Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-10-04 i Star

THE COMPETITION Commission of South Africa has called on interested parties to comment on draft revised Public Interest Guidelines related to merger control within 30 days. According to Legal firm Webber Wentzel, since the amendment of the Competition Act a few years ago, the public interest component of merger regulation had achieved particular prominence. “Over the 2021/22 financial year, at least a quarter of all mergers were approved subject to public interest conditions. As a result, businesses have been eager for clearer guidance from the competition authorities on when public interest conditions will be applied and how these conditions should be structured,” it said. In a statement yesterday, the commission said in February 2019, the Competition Act 89 of 1998 was amended to address concentration and the lack of transformation…

ACTOM, a major supplier of electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to the renewable energy sector, is invest- ing R100 million to expand its Pretoria plant. According to group CEO of Actom, Mervyn Naidoo, the company offers tech- nology and advanced products to address issues facing the electro-mechanical industry, from large-scale infrastructure installations to smaller projects and sup- port services. Its Southern and Sub-Saharan African distribution network comprises 13 branches across the country. “We have earnestly started expanding our plant and this will contribute to growing the economy of Gauteng in particular, and the country in general, by building local capacity in manufacturing electro-mechanical equipment,” he said in a statement. The expansion of the Pretoria plant would result in 30 additional people being employed. The company already…

THE COMPETITION Tribunal said yesterday it will give its decision in due course as to whether to confirm or not the settlement agreement by consumer goods company Unilever South Africa on its possible market division case. This is after Unilever and the Competition Commission reached a settlement agreement following the Commission in 2017 referring a case against Unilever and Sime Darby Hudson Knight for prosecution for possible division of markets between 2004 and 2013. According to the commission, in its investigation, it found the two companies entered into a sale of business agreement which contained a non-compete clause that restricted each of them to produce and supply certain pack sizes of margarine and edible oils in possible contravention of the Competition Act. Sime Darby settled the matter with the Commission…

TODAY many people due to sheer frustration are making the biggest mistake of comparing the apartheid era system with the democratic system of governance. To the extent where apartheid is unduly glorified for claimed success in providing a decent life for black people. Most people venting and glorifying apartheid are doing so purely because they are frustrated with the current government’s inability to provide basics such as energy and electricity security, among other service delivery issues. We should all be asking the honest question. What went wrong, how come during the height of apartheid the Nationalist government under apartheid never used electricity generation and supply as a tool of repression on ordinary people’s lives? But today in a free democratic country, under the ANC government, whether unintentionally or intentional, is…

STANDARD Bank South Africa said yesterday that it had made significant strides in its sustainable finance and renewable energy initiatives and, in the first half of 2023, had mobilised R28 billion for sustainable finance, bringing the amount since its 2022 financial year to R83bn. The bank said that since the launch of its climate policy in March 2022, it had tracked ahead of its target to raise between R250bn and R300bn for sustainable finance by the end of 2026. In 2022, the bank exceeded its goal by executing 29 sustainable finance transactions, with a total value of R55bn. The 2023 run rate was higher compared to the same period last year, which was promising for this year’s R50bn mobilisation targets, the bank said. Standard Bank South Africa CEO Lungisa…

Without a birth certificate and an ID, the Khang family face an uphill battle as they begin arrangements to bury their 4-year-old grandson, Neo Khang, who died on Sunday, after allegedly eating poisonous biscuits bought from a local spaza shop. The revelations were made by Neo’s 74-year-old grandmother, Matota Khang, who pleaded for help while speaking to the media after the tragic death of Neo and the hospitalisation of another grandson, Katleho Mbatha, Neo’s 4-year-old cousin, after eating the pink cookies. Two other children ate the same product on Sunday with another 6-year-old, Leon Jele, having also succumbed. Reports indicate that another child is fighting for his life at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. While narrating the last moments with her grandson, Gogo Khang pleaded for help, saying the…

A group of aggrieved film-makers whose projects were declined funding by the country’s leading film funding organisation, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), have vowed to stage a picket outside the Parktown offices of the film-funding agency. One of them is Zama Qambi of Solly- wood South Africa, a film company that runs the Soweto International Film Festival, film school and other initiatives. “This is a painful story for us as we have been rejected 43 times without a valid reason. We still continue to run our projects in spite of lack of support. “Our events impact most of the townships and have legacy projects attached to them. I find it difficult that we can’t be funded when there is so much corruption in government-led institutions,”…

The economic value of the support provided to older people in South Africa has grown. However, it has not been increased sufficiently to meet the needs of a growing older population, nor has it been adequately linked to inflation, a report released on Sunday by UCT’s Family Caregiving Programme has found. The “Funding Elder Care in South Africa Report” outlines how state funding for older persons is structured. It shows that over the last two decades, spending on older persons has been focused on social grants, most notably the Older Persons Grant. “The authors note that while this can be applauded, it tends to overshadow the lack of state spending on programme and policy support and transfers paid to non-profit organisations (NPOs) that provide residential care or community-based services to…

FORMER foster parent to Balobedu nation Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, the ANC heavyweight Dr Mathole Motshekga, insists that she is now in charge of the Balobedu Queendom after she turned 18 in January. Motshekga has had to cease being the Princess’s foster parent after she celebrated turning 18 at his home in Johannesburg earlier this year. The politician is at the centre of a three-year dispute involving two siblings, Princess Masalanabo and her elder brother, Prince Lukukela Modjadji, who are pitted against each other in the battle to ascend to the Balobedu throne. This comes after the death of their mother, Queen Makobo Modjadji, the “rain queen”, in 2005. In October last year, the Modjadji Royal Council hosted a traditional ceremony inaugurating Prince Lekukela as the next king, which would end…

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a break from alcohol? Perhaps you’ve heard of the rising trend of being “sober curious” or participating in initiatives like “Dry January”. If so, here are some compelling reasons to consider embarking on a journey of sobriety. Taking a pause from alcohol has become more than just a fleeting fad. For those who enjoy social drinking, abstaining for a month or exploring a sober lifestyle is an opportunity to step back and reflect on the role that alcohol plays in their lives. The sober-curious movement isn’t solely about addiction; it’s about examining the impact of social drinking and how it aligns with personal values and well-being. Research published by the National Library of Medicine highlights the potential risks associated…

Cometh Dube-Makholwa, in a recent letter, asks whether the EFF has got what it takes to govern? My answer: The EFF has contributed nothing insofar as building a united South Africa, or even contributing anything to the non-existent progress under the ANC. The EFF’s policy is based on three pillars: demand, divide and destroy, all three flying in the face of good leadership. EFF leader, Julius Malema, is no moderate, but readily acknowledges: “I am very radical and militant” and that he would happily “endorse violence to achieve revolutionary change – without hesitation”. Even worse is his horrific statement: “A revolutionary is a walking, killing machine. If that need arises, I will kill.” The party’s achievements: mass land invasions, property damage, causing chaos and mayhem in Parliament and city councils,…

The UN Security Council this week authorised a foreign security mission to Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince. “More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress,” Haiti’s Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the council. “It’s a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering.” The 15-member council adopted a resolution, drafted by the US and Ecuador, that authorises the so-called Multinational Security Support mission “to take all necessary measures” – code for use of force. China and Russia abstained from the vote, wary of authorising the blanket use of force under Chapter 7 of the founding UN Charter.…

NEW YORK: A New Jersey appeals court yesterday threw out a $223.8 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson that a jury had awarded to four plaintiffs who claimed they developed cancer from being exposed to asbestos in the company’s talc powder products. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division found that a lower court judge should not have allowed some of the scientific expert testimony the plaintiffs presented to jurors at trial. J&J said the decision “resoundingly rejects … the ‘junk science’ advanced by purported ‘experts’”. | Reuters…

Suspended sentences remain the buzzword of the PSL's disciplinary committee (DC). Almost without fail, every time the disciplinary committee must mete out punishment, it will water down its judgement with suspended sentences. The punishment barely fits the crime. Following their latest sitting on Monday, the DC decided a slap on the wrist fine of R150 000 was adequate punishment for Kaizer Chiefs' two incidents of crowd violence last month. Usually, when dealing with incidents of crowd behaviour the disciplinary committee will talk about it damaging the PSL's image. However, it does not seem this consideration comes into play when meting out punishment for repeat offenders Chiefs, who have received many suspended fines over the years. One of the reasons for this is the conflict of interest that exists because…

India's superstar cricketers endured a 3 400km cross-country journey to play a World Cup warm-up only for the match to be abandoned without a ball being bowled yesterday, in what could be a possible sign of things to come during the tournament. India were set to face the Netherlands in Thiruvananthapuram, on the southern tip of India, but they were left kicking their heels due to torrential rain. This past Saturday, their scheduled game against defending champions England up in the north-eastern city of Guwahati was also washed out. In total, the wet weather has so far forced three warm-up matches to be abandoned, while three others have been rain-affected, leaving teams and players frustrated ahead of the tournament's start tomorrow. The Netherlands have also had two washouts, including Saturday's…

THE friendly banter that has characterised the relationship between Chippa United coach Morgan Mammila and Moroka Swallows will be shelved for 90 minutes at Dobsonville Stadium tonight when the two teams meet in a DStv Premiership clash. Mammila was Swallows coach last season and helped the Birds finish in the Top 8, a feat he regularly reminds everyone about ... The two teams are neck-and-neck on the league table, Swallows on 13 points from seven matches, while Chippa have garnered 12 points from eight matches. Last week, following their 2-1 victory over AmaZulu, Swallows coach Steve Komphela looked ahead to this clash and lavished praise on Mammila. “I love the level of confidence from Mr Mammila,” Komphela said, before adding that he expects a tough match against Chippa. “He shows…

It is not being helped by declining commodity prices, we could see further weakness THE rand fell to its lowest level against the dollar in four months yesterday on the back of fresh strength in the US dollar, as global oil prices soared. Markets were concerned about the prospects of further interest rate hikes to curb the potentially rising inflation. The local currency weakened by 0.8% to R19.35 against the greenback by lunchtime yesterday, its lowest since June 2, pressured by a stronger dollar and the rising fuel prices. The US dollar hit a fresh 10-month high following ongoing strong US economic data, which supports the higher-for-longer interest rates narrative amid expectations that monetary policy will need to stay restrictive for “some time”. The dollar’s strength was further supported…

THE DIPULA Income Fund is “refreshing” many of its retail assets with a 200 million investment to provide modern, accessible appealing shopping experiences for retail- ers and customers. Dipula is invested in a R10 billion portfolio of 169 properties spanning one-million square metres across nine provinces in South Africa. Its retail property portfolio represents more than 60% of its gross rental income. Dipula invests in urban convenience centres and lower living standard measure retail in townships, rural areas and towns throughout South Africa. CEO Izak Peter- sen said in a statement that they were optimistic about the defensive perfor- mance of retail property, and believed in optimising this by keeping their shopping centres fresh, relevant and appealing to both retailers and customers. Dipula has earmarked more than…

THE FOSCHINI Group Limited (TFG) will list its shares for trade on the stock exchange A2X Markets from October 10, 2023, a statement said yesterday. A2X provides a secondary platform for companies to list their shares for trade. Other well-known retailers with secondary listings on the platform include Mr Price, Truworths, Shoprite, Pick n Pay and Woolworths. TFG is South Africa’s leading speciality retail group and has a unique portfolio of brands, geographic reach and customer retention initiatives both in South Africa, the UK and Australia which include more than 4 600 outlets, 34 brands, 46 500 employees and 30 million TFG Rewards customers. TFG CEO Anthony Thunström said they were continually looking for new ways to add value to our customers and shareholders. “As…

LONG BEFORE the devastating floods in Libya that claimed thousands of lives in early September and the floods in Mozambique, KwaZulu Natal or most recently in the Western Cape, the impact of climate change had been very visible in Africa. While all the Sustainable Development Goals are critical, these recent natural disasters are a stark reminder that SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG13 (Climate Action) are our collective responsibility which need to be addressed with urgency. Findings of a recent Deloitte survey interviewing African Board Chairs and business leaders confirm that business leaders are paying increased attention to climate change, are intentional about addressing the risks associated with climate change and (acknowledge) they have an important role to play in driving Africa towards a low carbon economy. This survey…

IN OCTOBER 2022, Eskom shut down the last operating unit at Komati Power Station in Mpumalanga, making it the first coal plant closure in South Africa’s transition from coal. On Friday, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) adopted an interim report to support a just transition at the Komati power station, and to help guide future coal decommissioning and repurposing projects. Drawing on evidence and the perspectives of impacted stakeholders and communities, the report provides a factual assessment of the decommissioning process followed at Komati, and recommendations to bring justice to affected workers and communities. In essence, the commission found that, for those affected by the the closure of Komati, the transition has not yet realised the procedural, distributive and restorative justice adopted as part of the Just Transition Framework. However,…

ACTIONSA’s national chairperson Michael Beaumont has defended the party’s call for the creation of a deputy mayor’s position in the City of Tshwane, amid criticism that the municipality could not afford it. Critics have hit out at the party’s push to have a deputy mayor while siding with municipal workers demanding salary increases. Some critics, including the ANC in the council, have questioned how the cash-strapped municipality could afford to establish a deputy mayoral position while struggling to honour its salary agreements with workers. ANC chief whip in Tshwane, Aaron Maluleke, said during a council sitting last week that his party had advised mayor Cilliers Brink to put on hold the process to install a deputy mayor because the metro was not in a financial position to do so. But…

THE City of Tshwane has expressed the intention to use its October Transport Month activities to educate residents on roads infrastructure and inform them about capital projects in place. This year’s Transport Month is celebrated under the national theme “Siyakha: We are building a better transport infrastructure to grow South Africa together”. MMC for Roads and Transport Katlego Mathebe said: “The City has an important role to play in ensuring that public transport infrastructure is friendly, ensuring commuter safety and ensuring that public transport is affordable to the majority of people.” She highlighted that the City had invested in roads infrastructure for the 2023/24 financial year capital projects such as upgrades on Line 2B which covers Lynnwood Road, Atterbury Road, Justice Mohamed Street, Roper Street and January Masilela Drive up…

Sam Makhubela, 65, was convicted and sentenced to an effective 20 years in jail for raping a ten-year-old girl, the SAPS in Mpumalanga said. Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the court heard how Makhubela lured his victim to his house whenever she was alone at home or cornered her whenever she was sent to the shops by her family. “The string of rapes was discovered when the victim’s mother saw the victim with some chocolates at home. Upon being questioned, she informed her mother that she received the items from a friend,” Mohlala said. The girl could not convince her mother, who decided to follow-up at the girl’s school. The little girl’s friend denied any knowledge of the chocolates. “Through the intervention of the victim’s teacher, it was revealed that…

Why is society so paralysed and doing nothing about the wasteful defence sector, especially in these trying economic times? We are docile, and seem to have accepted as reality that the country should be throwing billions of rand down the drain in funding this sector. The defence budget has been increasing steadily and has hit R49 billion this year? But where are the tangible results that are brought about by this sector? Both internally and externally, the sector has failed dismally to be of any use. What is also not taken seriously is the fact that Denel, one of the flagships of this sector, has been riddled with intense corruption. The country has not learnt that this sector is the most corrupt globally, and very regrettably, it is…

The pollution of water resources is a challenge and poses a serious threat to water security, especially as South Africa is a water-scarce country where every drop counts, as water has no substitute. Recent court judgments against some municipalities and water users who contribute to the pollution of water resources reaffirms the regulatory role of the Department of Water and Sanitation as the custodian of water resources and the National Water Act. The recent judgments show that the pollution of water resources cannot be tolerated and polluters must stop the pollution and rehabilitate affected areas. Municipalities must strengthen their operations and maintenance functions to prevent sewer spillages into water resources. Mining, industries and the agricultural sector must also monitor their operations and prevent spillages and the pollution of water resources…

KATHMANDU: At least 13 people were injured and one went missing after a series of earthquakes jolted Bajhang district in far-western Nepal yesterday, a local official said. The first tremor, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, struck in Telkot, followed by another measuring 6.3 in the Chainpur area. Two other quakes measuring 5 were also recorded in the district, said the District Administration Office. “At least 32 houses have been destroyed fully or partially,” it said. “A landslide triggered by the earthquake has obstructed the road connecting the district.” Tents were erected for those who lost their houses or left their homes. | Xinhua…

NEW YORK: Elon Musk was ordered by a US judge to face most of a lawsuit claiming he defrauded former Twitter shareholders last year by waiting too long to disclose that he had invested in the social media company, which he later bought and renamed X. US District Judge Andrew Carter said shareholders in the proposed class action could try to prove that Musk intended to defraud them by waiting 11 days to reveal he had bought 5% of Twitter’s shares. The shareholders also said they sold Twitter shares at artificially low prices because Musk hid what he was doing. | Reuters…

Much ado about nothing ... That’s how the Proteas feel after captain Temba Bavuma returned to India for their upcoming World Cup campaign, which officially starts against Sri Lanka in Delhi on Saturday. Bavuma had everyone on tenterhooks after the skipper suddenly had to fly back to South Africa for “family reasons” last week causing him to miss the two warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand. As it turned out, Bavuma did not miss much on-field action due to both warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand being heavily affected by the weather. The Afghanistan clash was completely abandoned, while Monday’s hit out against the Black Caps allowed the bowlers to get a full complement of 50 overs under their belts but the batters were only out there for…

A standoff of epic proportions looms after the PSL has shown CAF the middle finger. Last month, CAF informed the PSL that the inaugural season of the African Football League (AFL) will start on October 20, in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania, and Mamelodi Sundowns had been invited to participate. In the letter, CAF requested that the PSL adjust the domestic schedule so that Sundowns could fulfil its DStv Premiership assignments at a later date and attend the AFL. Sundowns are scheduled to play their opening match against Petro Atletico in that tournament in Luanda on October 21. The second leg is to be played in Pretoria a week later. Depending on their success, there could be semi-final and final. Each round will be played over two legs. If Sundowns reach…

THE PUBLIC Investment Corporation (PIC) has reported a 27% plunge in profit for the year ended March 31 on the back of poor performing assets on the JSE due to weaker economic conditions and higher levels of risk aversion among major investors. This was in spite of the largest asset manager in South Africa growing total assets under management (AUM) by R52.1 billion or 2%, to R2.599 trillion, compared to R2.548trln a year ago. The PIC yesterday reported a net profit of R221 million and a balance sheet growth by R200m for the 2022/23 financial year, which was characterised by high levels of global inflation and higher interest rates. PIC acting chief financial officer Brian Mavuka said global financial markets had to contend with tighter financial…

SUMITOMO Rubber South Africa, backed by its Japan-based parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), plans to boost production of Dunlop tyres at its Ladysmith plant with a R1.7 billion investment. The production capacity is being boosted as more Original Equipment Manufacturers look to domestic tyre producers to meet their vehicle specifications, a statement said. The investment drive was announced during the 50th anniversary of Dunlop’s Ladysmith manufacturing plant on Monday. The facility opened in October 1973. Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) also distributes the Sumitomo and Falken tyre brands.Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, said the new investment would provide a boost to local production, strengthen the factory’s output, support local jobs and modernise the plant. “South Africa has an 88-year history of tyre manufacturing, and…

AFRICA is yet to see anything close to a full return on its massive oil and gas resources. With one-third of the continent – almost 500 million people – still having no access to electricity, ending energy poverty across Africa is among the planet’s most urgent challenges. To address this, swift action is im- perative to accelerate upstream investment across Africa and ensure a far wider share of its economic benefits. Giant discoveries in Namibia, Final Investment Decision (FID) in Angola, and a bumper 2022 for new field start-ups all bode well, but can numerous other major projects across Africa secure the financing needed to move forwards? Developing Africa’s huge natural gas reserves is essential not only for growing export revenues, but also to support domestic economic growth and…

Living in a shack dwelling did not stop this businessman from creating an empire for himself in the energy sector. The informal dwelling his home until 2001, with perseverance and a will to keep going, Serame Mpete took the leap of faith to start his fuel logistics business six years later. Mpete took on the challenge of starting a business in the energy sector despite having studied tourism management at Wits Technikon. “I was courageous enough to try the market, even when I did not have all the relevant tools. I persevered until I got to be known in the sector,” Mpete told Business Report. Servicing clients such as the mining giant group, Royal Bafokeng Platinum, and other private businesses, the company Mpete Consulting offers services such as environment management…

At the 17th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) ceremony over the weekend, South African actor Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha delivered a strong message aimed at directors. With an auditorium filled with the best in the local TV world the actor, known for his role as Neo Mokgethi in Scandal, got the issue of working with influencers off his chest. He was on stage to accept the award for most popular TV soap opera or telenovela along with some Scandal members. “Producers, directors cast actors, not models, because we want to act and we respect our craft… “It’s not about the number of followers you have but the craft that you bring to the set. And those of us who are actors bafethu nothing lasts like discipline and…

Social Security Agency cites legal opinion that no action could be taken THE embattled SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has let former officials responsible for overpayment of R316 million to service provider Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) off the hook without accounting for their actions. The entity cited a legal opinion that no action could be taken against the officials following a forensic investigation. This was disclosed by Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke in her report, where she audited the finances of the entity during the 2022/23 financial year. She picked up the material irregularity in October 2021 and demanded Sassa explain the steps it had taken to address the problem and recover the financial loss. In her report, Maluleke said the saga dates back to June 2014 when Sassa made a…

ActionSA in Gauteng said “water shifting” is not a solution for the water crisis in the province. Parts of Gauteng had no water for more than half a day yesterday as Johannesburg Water carried out maintenance work to repair leaking valves. Johannesburg Water said some systems are experiencing critically low water levels. Affected areas included Alexandra, Wynberg, Craighall, Parkhurst and Hyde Park. In Ekurhuleni, areas such as Tsakane, KwaThema and Duduza have been without water for two months. The Ekurhuleni Metro blamed Rand Water for supplying them with insufficient water. Parts of Pretoria, such as Soshanguve, have been experiencing water cuts for almost half the year. The Tshwane Metro also blamed Rand Water for this problem. Earlier this year, Rand Water cut water supply in most parts of Gauteng for…

In the bustling chaos of everyday life, music acts as a constant companion, permeating through all human cultures. It knows no boundaries of age, race, or background,and is ingrained in the fabric of our existence. Beyond simply entertainment, scientific research has revealed music's profound influence on our physiological processes, giving rise to its crucial role in enhancing our physical and mental well-being. Its impact stretches even further, becoming a lifeline for individuals navigating through trauma and mental health challenges. As Mental Health Awareness Month shines a light on the importance of psychological well-being, we delve into the transformative power of music with Bathsheba Tolbert, a passionate musician, singer, and mental health advocate. From a tender age, Tolbert recognized music's ability to soothe even in the most uncomfortable situations. Singing since…

POLICE in Mpumalanga have arrested an alleged serial robber who has been on their “most wanted” list following a spate of robberies in the province. Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the 24-year-old was part of a criminal group that has been terrorising the Mpumalanga community for almost a year. “Saturday, September 30, was the end of the road for a 24-year-old most wanted alleged housebreaker in Schoemansdal. “The suspect was arrested at Masibekele, near Tonga, at about 9pm,” said Mohlala. “While police in Schoemansdal were busy conducting operational duties, information was received about the whereabouts of one of the most wanted suspects, who has been terrorising the community for almost a year.” He said police officers swiftly responded to the information and headed to the hideout. “The suspect…

North West police have arrested 27 people and recovered 54 suspected stolen livestock valued at more than R200 000. Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the livestock was recovered in various parts of the province during operations conducted by all the units under the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigations between September 27 and 28. “The suspects were arrested for murder, kidnapping, arson, theft of a motor vehicle, malicious damage to property as well as theft and possession of suspected stolen stock,” Mokgwabone said. He said during the operations, 18 cattle, 35 goats and a sheep, valued at R261 000 were recovered. “Furthermore, four cloned vehicles that included a Mercedes-Benz A45 and Volkswagen Touran worth R4 890 000 were recovered.” He said in one of the operation’s successes, an arrested…

Soweto-born educator Mlungisi Nkosi has shared thrilling details about his 15-year career journey to democratise STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. Nkosi said he knew he wanted to assist people like himself who may have not realised their potential, and who may have been locked into a vicious cycle of poverty because of a lack of access to quality education. “I then started teaching from my grandmother’s back room in Naledi, Soweto, where I took unemployed young guys that were loitering around the streets. I started teaching them and today some of them have done remarkably well for themselves.” Nkosi told The Star that being an educator is important to him because he wants to make a difference. “I want to make a difference. Education is the only means…

No one should be surprised by the ANC’s anxiety to rush legislation on education and health through Parliament. In a circular from the ANC to senior staff and “Marshalls”, titled The Success Story: Our Struggle for liberation”, from June 1993, the background of certain elements of its “Struggle” is briefly outlined. Then, its strategy on health, education and pensions is spelt out: Affirmative Action Strategy After April 27, 1994 “5. Health institutions will be Africanised and whites will pay according to their income to enable them to contribute to their liberated brothers. 6. Some white schools will be allowed” (Note: Some) Of course, pension funds will not be left alone by a bankrupt government. The strategy determines: “7. Pension funds and insurance companies collected billions, over the years, will, be…

As we mark World Teachers’ Day on October 5, it is timely to reflect on the influence our teachers have on our children – more through their action than their words. Those who undertake the education and training of young minds must see themselves as rendering a valuable service to society. Their task is no less than regarding each learner as one full of potential and talent of great value, and must be able to help each to discover this potential and develop it. While teaching is a great privilege, it is also a great responsibility. Teachers, in addition to imparting academic knowledge and skills, must become role models and builders of character. Their role is to assist in cultivating in our children, through appropriate education, “such attributes, skills, virtues…

How many more children must die allegedly at the hands of uncaring foreign-owned spaza shop owners who continue to sell “poisonous food” to those as young as four years old? The community of Naledi woke up to the news that two of their child- ren had died after they allegedly consumed poisonous cookies on Sunday. If the community is to be believed, this tragedy, which is not the first in the past few months, is yet another epidemic that our health and police officials continue to ignore. We are yet to hear what exactly happened as the investigation and post-mortem into the deaths of Neo Khang (4) and Leon Jele (6) and of their two friends who are fighting for their lives in hospital, has yet to be completed. It…

THE HAGUE: Armenia’s parliament ratified the founding statute of the International Criminal Court yesterday, subjecting itself to the jurisdiction of the court in The Hague and vexing Russia, whose president the ICC wants to arrest. The Kremlin said the decision was “incorrect” and that it would have questions for Armenia’s “current leadership”, which should instead look to its established allies. Russian-Armenian ties have been badly strained by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Joining the ICC means Armenia will be obliged to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he sets foot there. | Reuters…

PARIS: More than 1 000 migrants have attempted the dangerous sea crossing to Britain from France in rubber dinghies in the past three days, UK government data shows. The French tug boat Abeille Normandie shadowed one inflatable dinghy carrying 50 people, none of them wearing life jackets, as it motored towards British waters. After entering British waters, the dinghy was met by a British search-and-rescue vessel, onto which the migrants boarded. UK government figures show that the number of migrants detected crossing to Britain from France so far this year stands at a 25 330. Reuters…

Patrick Maswanganyi is glad that he heeded Orlando Pirates’ last-minute call, having become a fan favourite since arriving at the club. Having cut his footballing teeth at the renowned Stars of Africa Football academy, Maswanganyi honed his craft in Portugal, playing for UD Oliveirense and Academica OAF’s reserves. But after failing to get a senior debut abroad, 'Tito' returned home to join SuperSport United last season, making his professional breakthrough at the age of 24. Maswanganyi slotted into the system under coach Gavin Hunt without fuss, helping the club to a third-place finish in the league last season. And while he wasn’t popular, it appears that Pirates were keeping tabs on him as they – surprisingly – made an offer for him during pre-season. “It’s also something that I didn’t…

UNDER-SIEGE Cape Town Spurs have turned to Sean Connor and Vasili Manousakis to mount a rescue operation starting with a Premiership match against SuperSport United at Athlone Stadium today (7.30pm kickoff). Strangely, Spurs’ fate today could be decided by SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt, who finished his playing career at the Cape Town club many moons ago. Following the departure of coach Shaun Bartlett, technical director Connor and assistant coach Manousakis will spearhead Spurs’ fortunes in the interim. They have a gruelling assignment against SuperSport, one of the league’s strongest teams . With Spurs’ winless run of seven matches, there has been a general feeling that their squad is not up to standard. With the change of leadership, the truth may come to light today. The teams go into the clash…