Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-10-02 i Star

PIC manages Government Employee Pension Fund with 1.3 million members As the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) – South Africa's largest asset manager – approaches the R2.7 trillion benchmark in assets under management, taxpayers should be vigilant, cautioned prominent Chartered Accountant (CA) Khaya Sithole yesterday. Highlighting the crucial link between the PIC and government employees' pensions, Sithole warned that any shortfall in the PIC’s assets relative to its liabilities could pose a significant financial burden on the public. Founded 113 years ago, the PIC manages a diversified portfolio for clients such as the Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF), which has almost 1.3 million active members from across the government, including those who serve as policemen, nurses, and teachers, among other entities. The GEPF’s diversified portfolio accounts for 87.97% of PIC’s assets…

The Fuel Retailers Association of Southern Africa (FRA) has welcomed the current trend of decreasing fuel prices, saying it was a much-needed relief for both motorists and fuel service station owners. The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe announced the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from today. This saw Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP) decrease by R1.06 and Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) by R1.14.00 per litre. Diesel (0.05% sulphur) also declined by R1.14 and diesel (0.005% sulphur) by R1.12 per litre. Reggie Sibiya, CEO at the organisation representing fuel station owners said the decreasing pump prices meant reduced pressure on operating costs linked to a pump price transaction value like credit card costs, working capital requirements. "It also means…

Globally, we witness people living through conflict frequently and the massive environmental changes they are experiencing, with their daily lives made more difficult by the violence, but also by a changing climate and environment. This year, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) declared that the theme for World Tourism Day which was celebrated annually on the 27th of September will be Tourism and Peace. The declaration could not have been more appropriate, solely because we continue to witness world nations ravaged by devastating war and conflict in developed and developing worlds alike. Of interest to me is the link between war, climate change and tourism. The climate is changing everywhere, but it is people living in fragile zones who bear the effects as inflicted by climate change and…

Public protector reveals in report PUBLIC Protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has found the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to have acted improperly in the Thabo Bester infamous escape scandal that has rocked the country. A recent report by Gcaleka has revealed that officials from the DCS engaged in improper conduct regarding the escape of notorious inmate Thabo Bester from Mangaung Correctional Centre. Bester, a high-profile inmate, escaped from Mangaung Correctional Centre in 2022. Initial reports suggested he had died in a cell fire, but a subsequent investigation revealed he had escaped. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since launched an investigation, with the Organised Crime Unit leading the case. Bester was assisted by his then girlfriend, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, who was arrested alongside him in April last year after…

THE EMFULENI Local Municipality in the Vaal is facing controversy after it was revealed that a senior manager received a staggering R132 374.09 for accrued leave in 2021, violating the municipality’s Leave Administration Policy. This payout raises suspicions, especially since it occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic when employees were expected to work from home, eliminating the need for accrued leave due to operational services. According to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Jacob Mamabolo, the senior manager was employed in 2017 and held a managerial position. The municipality’s policy states that employees can retain a maximum of 48 days of accrued leave, with excess leave forfeited unless accrued for operational purposes. Mamabolo was replying to a written question by the DA in the legislature on Friday. Mamabolo further explained…

THE occurrence of snowfall like the one recently experienced in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State is not particularly rare during the Spring season, according to the South African Weather Service. This was highlighted during a media briefing organised by the National Press Club in Pretoria, where experts discussed the latest weather predictions and analyses. Senior forecaster Puseletso Mofokeng, part of the team that predicted the snowfall, emphasised their preparedness for such events. "It was easy to identify the N3 as a potential route to be closed, but we did not only identify the N3. We also identified the N11 and the N5,” Mofokeng noted. The foresight proved crucial, as many motorists found themselves stranded on the N3 near Van Reenen's Pass due to the impassable route. While the…

In what promises to be their most significant match in over six decades, Bologna are set to face Liverpool at Anfield tonight in the crème de la crème of European football fixtures. This is the kind of high-stakes encounter the club's fans dreamt of when their beloved team defied expectations to clinch a spot in the Uefa Champions League. The last time Bologna tasted such elite competition was in 1964, the year they claimed their final Italian championship title. Their European journey then ended in heartbreak, being knocked out of the old European Cup in the preliminary round by Anderlecht via a cruel coin toss. Boasting their highest league finish since 1971, Bologna clinched fifth place in Serie A, thereby grabbing the additional Champions League spot awarded to Italian teams.…

The newer generation of Proteas players has been met with a baptism of fire since transitioning into international cricket this year. Youngsters like Patrick Kruger, Nqaba Peter, and Jason Smith have found themselves on the losing side more often than they would have hoped in their nascent international careers. Their challenging start saw them facing series defeats in the Caribbean and the UAE, pitted against formidable white-ball teams such as the West Indies T20I squad and the Afghanistan ODI team. It’s a formidable task for any player, and even more so for those on their first or second tours. Proteas ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, believes that how these young players handle early setbacks will determine their longevity in the national team. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Bavuma underscored the…

Much has been written about Pravin Gordhan since his Friday 13 September death. Informed opinions range from depicting him as a god-like idol to satanic evil. His most cited crime was that he privatised South African Airways (SAA) and was privatising and destroying State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). His final act was to choose to die in a private hospital. Whither NHI? After a brief pause, the radical “left” started speaking ill of the dead, accusing Gordhan of heinous capitalism despite being a devout communist and struggle hero. Contrary to their lie, he privatised nothing. Instead, he went to ideologically extreme lengths to preserve nationalisation at any cost. Social media turned against him. Half a million (70%) of social media posts were negative. His loved ones reminded us that he devoted and…

As the global push towards sustainable energy intensifies, companies across various industries are increasingly turning to gas engines as a critical component of their decarbonisation strategies, a decision Wärtsilä supports and promotes extensively. As a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the energy market, Wärtsilä is proud to advocate for the pivotal role that gas engines play in the energy transition. With a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, Wärtsilä re-iterates that gas engines, renowned for their efficiency and versatility, are proving to be a valuable asset in reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental sustainability. Gas engines have long been a reliable source of power generation, offering versatility and reliability across various industries. With industries facing a continuous and intensified focus on sustainability, it makes both financial…

Zimbabwe-listed Unifreight Africa, formerly Pioneer Corporation Africa, is focusing on expanding its regional cross-border transport and logistics operations as monetary and economic conditions in the southern African country continue to worsen. The southern African nation recently devalued its Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) unit, intensifying an already precarious economic scenario characterised by soaring inflation and a crippling foreign exchange shortage. The monetary instability has not only disrupted Zimbabwe's economy but also caused significant operational headaches for businesses, sparking pricing distortions and liquidity crises. Unifreight Africa, which operates well-known logistics brands including Swift, Skynet, and Bulwark, has not been immune to these challenges. “Ongoing volatility of the Zimbabwe Gold currency, coupled with high inflation rates and restrictive monetary policies, impacted liquidity and cost structures," noted Peter Annesley, chairman of Unifreight Africa. “Despite these…

Kevin Hart has backed away from his links to Sean “Diddy” Combs. The comedian, 45, was dragged into the rapper’s sexual assault scandal after footage recently resurfaced showing him at one of Combs’ notorious parties – with Hart seen near a bathtub speaking to the camera while holding a microphone before the hair of a scantily-clad woman behind him is accidentally set on fire by a candle. When he was asked by DailyMail.com about “hosting” parties with Combs while he was heading to dinner with his wife Eniko Hart, 40, at LAVO restaurant in West Hollywood, Hart said: “When I hosted for Diddy? You’re asking the wrong person the wrong question.” When asked whether he thought Combs would be safe in jail – where he is awaiting trial on sex…

British singer-songwriter JP Cooper is set to return to South Africa next month. As part of his 2024 World Tour, the musician will perform in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. His Durban show will be held at The Playhouse Theatre on November 28. But the The Only Reason hitmaker has announced changes to his concerts in the Mother City and Joburg. He will now be performing at The Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town on November 27, instead of at The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on November 30. Craig Lucas has also been confirmed as the opening act. In the City of Gold, he will still be performing at Marks Park Sports Club, but the concert will now take place on November 30, instead of December 1. New Zealand musician…

Israel’s airspace has been closed, with all air traffic halted at Ben Gurion International Airport following a series of missile strikes launched by Iran yesterday. A spokesperson for the airport told AFP that “there are currently no take-offs or landings”, as explosions were reported across the country, including in Jerusalem. The missile attacks, according to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, were a direct response to the recent assassinations of key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas. The Guards, in a statement published by the Fars news agency, claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that they were “in response to the martyrdom of (Hamas leader) Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, and (Guards commander) Nilforoshan”. They further declared that their targets included “the heart of the occupied territories (Israel)”. The Israeli army confirmed that the missile…

The DA Sandton Constituency Councillors claim they collected 4169 submissions objecting to the City of Johannesburg’s proposal of renaming Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive. Meanwhile, 285 people are supporting the pending proposal. The Joburg municipality’s proposal has been under fire since it suggested Sandton Drive be renamed after controversial Palestinian heroine, Leila Khaled. The DA joins many organisations and political parties such as the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA, that have rejected the proposal, stressing that the metro cannot rename Sandton Drive after a terrorist and aircraft hijacker. While the metro is adamant about renaming Sandton Drive, maintaining that the tabled proposal will strengthen diplomatic ties with the Palestinian government, the DA Sandton Constituency Head, Leah Potgieter, said residents decry inadequate service delivery. “Sandton residents, and Joburg at large, have…

Twenty-four hours after armed robbers stormed a jewellery store in Bryanston, police are still searching for the suspects and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward. According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, on Monday at around 2pm, a group of armed men stormed the store, smashed the glass display windows and stole jewellery. “The suspects reportedly fired gunshots before fleeing the scene using two vehicles, a red Nissan and grey Hyundai sedan.” Police said no injuries had been reported, and by yesterday afternoon, the suspects were still at large. A case of business robbery has been opened. Anyone with information that can assist police with the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station. Between July and August, two…

As the French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, David Martinon brings decades of diplomatic expertise to his role, having navigated some of the world’s most complex political environments. Appointed to his current post by French President Emmanuel Macron, Martinon arrived in South Africa in May 2023, eager to strengthen the historic ties between France and Southern Africa. Martinon’s career is marked by both high-level diplomacy and challenging assignments. Reflecting on his experience as Ambassador to Afghanistan during the Taliban’s return to power, he said: “It was an intense period. We were responsible for the safe evacuation of many people, and the negotiations were often precarious. But that’s part of the job—working under pressure, being resilient, and finding solutions in difficult circumstances.” Prior to his role in Afghanistan, Martinon…

Setting a new standard for what users can expect from their smartphones in the future, the HONOR 200 Series comes with an upgraded camera system designed to elevate portrait photography. The HONOR 200 Series, comprising the HONOR 200 Lite, HONOR 200, and the HONOR 200 Pro, excels in a variety of challenging scenarios regarded as “difficult to capture correctly”. Through a revolutionary combination of hardware and intelligent software, the series comes equipped with various features powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). With this technology, anyone with an HONOR 200 device can capture every moment as it unfolds with crystal clear clarity. An AI Portrait Camera That Always Captures Your Best Side At the heart of the HONOR 200 Series is the 50MP Triple Studio-Level AI Portrait Camera. A 50MP Portrait Main…

I dare to admit that schooling and scholarly accumulation of cognitive and intellectual capacitation are some of the greatest pedagogic weapons one can acquire as a strength in the chosen path of a political career. One of my professors once said university education was like an intellectual prison in which your high school education became a steady walk towards the gate of the scholarly imprisonment. He said when you acquire your undergraduate degree you have started climbing the wall of the academia. Your post-graduate degree represents just a peep of what’s in the inside but you have not even tasted what education is about. In isiXhosa one can safely say “useliqaba”. I deliberately chose the word “iqaba” so as to continue playing that role of an educator since most people…

After making a notable debut for the Springboks, hooker Johan Grobbelaar is now channelling his energies into the United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign with the Bulls. The 26-year-old relished his time with the national side, having contributed to their success this season. With two caps under his belt, Grobbelaar is keenly aware that sustained excellence at the Bulls is paramount for continued national selection. During an online media conference yesterday, he shared his thrilling experience within the Springbok camp, describing it as both enriching and humbling. “It was an amazing experience spending time with the Springboks and I was privileged enough to get two caps this year and I am very happy about that,” he remarked. The hooker also expressed pride in being part of the squad that won the…

South Africa’s automotive industry is clinging to optimism amid modest signs of recovery, driven mainly by the recent reduction in interest rates. In September, the South African Reserve Bank initiated a much-anticipated interest rates cutting cycle with a 0.25% reduction—an event expected to be the first in a succession of cuts over the next 18 months. This decision has been eagerly awaited by both consumers and economists, as the automotive sector grapples with a continued slump in vehicle sales and exports. The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) reported yet another modest decline in total new vehicle sales for September, slipping by 4.1% to 44 081 units compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope shines through as passenger car sales saw a slight uptick, hinting at a…

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) is set to soar dramatically over the next decade, with projections indicating the market will exceed $400 billion by 2035, according to a recent report by IDTechEx. At the heart of this explosive growth lies an ever-increasing utilisation of Li-ion batteries in consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources reliant on efficient energy storage solutions. Dr Alex Holland, the research director at IDTechEx, said this research looked at the falling battery costs and how this will affect the Li-ion battery market long term. “The cost of raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite play a pivotal role in shaping the overall cost structure of lithium-ion batteries. As these materials are core components of a battery cell…

As South Africa surpasses 150 days of no load shedding (the best streak of stable electricity supply since 2019, Eskom has once again made a return to media headlines, but for different reasons, which may add to the anxiety of South Africans. The state electricity utility intends to make an application to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to approve a whopping electricity price increase of up 44% for the next financial year, starting in April 2025. Eskom’s argument for this increase is predicated on requiring a tariff price that is reflective of the costs to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Historically speaking, the beleaguered state-owned entity is rarely granted approval for their exact desired increases; but an increase is granted nonetheless, adding to the financial challenges of…

Pan African Resources has appointed Marileen Kok to its board as finance director. Kok will also join the social and ethics committee of the gold miner’s board with effect from yesterday. Kok, a seasoned chartered accountant with a robust background in the mining sector, has been an integral part of Pan African Resources since January 2020. She will also assume responsibility as a director of Pan African Resources Funding Company and the debt officer, further solidifying her pivotal role within the organisation. “Marileen will also be appointed as a director of Pan African Resources Funding Company and as the debt officer,” said the company. The company elaborated that Kok's appointment would also extend to her participation in the social and ethics committee of the board, effective immediately. Her significant contributions…

JSE-listed Kibo Energy yesterday announced the reduction of its debt by partially settling an existing loan in a critical move to streamline its financial standing. This development comes after the firm transferred a 19.52% stake in its Mast Energy UK division to RiverFort Global Opportunities, a significant shareholder and financial partner. Cobus van der Merwe, the interim CEO of Kibo Energy, said an agreement to transfer a 19.52% stake in its Mast Energy UK division to Riverfort in partial settlement of an outstanding balance on a £462 871 loan facility has helped reduce debt in the renewable energy firm. Last month, Mast Energy said it had raised revenue for the month of July from its first refurbished generating set (genset) at Pyebridge by 16% to £66 000. Now, Kibo Energy…

A new month means the arrival of fresh productions. And theatregoers have a smorgasbord of offerings to choose from. On the back of its recent run in Potchefstroom, Laaitie Mettie Biscuits is headed to the Market Theatre. Written and directed by Christo Davids (7de Laan fame), this compelling Afrikaans production centres on Noah, a teenager who, despite his learning disability, dreams of becoming a policeman and taking care of his mother as well as his community. The play looks at the stigma he faces as a person living with a disability. It shines a light on human rights, societal prejudices and safety. Davids said: “The question we must answer is: What and who is normal? Is Noah abnormal in a normal community? Or is Noah normal in an abnormal community…

Legendary South African filmmaker and producer, Duma ka Ndlovu, has appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Palm Ridge facing a charge of alleged tax evasion to the tune of over R25 million. Ndlovu appeared yesterday alongside tax practitioners, Rodney Mutsharini and Maxwell Mloyi. The trio faces several charges of fraud and tax evasion that were allegedly committed over a number of years. Investigating Directorate Against Crime (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said the three were arrested on Monday. Mamothame explained that Bain and Company was contracted by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) to render services and the company sub-contracted Ambrobite, now known as Kanoboya Consulting which is owned by Ndlovu, to render strategic and project management services between the period November 2013 to September 2016. Mamothame said…

The EFF and the family of slain EFF councillor, Koketso Mojatau, have rejected the 24-year jail term handed down against Simon Mahuse and Frans Ntshumayelo yesterday. The pair were recently found guilty by the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, on 12 counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery and other charges. Mojatau and his friend Siboniso Sokhele were murdered in April last year and the suspected criminals were arrested by members of the SAPS alongside the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Department with help from the community crime-fighting unit shortly after the murder. Reports indicate that the victims were hijacked, kidnapped, and tortured in Phumula, Vosloorus, with the stolen vehicle later discovered abandoned at Nguni Hostel, also located in Vosloorus. In July, Mahuse, 28, and his co-accused Ntshumayelo, 29, were found guilty of two counts…

South Africa has a powerful opportunity to elevate its moral standing and authority in the international community by weighing in on an unfolding tragedy in the Russo-Ukraine war, and in the process remind the world of a similar African calamity. That tragedy is the crisis of the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been abducted and removed from their homeland by Russia in the course of the conflict. This humanitarian crisis has been detailed in a recently released white paper, Safeguarding Children from Forced Transfers and Deportation, presented by the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force. Besides describing the heartbreaking reality, it documents how these actions have been classified as war crimes and calls for action from the international community. For South Africa, this issue provides a platform…

The return of Morne van den Berg from Springbok duty is set to trigger several changes in the Lions' line-up for their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Edinburgh this weekend. 'Krappie,' filled in as third-choice scrumhalf during the Springboks' final Rugby Championship fixtures against Argentina, stepping in for the injured Grant Williams. While he did not play, the 26-year-old undoubtedly gained invaluable insights from his national team experience. Van den Berg missed the Lions’ opening URC match against Ulster, a game which the Joburgers clinched with an impressive 35-22 victory. In his absence, Sanele Nohamba and Kade Wolhuter formed the half-back pairing, with Nico Steyn providing cover on the bench. Now, with Van den Berg back in contention, the Lions will likely rethink their matchday 23 ahead of their…