Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-11 i Mercury

South Africa now has an opportunity, during the 90-day window, to broker trade deals, say experts After the rand hit a record high on Wednesday night, flirting with R20 to the greenback and surpassing levels last seen in June 2023, it retreated somewhat on Thursday, trading at around R19.44 around lunch time. This settling came even as systematic issues such as worries over the ongoing stability of the new administration continues to unnerve markets and US President Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs on South Africa came into effect. Nolan Wapenaar, co-chief investment officer at Anchor Capital, said that market prices, global factors and what is impacting the market is changing by the hour. “It has been a busy and volatile week. At the moment, everyone is digesting the latest set of…

Experts on Thursday said they believed that the water crisis has a huge impact on the agricultural industry after a JP Landman report released last week indicated that South Africa was one of the 30 driest countries globally. The report indicated that without major interventions, the country faced a projected 17% water shortfall by 2030. The situation is exacerbated by systemic issues in water management, notably failing infrastructure and inadequate maintenance. Alarmingly, nearly half of the water supply—47%—is classified as non-revenue water, significantly above the international norm due to leaks, theft, and poor metering practices. The implications extend beyond statistics; they threaten the very backbone of South Africa's agricultural industry which relies heavily on adequate water supply. The report also underscored the complexities of South Africa’s water dependencies, noting that…

Most people who work on their physical fitness want to get stronger and lose some weight. Financial fitness works in much the same way, especially when it comes to your credit score. A good credit score puts you in a strong position when you want to apply for credit, and it will also ‘thin down’ the stress that goes with applying for a loan. Here’s why: A good credit score tells potential lenders that you are low-risk. It shows that you are not already struggling to pay back too much debt and that you make complete and timely payments every month. This makes it more likely that your application will be approved, and you may qualify to borrow higher amounts at lower interest rates, with easier payment terms. Having…

More than five months after the launch of Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, North West, police say the cases against the illegal miners are continuing. The SAPS said a large portion of the miners are still in custody, as many of them are illegal immigrants, adding that they would be deported after the finalisation of the court cases. The miners face a range of charges, including possession of gold-bearing material, illegal mining, and contravention of the Immigration Act. North West SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh said 156 cases from 242 registered dockets that involve 1 831 suspects were still pending. She said only 86 dockets have been finalised and about 1 024 suspects were found guilty and sentenced in 69 cases. Myburgh added that a total of 17 cases were…

The Leapmotor C10 REEV midsize SUV to be launched in South Africa this year is a Battery Electric Motor (BEV) but technically it’s also not. We’ll get to why but if you haven’t heard of Leapmotor before, it’s a Chinese manufacturer that Stellantis has a 20% stake in and owns 51% of Leapmotor International, a joint venture with Leapmotor. As a reminder, in South Africa Stellantis has Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Opel, Peugeot, Abarth and soon Leapmotor under its umbrella. What is REEV? REEV stands for Range Extender Electric Vehicle which is essentially a hybrid vehicle that combines BEV technology with an internal combustion engine (ICE). It’s not a hybrid vehicle as we’ve come to know it, like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid that uses a traditional hybrid model.…

Orlando Pirates have enjoyed yet another memorable season under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro. Fresh from securing a place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, they now shift their focus to another important challenge – a Nedbank Cup last-four showdown with Marumo Gallants. The two sides will meet at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday (3pm kick-off) in what will be a high-stakes, winner-takes-all clash. The Buccaneers suffered a 2-0 loss the last time the two sides met in the league at the Free State Stadium in March. Before then, the Sea Robbers left huge scars on the then Dan Malesela-led Gallants side as they inflicted a heavy 8-1 loss at the Orlando Stadium. Riveiro was suspended for the most recent clash against Bahlabane ba Ntwa due to exceeding the…

In exactly two months, the Proteas will be lining up at Lord’s for the national anthems ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia. They will be hoping that their captain Temba Bavuma will be fit enough to lead them into battle in arguably the Proteas’ most important Test since Graeme Smith’s team lifted the golden ICC mace at the same hallowed venue back in 2012. The concern is certainly growing around Bavuma’s fitness, after the Test skipper played no role in the Lions’ domestic first-class campaign once the Proteas returned from the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan last month. Bavuma was expected to feature in the last round-robin match before it was washed out in Bloemfontein without a ball being bowled in anger. Lions chief executive Jonno Leaf-Wright…

Anglo American on Thursday it was engaging Peabody Energy in discussions to finalise the disposal of its Australian steelmaking coal assets to the United States-based company for $3.7 billion. Although the transaction is still subject to outstanding customary conditions, fresh uncertainty has characterised the deal after an underground ignition event usually related to methane gas in coal mining at the Moranbah North Mine at the end of last month. The incident has caused Anglo American to halt production at the mine, one of many up for disposal under the $3.7bn deal with Peabody. “Anglo American continues to work with Peabody towards satisfying the remaining customary conditions in those agreements that are required for completion of the Transaction,” the Johannesburg and London listed miner said Thursday. This followed indications by…

Digital technologies hold immense potential for economies’ long-term development. South Africa, through its G20 Presidency, is seizing this transformative opportunity to prioritise digital public infrastructure (DPI) and artificial intelligence (AI), both critical enablers of digital transformation, on this year’s G20 digital agenda. Building on declarations from the past two G20 presidencies, South Africa is now advancing discussions on how to measure the dynamic societal and economic value of DPI. This recognises that the potential benefits of DPI for people and the planet will not come about automatically - yielding them depends on how countries design and implement DPI. On the AI front, following the announcement by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on establishing the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, the G20 Presidency particularly seeks to further Africa's…

An essential component of estate and succession planning is ensuring that your beneficiary nominations are accurate and reflect your wishes. A well-considered nomination not only avoids confusion but can also reduce estate costs and expedite the transfer of assets to your loved ones. Here’s what to know: Life policies Life policies are effective estate planning tools, especially when it comes to creating liquidity in one’s estate and providing for dependants. However, the efficacy depends heavily on correct beneficiary nomination. For instance, if the purpose of a life policy is to create liquidity in the estate, it would be advisable to nominate your estate as the beneficiary. This will ensure that the proceeds of the policy are paid directly into your deceased estate, thereby making funds available for settling debt. That…

Life Healthcare Group Holdings’ Southern African business experienced good underlying activity growth in the six months to March 31, the JSE-listed private healthcare provider said in a trading update Thursday. The update referred to the Southern African business as continuing operations, while the discontinued operations comprise the LMI and Alliance Medical Group's (AMG) operations - the R13.9 billion disposal of LMI to Lantheus Holdings announced in January was on track and was expected to be completed during the second half. Overall paid patient days (PPDs) increased by 2%, with occupancies improving to 68.6% from 66.6% in the first half of 2024. Acute hospitals PPDs increased 2%, with the acute hospitals' occupancy improving to 68.3% from 66.2%. Complementary services PPDs grew 2%, with occupancies improving to 71.6% from 70.4%. Life Healthcare’s…

ETHEKWINI Municipality has been slammed for taking their multi-million-rand contractual dispute with a service provider to the Constitutional Court, in a move that has been described as an abuse of the court process and the city trying to “out-litigate” contractors. Daily Double Trading contends that there are no constitutional matters that have been violated in this process. In its responding papers, the company accuses the city of “outright falsehoods” in its affidavits, arguing that the city is creating new legal arguments meant to create the impression that the Constitutional Court has jurisdiction over the matter. A lawyer representing Daily Double Trading confirmed that they have filed papers in response to the city’s court documents. She declined to comment further. Daily Double 479, trading as Pholobas Projects, is involved in a…

It’s considered one of the most iconic racing tracks in the world and we’ll be driving it as fast as we can at the Kyalami Extreme Festival this weekend. It’s Round 2 of the Toyota GR Cup Challenge and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Round 1 in Cape Town at the Killarney Racetrack was our first outing as GR Cup drivers and my nerves only really settled after the qualifying round. It was also our first race in the manual all-wheel-drive Toyota GR Yaris with the GR86 Development Academy youngsters and Dealer Challenge drivers in GR Corollas all going hell for leather at the same time. Think of it as a traffic jam but going as fast as you can. 16 corners I reckon we now have a clearer idea…

Miguel Cardoso, the Mamelodi Sundowns coach, said his team must be prepared to be stretched to the limits to overcome Kaizer Chiefs in Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria (6pm kick-off). The Portuguese tactician called on his players to harness their highest levels of motivation and skill. He had a high regard for Kaizer Chiefs, and referred to them as one of the historical and top teams in South Africa. Cardoso and the Sundowns squad returned triumphantly to Johannesburg from Tunisia on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance, and he rested the squad on Thursday. He said this is no ordinary match, because after it is completed, one team will be out of the tournament. “With this match, we are approaching the final…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) must take actions against the unsavoury scenes that unfolded at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday night. Orlando Pirates drew 0-0 with MC Alger in the CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg, resulting in winning the tie 1-0 on aggregate. Pirates won the tie and progressed to the semi-final for the first time since 2013, after Mohau Nkota had scored the lone goal in the reverse leg away in Algeria. The Algerians did not take their elimination in Soweto kindly, so much so that they started a physical altercation with their hosts after the match. Those nasty scenes happened for back-to-back Champions League quarter-final games in SA as the Mamelodi Sundowns’ game against Esperance experienced them as well. CAF safety and security division held…

Noko Matlou and Nompumelelo Nyandeni left the Banyana Banyana jersey better than they found it – and that’s why they are bowing out as legends. Matlou and Nyandeni had their last hurray in the Banyana team in the recent friendlies against Malawi, earning their 174th and 150th international caps respectively. It was a fitting gesture from the Banyana technical team and Safa hierarchy to bid farewell to two icons, who sowed the seeds the current generation is now reaping. Matlou rose to prominence when she became the first South African to win the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award in 2008. She displayed grit and determination to earn the continent’s highest honour, while still playing amateur football in her home town in Limpopo. At the time, Banyana were…

Cricket South Africa (CSA) may soon have to employ an educator to go along on Proteas tours, due to the number of school pupils representing the senior national teams. Last year saw teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka travel to Sri Lanka with the South Africa 'A' Men’s team whilst still in Matric at St Stithians. Maphaka also played in his first Test against Pakistan over New Year, while waiting on his results. Now, Steyn City High school star Karibo Meso is set to be part of the Proteas’ Women’s team to tour the idyllic Indian Ocean island for a tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and New Zealand next month. Meso, 17, has already played in two T20I’s for the Proteas Women’s team. The wicketkeeper/batter would most likely have played many…

The Minerals Council has warned that load shedding remains a strong possibility for the winter months as energy supply was constrained, with Energy Availability Factor (EAF) at 57.5%. This is according to an electricity update for February to March 2025 released by the Council last week. André Lourens, economist from the council, said that from 7–10 March, a sudden loss of 2 700MW in generation capacity - including Koeberg Unit 2 930MW and two Kusile units - led to increased reliance on Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) to meet demand. “The narrow margin between dispatchable generation and electricity demand underscored these challenges. Average demand for the month stood at 22 509MW, while dispatchable generation averaged 22 357MW, necessitating a total of 55 hours of load shedding during March,” Lourens said.…

The Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) has said the United States' latest shift to reduce tariffs on countries including South Africa to 30% were fertile ground for negotiations. This comes as South Africa's trade representatives prepare to meet with their US counterparts for a concerted approach to the revision of trade facilitation agreements. Speaking on Radio 702 on Thursday morning, Tau said the government was planning its engagement and the issues to engage the US about. Tau said that it was clear the US now wanted only mutually beneficial agreements as it viewed previous tariffs and other structures had been disproportionately skewed in South Africa's favour, along with other countries. "We had already started raising with the US the need to revise the trade and investment facilitation…

Our South African wallets are a beleaguered lot. This month, electricity prices are going up. Well, it seems all prices keep going up, thanks to our enemy, inflation. So, in the ultimate showdown – between feeling overwhelmed about what we don’t understand about money, and empowering ourselves, how do you win? Let’s talk strategy. Round 1: Outsmart the silent pickpocket, inflation When people say cash is king, they forget growth is better. Only through exposure to assets that will help your money grow faster than inflation, can you hope to beat it. That’s why your long-term money can’t hibernate in a bank or money market account. Compounding is your BFF. Compounding sounds like a big word, but it means you earn interest on your money, and then you start earning…

Phoevos Pouroulis, the CEO of Tharisa said on Thursday that demand for chrome has been rebounding while platinum group metals (PGM) prices in rand terms have stabilised although global trade wars are ocassioning economic uncertainty that could dent demand for some commodities. Tharisa is a PGM and chrome miner and processor in South Africa. According to Pouroulis, “chrome has rebounded strongly” as “PGM basket price is relatively stable in rand terms” due to the devaluation of the South African currency. Nonetheless, the impact of the trade wars on the outlook for global economic growth “is creating an uncertain and volatile environment which may impact on demand” for commodities. The US government has roiled markets after it introduced tariffs on major global source markets although on Wednesday President Donald Trump said…

THE ANC has initiated a series of meetings with smaller parties to address the Budget impasse and find a solution to the country’s fiscal crisis, which has sparked concerns about the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Last week two parties, the DA and the Freedom Front Plus voted against the ANC’s Budget proposal in the National Assembly, which included a VAT hike, but the ANC was able to pass the Budget with the assistance of smaller parties in the GNU and others including Action SA and Build One South Africa (Bosa). On Wednesday the ANC continued discussions with smaller parties, including the PAC, Bosa, Al Jama’ah, and the Good Party, with secretary-general Fikile Mbalula saying the discussions focused on the adopted fiscal framework and its implications for…

In a step to bolster South Africa’s border security, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber unveiled state-of-the-art surveillance technology that will be rolled out by the Border Management Authority (BMA) over the Easter weekend. The launch includes four drones, and 40 body cameras that will be used to monitor illegal activity and enhance accountability at ports of entry. He said the drones are fitted with night vision and thermal detection cameras. Powered by AI they can recognise and lock on to heat sources, track people or vehicles, and operate without GPS. The drones can travel at up to 43km/h. The BMA is training eight officers to operate the drones on a rotating shift basis across various ports. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform will provide five more…

BYD has effectively doubled its model range in South Africa with the introduction of the highly-anticipated Shark 6 double cab bakkie as well as the Sealion 6 hybrid SUV and Sealion 7 electric SUV. The BYD Shark 6 is the firm’s first bakkie, and introduces its DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform. Priced at R959,900, it is officially South Africa’s most powerful bakkie. The EHS electric hybrid powertrain gives the predatory pick-up some serious bite, with outputs listed at 321kW and 650Nm. The Ford Ranger Raptor, for the record, musters 292kW and 583Nm. The hybrid system pairs two electric motors with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It’s rather quick too, with BYD claiming a 5.7-second 0-100km/h sprint time. Thanks to a 29.5 kWh BYD Blade battery, the vehicle also boasts…

South Africans are fond of the outdoors and whether it’s a trailer, bush-caravan, caravan, boat, jetski, off-road trailer or motorbikes we don’t think twice about hooking them up behind our cars and towing them for hundreds of kilometres. It’s once we get there that things become a challenge because more often than not they need to be reversed into place and that’s when things become difficult. Correct licence needed Before that though, you must know that to be able to tow in South Africa you need an EB license. Unlike many years ago where you automatically received an EB license the most common licence nowadays is a Code B. In order to get an EB license you have to be tested and found to be competent by a testing station.…

Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Nasreddine Nabi says he is ‘not under pressure’ to end their 10-year trophy drought, as there is a bigger focus: completing the process. Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld in Hatfield, Pretoria, on Sunday evening (6pm kick-off). This is the team’s final chance to win silverware this season and end a barren run that has seen them fall from grace over the past decade. And while the Brazilians have already beaten Chiefs in three successive matches across all competitions this season, it is often said that football is fickle at the top. As such, Chiefs’ fans will head to Loftus hoping they can finally end Sundowns’ dominance this season and move closer to their first trophy since the 2014/15 campaign.…

THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) Board of Governors (BoG) on Thursday reportedly terminated beleaguered club Royal AM’s membership after a day-long voting session held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The nail in the Royal AM coffin came after recommendations made by the PSL’s Executive Committee (Exco) last week that the Pietermaritzburg-based club be put under a guillotine. In a video leaked from the Sandton conference in which some National Soccer League (NSL) identification can be seen and some top leaders can be heard, the votes regarding the expulsion of the Royal AM were counted as 149 yes, with 37 voting no. They were 31 teams involved in the conference, 15 Premier Division and 16 First Division/Motsepe Foundation Championship clubs, with Royal AM ostensibly not allowed to vote. Premiership…