Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-09-19 i Mercury

Of course, the Patriotic Alliance and the DA, aka the pro-Israel lobby in the City of Johannesburg, are vehemently opposed to the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive. Who wants to be reminded of one of the coolest, most badass female revolutionaries and freedom fighters, perhaps in history, every time they drive down the street? In fact, they didn’t support the motion when it was brought before the council but were outnumbered when the EFF and ANC voted in favour of it. They justified their opposition based on the move being a waste of funds, but the underlying issue is simply that she is a Palestinian freedom fighter. It is easy, lazy and disingenuous to simply dismiss Khaled, a Palestinian resistance and female power personified, as a terrorist…

AS I walk along the small rivers in KwaMashu, I am disheartened by the sight of litter and pollution. Despite efforts by some to keep our community clean, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the issue. The rivers, once a source of beauty and life, are filled with trash and debris. People recklessly discard waste, including hazardous materials, without regard for the consequences. This harms the environment and poses health risks to our community. While some individuals and organisations work tirelessly to clean the rivers, it is essential that we address the root causes of the problem. We need to educate and raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impact of pollution on our environment. Furthermore, I urge the munic ipality…

I hear people of different faiths and varying denominations proclaiming to be “more spiritual” than others. Here’s a checklist list I use and I hope is helpful to you. A so-called “spiritual person”: Accepts and respects all people without prejudice. They do not allow creed, age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender or national heritage to shape their opinions or treatment of others. Forgives others for real or perceived grievances, yet puts in place necessary measures of protection for the future. Is good with money; understands money and how it works, and yet, at the same time, remains generous. They understand that how money is earned is as important as how it is saved and spent. Repairs relationships where repair is possible but remains aware that not all relationships are forever…

MPUMELELO Mhlongo, a gold medallist at this year’s Paralympic Games, who paid a visit to his former high school Kearsney College yesterday, has described the profound impact that sport has had on his life. Mhlongo, who won gold in the 100m T44 race, also brought home a bronze in the men’s T64 200m. The 30-year-old from Klaarwater, outside Pinetown, was born with a congenital deformity that affected his right foot and his fingers. Mhlongo, who matriculated in 2012, said sport had played a crucial role in shaping his life. “The real essence of sport is that it allows you to unlock doors of opportunity that you would have not had. Like using sport to get into Kearsney College, but pursuing academia. “I went on and studied chemical engineering. I was…

Police are searching for a man wanted in connection with a string of extortion cases in which he is allegedly terrorising business people in and around the Mariannhill area in Durban. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a warrant of arrest has been issued for Linda Hlengwa who also goes by the nicknames “Mjinja” or “Putin”. In addition to extortion cases, police said Hlengwa is wanted in connection with cases of illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. “Hlengwa was arrested on July 20, 2020 after he was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Ukuthula Street in St Wendolins in Mariannhill and was released from custody, pending ballistic results. “He has ignored summons to appear in court to face charges. A warrant of…

SOUTH Africans should be concerned about the spread of mpox in the country with certain variants rapidly spreading between humans, including through sexual contact. This is according to Professor Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa and member of the World Health Organization’s Science Council, speaking at a the Post-Global Virus Network Annual Scientific Meeting briefing in uMhlanga yesterday. He said he chaired the committee that advised the Director-General of the African Centres for Disease Control to declare mpox a public health emergency last month. Abdool Karim said what was concerning was the fact that mpox was spreading quite rapidly between humans, and the Clade 1b (variant) seemed to be spreading sexually as well with sex workers hugely impacted. “We are…

THE signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill into law last week has given a glimpse of what lies ahead under the rule of the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU). It’s not a union of equals and all indications are that we must brace ourselves for a bumpy road. The ANC has used its dominance to continue with its programme of action, while the DA has been a moaner, boxed into submission whenever there are areas of disagreement. Safe to say, the DA has been the biggest loser in the GNU. Despite securing almost half the votes the ANC received, it has yet to show anything for that, let alone convince Cabinet colleagues on policy issues. It then begs the question: What is its real role in…

The EU has ignored fresh proposals from Chinese automakers aimed at resolving the dispute over Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in the European market, undermining efforts to ease tensions through dialogue. The decision to impose tariffs on China-made EVs, despite several offers from Chinese manufacturers, has sparked a new wave of outcry within the bloc. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, during a recent visit to China, voiced his opposition to the proposed EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, urging the EU to reconsider and seek a compromise with China to avoid a trade war. His concerns were echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who also criticised the tariff plan. In May, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned against levying tariffs on Chinese EVs, saying “a wider trade war where we block each…

LONDON: The global vaccine group Gavi will buy 500 000 doses of Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine, its first purchase of the shot to help battle an outbreak in parts of Africa, the group said yesterday. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a global health emergency, with more than 25 000 suspected mpox cases globally and 723 deaths in Africa, this year, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gavi, a public-private alliance that co-funds vaccine purchases for low-income countries, will spend up to $50 million on the plan, which includes transportation, delivery and costs of administering the vaccines. About 3.6 million doses have already been pledged to the DRC by rich nations,…

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted youngster Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has received a reprimand of sorts for not confessing that he was carrying an injury during the two Tests against the All Blacks. The 22-year-old has had surgery on a knee problem, and will next be available for the Boks’ UK tour in November. Erasmus says he would have preferred the talented flyhalf to have confessed to his injury, but he understands why he chose to play on and not squander his big chance. “Sacha will only be ready for the end-of-year tour. He injured his knee before the first Test against the All Blacks and he played in that game,” Erasmus said after making 10 changes to the team for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Santiago del…

In the week that follows, nine talented Port Natal bowlers will be in action on both national and international stages. From September 21 to 23 at Maritzburg West Bowling Club, the Port Natal Under-30 team will take on a gruelling schedule of nine sectional games involving 20 district teams from around South Africa. The event, hosted by the Natal Inland Bowling Association, will conclude on September 24 with the section winners battling for gold and silver medals, while the runners-up compete for bronze. The team, led by manager Wade Marshall, features a strong mix of experience and skill. The line-up includes skips Jarryd Bauristhene and Keegan Bauristhene (both Westville BC); thirds Awongiwe Somtseu (Stella Park) and Brad Claassens (Westville BC); seconds Yolande Victor (Umhlali CC) and Travis Finestone (Stella Park)…

THE KZN GROWTH Fund Agency (KZNGFA) has completed the automation of its funding application process with the launch of an online application portal (http://portal.kzngrowthfund.co.za), linked to the fund’s website. The KZNGFA is a development finance institution offering a minimum funding amount of R20 million to black-owned medium-to large-scale private sector projects throughout KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), which are ready to scale up and expand their operations in order to ensure economic development and job creation in the province. This as KZN is the second largest contributor (about 16%) to South Africa’s gross domestic product after Gauteng. Online submissions will save applicants’ time, while also supporting entrepreneurs with the funding process to ensure that all applications are submitted with all the necessary information, in order to speed up the adjudication of applications,…

While dams are bursting unprecedentedly, lakes drying up like never before, and massive proportions of nearly every country experiencing either a drought, flood or some other hectic repercussion of climatic change, our learned professors continue occupying valuable editorial space by denialism of the Earth’s cry for help against a genocide of another kind. A deliberate choking of the Earth in order to create natural disasters, cause mass displacement of millions of people and install thousands of sordid refugee camps to enslave especially black and brown people permanently. Ask yourself the question: How many refugee camps house white people? Can’t find any? Coincidence? Apart from using “innocent” natural forces to engineer this vile deed, governments of certain countries use heinous political tricks to enslave, imprison and oppress helpless people. Once the…

The entire world is at war as nation upon nation seek confrontation in the nuclear era. Another attempt is made on the life of former president Donald Trump. The enemies of freedom have pushed the false narrative that democracy is in decline because it is incapable of addressing people’s needs. In fact, democracy is in decline because its most prominent exemplars are not doing enough to protect it. Death, destruction and killings have destroyed many nations. Humanity has forgotten that the fundamental concept of living in peace and harmony is founded upon the triad of tolerance, forgiveness and forgetting. It was iconic philosopher Bertrand Russel who offered these profound word of wisdom: “If a better and sane world is to grow out of the horror of futile carnage, men must…

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma’s son, Duduzane, is being primed to join the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and will assume a leadership role. This is according to the sources interviewed by The Mercury following the appearance of Duduzane at the memorial service of six MKP members who died in a taxi crash on their way to Nkandla to celebrate Zuma’s wife’s birthday. In videos shared on social media, Duduzane can be seen seated alongside his father at the memorial service. However, the MKP has dismissed any suggestions that Duduzane will join the party, describing this as pure speculation. Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma- Sambudla (Duduzane’s twin) is already a party member and represents it as an MP, but her brother is seen as someone who has more political experience and can bridge the…

THE eThekwini Municipality is edging closer to being placed under administration by the provincial government with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs warning that governance in the municipality has deteriorated. The KZN Cogta expressed concern yesterday that the state of the administration in the municipality wasn’t improving and that could lead to an “escalated intervention” by the provincial government. The Mercury understands that a decision to place the City under administration would have to be approved by the provincial government if such a recommendation is made by Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Sources close to Buthelezi said he was increasingly unhappy about the state of the municipality, and the lack of effort to deal with allegations of wrongdoing. Asked if by “escalated intervention” Cogta meant placing the City under…

Experts and industry players have urged Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to move swiftly ahead with the long-standing plan to deepen berths at the Port of Durban. Transnet’s managing executive for the eastern region, Moshe Motlohi, recently spoke about the berth deepening project which is aimed at allowing the port to accommodate larger vessels. He said it was hoped that the project would be completed by 2030. Motlohi said: “We want to start it as soon as possible as we want the port to be deeper. We want to deepen the berth to about 16 metres as that will allow us to accommodate vessels that are 14 metres or more. This deepening should have been done in 2008. We want to assure everyone that this project won’t affect operations…

Civil society groups say they are concerned that Eskom’s proposed 40% electricity tariff increase application will negatively impact the most impoverished and middle-income earners. This comes as the DA yesterday held a national day of action against the proposed tariff hike, which, if approved, would be implemented next year. In August, it was revealed that Eskom had applied to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) seeking approval for the hefty increase. In a video on social media, DA KZN chairperson Dean Macpherson said the increase would be completely unaffordable. “It’s crippling for business and it’s crippling for our economy. We need to stand together to make sure we fight back against these increases. “It is just not possible that hard-working families across the country have to shoulder the…

Thirty years into democracy, the issues related to heritage resources in public spaces continue to pose a challenge in defining our collective cultural identity and building a nation united in diversity. It might be time to move forward from the heritage narrative shaped by the colonial and apartheid eras to embrace the stories of the past three decades of democracy. After all, there are always two sides to every story. First, it is important to review the concept of heritage since the Venice Charter was adopted in 1964. There have been numerous conservation guidelines in the form of charters, recommendations and resolutions introduced and adopted by international heritage bodies such as the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites, a professional association…

Thousands of hand-held pagers exploded in Lebanon and parts of Syria on Tuesday, injuring thousands and killing more than a dozen people. The pagers were commonly used by Hezbollah fighters, but some civilians were killed, including an 8-year-old girl. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government blamed Israel, which has not commented. CCTV footage from Lebanon showed the devices exploding in civilian areas, including a grocery store. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has urged all citizens with pagers to dispose of the devices immediately. Former senior security policy analyst at the Office of the Secretary of Defence, Michael Maloof, told Sputnik’s The Final Countdown that the attack seemed to be a precursor to a larger attack by Israel on Lebanon. According to Maloof, the attack was designed not only to kill and…

LISBON: Deadly wildfires in central and northern Portugal had pushed emergency services to the limit, and reinforcements were arriving yesterday from Spain and Morocco, the civil protection authority said. At least seven people have died in the Aveiro and Viseu districts, with dozens of houses destroyed and tens of thousands of hectares of forest consumed. More than 5 000 firefighters have been mobilised. Some of the fires across Portugal had been caused by arsonists, prompted by possible commercial interest, spite or criminal negligence, said climate expert Duarte Costa. Portugal’s national guard said they had arrested seven people. | Reuters…

IN THE PRODUCT and marketing matrix, events are essential for the advancement of brand visibility, the cultivation of meaningful connections and the shaping of perceptions. Eventing agencies are responsible for transforming ideas into impactful experiences, providing a diverse selection of event types that are tailored to satisfy specific business objectives. At The Allure Group, we have successfully organised corporate conferences, award ceremonies, product launches, gala dinners, trade shows and internal corporate events. Experience has demonstrated that contemporary clients require assistance that transcends just logistical support. They are in search of agency partners who possess a flawless capacity to execute intricate events, strategic insights and creativity. Clients are prioritising: 1. The development of creative concepts. Clients desire an agency that can convert their vision into an engaging and innovative experience.…

With Heritage Day around the corner, many South Africans will be firing up the coals and braaing some chops, steak, sausages and boerewors. To celebrate Heritage Day, cookbook author Chantal Lascaris shared her favourite salad ideas for the perfect braai. “For me, the true test of a braai’s worth relies on the worthiness of its salad compatriots. Not every salad is the right fit for every braai contender – which is why I’m sharing four of my guaranteed side wins, just in time for a braailicious Heritage Day,” said Lascaris. The meat braai paired with a fennel and radish salad This is the one braai everyone knows and loves, the traditionalist's choice. Boerewors, steak, lamb chops. But even the reigning champion needs a worthy companion to elevate the experience, and…

We are all different and we do not all share the same ethics, standards, opinions and so on. This is okay as it makes life more interesting. Some of us are religious while others are not and many more pretend to be religious. Some of us have no problem being racist and oppressing others while claiming to love God and so on. We all contradict ourselves and, sometimes, we are just plain hypocrites. The beauty of being alive is that we can remedy ourselves and return to the Creator’s endless mercy as long as we do not hurt others and do remedy ourselves before death approaches. However, among us are some people who are very different and cause damage just by being in the presence of others. The toxic people…

I belong tae Glasgow, Dear auld Glasgie toon. But somethin’s the matter with Glasgie for She’s goin’ roond and roond. I’m only a common old workin’ chap, As anyone here can see. But when I’ve had a couple o’ pints on a Saturday, Glasgow belongs tae me … GLASGOW is set to be announced as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to BBC Scotland News. A formal Scottish government announcement is expected. It comes after the games were put in jeopardy when the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts due to rising costs. The Scottish government has agreed to back a “scaled-down” version of the games, with fewer sports and venues. Ministers have insisted that not a penny will be spent from the public purse to…

After an eight-month downward trend, South Africa’s consumer food price inflation slightly edged up to 4.1% in August in spite of headline consumer inflation slowing to 4.4%. Statistics South Africa said yesterday that annual bread and cereals inflation quickened for a third successive month while the meat index increased on an annual basis. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), said yesterday that the products underpinning this mild increase were bread and cereal, meat, vegetables, fish, and milk, eggs and cheese. Sihlobo said that while a slight uptick was expected, they remained sceptical that price increases would be significant in the coming months. “The significant upside risk we have highlighted for some time is the grain-related products in the food basket because of the poor summer crop…

While South Africa’s land reform programme has not been all smooth sailing, it would be hasty to suggest that the process should be written off, the Vumelana Advisory Fund said yesterday. The non-profit, public-benefit organisation’s CEO, Peter Setou, said it was equally disingenuous to state that no success stories had emanated from the programme, which sought to redress past injustices that saw many communities forcibly removed from their ancestral land. “Despite the documented failures of the land reform programme, there is equally a body of evidence that attests to the success of the programme, in particular in the ecotourism sector,” Setou said. “As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, with a renewed focus on stimulating tourism, it is instructive to examine the impact of the land reform programme on tourism in…

Former KwaZulu-Natal Premier and ambassador Sbu Ndebele said the ANC’s dismal results in the province in the May general elections had offered it an opportunity to rebuild its structures from the bottom. Ndebele will co-lead a high-level committee led by veterans, including former MEC Weziwe Thusi and National Working Committee (NWC) member Sibongile Besani, with the aim of recovering support lost to former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). The ANC performed dismally at the recent elections in KZN, obtaining 17.62% of the vote compared to the MKP’s 45.93%, losing votes in areas previously considered stronghold regions, like the eThekwini Municipality. The NWC recently visited the province and wants answers to what caused previously die-hard ANC supporters to vote for Zuma, what effect the leadership in the province had…

A North West man was sentenced to 15 years behind bars for the brutal murder of a five-month-old baby after the child’s mother said he was not the biological father. Collen Rorisang Mogotsi, 32, was convicted in the Lehurutshe Regional Court this week. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 8, 2017. Police responded to a report from Willowpark, Lehurutshe, where the infant’s lifeless body was discovered. The baby had sustained head and other injuries. “He was declared dead by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) on the scene,” said Colonel Adéle Myburgh, a police spokesperson. It was reported that the baby's mother and her boyfriend, Mogotsi, had a disagreement earlier that night in Dinokana village, outside Zeerust. During the confrontation, the mother told Mogotsi that the…

On behalf of the ANC in KwaZulu- Natal, we wish to express our revolutionary appreciation to the Gordhan family. We thank you wholeheartedly for allowing members of the ANC and alliance partners to pay their last respects to the son of the soil. We can only imagine the severity of the pain that the entire family is experiencing at a loss so great that no one can heal. Judging by accounts given by his fellow comrades, diplomats and ordinary members of society over the past few days, it is clear the whole country has been shaken by the departure of Comrade Gordhan. The apartheid masters never imagined that today we would stand here and talk freely about an activist they once listed and banned under the Suppression of Communism Act.…

MOSCOW: The 2024 Cloud City BRICS International Innovation Forum kicked off in Moscow yesterday that brings together more than 5 000 participants from over 30 countries. The event, also known as the BRICS Urban Future Forum, is attended by managers, entrepreneurs, urbanists, members of the scientific community and public organisations from former Soviet republics, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. They will “identify growth areas and create synergies among BRICS cities, organisations and companies”. | Sputnik…

AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands’ right-wing government says it has asked the EU for an opt-out on migration rules so it can implement a clamp-down on unwanted arrivals. In power since July, the government, led by Geert Wilders’ nationalist PVV party, aims to declare a national asylum crisis, allowing it to implement controls without parliamentary approval. Brussels is expected to push back, given that EU member states, including The Netherlands, had last year agreed on a new bloc-wide migration pact. EU data shows The Netherlands’ asylum applications match the bloc’s average. Ten member states had a higher proportion. But the country’s sole registration centre has been overwhelmed. | Reuters…

Ahead of the first bilateral ODI series against Afghanistan, the hope was to discover other players to win cricket games for South Africa. Everyone outside of Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortjé and Tabraiz Shamsi. On the evidence of last night’s humiliating first defeat to Afghanistan, the road ahead to unearth this next crop of Proteas match winners seems a long one as they went down by six wickets. While the hot and humid conditions and a low and slow pitch at the Sharjah International Stadium were tailor-made for the Afghans, there is simply no excuse for the Proteas to be bowled out for just 106 in 33.3 overs. Even more so to be reduced to a…