Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-31 i Mercury

Sanlam Investments this week launched the Property Impact Fund, an innovative equity investment vehicle that integrates sustainability and inclusion to meet South Africa’s critical infrastructure needs. The fund focuses on delivering property facilities in the form affordable housing, student accommodation, rural and township retail, education and healthcare: sectors vital to the country’s “missing middle,” including teachers, nurses, police officers and entry-level professionals who make up 23-30% of the population. Kamogelo Leeuw, a portfolio manager at Sanlam Investments, said the fund targets an investable opportunity set of over R2.9 trillion in impact-driven property assets. “Investing in infrastructure is a way to nurture a community’s potential. These infrastructure projects attract businesses, create jobs and fuels growth.” “For example, there is a dire shortage of student accommodation, which is affordable, safe and…

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed on Thursday to calm the trade war between China and the United States that has roiled global markets, with Washington cutting some tariffs and Beijing committing to keep supplies of critical rare earths flowing. Trump called his first meeting with Xi in six years a “great success”, while the Chinese leader said the two reached an “important consensus” towards solving the fight between the world’s two top economies. “I thought it was an amazing meeting,” Trump said after the talks in Busan, South Korea, praising Xi as a “tremendous leader of a very powerful country” and saying he would visit China in April. Trump added that the deal included China immediately buying “tremendous amounts of soybeans and other farm products”, a key issue for…

South Africa’s producer price inflation (PPI) for final manufactured goods edged slightly higher in September, rising to 2.3% year-on-year from 2.1% in August, according to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday. Economists say the marginal increase is not a sign of inflationary pressure and remains comfortably below the consumer inflation rate. Stats SA said the PPI eased 0.1% month-on-month, with the main positive contributors to the annual inflation rate being food products, beverages and tobacco, which rose 3.8%. The main drag on the monthly rate came from coke, petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products, which fell 0.6%. Stats SA also noted a strong increase in intermediate manufactured goods, which rose 7.6% year-on-year, up from 6.5% in August, while mining PPI jumped to 16% from 8.5% in…

Dis-Chem has outlined a string of ambitious initiatives for its 2026 financial year and beyond, including opening 32 new stores, the launch of a “Store of the Future Concept” early in 2027, and a new mobile app midyear. Other initiatives include expansion to reach the 137 000 square metre retail space target, refinement of its promotional mechanisms aligned with the recently launched Better Rewards loyalty programme; and deepening customer engagement through data-driven insights and partnerships, including the Capitec collaboration. These plans were outlined in the JSE-listed pharmacy retail chain’s results for the six months to August 31 that were released Thursday. Group revenue increased by 8.7% to R21.3 billion and headline earnings per share increased by 9% to 73.8 cents. “We identified eight areas of focus to deliver sustainable shareholder…

Datatec, the global provider of ICT solutions and services, has reported a striking 109.5% increase in headline earnings per share for the six months to August 31 after enhancing profit in its Westcon division and evolving its recurring software and services portfolio. This culminated in an interim dividend that more than doubled to 10 US cents from 4 US cents at the same time last year. Datatec's share price let off some steam falling by 0.93% to R40.36 Thursday afternoon, but the price is more than 70% higher than a year ago. More than 70% of sales now originate from software and services. Although gross invoiced income remained flat at $260.9 million, the Westcon International division experienced a boost, with invoiced income climbing 9.8% to $2.7 billion. This expansion was…

THE KWAZULU-NATAL ATHLETICS (KZNA) body is sounding the alarm over the future of athletics in the province, revealing that several stadiums that should be at the forefront of athletics development are not licensed to do so because of their poor condition. Among the stadiums is the Kings Park Athletics track, Chatsworth Stadium in Durban, the Msunduzi stadium, Ulundi stadium, and Richards Bay stadium. The organisation expressed concern that athletics is being treated as “the poor cousin” of other sporting codes and is being neglected. This issue surfaced amid concerns regarding the maintenance of the stadiums in the province. A video emerged recently showing “poor maintenance” of the Msunduzi Municipality’s Harry Gwala football stadium. A source in athletics bemoaned the state of the Kings Park athletics stadium, stating, “If you…

The 2025 graduation ceremony for the International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) was a celebration not only of academic success, but of intellect, faith, and human purpose. Families, scholars, and leaders gathered under one roof to honour those who came to witness the beginning of a new generation’s journey into a world demanding wisdom, integrity, and innovation. Professor Muhammad Haron, a respected scholar and long-standing academic mentor at IPSA, reminded graduates that education carries a sacred responsibility. He urged them to “let knowledge serve as light, not pride and to anchor learning in humility and community.” His words echoed the central theme of the day: that intellectual achievement is most meaningful when joined with moral purpose. The graduation ceremony’s commencement speech and keynote address were delivered by Dr Iqbal Survé,…

KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has said “police will be out in full force” during the coming festive season safety operations, and officers “will not negotiate with law breakers”. He was speaking during the launch of the integrated festive season safety plan yesterday at the Amphitheatre Gardens in Durban. According to the KwaZulu-Natal police, the plan, whose special operations kicked off on October 15, signals the coming together of various law enforcement operations to ensure a safe and secure festive season. He said while many holidaymakers came home to spend time with their families and for celebrations, others go back to their rural homes “to settle scores”. “We have those who come to the province for ulterior motives. During the year, some people will hold grudges; some…

For South Africans, a car is more than a convenience; it’s a lifeline. For many, it’s how we get to work, take children to school, or keep small businesses running, especially with public transport often falling short. Yet, misconceptions about vehicle servicing and maintenance can put drivers, passengers, as well as other road users at risk. With South Africa’s horrendous road statistics and the holiday season beckoning, the National Automobile Dealers’ Association has come up with the most common car-servicing myths and the truth behind them to keep our roads safer and mobility more reliable. Five myths busted 1: “I don’t need to service my car once the warranty ends.” Myth buster: Regular servicing is essential for safety, reliability, and resale value. NADA insight: Keeping up with maintenance protects both…

Few know Japanese club rugby better than Damian de Allende, and the seasoned Springbok centre has warned that the Boks should not expect a walk in the park when they face Japan at Wembley Stadium tomorrow. The 33-year-old midfielder, currently in his third stint in Japan, has built an intimate understanding of the country’s rugby culture. After his first spell with the Kintetsu Liners between 2015 and 2017, De Allende joined the Wild Knights in 2019 before moving to Ireland to play for Munster. He returned to Japan in 2022 to rejoin the Wild Knights, where he remains a key figure. Speaking from London ahead of the Boks’ November tour opener, De Allende said he is looking forward to facing some familiar faces — including several of his Wild Knights…

Year-to-date, gold demand rose to 3 717 tons, up 1% from 2024, with the value soaring 41% to $384bn Global gold demand surged to its highest level on record in the third quarter of 2025, fuelled by a powerful mix of investor fear, geopolitical tensions, and a weakening US dollar, according to the World Gold Council’s (WGC) Q3 2025 Gold Demand Trends report. According to the WGC on Thursday, total demand, including over-the-counter (OTC) trading, climbed 3% year-on-year to 1 313 tons, worth an unprecedented $146 billion, marking the strongest quarter ever recorded. Year-to-date, gold demand rose to 3 717 tons, up 1% from 2024, with the value soaring 41% to $384bn. Investment was the key driver, accounting for 55% of total demand. Investors added 537 tons in the third…

Across southern Africa, thousands of kilometres of Cape gauge railway lines run through bustling cities, between green valleys, and alongside grassy savannahs. A reminder left of rail’s dominance a few decades ago, the picture looks very different today. Many of these railway lines are underutilised or abandoned, with over 30% of Africa’s rail infrastructure currently inoperable. With trade volumes projected to grow significantly, the urgency to revitalize rail infrastructure is clear. Availability is another stumbling block for the continent’s rail sector. Most African countries average only three kilometres per 1 000 square kilometres compared to high railway density countries such as those in Europe, with 400 kilometres per 1 000 square kilometres. This shortage of built railway lines further exacerbates the impact of inoperable rail lines. Out of necessity, Africa’s…

The process of offshore investing seems intimidating to many people, but the reality is far less complex than it seems. In an increasingly globalised economy, South Africans are turning to offshore investments to increase their earning potential, while diversifying their portfolios and hedging against domestic economic risks. However, many investors remain underexposed to foreign markets. It is key to distinguish between the psychological pitfalls of investing offshore and the fundamental truths and characteristics of global investing. We hope that by giving an informed perspective, we can help investors stay focused on the long-term potential rather than the short-term noise. With a balanced approach, it is possible to manage risk while capitalising on the unique opportunities of global jurisdictions. Human behaviour often proves to be a greater threat to wealth creation…

British oil and gas giant Shell on Thursday said its net profit rose 24 percent in the third quarter as trading margins and sales volumes improved, despite falling oil prices. Profit after tax jumped to $5.3 billion in the three months to the end of September, compared to $4.3bn one year earlier, Shell said in a statement. "Despite continued volatility, our strong delivery this quarter enables us to commence another $3.5 billion of (share) buybacks for the next three months," said chief executive Wael Sawan. Stripping out exceptional items, adjusted earnings fell nearly 10 percent but still exceeded market expectations. The company also reported a reduction in net debt from the previous quarter. Shell's profits had struggled in the first half of the year on lower oil and gas prices.…

Three weeks after schools reopened, many special schools in the province remain closed, with the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier committing to resolve the issues that have prevented special needs children from attending class. The South African National Association for Special Education (Sanase) in the province called for the closure of special schools because of operational challenges. Sanase highlighted lack of funding, support staff and learner transport as pressing issues. Last week, the Education Department announced the successful payment of Norms and Standards funding to special schools for the second quarter; however, 38 schools in the province remain closed. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli’s spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, said that Ntuli and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka met with Sanase leadership in Durban on Tuesday. In a recent interview, Sanase KZN revealed they…

Ratepayers in eThekwini have urged the municipality to address billing issues so that they can fully benefit from the Special Debt Relief Programme implemented by the city. The city introduced the debt relief programme a few months ago and extended it this week. Ish Prahladh, president of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association, welcomed the extension. He stated, “It will be a big relief for consumers, but a nagging question remains: have they sorted out their billing system, which is in chaos? Charges are astronomical and mostly incorrect." “Consumers may find relief but could still end up in greater debt due to incorrect charges. Firstly, the municipality must conduct monthly readings of water and electricity meters to ensure the billed amounts are correct. Additionally, consumers need to read their meters…

Our driver's epic journey from crashes to comebacks After seven thrilling rounds of the Toyota GR Cup, I’ve hung up my gloves and helmet. It was a bittersweet moment as I piloted my GR Yaris into the pits and switched it off for the last time at the Extreme Festival at Swartkops Raceway this past weekend. It was a weekend of highs and lows that included some fast times but also a crash into the tyres and a race-stopping red flag. The weekend would be a little different from the others, with us out first early in the morning for practice one, and we would also be qualifying on the same day. That meant four outings, well, turns out it was just two and a bit for me. Practice one…

Terrence Mashego and Durban City are fast becoming a match made in heaven, and that’s why the left-back is grateful to the club and coach Gavin Hunt for reviving his career. Mashego is enjoying a new lease on life at City, having been a colossal figure in Hunt’s team, who are eager to compete rather than merely make up the numbers in the top flight after their promotion last season. The 29-year-old Mashego had endured a tough few years before the light shone again on his career. He was sidelined at his parent club, Mamelodi Sundowns, due to stiff competition from Aubrey Modiba, Asekho Tiwani, and Divine Lunga. He also battled injuries at Sundowns, spending more time in the medical room than on the pitch. At City he has rediscovered…

Former Bulls coach Jake White has come out to bat for Sharks boss John Plumtree, who this week was informed that he would be replaced as head coach at the end of the current season. The 2007 World Cup-winning coach believes South African rugby has a flawed system that makes life very difficult for provincial coaches — particularly those whose squads are top-heavy with Springboks, as is the case with the Sharks. “What has happened with Plum is another red flag for me around a problem that is ultimately going to cost South African rugby, because the franchise level of the game is going to end up dying,” White told SuperSport. “I’m out of the system now, but I know well that you can’t juggle three competitions while there are…

South African rugby and the United Rugby Championship have enjoyed a protracted honeymoon over the last three years or so, but the disgraceful handling of the Jan-Hendrik Wessels affair has ended that. It is time for the heavyweight administrators of the game in this country to roll up their sleeves and demand justice after a disgraceful initial hearing into the allegation of genital grabbing was followed up by an appeal hearing that was emasculated — if you will pardon the expression — of any purpose to find the truth. They more or less covered up the findings of the first hearing. SA Rugby, the Bulls, and their financiers Patrice Motsepe and Johann Rupert, must take this farce to the Council for Arbitration in Sport, because a few simple facts remain…

Beefmaster Group, one of South Africa’s leading beef producers, has said that unlocking agricultural exports to Asia will be key to boosting the country’s agribusiness growth and creating new opportunities for farmers. Louw van Reenen, executive chairman of Beefmaster Group, said on Thursday that the company was encouraged by the positive outcomes of recent trade discussions held during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Vietnam and Malaysia, where the focus was on expanding South Africa’s market access across Southeast Asia. “Our industry is working hard to open these markets, and we’re making good progress. Together, they represent around 700 million people, with rising demand for quality protein products, and many more opportunities likely to follow once access is established,” he said. “Even securing one of these markets would be a…

Two weeks ago, Bafana Bafana made history. After a decisive 3-0 victory over Rwanda in Mbombela, South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — our first qualification through a full campaign since 2002, and our first appearance since we hosted the tournament in 2010. This is more than a sporting triumph. It’s a national moment — a chance to rekindle the spirit of 2010, when South Africa captured the world’s imagination as the most hospitable host in FIFA history. It’s a call to rebuild our sense of pride, unity, and possibility — and to use this qualification as a catalyst for national renewal. Remembering 2010 — and what it taught us When South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we didn’t just stage a tournament — we…

Exiting the greylist setting the tone for increased compliance efforts, also for non-compliant trustees Background The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced on 24 October 2025 that South Africa has been removed from the FATF greylist, also known as the “Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring” list. This follows the conclusion of the FATF Plenary meetings, held from October 22 to 24, 2025, in Paris, France. South Africa was added to the greylist in February 2023 after the FATF conducted a mutual evaluation in November 2019 and published its report in October 2021. The reason for our placement on the greylist was deficiencies in our anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) systems, including inadequate enforcement of laws. The FATF issued a comprehensive list of shortcomings and necessary remediations, which South Africa…

The JSE on Thursday said it proudly marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of its commodities market — a cornerstone of South Africa’s financial ecosystem and a vital engine of the country’s economic growth and development since 1994’s democratic elections. The JSE Commodity Derivatives Market (CDM) was officially launched in 1995, following the dawn of democracy and the freeing up of the agricultural markets with no control boards to set agricultural prices. Since its inception, the CDM has evolved into a dynamic platform that connects producers, traders, and investors across the globe, fostering transparency, price discovery, and resilience in the agricultural and financial sectors. Valdene Reddy, director: Capital Markets at the JSE, said, “The journey reflects a dynamic blend of financial innovation, regulatory foresight, market-driven adaptation…

Explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission has revealed that police top brass, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, allegedly received large amounts of money from businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Witness C, a member of the Gauteng counterintelligence operations unit, who was deployed from the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), told the commission yesterday that Matlala claimed he gave suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu R500 000 to fund his presidential campaign in the ANC. The witness said Matlala revealed that he had been funding police top brass on May 14, 2025, the day he was arrested for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Teboho Thobejane. He was denied bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, which found he posed a danger to society and may interfere with state witnesses. According to Witness…

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has revealed the South African Construction Action Plan (SACAP), a new framework to deal with delayed construction projects and restore accountability. Macpherson was joined by Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sifiso Mdakane, and Deputy Director-General: Construction Project Management, Batho Mokhothu, as he presented SACAP this week. “That plan, which we are unveiling today, is called the South African Construction Action Plan, or SACAP. It is a framework of collective and individual accountability, a plan that sets measurable targets, real timelines, and enforceable consequences,” Macpherson said. He said the launch of SACAP meant the “days are numbered for underperforming contractors”. SACAP aims to turn the department, both nationally and provincially, into economic delivery units, ensuring projects are completed on time…

The alleged gunmen in the daring murder of award-winning South African rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane are expected to return to SA after they abandoned the appeal against extradition. The two friends were gunned down in February 2023 at a Durban restaurant on Florida Road. Seven men are charged with the murders, with two in Eswatini. Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30; Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35; Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21; Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36; and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, 29, are scheduled for trial next July. Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave Ndimande, who are incarcerated in Eswatini have fought tooth and nail to avoid being extradited to SA since February 2024, when they were charged for the murders. However, the State stressed that the extradition of the two…

The Changan brand launches in South Africa this week, with the Alsvin sedan, the CS75 Pro SUV and the Hunter bakkie spearheading the initial line-up, but the excitement does not end there. Among other products, importer and distributor Jameel Motors South Africa also plans to enter the new energy vehicle space with the Deepal S07 electric crossover and the Hunter REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle). The Hunter REEV is due to hit South African showrooms in early November, and while final pricing has yet to be announced, a source has told IOL that we can expect it to come in below the R800 000 mark. This will be South Africa’s first range-extended electric bakkie, aiming to offer the best of both worlds thanks to a petrol-powered generator. So how does it…

Proteas wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock opened up to the media on Thursday about his reasons to reverse his retirement in white-ball cricket, citing that he missed the camaraderie of being a part of the Proteas team. De Kock made a shocking reversal of his retirement decision in white ball cricket last month, essentially availing himself for the Proteas in ODIs and T20Is effective immediately. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad brought him back into the squad for the first time during the once-off T20I against Namibia earlier this month. De Kock is currently with the Proteas T20I squad in Pakistan, competing in the three-match series - the Proteas are leading 1-0 after their 55-run victory in the first T20I in Rawalpindi earlier this week. For someone who is usually shy in…

Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits are among the most senior members of the Proteas side. Just one year separates them at 35 and 34 years old respectively. It would be fair to suggest that this on-going ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka would be the veterans last shot at the holy grail. After their embarrassing defeat in the opening game, when England routed the Proteas for 69 before strolling to a 10-wicket victory, the pair called an urgent meeting. “Kappie and I actually had this conversation, funny enough, in the bathroom straight after that England game. We both had this conversation and we were like, yes, we definitely don't want to go out like this,” Brits said. “I think in general, not just because it might be,…

Liverpool boss Arne Slot defended his decision to name a much-changed side after a 3-0 League Cup exit to Crystal Palace on Wednesday extended the Reds' miserable run. The Premier League champions have now lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, including their last four in the league. Slot made his priorities clear before kick-off by making 10 changes, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah left out of the squad completely. A youthful selection were easily picked off by Palace, who have now beaten Liverpool three times this season. Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the first half before Yeremy Pino added a third late on after Liverpool substitute Amara Nallo was sent off. "It's not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,"…