Star 2025-06-09

AFP The global auto industry has been rocked by China's decision to restrict exports of rare earth magnets that are crucial to making vehicles. With a near monopoly on the output of rare earth elements, Beijing is using them as a key weapon in its trade war with Washington. These are the implications for the sector: China's restrictions China accounts for more than 60% of rare earth mining production and 92% of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency, driven by generous state subsidies and lax environmental protections. As the trade war with the US has developed, Beijing has required Chinese companies since April to obtain a licence before exporting these materials - including rare earth magnets- to any country. While these rules were expected to be relaxed…

Unions and analysts fear the closure in Eastern Cape could devastate the local economy amid high unemployment Goodyear South Africa’s announcement on Friday to discontinue its manufacturing operations in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, has sent shockwaves through the region, with over 900 jobs at risk due to a Section 189 notice served to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa). The decision, communicated by Goodyear’s Managing Director Paul Gerrard, has raised alarm among unions, and economic analysts, who fear the closure could devastate the local economy amid high unemployment. Mziyanda Twani, Numsa Eastern Cape Regional Secretary, said on Friday that the union is dismayed by Goodyear South Africa's announcement to discontinue its manufacturing operations in South Africa. “The union has been served with a Section 189 notice from…

It’s Youth Month and while we’re focused on all things young people, it’s hard to ignore the mammoth-sized elephant in the room: unemployment. With youth unemployment now sitting at a staggering 45.5% (Stats SA - F2025:Q1) – and no clear plans in May’s National Budget on how this will be tackled as a nation – you’d be forgiven for feeling somewhat despondent. This has led to many young people pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours, which shows proactivity and determination. However, our research shows that there are more school or college graduates who want to join a reputable company where they’ll be able to learn from their colleagues and leaders, rather than try to start their own business. Yet, their concern is that they don’t have the necessary experience to secure a job.…

Quantumed, on Friday announced that its CEO, Avian Bell, has been named to the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the Healthcare category. "This recognition celebrates Bell’s visionary leadership and Quantumed’s unwavering commitment to the personal healthcare industry through community upliftment and public health education across South Africa," Quantumed said. Under Bell’s leadership, Quantumed (a proudly local start-up) has become a leader in promoting sexual healthcare, personal wellness and safety education, particularly targeted towards underserved and preciously marginalised communities. The company’s innovative outreach programmes and accessible healthcare solutions have empowered countless South Africans with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health. “This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the incredible work our team is doing to make healthcare…

South Africa’s Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) and National Treasury have announced significant strides in the Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) Programme, a public-private partnership aimed at revolutionising the nation’s transmission infrastructure. The initiative seeks to unlock billions in investment, accelerate economic growth, and support the country’s energy transition by modernizing its overstretched power grid. According to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019) and Eskom’s Transmission Development Plan (TDP 2024–2033), over 14 000 km of new transmission lines are required within the next decade to accommodate an additional 53 GW of generation capacity. With the current grid expansion lagging at an inadequate pace, the government aims to construct at least 1 400 km of lines annually to ensure energy security and economic stability. "Government is acting deliberately, and decisively to…

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that it will activate a centralised Operational Centre (OC) at its headquarters on Monday in response to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. RMIS said the OC will be led by a designated RMIS veterinarian and will oversee a team of veterinary professionals and industry representatives, along with a specialist public relations and public affairs agency, forming the FMD Working Group. “The FMD Working Group will be mandated to develop and implement a structured, time-bound response to the outbreak, with medium- to long-term goals, including a focus on vaccination among other key areas.” The primary objective of this plan is to guide RMIS in addressing the current FMD situation in South Africa, with a strong focus on protecting red meat role players…