Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-02-25 i Star

SolarAfrica has announced it has reached financial close on the first 114MW component of its flagship utility-scale solar project, SunCentral.,in a stride towards sustainable energy in South Africa. This major achievement, made possible through partnerships with Investec and RMB, involves a hefty investment of R1.8 billion and heralds the commencement of the project’s rollout in the sun-drenched Northern Cape province. Located strategically between Hanover and De Aar, SunCentral is poised for extensive development, anticipated to unfold in three phases. The first phase, comprising three 114MW facilities aggregating to a total of 342MW, aims to deliver renewable energy by wheeling it through South Africa’s power grid to a diverse array of off-takers. As the project evolves into its subsequent phases, the total capacity is projected to reach an impressive 1GW. A…

By its very definition, a third-party company is effectively one with which a business has a contract in the same vein as a supplier arrangement and is not meant to be involved in its business affairs. However, Steinhoff wasn’t hands off when it came to companies outside of its business conglomerate as, again through a series of complicated transactions and funding deals, it not only provided some funding for deal-making but also used these entities to move money around. One chapter of PwC’s investigation details the complex deal-making involving Campion and its subsidiaries. PwC’s report, the outcome of a lengthy investigation, stated that: “We have identified the Campion Group as an alleged third-party group of companies which the Steinhoff Group has had a business relationship with.” Campion, which was incorporated…

Chinese tech giant Alibaba said on Monday it will spend more than $50 billion (R921bn) on artificial intelligence and cloud computing over the next three years, a week after co-founder Jack Ma was seen meeting President Xi Jinping. Investors have piled into Chinese technology stocks since the start of the year, with Alibaba - which runs some of the country's biggest online shopping platforms - seeing its shares soar to three-year highs. The gains have been boosted since the Hangzhou-based firm announced robust sales growth last week, adding to signs that the sector is staging a comeback from years of gloom sparked by a government crackdown. Alibaba plans to "invest at least 380 billion yuan (R977bn) over the next three years to advance its cloud computing and AI infrastructure", a…

Sasol’s share price bubbled up 4.23% on the JSE even after the fuel-from-coal and chemicals group did not pay out an interim dividend and headline earnings per share (HEPS) slipped by nearly a third. The group, in its results for the six months ending December 31, reported HEPS lower by 31% to R14.13 per share compared to the prior period. The share price was trading at R90.68 on the JSE on Monday morning, a price that was still 37.8% lower than the R143.25 at which it traded a year ago. “We are committed to... enhancing operational performance and maintaining strict cost and capital discipline to unlock cash generation amid a challenging macro environment,” said Sasol’s President and CEO, Simon Baloyi in a statement. Sasol reported its revenue fell 10% to…

Altron, the South African technology group, said Monday that headline earnings per share from continuing operations will be at least 40% or 41 cents higher in the 12 months to end-February than 103 cents reported for the previous year. The share price fell 2.37% to R20 but remained more than double the R9.71 it traded at a year ago. This was after Netstar surpassed 2 million subscribers mark, driving revenue growth and double-digit increases in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), and operating profit. In addition, the Platforms segment maintained a strong year-to-date performance, Altron directors said in a trading statement Monday. “Altron’s focus on customer obsession, disciplined strategy execution, and profit improvement strategies have driven continued positive momentum into the second half,” they said. Continuing operations earnings…

Shōgun was the big winner at this year’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, taking home four prizes. The FX series picked up the coveted Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series award during Sunday’s ceremony. There were also acting wins for stars Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, and during the pre-show segment, the programme’s stunt team were recognised with the Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series honour. Accepting their ensemble prize, Sanada acknowledged making the programme had been a “gamble”. He told the audience at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium: “Thank you so much for recognising us. This is so special because it is from you guys. Thank you FX and creator Justin, Rachel for respecting our culture and belief in us. “It was…

North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has blamed the previous administration of the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) for the financial crisis at the provincial state-owned entity. Lenkopane said NWPTB’s previous administration had spent millions which were never accounted for. Lenkopane was responding to concerns raised about NWPTB’s financial status, as well as the entity’s failure to pay salaries at a press briefing yesterday. She also responded to various concerns including her relationship with the North West provincial standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) and the dismissals of the acting CEOs. Although the salaries were paid on Saturday, Lenkopane said her department had to sacrifice a R32 million meant to benefit the public and service delivery. She said this was due…

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s (DPWI) upgrade process of Robben Island Museum (RIM) has received approval following Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala’s oversight visit, with improvements already boosting tourist numbers and preserving this vital heritage site. Zikalala said they were monitoring the progress of the refurbishment and had engaged with the Ex-Political Prisoners Association. In 2023, Zikalala visited the site to respond to concerns over the deterioration of buildings, cemeteries, gardens, recreational facilities, waste management services, and the blue stone quarry, which was placing the island at risk of losing its heritage status. The expected upgrade cost to the museum buildings was said to be R150 million. Highlights of the progress observed during Zikalala’s oversight visit included improvement in the water supply with no interruptions reported during the 2024…

The ageing infrastructure in Jukulyn in Soshanguve township has been blamed for prolonged water and electricity outages experienced by residents for the five past days. Local councillor Bongani Masina said yesterday that the outages remain unresolved and that unfortunately there is currently no estimated time frame for the restoration of services. He, however, said while water supply has been restored in many households, the electricity outage persists, leaving many residents without power. “We don't know what is the root cause of it but we are told that it is because of faulty electric cables that have exploded,” he said. Masina pointed out that substations in the area have not been upgraded in a long time to keep up with the growing demands. “We know…

THE Gauteng High Court, Pretoria has found that a woman who was issued by her now estranged husband with a Talaaq (divorce) met at this stage the definition of “spouse” and is, for now, entitled to maintenance. This is until the court had pronounced on the formal divorce proceedings. The parties were married in terms of Islamic Law and have three children. The wife left the matrimonial home a few months before the husband issued her with a Talaaq. The wife subsequently instituted divorce proceedings. The high court had to determine whether the woman was entitled to approach the court for interim maintenance pending divorce where a marriage concluded in terms of Muslim Law was unilaterally terminated by the husband with a Talaaq. According to him, their marriage was already…

The sun had barely risen when a suspect was caught stripping a stolen Volkswagen Polo in KwaMashu on Friday. At 6am, the Marshall Security Special Operations Team was activated by Tracker SA to assist with a white VW Polo that had been stolen in the Pinetown area. Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said acting on the information provided, their Special Operations Team members immediately responded to the scene in KwaMashu, where they discovered the stolen vehicle concealed behind houses just off Nyala Road. “As our members approached, they observed a suspect inside the car, actively stripping the vehicle. The suspect was swiftly apprehended,” Powell said. “Upon further inspection, numerous number plates were found next to the vehicle, all linked to other stolen vehicles,” he said. Powell added that the…

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs may be primed to take advantage of a somewhat beleaguered Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend. The two teams will meet at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, with many expecting a routine victory for the log-leading Brazilians. Given the teams’ current standings in domestic football and their recent head-to-head battles, it is not far-fetched to expect Sundowns to roll over Amakhosi in the same way they did their rivals Orlando Pirates in recent weeks. Sundowns have won nine of their last 11 games against Amakhosi, drawing the other two. The visitors have not beaten Sundowns in four years, with their last victory coming during lockdown when a Mosa Lebusa own goal and a Dumisani Zuma strike secured the win for Chiefs. Masandawana recently broke their own record by…

Making the right decision at the right time is something Willie le Roux is still trying to get right as the Bulls' flyhalf in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Although playing as first-receiver is not an entirely new position for the veteran, he admits that he can still learn a few things to improve his game as the decision-maker for his side. So far, veteran has delivered match-winning performances and is pleased with his progress. Le Roux (35) played a crucial role against the Lions this past weekend, helping his side to a 31-19 victory by scoring a try and assisting another. The victory created daylight between them and the fourth-placed Sharks on the URC points log and kept them in touch with the Glasgow Warriors in second. The unbeaten…

The next chapter of globalisation has begun: What we might call new globalisation. As Donald Trump was being sworn in, Economist Impact published the fifth edition of Trade in Transition, warning that global trade was heading for its most turbulent spell since the 1930s. In the days and weeks following the inauguration, the predictions made in the report have materialised. President Trump unleashed a fresh wave of tariffs, but this time his targets were prepared. China, Canada and Mexico hit back with counter-measures spanning tariffs, export controls and legal action. This tit-for-tat retaliation threatens deeper fragmentation, reminiscent of the trade wars a century ago. The rules-based system is being undermined, giving way to mercantilist confrontation. Trade policy is becoming increasingly transactional, with rules – and exemptions – to match. For…

Gemfields held a small auction of previously unsold high quality emeralds carried over from its November lot last week and earning $4.8 million (R88m) in revenues, with the company getting higher bids. The company delayed the auction of some of its emeralds as market conditions were less favourable. Diamond and other precious stones producers have been constraining market supply to cajole prices up as competition from lab grown diamonds intensifies. Gemfields auctioned the emeralds carried over from November 2025 during an auction held from February 19 to February 20. The $4.8m revenue it earned from the auction came after 10 of the 13 lots available were sold. The company sold 45 864 carats out of 59 192 carats that were on offer at average prices of $105.49 per carat “This…

After nearly two decades of speculation and anticipation, fans of the post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend are finally getting closer to seeing the sequel. Award-winning actor, Will Smith confirmed the news recently. The original film, directed by Francis Lawrence and released in 2007, captured the harrowing journey of Dr Robert Neville, played by Smith, as he navigated a virus-ravaged New York City, confronting the terrifying “Darkseekers” that emerged in the wake of humanity’s demise. In a recent appearance on xQc’s “Twitch” livestream, Smith revealed that he and Creed star Michael B. Jordan have been deeply involved in the development of I Am Legend 2 with Akiva Goldsman, the writer behind the original movie, returning to steer the narrative ship. “Me and Michael B. Jordan, we sat down for about…

The government, guided by the Health Market Inquiry (HMI), has introduced a draft block exemption to establish a multi-stakeholder framework for setting healthcare tariffs. The move aims to tackle escalating costs of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) and non-PMBs, driven by overutilisation and co-payments, which have made private healthcare increasingly unaffordable. The HMI found that the private health sector suffers from “high and rising costs of healthcare and medical scheme cover, declining benefits, and significant overutilisation of health services,” with no corresponding improvement in outcomes. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau announced the proposals in a joint briefing yesterday, citing the absence of a tariff determination framework as a key driver of inefficiencies. “There is a serious concern about access to private healthcare in…

THE South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Lieutenant-General Ntshavheni Maphaha has accused government of running a Mickey Mouse defence force. This comes after 14 SANDF soldiers were killed in clashes between the DRC armed forces and the M23 rebels last month with the remains of the soldiers having been brought home and handed over to their families at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion last week following a long repatriation process. He indicated that South Africa should be one of the most feared nations in the continent but was reduced to minnows due to the under-funding of the military. Maphaha, speaking during a funeral of Staff Sergeant Ishmael Molahlehi held in the Free State over the weekend, warned the government that borders were not protected, leaving South…

DESPITE the adoption of the Cybercrimes Act in 2023, South Africa still has significant gaps in its capabilities as cyber attacks on institutions, including government entities, starts to become a frequent occurrence with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) being the latest casualty. The SAWS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems went down on January 26 following a security breach by criminals. Aspects of critical services, including aviation and marine were all interrupted. The SAWS email system and website, which is the hub of critical weather information, were also affected. The attack was the second in the space of two days after an initial attempt had failed. SAWS’ chief executive Ishaam Abader said they were still working to recover their systems. “We are still in the early stages of recovery.…

That’s it. The league title race is over! Liverpool will be crowned champions of the 2024/25 EPL season. Even the Kopites believe it now. “We’re gonna win the league!” they chanted after the masterful, controlled performance at the Etihad on Sunday. They had been wary of jumping the gun after late slips in previous Premier League title races, but after Sunday’s 2-0 triumph, few would argue with them. Arsenal’s misfire in losing 1-0 at home to West Ham on Saturday handed the Reds the advantage in the title race, and they pounced. Despite a surfeit of possession, and Jeremy Doku’s best efforts, Man City never laid a glove on the Anfield giants. It was an imperious, clinical performance. Once the sublime Mo Salah got their opener against City few would…

The recent suspension of Royal AM has handed Orlando Pirates an unexpected week-long rest —a situation that could be interpreted as a welcome break from the relentless grind of the football season. However, for the Buccaneers, this unsought interval may be more of a curse than a blessing, potentially disrupting their hard-won momentum as they chase formidable rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the league title race. Currently sitting 12 points adrift of the log-leading Brazilians, Pirates have played three games fewer, keeping their title hopes alive in what has been an intense season. Yet, this unintended hiatus comes at a delicate moment, with Sundowns poised to extend their lead when they face Marumo Gallants on Wednesday. If the Brazilians secure their 12th victory in 13 league matches, the gap could widen…

Enzo Maresca has challenged his misfiring Chelsea squad to step up during a lean spell for Cole Palmer, admitting “we rely on Cole for everything”. The England attacking midfielder has scored 14 goals and provided six assists in the Premier League this season but his last goal was in mid-January and he last set up a goal on December 1. Chelsea, just two points behind runaway leaders Liverpool in mid-December, have slipped to seventh in the table after three defeats in their past four games, though they are just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City. Maresca, preparing his team to host rock-bottom Southampton on Tuesday, said he was not worried about Palmer’s dip in form. “I’m not concerned about Cole because Cole is a human being and during the season…

Mamelodi Sundowns are not taking anything lightly as they prepare for a stiff Sekhukhune United challenge in their Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday. The Brazilians are having yet another dominant showing this season as they continue to set the benchmark, despite a couple of hiccups along the way. They have managed to nullify the looming threat carried by title rivals Orlando Pirates, and they have kept them at arms length with a healthy 12-point buffer. Sundowns have kept the upper hand intact, and as they turn their attention to Sekhukhune United, they have shown little signs of letting loose their grip on the championship. Lingering in their memories will be one of their recent league clashes away from home that brought about their second defeat of the season, but having…

The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) warned on Monday that South Africa faces an “imminent” bird flu crisis, urging immediate action against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). With outbreaks surging in the UK and US—where 1.8 million birds were culled in the UK over three months and 23.2 million killed in the US in December 2024 alone, driving egg shortages and price spikes—the risk is stark. Sapa noted that the virus often migrates with wild birds from Europe to South Africa in winter, amplifying the need for proactive steps. “The disease, which has already spread across Europe, the US, and Argentina, remains unchecked in many countries, signalling that the time to act is now,” it said. “The urgency of addressing this looming crisis cannot be overstated. Without vaccination, South Africa…

The SA Canegrowers on Monday welcomed Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s recent commitment to supporting over 24 000 black small-scale sugarcane farmers in South Africa’s multi-billion-rand sugar industry. “These growers in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga play a vital role in keeping South Africa’s sugar industry alive. In many of these rural areas, small-scale growers are among the few sources of jobs and income, making their success critical to the stability of the economies,” Higgins Mdluli, the chairman of SA Canegrowers, said on Monday. His comments followed Steenhuisen’s Friday night meeting in Mount Edgecombe, north of Durban, with small-scale growers and sugar industry leaders, including the South African Sugar Association (Sasa). There, Steenhuisen affirmed the government’s dedication to these farmers’ sustainability. “I am passionate about the cause of small-scale farmers to ensure their…

Meet Tinashe Mukogo A recent WhatsApp exchange-turned-phone call with Money & Moves founder Tinashe Mukogo about Big Tech leadership had me reflecting on my coverage of Meta's world domination moves over the years. From examining Facebook's ambitious Libra cryptocurrency initiative in 2019 to my recent column about WhatsApp eating the world, I've followed the company's evolving ambitions to embed itself deeper into the global digital economy stack. My chat with Mukogo revealed why this former Siemens executive turned independent consultant and media entrepreneur makes a compelling case for Microsoft’s Satya Nadella being American Big Tech's most impressive chief executive. Nadella’s a corporate leader whose achievements often get overshadowed by the mainstream's fascination with founder-CEOs like Zuckerberg (Meta), Musk (Tesla et al), Huang (NVIDIA) and Chesky (Airbnb). Given Meta’s aggressive expansion…

Anglo American Platinum’s (Amplats) production from the Tumela mine at the Amandelbult Complex in South Africa has been affected by heavy rainfall, forcing it to temporarily stop operations although the company does not expect this to impact its production targets for this year. Amplats’ total metal-in-concentrate for the full year to December 2024 reduced by 7% to 3.6 million ounces while its refined platinum group metals (PGM) production increased by 3% to 3.9 million ounces through the draw down of work-in-progress inventory built-up from prior years. However, sales volumes increased by 4% to 4.1 million ounces. The company had set a target of between 3 million ounces and 3.4 million ounces for production in the current year. After heavy rains pounded the northern parts of South Africa in the past…

Long before musical instruments graced the world, the human voice reigned supreme, weaving melodies and harmonies that resonated through the ages. From the communal songs of our ancestors in prehistoric caves to contemporary vocal powerhouses, the enduring appeal of singing as a unified group reveals something fundamental to the human experience. The evolution of vocal groups reflects not just the artistic expressions of their time but also the societal changes that shaped them. In the Medieval and Renaissance eras, singing within sacred spaces defined the experience of music. By the 19th century, choirs were a staple of church gatherings, echoing through hallowed walls and binding communities with hymns and spirituals that spoke of hope and endurance. The pulse of African-American music took shape against the backdrop of slavery, with spirituals…

Businessman and investor Willah Joseph Mudolo has taken on High Court Judge John Holland-Mutter accusing him of breaking the law in the manner in which he presides over his case. Mudolo was an investor in self-proclaimed prophet Sheppard Bushiri’s mega church project and was charged alongside Bushiri who skipped the country following his arrest in 2020. Mudolo’s representatives have come guns blazing for Holland-Muter putting on record that the judge told a full courtroom that Mudolo “should face the music” and that he’d judge Mudolo “by hook or by crook”. Those comments have left the Black Lawyers Association completely shocked. In a court case that has now become political, Mudolo is demanding that Holland-Mutter recuse himself from the case. ”It is our considered view that if the conduct of…

Enough is enough! Hands off Ithala Bank! That was IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa’s rallying cry during a mass march against the potential liquidation of Ithala Bank, in Durban yesterday, outside the provincial offices of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). Before handing the memorandum to a representative from the SARB, Fatima Bobbert, Hlabisa gave the SARB an ultimatum to respond to their demands within 21 days. “This is a matter that goes to the very heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s prosperity. Losing Ithala would severely undermine KwaZulu-Natal’s developmental agenda, which depends on institutions like Ithala to drive inclusive economic growth,” said Hlabisa to thundering applause from the crowd. It was among some of the demands made by the IFP: • “We demand that the South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority (PA)…

The EFF in Mamelodi took “drastic action“ yesterday, shutting down a makeshift office that was facilitating the relocation of residents living in informal settlements to a new area in Pienaarspoort Extension 15. The party alleges that the relocation process by the City of Tshwane is marred by corruption with claims that some leaders are demanding bribes from people in exchange for allocating them sites. EFF supporters staged a picket outside the office, where local leader Bongani Ramontja addressed them. He led the group in shutting down the office until their meeting with the MMC for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, scheduled for this week. The protesters said they aim to bring attention to their grievances and ensure their concerns are heard by the relevant authorities. Ramontja mobilised those who have been…

The City of Tshwane has recently discovered the existence of an unauthorised private helicopter landing pad situated on city-owned property. The MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, confirmed that preliminary assessments indicated that no official authorisation was granted for the construction and use of the helipad. Morodi warned that the unauthorised helipad poses serious safety, environmental and legal threats, especially to children as it is located near a local school and within a wetland behind the Waterkloof Tennis Club. “The environmental impact on the wetland, as well as the safety risks to residents, particularly schoolchildren in the area, are deeply concerning. The city is committed to ensuring that public land is protected and used in a lawful and responsible manner,” said Morodi. Morodi said the existence of an…

In a surprise move, renowned radio presenter DJ Sbu has announced his resignation from Radio 2000. The seasoned broadcaster succeeded Glen Lewis, who resigned last March to join Kaya FM. DJ Sbu, whose real name is Sibusiso Leope, released a statement yesterday, revealing that his decision to resign came earlier than expected, as his contract was set to end on March 30. “This serves to inform you that after much reflection and consideration, I have made the decision to resign as a morning radio host at Radio 2000, part of the South African Broadcasting Corporation.” He added that the decision was difficult, as his time at Radio 2000 had been filled with invaluable experiences, cherished memories, and the joy of engaging with his audience. “I am deeply grateful for the…

King Misuzulu has appointed the owner of an internationally renowned Durban restaurant as Royal Chancellor. Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo was officially introduced at the imbizo at Emashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola north-east of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday. He was introduced alongside Nododile Faku who now heads the king’s private office. Mbambo’s responsibilities include advising His Majesty on political, economic and social matters, overseeing the administration of the kingdom, ensuring that the king’s directive and royal policies are effectively implemented. He will play a supportive role to the traditional prime minister. Also on Mbambo’s shoulders will be to forge business partnerships and economic initiatives to promote growth and community development. He will also represent the king and the kingdom in diplomatic matters both locally and internationally to strengthen relations with other monarchies, governments…

The Proteas against Australia in a major ICC tournament. Considering everything has gone before it’s enough to send shivers down the spine of even the most ardent South African cricket fan. Fortunately, Tuesday’s encounter in Rawalpindi is not of the knockout kind that invariably goes the way of the world champions. Both the Proteas and Australia won their opening matches of the competition which gives them a bit of breathing space, but that does not mean this Pool B encounter will be any less rousing. There is also, of course, the small matter of an ICC World Test Championship final to be played at Lord’s later this year when Shukri Conrad’s team will be aiming to dethrone the current champs. But that’s still 103 days away, and the Australian attack…

WHEN an Australian cricketer walks into the press conference with a bright smile on his face on the eve of a big match like Alex Carey did on Monday, you just know that they are in the mood for a scrap. If you are the South African senior men's national cricket team that can not be a good sign, given that you are about to face them at Rawalpindi on Tuesday. The Australians' confidence stems from their record-breaking five-wicket victory over England this past weekend, a victory which saw them record the highest successful run chase in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy and their second-highest in ODI cricket. Now, going into the tournament, many teams would have taken this Australia side lightly seeing that they are without captain…

The silence from the PSL on the embarrassing situation that led to the abandonment of SuperSport United’s Betway Premiership clash with Golden Arrows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium was deafening yesterday. In a season when Royal AM have contrived to make a mockery of the PSL’s assertion that theirs is one of the best-administered leagues, not only on the continent but the world over, their approach to communicating developments has left a lot to be desired. The PSL has allowed issues to fester, perhaps as they apply their minds to the cases, without saying much, and this always leads to speculation. Granted, they are probably still looking at the match commissioner's report on what transpired in Atteridgeville on Sunday. But a supposedly highly professional entity would at least send a…