Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-07 i Mercury

Barloworld Limited’s path to delisting gathered significant momentum this week, with Newco — the consortium leading the take-private transaction — announcing that it has received valid acceptances for 108 million ordinary shares under its Standby Offer. The accepted shares represent approximately 58% of Barloworld’s total issued ordinary shares, excluding treasury stock. Combined with the consortium’s and the Barloworld Foundation’s existing holdings, Newco now controls 81.4% of Barloworld’s ordinary shares, positioning the group firmly on course to take the 122-year-old industrial giant private. Sydney Mhlarhi, spokesperson for Newco, hailed the progress as a “major milestone” for the transaction. “We are delighted to have achieved major transaction milestones this past week. The Standby Offer becoming unconditional has prompted a surge in valid acceptances received,” Mhlarhi said. “Together with the Consortium’s existing…

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) has reported a sharp rise in pension-related complaints during the 2024/25 financial year, largely linked to the rollout of the new Two-Pot retirement system introduced in September 2024. According to the OPFA’s latest annual report, released on Sunday, the number of new complaints increased by 13% year-on-year to 10 331, compared to 9 177 in the previous period. Of these, the office managed to resolve 10 100 cases. The report noted that 239 complaints were directly related to the two-pot system in the first seven months of its implementation. The system allows retirement fund members to access part of their savings without resigning from their jobs — a reform designed to provide financial flexibility to workers. However, the OPFA said many funds…

The expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act at the end of September marks a watershed moment in the US-South Africa relationship. While Agoa had been effectively undermined by the Trump tariffs imposed earlier this year, it nevertheless provided a backstop for our trade relationship – a framework and a reason to work hard towards agreement on new trade terms. The Trump administration indicated a desire to extend Agoa by one year shortly before its expiry, but Congress has been unable to act on that ambition due to the government shutdown. There remains a possibility that an extension could be included in legislation required to end the shutdown, but even then, it is unclear whether South Africa would be included, given the broader issues that have arisen between our…

36ONE Asset Management, a leading South African asset manager, has announced a landmark Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) deal with a consortium led by MI Capital, the investment arm of The Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII). The deal sees the consortium, which includes staff of 36ONE, and communities of youth in MII through The Invincible Empowerment Trust, acquire a 22% stake in 36ONE Asset Management. This partnership is a significant milestone that unites a top-tier financial firm with a proven leader in youth education and empowerment. It will help advance the educational mission of MII and help to uplift previously disadvantaged South African youth for generations to come. Cy Jacobs, co-founder of 36ONE Asset Management, said, "We are thrilled to partner with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute through MI Capital. “This partnership…

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been making waves both on and off the rugby field. Born to British-born radio personality Nick Feinberg, who emigrated to South Africa in 1994, and Makhosazana Mngomezulu, a South African lawyer, he carries both surnames as a reflection of his diverse heritage. His father recently addressed criticism from a social media user questioning why Sacha used both surnames. The troll asked if Nick pressured his son into including his “hard-to-pronounce” name. Nick responded firmly: “I don’t normally answer stuff like this. But to satisfy whatever deep need you are servicing, the answer to that is no.” Sacha’s family has other public figures. His brother, Nathan Soan- Mngomezulu, is known for social media and reality TV, including an appearance on season 3 of the UK dating show Too…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for tougher action against corruption, saying that it has corroded competitiveness. This comes amid the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)’s Tembisa Hospital corruption report which has fingered syndicates and Gauteng Health officials as being central to the R2 billion that was looted at the hospital. Ramaphosa indicated that the ANC is serious about fighting corruption, which he said must be acted upon to ensure the credibility of the party ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Yesterday, Ramaphosa closed the Special ANC National Executive meeting after three days of deliberations on efforts aimed at strengthening the economy, advancing transformation, and improving service delivery. The meeting built on earlier work to refine the ANC’s Economic Action Plan and ensure practical steps to drive growth, create jobs, and…

The Western Cape Education Department, which had earlier been ordered to reinstate and back pay more than R360 000 to a Primrose Park Primary School teacher that it fired following claims of unbecoming conduct, has failed in its legal bid to have this order overturned. Lee-Ann Snyders, who had been working at the school since 2013, lost her job following a 2019 disciplinary hearing that found her guilty on 14 charges relating to misconduct. She was accused by a group of Grade 5 learners of name-calling and using derogatory language. She successfully turned to arbitration to have her dismissal overturned. The arbitrator at the time found that the learners had fabricated allegations to have the teacher dismissed. Snyders taught the Grade 5 learners at the time, and the charges were…

Questions have been raised regarding the financial planning for the Madlanga Commission following remarks made by former chief evidence leader, Advocate Terry Motau, regarding its inadequate budget. The commission last week confirmed that Motau had stepped down from his role as chief evidence leader, adding that he left the commission on good terms but did not provide reasons for his departure. Speaking with Radio 702 last week, Motau revealed that he had tendered his resignation on September 11, following a discussion with commission leadership-central to his concerns was the lack of budget clarity. Motau stressed that this was a lesson that should have been learned from the Zondo Commission, which ballooned past R1 billion in cost and left several legal professionals unpaid in its final months. He said the R147.9…

The Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court has postponed the case against former Transnet executives, including ex-Group Chief Executive Officer Brian Molefe, to next month. The postponement is to allow the State to finalise the indictment and set a date for the matter to be transferred to the High Court. Molefe faces charges alongside former Group Chief Financial Officer Anoj Singh, former Chief Executive Officer Siyabonga Gama, and Thamsanqa Jiyane, who was Chief Procurement Officer at Transnet Freight Rail. The four stand accused of 17 charges, including contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud, corruption, and breaches of the Companies Act. According to Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the charges relate to the procurement of locomotives during Transnet’s efforts to expand and modernise the country’s…

The South Africans who were detained in Israel after participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla are set to be released and repatriated today. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) received formal notification from Israeli authorities regarding the status of the detained South Africans. Six South Africans were among dozens of activists who were detained when Israeli naval forces intercepted boats in the flotilla last week. They are Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson; Zukiswa Wanner, Carrie Shelver, Dr Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar and Reaz Moola. According to AFP, the 45-vessel flotilla had been aiming to break an Israeli blockade to deliver aid to Gaza, where the United Nations says famine has taken hold after two years of devastating conflict. Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the government has…

McLaren clinched the Formula One constructors’ title, but their drivers’ tempers frayed in the heat of a Singapore Grand Prix won by the Mercedes of George Russell. Here, we highlight three talking points from Sunday’s night race – one of the most physically brutal tests of man and machine on the motor racing calendar. Gloves off for Piastri and Norris With the constructors’ championship safely tucked away for a second successive season, the question now is: will McLaren let the gloves come off in a head-to-head fight for the drivers’ title? If the start of the Singapore Grand Prix was anything to go by, the battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris over the final six races could be very spicy indeed. Norris forced his way past Piastri into third…

The defence of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) mace is set to officially get underway for South Africa as they begin the new cycle with a two-match Test series in Lahore and Rawalpindi this month. As the Proteas start the 2025–27 WTC cycle in Pakistan next week, they carry a target on their backs, having won the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s this past winter. It will be a new challenge for South Africa, given that every Test they play will now be closely examined by opposition teams – a level of scrutiny they most likely did not face in the previous cycle, when they flew under the radar due to a lack of stars and being generally underrated. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram emphasised the team’s desire to…

Last season, the so-called Big Six in the English Premier League gave way to a Top Eight as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur lost their place at the top table, while the emergence of the likes of Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Fulham, Brighton and Crystal Palace suggested a shake-up in the established order. For more than a decade, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham monopolised the Uefa Champions League places, dictated the title race, and appeared untouchable. But last season’s shifts – not just in final log positions, but also Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph and Newcastle’s dramatic League Cup win – signalled the cracks beginning to show. Any suggestion that this was a temporary wobble has been dispelled by the early weeks of this campaign. Bournemouth…

Discovery Green, the renewable energy business of Discovery Limited, and Glencore Operations South Africa, part of a global diversified natural resources company, said on Monday they had signed a 20-year renewable energy supply agreement. The deal will replace the majority of the electricity consumption at four of Glencore’s major mining operations with renewable energy. Starting in 2027, Discovery Green will supply renewable energy to the Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi mine complexes near eMalahleni, in the Nkangala District. The electricity consumption across these operations is estimated to exceed 290 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year. This long-term agreement is expected to substantially reduce the operation’s direct carbon emissions, while providing Glencore with stable, predictable electricity costs. “We are excited to support Glencore, a major player in South Africa’s economy, on their journey towards…

The stalemate between the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the Postbank over the former's stipulation of a three-month extension of a Master Service Agreement (MSA) affecting about 3 million beneficiaries has to go back to the Presidency after as tensions heat up between the two entities. This is as the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) cited by both parties in the dispute as a mandated mediator referred to the appointment of an inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to the Presidency, suggesting the mediation process has not begun. DPME Ministerial spokesperson Litha Mpondwana referred responses to the Presidency as the establishment of inter-governmental committees was the prerogative of the Presidency. "The DPME has been involved in intergovernmental relations processes, which seek to facilitate the optimal provision of social…

A full percentage point and a quarter in interest rate cuts over the past year have eased financial pressure on South Africans — but not enough to make a meaningful difference, according to leading debt experts. The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) has reduced the repo rate by a cumulative 125 basis points since August 2024, bringing it down from 11.75% to 10.5%. While this marks a gradual easing of monetary policy after years of high borrowing costs, analysts say the relief has been offset by the soaring cost of living. Neil Roets, the founder and CEO of Debt Rescue, said that while the rate cuts were welcome, many consumers are still under severe financial strain. “While this 125 basis point reduction has provided some relief on paper, the reality…

South Africans are no strangers to the rising cost of living. Grocery prices continue to rise, fuel costs swing unpredictably, and households are stretched thin trying to make ends meet. Yet, amid this financial strain, one essential service has provided rare relief: internet access. The Competition Commission’s August 2025 Cost of Living Report highlights something perhaps worth celebrating. The communications sector has made real progress in driving affordability and accessibility of internet services. It’s a reminder that the tides are slowly turning and that even in tough economic times, targeted interventions can help ease pressure on households. The internet is no longer a luxury, it is an essential service, as important as electricity or water. This recognition reflects the lived reality of millions of South Africans for whom being offline…

Mondi’s share price fell by a whopping 16.7% on Monday morning after reporting softer markets and extended maintenance shuts for its third quarter to September 30. The JSE and London Stock Exchange-listed global sustainable packaging and paper group said in a trading statement that underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) came to €223 million, including €20m of forestry fair value gain. This was lower than the second quarter EBITDA of €274m, which included a €16m forestry fair value gain. The first quarter EBITDA came to €290m. The share price fell to a new 12-month low of R203.10 on the JSE on Monday morning, and the price had fallen more than 37% over a year. "Trading conditions in the third quarter were challenging, with softer volumes and declining…

Sober October is here, and we all know that weekends can be a challenge to abstain, especially with events like the Springboks games, along with countless weekend braais. However, if you’re still indecisive about taking on the challenge or have already committed yourself to doing so, here’s even more motivation to do it. Did you know that giving up alcohol for a month is one of the quickest ways to see tangible improvements in your life? Forget the doom and gloom of missing out on the fun. This isn’t about restriction; it’s about rebooting your system and unlocking a healthier, more energised version of yourself. The weekend is the ultimate test, and you still have time to reap the full rewards of this challenge. Here’s a look at the awesome…

THE latest World Bank report on the efficiency of container ports worldwide has again painted a troubling picture of the Port of Durban’s performance. The fifth edition of the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) for 2024, released recently, ranks Durban as the 403rd busiest port globally, placing it among the worst performers in the world. So grim is the picture, South Africa could not take advantage of the shipping crises in other parts of the world because of the inefficiencies in its port. Despite this dismal ranking, the report indicates that investments have been made to improve the situation, with some positive signs emerging. Logistics and labour experts have expressed concern, stating that the findings reveal a dire state of the ports, which continue to act as a stumbling…

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) wants the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to be changed so that “delinquent director” court applications could be brought against malfeasant accounting authorities of all state-owned entities (SOEs), including those that are not registered as companies. Outa, which filed its case at the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, said this will enable civil society organisations to take such actions to hold individuals who mismanage and abuse SOEs accountable, adding that the law currently allows delinquent director actions against directors of registered companies, which excludes many SOEs. The Minister of Finance and Minister of Trade are cited as the first and second respondents, respectively. However, the spokespersons for both departments did not comment at the time of publication. The SOEs that are not registered as companies…

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) will, this morning, begin its oversight inquiry into the allegations of maladministration, financial impropriety, and the misuse of public funds at the Road Accident Fund (RAF). The inquiry will begin with evidence from the RAF and the Department of Transport in the afternoon. Tomorrow, the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, the Office of the Accountant General and the Auditor-General of South Africa will appear before the committee. The Special Investigating Unit is expected to appear on Friday. Among SCOPA’s key concerns are: Failure to perform adequate background checks on senior management and executive appointments who have access to and manage significant sums of public funds, despite having concerning employment and disciplinary history involving allegations of reckless financial management decisions. Failure to appoint…

A new Public Transport Information Centre designed to ease access to reliable public transport-related information and services was launched by eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba yesterday. The eThekwini Transport Authority’s Traffic Management Centre hosts a hub offering commuters quick, accurate public transport updates and assistance. Xaba said public transport without information like real-time schedules and updates is incomplete. “The Public Transport Information Centre we are unveiling today is important as part of the City’s offering within its transport operations. It brings reliability and transparency into the system, offering commuters reliable updates that they can depend on. It ensures that public transport users, who are the backbone of our City’s economy, have the dignity of being informed and empowered,” Xaba said. “This facility also demonstrates how, through collaboration with Metro Police,…

The Springboks have returned home from London with the Rugby Championship trophy still overflowing with suitable refreshments, but Player of the Match in the finale against Argentina, Cobus Reinach, says one eye is already on the looming end-of-year tour. The Springboks beat the Pumas 29-27 at Twickenham to nail their first-ever defence of the Championship. In November, they will face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales on a five-match tour to Europe. Reinach says the Boks are aiming for greater continuity. “You could see in the tournament how we’d lose one, win one, lose again, and then win a match,” said Reinach, who scored two tries against the Pumas. “Rugby is a strange game. But we know we have a lot of work to do before the year-end tour, and…

Malibongwe Khoza didn’t think it would happen so soon. But such is his determination to succeed in his career that he’s not taking any opportunity lightly – nor is he getting carried away. Khoza earned his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up for the two crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers: against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, and against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium next Tuesday. Both games are scheduled for a 6pm kick-off. While his quick integration into coach Hugo Broos’ plans was unexpected, Khoza wasn’t just sitting and waiting. He was working hard. As such, he believes that if he hadn’t gone to the Chan tournament with the makeshift Bafana side under coach Molefi Ntseki earlier this winter, he wouldn’t be where he is today. “I didn’t think that…

The Kaizer Chiefs head honchos – and not their former superior, Nasreddine Nabi – will decide the fate of co-interim coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Kaze and Ben Youssef have been holding the fort at Chiefs in recent weeks, following the suspension of head coach Nabi over issues such as mistrust and coaching credentials. Since Nabi’s departure, Kaze and Ben Youssef have endured a rollercoaster ride. They managed to progress to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, but were eliminated from the Carling Knockout last 16 by Stellenbosch on Sunday afternoon. Their Betway Premiership campaign has also been topsy-turvy. They are winless in their last three games, having lost to Sekhukhune United and drawn against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu, respectively. Given all the challenges the…

Good policies and good luck cushion emerging markets in face of global volatility, says IMF Emerging markets have shown remarkable resilience in the face of global financial volatility, thanks to a combination of “good policies” and, to a lesser extent, “good luck,” according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) released on Monday. The report's chapter 2, titled “Emerging Market Resilience: Good Luck or Good Policies?”, finds that many emerging economies are now better equipped to withstand global “risk-off” shocks — periods when investors retreat from riskier assets — than they were before the 2008 global financial crisis. The IMF attributes this resilience primarily to improved monetary, fiscal, and macroprudential frameworks, which have allowed central banks to act more independently, stabilize domestic economies, and reduce reliance…

In governance, silence is rarely neutral. It is a decision, and one that shapes the moral character of leadership. The most dangerous failures in boardrooms do not always come from the wrong actions of leaders, but from their refusal to act when duty demands it. Silence, like ego, has a governance cost. It corrodes accountability, weakens oversight and allows risk to grow unchecked beneath the surface. Every board faces moments when silence seems easier than confrontation. A director notices a recurring issue in audit findings but says nothing. A chair senses executive overreach yet avoids raising it to preserve harmony. The intention may be noble, but the outcome is not. When boards choose not to act, they drift from stewardship toward complicity. Inaction often hides behind professionalism. It wears the…

South Africa is standing at a defining moment. For generations, our growth has been tied to mining, manufacturing, and heavy industry — vital sectors, yes, but costly, resource-heavy, and often slow to create the kinds of broad, future-facing jobs our young population needs. Meanwhile, a new global engine is roaring ahead: gaming. Once dismissed as teenage pastime, gaming today is much more. It is a billion-dollar industry, a platform for technology innovation, a competitive sport, a tourism drawcard, and even a classroom tool. With the right choices in policy, education and investment, South Africa can do more than join this global wave — it can ride it to rebrand itself as Africa’s creative-technology hub, unlocking jobs, exports and skills development along the way. A booming market we cannot ignore The…

The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the state institution that aims to combat financial crime by mostly monitoring millions of reports from 55 262 institutions in South Africa, says it recovered R144 million in proceeds from crime in 2024/25. The FIC’s latest annual report shows this amount is 46% more than the preceding year. The FIC also claims to have blocked R157.5m as suspected proceeds of crime. The report comes in an environment where suspected financial crime totaling billions of rand is reported almost daily in South Africa’s media, and most of these funds will likely have passed through the financial system. The FIC said ithe 55 262 institutions registered on its database submitted more than 13.5 million regulatory reports in the year. Financial institutions are obliged by regulation to submit…

Jubilee Metals Group plans to concentrate solely on its Zambian copper projects and the Tjate platinum project in South Africa by the end of the year. The strategic shift is contingent on the disposal of its South African chrome and PGM operations, which is expected to be finalised soon. In an update released on Monday, the JSE and London-listed copper-focused producer revealed that shareholders had approved the sale of the chrome and PGM operations on August 25, 2025. The company has already received the first tranche of the sale consideration, amounting to $15 million. “Our Three-Pillar Strategy offers flexibility to our operations and supports a more robust business approach to withstand in-country risks while providing exciting growth opportunities for the Group,” said CEO Leon Coetzer. The company is awaiting approval…

Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee swirling through the air, intertwining with the mouthwatering scent of crispy bacon sizzling in a hot pan. If there’s one meal that truly sets the tone for your day, it’s breakfast. Whether you grab a slice of toast on the run or indulge in a full spread, how you break your fast says a lot about your culture and your health. Studies show that people who eat breakfast regularly tend to have better concentration, improved mood, and more balanced energy levels throughout the day. But while most of us picture eggs, toast, or cereal, breakfast looks wildly different around the world. From hearty soups to sweet pastries, each culture brings something unique to the table, sometimes quite literally. Breakfast is far from…

TENSIONS in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) are escalating, with the ANC Youth League in KwaZulu-Natal calling for the party to withdraw from the political arrangement. The league argues that other members of the GPU are intent on sabotaging and destroying the ANC. The league contends that departments in the provincial government, as well as municipalities led by the ANC, are being targeted by other GPU members. The recent unseating of the ANC leadership through a vote of no confidence in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality appears to have been the final straw for the league. In response to these allegations, the DA in the province has pushed back, stating that its MECs deployed to the GPU are performing their duties responsibly. In a statement released recently, the league warned…

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) recorded a 13% increase in new complaints during the 2024/25 financial year, attributing part of the rise to challenges linked to the implementation of the two-pot retirement system and the withdrawal option. According to the OPFA’s latest annual report, the pensions dispute resolution forum received 10 331 new complaints, up from 9 177 the previous year and finalised 10 100 cases. A total of 239 complaints received between September 2024 and March 2025 related specifically to the two-pot system, which came into effect on 1 September 2024. The new system allows fund members to access a portion of their retirement savings without resigning from employment. However, the report found that some funds struggled to process the high volume of withdrawal applications. Additionally,…

The failure of some of the accused to pay their attorneys has delayed the resumption of the trial in the corruption case involving five senior officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier. Nine accused, including five senior officials from the Premier's Office and four directors of service providers and seven entities appeared in the Durban High Court yesterday for the resumption of the trial. The accused are Ziphathe Mboneni Cibane, Nonhlanhla Pamela Hlongwa, Nomusa Zakwe, Tobelani Njabulo Makhathini, Sithembiso Doctor Msomi, Phumalanga Communications CC, Gugu Audrey Kheswa, Roren Engineering CC, Ashley Mervyn Rose, Nto’s Catering CC, Ntombimpela Mabel Majozi, I Dot Q, Set Apart Group, Inala Business Consortium, Sybil Nomphumelelo Motaung, and Isidleke Enterprises Pty Ltd. They face charges of fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering amounting to more…

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has attributed the financial strain facing schools to years of government-wide budget cuts, saying the impact has been most severe on education because of the department’s size. Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said: “This is not scientific information that someone has researched, but it is always provided by us to all oversight committees. It’s public knowledge that over the years there have been budget cuts affecting all the departments, with education being the hardest hit because of its size and persistent underfunding.” Mahlambi was responding to claims by the DA that chronic underfunding has left many KZN schools unable to function effectively, forcing principals to take desperate measures to keep operations running. DA KZN spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, said the department is paying “far below”…

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is set to hold a national day of action today to mark the International Day for Decent Work. The trade union federation said this year’s action is doubly significant as it is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary on December 6 at Dobsonville Stadium and as it comes on the heels of the 80th anniversary of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) on October 3. In a statement, Cosatu said despite the hard-won gains over the past four decades, workers are still confronted by crippling economic challenges including joblessness, poverty and inequality. “The South African economy hasn’t grown beyond 1% for years, while unemployment is alarmingly high at 42.9%, and harrowing among youth aged 15 to 24 at more than 72%.…

The Stormers will have three Springbok superstars with them in Wales on Friday night, but whether they play against the Scarlets is another matter. Fresh from playing starring roles in the defeat of the Pumas at Twickenham, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, and Cobus Reinach will travel from London to Llanelli to join the squad today. However, defence coach Norman Laker told the media yesterday that a decision was still to be made about slotting the trio straight in. Laker said that the Stormers had started the United Rugby Championship strongly and praised the players who got the team off to a two-match winning start, with impressive wins over Leinster and the Ospreys. “The guys who have been in the seat have done extremely well,” Laker said. “Guys like Wandi (Simelane),…

Richards Bay co-coach Ronnie Gabriel believes his side’s emphatic Carling Knockout victory over Chippa United is proof that patience and faith in youth development can produce success – even after a tough start to the season. The Natal Rich Boyz, who went winless in their opening three Betway Premiership matches, have quietly rebuilt confidence and cohesion through a philosophy centered on nurturing homegrown talent. Sunday’s demolition of Chippa at uMhlathuze Sports Complex was a timely reminder of how far Gabriel’s youthful group has come. “We didn’t make the fastest of starts this season,” Gabriel admitted. “Our first three league games, we didn’t get positive results, but we continued to believe in the group and the blueprint of the club, which is giving youngsters a chance.” That blueprint – one that…