Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-09-11 i Star

TWO OF THE world’s largest shipping companies, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, have announced two new potential networks, one of which goes past the Cape of Good Hope, in a move that could be indirectly positive for South Africa’s economy. The two entities, which unveiled a long-term collaboration in January 2024, indicated in a statement yesterday that the alternative Cape of Good Hope network was being proposed “due to the ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea”. They are also looking at a Trans-Suez Network. The chosen network will be unveiled in October. Maersk had already said earlier this year that it would divert all vessels around Africa instead of using the Red Sea and Suez Canal for the “foreseeable future” after Yemeni rebels attacked its merchant ships. On Maersk’s website, it states:…

ANGLOGOLD Ashanti’s $2.5 billion (R44.8bn) acquisition of smaller rival, Centamin, which operates Egypt’s biggest gold mine, has been approved by its board, although shareholders in the SA and New York-listed miner reacted indifferently, with the company’s share price falling by 4.9% just before the close of yesterday’s trade session on the JSE. Shares in AngloGold Ashanti fell to R483.50, extending the stock’s 3.84% and 4.45% loss of value in the past seven and 30 days respectively. In contrast, shares in Centamin, which is listed in London, appreciated by 23.68%. AngloGold Ashanti recommended the acquisition at a premium of 37% to Centamin’s share price of 120 pence as at the close of September 9. Market analysts said the acquisition was a significant merger transaction in the gold sector, which…

THE WORLD Trade Organization (WTO) has come out against trade protectionism as risks to the trade forecast remain substantial, saying that protectionism neither protects the overall economy nor promotes overall inclusiveness within an economy. In its World Trade Report 2024 published yesterday, the WTO noted increased protectionism and unilateral policy measures, saying that trade might be starting to fragment along geopolitical lines amid geopolitical tension and the backdrop of the climate crisis. The WTO says openness to international trade can drive economic growth, but many low- and middle- income economies struggle to integrate in world trade or diversify. The report emphasises the need for a comprehensive strategy that integrated open trade with supportive domestic policies to make trade more inclusive, such as vocational training, unemployment benefits, education for a more…

THE NATIONAL Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) recently held its 29th Annual Summit, a gathering that highlighted the essential role this institution continues to play in shaping the country’s future. The summit was a display of the collaborative spirit that defines Nedlac’s approach to resolving complex challenges and provided an opportunity to reflect on this legacy. The event served as a reminder of the power of social dialogue in driving sustainable development as it brought together representatives from business, government, organised labour and civil society, all committed to shaping South Africa’s future through inclusive dialogue. Nedlac has been a driving force behind much of the social and economic progress we have seen in post-apartheid South Africa. Reflecting on the past 30 years of Nedlac’s work, the institution has consistently…

LIBSTAR Holdings’ reported strong results for the six months to June 30, but it may struggle with the continuing lacklustre consumer environment that is unlikely to improve much before December, a leading analyst said yesterday. Libstar CEO Charl de Villiers said in an online presentation yesterday their interventions to simplify their portfolio and fine tune the operating model strategy was expected to drive an improvement in cost competitiveness of the group’s sustainable food products, earnings quality and return on invested capital in the second half. Speaking in an online presentation on the results for the six months to June 30, he admitted they expect consumers to remain under pressure, although the possibility of interest rate relief and introduction of the two-pot pension system might stimulate demand. Group revenue increased 5.2%…

Stars of the screen are mourning the death of James Earl Jones, the voice of Star Wars villain Darth Vader, on Monday at the age of 93. Jones, who also voiced King Mufasa in Disney’s animated feature The Lion King, had a prolific and varied career. Over six decades, he worked with some of the greatest figures in cinema and theatre, including Stanley Kubrick in his 1964 Cold War satire Dr Strangelove. He also had roles in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan The Barbarian and the 1989 Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams. But it was for his role as one of cinema’s most famous villains that he became most widely known. While Darth Vader’s immense physicality was the result of the towering British actor David Prowse, the sinister voice…

AVIATION personnel including pilots, air-traffic controllers, cabin crew and flight engineers, are working without valid medical certificates after the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) withdrew the validity of examinations done after April this year following the expiry of the tenure of the Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME), which has since been suspended. Industry insiders yesterday said the move was suspicious as Sacaa sought to exonerate itself from action arising out of medical crises in the aviation space, including the mpox virus implications. They questioned how the authority could have allowed Dr Nonhlanhla Sishaba to continue rendering services. In a statement yesterday, Sacaa said it was finalising an investigation into alleged improper and fraudulent conduct by Sishaba following non-compliances and enforcement action taken last year. Sacaa said Sishaba’s designation…

The EFF has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, requesting Parliament to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the theft of R7 billion of workers’ pension funds by companies operating in the private security sector and municipalities. Media reports this week have suggested that some companies, including municipalities, have not been paying worker pension funds. According to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), over 3 000 private security companies and municipalities have unlawfully withheld pension and provident fund contributions for more than 240 months. This is as some workers have been prejudiced from claiming their savings portion of the two-pot retirement system, which came into effect on September 1. EFF MP Sinawo Thambo said this matter was of serious urgency. He said, if this…

For many residents of Mamelodi, such as 61-year-old Lina Sithole, the arrival of the Phelophepha Healthcare Train has been transformative. Sithole was thrilled to undergo her first comprehensive health screening aboard the train at Eerste Fabrieke Station, where it has been stationed for two weeks. Having long struggled with short-sightedness, she was delighted to receive both spectacles and sunglasses free of charge. "I have always wanted to have proper healthcare check-ups, and I needed new spectacles because my vision was getting worse," she said. Her experience was also shared by many who queued for hours to access these essential services. The lengthy queues highlighted the significant demand for healthcare in the area. For many, the train’s visit represented their sole opportunity to consult with medical professionals without any cost. Resident…

Ingredients 15ml butter 30ml olive or canola oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 x 25g Ina Paarman’s Liquid Beef Stock 500g best quality lean beef mince 60ml water 15ml Roast Onion Soup & Gravy Powder 400g Ina Paarman’s Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce Method Adjust oven rack to the middle position. Preheat oven to 180°C. Warm a frying pan. Add the butter, when it foams and starts to brown, add the oil and onion. Stir-fry over medium heat until the onion starts to brown. Add the sachet of Liquid Beef Stock and cook for another few seconds. Leave the onion mixture to cool to room temperature. Place the meat in a mixing bowl, add the water. Add the Roast Onion Gravy Powder and the cooked onion mixture and mix…

Solly Moholo’s family is calling for donations totalling R700 000 to cover the artist’s medical bills. Moholo is a gospel singer who was hospitalised after falling ill in Botswana, where he was promoting his highly anticipated upcoming album, Wubani O zo Pepeza. The beloved gospel veteran was then transferred to a South African hospital, where he is currently in ICU. Bridget Makhanya from Makhanya Attorneys, said in a statement that the beloved gospel veteran reportedly suffered a stroke and multiple organ failure, and that he needed brain surgery. “Unfortunately, during this tour, Solly Moholo suffered a stroke and multiple organ failure, necessitating immediate and extensive medical intervention, including brain surgery,” Makhanya said. The family of Moholo is seeking financial assistance from the public to cover the artist’s medical bills. “The…

South Africa’s leading anti-apartheid poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli, is gearing up for his induction into the Soweto Theatre’s Wall of Fame, where he and other leading SA icons will be honoured later this month. The event is part of the Joburg Theatre’s Legends of Soweto in the City of Gold gala event set for September 29. Mbuli, also known as the People’s Poet, told The Star: “For me, this is a humbling honour to be recognised, especially in the country that is experiencing so much. I am happy, as a people’s poet, that there are people who appreciate the role I have played in this country.” The Soweto Theatre said there would be a gala dinner and production to be presided over by Joburg Theatre’s artistic director, James Ngcobo, among…

Despite seeing his team go down in the final last season, Bulls boss Jake White doesn’t believe they need to change anything to clinch the United Rugby Championship trophy in the new campaign. The Pretoria side will begin their quest for the elusive trophy on September 28 against Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld, after their initial opener a week earlier against the Stormers in Cape Town was postponed due to the Currie Cup final being scheduled for September 21. The Bulls lost 21-16 to the Glasgow Warriors in the Loftus final on June 22, having ended second on the overall log and beaten Benetton and Leinster in the play-offs. White, speaking during a Vodacom URC media conference yesterday, felt that the Bulls have grown their depth accordingly to handle the pressures…

MANUFACTURING activity in South Africa is expected to rise sharply for the remainder of the year, supported by the suspension of load shedding and lower interest rates, after output started the third quarter of 2024 on a solid note, rebounding more than expected in July. Data from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) yesterday showed that manu- facturing production in South Africa rose by 1.7% year-on-year in July, recovering from a revised 5.5% decline in June. The manufacturing print in July was more than an expected 0.7% increase, and marked the first rise in industrial activity after two consecutive months of decreases. StatsSA yesterday said manufacturing production ramped up due to a sharp rebound in the production of food and beverages, and basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and…

THE DEVELOPMENT Bank of Southern Africa recently published a working paper on the hydrogen economy. As the world turns towards greener energy solutions, hydrogen stands out as a transformative force in our quest for sustainability. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) are playing an important role in nurturing this growing sector, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies. Their involvement goes far beyond just providing funds, they are shaping the future of hydrogen by managing risks, influencing policies and offering crucial technical support. Bridging the financial gap Hydrogen technology holds incredible promise, but it demands substantial investment. In developing countries, where the annual need for funding can reach around $100 billion (R1.8 trillion), traditional financiers often hesi- tate due to the high risks and costs involved. This is where DFIs…

THE SOUTH African government has identified aquaculture as a priority for the country and the entire African continent. This is according to Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Narend Singh, who was addressing the 15th Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa Conference yesterday. Singh said as the country confronted the challenges of climate change, population growth, and food insecurity, aquaculture offered a power- ful tool for sustainable development. “It presents an opportunity to enhance our nutrition and food security, generate employment, especially in rural areas, and drive economic growth while safeguarding our environment and promoting the sustainable use of our natural resources,” Singh said. He added that, given that aquaculture was still considered a new sector, South Africa needed to acknowledge that growth would continue to be driven…

WHERE do you even start to describe who Sifiso Raymond Ndlovu Dabengwa was? His memorial service a few days ago gave a symphonic eulogy to a giant that towered above mediocrity. African customs are rich with examples of leading matriarchs who worked behind the scenes to build empires, much to no credit in society. So it is only fitting that much of the credit for Dabengwa’s achievements emanates from the relentless support he got from his family and, in particular, his wife, Phuti Mahanyele Dabengwa, the CEO of Naspers SA, who lovingly moulded him into a legendary figure we know today. At 63 years of age, Dabengwa in his early retirement decided to enrol for an LLB, passing all subjects with cum laude. At 66, Sifiso had just approached garden…

ASHBURTON Investments and FNB Wealth and Investments plan to strengthen their global capabilities through a new partnership with international investment company Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM). The partnership aims to enhance the international equity market capabilities for both Ashburton’s and FNB Wealth and Investments’ South African clients. The partnership will also allow MSIM to gain access into new Sub-Saharan African markets where FNB currently operates, a statement said yesterday. “We have been preparing for a partnership of this magnitude for a while. We have … cemented a stable Ashburton investment team. This partnership is the next step in enhancing our solutions,” said Ashburton CEO Duzi Ndlovu. He said their criteria in selecting the right global investment partner included a disciplined investment process underpinned by strong research and analysis. “They…

There are plenty of exciting family-friendly offerings for theatregoers. Firstly, Urban Circus is a must-see at The Teatro, Montecasino, for a limited run of five shows. After sold-out seasons at the National Arts Festival, Hilton Festival and The Cirk’s venue in Cresta, the mind-blowing upcoming show promises to be bigger and better. According to the press release, Urban Circus is an acrobatic love letter to the city. Directed by Cirque du Soleil alumnus Daniel Buckland, the show is underpinned by skilled performers seamlessly tackling jaw-dropping feats. Buckland said: “The show is composed of eleven vignettes, each following a central character’s interaction with different parts of the city. “Using the explosive language of circus life, it is a story of survival, struggle and fun in the city. It portrays a delicate…

More than 4 000 wrongful arrests were registered by the SAPS in the 2023/24 financial year, leading to claims exceeding R2 billion. This was revealed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in reply to a written parliamentary question from Rise Mzansi. Mchunu disclosed that 4 135 wrongful arrests had been registered, averaging around 11 incidents each day. The claims associated with these arrests total R2 241 082 675. He noted that this figure does not necessarily represent the final amount to be paid to claimants, but he did not provide further details on the reasons behind the arrests or potential payouts. Rise Mzansi’s National Assembly caucus whip Makashule Gana expressed concern at these figures, pointing out that wrongful arrests damage the public’s trust in the police. He stressed the need for…

TSHWANE Mayor Cilliers Brink led an urban management team to embark on a service delivery blitz in Eersterust with their sights set on fixing faulty street lights, illegal dumping, potholes and marking roads, among other tasks. This was in the face of recent stinging criticism from ActionSA ‒ a member of the multi-party coalition government under Brink ‒ that service delivery in townships was unacceptably poor. ActionSA national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, last week visited parts of Atteridgeville and Soshanguve, where he lamented the poor state of services such as unattended overflowing sewage from a manhole in Block H and piles of rubbish dumped in open spaces in Atteridgeville. He blamed “the regression of service delivery in the townships” on the DA-led multi-party government in Tshwane, saying there were concerns raised…

THOUSANDS of horses become anxious when they do not understand their rider’s body language. But a new approach to rider-horse communication could revolutionise equestrian education, reducing years of training to just four lessons. This was the observation of Karin Blignault, a passionate horse rider, author and occupational therapist from Cape Town, who is among the proud graduates at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Spring Graduation ceremonies. Earning her master’s degree in occupational therapy at the age of 75 – with distinction – Blignault ’s research explores an innovative approach to horse riding education that could revolutionise the field. Her thesis, focused on learning the body language needed for rider-horse communication, was done under the supervision of Dr Tania Buys and co-supervisor Dr Elize van Vollenhoven. Blignault’s study delves into the…

Ingredients Chicken filling 10ml olive oil 1 brown onion, diced 1 large carrot, diced 1 large celery stalk, diced 125g button mushrooms thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 10ml Rajah All-in-one curry powder with Garlic 600g deboned chicken thighs, cut into chunks 1 x 400g tin diced tomatoes 250ml chicken stock 15ml balsamic vinegar 50g tomato paste 5ml dried mixed herbs salt and freshly ground black pepper Potato topping 1kg potatoes, peeled and quartered 80ml milk 30g butter salt, to taste fresh thyme, to garnish (optional) Method Heat the olive oil in a deep saucepan. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook for 3 minutes to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Rajah curry powder and cook for another minute.…

DONALD Trump’s plan to force dollar dominance in global trade has a high risk of causing economic disruption that could ultimately weaken the US currency, according to a long-range scenario by a Commerzbank strategist. In a note this week, Ulrich Leuchtmann, the bank’s head of foreign exchange research, analysed a theo- retical chain of events that could play out in US financial markets if Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on countries that shun the dollar, a pledge made at a rally in Wisconsin on Saturday, becomes reality. In Leuchtmann’s view, investors should pay attention to Trump’s campaign promises. He warned that prohibitive tariffs could have the opposite of their intended effect. It was possible that the harsh policy would be an incentive for countries to move away from the…

SOUTH Africa is so far behind its renewable build goals that only a Herculean effort, galvanised by practical, certain and trusted mechanisms that foster confidence, will get us there. And in our haste to attract big ticket investments, we cannot afford to miss the easy wins that are essential to this build and within grasp. The State of Climate Action by the Presidential Climate Commission report (July 2024) articulates some cold truths. In order to meet our Net Zero target by 2050, South Africa needs to grow its renewable capacity by 190 to 360GW, or 6 to 12GW each year. Our capacity is growing at just 1GW per year from 2015. More critically, it found that there are “limited investments in the just transition, from public, private, international and domestic…

DESPITE production and supply in- creases from South African producers, world platinum production is expected to remain in deficit this year, with rising restructuring and retrenchments geared to lower costs and help South African producers to stay ahead of the cost curve. South African platinum group metals (PGM) producers such as Impala Platinum (Implats), Sibanye-Stillwater, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), and smaller players such as Wesizwe Platinum, have been retrenching and restructuring their operations. This has resulted in the closure of non-profitable shafts, laying off of mineworkers and curtailment of capi- tal deployment into new and expansion projects. Despite refined mine supply of platinum experiencing a 4% year-on-year increase in the second quarter of the current year to 1.5 million ounces, the global PGM industry is projected to remain in…

AIRPORTS Company South Africa (Acsa) has declared dividends to the tune of R816 million, comprised of R768m for preference shares and R48m for ordinary shares, marking a significant milestone in the company’s recovery and financial journey. Acsa yesterday said this achievement placed it among the select few State-owned companies in South Africa that have successfully paid divi- dends to shareholders, underscoring its robust financial health and strategic management. “Declaring dividends to our investors is a testament to Acsa’s strong financial performance and our dedication to creating sustainable value. “As one of the few State-owned companies to achieve this milestone, we are setting a benchmark for excellence and financial stewardship of state funds,” Acsa said. “The 2023/24 financial year saw Acsa achieve notable growth in both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue…

South African feature film Don't Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, will be screened at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada this week. The annual event, which started on September 5 and will run until September 14, is known for its celebration of innovative film-making and its commitment to fostering global storytelling. The movie is the work of media personality Anele Mdoda’s Rose and Oaks Media. The local production company, which is dedicated to creating authentic stories for international audiences, is also founded by Mdoda’s 947 breakfast show co-host Frankie du Toit and Paul Buys, who produced the film. Helmed by Embeth Davidtz in her feature directorial debut while also starring in the movie, the production has gained traction due to its intriguing story, stellar cast and…

A Limpopo pig farmer and his co-accused will remain in custody after the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court yesterday postponed their matter to October 2. Zachariah Johannes Olivier, Rudolph de Wet and William Musora face charges of murder, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, ad possession of firearms and ammunition. Musora, a foreign national, faces a further charge of contravening sections of the illegal immigration act. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said the State applied to appeal after the magistrate ordered the State furnish Olivier with a copy of his statement he had made to police upon his arrest. It is alleged the men last month shot dead two women, Mariah Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu, who were collecting dumped items at the farm. Ndlovu’s husband was also shot but escaped.…

The stage is set for the colourful Reed Dance this weekend. This year marks 40 years since the revival of Umkhosi Womhlanga (reed dance). The first leg of the annual Zulu Royal Reed Dance, took place last week, at Emachobeni Royal Palace in Ingwavuma, and was attended by an estimated 5 000 maidens. This coming weekend all roads lead to Nongoma where the three-day cultural spectacle is set to take place at eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma from September 13 to 15. An estimated 40 000 maidens are expected to descend on the northern KZN town under the Zululand District Municipality. According to the KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, this cultural practice mirrors a proud moment where young maidens voluntarily choose to display their commitment to sexual abstinence.…

Films highlighting the plight of women will be the centre of attraction at the upcoming 11th edition of the European Film Festival. The issues will include gender-based violence, patriarchy and convention; relationships and independence; humour, satire and surrealism; coming-of-age stories and dysfunctional families. The film festival, with cinema screenings in two cities – at Ster-Kinekor’s The Zone in Rosebank in Johannesburg and at The Labia in Cape Town – will also treat film lovers to films, including two nominated for an Oscar, from 14 countries. The festival, set for October 10 to 20, forms part of a showcase of high-quality cinema from the film industries in Belgium, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the UK. Magdalene Reddy, the co-director of the festival,…

Netizens were greeted with a flurry of X posts from music sensation Samthing Soweto, whose real name is Samkelo Mdolomba, addressing his feud with the renowned Amapiano producer DJ Maphorisa. In a candid series of posts, Samthing Soweto confessed to having lied about Maphorisa’s involvement in his album, Isiphithiphithi. “I lied about Maphorisa’s contributions to my project. He did not produce anything,” he said. He said his lies stemmed from his lack of confidence as a musician, therefore opting for Maphorisa to produce his album, where he believed his music would sell under the DJ. “I lied because I believed it would help sell my album. The truth is, I had very little confidence in my music selling without him as a producer. Seemed as if you, my audience,…

With the Betway Premiership starting on Saturday, Independent Newspapers continues its club-by-club review of the teams that will participate in the 2024/25 elite division. Today, Smiso Msomi looks at the clubs that are likely to miss out on top-eight qualification but should be safe from the relegation battle. Chippa United | Progression Home ground: Sisa Dukashe/Nelson Mandela Bay The man in the hot seat: Kwanele Kopo Kopo personifies the ambitions of the Chilli Boys this season as he sets out to prove himself among the country’s elite. His appointment as sole head coach has seen him receive the backing of the club and he will set out to redefine his reputation mainly as an academy coach. Star man: Andile Jali Chippa’s transfer business this term has not been…