Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-06 i Star

Localisation Support Fund warns over threat posed by offshore e-commerce retailers The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) has warned about the looming threat posed by offshore e-commerce retailers (OERs) to South Africa's job market, despite regulatory efforts intended to mitigate this issue. As the South African economy grapples with high unemployment rates of 32.9%, the stakes have never been higher. A recent study conducted by B&M Analysts (BMA) and commissioned by the LSF revealed that at least 2 800 manufacturing jobs projected for 2024 did not materialise while 5 000 retail jobs were displaced due to the dominance of fast-fashion international giants, Shein and Temu. Presenting the findings of the study on Tuesday, BMA principal consultant, Sean Mercer, highlighted the impact that platforms such as Shein and Temu have had on…

South African equity markets delivered a fifth consecutive positive monthly return with the FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX Index up 2.2% month on month (m/m), leaving the local bourse 18.7% higher year to date (YTD). In a familiar theme for the year, it was the precious metal miners that were driving returns, with platinum miners up 10% m/m and gold miners up 4% m/m delivering more than half of the July index returns between them. Platinum group metals (PGMs), rhodium ( up 32% m/m), and palladium (up 8% m/m) led the PGM miners’ share prices higher. Telcos, another JSE sector that has outperformed in 2025 up 64% YTD, were also amongst the local bourse’s winners in July. Telkom, which rose16% m/m, reported strong 2025 results and a resumption of dividend payments…

Debt experts believe that despite interest rates being cut by 100 basis points by the South African Reserve Bank from 2024 until July 2025, consumers are still struggling to get a handle on debt. Benay Sager, the Executive Head of DebtBusters, said that South Africa has had 100 basis points of cuts, which is pretty significant. “Because it was done over a period of time, we haven’t seen the full impact of it yet – but it does come as a relief to consumers, particularly those who have bonds or are paying for vehicles and so on. It’s also an indication that inflation is more under control." Sager added that DebtBusters had recently completed the 2025 Money Stress Tracker, which indicated that debt levels are still elevated. "I think anecdotal…

As South Africa marks a decade of wind energy generation under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), it must also reckon with a period when political interference nearly brought that progress to a halt. At the centre of that disruption stands former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe. Molefe’s refusal to sign key renewable energy agreements delayed investment, deepened load shedding, and destabilised the sector. The resulting uncertainty cost the country billions and led to significant job losses, consequences that are still felt in the energy landscape today. Molefe was appointed CEO of Eskom in 2015, after a tenure at Transnet that would later come under scrutiny for enabling large-scale procurement irregularities. In August of that year, he and then-President Jacob Zuma celebrated the first unit of the Medupi…

The gruesome murder trial of a white farmer and two of his workers accused of dumping the bodies of two women in a pigsty has reignited calls for justice and accountability across South African communities. This internationally watched case has been postponed until next week, and it has sparked strong reactions from labour and human rights activists. This trial, which began on Monday at the Polokwane High Court, follows the discovery in August 2024 of the decomposed remains of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu, found within a pigs’ enclosure on a farm in Sebayen. The two women were reportedly killed while searching for food on a farm near Polokwane, and their bodies were then allegedly fed to pigs in an attempt to destroy evidence. Pig farmer Zachariah Olivier, as well…

Despite receiving R1.5 million from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), a man was disgruntled after the Pension Fund Adjudicator (PFA) excluded him from his late wife’s over R1.1m pension fund. Alexanda Moshimane Molokwane was married to Cynthia Thandi Ndlovu who died in August 2019, leaving behind a substantial death benefit exceeding R1.1m. Upon her passing, Discovery retirement annuity funds allocated the death benefit equally between Molokwane and Ndovu’s two children. However, this arrangement was soon challenged by the children, leading to a reallocation of the funds and leaving Molokwane empty-handed. Aggrieved by this decision, Molokwane laid a complaint with the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) and submitted that he was Ndlovu’s surviving spouse. Though the couple had been estranged, he asserted that Ndlovu had financially supported him up until her death,…

As co-founder and chief executive of Aquila Boxing Promotions, Geraldine Lerena is one of the pioneering female promoters in South African boxing, and for her it’s all about growing the sport in the country. Together with her husband and WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena, Geraldine founded Aquila Boxing Promotions (ABP). ABP says in its mission statement: “Aquila combines grassroots development with high-calibre professional showcases, giving fighters a platform to rise and fans a reason to rally. “With a growing reputation for quality matchmaking and production, Aquila is shaping the future of African boxing — one fight at a time.” Geraldine’s Impact on Shaping the Sport: Providing a Platform for Young Fighters and Promoting Female Bouts For Geraldine, the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given her family…

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has outlined his ambitions of securing a Top 3 finish this season, with the ultimate goal of returning to the CAF Confederation Cup. The 2025/26 Betway Premiership offers a fresh opportunity for Babina Noko to make that push, and their campaign gets underway with a high-stakes opening fixture against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off). Tinkler’s charges will have little room to ease into the season, especially considering their previous success at the same venue. Sekhukhune were one of just two teams to beat Pirates at Orlando last term, a 1-0 result that dealt a major blow to the Buccaneers’ title hopes. However, that statement victory wasn’t enough to secure continental qualification, as Sekhukhune narrowly missed out on third place — a…

TAX Justice South Africa (TJSA) in a statement on Tuesday welcomed a High Court judgment confirming a preservation order against Amalgamated Tobacco Manufacturing and 19 other entities, who are accused of a sophisticated multi-million-rand tax evasion racket. The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA), who represents independent cigarette manufacturers, respects the judicial process and the role of the courts in upholding the rule of law. In the judgment, the High Court of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Local Division, Durban ruled that the provisional preservation order granted on February 27, 2025 against the ninth and tenth respondents (South African Revenue Service v Kajee and Others) is confirmed. TJSA said that the KwaZulu-Natal High Court has dismissed challenges to the South African Revenue Service’s preservation order, allowing Sars to continue securing assets while investigating…

The S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edged up to 50.3 in July, from 50.1 in June, marking a slight but noteworthy improvement in the country's business conditions. This is in line with the latest seasonally adjusted Absa PMI, which increased by 2.3 points to 50.8 in July, following eight consecutive months in contractionary territory. With three consecutive months of growth above the neutral 50.0 mark, the latest S&P Global PMI results suggest a stabilising environment despite ongoing economic challenges. The index, which serves as a comprehensive indicator of the operating conditions in the private sector, reflects a blend of positive trends, particularly in new business and employment. S&P said the growth was predominantly driven by an uptick in new orders, as several firms observed revitalised client activity.…

South Africa’s electricity and energy system is foundational to unlocking inclusive development and economic opportunities. Energy access defines the boundary between marginalisation and participation, between poverty and potential. It powers schools, clinics, and businesses. It drives growth and dignity. Yet, even after loadshedding has subsided, millions of South Africans will still live with unreliable, inadequate, or unaffordable electricity, undermining the promise of a fair and prosperous society. The Presidential Climate Commission’s (PCC) report, the Net Zero CO2 Emission Pathways (2024) outlines the multidimensional nature of South Africa's energy crisis. While coal remains the dominant source of electricity generation, the fleet is ageing, technically unreliable, and environmentally unsustainable - responsible for over 40% of South Africa’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. And, although coal is economically irreplaceable in the short term,…

Nedbank Group is ending a 17-year strategic alliance with Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), and interested parties are being canvassed about buying the local bank’s 21.2% stake in the pan-African lender. Nedbank CE Jason Quinn said Tuesday at the release of the bank’s interim results to June 30 that a review of the investment was conducted, recognising the risks of continuing to hold onto the investment due to regulatory uncertainty and potential increasing capital requirements. The Lomé, Togo-based ETI operates in over 30 African countries. As a result of the review, the financial investment in ETI has been classified as a non-current asset held for sale from June 30, 2025,” said Quinn. “The board has approved a formal plan to dispose of the investment, and we are currently engaging interested parties...This…

Suspended Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene says he will take his legal fight to the Supreme Court of Appeal after the Gauteng High Court ruled that his description of EFF leader Julius Malema as a “cockroach” amounted to hate speech. Yesterday, the Johannesburg High Court upheld part of a 2023 Equality Court decision, which found that Kunene’s comments during a 2021 TV interview crossed the legal line. While the court cleared him over other remarks – calling Malema a “little frog” and a “criminal” – it found the repeated use of “cockroach” to be dehumanising and in violation of the Equality Act. The controversial statements were made during an eNCA broadcast in the aftermath of local government elections. Malema later took the matter to the Equality Court, which ruled…

The Grand West Casino in Cape Town is liable for the damages suffered by a child who was four at the time after she was shocked by a live wire while clinging to the metal rail at a kiddie ice-skating rink while watching other children. The father of the child, who is not identified as his daughter is a minor, turned to the Western Cape High Court to claim damages from the casino after his child was injured during the January 2020 incident. The father testified that the incident occurred during the festive season and the food court at Grand West was bustling with foot traffic and children. His child was standing next to him at the kiddies ice-skating rink, holding on to a steel pole when she suddenly cried…

The Presidency said the US findings, that farm attacks are not ordinary crimes, lacks credibility and has accused the country of ignoring reliable information in order to sustain a disinformation campaign against South Africa. The US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) claimed that attacks on farms display a distinctly brutal pattern. The bureau said this was uncovered during its recent visit to the country as part of the President of the United States, Donald Trump’s executive orders to learn more about the rural farm attacks and the breakdown of the rule of law. While AfriForum welcomed the findings, Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said there is no credibility that can be attached to the report. He said the bureau visited Cape Town only, and also ignored…

Former ANC Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Minister of Communications, Yunus Carrim, has shared the history of the ANC’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Special Operations Unit in his book titled Attacking the Heart of Apartheid: The ANC’s MK Special Operations Unit. Carrim, who is from Pietermaritzburg, was also a senior lecturer in sociology and a freelance journalist. He was inspired to write the book because, in the 35 years since the unbanning of political movements in the country, “no one had written about the ANC’s MK Special Operations Unit, beyond a few articles”. He said many of the unit’s operatives have died, and others have aged and it was important to interview those who were still around and record the role of the important…

The most challenging emotion for any African international relations observer and ordinary person today is processing the current US administration’s stance against South Africa, in particular, and Africa in general. The legacy of the US in Africa may be problematic and mostly detrimental to the African population. But Trump 1.0 and 2.0 have demonstrated shocking derisive contempt for the continent and its people. Depending on which side of the debate one is on, the US could be the world's number one superpower or a rapidly declining one. The rise of a multipolar world and global pluralism, which recognises the emergence of other civilisations and nations, and their right to chart their foreign policies as long as they align and recognise the United Nations Charter, must be recognised. Although the African…

The excitement of having led Mamelodi Sundowns to the inaugural Betway Premiership title still lingers with Miguel Cardoso, and the 53-year-old coach intends to use it as fuel for the upcoming campaign. Sundowns are looking to win the domestic championship a record-extending ninth time when they kickstart the season with a clash away to Chippa United on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). It is a tricky clash for the Brazilians, given that the Chilli Boys now have a former Sundowns tactician, Sinethemba Badela, as their coach. “Being part of the Premiership and being one of the 16 coaches that lead teams in the PSL is a privilege,” the Portuguese told newshounds, during the season launch in Sandton, Johannesburg. “Obviously, last year was a magnificent season for me as a head coach and…

As this is a family platform, I can’t really repeat the whole monologue, but he basically said that the Spurs players needed to be “bastards” on the field. Many people in and outside of the Spurs fanbase believe this is why the club never got over the line in a plethora of cup finals over the last decade, including the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool. The club also became a footnote in Leicester City’s 5000/1 Premier League title win, eventually finishing third in a two-horse race. As the saying goes, “nice guys finish last” — and Tottenham were just the personification of this. When it comes to nice guys, nobody was nicer than their Korean superstar Son Heung-min, who is one footballer universally liked for his wonderful footballing ability…

Minister for Electricity and Energy Kgosientso Ramokgopa has said the restoration of Medupi Unit 4 generator, which has ramped up to an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 82% and the power station's EAF to 84% from a R2 billion budget was a significant engineering feat by Eskom engineers. However, he admitted there were still problems to be tackled at the Matimba power stations, which was blamed for the last bout of loadshedding after about a year's hiatus. Speaking during the tour of Medupi and Matimba power stations as part of the continued oversight on Eskom's Recovery Plan, Ramokgopa said the contribution of the engineers, who were unheralded, unsung heroes was important as there had been a noticeable surge in performance. He said the recovery of Unit 4 after…

The global energy landscape is undergoing profound change. Among the most promising innovations is the small modular reactor (SMR), a nuclear technology being promoted as an alternative not only to large conventional nuclear plants but also to fossil fuel-based generation. For South Africa, SMRs represent both a technological advance and an economic opportunity. The “small” in SMR refers to its generating capacity — typically between 50 and 300 megawatts electric (MWe) per unit. By comparison, a conventional large reactor such as Koeberg’s units generates around 970 MWe each. SMRs are often deployed in clusters such as four-pack, six-pack, ten-pack or more, depending on the electricity needs of a region. The “modular” aspect means that these reactors can be manufactured on a factory floor, shipped to site, and added incrementally. A…

Shoprite Holdings has announced a significant increase in its diluted headline earnings per share (HEPS), projecting a growth of between 15.2% to 25.2% for the 52 weeks ending June 29, as it continued to grow market share for a fifth year in row. The anticipated diluted HEPS is expected to fall between 1 367.1 and 1 485.7 cents, indicating a robust trajectory. Alongside this, Shoprite's total merchandise sales are projected to rise by 9% to R262.3 billion, with merchandise sales from continuing operations expected to increase by 8.9% to R252.7bn. This notable shift in sales figures highlights Shoprite’s strategic focus on its omnichannel growth strategy, anchored by its core South African supermarkets. The disconnect between total and continuing operations reflects the group's recent divestments, including closures and the sale of…

Funny Side Up The title of Kurt Schoonraad’s latest offering says it all. In this one-man show, he unpacks the absurdities of modern life, using humour to balance the unfolding chaos and change. After all, you can either just wallow in despair or simply laugh off the frustrations. Schoonraad said: “Funny Side Up is just a metaphor for keeping your sense of humour intact. Things have been tough for a lot of us in recent years, but laughter really is one of the best tools we have to get through it.” His skills of observation, combined with his energetic stage performance and razor-sharp delivery, are guaranteed to leave audiences in stitches as he flits from parenting fails, pop culture and cosmetic surgery to queue hopping. He said, “This show isn’t…

Gauteng police have discovered the fourth body of a woman found burned at the Watloo train station on Stormvoel Street in Silvertondale on Monday, weeks after similar discoveries of three bodies last month. Three other bodies were found in two separate locations in Pretoria last month. Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said Silverton police were called to the scene where the fourth burned body of a woman was discovered at Watloo train station, Stormvoel Street in Silvertondale, on August 4. The horrific discovery occurred at about 3.30pm. “Three burned bodies were found between Watloo and Denneboom train stations between June and July,” Muridili said. She said no one has been arrested yet but the task team established to investigate the murders is working around the clock following possible leads…

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in Limpopo in connection with more than 10 cases of rape and murder committed in Eesterust, Gauteng, after allegedly using the popular dating app, Tinder, to lure his victims. The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated operation between Sunday evening, August 3, and the early hours of Monday, August 4, at Mentz village in the Mankweng policing area. The operation involved multiple specialised units, including the Limpopo Tracking Team, Provincial Investigation Unit, Silverton Detectives, Tshwane FCS, and Tshwane District Detectives. “According to information, the suspect utilised the Tinder dating site to lure his victims to his residence in Eesterust, Pretoria. He allegedly raped some of his victims, until the recent incident wherein he raped and killed the victim, thereafter, buried her in a shallow…

The Office of South Africa’s Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, has refuted claims made by the Zimbabwean Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), which insisted that it has engaged her office over issues affecting South African-based Zimbabwean immigrants. This comes as foreign nationals, including Zimbabwean nationals, are being barred from accessing healthcare, with Operation Dudula revealing that it will be intensifying its efforts against illegal immigrants, with a campaign aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from accessing public schools in the new year. Operation Dudula and March and March movements have spent the past few weeks preventing undocumented immigrants from accessing healthcare services across public clinics and hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng due to the alleged strain this has caused on South Africa’s limited healthcare services. However, in a statement on Monday,…

The US trade gap narrowed in June, government data showed yesterday, as imports pulled back more than exports while businesses grappled with President Donald Trump’s tariffs on allies and competitors alike. The overall trade deficit in the world’s biggest economy narrowed by 16% to $60.2 billion, down from a revised $71.7bn figure in May, the Department of Commerce said. The narrowing was more than analysts expected but largely reflected a drop in goods imports – including consumer goods as Trump’s wide-ranging tariffs added to businesses’ costs of bringing in foreign products. In April, Trump imposed a 10%duty on most US trading partners and he has also slapped much steeper tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos. The June deficit narrowed on the back of a fall in imports, by 3.7% to…

The advertising watchdog has instructed that a Facebook advertisement by Pineapple Insurance be withdrawn, which compared driving without car insurance to greeting a taxi driver by saying “dumelang” (in Sesotho). The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), after receiving a complaint from a member of the public about the advertisement, found it to be discriminatory. The complaint submitted that the advert is full of tribalistic stereotypes and undertones, like the one that assumes that all taxi drivers are Zulus and hate Sotho-speaking people. The advertiser responded that the advertisement highlights the importance of having car insurance by drawing a relatable, light-hearted analogy from everyday South African life. It states that the Zulu phrase used translates to “driving without insurance is like saying dumelang to a taxi driver”, intending to illustrate a situation…

We are deeply concerned by the horrific events currently unfolding at the Limpopo High Court, where three individuals are facing murder charges. The details surrounding the alleged deaths of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, who were reportedly shot and then fed to pigs last August on a farm near Polokwane, are profoundly disturbing and have garnered international attention. Reportedly, the victims visited the farm to scavenge soon-to-expire food, often destined for pigs The stories of brutality during the apartheid era, though not identical, resonate with such disturbing cases, including the one dating back to 2007, where a South African farmer was jailed for 20 years for killing Zimbabwean farm worker Jealous Dube, whom he claimed he had mistaken for a baboon. The intent of this editorial is not…

Orlando Pirates will embark on a season where legacy meets ambition — a campaign poised on the edge of dreams and expectation. With the weight of hope and history pressing on their shoulders, the Buccaneers face a defining chapter as the 2025/26 Betway Premiership kicks off this weekend. The Buccaneers finished 13 points short of ending their 13-year title drought during the last campaign, once again falling behind a Mamelodi Sundowns team, who are now aiming for an unprecedented ninth straight league crown. Abdeslam Ouaddou will oversee his first league fixture as the Sea Robbers’ coach on Saturday, with his side set to meet a well-organised Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium (5.30pm kick-off). Both clubs come into this encounter on a high, having secured wins in the MTN8, setting up…

Harry Maguire is determined to help Manchester United bounce back from last season’s disappointments as he prepares to enter his seventh year at Old Trafford. Speaking to MUTV during the club’s pre-season tour of the US, the 32-year-old reflected on his journey since joining United from Leicester City in 2019, while underlining his ambition for the campaign ahead. “Last season was a tough season for everyone individually, but also as a team, as a squad, as a club,” Maguire said. “This season, there are no excuses. We’re going to have a lot of time to prepare for the Premier League games, and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready.” Maguire has collected League Cup and FA Cup winners' medals during his time at United and provided one of last season’s…