Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-12 i Mercury

South Africa’s manufacturing production rose slightly by 0.3% year-on-year in September, reflecting modest growth in an otherwise strained industrial landscape. According to data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday, this marked the first month of industrial growth, albeit very mild, following two consecutive months of decline. Stats SA said the motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment division recorded a 7.6% increase while the food and beverages division also expanded by 1.8%. StatsSA’s director of industry statistics, Nicolai Claassen, said five of the 10 manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates over this period compared to the same period last year. However, on a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, which is critical for calculating quarterly GDP growth, Classen said manufacturing output declined by 0.5% in September, following increases…

Chocolate has always occupied a special place in our lives. It is comfort after a long day, and the small indulgence we allow ourselves when we need it most. But in today’s marketplace, chocolate is becoming something more. It is also a test case for how consumer psychology is reshaping industries, and it may hold one of the sweetest opportunities for South Africa’s economy. Globally, shoppers are no longer satisfied with taste alone. Rather, they are increasingly seeking products that align with their values: sustainable, ethically sourced, healthier, or more artisanal. This is not just a lifestyle trend but a psychological shift. Research endorsed by the World Economic Forum shows that buying ‘greener’ goods is positively correlated with subjective wellbeing. In other words, consumers do not just enjoy the product…

Since the late 1990s, South Africa has been participant in the global economic system. We have built a formal economy that is, in many sectors, efficient and globally competitive. Yet, this very engine of our prosperity is failing. It is constrained, unable to expand at a rate that reverses our chronic unemployment and stubborn poverty. Frankly, the formal economy is failing the majority of our populace. Millions find themselves marginalised—trapped in the informal economy, underemployed, or entirely without work, devoid of a sustainable income. Deep poverty remains the stark reality for too many. The heart of the problem is saturation. Our economic environment offers little room for organic growth. It is dominated by large industrial monopolies that control the market, while below them, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operate…

PayInc, formerly BankservAfrica, on Tuesday announced the conclusion of a landmark transaction that positions the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) as a 50% shareholder, alongside leading commercial banks. With all transaction steps now complete, the SARB joins Absa, Access Bank, African Bank, Capitec, Citibank SA, FirstRand, Investec, Nedbank and Standard Bank as direct shareholders. The transaction establishes PayInc as the National Payments Utility (NPU) and is designed to accelerate the modernisation of the national payments system. The SARB’s equity subscription establishes PayInc as a national Payments Utility, jointly owned by the central bank and South Africa’s commercial banks. This unique public–private partnership provides the foundation for building a digital payments ecosystem that is more secure, efficient, and inclusive – enabling greater economic participation for all South Africans. “This moment reflects…

Mantengu, formerly Mantengu Mining, said Tuesday that its 70% subsidiary, Blue Ridge Platinum, had entered into a life of mine agreement with Monteagle International. Mantengu’s share price nudged up 4.96% to 66 cents on the JSE Tuesday afternoon, although the share price has fallen from 79 cents a year ago. The agreement, entitled "Chrome Concentrate Supply Agreement," was entered into on November 5, 2025, and sees Blue Ridge, which operates near Groblersdal, Limpopo, agreeing to deliver to Monteagle, who in turn has agreed to purchase a minimum of 300 000 dry metric tons at a rate of 10 000 dry metric tons per month. The product will be a 40% - 42% chrome concentrate and will be sold on a CIF (cost, insurance and freight) basis, using the published market…

South Africa has been winning big lately. From gold medals at global sports events to making waves in the UFC, teams like the Springboks, Banyana Banyana, and even our academic Olympiads are shining. The phrase “No DNA, just RSA” is really fitting right now. It’s as if the entire country is in its winning era. And now, thanks to one Cape Town creator, that same spirit might just be headed for our wardrobes too. Radio personality, MC and all-around vibe curator Mitch Matyana recently took to Instagram with a viral video that had South Africans howling and low-key agreeing. Matyana’s request is simple, calling on South Africans to get the legendary stylist who dressed Nelson Mandela to “come to the front of the congregation” and bring back the iconic tracksuit…

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, yesterday said she will write to national police commissioner Fannie Masemola to ask for information regarding the prosecutors who were allegedly participating in ensuring criminal syndicates evade justice. Testifying at the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Batohi said there were no names provided by Mkhwanazi when he made the explosive allegations at a media briefing on July 6. “I will write to the National Commissioner to ask him to reveal that, we want the names of those prosecutors that General Mkhwanazi alleged are involved in any kind of criminal activities. This is something we have to investigate,” she said. Batohi was responding to a question by ANC MP Xola Nqola on whether she has established…

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has revealed that more than 4.4 million South Africans aged 16 and older do not yet have identity documents. The disclosure comes in response to a parliamentary question from EFF MP Nonhlanhla Mkhonto, who asked for the total number of South Africans without IDs, the demographic makeup of these individuals, the plans the department has to address the challenge, and the timeframe for these interventions. According to Schreiber, the National Population Register shows that “there are a total of 4 432 923 South Africans who are 16 years and above who have not been issued with either a green ID book or smart ID card.” “This figure applies to all demographics within South Africa,” he added, highlighting that the challenge affects citizens across all racial…

As electricity and water tariffs keep climbing, more South Africans are hunting for homes that cut costs and shrink their carbon footprint. Due to the demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly properties, community housing schemes such as sectional title complexes, gated estates, and retirement villages are now offering shared solar power, water-saving systems, and other green features that lower bills for everyone. This is according to Andrew Schaefer, MD of property management company Trafalgar. “Steep electricity and water tariff increases, combined with frequent supply challenges, are prompting more and more South African buyers to seek homes that are more self-sufficient. There is rising interest in living sustainably in homes that make more efficient use of natural resources and minimise waste generation,” said Schaefer. Shared green infrastructure is key, he said. “Centralised or…

Neighbours of murdered Indezi Valley resident Mike Pryor have described him as a kind-hearted and gentle man and say his brutal killing has left them shocked. Pryor, a farm manager from Kwa Heri Farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, was found burnt beyond recognition inside a vehicle at a grazing farm near Mpophomeni on Sunday morning. According to police, Pryor was abducted from his home prior to his death. UMngeni Municipality (Howick) deputy mayor Sandile Mnikathi offered condolences on behalf of the municipality earlier this week. Neighbours, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals, told The Mercury yesterday that Pryor lived alone. One neighbour said she last saw Pryor when he delivered bales to her property not long before his murder. “It’s very emotional for me. He offloaded very…

Max Verstappen continues to redefine Formula One excellence. The Red Bull driver set another remarkable record at the Brazilian Grand Prix, becoming the only driver to have finished on the podium from the most different starting positions in the history of the sport. Verstappen has now claimed podiums from 16 different grid slots and even the pit lane, marking an unprecedented 17 starting positions leading to a top-three finish. The achievement underlines Verstappen’s extraordinary versatility and consistency – two hallmarks that have defined his rise to the top of F1. Whether starting from pole or deep in the pack, the Dutchman has shown an uncanny ability to fight his way through the field and deliver results that others can only dream of. At Interlagos, Verstappen once again demonstrated why he…

For Ethan Hooker, every day inside the Springbok camp feels like an education, a fast-tracked rugby degree delivered under the eye of world-champion coach Rassie Erasmus. The young Sharks back has developed rapidly since making his Test debut this year, but he insists the acceleration has less to do with natural talent and far more to do with the demands of the environment he now calls home. “I'm very privileged to be in the situation I am now,” Hooker said ahead of the Springboks’ Test against Italy at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Saturday. “Just being in such an environment with such good players and such quality coaches, it automatically ups your game. I just try to take away as much as I can every single day and build…

The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) is proposing the introduction of guardrails over social grants and NSFAS grants to help curb the rapid rise of illegal online gambling, which it says now accounts for 62% (R55 billion) of the country’s gambling market. According to industry data, more than 16 million South Africans — about 27% of the population — are interacting with unlicensed gambling platforms, many of which operate offshore. SABA on Tuesday said it is engaging with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture amid growing concern that some illegal foreign operators are sponsoring local and national sporting teams. These include Dafabet, an offshore betting company that sponsors the South African cricket team and holds naming rights at the Eastern Cape Stadium, as well as the Durban Supergiants in…

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, a significant study titled “South Africa’s Energy Sector Investment Requirements to Achieve Energy Security and Net Zero Goals by 2050” was released by the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the National Planning Commission, the Presidential Climate Commission, and National Treasury’s Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development programme. Taken together, the work provides a quantified pathway to a secure, least-cost electricity system that can be financed at scale if policy aligns with timely project execution. The modelling sets out three pathways to 2050 and costs them end to end, including annual capital requirements, operating costs, and grid expansion. It is not a generation-only view. The authors pair the power-system results with economy-wide assessments using a computable general equilibrium model and a micro-study of Mpumalanga, where…

Stor-Age, the JSE-listed self-storage focused REIT increased its interim dividend by 4.5%, locking in a decade of consistently strong operational and financial performance and growth in its portfolio of properties. The interim dividend came to 59.74 cents per share, this after distributable income increased by 4.5% to 66.37 cents a share, year-on-year. The results mark the ten years since Stor-Age listed on the JSE in November 2015, where the company became the first self-storage REIT to be listed on an emerging market exchange globally, and the first, and still only, of the real estate “alternatives” to be listed on the local stock exchange. During the interim period, rental income was up 8.7%, same-store occupancy up by 3 500 square metres, and net investment property value increased by 6.4% to R12.2…

Short term insurer Santam’s share price surged over 5% on Tuesday afternoon after the release of an operational update for the nine months to September 30 showing the group continues to deliver a strong performance since the end of June this year. Results for the period exceeded the longer-term targets for all key financial performance indicators, the directors reported. Highlights include double-digit growth in gross written and net earned premiums, an underwriting margin above the upper end of the 5% to 10% target range and annualised return on capital in excess of 30%, Santam’s directors said. Net income growth was in line with the first half. The share price was trading 5.19% higher at R438.81 late in the afternoon. The conventional insurance business grew net earned premium growth by 16%,…

A transgender inmate has won a groundbreaking Equality Court ruling in Johannesburg, affirming her legal right to receive hormone therapy provided by the State. Judge Denise Fisher found that the failure to provide gender-affirming health care to the transgender inmate constitutes unfair discrimination and harassment. This also includes the refusal by correctional services to allow her to wear feminising clothing, accessories, cosmetics and toiletries, as well as the department’s failure to use her chosen pronouns. Under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUA), Nthabiseng Mokoena, a transgender prisoner serving a life sentence at Johannesburg’s “Sun City” Prison, approached the Equality Court saying that she is being subjected to harassment and discrimination at the hands of the State and particularly correctional services. She complained that the authorities…

The State has told the Durban Magistrate's Court that it intends to oppose bail for the two Ndimande brothers, who arrived in South Africa yesterday morning from Eswatini, should they apply for it. The two brothers, Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave, are charged with the murder of South African rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. The friends were shot dead at Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023 outside Wish Restaurant. After abandoning their attempt to challenge their extradition from Eswatini at the end of October, the brothers were formally charged upon their arrival at King Shaka International Airport. They were arrested in 2024 by the Royal Eswatini Police Service in Mbabane at a house they were renting. The pair eventually appeared in court after more…

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has slammed Treasury and the Reserve Bank’s reported plan to lower the inflation target to 3% and has called for a mass mobilisation outside Parliament today. Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana is set to address the inflation target during his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) today in Parliament. The country's current headline inflation rate is 3.4%, while the South African Reserve Bank’s official target range remains 3%–6%, with a midpoint of 4.5%. This comes after media reports indicated the government was considering lowering the inflation target in an effort to curb rising prices. SAFTU said the move would hurt workers, increase unemployment, and worsen economic inequality, and described it as an attack on the working class. “The Reserve Bank continues to insist…

If there was any tiny doubt about how difficult it is to win in India, then a quick glance at the Proteas’ record over the past nine Tests here on the bustling subcontinent serves as a cold reminder. Seven defeats, a single victory and one match abandoned due to an unseasonal Bengaluru monsoon since 2010. “It’s probably one of the toughest tours, if not the toughest tour in the Proteas calendar,” experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj admitted yesterday. There is something different about this upcoming two-match series, which starts at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Friday. Unlike the last visit here in 2019, when the team was in disarray after a wretched World Cup campaign, held together by a part-time management staff, and the entire game in a complete flux back home,…

There are victories, and then there are proofs. Saturday night in Paris, after Lood de Jager’s red card left the Springboks with 14 men and a mountain to climb, the world champions delivered the latter. This wasn’t a statement win; it was a cultural exposé, a reminder that modern Springbok rugby runs on something deeper than systems, big bodies, flair or a dominant pack. It runs on mentality. A red card is the ultimate stress test for any international team in rugby. It strips away comfort and exposes the real stuff underneath: clarity, composure, discipline, unity. When De Jager walked off, the Springboks didn’t stagger. They recalibrated. The first sign of their ethos arrived at half-time, when Siya Kolisi, on the occasion of his 100th Test in the green and…

As the Betway Premiership campaign approaches its halfway mark, the lower half of the table has already produced a few surprises. With fixtures coming thick and fast, the battle to avoid slipping into an early relegation fight will resume in full force once league action returns after the international break. Although there’s still time for struggling teams to recover, history shows that most relegated sides often realise too late just how costly a poor start can be – something these teams must avoid at all costs. Here’s a look at the five clubs currently hovering near the bottom, all with an urgent need to find solutions to stay afloat. Marumo Gallants | 12th Alexandre Lafitte’s side have experienced an inconsistent start to the season and currently sit just four points…

HUGO Broos has admitted that Bafana Bafana will have a target on their back at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to their impressive showing at the previous edition of the biennial continental showpiece. South Africa’s senior national team defied the odds by finishing in third place in the Ivory Coast two years ago and will now go to Morocco next month among the favourites to win the title. The Belgian takes his squad into their final preparations with a friendly international against Zambia in Gqeberha at the weekend, intent on sending a message to their opponents. “I want to win on Saturday. For me this is not a friendly,” Broos told media, at the beginning of their camp this week. “For us it will be a little different…

in nearly a year, but constraints remain South Africa’s official unemployment rate fell to 31.9% in the third quarter of 2025, the lowest level in nearly a year, as 248 000 more people found work between July and September. This jobless rate the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2024, falling from 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, marking the first decline this year. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) on Tuesday reported that the number of employed persons increased to 17.1 million, while the number of unemployed persons decreased by 360 000 to eight million between the second and third quarters of the year. As a result, the overall labour force shrank slightly by 112 000 (0.4%), while the number of discouraged work-seekers…

The launch of Globba, a groundbreaking cross-border payments platform powered by Mastercard Move and integrated into FNB and RMB Private Banking apps, has set a new benchmark for digital financial connectivity across Africa. The collaboration between FNB and Mastercard aims to simplify, secure, and speed up the way South Africans send money abroad—bridging both local and international economies. The new solution, unveiled in Johannesburg on Tuesday, supports transfers to more than 120 countries, reaching destinations via bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cash pickup locations. It forms part of FNB’s wider strategy to enhance digital inclusion for underbanked and underserved communities while enabling seamless cross-border financial flows across key corridors like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and Ghana. Following its successful rollout in South Africa, the partners plan to expand Globba across FNB’s…

South Africa is at a crucial point in deciding how electricity will be produced in the years to come. The government has placed growing emphasis on gas as a transitional source of power, bridging the gap between coal and a renewable energy future. These conversations are often highly technical and not easily accessible to the public. Yet, how energy is produced is a matter of fundamental public interest. It raises questions about whether the law is upheld, whether the environment is safeguarded, and what kind of energy future is being created. Richards Bay has now become a central site in this debate. Last month, the Supreme Court of Appeal set aside Eskom’s environmental authorisation for a large gas-fired power plant in Richards Bay. The court found that the process did…

The share price of Premier Group surged 7.5% on Tuesday after it reported strong half-year earnings and outlined the path ahead with the acquisition of food maker RFG Holdings. The fast-moving consumer goods company behind brands such as Blue Ribbon, Snowflake, and Iwisa reported revenue up 6.4% to R10.3 billion in the six months to September 30. The share traded at R171.71 cents on the JSE on Tuesday morning, bringing the price growth to an equally robust 51.9% this year. A once-off cash dividend of 159 cents a share was declared - the final dividend will be adjusted downwards to maintain the group 30% of diluted HEPS payout ratio. Headline earnings a share increased 27.9% to 560 cents. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was up 13.6% to…

In a historic move the Maldives has become the first country in the world to ban young people born on or after January 1, 2007 from smoking tobacco. The groundbreaking law marks a bold step towards creating a tobacco-free nation and reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harmful effects of smoking. The announcement was made by the Maldivian Ministry of Health recently, confirming that it would now be illegal for anyone from this generation onwards to use, buy, or sell tobacco products within the island nation. The law applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers will be required to verify the age of buyers prior to any sale. According to the ministry, the decision highlights the government’s determination to build a healthier future and…

Close to 12 000 posts in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education are vacant and this is having a negative impact on its operations. The posts are across all levels, including teachers and administration offices. The department warned that its district offices, which are the centre of departmental operations, are feeling the pressure as a result of these vacancies. These revelations were made when the department appeared before the portfolio committee on education yesterday. The members of the committee were briefed on the state of finances in the department, with the provincial treasury revealing that the department has close to R3 billion in outstanding financial obligations that it cannot pay. Its financial position could deteriorate even further in the coming months, and there are concerns that there are outstanding financial commitments…

Controversy and ructions that have impacted the Umkhonto We Sizwe party (MKP) are diminishing its standing in the eyes of the voters. This is according to political analysts who were commenting on the party’s prospects ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Analysts said the party is likely to do well as a disruptor, but not as a governing majority party in any municipality. Party members in the KwaZulu- Natal Midlands area also expressed skepticism about the party’s prospects in light of the ongoing challenges, saying factions are beginning to consume the party, and the leadership challenges have weakened the much-needed morale among members heading to the next local government elections. The party parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, is under suspension for suspending the chief whip, Collen Makhubele, without consulting other…

The question of whether disclosing another person’s HIV status publicly constitutes either defamation or breach of privacy recently came under the judicial spotlight, with a court declaring they are independent and distinct actions that must be pleaded separately. This comes after a member of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (Numsa), during a public meeting, mentioned that one of its members is HIV-positive. The woman, only identified as K, was emotionally traumatised by this. She instituted a damages claim against the union and its member, who had divulged her status, claiming that his disclosure was defamatory of her. The Bloemfontein High Court earlier ruled in her favour and ordered Numsa to pay her R100 000 in damages. Numsa subsequently appealed the finding, and the High Court found…

The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended Metro Police deputy chief, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, following an internal audit that found evidence of possible misconduct. The suspension, effective from yesterday, was described as an administrative step to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process. In a statement, city officials stressed that it does not amount to a finding of guilt, and formal disciplinary proceedings will follow. City Manager Kagiso Lerutla said the decision comes amid serious revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission into alleged corruption and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system. “The testimony emerging from the Madlanga Commission is both shocking and deeply concerning. It points to systemic issues that this administration will not tolerate. “We are unequivocally committed to clean governance, accountability, and restoring public trust in…

A state witness told the Durban High Court yesterday that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla used her social media to encourage people to continue with looting and civil disobedience during the July 2021 unrest. The case relates to the July 2021 unrest that gripped parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Zuma-Sambudla faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence. The State alleges that her social media posts during the July unrest period encouraged violent acts that led to the destruction of property, disruption of essential services and widespread economic losses. Witness Sara-Jane Trent, a former employee of forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, said she had laid charges against Zuma-Sambudla, as she feared that what had been taking place in KwaZulu-Natal would spread to Johannesburg, where Trent lived. At the start…

It’s that time again – Hugo Broos has named a Bafana Bafana squad, and as always, the noise follows. From social media outrage to barbershop debates, the Belgian coach’s selections never seem to please everyone. Yet, as the national team prepares for Saturday’s friendly against Zambia in Gqeberha before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, perhaps it’s time South Africans took a step back and appreciated what Broos has achieved. Since his appointment in 2021, Broos has had to fight battles that few foreign coaches could withstand in this country. He inherited a team low on confidence, plagued by inconsistency, and disconnected from its fan base. Names like Andile Jali were forced upon him by public demand, and his insistence on rebuilding the team his way was initially viewed as…

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, pictured, said yesterday that next year's World Cup would be his last as he winds down one of the all-time great careers. The 40-year-old forward, with more than 950 club and international goals, also said he would retire from football in “one or two years”. “Definitely, yes,” he told a Saudi forum, via video link, when asked if 2026 would be his final World Cup. “I'm gonna be 41-years old and I think it will be the moment.” Ronaldo, who began a lucrative stint at Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in 2023, also elaborated on comments last week when he said he would retire “soon”. “Let's be honest, when I mean soon, it's probably one or two years I'll still be at the game,” he said.…

Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe is bracing for a high-tempo, unpredictable clash when South Africa face Italy in Turin on Saturday, describing the Italians as a team whose attacking structure and flair mirror that of Argentina – no doubt due to coach Gonzalo Quesada’s influence. The Italians have impressed this season with a blend of power and panache, qualities that were in evidence in their shock come-from-behind 26-19 victory over Australia at the weekend. According to Van der Merwe, the Boks are preparing for a contest that will demand defensive organisation and the typical Springbok physical edge. “They are big, physical guys so we’re expecting a physical contest, which is what we pride ourselves on as well as South Africans,” said Van der Merwe. “They were very good on…