Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-01-24 i Mercury

I WAS shocked and saddened to learn about the recent passing of iconic spiritual luminary and my childhood friend, Shri Roopnarain “Rupert“ Dasarath. My heartfelt condolences to all his near and dear ones. Rupertji and I grew up in Pinetown. In his early twenties, he organised Krishnajanamasthmee and Raamnaumee celebrations at the Moodie Street cinema. He was a progressive and pragmatic leader driven. Before his marriage to Sushielaji, Rupertji spent four years at the Ramakrishna Centre in Avoca. He became the first Hindu businessman to sacrifice profit by organising Ramayan satsangs during business time. The many temples he helped build or renovate stand as monuments to the contributions of this gentle giant of the Hindu renaissance. A humanitarian, he funded feeding programmes and was a beacon of hope for the…

The DA has called for a full investigation after KZN’s Department of Transport hosted a lavish event in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality while residents continue to suffer after almost four months of no service delivery. The bash, held to mark the handover of a district roadworks contract, is a reckless use of public funds. It is also little more than an ANC political stunt to rally support and attempt to save face amid the onslaught the party is facing due to a lack of political leadership in the municipality in ending ongoing municipal strike action. Residents have suffered without proper service delivery for months now, including uncollected refuse and sewer, water and electricity issues. The use of taxpayers’ money for unnecessary and excessive spending is a clear display of financial irresponsibility,…

THE King Cetshwayo District Municipality in Zululand has been ordered by a Labour Court judgment to employ more than 600 workers that it “inherited” from a service provider. The municipality recently lost an appeal at the Labour Appeal Court, where it had sought to nullify a judgment handed down by the Labour Court that found that the workers should be absorbed by the municipality. The municipality said yesterday that it plans to appeal the dismissal of its appeal by the Labour Appeal Court. At the centre of the dispute is whether the employees who have been working for a service provider, Water and Sanitation Services SA, should be absorbed into the municipality. It was argued by a labour union that because these workers were employed expressly to provide a service…

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) said yesterday that electricity had been restored at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) following disruptions on Wednesday caused by a damaged electrical cable. Acsa said the repairs were successfully completed and power was restored within three hours. “We acknowledge the impact of the disruption on airport operations and thank passengers, airlines, and stakeholders for their patience. “To strengthen operational resilience, Acsa has secured two additional back-up generators to ensure uninterrupted operations during critical periods and reduce the risk of future disruptions.” Meanwhile, on Sunday, Acsa said that following the fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) refinery on January 4, which has been impacting the production of fuel nationally, the industry had secured enough supply for OR Tambo International Airport for January…

Residents of Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal harvested meat from an elephant that was put down after straying outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park this week. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said that on Tuesday it received reports of six elephants roaming in the Vuna area. The situation became more complicated overnight, as the elephants moved further into Masokaneni. Efforts to guide the elephants back to the reserve on Wednesday were hindered by bad weather, which grounded Ezemvelo’s helicopter. Help was sought from Heligistix, whose chopper enabled officials to guide five of the elephants back to the safety of the park. One elephant, believed to be injured, had to be destroyed. Musa Mntambo, Ezemvelo communications manager, said: “This decision is never made lightly but was necessary under the circumstances to ensure the safety of the community.” Reacting…

The Springbok Sevens rugby team seldom get their “flowers” from South African fans. The Blitzboks, as they are better known, have had some memorable moments over the years – including the 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medal, as well as producing a number of top stars who became Springboks. However, they had arguably their toughest period over the past two years, where they were in danger of missing out on qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. It became so bad that there was a change in head coach and Philip Snyman moved up from assistant to interim boss as the South Africans tried to find their groove in time for the final Olympic qualifier in Monaco. They got through that nightmare scenario and made it to the Paris Olympics, and against…

Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane said that he was not interested in joining the new government formed after a deadly months-long dispute over election results. Mondlane claimed to have won the October presidential election and this resulted in weeks of unrest in the country. He said he was ready to help find solutions but “not to be part of the government”. Daniel Chapo was sworn in as president a week ago, vowing to unite the country after post-election violence that has claimed more than 300 lives. Mondlane has called for a new round of low-key protests to back his claim that the election was stolen from him, and issued the government with “conditions” for peace to be addressed in Chapo’s first 100 days in office. He accuses Chapo’s Frelimo party…

JUBA: South Sudanese authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days after videos depicting the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state triggered riots and deadly revenge attacks. The block was to be implemented this week, Napoleon Adok, director general of the National Communications Authority, wrote in a letter to internet service providers. “This is culminating from the recent upheaval in Sudan, that has exposed the South Sudanese population to unprecedented levels of extreme violence through social media posts,” Adok wrote. Customers of mobile operators MTN South Sudan and Zain would not be able to access Facebook, TikTok and other platforms for a maximum period of 90 days. At least 16 Sudanese nationals were killed last week when riots erupted.…

MUMBAI: An Indian appeals tribunal yesterday put on hold the antitrust authority’s five-year data sharing ban between WhatsApp and owner Meta Platforms applications such as Facebook and Instagram for advertising purposes. Meta is seeking to quash the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) November directive that imposed a five-year ban on WhatsApp on sharing data with Meta entities for advertising purposes, arguing it would have a negative impact on its business in the country. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) ordered a suspension of the ban while it hears a challenge by Meta and WhatsApp to the antitrust order. The ban “may lead to a collapse” of WhatsApp’s business model, the appeals tribunal noted. | Reuters…

The offshore scene is absolutely on fire right now, with incredible action all around. Whether you’re into bottom fishing or chasing gamefish, there’s something for everyone, and the bite is HOT! Up on the North Coast, gamefish action is off the charts, with plenty of dorado and couta putting up epic fights. And the excitement doesn’t stop there – sailfish and small marlin have also been caught this past week. These majestic predators are tough fighters, so be sure to take your time reviving them next to your ski, giving them the best chance to swim off strong for the next lucky angler. The further north you go, the better your chances of hooking into great numbers, with live bait reigning supreme. For those trolling at higher speeds, the high-speed…

As the allure of more spacious living beckons many South Africans, transitioning to a larger home involves navigating a complex web of financial obligations. Beyond the higher asking price lurk myriad costs that can catch the unprepared buyer off guard. It is crucial to comprehend the true financial commitment entailed in upgrading, as a single miscalculation can severely impact your finances. When placing your existing home on the market, sellers must keep in mind the responsibility of paying the estate agent’s commission. The standard rate in South Africa ranges between 5% and 7.5% of the sale price, but it is advisable to negotiate these fees upfront. This is essential as it directly affects the net amount realised from the sale, necessitating caution and strategic planning to protect your investment. To…

MITTENS the cat has travelled twice the distance her owners have, according to Sky News. Mittens, the 8-year-old kitty lived happily with her owners in Christchurch, New Zealand. But then the owners moved to Melbourne in Australia. Did they leave Mittens behind? Of course not. They took her with them on their flight. Did she sit on her mummy’s lap in the plane? No, she was in a special cage in the cargo hold. When the captain was told there was a live cat in the hold, he switched on the hold’s cooling system to make sure she’d be comfortable. What more could a cat ask? The plane touched down in Melbourne. The family gathered their belongings and waited in the airport for Mittens to be brought to them. They…

Donald Trump supporters braved freezing temperatures outside the White House to watch their hero declare, proudly and emphatically, in his second inauguration speech that the “new golden age for America has begun now”. Surrounded by some of the wealthiest people in the world, Trump revelled in the power he wielded as the undisputed leader of the world’s most powerful nation when he backed up his election promises with a slew of controversial executive orders, stamping his authority on his return to the White House. Without referring to him by name, he rolled back the Biden administration’s “radical and corrupt establishment” by repealing dozens of his predecessor’s actions with far-reaching consequences for the US and the world. It was a slap in the face for Joe Biden who was seated with…

THE haughty and arrogant manner in which newly-appointed American president Donald Trump has been issuing threats – purely on the strength of his personal wealth and the power of his position – does not augur well. Firstly, it is no secret that when that self-appointed king of a castle built on sand merely moves his limbs, the entire planet trembles. Fuelled by ego and a false charisma, Trump has already begun to put into motion various avenues to upset many apple carts. He has again developed, like many of his predecessors, a lust for the Panama type of Canals. He has already ordered 10 million oven-baked bricks to decorate his southern borders. Millions of refugees, especially from Mexico and other parts of South America, are hanging on to their shacks…

THE Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs is awaiting a report from the Parliamentary Budget and the National Treasury on the upper limits for, and disclosure of, donations by political parties and independent candidates. This was revealed by committee chairperson Mosa Chabane when he briefed the media on work done and planned activities of the MPs. This comes months after the Western Cape High Court found that the Electoral Amendment Act, which took effect in May 2024, was passed without containing both the upper limit and disclosure threshold. Prior to the amendment, the disclosure threshold was R100 000 per financial year and the upper limit of R15 million per financial year was for donations to political parties. The new law had required the National Assembly to pass a resolution to enable…

Judgment in the case against televangelist Timothy Omotso and his two co-accused is expected to be handed down in April. The matter has dragged on for several years. Some witnesses no longer wanted to testify as they had moved on with their lives and did not want to relive their ordeals. The trial wrapped up in the Eastern Cape High Court, in Gqeberha, this week. Omotoso, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho were arrested in April 2017 and face charges of racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault. Omotoso, a Nigerian national, remained in custody while Sulani and Sitho were granted bail. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the court postponed the matter after the state and the defence submitted their heads of argument. “It follows a decision on previous…

THE DA wants the top brass of the police to be summoned to answer questions over cases of sexual violence involving police officers. The party’s deputy spokesperson on police, Lisa Schickerling, wrote to the portfolio committee on police requesting that chairperson Ian Cameron instruct SAPS senior management to appear before the committee to address the crisis of sexual violence within law enforcement. “This issue has become deeply concerning, with numerous reports from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) indicating a disturbing increase in incidents of sexual violence perpetrated by members of the police force,” Schickerling wrote in her letter. She said the reports highlighted not only the severity of the problem but also the urgent need for accountability, systemic reform, and concrete steps to address the culture of impunity that…

The families of apartheid victims who claim they have been waiting years for justice, say the government robbed them of the justice they deserve. They alleged that their families were denied their right to justice due to political interference and suppression of the cases at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Hundreds of cases were referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further investigation and prosecution. However, to date, only a handful have been followed up. The families were speaking at a media briefing yesterday at Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg, where they announced a decision to file an application seeking constitutional damages from the government and President Cyril Ramaphosa. They also seek an order compelling Ramaphosa to establish a commission of inquiry into the political interference that resulted in the…

IN MID-January 2025, over 1 000 hunger-weakened miners exited two abandoned mineshafts in Stilfontein, near Johannesburg. They had been starved out by the police in Operation Vala Umgodi – meaning “plug the hole” – which had cut off food and water in an effort to “smoke out” a shadow workforce. An estimated 6 100 closed mines are distributed across the country. Although closed, they are not sealed. Residual gold remains in these ruins, and is extracted by miners who come from across the region. They are mainly unlicensed or undocumented migrants, and work in groups that range from a few dozen individuals to highly organised teams of hundreds. Television stations and social media feeds carried horrendous images of the emaciated figures of the living and the dead as they were…

Scores of same-sex and transgender couples married in Thailand yesterday as the kingdom’s equal marriage law went into effect, with two high-profile gay actors among the first to do so. In matching beige suits, Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree, 49 – who was in tears – and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool, 38, were handed their pink-bordered marriage certificates at a registry office in Bangkok. “We fought for it for decades and today is a remarkable day that love is love,” said Arm. The milestone sees Thailand become by far the biggest nation in Asia to recognise equal marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal. “Today, the rainbow flag is proudly flying over Thailand,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on X. The new marriage law uses gender-neutral terms in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives”,…

Israel’s economy minister said it seeks a peaceful Gaza but has not decided whether to help fund its reconstruction and would not allow the rebuilding of Hamas rule that he said could lead to another cross-border militant attack. A ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas took effect on Sunday and the focus has shifted in part to ways of bringing permanent peace after 15 months of war that has demolished the Gaza Strip and inflamed the Middle East. Economy Minister Nir Barkat said during the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland that reconstruction of Gaza was not possible unless Hamas decided it wanted lasting peace with Israel. “The key question is if...they want to build a Dubai or rebuild Gaza the way it was,”…

MALE: The Maldives will require an additional 450 megawatts of power to support President Mohamed Muizzu’s objective of increasing the country’s renewable energy generation rate to 33% by 2028, the official PSM News said. The report, quoting Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim, said the current administration’s goal of generating 33% of the nation’s energy from renewable sources will be accomplished within five years. Studies indicated that the government must establish an additional 450 megawatts of energy generation capacity from renewable sources by November 2028 to achieve the 33 percent goal, PSM said. The minister also revealed that projects were currently in progress nationwide, aiming to establish 170 megawatts of renewable energy production within the year. | Xinhua…

Just when Manchester City appeared to have resumed normal service, Pep Guardiola’s side once again find themselves under the microscope as they prepare to host top-four rivals Chelsea in the Premier League’s big weekend clash tomorrow. A 6-0 hammering of Ipswich Town last weekend looked like the moment the champions had put all the frustrations of the first half of the season to bed in spectacular fashion. But it proved something of an illusion as a horrible capitulation to Paris St Germain on Wednesday left City in grave danger of being eliminated from the Champions League. City led 2-0 in the French capital, but ended up losing 4-2 – a defeat that left them 25th in the 36-team table, and needing to win their last game to stand a chance…

“My husband of three years has been showing strange behaviour for a few months. No desire for closeness with me (very unusual) and staying out late and sometimes not coming home (without explanation or apologies). I’ve confronted him about all of this, and he goes very quiet and gets very angry. I think I know what’s going on and who he is seeing. It’s someone from his work, and she is single. We have no children, and although I do love him and don’t want this, I also will not fight for the attention and love he doesn’t want to give. What do I do?” Nobody can tell you what to do. I can tell you that I affirm your resolve. I endorse your self-awareness and self-confidence expressed regarding not…

Most parts of the country are receiving much-needed rainfall. As we celebrate the filling up of dams, recharging of rivers and other watercourses, it is important to remember that water can be dangerous. It is therefore important that we become responsible, heed weather warnings and take care to protect properties and save lives. As South Africa is a water- scarce country, we always become excited when we receive good rainfall. As we celebrate the falling rain, let us be careful and remember that heavy rains often lead to floods which cause hardships for many. It is therefore critical that we become extra-careful to prevent disasters and the loss of precious lives. People get washed away trying to cross flooded bridges and fast-flowing rivers, so let us be responsible and stop…

Acting North West police commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng said yesterday that police officers were central to the inexplicable escape of the alleged kingpin at Stilfontein mine. Lesotho national James Neo “Tiger” Tshoaeli, who was among the illegal miners rescued and arrested, has vanished. “We believe that our own members are somehow involved in the disappearance of this wanted illegal mining kingpin. We put measures in place immediately when the mine rescue plan commenced. We had what we call key points,” said Asaneng. “All the people that were brought to the surface were properly recorded, accounted for. The corpses that were brought to the surface were duly handed to the government pathological services.” Asaneng said Tiger was identified by police after some of the rescued illegal miners told authorities about…

The Growing Up Online survey recently revealed that 24% of South African children admitted that they play age-inappropriate computer games. The survey sampled 10 000 people consisting of parent-child pairs across the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa from 2023 to 2024. It found that 18% of South African parents believed that their children played age-inappropriate games. Based on the wider survey, boys are more likely than girls to play age-inappropriate games – 50% of boys had violated age guidelines when playing computer games, compared to 43% of girls. The survey found that South African girls were more compliant with gaming than boys. Seventy percent of girls have never played age-inappropriate games, compared to 59% of boys. While children may be unaware of age restrictions in computer games, 35% of South…

PROFESSOR Thiven Reddy’s book, South Africa, Settler Colonialism and The Failures Liberal Democracy, offers an erudite appraisal of South African politics post independence buttressed by the failures and inadequate nationalist elites to comprehend the Manichaean settler colonial state in order to think anew South Africa’s social engineering. The nationalist elites’ primary endeavours were not geared towards dismantling settler colonialism, but to substitute the settlers with themselves and largely concerned with primitive accumulation. In the Zuma administration, in particular his second presidential term, primitive accumulation under the pretext of radical economic transformation reached its crescendo. The make-me-believe radical economic position of the Zuma administration was to use state procurement as its centrepiece to bring about the make-me-believe radical transformation, albeit not geared towards the creation of the new black-owned economy, but…

Belarus is holding a presidential election on Sunday that will secure another five-year mandate for Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for over three decades and crushed all opposition. Belarus, the authoritarian former Soviet republic, is an ally of Russia and has a population of nine million people. Lukashenko’s last re-election in August 2020 with an official tally of more than 80% support was followed by a peaceful mass protest movement. The unprecedented protests rocked the government but were eventually crushed, with several people killed and thousands arrested. Heavy prison sentences were handed out to government critics. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians fled. Targeted by Western sanctions, Lukashenko abandoned a long-standing balancing act between Moscow and the West and turned to the Kremlin for help. In February 2022, Belarus…

Prince Harry claimed a “monumental” victory over Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspaper group after the publisher settled his lawsuit, admitting unlawful actions at its Sun tabloid for the first time and paying substantial damages. Harry, 40, the younger son of King Charles, had been suing News Group Newspapers (NGN), publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, at the High Court in London, alleging the papers had illegally obtained private information about him from 1996 till 2011. | Reuters…

RABAT: Moroccan police have seized nearly 10 tons of cannabis resin in the western coastal Marrakech-Safi region, the MAP news agency reported. The operation took place in the rural commune of Kouzemt-Imintanoute, following intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), Morocco’s domestic intelligence service. Six suspects, aged between 29 and 59, were arrested for alleged links to a criminal network involved in international drug and psychotropic substance trafficking. A judicial investigation has been launched to identify any potential accomplices and uncover the full extent of the network. Morocco has increased its efforts to combat drug smuggling, especially cannabis resin, in recent years, working with European and international partners. | Xinhua…