Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-07-12 i Mercury

■ We also report on a fund which was ordered to pay a complainant after it paid his R800 000 benefit to a fraud syndicate. ■ Following his trip to the UK, our columnist Martin Hesse compares living expenses between South Africa and the UK. ■ Regarding pensions, Brett Ladouce looks at the confusing tale of the five pots. ■ For all your money matters, scan the QR code.…

Durban is planning a massive party for the thousands of local and international visitors who will descend on the city for the international test match between the Springboks and Ireland at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium tomorrow. More than 20 000 supporters have travelled from Europe to support Ireland, with the 46 000 tickets at the stadium selling out months ago. The equation is simple for the Springboks – win tomorrow and secure back-to-back test victories over Ireland to keep them quiet until at least the next meeting between the two rugby nations. But a loss in Durban will keep the door open for the Irish and their fans to keep claiming that they are the “best” in the world, even though they are currently the second-ranked side behind the…

IT’S the Big ’Un tomorrow at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park. Can the Boks make it two in a row against the Paddies? It’s a big ask. Those Paddies are itching for revenge after last week so we can’t relax for a second. All the same, money’s on the Boks. Just watch Damien de Allende and Jessie Kriel in the centre. Kings Park will be packed. And the damsels of the Pub With No Name in Morningside are already strumming furiously at their knickers, in anticipation of supplying elastic for the time-honoured celebratory feu de joie in which the street lights are shot out. ’Erewego, ’erewego, ’erewego! Males and females A QUIZ programme in America comes this way, via TikTok. “According to smartravel.com, the item most commonly left behind in a…

It is embarrassing how South Africa’s public figures are unscrupulous, unethical and devoid of morality. They have a penchant for being arrogant and lying to the public about facts that are out in public. Mama Joy, the woman who is usually seen careening across the world when South African teams are playing, lied that she did not receive funding from the government for the junkets. She said she was not mentioned in the statement by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture when it announced that it was going to shut the largesse. In a disparaging tone, she said: “Maybe there are fans that are benefiting from this.” But just last year, the same department indicated that it had paid for her and her counterpart soccer fan to attend the…

The brother of Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, the alleged leader of the Sexy Boys gang, faced serious criminal charges, including murder, with four others in court on Wednesday. Colin Booysen, 57, Sillico Oliphant, 41, Herbert Zoutman, 57, and Moegamat Abrahams, 43, appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court, while co-accused Sipho Khumalo appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Zinzi Hani said one suspect was still at large. They all face Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) charges, and murder, dealing in drugs and possession of firearms and ammunition charges. The court papers read: “It is claimed that between June 2015 and December 2017 in the Western Cape and Gauteng, while managing, employed by, or associated with the Enterprise, the accused engaged directly or indirectly in…

THE IFP and the DA in the eThekwini Municipality are set to take control of service delivery. The parties are expected to lead the governance committee tasked with the delivery of houses, water and electricity and are expected to lead the human settlements and infrastructure (HSI) services committee which will now be split between the two, with the IFP leading human settlements and the DA leading trading services (infrastructure). This decision is expected to be ratified by the executive committee (Exco) on Tuesday. The Mercury understands this is part of the deal struck between the two parties that guaranteed the election of the ANC-designated Cyril Xaba as the new city mayor on Wednesday. This means the IFP, ANC, DA and NFP, who already have a working arrangement at provincial level,…

Many critical SOEs have suffered untold damages from ineffective leadership AS SOUTH Africans brace for the significant changes that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is expected to bring, we must advocate for national leadership appointed according to merit rather than political affiliation. Government’s primary goal for the next five years should be to revitalise the economy, develop regulations that support the private sector, and drive job creation. For this, it needs to create a public sector that makes decisions for the good of our society rather than self-gratification or individual profit. Cadre deployment in government has been disastrous for South Africa. Appointing public servants to positions of power primarily based on political affiliation has been detrimental to the country’s attempts to create a functional government that serves to protect…

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that any possibility of a direct confrontation between Russia and Nato was “worrying”, the official Anadolu news agency reported. Erdogan’s comments came as Nato leaders met in Washington and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia was planning “response measures” to contain the “very serious threat” from the alliance. “The possibility of a direct conflict between Nato and Russia is undoubtedly worrying,” said Erdogan, who was in Washington for the Nato summit. “Any steps that could lead to this outcome should be consciously avoided.” Erdogan spoke a day after Nato allies announced they had started transferring F-16 jets to Ukraine and stepped up promises to Kyiv on eventual membership of the alliance. Peskov said the Western military alliance was now “fully involved…

A top French trade union leader yesterday urged President Emmanuel Macron to let a left-wing alliance govern after it came first in a legislative election, hinting that any alternative could be met with protests during the Paris Olympics. In his first public comments since the New Popular Front (NFP) beat his own centrist camp into second place in Sunday’s election, Macron said on Wednesday that “no one had won” and asked “republican forces” to form a “solid majority” to govern. That has been understood to mean he wants a coalition of centrists and moderate parties from the NFP, such as the Socialists and Greens, excluding the hard-left insurgent party France Unbowed, which he deems beyond the respectable spectrum. Sophie Binet, leader of the CGT union, said Macron was in denial…

This is the fifth article in a nine-part series that summarises findings from Just Retirement Insights 2024, a tracking study conducted by retirement income specialist Just SA. Just Retirements Insights gathers respondents’ feedback on the age they expect to live to. In 2024, individual life expectancy estimates were scattered, with many respondents in the 60 to 70 age group underestimating their life expectancy. This is worrying as in this decade of their lives, many people will need to decide what retirement income solution is best for them and will last their lifetime. Fundamentally, people are not good at estimating their life expectancy and therefore may plan financially with a flawed view of how long they might live. A solution is to make sure you consider an appropriate time horizon when…

In South Africa, the fight against HIV/Aids remains a critical focus as the nation grapples with one of the highest infection rates in the world. Recent developments in HIV prevention, including updates on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and a breakthrough new prevention shot offer renewed hope in the ongoing battle against this persistent health challenge. Why PrEP is a crucial tool in HIV prevention Pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, has been a significant advancement in HIV prevention efforts globally. In South Africa, where an estimated 7.5 million people are living with HIV, PrEP has played a crucial role in reducing the transmission of the virus among high-risk populations. PrEP involves taking a daily medication regimen to lower the risk of contracting HIV. This has been particularly effective among individuals at…

DESPITE the fact that the era of colonial empires ended a long time ago, the Western countries are still trying to control their former territories. The EU seeks to increase its level of influence through official visits, grants, humanitarian programmes and investments in infrastructure development. A well-fed and prosperous Africa is important for Europe because this is the only way to stop uncontrolled migration flows, which are caused by humanitarian disasters in different parts of the continent. Gratuitous injections from Europe look impressive – the EU spends billions of euros to create a green infrastructure, develop mining operations and build new industries, giving Africans jobs and the opportunity to feed their families. However, all these supposedly good intentions have a reverse side. The main export item of most African countries…

HEARTFELT congratulations to the Divine Life Society on its centenary celebrations. The event last Saturday, hosted by the Pietermaritzburg branch, was a resounding success, filled with joy, spirituality and inspiration. It was particularly heart-warming to see children and youth participating in the programme, ensuring a bright future for the society’s noble mission. The society’s selfless contributions to humanity and its tireless efforts to support the less fortunate are a beacon of hope in today’s world. Your dedication to spreading love, compassion and wisdom is a shining example for us all. May this milestone mark the beginning of another century of service, growth and spiritual evolution. May your efforts continue to uplift and transform lives, and may your message of love and kindness resonate far and wide. “The best way to…

ON Sunday, the NMJ Hall in Morningside will host the launch of The Unsung Heroes Vol 2, a book celebrating the lives of 47 South Africans who have selflessly served their communities. Compiled by Fawzia Peer, Lavan Gopaul, Vishnu Naidoo and Dr Kogie Archary, the book aims to shine a light on those who made a difference to the lives of others. “There are some very interesting people that we gathered as the board members. Their dedication and devotion to those around them is overwhelming. “I thought it is important to acknowledge the thousands of people like them among us, who on a daily basis volunteer their work, time and sacrifice to push society further to places humanity has exceeded,” said Peer. She said that the first book, The Unsung…

SADAAM Maake, the so-called president of the South African National Association of Supporters Union (Sanasu) and his friends, colleagues, comrades or whatever they use to refer to themselves are a bunch of disappointments. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie’s first strike from his new office was to announce that he would close the tap on funding overseas trips for “super fans”. Some of us did not even know a body such as Sanasu existed or that its members’ trips were funded by millions of taxpayers’ money. The reason we did not know about the supporters’ union is simply because it has not taken a stand on anything up until now. How could its members be up for that when there is an array of better causes that need…

Former presidents and prime ministers have sent an open letter to current leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies urging support for a global tax on billionaires, which they called a rare political opportunity. The move comes as Brazil’s G20 presidency seeks to build support for a declaration at the group’s finance ministers and central bank governors meeting later this month in Rio de Janeiro. Signed by 19 Club de Madrid members, a forum of former leaders with over 100 participants, the letter praised US President Joe Biden’s billionaire income tax proposal. Brazil’s proposal, crafted by French economist Gabriel Zucman from the independent EU Tax Observatory, calls for an annual 2% levy on fortunes exceeding $1 billion (R18bn), which could raise up to $250bn annually from about 3 000 individuals.…

Nairobi: Kenyan President William Ruto (pictured) announced yesterday the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and consultations to form a “broad-based government” following anti-government protests. He said the move affected all ministers, including the attorney-general, but excluded prime cabinet secretary and foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Ruto said he decided on the dismissals “listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said”. Ruto also said he will “immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government”. | AFP…

THE Springboks have released nine players – six with Test experience – ahead of the second and final Test of the series against Ireland at Kings Park in Durban tomorrow (kick-off 5pm). Head coach Rassie Erasmus wants them to at least have some form of match experience ahead of their possible selection for the Boks’ historic Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein next weekend. Yesterday, it was announced that World Cup winners Trevor Nyakane (prop), Makazole Mapimpi (winger), Lukhanyo Am and Andre Esterhuizen (both centres) would be released to the Sharks. Fullback Aphelele Fassi and No 8 Phepsi Buthelezi also returned to the Kwazulu-Natal union as they prepared to face Griquas today. Prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels of the Bulls returned to Loftus, while the Lions duo of winger Edwill van der Merwe…

ENGLAND will try to banish the thought that they have blown their best chance of registering a rare victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand when they take on the three times world champions again in Auckland tomorrow. Steve Borthwick’s side came within a wayward Marcus Smith kick of ending a 21-year win drought last Saturday with a brilliant fighting effort in a Dunedin clash that went right down to the wire. England will be well aware that tradition has it that the All Blacks are best caught cold at the start of the Test season before they kick into their imposing stride. Ireland, however, proved in 2022 that precedent is not always a great guide when they rebounded from a loss in their series opener to win the…

The shore-based fishing has been the only hot thing in KZN at the moment. Whether you prefer to throw lures or big baits, there have been amazing fish for all facets. The North Coast has seen some good edibles along most of the upper coast. The river mouths have seen good catches of kob on both paddletails and chokka baits. The early mornings have produced some amazing snoek and kingfish catches. Spoons and plugs have been the most productive. Make sure you keep your lures in the zone as long as possible and vary your retrieves to target all the feeding zones. The Durban coast is still holding good numbers of small-to-medium inedibles and is a great place to take new anglers or those that struggle to fish in the…

AFTER year of rumours swirling around that TV presenter Maps Maponyane and former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida have been dating, the two have seemingly soft-launched their relationship on social media. Maponyane and Musida were both spotted at the weekend at the ‘Ride the Wave’ themed HollywoodBets Durban July. While they were at different marquees during the day, they did at least manage to take a picture together. The former Top Billing actor posted the picture of him and Musida on his Instagram account, making many wonder if this was the couple launching their relationship online. In his post, Maponyane, wrote a lengthy caption about their outfits, which were both designed by South African designer Imprint by Mzukisi Mbane, involving the #ForeverWena campaign, aimed at raising awareness around HIV and…

When I am angry, unsettled or off- kilter, I make knee-jerk and reactive decisions and they are usually decisions I regret. It’s fight or flight, a short-fuse, a blow-a-fuse behaviour and it almost always requires an apology within a day or two, if not more immediately. I’m far better at responding rather than reacting if I allow myself space and time, room to think things through, to form an intelligent strategy, rather than shoot from the hip and create more material for a clean- up and apologies. Anger and reactivity are about fear and the need to protect. Responding is about learning, about gaining objectivity and guarding all people, not only myself, and trying to do what’s good for all involved. Another thing I’ve repeatedly found (in retrospect) is that…

IN A CODING and robotics lesson on augmented and virtual reality with Grade 7 pupils, the topic of Elon Musk’s marvellous invention, the Teslasuit, came up. The suit retails at a cool R200 000 and comes with incredible features that at the very least can make one look and feel as close to Tony Stark as possible. Musk is bringing innovation at an incredible pace. But what does this suit really do? And how is it useful to the average human being? Using neuromuscular electrical stimulation widely used in sports and rehabilitation, its haptic feedback system delivers precise sensations that have a wide range of applications beyond traditional gaming. So much jargon? Basically, the suit allows you to experience actual sensations such as heat, cold, rough, smooth, etc. Want to…

Phoenix and Chatsworth residents are under siege by thieves who, with a monstrous appetite for cheap-fix drugs, steal copper pipes and cables that they can sell to feed their addiction. These sulphurous predators, who employ thieves’ hours – sleep all day and prowl all night – are running amok in local communities. It’s a smash and grab technique; they get in quickly and get out quickly! In Phoenix yesterday, copper pipes were stolen from the Stonebridge Community Hall, which resulted in parts of Stonebridge being without water for 24 hours. Last week, Chatsworth police shot dead two cable thieves who were caught at the former Sassa offices. These dastardly brigands fit a certain physiological profile for fluidity of movement – small and thin in stature so that they can spring…

The suspects accused of killing three children and an adult at a barber shop in Khayelitsha, in the Western Cape, have submitted affidavits as evidence to support their alibi defence. Athule Mtsha and Sithisa Masiko were arrested on June 8, hours after the murders in Iqwarha Street, Site C. The investigating officer said they had traced the accused by the white Toyota Quantum that Mtsha drove on the day of the murder. During their appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, the accused’s lawyers read the affidavits, which placed them elsewhere from the crime scene. Advocate Phindile Vephile, Mtsha’s representative, read a statement written by Anathi Khoboka, a friend who was also arrested with the accused for the theft of a motor vehicle. He corroborated what Mtsha stated last…

IF ILLEGAL foreigners cannot be admitted as legal practitioners, as per a constitutional judgment earlier, then they are also excluded from claiming compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), the latter argued in an attempt to overturn a judgment which ruled that anyone in the country can claim following an accident. In March, three judges of the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, put an end to a directive issued by the transport minister and the fund, which declared that foreign nationals who were illegally in the country, were barred from claiming compensation if they were in a vehicle accident here. The RAF, however, would not relent and turned back to court for leave to appeal the judgment before the Supreme Court of Appeal. But Judge Norman Davis this week concluded that…

HOW can part of history written with the blood of a woman and her 8-year-old daughter be left out of the History curriculum? There is a lot the country does not know about our history and the people who played a role, especially in the Struggle. Within that context is not knowing that there are white people who “crossed the floor”, that is moving from the “oppressor’s camp” to the “oppressed camp”. But the question you should be asking yourself is why they left ‘’harmony”, “luxury”, “privileges” for being hunted, hurt, tortured and subsequently killed. Jeanette Schoon (née Curtis) is one of those wonderful human beings. The reason for highlighting her maiden name is because she was a political activist long before marrying Marius Schoon. It is also out of…

Residents of Gaza City were trapped in houses and bodies lay uncollected in the streets under an intense new Israeli assault yesterday, even as Washington pushed for a peace deal at talks in Egypt and Qatar. Hamas said a heavy Israeli assault on Gaza City this week could wreck efforts to finally end the war just as negotiations have entered the home stretch. In a statement, the Palestinian Islamist militant group said mediators had yet to provide it with updates on the state of the talks since it made concessions last week in response to a US-backed Israeli peace offer. Residents of Gaza City say this week’s assault is comparable to the fiercest battle of the war, which destroyed the enclave’s oldest and biggest settlement in the first weeks of…

Rwandans will vote in elections on Monday, with President Paul Kagame widely expected to extend his iron-fisted rule and sweep to victory in a race featuring the same candidates he defeated seven years ago. Rwanda’s de facto ruler since the end of the 1994 genocide, Kagame faces rival bids by Frank Habineza, leader of the Democratic Green Party – the only authorised opposition – and Philippe Mpayimana, who is running as an independent. The 66-year-old Kagame is credited with Rwanda’s economic recovery after the genocide, with annual GDP growth averaging 7.2% between 2012-2022. But his regime is widely criticised for stifling political opposition at home, while a UN report has accused Rwandan troops of fighting alongside the M23 rebel militia in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Kagame has won…

Washington: More than half of Democrats in a new poll yesterday said US President Joe Biden should end his re-election bid after his debate performance against Donald Trump, although they remain in a dead heat despite the president’s poor showing. Both candidates received 46% support among registered voters in a key survey, almost identical to the results of a key poll in April. About 56%of Democrats and two-thirds of Americans overall want Biden, 81, to quit the White House race. Half of all respondents said his Republican challenger should drop out. Were Vice-President Kamala Harris to replace him, she would fare better, according to the poll, scoring 49% against Trump’s 47%. | AFP…

THE Springbok pack have set their sights on continuing their scrum domination over Ireland in tomorrow’s second and deciding Test in Durban. They will draw inspiration from the massive pushover scrum that led to a penalty try, which was the score that took the game away from the Irish at Loftus Versfeld, although the visitors never gave up and fought till the end. While the scrums went the way of the Boks, the Irish were in control at the breakdown and spoilt the quick ball of the home side with the way they disrupted the play of scrumhalves Faf de Klerk and Grant Williams time and again. According to veteran lock Franco Mostert, they will have to keep the Ireland players in check, especially at the rucks and tackle…

THE Sharks welcomed their Springboks back with open arms for today’s Currie Cup clash against Griquas in Kimberley. They were all too eager to add World Cup winners Trevor Nyakane (prop), Andre Esterhuizen (centre) and Makazole Mapimpi (winger) to the run-on side for the battle with the Peacock Blues (kick-off 5pm). It’s a match that could kickstart the Sharks’ campaign after a loss in the first round, but coach JP Pietersen warned that they will face a tough home side who also lost in the opening round. Fullback Aphelele Fassi, who had an impressive Bok game against Wales at Twickenham, also returns in the number 15 jersey, while hardworking flanker Phepsi Buthelezi, who is yet to make his international debut, is also in the starting line-up following his release from…