Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-06 i Star

South Africa’s economy continues to be threatened by illegal trade, specifically in sectors such as alcohol, tobacco, food items, pharmaceuticals, agri-chemicals, counterfeiting, mining, and wildlife trafficking. Illicit trade in tobacco and alcohol alone is estimated to cost government R30 billion a year in lost revenue. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s recent reversal of a 0.5 percentage point VAT hike will leave the fiscus with an estimated shortfall of R75bn. This is according to the South Africa Illicit Economy 2.0 Report, launched by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) in conjunction with Business Unity South Africa. “Illicit trade continues to pose a serious threat to South Africa’s economic stability, governance, and international standing,” the report said. This comes at a time when the country is endeavouring to get itself removed…

The South African rand strengthened on Monday to its highest levels in five weeks, after state utility Eskom said it was optimistic about the power outlook over the southern hemisphere winter, aiming for no electricity cuts in the next four months. Africa's most industrialised nation has experienced recurring power cuts for more than a decade that have constrained economic growth. Despite Eskom's efforts to significantly reduce outages from the record levels seen in 2023, investor confidence remains shaky due to 14 days of power cuts in January-April this year which Chief Executive Dan Marokane described as a temporary setback. At 1110 GMT, the rand traded at 18.2850 against the dollar , roughly 0.7% stronger than Friday's close. The greenback last traded slightly weaker against a basket of currencies as investors…

As a young professional, I walked into my first board meeting armed with a flagged and highlighted board-pack, binders of governance codes and well-studied charters, convinced that compliance was enough. In my mind, corporate governance was a sophisticated checklist; if we ticked all the boxes of compliance, we were doing a good job. I was wrong. That illusion shattered when an irregularity came up for discussion. Technically, the issue could have been swept under the rug without breaking any laws. It took one seasoned director who wisely advised, “Good governance isn’t about what you can get away with, but it’s about doing the right thing.” At that moment, I realised that governance is not just about compliance, but rather a matter of character. Too often, boards and executives reduce corporate…

Technology has been a force for good and bad. Sadly, we have hyped mostly the good and shied away from highlighting its negative elements. As a result, our society is less informed about the real impact of technology. Leaders and communities often adopt technologies without fully understanding the true cost, risks and implications of embracing technology. Throughout my career as a technologist, storyteller and analyst I’ve always felt the need to have conversations with an intention to better inform our society. I have a view that society often adopts tech without fully understanding its real implications. This is partly because the technology ecosystem is offered in a way that grants you limited freedom to choose. It creates an impression that you have a choice, however that choice is often…

MTN South Africa said it will offer 1.2 million of its prepaid customers 4G smartphones for as little as R99 ($5.42) to support digital adoption for low-income households, as the country gears up to switch off 2G and 3G technologies. The initiative will be executed in three phases, starting this month until the end of 2026. In phase one, 5 000 "carefully selected" customers, based on usage profiles, spending patterns, and tenure, will be offered 4G smartphones, mainly in Gauteng province, MTN said in a statement on Monday. In phase two, more than 130 000 customers nationally will be offered the devices and then in the third phase, more than 1.1 million MTN customers across the country will benefit. The initiative comes as South Africa plans a total shutdown of…

Peabody Energy has taken a significant step in its planned acquisition of steelmaking coal assets from Anglo American Plc by formally notifying the latter of a Material Adverse Change (MAC). This pivotal development stems from complications related to the Moranbah North Mine, which has remained inactive since a gas ignition event occurred on March 31, 2025. Last month, Anglo American confirmed that it was engaging Peabody Energy in discussions to finalise the disposal of its Australian steelmaking coal assets to the United States-based company for $3.7 billion. In a statement on Monday, Peabody’s President and CEO, Jim Grech, expressed the company's challenge. "While we have remained on track to complete the steelmaking coal acquisition from Anglo, the issues at Moranbah North have created significant uncertainty around the transaction," Grech said.…

Jury selection for the trial of music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in connection with allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering is underway. Combs, 55, has been awaiting his day in court since last year on accusations of leading a crime ring that prosecutors say coerced victims into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, insisting that any sex acts were consensual. At a recent hearing, his attorney Marc Agnifilo offered a preview of his team’s defence by describing the artist’s free-wheeling “swinger” lifestyle. The prosecution said in court it had offered Combs a plea deal, the specifics were not disclosed, but that he had rejected it. If convicted, the one-time rap producer and global superstar, who is often credited for his role…

A primary school in Riverlea, Johannesburg, was gutted by fire last week in what many residents and authorities now suspect was a deliberate act of arson. The blaze, which tore through classrooms and administrative offices late at night, has left the school unusable and the local community reeling. Firefighters responded to the call early morning last week Tuesday, but by the time the flames were brought under control, much of the school’s infrastructure had been destroyed. No injuries were reported, but the damage is extensive, leaving hundreds of learners without a place to study as the academic year continues. As the smoke clears, disturbing allegations are emerging. According to several residents, there had been rising tensions among school staff in the months leading up to the fire. Some believe these…

South African citizens could soon be able to apply for passports and smart ID cards through their banking apps, eliminating the need to visit Home Affairs offices or even bank branches. This potential leap forward was recently confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, following an inquiry by MyBroadband. According to Schreiber, the department is actively working towards the goal of delivering core Home Affairs services virtually, with the integration into banking apps forming a key part of that vision. “Our goal is to enable our services to be available virtually, including through banking apps, so that clients can access those services from the comfort of their own homes,” Schreiber told MyBroadband. He emphasised that the current rollout of Home Affairs services at selected bank branches is a vital step…

The City of Ekurhuleni has issued 389 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers, who participated in an illegal strike last month that caused widespread traffic disruptions across key highways with pre-dismissal notices. “The City of Ekurhuleni has commenced disciplinary measures against 389 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officers following their participation in an illegal strike and blockade of critical highways on March 19, 2025,” City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed. Last month, IOL News reported that the strike, which saw EMPD officers protesting over overtime pay and salary adjustments, led to major traffic jams on arterial routes. Videos and images shared on social media showed uniformed officers blocking vehicles while holding signs that read, “Adjust our salaries or take your guns.” Key routes impacted by the protest included the R24 westbound between…

ANC Gauteng co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has emphasised the need for firm and immediate action to address the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the province and in informal settlements. He warned that the issue threatens public services, law and order, and national sovereignty. Speaking at the ANC’s two-day Gauteng Legotla, Lesufi said the situation has become unsustainable, pointing to Marry Me informal settlements in Tshwane as one of many examples. “I can tell you, comrades, it's not Marry Me alone. There are many other similar things that are like in Marry Me,” he said. Lesufi raised alarm over the growing number of undocumented people living in South African informal settlements: “Comrades, we can't have an informal settlement where over 65% of its citizens are undocumented foreign residents in our own…

THE Finance Minister in South Africa has decided not to impose the 0.5% increase in VAT proposed for May 1, 2025. This comes after weeks of political tussle and debate between members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as well as various parties. Indeed, this point may be the reason for a potential abrogation of the GNU. The increase of 0.5% on May 1 and a further 0.5% in a year was expected to add a cumulative R30 billion to our national revenue, while the SRD grant of R370 per month introduced during Covid-19 and continued over the years to come to the rescue of the poor has been cancelled to assist the minister with a further R35 billion. These austerity measures are critically needed to stabilise public finances…

The Blitzboks haven’t fired on all cylinders this season, but this past weekend they delivered an outstanding performance that brought them the SVNS World Championship title in Los Angeles. Defeating Spain 19-5 in the final in the early hours of Monday morning (SA time) at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Springboks Sevens brought the curtain down on a season with ups and downs by claiming the spoils of the final tournament. They took the tough road to the title but won it in style. Their performance, especially on defence, was reminiscent of the Blitzboks side that dominated the World Series when current head coach Philip Snyman was still the captain. Snyman’s troops showed over the weekend why they shouldn’t be written off even if the season did not entirely go…

Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season, describing it as the "hardest decision" of his life ahead of a widely expected move to Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of June, and the England right-back’s future has been the subject of intense speculation throughout Liverpool’s Premier League title charge this season. "After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season," the 26-year-old posted on X. "This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life." Reports suggest contract negotiations over a free transfer to Real Madrid are at an advanced stage. He will depart as a Premier League champion,…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning in its April 2025 outlook, highlighting the critical issue of rising global debt. As nations grapple with increasing public finances, the IMF suggested that a re-evaluation of fiscal frameworks was imperative to navigate an uncertain economic landscape. According to the IMF, existing major policy shifts—particularly recent tariff announcements by the United States, which have prompted retaliatory measures from other countries—were driving financial market volatility and weakening growth prospects. This backdrop of escalating uncertainty was exacerbated by already high levels of debt in multiple countries, further strained by the necessity of accommodating indelible increases in spending, including defence budgets. The IMF projects that global public debt will surge by 2.8 percentage points in 2025, more than double the estimates for the…

South Africa's Democratic Alliance party is going to court to challenge a new employment law that sets racial targets for large employers in an attempt to address the economic inequality that is a persistent legacy of former racist white minority rule. The Employment Equity Amendment Act, which came into effect in January, allows the labour minister to set targets per sector for the number of non-white people and women who should be in management-level and professionally qualified roles. The DA, the second-biggest party in government, will argue in court on Tuesday that it is unconstitutional, party officials said on Monday, in a case that is causing further friction with its bigger coalition partner, the African National Congress. The topic is especially heated since U.S. President Donald Trump condemned South Africa…

Louis Brandeis famously coined the phrase, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant”. Given the repeated willful misrepresentations peddled by the steel mini mill companies of the Electric Steel Producers Association (ESPA), it is in the public interest not only to set the record straight regarding their unfounded claims, but to reveal the inconvenient truth behind their operations. Before doing so, it may be useful to provide some context regarding the steelindustry. A sustainable steel industry in South Africa will be able to contribute to economic growth and job creation, support infrastructure development and contribute to the country’s decarbonisation goals, while at the same time creating an opportunity for the development and export of greener steel. Unfortunately, the sustainability of the steel industry has been threatened due to national constraints such as…

As ransomware attacks become increasingly common, businesses must understand the difference between traditional Disaster Recovery (DR) and Cyber Recovery strategies. While DR centres on restoring IT operations following events like natural disasters, hardware failures or accidents, Cyber Recovery is specifically tailored to address intentional cyber threats such as ransomware and data breaches. Traditionally, DR included elements of cyber response to attacks. However, in recent years, cyberattacks have become so sophisticated and severe that they are now differentiated from DR for several reasons. A significant factor is the changing nature of attack vectors. Today's cyberattacks employ various methods, resulting in greater complexity compared to traditional DR, which has now undergone significant classification changes in the past decade. DR generally focuses on natural disasters, equipment malfunctions and accidental events, so when these…

South Africa's real estate sector continues to defy global and local market volatility and retail property in particular reflects a "remarkable recovery," according to Standard Bank Real Estate Coverage senior vice president Simon Fiford. “We've witnessed significant movements across global markets, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and ongoing volatility driven by persistent macroeconomic headwinds,” he said in a note on Monday. Anchor Capital CE Peter Armitage and co-chief investment officer Nolan Wapenaar said recent weeks, notably the first few weeks of April, were dominated by the more aggressive than expected approach by US President Donald Trump on import tariffs and fractures in South Africa’s Government of National Unity following Treasury’s bungled attempt to raise VAT. Currently, all global asset classes had slightly lower than expected returns on their outlooks, due to the…

The 2025 Metro FM Music Awards shone a light on the rising artists who are currently dominating the airwaves. New kids on the block, Usimamane, Woodblock DJs and Naledi Aphiwe were some of the night’s biggest winners, managing to get enough votes to clinch the prestigious award. Musician Mawelele walked away with two awards; Best RnB Song for his collaboration All my Life with multi-award winning rapper Kwesta, and his love ballad Romeo and Juliet with Naledi Aphiwe won Best African Pop Song. Powerhouse gospel vocalist Xolly Mncgwango won two awards, both being awards of hotly contested categories: Best Female and Best Gospel Album. Mncgwango’s tribute to the fallen stars left many in awe. Rapper Usimamane, who has been having an amazing run since his successful debut album 20th: Days…

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs headed to court yesterday as jury selection began in a high-stakes criminal trial that could lead to a life sentence if he is convicted. The trial follows a bombshell civil lawsuit filed by his former longtime girlfriend, who has accused the music icon of sex trafficking and a pattern of abuse spanning years. The civil suit, filed earlier this year, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. In it, the unnamed plaintiff, described in court documents as a woman who was in a long-term relationship with Combs, alleged that the artist used his power and influence to control, exploit, and traffic her and other women. Though Combs has vehemently denied the claims, federal prosecutors have now brought criminal charges that echo key details of the civil…

The trial of five men accused of killing former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates star goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa resumed before the North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria yesterday, where it was postponed again. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has postponed the matter to May 19 for further cross-examination of the lead investigating officer in the murder case, Brigadier Bongani Gininda. Last week, IOL reported that the trial has struggled to resume following the untimely death of defence advocate Thulani Mngomezulu. The legal eagle succumbed to illness in the early hours of December 10, 2024, at the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Gauteng. Mngomezulu represented Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and following his demise, one of the defence lawyers, advocate Charles Mnisi, announced that he would be representing the murder- accused Sibiya. Last month, after a…

Four people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Pretoria journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. The couple was last seen on February 18, 2025, leaving their home in Mpumalanga in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf. Yesterday national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the first suspect was the last person to be seen in the company of the missing couple. “The second, third and fourth suspects that have been arrested were found with different vehicle parts believed to be that of the missing journalist. One of those arrested is said to be a mechanic who builds and fixes cars in the KwaMhlanga area. Two Volkswagen Citi Golfs that were found in (the) possession of the suspects have been seized,” said Mathe. Mathe added…

DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has vowed that the government will put stringent measures in place to ensure that the proposed R100 billion transformation fund does not end up in the wrong hands. The fund, proposed by Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau earlier this year, aims to create a R100 billion pool to support businesses owned by black entrepreneurs and drive inclusive growth across South Africa's economy, with R20 billion set to be allocated annually over the next five years. The proposed fund has faced criticism from several political parties, including the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus, who argue that it is merely a rebranding of unsuccessful programmes from the past. Tau has maintained that participation in the fund would be voluntary and emphasised that the government would…

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has sounded the alarm over the growing number of people in the province who have been defaulting on life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, revealing that more than 200 000 individuals are believed to have stopped taking their medication. Simelane is calling on them to urgently return to care as the province intensifies its efforts under the Close the Gap campaign which is a national initiative aimed at re-enrolling more than 1.1 million South Africans who have stopped HIV treatment. The KZN health department has committed to tracing and bringing back 117 616 ARV defaulters by December. “We are really determined to bring people back on treatment,” Simelane said during a recent Department’s KZN Health Chat programme. “No one should die because they’ve stopped taking medication…

Prof Takatso Mofokeng stood up in one of the academic seminars and boldly stated, “It is difficult to love the poor.” I agree that this it is a very sensitive and dangerous statement to make because it might be manipulated, misinterpreted, and abused by different people for their purposes, including a nonsensical justification and end; though Mofokeng’s statement meant something that was never intended to offend, ridicule, undermine, and disrespect the poor. Mofokeng instead was highlighting an important fact that to love the poor is not something easy but a difficult commitment, as it comes with certain expectations and sacrifices. In the process of loving the poor there is an expectation to share one’s resources and at times neglecting oneself and his/her family and at times taking an oath of…

Rwanda now marks 31 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. For many, 7 April is just another day. For Rwandans, it is sacred — a moment to remember more than one million lives erased in 100 days, and to recommit ourselves to the fragile, urgent work of peace, justice, and historical honesty. At the Kwibuka 31 commemoration in Pretoria, I addressed diplomats, survivors, youth, members of our community, and friends of Rwanda with a message not of despair but of defiant hope. The genocide’s legacy is not solely one of suffering; it is also one of resilience, renewal, accountability, and the power of memory transformed into action. Each 7 April, Rwanda’s flame of remembrance burns for 100 days — one for every day of horror in 1994, when…

The autumn sun shone brightly over Kaizer Chiefs’ base in Naturena on Monday morning, as midfielder Gaston Sirino soaked it all in. The Uruguayan addressed the media with composure and clarity, fielding questions with confidence. His responses were articulate — impressive for someone who has only recently learned English. It was as though he had anticipated the questions, hardly hesitating as he expressed himself. Sirino has shown that same character since his arrival in South Africa, where he achieved domestic success with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning every trophy available. His performances were so impressive that, at one stage, there were even calls for him to be naturalised and represent Bafana Bafana—though that never materialised. His unexpected move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Chiefs last season surprised many, given his success with the…

Barcelona visit Inter Milan in a tantalising Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg, clash on Tuesday, with Raphinha's latest contribution in the club's spectacular European run ensuring the tie restarts on a knife-edge. For once this season, the statistics did not fully reflect the Brazilian's part in Barcelona’s third goal in the 3–3 first-leg draw, as his vicious strike hit the crossbar and bounced in off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer for an own goal. Despite that, his Champions League numbers are spectacular and a just representation of the key role Raphinha plays in Hansi Flick's relentless attacking machine. Raphinha has scored 12 goals in 13 European matches and set up nine more — if you include his assist for Sommer's own goal, that’s 21 goal contributions — while opponents Inter…

Power utility outlines comprehensive plan to ensure a more stable electricity supply Eskom is entering the winter of 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism, reporting significant improvements in its performance metrics while acknowledging ongoing operational challenges. In the latest winter outlook from 1 April to 31 August 2025, the power utility on Monday outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring a more stable electricity supply during the colder months. According to Eskom CEO Dan Marokane, the winter preparations were a testament to the hard-earned victories achieved over the past year. “Against this progress, we have seen some setbacks in operational excellence, as evidenced by the recent loadshedding requirements between January to April 2025,” Marokane said. “A targeted plan has been put in place to reinforce operational discipline and accelerate…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has proposed the establishment of three dedicated war rooms focusing on pivotal areas: the economy and jobs, poverty and hunger, and clean governance. Speaking at a business breakfast session and launch of the Transformation Fund at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria, Mashatile on Monday said the country currently faced one of the highest levels of economic inequality globally, with a Gini co-efficient of 0.63 and a poverty rate of 17.82% highlighting the significant disparity in income and wealth. "The war rooms will not follow the normal Cabinet process but instead, they will take a deliverology approach, which is the discipline of getting things done. We will do stock takes, deep dives, and intervene decisively where there is no progress," Mashatile said. He said…

The Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) has revealed a brighter outlook for South Africa's maize farmers, forecasting a commercial maize crop of 14.664 million tons for 2025. This represents a significant increase of 0.72%—or 105 200 tons—over the previous estimate of 14.559 million tons. Farmers and agricultural experts alike are heralding this news as a positive sign for the sector, noting the forecasted crop's 14.12% leap compared to the 2024 harvest, which amounted to 1.814 million tons more. According to the CEC's findings, the yield is set at 5.65 tons per hectare, with the three primary maize-producing regions—Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West—projected to contribute 81% of the total 2025 crop. The report breaks down the maize production further, estimating that white maize will account for 7.757 million tons, a gain…

Gold Fields has clinched the deal to acquire full control of Gold Road Resources after offering terms worth A$3.7 billion, higher than the A$3.3bn offer that the Australia-listed mining group initially rejected. Gold Fields said Monday the R44bn agreement had been reached between them at A$3.40 per Gold Road share. Gold Road’s share price notched up 9.4% on the Australian Stock Exchange to A$3.25 per share on Monday, while on the JSE, Gold Fields’ share price surged 5.55% to R416.35. Gold Fields’ subsidiary, Gruyere Holdings, had entered into a binding scheme to acquire 100% of the share capital of Gold Road that it does not already own by way of an Australian scheme of arrangement, a statement from the Johannesburg-based global mining group said. “The consolidation of our ownership in…

A seismic shift is unfolding within the ANC as whispers of a behind-the-scenes campaign to position billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe as a future president of South Africa. Though not officially confirmed, several senior ANC members are said to be quietly rallying behind Motsepe with the 2027 ANC elective conference in their sights. According to well-placed sources, preliminary campaign materials have already been drafted, envisioning a leadership trio of Motsepe as President, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu as Deputy President and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane as Secretary General. This shadow campaign, though still unofficial, has sparked speculation that a long game is being played, with Motsepe at the centre of a potential power base within the ruling ANC. Motsepe, founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, has never…

In a shocking twist, a 68-year-old pastor has been arrested for allegedly fabricating a hijacking incident. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that on May 2, the 68-year-old pastor approached the Westenburg police station to report a hijacking incident that occurred along the R37 road. “The suspect claimed that on 11 April 2025, at around 09:00, he was driving a Daihatsu Terios towards Polokwane when he picked up two hitchhikers who were headed in the same direction,” said Ledwaba. Ledwaba added that the pastor claimed he was hijacked at gunpoint by the two hitchhikers shortly after offering them a lift and later found his vehicle abandoned along the R37 without its gearbox. According to Ledwaba, the investigation took police to a scrapyard in the Lebowakgomo policing area, where the…

THE woman accused of burning down Joshlin Smith’s home appeared in Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. Monique Kekana, 27, stood in the dock alone after she was arrested on Friday night on the scene in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay. The incident happened just hours after the six-year-old girl’s mom, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘‘Boeta’’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘‘Steffie’’ van Rhyn were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking at the Western Cape High Court. Joshlin went missing from her home on February 19, 2024. She had been in the care of Appollis when she vanished around 2pm. She had missed school, her mom said she had been unwell, and also that her uniform was dirty. The trio was arrested two weeks after the incident. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm…

WHILE the latest data for South Africa showed an easing in inflation, food prices in the country saw a sharp increase. Data released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) in its April 2025 Household Affordability Index showed that the price of a basic food basket increased by almost R100 month-on-month. In April, consumers had to fork out R5 420.30 to fill up a basic food basket. That means the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R90.94 (1.7%), from R5 329.36 in March 2025. The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R83.99 (1.6%) year-on-year, from R5 336.31 in April 2024 to R5 420.30 in April 2025. In April, of the 44 foods tracked in the basket, 24 foods increased in price, and…

Investors are underestimating the scale and trajectory of the US dollar’s decline — both in value and in its long-standing role as the world’s unrivalled reserve currency — warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organisations. The greenback has had its weakest start to a year since 2008, down more than 4% on the Dollar Index (DXY), as markets begin to digest interest rate cut expectations, a revival of protectionist trade policies, and rising geopolitical friction under the Trump administration. But despite these signals, investor reaction remains muted. “We don’t believe this is a short-term wobble. It’s the opening phase of a steady but far-reaching shift,” says Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group. “Dollar supremacy isn’t vanishing overnight, but its era…

Proteas’ bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return to action, and will be eligible for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia next month. The 29-year-old seamer dropped a bombshell on Saturday when he revealed he had been serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for a banned substance – a non-specified recreational drug. However, IOL Sport reported on Monday morning that Rabada had since returned to India and was free to play for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. On Monday afternoon, the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) issued a statement confirming that Rabada had failed a drugs test on January 21 during the SA20. The player was informed of the results on April 1, and left his IPL franchise two days later to return…

The Bulls will look to maintain winning momentum in their final two matches of the United Rugby Championship (URC) round-robin phase, starting with Cardiff on Saturday in Pretoria. After their famous exploits in Ireland and Scotland a fortnight ago, the Jake White-coached outfit knows that full points from both clashes could propel them into second place on the log ahead of the Glasgow Warriors. Following two impressive overseas performances that saw them beat defending champions Glasgow and Munster, a former title-winning side, White’s troops should have the advantage in the decisive fixtures. They are on a four-match winning streak since losing to the Stormers at Loftus but have comfortably looked like South Africa’s premier side in the URC. White has underlined the importance of finishing strong, especially as the final…

With Liverpool’s dominance having turned the race for the English Premier League title into a doddle, at least the dash for Uefa Champions League football next season has given footie fans something to get excited about in the run-in. Surprise package Nottingham Forest had the potential to join Newcastle United (fourth) and Chelsea (fifth) on 63 points with victory over Crystal Palace on Monday night. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men seemed to have blown their chance with a recent dip in form, but they are still firmly in with a shout, no matter last night’s result. Their remaining fixtures are against relegated Leicester, struggling West Ham and Chelsea, which could be a straight shoot-out for a Champions League spot. The Blues were arguably gifted three points as part of Arne Slot’s…

McLaren continued their dominant run in the 2025 season with a brilliant one-two finish at the Miami Grand Prix. The Surrey-based outfit are now the undoubted favourite to reclaim the constructors’ championship, despite only six races having been completed. They hold a commanding 106-point lead over second-placed Mercedes (141 points), with Red Bull trailing further behind on 105 points. Though Oscar Piastri has carved out an early lead, the world drivers’ championship remains wide open, as fierce wheel-to-wheel battles stir memories of the electrifying 2021 duel between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Here, Obakeng Meletse unpacks three key talking points from an action-packed Miami GP weekend. Playing catch-up Lando Norris’ hunger to reignite his season backfired once again, as his aggressive duel with Verstappen cost him valuable track position and…