Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-04 i Mercury

The launch of Operation Vulindlela’s second quarter report last week was a reminder of the valuable work it does, but also of how much still must be done. To me, success is measured only when there is a real, tangible difference on the ground, changing the way we do business. By that standard, OV has delivered important wins, but critical work remains. There are clear successes in that respect. Most obvious is in electricity – the major development of renewable energy projects, Eskom’s return to profitability after eight years, and the 14,500MW of new energy production already registered with Nersa. The vast improvement in registration turnaround times to just 11 days has removed a major bottleneck that was holding back private investment. Visa reform is also a major tangible achievement.…

During a recent BG2 podcast conversation between OpenAI investor Brad Gerstner, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Gerstner asked Altman how a company with $13 billion in revenue justifies $1.4 trillion in commitments. Altman's bristling retort was telling: "Happy to find a buyer for your shares." Then Nadella re-iterated something instructive he’d previously surfaced under less scrutinised circumstances: Microsoft has NVIDIA GPUs sitting in racks that cannot be turned on because there is not enough energy to feed them. Turns out the constraint is not compute but power and data centre space. This matters for Africa because the bottleneck just moved. Africa's energy advantage I caught up recently with Ian Wambai on Tayo Akinyemi's recommendation. Akinyemi, who hosts The Trajectory Africa podcast exploring the first principles of…

Value retailer Pepkor Holdings managed to increase revenue 12% to R95.3 billion for the year ending September 30, a result the group said had “outperformed the rest of the market.” The share price ratcheted up by 0.83% to R26.62 on the JSE Monday morning at the release by the group of a trading statement, a price that remained in line with a range of between R23 and R30 that the share price has been trading at over the past 12 months. In the muted economic environment and highly competitive consumer retail trading environment, Pepkor’s business model of being focused on solving customers' needs again proved its resilience and defensiveness, its directors said. Group market share expanded based on the latest market share data (RLC September 2025 and GfK September 2025…

The eThekwini Municipality has announced the procurement of 14 000 electricity meters designed to ensure accurate billing for residents, amidst widespread concerns over estimated bills. Speaking to the media, Mayor Cyril Xaba said the municipality is committed to ensuring residents are billed accurately for the services they use monthly. However, the unavailability of electricity meters made it difficult, leading to estimated bills being sent out to customers. “Following a drastic resolution we took at our strategic planning session earlier this year regarding the procurement of electricity meters, I am pleased to report that a total of 14 000 electricity meters have been received for installation to various properties within the municipality,” Xaba said. “We are expecting additional meters in the course of the financial year so that we can adequately…

Former President Thabo Mbeki’s recent impassioned plea for an overhaul of South Africa’s presidential election process has ignited a discussion within the ANC, as the party grapples with its own internal renewal strategies and the broader call for a national dialogue to address the country’s multifaceted crises. Mbeki, speaking at the launch of the National Dialogue for the Eastern Cape higher education sector at Nelson Mandela University at the weekend, said that the current method of electing the president is “wrong” and fails to adequately assess a candidate’s capability and suitability for the highest office. Mbeki’s comments, directly challenge the existing system where South African voters elect political parties to fill 400 seats in the National Assembly, with the President then chosen by a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs).…

A 25-year-old South African man, previously reported missing, has been discovered in a Bangkok prison after escaping a fraudulent operation in Myanmar. He was one of 41 South Africans who recently fled a large-scale scam, crossing the Moei River into Thailand after enduring human trafficking and forced labour. Private security personnel, in collaboration with a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to helping victims, located him while he was in custody. Sources revealed that he had endured repeated assaults while in captivity after refusing to cooperate with the scam operators. “This young man is one of the heroes,” said a source close to the rescue mission. “He was continuously assaulted because he refused to cooperate. “He suffered a lot, and the media should give him a chance to tell his story.” The…

The Irma Stern Museum, a cherished cultural landmark for over 56 years, has officially closed its doors. However, the museum’s committee assures the public that the collection will soon be revitalised. The Irma Stern Trust said it would announce plans to unveil “exciting initiatives” to present Irma Stern’s work in new ways that will engage an even wider South African and international audience”. The Irma Stern Trust Collection will be moved from The Firs, where it occupied the home-and-studio of the South African artist, who lived there from about 1927 until her death in 1966. The collection will be moved to “a secure archival facility” in the meantime. Sterns’ works fetch millions worldwide. The collection at the Museum includes oil paintings, works on paper, ceramics and sculpture by Stern; also…

After interviewing 51 candidates over the course of seven days for vacancies at nine superior courts across the country, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) was only able to fill 16 of the 24 vacancies. These included vacancies at the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Labour Court, and various provincial divisions of the high court, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, and Limpopo. Reflecting on the interview process, online group Judges Matter remarked that it is not a problem that the JSC was so selective. In 2023, the JSC adopted new criteria and guidelines for interviews. These focus on the legal skills and ability of aspirant judges. The legal group noted that the JSC interviews have improved markedly in terms of both the quality of questions and the…

Alas, another World Cup final, another Proteas Women’s heartbreaking defeat. The format may be different, but that’s now three and counting. Forever the bridesmaids, never the bride. Perhaps the silver lining to all of this is that for years semi-finals were the immovable object. And as that obstacle was eventually overcome, so too will finals be conquered. The Proteas’ entire World Cup campaign was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, with captain Laura Wolvaardt admitting: “We were either really good or really bad, but thankfully there was a lot more really good throughout this tournament.” It is worth remembering the Proteas’ build-up to this World Cup to gain a greater perspective though. They had won just seven out of their last 21 ODI’s, which included series’ losses to Australia…

The Proteas Women’s World Cup journey was marked by significant breakthroughs, especially the historic run to the final, coupled with moments of crushing disappointment. Independent Media’s Zaahier Adams selects his moments of the ICC Women’s World Cup. Five highs Historic first World Cup final The team reached the final of the 50-over ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for the very first time. This was a monumental achievement, marking the first time a senior South African team (male or female) had reached a 50-over ICC World Cup final. Redemptive semi-final victory In a commanding semi-final performance against rivals England, the Proteas posted their highest-ever Women’s World Cup total (319/7) and secured a massive 125-run victory, redeeming their heavy group-stage loss to the same opponent. Wolvaardt’s record-breaking tournament Captain Laura Wolvaardt set…

The Springboks were praised by the French media for building depth in their squad over the past few years – and the ability to field “a whole different team from one week to the other” – with assistant coach Felix Jones revealing it was borne out of a desire to give everyone a fair crack at the jersey. The Boks are gearing up to face Six Nations champions France at the Stade de France on Saturday, and ahead of the clash, Jones was quizzed on South Africa’s rotation policy that has become the envy of the rugby world. “We just feel currently we have a way of doing things which is keeping the players engaged, keeping them competitive,” Jones said at a media conference yesterday. “Obviously, there is disappointment in…

Arne Slot finally hit the reset button, ending a bruising four-game losing streak in the league and a meltdown in confidence with Saturday’s home win over Aston Villa. With striker Hugo Ekitike the only new signing starting, Slot seemed to rediscover the balance at the champions by going back to basics. In so doing, the Liverpool manager is merely kicking the can down the road, with the problem still being: how do you evolve a squad under pressure to play the new stars when the only reliable source of rhythm is the old guard? That would make sense, with muscle memory from the Jürgen Klopp era, but a transition that once seemed so smooth is looking anything but at the moment. It was noticeable that Florian Wirtz again struggled to…

Latest reading suggests manufacturing remains under pressure due to subdued domestic demand Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for October 2025 released on Monday raised alarm bells with the index indicating a decline in manufacturing sentiment. Absa said that the seasonally adjusted PMI declined by 1.6 points to 49.2 in October, reversing the gain seen in September when the index reached 50.8. The Index said the latest reading suggests that the manufacturing sector remains under pressure, with respondents pointing to subdued domestic demand, sluggish exports, and persistent logistical challenges as key headwinds. “On the export front, demand is also sluggish, complicated by the rise in US trade tariffs and logistical challenges. The business activity index decreased by 5 points to 49.4 in October, slipping back into contractionary territory for nine of…

As South Africa prepares for its 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, set to be unveiled on 12 November, key themes are emerging that will impact the nation’s financial landscape for years to come. Central to this fiscal discourse is an intensified focus on revenue collection, tax compliance, and sound governance reforms, all aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. According to Itumeleng Nkadimeng, Head of Corporate Tax at KPMG South Africa, the spotlight in the upcoming budget will reside firmly on the South African Revenue Services’ (SARS) commitment to enhancing tax compliance. Nkadimeng told Business Report, "Building on a significant commitment of R7.5 billion announced previously, the government is expected to adopt a modernised approach to tax administration. This strategy will likely introduce deeper audit verifications and a stronger emphasis on…

South African companies are currently in a position of having to decide whether to adopt open or closed artificial intelligence (AI) systems, a decision that goes beyond price or technical merit and includes regulatory considerations. The risks of choosing the wrong solution are serious. One of the biggest dangers lies in how open AI platforms handle proprietary data. Many companies opt for AI for speed and efficiency, but few stop to consider whether their implementation creates hidden risks to their most valuable asset: intellectual property. Open AI platforms promise convenience and low costs, yet every upload of proprietary data feeds an opaque system that could be repurposed, resold, or turned against you. In trust-critical sectors like finance, healthcare, legal, and infrastructure, this isn’t just compliance – it’s a…

The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday on the legality of Donald Trump's unprecedented use of powers for sweeping global tariffs in a case striking at the heart of the president's economic agenda. Since returning to the White House, Trump has invoked emergency economic powers to impose "reciprocal" tariffs over trade practices Washington deemed unfair, alongside separate duties targeting his country's biggest trading partners: Mexico, Canada and China. But these tariffs, a key prong of his "America First" trade policy aimed at protecting and boosting US industries, swiftly faced legal challenges. A lower court ruled in May that Trump exceeded his authority in imposing the duties, although the administration's appeal allowed them to temporarily stay in place. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled…

Exxaro Resources said Monday it has successfully completed the disposal of its shareholding in Exxaro FerroAlloys to a consortium led by EverSeed Energy, for R250 million. The transaction, done through an EverSeed Energy subsidiary EverSeed Metal Powders, became effective on October 31, 2025, following the fulfilment of all conditions precedent. Exxaro had first announced its intention to dispose of its ferroalloys business in 2021 as part of a broader portfolio review and shift from non-cor assets. Exxaro Ferroalloy's is a domestic producer of ferrosilicon, serving industrial customers in South Africa. Exxaro Resources’ share price notched up 1.26% to R179.08 on the JSE in the afternoon. Following the transaction, FerroAlloys will be 60% owned by EverSeed, 30% owned by FerroAlloys management, while the FerroAlloys Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) holds a…

MORE than a billion rand in investment pledges have been earmarked for infrastructure development projects for the Msunduzi Municipality alone. If the pledges made at the recent KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference materialise, the landscape of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is set to undergo a major transformation in infrastructure and see the creation of 2 000 job opportunities. Msunduzi Municipality secured pledges over R1.1 billion at the conference held in Durban more than a week ago. The combined value of the pledges represents a significant investment for the municipality in recent times. The investment was welcomed by city councillors; however, they expressed concerns that the nature of investment was concentrated in shopping centres. The conference broke records, with over R100bn in pledges from business people for projects to be implemented over the next…

THE SAPS’ prolonged delays in releasing the country’s quarterly crime statistics hinders advocacy efforts, community safety planning, and prevention strategies, say political parties and a civil society group. Initially expected to be released in August, then September, the postponement of the first quarter crime statistics has drawn sharp criticism. Asked when the statistics would be released, Kamogelo Mogotsi, acting police minister Firoz Cachalia’s spokesperson, said: “The statistics will be released in November, for both quarters. The SAPS can better advise on the delay.” Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, recently warned that the delay is not merely a technical issue but one that “undermines public confidence, data integrity and trust in the police”. Both ActionSA and the DA have expressed serious concern over the police’s failure to deliver the…

KwaZulu-Natal’s intensified crackdown on drunk driving has led to over 100 arrests in just one weekend, with authorities emphasising the need for behavioural change and road safety ahead of the festive season. More than 100 motorists were arrested for drunk driving across the province over the weekend according to the KZN Department of Transport. Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma commended law enforcement officers for what he described as “systematically altering behavioural change through sustained law enforcement.” According to the Department of Transport, by 11pm on Friday, 13 motorists had already been arrested in Estcourt for driving under the influence. Duma stated that the department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) teams have been working diligently “to make our roads safer” ahead of the festive season. “With the arrest of 13…

Artificial Intelligence can analyse data and diagnose problems, but it cannot care. That was the central message of Dr Iqbal Survé, Patron and Founder of the Survé Family Office and Chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, in his keynote at the recent International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) graduation ceremony. Dr Survé received the IPSA Business Achievement and Philanthropy Award 2025 at the event in Cape Town. The award recognised his outstanding contribution to business, education, and social development. The recognition reflected Dr Survé’s lifelong commitment to using enterprise as a force for good, building inclusive economies, expanding access to education, and championing ethical leadership in the modern world. As founder and chairman of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings, his career has been defined by transformation, innovation, and philanthropy. Through Survé Philanthropies and…

As part of its political strategy to force the IFP to reinstate its Umkhanyakude District Municipality mayor, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has dumped the IFP as a coalition partner in the Umvoti Local Municipality. Last week, the ANC together with the Philani Mavundla-led Abantu Batho Congress (ABC), ousted IFP mayor Gabriel Malembe and replaced him with the ABC’s Mfundo Masondo. In the new arrangement, the ANC opted for a deputy mayor position which went to its chief whip Nomvula Masikane. The Speaker’s position will also go to the ABC when the council sits again. The jockeying for the mayor position in the municipality has seen people from different parties appointed in a short space of time. After the 2021 local government elections, Mavundla teamed up with the IFP to co-govern…

Proteas Men’s stand-in ODI captain Matthew Breetzke is hoping his team can start on the front foot in the series-opener in Faisalabad today. It will all have to start at the very top after the Proteas openers struggled to lay a platform in the recently-completed T20I series, in which Pakistan came from behind to win 2-1 with consecutive victories in Lahore. Quinton de Kock’s return to the Proteas T20I top-order did not go according to plan with the veteran opener only managing a breezy 23 in the opening game before consecutive failures. The Proteas lost a wicket without scoring in both Lahore encounters that put the rest of the batters under pressure for the remainder of the innings. The ODI batting line-up boasts similar personnel to the T20I squad with…

France’s attack coach Patrick Arlettaz has admitted Les Bleus remain haunted by their Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to South Africa and are desperate to settle the score when the teams clash again in Paris on Saturday. France attack coach Patrick Arlettaz has confirmed what everyone already knew – Les Bleus are desperate to avenge their World Cup quarter-final loss to the Springboks when the sides meet in Paris on Saturday. The Boks broke French hearts when they edged the host nation by a single point at the Stade de France, and the teams have not met since. Arlettaz told Rugbyrama that even two years later, the pain has not faded. “There was sadness, frustration, and maybe a sense of injustice,” he said. “It’s still a scar for everyone, myself…

Golden Arrows co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his team’s fluid attacking football must now be complemented by greater defensive stability as they prepare to host Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium tomorrow night. Arrows have been one of the most entertaining sides in the league this season, combining youthful energy with attacking precision. Their 3-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Sunday was their fifth victory in six matches, a run that has seen them climb into the top half of the standings and establish themselves as one of the form teams in the league. But for Mngqithi, maintaining that balance between expression and structure will be crucial if Abafana Bes’thende are to continue their momentum – especially against a side of Pirates’ calibre. “The most…

The Department of Tourism said that there has been an increase of over one million visitors to South Africa from the period of January 2025 to September 2025. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said these figures confirm that tourism has not only recovered but is once again driving economic growth. Tourism associations have welcomed the news. The Department said that from January to September 2025, South Africa welcomed 7 634 261 international tourists, an increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared to the same period last year. “From January to September 2025, South Africa welcomed 7 634 261 international tourists, an impressive increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared to the same period last year.” De Lille added that Tourism is proving itself a catalyst of economic growth…

The evolution of governance in South Africa has always carried a sense of moral purpose. Each King Code has reflected the spirit of its time, interpreting how ethical leadership, accountability and value creation should find expression in a changing world. The latest iteration continues that tradition. It is less a new chapter than a renewal of the same idea: that governance is a living practice, shaped by conscience as much as by compliance. It extends the life of King IV by deepening its wisdom. King IV reframed governance as outcomes-based and principle-driven. It moved organisations beyond mechanical adherence to rules and towards a consciousness of purpose. Over the years, the four outcomes – ethical culture, performance and value creation, conformance and prudent control, and legitimacy – have become the vocabulary…

South Africans are accustomed to getting new music as they approach the holiday season. What’s different in 2025 is that the music album came in the form of artificial intelligence. This is an important development for the South African music sector for a couple of reasons that includes firstly music making process, secondly, royalties and thirdly its meaning for producers. The process of making music has always been preserved for those with access to expensive music production studios. According to Gift Lubele, the man behind the first AI generated music album, the album and his work at Aura AI seeks to democratise the music making process. In other words, going forward even those with no access to music studios will now have the ability to produce music. Having listened to…

Redefine Properties, which marked another year of its multi-year transformation strategy with a 7.8% rise in distributable income, has detected early signs of rising business and consumer confidence in South Africa. The JSE-listed diversified property REIT’s portfolio proved resilient again over the year to August 31, 2025, with retail and industrial strength offsetting a still-muted office sector. The dividend increased 7.8% to 45.84 cents per share. “Our portfolio mix really paid off this year. Retail and industrial delivered very pleasing results, offsetting the structural headwinds still facing offices,” said Chief Operating Officer Leon Kok. CEO Andrew König said that early signs of rising business and consumer confidence were evident in leasing activity and investor sentiment, supported by the country’s recent removal from the FATF greylist and prospects of a sovereign…

An increasing number of people are noticing an important link between how low iron levels can affect mental health. “Iron plays a vital role in producing serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, the brain’s mood, sleep, and focus chemicals,” explains Sister Karin Davidson, an anaemia advocate and the head of the Cape Town Infusion Centre. Without enough iron, these neurotransmitters can’t be made efficiently, leading to emotional instability, brain fog or low mood. Global research backs this up. A 2020 population-based cohort study found that people with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) face a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders than those with normal iron stores. And a review of studies among women found that improving iron status improved mental-health scores and reduced fatigue. This highlights how iron deficiency is…

In light of recent reports of aggressive behaviour linked to confirmed rabies cases among Cape fur seals, CapeNature has urged the public to avoid approaching or interacting with these animals. In addition to rabies, seals can carry other diseases transmissible to humans, and their sharp teeth pose a risk of serious physical injury. “As we approach the busy summer season, I remind everyone that Cape fur seals are wild animals. Even well-intentioned interactions can have serious consequences for both people and the animals. We urge the public to act responsibly, avoid contact, and immediately report any abnormal or aggressive seal behaviour to the authorities,” said Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature. The conservation body explained that even in instances where a seal pup is found on a beach, people should…

The deputy mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, will stand trial next year for alleged cyber fraud linked to his tenure as council speaker in 2022. Gary van Niekerk made a brief appearance at Gqeberha’s Specialised Commercial Crimes Court yesterday. He faces charges of contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act, including alleged cyber-fraud linked to the irregular appointment of legal firms while he was council speaker in 2022. According to the charge sheet, Van Niekerk allegedly authorised payments of more than R570 000 for legal advice without following municipal procurement procedures. The court heard that his lawyer, Danie Gouws, filed written representations in October. The State said it had reviewed the submission but decided to proceed with prosecution. The trial has been set down for next May. An internal municipal investigation…

A violent storm has wreaked havoc in Jozini, northern KwaZulu-Natal, destroying homes and infrastructure including power lines. A disaster management team has been deployed to the area by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Cogta department said the storm struck Wards 15 and 18 under the Jozini Local Municipality in the uMkhanyakude District on Friday evening, leaving a trail of destruction across the rural area. Heavy rains and strong winds damaged infrastructure and residential properties, while several households were completely destroyed. According to the department, downed power lines have been reported in multiple areas, posing serious safety risks. Network connectivity has also been disrupted, hampering coordination and communication. “The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is leading a coordinated response, with assessment teams currently on the ground to…

Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Liverpool today, with both the player and his boyhood club still adjusting after his emotional departure for Real Madrid. Just metres from where the England international will enter Anfield stands a giant mural of him decked in red alongside the quote: “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true.” Alexander-Arnold’s rise from supporter to two-time English Premier League winner and Uefa Champions League hero was the stuff of dreams. Yet, for much of the Liverpool support, his exit after running down his contract – meaning the Premier League champions received only a nominal fee – tarnished his legacy. The full-back was even booed in his final few months at the club, despite his role in delivering Liverpool’s only two league titles…

Eyebrows have been raised in some quarters after Asenathi Ntlabakanye was added to the Springbok squad in Paris in spite of being under a doping cloud. Still, the bottom line is that the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has cleared the big fellow to play until his hearing in January. It is an unusual case because, while Ntlabakanye tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, SAIDS is satisfied that he was a victim of medical mismanagement. In short, Ntlabakanye received bad advice when he asked for a prescription for a drug to assist with his weight problem. In early September, SAIDS charged Ntlabakanye for taking dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which he had declared on a medical form. DHEA can increase the body’s androgen levels, such as testosterone. Androgens have muscle-building effects,…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef says the club’s focus remains firmly on fighting for silverware this season as they look to build on their steady start under the new technical team. With early challenges in the campaign already behind them, Amakhosi have slowly begun to find rhythm and belief – and Youssef insists that their ambitions have not changed despite the twists of the league season so far. The Naturena-based outfit made a blistering start to the campaign, keeping five cleansheets in their opening five matches including a draw against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. “For a team the size of Kaizer Chiefs, the target is the same every season – we compete for every position we’re in,” said Youssef. “So, we’re out of the Carling Cup, but there’s the…

Five straight wins, just three goals conceded all season. Can anybody stop “nearly men” Arsenal from ending their interminable wait to win the Premier League? The Gunners, who last claimed the English league title under Arsene Wenger in 2004, are six points clear of second-placed Manchester City after 10 games and seven ahead of defending champions Liverpool. Arsenal fans will be wary of over-confidence after watching their side finish as runners-up in the past three seasons, twice to City and once to Liverpool. But the bookies have installed the London club as firm favourites this year, and football analysts Opta’s supercomputer gives them a 71% chance of winning the title. Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville, now a leading pundit, believes the league is Arsenal’s to lose, even…