Indholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-08 i Mercury

OUTsurance Limited has been approved for a secondary listing on A2X Markets. OUTsurance shares will be available for trade on A2X from January 14, 2026. OUTsurance is a South African insurance provider that offers value-for-money short-term insurance products for your car, buildings, household contents, and items that you take and use outside the home. Kevin Brady, the CEO of A2X said: "For the past 28 years, OUTsurance has delivered innovative, value-for-money products to its clients, and we are pleased to help extend this approach to their shareholders. By listing on A2X, OUTsurance will provide its investors with the benefit of choice to transact its shares on an additional venue with reduced transaction fees and extra liquidity." OUTsurance joins 167 other securities listed on A2X, representing a combined market capitalisation…

Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) said Wednesday it had agreed to sell its 65% shareholding in the Whale Coast Village shopping mall in Hermanus, Western Cape, for R600 million. HCI's 80%-held subsidiary HCI-Whale Coast Village (HCI-WCV) had entered into a sale agreement to dispose of its 65% undivided share in the "Whale Coast Village Mall" rental enterprise. Whale Coast Capital Investments Proprietary acquired a 40% stake and Whale Coast Village Mall Proprietary acquired the remaining 25% of the share in the mall. HCI said the funds would be used to settle taxes and the debt funding owing by HCI-WCV to its debt funders, which was currently about R328m. The remainder of the purchase consideration was intended to be distributed by HCI-WCV to its shareholders, including HCI as to 80% thereof. The…

South Africa’s long-term economic competitiveness depends on how effectively it embraces digital transformation. Across the globe, industries are rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation into their operations, with technology changing how people work, how decisions are made, and how businesses compete. For South Africa, the challenge is not only technological adoption, but workforce readiness. Without a deliberate national effort to build digital capability, the gap between technology and people will continue to grow. This gap threatens productivity, innovation, and ultimately, economic growth, and it is reaching a critical point. In a global economy moving at digital speed, failing to adapt is not an option. The human element of AI should not be seen as a threat to jobs, but rather a tool that enhances human performance. When used effectively,…

Looking to try Veganuary without overspending? Chef Sue Gajathar’s easy, cost-conscious recipes prove that plant-based cooking can be both delicious and affordable. Simple, perfect hummus Makes about 2 cups Ingredients 1 can of chickpeas or 2 cups of boiled chickpeas 3 tbs good-quality tahini (optional) 3 tbs fresh lemon juice 1 small garlic clove, minced ¼ tsp ground cumin Salt to taste Crackle of pepper 3 - 4 ice cubes 2 - 4 tbs cold water 3 tbs olive oil For serving: Extra virgin olive oil, paprika, and/or chopped parsley Method The secret step: Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Then, add them to a large bowl with plenty of water. Gently rub them between your hands – the skins will start to float to the top! Pour off the skins.…

When Rikus Kylander disappeared snorkelling with friends in Mozambique a week before Christmas, his parents dropped everything, jumped in their car, and drove all the way from Krugersdorp, Gauteng, to search for him. And now, just about three weeks later, they are still there, about 700km from home, searching desperately for their 18-year-old son. Rikus vanished without a trace when he took to the water with a group of about 12 friends at Ponta Da Oura, along the neighbouring country’s tropical coastline. The friends had travelled to Mozambique to celebrate the end of matric, but the rest of the group returned without him. “Their focus right now is trying to locate Rikus,” Renegades Search & Rescue spokesperson Dawn Gounden said. “They have been in Mozambique since he went missing...it has…

Fourteen South Africans who were detained in Thailand are expected to be deported back to South Africa in the coming days after allegedly being recruited for overseas jobs that did not materialise as promised. The group was reportedly approached in South Africa by a recruiter offering work in the information technology sector before travelling to Thailand. Families of the detainees say the employment arrangements turned out to be vastly different from what had been presented to them. One relative, speaking on behalf of a detained family member, told the SABC News that the group was prevented from communicating with people outside Thailand and was held in poor and degrading conditions, including cramped cells, limited access to basic hygiene facilities and little information about their legal options. The public broadcaster reported…

Sharks owner Marco Masotti’s chirp that the Sale Sharks should rebrand themselves as the “Sale Tuna” could come back to bite him when the teams meet in a Champions Cup fixture on Saturday in Manchester. Masotti said on social media that one of his New Year’s wishes was for Sale to undergo a name change to leave the Durban team as world rugby’s sole “Sharks” team. Masotti said: “I will be there in person. I hope the Sale fans show up to see the real @SharksRugby. There can be only one. Good luck to the Sale Tuna.” While Masotti is known for his tongue-in-cheek jibes on social media, he may, in this case, have shot himself in the foot for two reasons: one, the Sharks are resting their Springboks for…

Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince has reiterated the importance of getting game time in the SA20 for the Proteas World Cup players, especially those returning from injury, including Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and David Miller. On paper, the Proteas T20 World Cup squad is filled with seasoned professionals, with Aiden Markram set to lead the side in his second ICC event after steering the team to the final in the previous edition of the showpiece. However, a deeper dive into the squad reveals that several key players are set to head into the World Cup with little to no recent international game time. Fast bowlers Rabada and Kwena Maphaka missed the Proteas T20I series in India due to injuries, while Nortje and Miller only returned during that series. At least…

Willie le Roux has always been a player that the fans tend to either love or hate, and it was the former emotion that pervaded Bulls supporters at the conclusion of last week’s enthralling north-south derby in Cape Town. In the last movement of the game, with the Stormers leading 13-8 but with the Bulls in possession, the Springbok full-back chose not to keep the ball in hand. Instead, he sent a speculative kick to the open-side touchline, but it sailed over the head of chasing Bulls wing Stravino Jacobs and into touch. The final whistle went, that was that for the Bulls, and a groan erupted out of Pretoria, followed by the collective refrain, ”Why the heck did he kick it?!” Why indeed … After the match, Bulls coach…

The Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) has ruled that Novus Holdings must increase its takeover offer for ICT product group Mustek by 15.4% to R15.41 per share, from the R13 per share initial offer value. The TRP's investigation arose from complaints lodged to it by Albie Cilliers, who is well known for his advocacy of shareholder rights in South Africa, in June 2025. Cilliers had raised red flags about potential undisclosed concert party relationships in the Novus mandatory offer. Novus said in a JSE news service statement it "fundamentally disagrees" with the conclusions reached by the TRP and will consider its rights and/or remedies. Novus intends applying to the TRP to set aside the (ruling) and is taking the requisite advice in this respect. The TRP ruling found that Novus breached…

According to the Naamsa aggregate new vehicles sales rose to 597 000 units in 2025 South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a landmark recovery in 2025, with total sales climbing above 2019 pre-pandemic levels for the first time and reaching multi-year highs. According to data released by the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) on Wednesday, aggregate new vehicle sales rose to 596 818 units in 2025, reflecting a strong 15.7% increase compared with 2024 and marking the best annual performance in more than a decade. This was after new vehicle market registered a 19.2% rebound for the month of December, with aggregate industry new vehicle sales reaching 48 983 units, an increase of 7 882 vehicles compared to the 41 101 units recorded in December 2024. Naamsa said the rebound was…

2026 is not even a week old and already the dark clouds appearing give little comfort to a nation that has seen more than enough drama. The President of the African National Congress and the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa, will be presenting the ruling party’s January 8th anniversary statement. It is critical that this statement be grounded on the very difficult challenges facing society and in particular the working class, and most importantly provide a call to action for all spheres of government as it prepares for the State of the Nation Address and the tabling of the 2026/27 Budget at Parliament. The January 8th statement and government’s responding plans must speak to the very painful socio-economic challenges faced by the working class and society. It must focus on government’s plans,…

While the legal battle over the publication of the matric results is still ongoing, matrics awaiting their results will be able to access them via their local newspapers. Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona yesterday confirmed that this will be the case. “There was a decision on this matter and yes, the results will be available in the newspapers,” Mabona said. The Information Regulator (IR), however, maintained that the information cannot be published in light of the pending appeal. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in December turned down an application by the IR for an order barring the publication of the results. Three judges ruled that the results may be published, but that this had to be done by only using the candidate’s exam number. The IR, however,…

The countdown is on for Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is investigating allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The committee has until February 20, 2026, to complete its work and intends to hit the ground running next week. The committee met virtually yesterday, where they discussed its public participation process and the programme relating to the resumption of oral hearings, as well as received a report on cases against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan. The committee had an extensive list of agenda points to discuss but only made minor resolutions with the intent to reconvene early next week before their hearings officially start on Wednesday. The testimonies of controversial ANC-aligned North West businessman Brown Mogotsi and O’Sullivan were significant talking points during the meeting. In regard…

KwaZulu-Natal police arrested a suspect who shot at police officers in Phoenix this week. The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when officers noticed a suspicious vehicle, leading to a chase that ended with an exchange of gunfire. A firearm found on the suspect was linked to a man who was killed last month. “Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested a suspect for attempted murder of police officers, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition following an incident in which police noticed a suspicious vehicle with five occupants and pursued it,” said KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda. He said the vehicle was intercepted on the corner of Stanmore Drive and Phoenix Highway. “One person fled from the vehicle while the other four remained inside the vehicle. Police gave chase, and the suspect…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the Premier League leaders must win trophies if they are to be remembered like the "Invincibles" side that last won the title for the Gunners in 2004. Arsene Wenger's side romped to the title 22 years ago without losing a single league game. Arsenal head into tonight's clash at home to reigning champions Liverpool at the top of the league standings. Arteta's men, runners-up for the past three seasons, have two more points and four more goals than Wenger's "Invincibles" managed after 20 games. But the Spaniard said those stats matter little unless Arsenal go on to win the league. "No, because 'the Invincibles' won a lot," Arteta told his pre-match press conference on whether his side can be considered better than Arsenal's last title…

Brothers Msawenkosi and Sandile Mtolo have announced themselves as contenders for the Dusi Canoe Marathon K2 title, despite pairing up for a shot at the crown for the first time in the 75th edition of the iconic river race. Both brothers have impressive Dusi pedigrees. Msawenkosi holds a runner-up medal from 2024, when he and Sbonelo Khwela finished second in the K2 race. However, the upcoming journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, taking place from February 19 to 21, will mark their first time competing together in the same boat. They fired a warning shot at their rivals with a victory in the Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin in November. As the first Dusi qualifying event, it incorporates flat water, portages, and rapids, providing a comprehensive test of a crew's readiness. The…

Agricultural associations have welcomed decisive action by the Limpopo provincial government to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), but have cautioned that stricter movement controls could place added pressure on farmers if not efficiently implemented. Earlier this week, Limpopo’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development introduced new requirements for pre-approved permits and risk-based assessments for the movement of cloven-hoofed animals into, within and out of the province. The measures apply to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and game, and take effect immediately until further notice. The department said the regulations are grounded in the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), under which FMD is declared a controlled animal disease. The Act empowers veterinary authorities to prescribe control measures to prevent the spread of animal diseases…

The European Union is taking a “very serious” look at Elon Musk’s Grok after the artificial intelligence-powered chatbot generated sexualised images of people including minors on the social media platform X. “We are aware of the fact that X or Grok is now offering a ‘Spicy Mode’ showing explicit sexual content with some output generated with childlike images,” commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said at a press conference, referring to a setting that Grok debuted last year to generate suggestive material. “This is not spicy. This is illegal.” Users of X have been prompting Grok to digitally remove clothing from photos - often of women - so the subjects appeared to be wearing only underwear or bikinis. The proliferation of these images on a popular social media platform has alarmed regulators…

South African consumers are heading into 2026 carrying a heavy debt load, prompting renewed warnings from debt and credit experts that households need to make careful financial decisions to avoid sinking deeper into financial distress. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, said the organisation is increasingly concerned about the level of debt consumers are bringing into the new year. While January is traditionally a financially demanding month, he said the pressure in 2026 is far more severe. “Households are starting the year already weighed down by accumulated debt, back-to-school costs, and essential living expenses that continue to rise faster than incomes can stretch,” Roets said. “Even with some welcome relief in fuel prices, many consumers are still living on extremely narrow margins, where one unforeseen cost can derail an already…

Gwede Mantashe's blunt comments about poor and unemployed South Africans could further undermine the ANC heading into the upcoming local government elections this year. That is the view of political experts, with others warning that the remarks indicate that South Africans “must choose wisely in the next local government elections”. Political commentators, labour organisations, and opposition parties have all criticised the remarks made by Mantashe, where he stated that South Africans have become too dependent on the government for everything they seek “while they sit in the sun”. The ANC national chairperson further stated that South Africans are not actively looking for jobs and expect the government to find them employment. When asked about the public's reaction to this statement, Mantashe’s office said the minister is busy with the ANC's…

Two men have been arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following a severe attack on a woman at a Pietermaritzburg tavern, which was captured on CCTV footage and widely shared on social media. “The two African males, aged 43 and 36 years old, handed themselves over to the police at the Plessislaer Police Station on Sunday, January 4,” police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu confirmed. They subsequently appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday; however, the motive for the brutal assault remains unclear. The shared footage shows the woman, dressed in all white, standing near a table, seemingly texting on her phone, when the initial attacker, a man in a blue t-shirt and white shorts, storms into the frame. He charges at her and…

Workplace rules must be clear and consistently applied and not only exist on paper; the Labour Court has ruled in upholding a CCMA ruling that the dismissal of an employee for using a vehicle without permission is substantively unfair. In coming to the aid of Pumeza Poswa, the Johannesburg Labour Court dismissed a review application by Europcar South Africa, a division of Motors Group Limited (the employer), for an order that Poswa should be fired. Europcar South Africa operates in the vehicle rental business. Its vehicles constitute revenue-generating assets at the core of its operations. A central submission by the employer is that employees may only use company vehicles with proper authorisation. Unauthorised use of such vehicles is expressly recorded in the disciplinary code as a serious offence warranting dismissal.…

Bafana Bafana midfielder Bathusi Aubaas believes the hard lessons of their early Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exit will forge a stronger team, shaping their journey in tournaments yet to come. The team’s campaign at this edition of AFCON ended in disappointment with a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in the round of 16, extinguishing hopes of a long-awaited second title. South Africa had entered the tournament with high expectations, aiming to build on their third-place finish in the previous edition and, perhaps, go all the way. Heading into the competition, the current squad drew frequent comparisons with the iconic class of 1996, but with some below-par performances in the group stages and ultimately the knockouts, that title-winning side remains the only South African team to have lifted the…

Four-time wheelchair tennis Grand Slam doubles champion Kgothatso “KG” Montjane is eager to put the heartache of 2025 behind her as she resumes her pursuit of a fifth major title at the Australian Open later this month. South Africa’s most decorated tennis player experienced a year of sharp contrasts in 2025. On court, Montjane continued to cement her status among the elite of women’s wheelchair tennis, lifting the French Open doubles title alongside her longtime Japanese partner Yui Kamiji and reaching the Wimbledon singles semi-finals in another reminder of her enduring class. Off court, however, she endured profound personal loss that tested her resilience more than any opponent ever could. "Last year was my toughest year, where I was dealing with the loss of my mom and still I’m grieving,…

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Roger De Sa says the team may need to consider a different approach in their striking department after a slightly ineffective AFCON campaign from their talismans. Bafana crashed out of the continental showpiece in the last 16 after losing 2–1 to Cameroon on Sunday in Rabat. Hugo Broos’ men were their own worst enemies up front in that game, squandering three clear-cut chances to take the lead in the first 20 minutes. That came back to haunt them, resulting in the Indomitable Lions going 2–0 up on the stroke of half-time and early in the second half. Evidence Makgopa, having come on as a substitute, scored the consolation goal with two minutes remaining in regulation time. His goal meant there were three goals and two assists…