Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-20 i Star

The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) is anticipated to maintain its current interest rate at 7.5% per annum on Thursday, as it takes a measured approach to assess the potential ramifications of an impending value-added tax (VAT) increase. This decision comes amidst predictions of rising consumer inflation, which is expected to persist its upward trajectory in the forthcoming months. With economic pressures mounting, many are looking towards the Sarb's next moves as a litmus test for the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting households across the nation. The looming VAT hike, designed to bolster government revenue, raises questions on how it might influence day-to-day consumer spending and, ultimately, inflation rates. This comes as the annual headline consumer price inflation in South Africa showed resilience in February, remaining unchanged from January at 3.2%.…

South Africa's industrial policy needs a rethink in several areas, including the review of fossil fuel subsidies, which have tripled from R39 billion in the period between 2018 to 2023 to about R118bn in the current term with little tangible benefit for the economy. These are the views of a panel of experts during a discussion on Rethinking South Africa's Industrial Policy at the Trade and Industrial Policies Strategies (TIPS) webinar on Wednesday. They said the review also needed to encompass the country's carbon tax tariffs currently below $10 per ton on imports while the country's exports to market, including the European Union (EU) and the US and range between $30 per ton to R50 per ton. The increase was largely driven by the global energy crisis, with consumer subsidies…

Retail activity in South Africa kicked off 2025 with its best foot forward in January as consumers continued to benefit from a favorable economic environment leading them to have more spending power. Data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday revealed that retail trade sales, measured in real terms (constant 2019 prices), soared by 7.0% year-on-year, outpacing Bloomberg consensus forecasts of market expectations of a 3.9% hike. This follows a solid 3.2% increase in December 2024, signaling sustained momentum in consumer spending. The uptick was widespread, with all seven categories in the retail basket posting gains compared to January 2024. Leading the charge were general dealers, which recorded an 8.4% increase, contributing 3.6 percentage points to the headline figure. This category, accounting for over 40% of the retail…

The Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) is confident South Africa will be brought off the 40-country member Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist this year and will clear the hurdle of a new evaluation next year, delegates at the FSCA Industry conference heard on Wednesday. South Africa was placed on the FATF greylist in February 2023 due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks. Ismail Momoniat, from the National Treasury and has been actively involved in addressing these issues, said at the conference that in a sense the greylisting was good thing in that "it forced us to do things that are good for South Africa." Significant changes were also made at the FSCA to help address the deficiencies that were identified by the FATF.…

Exciting developments are planned for the Rand Show. CEO Adele Hartdegen announced a comprehensive upgrade to enhance the visitor experience, introducing a new online ticketing system, thrilling activities like helicopter flips, car drifting and renewal of licence discs. Expected to be "bigger and better, the show aims to foster family engagement and support small to medium-business partnerships. Hartdegen, who unveiled the 2025 edition during a media launch held at the Nasrec Expo on Wednesday, indicated that following the success of last year's edition, planning for this year's instalment began as soon as the 2024 edition was put to bed. For this, she said, they made use of extensive consumer feedback to ensure that this year's offering lives up to the high standards and expectations of their more than 80 000…

AS KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers prepares to table his budget next week, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has indicated that he wants a new palace and a larger vehicle fleet from the provincial government. This was revealed by the king’s representative, prince Gumbela Zulu after his meeting with the king on Wednesday. Zulu said the king told him that the new palace and additional vehicles to complement the existing fleet, were his priorities for this year. Zulu said the king also wants the government to help build the incomplete Mashobeni royal palace in Pongola in the north-east of the province - Misuzulu has already started the project with his own funds. The Mashobeni royal palace currently has a few thatched rondavels and during a recent imbizo to discuss Ithala and Ingonyama…

Pateka Maka, a resident of Lyttelton Manor in the City of Tshwane, is living in constant fear that her house might collapse or sink into the ground because of a sinkhole that appeared at the entrance of her yard in December last year. Compounding her anxiety is that the sinkhole is expanding with each rainfall, and she is uncertain about the rate and direction of the sinkhole’s growth. She fears the sinkhole may be spreading beneath her property and potentially damaging her house's foundation. “Every time it rains, the sinkhole sinks and if it is raining at night, I can’t sleep,” she said. The sinkhole has also taken a toll on Maka’s livelihood, as two of her tenants, fearing the ground might swallow them up, opted to vacate their rented…

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has written to key members of the Cabinet to request them to urgently clarify the cost to jobs and investment imposed by BEE barriers to economic growth in South Africa. The IRR has written to ministers Parks Tau (Trade, Industry, and Competition), Nomakhosazana Meth (Employment and Labour), Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (Small Business Development), and Ronald Lamola (International Relations and Cooperation). On the issue of attracting job-creating investment into South Africa in particular, these ministers form part of the framework of BEE compliance, and the cost of this to ordinary people. Says IRR Campaign Manager Makone Maja: “For an ailing economy that is in desperate need of growth as a means of achieving empowerment through employment, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) is a critical ingredient. Despite…

Competing in the 2025 Toyota Fortuner Challenge in the Western Cape’s Overberg Region was an experience unlike anything I've ever had before. I’ve taken part in many events, but the stakes had never been this high – winning a R1-million Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport adds a whole new level of pressure. My daily CrossFit, running and biking prepared me physically, while my engineering background helped with technical tasks such as solving puzzles and using our Garmin watches for navigation. Composure But maintaining composure with such a life-changing prize on the line was the real challenge. I’m incredibly grateful to have been paired with Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Saood Variawa, whose physical and mental toughness, along with his ability to stay calm under pressure, made all the difference. The challenge was well-organised,…

Amakhosi have been grinding hard through their struggles and despite the inconsistency they have shown this season, they can take a lot of confidence from the fact that through their difficulties, their current eighth league position has shown a lot of improvement compared to last season. The Glamour Boys ended up in 10th place last year, but as things stand, they are on course to surpass the points tally they achieved in that campaign. They also have a Nedbank Cup semi-final showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns to look forward to later this season after beating Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the quarter-finals. Currently on 29 points, Chiefs are only seven points away from the 36 points they achieved last season and with eight games left to gain a few more positions in…

Cricket South Africa have copped plenty of abuse recently – and rightly so – for their role in the Warriors being deducted points for not adhering to the transformation policies of the 1-Day Cup. That ultimately led to the Gqeberha-based team being eliminated from the competition by having their semi-final status revoked. The management of the entire situation could and should have been much better. Personally, I do feel that the Warriors transgressed, and were guilty of not conforming to the competition regulations. However, laws are sometimes meant to be challenged if they are deemed unjust, with the Warriors now leaving the ball in Cricket SA’s court with regards to reviewing an outdated transformation policy that has been in place for over a decade. Much of the abuse CSA have…

Google South Africa has heralded a new era for the continent with the official launch of its R2.5 billion Google Cloud region in Johannesburg. This significant infrastructure investment stands as a monumental stride in business and technology transformation, not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent. The introduction of this cloud region positions South Africa among the 40 global regions and 121 zones in Google Cloud's expansive network, delivering cutting-edge services to over 200 countries and territories. With the establishment of the cloud region, Africa gains access to the world's best data warehouse platform, a crucial asset for businesses seeking to leverage technology for growth and innovation. Ferdinand Steenkamp, co-founder at Tregter, a locally founded data company based in Cape Town, said bringing Google Cloud services closer…

Entrepreneurs often believe that with the right business idea and strategy, success is inevitable. While these factors are important, sustained business growth ultimately hinges on customer-centricity - putting your customers at the heart of everything you do. In today’s competitive market, customer loyalty is no longer guaranteed. Research shows that 70% of consumers worldwide have switched brands merely because they enjoy experimenting. Prioritising customer-centricity is critical to not only improve retention but also for keeping your business top-of-mind. Here are five ways you can make customer-centricity a core part of your business strategy: 1 Listen actively - engage meaningfully Too many businesses make assumptions about their customers without taking the time to listen. A customer-centric business actively gathers feedback and acts on it. This means conducting regular surveys, monitoring social…

Minister of Petroleum Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, has called for an aggressive push to explore fossil fuels and monetising South Africa’s indigenous resources in a bid to plug the national fiscus and grow the economy by an average of 5%. South Africa has not been able to exploit its oil and gas potential to its fullest on the back of legal challenges and litigation raised by local and international environmental groups. Speaking at the opening of the 4th Southern African Oil and Gas Conference in Cape Town on Wednesday, Mantashe said the fact that the Budget had to be revised for the first time in the history of the democratic government because parties did not agree with the proposed increase in VAT amid a tax revenue shortfall, highlighted a…

Get ready to rock as iconic musician Sting is bringing his tour to Gauteng this weekend. Sting 3.0 The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Sumner, will be joined on stage by virtuoso guitarist and long-time collaborator, Dominic Miller, as well as dynamic drummer Chris Maas, who previously worked with Mumford & Sons and Maggie Rogers. His South African visit is part of the Sting 3.0 tour, presented by Cherrytree Music Company and Big Concerts, powered by Hot 102.7 FM and in association with KFM 94.5. They will also perform at Cape Town’s Grand Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday while also taking the tour to several cities in the US as well as in Canada last year. Local fans can expect to be serenaded by some…

The demand for exploitative services involving children is increasing, from sexual exploitation, domestic slavery, child marriage, recruitment into armed groups, forced begging, and criminal activities. This was revealed in the report presented to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, warning about the alarming increase in trafficking in children. According to the report, presented by the special representative of the UN secretary-general on violence against children, Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, children make up almost four in 10 victims of trafficking worldwide. Maalla M’jid said that children, mainly girls, are increasingly vulnerable, as poverty, food insecurity, humanitarian crisis, and conflict lead to displacement and violence, which are among the main drivers of illegal trafficking. She said child trafficking remains a low-cost and low-risk, yet high-profits crime, generating billions of dollars annually.…

The Free State Development Corporation (FDC) is under growing scrutiny after going ahead with a highly questionable land transaction involving the Maanankoe Filling Station in Namahali, Qwaqwa, despite legal advice and regulatory concerns. The deal has raised serious questions about the corporation’s governance and adherence to state procedures. The Maanankoe Filling Station, operated by Mr KJ Litabe, has been part of a long-standing arrangement with BP South Africa since 1988. However, following the expiration of BP’s lease agreement, Litabe sought to purchase the property. In June 2017, he made an offer of R1.3 million. The FDC began exploring the possibility of selling the land, even though it was held under a “Permission to Occupy” (PTO) agreement with the Namahadi Tribal Council, which controls the land. The PTO status placed limits…

THE City of Johannesburg has approved a public participation process as part of the review of its social burial policy for indigent residents, saying the socio- economic conditions of the poor continue to deteriorate. The policy applies to Joburg residents who are South Africans and to foreign nationals who are in the country legally and are documented. Its social burial programmes offer assistance to cover the expenses associated with funeral services and cremation or facilitate the direct provision of these services. According to the policy, the city aims to create a framework to assist indigent households that are unable to bury their family members in a humane and dignified manner. The municipality states that its population now stands at 6.3 million, according to Statistics SA, and the Gauteng City…

IN A SOCIAL media post that has since blown up, Kelly Smith’s youngest brother has broken his silence after more than a year. Smith, the eldest of five siblings, who all live in the Northern Cape, is on trial for the disappearance of her daughter, Joshlin Smith. Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen “Boeta”Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn face charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. Earlier this week, her sister, police constable, Mickeyla Daniels, took the stand. Daniels, described as a blonde bombshell, had tongues wagging and social media in a frenzy with her looks. This led to social media users comparing the two, with many drawing comparisons between their looks, lifestyles, and their lives. The court heard Smith was taken in by her grandmother who reared her in Saldanha, while the…

Cape Town, recently crowned the best city in the world by "Time Out" magazine, is ready to welcome jazz lovers, music enthusiasts, and visitors from across the globe as it plays host to the 22nd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) on 25 and 26 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTCC). Renowned as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, this iconic festival will once again showcase over 30 artists across four spectacular stages - Kippies, Moses Molelekwa, Rosies and Manenberg - transforming the city into the heartbeat of world-class jazz, culture and entertainment. As the official host city, Cape Town is rolling out the red carpet for festinos, offering not just an unforgettable musical experience, but also the breathtaking beauty, rich history, and vibrant energy that make…

AS South Africa prepares to commemorate Human Rights Day tomorrow, a date that serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing battle for justice and equality, it is an opportune moment to delve into literature that encapsulates the essence of human rights. Books, with their ability to provoke thought and evoke emotion, are powerful vessels through which we can understand the multifaceted narratives of those who have fought against oppression. Here, we present four vital books that not only illuminate the struggle for human rights but they also inspire readers to engage with the ideals of freedom, dignity and justice. Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela Loot.co.za (R708) Little, Brown and Company A cornerstone of South African literature, Long Walk to Freedom is more than just an autobiography; it is…

While the current-generation Toyota Fortuner may be quite a few years old, Toyota has been revising the popular SUV over the years in an attempt to keep it up to date. The latest efforts from Toyota see the Fortuner receiving an exciting Gazoo-Racing Sport treatment. Notably, this is the first time that the automaker gives the Fortuner the GR-Sport treatment, unlike its Hilux sibling, which has been receiving the same treatment for several years now. In case you’re wondering, Toyota’s GR strategy consists of various packages which focus on different elements such as more power, suspension upgrades and cosmetics. The Hilux and now Fortuner employ the suspension package which sees a focus on functional beauty and a tuned suspension while adding slightly more performance to the recipe. Exterior The Toyota…

Lions captain Francke Horn says his team can’t afford any more mid-game “slumps” if they are to have a successful United Rugby Championship (URC) tour, starting on Friday night against Cardiff. In the Lions’ last game, they lost a cliffhanger to the Sharks 25-22, and Horn says they have identified where they went wrong. “In our review of the Sharks game, we saw that there was a five to ten-minute slump before half-time where we weren’t in the moment,” the 25-year-old said. “That obviously wasn’t good enough, and there were a few individual, basic errors at the end that cost us the game. But as teammates, we should back each other up and rectify each other’s mistakes. That is a crucial thing we must remember on tour.” Horn added that…

As the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season enters its final stretch, the battle for the top eight and the coveted third-place spot — which ensures a CAF Confederation Cup berth — is heating up. With the international break underway, teams are gearing up for a critical period where every match could make or break their season. The push for the Top 8 is fierce, with several clubs in contention for a place in next season’s MTN8. Equally significant is the race for third place, which guarantees a spot in continental competition, adding an extra layer of intensity to the final rounds of the campaign. In this piece, Smiso Msomi examines four clubs caught in this race — each fighting either for a Top 8 finish or aiming to secure the all-important…

All Share Index climbs more than 1%, breaching the 90 000 mark for the first time in history The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has seen a major rally this week, with the All Share Index climbing more than 1% on Wednesday, breaching the 90 000 mark for the first time in history. The rally was led by retailers and commodities as Pepkor's share price rose 6.3% followed by Mr Price at 5.9%. Truworths at 3.8% and TFG 3.5%, while African Rainbow Minerals rose by 4.7%, Anglo Gold at 3.6% and DRDGold at 3.0%. Investec economist, Annabel Bishop told Business Report on Wednesday that risks in investor sentiment had subsided now that the 2025 Budget had been tabled by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana. Bishop added added that copper prices…

Red meat farming associations have raised concern regarding the spread of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal. This follows Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announcing that the department would extend the boundaries of the Disease Management Area (DMA) first declared in 2021 following new cases being detected in Newcastle in northern KZN. The Department of Agriculture on Monday said that the disease has now spread beyond the initial Disease Management Area (DMA) declared in 2021, when outbreaks of the SAT2 FMD strain first emerged in the province. “No cloven-hoofed animals, their products, or genetic material may be moved to or within the DMA unless authorised by a state veterinary permit and in full compliance with the stipulated conditions of such permit,” it said. The department added that…

A country once known for its daring liberation ideals - meant to unshackle entrepreneurial culture and dreams from the jaws of apartheid - is now looking like a once respected 4x4 bakkie trapped in the icy mountains of Van Reenen’s Pass. To be honest, we do not have time to debate who is going to America or not. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South Africa (GEM SA) 2023-24 report, the nation’s physical infrastructure has already taken a short left on the way down the dangerous and rocky Sani Pass path (if you don’t know Sani Pass, consult the National Department of Tourism urgently). The report indicates that the nation’s physical infrastructure shrank from an adorable 6.60 rating in 2015 to a tiny shack of 4.45 in 2023. While we…

The business sector in South Africa has given a cautious approval to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) report concerning the Tobacco Bill consultations. Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has raised concerns over the involvement of international anti-tobacco NGOs such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) during negotiations with the government. It argued that inclusion of such NGOs in the government delegation “undermines the integrity of Nedlac’s structure and raises questions about the independence of South Africa’s policy-making” process. Moreover, the business sector has also expressed reservations over the final Nedlac report it said included “new information introduced unilaterally” by the government. It cited information covering key policy areas such as enforcement effectiveness, harm reduction, and the impact on employment in the tobacco sector. “These additions, which…

Ratepayers are concerned about the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approving a 12.74% tariff increase for Eskom direct customers for the 2025/2026 financial year. The announcement was made on Monday, and the changes in the tariff increases are expected to be implemented by 1 April 2025. Nersa said that it considered and approved the Eskom Retail Tariffs and Structural Adjustment (ERTSA) application with an average tariff increase of 12.74% for Eskom direct customers and 11.32% for municipalities. “The approved standard tariff increase of 12.74% will be implemented on 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026 for Eskom direct customers, and the 11.32% increase will be implemented on 1 July 2025 for municipal customers,” it said. The energy regulator added that the difference in percentage was brought about by…

Eskom has been rocked by an alleged job-for-pals scandal involving an executive in its Human Resources (HR) department and an employee who works in the finance department. This was after the HR executive Lebogang Letlape and Cathrine Mosotho, who works in finance, allegedly plotted the appointment of Mosotho’s boyfriend who was subsequently appointed as senior manager for operational technology and cyber security at Eskom Distribution. It has been alleged that Letlape was also part of the interview panel. The alleged boyfriend, Ezzard de Lange, apparently resigned last week after Eskom launched an investigation into the matter. The matter was reported by a whistleblower to the utility in March 2023, following De Lange’s appointment. According to the whistleblower, Mosotho visited Letlape’s home in Pretoria North to discuss the position on January…

The ANC’s collision with the Trump Administration has much relevance in terms of the exposure that it has produced and long-term American interests. Since the ending of white rule, international focus on South Africa declined significantly until the ANC’s inducement by Iran to accuse Israel of genocide in the ICJ. Then, with Trump shaking up the world order and re-examining US trade interests regarding AGOA (African Growth and Opportunities Act), the ANC rule of South Africa has come under the spotlight. ANC policies on property rights, racial discrimination and its relations with the pariah state of Iran, have once again placed South Africa in the arena of censure. This is ironic because it was the ANC’s campaign against apartheid which placed South Africa there in the 1980s. But then history…

Experience next-level photography with HONOR’s AI-powered innovation Johannesburg, 19 March 2025 - Smartphone photography has transformed how we document life, making professional-quality images accessible to everyone. From vibrant cityscapes in Johannesburg to breathtaking sunsets over Cape Town’s beaches, South Africans have embraced the art of lifestyle photography to capture their everyday moments. With the latest advancements in AI-driven smartphone cameras, global technology brand, HONOR, is redefining how users experience photography, ensuring every shot is crisp, vibrant, and full of life. The AI HONOR Image Engine: A Game-Changer for Lifestyle PhotographyHONOR’s commitment to photography innovation is evident in the AI HONOR Image Engine, which enhances image quality through cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Integrated into the HONOR Magic7 Series, this technology allows users to capture professional-grade images effortlessly, no matter the setting. Whether…

As 2025 commences, South Africans find themselves navigating a challenging economic landscape shaped by rising living costs, persistent inequality, and an unpredictable global economy. While the nation’s history of resilience shines through, the stark reality is that financial health remains elusive for many. Addressing these challenges requires more than individual effort; it demands systemic change, community collaboration, and a tailored approach to financial empowerment that acknowledges the diversity of economic realities in South Africa. The Reality of Economic Disparitie: South Africa’s economic disparities are among the widest in the world. The gap between the ultra-wealthy 1% and the vast majority of citizens living paycheck to paycheck underscores the urgent need for equitable solutions. For the financially vulnerable, survival often trumps saving, leaving little room for long-term financial planning. Informal economies,…

The minor fuel price cuts announced in early March are looking set to be followed by more significant decreases for both petrol and diesel in April. Data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to petrol price decreases in the region of 93 cents for 95 Unleaded and 80 cents for 93 Unleaded, while diesel prices look set to go down by between 92 cents (500ppm) and 94 cents (50ppm). Should these predictions materialise, the price of 95 Unleaded will drop to around R20.60 at the coast and R21.40 inland, where 93 should land around the R21.25 mark. The price of both grades of petrol came down by seven cents at the beginning of March. This followed increases of 82 cents in February, 19 cents in January, 17 cents…

AS he looks ahead to his 31st birthday, it might be judicious for Percy Tau to approach his current Bafana Bafana involvement as one of his last chances to stamp his legend status. Tau, the Emalahleni-born football star, will turn 31 on May 13. He made a return into coach Hugo Broos’ squad after a year's absence, which was due to his lack of game time during his last year with Egyptian giants Al Ahly. He has since moved to Qatar where he has been getting some commendable game time with Qatar SC. Tau, the one with a dangerous left foot, has over the past decade or so been among the main shining stars of South African football. As a matter of fact, maybe only Themba Zwane can give Tau…

It doesn’t get much bigger than facing RG Snyman – literally and figuratively – and the Bulls seem to be making a special plan to counter the Springbok giant. Current captain Reinhardt Ludwig has been operating at blindside flank for most of his senior career, but is now set to don the Bulls No 5 jersey in Saturday’s huge United Rugby Championship clash against Leinster at Loftus Versfeld (5pm start). The 22-year-old utility forward is not daunted by the challenge of taking on Snyman, though, especially with regular skipper Ruan Nortjé still out with a knee injury. Junior Springbok JF van Heerden has stepped into the No 5 breach in the meantime, but Ludwig is set to shift from blindside flank to lock this weekend. Asked about his thoughts of…

Kenya’s new head coach, Benni McCarthy, is excited about the challenge of guiding the Harambee Stars in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with their campaign kicking off against Gambia at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium on Thursday, 20 March. Kick-off is set for 9pm. Kenya have faced a bumpy start in Group F, drawing two crucial matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Currently sitting in fourth place, Kenya finds themselves five points behind leaders Ivory Coast after four games. McCarthy, who is leading Kenya for the first time, was open about the excitement of the journey ahead. “I'm thrilled to be part of these qualifiers for the first time as head coach. This is an exciting group of players, and I’m looking forward to working with them as…