Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-04 i Star

PPC’s share price flew up 11.4% on the JSE Monday after the aggregates, cement and ready-mix concrete producer said the positive results from a turnaround plan had continued into the second half of its financial year. In an operational update for the 10 months to January 31, the group said benefits from the turnaround plan, which was started after the appointment a year ago of Matias Cardarelli as CEO and other changes to the executive team, were growing as the plan gained momentum. "In the key areas of commercial, operations, and supply chain, the initiatives are already showing results, namely plant sourcing optimisation, sales product mix enhancement, improved thermal energy costs and logistics management," PPC said. These results had increased the Ebitda margin and cash flow generation, Cardarelli said in…

Naamsa says February was a defining month for new vehicle market, reflecting sector resilience Confidence has returned in South Africa’s automotive industry after new vehicle sales rose by 7.3% in February compared to the same month a year ago on the back of easing inflation, a lower interest rate environment, and improving consumer sentiment. The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) on Monday reported that aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in February 2025 totalled 47 978 units, reflecting an increase of 3 229 units, compared to the 44 749 vehicles sold in February 2024. The February 2025 new passenger car market at 33 757 units had registered an increase of 4 900 cars, or a gain of 17.0%, compared to the 28 857 new cars sold in February 2024. Car rental sales…

Italtile managed to increase system-wide turnover 1% to R6.1 billion in a tough operating environment and its 211 stores remained profitable in the six months to December 31, CEO Lance Foxcroft said on Monday. The retailer, manufacturer and importer of tile, bathroom ware and other home finishing products in South Africa, increased interim headline earnings per share by 4% to 70.1 cents and the dividend was lifted by the same percentage to 28 cents a share during the period. In an interview with Business Report on Monday, Foxcroft said the balance sheet was healthy, net cash was up 9% to R1.6bn, and there were no immediate large capital expenditure plans so there may be a large cash balance available at the end of the second half for further dividends and…

Bidvest raised revenues by 6% to R64.5 billion in the six months to December although interim normalised headline earnings per share were nearly flat at 1057.7 cents. CEO Mpumi Madisa and chief finance director Mark Holligan on Monday described as tight and challenging the operating environment in which the financial service group went through in the six months. Despite the revenue increase for the half-year, trading profits in Bidvest flatlined at R6.3bn after the trading profit margin for the season fell by 66 basis points despite cash generated from operations firming up by 18% to R4.5bn. Madisa described the company’s performance as resilient while Bidvest said its performance for the first half-year had been “driven by continued demand for everyday essential products” and services. However, a difficult operating environment negated…

Shrek has been a part of many of our childhoods, and, as a lifelong fan, I’m happy to say I still watch it to this day – and it turns out I’m not alone. Studies show that Shrek remains just as popular today as it was when it first hit the big screen in 2001. According to a report by Statista, the franchise continues to draw impressive numbers, with over 3.5 billion dollars in box office revenue worldwide. This green ogre has found a special place in our hearts, even years later. What made Shrek stand out was the quirky and lovable characters that filled its world. From the three blind mice to the gingerbread man, and yes, the iconic Disney princesses, it had us feeling right at home. We…

Civil society organisation Black Sash and trade union federation Cosatu have called for a wealth tax instead of an increase in VAT as the Cabinet of the Government of National Unity (GNU) was still locked in a marathon meeting on the budget proposals to fund government spending yesterday. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was expected to provide a revised budget to the Cabinet yesterday after last month’s budget was postponed after GNU partners could not reach consensus on Godongwana’s decision to increase VAT by 2%. President Cyril Ramaphosa had proposed a VAT increase of between 0.5 and 1% at the Cabinet meeting but the DA remained adamant that VAT should remain unchanged. Black Sash said it would reject any VAT increase, regardless of the percentage that the GNU government suggested. “Our…

Mamello Kate Khabo was last week found guilty of medical aid fraud and sentenced by the court. Free State spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said Khabo brought her daughter who was not on the Gems medical aid, to a hospital and the minor was admitted. The sick child’s sister, Khabo’s other child, was the one with Gems medical aid cover. The sick child later died in hospital. “The accused defrauded Government Employees Medical Scheme over R400 000 in medical aid claims. In August 2022, the accused (Khabo) admitted her daughter to Busamed private hospital in Bloemfontein. The patient was later transferred to MediClinic where she sadly passed away,” said Mohobeleli. “When it was time to register her daughter's…

“Every time when a black person is successful, there’s always some narrative,” said newly appointed CEO of South African Airways (SAA) Professor John Lamola, brushing off claims that his deployment was due to cadre deployment and ANC influence. The Cabinet approved Lamola’s appointment on Thursday, but the decision has sparked controversy. IOL has learned that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy President Paul Mashatile conducted additional interviews with Lamola months after the initial selection process. In an interview with eNCA, Lamola responded to critics saying, “Every time a black person is successful, there’s always some narrative there, but I want to tell you that what has deployed me, is the same spirit that deployed me when I was a 12-year-old boy in the dusty streets of Ikageng, Potchefstroom. “I knew…

As raging debate continues to divide South African communities over AfriForum’s role in attracting the arbitrary sanctioning of Pretoria by United States President Donald Trump, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela believes the lobby group’s actions have been morally reprehensible. IOL reported last month that lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity have faced unprecedented backlash within South Africa, after Trump unleashed a raft of sanctions against South Africa, including cutting financial aid which benefitted millions of poor individuals. The lobby groups have led long- running campaigns in the United States, engaging top Washington officials and appealing for action against South Africa’s transformation and expropriation laws. Madonsela, a professor of…

During the first day of the Joshlin Smith trial in Saldanha in the Western Cape, the State’s first witness explained how her mother was more concerned about her boyfriend, than her daughter’s disappearance. Residents came out in their numbers to attend the proceedings – a first of its kind in the White City Multipurpose Centre area. Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn and Kelly Smith appeared before Judge Nathan Erasmus. The trio face charges of human trafficking in persons and kidnapping. Entering the centre, the trio looked healthy and seemed to be in a cheerful mood. They were not in handcuffs while being escorted by the police. There was a heavy police presence inside and outside the centre, as proceedings began. The accused all boldly pleaded not guilty during proceedings.…

The Springboks and the All Blacks play each other every year at least twice. Sometimes even three times if it's a Rugby World Cup year. The Proteas and the New Zealand cricket team not so much. In fact, Heinrich Klaasen, who has played 59 ODI’s, has only faced the Black Caps once before in a 50-overs contest. And he wasn’t even required to do much on that occasion as Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen both struck sublime centuries to steer the Proteas to a mammoth 190-run victory at the last World Cup back in 2023. It would be safe to assume that Klaasen will most likely have more on his plate when the Proteas face the Black Caps in Wednesday’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. The…

South Africa's agricultural exports rose to record highs and reached $13.7 billion (R255.5bn) in 2024, marking an increase of 3% from the previous year. Despite this positive trend, the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) on Monday cautioned that the nation faces headwinds from escalating trade tensions, particularly between the US and China, a situation that could have ripple effects on South Africa's export market. The findings reveal a trade surplus of $6.2bn, albeit a slight decline of 2% from the prior year. This fluctuation in figures comes as economists warn of continued volatility in the rand, primarily driven by developments in the US and fluctuations in the US dollar. Prospects of relative strength in the rand loom as upcoming US tariff applications may be less severe than initially anticipated. South Africa's…

Aspen Pharmacare Holding’s share price shot up by as much as 10.6% on Monday after it reported strong performances across all segments of the business for the six months to December 31. The share price of South Africa's biggest pharmaceuticals group traded at R180.61 on Monday afternoon on the JSE. The price was also 10.4% above the R163.50 that it traded at on the same day a year ago. Looking to the second half, group financial officer Sean Capazorio said it was likely to be a period of consolidation and growth, with the focus on their GLP-1 drug for diabetes and obesity, further growth from an already strong performance in only one month in Lilly’s Tirzepatide based product, branded Mounjaro, which was launched in South Africa in December, and strong…

The JSE reported a 10.4% increase in net profit after tax to R918 million for its 2024 financial year, buoyed by a diversification strategy that offset muted equity trading amid geopolitical strains and sluggish economic growth in the first half. JSE Group CEO Leila Fourie said, “We recorded revenue growth across most of our asset classes off the back of sustained positive market sentiment following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Our strategy to build a diversified and resilient exchange group resulted in non-trading income increasing to R1.17 billion and it now contributes 37.8% of operating income (2023: 36.8%)." She added, “I am particularly pleased with the structural reductions in our cost base, which helped restrain total expenditure growth to 6.2%. This performance was underpinned by robust…

PepsiCo South African development fund and local lender Absa Group Ltd are backing a mobile marketplace for farmers that enables them to sell their products as well as source logistics, technical expertise and financing. Khula Pty Ltd’s app has 20 000 users, ranging from emerging to commercial farmers, and targets R200 million in funding by mid-year, co-founder and CEO Karidas Tshintsholo said in an interview. It has raised R126m to date in a funding round led by E Squared Investments, he said. Pepsico - whose Kgodiso Development Fund has backed Khula - is the biggest buyer on a closed trading platform that allows pre-approved farmers to sell to buyers from supermarkets and others, said Tshintsholo. In an effort to redress inequities stemming from apartheid, South Africa’s government requires multinational companies…

Anora has won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. The film saw off competition in a tight contest from fellow nominees The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance and Wicked. It also scored the trophies for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Anora had edged ahead as the front-runner for Best Picture, having already taken the top prizes at the Producers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards and Writers Guild Awards, which are usually key indicators when it comes to the Oscars. In other headline Oscar news, Mikey Madison was awarded Best Actress for her turn in the title role of Ani in Anora. “This is very surreal,” said Madison on stage. “I grew up in…

THE Gauteng provincial government is finalising legal processes to expand the Gautrain to parts of Soweto and northern Joburg areas such as Fourways, Cosmo City and the Lanseria International Airport. Gauteng MEC for roads and transport Kedibone Diale Tlabela announced the province’s plans to expand the high-speed train service. “In terms of the plans, peak hour trips on key arterial roads generally take 70% longer than equivalent free-flow trips. If no improvements are made, average road speeds of 48km/h could deteriorate to 10km/h by 2037. Negative economic impacts – traffic…

Congress of the People (COPE) has joined voices of concerned citizens and civil organisations in condemning what they termed an “alarming trend” of corporate branding infiltrating school classrooms, following the government’s decision to roll out desks that convert into a school bag in the Eastern Cape. Last week, the Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, announced that McDonald’s donated foldable plastic desks to Grade 1 learners. The desks are meant to ease learners’ daily stress of worrying about whether there will be chairs and desks available for them at school. About five schools in the province’s rural areas have benefited through a donation of modern foldable desks. In a statement, COPE said this move represented a dangerous compromise of children's rights and a betrayal of the state's constitutional duty to protect…

Drugs, crime and failing infrastructure are some of the issues that have been raised by parents and community members following the conclusion of the Gauteng Department of Education’s safety Imbizo, which was held by provincial MEC for education, Matome Chiloane in Sedibeng on Saturday. Chiloane committed himself to addressing some of these critical issues adding that his department has also pledged to increase police visibility in some of the crime ridden schools in the province. This is as parents and concerned community members revealed that more and more schools in the area are facing increased incidents of bullying, gangsterism and drug abuse among young people. On the issue of crime, one parent decried the high levels of crime and drug abuse among young people saying: “My concern is the issue…

There has been mixed reaction to the City of Tshwane’s proposed massive debt write-off, which could see up to R10 billion in debt cancelled for residents struggling to service their outstanding municipal accounts. The proposal is outlined in a recently-approved council report, which revealed that the City is grappling with a whopping R30bn in unpaid debt. The City’s debtors have been broken down into several categories, which include residential customers saddled with a total debt of R15 833bn, followed by business customers, who owe R6.746bn. Indigent customers owe R2 632bn, the government owes R1 793bn and inactive accounts make up the remaining R1 751bn. Regarding the proposed R10bn debt relief, the report says: “Analysis of the proposal for residential accounts as of November 30 2024 indicates that should customers take-up…

Three children are missing in Gauteng following flash floods on Sunday, March 2. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has announced that it is feared that the children were swept away. Gerhard Potgieter, NSRI Gauteng station commander said that at 6am the organisation’s crew was asked to assist by Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA) and the SA Police Service (SAPS). The groups prepared to start the search at Sunnyside, in Tshwane, after some eyewitnesses reported that three children were suspected to have been swept away in flash floods. “On Saturday, the SAPS had received an eyewitness report of at least three children reportedly caught in flash floods and swept away down flooded waterways, in the vicinity of the Cilliers Street and Walkers Spruit crossing, Sunnyside, in Tshwane,” said Potgieter.…

Manager Ruben Amorim said winning the English Premier League remains the goal for a struggling Manchester United, despite former United forward Wayne Rooney saying the coach was "naive" to say that. United, who last won the league in 2013 under Alex Ferguson, are 14th on the table and crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday after losing to Fulham in penalties. Amorim, who joined United in November, said United remained committed to their goal of winning the league despite poor results. "I know we're losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I don't know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what," Amorim said, after Sunday's loss. Rooney, who won the league five times with United…

The cameo Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams delivered off the bench against the Lions should give Sharks head coach John Plumtree some food for thought about his team's composition ahead of this weekend's return derby in Durban. For most of the 80 minutes at Ellis Park, the coastal side appeared flat and was overran by the Lions' forwards and backs in the 38-14 loss. There's the opportunity for redemption on Saturday at Kings Park, but a few crinkles need to be ironed out for the Sharks to do that. For one, Williams has been the spark of the attack when he starts at scrumhalf. He orchestrated the downfall of the Bulls a couple of weeks ago at Loftus Versfeld, so it was surprising why he was selected on the bench. On…

Now that the weight of his historic achievement has finally sunk in, newly crowned SA Open champion Dylan Naidoo got to relive his “surreal” golfing triumph at the rain-battered Durban Country Club at the weekend. The 27-year-old golfer, who grew up in Lenasia, in the south of Johannesburg, became the first golfer of colour to win SA’s national open. He beat England’s Laurie Canter on the first play-off hole on Sunday. It was at the same venue where legendary golfer Sewsunker “Papwa” Sewgolum had to endure the humiliation almost 62 years ago of receiving his prize for winning the Natal Open outside in the rain after he wasn’t allowed in the clubhouse. “I’m very aware of the story of Papwa and what has happened at Durban Country Club. It’s something…

Short-term insurer Santam on Monday delivered a stellar set of results for the year ended December 31, 2024 with earnings up 51% despite footing millions of rands in underwriting losses from big weather events. Tavaziva Madzinga, Santam’s Group CEO, characterised 2024 as "a difficult year with tailwinds and economic constraints". Despite this the group showed steady growth, with headline earnings per share rocketed 51% to 3 477 cents from 2023. Santam posed a final dividend of 985c per share, up 9% from last year, bringing the total dividends for 2024 to 1 520c. By 1.35pm the share price on the JSE was 1.31% lower at R398.06 Liam Hechter, a fund manager at Anchor Capital said, "The Santam results were good from what I have seen, they were slightly ahead of…

Manufacturing activity in South Africa continued to struggle and remained in contractionary terrain in February on the back of global trade tensions and the return of crippling electricity supply. The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), conducted by the Bureau for Economic Research and released on Monday, lost a further 0.6 of a percentage point in February and fell to 44.7 in February, down from 45.3 in January. This is the fourth consecutive contraction as activity remained subdued. Absa said the manufacturing sector has seemingly not picked up following its poor performance towards the end of last year. Both the business activity and new sales orders’ indices declined in February. The business activity index fell by 2.9 points to 40.6, from 43.5 previously, reflecting weaker demand and ongoing…

In the complex landscape of modern dating, opinions and approaches vary widely, particularly when melding cultural perspectives with contemporary practices. As dating apps surge in popularity, one woman’s refreshing yet controversial standards have sparked significant discussion among viewers and netizens alike. Mariam Sallam, a spirited participant in the Hulu series Muslim Matchmaker, has taken a stand against conventional norms of finding love through digital platforms. Teaming up with matchmakers Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady, Sallam has expressed her disdain for dating apps, labelling them as degrading. In a clip that has gone viral on TikTok, Sallam stated: “I don’t go on dating apps. I think there is a component to dating apps that’s just very degrading. I’m not a catalogue of women that some man can flip through.” Her criticism…

Competition to host the high-octane spectacle is between two tracks: a street circuit in Cape Town and the less picturesque but historic Kyalami race track outside of Johannesburg. A committee set up by sports minister Gayton McKenzie will choose the winning bid in the third quarter of the year, according to committee member Mlimandlela Ndamase. McKenzie is confident about South Africa’s chances. “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that,” he said early February. “Whether it is Cape Town or Joburg, we do not care as long as the Grand Prix is coming to South Africa.” The challenging Kyalami circuit, which zigzags about 30 kilometres outside Johannesburg and which features a huge South African flag painted on the tarmac, once hosted nail-biting races and legendary…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) have recently confirmed that four high treason dockets have been opened in response to allegations that misleading information about South Africa's Expropriation Act was distributed in the United States. Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya told the SABC that the dockets have been opened by different individuals from different political parties. "They concern individuals that may have crossed the border to go and communicate some of the things that are perceived to be in the direction of high treason," Lebeya said. When asked if the individuals in question are members or leaders of lobby group AfriForum, Lebeya could neither deny nor confirm in his response. He added: "I don't want to mention names of organisations...Some organisations have been suspected to be involved but…

It is difficult to know the scope of the gaps caused by the cancellation of funding to Pepfar-funded HIV organisations, but going forward, it will mean the involvement of the Department of Health. This is according to Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's CEO, Linda-Gail Bekker, who provided insights into what comes next for organisations affected by the Pepfar funding cut. Pepfar-funded HIV organisations receiving grants from the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, received letters on Thursday alerting them that their grants have been terminated. Pepfar, the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, saves lives, prevents millions of HIV infections, and supports several countries to achieve HIV epidemic control—all while significantly strengthening global security. Since Pepfar’s inception in 2003, the US government has invested over $100 billion in the…

The Congolese man arrested in connection with the gruesome torture and assault at the infamous Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria has appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody. The name of the 41-year-old accused man is withheld at this stage, due to an anticipated identity parade. Yesterday, the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court postponed the case against the bouncer to March 28 while he remains behind bars. The Congolese national did not pursue his bail application, and is expected to do so at a later date. The court heard that another victim has been identified and will also be required to participate in the identity parade. It was reported last month that the accused man was nabbed in Yeoville, by members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD). Following the man’s…

The alarming surge number of school bullying cases has reached over 500 in South Africa since the first term of the 2025 academic year, as reported by the Department of Basic Education. The province of Limpopo had the highest percentage, at 56%. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are close to these figures. “The department is making sure that the school’s SGBs have anti-bullying policies and codes of conduct,” stated Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube. This has instilled fear among parents, educators, and child welfare advocates, raising urgent questions about the safety and well-being of learners. Bullying incidents have been reported at an early stage of the school year, with concerns that underreporting may lower the true prevalence. Provincial disparities, such as in Limpopo, have led to calls for more investigation into the reasons…

THE Western Cape Premier’s recent State of the Province Address painted an image of a thriving and well-governed province. However, for many residents, this version of reality does not match their daily experiences. Beneath the polished rhetoric lies a province struggling with deep inequalities, failing local governance, and reckless foreign policy decisions that threaten jobs and investment. Housing and governance Housing remains one of the Western Cape’s greatest crises, yet under the DA-led government, it has been marked by mismanagement and evictions that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. Take Communicare, for example. Despite national intervention and a forensic investigation into the acquisition of its properties, evictions have continued, forcing pensioners from their homes. This is just one example of the province’s disregard for the poorest citizens. Municipal failures are…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping the glamour of the Uefa Champions League can galvanise his injury-ravaged squad from their Premier League funk. The Gunners' dream of a first league title in 21 years appears over after falling 13 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool. Conquering Europe for the first time now appears their only chance of ending a five-year trophy drought and a kind last 16 draw with PSV Eindhoven could buy Arteta time to get some of his key attackers back. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out for the rest of the season with serious hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. But Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could return for the quarter-finals next month should Arsenal progress. The absence of all four forwards has been keenly felt…

Kaizer Chiefs will not have been afforded time to nurse their wounds following their loss to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, as Magesi lie in wait in the Betway Premiership at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday (7:30pm kick-off). The Glamour Boys have had a season filled with flashes of brilliance, along with a fair share of fumbles, as they continue to settle under the leadership of Tunisian mentor Nasredine Nabi. Amakhosi currently occupy the last of the top eight positions, and in a season where — outside the log leaders — everyone else has been inconsistent, a win for them could strengthen their cause to remain in the top half. Fresh off a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns this past Saturday, Nabi will take a lot of confidence from the display…