Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-05-16 i Mercury

THE internet’s latest obsession has food enthusiasts and TikTok creators all over munching on whole mini lemons – peel, rind and all. The fruit snack caught the attention of the online world when a TikToker sampled it in a store in Germany. The exotic lemon used isn’t widely available everywhere due to its unique qualities, which has led to people using regular lemons to recreate the experience at home. Lemon Snack, an Italian company, is behind these small, snackable lemons. Known for their low acidity and edible peels, they are specifically grown to be eaten as snacks and are packed with antioxidants. Lemons are versatile and celebrated for their uses across various domains, including culinary, medicinal, skincare and cleaning applications: Food Lemons are a staple in kitchens worldwide, prized for…

It’s been a beautiful time in southern Africa. I am grateful to the hundreds of new and old friends I encountered, the devoted newspaper readers I met both randomly and at events. I loved teaching at Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and the University of The Nations, in Namibia and in the Western Cape. Any smidgen of hopelessness I may briefly entertain about the future was quickly dismissed while in dialogue with hopeful, faithful and motivated students. I loved attending a family wedding in Howick. The wedding – as all weddings do – demanded I re-enter the full sway of family dynamics – none of us escapes such dynamics despite distance and time – and to do so was invigorating and inspiring. It was a beautiful event reflecting the love…

President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law. This is an epoch-making event towards the provision of quality health care for all, regardless of class position and income, race, gender and geographical location. Solly Mapaila, the General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), along with other members of the Party Central Committee and rank-and-file activists, gathered at the Union Buildings in Tshwane yesterday. Through a picket, they expressed their active support for President Ramaphosa’s signing of the NHI Bill into law. This is a watershed moment towards aligning our health-care system with the principles of equality and social solidarity. Universal, quality health-care coverage – the purpose of the NHI – is in line with the constitutional right to life. The NHI epoch must…

The euphoria of living in a democratic country has waned decade to decade since 1994. The political will and struggle for freedom and those who fought for it cannot be under-estimated. Their courage and achievements are unmatched in that sphere. It is no secret, however, that economic progress has taken a downward spiral since then. Key indicators of good governance have been painting a bleaker picture by the day. The unemployment rate is sitting at 31%, in which more than 60% of that is the youth. This level of unemployment is axiomatically linked to rapidly rising levels of crime which is taking its toll on the already incapacitated law enforcement agencies. The inability to maintain state-owned enterprises responsible for service delivery in tandem with depleting state coffers compounds the…

Respondents in a University of Johannesburg survey on voting behaviour were 58% more likely to choose the incumbent party – the ANC – than an opposition party if they selected party loyalty as their reason for choice. The report, titled “Factors determining voter choice in South Africa’s 2024 national general elections”, is co-authored by Leila Patel, Yolanda Sadie and Jaclyn de Klerk. The sample included 3 511 respondents, 51% women and 49% men. The majority of respondents (67%) live in urban areas, compared with rural (33%). Most of the sample is made up of young people, with 51% aged 18–34 years, 41% aged 35–60 years, and 8% older than 60 years. Asked who they would vote for in the elections, 33% said the ANC, 19%, the EFF, and 15%, the…

THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) yesterday said its national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, had not been fired, attributing suggestions of his dismissal to “a misunderstanding on social media”. The party said in a statement: “We want to categorically confirm that Mr Nhlamulo Ndhlela remains the MKP’s national head of communication and spokesperson of our organisation.” Ndhlela said yesterday he still held his position and that the party’s focus was on the upcoming manifesto launch which would be held at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. “I am still the national spokesperson for the MK Party,” said Ndhlela. The party last month expelled senior leaders including Jabulani Khumalo, who registered the party with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Ray Khumalo, Bheki Manzini, Lebo Moepeng, and Rochelle Davidson. The party also…

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a pivotal moment for the world to reflect on the strides made towards inclusivity for people with disabilities. As a woman who navigates the world from a wheelchair, GAAD holds profound significance in my life. It is a day that highlights the importance of inclusivity in public spaces, shedding light on the barriers that persist and the progress yet to be made. For individuals like myself, accessibility is not just a convenience; it’s actually a fundamental right that is often overlooked. Every ramp and every widened doorway is a gateway to independence and participation in society. Global Accessibility Awareness Day serves as a catalyst for change, urging communities to prioritise inclusivity and accessibility in every facet of life. Inclusive design benefits everyone, not just…

Thailand may have to consider relocating its capital, Bangkok, because of rising sea levels, a senior official in the country’s climate change office said yesterday. Projections show that low-lying Bangkok risks being inundated by the ocean before the end of the century. Much of the capital already battles flooding during the rainy season. Pavich Kesavawong, deputy director-general of the government’s department of climate change and environment, warned that the city might not be able to adapt with the world on its current warming pathway. “I think we are beyond the 1.5°C already,” he said, referring to the increase in global temperatures from pre-industrial levels. The city government is exploring measures that include building dykes, he said. But “we’ve been thinking about moving”, Pavich said. | AFP…

Saturday’s United Rugby Champion- ship clash against Cardiff is not a dead rubber for the Sharks, but a match where their fringe players need to create some winning momentum to take into next weekend’s Challenge Cup final against Gloucester in London. Although they won’t put out their strongest side against Cardiff at Kings Park (6.15pm kick-off), the coaches of the home side still want to see their charges bag a valuable win before the final – especially after falling 25-24 to Benetton last weekend in front of their home crowd. A host of first-choice players will travel to London on Saturday, but defence coach Joey Mongalo said the door is still open to the guys facing Cardiff getting a spot in the side for the final. A good…

THE LONG-TERM viability of platinum group metals (PGMs) in South Africa has come into question after Anglo American announced plans to spin it off its PGMs assets on the back of rejecting the multibillion-rand takeover bid by BHP. The global mining company with a portfolio that spans diamonds, platinum, copper, iron ore and more, this week said it would spin off Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), which produces a third of global platinum, amid a bid for Anglo from BHP. Anglo American said that following its February announcement that it was reconfiguring Amplats, it would be separating from the company in which it holds a 79% stake, adding that its portfolio and structure were simpler without Amplats. This, it explained, was because retaining it would limit “the ability of both Anglo…

THE five murder accused in the Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane murders had their bail applications denied yesterday in the Durban Magistrate’s Court. Delivering his judgment, magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo said the evidence linked all five suspects to the murders and it would be “reckless” and “irresponsible” to release them on bail. The five suspects – Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, 29 – denied involvement in the murders and started applying for bail in March 2024. Rapper and record producer AKA and entrepreneur Tibz were shot and killed outside Wish Restaurant in Florida Road last year. Hlatshwayo said the accused had raised concerns about the investigating officer obtaining information from witnesses. “It is not…

Will you pay before a job is completed? It would be foolhardy if you did. Invariably, you will be tempting the contractor to run away with your money without completing the job. But some bright spark in the municipality thought fiscal policy allowed a contractor to get paid, not only before completion of the work but even before he has started on the project. Why someone would do such a stupid thing is not only absurd but also puzzling. ActionSA picked up this gross abuse of public funds from the municipality’s audit report. The contractor was paid R1.37 million before he had started work on a community hall damaged by the 2022 floods. Invoices shows two payments were made to the service provider. Rubbing his hands with glee at the…

Unqualified artisans at the George building site reflects political dysfunction and chaos across South Africa. May those who died rest peacefully. Our South African darlings find it demeaning to do manual labour, making it easy for migrants to enter the labour market. The cross-border violators have a common thread in their DNA – they come here to work hard, very hard, albeit at reduced remuneration. Foreigners occupy important positions in many industries, among them, the restaurant and building industries. The list is endless. The elections are looming. The control and subsequent policing at our borders are lax and, sometimes non-existent. Tragic deaths could have been avoided had the government applied its rules. Another red flag for voters to consider when marking their ballot paper.…

It needs people with strong values, clear vision and genuine commitment to its people GROWING up in Nkandla, in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, in a time of political oppression and hardship, I always found it easy to distinguish real leaders from those who were in it for themselves. The greatest leader at that time, and for many years thereafter, was Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the chief minister of the KwaZulu government and the founder of Inkatha yeNkululeko yeSizwe. I became a teacher because Prince Buthelezi taught us that education was the most powerful tool of liberation. I learnt from him how to lead with integrity, how to listen to the people, how to empower individuals and assist communities, how to develop potential and how to stay true to my…

Tens of thousands of civilians fled heavy fighting in Gaza as Palestinians yesterday marked 76 years since their mass displacement during Israel’s wartime creation which they call the Nakba or “catastrophe”. Israeli forces have battled and bombed Hamas militants around Gaza’s far-southern city of Rafah, but clashes have also flared again in northern and central areas which Israeli troops first entered months ago. The upsurge in urban combat in besieged Gaza has fuelled US warnings that Israel risks being bogged down in a counterinsurgency operation for years as guerrilla fighters stage hit-and-run attacks. US President Joe Biden has threatened to withhold some arms deliveries over Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on attacking Rafah, the last Gaza city so far spared a ground invasion, which is packed with civilians. But Biden’s…

President Emmanuel Macron moved yesterday to declare a state of emergency in France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia after a second night of rioting that left three dead and hundreds wounded, his office said. Anger over constitutional reforms from Paris boiled over again after the lower house of parliament backed a disputed voting reform that the representatives of the indigenous Kanak population say weighs against them. Despite heavily armed security forces fanning out across the capital Noumea, and the ordering of a nighttime curfew, rioting continued virtually unabated in the worst violence there since the 1980s. New Caledonia, which lies between Australia and Fiji, is one of several French territories spanning the globe that remain part of France in the post-colonial era. Colonised by France from the second half of…

For the second consecutive year, the Port Natal district has proudly claimed the title of the Bowls South Africa Open Men’s Singles national champion. The 2024 final, held on the greens at Bedfordview, in Gauteng, showcased a showdown between local bowlers; Paul White from Westville BC, the 2023 title holder, and Hillcrest’s Wayne Roberts battled it out for top honours. Despite facing formidable opponents in his lead-up to the final, which included former Protea bowlers Morgan Muvhango and Billy Radloff, Roberts, whose calm demeanour and confidence are his trademarks, emerged victorious. With his sights now set on representing South Africa at the World Bowls Champion of Champions tournament in Auckland this November, Roberts, who claimed singles gold for South Africa in the African States Bowls Tournament last year, continues to…

enX GROUP, the JSE-listed company that provides branded equipment, products and services to a range of industries, said yesterday that headline earnings per share increased sharply by 110% to 61 cents in the six months to end-February 2024. Pre-tax profit increased by 70% to R141 million. Revenue from continu- ing operations increased by 5% to R2.12 billion. Revenue was supported by increased volumes of polyethylene and speciality chemicals and components products, with increased generator sales and related services primarily to large data-centre customers. While volumes of toll-blending were up considerably, average selling prices were down due to the pass through of lower base oil pricing. The comparative period ended February 28, 2023, was restated due to the classification of enX’s leasing and fleet management business, Eqstra, as…

“Go for gold, and remember the significance of whom and what you represent. You represent the country; it is not about yourself. In many other countries, they think it is about winning – for you, it is about the aspirations of the country.” These were the words of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa yesterday as he addressed the athletes selected to represent South Africa at the Paris Olympics during the first of three reveals of Team South Africa members at Sascoc House in Johannesburg. Referring to findings of a Global Reputation Study conducted by Bloom Consultancy, Kodwa said national assets such as arts and culture stood as formidable brands. Notably, sport ranked the highest and most important, while also showing the most improvement. Thus, he emphasised, the imperative…

OH BOY! I was introduced to women’s heavyweight boxing the other night, watching, on Sky News as Lauren Price of Wales beat Jessica McCaskill of the US, to take the world title in a slugfest that must have had every male spectator flinching. Women’s heavyweight boxing – What have we come to? “Unladylike” inadequately describes the punch-ups. We’ve got more or less used to women’s rugby, which does have its unladylike moments, not least the bouncy-bouncy effect if they dive for the tryline. Nothing wrong with women’s football though, it’s great to watch. The same with women’s hockey. But beefy women swinging wild punches at each other – and connecting – the mind, Señor, she boggles! You want to cringe. Is this civilised? Women’s mudwrestling? Now that’s a different matter…

The article, “Costly lesson for man who used k-word” (The Mercury, May 14) refers. The man deserves the punishment. It is about time people in SA learnt to respect all people, irrespective of creed or colour. This vile pejorative has been used in a denigratory sense for centuries by some people, across continents, not only to demean but to instil fear. In certain countries, it was accompanied by throat-slitting and beheadings. A few years ago, Canadian journalist and author Tarekh Fatah wrote, “The word is the most racist label used as a pejorative and derogatory term by xxxxxxs to describe non-xxxxxxs yet no anti-racist group has called for a stoppage of its use.” He was talking about its use internationally. He was critical of international human rights “activists” who pretended…

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance into law yesterday. Opposition parties, medical funds, finance experts, economists, the entire business community, the national Budget, the Constitution and common sense itself be damned. The ANC’s sledgehammer approach will set the crucial project of ensuring healthcare for all, back decades, and the only opposition party that has shown the guts to challenge head-on this attack on our healthcare industry is the DA – aitsa! And besides not yet being told where the government will find the R1 trillion (I repeat, R1 trillion) to fund the whole thing, it appears that the President has not given a second thought to the flood of objections to his plan of action. I assume it is because his party is skirting a 40% in the…

A DIRECTOR of the two companies belonging to the well-known Nigerian pastor Joshua Iginla Ministries NPC turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in a bid to set aside a summons directing him to appear before an enquiry where he is required to answer questions relating to an alleged pyramid scheme. Two of Pastor Joshua’s companies were earlier placed into provisional liquidation following claims that the companies received more than R6 million from a pyramid scheme operating in KwaZulu Natal. One of the directors of the companies, Prince Ndamase, was summoned by the liquidators of SNS Holdings Proprietary Limited to give evidence before them regarding “donations” the church had received. He asked the court to set aside the summons (subpoena) issued by the liquidators directing him to appear as a…

SOUTH Africa’s youth aged between 15 and 34 are the most vulnerable in the labour market. Of the 10.3 million youths, the number of those unemployed increased by 236 000 to 4.9 million in the fourth quarter of last year. About 35.5% were not in employment, education or training. The same group is the most targeted by politicians who want to either make their way to Parliament for the first time or those who already know the comfort of being an MP. These grim statistics should confront every politician who visits our communities to ask for votes. They should explain to the youth how they are going to practically change this for the better. These alarming figures point to a crisis that the ANC-led government is clueless on how to…

India granted citizenship yesterday to a first batch of 14 people under a controversial law that has been criticised for discriminating against Muslims, midway through general elections in which religious divisions have taken centre stage. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) grants citizenship to Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians who fled to India from Muslim-majority Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan before December 31, 2014 because of religious persecution. Enacted in 2019, the law was not at first implemented due to strong protests and sectarian violence in New Delhi and other places that resulted in the death of scores of people. India implemented the act in March, weeks before the ongoing elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are seeking a rare third…

KYIV: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took to the stage with a Ukrainian band at a bar this week during a surprise trip to Kyiv, performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World. But there was criticism that his performance was “tone-deaf”. The mixed reaction reflected Ukrainians’ growing concern over mounting battlefield losses and intensified Russian missile and drone attacks. However, yesterday, Blinken said that the US would provide Ukraine with $2 billion (R36bn) in foreign military financing. | Reuters…