Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-11-12 i Star

South Africa’s largest mobile operator, Vodacom, has announced a dividend of 285 cents per share for the six months ending September 30, marking a 6.6% decrease from the previous period. This comes as the company reports a significant decline in headline earnings per share (HEPS), which saw a drop of 19.4%, coming in at 353 cents per share. Vodacom’s dividend policy is to pay at least 75% of group headline earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends. “Given the expected phasing impact of the currency depreciation in Ethiopia on headline earnings for the full financial year, the board declared an interim dividend of 285 cents per share equating to an 86% payout,” it said. Yet, Vodacom continues to invest. “Despite the pressures associated with this economic cycle, we will…

The rand plunged to its lowest in one month, falling more than 2% to nearly breach the R18-mark to the US dollar yesterday as the greenback continued to strengthen amid Trump-driven optimism and anticipated economic data. The domestic currency took a hammering yesterday, falling 2.3% to R17.94/$1 by 6pm, its lowest since September 11, as the dollar rose to its highest level since early July, extending a six-week winning streak after a nearly 0.6% gain last week. According to market analysts, “Trump trades” remained prevalent as traders anticipate that US President-elect Donald Trump’s policies on taxation and deregulation will favour businesses and likely drive inflation higher, limiting the US Federal Reserve’s capacity to lower interest rates. With support for Trump coming partly from the US Midwest, previously a strong manufacturing…

South Africa’s delegation at COP29, which commenced yesterday in Baku, Azerbaijan, has expressed a strong hope for the practical operationalisation, financing, and resourcing of the newly-established Loss and Damage Fund. This comes as the nation’s senior representatives from the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), including executive director Dr Crispian Olver and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Dr Dion George, were preparing to engage with global leaders on pressing climate issues. The Loss and Damage Fund, a significant outcome of COP28 held in Dubai last year, seeks to provide financial support to vulnerable nations grappling with the impacts of climate change. South Africa is focusing its efforts on increasing the total contributions, currently pegged at $700 million, to ensure that developing countries receive essential resources to address the climate…

The narrative around African tech entrepreneurship has become rather problematic. We've imported "founder as hero" mythology wholesale from overseas markets, layering it atop our complex continental realities without proper consideration for how this shapes young Africans' career aspirations and economic futures. Genius founder myths "Founders are not the heroes," Victor Mapunga, the founder of FlexID and Shona Prince Technologies, declared during a recent African Tech Roundup podcast conversation. As an entrepreneur who's navigated Zimbabwe's challenging tech landscape, first with the blockchain-based digital identity platform FlexID that’s achieved international traction, and now with Shona Prince Technologies—where he aims to democratise internet access as a Starlink distributor while building innovative hardware and software solutions for WiFi monetisation—Mapunga's assertion carries the weight of lived experience. "What we merely do is organise factors which…

Woolworths Holdings has announced a promising uptick in sales and turnover for the 18 weeks leading up to November 3, recording growth of 6.5% and 6.8% respectively compared to the same period last year. This positive trend was observed across Woolworths’ segments, including food, fashion, beauty, and home, demonstrating a measure of resilience amid the ongoing economic challenges facing consumers. For the grocer’s South Africa market, there was, however, constrained discretionary spending by consumers, although “consumer sentiment is improving, supported by moderating inflation, the start of easing interest rates, and the prolonged suspension” of load shedding. Woolworths also said the sustained effect of high interest rates and elevated living costs continued to weigh on both retail footfall and spending for the company’s operations in Australia. Despite the constrained consumer discretionary…

Omnia Holdings’ key mining and South African agriculture segments boosted the group’s performance in the six months to September 30 with operating profit up by 17% to R802 million. Revenue also increased by 5% to R10.9 billion, while headline earnings per share rose by 2% to 288 cents. The cash position was robust at R812m. “The sustained robust growth of the mining segment and strong volumes in South Africa contributed substantially to the overall group result,” said CEO Seelan Gobalsamy. He said in an interview that the mining segment’s global growth would remain the key growth vector for the group, potentially leading to a re-rating of the share price and share value. The second-half outlook for the agricultural segment appeared promising in South Africa, as well as for expansions into…

In a proactive bid to unify public and private efforts towards enhancing education in South Africa, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, convened a breakfast event at the Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg. The gathering yesterday brought together over 100 business leaders and community stakeholders who are pivotal in shaping the nation’s education landscape. During the event, Gwarube elucidated her vision for the 7th administration, spotlighting five key priorities designed to uplift educational standards and tackle pressing challenges facing educators and learners alike. With more than 13 million learners under her purview, Gwarube emphasised the importance of quality education, including boosting literacy and numeracy across all phases of schooling. “The first one is making sure that quality early childhood learning is injected into the system and that it forms part…

As schools across Gauteng yesterday implemented the provincial directive suspending the sale of food items by vendors, lobby group AfriForum said the move is “far too drastic”. According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s head of cultural affairs, the lobby group is “seriously” concerned about the recent spate of food poisoning cases that have affected learners, and the group expressed its condolences to all who have lost family members. “At the same time, AfriForum is also concerned about directives by provincial education departments that prohibit the sale of food on school premises. “The Gauteng Department of Education is the most recent institution to issue such a directive.” Bailey said AfriForum agrees that steps to prevent more cases and deaths are essential but the group is of the opinion that this ban is…

Rachel Kolisi showed off her toned abs in an Instagram post, writing about how working out at the gym is helping her to become her best self “mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally”. Rachel showed fans she is wholly focusing on her healing journey since her divorce announcement and shared how she is taking better care of herself by exercising three to four times a week. She showed off her toned abs in an Instagram post, and wrote about how adjusting her diet and exercise routine, she is determine to become her best self “mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally”. Rachel said: “I made an intentional decision six months ago to be as healthy as I possibly could. I listened to a bunch of podcasts about the gut microbiome and how it…

Liverpool have surged five points clear at the top of the Premier League following an unprecedented collapse for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Brighton. Meanwhile, Arsenal's winless streak extended to four league matches after a 1-1 draw at Chelsea, leaving them nine points adrift of the leading team. Capitalising on the situation, Liverpool secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, taking a massive step towards their second league title in 35 years. Here, we delve into three critical talking points from the Premier League weekend. City run out of gas For the first time in his managerial career, Guardiola has now experienced the frustration of losing four consecutive matches, a disheartening feat for the usually formidable City. Although Erling Haaland gave the visitors…

Magesi coach Clinton Larsen knows how to thrive under pressure, and that’s why Mamelodi Sundowns will underestimate the club at their own peril in the upcoming Carling Knockout final. The two sides have had an impressive run in the competition and will meet in the last game of the tournament at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on November 23. Dikwena will duly wear the underdogs tag for the clash, given that they enter unchartered territory for them, especially coming against one of the heavyweights of African football. However, such is the experience of their coach Larsen that Magesi could spring a surprise over the undisputed South African giants. Larsen has already masterminded a win over Sundowns in a cup final, guiding Bloemfontein Celtic to a 1-0 victory in the same competition…

The IPO is the second and final step of the two-step recapitalisation plan by parent Pick n Pay Boxer Superstores, Pick n Pay’s discount grocery store chain, will list on the JSE on November 28, with a secondary listing on A2X, at a price of between R42 to R54 per share, according to the pre-listing statement released yesterday. As part of the widely anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO), Boxer’s parent company, Pick n Pay Group, which is in the midst of a restructuring after stores in its core brand started making losses, aims to raise between R8 billion and R8.5bn through an offer of up to 202.4 million Boxer shares, or around 40% of its total issued share capital. These values imply a total market capitalisation for Boxer of between…

South Africa, as a leading industrialised country in Africa, is reported to be the largest carbon emitter on the continent, with these emissions largely stemming from coal. South Africa generates more than two-thirds of its energy requirements from coal, and coal contributes significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Coal accounted for at least R200 billion to South Africa’s GDP, whilst creating direct employment of more than 100 000 people in the 24/25 financial year. Coal has been the main source of energy from the time it was commercially mined near Molteno, Eastern Cape, in 1864. Since then, coal has been the backbone of South Africa’s manufacturing and mining industry, fuelling the creation of industrial giants such as Iscor (now ArcelorMittal), Eskom and Sasol, and mining conglomerates like Anglo…

Amid all the uncertainty with Donald Trump’s return as the US President, the implications of his proposed trade policies have stirred concerns within the agriculture sector. The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) yesterday warned that the suggested imposition of tariffs could leave a significant impact on the global agricultural landscape, especially if retaliatory measures were enacted by China. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said Trump’s threat that the US may impose up to 20% tariff on all imports and 60% on goods from China should not be taken lightly. Sihlobo said such measures could rekindle a trade war reminiscent of 2018, when retaliatory tariffs led to adverse consequences for US farmers. “We don’t know how China would react to such tariffs. However, if China retaliates as it…

In the next five years we may see some of the things we’ve never seen in tech. We are likely to see the speed of innovation that we’ve never seen before. All of that will have a lot to do with new Elon Musk power. The most important question is, what’s in it for Musk? He recently supported a controversial bill in California that would have required developers of the most advanced AI models to “mitigate the risk of catastrophic harms”. Musk posted on X about the bill, which was later vetoed by Governor of California Gavin Newsom, that AI should be regulated “just as we regulate any product/technology that is a potential risk to the public”. Indeed, Musk was one of the people behind the infamous 2023 letter calling…

LIFE Healthcare, South Africa’s second- largest private hospital group, anticipates a substantial earnings boost for the financial year to September 30, it said in a trading update yesterday. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) from both continuing and discontinued operations were expected to rise between 69.4% and 77.3%, or from 149.4 cents to 156.4c. Earnings per share (EPS) from continuing and discontinued operations were projected to increase by 328.0c to 329.5c, reflecting a 1 000% rise. This was bolstered by a one-off gain of R2.8 billion from the sale of Alliance Medical Group (AMG), contrasting sharply with a R990 million impairment loss reported in 2023. Following the sale, Life Healthcare received R10.2bn in net cash proceeds, used to settle offshore debt and transaction costs, with an R8.8bn special dividend paid…

Lighthouse Family band member Tunde Baiyewu recently released an exciting new solo project that features some of South Africa’s most revered musical talents. His new EP, Tunde & The Troubadours EP 1, delves into his love for music, particularly inspired by the 1970s troubadour era. Baiyewu has collaborated with award-winning artists, among them Zonke, on a remake of Bill Wither’s Lean on Me. It also features the renowned singer and songwriter’s track, I Saw The Light, which features Vusi Mahlasela, PJ Powers and the Drakensberg Boys Choir for the song I Need You. “This EP consists of the first three tracks of an album we spent the last couple of years making,” Baiyewu said in a recent interview. “I had this idea a long time ago to make an…

Some of the biggest stars in the South African movies and television industry were acknowledged at this year’s second annual prestigious National Film & TV Awards South Africa. The event took place at the Opera Theatre in Pretoria on Saturday, under the “Connecting South Africa to the World Through Film and Television” theme. Some of the country’s top talent who walked away with prizes included Bonko Khoza, who won the illustrious Best Actor Award for his role in Red Ink, and his co-star, Lorcia Cooper, who won Best Supporting Actress. Khoza’s other movie, Heart of the Hunter, won Best Feature Film. Nambitha Ben-Mazwi won Best Actress for her roles in Savage Beauty and Empini while Trevor Noah won the Celebrity Personality of the Year. S3’s The Expresso Show was also…

Deputy President hauled before integrity commission amid scrutiny DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile recently appeared before the ANC integrity commission to address corruption allegations stemming from his tenure as Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements. Mashatile is also under scrutiny after the DA filed a formal complaint with Parliament’s joint committee on ethics and members’ interests. Allegations include that he failed to disclose registrable interests providing incorrect or misleading information. The party further alleged that Mashatile misled Parliament over undeclared properties, including a R37 million Waterfall house, in Midrand, breaching the code of conduct by compromising the integrity of his office. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has intimated that they might be looking into charging Mashatile. His appearance before the commission comes amid uncertainty over his potential succession to the presidency, with…

The Adler Museum at Wits Medical School in Joburg is running the Dr Yan Fuqing Memorial Exhibition in honour of the Chinese medical pioneer who made notable sacrifices, when in 1904, at age 22, he travelled to South Africa. Around 120 years ago, the physician embarked on the perilous 16 000km-or-so journey to help Chinese mining labourers suffering from the deadly diseases contracted amid their harsh living conditions. Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Acting Consul-General of the Consulate General of China in Johannesburg Zhou Yujiang said Yan intervened to assist Chinese mining labourers who did not speak the local languages and were having difficulty accessing medical supplies. “It’s a great honour and pleasure for me to come with my colleagues from the Consulate General, and I stand here…

A Free State father has been sentenced for the rape of his biological 7-year-old daughter in the Brandfort Regional Court. The 27-year-old man cannot be named to protect his minor daughter from secondary trauma. The man was convicted on a charge of rape and a count of incest. The court heard the incident took place between May 25 and June 9, 2023, in Majwemasweu, near the town of Winnie Mandela, about 60km north-east of Bloemfontein, when the grandmother of the girl had to be admitted to hospital. The girl was left at her grandfather’s house. During this time, the girl’s father visited the family where his child had been staying and asked that they allow his daughter to visit him at his parental home. They agreed, and later that…

Makes three dozen Ingredients Base layer 1kg flour 250ml icing sugar 500g Clover Springbok unsalted butter, softened 2.5ml baking powder Caramel layer 250g Clover Springbok unsalted butter 50ml syrup 2 x 385g tins Clover condensed milk Chocolate top layer 750g milk chocolate, broken into pieces Method Base layer Preheat oven to 180°C and grease a 30 x 23cm baking tray. Sift flour and add the icing sugar and baking powder. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gently mix to form a smooth dough. Press the dough into the pan and prick lightly with a fork. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown or until it’s golden in colour. Caramel layer Heat the butter, syrup and condensed milk together and mix continuously until the mixture…

Girl Effect, a pioneering global non-profit organisation, continues to make significant strides with its innovative approaches and impactful programming. The organisation took a deeper dive into its impactful work in South Africa, specifically through its flagship programmes Big Sis and JiK’iZiNTO, which address critical issues affecting girls and young women. Recent insights into the organisation’s impactful work in South Africa shed light on its flagship programmes, Big Sis and JiK’iZiNTO, which are tailored to address the critical issues that affect girls and young women today. Speakers included Dr Lisa Mulenga, country director, Girl Effect; Farai Mubaiwa Ntuli, African Development and Livelihoods lead, Accenture; Cynthia Lungu, UNAIDS regional gender advisor; and Thatho Farirai, HIV Prevention lead, South African National AIDS Council. The event underscored Girl Effect’s commitment to three key thematic…

Manqoba Mngqithi argued Mamelodi Sundowns have enough depth to win the Carling Knockout final, even though he’s not happy with the scheduling of the game. Sundowns will face Magesi in the Carling Knockout showdown at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on November 23. Considering the gulf in quality and stature between the two sides, the Brazilians are clear favourites to come out victorious and win the second cup of the season. Unlike in the MTN8, where they were poor and bundled out in the semi-final by Stellenbosch, the Brazilians have been in beast mode in the ‘beer cup’. They’ve scored a whopping 11 goals, while keeping a clean sheets in all three games. They beat Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs and most recently Marumo Gallants, to book their spot. Magesi have also…

The Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on October 31 creates a robust energy sector framework for South Africa by promoting investment and diversification, said analysts yesterday. However, environmental rights groups have raised alarms, expressing concerns that the law prioritises fossil fuel exploration and development at a time when climate change demands urgent action. According to the government, this new act is designed to facilitate the “orderly development of petroleum resources” and ensure “equitable access to, and sustainable development” for previously disadvantaged groups and the state. The legislation ambitiously merges exploration and production rights, aiming to address long-standing licensing challenges through a structured application system via controlled licensing rounds. Law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) said the signing of the new law “is part…

Raubex Group, the JSE-listed infrastructure development and construction materials supply company, celebrated its 50th year by lifting its interim dividend a sturdy 49.2% to 94 cents after strong financial performances from its diversified operations for the six months ended August 31, 2024. Headline earnings a share increased 49.8% to 284.3 cents. Operating profit was up 34.7% to R846.2 million. Revenue increased 29.7% to R10.95 billion. Cash from operations surged 111.5% to R1.54bn. Despite a share price dip of more than 5% to R44.93 yesterday, it remains 79.2% higher than the R25.02 it traded at a year ago. “It is fitting that during this period of our 50th birthday, our share price also traded above R50 a share,” said CEO Felicia Msiza. “Raubex’s results testify to the perseverance and resilience…

Artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI are seeking to overcome unexpected delays and challenges in the pursuit of ever-bigger large language models by developing training techniques that use more human-like ways for algorithms to "think". A dozen AI scientists, researchers and investors told Reuters they believe that these techniques, which are behind OpenAI's recently released o1 model, could reshape the AI arms race, and have implications for the types of resources that AI companies have an insatiable demand for, from energy to types of chips. OpenAI declined to comment for this story. After the release of the viral ChatGPT chatbot two years ago, technology companies, whose valuations have benefited greatly from the AI boom, have publicly maintained that “scaling up” current models through adding more data and computing power will consistently…

Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman has disclosed that the company is still navigating through a period of instability, despite having secured a wage agreement with labour unions. The agreement included a 5.5% wage increase along with a one-off payment of R900 for various employee groups, set to take effect for one year. The company plans to revisit wage discussions in July 2025 when the one-year wage agreement expires. While current conditions in the gold market have seen prices rise, South African gold producers, including Sibanye-Stillwater, are facing mounting operational costs that necessitate a strategy of cost rationalisation. In light of the recent wage agreement, Froneman emphasised the importance of balancing employee needs with the financial realities of the company’s operations. “We are pleased to have finalised this wage agreement, which…

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has taken a major step towards revitalising South Africa’s liquid bulk sector by appointing Zutari as the Transaction Advisor for the Island View Precinct Strategy at the Port of Durban. This appointment marks a crucial move intended to enhance the security of supply while modernising the operations of one of the country’s key economic hubs. Originally sanctioned in 2019, the Island View Strategy is set for a comprehensive revision to ensure its resilience against the backdrop of a rapidly changing market landscape. Zutari’s mandate will involve scrutinising current market dynamics, re-evaluating existing strategies, and crafting a robust plan that aims to fortify sustainability and operational efficiency within the sector. The Port of Durban’s Island View precinct is a South African national key point, managing…

BeyoncÉ is the most-nominated artist in the history of the Grammy Awards. The 43-year-old star has overtaken Jay-Z, her husband, after receiving 11 nominations for the latest awards. The celebrity duo, who have been married since 2008, were previously tied on 88 nominations each, but Beyoncé has managed to pull clear of her husband. She is among the nominees in the Best Album and Best Country Album categories for her latest album, Cowboy Carter, while her single, Texas Hold 'Em has been nominated for the Song of the Year. Beyoncé will face competition for the coveted award from André 3000, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Jacob Collier, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift. Swift’s nomination in the category means she has overtaken Barbra Streisand to claim the all-time record,…

ActionSA has proposed regulations aimed at eliminating the ownership of spaza shops by foreign nationals, ensuring that 100% of these businesses are operated by locals. The party revealed yesterday that it is putting forward a members’ bill called the “#Spaza4Locals Reserved Sectors Bill”, that aims to amend and tighten regulations governing this sector. The bill is designed to ensure that the local economy benefits locals and that operations within spaza shops are strictly governed to comply with health and hygiene standards. ActionSA’s move comes after the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the gazetting of tough measures aimed at regulating the township economy. The draft by-law will give municipalities powers to conduct background checks including citizenship status, written warning and cancellation of business licences. Party leader Herman…

The case against renowned producer and filmmaker, Dumakude Mayivuke Ndlovu, along with his two co-accused, has been postponed to April 2, 2025, after a brief appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Ndlovu and his two co-accused, Rodney Mutsharini, a registered tax practitioner (PIT), and Maxwell Mloyi, are allegedly facing fraud and tax evasion charges. It is reported that Ndlovu requested amendments to his bail conditions, which include weekly police reporting and passport seizure, due to his travel plans in January. The court has amended bail conditions to allow him to travel to America next year. Three individuals were arrested in September 2024 for 18 tax fraud charges related to R26 million in personal and company income tax, involving Ndlovu’s personal and company income tax, and were formally charged…

South Africans have been encouraged to use water responsibly and invest in water harvesting by installing water tanks in their homes, especially during the rainy seasons. This is in response to escalating water supply challenges, faced by different provinces and various municipalities across the country. Yesterday, Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina alongside her deputy David Mahlobo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Joburg Mayor Dada Morero, addressed the media on water supply challenges in Gauteng and the rest of the country, pleading with South Africans to adopt water saving techniques. The minister announced that Joburg Water will introduce water restrictions starting Thursday to allow reservoirs to replenish and recover from alarmingly low levels, which have dipped below 40% capacity in Johannesburg’s reservoirs. “At present, the Vaal Dam is at…

THE Western Cape High Court has turned down an application by Standard Bank for an execution order against the home of a couple who are 2.8 months in arrears on their mortgage bond. “An execution order against the primary residence of the debtor should be the last resort and only when all other avenues to satisfy the arrears have been meaningfully exhausted,” Acting Judge Tanya Golden said. “The respondents did not significantly fall into arrears and have no history of arrears other than the immediate 2.8 months arrears.” Judge Golden said that if she ordered that the family lose their home, it would lead to an iniquitous result, given the negligible arrears and where the facts suggest that the respondents might have been in a position to settle the arrears.…

Cape Town has been selected to host the World Pride 2028, marking a historic moment for South Africa and the LGBTQIA+ community, as it becomes the first African city to celebrate the prestigious event. The International Association of Pride Organisers (InterPride) revealed the news during their 42nd Annual General Meeting World Conference held in Medellín, Colombia. Out of 500 eligible voters, 53% supported Cape Town Pride, 44% supported Guadalajara Pride, and 3% abstained. InterPride co-presidents, Ymania Brown, Hadi Damien, and Rahul Upadhyay, said: “We congratulate Cape Town Pride for winning the license to host World Pride in 2028. We look forward to supporting them to deliver their bid, which promises to be a strong and impactful World Pride. We also congratulate Guadalajara Pride for an excellent application.” Cape Town Pride…

THE long-standing issue of the gravel road in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 2 was among service delivery issues that were highlighted during an izimbizo hosted by the Mayor Nasiphi Moya in Region 1 on weekend. The road has been a thorn in the side of residents since 1963, prompting protests outside Tshwane House last month. A resident Windsor Menyuko said residents were promised that the construction of a new road will be included in the City of Tshwane’s integrated development plan next year. “They promised us that they will put us on the IDP when they start the road for Zone 5 next year in March,” he said. He said during the protest on October 25 residents gave the City management at least seven days to visit their area. Menyuko said: “The…

The Lesotho gospel group, Tehillah Africa, is experiencing a meteoric rise in their musical career, marked by remarkable wins and nominations that resonate with their mission to inspire through faith-filled music. Recently, the ensemble triumphed at the Lesotho 1st Annual Melodious Music Awards, clinching the coveted Song of the Year award for their uplifting hit, U ea Halalela. Following this significant achievement, Tehillah Africa garnered multiple nominations for the prestigious South African Gospel Recognition Awards in the Best International Music category. Their successes did not stop there; they were also nominated for the renowned Crown Gospel Awards under the Best of Africa category and received nods at the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards for both the Best of Africa and Song of the Year categories. In an exclusive interview with The…

As the festive season approaches with shoppers gearing up for bustling mall visits, Charnel Hattingh, group head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity Services Group, offers critical insights on prioritising personal safety during such busy times. Shopping malls across South Africa become bustling hubs of activity, drawing festive shoppers seeking gifts and entertainment. However, with the increase in foot traffic comes a heightened risk of criminal elements seizing the opportunity to target unsuspecting individuals. Throughout these festive months, Hattingh has urged shoppers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, emphasising the importance of safeguarding oneself, children, and valuables. “When you make your way to the malls, please consider that criminal elements may also be flocking to these busy public spaces. “Your personal safety should be a key priority no…