Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-17 i Mercury

Transnet and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) on Wednesday signed a 10-year contract for the transportation of manganese by rail from UMK’s mine in the Northern Cape to ports for export markets. Through the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 agreement, Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to manganese producers in South Africa for their export volumes. Transnet said the contract with UMK signifies the company’s confidence in Transnet’s ability to ensure efficient access to global markets. Transnet Group CEO, Michelle Phillips said, “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA programme. This agreement is a clear demonstration of our customers’ confidence in the efficiency and reliability of our services. It also bodes well for Transnet’s growth…

Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe on Wednesday revealed the urgent need for R1.7 billion to maintain capital adequacy, following a challenging 18 months in which the bank has already expended more than R500 million of its own revenue to sustain operations. Mbengashe underscored the bank’s necessity for R600m for direct operations, with the remainder serving as a guarantee in alignment with the South African Reserve Bank's (Sarb) regulatory requirements. "With the money we have made, we have spent more than R500m in the last 18 months to two years. We've been able to establish a new call centre, we've got visibility, we are partnering with retailers, we have built in new systems," she said. "We need a little bit more to build on that. The R1.7bn fulfills the sub-regulatory requirements to…

Civil society groups across South Africa are hailing the Department of Social Development's recent moves toward implementing a Basic Income Grant (BIG). This commitment comes on the heels of Minister Sisisi Tolashe's announcement during her Budget Vote speech last week, where she revealed plans to replace the temporary Social Relief of Distress (SRD) with a more lasting income support system. The Black Sash, a prominent human rights organisation, this week expressed its approval of the government's initiative. Black Sash said they have long advocated for a permanent income for those aged 18-59 with little to no income. “It's a bold and necessary step and for many South Africans living below the poverty line offering a much-needed glimmer of hope in deeply uncertain times,” it said. “We welcome the Minister’s announcement;…

In a growing business, your people are your greatest strength, but they can also be your biggest vulnerability if not managed properly. While more established companies have dedicated human resources (HR) departments, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often don’t have the same resources, which can lead to reactive decisions, high staff turnover and inconsistent performance. Fortunately, building a resilient and motivated workforce doesn’t require a big budget. It requires intention, consistency and a willingness to invest in your people in ways that make sense for the scale and culture of your business. Here are five best practices for small business owners looking to build a strong, stable and engaged team. Start with clarity and consistency One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is hiring people without clear roles…

The BankservAfrica Economic Transactions Index (BETI) improved for a second consecutive month in June, indicating a more optimistic outlook for economic performance in the second quarter. The index, which measures the value of all electronic transactions cleared through BankservAfrica's automated clearinghouse on a monthly basis, increased in June to an index level of 139.1, representing a 0.4% monthly growth and a second month of recovery. Shergeran Naidoo, BankservAfrica Head of Stakeholder Engagements, said the improved BETI signals a positive shift in overall economic activity in the second quarter, which could also be reflected in a favourable GDP outcome set to be published by Stats SA in early September. “The uptick in the BETI in June is welcomed, especially given that the economy started 2023 on the back foot, with quarterly…

It’s often described in a light-hearted manner – the 5pm glass of wine that occasionally morphs into a bottle or the clandestine sips taken behind pantry doors. But a deeper, more troubling reality lurks within what has been termed the “wine o’clock culture”. Recent observations and international documentaries highlight a distressing trend: women aged 40 to 60 are turning to alcohol at rates exceeding those of their male counterparts, and in many cases, they are drinking more than ever before. The underlying motivations for this surge in alcohol consumption differ vastly from conventional perceptions of partying or casual relaxation. Kerry Rudman, the founder of Brain Harmonics, stresses that for many women, this is not simply about socialising or indulgence – it’s about survival. “We’re seeing an increase in alcohol use…

A cellphone found in the possession of an inmate serving a 15-year jail sentence for murder — containing pictures of prison officials as well as communications with them — has cost him dearly, as he is now locked up in C-Max Prison, in solitary confinement-like conditions. Rotondwa Raliphaswa turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, for an urgent order that he must be removed from this maximum security prison, as his rights to humane treatment are being violated. Raliphaswa was transferred to the C-Max Kgosi Mampuru Prison from the ODI Correctional Services Facility in January this year. This was after prison officials, during a routine raid on the cells, found the phone in his possession. He was initially moved to the C Section of the ODI Correctional Centre and detained…

thami.magubane@inl.co.za The legal battle between ActionSA and the eThekwini Municipality over the municipality's failure to address sewage pollution is set to commence at the Durban High Court next week. The case will be heard on July 24 and 25. ActionSA said it was pleased that the matter is finally before the courts and was looking forward to the opportunity to fight this long-overdue battle on behalf of all residents of eThekwini. In a statement, the party said, “Following long-term failures to resolve its sewage crisis, ActionSA filed papers in 2022 against eThekwini Municipality, citing violations of the constitutionally enshrined rights of eThekwini residents to a safe and clean environment and their right to economic development." ActionSA said the sewage crisis has profoundly impacted the city, leading to the frequent closure…

On the wall of my home office – past the cluttered table, a mess of papers full of stats and books on sport – hangs a poster I designed for The Star in 2017. It never saw the light of day. Although it was submitted to the Lions Rugby Union for consideration and use in their stadium, a simple error on our part – using “Ellis Park” instead of “Emirates Airline Park” – denied its presence at the Super Rugby final between the Joburgers and the Crusaders that day. Its message was straightforward – one that recalled a glorious era in Lions history. “Ackers, thanks for the memories,” it read, with a smiling image of Johan Ackermann in the corner and the text flowing around him on a field of…

In the one corner, there was Lord’s. Splendid in all its regality. A full house on the fifth day enjoying a spectacle rivalled only by events at the very same ground just a few weeks earlier, when the Proteas lifted the Test mace in spectacular fashion. All three results were still possible, with both England and India teetering on the edge. The tension was palpable – sledging, swearing, and high-stakes cricket captivating a global audience. Over 7 500km away, in far-off Jamaica, two other teams were slogging through the motions at a near-deserted Sabina Park. Not too long ago, the Frank Worrell Trophy – contested by the West Indies and Australia – was one of the most sought-after titles in world cricket. Thousands would cram into the George Headley Stand,…

Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen claimed a stunning victory on Stage 11 of the Tour de France on Wednesday, outwitting the sprinters to win in Toulouse, while defending champion Tadej Pogacar emerged largely unscathed after a late crash. Abrahamsen, who fractured his collarbone just two weeks before the start of the Tour, was part of a long-range breakaway and held off Swiss rider Mauro Schmid in a tactical final dash. Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel took third, seven seconds adrift. “I like to have pain in my legs – I’ve been like this since I was 15,” said the 28-year-old Uno-X rider, who also earned the combativity award for his relentless effort. “Thanks to the team who did everything to get me ready in time. They’re very good people, and I’ve been…

Former finance minister Trevor Manuel has issued a stark warning regarding the pervasive debt challenges facing the African continent. Speaking at the G20 Finance Track meetings on Wednesday, Manuel underscored how burgeoning debt service costs were stifling essential development expenditures, particularly in health and education. Manuel said this usually happened in circumstances where countries have not borrowed more, but the interest rate burden has increased very rapidly. “Debt squeezes out development. It impoverishes countries, actually. It’s the only thing that is really shared by people,” he said. “The expert panel has made 11 recommendations to deal with debt going forward. We need to develop a handle on debt. Part of dealing with debt is also understanding the cost of capital. And there are elements of the cost of capital that…

in the second quarter - Anchor Capital JSE-listed equities continued their upward trajectory in in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), Nolan Wapenaar and Peter Armitage, Chief Investment Officers at Anchor Capital, said on Wednesday. Following on from a strong opening quarter, JSE-listed equities continued their upward trajectory to end 2Q25 up another 9.7%. Year to date, the FSE/JSE Capped Swix has risen by 16.1%, and the MSCI South Africa Index is up 30.3% (in US dollar terms). This puts the JSE as a standout performer in global equities year to date and over the past 12 months. "In April, we were still digesting the double threat of the GNU (Government of National Unity) failing and the Trump administration imposing growth-crippling tariffs across the globe. These factors were primarily to…

As South Africa grapples with a continued weak economic outlook, a noteworthy shift is occurring in the residential property market. The Seeff Property Group has reported that fewer consumers are looking to buy homes, a trend echoed by the latest findings from the PayProp Rental Index. The Index reveals that the residential rental market in South Africa has kicked off 2025 with extraordinary momentum, recording an uptick of 5.6%, the highest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2017. The robust growth was underscored by pushing the average rent to R9 132 across the nation. Notably, February alone saw a year-on-year rental increase of 6%, marking the most significant monthly growth recorded since August 2017. This surge comes against a backdrop of improving inflation conditions—Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation fell…

Africa is brimming with youthful energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, a new generation of entrepreneurs is stepping up to build businesses that solve local problems, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth. These young innovators are not just the future of the continent, they’re already shaping it. But while passion and purpose fuel the journey, succeeding in business takes more than just a great idea. Many young entrepreneurs face real challenges like limited access to funding, navigating complex regulations, and balancing business demands with personal responsibilities. Developing strong skills in financial management, adaptability, and building meaningful connections can help overcome these hurdles and set the stage for lasting success. Whether you're launching your first side hustle, scaling an existing venture, or just exploring…

Mpact’s headline earnings a share (HEPS) from continuing operations will likely decline between 28% and 18.2% in the six months to June 30, even though revenue should increase by about 3%. The JSE-listed paper and plastics packaging group said in a trading statement on Wednesday that HEPS is expected to be between 88 and 100 cents per share, compared with 122.2 cents at the same time last year, in a persistently challenging trading environment. The group said uncertainty in local and global markets had contributed to poor business sentiment, despite that lower interest rates and lower inflation, and consumer demand remained weak. The detailed half-year results are expected to be released around August 4, 2025. Mpact directors said, however, they were making “good progress” on development projects that focus on…

South Africa is the custodian of more than 80% of the continent’s white rhino population, which is at risk from poaching and a dwindling population. To deal with this challenge, Dr Dion George, MP and minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), launched the Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch this week. The campaign, one of South Africa’s G20 Legacy Projects, aims to rebuild the white rhino population in the Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2 000 to 12 000 within the next decade. Annual statistics revealed that 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa by June 2025, a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024. In KNP, 11 rhinos were killed in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in…

South African domestic airline FlySafair has announced schedule changes as a precautionary measure in light of "ongoing labour discussions". The airline said in a statement on its website that the changes will affect selected flights departing between July 22 and 28. The announcement comes after it was reported yesterday that talks between trade union Solidarity and FlySafair regarding salary negotiations for pilots had reached an impasse. In their statement, the airline said affected customers would be notified of the changes. "Customers whose flight times have been affected will be contacted using the contact details provided at the time of booking. Customers are also encouraged to check the status of their bookings or make changes at no additional cost to more convenient alternative flights via the Manage Booking portal on the…

In a world choking on crisis and crippled by false messiahs, principled leadership has become the rarest currency. Dr Iqbal Survé is not a politician, nor does he play to galleries. He is a product of the Struggle, a doctor of the people, and one of the few post-apartheid figures who understood early that freedom without economic justice is a betrayal. In an era where ego masquerades as leadership, Dr Survé represents something dangerously uncommon, clarity of purpose, moral courage, and the spine to act when it matters most. South Africa, like much of the world, is trapped in a leadership vacuum, where opportunism has replaced vision, and moral conviction has been traded for political convenience and infighting, staggering youth unemployment, and a stalled economy have bled South Africa of…

The Open returns to Royal Portrush this week as the world's top golfers descend on Northern Ireland, all with eyes on the Claret Jug. We take a look at five of the main contenders to win the 153rd edition of golf's oldest Major: Scottie Scheffler (US) World ranking: 1 The Open best: Tied seventh (2024) The World No 1 is the pre-tournament favourite after rediscovering the form that brought him a staggering nine titles last season. Scheffler has not finished outside the top 10 at any event since the Players Championship in March. He lifted his third Major title with victory at the PGA Championship and has won two other PGA Tour events this year. His record at The Open is weaker than at the other Majors, but he showed…

WHEN Banyana Banyana scored four unanswered goals against Mali in their final Group C match of the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on Monday, the world of football surely felt that the team that they have come to know had finally arrived in Morocco but coach Desiree Ellis was more impressed by veteran defender Lebogang Ramalepe. The 33-year-old went away with a Player of the match award after two assists and a goal in Oudja to send the defending champions to the quarter-finals against Senegal on Saturday. That match will also be played at 9pm after the match between Algeria and Ghana at 6pm. Ramalepe, one of the legends of Banyana and South African women’s football with over 100 caps for the national team, has played all three…

Flank Rob Valetini has resumed training in a big boost for Australia ahead of the first Test against the British and Irish Lions, with assistant coach Geoff Parling said yesterday "very hopeful" the dynamic forward will be fit. The Brumbies stalwart -- arguably Australia's best player -- has been battling a hamstring issue and missed their warm-up clash against Fiji this month. But Englishman Parling -- who played for the Lions on their last tour of Australia in 2013 -- said the backrower was making progress and could feature if he passes a fitness final test. “Rob trained (on Tuesday). He's a quality player like everyone knows and we're very hopeful he'll be available for selection," said Parling, who will depart the Wallabies to become Leicester Tigers head coach once…

As the sun rises over Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, South African golfer Dylan Naidoo is making his final preparations to tee off in his inaugural major tournament at the 153rd Open Championship. The excitement is palpable as the 27-year-old Gauteng-born golfer steps onto the hallowed grounds of golf’s oldest championship, where he earned his spot following a stunning victory at the SA Investec Open earlier this year. Naidoo clinched his entry into the Open with a dramatic finish at the Durban Country Club, where he displayed remarkable composure on a soaked course to secure his win. His manager, Anders Davidsson, spoke to Independent Media from Ireland, sharing insights into the Naidoo's frame of mind and the electric atmosphere surrounding him. “I’ve been here with Dylan since we arrived and…

Eskom executive says utility’s power stations may struggle to meet emissions standards South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has openly acknowledged significant hurdles in achieving the ambitious decommissioning targets set for the Just Energy Transition (JET) by 2030. During a presentation to Parliament on Wednesday, Eskom’s head of generation Bheki Nxumalo revealed that the utility’s existing power stations may struggle to meet the crucial emissions standards due to insufficient technology designed to curb nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx). “The emissions standards post-2030 call for reduction much more aggressively. That’s where the risks are because stations have different technologies. We are now on a drive for emissions abatement technologies post-2030 but its not all of them that will be ready, including Medupi,” Nxumalo said in response to questions from MK…

The South African retail landscape appears to be on a positive trajectory, buoyed by significantly low consumer inflation, the availability of disposable income from Two-Pot retirement withdrawals, and a notable decrease in fuel prices. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that the retail sector continued to strengthen in May, with sales increasing by 4.2% year-on-year following an upwardly revised 5.2% advance in April. Raquel Floris, deputy director for distributive trade statistics at Stats SA, said six of the seven retail groups recorded a positive month, largely driven by textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods. “Textiles and clothing and general dealers continued to shine, with textiles and clothing increasing by 12.5% and general dealers by 3.6% year-on-year,” Floris said. “Together, the two groups pushed overall growth higher…

Entrepreneurship in South Africa, particularly within its vibrant townships and sprawling rural areas, often gets spray painted with a smooth airbrush of unwavering resilience and boundless innovation. Rightly so, because the grit it takes to build a business from the ground up in these communities is nothing short of heroic, an audacious act of the KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Yet, beneath the inspirational headlines and promise of radical economic development, there's a solemn whisper, a silent groan, "Ooh, I'm done with this!" that often goes off in broad day light. It is a lament of the mind and soul where a friend once said, “I’m in pain, but I can’t identify the part of the body that is experiencing this excruciating agony”. This unforgiving pain has no medical remedy,…

Compagnie Financière Richemont SA increased sales 6% to €5.4 billion in the quarter to June 30, 2025, the Switzerland and JSE-listed luxury goods group that trades under brands such as Cartier, Paige and Van Cleef & Arpels said Wednesday. The increase in the group first quarter sales was in spite of a volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical environment in many markets. The growth was led by double-digit increases in Europe, the Americas and Middle East & Africa, more than offsetting Japan’s sales decline against high prior-year comparatives. Sales in the Asia Pacific region remained stable. In Europe, sales grew by 11%, driven by robust demand from local clients and overall positive tourist spend, supported by successful jewellery events. Almost all main markets in the region saw an increase in sales this…

AngloGold Ashanti plans to acquire all of Canada-based gold exploration company Augusta Gold’s shares at a price of C$1.70 per share, or about R1.99 billion, in cash. The price, which implies an equity value for Augusta Gold of about C$152 million, or about $111m, represents a premium of about 28% to the closing price of Augusta Gold's shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on July 15, 2025, the day prior to the announcement of the deal. "We believe securing these properties will not only solidify our leading position in the most important new gold district in the US, but will also improve our ability to develop the region under an integrated plan – with more flexibility, greater access, better infrastructure sharing, and cohesive engagement with all stakeholders," said AngloGold Ashanti’s…

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy’s decision to dissolve the board of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has been welcomed by the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) and others. The RAF has faced financial and administrative instability in recent years, including the suspension of its CEO, Collins Letsoalo, due to alleged corruption and his failure to appear before Scopa. The entity, funded entirely by South African motorists through the fuel levy, has an annual revenue of over R50 billion. According to Creecy, the dissolution was necessitated by persistent governance and operational challenges at the RAF, which included protracted and costly litigation pursued by the RAF on what accounting standards the entity should use. Another matter raised was the inconsistent handling of the suspension of the CEO. Other reasons included…

A Cape Town police officer was dismissed from the South African Police Service (SAPS) after attempting to steal a trolley full of groceries from Woolworths. The officer, identified only as Warrant Officer GF Madeley stationed at the Nyanga Police Station, was arrested in January 2022 at Canal Walk shopping mall. According to a judgment in the Labour Court, Madeley entered the store with a trolley filled with empty bags, which he proceeded to fill with various items before attempting to exit without paying. Upon being stopped by store security, Madeley made a dash for the exit, a choice that ultimately led to his arrest. He was charged with misconduct and was further accused of theft and of tarnishing SAPS's reputation and bringing its name into disrepute. During a disciplinary hearing…

A political clash which may threaten the stability of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal is looming between the ANC and IFP. Parties have traded public blows over the IFP-led cabinet’s decision to place the ANC-led Umkhanyakude District Municipality in northern KZN under administration. Although the ANC’s three MECs were part of the meeting that approved the decision, the party provincial task team leadership has publicly rejected the cabinet decision and called on its deployees in the municipality to defy the order. On Monday, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi returned without introducing the appointed administrator Bamba Ndwandwe after he and his team were prevented from entering the municipality’s premises. The mayor and senior officials did not attend the meeting. In a statement released…

The Proteas’ failure to build partnerships cost them dearly as they slumped to a 21-run defeat to New Zealand in their second match of the T20I Tri-Series at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. Both teams were evenly matched at the halfway stage, but a 103-run sixth-wicket partnership between Tim Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs lifted the Black Caps to 173/5 from a precarious 74/5. In contrast, the Proteas lost wickets at regular intervals despite solid contributions from Dewald Brevis (35), George Linde (30), and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (27) to eventually be bowled out for 152 with 10 balls still remaining in their innings. "I thought it was gettable. It was a good pitch. We didn't get any rhythm going, really, with our batting, particularly early on in the batting department. I…

England captain Ben Stokes put his body on the line to inspire his side’s dramatic victory over India at Lord’s, according to teammate Joe Root. Stokes took five wickets, scored 77 runs and delivered a crucial run-out of Rishabh Pant in two innings of relentless effort from the all-rounder. Driven on by Stokes, England won the third Test by 22 runs on a pulsating final day to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Most remarkable of all was the workload that the injury-prone Stokes put his body through as he bowled 44 overs in total, including gruelling spells of 9.2 and 10 overs on the decisive final day. It was the most the 34-year-old has bowled in over six years and came after two severe hamstring injuries in…

IN a sporting world constantly chasing youth and energy, lawn bowls has often been overlooked—labelled as a pastime for retirees. But Firwood Bowling Club in Queensburgh is changing that narrative in all the right ways. Led by the forward-thinking Alta Joubert, the chief steward and events coordinator, Firwood is proving that bowls can be social, competitive and a whole lot of fun. With clubs worldwide struggling to grow and retain membership, Firwood’s strategy is refreshingly simple: make time at the club memorable. Their inaugural Christmas in July tournament did just that. The greens were full well ahead of the entry deadline, a sign of the club’s growing appeal. Big names from Port Natal Bowls turned up, ready to battle for bragging rights and generous prizes. The atmosphere was festive, thanks…

Liverpool are considering a sensational £120 million (about R2.82 billion) move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, despite the Magpies’ strong desire to retain the Swedish international, according to reports on Wednesday. While the Premier League champions are yet to make a formal approach, Isak is believed to be high on manager Arne Slot’s priority list as the Reds look to strengthen their attack following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota earlier this summer. Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63 million in 2022 and has since emerged as a key figure under Eddie Howe. He scored 23 Premier League goals last season, helping Newcastle qualify for the Uefa Champions League for the second time in three years. He also netted in the Magpies’ League Cup final victory over…