Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-03 i Mercury

Airlines on Monday revised down their traffic and profit forecasts for 2025, citing "headwinds" for the global economy, with industry chiefs warning of the risk of increased tariffs impacting the sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates fewer than five billion air journeys will take place this year, compared with the previously forecast 5.22 billion. "The first half of 2025 has brought significant uncertainties to global markets," IATA's Director General Willie Walsh told its annual general meeting in New Delhi. But he added: "Considering the headwinds, it's a strong result that demonstrates the resilience that airlines have worked hard to fortify." Cumulative airline profits will reach $36 billion (R646bn) this year, $600 million less than expected, IATA said. Commercial aviation revenues are expected to remain below the $1 trillion…

In today’s boardrooms, digital transformation is no longer a distant theme reserved for CIOs and consultants. It is a central governance concern; one that demands fluency, not just familiarity. As companies confront the disruptive tides of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity risks and evolving data ecosystems, a sobering question emerges: are boards equipped to govern in the digital age? While legislation in most jurisdictions does not yet mandate digital literacy as a formal prerequisite for directorship, it is increasingly becoming an unspoken expectation among investors, regulators and stakeholders who demand boards capable of navigating complex digital landscapes. A board that lacks digital fluency cannot effectively interrogate strategy, oversee risk, or drive innovation. Digital illiteracy has moved from the margins of boardroom discourse to the heart of strategic risk. The Cell C case…

The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This was according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who noted that while discussions at last year’s Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year's event marked a decisive shift, from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. “In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain’s possibilities, but in 2025, the emphasis was on practical applications, particularly in the realms of stablecoins and AI. The discussion revealed that financial innovation, including digital currencies, is increasingly viewed as foundational to governance and…

Raubex Group’s share price shot up 8.8% on Monday after the infrastructure, development, and construction materials supply group reported a strong balance sheet, a healthy cash balance, and a solid R28.28 billion order book for the year to end-February 28, 2025. “Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions across the globe, and the many local challenges we are all so familiar with, Raubex prevailed to deliver another robust set of results,” Felicia Msiza, the CEO of Raubex, said in a statement. The order book increased by 10.3%. She said their diversification strategy has been a big reason for their strong performance over the past five decades. The share price traded at R44.42 on the JSE Monday morning, having gained just over 25% over a year. Raubex’s results were delayed on May 9, 2025,…

In an age where teenagers are growing up online, social media has become more than just a place to connect – it’s a constant mirror, often reflecting toxic messages about body image, beauty and self-worth. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat may seem harmless, but experts warn they are increasingly fuelling eating disorders among vulnerable young people by glorifying thinness and pushing unscientific, and sometimes dangerous, diet advice. For many teenagers, especially young girls, the endless scroll of “body goals” and “what I eat in a day” posts can become a gateway to disordered eating. According to the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists, eating disorders are on the rise, with social media playing a significant role in shaping harmful body ideals. Dr Agnes Ayton, the chair of the Faculty of…

The newly appointed provincial secretary of the Economic Freedom Fighters says the party is working on strategies to revive its prospects in KwaZulu- Natal ahead of next year’s local government elections. Vukani Ndlovu, who is currently a councillor in the eThekwini Municipality, has been entrusted with the mammoth task of turning around the party’s fortunes in the province ahead of next year’s crucial elections. The EFF suffered a severe setback in last year's general elections, dropping from 10% to 2% of the vote in the province. In stark contrast, the new kid on the block, the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) led by former president Jacob Zuma, secured a commanding 45% in the province. The MK Party has also kept up momentum and has won by-elections across the province. Ndlovu was…

Fuel taxes are set to increase for the first time in three years, but a stronger rand will shield South African motorists from fuel price hikes in June. The next fuel price adjustment will take effect tomorrow, and unaudited month-end data from the Central Energy Fund showed that minor price decreases were likely for both petrol and diesel. Petrol was set for a decrease of around 20 cents per litre, but with the 16 cent hike in the General Fuel Levy (GFL) set to take effect, a reduction of about four cents is on the cards. 93 Unleaded petrol currently costs R21.29 for a litre in Gauteng, with 95 ULP retailing at R21.40 inland and R20.60 at the coast. Diesel, whose over-recovery for the month pointed to a 51 cent…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently battling a backlog of more than 140 000 cases that are awaiting DNA evidence. The delays have been blamed for slowing down justice for victims of crime in the country, which has a severe negative impact on them. Nqobile Kweyama, an educational psychologist and lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, said prolonged forensic delays often force victims to live in a state of limbo, with no closure or justice. “This uncertainty can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and fear. For many survivors, particularly of violent crimes or sexual violence, the delay reopens emotional wounds each time the case resurfaces without resolution. It not only impedes their healing process but can also undermine their trust in the justice system,” Kweyama said. Ian Cameron,…

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has confirmed he has received the final report from the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), via its body, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), on the George building collapse. On May 6, 2024, a five-storey building collapsed in George, in the Western Cape, claiming the lives of 34 people and leaving 28 others injured. Macpherson said the report marked a critical step in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s commitment to uncover the truth behind what he described as a preventable disaster and to ensure those responsible are held accountable. “As the department, we will now carefully study the report to develop a pathway forward to ensure that a tragedy such as the George building collapse never happens again. As…

Max Verstappen has conceded that his Spanish Grand Prix clash with Mercedes’ George Russell, which left the Formula One champion on the brink of a ban, was wrong and should not have happened. The Red Bull driver made his comments on Instagram a day after the race at the Circuit de Catalunya. Four-time world champion Verstappen was given a 10-second post-race penalty for appearing to drive into Russell after a late safety car period, as well as three penalty points on his super licence. The added time dropped him from fifth to 10th, while the penalty points took his tally to 11 in a 12-month period. One more in the next two races before the end of June will trigger a race ban. “We had an exciting strategy and good…

Coco Gauff and Madison Keys will face off in a high-stakes all-American quarter-final at the French Open, after both powered through their fourth-round matches in straight sets yesterday. Gauff dismantled Ekaterina Alexandrova with ease, while Keys overcame a determined Hailey Baptiste to guarantee American representation in the women’s semi-finals at Roland Garros. Gauff continued her impressive clay-court season by sweeping past Russia’s 20th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6–0, 7–5 to reach her fifth successive French Open quarter-final. The world No 2 raced through the opening set with three breaks of serve. Although Alexandrova put up greater resistance in the second, Gauff maintained her composure to close out the match in just 82 minutes. “It feels great to be back in the quarters here. I’m really happy with how I played today…

The third round of the 1995 Rugby World Cup began in tragedy. The match between Tonga and Ivory Coast had barely kicked off when Ivorian wing Max Brito collected a high ball. He was tackled fairly, but following the ensuing ruck, Brito was left prone on his back. He had been paralysed in a freak accident. It remains the darkest day in the history of the Rugby World Cup. Brito was quickly airlifted to hospital, but the damage was permanent. He would spend 25 years in a wheelchair before passing away in 2022 at the age of 54. The match itself was otherwise forgettable, as the two teams fought to avoid finishing bottom of their pool. The West Africans showed improvement from their opening game, where they at times appeared…

More mergers and acquisitions are expected for the global copper market in which South Africa is emerging as a key player amid a projected supply deficit. There has been a flurry of investment activity in copper in the past few months, with Harmony Gold saying last week that it was acquiring Harmony the CSA Copper mine in Australia for R18.4 billion. Last year, PwC said “the global pursuit of a just energy transition and the need for consolidation are reshaping the landscape of the South African mining” industry. Now, analysts say there is likely to be further merger and acquisition activity in the South African and global copper industry. Zimele Mbanjwa, an investment research analyst at FNB Wealth & Investments, told Business Report that single commodity producers are increasingly setting…

Bringing billionaire Elon Musk’s controversial satellite internet system, Starlink, into South Africa’s airspace is in the country’s national interest because it will help meet its developmental goals, said Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes. During a conference on illicit financial flows, mobilising domestic resources, and financing for development, hosted at SGN Grant Thornton’s offices at the end of last week, Botes said that any trade agreement would be subordinate to the Constitution and must facilitate development. Botes also hinted at government’s policy towards trade agreements with the United States following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with Trump on May 21. He said that the county’s policies are “not subordinate to trade incentives”. The Deputy Minister added: “We can only speak about what our constitutional imperatives…

Over the past few years it’s been predicted that robots will live amongst. In 2025, we are beginning to see signs that they almost here. Some of the leading technology companies are developing their humanoid robots. Tesla Optimus is is a general-purpose robotic humanoid under development by Tesla, it was announced at the company's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021, and a prototype was shown in 2022. What’s interesting about the robot is that the Tesla CEO Elon Musk thinks Optimus "has the potential to be more significant than Tesla's vehicle business over time." There’s a belief that humanoid robots will form part of future workforce and human companions. The Chinese tech company, Xiaomi, has also developed their own humanoid robot, known as CyberOne. It’s a…

From viral TikTok fitness challenges to gym class staples, we’re constantly encouraged to try the latest and greatest ways to “get in shape”. But what if some of these trendy exercises are doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to your sex life? Certain popular workouts may be silently undermining your intimacy, according to Anita Fletcher, a sex and relationship expert at Fantasy Co., a brand known for its innovative approach to pleasure. These exercises, often hailed as beneficial, could be causing tension, discomfort, or even long-term issues in the bedroom. So, which workouts are the culprits, and how can you protect your sexual well-being without sacrificing your fitness goals? Fletcher unpacks the surprising risks of four common exercises and offers simple fixes to ensure your workouts support,…

A ban on disposable vapes went into effect across the UK on Sunday in a bid to protect children’s health and tackle a “throwaway” culture. “For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine,” junior environment minister Mary Creagh said. She said the government was calling “time on these nasty devices” – a type of e-cigarette which are very popular with young people – and banning sales of single-use vapes or their supply in a crackdown on UK corner shops and supermarkets. Those caught flouting the ban will face a £200 fine ($269), while repeat offenders risk up to two years in prison. Young people and children in particular have been attracted to cheap and colourful disposable vapes, which have snazzy flavours…

The Western Cape Government has expressed strong objections to the draft National Health Insurance (NHI) regulations. The province is the only one in the country to have raised objections to the regulations relating to the implementation of the NHI Fund. Health MEC Mireille Wenger said the Western Cape Cabinet had approved comments from the provincial department of Health and Wellness expressing “objections to the regulations”. The NHI is a centralised, national insurance fund designed to provide universal health coverage. It aims to ensure all South Africans have access to quality and affordable healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic status. The draft regulations seek to provide for the establishment of structures and processes for the governance of the fund. It represents the first formal step towards establishing the NHI Fund to…

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has strongly rejected what it calls “misrepresentations and untruthful narratives” presented to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, following widespread criticism over alleged failure to maintain prison infrastructure, including in KwaZulu-Natal. During a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services last week, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) revealed that it paid over R842 million to the DPWI in the 2024/25 financial year for maintenance services, but claimed no work was done, prompting MPs to question whether the DCS had requested a refund. The MPs also raised concern about the worsening state of correctional facilities, including the closure of the kitchen at Westville Correctional Service Medium A in KZN as it needs refurbishment which will cost R12m. However, DPWI spokesperson Lennox…

THOBEKA NGEMA AND SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI Motorists who applied for the renewal of their driving licence cards months ago may have to wait even longer to receive their new cards. This comes as Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the backlog of driving licences as of May 15 was estimated at 733 000 cards. The backlog occurred when the country's sole driving licence card printing machine broke down earlier this year. While the Department of Transport announced last month that the driving licence printing machine was fixed and operations have resumed, the machine had been inoperative since February 5, resulting in a backlog of more than 700 000 unprinted cards. To reduce the backlog, the Department of Transport’s Driving Licence Card Agency extended the working hours of its staff members. In response…

Manufacturing production in South Africa fell by -3.2% year-on-year in February 2025 according to the statistical release in March 2025 by Stats SA. This follows a decline experienced in January 2025 which was at -3.3%. The biggest contributors to this negative decline were motor vehicles, parts and accessories (-14.9%) followed by petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (-5.6%). Furthermore, utilisation of production capacity declined by 1.4% for motor vehicles, parts and accessories. Insufficient demand and availability of resources have been cited as the main reasons for under utilisation of production capacity in this regard. Within the manufacturing sector, motor vehicles, parts and accessories is significant by virtue of the huge supply chains involved regarding this industry. Furthermore, this industry is the backbone of the local economy in some provinces…

Banyana Banyana’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini says it is important to start building up for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence now, especially against COSAFA rivals. Banyana are currently in camp, having started their Three Nations tournament in Atteridgeville last week with a 3–2 win over Botswana. They will win the mini-series should they hold their own in the final game against Zambia at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Tuesday (3pm kick-off). This is due to the fact that they are the only team to have had a perfect start in the competition, after Botswana and Zambia drew 1–1 in their respective encounter last Saturday. It is important for Banyana to perform well in the competition on home soil as they prepare for the continental showpiece in Morocco…

Those who were there swear there was something sinister simmering in the air above Algoa Bay the night the Springboks hosted Canada in a Pool A match at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Older fans would later say they had experienced the same combative atmosphere on July 13, 1974, when the original Battle of Boet Erasmus took place. That was the infamous third Test between the British Lions and a desperate Springbok. A week earlier, at Loftus Versfeld, the Boks had suffered a record 28–9 humiliation and arrived at Boet Erasmus Stadium in a savage mood. But the wily Lions knew what was coming and had devised a call to arms they named “99”. When captain Willie John McBride sensed extreme hostility, he would scream “99” and each Lion would…

The revolution in Paris that led Luis Enrique’s team to Uefa Champions League glory for the first time is being echoed across Europe, as even clubs that once embodied the Galácticos-era have abandoned efforts to ‘buy’ the top prize in European football. The PSG coach is now reaping the plaudits for building an energetic, youthful and dynamic team that is mesmerising to watch. It is built on teamwork and unity of purpose, rather than relying on the individual brilliance of former megastars, such as Kylian Mbappé, Neymar or Lionel Messi. Youngsters like Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu have Paris fans salivating at the prospect of years of European dominance. The change in direction at PSG, majority-owned by Qatari government-backed investment fund Qatar Sports Investments, is not…

Automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts, says Naamsa CEO Domestic vehicle sales in South Africa saw a robust recovery in May with 45,308 units sold, marking an increase of 8 169 vehicles or a substantial 22.0% from 37 139 units in May 2024. "The automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts," Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa said on Monday. "The SARB's latest decision to lower interest rates is both timely and commendable. It directly supports consumer affordability and boosts production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets. While the new tariff measures remain a concern, our industry has proven its resilience time and time again," Mabasa said. Sales overview Overall, out…

The Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released on Monday indicated that the seasonally adjusted PMI decreased by 1.6 points to 43.1 in May 2025. Absa said that the PMI remained in contractionary territory for a seventh consecutive month. The PMI suggests that the manufacturing sector continued to suffer in May, despite some flickers of activity and demand improvement, albeit at extremely low levels. “However, a decline in the supplier deliveries index pushed the headline PMI lower. The business activity index indicated some improvement, increasing by 3.4 points to 43.4 in May. New sales orders also increased, by 2.2 points to 38.3 in May. This was likely due to domestic demand recovering slightly as export sales continued to deteriorate at a rapid rate.” Absa said the supplier deliveries index has been…

When Johannesburg-based South African entrepreneur Prince Nwadeyi was researching his MPhil in Inclusive Innovation at the University of Cape Town, one interview proved transformational. A young woman broke down describing the humiliation of borrowing money to bury her mother, only to face gossip at the funeral about the family's financial struggles. That 2019 conversation shaped Nwadeyi's thesis on information asymmetry and life insurance uptake in township communities. More importantly, it led him to question whether insurance could be embedded invisibly into everyday purchases, eliminating the paperwork, intermediaries, premiums, and waiting periods that keep vulnerable communities unprotected. Last week, Nwadeyi took to Linkedin to share that his holding company, SAG Ventures, had paid out its first claim through a clever FMCG-embedded funeral cover product dubbed Purchase Pal, underwritten by the continent's…

Homeowner sentiment fell only 2 percentage points to 85% in the first quarter, still the second highest reading for Absa’s Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) in a decade, which indicates that the momentum of positive sentiment is likely to continue into 2025. The authors of the latest HSI, first developed in 2015 as an indicator of the state of consumer confidence in South Africa’s property market, said the dip in confidence was likely due to uncertainty around US policy direction and the South African Reserve Bank’s decision not to implement a widely anticipated interest rate cut in March. The index results are broadly in line with the latest FNB Property Market Report that was released recently, which showed there was a continued, albeit modest, upwards trajectory in home values in the…

A nationwide petition has been launched calling on the government and retailers to intervene to bring down rising food prices, as South Africans are facing a daily battle to feed their families. The action has been brought by Union Against Hunger (UAH), which hopes to collect about 100 000 signatures as part of its campaign to reduce food prices. The organisation stated that many families are no longer able to feed themselves, and children are starving. The petition has also been linked with door-to-door campaigns, with affiliates of the union visiting homes to collect signatures and brief residents on the issues of hunger and malnutrition among children. The petition was launched as part of the World Hunger campaigns. Mark Heywood, the leader of UAH, stated that the petition aims to…

After nearly four decades of unanswered questions, the latest inquest into the deaths of the Cradock Four has officially begun in the Eastern Cape city of Gqeberha. The families of Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkhonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli are hoping this renewed legal process will finally bring accountability for the brutal killings of the four anti-apartheid activists in 1985. This marks the third official inquiry into the high-profile case, which has long symbolised the struggle for justice in post-apartheid South Africa. While previous investigations have pointed to police involvement, no one has been held criminally responsible. The Cradock Four were abducted and murdered during the apartheid regime’s crackdown on political dissent. Their charred bodies were discovered near Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in June 1985, sparking national outrage and international…

A survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council found that 20% of South Africa’s teachers believe that schools are violent places and suspect their students and colleagues are armed. “Educators are among those professional groups that are at high risk of becoming victims of violence. The school should provide support to educators who become victims of violence at the workplace,” the study noted. Details of the study are contained in the 2025 Teachers’ Safety and Security in African Schools handbook, which was provided by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) when it was asked about violence against teachers in schools. “Educators often hesitate to report violence they experience to the school administration, as they fear that disclosing violence could have negative effects on their career or they feel…

Residents of Lower Illovo, south of Durban, have raised strong objections to the reopening and upgrade of the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter, which is located close to the local primary school. Community members claim they were not consulted about the upgrade of the 400-bed facility and say the shelter poses safety concerns. Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality has defended the project and said that security and support measures are in place. Corrie Dagenaar, a local resident, said the shelter is being constructed less than 20 metres from the Lower Illovo primary school and within a residential area. “They’re building it right behind the primary school in Lower Illovo, where the old Illovo factory was. There’s a community there, and right behind that facility is the school,” he said. Dagenaar said the community…

The Western Cape High Court has ruled that the impeached former judge, Dr John Hlophe, who is now an uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party MP, cannot be part of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), saying his appointment was unconstitutional. In a ruling yesterday, the High Court found that the National Assembly (NA) had failed to properly exercise its discretion in approving his appointment—thereby undermining the integrity of the judiciary. The court held that Parliament’s conduct effectively rubber-stamped Hlophe’s nomination, disregarding the serious implications for the JSC’s credibility and constitutional mandate. The MK Party deputy president was nominated to serve on the JSC last year but subsequently resigned after questions were raised about his appointment to the commission. In its ruling, the court said, “The judiciary is essential to the maintenance…

The US must prepare for applications from KhoeSan and Coloured South Africans The recent resettlement of 49 South Africans, described as “Afrikaners”, to the US under refugee status via the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has drawn public ridicule, suspicion, and commentary. While some predict their imminent return to sunny South Africa, the event offers an unexpected opportunity to examine how USRAP’s criteria could inadvertently apply to other historically marginalised South African groups, particularly the KhoeSan and Coloured communities. This article does not support or validate the ideological narratives of groups like AfriForum or Solidarity, who claim persecution under terms like “white genocide”. Such claims are unsubstantiated, racially selective, and morally indefensible. Instead, this article offers a literal and policy-driven reading of USRAP’s eligibility framework, focusing not on its…

Hugo Broos hasn’t become the longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach by listening to outside noise – and that’s why the buck will always stop with him when it comes to team matters. Broos recently etched his name into the national team’s history, becoming their longest-serving coach and surpassing Clive Barker’s record after serving for four years. Things weren’t all rosy at the beginning. Broos even considered resigning during the first few months in the role, following heavy criticism from most quarters. Much of the backlash came after Bafana were hammered 5–0 by world champions France away from home and lost 2–1 to Africa’s top-ranked side, Morocco. However, the tide turned after the talismanic Themba Zwane was brought into the fold and Broos received a vote of confidence from Safa president Danny…

The weekend’s United Rugby Championship quarter-finals left the impression that the consistent Bull, Cameron Hanekom, has stretched his legs towards the Springbok No 8 jersey temporarily vacated by the injured Jasper Wiese. Another strong performance by Hanekom in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Sharks will surely secure him the position. In April, Wiese’s season in Japan came to a halt when he picked up a neck injury, prompting a return to South Africa for surgery. The 29-year-old is on the mend, but he is not on course for a comeback in time for the Springbok season that kicks off at the end of June. The Boks warm up with a game against the Barbarians in Cape Town before their first meaningful engagement, the two-Test series against Italy in…