Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-17 i Star

Renergen’s share price rocketed 37.3% on the JSE on Friday after it said the long-awaited event of filling a container with liquid helium had taken place. The closing share price, however, was still below the R10.90 it traded at a year ago and well down from the R37.50 it traded at three years ago, before many shareholders appeared to become disaffected with the slow pace of development of South Africa’s first onshore liquid natural gas and helium production facility at Virginia, in the Free State, and the share price declined since then. The company drew significant retail shareholder interest when it first announced a big helium reserve on its site in October 2021, but there have been many delays in developing the gas exploitation and production facilities. On Friday, the…

Should Agoa collapse, South African products face a 3% tariff to enter the US market South African agricultural organisations have urged lawmakers to pivot towards establishing a robust bilateral engagement with the United States amid fears of the country losing its African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) benefits. This comes on the back of hardening political relations between South Africa and the Trump administration, which has culminated in the expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, on Friday. Agoa provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for more than 1 800 products, in addition to the more than 5 000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the Generalized System of Preferences program. Agriculture, particularly citrus and wine, manufacturing, mining, automobile…

SA Corporate Real Estate, owner of industrial, retail, and residential properties in the major metropolitan areas of South Africa, lifted its distribution to 24.37 cents a share for the year to December 31, from 23.18 cents per share the year before. The distribution announcement and prospects for the new financial year saw the share price rise 3.19% to R2.91 on Friday. A year ago, the share traded at R2.46. The REIT’s distribution was at a payout ratio of 90% of distributable income. As at December 31, SA Corp’s portfolio consisted of 267 properties valued at R18 billion in South Africa and exposure to direct and listed property valued at R1.9bn in Zambia. Distributable income increased 5.1% to R680.9 million or 27.08 cents a share. Total net property income (NPI) came…

Government has now tabled the revised Budget proposals to Parliament. It is now up to Parliament to consider, amend and ultimately adopt a Budget that will allow the State toprovide public services that the poor and the economy depend upon. We need to avoid an outcome of extremes. Workers cannot afford a return to an austerity Budget that weakens public services and denies badly needed economic stimulus, nor can the working class survive further hardships. Government is the most important tool to uplift the poor, invest in working class communities’ futures and create the foundations for a thriving and inclusive economy. It is not merely aset of tables and growths for market analysts to ponder over whilst sipping cappuccino. The Budget must be guided by the fundamental challenges facing society,…

Kgotso Tau, the former communications spin doctor for the Free State Department of Small Business, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), politically headed by MEC Toto Makume, was seconded from DESTEA to the Free State Development Corporation (FDC) as the Acting Chief Executive lawfully from 2024 until he turned 65 on 25 February 2025. The Free State Development Corporation (FDC) is the official economic development agency for the Free State Province and is aimed at being a specialist economic development agency to offer the people of the Free State and potential investors in the province a wide selection of services. This includes financial loans and non-financial support. While the act only allows Tau to serve until the age of 65, The Star understands that Toto Makume, the MEC for DESTEA, has…

GAUTENG’s best performing municipality, the DA-run Midvaal, has been fined R5 million for failing to comply with the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) in one of its landfill sites. According to the municipality, the R5m fine was issued after June 30 last year, which was the end of the 2023/24 financial year, for the Walkerville landfill site. In disclosing the fine, the municipality noted that no events after the reporting date were identified by management that would affect the operations of the municipality or the results of those operations significantly, but it received a fine of R5m for non-compliance with the Nema. “At year-end June 30, 2024, this fine was disclosed as a contingent liability as the municipality was contesting the fine through the courts. On October 31, 2024, council…

Seasoned actor Sdumo Mtshali recently took to X to share a heartfelt post reflecting on his journey as an actor. With a career spanning over a decade, Mtshali has starred in different dramas and telenovelas, most notably as Donga on “My Brother’s Keeper”. In his post on X, the award-winning actor expressed his deepest gratitude to God, acknowledging Him as his helper and guiding light throughout his career. He humbly recognised that without God's presence in his life, he would not have achieved the success he enjoys today. Born in Durban, the 42-year-old actor had always dreamed of becoming an actor. He pursued his passion at the Durban University of Technology before taking a chance on the SABC1 reality competition, "Class Act", in 2010. The reality TV show, produced by…

PARLIAMENT says a full investigation is underway to determine the source of a security breach affecting one of its 25 YouTube streaming services and that additional safeguards are being put in place to strengthen the integrity of its digital infrastructure. Parliament at the weekend confirmed a security breach affecting one of its YouTube streaming services, which is integrated with its official social media accounts. “This breach resulted in the unauthorised upload of content not aligned with the work of the institution,” Parliament said in a statement. “Parliament’s digital team immediately intervened to terminate the compromised stream. “While a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the breach, additional safeguards are being put in place to strengthen the integrity of our digital infrastructure.” Parliament’s multiple YouTube streaming services provide…

Orlando Pirates grafted hard for their 2-1 win, cutting Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead at the top of the Betway Premiership to 15 points and keeping their title hopes alive with four games in hand. Relebohile Mofokeng delivered his most decisive performance of the season, scoring a two-minute brace within the first five minutes of the match. His quickfire goals not only sent shockwaves through the visitors’ dugout but also gave Pirates a lead they would protect for the rest of the encounter. Khuliso Mudau’s 66th-minute goal provided hope for Sundowns, but it was merely a consolation, the Sea Robbers held their nerve to avenge their heavy 4-1 loss in the first leg in early February. In unfamiliar surroundings, the Buccaneers had to settle in quickly, knowing their championship challenge hinged on…

Having dominated Formula One headlines in the build-up to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was far from the spotlight at Albert Park on Sunday, finishing 10th on his Ferrari debut. Even with limited familiarity with his new team's rain settings on a wet and windy day, Hamilton — and Ferrari fans — would have hoped for much better as the Briton launched his bid for a record eighth world championship. Instead, it was McLaren's Lando Norris who took the victory, with Hamilton's former Mercedes teammate George Russell finishing on the podium and Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli — his replacement at the "Silver Arrows" — celebrating an eye-catching fourth-place finish on debut. Earlier in the week, Hamilton turned heads at Albert Park when he arrived at the paddock wearing…

The Dolphins completed the ultimate fairytale comeback to claim the CSA 1-Day Cup in a tense, four-wicket victory over Boland in Paarl on Sunday. Quinton Friend’s team required a boardroom decision to go in their favour to sneak into the semi-final, after the Warriors were docked five points for failing to adhere to CSA’s transformation policies earlier in the competition. As a result, the Dolphins were awarded a home semi-final, and did not looked back since, winning five matches on the bounce to claim the coveted trophy. The visitors held their nerve in a tense chase to secure victory, with young Hanu Viljoen (35 not out) once again showing that he has ice running through his veins. The 23-year-old, who has been instrumental in getting the Dolphins to the final…

OUTsurance Group’s Australian subsidiary, Youi, may face losses of $40 million (about R459m) arising from the still uncertain insurance outcomes of Cyclone Alfred making landfall on the Queensland coast on March 7. The main peril from this event is flooding, OUTsurance directors said on Friday at the release of results for the six months to December 31. The cyclone brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, leading to widespread power outages, road closures, and property damage. Youi's reinsurance attachment point for its first two catastrophe events is $40m per event. “Estimating the loss from this event is currently highly uncertain, and it is expected a substantial portion of the loss will be covered by the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC),” OUTsurance CEO Marthinus Visser said. “Should the net loss after…

Improving gross domestic product growth, interest rate cuts, and withdrawals from the two-pot savings system should support consumption and food sector volumes. The recovery in Food Producers’ margins and earnings will be aided by subdued commodity price inflation remains. However, food price inflation could start to increase in the first quarter of 2025 estimated (1Q25E), which would favour a shift towards food retailers, as they have historically re-rated in a rising food price inflation environment in anticipation of stronger relative earnings growth. Shoprite: Maintaining the pressure on competitors Shoprite’s RSA Supermarkets achieved 10.4% revenue growth without increasing promotional subsidies, despite a low inflationary period. This was done by leveraging its new loyalty partnerships and store growth. While like-for-like growth slowed to 5.4% in the first half of 2025 from 8%…

JSE equities and the Rand held their ground despite Trump and Budget 2025. The controversial “second” attempt to set a national budget by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, last Wednesday did not run smoothly as members inside the Government of National Unity and other opposition parties disagreed over many points. The Minister had indicated that the loss in tax income (R28 billion) by only implementing a 0.5% hike in VAT this year will be made good by earning the same amount through bracket creep in personal income tax. The higher tax income burden was just shifted away from a higher VAT rate to consumers paying income tax. An almost double the inflation rate 7.8% increase in consolidated expenditure was allowed. This, against an expected gross domestic product (GDP) economic…

As tennis finds itself in the Hollywood spotlight with the success of Challengers starring Zendaya, the local industry has put their own unique spin on it with Breekpunt. The gripping sports drama, which premiered on Showmax earlier this month, is a captivating and fresh perspective on the high-stakes world of competitive tennis. It stars Chelsea Thomas, who takes on the lead role of Ashleigh Joshua, a fearless teenager who is determined to have her shot on the international tennis stage. However, the youngster must first face challenges, on and off the court. “I just landed my first lead role and that is a really big deal for me,” Thomas said in an exclusive interview with Independent Media Lifestyle. “I am at a point in my career where I feel very…

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced that Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador to the US, has been declared persona non grata. This is proof that the ANC’s diplomatic gamble is failing and will cost the country and its people dearly. Kallie Kriel, CEO of the civil rights organisation AfriForum, reacted this morning, South African time, after the news of Rubio’s expulsion of Rasool. Kriel emphasises that the ANC leaders and Rasool, as deployed cadre, must accept direct responsibility for this diplomatic blunder. He criticises the ANC’s open and persistent diplomatic actions over the past week and maintains that these types of acts are causing unprecedented damage to the relationship with the US. “Amid the current diplomatic tension, the ANC leaders saw fit to invite Iran’s ambassador to…

Showcasing an exciting mix of films from both local and international creators, the festival’s Golden Thread connected across Johannesburg. Featuring a selection of cinematic works from across the globe, this year’s edition captivated audiences with not only its diverse array of films but also extensive three-day JBX Talks and JBX Youth programmes, and various special events taking place throughout the week. From powerful documentaries to compelling dramas and uplifting stories, the festival celebrated the art of storytelling and the rich spectrum of human experiences. As the festival concludes on 16 March, it has delivered on its promise to leave a lasting impact on viewers. Tonight, the festival reached its exciting climax with the Awards Gala event. Industry professionals gathered in anticipation of the announcement of the best films. And now,…

As the sun rises over Johannesburg, it casts its light on bustling streets, home to a silent epidemic that few dare to confront. Beneath the surface of the city’s energy lies the unspoken reality of substance abuse, homelessness, and poverty—a crisis that grips South Africa’s youth with unrelenting ferocity. Sidewalks serve as makeshift beds for countless people ensnared by homelessness and substance abuse. Their presence is a stark testament to a crisis that seems to elicit little more than passing concern from society and government alike. These streets are not merely pathways but arenas of survival, where countless lives unravel under the weight of addiction and despair. The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection and renewal, yet for many, it serves as a stark reminder…

Johannesburg is a city of resilience, ambition, and boundless potential. As the economic and cultural heartbeat of South Africa and the gateway to Africa, it has repeatedly proven its ability to shine on the global stage. Our ability to host premier international events – whether sporting, cultural, or business – reinforces our reputation as a world-class destination that attracts investment, tourism, and international recognition. Events like the Joburg Open, Joburg Ladies Open, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, international concerts, and major sporting spectacles such as the Springboks vs. AllBlacks test match at Emirates Park, the Red Bull Race in Sandton, the Telkom NetballLeague at Ellis Park, and the upcoming African Forum on Urban Forest conference are more than just entertainment; they are powerful engines of economic growth, job creation, and…

It’s crunch time for the four South African franchises when the United Rugby Championship (URC) restarts this weekend. There’s been some brilliant and entertaining local derbies over the last month while the Six Nations took place. But now, the attention of the Lions, Sharks, Stormers and Bulls will shift to their European opposition as the tournament enters a critical stage ahead of the playoffs. All four sides have six games to play before the quarterfinals and the Cape side is the only SA team outside of the top eight currently. In eighth spot: The Lions P12 W6 L6 Pts29 The Johannesburg side occupies the last knockout spot and will kick-off their final stretch of games away from home against Cardiff in Wales on Friday (9.45pm). They face an uphill task…

France blitzed their way to a second Six Nations title under Fabien Galthié thanks to Saturday’s demolition of Scotland, but next up for Les Bleus is a daunting summer tour of New Zealand. Galthié’s side have three Tests against the All Blacks in July, but doubts remain over the quality of the squad the former captain will be able to select. The French Rugby Federation and the country’s professional clubs announced in August that no players involved in the Top 14 final on June 28 will be included in the tour to face the three-time Rugby World Cup champions. Top 14 holders Toulouse, boasting an all-star lineup including fly-half Romain Ntamack, currently sit atop the league standings, while Bordeaux-Bègles’ thrilling backline has propelled them to second place. One certainty is…

In a recent Trade Conditions Survey released by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) on Thursday, evidence of improving trade conditions has emerged for February 2025. This marked the first significant signs of recovery since mid-2024, notably following the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in June 2024. SACCI detailed that, while 65% of respondents reported tight trade conditions in December 2024, and 60% experienced similar challenges in January, the figures have shifted positively in February. With only 54% still grappling with tough conditions, the survey suggests a reasonable easing has occurred, sparking optimism that the GNU's strategies aimed at enhancing economic performance are beginning to bear fruit. Despite this positive shift, the survey indicates a moderation in the outlook for the next six months.…

A customs tariff increase application on roasted groundnut imports classifiable under subheadings 2008.11.20 and 2008.11.90 from 0.99c/kg (0.033% ad valorem equivalent) to 20% was withdrawn by the South African Groundnuts Forum because they have closed their nut roasting business. The investigation was initiated on January 15, 2021 and lingered without a decision for 50 months (yes, seriously) with no decision. The application had been filed on February 24, 2020. It should take six months to complete an investigation. According to the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac), the applicant withdrew their application because “[of] a range of operational and other factors, including but not limited to the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the decision on the amendment of the customs duty. The applicant alleges that such uncertainty has affected the viability of their…

Disney has released an official trailer for the much-loved and highly anticipated film Lilo & Stitch, a live-action remake of the classic 2002 animation. Voiced by Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai, Lilo & Stitch is a funny yet touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl who is raised by her sister, Nani, and an adorable blue extra-terrestrial creature who helps her mend her broken family. After escaping his homeland, the mischievous Stitch finds himself landing on planet Earth, in Hawaii, and gets into Lilo’s home, who had wished for a best friend on a shooting star the night before. Stitch, who is voiced by the original Lilo & Stitch writer and director, Chris Sanders, is creating havoc as he honks at drivers, chugs a liquid lava lamp even though…

Chris Delport, the managing director of Maziya General Services, has recently addressed a series of inquiries raised by the media regarding the company’s operations and subcontracting arrangements. The questions, largely stemming from concerns over the awarding of contracts and potential conflicts of interest, followed a now discredited Passenger Road Agency of South Africa (Prasa) whistleblower report. A confident Delport has set the record straight regarding the subcontract awarded to a company called Comicro. Delport has confirmed that Comicro was indeed awarded a 1% subcontract through the Macre Joint Venture (JV). Comicro operates as a legally separate entity from Maziya and is permitted to conduct business within the Republic of South Africa. “There is no conflict of interest," Delport emphasized, explaining that Comicro's business operations are entirely independent of Maziya. “He…

NGO Right to Justice is taking embattled Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson to court over questionable IDT board appointments. In a move that has raised eyebrows, MacPherson has appointed individuals with questionable backgrounds to the board of the Independent Development Trust (IDT). The appointments, which are seen as highly controversial, are allegedly a long-shot attempt to remove the current IDT CEO, Tebogo Malaka, from her position. MacPherson appointed Derek Naidoo and Matodzi Ratshimbilani to the IDT board as his ministerial appointees, although Naidoo has a controversial past in relation to serious allegations at the Ethekwini Municipality, where he was deputy city manager. Ratshimbilani was unceremoniously removed from the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) board by then Minister Mondli Ngungubele. MacPherson is attempting to bring Zimbini Hill and Prof. Raymond Naemeka…

It is with great concern that the SAOU has learnt of the non-compliance of the Free State Provincial Education Department to not adhere to their obligations towards the members of the South African Teachers' Union (SAOU). In a letter from GEMS addressed to the PSCBC, it was indicated that the FSED had deducted the GEMS contributions from personnel, but had not paid these contributions to GEMS. According to this letter, the non-compliance was due to a “cash-flow problem” in the province. GEMS provided an opportunity for the Department to comply by the 10th of March 2025, but this deadline was not met. If the amount in arrears is not paid by the end of April 2025 all Free State Education Department members of GEMS will lose their membership. This is…

The winner of the 3rd SA Composers’ Competition run by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is Owen Dalton, 26, an MMus student at the University of Stellenbosch, for his piece, Ramblings of the Mind. The final round of the competition was held at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre on Saturday, March 15, under the direction of Jeremy Silver. Dalton wins a cash prize of R20 000 and the title of Composer in Residence with CPO. Runners up are Chesney Palmer, 29 of Sandton, who won second place and R10 000 for his new work Spectrums of Hues and Obscure Shapes while third place was won by Anthonie Jansen van Rensburg of Somerset West for People, Space, Time. He was a runner-up in the inaugural competition and won R5000.…

The Andrei Stenin Press Photo Exhibition, now in its fifth year in Cape Town, has once again opened its doors to honour the fearless photojournalists who risk their lives to capture moments of truth in conflict zones. Held in partnership with Independent Media and Africa News Agency (ANA), this year’s exhibition was more than imagery—it was a tribute to sacrifice, courage, and a relentless commitment to truth. Dr. Iqbal Survé, Chairman of Sekunjalo and the founding chairperson of the BRICS Business Council delivered his speech within the historic walls of the Castle of Good Hope, a powerful message of a shared humanity—a call for unity in an increasingly fractured world. Dr. Survé’s words carried the weight of experience, shaped by his journey where he has long advocated for global cooperation,…

The skies were pregnant, heavy with rain, in most parts of Johannesburg over the weekend, and when they delivered in spitting starts on Sunday afternoon, a star — Relebohile Mofokeng — was reborn! Mofokeng scored a brace as Orlando Pirates kept the Betway Premiership race alive after beating log leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium. The win means that Pirates are now 15 points behind the Brazilians and could trim the gap to just three points if they win their four games in hand when they are eventually rescheduled. This was a fierce battle that required both sides to be at their best, as the Yellow Nation and The Ghost came out in numbers to support the two best teams in the country. In the end, it…

Chelsea's challenge for a place in next season's Uefa Champions League faltered in a toothless 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, while Fulham beat Tottenham 2-0. Mikel Merino scored the only goal of a disappointing contest at the Emirates, as Arsenal pulled clear in second place and to within 12 points of runaway leaders Liverpool. Chelsea badly missed the presence of the absent Cole Palmer due to injury as they meekly surrendered to a damaging defeat for their hopes of a top-four finish. The Blues remain in fourth for now but have five sides, from Manchester City in fifth to Aston Villa in ninth, within four points of Enzo Maresca's team. Both managers are hoping to be stronger after the upcoming international break. Bukayo Saka is nearing a return for…

Bafana Bafana have been one of the best nations on the continent, having finished third in the last Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Ivory Coast. That achievement was so significant that they are now not only expected to go all the way in the next edition but also to qualify for the World Cup. Bafana are in Group C for the group stage round, alongside Rwanda, Lesotho, Benin, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. They have already made strides toward reaching the global showpiece, sitting in second place in the group with seven points — level with leaders Rwanda. Hugo Broos’ men could reinforce their ambitions of returning to the tournament in North America by winning their next two games: at home against Lesotho on Friday and away to Benin four…