Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-11-01 i Star

Glencore has been hammered by export rail constraints in South Africa, with its export thermal coal production taking a knock in the three months to September, although output of copper was higher. The diversified resources group’s overall energy coal production of 73.1 million tons for the quarter was down 7% on the comparable 2023 period. Glencore yesterday said this was a reflection of “the progressive impact of scheduled mine closures, longwall moves in Australia in 2024, export rail constraints in South Africa and permit delays” at Cerrejón. Glencore’s South African thermal production at 12 million tons for the period under sagged by 1.3 million tons or 10% compared to the same period a year earlier. The miner said it was prepared to ramp up production should Transnet restore rail capacity.…

If you’ve been contributing to your employer’s pension fund and are contemplating retirement, you may be curious as to what the process of formal retirement entails. In this article, we break down the steps involved and the decisions that need to be made. Let’s assume that you currently have R6 000 000 invested in your company’s pension fund and are considering formal retirement within the next few months. Here’s what the process entails. When you retire from your pension fund, you can take up to one-third of the fund value in cash, although keep in mind that there are tax implications for doing so. For this exercise, we have assumed that you will take a one-third cash commutation and that you will use the remaining two-thirds to purchase an annuity.…

Adcorp Holdings’ staffing and services divisions generated a R29.4 million taxed profit in the six months to August 31, 16.9% lower than at the same time a year before and the interim dividend was lowered to 13.4 cents from 16.1 cents. “The first half was characterised by challenging market conditions in South Africa and Australia. In response, we launched initiatives to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and better align with market conditions,” Adcorp management said at the release of the interim results yesterday. One-off restructuring costs of R25.6m affected earnings in the short term, but management said these actions were expected to drive significant long-term efficiencies. The decline in taxed profit was partially mitigated by a R5.1m tax credit. During the first half, revenue increased 4.8% to R6.8 billion, while operating…

A Guide to Tidal Pools of the Western Cape – Explore 34 of the Regions Most Beautiful Pools Serai Dowling Rockhopper Books In A Guide to Tidal Pools of the Western Cape, author Serai Dowling takes readers on an adventure through 34 of the region’s most stunning tidal pools. Through the lens of South Africa’s rich history, she enhances the reader’s experience by providing a deeper understanding of the significance of these tidal pools. Her passion for the coastal beauty of the Western Cape shines through as she shares insights from her extensive background in education and her own outdoor adventure company. A seasoned writer, strategist, and open-water swimmer, Dowling has spent over two decades exploring these natural wonders. This groundbreaking guide is the first of its kind in South…

Sipping Dom Perignon Through A Straw – Reimagining Success As A Disabled Achiever Eddie Ndopu Loot (R332) Two Roads Pub Sipping Dom Perignon Through A Straw, a memoir by Eddie Ndopu, gives readers a look at the inspiring story of a young boy with big aspirations who would, despite being disabled, become an Oxford graduate and one of the UN Secretary-General’s 17 Advocates. Ndopu, born in Namibia in 1990 after his mother fled apartheid South Africa, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and was expected to only live to the age of 5. Surpassing this expectancy, he moved to Cape Town when he was 9 years old. Here, he would start his journey to becoming a South African disability rights advocate and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. From…

Ingredients 30 ml olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 onion, chopped 1 x green pepper, seeded and chopped 1 x 400 g Rhodes Quality Tomatoes, Chopped & Peeled 10 ml smoked paprika 5 ml ground cumin salt and freshly cracked pepper 1 x 400 g can Rhodes Quality Butter Beans 4 large eggs 65 ml (¼ C) fresh parsley, chopped To serve Fresh crusty bread,Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Method Cook the garlic and onion until softened. Add the green pepper and fry for a few minutes more. Add the Rhodes Quality Tomatoes. Add the paprika and cumin and season to taste. Simmer the sauce over a low heat until thickened. Add the Rhodes Quality Butter Beans and simmer to heat through. Make four wells…

Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss SA contender, is in the spotlight as controversy continues to simmer. Adetshina, who is now representing Nigeria in Miss Universe, is preparing to compete despite being embroiled in a heated nationality dispute. However, there have been rising requests and a petition for the pageant to cancel her registration following news that the Department of Home Affairs annulled the IDs of Anabela Rungo, her mother, and Adetshina by court order. In a letter to Miss Universe, Progressive Forces for South Africa (PFSA), a group well-known for combating illegal migration and advocating for accountability, demands that her admission to this esteemed competition be revoked. The letter reads: “... Even though we are excited (about Miss Universe), we are greatly concerned about Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, whose…

Toxic masculinity is endangering the health of South African men, and the consequences are devastating. In terms of mental health, about 20 South Africans take their own life every day. Of those, 17 to 18 are men. As CEO of the Men’s Foundation SA, I urge the public to help us confront the dangerous narrative that encourages men to prioritise toughness over their well-being. The mindset leads to neglect, especially when it comes to physical and mental health issues, making men less likely to seek help for conditions like prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is deadlier than breast cancer, not because it’s more dangerous but because of the stigma men face in taking preventive action. The harmful stereotypes must be dismantled. We need to foster open conversations that challenge the pressures…

The City of Cape Town has published proposed amendments to the Municipal Planning By-Law that will entrench spatial division and injustice and are fundamentally at odds with its own Municipal Spatial Development Framework approved 20 months ago. Whereas the Spatial Development Framework spoke boldly of “promoting spatial transformation across Cape Town by addressing spatial inequality”, the proposed by-law deliberately entrenches apartheid Group Areas Act planning and thinking. Thus, for example, whereas the Framework correctly identified Cape Town’s urban core as key to its integration, and the intensification and diversification of land uses, the by-law prioritises densifying historic townships. Cities, by historical definition, are most densely populated at their core and less densely populated on their peripheries. Planners and urbanists recognise this as the most efficient urban form and the most…

The banks of the Rio Grande river separating Mexico and the US look almost deserted, and formerly overcrowded migrant shelters are half empty – a consequence of tougher US immigration policies in an election year. The change reflects not only the success of US deterrence, but also heated rhetoric ahead of next week’s closely fought US presidential election in which immigration is a hugely divisive issue. Fearing harsher punishments for illegal entry and the ever-present risk of dying in the hands of human smugglers, many migrants have instead chosen to wait for an appointment to seek asylum before arriving at the US-Mexico border. The number of US border patrol encounters with migrants crossing over from Mexico illegally fell to around 54 000 in September, from a peak of nearly 250…

With its diversified economy, robust industrial base in East Africa, and strategic location as a regional trade hub, Kenya is uniquely positioned to capture a portion of the market shift as companies look for alternatives to China and other non-native trade markets. This favourable positioning allows Kenya to attract competitive brands and encourage international manufacturers, producers, and investors in the textile industry to take advantage of first-mover benefits. Kenya has preferential access to markets within the region, the European Union, the US, and Asia that can create a platform for locally produced goods for both local and international markets. The country is actively enhancing its critical infrastructure to lower business costs, facilitate the movement of people and goods, boost competitiveness, and attract investment in key sectors such as manufacturing. Kenya’s…

The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa) has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the investment landscape by introducing new categories for unit trusts. This update, which came into effect on October 1, 2024, serves to simplify the performance comparison and risk profiling of the 1,852 local collective investment scheme (CIS) portfolios available to South African investors. Asisa’s senior policy advisor, Sunette Mulder, highlighted that the review of the Fund Classification Standard was prompted by the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision in 2022 to increase offshore investment limits to 45%. Previously, these limits confined offshore exposure for South African CIS portfolios to 40%, divided into 30% outside South Africa and an additional 10% only in African markets (excluding South Africa). “The previous version of the Standard…

Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron has joined forces with award-winning actor, director and producer Thabo Rametsi for the Imbokodo comic series. Together with renowned publishing company, Dark Horse Comics, Rametsi and his Nguniverse Studios partner, Thabiso Mabanna, a corporate finance strategist, have co-created the first of the four-part comic book series, which was released earlier this month. Rametsi is renowned for his commercially successful films like Kalushi, Amandla and Silverton Siege. He has teamed up with the Oscar-winning South African-born actress, alongside Secret Menu, Dawn Olmstead, Beth Kono and AJ Dix, for the next edition of the series. The Monster star was quoted by Actors Space as saying: “When Thabo and Thabiso from Nguniverse Studios first brought us this idea, we were so impressed with the epic scope and emotional depth…

Leaders of Operation Dudula and other organisations have banded together to put local spaza stores back in the hands of South Africans. Following the deaths of six Naledi children who consumed snacks tainted with what officials have confirmed to be organophosphate poisoning, there has been a recent surge in the number of children reported to have food poisoning in parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Limpopo. Through the formation of a coalition to supervise the process, the programme is a part of several community, civil society, and political organisations, including Operation Dudula. One of the proud owners of a fully stocked shop is Maphoka Mohalanyane from Naledi, Soweto. In an interview with The Star yesterday, Mohalanyane disclosed that she had previously owned her store and had had to close…

Forgiving what you can’t forget Lysa Terkeurst Loot (R235) Thomas Nelson Publishers In the month of mental health awareness, Lysa Terkeurst’s Forgiving what you can’t forget, serves as a reminder on the path towards forgiveness. Forgiveness can be difficult, particularly when the person who hurt you isn’t remorseful. Terkeurst begins by reflecting on how resentment can weigh us down, making it difficult to move forward and experience joy. She also addresses something crucial: how we sometimes pretend to forgive – what she calls “posturing”. Recognising the cycle is a crucial step toward healing. Although the book is rooted in Christian teachings, its lessons offer valuable insights for anyone grappling with unresolved pain. To help guide you, she takes a practical approach by breaking down the process into manageable steps, from…

Broken To Heal – Deceit, Destruction, Divorce, Depression Alistair Izobell Loot (R200) Self Published For four decades, Alistair Izobell has entertained audiences with his vibrant dancing and larger-than-life stage presence. From his early performances as a nine-year-old in the acclaimed musical District Six to his chart-topping cover of Venus in 1993, Izobell has become a household name in the South African entertainment industry. Izobell’s career has been marked by a relentless drive to produce memorable shows, introduce new talent, and create theme songs for popular soap operas, including a piece for an internationally recognised Grammy-winning group. But it was all smoke and mirrors. There was darkness behind the spotlight. Izobell never knew he was suffering from depression and the walls were closing in. The patriarchal system that we as a…

the striker Ana Huang Loot (R195) Piatkus Books Sometimes love finds you in the unlikeliest places – like on the soccer field. The Striker, the latest novel by New York Times author Ana Huang, takes readers into the world of sport and relationships with her usual style. For those not yet familiar with Huang, you might just be missing out on one of the most talked-about romance authors of the moment. Huang’s novels have taken social media by storm, especially on platforms like BookTok, BookTube, and Bookstagram. Her Twisted series – which includes Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies – has cemented her as a fan favourite with readers who can’t get enough of her complex characters and steamy romance. The Striker is undeniably one of the…

As the head of department (HOD) for Commercial Accounting at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Boitumelo Kuzwayo’s vision is clear: to create a department that makes an impact through the students they service. The 36-year-old, who joined UJ in 2015, leads a department under the College of Business and Economics (CBE) that specialises in the Diploma in Accounting. “Our qualification is unique in that many of our students aspire to become chartered accountants (CAs) but, due to taking maths literacy or lower Admission Point Scores (APS), couldn’t pursue a degree initially,” she explains. Nine years ago, Kuzwayo traded corporate life for academia. With a Master’s degree in international accounting and her CA qualification, she found her calling at UJ’s Soweto Campus – where a building stands named after her grandmother,…

The Department of Employment and Labour, particularly the Compensation Fund and the Unemploy- ment Insurance Fund, have money invested through the Public Investment Corporation. A portion of the funds is invested in listed companies, which is the prudent course of action. However, a significant proportion is invested in unlisted entities. The department recently reviewed the performance of the unlisted investments. The results have been dismal. As of March this year, the underperformance of the investees has led to what can only be described as a bloodbath. For instance, Musa Capital received an investment of R250 million in April 2018. The investment has collapsed. Another company, Zanalwandle, received R3m in April 2021. It too is now worthless. The investment in Busamed in October 2020, has lost 34% of its initial…

Public participation is at the heart of democratic governance. It ensures that the voices of communities are heard, that citizens have a genuine say in decisions that affect their lives, and that government processes remain transparent and accountable. In Cape Town, however, the reality seems far from this ideal. A recent meeting between City officials and the Collective Ratepayers’ Association (CRA) has revealed significant shortcomings in the City of Cape Town’s public participation processes. What should be a collaborative dialogue has too often become a mere tick-box exercise, where the engagement is more symbolic than substantive. The feedback from this meeting, held on October 8 at City Council Chambers, highlighted numerous areas of concern. Many community members left feeling that their voices were not truly heard and that the City…

Riaad Moosa is returning to the stage with The Best Medicine Show. The 47-year-old, who was a medical doctor by profession, is renowned as an actor and comic. A medical doctor by profession, the 47-year-old started his career as a comedic magician before performing stand-up at the Cape Comedy Collective’s Comedy Lab workshop. Two months later, Moosa was the winner of the One City, Many Comics Talent Competition, which led him to become a regular on the comedy circuit. Some of his stand-up comedy highlights include supporting the likes of Marc Curry and Russell Peters. Moosa’s previous sold-out one-man shows include Doctor's Orders, Strictly Halaal and Riaad Moosa for the Baracka, Keeping You in Stitches and Three Wise Men and Three Wiser Men. In 2006, Moosa appeared in the…

A family is seeking justice after their nine-year-old daughter, Gomolemo Mavimbela, died in a horrific car accident allegedly caused by Sekhukhune United player, Shaune Mogaila, in Tembisa on Wednesday morning. The accident occurred during the morning school run, while Gomolemo’s mother was driving her and a 13-year-old neighbour’s child to school. Both surviving victims are currently fighting for their lives in ICU with serious injuries. Mogaila, 29, handed himself over to officers at the Rabie Ridge Police Station near Midrand following the fatal crash at 7.30am on Andrew Mapheto Road. Police reported finding suspected cocaine, edibles, and expensive alcohol in the vehicle. The suspect allegedly fled the scene after the accident. The footballer faces charges of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and fleeing the scene. However, his court appearance…

Playground Richard Powers Loot (R279) Hutchinson Heinemann Rafi and Todd are polar opposites at an elite high school where they bond over a 3 000-year-old board game. It sets them up for life: Rafi will get lost in literature, while Todd’s work will lead to a startling AI breakthrough. Meanwhile, Evie Beaulieu faces a life-changing moment in a Montreal swimming pool, and Ina Aroita discovers art in naval bases across the Pacific. All of these people meet on the history-scarred island of Makatea in French Polynesia, marked for humanity’s next great adventure: a plan to send floating, autonomous cities out into the open sea. As the seasteaders close in, how will Evie play the ever-unfolding oceanic game? Will Ina engage in acts of destruction? Todd and Rafi, now estranged, still…

What I Talk about When I Talk about Running – A Memoir Haruki Murakami Loot (R186) Vinatge As ATHLETES prepare to lace up for the Soweto Marathon on Sunday, many of them would have performed all sorts of rituals to hype themselves up for the race, including going for massages and eschewing certain types of foods. I’m planning to run my best 21km this year and a large part of my preparations included reading Haruki Murakami. I was introduced to Murakami by bibliophile Haroon Wadee who, like the Japanese writer, keeps cats. Rarely has a friend done me such a good deed. Murakami writes like a dream. I do not know of any living novelists who share my two passions of writing and running as snugly as Murakami does.…

IN a significant move to assist financially distressed residents, the City of Tshwane council has approved the write-off of R32.5 million in municipal debt, benefiting 259 households. The decision to scrap outstanding municipal bills was taken after the City’s affordability assessment committee concluded that the said debts were irrecoverable in the long run. The report on the affected ratepayers unable to service their debts was tabled during a council sitting yesterday at Tshwane House, where the committee recommended that R 32.5m unpaid municipal bills for financially struggling residents be written off. The committee had assessed the household income, amounts owed by debtors, including amounts they could afford to pay over a certain period. The report said: “Two hundred and fifty-nine households were approved for debt write-off by the affordability committee.…

Competing rights for burial landed before court with the estranged wife of the deceased who turned to court to have him buried next to where she will one day be buried, while her mother-in-law and his new lover want him to be buried next to his deceased father. The family and new wife told the Bloemfontein high court that the deceased always wanted to be buried next to his father in Hertzogville, where he grew up. The wife, despite the fact that they were embroiled in divorce proceedings, turned to court for an order preventing the family from removing his body from the funeral parlour for the purposes of the funeral. She was adamant that she wanted them to be buried next to each other. She asked the court to…

A recent exposé by GroundUp and HeartFM has revealed potential massive fraud within the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system. Uncovered by two-first year computer science students, 300 000 IDs were queried against the SRD system, showing that almost 75 000 of them were used in SRD applications. The IDs all belong to people born in February 2005. Statistics SA data shows that 82 000 people were born that month. This means there was a 91% application rate of people born in that month – a questionable figure. Sassa initially admitted that widespread fraud exists, it later denied the claims, insisting on the effectiveness of its cybersecurity countermeasures. However, the fact remains that the students have identified cyber vulnerabilities in Sassa’s system.…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented a gloomy mid-term budget on Wednesday. Public debt has gone through the roof. The finance minister said public debt would reach R6 trillion next year. For every R1 the government collects, 22 cents goes towards servicing debt. The Budget did not give citizens much hope for the future nor did it excite the markets. The rand declined on the grim forecast. The gross domestic product forecast is expected to be a meagre 1.1%, which is not good news for the soaring unemployment problem. Without economic growth, the country cannot create jobs. Yet, Godongwana was optimistic that he would arrest fiscal deterioration in the next few months. How he is going to do it remains a mystery. How is he going to tell his colleagues: “For…

The 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, presented on Wednesday, underscores South Africa’s precarious fiscal position. While Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined measures meant to stabilise and stimulate the economy, the proposal falls short by continuing unsustainable government spending. To safeguard South Africa’s financial future, it is imperative to adopt stricter fiscal discipline. Calls to end “austerity” from leftist voices, including the ANC’s Tripartite Alliance partners, argue that increased government spending is needed to combat unemployment, poverty and inequality. Yet, the pressing issues cannot justify an unchecked budget that risks financial ruin. Expanding government programmes without sufficient revenue streams will lead to higher debt levels and potentially weaken the country’s credit rating. South Africa cannot afford a bloated government apparatus. State-owned enterprises continue to drain public funds. South Africa’s debt-to-GDP…

WHEN Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter announced his T20 World Cup squad earlier this year – a squad which had only one black African player in Kagiso Rabada – transformation questions were posed to the 49-year-old. Those queries were warranted, given the targets that Cricket South Africa have in place in terms of soon fielding a national team representative of the demographics of the country. However, Walter was able to get away with such a squad as his team went on to reach the Proteas’ first-ever men’s T20 World Cup final in the Caribbean this past winter – an achievement that caused many to forget about the transformation targets that the coach had failed to meet. Moreover, Walter had every right to select that squad because, ultimately, the transformation targets…