Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-24 i Mercury

The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has said the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) aimed at addressing the ballooning R105 billion debt to Eskom is not sufficient in itself, pointing to inefficiencies with Eskom's systems and lack of capacity of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to efficiently regulate 167 municipalities with only a 400 staff complement. Salga told Parliament on Friday that it was seeing a surge in the repeated deterioration and aging of infrastructure, the decline in financial sustainability in municipal distribution businesses, the poor asset management and outdated technologies, the rising operational costs and severe revenue losses, escalating vandalism theft and illegal connections at the municipal level. Salga said there was inherent danger of fragmentation on distribution with Eskom, along with 167 municipalities licenced to…

South Africa successfully champions critical issues facing low and middle income countries The G20 Leaders' Summit held for the first time on African soil in Johannesburg over the weekend has come and gone, but South Africa has successfully championed to put critical issues facing low- and middle-income countries at the center of global debate. This is in spite of the United States boycotting the global summit and attempting to influence Heads of States not to adopt the Leaders' Declaration, which somewhat caused a minor diplomatic row over the incoming G20 Presidency. President Cyril Ramaphosa used his closing remarks on Sunday to deliver a clear message: the world’s ability to secure prosperity, stability and climate safety hinges on helping developing nations escape crushing debt, accelerating climate action, and ensuring that the…

South Africa’s food inflation continued its downward trend in October, easing for the third consecutive month even as overall consumer inflation edged higher. Statistics SA reported last week that food price inflation slowed to 3.9% in October, down from 4.4% in September, while headline inflation rose to 3.6% from 3.4%. Economists and civil society organisations have welcomed the decline, saying it offers much-needed relief to households squeezed by high living costs. Wandile Sihlobo, chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, said the slowdown was driven largely by lower prices for fruit and nuts, vegetables, meat, sugar, confectionery and desserts. “The ample supplies, combined with the base effects, are what contribute to the easing of price inflation in these products," he said. "Moreover, while modestly up from the…

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), during its press conference last Thursday on its latest repo rate decision, decided to lower the repo rate with 25 basis points from 7.00% to 6.75% with immediate effect. In return banks lowered their prime rate by 0.25% to 10.25%. This is the second cut for 2025, bringing the repo rate down by 50 basis points in total. Before the press conference there was a 50/50 division between economists and analysts on the possibility of a lower repo rate. The President of the Reserve Bank on Thursday, Lesetja Kganyago said that inflation expectations, point towards moving towards the 3% objective. The average inflation rate for the year to date is 3.15%, this is despite the increase in October to 3.6% from 3.4% in September,…

Cilo Cybin Holdings’ share price fell sharply by 7.1% on Friday after its interim results showed a taxed loss of R212.2 million versus a R6m profit previously - the losses were mainly driven by accounting listing charges. “Excluding the once-off IFRS 2 (listing) charge, the group would have ended on a profit of R5m,” the interim results said on Friday. The share price ended at R2.85 when the market closed. A non-cash IFRS 2 listing expense of R217.5m was recognised, arising from the reverse acquisition and the issue of shares to acquire the listing status of Cilo Cybin. Cilo Cybin is South Africa’s first licensed medical cannabis cultivator and remains one of the few vertically integrated players with both cultivation and manufacturing licences. It operates as a contract manufacturer for…

Former President Jacob Zuma will turn to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, on December 1, 2025, in a bid to obtain leave to appeal last month’s judgment ordering him to pay back the costs incurred during his private litigation over the years – reaching slightly more than R28.9 million. Judge Anthony Millar earlier ordered Zuma to make this payment to the State Attorney, as well as pay interest as calculated at the prescribed rate, which runs into more millions. But Zuma’s legal team indicated shortly after the judgment that they will not leave matters here, as they maintain that he should not face the hefty legal bill, as the state attorney from the start agreed to foot this bill until it reconsidered the matter and decided he was not entitled…

Children of former state president Jacob Zuma are “at war” with each other over the luring of South Africans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zuma’s eldest daughter, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma Mncube, has opened a criminal case against her sister, Duduzile Zuma Sambudla, over allegations that 17 South Africans were tricked into joining the war in Ukraine by Russia. The 17 South Africans, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal, are said to be trapped in that war and are desperate to return home. It was reported that the matter is now being probed by the Hawks, and the docket has been handed over to the Crimes Against the State (CATS) component for further investigation. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told the media that, “I can confirm that Zuma-Mncube had presented herself to the Sandton police…

The Department of Transport has warned that South Africa’s e-hailing operators have just 180 days to convert their charter permits and meter taxi licences to official e-hailing operating licences. Earlier this year, the government officially introduced the long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act (2009), which provides the legal framework for regulating e-hailing services across the country. The move also aims to bring stability and peace between the e-hailing sector and traditional taxi operators, who have long expressed concerns over competition from app-based services. National transport department spokesperson Collen Msibi said that the department was committed to ensuring a fair and regulated environment for all public transport operators. “The Department of Transport has urged e-hailing operators to convert their charter permits and meter taxi operating licences to e-hailing operating licences". “This…

RCL Foods has recalled specific batches of dry dog and cat food, as the maize used to produce the food had elevated levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) which can lead to loss of appetite and digestive discomfort in pets. The affected batches include various sizes of Bobtail, Catmor, Canine Cuisine, Optimizor, Ultra Pet and Superwoof. The company said in a statement that during the verification of testing results, they identified elevated levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) in certain batches of maize used to produce dry pet food manufactured on 26–29 May and 4–5 and 17 June 2025. They explained that deoxynivalenol (DON) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by specific moulds that can grow on grains such as maize, which are tested as part of quality management systems. The presence of DON…

In a show of culinary excellence, New Victory Foods from Phoenix was named the best bunny chow outlet in KwaZulu-Natal during the Bunny Chow Barometer Challenge, hosted at Blue Lagoon Beach on Saturday. Sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), the annual competition showcased the rich heritage and tantalising flavours that define Durban's beloved culinary icon: the bunny chow. The event, with deep community roots, pays homage to the innovators behind this traditional dish that has been a hallmark on the Durban food scene for generations. There was no shortage of dedication and effort in creating the curried concoction from the 10 participating outlets that made Saturday’s final. Some of the prizes on offer were R50 000 for the winning outlet, R30 000 for the second-placed outlet and R20 000…

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane says Saturday’s win over Siwelele FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium was a performance built on maturity rather than momentum, as his young squad continued learning the demands of top-flight football. The match was settled by a superb brace from 23-year-old winger Athini Maqokola, whose sharp movement and composure in the final third gave Usuthu the cutting edge they lacked in previous weeks. His goals arrived at crucial moments – just before halftime and again midway through the second period – to hand AmaZulu a much-needed return to winning ways. The KwaZulu Natal based outfit moved up to fifth on the Betway Premiership standings and remain on course for a duel for CAF spots. But while Maqokola’s finishing will dominate the highlights, Zwane’s biggest takeaway…

It would have taken a monumental effort for Senuran Muthusamy to work his way back to international cricket after being outplayed by India in his maiden Test tour six years ago. Muthusamy was completely dominated by the India Test players back then, and looked a class below the opposition in terms of skill and ability as the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin made him look like an amateur. It was not only Muthusamy who was outplayed, but the entire Faf du Plessis-led Proteas Test team of 2019, as they lost the series 3-0. After that series, the all-rounder returned to domestic cricket at the Dolphins, with his future in Test cricket looking grim. He changed teams and went to the North West Dragons in…

A stunned England woke yesterday to savage criticism after their meek capitulation in the first Ashes Test, branded “brainless” and “damaged” by former greats after their cavalier approach backfired. Ben Stokes’s men lost the opening battle in Perth by eight wickets inside two days on the back of batting collapses and Travis Head slamming a sensational sixty-nine-ball century. Since last claiming an Ashes series in Australia 15-years ago, they have now lost 14 Tests, drawn two and won none Down Under. England had a perfect opportunity to snap the dire streak and earn a psychological advantage heading into the day-night second Test in Brisbane on December 4. But after reaching 160/5, the tourists lost five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out for 172 on day one, before regaining…

Despite deep ruptures in the global trading system caused by sweeping US tariffs and escalating geopolitical tensions, Africa’s trade has remained far more resilient than many feared. That was the message from World Trade Organization (WTO) director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who said the continent has been insulated from the worst impacts of the tariff battles reshaping economic relations among major powers. Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that the United States’ aggressive tariff actions, including high unilateral duties and a growing number of bilateral trade deals outside the WTO, have disrupted global commerce. But despite the turmoil, she said the global system has held together more than expected — and Africa, in particular, has not suffered the kind of trade contraction that…

South Africa’s pension system has absorbed two shocks that speak to the pressures shaping household financial life today. The first is the reported R3.6 billion impairment reported by the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) for 2024/25 after delays in the recovery of unlisted investments. The second is the R57 billion that members withdrew in the first ten months of the two-pot system, a release that was meant to be gradual but quickly became a measure of how stretched families really are. These numbers reveal more than financial strain. They expose a system built on expectations that no longer match the realities of how people work, earn and save. For many South Africans, the path into stable work is not linear. People enter the formal labour market late, often around their…

South Africa’s wine industry is raising a glass in celebration after securing six coveted spots on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Vineyards list, a feat that Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says confirms the country’s status as a global wine powerhouse. Steenhuisen praised the achievement, saying the accolades reflect the industry’s innovation, high standards, and growing influence in international wine tourism. “We have always known we have great wine, and this exceptional performance, with six of our winery estates securing places amongst the world’s best, is a resounding endorsement of our wine tourism’s consistent standards and innovation,” said Steenhuisen. Steenhuisen said that two vineyards made it to the Top 10 list. Klein Constantia Wine Estate, in the Western Cape, was named the Best Vineyard in Africa and also the recipient of…

Our country is not in the space it should be in. As a host of G20 we would have loved to be a shining star that had dealt poverty a blow, a place where corruption was dealt with firmly, where children have a brighter future, taps are not only running but are oozing label blue water, with smooth streets, where women feel safe, and children are assured of a meal daily. This is the South Africa dreamed of and this is the sacrifice Mandela and his cohorts made. Yet the reality is the Madlanga Commission and the streets ooze raw sewerage, while unemployment of the youth is north of 62%. With hope for the SDGs, South Africa is no where closer to the goals as it regresses.…

Jubilee Metals Group, the London and JSE listed mining group, increased copper production by 65% in the first quarter of its financial year to September 30, with no material power outages affecting operations. The Zambia-focused copper producer said in an operational update on Friday that production was made up largely of copper concentrate produced by Roan for refining at Sable, prior to the commencement of high-grade copper (Cu) ore deliveries from the Molefe mine to Sable during September 2025. Leon Coetzer, Jubilee's CEO, said it had been a significant 12 months as the company had become a pure Zambia-focused copper producer. Jubilee’s share price fell 2.5% to 65 cents on Friday, a price already well down from R1.13 a year before. “I am pleased to report positive progress in the…

More people are turning to movement as a practical way to manage stress, improve mood and support overall mental health. The movement trend is not only about fitness. It is about reconnecting with the body, slowing the mind and creating routines that support emotional balance. Mental health experts reveal that movement affects the mind through several pathways. First, it alters the brain's chemistry. When the body moves, it produces endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals support mood regulation and reduce stress. Movement also lowers cortisol levels, which helps the body return to a calmer state after tension or anxiety. Experts also note that movement improves awareness. When people participate in structured or mindful movement, they learn to notice their breathing, posture, and physical responses. This awareness teaches the mind to…

He killed an armed intruder in self-defence, but the decision to dump the body, kidnap the second attacker and shoot him on a remote road has landed a Eastern Cape farmer in prison for six years. Stephanus Samson, 58, was sentenced in the Gqeberha High Court earlier this month after being convicted of kidnapping, attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice. He had earlier been acquitted of murder after the court accepted that he shot and killed Shalton Bruintjies inside his home during a sudden confrontation in which the intruder was armed with a panga and a knife. Judge Avinash Govindjee said the fatal shooting was lawful self-defence, but everything Samson did afterwards was not. Instead of calling police, Samson dragged Bruintjies’s body out of the house and dumped…

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has called for the SAPS to strengthen its internal Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) to increase its ability to identify and investigate members and other police who are involved in corruption in order to reduce the scourge. This is according to the ISS report titled ‘Tackling police corruption in South Africa’. The ACIU was established in 2017 to focus on criminal investigations against police members involved in corruption. This was a response to concerns that existing structures were insufficient. The ISS report, authored by David Bruce and Gareth Newham, stated that police corruption is the most widespread form of official corruption in South Africa. Bruce is an independent researcher on policing and a consultant with the ISS. Newham, who is currently the special advisor…

As Johannesburg gleams under the international spotlight of the G20 Summit, an unsettling truth is being revealed to its citizens. The city is demonstrating a capacity for order, cleanliness, and security that stands in contrast to the daily experiences of millions. The intensive clean-up operations, the swift repair of infrastructure, and the highly visible deployment of police forces prove that the capability for excellence exists within the municipal machinery. The pressing challenge for the city’s political leadership is to ensure this standard does not vanish with the last motorcade but becomes the enduring foundation of urban life in Johannesburg. It is an open secret that this level of concerted effort is reserved for events of global prestige. For the ordinary citizen, the common reality involves navigating litter-strewn streets, enduring inconsistent…

Relief was the pervading emotion in the Springbok team on Saturday night after they broke their 13-year winning drought in Dublin with a 24-13 win. The score flattered Ireland, who were dominated from the first whistle to the last, but doggedly hung in to prevent a rout. To crown the Boks’ fourth consecutive win on their November tour, hooker Malcolm Marx was handed the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award in the change room straight after the match. The Boks led 19-7 at half-time and went on to win the match by 11 points, despite the clash being marred by a red and yellow card. “It was a great win against a team that have dominated us since we’ve been together as a group,” said Erasmus, who…

Morgan Rogers produced two excellent finishes to inspire an Aston Villa comeback, beating Leeds 2–1 at Elland Road yesterday and moving into the English Premier League’s top four. Rogers has often been preferred this season by England manager Thomas Tuchel over Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham but had scored just once this season prior to his second-half double. After failing to win any of their first five games, Villa have now won six of their last seven Premier League matches, climbing into UEFA Champions League positions. Defeat leaves Leeds inside the relegation zone, and they were left to rue not building on a fast start. Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez pleaded in vain for a foul as he was challenged for a high ball by Anton Stach in the eighth minute. Ezri…

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen produced a masterful drive to win the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday, with his title hopes boosted further after the McLarens of championship leader Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were both disqualified. Norris had finished second on the track, with Piastri fourth, but the skid blocks on both cars were found after the race to be below the minimum depth. The disqualifications mean that with two race weekends remaining, four-time defending champion Verstappen is now level on points with Piastri in the title race, just 24 points behind Norris. However, Verstappen’s chances of a fifth successive title will depend on another slip-up from Norris or his McLaren team. With a maximum of 58 points available in the final two GPs, the Briton needs…

Italy has unveiled an ambitious debt-relief plan aimed at easing the financial burden on low- and middle-income countries, declaring that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the crushing debt many nations face. Africa faces growing financing pressures as rising debt service costs severely constrain development. By the end of 2024, public debt to countries and multilateral financial institutions had reached $1.815 trillion, while annual debt servicing climbed to $163 billion, leaving 57% of Africans living in countries where debt payments exceed health or education spending. The high level of debt is unsustainable and undermines efforts towards sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The G20 Ministerial Declaration on Debt Sustainability has signaled the intent of the G20 to do more to tackle unsustainable levels of debt alongside the rising cost of…

As G20 leaders gather in Johannesburg, discussions will centre on energy, trade and employment - issues that shape global economic activity. Alongside these familiar pillars, however, sits a less frequently examined driver: Sport. Not as charity or soft power but as a developing category of infrastructure that supports consumer demand, service industries and fiscal capacity in multiple markets. Bank of America Institute highlights the economic potential. Our Market Landscape Insights work finds that households globally spend roughly $1,122 annually on sports-related goods and experiences. Transaction-level card data show that major events reliably lift local spending. During the most recent FIFA Club World Cup, host areas recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in hospitality and retail activity. These effects are modest individually but meaningful when repeated and scaled. Different regions illustrate this…

Cosatu will be celebrating its 40th anniversary on the 6th of December at Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto. This will be an occasion for workers to celebrate their many hard-won gains since the dark days of apartheid, state brutality and absolute misery. It will be an opportunity to honour the many heroes of workers’ struggles from Ray Alexander organising clothing and laundry workers in the 1940s to Oscar Mpetha leading food and canning workers in the 1980s. Most importantly it is a moment to recharge the labour movement to tackle the many challenges workers face today from 1% economic growth to 42% unemployment rates. Cosatu, like all other labour formations, has no shortage of armchair critics who argue that unions are a burden to the economy and society, yet they shamefully…

The SPAR Group share price continued a downward trend on Friday after it warned that headline earnings per share from continuing operations were expected to be lower by 7.5% to 12.5% for the 52 weeks to September 26. The share price was trading 4.35% lower at R103.50 on Friday afternoon, following a trend of over 24% lower from R137.69 a year previously. The retail franchiser group stated in a trading statement that once-off impairments processed during the year were largely behind the fact that earnings per share from continuing operations were likely to be between 40% and 50% lower. The lower headline earnings per share would be primarily due to the SPAR Poland exit financing costs and related tax. However, the directors indicated that the group was committed to resuming…

Argent Industrials' share price leapt over 7% on Friday after it reported an 11.7% increase in the interim dividend to 67 cents a share. Revenue increased 12.4% to R1.42 billion for the six months to September 30. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was up 13.2% to R229.84 million. Profit increased 12.7% to R146.98m Headline earnings a share increased by 13.3% to 261.7 cents. The share price traded at R32 on Friday afternoon on the JSE, up from R27.05 a year before. Net asset value at September 30 was 3,654.9 cents a share. “These strong results underscore the effectiveness of our disciplined capital allocation strategy and continued investment in high-performing international operations. Argent’s focus on operational efficiency, strategic diversification, and prudent financial management continues to support sustainable value…

The US questioning of the legitimacy of the G20 summit held in Johannesburg over the weekend is misplaced, as the bloc is made up of the most influential economies in the world, and they approved the declarations taken at the event. This was said by William Baloyi, the head of the Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS), who was responding to the White House, which on Saturday said South Africa was refusing to facilitate a smooth transition of its presidency of the Group of 20 major economies to the US, after the G20 issued a declaration on climate change despite US objections. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had pushed to issue a G20 leaders' declaration addressing the climate crisis and other global challenges “despite…

In highlighting the urgent need for critical care nursing in South Africa, a professor from the University of Pretoria (UP) pointed out that the country only has 6 246 critical care-trained nurses registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). South Africa’s population of 64 million is meanwhile supported by only 4 719 critical care beds. Around 1 186 of these beds are in the public sector and 3 533 in the private sector. In an inaugural address at the UP, newly appointed Professor Isabel Coetzee-Prinsloo outlined a transformative vision for the future of critical care in South Africa. She presented what she termed the “three pillars of excellence in critical care” – quality education, practice development, and knowledge translation. In her lecture, delivered at a time when healthcare systems…

In a distressing revelation that underscores a growing crisis, the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal reported over 3,000 cases of sexual assault involving children under the age of 12 between January and September 2025. Dr Sabelo Gwala, Deputy Director-General: Stakeholder Coordination in the Office of the Premier, presented these figures at the recent Provincial Council on AIDS meeting. The findings reveal a trend of rising sexual violence against children, particularly in the eThekwini, King Cetshwayo, and uMgungundlovu districts, which registered the highest numbers of reported cases. According to the presentation, across the 10 districts and one metro, 1,062 cases were reported between January and March, 954 between April and June and 1,027 between July and September. Harry Gwala, King Cetshwayo and uMzinyathi districts saw an increase in sexual assault matters…

THE South African Medical Associa- tion (SAMA) says it is gravely concerned after a doctor and a female companion were brutally stabbed in the doctors’ quarters at Rietvlei Hospital in Umzim- khulu, southern KwaZulu-Natal. SAMA said the alleged perpetrator is reported to be a member of the hospital’s security personnel, which has raised serious concerns about internal security protocols and staff vetting processes. “This incident underscores a troubling reality that healthcare workers in South Africa continue to face escalating levels of violence while performing their duties. The organisation is urgently calling on Rietvlei Hospital leadership to conduct a full investigation into the breach, provide a comprehensive report on actions taken since the incident, and implement a clear consequence management plan. It has requested that these items be addressed by 28…

Malcolm Marx must have approached Saturday’s clash – his 87th Test for South Africa – against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin with plenty of thoughts running through his mind. This was, after all, the same Irish team that split a series with the Springboks on South African soil last year – winning in Durban after losing in Pretoria. It was also the same opponent against whom Marx suffered one of the worst injuries of his career: a fractured tibia caused by a dangerous croc-roll clearout at the breakdown. The culprits then were No 8 Caelan Doris and lock James Ryan, with Ryan executing the illegal cleanout while Doris took the yellow card. So, when Marx delivered a powerhouse performance in the Boks’ 24–13 victory in Dublin this weekend,…

As the United Rugby Championship (URC) resumes this weekend, South African fans are gearing up for a series of high-stakes clashes, with the Jukskei Derby at Loftus standing out as the headline fixture. The Bulls are hoping to bounce back from their away defeat against the Glasgow Warriors before the international break, while neighbours the Lions will be buoyed after two successive wins erased memories of a nightmare European tour. The Bulls, last year’s beaten finalists, started the season brightly with two home wins, but endured a mixed tour, with a narrow win against Connacht sandwiched between losses to Ulster and the Warriors. They have often struggled to balance new coach Johan Ackerman’s expansive approach with the physical dominance and forward power game that served them so well in the…

It might not be one of the best leagues in the world, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s reported move to the Chicago Fire in MLS still augurs well for his career. Mbokazi has carved out a reputation as one of the most rock-solid defenders in the PSL top flight. This is due to his maturity, composure on and off the ball, timeless tackles, and accurate passing. His exploits haven’t gone unnoticed. He has even caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who believes Mbokazi is one of the best defenders he has ever coached – and simply too good for the local league. Broos has stressed that it will be important for the teenager to move overseas next season, as that will elevate his career to greater heights. Christmas seems…