Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-06-03 i Mercury

FURNITURE retailer Lewis Group has done well to unlock value for shareholders in the tough economic environment in the year to March 31, CEO Johan Enslin said. He said in an interview on Friday that shareholders had benefited from the buybacks of 4.2 million shares during the year at a cost of R170 million. Earnings per share increased by 15.9% to 806 cents and the dividend had increased 21.1% to 500c a share. Additional buybacks would take place in the new financial year, with 3.3% already repurchased since October, of the 10% that the shareholders approved to be bought back, since the annual meeting in October. The group has returned R1.3 billion to shareholders since the start of its buyback programme in 2017. Enslin said…

INSIMBI Holdings on Friday said that South Africa had made little progress in resolving key infrastructure challenges hobbling mining and industrial sectors, with these critical gaps worsening an operating framework characterised by a dip in prices for some commodities. This comes as the company’s operating profit fell by 38% to R123.2 million for the year ended February 29, 2024, largely affected by the government’s decision to curb exports of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap and waste metal. Insimbi sources, processes, beneficiates and recycles ferrous and non-ferrous metals. “The South African government allowed the ban on exports of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal to expire in December 2023. For Insimbi, the ban primarily impacted our ferrous division,” Insimbi said on Friday. The company said that it had been able…

COALITION discussions in KwaZulu- Natal have begun in earnest after the stunning success of the MK Party (MKP) in last week’s polls. The DA in KZN yesterday expressed its unwillingness to work with the MKP and the EFF, while former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, said the MKP was not willing to work with the ANC as long as President Cyril Ramaphosa was at the helm. The MKP is poised to be in a significant strategic position in the province after securing 45% of the votes, followed by the IFP at 18%, the ANC with 17% and the DA at 13%. DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers said their greatest achievement was in stopping an MKP majority in the province, adding that it was “non- negotiable” to work with the…

HOW did you vote? So like a good citizen you stood in the long queue early in the morning and made your mark on the ballot paper. But how did you feel when you walked out from the polling booth? Did you walk out satisfied that, as a responsible citizen, you had fulfilled your duty to your country and its people? The mark in itself was a simple one – just a cross next to the party of your choice. But where you put it was important. It would have made you a man of integrity or just another spineless sucker. Of course, there were a bewildering number of parties on the ballot papers, which could have left you baffled and confused – so many little parties which had mushroomed…

A CNN headline read, “Israel faces international outrage over Rafah air strikes”. What does “international outrage” really mean? It is a vague concept that does not give the reader a specific number and is, therefore, misleading. It could be only eight countries that are “outraged”. “International” covers a very large area. “Global outrage” is another favourite term that is used. Does it include the Eskimos (Inuits)? The media uses the terms to give the impression that the “entire world” is outraged. The “entire world” is another extremely overworked, exaggerated and misleading concept. I’m sure that only about 20% of the entire world is concerned about the war in Israel and Ukraine. The rest have their own problems to cope with. The UN, another talk show with little teeth, is to…

Inclement weather at St Clement’s this week meant we had to all crowd together indoors for the arts soiree. But perhaps that was for the better because we were able to experience music maestro Keith Austin in close-up – a highly entertaining and instructive experience. Keith sings and plays just about every musical instrument there is. He was a close collaborator with my dear old mate, the late Spyker Koekemoer (aka Pat Smythe), Durban’s noted raconteur. In tandem they must have been awesome. Keith has a wide repertoire of adult contemporary and pop music from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Also Irish and other sophisticated styles. He performs as a one-man band across the province, accompanying himself on keyboard, guitar, banjo and penny whistle, using backing tracks. The emphasis…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it observed that elections proceeded smoothly, and minor challenges monitored did not affect the overall declaration of the elections as free and fair. The SAHRC observed the elections on May 27, 28 and 29, including 161 voting stations, and gathered 98 reflections from human rights officials. “Our preliminary observations revealed that operationally, 83% of voting stations observed opened on time, and 98% of ballot boxes were assembled in the presence of party agents and observers, although some party agents arrived late. “Additionally, 95% of stations had all essential materials, including ballot papers and pens. “Most voters took more than 30 minutes to complete their voting process: 16% took two hours or longer, 46% took 30-90 minutes, and 38% took less than 10…

The ANC’s failure to secure an outright majority confirms that its much-hyped rebuilding and renewal project was nothing more than a flop. In fact, the toughest test yet for the renewal project may still come in the form of whether the party will hold its leadership accountable post-elections. A party renewing itself would have long foreseen the potential harm that the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party would cause its support. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and two of his deputies, Nomvula Mokonyane and Maropene Ramokgopa, were caught napping when the MK Party quietly registered with the IEC. Collectively, the ANC NEC failed to deal with the MK Party question by suspending or expelling Zuma the moment he publicly announced on December 16 that he would not be campaigning for the…

Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskiy’s unscheduled appearance at Asia’s biggest security conference dominated proceedings yesterday after China’s defence chief slammed “separatists” in Taiwan, drawing a sharp response from the government in Taipei. Dressed in his trademark olive green T-shirt, Zelenskiy addressed the last day of the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore, asking for support and participation at a summit in Switzerland later this month aimed at bringing peace to his war-ravaged nation. “We are convinced that our world wants to be united and be capable of acting in complete harmony,” he said to a ballroom packed full of delegates in formal business wear and military uniforms. Reuters was first to report that Zelenskiy would make an unscripted appearance at the conference, his second visit to Asia since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine…

Cricket may be coming to America with all the positive energy of a new dawn, but the Proteas begin yet another ICC World T20 Cup with a great deal of trepidation against Sri Lanka in Nassau County, New York today. Regardless of what they may say publicly, and even internally, the baggage of 32 years of disappointment at major ICC tournaments is a heavy burden to be carrying around. And even though the majority of this squad were not even born yet when this all began, they are quickly reminded that ICC tournaments cut just a little bit differently, especially for Proteas teams. “We are quietly confident,” Proteas captain Aiden Markram said yesterday. “Obviously, it’s a World Cup and there are some really good teams here, but we feel that…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the long-debated Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill into law this week. This has been a product of much engagement and one of the most extensive parliamentary public participation processes in recent times. The result is a good foundation act that legalises an emerging sector. Further supplementary work will need to follow down the road. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has supported the government’s efforts to shift South Africa to a new legal regime with regard to cannabis. The act is a welcome step forward to decriminalise cannabis for private purposes as required by the Constitutional Court judgment finding the existing criminalisation of personal use to be unconstitutional. Key provisions of the act and the basis for Cosatu’s support for it, include: ■…

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for disruptive rains, strong winds, and high waves on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline today. The inclement weather in KZN is the same system that saw heavy rains in Nelson Mandela Bay and East London in the Eastern Cape. Two people drowned, four are missing and about 70 people have been rescued. However, the SAWS said the anticipated weather system in KZN would have less impact than it did in the Eastern Cape. The SAWS said a level 2 warning was issued yesterday which signified a potential for minor disruption and damage, highlights the likelihood of heavy rains, gusty winds, and rough seas that could impact various parts of the coast of KZN. The alert indicates that…

THE African Transformation Movement (ATM) says it will be heading to the Electoral Court to demand a recount of the votes in last week’s elections amid concerns of “irregularities” in their capturing. This after the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announced the results of the 2024 national and provincial elections yesterday. The commission declared the elections free and fair and handed over the list of elected public representatives to President Cyril Ramaphosa. ATM said it was speaking on behalf of several parties that had raised concerns about the handling of the general elections. It was reported that close to 579 objections had been lodged with the IEC by various political parties. The deputy CEO of the IEC, Mawethu Mosery, said yesterday’s event was not a press briefing and the…

GUESS what? The Zionist Movement of South Africa – right in the middle of elections, when some of our very own pro-Israel political parties are under the microscope for supporting the atrocities in Gaza – puts its foot deeper into the bacterial sewer-pit by attempting to place a ban on a colouring book that tells the story of how Zionists booted the indigenous people out of Palestine before establishing their very own, exclusive, apartheid state. In spite of over 36 000 innocent people killed, most of them women and children. In spite of Israeli forces crushing and razing Gaza to the ground, with thousands of people buried alive under the rubble. In spite of over 45 persons burnt to death, with many more disfigured for life, just a few days…

It is appalling that the president of Zimbabwe has failed and the country is going to take ages to get off its knees. Does the young generation have any hope in Zimbabwe or do they think of migrating? President Emmerson Mnangagwa failed to resuscitate the Zimbabwean economy and to end rampant corruption. He should let another person take over and govern Zimbabwe. When we advised the youths to leave Zimbabwe and seek greener pastures elsewhere, it was because we had seen the depth of Zimbabwe’s problems. The definition of a mafia and failed state suits Zimbabwe well. Mafia state refers to a state where criminal elements have significant influence over government institutions and policies, often resulting in corruption and law lessness. A failed state refers to a state where the…

Embattled Knysna municipal manager Ombali Sebola has failed in his court bid to remain in the senior position. Sebola appealed against the court ruling which declared his appointment as municipal manager null and void after he was selected out of three applicants who had applied for the position. Judge Mas-Udah Pangarker said in her latest ruling that in a supporting affidavit by Sebola’s long-standing attorney in this matter, it was noted that in the main application, Sebola had “accepted that he was unlawfully appointed by the Knysna Municipal Council (and) had thus accepted that his appointment was unlawful”. “The impression gained is that Sebola wishes to buy more time by occupying the position of municipal manager and to hinder the advertisement process and hence, the appointment process for a new…

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has listed some of the best spectator spots to witness what is billed as “the ultimate human race”. With less then a week to go for the 97th running of the Comrades Marathon on June 9, the 49th up-run will start at Durban City Hall and finish at the HollywoodBets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. The Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon and now Africa’s richest race. The CMA said that more than 20 000 runners will take on the 85.91km course. “In an effort to assist supporters and seconds in meeting their runners along the race route, we have issued a list of some prime spectator spots along the route,” said the CMA. The association said they urge spectators not to stop at, or make…

If problems cannot be solved at home, there’s no way they can be solved by school or society WHAT is happening, what is wrong with our communities? Most of us are confronted with this question as we go around meeting our compeers. We are thrown with this pervasive penetrating question that provokes our thinking while equally challenging us to evaluate our stance on issues affecting the life and development of our communities. It is a daunting question that raises more questions than answers – a discourse that leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the beholder. To ease this uncomfortable state, let me bring afore my little understanding of how we have landed where we are today, and how we have allowed this “little giant” roaming our streets to…

Israel bombarded the Gaza Strip yesterday and battled Hamas as mediators called on both sides to agree to a truce and hostage release deal outlined by US President Joe Biden. Since Biden spoke at the White House on Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted Israel will pursue the war, which now nears its ninth month, until it has destroyed Hamas and freed the captives. Palestinian militant group Hamas, meanwhile, has said it “views positively” what Biden described as an Israeli proposal. Netanyahu, a hawkish political veteran leading a fragile right-wing coalition government, is under intense domestic pressure from two sides. Protesters backing immediate hostage release, who rallied again on Saturday in their tens of thousands in Tel Aviv, are urging him to strike a truce deal, while the premier’s…

Stormy Daniels, the pornography film actress, broke her silence after former US president Donald Trump’s conviction to say he should be jailed, in an interview published in British tabloid The Mirror at the weekend. “I think he should be sentenced to jail and some community service working for the less fortunate, or being the volunteer punching bag at a women’s shelter,” Daniels said in the interview, published late on Saturday. A jury of 12 New Yorkers last week found Trump guilty on 34 counts of business fraud for trying to cover up hush money payments to Daniels on the eve of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was paid $130 000 to keep silent and prevent scandal from breaking ahead of the election, in which…

EMERALD and ruby miner Gemfields bagged $35 million (R655.6m), at an average price of $167.51 per carat, from a gemstone auction conducted over the period May 13 to 30. About 46 lots were offered for sale, with 43 of these sold during its latest auction period. The company has generated as much as $1 billion in revenue from about 48 auctions of Kagem gemstones it has held since July 2009. “The rough emeralds sold were extracted by Kagem, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia,” the company said on Friday. “Proceeds of this auction will be fully repatriated to Kagem in Zambia with all royalties due to the Government of the Republic of Zambia being paid on the full sales…

THE eight-month-old uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) flipped the majority of ANC strongholds in eThekwini and almost single-handedly annihilated the party as it surged to victory in KwaZulu-Natal in last Wednesday’s national and provincial elections. A deep dive into the election results details how ANC supporters in eThekwini, the province’s most populous region, switched allegiance in these elections from being largely an ANC safe haven in 2019 to the MKP, led by former president Jacob Zuma. Two maps by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) as well as another published by the media showing voting patterns give a glimpse of the key areas that turned over to the MKP and ensured its victory. The map also shows that the DA largely held on to voting districts it had won…

SOUTH Africa is on the cusp of political change. In that respect it is significant how May 31 has marked turning points in the country’s history. On May 31, 1844, Natal was officially annexed as a district of the Cape Colony. On May 31, 1902, the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed, concluding the Anglo-Boer War. On May 31, 1910, the four British colonies united to become the Union of South Africa. On May 31, 1961, South Africa became a republic. Given the final outcome of the election, it is clear that without an outright national winner, political change has to occur. In that respect there are two coalition options: one in which the ANC has the MK Party as its junior partner with, maybe, the EFF as well. The other…

GOD’S Catholic representative on the planet – none other than the Pope – made derogatory statements about the queer community and, in particular, gay people who serve as priests within the Catholic Church. Has he exposed himself as a bigot? Or is he fed up with the fact that God had indeed created three sexes but somehow forgot to pass the information on to us via the teachings of his son, Jesus Christ, some 2 000 years ago. We now know for sure that there are three kinds of sexuality: heterosexual male, heterosexual female and alternatively sexually inclined humans. The pope has apologised, his inner circle rallying around him to suppress the fallout, but the damage has been done. LiveSW and let live; we are who we are. Just be…

MEMORIES flood when I think of Northlands Primary School these many years later. Mrs Hornsby’s devotion to dipping pens and disdain for ballpoint pens bemused me. With trepidation I recall stuffing bare electrical cords into a lamp I made in woodwork, only to blow the fuses and thrust us all into dark when the teacher tested it. Omnipresent Standard 2 teacher Mrs Nel lived immediately behind our Blackburn Road home so she really was everywhere. Mr Coyne coached soccer while sitting on a deck chair at the top of the grass bank that overlooked the soccer field, battery-powered loud-hailer in hand. Mr Chater demanded every one of us come to an immediate standstill when the handbell sounded for the end of both “little break” and “big break”. We had to…

South African ultramarathon runner Nontu Mgabhi has defied the odds to become one of only two finishers in the gruelling 520km The Track Namibia race across scorching desert and unforgiving terrain. Through her latest expedition, Mgabhi has raised enough money to provide schoolchildren from Somotha, Sekusile, Khiphinkunzi and KwaMboma primary schools in KwaZulu-Natal with 600 pairs of school shoes. Spanning nine stages over the course of 10 days, The Track Namibia pushes participants to their physical and mental limits, but in spite of these extreme conditions Mgabhi remained motivated by a greater purpose. “Running for a good cause has given my adventures greater meaning,” she explained. “My initiative, ‘Go Beyond for a Child’, drives me to turn pain into a creative offering … “I remind myself that I am…

Trade union Cosatu has welcomed the signing of the “two-pot” retirement system which will enable workers to make a withdrawal from their retirement without having to resign. On Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill of 2023 which establishes the system which becomes effective from September 1, 2024. Matthew Parks, acting national spokesperson for labour giant Cosatu, said the union celebrated the historic signing of the bill. “Workers are highly indebted due to slow economic growth, the rising costs of living and having to support relatives in an economy battling a 41% unemployment rate. “The current pension laws are excessively inflexible, only allowing workers access to their pension funds upon retirement, losing their job or resignation,” Parks said. He said as a consequence, many workers…

The recent announcement of the planned shutdown of the Lesotho Highlands transfer system and tunnels for maintenance has generated a flurry of media attention, fuelled by several alarmist opinions from various experts and panic among communities, and intertwined in this narrative is the conflation of issues. It is true that Gauteng has several challenges with the sustainable supply of drinking water related to the effectiveness of the several municipal supply systems, compounded by power outages that disrupt the pumping and treatment of water. These problems are, however, different from the management of the resource. Gauteng receives most of its water from the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which is a complicated network of reservoirs, pipelines and tunnels. This system is augmented by a number of large inter-basin transfer schemes, which…

Iran’s hardline former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday registered his candidacy for a presidential election this month. The Islamic republic goes to the polls on June 28 to replace ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19. Ahmadinejad, 67, held the post for two terms from 2005 to 2013, a period marked by a stand-off with the West over Iran’s nuclear programme and his incendiary remarks on Israel. His bid is pending the approval of the Guardian Council, a conservative-dominated body of 12 jurists. Ahmadinejad was disqualified from entering the presidential race in the 2021 and 2017 elections. In 2005, he gained notoriety when he said Iran’s arch foe Israel was doomed to be “wiped off the map” and also asserted that the Holocaust was a…

FRANKFURT: A firefighter died while trying to rescue residents trapped by major flooding in southern Germany after heavy rain that was expected to continue throughout yesterday. The man, 42, was in a rescue boat carrying four firefighters that capsized late on Saturday. His body was recovered early yesterday, said a spokesperson for the Bavarian town of Pfaffenbach an der Ilm, around 50km north of Munich. While municipalities had days to prepare, rescue workers still had to evacuate hundreds of people as the water cut off some areas. Parts of Europe were hit by major flooding in 2021 that killed nearly 200, with Germany bearing the brunt. Climate change was blamed. | Reuters…