Innehållsförteckning för 2025-11-21 från Cape Times

Transnet will spend R2.7 billion this year on ports, with a total of R11 billion planned over the next five years to upgrade infrastructure and improve efficiency, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has revealed. This comes as the state-owned entity continues efforts to improve performance following years of delays, backlogs and criticism over collapsing port efficiency. Transnet has faced sustained pressure from industry and global assessments, including World Bank rankings that placed several South African ports among the worst in the world. Answering questions at the National Council of Provinces earlier this month, the minister said that the investment forms part of a broader programme to modernise the port system, tackle inefficiencies and increase freight volumes. "Transnet has approved a budget of R2.7 billion for capital investment in the port…

As Johannesburg hosts world leaders for the G20 Summit this weekend, a great deal of the global chatter has focused on one headline: President Donald Trump will not attend. Some commentators have painted this as a diplomatic setback for South Africa. Others say it weakens the credibility of a summit meant to steer the global economy. Both views miss the point. Trump’s absence is not a loss. It is a gift. Not because of the theatrics of geopolitics, but because it forces South Africa to confront a truth shaping the global economy: the world is moving away from multilateral declarations and into a new era of bilateral trade, strategic self-interest, and deal-by-deal engagement.The countries that thrive in this environment are not those waiting for consensus in crowded multilateral rooms. They…

Christie's said Wednesday it was suspending the Paris auction of one of just a handful of examples of the world's first calculating machine, developed by French mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal in 1642. The auction of "La Pascaline" had been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, but late on Tuesday a Paris court suspended authorisation for export -- meaning buyers would not be able to take it abroad. This example is one of only nine still existing and the only one believed to be in private hands -- others are held in museums. Christie's had dubbed the box, decorated with ebony, as "the most important scientific instrument ever offered at auction" and it had been expected to fetch 2-3 million euros. The auction house had described the machine as "nothing less than…

The South African government is on the cusp of introducing a significant legislative change that could transform the landscape for suppliers of testing services. Proposed amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act no. 89 of 1991 (VAT Act) aim to broaden the scope of zero-rated transactions, specifically targeting testing services provided to non-residents, even when those services are physically performed within South Africa. The intention is to address a long-standing obstacle for VAT vendors, as the VAT treatment of many testing services (including clinical trial services) was uncertain. The current wording of the law arguably requires the service to be standard rated despite being supplied to a non-resident, where services are directly in connection with movable property situated in the Republic that is not subsequently exported, or the person directly benefiting…

CONTROVERSIAL North West businessman and alleged information peddler, Brown Mogotsi, who claims to be a ‘contact agent’ for crime intelligence, does not have formal training in policing, intelligence gathering, and forensic investigations. Mogotsi, who has been accused of leveraging his connections to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to influence police matters, was testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mogotsi was questioned about his qualifications as a contact agent and why he was assigned to probe irregularities in crime intelligence. He conceded to the Madlanga commission that his background includes basic training in counter-intelligence and crime intelligence, which he received as an Umkhonto Wesizwe operative. “You will be sent from one place to another place. You will be tasked to look at cars (and) look at these people from KZN, look…

The Mpumalanga High Court has set aside an order compelling the Department of Basic Education to release withheld matric results to learners who were accused of being part of a massive cheating scandal during the 2022 exams. Their exam results were withheld and declared null and void by the Mpumalanga Department of Education. This was after the department determined at the marking phase of the learners’ scripts and pursuant to an investigation, that the learners had cheated. The learners turned to court last year, where they scored a victory when the department was ordered to release their results. But the department now successfully appealed that ruling before three judges. Judge Takalani Ratshibvumo found that the vast majority of the learners implicated did not exhaust the internal appeal processes, as…

The Springbok players this week have played down the “revenge” factor ahead of their huge clash with archrivals Ireland tomorrow, but coach Rassie Erasmus said he would be “lying” if he said that ticking the Ireland box was not important. Erasmus and his illustrious group of players and management have won two World Cups since they got together in 2018, but in that time, they have lost four of five games played against Ireland, and none of them have won a Test match in Dublin, not even 139-cap veteran Eben Etzebeth. “Personally, I have never won a match here in Dublin,” Erasmus said. “Even as a coach of Munster, we lost to the Scarlets here in the PRO 14 final; we lost here to Saracens in the European Cup; as…

If it wasn't for a pastrami sandwich and a cold beer to swallow it down with, Ireland would have ruined Paris for me. The City of Lights is on many people's bucket list to visit — the history, the landmarks, the food … it's all so romantic. With the Seine river cutting through its centre, world-famous monuments stand proudly overlooking the city. It makes for spectacular views and vistas. The French, so the saying goes, can live without the world, but the world cannot live without the French. On its outskirts, in Saint-Denis, and dominating the skyline there, stands the Stade de France — an 80 000-seater behemoth of a stadium that has seen some truly remarkable South African achievements. In September 2023, it hosted a Rugby World Cup group…

South Africans will head into the festive season with welcome financial relief after the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) cut interest rates by 25 basis points, reducing the repo rate from 7.00% to 6.75% per annum. The unanimous decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) marks the sixth rate reduction since the start of the easing cycle in September 2024, bringing cumulative cuts to 1.75 percentage points. The prime lending rate now falls to 10.25%, easing debt-servicing costs for households already strained by years of elevated borrowing rates. Standard Bank’s Head of South Africa Macroeconomic Research, Dr Elna Moolman, said the full impact of the current cutting cycle will only be felt in 2026. “This will then counteract the reduced tailwind from low inflation. Consumer spending will likely also be…

The property industry has welcomed the South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) decision to lower interest rates by 25 basis points, a move expected to ease pressure on consumers and stimulate activity in the residential market. The rate cut, announced by Governor Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday following this week's Monetary Policy Committee meeting, reduces the repo rate to 6.75% and the prime lending rate to 10.25%. Kganyago said the decision was unanimous, marking the latest step in a gradual easing cycle as inflation trends lower and economic conditions stabilise. Seeff Property Group chairman, Samuel Seeff, on Thursday said the cut brings “welcome news and early festive cheer” for households, the economy and the property sector. Seeff noted that inflation, averaging just under 3.3% this year, remains well within the Sarb’s proposed…

Ask any entrepreneur what it is like to own a business, and they might answer that it’s a bit like taking a sea voyage. When you start a business, it’s usually with the same optimism as setting off on a long-awaited trip. You’ve charted the route, stocked provisions, and prepared for the worst by installing your life raft. If you’re lucky, you have times of smooth sailing, and others where the water is choppy. But then sometimes, the business takes more battering than it can handle, and it starts to sink. Sales dry up, cash flow becomes strained, and the numbers stop making sense, no matter how many times you run them. For many South African entrepreneurs, this isn’t a personal failing – it’s a reality of the waters we’re…

CEDRICK Nkabinde, chief of staff for suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, was part of a “ task team” plotting allegedly with instructions from forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, and former head of Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Robert McBride to block ex-police national commissioner Khomotso Phahlane from occupying the position permanently. Nkabinde, who previously worked at IPID, was testifying before the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Phahlane served as the acting national commissioner from October 15, 2015, to June 1, 2017. Nkabinde said the plot against Phahlane was hatched at a meeting that took place at the O’Sullivan house, which used to belong to Radovan Krejcir, a Czech criminal fugitive serving a prison term. He said the task team consisted of McBride,…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to declare the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) both a national and global crisis falls short on urgency, anti-GBVF advocacy group Ilitha Labantu. In a move appearing to be in anticipation of today’s planned National Shutdown, Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) both a national and global crisis. Women’s rights organisations have been preparing to picket at various venues in parts of the country to highlight the scourge of GBVF as part of planned G20 Summit-related protests. Addressing the closing of the G20 Social Summit yesterday, Ramaphosa said: “No society can thrive for as long as gender-based violence and femicide continue, and the agency of women is denied. The violence perpetrated by men against women erodes the social fabric…

Women For Change (WFC) is demanding urgent action, accountability, and proper implementation of existing laws to end gender-based violence ahead of today’s planned nationwide shutdown. The group is sending a stark warning to President Cyril Ramaphosa: ‘women are dying, and empty promises are no longer enough.’ WFC GBV activist and Victim Support Lead Michael Benevolent Masina said they don’t need more speeches from the President; they need urgency, accountability, and action. “In the past few weeks alone, we’ve seen cases that would break any nation, and still, we return to silence, excuses, and inaction,” Masina said. “As a country, we have normalised GBVF. Women For Change reached a point where we could not stand by and watch another name trend for a day and disappear. “This shutdown is us saying:…

Kill Your Boss Jack Heath Multi-cast narration Audible originals AUDIOBOOKS have the unique ability to bring stories to life, and the latest offering from Audible Originals, Kill Your Boss by Jack Heath, exemplifies this perfectly. With a multi-cast narration that immerses listeners into the story, this audiobook serves up a delightful blend of dark humour and thrilling mystery, making for an unforgettable experience. The premise of the story is irresistibly captivating: Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui inadvertently stumbles upon a bizarre scene at the Warrigal Public Library. A loud brawl has just come to an explosive end, and as she prepares to leave, a man crashes down from the sky - quite literally. Neville Adams, the Head of Library Services, has fallen to his death, landing at the foot of the…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the result of a close match against Ireland tomorrow will not define a season, in which his team have already won 11 of the 13 matches they have played. Erasmus added that while much is being made about the Boks losing four of their last five games against the Irish, the margins have been tiny. “I am not sure that Saturday’s result will define the season as being successful or not,” the coach said. “If we play at our best, but Ireland are better on the day, what can you say then? That is rugby. “It is about the level of performance that we deliver in our fourteenth match of the season. We have been together since the beginning of June. “To keep up the…

Evidence in the explosive allegations by JSE AltX-listed Mantengu Mining against certain JSE executives includes emails that appear to support the mining company’s claims of suspicious transactions of its shares, while the JSE says these correspondences may be “spoof email.” Mantengu in May this year filed a criminal complaint with the authorities against several JSE executives and others about alleged share price manipulation that Mantengu's CEO Mike Miller alleged was aimed at depressing the company’s share price, claims that the JSE continues to roundly deny. “There have been no credible facts, not any, primary or direct evidence produced that would justify a suspension or “garden leave” for any of the JSE directors,” said JSE Group legal and public policy director Louis Cockeran in response to BR questions about the matter.…

South Africa’s agricultural sector continued its strong export performance in 2025, defying global trade uncertainty and shifting policy environments, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). The country’s agricultural exports reached $11.7 billion (R189 billion) in the first three quarters of the year — a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said third-quarter exports alone totalled $4.7bn (R68bn), up 13% year-on-year, driven by higher export volumes and firm commodity prices. South Africa’s export mix remained diverse, led by citrus, nuts, apples, pears, maize, wine, sugar, fruit juices, berries, grapes, pineapples, avocados and soybeans. Improved port performance — despite ongoing challenges — also helped sustain the flow of agricultural goods out of the country. Sihlobo noted that operational improvements at…

As South Africans prepare for Black Friday on November 28, the National Financial Ombud (NFO) is urging consumers to think twice before swiping their way into a financial hangover. The NFO says while seasonal discounts may offer short-term appeal, the long-term consequences of overspending on credit, including high-interest debt and depleted savings, can derail essential financial goals and lead to post-holiday hardship. The NFO has also cautioned that digital fraud tends to spike during the year-end holiday season. Nerosha Maseti, credit and banking division lead ombud at the NFO, says Black Friday, known for massive sales and long lines, is a shopper’s adrenaline rush with jaw-dropping discounts, limited-time offers, and the thrill of snagging the perfect deal. “But beneath the buzz lies a financial minefield. Swipe-happy spending can spiral into…

SAPS head of supply chain management Molefe Fani did not know that the company awarded the R360 million health risk management contract belonged to attempted murder accused tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. Fani told the parliamentary inquiry yesterday that he became aware of Matlala when reports surfaced that he won the SAPS contract. “At that time, I did not know Cat Matlala at all.” The inquiry heard that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola was contacted by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) while the tender was being adjudicated around May 2024, warning that there was a company linked to Matlala that was bidding for the tender. IDAC had informed Masemola that Matlala’s company did not have a tax clearance certificate, had been blacklisted, and was involved in…

A Parow mother has praised the medical team and the Smile Foundation after her 16-month-old son, Stephen, born with a cleft lip, underwent successful reconstructive surgery. Stephen was one of three children who received reconstructive surgery at Tygerberg Hospital as part of the Smile Slate initiative, hosted by the Smile Foundation together with Milky Lane. A Smile Slate is an initiative by the Smile Foundation that provides life-changing surgeries for children with facial anomalies like cleft lip and palate, craniofacial abnormalities and severe burn scarring. For the Smile Foundation, each Smile Slate is a “reminder that medical care is not a privilege, it is a lifeline”. Leading the surgical team was Dr Mosadi Mahoko, plastic consultant at Tygerberg Hospital, supported by registrar Dr Kirthi Ramdhani. Dr Mahoko has dedicated much…

Medical evidence has contradicted the claims of illness by murder accused Zurenah Smit, with prosecutors alleging a “tactical delay” in her high-stakes trial. Just hours after being discharged from Victoria Hospital and declared medically fit to stand trial, Smit secured a sick note from a separate GP claiming hypertension - a condition her hospital doctor testified was not present during her three-day medical observation. As submitted by State prosecutor Renee Uys, this was yet another “tactical move to unreasonably delay” the matter in which Smit and her co-accused, Derek Sait, were to commence with the defence case at the Western Cape High Court. The High Court has now ordered the GP to testify. As court proceedings were set to get under way yesterday morning, Smit entered court with a crutch.…

Khanyi and the Kite Candida Mosoma Mbilu Tales Many South African entertainers have found new creative ground in children’s literature. Carol Ofori, Salamina Mosese, Shudufhadzo Musida and Sho Madjozi are among those who have brought African stories and characters to life for young readers. Multi-award-winning actress and singer Candida Mosoma is now joining their ranks with her debut children’s book, Khanyi and the Kite, part of the Mbilu Tales Series. The story follows Khanyi and her playful pug, Momo, as they embark on a lighthearted adventure through the park after Khanyi’s colourful kite drifts away. Inspired by her grandmother’s words, “Fly, my little kite, fly high in the sky… Your world is endless, your world will always be new,” Khanyi learns about love, courage and the power of imagination. The…

Red Bull’s hopes in Las Vegas hinge on one technical priority above all else: finding the RB21’s operating window. Without that, Max Verstappen simply cannot fight for victory — and the team knows it. As Laurent Mekies put it bluntly, Red Bull’s recent dip comes down to a single truth: “We just need to get the car in the right window.” Until they do, the RB21's pace will remain unpredictable, leaving Verstappen’s weekends defined more by setup fortune than by the car’s true potential. Red Bull’s struggles are not about track characteristics, and Mekies was emphatic on that point. “It’s not a case that the tracks are bad for us,” he said, dismissing claims that recent results reflect circuit-specific weaknesses. The real issue is consistency. The RB21 is devastatingly fast…

Ox Nche is still processing his nomination for the World Rugby Men's Player of the Year award. Earlier this week, the burly Springbok was penned in on the shortlist for the prestigious honour, making history in the process by becoming the first prop to receive such recognition. Speaking as brand ambassador for The Braai Republic at their first franchise outlet at Northgate shopping centre in Johannesburg yesterday, Nche could scarcely suppress his shock at announcement. “I am still digesting it,” Nche said, with a chuckle. “I still can’t believe it … it’s overwhelming. “I think every single player aspires to be recognised as one of the best players in the world, but once it happens, you can’t believe it. You do get a bit emotional. “Even now, I’m getting goosebumps…