Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-21 i Mercury

Transnet will spend R2.7 billion this year on ports, with a total of R11 billion planned over the next five years to upgrade infrastructure and improve efficiency, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has revealed. This comes as the state-owned entity continues efforts to improve performance following years of delays, backlogs and criticism over collapsing port efficiency. Transnet has faced sustained pressure from industry and global assessments, including World Bank rankings that placed several South African ports among the worst in the world. Answering questions at the National Council of Provinces earlier this month, the minister said that the investment forms part of a broader programme to modernise the port system, tackle inefficiencies and increase freight volumes. "Transnet has approved a budget of R2.7 billion for capital investment in the port…

As Johannesburg hosts world leaders for the G20 Summit this weekend, a great deal of the global chatter has focused on one headline: President Donald Trump will not attend. Some commentators have painted this as a diplomatic setback for South Africa. Others say it weakens the credibility of a summit meant to steer the global economy. Both views miss the point. Trump’s absence is not a loss. It is a gift. Not because of the theatrics of geopolitics, but because it forces South Africa to confront a truth shaping the global economy: the world is moving away from multilateral declarations and into a new era of bilateral trade, strategic self-interest, and deal-by-deal engagement.The countries that thrive in this environment are not those waiting for consensus in crowded multilateral rooms. They…

Christie's said Wednesday it was suspending the Paris auction of one of just a handful of examples of the world's first calculating machine, developed by French mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal in 1642. The auction of "La Pascaline" had been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, but late on Tuesday a Paris court suspended authorisation for export -- meaning buyers would not be able to take it abroad. This example is one of only nine still existing and the only one believed to be in private hands -- others are held in museums. Christie's had dubbed the box, decorated with ebony, as "the most important scientific instrument ever offered at auction" and it had been expected to fetch 2-3 million euros. The auction house had described the machine as "nothing less than…

The South African government is on the cusp of introducing a significant legislative change that could transform the landscape for suppliers of testing services. Proposed amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act no. 89 of 1991 (VAT Act) aim to broaden the scope of zero-rated transactions, specifically targeting testing services provided to non-residents, even when those services are physically performed within South Africa. The intention is to address a long-standing obstacle for VAT vendors, as the VAT treatment of many testing services (including clinical trial services) was uncertain. The current wording of the law arguably requires the service to be standard rated despite being supplied to a non-resident, where services are directly in connection with movable property situated in the Republic that is not subsequently exported, or the person directly benefiting…

DA leader John Steenhuisen will face a tough re-election battle next year, and the recent revelations about his financial issues could be used by his detractors to push him out of the party. That is the view shared by DA members in KwaZulu-Natal as the party gears up for a conference in April next year. A member of the DA expressed shock over the revelation that Steenhuisen had a default credit card judgment against him. It was reported recently that a default judgment was granted against Steenhuisen in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court in May for unpaid personal credit card debt of almost R150 000. However, analysts believe the judgment is unlikely to have any serious impact on his standing as a leader. His ability to retain the post will…

The Zululand Islamic Society (ZIS) has accused the KwaDukuza Municipality of dragging out the Ballito Mosque approval for nearly a decade, calling the delays “deeply troubling”, “unexplained”, and a direct violation of constitutional rights. In a statement, ZIS said the municipality has delayed the matter for almost eight years, failed to communicate, and “shifted goalposts without reason or transparency.” The organisation, which oversees 52 mosque sites across northern KwaZulu-Natal, said it could no longer remain silent about what it describes as an unjustified reversal of a process that was already completed. According to the Society, the matter began in 2017 when Muslims in Ballito requested help because they were forced “to travel long distances to Tongaat, Shakaskraal and Stanger for daily prayers, an immense inconvenience and a barrier to the…

South Africa’s justice system is facing a worsening threat, not just from criminals, but from dangers directed at the very people tasked with upholding the law. According to the latest national survey documenting magistrates’ perceptions, nearly a third of judicial officers reported being threatened or harmed in direct connection with their work. The findings paint a stark picture: courtrooms and surrounding facilities have become potential danger zones. Twenty-three per cent of magistrates said they were threatened or harmed “once or twice” within a 12-month period, while a further 10% reported multiple incidents. The Western Cape emerged as the most dangerous province, with 39% of magistrates reporting threats, highlighting deep regional disparities in safety. Threats are not limited to criminal trials. Magistrates presiding over civil disputes — often assumed to be…

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has passed another major milestone at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, building its two-millionth Polo just months ahead of the model’s 30-year local production anniversary in 2026. The landmark car – a smoky grey Polo headed for Australia – rolled off the line earlier this month, adding to a legacy that began in 1996 with the original Polo Classic. Decades of improvement Back then, the plant produced just over 5 400 units in its first year. Three decades later, Kariega has become one of VW’s most important global hubs for the Polo, building four generations of the hatch and supplying markets across the world. Of the two million Polos built so far, 592 840 found homes locally, while 1 407 160 units were produced…

Red Bull’s hopes in Las Vegas hinge on one technical priority above all else: finding the RB21’s operating window. Without that, Max Verstappen simply cannot fight for victory — and the team knows it. As Laurent Mekies put it bluntly, Red Bull’s recent dip comes down to a single truth: “We just need to get the car in the right window.” Until they do, the RB21's pace will remain unpredictable, leaving Verstappen’s weekends defined more by setup fortune than by the car’s true potential. Red Bull’s struggles are not about track characteristics, and Mekies was emphatic on that point. “It’s not a case that the tracks are bad for us,” he said, dismissing claims that recent results reflect circuit-specific weaknesses. The real issue is consistency. The RB21 is devastatingly fast…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the result of a close match against Ireland tomorrow will not define a season, in which his team have already won 11 of the 13 matches they have played. Erasmus added that while much is being made about the Boks losing four of their last five games against the Irish, the margins have been tiny. “I am not sure that Saturday’s result will define the season as being successful or not,” the coach said. “If we play at our best, but Ireland are better on the day, what can you say then? That is rugby. “It is about the level of performance that we deliver in our fourteenth match of the season. We have been together since the beginning of June. To keep up the…

South Africans will head into the festive season with welcome financial relief after the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) cut interest rates by 25 basis points, reducing the repo rate from 7.00% to 6.75% per annum. The unanimous decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) marks the sixth rate reduction since the start of the easing cycle in September 2024, bringing cumulative cuts to 1.75 percentage points. The prime lending rate now falls to 10.25%, easing debt-servicing costs for households already strained by years of elevated borrowing rates. Standard Bank’s Head of South Africa Macroeconomic Research, Dr Elna Moolman, said the full impact of the current cutting cycle will only be felt in 2026. “This will then counteract the reduced tailwind from low inflation. Consumer spending will likely also be…

The property industry has welcomed the South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) decision to lower interest rates by 25 basis points, a move expected to ease pressure on consumers and stimulate activity in the residential market. The rate cut, announced by Governor Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday following this week's Monetary Policy Committee meeting, reduces the repo rate to 6.75% and the prime lending rate to 10.25%. Kganyago said the decision was unanimous, marking the latest step in a gradual easing cycle as inflation trends lower and economic conditions stabilise. Seeff Property Group chairman, Samuel Seeff, on Thursday said the cut brings “welcome news and early festive cheer” for households, the economy and the property sector. Seeff noted that inflation, averaging just under 3.3% this year, remains well within the Sarb’s proposed…

Ask any entrepreneur what it is like to own a business, and they might answer that it’s a bit like taking a sea voyage. When you start a business, it’s usually with the same optimism as setting off on a long-awaited trip. You’ve charted the route, stocked provisions, and prepared for the worst by installing your life raft. If you’re lucky, you have times of smooth sailing, and others where the water is choppy. But then sometimes, the business takes more battering than it can handle, and it starts to sink. Sales dry up, cash flow becomes strained, and the numbers stop making sense, no matter how many times you run them. For many South African entrepreneurs, this isn’t a personal failing – it’s a reality of the waters we’re…

National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi told the Nkabinde Inquiry yesterday that prosecuting in South Africa during these times is a challenging job and it does happen on occasions that people try to influence the work done by the prosecuting authority. Batohi gave evidence in the hearing of suspended director of public prosecutions (DPP), Johannesburg, Advocate Andrew Chauke. A panel, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Bess Nkabinde, is looking into his fitness to hold office. Batohi was instrumental in President Cyril Ramaphosa establishing the inquiry. For the past two days, she mostly testified in general regarding the legislative framework for prosecutors, the code of conduct, and prosecutorial independence, as set out in the NPA Act. She stressed that prosecutors must conduct their duties without any interference or obstruction,…

The roaming Mawana elephant herd, which was facing an uncertain future due to being in conflict with residents of neighbouring communities, has been given a lifeline. The Mercury reported last year that the elephants were reportedly terrorising communities outside the reserve. In March last year, an elephant attacked a herdsman. Now a collaboration between Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (Ezemvelo), Humane World for Animals, and Loziba Wildlife Reserve has resulted in a solution to safeguard this free-roaming elephant population. In a statement, Humane World for Animals said a proposal for an emergency area of approximately 8 300 ha south of the Mawana Reserve, referred to as the Loziba Wildlife Reserve, was presented at the Ulundi Legislature in November 2024. “It was accepted, pending fencing compliance and acceptance of an Elephant Management…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will now classify gender-based violence and femicide as a “crisis” that must be urgently addressed, amid looming nationwide protests by the advocacy group Women for Change, which is demanding the issue be declared a national disaster. Ramaphosa made the remarks yesterday on the sidelines of receiving the declaration from the G20 Social Summit in Boksburg. He emphasised that progressive deliberations at the summit had strengthened calls for greater political commitment to advancing young people’s access to opportunities. “It has called for the health and well-being of women and children to be prioritised and for greater representation of women in all facets of society. “Gone should be the days when women are relegated to the back of everything that happens in society. We should actually…

Brown Mogotsi, a North West businessman and alleged information peddler, came under scrutiny yesterday for suggesting that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu use a Constitutional Court ruling to charge Dumisani Khumalo, head of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), despite Khumalo not being implicated in the judgment. Mogotsi, who has been accused of leveraging his connections to Mchunu to influence police matters, was testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He was cross-examined about the court ruling he shared with Mchunu, with a message: “Now we got something proven by the court. This is the matter now which either (Shadrack) Sibiya or the Minister can charge Khumalo and apply Rule 9 of the disciplinary hearing.” Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, however, pointed out that the court judgment in question had nothing to…

It’s been a busy year for Volvo locally this year, with three models launched and a new managing director, Grant Locke, appointed to restore customer confidence, strengthen dealer networks and guide the brand through South Africa’s transition to electric mobility. Concluding the year, the Swedish company launched their best-selling XC60 with refreshed styling, comfort, improved user experience and updated design details to bring it in line with Volvo’s growing line-up of electrified vehicles. Exterior There are three trim levels: the Core, the Plus and the Ultra. Volvo has tweaked the exterior with a reworked air intake and aligned the updated iron mark badge with the refreshed XC90, as well as given it darker rear LED lights and new wheel designs. The B5 Core and the T8 Plus trims feature a…

Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has expressed confidence that star midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng will overcome his slow start to the season and continue playing a central role for the Buccaneers. Mofokeng recently returned from injury and immediately made an impact, producing a stylish assist in his team’s 3-1 away victory over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership earlier this month. The gifted midfielder missed Bafana Bafana’s recent World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda after picking up a knock against Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout round of 16, just before the final two qualifiers. With only a short window before Hugo Broos names the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month, the youngster will be eager to impress and secure his spot in the…

The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati has enjoyed a mixed bag of results for Proteas teams recently. It was where Laura Wolvaardt’s team were bundled out for 69 in their ICC Women’s World Cup opener before returning to exact revenge over the self-same England side in the semi-final to make history by becoming the first senior South African cricket team to reach a limited-overs World Cup final. Temba Bavuma’s Proteas Men’s side will be chasing their own slice of history when the second Test gets underway on Saturday as they seek a first Test series win in India for 25 years. To achieve this feat, they would do well to give Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi a call regarding the conditions for they are still very much in the dark. “As…

If it wasn't for a pastrami sandwich and a cold beer to swallow it down with, Ireland would have ruined Paris for me. The City of Lights is on many people's bucket list to visit — the history, the landmarks, the food … it's all so romantic. With the Seine river cutting through its centre, world-famous monuments stand proudly overlooking the city. It makes for spectacular views and vistas. The French, so the saying goes, can live without the world, but the world cannot live without the French. On its outskirts, in Saint-Denis, and dominating the skyline there, stands the Stade de France — an 80 000-seater behemoth of a stadium that has seen some truly remarkable South African achievements. In September 2023, it hosted a Rugby World Cup group…

Evidence in the explosive allegations by JSE AltX-listed Mantengu Mining against certain JSE executives includes emails that appear to support the mining company’s claims of suspicious transactions of its shares, while the JSE says these correspondences may be “spoof email.” Mantengu in May this year filed a criminal complaint with the authorities against several JSE executives and others about alleged share price manipulation that Mantengu's CEO Mike Miller alleged was aimed at depressing the company’s share price, claims that the JSE continues to roundly deny. “There have been no credible facts, not any, primary or direct evidence produced that would justify a suspension or “garden leave” for any of the JSE directors,” said JSE Group legal and public policy director Louis Cockeran in response to BR questions about the matter.…

South Africa’s agricultural sector continued its strong export performance in 2025, defying global trade uncertainty and shifting policy environments, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). The country’s agricultural exports reached $11.7 billion (R189 billion) in the first three quarters of the year — a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said third-quarter exports alone totalled $4.7bn (R68bn), up 13% year-on-year, driven by higher export volumes and firm commodity prices. South Africa’s export mix remained diverse, led by citrus, nuts, apples, pears, maize, wine, sugar, fruit juices, berries, grapes, pineapples, avocados and soybeans. Improved port performance — despite ongoing challenges — also helped sustain the flow of agricultural goods out of the country. Sihlobo noted that operational improvements at…

As South Africans prepare for Black Friday on November 28, the National Financial Ombud (NFO) is urging consumers to think twice before swiping their way into a financial hangover. The NFO says while seasonal discounts may offer short-term appeal, the long-term consequences of overspending on credit, including high-interest debt and depleted savings, can derail essential financial goals and lead to post-holiday hardship. The NFO has also cautioned that digital fraud tends to spike during the year-end holiday season. Nerosha Maseti, credit and banking division lead ombud at the NFO, says Black Friday, known for massive sales and long lines, is a shopper’s adrenaline rush with jaw-dropping discounts, limited-time offers, and the thrill of snagging the perfect deal. “But beneath the buzz lies a financial minefield. Swipe-happy spending can spiral into…

Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan may have landed himself in hot water after he allegedly sent suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, a threatening message on Wednesday. Nkabinde revealed the threatening message while giving evidence at the parliamentary inquiry into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. After one of the breaks, Nkabinde asked to read into the inquiry’s record the message he allegedly received from O’Sullivan. “Get ready, you lying crook. I am going to make sure you spend some years in prison. You were bribed by Mkhwanazi and Mapula,” read part of the message that warned Nkabinde that he was guaranteed to pay for his crimes. O’Sullivan allegedly sent the message while he was one of the witnesses who have yet to be allocated…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the US has made a U-turn on its plans to boycott the G20 Leaders Summit this weekend. Ramaphosa made this announcement during a European Union leaders' event at the Sandton Convention Centre last night. The US delegation attending the summit is expected to be led by officials from the embassy in Pretoria. Despite the announcement coming at the eleventh hour, Ramaphosa welcomed the decision, adding that it was a positive sign, saying that boycott politics do not work. “We have received notice from the United States concerning participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit. This is a notice that is still in discussion. There has been a change of mind about participation in one shape, form, or another,” the President stated. Ramaphosa revealed that at…

The Mpumalanga High Court has set aside an order compelling the Department of Basic Education to release withheld matric results to learners who were accused of being part of a massive cheating scandal during the 2022 exams. Their exam results were withheld and declared null and void by the Mpumalanga Department of Education. This was after the department determined at the marking phase of the learners’ scripts and pursuant to an investigation that the learners had cheated. The learners turned to court last year, where they scored a victory when the department was ordered to release their results. But the department has successfully appealed that ruling before three judges. Judge Takalani Ratshibvumo found that the vast majority of the learners implicated did not exhaust the internal appeal processes, as required…

Sunny Girja Singh, a dedicated activist and freedom fighter, passed away yesterday at the age of 86. In a tribute to Singh, ANC NEC member Fawzia Peer said: “Sunny Singh, who spent years on Robben Island, was a dedicated activist and freedom fighter. He stood firmly for justice, equality and a truly democratic, non-racial South Africa. Inspired by progressive leaders and guided by the principles of the Freedom Charter, he lived a life committed to building a fair and humane society. Aluta Continua. Rest in peace, Comrade.” In a Facebook post, the 1860 Heritage Centre posted: “Dear comrades and friends. It is with deep sadness that we advise that Cde Sunny Singh has passed away. We wish Urmilla and the family all strength at this difficult time. We will await…

The defence has produced a report by University of Cape Town-based digital law expert Pitso Tsibolane to challenge the State's evidence regarding the messages posted on Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s X account. Zuma-Sambudla, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is on trial in the Durban High Court. She is accused of inciting terror and public violence linked to the July 2021 unrest. At the crux of the matter are the tweets she posted about the looting and violence that erupted after her father, former president Jacob Zuma, was taken into custody to serve a sentence for being in contempt of court. The contempt matter related to his failure to appear before the Zondo commission of inquiry. During cross-examination yesterday of State witness, Emma Sadleir, who is a social media law…

Launched earlier in 2024 for the current generation, the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider has proven to be a popular model in the Isuzu line-up, with the brand now having recently introduced a limited-edition 150 units Black Edition model. To launch the stylish bakkie, Isuzu recently invited media from across South Africa to join a three-day road trip from Durban to Johannesburg, cutting through picturesque Clarens. Exterior The X-Rider nameplate has proven to be a hit since its introduction in the previous generation D-Max. The X-Rider Black Edition takes things up a notch, with cosmetic upgrades added to the already popular nameplate. It features a gloss-black grille with red X-Rider badging, dark 18-inch gloss-black alloys with red “Isuzu” lettering on the black centre caps, and black mirror caps. Decals are also along…

The Springbok players this week have played down the “revenge” factor ahead of their huge clash with archrivals Ireland tomorrow, but coach Rassie Erasmus said he would be “lying” if he said that ticking the Ireland box was not important. Erasmus and his illustrious group of players and management have won two World Cups since they got together in 2018, but in that time, they have lost four of five games played against Ireland, and none of them have won a Test match in Dublin, not even 139-cap veteran Eben Etzebeth. “Personally, I have never won a match here in Dublin,” Erasmus said. “Even as a coach of Munster, we lost to the Scarlets here in the PRO 14 final; we lost here to Saracens in the European Cup; as…