms part of the 240-unit order that Transnet is building to modernise and expand its freight rail fleet. This as Transnet Engineering positions itself to become a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the continent. Group CEO Michelle Phillips and Transnet board chairperson Andile Sangqu attended the ceremony, hailing the achievement as a turning point for the State-owned logistics company. Sangqu said the board had committed earlier this year to return to Durban once the 200th locomotive was rolled out. “It really gives me great pleasure to witness the launch of the 200th locomotive, which marks a significant milestone in our effort as…

As someone who has spent decades working at the intersection of telecommunications policy, spectrum management, and infrastructure development, I’ve seen firsthand how connectivity can transform lives, economies and entire regions. Yet, despite our best efforts, large parts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) remain digitally excluded. The time has come for us to rethink our approach, and recalibrate our strategies, especially when it comes to satellite connectivity. The recently released report, Unlocking Growth in the SADC: Harnessing the Potential of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Systems commissioned by Amazon, makes a compelling case for why Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems must be central to our digital strategy. The numbers speak for themselves: $16.9 billion in annual economic benefits, $10.3 billion in infrastructure cost savings, and millions of people brought online. But…

Every year, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) invites us to pause and reflect on the ecosystem we are collectively building. It’s easy to get caught up in programmes, reports, and events, but GEW challenges us to ask a deeper question: Are we truly creating a world where entrepreneurs can thrive? This year’s theme, Together We Build, couldn’t be more timely. The momentum leading up to GEW in both Cape Town and Johannesburg showed just how much building has already begun.It all started in Cape Town from 8 to 10 November, where energy around technology and entrepreneurship ignited dynamic conversations. The AI-Driven Hackathon and AI Forum led by our organisation, set the stage for discussions that were practical, forward-thinking, and grounded in real-world impact. AI is not just another buzzword; it is…

The latest report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals a concerning trend: in September 2025, 145 businesses were liquidated, pushing the cumulative year-to-date total to 1180 closures. This marks an alarming 23.9% spike compared to the same month last year, with a 13% increase in liquidations during the July–September quarter. The statistics paint a stark picture of a nation grappling with an increasingly hostile economic environment. The sectors hardest hit by this precipitous decline include finance, insurance, real estate, and business services, with trade, catering, and accommodation following closely behind. Perhaps most strikingly, even major players are not immune; the high-profile liquidation of Murray & Roberts Holdings serves as a sobering reminder that the pressures facing South Africa's economy extend to industry giants. Mounting pressures: why businesses are failing…

Cedrick Nkabinde, chief of staff of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, said yesterday that he met controversial North West and ANC-aligned businessman Brown Mogotsi once when he facilitated a meeting on behalf of the minister. Continuing his testimony at the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Nkabinde said Mchunu had, on August 24, 2024, instructed him to make arrangements for him to go and visit Stilfontein, where there was a crisis of illegal miners. “It was at this meeting that the minister provided me with contact details of Mr Mogotsi from North West. The minister instructed that I should contact Mr Mogotsi and ask him to come with local leaders to brief him on the situation before his visit,” he said. A meeting was scheduled…

Public-sector unions have strongly rejected the average 9.8% increase in member contributions for the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for 2026. Unions representing hundreds of thousands of public servants say the decision undermines trust and places further financial strain on workers already battling rising costs. The teachers’ union, the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU), accused GEMS of acting in bad faith. The union argued that GEMS “has lost the trust of their 800 000 members” and continues to make “one-sided decisions” while offering no meaningful consultation or communication. The SAOU added that it had spent much of 2025 attempting to restore confidence after a similar process played out in 2024 but said, “the unilateral approach of GEMS has demolished those efforts, and that alienation of members is widespread.” The Public Servants Association…

Holding public officials personally liable is long overdue SOMETIMES you need to pull on the thread. That is how it felt when Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke announced a ‘significant milestone’ to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Auditor General on November 14, stating that she had issued her first certificate of debt against Allan Losaba, the municipal manager of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West. These actions make Losaba the first public official to be held personally liable for financial losses since the Public Audit Act gave the Auditor General strong powers in April 2019. The Auditor General issues the certificate as a ‘last resort’ after all attempts have failed in addressing the material irregularity with the accounting officer and their executive authority. It all started…

The Springboks will return to Dublin this weekend chasing a victory that has eluded them for more than a decade. South Africa last beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in 2012, and Saturday’s clash (7.40pm kick-off) offers the world champions a chance to end a 13-year wait for success in the Irish capital. They came agonisingly close on their previous visit in 2022, falling 19–16 in a bruising Test that still sticks with Bok winger Cheslin Kolbe. Clashes between Ireland and the world champions have been tight contests in recent years, and Kolbe admits that the Boks’ inability to grab key moments during encounters proved costly. “We came close in 2022, but we didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal, and that cost us,” Kolbe said about…

The Las Vegas Grand Prix arrives at a pivotal moment in the championship, with Max Verstappen needing a big result to keep his title hopes alive. The good news for the Dutchman is that the fast, low-grip street circuit suits his driving style perfectly at a time when every point matters. With the Dutchman needing a maximum haul to revive his title prospects, a full 25 points under the neon lights would go a long way towards restoring momentum. Crucially, the styling of the circuit and the expected cool desert conditions favour Verstappen far more than they do the McLaren pairing he is fighting in the standings. Las Vegas is defined by long straights, low-downforce set-ups and heavy braking zones. Drivers must commit aggressively into corners, rotate the car quickly…

Economists remain optimistic that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) will cut interest rates from 7.00% to 6.75% per annum when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on Thursday, despite consumer inflation rising to its highest level in more than a year. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that annual headline consumer inflation rate accelerated for the second month in a row to 3.6% in October, from 3.4% in September. Though this inflation reading was below analysts' estimates of 3.7%, it was the highest inflation print since September 2024 when the rate was 3.8%. Stats SA chief director of price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said the latest increase was driven largely by transport, recreation and culture, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, as well as housing, food and non-alcoholic…

South Africa’s R1 trillion infrastructure plan could help give the economy the boost it urgently needs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said during the most recent budget speech that government’s fiscal plan will direct more resources to infrastructure. “We will ensure that our goal of public sector investment in infrastructure exceeds the R1 trillion mark over the next three years,” said Godongwana. Michelle Green, credit analyst and chairman of the ESG Committee at Prescient Investment Management, said if this “bold ambition” is realised, it “will translate into a series of transformative projects”. Green noted that these projects will be across energy, water, student housing, internet infrastructure and logistics hubs. Godongwana told Parliament that government will push for private investment through public:private partnerships. “We are leveraging public resources to mobilise private finance…

Lower production from platinum group metals mines in South Africa muzzled global PGM supply in the third quarter although gains from the world’s biggest producers of the metal, including Zimbabwe where Valterra, Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater operate, are expected to lift up supply by 2% next year. The World Platinum Investment Council said on Wednesday that global PGM supply was flat in the third quarter year on year “weighed on by lower South African mine” production. This was after refined volumes from Valterra (formerly Anglo American Platinum) fell in South Africa. This was reflective of “a significant destocking of semi-finished inventory in Q3’24. Implats’ own refined production was however, little changed year-on-year, although scheduled processing maintenance led to a further build in already elevated work-in-progress stocks. “South African production contracted…

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola have rallied the officers deployed to the G20 Leaders’ Summit with clear instructions to act decisively against troublemakers this weekend. The acting minister, in the company of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, City of Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, oversaw the G20 Leaders’ Summit's last preparatory operations during a parade held at the FNB Stadium’s outfield yesterday. Cachalia said that in light of the extensive preparations ahead of the global event, he is confident that this summit will be as incident-free as all the 130 preparatory meetings ahead of the summit. His address came hours after leaders of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) declared law enforcement's state…

STAKEHOLDERS in the property sector have praised the eThekwini Municipality’s decision to extend the debt relief programme, saying that it has made it easier to transfer properties in the city. They described the programme as vital, pointing out that it has enabled properties to be transferred easily, and deals that had been unable to proceed due to municipal debt have been resuscitated. The Mercury has seen two letters from lawyers with representation in the property sector directed at the mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba. The organisations confirmed the authenticity of the letters. The municipality implemented the debt relief programme and extended it last month to assist embattled ratepayers by providing payment plans for their municipal debt. The programme has been viewed largely as a success, with the city reportedly generating…

An urgent call for the immediate removal of a large homeless encampment, dubbed a “tent city”, along Che Guevara Road (formerly Moore Road) was made during an eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) meeting yesterday. DA Exco member Councillor Andre Beetge demanded swift intervention from municipal officials to address the plight of motorists and businesses impacted by hundreds of homeless individuals who have encroached onto traffic lanes under the M4 highway near Albert Park. Beetge highlighted the location's significance, connecting the Port of Durban and the city centre via Margaret Mncadi Avenue, and also noted similar issues under Connaught Bridge in Durban North. “They are causing chaos. They are not moving. We have moved them from inside Albert Park but they have not departed from the verges and pavements outside of the…

CELEBRATED on November 20 each year, World Children's Day raises awareness about the rights and welfare of children while also highlighting the enormous challenges they face. One of these challenges is cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy refers to a group of permanent movement and posture disorders caused by injury to or abnormal development of the brain early in life, leading to difficulties with movement and coordination. Although the brain injury does not progress, its impact on movement and function may worsen over time without sustained and coordinated treatment and care. Globally, the prevalence of CP remains relatively constant in high-income countries but is considerably higher in low-and middle-income countries where perinatal complications (complications during late pregnancy to the first week or month after birth), limited access to skilled obstetric care,…

Bleary-eyed Scotland fans woke yesterday morning still pinching themselves after their World Cup dream finally came true, following a night of drama in Glasgow on Tuesday that ended decades of heartbreak. The Scots have not appeared at the finals since 1998 — missing six straight tournaments — but they will be packing their bags for North America next year. Supporters at Hampden Park on Tuesday were taken on an emotional rollercoaster in their 4-2 win over Denmark, pegged back twice before sealing victory in the dying minutes. Midfielder Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a breathtaking early overhead kick, only for Rasmus Hojlund to equalise from the penalty spot. Lawrence Shankland then restored Scotland’s lead in the 78th minute, but Denmark — needing just a draw to qualify automatically —…

Jose Riveiro is chuffed to be tipped by some to succeed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, but he argues that it’s not up to him to decide – which is why the masses should continue celebrating the team’s trajectory for now. Broos will vacate his national team hot seat after the 2026 Fifa World Cup, bringing to an end an illustrious five-year tenure that already includes qualifying for back-to-back AFCON tournaments, as well as next year’s global showpiece in North America. Given that Broos’ shoes will be difficult to fill, a number of pundits and Bafana followers have backed Riveiro to take over the reins from the silver-haired Belgian. Their motivation is inspired by the fact that Riveiro had an equally impressive three-year spell at Orlando Pirates – winning five…

Parastatal is owed at least R105 billion in municipal arrear debt as at the end of September Eskom has warned that rising municipal debt remains a major stumbling block to improving its credit ratings, delaying its ability to re-enter capital markets without relying on government guarantees. At the end of September, Eskom was owed at least R105 billion in municipal arrear debt despite the National Treasury's intervention for municipal debt elimination, as this contributes to the power utility’s weak balance sheet. Briefing Parliament on its first-quarter performance for 2025/26 on Wednesday, the State-owned utility currently rated sub-investment grade by Fitch and Moody’s said ratings agencies remain unconvinced that Eskom is making meaningful progress in resolving municipal arrears. Eskom chief financial officer, Calib Cassim, said the agencies consistently cite municipal debt…

For the past decade, South Africa has felt like a country stuck in slow motion: growth barely above population growth, load-shedding as a national pastime, and investors treating us like the problem child of emerging markets. That narrative is now cracking — and 2025 is the year the crack becomes a breakthrough. Think of it as the moment the crow in Aesop’s fable finally feels the water touch its beak. After years of dropping stone after painful stone — unglamorous, unpopular, grinding reforms — the level is rising fast enough for everyone to see. And when markets see momentum, they don’t walk. They sprint. The evidence is no longer scattered or incremental; it is converging into a single, powerful signal: South Africa is becoming investable again. Start with the headline…

According to research by the University of the Western Cape, between 70% and 80% of small businesses in South Africa fail within the first five years. And that’s for real, established businesses. The failure rate for business ideas – before they even get off the ground – is likely much higher. That’s why knowing whether your idea has genuine potential, and recognising the point at which it doesn’t, is critical for any aspiring entrepreneur. Continuing to invest time, money, and energy into an idea that isn’t viable can be costly, both financially and emotionally. That said, not every business idea is destined for failure. Here are five ways to determine whether an idea has the potential to succeed and when it’s time to let go. 1 Test market demand early…

Southern Sun says its hotel occupancies might recover to long-term averages in the medium term, aided by the government's policies that encourage economic growth, the JSE-listed group said Wednesday. Softening inflation, along with South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's grey list, are tailwinds that signal improved investor confidence and stronger economic growth. However, interest rates remain high and constrain consumer and investor confidence, the group’s management said in financial results for the six months to September 30, 2025. October 2025 saw the month’s occupancy reach the highest achieved, surpassing even World Cup levels in June 2010, of 73.3%. Revenue grew by 18%. EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, and restructuring or rent costs) was up 27% on the prior period. Furthering the group’s prospects, Paradise Sun's…

RFG Holdings, the JSE-listed food manufacturing company said headline earnings fell 9.7% to R521 million in the year to September 28 while contingency plans were being adopted to counter higher US tariffs. Group revenue for the company, which is in the process of being acquired by Premier Group in a share swap deal, increased by 1.6% to R8.1 billion, with regional revenue up 4.1% to R6.6bn. The total dividend fell 10.4% to 99.6 cents a share. RFG management said the impact of the increased tariffs on South African exports to the US remained uncertain. However, the higher tariffs had reduced RFG's price competitiveness, and some existing customers were sourcing from producers in countries with a tariff advantage relative to South Africa. “In response to the risk to sales, the group…

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi, the first witness to testify before the Nkabinde Inquiry regarding Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office, said it was not easy for her to refer a senior colleague to an inquiry, but as the NDPP, she had no choice. Chauke, South Gauteng DPP, was suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July after Batohi, nearly two years ago, requested disciplinary action be taken against him. The president then established the Nkabinde Inquiry, headed by retired Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde, to investigate Chauke’s fitness to hold office. Batohi took the stand yesterday, and in her opening remarks, she said giving evidence before the inquiry was not something she relished. She said she had known Chauke for a long…

The evening of Friday, November 14 at Firwood Bowling Club brought colour, excitement and a sense of occasion as the club proudly hosted the festive launch of the inaugural Fairtree Firwood Classic tournament in KwaZulu-Natal. Players, supporters and officials gathered for an evening that blended celebration with purpose. The event also marked the introduction of Samm and Roger Boulle’s GRIPPIN’ STUFF, a new range of organic performance products now being distributed internationally. In a highlight announcement, well-known Protea bowler Wayne Roberts was named the brand’s official ambassador. Saturday’s action shifted to the greens at Firwood, Hillary and Stella Park Bowling Clubs, where competitors tackled a demanding format: two sets of nine ends, with a three-end tie-breaker should the sets be drawn. Bowlers played three round-robin games, producing tight games…

Test cricket has been on its last legs since I can remember. A niche sport that exclusively keeps British aristocrats and its Commonwealth Asian diaspora entertained. This is, of course, a great generalisation. But one that holds plenty of truth with a format of the game that is already only played by 12 nations being virtually extinct in the once global power West Indies. And yet, I can’t help feeling that Test cricket is arguably in its rudest health. It was never meant to be ‘the world’s game’ – that is the domain of football – that attracts the masses ... It’s far too nuanced for that. I have a penchant for scrolling through the archives on YouTube, and often come across Test matches played during the 1980s. This was…

The Dolphins will travel to Pretoria to take on the Titans at SuperSport Park tomorrow in the Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge. Here, Ongama Gcwabe highlights five players to watch in the fixture. Gomolemo Phiri – Dolphins Every season, the CSA T20 Challenge provides a stage for young cricketers to showcase their skills. Phiri is such a talent this season, having burst onto the scene with a half-century on debut at Kingsmead. The youngster has all the shots in the book and the temperament to execute them against quality bowlers. Phiri has scored two half-tons in four innings and will be one to watch at SuperSport Park. Heinrich Klaasen – Titans Last week, the former Proteas wicketkeeper-batter returned to domestic cricket for the first time this season and immediately showed…