Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-04 i Star

The launch of Operation Vulindlela’s second quarter report last week was a reminder of the valuable work it does, but also of how much still must be done. To me, success is measured only when there is a real, tangible difference on the ground, changing the way we do business. By that standard, OV has delivered important wins, but critical work remains. There are clear successes in that respect. Most obvious is in electricity – the major development of renewable energy projects, Eskom’s return to profitability after eight years, and the 14,500MW of new energy production already registered with Nersa. The vast improvement in registration turnaround times to just 11 days has removed a major bottleneck that was holding back private investment. Visa reform is also a major tangible achievement.…

During a recent BG2 podcast conversation between OpenAI investor Brad Gerstner, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Gerstner asked Altman how a company with $13 billion in revenue justifies $1.4 trillion in commitments. Altman's bristling retort was telling: "Happy to find a buyer for your shares." Then Nadella re-iterated something instructive he’d previously surfaced under less scrutinised circumstances: Microsoft has NVIDIA GPUs sitting in racks that cannot be turned on because there is not enough energy to feed them. Turns out the constraint is not compute but power and data centre space. This matters for Africa because the bottleneck just moved. Africa's energy advantage I caught up recently with Ian Wambai on Tayo Akinyemi's recommendation. Akinyemi, who hosts The Trajectory Africa podcast exploring the first principles of…

Value retailer Pepkor Holdings managed to increase revenue 12% to R95.3 billion for the year ending September 30, a result the group said had “outperformed the rest of the market.” The share price ratcheted up by 0.83% to R26.62 on the JSE Monday morning at the release by the group of a trading statement, a price that remained in line with a range of between R23 and R30 that the share price has been trading at over the past 12 months. In the muted economic environment and highly competitive consumer retail trading environment, Pepkor’s business model of being focused on solving customers' needs again proved its resilience and defensiveness, its directors said. Group market share expanded based on the latest market share data (RLC September 2025 and GfK September 2025…

​South African DJ and producer Chymamusique has opened up about his recovery after undergoing emergency brain surgery. The musician revealed that he recently had a craniotomy and is still in the process of healing. He shared that his brain, speech and body are still affected as he continues to rest and recover. Taking to X on Sunday, Chymamusique told his followers: “I couldn’t share my journey for the past week due to emergency brain surgery called a craniotomy." "My brain, speech and body are still disturbed, so I won’t be able to take calls or really talk in person for the next 2 to 3 weeks. See you on the other side.” His post immediately drew messages of support from fans and fellow artists who wished him a full recovery.…

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is under fire after announcing drastic funding cuts for Quintile 5 schools, a move the Democratic Alliance (DA) says is unlawful and reckless. The late announcement, after the legislated deadline for the 2026 academic year, has sparked fears of fee hikes and financial strain on families. Sergio Isa dos Santos, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, said the party is considering legal action to compel the department to reverse the decision, warning it could undermine education quality and the financial stability of schools. “The GDE’s decision to introduce the reduction after the legislated deadline of 30 September 2025 is not only invalid but also reckless and likely to harm thousands of learners in Gauteng. Accordingly, this decision must be reversed to provide schools with…

Zimbabwean preacher and founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, Prophet Walter Magaya, has been arrested on multiple charges, including rape and fraud, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on Saturday. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Magaya was taken into custody during an early morning operation in Harare on Saturday, November 1, by a specialised police team. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Walter Magaya in connection with several reports of rape and fraud. Further details will be released in due course as investigations progress,” said Nyathi. The arrest marks a dramatic turn for the high-profile cleric who rose to national fame in the early 2010s as the founder of PHD Ministries, one of Zimbabwe’s largest charismatic churches. In 2018, Magaya sparked outrage after publicly…

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has hit back at AfriForum for welcoming the United States government’s new refugee policy that prioritises Afrikaners, accusing the lobby group of hypocrisy and undermining South Africa’s sovereignty. In a formal Presidential Determination published in the Federal Register, US President Donald Trump set a ceiling of 7 500 refugees for the 2026 fiscal year, the lowest in American history, and directed that most of those places be reserved for white Afrikaners. The Trump administration justified the move by citing alleged “targeted discrimination and insecurity” faced by the minority group. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Pretoria, which described it as politically motivated and contrary to international refugee principles. Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the department rejected both Washington’s approach and AfriForum’s…

The City of Tshwane is on edge as typhoid fever cases rise in Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit with the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) investigating the source of the outbreak. Authorities have flagged the surge as a concern, but they breathed a sigh of relief because the outbreak has not yet been linked to the municipal water supply. The metro, the DA, and health authorities are urging vigilance, extra hygiene, and quick medical help. This comes after the NICD confirmed an ongoing investigation into the typhoid fever outbreak after several cases were reported in recent weeks. In Bronkhorstspruit, 13 patients were treated at Bronkhorstspruit Hospital and one at a Netcare facility, while Jubilee Hospital in Hammanskraal recorded several other typhoid cases. In a broadcast interview, NICD senior pathologist Dr Keeren…

As the Madlanga Commission proceedings unfold, the ANC faces its most defining moments since the 1969 Morogoro Consultative Conference, a test of conscience, survival, and renewal. The Movement once redefined its moral compass in exile; today it must confront the erosion of that very moral foundation within its own house. The unfolding events around the Madlanga Commission echo that earlier moment of reckoning, demanding honesty, courage, and self-correction. The recent raid on the Rustenburg property of controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi has opened another troubling chapter in the intersection between politics, money, and morality within our liberation movement. What appeared to be a poorly coordinated police operation has now evolved into a potentially explosive political scandal. In his interview with Xoli Mngambi on Newzroom Afrika, Mogotsi issued a chilling warning, “abanye…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef says the club’s focus remains firmly on fighting for silverware this season as they look to build on their steady start under the new technical team. With early challenges in the campaign already behind them, Amakhosi have slowly begun to find rhythm and belief — and Youssef insists that their ambitions have not changed despite the twists of the league season so far. The Naturena-based outfit made a blistering start to the campaign, keeping five cleansheets in their opening five matches including a draw against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. “For a team the size of Kaizer Chiefs, the target is the same every season — we compete for every position we’re in,” said Youssef. “So, we’re out of the Carling Cup, but there’s…

Latest reading suggests manufacturing remains under pressure due to subdued domestic demand Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for October 2025 released on Monday raised alarm bells with the index indicating a decline in manufacturing sentiment. Absa said that the seasonally adjusted PMI declined by 1.6 points to 49.2 in October, reversing the gain seen in September when the index reached 50.8. The Index said the latest reading suggests that the manufacturing sector remains under pressure, with respondents pointing to subdued domestic demand, sluggish exports, and persistent logistical challenges as key headwinds. “On the export front, demand is also sluggish, complicated by the rise in US trade tariffs and logistical challenges. The business activity index decreased by 5 points to 49.4 in October, slipping back into contractionary territory for nine of…

As South Africa prepares for its 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, set to be unveiled on 12 November, key themes are emerging that will impact the nation’s financial landscape for years to come. Central to this fiscal discourse is an intensified focus on revenue collection, tax compliance, and sound governance reforms, all aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. According to Itumeleng Nkadimeng, Head of Corporate Tax at KPMG South Africa, the spotlight in the upcoming budget will reside firmly on the South African Revenue Services’ (SARS) commitment to enhancing tax compliance. Nkadimeng told Business Report, "Building on a significant commitment of R7.5 billion announced previously, the government is expected to adopt a modernised approach to tax administration. This strategy will likely introduce deeper audit verifications and a stronger emphasis on…

South African companies are currently in a position of having to decide whether to adopt open or closed artificial intelligence (AI) systems, a decision that goes beyond price or technical merit and includes regulatory considerations. The risks of choosing the wrong solution are serious. One of the biggest dangers lies in how open AI platforms handle proprietary data. Many companies opt for AI for speed and efficiency, but few stop to consider whether their implementation creates hidden risks to their most valuable asset: intellectual property. Open AI platforms promise convenience and low costs, yet every upload of proprietary data feeds an opaque system that could be repurposed, resold, or turned against you. In trust-critical sectors like finance, healthcare, legal, and infrastructure, this isn’t just compliance – it’s a…

The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday on the legality of Donald Trump's unprecedented use of powers for sweeping global tariffs in a case striking at the heart of the president's economic agenda. Since returning to the White House, Trump has invoked emergency economic powers to impose "reciprocal" tariffs over trade practices Washington deemed unfair, alongside separate duties targeting his country's biggest trading partners: Mexico, Canada and China. But these tariffs, a key prong of his "America First" trade policy aimed at protecting and boosting US industries, swiftly faced legal challenges. A lower court ruled in May that Trump exceeded his authority in imposing the duties, although the administration's appeal allowed them to temporarily stay in place. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled…

Exxaro Resources said Monday it has successfully completed the disposal of its shareholding in Exxaro FerroAlloys to a consortium led by EverSeed Energy, for R250 million. The transaction, done through an EverSeed Energy subsidiary EverSeed Metal Powders, became effective on October 31, 2025, following the fulfilment of all conditions precedent. Exxaro had first announced its intention to dispose of its ferroalloys business in 2021 as part of a broader portfolio review and shift from non-cor assets. Exxaro Ferroalloy's is a domestic producer of ferrosilicon, serving industrial customers in South Africa. Exxaro Resources’ share price notched up 1.26% to R179.08 on the JSE in the afternoon. Following the transaction, FerroAlloys will be 60% owned by EverSeed, 30% owned by FerroAlloys management, while the FerroAlloys Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) holds a…

The South Gauteng High Court has ordered the City of Johannesburg to speedily “verify and process” the registration of informal traders who were recently removed from their trading stalls in the city centre. The Metro was given 21 days to finalise its verification process after informal traders, through the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), took the municipality to court after they were removed from operating outside designated areas. Last month, the city began enforcing its regulations, resulting in scores of informal traders being unable to trade due to the status of their paperwork. SERI took up the matter, arguing that affected traders have been treated unfairly and that their rights to trade and earn a living have been violated through the enforcement of these recent by-laws. Yesterday, scores…

Workers from the government-sponsored Community Workers Programme (CWP) marched to the Department of Public Works in Pretoria yesterday, demanding permanent jobs, better wages and improved conditions. Led by the Maanda Ashu Workers Union (Mawusa), workers gathered at the Old bus depot in Marabastad, then marched to the department’s head office on Madiba Street to deliver their memorandum of grievances. Part of the memorandum highlighted that contracts of 3 200 workers were terminated unlawfully and that workers are paid less than the agreed amount. Cedric Chauke, national organiser of Mawusa, said workers also complained that they have been denied tools of trade for the past three years. He explained that, under the occupational health and safety law, if workers lack the required tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) they can still…

Dr Iqbal Survé, Patron and Founder Survé Family office and Chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, received the IPSA Business Achievement and Philanthropy Award 2025 at the International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) graduation ceremony in Cape Town. The award recognised his outstanding contribution to business, education, and social development. The recognition reflected Dr Survé’s lifelong commitment to using enterprise as a force for good, building inclusive economies, expanding access to education, and championing ethical leadership in the modern world. As founder and chairman of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings, his career has been defined by transformation, innovation, and philanthropy. Through Survé Philanthropies and several educational foundations, he has empowered thousands of young South Africans to study, innovate, and lead. On the global stage, his work through the World Economic Forum, BRICS Business…

Rapper Nicki Minaj has found herself at the centre of a heated international debate after she thanked United States President Donald Trump for speaking out about what he described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. While her message of solidarity drew praise from conservative commentators in the United States, many Nigerians accused her of oversimplifying a deeply complex crisis – and told her to “sit this one out”. On Saturday, Minaj shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) reacting to Trump’s warning that the United States could cut aid or even consider military action if Nigeria failed to protect its Christian population. She wrote: “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever…

Alas, another World Cup final, another Proteas Women’s heartbreaking defeat. The format may be different, but that’s now three and counting. Forever the bridesmaids, never the bride. Perhaps the silver lining to all of this is that for years semi-finals were the immovable object. And as that obstacle was eventually overcome, so too will finals be conquered. The Proteas’ entire World Cup campaign was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, with captain Laura Wolvaardt admitting: “We were either really good or really bad, but thankfully there was a lot more really good throughout this tournament.” It is worth remembering the Proteas’ build-up to this World Cup to gain a greater perspective though. They had won just seven out of their last 21 ODI’s, which included series’ losses to Australia…

Eyebrows have been raised in some quarters after Asenathi Ntlabakanye was added to the Springbok squad in Paris in spite of being under a doping cloud. Still, the bottom line is that the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has cleared the big fellow to play until his hearing in January. It is an unusual case because, while Ntlabakanye tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, SAIDS is satisfied that he was a victim of medical mismanagement. In short, Ntlabakanye received bad advice when he asked for a prescription for a drug to assist with his weight problem. In early September, SAIDS charged Ntlabakanye for taking dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which he had declared on a medical form. DHEA can increase the body’s androgen levels, such as testosterone. Androgens have muscle-building effects,…

Orlando Pirates have mounted a strong challenge to Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance, but as history has shown, beating the country’s top side over the course of a season requires consistent excellence. So far, things have gone relatively smoothly for the Buccaneers, capped by a 1-1 draw away against Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on Saturday. However, their upcoming clash with an in-form Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm) on Wednesday will be just as crucial in maintaining pressure on the league leaders. Much of the praise for Pirates this season has focused on how quickly the team has integrated its new signings. Under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who took over from Jose Riveiro, the squad has developed solid partnerships in a short period of time, earning admiration for their…

The Department of Tourism said that there has been an increase of over one million visitors to South Africa from the period of January 2025 to September 2025. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said these figures confirm that tourism has not only recovered but is once again driving economic growth. Tourism associations have welcomed the news. The Department said that from January to September 2025, South Africa welcomed 7 634 261 international tourists, an increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared to the same period last year. “From January to September 2025, South Africa welcomed 7 634 261 international tourists, an impressive increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared to the same period last year.” De Lille added that Tourism is proving itself a catalyst of economic growth…

The evolution of governance in South Africa has always carried a sense of moral purpose. Each King Code has reflected the spirit of its time, interpreting how ethical leadership, accountability and value creation should find expression in a changing world. The latest iteration continues that tradition. It is less a new chapter than a renewal of the same idea: that governance is a living practice, shaped by conscience as much as by compliance. It extends the life of King IV by deepening its wisdom. King IV reframed governance as outcomes-based and principle-driven. It moved organisations beyond mechanical adherence to rules and towards a consciousness of purpose. Over the years, the four outcomes – ethical culture, performance and value creation, conformance and prudent control, and legitimacy – have become the vocabulary…

South Africans are accustomed to getting new music as they approach the holiday season. What’s different in 2025 is that the music album came in the form of artificial intelligence. This is an important development for the South African music sector for a couple of reasons that includes firstly music making process, secondly, royalties and thirdly its meaning for producers. The process of making music has always been preserved for those with access to expensive music production studios. According to Gift Lubele, the man behind the first AI generated music album, the album and his work at Aura AI seeks to democratise the music making process. In other words, going forward even those with no access to music studios will now have the ability to produce music. Having listened to…

Redefine Properties, which marked another year of its multi-year transformation strategy with a 7.8% rise in distributable income, has detected early signs of rising business and consumer confidence in South Africa. The JSE-listed diversified property REIT’s portfolio proved resilient again over the year to August 31, 2025, with retail and industrial strength offsetting a still-muted office sector. The dividend increased 7.8% to 45.84 cents per share. “Our portfolio mix really paid off this year. Retail and industrial delivered very pleasing results, offsetting the structural headwinds still facing offices,” said Chief Operating Officer Leon Kok. CEO Andrew König said that early signs of rising business and consumer confidence were evident in leasing activity and investor sentiment, supported by the country’s recent removal from the FATF greylist and prospects of a sovereign…

At the Levai Mbata Clinic in Emfuleni, where a routine pavement upgrade has turned into a full-fledged tender scandal, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Public Protector to look into allegations of nepotism and corruption. This follows the DA’s picket outside the Evaton-based clinic last month, during which party members handed over a memorandum demanding transparency and accountability. After giving Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko 14 days in October to act, the party is now following through, urging decisive action against anyone who may have improperly benefited from what it described as a “fishy tender.” Kingsol Chabalala, DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head, said the project, initially intended to improve access to healthcare facilities, has instead become a symbol of ANC-linked cronyism and misuse of public funds. The DA…

The Freedom Front Plus has warned that the City of Tshwane’s poor funding for Region 4’s growing sinkhole crisis will soon see the most-hit parts of Centurion collapsing if the budget is not re‑prioritised. This follows the latest formation of a fresh sinkhole last week in Lyttelton in Centurion, adding to more than 60 sinkholes already in the area. FF-Plus councillor Wesley Jacobs pointed out that poor budget prioritisation to the recurring sinkhole problem put parts of Centurion at real risk of sinkhole collapse. He cited that only R14.7 million was budgeted for sinkhole rehabilitation in the 2024/25 financial year. Kholofelo Morodi, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, previously said the municipality has a budget shortfall of more than R180m after having put aside R14.7m budget to tackle the sinkhole…

Afro House powerhouse Eleh returns with her latest album, My House, a vibrant nine-track celebration of rhythm, soul, and African grooves that captures the spirit of love, joy, and self-expression. Infused with her signature blend of three-step swing, Afrotech energy, and Afro House soul, My House showcases Eleh’s mastery of sound, storytelling, and emotional depth. Each track pulses with warmth and vibrancy, merging the rhythm of the dancefloor with stories of healing, love, and resilience. Beyond the beats, the album is a sonic journey across Africa’s cultural tapestry, blending different languages to create a sound that is deeply personal yet universally resonant. Born Elekanyani Thelma Mathobo and affectionately known as Eleh, the singer credits her upbringing in Makwarela for shaping her musical foundation. Her childhood home was filled with jazz,…

A 25-year-old South African man, previously reported missing, has been discovered in a Bangkok prison after escaping a fraudulent operation in Myanmar. He was one of 41 South Africans who recently fled a large-scale scam, crossing the Moei River into Thailand after enduring human trafficking and forced labour. Private security personnel, in collaboration with a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to helping victims, located him while he was in custody. Sources revealed that he had endured repeated assaults while in captivity after refusing to cooperate with the scam operators. “This young man is one of the heroes,” said a source close to the rescue mission. “He was continuously assaulted because he refused to cooperate. “He suffered a lot, and the media should give him a chance to tell his story.” The…

Resort Oli Isaac Multi-cast narration Audible originals THIS audiobook had me hooked from the very first seconds – not a phrase I use lightly. With a cocktail of drama, suspense, mystery, and just a dash of madness, I knew immediately that Resort by Oli Isaac would strike a chord deep within my psychological thriller-loving heart. Presented by Audible Originals, this multi-cast narration spins a tale that flutters between reality and distorted perceptions, keeping you on your toes throughout its engaging twelve chapters. Our protagonist is far from ordinary. Struggling to get by in London, she assumes various identities, depending on the environment she finds herself in. It’s as if she’s more at home in someone else’s skin than she is in her own. When the opportunity arises for her to…

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield today to face his former side Liverpool in the Uefa Champions League, having made a near-perfect start to life in the Spanish capital. While Premier League giants Liverpool have managed only two wins in their last eight games, Alonso’s Madrid are soaring, transformed from last season and improving week by week under the Basque manager. The 15-time European champions defeated Clasico rivals Barcelona last weekend in La Liga and now aim to flex their muscles again in another high-calibre clash against Arne Slot’s side. Their only defeat this season came in a 5-2 derby humiliation by Atletico Madrid, but Alonso’s team have evolved rapidly since. Many Liverpool supporters had hoped the Spaniard would one day return to Anfield as manager when Jurgen…

Proteas Men’s stand-in ODI captain Matthew Breetzke is hoping his team can start on the front foot in the series-opener in Faisalabad today. It will all have to start at the very top after the Proteas openers struggled to lay a platform in the recently-completed T20I series, in which Pakistan came from behind to win 2-1 with consecutive victories in Lahore. Quinton de Kock’s return to the Proteas T20I top-order did not go according to plan with the veteran opener only managing a breezy 23 in the opening game before consecutive failures. The Proteas lost a wicket without scoring in both Lahore encounters that put the rest of the batters under pressure for the remainder of the innings. The ODI batting line-up boasts similar personnel to the T20I squad with…

The Proteas Women’s World Cup journey was marked by significant breakthroughs, especially the historic run to the final, coupled with moments of crushing disappointment. Independent Media’s Zaahier Adams selects his moments of the ICC Women’s World Cup. Five highs Historic first World Cup final The team reached the final of the 50-over ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for the very first time. This was a monumental achievement, marking the first time a senior South African team (male or female) had reached a 50-over ICC World Cup final/ Redemptive semi-final victory In a commanding semi-final performance against rivals England, the Proteas posted their highest-ever Women’s World Cup total (319/7) and secured a massive 125-run victory, redeeming their heavy group-stage loss to the same opponent. Wolvaardt’s record-breaking tournament Captain Laura Wolvaardt set…