Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-07 i Mercury

Stock markets around the world got a bloody nose for a second day on Friday, and the JSE All Share Index slumped 5.26% as investors fretted about a global recession arising out of Donald Trump’s import tariffs and an expanding global trade war. Adding fuel to the fire in South Africa are deepening political risks. There was talk in the US of a review of ties with South Africa given its links with Russia, Iran, and China. Locally, the future of the Government of National Unity also hangs in the balance. The JSE Resources Index slumped 9.77%, the JSE Precious Metals and Mining Index was down 10.37%, chemical companies fell an average 8.88%, companies making in industrial materials index fell 10.03%, while the JSE Healthcare Index fell 6.06%. Even the…

Government plan to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has announced that the government was actively engaging with technological leaders in China and Japan to embrace low-temperature coal-burning techniques paired with ammonia, aiming to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure. This initiative is seen as a necessary step towards repurposing aging coal-fired power stations such as Komati and Rietvlei, while ensuring that South Africa’s energy demands are met sustainably. During a recent session in the House of Assembly’s plenary session, Ramokgopa responded to questions from various Members of Parliament, including IFP’s Nompumelelo Mhlongo, People’s Assembly Wayne Thring, MK Party’s Adil Nchabaleng, and DA’s Kevin Mileham. Ramokgopa emphasised that the core issue lied not with coal itself, but with…

With a stroke of his fat koki pen, US President Donald Trump has done more to harm the dollar's reserve status than anything Xi, Putin or anyone else could do. Although its reserve status was an outcome of agreements struck at Bretton-Woods, the dollar has retained that status because it works really well. That is changing. The "exorbitant privilege” of having the world's reserve currency, described by French economist Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, is essential to America's economy. The dollar’s role allows the US to borrow cheaply by issuing debt instruments like Treasury securities, which are widely held globally. Commodities such as oil, gold and even sugar are priced in dollars, further cementing its centrality in global trade. But these are all fictions, maintaining their ephemeral existence only because of the…

The US president’s “liberation day” tariff policies, announced on Wednesday, have resulted in sweeping border taxes of between 10% and 50% imposed on almost every nation, wiping more than $2.5 trillion (£1.9 trillion) off Wall Street stocks and share prices in other financial centres across the globe on Thursday. At the close on Friday, the S&P 500 had lost 10.52% over the two days. Over the week, the index is down 8.4% and from the beginning of the year, 14.3%. This is one of the worst performances of the index since the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Households, despite worries about rising inflation due to the tariff war, are becoming increasingly nervous about possible higher unemployment in the months to come. This is the opposite of what President Trump has in mind…

The Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has announced the gazetting of a second invitation for applications to the highly acclaimed Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). This follows an unprecedented response since the first processing of tourist visa applications from China and India through this initiative in February, which has inspired calls for expansion from tour operators eager to streamline the visa process and attract more visitors to South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs has expressed its enthusiasm over the overwhelming demand, highlighting the transformative potential these visa reforms can have in generating employment opportunities by welcoming more international tourists. Recognising this momentum, Minister Schreiber has launched a new application window for tour operators to partake in the programme, underpinned by recent upgrades to the online platform that facilitates…

DRASTIC steps to curb teenage pregnancy in KwaZulu-Natal-Natal have been proposed by a member of the Health Portfolio Committee, including implanting the Implanon long-term contraceptive on school-going children. IFP MPL and Committee member Ncamisile Nkwanyana questioned whether the department had considered going to schools to implant the contraceptive device on learners amid rising concerns about teenage pregnancy. She said the province cannot fold its arms while children as young as 10 years old are becoming mothers. However, the department said it needs parental consent to administer Implanon, pointing out that matters of reproductive and sexual health in schools require parental involvement. There have been serious concerns about teenage pregnancy in the province, with statistics showing that children as young as 15 years old have given birth. Late last year, when…

President of the African Transformation Movement (ATM), Vuyo Zungula, believes that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was deliberately being “dismantled” to advance political agendas. “The NPA is being deliberately destroyed so that it can pursue political cases, but when it comes to cases that affect ordinary citizens, the NPA does not focus on them,” Zungula said. Addressing party supporters at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsana, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, Zungula accused the NPA of focusing on political cases. “If you look closely, we have an NPA that prioritises political cases. It has become a political tool, rather than a tool for justice, where people can have confidence in the justice system.” In recent weeks, the NPA has faced heavy criticism for its handling of the case involving Timothy Omotoso,…

A Zulu royal family faction that is challenging King Misuzulu’s ascendency to the throne is confidence that Prince Simakade will eventually become the Zulu monarch. The faction’s spokesperson, Prince Thokozani Zulu, said their camp believed the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein will uphold the ruling of Gauteng High, Court, Pretoria Judge Norman Davis. The matter will be heard on May 28 and 29. On December 11, 2023 Judge Davis set aside the recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on the basis that President Cyril Ramaphosa was supposed to appoint an investigative committee to look at whether the king was appointed in terms of Zulu customs. However, the president appealed the decision. Zulu said: “We are confident that the Supreme of Court of Appeal will uphold the Pretoria High Court ruling.…

WILLIAM KAPTEIN waved to the crowd as he stepped onto the grass inside the UCT Rugby Fields, confident that the title was within his grasp. However, his showmanship almost cost him a historic victory in the half marathon of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, as he only beat the runner-up by two seconds. In the end, he won, and that was all that mattered. Kaptein made history by becoming only the second Capetonian to win the 21.1km race since Makhosonke Fika won the inaugural event back in 1998. Speaking during the post-race media conference, the TymeBank Langa Athletic Club athlete said that he knew the night before the race that he was destined for victory. “To be honest with you, on Saturday night when I switched off my phone, I…

It’s not often that a rugby coach dishes out compliments to a referee, but that’s exactly what Bulls boss Jake White did following their 32-22 Challenge Cup last-16 victory over Bayonne in France on Saturday. The Bulls scored four tries at the Stade Jean Dauger to advance to Saturday’s quarter-final against Edinburgh – who beat the Lions 24-12 – in Scotland (1.30pm SA time start). And while 31-year-old English referee Christophe Ridley handed out a yellow card to Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe for a high tackle on Bayonne wing Xan Mousques – which looked a bit worse than it was – White had no complaints. “Referees get criticised so much, but I tell you what I really enjoyed today: that referee reffed like a Test referee,” the former…

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has revealed that her department was finalising the long-overdue Township and Rural Economic Development and Revitalization Policy to support township enterprise hubs, zones, and clusters. In 2023, the government commissioned a study on mapping and identification of opportunities in 20 townships focusing on local production and import substitution, infrastructure support, and investment in industrial parks. The study also looked into various aspects such as the economic linkages with other townships and the broader economy, extent of industrialisation, critical challenges affecting economic development, funding and financial instruments. South Africa’s townships still experience poor investment, overpopulation, poor infrastructure, high levels of unemployment, deepening poverty and isolation from mainstream economic centres. Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and…

South Africa stares down a ticking time bomb: over 45% youth unemployment threatens to detonate our future. Our young people—our greatest asset—rot on the sidelines while industries like energy and construction beg for skilled hands. The nation’s growth hinges on a vital, overlooked connection: empowering youth to fuel industrial transformation. This is not a pipe dream; it is a necessity. Breaking the cycle of stagnation demands dismantling structural barriers, embracing technology, and forging a united front across sectors. The stakes are high, but the rewards—a thriving, inclusive economy—are higher. South Africa boasts frameworks like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act, the National Youth Policy (2020–2030), and the Integrated Youth Development Strategy, all designed to skill and employ our youth. Yet, they falter. Research from the Human Sciences Research Council…

The announcement of Grindrod's acquisition of the remaining 35% shareholding in Terminal de Carvão da Matola (TCM) at Maputo port stands as a significant strategic milestone for the company, as outlined by Chairman Cheryl Carolus in the integrated report released on Friday. This decision solidifies Grindrod's established presence at the port and aligns with the group's larger strategy to enhance logistics and export capabilities across Africa and beyond. Despite facing challenging trading conditions throughout 2024, including logistics constraints and cost pressures in Mozambique, Carolus remains optimistic about Grindrod's future, highlighting achievements in critical areas directly related to their operational strategy. "The group achieved notable milestones," she stated, underscoring that the acquisition is expected to facilitate further growth in integrated logistics solutions tailored to customer needs. The report also disclosed that…

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental clarity and focus is as crucial as taking care of our physical health. One emerging concept in the realm of cognitive well-being is “brain flossing”. Much like dental flossing removes plaque from between teeth, brain flossing is a practice aimed at clearing mental clutter and improving overall cognitive function. What is brain flossing? Brain flossing refers to a set of mental exercises, habits, and mindfulness techniques designed to declutter the mind, enhance focus and boost mental resilience. The practice incorporates meditation, journaling, deep breathing, and cognitive exercises to remove mental fog and maintain emotional balance. By engaging in brain flossing regularly, individuals can improve their memory, reduce stress and enhance creativity. Benefits of brain flossing Reduces mental clutter Just as physical clutter in a…

At LEAST 12 South Africans are accounted for, safe and unharmed in Myanmar in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake. This was revealed by Head of Public Diplomacy, at the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), Clayson Manyela. “We have a list of South Africans who are accounted for. The last time I checked they were about 12. They are safe and are not harmed. In the case of two that were missing, we have reported in the last 72 hours that one South African has reportedly passed away in Myanmar. The family concerned has been informed and we are in contact with them,” Monyela said. In the last week of March, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, followed by an aftershock measuring 6.4. Yesterday, it was reported that the…

THE battle of the milks – First Choice versus Fresh Choice – raged before the Gauteng High Court, with the owner of First Choice asking that its competitor be interdicted from using the Fresh Choice logo, as it claimed it is similar to their trademark. Woodlands Dairy, a long-standing, family-owned dairy operator in the Eastern Cape, turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to obtain an order against its competitor. It produces an extensive range of dairy products, including UHT milk, which is marketed and sold in outlets throughout South Africa. It sells these products under the name and brand First Choice and it owns this trademark in South Africa. Sansom Farming CC is also a dairy operator, on a substantially smaller scale than the applicant. It is based in…

EFF leader Julius Malema says that once the GNU collapses and his party takes over, they will revisit the case of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was recently acquitted of charges including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Malema pledged that EFF would “arrest Omotoso afresh and build a proper case”, vowing that the preacher could not “do to our children what he did and still be free on our streets”. During his speech at the party’s Land Reclamation Day event in Sophia-town, Johannesburg, Malema issued a stern warning to Omotoso. “I advise Omotoso… (to) run and run very fast. Because if the EFF finds you, you are going to jail.” The remarks follow a recent ruling in which the High Court in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, acquitted Omotoso, 63, and…

EVERY child deserves the best possible start in life. A healthy beginning paves the way for a hopeful future, yet survival remains uncertain for many newborns across sub-Saharan Africa. Neonatal health challenges in these regions are significant, but with the right focus and action, we can create lasting improvements. The period surrounding birth is one of the most vulnerable yet critical windows in a person’s life. This World Health Day on April 7, we must reflect on the advances we have made while also addressing the challenges that continue to threaten the health of mothers and newborns worldwide. It is, therefore, fitting that this year’s theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” emphasises maternal and newborn health. Newborn deaths account for nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 years…

Proteas Women’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams believes the upcoming tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and India is the ideal preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year on the subcontinent. The Proteas have been exposed to subcontinent conditions regularly over the last 12 months with tours to India and Pakistan along with the T20 World Cup in Dubai, where Laura Wolvaardt’s team finished runners-up for the second consecutive year. “Yeah, I think the series against India and Sri Lanka, in Sri Lanka, is coming at the right time for the team,” Abrahams said. “It'll give us a good gauge in terms of the progress the batting unit has made in the last 12 months. I think we've been really clear in terms of our mindset and how we…

Gerda Steyn remained nonchalantly calm, that famous smile of hers telling the story of an athlete unfazed – even as yet another 'adversary’ threw jabs her way. Steyn had just obliterated the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon field, running the third-fastest time – 3:29:20 – ever recorded by a woman in the world-renowned 56km ultra, to claim her sixth consecutive title. All three of the fastest times on the course now belong to her. Yet the woman seated to her right at the post-race press conference at UCT Rugby Fields was describing the queen of the Two Oceans as “lucky”. Shelmet Muriuki, who finished runner-up on Saturday morning – a distant eight minutes and 40 seconds behind Steyn – echoed the sentiments of her Entsika Athletic Club teammate, Nobuhle Tshuma, who…

South Africa is preparing for significant diplomatic engagements with the United States following the hefty 31% reciprocal tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, which have effectively nullified the African Growth and Oppotunity Act (Agoa) benefits. This engagement is crucial as the South African government seeks to understand the implications of the new trade policies and formulate an appropriate response. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, on Friday said the initial delays in the visit to the US were strategic, intended to coincide with expected announcements concerning global trade and tariffs. “We thought it was important that when the announcement is made, we assimilate the information and respond accordingly,” Tau said. “Our approach has always been to engage with the US, to find solutions and resolve problems rather than…

Markets on Monday are expected to crash. It is not exactly rocket science. The world hates uncertainty and what is happening right now is uncharted economic waters that no one has sailed before - all thanks to US President Donald Trump and co. This after Trump’s latest tariff bombshell has flipped the global economic script, leaving markets reeling and wiping out more than a trillion dollars in value, and world leaders scrambling for answers. The US, burdened with $36.2 trillion in debt - $9.2trl (R165.6trl) of which needs refinancing this year - has rolled out a bold new play: a 10% universal tariff on all imports, effective April 5, plus tailored “reciprocal tariffs” for specific nations. The White House frames it as a shield for national and economic security,…

Now that Parliament has adopted the Budget, it must honour its promise to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) and personal income tax (PIT) hikes. Whilst none will doubt the Budget’s passing was less than elegant, we should not miss the important gains painstakingly won by Cosatu and other progressive voices, including inside the ANC-led government and Parliament. Government has heeded opposition from the Federation and others that the proposed 2% VAT hike presented a burden that millions of working and middle-class families could not afford when they are already battling to cope with the rising costs of living. Whilst Cosatu has opposed any VAT hike or not adjusting PIT brackets for inflation given workers’ already meagre wages, we are pleased Treasury has shifted from its historical default of blue-ticking criticism…

Agricultural associations have remained concerned about the possible impact of tariff increases announced by US President Donald Trump, which could possibly reach as high as 31% for South Africa. The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that the full scope of the tariff increase was unclear at the moment. Dewald Olivier, the CEO at RMIS, said that South Africa’s preferential trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) was naturally a cause for concern across the agricultural sector, including red meat. “However, it is important to note that South Africa does not currently export significant volumes of red meat to the United States, due in large part to existing technical trade barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations,” he said. Olivier added that the greater concern…

The Department of Employment and Labour has committed to collaborate with the hospitality industry in a bid to strengthen occupational health and safety compliance This comes after the department late last year launched a multi-agency operation in response to growing reports of worker exploitation in the hospitality sector as part of ongoing efforts to tackle cheap labour and employee abuse. During a blitz that was conducted last year on hospitality sector for compliance, a number of restaurants were closed because of non-compliance. The department held a breakfast session on Friday with the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) to strengthen the relationship between hospitality industry and the department in terms of compliance. Fedhasa deputy national chairperson, Monwabisi Thethe, said that Fedhasa felt like a problem child in terms…

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a complex mental health condition often misunderstood by society. It’s marked by extreme mood swings – from depressive lows to manic highs – and affects approximately 2-3% of South Africans, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). It impacts men and women equally, and while the exact cause is unknown, a genetic link is suspected, particularly among families with a history of bipolar disorder or major depression. Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, meaning it’s a condition you live with, not something that goes away after treatment, explains Dr Julia Lethole, a psychiatrist at Mediclinic Muelmed. Misconceptions about the disorder often create barriers for those affected and their loved ones. To truly support someone with bipolar disorder, understanding the…

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has declined an application by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to hear an appeal regarding the accounting standards to be used in its audit process. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, has welcomed the SCA judgment, saying the matter has unnecessarily dragged on for too long. The RAF was recently asked during a meeting of the standing committee (Scopa) how long it was prepared to continue getting negative audits while pursuing the matter legally. The SCA judgment comes amid a long-standing dispute between the RAF and the Auditor-General of South Africa (A-G) over the appropriate accounting standards for auditing the entity. Hlengwa, meanwhile, said the A-G has rightly adhered to the Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) standard, whereas the RAF insisted on being…

THE uMngeni SPCA and uMgungundlovu District Municipality have issued an alert for rabies after a dead dog tested positive for the deadly virus. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the uMgungundlovu District Municipality said: “The uMgungundlovu District Municipality Environmental Health Unit is urging residents to be extremely cautious when interacting with dogs. A stray dog that tested positive for rabies attacked a person in Hilton on Wednesday, April 2.” It advised that children should be closely supervised by their parents and not be allowed to play with unfamiliar dogs. The uMngeni SPCA issued a similar alert, saying the body of a dog was found on the highway on Thursday morning with no apparent injuries. It was sent for forensic testing and has tested positive for rabies. “Anyone who came into…

Deputy president Paul Mashatile commemorated the life and legacy of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu with a memorial lecture on Sunday in Khayelitsha while other ANC leaders undertook other activities in Mahlangu’s memory in Gauteng. Mahlangu was a young uMkhonto weSizwe combatant and liberation hero who was executed by the apartheid regime at the age of 22. Mashatile used the lecture to not only remember Mahlangu but also to bolster the ANC’s reconnection with the community as the work began for the 2026 local government elections. “In the year 2025, South Africa celebrates 31 years of democracy, this being a remarkable milestone obtained through the unwavering determination of the people of this beautiful and resilient country,” Mashatile said. “The reality is that for us to enjoy this democracy, countless South Africans paid…

Liverpool slumped to just their second Premier League defeat this season as Fulham clinched a shock 3-2 win over the runaway leaders, while Southampton were relegated in record-setting time after a 3-1 loss at Tottenham. In Manchester, meanwhile, a dull derby played out at Old Traford between Manchester United and cross-town rivals Manchester City. Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday left Liverpool needing just 11 points to secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. Arne Slot’s men were unbeaten in 26 league games and looked set to take another step towards the title when Alexis Mac Allister’s stunning strike opened the scoring. But poor defending allowed Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz to turn the game around for Fulham. The Reds appear to be running out of steam…

The Warriors found a last burst of energy in their CSA 4-Day Series campaign, defeating the Dolphins by 37 runs in Gqeberha to secure their first win of the tournament, and deny the visitors a final appearance, which will now be an all-Gauteng affair later this week. Although it was their final match, the Warriors, who remain at the bottom of the table despite the win, outplayed the Dolphins. The defeat, however, was a blow for the Dolphins championship ambitions, their chances of facing the Lions in the final dashed with this crucial loss. Several notable knocks by Khaya Zondo (118 off 174 balls), Jason Smith (54 off 103 balls), and a brilliant tail-end effort by Eathan Bosch (80 off 96 balls) were not enough to push their team over…