Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-11-16 i Star

TRANSACTION Capital aims to grow market share of its industry-disrupting WeBuyCars and leverage its customer engagement services technology in Nutun in the next 12 months. The group yesterday reported strong results, with headline earnings a share higher by a robust 52.6% in the year to September 30. This was according to Transaction Capital’s chief executive, David Hurwitz, who was interviewed about the results that saw the total annual dividend raised 35% to 70 cents per share, this in spite of no growth in its taxi financing operations after the taxi industry faced considerable headwinds. Hurwitz said these challenges included less activity through Covid-19, rising fuel prices, and last year’s floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which impacted Toyota SA, maker of the minibus taxi model of choice in this country.“We feel good,…

STOR-AGE Property real estate investment trust (Reit), the largest self-storage company in South Africa, continued to deliver a strong performance in the six months to September 30, lifting distributable income per share by 6.1% and an interim dividend of 60.05 cents was declared. Rental income and net property operating income increased by 18.6% and 16.5%, respectively. Same-store rental income increased 9% in South Africa and by 11.4% in the UK. Same-store closing occupancy was at 89.4% locally and 91.8% in the UK. Rental rate growth of 6.8% was achieved in SA and 8.4% in the UK. The investment property value was up 23.5% at R9.82 billion. Tangible net asset value was up 10.5% at R14.47 per share. The loan-to-value ratio was low at 30.1% and more than 85%…

Former ANC MP Vincent Smith is in a frantic battle to squash multiple counts of corruption, fraud and money laundering against him for his alleged failure to block the R1.2 billion tenders to Bosasa. Adding to his troubles is his alleged failure to declare payments to himself and security upgrades to his house while serving as an MP for many years. The former chairperson of the standing committee on public accounts and portfolio committee on correctional services is also facing charges of failing to disclose personal income which he allegedly derived from external parties – amounting to more than R28 million – while an MP. Smith stands accused of receiving gratification from Bosasa and/or Angelo Agrizzi to the value of over R800 000, as well as failure to disclose taxable…

During cross-examination, Tumelo Madlala, who was Senzo Meyiwa’s best friend and was present when he was gunned down, told the court that he doesn’t care about Meyiwa’s family as their relationship soured after the soccer star was killed. Madlala said this at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria yesterday while being questioned by advocate Zandile Mshololo, counsel for one of the five men accused of killing Meyiwa. Mshololo asked Madlala what led to the hostility between him and the Meyiwa family. He said the relationship was fractured after his friend’s death and he doesn’t know the reason behind their bitterness. “What I know is that after Senzo’s death, his father would come to my place and find my girlfriend and insult her … One day I was travelling…

The countdown to the eagerly-awaited one-day Black Friday shopping spree in the world has begun. This as consumer spending on Black Friday continues to increase year-on-year in South Africa, with sales volumes having tipped the scale at more than R2.5 billion last year. In spite of this year being one of the toughest yet, experts expect South Africans will turn to credit to support increased spending over this period. This could be seen as a way to make up for what they haven’t been able to purchase during the year. But consumers need to think “beyond Black Friday” and manage their credit smartly to avoid falling into a debt trap in the run-up to the busy festive season. This is the perspective of Tonia Pavlou, deputy CFO of consumer…

Ingredients 100g maraschino cherries 100ml cherry jam 500ml double cream 100ml mascarpone 1/3 cup icing sugar 90g /1 slab dark chocolate, melted 400g Balocco Panettone 1 chocolate sponge cake, cut in half into 2 layers Rum or liqueur of choice 2 punnets of cherries Directions For the fillings: Mix the maraschino cherries with the jam. Whip the cream, and then fold it in the mascarpone and icing sugar. Chocolate Ganache Melt the dark chocolate and allow it to cool. To Assemble Slice the panettone and chocolate sponge into layers. Place half the slices of panettone and chocolate sponge in the base of a trifle dish or bowl. Using your fingertips, press them into the shape of the dish. Put a layer of the jam filling and then the mascarpone filling.…

While people are reacting strongly to news of a family coming home from holiday only to find strangers living in their home, house-jacking is not a new trend. IOL recently reported a family had posted about their ordeal on Reddit. Speaking to the owners of the home through a chained front door, the (illegal) occupiers claimed the window – through which they gained access – should not have been left open. And because it was, they claimed they now had squatters’ rights to live there. This, as house-jacking syndicates have been targeting homes and businesses. Security expert Mike Bolhuis said once the squatters were in, it was very difficult to get them out. Speaking to eNCA, he said property hijacking had been going on for “quite some time”. “So any…

Itumeleng Khune was one of the Premier Soccer League players who graduated from the Player Transition Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science on Monday. Over the years, the football fraternity has been appalled at how former professional footballers have struggled to cope after hanging up their boots. And that’s why the PSL – together with sponsors MultiChoice – joined hands this year to try and curb that issue by introducing certain personnel to the PTP. After months of taking lessons, preparing for life after football, the Gibs produced their first set of graduates from the PTP on Monday afternoon. The PSL took to their social media platforms to congratulate the class of 2022, posting a photo of some of the graduates, who posed alongside MultiChoice boss Calvo Mawela…

Rassie Erasmus joined coach Jacques Nienaber at the Springboks team announcement press conference yesterday ahead of the Italy Test, and predictably drew much of the attention because of his perceived war on referees. Except Erasmus doesn’t see it like that, of course, and says the public are attaching their own interpretations and narratives to his “innocent” clips of passages of play. Earlier in the day, the former loose forward had been heavily criticised by former world No 1 referee Nigel Owens, who said the SA Director of Rugby was bringing the game into disrepute. Still, Erasmus insisted that he is simply helping a South African supporters understand what happens on the rugby field. “People form their opinions, and I understand that,” said Erasmus. “We’ve always been really close to fans.…

Interim Ghana manager Otto Addo believes his team can make a significant impact at the World Cup in Qatar as the Black Stars prepare for their fourth finals at the global tournament. Addo, with no previous senior coaching experience, took charge of Ghana in February after the sacking of Milovan Rajevac following their early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations. “We can beat anyone. It’s up to the players, not me. It’s their performances that have brought them this far. They have the quality, with or without me,” Addo told the Fifa website. “I’m responsible for putting them in the right positions so that they can produce their best performances, with and without the ball. “They have to be able to play together.” Addo, who is combining his role…

THE AFRICAN Rail Industry Association (Aria) has called for the speedy implementation of third-party operator access into Transnet Freight and Rail (TFR) network infrastructure in a bid to generate more revenue for the fiscus. Aria has been expressing serious concerns regarding the restrictive terms and conditions Transnet has imposed on the use of the national rail network by private third-party freight operators. The association represents original equipment manufacturers, rail operators and rail services companies in the rail sector and associated industries. Aria chief executive Mesela Nhlapo said yesterday that there was a massive need for private sector investment into the general freight network in light of a backlog of maintenance. Nhlapo said South Africa was at the verge of economic collapse and intervention was no longer an option, but a…

THE JSE’S MAJOR listed asset managers are being battered by the uncertain global economic climate and weak equity markets. Global asset management company Ninety-One yesterday reported a 16% decline in pre-tax profit to £110.6 million (R2.25 billion) for the six months to September 30. Similarly, Coronation Fund Managers recently warned its fund management earnings per share for the year to the same date was expected to fall by between 10% and 20%. Coronation, which has mainly South African clients, is expected to report its interim results on November 22. Ninety-One’s founder and chief executive Hendrik du Toit said in a statement the global asset management group had struggled against sharply lower financial asset prices arising from the impacts of rising inflation and interest rates, and geo-political uncertainty. The…

PUBLIC Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan yesterday came out swinging against uncertainty over the status of national carrier South African Airways (SAA) deal with Takatso Consortium in the wake of the resignation from the board of a key member of the potential 51% shareholder. Gordhan defended the structure of the deal, notwithstanding mounting concerns over the required financing to complete the deal. He yesterday insisted that the government’s position was that the deal was going ahead and that the resignation of Syranix’s nominated director, Gidon Novick, of the Takatso Consortium, was an internal matter for the potential partners. “To us as government the deal is both alive and live. It is an internal matter in as far as we are concerned, this is the nature of commercial transactions,” Gordhan said. Gordhan…

AFTER a successful 10 years of the Trek4Mandela Expedition – with over 300 climbers attempting to reach the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro; 13 expeditions over a decade; and together with corporate partners, close to 2 million girl children empowered – Trek4Mandela is opening its doors to all inspired individuals who wish to reach the highest peak in Africa for a good cause next year. On July 18, 2012, Richard Mabaso and Sibusiso Vilane sought to reach to the highest peak in Africa in support of the menstrual hygiene initiative, Caring4Girls on Mandela Day. Caring4Girls is a programme founded by the Imbumba Foundation that addresses the harsh reality of period poverty still faced by many girls by providing sanitary towels, puberty education and menstrual hygiene support. This programme was…

Long hugs, kisses and tears of joy were shared at the Gatesville home of 8-year-old Abirah Dekhta who was reunited with her family on Monday evening after she was kidnapped more than a week ago. The little girl was rescued from a shack in Town Two, Khayelitsha, in a joint law enforcement operation. Several people were taken in for questioning. “We are very happy and relieved. She has no marks or scars and was found unharmed. She is happy to be home with her family and not strangers. No words can describe how the parents feel, they struggled to sleep or eat not knowing the whereabouts of their daughter. “We express our gratitude to the police, law enforcement, neighbourhood watch, MJC, resi- dents and everyone who’s been praying and supporting…

Two South African film-makers have been chosen to showcase their documentaries on Al Jazeera English (AJE) Documentaries from December 6. The documentaries will be in a slate of 14 films from nine African countries in season two of the Africa Direct series. This follows the success of the first season in 2021. It will present another 14 episodes of short documentaries made by Africans about Africans from different countries: South Africa, Mali, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique. The film-makers are expected to be agents in their own stories by providing a vivid and fascinating look into the diversity of ordinary people on the continent, whether they are unsung heroes, change champions or simply getting on with their lives. Among the chosen are Durban- based Omelga Mthiyane and…

Cristiano Ronaldo says Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, “don’t care” about how successful the Premier League giants are on the pitch in another salvo against the club. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a peripheral figure this season under new manager Erik ten Hag, and was disciplined for refusing to come on as a substitute. But the Portugal superstar had returned to the side in recent weeks, and even captained the Red Devils in a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa. However, the 37-year-old was absent from the squad in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham in United’s final match before a six-week break for the World Cup. In an explosive interview with TalkTV on Sunday, Ronaldo – who made his name at Old Trafford – said he felt “betrayed”…

Morocco have been drawn in a tough Group F alongside Belgium, Canada and Croatia, but they can still realistically aim to advance beyond the group stage of the World Cup. Things will not be easy for Walid Regragui’s side, especially as every side in their group will feel that they have a chance to advance beyond the group stage. Even Canada, who are playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1986, will feel that they can be a surprise package in Qatar. If Regragui’s side want to progress beyond the group stage in Qatar, it is vital that they aim to record a victory over Canada, while also picking up a point at least against Belgium and Croatia. The team will be led by veteran Besiktas defender…

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has commented on the heated exchange he had with Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus during the Carling Black Label Cup final last weekend. While addressing the incident, Mokwena uncharacteristically cut a frustrated figure, stating that he would not be commenting on the incident again. He also added that he found the behaviour of Erasmus – who left the Brazilians to rejoin Pirates at the start of the season – was “borderline disrespectful”. Mokwena said that he has since exchanged text messages with Erasmus. “I will speak about it for the last time. When I look at the sequence of events, I look at him scoring a fantastic goal in Polokwane against us,” Mokwena said. “He lacked celebration towards Sundowns, which went towards our supporters. “I…

Graeme Smith does not believe that the Proteas’ continued failure – specifically at ICC tournaments – will impact on the new competition that he’s running, the SA20 League. Smith, the league’s commissioner, said at a bright and loud launch event for the new competition this week that while victory for the Proteas at the recent T20 World Cup would have helped to elevate the SA20’s status, the excitement around the tournament would be enough to assuage the disappointment among local supporters about the men’s national team. “Naturally you get a bit of cynicism where South African cricket is concerned. People are craving success and positive vibes around the game, and that’s been lacking for the last few years … we know that,” said Smith. Any concerns the former left-handed opener…

Power utility has a new headache in recruiting a new head for generation ESKOM yesterday in its State of the System briefing once again failed to reassure the country of its grip on the power grid as it cited lack of capacity and finance to execute planned maintenance. This as the power utility has a new headache in recruiting a new head for generation after acting head, Rhulani Mathebula, yesterday resigned with effect from the end of the month. Chief operating officer Jan Oberholzer said Mathebula had said he was quitting due to work pressure, which affected his health and family life. Mathebula had acted in the position only since January and Oberholzer said the utility had not procrastinated on appointing a permanent one but that the role required numerous…

Compelling new dance piece Sullied explores what scholar Pumla Dineo Gqola calls South Africa’s “Female Fear Factory”: rape. Written by Nomakhwezi Becker and directed by Matjamela Motloung, Sullied is choreographed by the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year for Dance 2021, Kristi-Leigh Gresse. Sullied will run at the Market Theatre from November 24 to December 11. It explores the themes of religion, body politics, racism, gender, sexuality, rape culture, and toxic masculinity in a politically charged country led by powerful male politicians. Motloung told IOL Entertainment the production examines the psychological effects of patriarchal ideologies and misogyny. “In Sullied, the story is not told purely from a survivor or victim’s point of view. We also try to explore the perpetrator’s mind. We wanted to create an art piece that…

The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) has threatened to sue Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse should she fail to apologise for describing the entity as corrupt. The Star has seen lawyer’s papers that have been delivered to Phalatse’s office from JPC Attorneys demanding a retraction of her statements and an apology for tarnishing the name of the entity. The incident took place last month at a time when Phalatse had been removed as mayor. Phalatse had said: “The JPC engaged in acts of fraud and corruption involving millions of taxpayers (money) siphoned off a company linked to the ANC.” Phalatse had alleged that the JPC had funded the plans to oust her by siphoning off R27 million which was used to bribe councillors and ensure that the ANC returns to power. These…

A Free State pastor has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of repeatedly raping a 50-year-old woman over a period of time. On Monday, the Viljoenskroon Magistrate’s Court sentenced Samson Choniswa, 40, to life imprisonment. The pastor from Rammolotsi township was found guilty on rape, abduction and theft charges. Magistrate Sbongile Mathambeka sentenced Choniswa to an additional five years for kidnapping, four years for theft, and another five years for assault. A police report said that on August 31, 2020, Choniswa approached his victim while she was trying to hitch-hike from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg following a family bereavement. He told her he could arrange transportation for her to Johannesburg, but first, they had to go to his house. At the house he told her he…

Dance music supremo and award-winning music artist Zakes Bantwini has teamed up with whisky brand Glenmorangie for The Glenmorangie Experience, a dose of quality music delivered by one of Mzansi’s finest. The Glenmorangie Experience arrives in town on Saturday at Propaganda, Tshwane’s biggest entertainment hot spot, with three dance floors and an elevated stage. Bantwini will be joined on stage by an array of guests, including Mama singer Maline Aura, and the smooth sounds of Samthing Soweto, aka Samkelo Mdolomba. Amapiano stars DJ Njelic and Snow Deep, and Mdu Masilela will complete an evening of musical flair and fun. The Osama hitmaker said: “For someone like myself, who’s all about legacy and building a sustainable career, working with a brand like Glenmorangie means everything. “It’s a brand that’s…

noxolo.miya@inl.co.za MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, is on a mission to encourage communities in Gauteng to take up physical activities as part of pursuing a healthier lifestyle. This past Sunday, Nkomo-Ralehoko, alongside the Soweto Aerobics Fitness Club, embarked on a 5km hike and aerobics at Rietvlei Zoo Farm. Despite the rainy weather, more than 40 people joined the MEC on the hike and participated in an aerobics session led by the Soweto Fitness Club as part of a drive to encourage Gauteng citizens to take up physical activities. “Being physically active can improve your health, reduce the risks of disease and improve your ability to do everyday activities. The call to communities is for them to take up physical activities and eat healthily, to be fitter, healthier and…

Monnapule Saleng had a fantastic first half of the season at Orlando Pirates and he’s eager to take his career up a notch by becoming a Bafana Bafana regular. Two seasons ago, Saleng bagged the Golden Boot award in the National First Division thanks to his trickery, speed and eye for goal at Free State Stars. That prompted Pirates to sign him, but he didn’t become an instant fit at the club, which saw him loaned out to Swallows FC for the rest of the campaign. Saleng, though, was so good at Swallows that he booked a one-way ticket back to the Bucs, where he’s working with a new coach in Jose Riveiro. Life at Pirates got off to a slow start for Saleng, but when he got a rare…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos longs to see Percy Tau, aka the ‘Lion of Judah’, playing at his best. The Belgian tactician would have loved to include Tau in his teams for friendlies against neighbours Mozambican at Mbombela Stadium tomorrow (8.30pm kick-off) and Angola on Sunday (2pm). “Percy played a few games with us, but I’ve never seen Percy at 100%,” said Broos. “He was always recovering from an injury when I saw him in action. We cannot say that in the games he played with us that we saw the best of Percy Tau. “I hope that he starts playing with whomever, because we can use a player like Percy in our team. As a coach, you must be happy when you have a good Percy Tau in your…

Lionel Messi says he is cautious over Argentina’s chances as he prepares to lead the team at the World Cup, seeking to crown a glorious career by lifting the trophy in Qatar. The South American side have won the trophy twice – in 1978 and 1986 – with Messi a defeated finalist in 2014. “We are very excited,” Messi said in an interview with Conmebol, the South American football federation. “We have a very nice group that is very eager, but we think about going little by little. “We know that World Cup groups are not easy.” Argentina’s opening match at the World Cup is next Tuesday against Saudi Arabia in Group C, which also includes Mexico and Poland. They will play a final friendly today in Abu Dhabi against…

Gerald Coetzee is a firebrand who bowls with great pace and possesses the same kind of snarling aggression that made Dale Steyn popular. Coetzee was called into the Proteas Test squad for the tour to Australia, although he’s only likely to play in the case of injury. It’s a call-up that has been long in the making – not because of any startling form Coetzee has shown at domestic first-class level, but possibly because he’s started fulfilling the potential he had as a kid. Coetzee has long been on the radar of South African cricket; there was talk of a lanky teenager out of Bloemfontein eight years ago, with phrases like ‘Morné Morkel 2.0’ being thrown around. He cemented his name in local circles with an impressive set of performances…

Novak Djokovic has been granted a visa to play in the Australian Open in January, Guardian Australia and state broadcaster ABC reported yesterday. Djokovic, who is Serbian, was deported from Australia in the lead-up to the Grand Slam in January after he declined to be vaccinated. The former world No 1 was originally barred from the country until 2025. The ABC said it had confirmed Immigration Minister Andrew Giles had overturned that ban, allowing Djokovic to compete. A spokesperson for Australia’s immigration ministry declined to comment on the reports. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said this month that Djokovic would be welcome in January if he could get a visa, but that Tennis Australia was unable to lobby on his behalf. Australia in July scrapped a rule that required…