Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-03 i Star

Airlines on Monday revised down their traffic and profit forecasts for 2025, citing "headwinds" for the global economy, with industry chiefs warning of the risk of increased tariffs impacting the sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates fewer than five billion air journeys will take place this year, compared with the previously forecast 5.22 billion. "The first half of 2025 has brought significant uncertainties to global markets," IATA's Director General Willie Walsh told its annual general meeting in New Delhi. But he added: "Considering the headwinds, it's a strong result that demonstrates the resilience that airlines have worked hard to fortify." Cumulative airline profits will reach $36 billion (R646bn) this year, $600 million less than expected, IATA said. Commercial aviation revenues are expected to remain below the $1 trillion…

In today’s boardrooms, digital transformation is no longer a distant theme reserved for CIOs and consultants. It is a central governance concern; one that demands fluency, not just familiarity. As companies confront the disruptive tides of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity risks and evolving data ecosystems, a sobering question emerges: are boards equipped to govern in the digital age? While legislation in most jurisdictions does not yet mandate digital literacy as a formal prerequisite for directorship, it is increasingly becoming an unspoken expectation among investors, regulators and stakeholders who demand boards capable of navigating complex digital landscapes. A board that lacks digital fluency cannot effectively interrogate strategy, oversee risk, or drive innovation. Digital illiteracy has moved from the margins of boardroom discourse to the heart of strategic risk. The Cell C case…

The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This was according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who noted that while discussions at last year’s Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year's event marked a decisive shift, from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. “In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain’s possibilities, but in 2025, the emphasis was on practical applications, particularly in the realms of stablecoins and AI. The discussion revealed that financial innovation, including digital currencies, is increasingly viewed as foundational to governance and…

Raubex Group’s share price shot up 8.8% on Monday after the infrastructure, development, and construction materials supply group reported a strong balance sheet, a healthy cash balance, and a solid R28.28 billion order book for the year to end-February 28, 2025. “Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions across the globe, and the many local challenges we are all so familiar with, Raubex prevailed to deliver another robust set of results,” Felicia Msiza, the CEO of Raubex, said in a statement. The order book increased by 10.3%. She said their diversification strategy has been a big reason for their strong performance over the past five decades. The share price traded at R44.42 on the JSE Monday morning, having gained just over 25% over a year. Raubex’s results were delayed on May 9, 2025,…

The wait is almost over for South African sensation Tyla’s new song, featured on the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack. After teasing fans with the movie’s trailer and a few soundtrack drops, including Rihanna’s Friend of Mine and DJ Khaled’s Higher Love, fans are eagerly anticipating the Push 2 Start singer’s original track. According to the latest updates, the soundtrack, which includes an original song by the Bliss hitmaker, is set to drop on Friday, June 13. While Rihanna’s Friend of Mine received mixed reviews from fans, who were expecting a bigger comeback from the music icon, Tyla’s song is expected to bring a fresh vibe to the soundtrack. The song’s style and sound are yet to be revealed, but the eight-second clip that is circulating gives just enough of a…

Former South African president Jacob Zuma has issued a pointed rebuke of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent diplomatic outreach to the United States, suggesting that foreign involvement in domestic matters undermines national sovereignty. Addressing a crowd of his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party supporters in KwaMaphumulo over the weekend, Zuma questioned the legitimacy and wisdom of appealing to international actors, particularly the United States, for assistance with South Africa’s internal challenges. “Why must we expect strangers, sitting in Washington, to understand what we are going through?” Zuma asked during his speech. “We know our problems better than anyone else. We should be the ones to solve them.” The comments come just weeks after President Ramaphosa led a high-profile ministerial delegation to Washington, DC, to mend strained diplomatic ties with the Trump administration…

The ANC Peter Mokaba Regional Conference in Limpopo may face a rerun after supporters of Mamedupi Teffo, the ANC Women’s League Provincial Chairperson and Capricorn District Mayor, launched a complaint against the chaotic conference. The conference, which was held at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, saw Polokwane Mayor John Mpe reelected as chairperson unopposed, despite allegations of irregularities and internal disputes. Teffo was to challenge Mpe, but did not in protest against the alleged irregularities. According to documents shared on social media, 31 branches were allegedly disqualified in a final dispute report, leaving only 74 qualifying branches – below the required 70% threshold of 79 branches. Delegates who raised these issues argued that the conference should not have proceeded without addressing outstanding disputes. Some delegates accused the Regional Task Team…

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the US will double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, a move he says is meant to protect American workers and industries. Starting tomorrow, tariffs on imported steel will rise from 25% to 50%, with aluminium tariffs also increasing to the same level. Speaking to a crowd of workers at a US Steel plant in Pennsylvania – a key battleground state – Trump said, “Nobody’s going to get around that.” He emphasised that boosting tariffs would help keep steel jobs in the US and claimed that the very plant he was speaking at might not still exist without the tariffs he had imposed during his first term. Shortly after the speech, Trump confirmed the expanded tariffs on his social media platform, ‘‘Truth Social’’,…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso was gracious in defeat after missing out on the CAF Champions League title, admitting that Pyramids had upped the ante. Sundowns’ long wait to win a second continental crown continued on Sunday night in Cairo, as they lost 3–2 on aggregate in the final to Pyramids. The Pharaohs completed most of the job at home, at the 30 June Stadium, winning the second leg 2–1 on the night following a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria. Coach Krunoslav Jurčić’s players deserved the victory, as they were at their best from start to finish, capitalising on Sundowns’ mistakes in both goals. Grant Kekana made a poor clearance in his own box, allowing Fiston Mayele to pounce, before Ahmed Samy headed home from close range.…

The weekend’s United Rugby Championship quarter-finals left the impression that the consistent Bull, Cameron Hanekom, has stretched his legs towards the Springbok No 8 jersey temporarily vacated by the injured Jasper Wiese. Another strong performance by Hanekom in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Sharks will surely secure him the position. In April, Wiese’s season in Japan came to a halt when he picked up a neck injury, prompting a return to South Africa for surgery. The 29-year-old is on the mend, but he is not on course for a comeback in time for the Springbok season that kicks off at the end of June. The Boks warm up with a game against the Barbarians in Cape Town before their first meaningful engagement, the two-Test series against Italy in…

The third round of the 1995 Rugby World Cup began in tragedy. The match between Tonga and Ivory Coast had barely kicked off when Ivorian wing Max Brito collected a high ball. He was tackled fairly, but following the ensuing ruck, Brito was left prone on his back. He had been paralysed in a freak accident. It remains the darkest day in the history of the Rugby World Cup. Brito was quickly airlifted to hospital, but the damage was permanent. He would spend 25 years in a wheelchair before passing away in 2022 at the age of 54. The match itself was otherwise forgettable, as the two teams fought to avoid finishing bottom of their pool. The West Africans showed improvement from their opening game, where they at times appeared…

More mergers and acquisitions are expected for the global copper market in which South Africa is emerging as a key player amid a projected supply deficit. There has been a flurry of investment activity in copper in the past few months, with Harmony Gold saying last week that it was acquiring Harmony the CSA Copper mine in Australia for R18.4 billion. Last year, PwC said “the global pursuit of a just energy transition and the need for consolidation are reshaping the landscape of the South African mining” industry. Now, analysts say there is likely to be further merger and acquisition activity in the South African and global copper industry. Zimele Mbanjwa, an investment research analyst at FNB Wealth & Investments, told Business Report that single commodity producers are increasingly setting…

Bringing billionaire Elon Musk’s controversial satellite internet system, Starlink, into South Africa’s airspace is in the country’s national interest because it will help meet its developmental goals, said Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes. During a conference on illicit financial flows, mobilising domestic resources, and financing for development, hosted at SGN Grant Thornton’s offices at the end of last week, Botes said that any trade agreement would be subordinate to the Constitution and must facilitate development. Botes also hinted at government’s policy towards trade agreements with the United States following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with Trump on May 21. He said that the county’s policies are “not subordinate to trade incentives”. The Deputy Minister added: “We can only speak about what our constitutional imperatives…

Over the past few years it’s been predicted that robots will live amongst. In 2025, we are beginning to see signs that they almost here. Some of the leading technology companies are developing their humanoid robots. Tesla Optimus is is a general-purpose robotic humanoid under development by Tesla, it was announced at the company's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021, and a prototype was shown in 2022. What’s interesting about the robot is that the Tesla CEO Elon Musk thinks Optimus "has the potential to be more significant than Tesla's vehicle business over time." There’s a belief that humanoid robots will form part of future workforce and human companions. The Chinese tech company, Xiaomi, has also developed their own humanoid robot, known as CyberOne. It’s a…

Rachel Kolisi may have once been behind the wheel of a Land Rover or a luxury Mercedes-Benz, but these days, the school run looks a little different – and far more relatable. The mother-of-two, known for her humility and grounded approach to life, has traded in high-end horsepower for the practicality of a Toyota Yaris. And, according to Rachel, she and the little silver Yaris – affectionately named “Betsy” – are getting along just fine. Despite her glamorous past life alongside Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel has always struck a chord with fans for her girl-next-door charm. These days, she’s juggling solo parenting duties in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, doing the school run daily and managing life with quiet resilience and a sense of humour. In a now-deleted Instagram post,…

AJ McLean says that Liam Payne’s final project Building the Band is “unlike anything you have ever seen before”. The Backstreet Boys singer unveiled a first look at the new Netflix series – which was the late One Direction singer’s last TV work before his tragic death aged 31 last October after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina – at the streamer’s Tudum event recently and he promised viewers that the show is unique. McLean, 47, said: “Today’s most talented singers in the world will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before ever seeing them. “Our judge and mentor Nicole Scherzinger, and guest judges Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, are from some of the biggest bands of all time. This show is all about…

After more than four harrowing months in captivity, 23 South Africans have safely returned home following a rescue mission from Myanmar, where they were victims of a human trafficking operation disguised as a job opportunity. The group was lured to Southeast Asia with promises of high-paying jobs in Thailand. However, upon arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were smuggled across the border into Myanmar. There, they were forced to work under brutal conditions in a cybercrime syndicate, where they were made to scam people online and were subjected to physical and psychological abuse. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), working closely with the Border Management Authority and international partners, played a critical role in securing their release and bringing them back to South Africa. The group…

As South Africa enters the traditional winter initiation season, the government is setting an ambitious target: zero deaths among initiates. This comes after a tragic season last year, when at least 93 young boys lost their lives during cultural initiation rites across the country. On Friday, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa officially launched the 2025 Winter Initiation Season, emphasising that the safety and dignity of initiates must be the top priority. Speaking at the launch event, Minister Hlabisa acknowledged the challenges ahead but stressed that every life must be protected. “We cannot accept any more deaths. We owe it to these young men and their families to ensure their journey into adulthood is safe, dignified, and respected,” he said. The winter season, which typically sees a…

RESEARCHERS from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Copenhagen have achieved a scientific first by using 2-million-year-old protein traces to determine the biological sex and uncover previously hidden genetic variation in Paranthropus robustus, an extinct close relative of modern humans. Published in the journal Science, the research analysed ancient proteins extracted from fossilised teeth discovered in South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind. The remarkable discovery represents some of the oldest human genetic data ever recovered from Africa and challenges established understandings of this early hominin. The study’s co-lead, Dr Palesa Madupe, a research associate at UCT’s Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI) and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Copenhagen’s Globe Institute, is part of a powerful African cohort transforming palaeoanthropology from within. “Because we can sample multiple…

Durban City can start preparing for life in top-flight football next season after a case against the club was officially dismissed by arbitrator Hilton Epstein SC on Monday. City finished top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season, but their official coronation and promotion were halted by the PSL. This came after JDR Stars lodged a case against City for fielding Sazi Magawana, who was alleged not to have been appropriately registered by the club before the start of the season. Cape Town Spurs followed suit, playing their final match of the campaign — against City at home — under protest after Magawana was named in the starting line-up. Stars and Spurs lodged their complaints as a last-ditch attempt to either gain promotion or retain their National First Division status,…

Those who were there swear there was something sinister simmering in the air above Algoa Bay the night the Springboks hosted Canada in a Pool A match at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Older fans would later say they had experienced the same combative atmosphere on July 13, 1974, when the original Battle of Boet Erasmus took place. That was the infamous third Test between the British Lions and a desperate Springbok. At week earlier, at Loftus Versfeld, the Boks had suffered a record 28–9 humiliation and arrived at Boet Erasmus Stadium in a savage mood. But the wily Lions knew what was coming and had devised a call to arms they named “99”. When captain Willie John McBride sensed extreme hostility, he would scream “99” and each Lion would…

Coco Gauff and Madison Keys will face off in a high-stakes all-American quarter-final at the French Open, after both powered through their fourth-round matches in straight sets on Monday. Gauff dismantled Ekaterina Alexandrova with ease, while Keys overcame a determined Hailey Baptiste to guarantee American representation in the women’s semi-finals at Roland Garros. Gauff continued her impressive clay-court season by sweeping past Russia’s 20th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6–0, 7–5 to reach her fifth successive French Open quarter-final. The world No 2 raced through the opening set with three breaks of serve. Although Alexandrova put up greater resistance in the second, Gauff maintained her composure to close out the match in just 82 minutes. "It feels great to be back in the quarters here. I’m really happy with how I played…

Automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts, says Naamsa CEO Domestic vehicle sales in South Africa saw a robust recovery in May with 45,308 units sold, marking an increase of 8 169 vehicles or a substantial 22.0% from 37 139 units in May 2024. "The automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts," Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa said on Monday. "The SARB's latest decision to lower interest rates is both timely and commendable. It directly supports consumer affordability and boosts production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets. While the new tariff measures remain a concern, our industry has proven its resilience time and time again," Mabasa said. Sales overview Overall, out…

The Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released on Monday indicated that the seasonally adjusted PMI decreased by 1.6 points to 43.1 in May 2025. Absa said that the PMI remained in contractionary territory for a seventh consecutive month. The PMI suggests that the manufacturing sector continued to suffer in May, despite some flickers of activity and demand improvement, albeit at extremely low levels. “However, a decline in the supplier deliveries index pushed the headline PMI lower. The business activity index indicated some improvement, increasing by 3.4 points to 43.4 in May. New sales orders also increased, by 2.2 points to 38.3 in May. This was likely due to domestic demand recovering slightly as export sales continued to deteriorate at a rapid rate.” Absa said the supplier deliveries index has been…

When Johannesburg-based South African entrepreneur Prince Nwadeyi was researching his MPhil in Inclusive Innovation at the University of Cape Town, one interview proved transformational. A young woman broke down describing the humiliation of borrowing money to bury her mother, only to face gossip at the funeral about the family's financial struggles. That 2019 conversation shaped Nwadeyi's thesis on information asymmetry and life insurance uptake in township communities. More importantly, it led him to question whether insurance could be embedded invisibly into everyday purchases, eliminating the paperwork, intermediaries, premiums, and waiting periods that keep vulnerable communities unprotected. Last week, Nwadeyi took to Linkedin to share that his holding company, SAG Ventures, had paid out its first claim through a clever FMCG-embedded funeral cover product dubbed Purchase Pal, underwritten by the continent's…

Homeowner sentiment fell only 2 percentage points to 85% in the first quarter, still the second highest reading for Absa’s Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) in a decade, which indicates that the momentum of positive sentiment is likely to continue into 2025. The authors of the latest HSI, first developed in 2015 as an indicator of the state of consumer confidence in South Africa’s property market, said the dip in confidence was likely due to uncertainty around US policy direction and the South African Reserve Bank’s decision not to implement a widely anticipated interest rate cut in March. The index results are broadly in line with the latest FNB Property Market Report that was released recently, which showed there was a continued, albeit modest, upwards trajectory in home values in the…

The case of a two-year-old boy who went missing under disturbing circumstances has returned to court, drawing national attention and sparking public outrage. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the child, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this week, facing serious charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. Shalaba is accused of selling her son, Kutlwano Shalaba, who disappeared in November last year. According to investigators, the toddler was allegedly sold for R75 000, and the funds were deposited into his mother’s bank account on the very day he vanished. The child’s body was discovered last week, months after an intensive search that left the community heartbroken and desperate for answers. The grim discovery brought a tragic end to hopes that the boy might still be alive. Authorities…

The Western Cape High Court has ruled that the impeached former judge, Dr John Hlophe, cannot be part of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), saying his appointment was unconstitutional. In a ruling yesterday, the High Court found that the National Assembly (NA) had failed to properly exercise its discretion in approving his appointment — thereby undermining the integrity of the judiciary. The court held that Parliament’s conduct effectively rubber-stamped Hlophe’s nomination, disregarding the serious implications for the JSC’s credibility and constitutional mandate. The MK Party deputy president was nominated to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) last year but subsequently resigned. “The judiciary is essential to the maintenance of constitutional democracy. “It is declared that the National Assembly may not designate Dr Mandlakayise John Hlophe to serve on the…

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has publicly denied a recent report alleging he used ketamine and other illicit substances heavily during the 2024 presidential campaign. The claims, published by The New York Times on Friday, suggest Musk’s alleged drug use may have impacted both his health and behaviour while serving as a high-profile adviser to President Donald Trump. The Times report cited unnamed sources who claimed Musk used significant amounts of ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic with dissociative effects, resulting in reported bladder complications. The article also mentioned alleged use of ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, and claimed Musk frequently travelled with a pill container during campaign events and while working in Washington. According to the newspaper, it remains unclear whether Musk was under the influence while leading the Department of Government Efficiency…

After nearly four decades of unanswered questions, the latest inquest into the deaths of the Cradock Four has officially begun in the Eastern Cape city of Gqeberha. The families of Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkhonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli are hoping this renewed legal process will finally bring accountability for the brutal killings of the four anti-apartheid activists in 1985. This marks the third official inquiry into the high-profile case, which has long symbolised the struggle for justice in post-apartheid South Africa. While previous investigations have pointed to police involvement, no one has ever been held criminally responsible. The Cradock Four were abducted and murdered during the apartheid regime’s crackdown on political dissent. Their charred bodies were discovered near Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in June 1985, sparking national outrage and…

BARBADOS, along with the Fenty family, is mourning the loss of Ronald Fenty, the father of global superstar Rihanna, who passed away in Los Angeles (LA) on May 31, at the age of 70, following a brief illness. According to Starcom Network News, a radio station based in Rihanna’s native Barbados, Ronald was surrounded by his loved ones when he died. In addition, Rihanna’s brother Rajad Fenty was seen arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA, with Rihanna reportedly in the vehicle. Ronald leaves behind three children with ex-wife Monica Braithwaite, Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, as well as sons Rorrey Fenty and Rajad Fenty. He also had three children from previous relationships: daughters Samantha Fenty and Kandy Fenty, and son Jamie Fenty. Born in 1954 in Barbados, Ronald worked…

Krunoslav Jurčić was overwhelmed with joy, finding himself at a loss for words to articulate the significance of Sunday’s monumental CAF Champions League conquest in Cairo. The Croatian coach guided Pyramids FC to their first-ever CAF Champions League title, overcoming the formidable South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2–1 in a thrilling final. The score secured a 3–2 aggregate win, following a 1–1 draw in last week’s first leg in Pretoria. After the game, Jurčić expressed a deep sense of pride and humility. His initial response was simple yet profound: “I don’t know what to say. "We achieved the accomplishment and were able to win the African Championship, and we deserved it.” Reflecting on the team’s Champions League journey this season, Jurčić emphasised that it was a collective effort which led…

Hugo Broos hasn’t become the longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach by listening to outside noise — and that’s why the buck will always stop with him when it comes to team matters. Broos recently etched his name into the national team’s history, becoming their longest-serving coach and surpassing Clive Barker’s record after serving for four years. Things weren’t all rosy at the beginning. Broos even considered resigning during the first few months in the role, following heavy criticism from most quarters. Much of the backlash came after Bafana were hammered 5–0 by world champions France away from home and lost 2–1 to Africa’s top-ranked side, Morocco. However, the tide turned after the talismanic Themba Zwane was brought into the fold and Broos received a vote of confidence from Safa president Danny…

The revolution in Paris that led Luis Enrique’s team to Uefa Champions League glory for the first time is being echoed across Europe, as even clubs that once embodied the Galácticos-era have abandoned efforts to ‘buy’ the top prize in European football. The PSG coach is now reaping the plaudits for building an energetic, youthful and dynamic team that is mesmerising to watch. It is built on teamwork and unity of purpose, rather than relying on the individual brilliance of former megastars, such as Kylian Mbappé, Neymar or Lionel Messi. Youngsters like Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu have Paris fans salivating at the prospect of years of European dominance. The change in direction at PSG, majority-owned by Qatari government-backed investment fund Qatar Sports Investments, is not…