Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-06 i Mercury

The Health Funders Association (HFA), representing 21 medical schemes and three administrators, announced a legal challenge against critical components of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act during a media briefing on Thursday. HFA's CEO, Thoneshan Naidoo, said the organisation supported universal health coverage (UHC) but criticised the NHI Act as unaffordable, unworkable, and unconstitutional. Key Concerns with the NHI Act The NHI Act establishes a centralised, state-controlled fund that consolidates all healthcare financing, prohibiting medical schemes from covering services reimbursable by the NHI. Naidoo argued that this restriction infringes on citizens' constitutional rights to choose how they access and fund healthcare beyond state provisions. "South Africa deserves an equitable, high-quality healthcare system," Naidoo said. "While we support this vision, the NHI Act is fiscally unfeasible and threatens the stability…

Investment in clean energy technologies is set to strike a record this year despite global economic uncertainty, double the spending on fossil fuels that will dip for the first time since 2020, the International Energy Agency said Thursday. While the Trump administration has been hostile to renewable energy sources and trumpets boosting oil production, the IEA said security concerns as well as rising demand for electricity - including from artificial intelligence and data centres - is driving investment in clean energy sources. “Amid the geopolitical and economic uncertainties that are clouding the outlook for the energy world, we see energy security coming through as a key driver of the growth in global investment this year to a record $3.3 trillion (R59trl) as countries and companies seek to insulate themselves from…

Airline passengers can thank the courts for the replacement of four critical Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) units at OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports. This is as a protracted legal dispute continues involving - the Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS), Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) - over who holds the mandate to provide check-in hold baggage screening (HBS) services at South African airports. The ACS said it had launched the legal action given the risk of service breakdown due to ageing screening infrastructure and manufacturer support withdrawal, which compelled it to seek urgent court relief in 2024 to allow it to replace four back-up Level 3 HBS units at OR Tambo and King Shaka. ACS in November obtained an order barring…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) is preparing to escalate its enforcement drive. With R7.5 billion in additional funding over the medium term and the implementation of a focused initiative known as Project AmaBillions, Sars now has both the mandate and the means to pursue non-compliant taxpayers with renewed vigour. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter’s two-pronged approach — assisting those who comply and cracking down on those who don’t — is no longer just rhetoric. Sars is making it clear that time is fast running out for those who have not regularised their tax affairs. The VDP: a last safe exit The Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) offers qualified taxpayers a structured, legislated opportunity to correct prior non-compliance. It is not a loophole or workaround, but a legitimate mechanism designed to encourage voluntary…

AYO Technology Solutions said Thursday that a share repurchase agreement with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) in 2023 was executed based on advice from advisors at the time and was made in good faith and in alignment with the legal guidance provided. “AYO acknowledges the JSE’s decision to issue a public censure and to suspend the application of a fine for five years and affirms its support for the JSE’s ongoing commitment to market transparency and investor confidence,” the company said. AYO said the period surrounding the PIC settlement was marked by a wave of media scrutiny and speculative reporting, much of which misrepresented the intent and content of the agreement. “AYO remains committed to correcting the narrative by continuing to act in the best interests of its shareholders and…

siphesihle.buthelezi@inl.co.za More than 347 000 public servants, aged between 31 and 35, are employed in South Africa’s public service, accounting for 27% of the government workforce but systemic issues are blocking their long-term career growth. This emerged during a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration this week. The committee heard from the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of Youth Month engagements focused on strengthening youth development in the state. While the department noted the significant representation of younger people in administrative, finance, supply chain and technical roles, with women forming the majority, the committee raised alarm over the low absorption of interns and short-term placements that offer little in terms of skills recognition or career advancement. “Short-term…

The second memorial service of actor Presley Chweneyagae took place at the South African State Theatre yesterday. Chweneyagae recently died at the age of 40 from natural causes. His funeral is set to take place tomorrow at Akasia Community Hall in Gauteng. The actor rose to fame through his unforgettable performances in the Academy Award-winning film, “Tsotsi”, “iNumber Number: Jozi Gold” and the popular telenovela “The River”, which ultimately led to a spin-off show, “Cobrizi”. Actors Thato Molamu and Motshidi Motshegwa presided over the service. The ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes from his co-stars and colleagues, all eager to pay homage to the talent and spirit of a man affectionately known as “Cobrizi wa le Easy”. South African filmmaker Gavin Hood delivered a moving tribute, recalling the young actor’s…

Renovations at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth are 99% completed. This was revealed during a recent oversight visit to the facility by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Modernisation efforts will align the 56-year-old hospital with current medical infrastructure requirements. KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, acting department Head Penny Msimango, members of the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at the hospital. According to the department, the hospital is undergoing a R59 million re-waterproofing and internal renovations at Blocks D and E, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD). The state-of-the-art renovations aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure include not only the waterproofing of roof slabs, but also the complete redesign of wards D and E following Infrastructure Unit Support…

Springbok great Victor Matfield recently said on social media that perhaps the greatest moment of his glittering career was the Bulls’ Super 14 final defeat of the Sharks in Durban in 2007. The Bulls captain’s opposite number that day, John Smit, said: “I will probably never get over it.” This was the unforgettable match in which Bryan Habana scored in the final movement of the game, with Derick Hougaard’s simple conversion sealing a 20–19 victory. The Bulls had escaped in that epic encounter, but the door was opened for them because the Sharks were pitifully poor in closing out the game. Their decision-making in the final frantic minutes could serve as a textbook case for coaches around the world on what not to do in a final. Current Sharks coach…

THERE was a moment during the elite athletes’ pre race media conference of the Comrades Marathon at a beachfront hotel yesterday when Pie Wiersma and Tete Dijana exchanged glances and a smile flickered across both men’s faces. The smiles were fleeting though, coming as they did immediately after Dijana had declared himself not being under any pressure but loudly saying’ they have pressure’. He looked at Wiersma when he said that and the Dutchman clearly knew his adversary was playing mind games. For a significant part of the press conference, the two Nedbank Running Club athletes had not really looked at each other – although Dijana intermittently smiled when Wiersma spoke about his readiness and ‘being in the best shape’ of his life. Given the tough nature and the unpredictability…

The cities of Northampton and York may be oceans apart from Antananarivo, but for the Springbok Women, their arrival in Madagascar's capital for the Rugby Africa Women's Cup is all part of the journey to destination Rugby World Cup in England in August and September. For the coaching staff, it is all about consistency – not only on the field, but off it as well – in order to do justice to the well-planned structure of their 2025 season, something Springbok Women assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said is very important. “We are building a spine, so consistency is key to our performance and theme,” Nhleko said soon after the team touched down in Madagascar. South Africa kick off their campaign against Uganda on Saturday and Nhleko and fellow coach Franzel…

According to the OECD survey economic output grew by 0.7% annually in the past ten years South Africa’s economy remains under significant strain, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth lagging behind population increases over the past decade. According to the OECD Economic Survey: South Africa 2025, economic output grew by a mere 0.7% annually in the past ten years. This slow pace resulted in stagnating or declining GDP per capita, further deepening the country’s entrenched unemployment and inequality. The OECD warned that “economic growth has averaged only 0.7% per year over the past decade, below that of the population,” a key factor in the country’s deteriorating living standards. Public debt, which stood at 31.5% of GDP in 2010, is projected to balloon to 77% by 2025, increasing debt servicing costs…

Turkish mobile network operator, Turkcel, is set to oppose MTN’s bid in the Constitutional Court to appeal a recent ruling that will allow allegations of bribery against MTN to be heard in South Africa. MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, approached the Constitutional Court arguing that South Africa doesn’t have jurisdiction to hear legal bids over alleged corruption in Iran, and the matter should be heard there. In April, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) allowed Turkcell to present evidence alleging MTN committed bribery and corruption to overturn an Iranian GSM licence award. The SCA ruling marked the first time a South African court determined whether misconduct allegations abroad could be heard locally. On Thursday, Turkcell said it was opposing MTN’s application to the Constitutional Court. In a statement, it…

A medical report does not automatically qualify an employee for disability insurance, according to the National Financial Ombud Scheme of South Africa (NFO). It said, while medical reports serve as key evidence, the employer’s medical boarding policy may differ significantly from the criteria used by insurers to determine eligibility for disability benefits. The (NFO) describes itself as a single, one-stop, dispute resolution service made up of four former longstanding industry ombud schemes: the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance, the Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance; the Credit Ombud and Ombudsman for Banking Services. Services are provided free of charge. According to the NFO, medical evidence forms part of a broader application process that assesses the nature and extent of the disability, as well as the individual’s ability to perform their duties, whether in…

Jubilee Metals, a diversified metals producer with operations in South Africa and Zambia, has received a conditional binding offer from a private mining and metals trading company to acquire the group’s chrome and platinum group metals (PGM) operations in South Africa for a consideration of up to $90 million (R1.6 billion). The shares leapt 4.17% to R1.00 on Thursday morning on the JSE as investors welcomed the news. The offer allows Jubilee to sharpen its focus on expanding its copper strategy in Zambia while retaining exposure to the PGM market through its Tjate Platinum mining project. Under the terms of the offer, Jubilee will retain all current rights to the Tjate Platinum mining project offering Jubilee continued exposure to the potential upside of the PGM market, while focusing to further…

in May, outpacing equity and bond markets The South African REIT sector continued its upward trajectory in May, posting a 4.1% gain, once again outperforming the equity market returns of 3.1% and the 2.7% rise in bonds, said Ian Anderson, Head of Listed Property and Portfolio Manager at Merchant West Investments. Anderson, compiler of the SA REIT Association’s monthly Chart Book, attributed the sector’s improving sentiment to expectations of lower interest rates in South Africa, a small reprieve in global tariff tensions, and growing evidence that property fundamentals are strengthening. “These trends set the stage for higher distributable earnings growth across the sector in 2025 and 2026,” said Anderson. The REIT sector gain in May builds on April’s 6.9% surge, bringing the sector’s year-to-date return to 6.7% - a recovery…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is facing a crisis of credibility, with a string of failed cases and allegations of incompetence and corruption. The recent decision by the Free State High Court to withdraw charges against Moroadi Cholota, the former assistant to former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, has highlighted the NPA's struggles. According to legal experts and political commentators, the NPA’s challenges are deep-seated and multifaceted. According to Richard Spoor, a human rights attorney who takes on complex legal cases, the NPA’s problems are rooted in a lack of leadership, inadequate resources, and a failure to retain skilled personnel. In the Cholota case, the NPA failed to follow the correct procedure for extraditing her from the US, leading to the charges being withdrawn. In other cases, such as the…

Condolences poured in for acclaimed photographer, cultural activist and jazz visionary Rashid Lombard, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones. In 1997, Rashid founded espAfrika, the events management company behind one of his most enduring legacies — the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014. After stepping away from the festival, Rashid took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife, Colleen. President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Lombard, saying that the country has lost a cultural icon “who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right”. “Rashid Lombard’s fearless depiction of apartheid’s endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate…

More than a year after a devastating flash flood lashed Margate, the "gem" of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, many local businesses still face an uphill battle in their recovery. The floods of April 2024, which claimed five lives and devastated numerous homes and businesses, have left scars that are still evident throughout the town. Gary Wridgway, who owned a mini golf business called The Duck and Putt in Margate, said his business was a success before the floods destroyed everything. “When the floods came, I lost everything in my business. My ducks and geese that I had as an attraction were scattered all across the Margate area. Fortunately, they were all recovered. The concrete slabs for the mini golf were all ripped up and broken,” he said. Following the incident,…

As South Africa gears up for its upcoming international fixtures, national team coach Hugo Broos is setting the stage for Bafana Bafana to evolve beyond the reliance on Mamelodi Sundowns stars. For almost a decade, Sundowns have formed the backbone of the national team, but they are unavailable due to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. This will allow Broos to run the rule over new players, starting with today’s friendly against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane (kick-off at 7.30pm). Broos has a second chance next Tuesday to cultivate a more diverse talent pool that reflects the rich tapestry of footballing capabilities across the nation. Bafana will host Mozambique next Tuesday evening at the same venue. Broos, who took the reins of Bafana in 2021, has been…

As the dust settles on a dramatic Betway Premiership season, it's time to take stock of how each club fared — from those who soared against the odds to others who stumbled despite high hopes. Herman Gibbs and Obakeng Meletse reflect on the campaigns of clubs that finished from eighth ninth, unpacking their highs, lows, key figures and what the future may hold. 8th | Richards Bay FC Rewarded for their hard yards The Natal Rich Boys were the surprise package among the top eight teams, securing their spot with the final kick of the season after spending much of the campaign battling relegation. Their troubles began under Brandon Truter, whose departure left the club in urgent need of a turnaround as they were staring at a second consecutive season…

Sasol has “optimised” its decarbonisation strategy to 2030, but there remain unanswered questions about whether the fuel-from-coal and chemicals group will be able to meet its 2030 emissions targets given its slow pace so far and plans to increase production. This was according to shareholder activist organisation Just Share, which said Sasol’s Capital Market Day last week had raised some serious questions about how Sasol, which generates about 10% of South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), will meet its 2030, 30% emission reduction target with its revised Emission Reduction Roadmap (ERR). Sasol said in response to BR questions on this issue that the new ERR has been carefully designed to meet the 2030 target, while unlocking value, offering optionality, and transforming the group’s asset base. “It supports Secunda’s evolution into…

Hedge funds often occupy a paradoxical space in investors’ minds: widely discussed, poorly understood. The appeal of hedge funds is well established - diversification, agility, consistent risk-adjusted returns, and greater flexibility. However, the path to accessing these benefits is far less straightforward. In an environment shaped by volatility, shifting market regimes, and rapid structural change, the central question is no longer why hedge funds, but how to identify the strategies best positioned to perform. With increased regulation and transparency over time, the hedge fund industry has evolved into one that offers investors a range of strategies and structures tailored to varying preferences, risk appetites, and objectives. Long/short Equity Long/short equity strategies are designed with two core objectives in mind: enhancing alpha and managing beta. By going long on undervalued stocks…

Determining your income needs is essential to a financially secure retirement. Underestimating your expenses could lead to cash flow shortfalls, while overestimating could unnecessarily limit your lifestyle. Establish a realistic baseline: while general guidelines suggest your retirement income should be between 70% and 80% of your pre-retirement earnings, be aware that individual factors such as debt, savings rates, and insurance costs can significantly influence this figure. Carefully analyse your current spending habits and desired lifestyle to create a practical budget for retirement. Deduct current investment contributions: upon retirement, you’ll transition from contributing to your investments to drawing from them. With this in mind, remember to exclude your current retirement contributions from your projected retirement expenses. This adjustment can substantially affect your retirement budget, especially if you start investing later in…

Impala Platinum (Implats) has suspended a strike action by employees under the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) ongoing on issues related to an employee share ownership trust as the parties remain locked in negotiations. The strike action, initially slated for June 6, 2025, would have affected the company’s Rustenburg operations. In a notice to strike served on Implats, Amcu informed Implats “of the protected strike action” that will take place across all the Impala Platinum Limited Operations. “The strike will commence on Friday, 06 June 2025, starting with the afternoon shift as well as all other shifts thereafter. All AMCU members working at Impala Rustenburg across all your Impala Rustenburg Operations will participate in this protected strike action. The last shift will report on duty on Friday, 06…

After almost a month of waiting, DNA tests have confirmed that the remains that were found in Rust De Winter, Gauteng, belong to murdered community radio journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. The couple vanished mysteriously on February 18, 2025. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased. National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola previously said the area where the remains were found was pointed out by one of the arrested suspects. “We then searched the area and found the remains. We did not take ourselves there, they (the suspect) did take us," he said at the time. Meanwhile, seven suspects arrested in this case are currently appearing before the KwaMhlanga…

“We have always said that the conduct of the State was unlawful and unfair.” This was a comment made by Piet Tibane, attorney for Moroadi Cholota, Ace Magashule's former personal assistant, who won her legal battle in the R255 million Free State Asbestos case. The court recently ruled that Cholota's extradition from the US was unlawful. The 37-year-old was arrested in the US in April 2024, where she was kept in police custody and extradited to South Africa in August 2024. She was charged with fraud and corruption in the R255m Free State asbestos roofing case. The final year political science student was kept in police custody for seven days and released on R2 500 bail in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court in August 2024. Shortly after being released on bail,…

As June 3 marked a year since a tornado devastated oThongathi (Tongaat), the Naidoo Road Civic Association (NRCA) will hold a post-tornado ceremony and peace prayer over the weekend. The association extended an invitation to the event to community members, partners, and well-wishers. NRCA chairperson Suresh Ramsahai said, “In the aftermath of the recent tornado, our community has shown immense resilience, solidarity, and compassion. This event is an opportunity to come together in peace, reflect on our shared journey, and extend sincere thanks to those who supported and uplifted us during difficult times.” He said that as a gesture of appreciation, the NRCA will present certificates of gratitude to individuals and organisations that played a significant role in aiding the community’s recovery. “Let us stand together in peace, reflection, and…

A Cape Town dealership, Millstock Cars was successful in a matter before the National Consumer Tribunal where it had contested a ruling by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) that ordered it to refund over R269,000 to a customer for repairs to be made to a faulty Ferrari. The issue began when Mychajlo Jevon Gambale purchased a used Ferrari for over R3.6 million in April 2021. However, just five months after the purchase, the car displayed a warning light and Gambale promptly notified Millstock Cars, and the vehicle was diagnosed at Ferrari Cape Town with a faulty temperature sensor, requiring replacement at a cost exceeding R53 000. Initially, the dealership argued that the car was sold "voetstoots" (as is), thus denying liability for the sensor replacement. However, after negotiations, Millstock agreed…

2025 has been a year where many teams have broken their trophy droughts, and the South African batter Aiden Markram said he is hoping the Proteas continue this trend when they take on Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final, starting at Lord’s on June 11. In the sporting world, cricket teams like Hobart Hurricanes and Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their BBL and IPL trophies for the first time. In football, Paris Saint Germain, Crystal Palace, Bologna FC, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United FC also broke their long trophy droughts. All of this serves as a good omen for the South African team, who haven’t won any major senior men’s silverware in cricket. "(There's) not much chat along those lines in terms of watching the other events, but hopefully…

FRESH FROM successfully defending his WBC Bridgerweight title, Kevin Lerena trades the gloves for a suit this month in his role as promoter when his Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosts Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre. The fledgling promotions company has been steadily carving out a new lane for local boxing, one that respects tradition but demands excellence. And this latest offering on June 21 speaks to exactly that. To be headlined by the fast-improving Boyd Allen, whose switch from Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) to boxing has been phenomenal, the eight-fight bill promises to be a thrilling affair. Allen, a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar takes on Botswana’s undefeated Kagiso Bagwasi with the IBO All Africa Super Welterweight title at stake. It is a fight that excites Lerena: “This…

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Roger Federer. It was a big moment for me, as I have always admired the Swiss tennis maestro, and on a list of top sporting heroes, he surely would be among my leading considerations. For years, rather tongue-in-cheek, I have claimed him as a South African, due to his ties to this country through his mother. Over many matches before his retirement, I watched his skills and talents in awe, and have even received a threat or two from those who supported his opponents, due to a sense of humour failure and a lack of comprehensive reading on their part. I had known for weeks that I would get to meet the 20-time Grand Slam winner, so I had plenty of time to…