Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-09-18 i Mercury

SUSTAINABLE transport systems are important for reducing inequality and unemployment, because they can be used as a tool for accessing opportunities. An efficient and affordable transport system is a crucial lever for access to basic human needs, socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Such transport systems should provide safe, inclusive, efficient, afford- able and clean passenger and freight movement as we transition to an economy that aids our commitment to the Paris Agreement. In South Africa, road is the third highest source of emissions after electricity and synthetic fuels and refining. Within transport, road emissions account for the lion’s share of emissions (97%) followed by domestic aviation, waterborne navigation and rail respectively. The Presidential Climate Commission is collaborating with the Department of Transport to support their development of the Just Transition…

TUPPERWARE Brands is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as this week, according to people with know- ledge of the plans, following a years-long effort to revive the business amid waning demand. The home-goods brand, which has for much of a century defined food storage, was planning to enter court protection after it breached the terms of its debt and enlisted legal and financial advisers, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential information. The bankruptcy preparations follow protracted negotiations between Tupperware and its lenders over how to manage more than $700 million (R12.5 billion) in debt. The lenders agreed this year to give it some breathing room on the violated loan terms, but the company continued to deteriorate. The plans aren’t final and could…

YOU thought Boris Johnson was gone, out of sight, out of politics? Not really. He’s still around. The former controversial British prime minister, who was caught out for lying to parliament about the parties he was having at 10 Downing Street while the entire nation was under lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, has reappeared – albeit not as a politician in Britain but as Storm Boris in Central Europe. Storm Boris is wreaking havoc across much of central Europe – the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. Rivers are overflowing, dams bursting several towns and villages flooded, with 16 lives lost in the floods and power down in many areas. Budapest is on high alert and all 44 000 citizens of the Polish city of Nysa have been…

Recent assurances of E coli-free beaches by December – by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba at the launch of the Durban Tourism summer season – will hopefully bring a much-needed tourism boost to our province. Since 2022, eThekwini beaches have been grossly contaminated with E coli and some have been closed as a result. Last year, the uMgeni River lagoon also saw hundreds of dead fish, paddlers becoming ill after using the river and the closure of popular beaches during the festive season. At the time, the national government served contravention notices on eThekwini Municipality, yet, regrettably, E coli levels continue to rise. This as sewer pump stations along the Umgeni River – from Riverside Road and further upstream – continue to pump raw sewage into the river. Recent…

A report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) says the Government of National Unity (GNU) has to demonstrate impact and improvement in the next five years to remain relevant to South Africans. The African Futures report explores the country’s possible full potential if the GNU worked towards pro-growth strategies and is able to deliver on critical structural reforms. Dr Jakkie Cilliers, head of African Futures and Innovation at the ISS, is the co-author of the report released yesterday, which explores the country’s growth prospects to 2043. It noted that South Africa needed accountable and competent leadership pursuing evidence-based policies that will allow the economy to create jobs and eventually reduce inequality. “It is only possible to reduce unemployment and inequality with an economy that grows rapidly and inclusively ……

As the deadline draws nearer for EFTs, debit and credit payments from the Common Monetary Countries (CMA) including eSwatini, Lesotho and Namibia to be treated as cross-border payments, economists say the move should be welcomed as it would help South Africa get off the grey list. In July, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced that as of September 30, low-value electronic funds transfers (EFTs), debit and credit payments made between CMA countries – eSwatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa – will be treated as cross-border transactions and subject to greater due diligence requirements. SARB said that these low-value retail payments were previously treated as domestic payments in South Africa, with the four CMA countries and their participating banks processing the transactions via South Africa’s domestic retail payment system which…

MEMBERS of the public have been given more time to make submissions on proposals for the electoral system the country should adopt. The electoral reform consultation panel extended the initial September 30 deadline to October 31. “The invitation for submissions is made as part of the panel’s duty to undertake a public participation process regarding the issues falling within its functions,” the panel’s chairperson Richard Sizani said. The Electoral Amended Act, signed into law in April 2023, empowers the Home Affairs Minister to establish a nine-member panel within four months after the commencement of the act, May 2023, after consultation with the Independent Electoral Commission. The panel will investigate, consult and make recommendations on electoral reform. It is expected in terms of the amended legislation to submit a report to…

The Department of Employment and Labour yesterday began an intensive four-day multi-departmental inspection blitz of restaurants across South Africa, following reports of endemic exploitation in the sector. “A multi-disciplinary team of Department of Employment and Labour inspectors will from today, (yesterday), lead an integrated national blitz of the hospitality sector, targeting restaurants,” the national department announced. The department’s chief inspector for occupational health and safety (OHS), Milly Ruiters, said the four-day inspection blitz will also involve the SAPS, Home Affairs and the Bargaining Council. During the blitz, Ruiters said 1 984 staff will be deployed to carry out the inspections. They will assess compliance in regard to Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Occupational Health and Safety, Unemployment Insurance Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, Employment Services Act and…

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has said King Shaka International Airport’s (KSIA) medical emergency service ER24 responded in line with the Civil Aviation Regulations to an incident on Saturday involving a passenger who collapsed and died. Acsa spokesperson Ernest Mulibana said Acsa had noted and wished to clarify the social media reports regarding the medical emergency process followed during a regrettable incident at KSIA. “Our stakeholders should rest assured that the airport’s medical emergency (ER24) responded to the incident in line with the Civil Aviation Regulations,” he said. On Sunday, Acsa confirmed an unidentified male passenger had died at KSIA. “The passenger reportedly collapsed at the airport terminal’s domestic arrival area. Emergency services were immediately called and attended to him, but he was unfortunately declared dead…

Iranian authorities have released an Austrian who was jailed in the country’s north-east, the judiciary said yesterday. Austria had in October 2022 confirmed that one of its citizens had been arrested in Iran on charges “unrelated” to a wave of protests that rocked the Islamic republic at the time. “Austrian citizen Christian Weber, imprisoned in West Azerbaijan province, was released from prison in accordance with Islamic mercy,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said. The website said Weber had been convicted after “committing crimes” in Iran, but did not specify what those were. “After his release, the convict was handed over to the Austrian ambassador for his departure,” it added. Austria’s foreign ministry said it was “relieved” over Weber’s release which it said took place on Monday. It added that its…

Moscow: Two Chinese Coast Guard ships arrived in Russia’s far east yesterday for joint drills and patrols with Moscow’s forces, the Russian foreign ministry said. The exercise, dubbed “Pacific Patrol 2024”, comes just a week after Chinese and Russian warships sailed through the Sea of Japan for a different drill, and as both countries ramp up their military co-operation. “The Chinese Coast Guard ships Meishan and Xiushan are visiting Vladivostok,” a local branch of the Russian foreign ministry said. “During the visit, a number of events are planned, including joint exercises and patrols. “A welcoming ceremony for the flotilla was held on September 17,” it added. | AFP…

JUBA: South Sudan’s economy has been strained in recent years due to a combination of factors: communal violence, a decline in crude oil export revenue following the 2013-2018 civil war, and more recent export disruptions caused by the war in neighbouring Sudan. Oil exports are a crucial revenue source for South Sudan, with Sudan collecting a transit fee. The main pipeline transporting South Sudanese oil through Sudan for export has been plagued by stoppages since February due to the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces. “Engineers from South Sudan will visit Sudan in the coming weeks,” said its foreign minister. | Sputnik…

PROTEAS stand-in captain Aiden Markram feels the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan is the ideal preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Markram will be leading the Proteas in the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma, who has been ruled out of the opening clash in Sharjah due to illness. The Proteas have already rested a number of regulars and have arrived in the desert sands of the United Arab Emirates with a fresh-looking squad eager to experience conditions that may await them in Pakistan. “We feel like we are in a good space as a team,” Markram said yesterday. “We don’t need to repeat that we’re a growing team and exposing guys to the next level, which is fantastic. That’s where we’re at. “It is really important.…

The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season is in full swing with exhilarating action over the weekend raising the roof of expectancy levels from top to bottom. One of the final three fixtures of the round sees Golden Arrows sharpen their aim before jetting off to face a Stellenbosch FC team that has gained a reputation for being a war machine. The two teams will clash at the Athlone Stadium at 7.30pm today with ambitions to make a positive start to their respective campaigns. Stellies will undoubtedly head into this match as the favourites given their recent performances and personal record against Abafana Besthende. Arrows have managed just a single victory in the last eight battles against Stellenbosch, the last of those coming three years ago as a Pule Mmodi opener…

OUTSURANCE is paying a special dividend of 40 cents per share for the full year to June 2024 after the South Africa unit raised normalised earnings by 17.4% to R2.2 billion, boosted by strong income although its Irish division incurred start-up losses of R180 million. n The 40c special dividend OUTsurance paid was on top of a 29.4% upswing in the full-year ordinary divi- dend to 174.4c. Shares in the company closed 8.23% higher at R55.25 on the JSE yesterday, expanding its 20.97%, 7.11% and 2.18% upswing in the year to date, one month and seven day comparatives, respectively. After OUTsurance SA raised normalised earnings to R2.2bn, the Youi Group also had 12.8% stronger earnings of R1.5bn while OUTsurance Life was 47.9% stronger at R210m. This left…

Business Unity South Africa (Busa) mourns the death of Pravin Gordhan, a stalwart in South African public life and governance. His legacy, built on a foundation of activism during the anti-apartheid Struggle, was cemented through his leadership as South African Revenue Service (Sars) commissioner, minister of finance and various other Cabinet positions where he served with integrity and a commitment to transparency. Gordhan was a key figure in battling state capture and corruption, advocating for ethical governance and economic stability. His dedication to public service and transformation was unwavering. His contributions, particularly as Sars commissioner, transformed the nation’s tax system and strengthened public trust in financial governance. He also positioned Sars as one of the most respected tax authorities in the world. Busa extends its deepest condolences to his family,…

I always enjoy the opportunity to welcome friends to KZN and to Durban. US theologian and teacher, Glenn Sheppard, is in Durban for a few days. We have been friends since 1986! I asked his first-born son for a few thoughts: “My dad has spent a lifetime travelling the world. He honestly loves everyone. “ “He’s called ‘Papa Jee’ throughout Asia as a mark of respect. He has championed people of the 150 nations he has visited. Dad’s been a farmer, pastor, visionary, philanthropist, but most of all, he’s been a great Dad. “He’s loved without reservation and championed his three children and 8 grandchildren. We all adore him. “He’s hilarious, earthy, dangerous with power tools. “He can quote so much scripture you’d think he’s a scribe. “Dad has cheered…

THE Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is piling pressure on the eThekwini Municipality and wants it to address allegations of fraud and corruption that have been made. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba revealed that he had received at least three letters from Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi this month. He briefed the members of the executive committee during a private meeting yesterday on the contents of these letters. It was not immediately clear whether all three letters speak to allegations of corruption in the City, but The Mercury is in possession of one of the letters in which the MEC details the allegations that his office had received from whistle-blowers. In the letter, the MEC lists the number of people who have brought allegations against the City to his…

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane said the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will commence its online application process effective this Friday, September 20. Nkabane held an urgent joint media briefing with NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo on Monday. “I am therefore inviting all students sitting for their matriculation this year to take this opportunity and apply for either the NSFAS bursary or loan. “This invitation is also extended to learners from Grade 9, 10, and 11, who would like to enter the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector.” The purpose of the briefing was to provide feedback on the ministerial stakeholder engagement programme, which commenced on Thursday and concluded on Sunday. These engagements included key stakeholders in the PSET (Post School Education and Training) sector and were…

A JUDGE was shocked at the conduct of a magistrate who earlier convicted and sentenced a man – who was in possession of dagga – under a section of the Drug Trafficking Act which had in fact been declared unconstitutional 28 years ago. A magistrate for the district of Chief Albert Luthuli, sitting in Mayflower, convicted Michael Mkhonza in May last year of dealing in drugs (dagga) in contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, which was conditionally suspended for five years. A further sentence of a fine of R5 000 or 24 months’ imprisonment was also imposed on him. The matter came under review in the Mpumalanga High Court, sitting in Mbombela, a year ago. The judge dealing with the…

Westridge Park Tennis Stadium in Mayville, Durban, is teetering on the brink of closure, says eThekwini Tennis Association president Gary Brown. He said the lack of funds would mean the stadium would not be operating for much longer. The association, which has a lease agreement for the stadium with the eThekwini Municipality, had been relying on funds raised from fund-raisers and BackaBuddy donations. The stadium had previously been operating with funds it received for having a large advertising signboard on the property. However, problems arose when the signage company wanted to replace the advertising signboard with a digital signboard. The municipality has previously said it turned down an application for a digital signboard as it contravened its outdoor advertising by-law. Brown said they had also written to the national Department…

The full story of the co-operation between Africa and China has not yet been told. This statement echoed through the National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria on Friday night, where the National Press Club and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa hosted a discussion event focusing on the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation Summit, which took place in Beijing from September 4 to 7. With 51 African heads of state in attendance, it was the largest diplomatic event China had hosted in recent years. Under the Pretoria night sky, Chinese ambassador Wu Peng said that during the summit, China established or elevated strategic partnerships with 30 African nations. This means China now has strategic partnerships with all African countries with which it has diplomatic ties. It also…

Israel announced the expansion of its war aims yesterday, widening its nearly year-long fight against Hamas in Gaza to focus on Hezbollah along its northern border with Lebanon. The announcement came with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken due back in the region this week to try to revive stalled ceasefire talks for the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Until now, Israel’s objectives have been to crush Hamas and to bring home the hostages taken by Palestinian militants during the October 7 attacks that sparked the war. While the focus of the war has been on Gaza, the unabating exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon have forced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border to flee their homes. “The political-security cabinet…

Dominique Pelicot, the Frenchman accused of drugging his wife and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her over nearly a decade, yesterday admitted the various charges he faces and begged his family’s forgiveness, French media reported. Dominique Pelicot had been due to testify last week in a case that has shocked France, but his appearance was delayed due to health issues. He appeared in court with a cane. “I admit to the charges in their entirety,” Dominique Pelicot, 71, was cited as saying by BFM TV, whose reporter was present in the courthouse. “I am a rapist just like all the others in this room ... I ask my wife, my children, my grandchildren to accept my apologies. I regret what I did. I ask for your forgiveness, even if…

London: British betting group Flutter Entertainment yesterday said it had agreed to buy Italian peer Snaitech for €2.3 billion (R45bn), expanding its global reach into online gambling. Flutter, whose brands in Britain and Ireland include Paddy Power and Skybet, said in a statement that the deal would give it an online market share of about 30% in Italy, Europe’s largest gambling market. Flutter recently moved its primary listing to Wall Street as it bets on sizeable growth from US sports betting and iGaming. Snaitech, which trades as Snai, is owned by UK-listed Playtech, a gambling technology business. | AFP…

New Delhi: Schools reopened in India’s northeastern state of Manipur yesterday, more than a week after they shuttered due to deadly ethnic violence and clashes between protesters and police, the local government said. Fighting broke out in Manipur in May 2023 between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, an ethnic conflict that has since killed at least 200 people. Since then, communities have splintered into rival groups. These groups are spread across swaths of the northeastern state, which borders war-torn Myanmar. | AFP…

Pravin Gordhan was patriotic only to South Africa. He was not one of the Struggle activists who had a foot in some other country, selectively importing issues and agendas from specific areas of the world and expecting everybody else to embrace them. He was involved in the Struggle for liberation of the country, together with people of other races, especially the black majority, and for all races. He embarked on a common South African struggle, not on a joint struggle: he was not simultaneously engaged in a parallel effort for a separate segregated area exclusively for one racial or religious group. His allegiance was only to South Africa, not to some external sovereignty first. He did not pass himself off as the sole voice of all Indians, since he believed…

THE Bela Bill lies precariously on the table. Language policy for schools. Language! Probably the greatest invention ever, I tell my students. Which language is the best, of course, is relative. Related to the combination of time and space – also termed as “era”. During the golden age of black and white Indian movies, the most famous actor, Dilip Kumar, said if one wanted to become a good actor one had to be able to deliver dialogue effectively. And mastering the language of Urdu was essential to providing the backbone of Hindi. But those days are gone forever. Sacrificed and buried under the rubble of the ruins of the demolished Babri Masjid, in Ayodhya. It is now the Time of the English Language. No, no, no! Not the way…

OH BOY! With only two months to go before voting in the US presidential election, another apparent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump. Details are sketchy at time of writing but Trump was playing golf at his West Palm Beach Resort, according to Sky News. Putting was about to begin on the 5th Green when gunfire was heard ahead. It’s thought that security agents, who were one hole ahead of the advancing golfers, spotted an AK-style rifle set up in the fencing and opened fire on it. A suspect was arrested in a car on a nearby road not long after. Other security agents huddled protectively around Trump then whisked him away to safety in a vehicle. What a way to spoil a round of golf! What a way…

Jesmika Singh, a PhD candidate and a finalist in the Miss World South Africa competition, wants to use the platform created by pageants to raise awareness about breast cancer, a cause that she holds close to her heart. Singh said when she was 15-years-old she lost her mother to breast cancer and this profoundly impacted her life, leading her to forge a career path centred on the disease. The Durban-born finalist, who is one of two contestants from KwaZulu-Natal in the Miss World South Africa top 10, said: “I focused my career around breast cancer research and treatment because I want to help people to not have to go through what we went through. “I completed my undergraduate at UKZN, a BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology, summa cum laude,…

MicrobiOlogical contamination found in three batches of Checkers and OK Foods stores’ Deli branded label hummus has triggered a recall of the 300g and 125g tubs of fresh Deli hummus with a sell-by date between September 10 and October 8, 2024. The retailer said that during routine quality testing, microbiological contamination was found in three batches of Deli branded label hummus on Monday. “As a precautionary measure the affected batches, together with associated products, are being recalled.” The following products were being removed from supermarket shelves nationwide: Hummus, Reduced Fat Hummus, Zataar Hummus, Red Pepper Hummus, and Caramelised Onion Hummus. “All production at the supplier – which has an FSSC 22 000 certificate for its food safety management system – has been halted. “We understand that customers will be concerned…

In one of the largest abalone busts in recent years in the Western Cape, a tip-off led to the discovery of abalone valued at over R10 million in a storage facility in Rylands, near Philippi. Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said that a 53-year-old Chinese national and two Zimbabweans, aged 28 and 31, were arrested at the weekend. He added that the two younger men were discovered inside the facility, actively processing a large quantity of wet and dry abalone. “On Sunday, at about 5pm, members of the Provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT) acted on information about an abalone storage facility which led them to an address situated in the industrial area of Rylands, near Philippi. Upon arrival at the address, members noticed how a suspect who stood at the entrance…

Thabo Bester’s urgent application to have a laptop in prison has been struck off the court roll. Bester appeared in the Pretoria High Court yesterday where he expressed the “need” to have a laptop in prison so he can prepare for his upcoming deportation case. The judge struck the matter off the roll, saying Bester’s application was not urgent. Addressing Bester, the judge said there is no urgency at all. She added it was not the first time that Bester has made this request. During proceedings on Monday, Bester got into a back-and-forth with the judge, stating that he had a right to access a laptop and electronic devices to prepare for his case. It was previously reported that the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) had turned down Bester’s request…

The role of a leader in any organisation is not just significant; it’s crucial. When leaders fail to fulfil their responsibilities, the consequences can be severe for all stakeholders involved. In today’s interconnected world, leadership is not just about holding a title; it's about steering an organisation and its people toward success. However, when leaders fail to lead correctly, the impact can be disastrous, affecting employees, investors and the broader community. The fallout from ineffective leadership can be significant, underscoring the need for effective leadership. A leader who doesn’t lead properly fails to provide clear direction, needs more accountability and inspires and motivates their team. Such leaders often avoid making difficult decisions, shy away from responsibility when things go wrong and neglect their role as a guiding force. This failure…

The erratic life of a struggling roofing contractor suspected of trying to shoot Donald Trump swerved from bounced cheques to a gun felony conviction and a plan to help Ukraine fight Russia’s invasion, before culminating in what appears to be a foiled assassination plot. Ryan Routh, 58, was charged with two gun-related crimes in a federal court in Florida on Monday, a day after he was spotted with a rifle hiding in shrubbery on the property line of Trump’s golf course. More charges are expected. Officials have not cited any possible motives. Routh mocked President Joe Biden on social media and suggested in a 2023 self-published book he voted for Trump in 2016. But he then wrote it was a “terrible mistake” and described the former president as a “fool,”…

Volunteers in the Polish town of Nysa fortified floodwalls to stem swollen rivers yesterday after heavy rain and flooding round central Europe that has killed at least 18 people. Rivers were still spilling banks in the Czech Republic, while the River Danube was rising in Slovakia and Hungary, and flooding has also affected Austria. The Czech-Polish border areas are among the worst-hit since the weekend, as gushing, debris-filled rivers devastated some towns, collapsing or damaging bridges and destroying houses. Poland has declared a state of disaster in the area and set aside 1 billion zlotys (about R4.5bn) for flood victims. Overnight, volunteers helped rescue workers heave sandbags to build up the broken embankment around Nysa, a town of 40 000 in southern Poland. Some residents were looking to check homes…

GENEVA: Sanctions against Russia have led to an increase in the share of BRICS countries in Russian trade, said Ekaterina Mayorova, the director of the trade negotiations department at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development. “Sanctions against Russia are leading to us curtailing our trade with the West, while, on the contrary, we are increasing it with the BRICS countries. If we look at the dynamics of our trade relations with BRICS, the share of trade with them has clearly increased. Yes, there are difficulties, but we are working,” she said on the sidelines of a session organised by the Russian World Trade Organisation Expertise (WTO) Center as part of the WTO Public Forum. | Sputnik…

OTTAWA: Canada’s ruling Liberal party lost a once-safe seat in a Montreal parliamentary constituency, preliminary results showed yesterday, a result likely to put more pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to quit. Elections Canada said that with 100% of the votes counted in LaSalle-Emard-Verdun, Liberal candidate Laura Palestini had been beaten into second place by the separatist Bloc Quebecois candidate, Louis-Philippe Sauvé. Palestini received 27.2% of the vote compared to 28% for the Bloc and 26.1% for the New Democratic Party candidate. The result will put more focus on Trudeau, who has become unpopular as voters struggle with a surge in the cost of living and a housing crisis amid a spike in foreign students and workers. | Reuters…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou’s assertion that he always wins a trophy in his second season at a club means the spotlight will be focused firmly on his side when they face Coventry City in the League Cup third round today. The Australian was in typically pugnacious mood yesterday as he clarified the comments he made after his side’s 1-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League 48 hours earlier, a result that left Tottenham in 13th place in the standings after four games. Speaking to reporters at the club’s training ground, Postecoglou said he had simply been stating facts, having won silverware in his second seasons with Australia’s Brisbane Roar, Japan’s Yokohama F Marinos and Scotland’s Celtic. “I just stated a fact and it seems like am I supposed…