Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-09-20 i Mercury

GLOBAL speciality paper, pulp and packaging group Sappi has announced that Graeme Wild (52) has been appointed as CEO of Sappi Southern Africa from December 1, succeeding Alex Thiel, who has been CEO of Sappi Southern Africa for 14 years. Wild, who is currently the vice president sales and marketing at Sappi Southern Africa, will take over the reins from Thiel, who will now assume new strategic project duties until his retirement at the end of December next year. Wild joins the top leadership team of Sappi, which has a market value of R28.6 billion, with its share price up 21.95% in the past five years. In August, Sappi reported a whopping 80% increase in earnings to 9 US cents (R1.57) for the third quarter to June 30,…

ProVerb, real name is Tebogo Thekisho, has long been a tour de force in South Africa’s entertainment industry, steadily climbing the ranks from rapper to radio host and television personality. With a career spanning over two decades, he’s made his mark in music, TV and academia. Many South Africans got to know him as a rapper but his big break came when he became the host and later producer of Idols SA – a role that solidified his status in the industry. Under his leadership, the show grew, becoming one of the most-watched TV programmes in the country. Not content with just excelling in entertainment, ProVerb pursued further education, earning his MBA in 2022. This milestone reflected his desire to grow beyond the stage and studio, positioning him as a…

I find the phrase “running with hares and hunting with hounds” amazingly appropriate for the people who enjoy our house brand of democracy, freedom of association and freedom of expression and speech. Smiling patrons who live, love and jive in the country, enjoying sunny skies and lots of kosher meats, are so quick to applaud countries like Israel that practise their own supermarket quality of apartheid. A country that detains, without trial, anybody who makes an “ooh or an aah” against the tyrannical regime of Tel Aviv and bombs the blazes out of any comparative minute uprising, as occurred on October 7 last year after seven decades of tyrannical bondage. Zionists in this country enjoy all the freedoms but scream foul about colouring books that depict the horrid live pictures…

WHO remembers Tokyo Sexwale’s public relations stunt when he was minister of housing? He decided, entourage in tow, to spend a night among the poorest of the poor, sharing phuthu, chakalaka, Lucky Star and shisanyama. The shack dweller who gave him refuge did not have electricity, running water or a toilet, leaving Tokyo high and dry as he had to make use of a “long drop”. Jislaaik! It must have been so uncomfortable, especially since it was winter. Imagine … an ANC minister, with a billionaire status, endearing himself to the landless and homeless. The question is: Have things improved since those days? I fear not. Rural dwellers gravitate towards cities and metros in droves. The ministerial portfolio of Human Settlements is a hot potato indeed.…

IT’S the Great Rugby Fiesta tomorrow – the Currie Cup Final, coupled with the Argentina Test, coupled, in turn, with the Rugby Comrades Marathon. The Rugby Comrades Marathon? Yes, it kicks off at 5pm tomorrow from various points, including the Pub With No Name, in Morningside. Discussion of the Currie Cup final lasts until at least 8pm in the Pub With No Name, and elsewhere, after which participants – the Rugby Comrades – either stay on or go home to set their alarm clocks for 11pm. Then the Test match, Boks versus Argentina, gets under way in far distant Santiago, the match, then discussion of it (plus, we hope, celebration), taking us through to 2.30 or 3am the next day. This is the Great Rugby Fiesta, featuring the Rugby Comrades…

THE National Treasury would not interfere with the work of independent financial regulators in the suspension of the banking licence of the KwaZulu-Natal-based Ithala Bank. Instead, Ithala Bank should comply with all directives and regulations that applied to all regulated banks, said Finance Deputy Minister David Masondo when he was responding to oral answers in the National Assembly this week. The bank had its licence suspended by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority after it failed to meet financial soundness requirements. The MK Party’s Des van Rooyen enquired about the role the National Treasury was playing to resolve the problems of the Ithala Bank. Masondo said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and the National Treasury’s role as far as regulation of banks was concerned was limited to formulation of financial regulatory policies.…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is probing more than 1 000 cases of ghost workers at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). In 2022, it was reported that about 1 159 ghost employees suddenly vanished from the Prasa payroll system in a single day when the State-owned entity launched Operation Ziveze, which sought to crack down on the scourge of ghost workers since 2021. Yesterday, in an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation into ghost workers was still active. “You will remember there was an investigation done by Prasa itself, called (Operation) Ziveze and we are now looking at what they found,” he said. “That is part of the new investigation that came up this year under Proclamation 153 of 2024 because…

The possible use of technology for voting is being discussed by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). This was said yesterday at a thought leadership seminar held by the IEC in Durban. The seminar also discussed the work of the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (ERCP). Speaking on the issue of voting, Masego Sheburi, IEC deputy CEO for electoral operations, said that they were discussing using technology for electronic voting but have not made any decision on it. “We will have a symposium where we will discuss the use of technology for electronic voting. Key to that will be a consensus on what is the country’s business case for the use of technology. Botswana and Namibia wanted to be first to use technology but they reversed it. There is an…

THE MK Party and the EFF have both objected to a pay hike for the public protector. Parliament was dealing with a recommendation allowing President Cyril Ramaphosa to adjust the remuneration of office-bearers including at Chapter Nine institutions and the commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). The EFF objected to the proposed pay increase for Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, whom they accused of clearing Ramaphosa during her investigation into the Phala Phala scandal. The National Assembly was considering reports from portfolio committees for the salary adjustment of independent institutions supporting democracy and members of the judiciary. The MK Party also opposed increases for the IEC. Chief whip Mzwanele Manyi said the IEC was no longer the same as it dismisses legitimate complaints of vote rigging and characterised…

It was a day to forget for South African cricket on Wednesday. The Proteas Women went down by 13 runs to Pakistan in their second T20 International in Multan, while their male counterparts produced a horror show with the bat to record their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan in their first ODI in Sharjah. To add insult to injury, the South Africa A men’s team – essentially the next-best players – lost by five wickets to Sri Lanka in Benoni in a four-day match to surrender the series 2-0. The Proteas Men outfit are missing a number of stars who are being rested – such as Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Quinton de Kock, to name just a few – and will hope to bounce back in the second…

Five months after its launch, Zimbabwe’s new currency is under pressure as increased grain imports eat away at foreign reserves, putting at risk the government’s plan to make it the only currency in the market by 2026. The gold-backed ZiG, which stands for Zimbabwe Gold, is the country’s sixth attempt at a stable currency in 15 years. It was introduced in April at a rate of 13.6 ZiG per US dollar and has since lost almost 80% of its value on the black market. Independent economist Prosper Chitambara said the devaluation pointed to a lack of confidence in the new currency, that locals have been reluctant to embrace. Maynard Maketo, a street hawker selling candy and recharge cards, said: “The ZiG has been getting weaker so it does not make…

ACCRA: Ghana’s economy grew by 6.9% in quarter two this year, the fastest growth in five years. The country’s industrial sector demonstrated 9.3% growth year-on-year, driven by the expansion in mining and quarrying, while the gold sector expanded for the third consecutive quarter, growing 23.6% year-on-year in the quarter. The services sector grew by 5.8% and agriculture by 5.4%. However, the second-world’s leader in cocoa production has suffered a consecutive decline for the fourth quarter in this sector and showed a contraction of 26.2% year-on-year due to disease and bad weather, the agency pointed out. Economic recovery is helping the nation restructure its debt. It has invited holders of $13 billion (R227bn) of its international bonds to swop them for new ones. | Sputnik…

Beauty has proven to be more than one-dimensional. It has many layers and means something different to each person, be it man or woman. For South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, gold medallist Tatjana Smith, beauty is about being content and happy. “We are always going to find imperfections with ourselves because we have a world that shows us what beauty is, but for me, it’s being able to accept my flaws and being proud and thinking it’s beauty in its way. ““It’s a process. I wouldn’t say I’m woke, I think everyone has their journey and, the end of it, the beauty is when you own who you are.” During her masterclass discussion at the Clinique Concept Store at Mall of Africa, Smith got candid with attendees about her struggles…

Water is one of the most precious resources on our planet, yet it remains alarmingly susceptible to mismanagement, pollution and overconsumption. The ongoing battle for water conservation requires a collective effort from all stakeholders – governments, communities and individuals alike. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is actively engaging various players in this struggle, emphasising the need for responsible water usage for the sake of future generations. Water scarcity is not just a problem for the developing world; it is a global challenge that affects urban and rural communities alike. As populations grow and industries expand, the demand for clean, accessible water rises dramatically. In Gauteng, for instance, daily water loss hovers around an alarming 33%. Most residents diligently pay their water bills, yet they face regular supply disruptions,…

THE announcement by KZN Finance MEC Francois Rodgers that wasteful expenditure in terms of vehicle fleets allocated to MECs will be brought to an immediate halt, is welcomed by the DA. The MEC’s announcement comes after a Treasury report on vehicle hire costs for KZN’s MECs revealed that R16.8 million was spent by 11 provincial government departments over just four months. Two recent parliamentary replies to questions posed by the DA to all KZN government departments has fur ther revealed that two Mercedes-Benz SUVs were costing KZN taxpayers an eye-watering R300 000 a month to hire. It is clear that Rodgers has inherited a shocking legacy of wasteful expenditure. The DA believes the information contained in the replies is merely scratching the surface, with more excessive expenditure to be revealed…

THE Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has revealed that research into the formation of a second metropolitan municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is at an “advanced stage” and a decision on it will be made before the next local government elections. If the move is approved, the Msunduzi Municipality in Pietermaritzburg and the Richmond Local Municipality would be amalgamated to form the metro. The talks about Msunduzi being central in the formation of a second metro after eThekwini have been going on for almost a decade. In that time, Msunduzi has faced serious governance challenges that have led to the municipality being placed under administration. But the municipality had been anticipating change. Last year, suspended municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba hinted at it when he said that Msunduzi Municipality would not be the same…

Consumers can breathe a bit easier following the decision taken yesterday by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) monetary policy committee to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points. Announcing the cut, SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago said central banks were acting with caution. “The case for caution is further bolstered by the difficult and unpredictable geopolitical environment, with risks of inflationary shocks through trade restrictions and supply chain disruptions, among other factors. Overall, global conditions have become more favourable, but there are still risks.” The cut places the repo rate at 8%. Professor Bonke Dumisa, an independent economic analyst, said while many had been hoping for a 50 basis points cut, the committee had agreed on the 25 basis points. “We are reasonably happy with a 25 basis points…

THE decision by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to cancel a panel of attorneys that represented the entity in court proceedings without a plan has come back to haunt it. There has been an increase in default judgments amounting to more than R4 billion issued against the RAF since the termination of the panel of attorneys. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) this week informed the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) that the RAF’s rationale for such a decision was now being investigated. “The total amount of default judgments issued against RAF for costs and fees from 2018 until second quarter of 2023 amounts to R4 780 244 641. A sharp increase in the default judgments is noted between 2021 and 2022,” said SIU chief investigator Leonard…

Extreme cold conditions are expected across parts of KwaZulu Natal today and at the weekend. The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued three warnings for the province – an orange level 6 warning for disruptive snowfall over the extreme south-western parts of KZN; a yellow level 2 warning for snowfall over the western parts; and a yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rain, winds and waves for across the province except the north-eastern region. Saws weather forecaster Siphesihle Dlamini said a cut-off low pressure system would lead to a decrease in temperatures, resulting in snowfalls over the western part of the province. “We have an orange level 6 warning that is covering the areas of Kokstad all the way to uKhahlamba. A yellow level 2 warning for snowfall covering the…

CONSERVATION groups have hailed the mass dehorning of rhinos in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in KwaZulu-Natal as being responsible for an 80% drop in poaching in the park in just six months. The emergency dehorning operation in HiP was a response to the high rate of poaching incidents recorded in the iconic park known as the birthplace of white and black rhinos in South Africa. In 2023, some 307 rhinos were killed in HiP alone, representing more than 10% of the park’s population and some 60% of the national poaching loss in South Africa. In June, only four animals were lost, in July eight and four in August. When the operation first started in April, around 30 animals a month were being killed. To date, more than 1 000…

She led the charge against Israel at the ICJ and much more I HAVE known and worked with cadre Naledi Pandor for much of my life as a political activist, colleague and comrade. I have admired her temperament, remorseless logic and her ceaseless quest for justice in matters of the state and party. The purpose of this (edited) contribution is to look back and trace, in some detail, cadre Naledi’s enormous contribution to many facets of South African political social and economic life; each showing a tenacity, a resolve and a vision that has made our country a better place to live in. The first part is introductory and dwells on her role in Parliament from the inception of our democracy and the second part (to be published on…

A second deadly wave of unprecedented explosions in the strongholds of Lebanon’s Hezbollah left it in disarray yesterday, hours before a major speech by its beleaguered leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The latest batch of device explosions killed 20 people and wounded more than 450 others on Wednesday, officials said, stoking fears of a full-blown war with Israel. The blasts came a day after the simultaneous detonation of pagers used by Hezbollah killed 12 people, including two children, and wounded up to 2 800 others across Lebanon, in an unprecedented attack blamed on Israel. Walkie-talkies used by its members exploded in the latest blasts at Hezbollah’s Beirut stronghold, a source close to the group said, with state media reporting similar detonations in south and east Lebanon. AFPTV footage showed people running for…

The success of far-right parties in elections in key European countries is prompting even centrist and left-wing governments to tighten policies on migration, creating cracks in unity and sparking concern among activists. With the German far right coming out on top in two state elections earlier this month, the socialist-led national Berlin government has reimposed border controls on Western frontiers that are supposed to see freedom of movement in the EU’s Schengen zone. The Netherlands government, which includes the party of Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders, announced on Wednesday that it had requested from Brussels an opt-out from EU rules on asylum, with Prime Minister Dick Schoof declaring that there was an asylum “crisis”. Meanwhile, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the left-wing Labour Party paid a visit to…

Springbok loosehead prop Ox Nche knows that if is he going to enjoy celebratory chocolate cake tomorrow night in Santiago del Estero (11pm kick-off, SA time), he is going to have to go “blow for blow” with some of the best scrummagers in the Rugby Championship. The Boks are in the northern Argentinian city on a mission to land their first Championship title since 2019. Coach Rassie Erasmus has revamped his team for the match, and Nche forms a front row with Malcolm Marx and tighthead prop Thomas du Toit. “We’ve mentioned during the week in our team meetings that if you come to Argentina, it’s pretty similar to South Africa in terms of crowd noise,” Nche said. “The only difference is probably the language. Otherwise, it feels like home.”…

The offshore fishing has been a bit bumpy with the winds we have had recently. This being said, the fishing has been very good. The North Coast has seen couta, snoek, dorado, kingfish, sailies and tuna, to name the main culprits. Live bait has been the key to most of the gamefish captures. This can make for a difficult day if you can’t catch the livies. If this is the case, then rather spend your time with good quality dead bait in the water. Spend the time to make sure you are presenting the bait as naturally as possible. The upper North Coast to Sodwana has been the zone to fish with few launches being fruitless. The central coast has also been very productive. The river mouths have done very…

Ex-ANC Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’a huff and puff regarding the recent peaceful gathering of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa (Uaza) is disingenuous and without merit. Sisulu’s pontificating attitude and her questioning the bona fides of Uaza is pie in the sky. She sings the praises of Russia, which has nothing to do with Uaza. Perhaps Sisulu should revisit the history of Ukraine who, in fact, housed, fed and educated thousands of ANC exiles during the apartheid era? When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia became an independent state on its own, as did Ukraine. It is incorrect and disrespectful of Sisulu to cast aspersions on Ukraine. History shows that Ukraine is not an aggressor but rather a victim of Russian aggression after its illegal invasion and occupation by Russian…

It’s no wonder people who deeply love each other can have times when it’s difficult to get along. It’s no surprise that the smallest of details can become explosive issues for some people yet are ignored by others. We have each been well trained on what we each think is normal or important. Each of us brings to every relationship a backdrop of how we view the world, understand commitment, view and value people, join groups, terminate friendships, love, leave home, fold towels, nurture babies, pack the dishwasher, engage in or avoid conflict and many other things too numerous to mention. Everything about our relationships is influenced by who, where and how we were raised, among countless other variables, including natural endowment and deeply held dreams and desires. From the…

STALWARTS of the ANC said yesterday that former minister Pravin Gordhan had backed the Government of National Unity (GNU) but was hopeful that the ANC could renew and turn itself into an organisation that could get the majority vote at future elections again. Party leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, paid tribute to Gordhan at his funeral service at Durban’s ICC yesterday. Gordhan served two terms as minister of finance, was a former commissioner of the South African Revenue Service and served as minister of public enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement. He died on September 13 at the age of 75. Ramaphosa granted Gordhan a Special Official Funeral which encompassed ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service. He…

Durban, uMhlanga and Ballito are home to 11 individuals who have liquid investable assets of $100 million (R1.74 billion) or more. This is according to the The Centi-Millionaire Report 2024. The report has been released by wealth and investment migration advisors Henley & Partners and features exclusive data from New World Wealth, global wealth intelligence firm. There are currently 29 350 centi-millionaires worldwide – individuals with liquid investable assets of $100 million (R1.74 billion) or more. According to the report, there are centi-millionaires in: Cape Town: 28 centi-millionaires. Johannesburg: 25 centi-millionaires. Durban, uMhlanga and Ballito: 11 centi-millionaires. According to the report, these wealth hubs are worth keeping an eye on for companies that operate in sectors like luxury goods, wealth management and hi-tech spaces. Looking ahead to 2040, the…

THE Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has revealed his plans to transform the Department of Home Affairs into a key economic enabler through digital transformation. Speaking at the RMB Morgan Stanley Investor Conference this week, Schreiber emphasised the department’s potential to drive investment, tourism, and economic growth in the country. Schreiber said for too long, Home Affairs’ critical role in facilitating economic growth had been overlooked, particularly its contribution to national security. “Securing our immigration and civics systems through automation and digital transformation will deliver an immediate boost to confidence in South Africa’s ability to re-establish law and order,” Schreiber said. He emphasised the urgency of shifting from outdated, manual, and paper-based processes, which he described as a threat to both national security and the country’s economy. A key…

The SAPS have confirmed that Michael Lomas, a fugitive wanted in connection with fraud and corruption at Eskom, is being extradited back to the country. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Lomas would arrive at OR Tambo International Airport at 9am today. Lomas, who faces allegations of fraud and corruption at power utility Eskom amounting to almost R1.5 billion, was arrested in London in 2021. Mathe said an extradition order was granted in August 2024. Lomas will arrive in South Africa accompanied by SAPS Interpol SA and will be handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks). Police said Lomas was an ex-Eskom employee and is wanted in connection with fraud and corruption that allegedly took place at the Kusile power station between 2008…

I want to thank the editors of Independent and IOL for offering me the platform to share this crucial message. As Chairman of Independent Media and IOL, I believe this editorial comes at a critical time, with media freedom and South Africa’s democracy under serious threat. Media serves as the cornerstone of any democracy. It holds power accountable and amplifies diverse voices. Without it, we risk allowing unchecked corruption and mismanagement to shape our future. South Africa has the potential to be a global success story, but only if we safeguard media freedom and create an environment that supports transparency and accountability. The Survé Family and Sekunjalo have invested approximately R1.4 billion in South African media businesses, spanning newspapers, radio, online platforms, magazines, and digital marketing. These investments have provided…

Security forces in New Caledonia killed two men during an overnight operation, the public prosecutor said yesterday, taking the death toll to 13 after months of unrest in the French Pacific territory. An AFP journalist witnessed clashes erupt between French police and civilians in Saint Louis, a heartland of the independence movement just south of the capital Noumea. Public prosecutor Yves Dupas said security forces on an observation mission fired two shots after being “directly threatened by a group of armed individuals”. The first “hit a man, aged 30, positioned as a lone gunman, in the right side of the abdomen”, Dupas said. “The second shot hit a man, aged 29, in the chest.” Police were looking for around a dozen people suspected of involvement in attacks on security forces.…

West African bloc Ecowas on Wednesday strongly condemned jihadist attacks which a day earlier hit the Malian capital where locals voiced concern and questions remained about the rare and deadly strike. An al-Qaeda-linked group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for the attack in Bamako against highly sensitive targets, including a military police training centre and the military airport. The operation was the first of its kind in years and was a forceful blow to the ruling junta, experts say. The Malian capital is normally spared the sort of attacks that occur almost daily in some parts of the country. Rokia Sanogo came as usual on Wednesday to sell bananas at a junction near the police training centre targeted in the attack. “We just don’t have a choice, we have to go…

“It sucks!” That was Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder’s frank assessment of the historic defeat to Afghanistan in the first ODI in Sharjah on Wednesday night. The Proteas were pitiful with the bat, apart from Mulder’s maiden ODI half-century, as they were bowled out for just 106 in 33.3 overs, which led to the six-wicket thrashing. While Afghanistan may no longer be counted among the minnows of the world game, having claimed some major scalps in white-ball cricket already this year, the manner of the defeat remained embarrassing for the tourists. Mulder, who scored 52 off 84 balls, felt the shame of losing to a team that had never previously beaten the South Africans. “They’ve got very high skills and they put us under pressure, and they’ve put so many teams…