Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-30 i Mercury

The announcement of substantial tariff hikes by the US administration marked a turning point in global economic outlook, as reflected in the latest Global Risk Survey conducted by Oxford Economics. Launched on April 3, just hours after the US declared 'Liberation Day,' the survey revealed a significant deterioration in business sentiment, continuing a trend of pessimism that lasted throughout the three-week sample period. The latest quarterly survey, completed by 125 clients across sectors, reveals a complex landscape driven by fears of imminent trade wars, economic sluggishness, and shifting global dynamics. The Global Business Sentiment Index, derived from these surveys, indicated a worrying forecast: global gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to decelerate to just 1.2% by late 2025. This is half the growth rate businesses anticipated in January and…

Phillipines-based shipping container lines conglomerate, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has reaffirmed the legitimacy of its partnership with Transnet for the development of Durban's Pier 2 terminal. The dispute with Danish shipping giant Maersk, which returned to the KwaZulu-Natal High Court for two days of deliberation, could significantly impact one of South Africa’s crucial trade gateways. The High Court issued an interdict last year, temporarily halting the collaboration following Maersk's legal challenge. Despite ICTSI's bid being announced as the preferred option on 11 April 2023, the court's previous decision led to significant frustration regarding delays in critical upgrades to the terminal. ICTSI has since expressed concern that the ongoing legal disputes could further postpone necessary enhancements. In a statement on Tuesday, ICTSI emphasised their readiness to commence implementation of…

The recent tabling of the 2025/26 budget, with its proposed 2% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) spread over two years, has ignited a firestorm of debate. While the National Treasury aims to bolster State coffers, the potential repercussions for South Africa's agricultural sector and, critically, our nation's food security warrant serious scrutiny. This VAT hike presents a significant threat that demands careful consideration. Agriculture, the bedrock of food security and a significant contributor to South Africa's economy, operates on tight margins. Input costs, ranging from fertilisers and pesticides to fuel and machinery, are already substantial and often volatile. A VAT increase directly inflates these costs. Farmers, particularly small-scale producers vulnerable to price fluctuations and lacking economies of scale, will face increased financial pressure. This could lead to reduced productivity,…

South Africa’s energy system is at a crossroads, facing a worsening electricity crisis, rising demand, and ambitious decarbonisation goals. While renewable energy is rightly heralded as a key solution, it is often misunderstood as the silver bullet to enable sustainable power generation. In truth, generation alone won’t solve the country’s energy woes. The real missing link in South Africa’s energy puzzle is storage. Despite steady progress in solar and wind adoption, these clean energy sources are, by nature, intermittent. Solar panels don’t generate power at night, and wind turbines are silent on still days. Yet our demand for electricity doesn’t follow the weather, but rather daily routines, industrial activity, and seasonal fluctuations. This mismatch between supply and demand is at the heart of South Africa’s ongoing energy instability. Load-shedding, now…

The latest Commodity Markets Outlook from the World Bank paints a worrying picture for the global economy, predicting that declining growth, abundant oil supply, and surging trade barriers will likely push global commodity prices to their lowest levels of the 2020s. As crisis looms for developing economies reliant on commodity exports, World Bank experts on Tuesday warned of an emerging economic landscape fraught with challenges. Forecasts indicate that global commodity prices are set to decrease by 12% in 2025, with an additional 5% drop expected in 2026, bringing prices down to levels unseen since 2020. While nominal prices may still surpass pre-pandemic figures, an inflation-adjusted evaluation reveals a stark reality: prices are likely to sink below the average levels maintained from 2015 through 2019, signalling the end of a commodity…

Having humility, treating everyone with the same level of respect, whether they are the king or queen, president, or someone that cleans toilets, being committed to continuous learning and understanding the value of other people were among the tips, advice and secrets to success that were shared by Sekunjalo chairman Dr Iqbal Survè at a recent gathering. Dr Survè was speaking at an imbizo held for nearly 500 employees who represented various companies under the Sekunjalo Group, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre last week. He expressed gratitude for everyone’s contribution to companies they work for and shared advice from his own journey. He talked about making an impact on those around you and shared anecdotes which often left the audience in stitches. Dr Survè spoke about the family…

Eastern Cape artist Thembani Hastings Mqhayi has intensified his calls for recognition, insisting that the South African flag is his brainchild. Mqhayi has now written to Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie in an attempt to have “discussions”. In 2022, Mqhayi filed papers in the High Court in Pretoria, against the then Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, and the State Herald, who were cited as the first and second respondents respectively. Last year, it was reported that the government was embroiled in a legal battle with Mqhayi over the design of the South African flag. The national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has previously denied that the South African flag was Mqhayi’s design. Mqhayi has for years claimed that Fredericks Brownell, who was credited…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has said drone technology helped facilitate the interception of 6 000 undocumented immigrants attempting to enter South Africa over the Easter weekend. This was revealed in the BMA’s Easter border operations report by Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato during a media briefing this week. Masiapato said the operation spanned 10 days, from April 15 to April 24, and there was an 8% increase in cross-border travel recorded in this period compared to the previous year. He said they recorded about 1 057 063 movements across the country’s 71 ports of entry. Masiapato said authorities intercepted 6 253 individuals attempting to enter or exit the country illegally, a 61% increase from the 3 841 intercepted during the 2024 Easter period. “We have been able to…

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes that current Formula One world drivers' championship leader Oscar Piastri is "only going to get stronger" after securing his third win of the season at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The young Australian has been in impressive form this season, quickly emerging as McLaren’s top contender. With five rounds completed in the 2025 F1 calendar, Piastri holds a 10-point lead over his teammate Lando Norris, showcasing consistent performance and maturity under pressure. Speaking to F1 TV following the race in Jeddah, Brown was asked whether stepping into the role of the hunted rather than the hunter might shift Piastri’s approach or affect his mindset. Brown dismissed any concerns, saying: “I’m here to announce to everyone that I think he’s only going to get stronger.” The…

Teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi was touted as "Indian cricket’s next superstar" on Tuesday after the 14-year-old’s IPL century off 35 balls shattered batting records. Left-handed opener Suryavanshi became the youngest player to hit a T20 hundred in Rajasthan Royals’ thumping eight-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Monday. “It is like a dream,” he said, afterwards. Suryavanshi, in only his third IPL match, scored the second-fastest century in competition history — second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton in 2013. Nicknamed "Boss Baby", Suryavanshi has drawn instant comparisons to the West Indies great, who styled himself as the "Universe Boss". Suryavanshi, who made headlines when he was bought by Rajasthan for $130 500 (about R2.4 million) after a bidding war at the November auction at age 13, has been fearless in the…

Leeds United put themselves in pole position to win the Championship title after crushing play-off-chasing Bristol City 4–0 in a carnival atmosphere at Elland Road on Monday. Goals from Ao Tanaka and Willy Gnonto gave the home side a two-goal cushion, before substitute Largie Ramazani struck twice late on to cap a dominant display. Daniel Farke’s already-promoted team returned to the top of the table above Burnley on goal difference, with just one match remaining. Both Leeds and Burnley secured promotion to the Premier League last week and are on course to finish the campaign with 100 points. Bristol City’s top-six hopes suffered another blow with this defeat, following a previous loss, but they could still clinch a play-off spot with a victory at home against Preston on Saturday. The…

Having secured their place in the CAF Champions League final, Mamelodi Sundowns now shift their focus back to the Betway Premiership, where another step toward the title awaits. Richards Bay FC stand as the next obstacle at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30pm). In their last outing, the Brazilians suffered a 2-1 loss against rivals Orlando Pirates, who are still in hot pursuit of the defending league champions' crown. Heading into the contest, Sundowns still maintain a nine-point gap over the second-placed Buccaneers, who have two games in hand and will also be in action against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium on the same night. Sundowns have lost the fewest matches of all teams this season, and goals from Arthur Sales and Lucas Ribeiro Costa handed them a…

Minister expected to host a media briefing to explain Budget 2025 technical process Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana could be preparing for an unprecedented third budget speech after the reversal of a 0.5 percentage points increase in value-added tax (VAT) last week. This comes as Godongwana on Wednesday will host a media briefing to explain the technical process that must now be undertaken regarding the 2025 Budget. This decision follows a court challenge brought forward by the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters regarding the proposed VAT hike in the 2025 Budget. The Western Cape High Court ratified an agreement reached out of court on April 27, allowing Godongwana to rescind the increase, which was initially set to take effect on May 1. Waldo Krugell, an economics professor at the…

Johannesburg is set to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference from May 14-16, 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre. The event aims to highlight Africa’s growing significance in the global fresh produce industry while addressing critical issues such as food security, climate change, and the modernisation of markets. The conference, themed “The African Edition: Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusivity,” is being organised by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent. It is expected to draw industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from over 200 member countries. Discussions will focus on global agriculture value chains, Africa’s potential for exports and imports, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve market efficiency. Joburg Market plays a central role in South…

Every year, Freedom Day enables us to reflect on and pay tribute to the day South Africa initiated an irreversible transition grounded in the principles of inclusivity, equality, and justice through the country’s first democratic elections. That momentous occasion 31 years ago elected 490 able South Africans to constitute the Constitutional Assembly and entrusted them with the responsivity of drafting our democratic Constitution which would serve as the supreme law and a blueprint for a just and equal society. Transitions have long been a part of South Africa’s journey, and now, the crucial shift toward a low-carbon future presents an extraordinary opportunity to transform our nation. The transition is not just an environmental necessity to ward off the climate crisis; it is a pivotal moment for nation-building that we cannot…

WeBuyCars Holdings’ core headline earnings per share would likely increase only between 0% and 4% in the six months to March 31 after double-digit earnings growth was diluted by more shares in issue, the motor retail group said in a trading statement on Tuesday. The share price fell 2.7% to R42.70 by midday, but the price is still more than double the R19.19 it traded at a year ago. Although WeBuyCars trades in used vehicles, the 10.5% year-on-year increase in new car sales in the first quarter to 144 426 units sold indicates a recovering vehicle market, overall. The company said in the trading statement that its core headline earnings per share for the interim period was expected to be between 119.4 cents and 124.2 cents. Core headline earnings were…

Combined Motor Holdings’ (CMH) headline earnings a share fell 25.6% in the year to February 28 as vehicle affordability continues to wane among South African consumers. The dividend declared fell 22.3% to 171 cents a share from 220 cents last year. Revenue increased 3.2% to R13.25 billion. Total profit fell 26.2% to R301.49 million, marking the second year in a row of decline. CMH operates in the motor retail and distribution, car hire, and financial services segments in South Africa, employing 2,666 people. It has 43 retail motor dealerships representing 29 brands in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. Its Mandarin Parts Distributors business imports aftermarket vehicle parts. CEO Jebb McIntosh said in the results that while a mild resurgence in new vehicle sales in the last quarter was encouraging,…

CLOSE to 5 000 of the eThekwini Municipality’s 25 000 workforce, including councillors and senior managers, have fallen behind in paying their municipal accounts. This is according to a financial report of the municipality analysing consumer debt. Their debt has grown by close to R6 million in the last three months and is now standing at approximately R80m. Between January and March this year, the report indicates that staff debt increased from about R74m to R80m. The challenges of defaulting employees have been an ongoing issue for the municipality. The Mercury reported last year on the extent of the problem, highlighting that senior managers, even those at executive levels, owed the municipality for rates and services. These revelations come amid outrage by city ratepayers at the double-digit tariff increases that…

In response to calls from the legal fraternity to appoint the next deputy chief justice, President Cyril Ramaphosa has initiated consultations with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly on this crucial appointment. The Constitution provides that the president, as head of the National Executive, after consulting the JSC and the leaders of parties represented in the National Assembly, appoints the chief justice (CJ) and the deputy chief justice (DCJ). The position of deputy chief justice has been vacant since September 1 last year, when the then-Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya rose to the position of chief justice. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president has, in a written submission to Chief Justice Maya, who chairs the JSC, invited the commission to…

The EFF has warned the ANC to stop pushing the party away because it will need the EFF’s support when it gets tougher for the ANC in the Government of National Unity (GNU). Addressing journalists in Johannesburg, EFF leader Julius Malema said the ANC should not define itself as independent. This is after the acting president, Gwede Mantashe, said he was not sure if opting for the MK Party and EFF would be a better option because they were hostile to the ANC. Mantashe said leaving the DA for the EFF and MKP was like leaving the devil to run into the fire. “You are going to burn anyway,” he said. In response Malema said: “There’s going to be a motion of no confidence against the President (Cyril Ramaphosa) and…

The State’s case in Joshlin Smith’s kidnapping and human trafficking trial hinges on the evidence of Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard, a Section 204 (accomplice) witness. This was clear as Western Cape High Court Judge Nathan Erasmus questioned certain aspects of the evidence while Advocate Zelda Swanepoel for the State was delivering her closing arguments. Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin who went missing last February from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay. They have pleaded not guilty and have elected not to lead any evidence in their defence. While the State insists there was a deliberate agreement to sell the child, Judge Erasmus raised concerns about misalignments between the evidence of Lombaard…

The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) says it is doing all it can to fast-track the Drakensberg cable car project. The project has been on the cards for several years but is yet to get off the ground. Edtea MEC Musa Zondi said: “While we understand the delays that have been experienced with respect to the much-anticipated Cable Car Project, which is to be located strategically in Okhahlamba – in the majestic Drakensberg, we are doing everything in our power to fast-track the take-off for this project without further delays.” Zondi was addressing members of the Legislature while tabling his budget recently. He said, “This is not a standard domestic tourism development; it is a cross-border initiative involving two countries (South Africa and Lesotho) and two…

It is the last stop on their redemption tour for the Springbok Women's Sevens, who can't afford to leave anything out on the field at the HSBC SVNS Play-off in Los Angeles. Any stumble is likely to be pounced on by their rivals, and could consign SA to another year in the lower tier of international sevens rugby. One player determined not to let that happen is versatile 27-year-old playmaker Alicia Willemse, even though she is new to the international rugby stage. It has been a breakthrough year on a number of fronts for the diminutive Western Province star. She is still riding high after her maiden Test match. She came off the bench as a replacement scrumhalf for the Springbok Women in a one-off international against Spain in Alicante…

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has expressed optimism over China's intentions to bolster its imports of South African agricultural products. This development comes on the heels of a recent statement from Wu Peng, the current Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, who emphasised the need for enhanced bilateral trade and economic cooperation through social media platform X. Peng further said that the Chinese government welcomes more South African agricultural and industrial products to enter the huge Chinese market. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, underscored the significance of such statements from Chinese officials, particularly regarding trade matters. “China has profound importance in global agriculture. In 2023, China was a leading importer, accounting for 11% of global agricultural imports, with imports valued at $218 billion," he said. Sihlobo noted…

The global economy showed resilience in 2024, but signs of weakness are emerging against a backdrop of slower growth, persistent inflation, and an uncertain policy environment, according to the OECD’s latest Interim Economic Outlook. The report highlights risks, notably that further tradefragmentation could harm global growth prospects.The outlook projects global growth slowing to 3.1% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026, with significant regional variation. Inflation is expected to remain higher than previously forecast, though still moderating asgrowth slows. The US economy entered 2025 in good shape, marked by cooling inflation, solid growth, andexpectations of rate cuts. However, US consumer sentiment dipped in January for the first time in six months, hitting a three-month low, driven by growing concerns about unemployment and the inflationary effects of the new tariffs. The escalation…

In Uganda’s remote Buheesi village, a school once disconnected from the world now accesses digital textbooks and submits reports in real time, thanks to a pilot program merging rural electrification with fibre-optic deployment. This transformation underscores the power of digital inclusion, a force that can reshape economies and empower millions. At its core, financial technology (fintech), the use of digital platforms like mobile apps and blockchain to deliver banking, payments and investment services, drives this change by making financial systems accessible to the underserved. For Africa, with 18% of the global population but less than 1% of the world’s data centre capacity, digital inclusion is not just about connectivity; it is about economic sovereignty and global competitiveness. South Africa, with its industrial strength and technological promise, is poised to lead…

Novus Holding, the printing, packaging and tissue manufacturer, has won a High Court appeal to overturn a decision taken by the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP), to withdraw its approval of the takeover of ICT distributor company Mustek. On March 28, 2025, the TRP had ruled that it had “unilaterally withdrawn” its approval of Novus’ announcement on November 15, 2024, to acquire Mustek, and it had asked that Novus publish a revised offer. Novus had originally made a mandatory offer to Mustek shareholders for shares it did not already own, of R13 cash per share, or R7 in cash plus one Novus share, or two Novus shares per Mustek share. Novus has pursued Mustek as part of a strategic diversification strategy. Novus “strongly disagreed” with the TRP ruling and appealed the…

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has confirmed that the three police officers who went missing last week are among the five bodies recovered from the Hennops River near Centurion. Speaking during a media briefing at the river last night, Masemola said the bodies of Constable Keamogetswe Buys, 30, Constable Boipelo Senoge, 20, and Constable Cebekhulu Linda, 24, had been identified by their families at the Tshwane mortuary. “It has been a difficult six days for members of the SAPS and affected families,” Masemola said. The trio was last seen in the early hours of Thursday at a petrol station near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 in Gauteng. Their vehicle, a Volkswagen Polo hatchback with registration number JCL 401 FS, along with their cellphones and…

Two people lost their lives and two others were injured after a water tanker crashed into two homes in the Msunduzi Local Municipality on Sunday evening. According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the crash took place around 5pm in the Nhlazatshe Shayamoya Locality. Cogta said initial reports indicate that the tanker experienced a mechanical failure, resulting in a loss of power, before it crashed into two dwellings. The impact caused significant structural damage to both homes. The MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, expressed his condolences to those affected by this tragedy. Disaster management teams have begun implementing relief measures, which include the provision of temporary shelter, essential supplies, and psychosocial support services for the victims and their families, Cogta…

The Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to get their children vaccinated as African Vaccination Week is being marked. African Vaccination Week is simultaneously celebrated with other World Health Organization (WHO) regions under the banner of World Immunisation Week (WIW). It aims to strengthen advocacy for better access to vaccination. South Africa was in the top 20 countries in 2023 based on the number of zero-dose children. Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale urged parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, etc. “Globally in 2023, there were 14.5 million children missing out on any vaccination – so-called zero-dose children. It is for this reason that the department…

Parliament has confirmed that the planned VAT increase, announced earlier this month, will no longer proceed. This follows a court order, granted by consent in the Western Cape High Court at the weekend. The order came after the DA and EFF challenged the VAT hike and the Fiscal Framework approved by Parliament. The agreement suspends the VAT increase and sets aside the 2025 Fiscal Framework, clearing the way for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to present a new National Budget. Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the resolution demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to legal certainty and constitutional governance. “By avoiding prolonged litigation, Parliament has helped ensure legal certainty, fiscal stability, and the continued delivery of essential public services,” said Mothapo. While the court order was taken by consent of all parties, a…

Barcelona last reached the Uefa Champions League final a decade ago, with Lionel Messi as their torchbearer. Now, the Catalan giants are pinning their hopes on another generational talent — Lamine Yamal — as their 'X-factor' when they host Inter Milan on Wednesday in the first leg of the semi-final. At the peak of his powers, Messi scored two goals in the 2015 semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich en route to the treble. While Yamal, just 17, is still refining his finishing, he is already pivotal to Barcelona’s hopes of success this season. Left-footed but operating on the right flank with the freedom to roam — just as Messi did for many years — Yamal gives Hansi Flick’s Barcelona their attacking edge. He demonstrated that perfectly in their thrilling…

The Proteas Women’s team were left to rue a couple of dropped catches and fielding mishaps with opener Tazmin Brits’ 109 not enough to get them over the line in the Tri-Series opener against India in Colombo. Although Brits was also dropped on 51 by Deepti Sharma off her own bowling and 67 by captain Harmanpreet Kaur at mid-off, India’s overall ground fielding in diving to save boundaries particularly during the death overs proved to be the difference in claiming a 15-run win. India had totalled 276/6 - which would have been a record chase for the Proteas - courtesy of opener Pratika Rawal's 78 - her fifth successive fifty-plus ODI score - and Laura Wolvaardt’s team leaking 82 runs in the last 10 overs. This was partially due to…

South African cruiserweight champion Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu returns to the ring on Thursday night for an eight-round bout against the DRC’s Amador Kalonji at the SunBet Arena at Times Square Casino in Pretoria. Mchunu, 37, enters the fight with a record of 23-8-0, with 13 knockouts. Despite his extensive experience, he admits Kalonji is an unknown quantity. “I don’t know much about my opponent, Mchunu told Independent Newspapers. “So, I have to prepare for everything and make the necessary adjustments in the fight. It’s risky for me because I have nothing much to gain but a lot to lose if I don’t perform. This fight is very serious — I have to win convincingly.” Although Mchunu has fought on major international stages, he heads into Thursday’s clash on the…

Liverpool have been untouchable in their march to the 2024/25 Premier League title. Here, Rowan Callaghan takes a look at five players who have stood out in a remarkably strong team performance from Arne Slot’s side. Alisson Becker Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper has enjoyed another great season. Despite No2 Caoimhin Kelleher stepping up admirably in his injury-enforced absence, Alisson remains an assured presence in goal for the Reds. He can rightfully lay claim to the title of the best goalkeeper in one-one-situations in the league. As the last line of defence, Alisson has often had to bail the Liverpool backline out of some tricky situations. He has conceded a miserly 20 goals in his 24 league games so far, including 10 clean sheets. Only Matz Sels of Nottingham Forest and David…