Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-05 i Mercury

Local producers warn that unprecedented surge of subsidised imports could decimate the sector South Africa’s sugar industry is facing a crisis, with local producers warning that a flood of cheap, heavily subsidised imports is threatening the survival of jobs and could decimate the industry. SA Canegrowers said in a statement on Tuesday that sales of locally produced sugar are falling dramatically as a result of an unprecedented surge in heavily subsidised imported sugar, raising concern from South African growers that not enough is being done to protect local jobs in rural KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. “Already sugar imports for 2025 are more than 400% higher than 2024 levels, and this has directly led to a drop of more than 100 000 tons of locally produced sugar being sold or being used…

Nintendo said Tuesday it aims to sell 19 million Switch 2 consoles within this financial year, up from its previous target 15 million for the smash-hit gadget. The Switch 2 became the world's fastest-selling games console after launching in June to a frenzy of excitement from fans of "Super Mario" and other top titles. "The hardware has seen strong sales since its launch," Nintendo said as it raised its annual net profit forecast to 350 billion yen ($2.3 billion) from 300 billion yen. Sales of the games "Mario Kart World" and "Donkey Kong Bananza" are growing steadily, the Japanese company said. "We will aim to keep the momentum of released titles and continuously introduce new titles to expand the platform's user base," it added. While Nintendo is diversifying into hit…

After a long, sometimes loving, sometimes contemptuous marriage, our Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has filed for divorce from coal. Well, sort of. The new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) has set several ambitious goals for 2039 as the country transitions away from its longstanding dependence on fossil fuels, towards renewables, gas and nuclear. The IRP has been met with both praise and critique, with some analysts citing cost-effectiveness concerns, whilst others laud its alignment with climate imperatives. For years, solar and wind have been the seductive temptress of the energy transition dating scene, while nuclear lingered as a recluse in the corner of a dim-lit bar. Now she gets to step into the spotlight, and all eyes are on her. The IRP has assigned 5 200 megawatts…

Industrial lubricant, chemicals and power company enX Group, following recent disposals, said headline earnings per share (HEPS) of continuing operations is expected to improve to between 1 cent and -3 cents for the year to August 31, compared with -8 cents reported last year. HEPS for the total group, according to a trading statement released Tuesday, was forecast to decline by 78% to 87%, after performance was negatively impacted by lower demand in its Power division. The total HEPS of between 40 cents and 66 cents, compared with 298 cents at the same time last year, was due mainly to minimal loadshedding compared to about 120 days of loadshedding last year. On June 30, 2025, enX's Chemical segment was classified as held for sale and a discontinued operation. The Fleet…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Zimbabwe’s economy remains highly dollarised, with any de-dollarisation policies needing gradual implementation while the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries has called for further disinflation strategies into 2026 to correct pricing and manage stubbornly high inflation. Zimbabwe is pushing for an end to the use of US Dollars across the economy by 2030, coinciding with a possible two year extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule originally scheduled to end in 2028. Mnangagwa’s party, Zanu PF party has resolved to extend the Zimbabwean leader’s tenure and to end dollarisation by 2030. However, the IMF has said in an interview that “Zimbabwe remains highly dollarized” with any confidence in a local currency needing to “be built through credible fiscal and monetary policies, a strengthened FX market, and the…

THE business community in KwaZulu-Natal is on edge over the continuing proliferation of counterfeit goods that undermine job creation, destroy existing jobs and pose serious life and health risks. Key business chambers have expressed concerns about the influx of counterfeit products and cheap imports into the KZN market. In a statement, Palesa Phili, the chief executive of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC, expressed deep concern about the recent surge in cheap imports and counterfeit goods entering South Africa’s domestic market, which is widening the trade imbalance and placing immense pressure on our domestic industries. “We believe this is far from a minor issue – it represents a systemic threat to the economic resilience of both the country and the province. The current situation is escalating into an…

Financial experts are cautioning South Africans to think carefully before joining the Black Friday rush on November 28, warning that impulsive, credit-fuelled shopping could leave households battling long-term debt well into 2026. Economists and debt counsellors say while seasonal discounts can offer much-needed relief amid rising living costs, many consumers rely on credit to fund their purchases, a habit that often leads to missed repayments and what has become known as “Debt December” and “Januworry.” Neil Roets, the chief executive of Debt Rescue, said the event has become a double-edged sword. “Black Friday has the potential to offer real relief for many South Africans who are feeling the pressure of rising living costs,” he said. “At Debt Rescue, we understand that many families use these specials to stock up on…

Operation Dudula has been ordered to stop demanding passport or other identity documents from foreign nationals who want to access health and education services in the country. In a scathing ruling handed down yesterday, Gauteng High Court Judge Leicester Adams accused the organisation of using vigilantism in its operations. The judge declared that only an immigration officer or a police officer has the power in terms of section 41 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, to demand that another private person produce her or his passport or other identity documents to demonstrate their right to be in South Africa and that no private person has the power to do so, unless expressly so authorised by law. “The first respondent (Operation Dudula), the eleventh and twelfth respondents (Operation Dudula leaders…

Despite its strained political relations with the IFP, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has assured the public that it will not leave the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). The ANC is a crucial coalition partner in the GPU-led IFP under Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, whom the MKP and NFP are targeting in a proposed vote of no confidence. Speaking on the sidelines of the renewal chapter ceremony on Monday, the ANC’s provincial co-ordinator, Mike Mabuyakhulu, dismissed the widespread rumours that his party will not defend Ntuli when the MKP-sponsored motion is debated. Mabuyakhulu said his party was still very much part of the GPU and had no intention of leaving the arrangement. He stated that the ANC was still happy with the performance of the provincial government under Ntuli, particularly on the…

Deputy Minister of Police Paulina Boshielo did not hold back when addressing questions around the internal leadership dynamics within SAPS during her recent parliamentary appearance. She expressed concerns about a toxic and fractured leadership environment that was hampering the effectiveness of the police service. Boshielo made the revelation yesterday during her testimony before the ad hoc committee on political interference in police. The committee, established on October 7 amid growing concerns about infiltration and factionalism within the justice system, followed allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among other things, Mkhwanazi alleged that suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu had ordered the disbandment of the politically sensitive Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Responding to MK party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo’s question about the institutional climate, Boshielo acknowledged there were…

Durban City head coach Gavin Hunt has urged calm and resilience from his players as they look to halt their recent slump when they host Marumo Gallants at Chatsworth Stadium tonight (7.30pm kick-off). City head into the midweek clash under pressure, having suffered three consecutive defeats for the first time this season – a run that has dampened the early optimism surrounding their strong start to life in the Betway Premiership. The most recent setback came in heartbreaking fashion, as Kaizer Chiefs snatched a late victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Friday. Despite the result, Hunt remains upbeat, insisting his young side must channel their disappointment into a positive response. “Obviously we’re disappointed with the result,” Hunt admitted, reflecting on the narrow loss in front of a packed Durban crowd.…

Entries for the 2026 Comrades Marathon – the 99th edition of the race and 50th Up Run from Durban to Pietermartizburg – were snapped up in record time, sold out in less than10 hours on Monday. The first batch of 2 600-plus entries were made available last week to Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) members and Green Number Club runners – those who had completed the race at least 10 times, earned five gold medals or won the race three times. General entries were opened at 10am on Monday, but the remaining spots for the ultra-marathon were rapidly scooped up. “This overwhelming response is a testament to the unbelievable passion and support you have for The Ultimate Human Race,” the CMA posted on Instagram. Those who missed out complained on social…

ON Saturday night, if selected to captain South Africa, Siya Kolisi will stride onto the same patch of turf where he lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a second consecutive time just over two years ago – the Stade de France. However, this time around, it won’t be for a prestigious trophy, but the occasion itself is the prize: his 100th Test in the Springbok jersey. It’s a milestone few achieve in their careers – he will become the ninth player in green and gold to do it – and even fewer do so with the resilience and emotional weight that Kolisi carries. His journey to the milestone over 12 years has been anything but smooth sailing, despite achieving so much with the national team. The Bok captain has faced…

FlySafair will apply to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for a Section 150 intervention to expedite the resolution of a labour dispute, after members of the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) were locked out on Monday following failed negotiations. FlySafair confirms that the employer-initiated work stoppage commenced at midnight on Tuesday night, with no disruption to flights on Tuesday. The airline has secured full operational coverage over the upcoming roster cycle and remains confident that all services will continue as scheduled. Currently, more than two-thirds of FlySafair’s cabin attendants are committed to work, comprising both non-union members and union-affiliated crew who have formally accepted the company’s offer. Combined with the seasonally reduced November schedule, this allows the airline to fully protect its operations, FlySafair said. In…

How do we change our environment, life situation and political economy? This change can be achieved through education. By training our minds and achieving capabilities and capacity not only to change the current but to project into the future we can create an environment that is predictable risks notwithstanding. The aim will be to consistently design inputs and processes that derive change that must be for the better. Morena Mohlomi, a mentor to the king of Lesotho, Morena Moshoeshoe, makes a distinct difference in the definition of leadership. His definition reads thus the point that “a responsible leader pursues peaceful and productive alliances, accommodates stakeholders, and uses new instruments of power to create intergenerational value through integrated reporting.” To this end Mohlomi was a design thinker who designed a system…

As we reach the end of the year, motorists and businesses will enjoy a decrease in fuel prices across the board. This comes after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced the official fuel price adjustments for November. Both grades of petrol will decrease by 51 cents per litre, while diesel will go down by between 19 cents (50ppm) and 21 cents (500ppm). This means South Africans will pay R20.29 for a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol at the coast and R21.12 in the inland areas, where the cheaper 93 Unleaded will retail for around R20.97. This will bring petrol prices to their lowest levels in just over a year, and close to three-year lows. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel will fall to R18.42 at the…

The latest Medium-Term System Adequacy Outlook (MTSAO) presents a complex view of South Africa’s electricity landscape between 2026 and 2030. Compiled by the System Operator in accordance with the South African Grid Code, the report evaluates whether the power system will have sufficient resources to meet demand over the next five years. Its findings reveal progress, but also serious risks that could undermine recent gains. Under the moderate demand scenario, national electricity demand is projected to grow at 1.4% per year, supported by GDP growth of 2.7%. Total energy requirements are expected to increase from 243 TWh in 2024 to about 264 TWh by 2030. These projections are modelled against assumptions for plant performance, new generation capacity, and the retirement of ageing stations. While the system remains technically adequate under…

UK-based Kore Potash, the pre-production fertiliser development company, has been approached by two parties, each of which is evaluating the acquisition of the company, according to Kore’s chief financial officer Audrey Maruta. Kore’s share price leapt up by 8.45% to 77 cents on the JSE Tuesday afternoon after the announcement of possible suitors. In June, the Australia, London, JSE and AltX-listed Kore announced that a high priority was to find suitable contract operator solutions and a mining partner with potash mining experience, and discussions were initiated with some potash industry players, Maruta said in an update. This led to certain of these industry players exploring the opportunity to acquire an equity stake in Kore. “Consequently, the company is reviewing all available options, including a possible sale of the company, and…

As we step into November, a global health movement known as Movember kicks into gear. This isn't just about growing facial hair, but a powerful and personal call to action, turning the humble moustache into a crucial conversation starter for men's health. The mission behind Movember is important for our fathers, brothers, partners and sons. It’s about saving lives, fostering open dialogue, and tackling some of the most serious and often-ignored health challenges facing South African men. Think of your Movember commitment as your personal public health challenge. The Movember mission Movember began in Australia in 2003 with a simple idea: use a visible, lighthearted symbol (your moustache) to spark serious discussions about men's health. Allowing your facial hair to grow acts as an icebreaker, prompting friends, family, and colleagues…

October may be over, but breast cancer awareness is a year-round commitment. Knowledge, support, and vigilance are needed every day. For many cancer survivors, the battle does not end with the completion of their treatment; instead, the challenges frequently continue, often manifesting in unexpected ways. One particular challenge is known as “chemo brain”, which refers to the cognitive side effects of chemotherapy. You may have heard people describe it as a fog, making it harder to think, focus or remember. But a new study has uncovered a startling connection between a common chemotherapy drug and changes in the brain that might explain why this happens. What is chemo brain? Brain fog is a common term used by many patients with cancer and survivors of cancer to describe the cognitive challenges…

ENERGY experts believe the recent court judgment against the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) could finally lead to customers being charged the “right price”. Experts said part of the judgment is that Nersa has to look at individual applications from all the municipalities that apply for tariff increases instead of the previous method of approving increases in a uniform manner. It was reported recently that a ruling by Judge Etienne Labuschagne at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday has taken Nersa to task over the manner tariffs are approved. The court found that approval for the implementation of municipal electricity tariff hikes, without the use of proper cost studies and public participation processes, is unconstitutional. The judge also slammed Nersa for its argument that customers do…

A PRETORIA property owner has lost his appeal against a ruling which ordered the reimbursement of R600 000 to the buyer in a defective land sale. The appeal was dismissed by the Gauteng High Court. The appeal came after the high court ruled in 2023 that the seller and director of Bondcor, Werner Serfontein, failed to disclose the latent defect on the land and should refund the buyer. The buyer, Daphney Chuma, has been embroiled in a legal battle with Serfontein after buying vacant land in Centurion in September 2017. She paid the deposit in the amount of R270 000 and eventually settled the R600 000 amount which was the purchase price. She also paid a little over R17 000 for transfer fees and over R20 000 in respect of…

MEC of Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, has issued an urgent plea to motorists in the province to ensure they obtain new licence discs and number plates for their vehicles before the end of the month. The deadline for vehicles to have new number plates is November 30. Duma warned that those who failed to display the new plates on their vehicles after the deadline will be fined. This comes after the KZN Department of Transport on December 1, 2023, introduced a new licence numbering system for the province as it was running out of new numbers and also to align the province with the national numbering system. New registration numbers are automatically generated once the vehicle licence comes up for renewal. | Mercury Reporter…

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham is gradually making his mark after a slow start ahead of his return to England to face Manchester City today. Jobe joined Dortmund in the summer aged 19 for a reported fee of around €30.5 million (about R608.2m) from Sunderland, among the most expensive transfers in Dortmund’s history. Jobe followed in the footsteps of his brother Jude, who moved to the Westfalenstadion five years earlier, aged 17. Jude became one of the most sought-after players at Dortmund and is now a true superstar after moving to Real Madrid in 2023. While Jobe has returned to England to play for the under-21s side he captains, today’s match will be his first on English soil for his new club. Like City, Dortmund sit in the top eight,…

Proteas Women’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, highlighted an increase in support from South Africa as a feat that gave them the strength to break records in the recently concluded 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. Wolvaardt led the Proteas women’s team to the country's first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup final, where they fell short by 52 runs against hosts India women in Navi Mumbai this past Sunday. However, the Proteas Women – coached by Mandla Mashimbyi –achieved record-breaking results at the showpiece event. Behind their success, Wolvaardt highlighted support from South Africa as what gave them the strength to push the boundaries. Wolvaardt added that having such a successful tournament helps inspire young girls and boys to pick up the sport of cricket, a feat that is of utmost…

The King Zwelithini Stadium will be the stage for one of the standout midweek fixtures in the Betway Premiership when two of the most in-form and entertaining sides, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates, lock horns tonight at 7.30pm. Both teams come into this encounter playing some of the most attractive football in the country – a blend of tactical structure and creative freedom that has delighted their supporters. It’s a meeting between two coaches who believe in expressive, attacking football: Manqoba Mngqithi’s fluid Golden Arrows and Abdeslam Ouaddou’s revitalised Pirates. Arrows are enjoying a fine spell of form after dispatching Marumo Gallants 2-0 at the same venue over the weekend – their fifth win in six matches across all competitions. The victory has propelled them to the edge of…

Stormers rugby star Seabelo Senatla will get to fulfill a dream that has been “brewing in his mind and heart for a long time” when the Senatla 7s Tournament for Cape Town’s young rugby talent kicks off at Connect NTK Rugby Club in Parow on Friday and Saturday. It’s a full-circle moment for the celebrated multi-code rugby star, World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2016 and record-setting Blitzboks try scorer. The 32-year-old wants to give the opportunity for the untapped talent in some of Cape Town’s marginalised communities to be seen and recognised, in the same way he was years ago in Welkom, where he is from, and to share some of the gifts he has been given. The tournament, a partnership between Senatla and the Connect…

Zuko Godlimpi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, while speaking at the annual Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA) conference in Durban on Tuesday, said that the aim of the conference is to attract international investors and bolster Global Business Services (GBS) to create 500 000 jobs by 2030. Godlimpi said one of the values you get from bringing international investors to a conference set up is that they listen to what you say, they listen to what you've done, and they tell you what the global market is looking for. “Global investors will tell you that South Africa, you've been doing well in this sub-sector of this industry, but these are the global trends that you should try to catch up on. The conference supports the government’s…

The city is still dark when her alarm sounds, a faint digital chime cutting through the quiet as her children sleep. Her day begins long before sunrise: a walk to the taxi rank, a crowded minibus ride, and the slow crawl through Johannesburg’s traffic. From her seat, she watches two worlds pass by: the one she leaves behind, where survival is a daily struggle, and the one she travels to, where high walls and manicured lawns signal comfort and security. During this journey, her mind is a ledger. The school fees are due next week. The price of maize meal is up again. Her mother’s clinic appointment cannot be missed. She mentally subtracts these costs from the R3,635 she earns each month, knowing that the true cost of keeping her…

The business case for modelling in climate policy is simple. We can’t resolve problems we don’t fully comprehend. Modelling helps turn uncertainty into informed choices — grounding climate ambition in sound, evidence-based decision-making. The energy, economic and social shifts required for a fair, low-carbon transition depend on clear evidence of what each pathway means for people, regions and industries. Focussed on achieving a just transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future, the Presidential Climate Commission’s work necessarily extends well beyond the climate system itself. The Commission’s collaborative analytical foundation lies in linking climate science with various spatial, technical, and socio-economic models that together capture the interactions between emissions, energy systems, economic structures, and social outcomes. This integration allows the PCC to situate climate ambition within the realities of employment,…

South African retailer Pepkor Holdings said on Tuesday it has completed the acquisition of several businesses from privately held Retailability, including clothing chains Legit, Swagga, Style, and homeware brand Boardmans, in a deal valued at around R1.7 billion. The transaction, , which represents roughly 1.7% of Pepkor’s market capitalisation, received all necessary regulatory and competition approvals and became effective on November 2, 2025, the company said in a statement to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s Stock Exchange News Service (SENS). Pepkor said the acquired businesses will be integrated into its Pepkor Speciality and Pepkor Lifestyle units, adding 469 stores to its existing base of 979 speciality stores and expanding its reach in adult wear, particularly women’s fashion through the Legit brand. “The successful conclusion of this transaction marks the beginning…

Alphamin Resources, the Toronto-Canada and JSE-listed mining group, has declared a CAD$0.04 per share dividend and increased third-quarter tin production by 26%, from a phased restart on April 15 to June 30. The company, which mines tin concentrate from the Bisie Tin Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2019, on Tuesday declared a second interim dividend for its 2025 financial year along with the release of its third-quarter results to September 30, 2025. The production guidance for the full financial year was increased to between 18 000 and 18 500 tons, from 17 500 tons previously. The quarter’s production of 5 190 tons was in line with expectations as targeted quarterly production is 5 000 tons. The processing facilities performed well and above target – overall plant recoveries…

​ November is World Vegan Month, a time when people around the world explore veganism, learn more about animal welfare and think about how their food choices affect the planet. Whether you’re already a vegan or just curious, this month is an opportunity to discover how simple, affordable and rewarding a vegan lifestyle can be. The rise of veganism Veganism has grown beyond being a niche movement. Supermarkets now offer a wide range of vegan alternatives and restaurants across South Africa are adding more vegan options to their menus. According to research from Euromonitor, global sales of vegan foods have continued to rise, with consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable eating habits. In South Africa, vegan-friendly food brands and small local businesses are expanding quickly, offering vegan versions of traditional…

BRown Mogotsi, the controversial North West-based businessman, is yet to open a case of attempted murder after his bullet-riddled car was found in Vosloorus on Monday night. The shooting allegedly took place in Vosloorus Extension 25, when Mogotsi’s vehicle came under fire from occupants of a white bakkie. Police said there was no blood or other evidence at the scene to indicate that Mogotsi was injured in the shooting. The SAPS said yesterday that he had been unco-operative with the investigators. Mogotsi has been linked to alleged political interference by some of the witnesses at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliamentary ad hoc committee – both are investigating allegations of political interference at the highest levels of the police. In October, police raided his business premises in Seweding…

South Africa might one day welcome its first giraffe calf born through advanced reproductive techniques, transforming conservation for the continent’s tallest mammals. This follows the launch of the Giraffe Research Programme infrastructure at the Amanzi Private Game Reservein the Free State. The University of the Free State (UFS) new Giraffe Research Programme brings together conservationists, students and scientists who aim to “give giraffes a chance to thrive”. It was made possible with support from Save the Giraffes, the Kroonstad Animal Hospital, and Absolute Genetics. This programme is about “giving giraffes a chance to thrive in a changing world, safeguarding their genetic diversity, and, perhaps one day, welcoming the first giraffe calf born through advanced reproductive techniques” in South Africa, organisers said. The facility is designed to support advanced studies in…

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced the official fuel price adjustments for November. Both grades of petrol will decrease by 51 cents per litre, while diesel will go down by between 19 cents (50ppm) and 21 cents (500ppm). This means South Africans will pay R20.29 for a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol at the coast and R21.12 in the inland areas, where the cheaper 93 Unleaded will retail for around R20.97. This will bring petrol prices to their lowest levels in just over a year, and close to three-year lows. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel will fall to R18.42 at the coast and R19.18 inland. This month saw international oil prices dip to their lowest level in almost six months, with Brent Crude sinking to around…

The club-versus-country debate in rugby has been thrust to the fore once more, with the Springboks’ clash against Wales in Cardiff on November 29 coinciding with key United Rugby Championship (URC) fixtures for the four South African franchises on the same day. Talks over player compensation are ongoing, as the Test falls outside the official international window. The Bulls and Lions are set to meet at Loftus Versfeld on November 29, while the Stormers and Sharks will both be in Ireland for matches against Munster and Connacht, respectively. According to reports, SA Rugby has offered R250 000 per player for the fixture, but the franchises argue that the proposed fee is insufficient. Negotiations are said to have begun with the franchises requesting around R500 000 per player, although they apparently…

Faisalabad had not had any international cricket for 17 years, but Pakistan and the Proteas served up a thriller in the first ODI yesterday evening. The hosts ultimately crawled over the line with two wickets and two balls to spare to draw first blood in the three-match series. Corbin Bosch had four runs to defend in the final over with Pakistan still three wickets in the hut, but lost Mohammad Nawaz with the scores level to increase the drama and intrigue. But a leg-bye off Bosch's fourth delivery was enough to see Pakistan home. The series opener was in the balance throughout after the Proteas had set the hosts 264 on a surface that assisted the slower bowlers appreciably. Both innings were virtually a carbon copy of each other with…

South African golf legend Gary Player’s recent and pointed critique of modern South Africa, specifically his condemnation of the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act and his bleak description of the country as a “land of squatter camps”, has sparked justifiable outrage. His observations, delivered from a perch of enormous privilege, betray a fundamental lack of historical introspection, raising the unavoidable question: how can a man who benefited so immensely from the very system that created the nation’s wounds now feel entitled to lecture about its ongoing recovery? Player’s argument is clear: BEE is inefficient, corruption is rife, and infrastructure is failing. Yes, corruption is rampant and the government has largely failed its people over the past 31 years. But this critique is delivered without recognising that the economic inequality he…