Innehållsförteckning för 2025-01-17 från Mercury

I refer to Dr Duncan Du Bois’s recent letter, which claims that it is not climate change but sabotage, gangs, and lack of preparedness that are responsible for the massive and unprecedented fires in Los Angeles. But the logical question here is, are the gangs and lack of preparation also the cause of the extreme weather around the world, the floods, hurricanes and the droughts which have already started to impact the global food system and threaten starvation, water shortage and displacement of populations in poor countries. This is in addition to the rising sea levels due to the melting ice at the North Pole that can eliminate many coastal cities. The other logical questions are, do the human activities of burning fossil fuels with this intensity have no impact…

It’s not California dreaming but California burning. The land of the Hollywood stars, of the rich and the famous, has been engulfed by what many religious folk will believe is an apocalyptic event as prophesied in the biblical book of Revelations. Several monster wildfires in Los Angeles caused unimaginable devastation. The City of Angels became a living hell overnight. Trump and Musk blame the city officials for the runaway fires, the worst in memory. But it’s not that firefighters were sleeping on duty. They were prepared for the wildfires. But they were overwhelmed by the sheer intensity, scale and ferocity of the infernos. They were monster fires from hell. Over 150 000 residents had to leave everything behind and flee for their lives. The utter desolation of the landscape after…

SCHOOL governing bodies in KwaZulu-Natal have been accused of delaying the process of filling hundreds of teacher posts across the province. Teacher unions claimed that this situation had created chaos in schools, as pupils have returned to classrooms without teachers. The unions have revealed that approximately 500 posts for educators are yet to be filled, adding that interviews for 136 teachers had already been conducted. Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi acknowledged that there were delays in filling the posts. “The school governing bodies (SGBs) are delaying the process.We will soon be writing to them asking them why we (the department) should not take over the process.” The sentiment was echoed by the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu). However, the National Association of School Governing Bodies said the SGBs were desperate…

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said the recent rains had significantly improved surface water storage levels in the country’s dams to 79.8% this week, compared to 74.5% last week. The torrential rainfall caused localised flooding in some provinces but it also boosted their water supply, DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said. KwaZulu-Natal experienced the highest surge in dam levels at 10.2%. Mpumalanga shot up from 82.9% to 93.1% this week, while KZN levels increased from 81.0% to 91.2%. Mavasa said that parts of KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga received more than 200mm of rainfall. “There is an expectation of isolated to scattered rainfall over central and eastern areas of the country, particularly in Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal this week. As a result, surface water storage in these…

The South African Funeral Practitioners Association (Safpa) in KwaZulu-Natal has called on people to consider cremation because of the growing shortage of burial space in the eThekwini region. It said the recent heavy rains had further exposed the limitations of current cemetery infrastructure. Numerous graves have been washed away. The organisation said that as at 2019, about 5 400 grave sites in Durban already had more than one body per grave, with up to three bodies interred in a single plot. This practice had become increasingly common as burial space in the city’s 54 cemeteries nears capacity. Safpa KZN leader Abednigo Mpanza said: “With over 700 burials occurring each week, the crisis is escalating and the need for an immediate solution has never been more urgent. Given these circumstances,…

As South Africa battles with the reality of the Stilfontein disaster – where at least 78 illegal gold miners have died and more than 240 others were rescued – large-scale gold mining companies and Bench-Marks Foundation, which monitors resource firms, have painted a gloomy picture of the magnitude of the problem. Bench-Marks Foundation general manager Busi Thabane said that there are more than 6 000 abandoned gold mines and shafts across South Africa, while James Wellsted, a spokesperson for Sibanye-Stillwater, said illegal mining “was a significant challenge due to the prevailing circumstances” in the country. “Poor economic growth and low investment, high levels of unemployment, significant poverty, crime and corruption, and ineffective state organs, foster these conditions, which support and nurture criminal enterprise and activities such as illegal mining,” said…

PARLIAMENT is expecting the Department of Basic Education to implement the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act without any delays. This was the word from the Basic Education portfolio committee chairperson Joy Maimela yesterday. “We engaged the department on the state of readiness and they assured us that they are prepared,” Maimela said. Maimela said the portfolio committee would closely monitor the implementation of the newly introduced law. She said there should be no confusion around the issue of required documents such as birth certificates to be produced by parents or guardian on admission of their children at schools. “Despite a parent or a guardian not having the required documents, the school should admit the learner anyway. The principal must advise a parent to secure those documents,” she said. Asked…

The release of the results of the Class of 2024 provides us with an opportune moment to celebrate the achievements of our learners while also reflecting on the disparities that continue to plague our education system. Despite three decades of democracy, unequal resource distribution in schools remains a persistent challenge, casting a shadow over our aspirations for equity and justice. In schools across the country, particularly those in rural and under-resourced areas, learners face uphill battles that many of us can scarcely imagine. Yet, these learners are expected to sit for the same matric exams as their peers in well-resourced schools, where access to digital devices, textbooks, and modern teaching aids is a given and when the results are released, we make it as if there was no difference in…

Qatar and the US announced a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, adding that they hoped it would pave the way for a permanent end to the war in Gaza. After mediators said a deal had been reached, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the “final details” were being worked on. Netanyahu spoke with US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to thank them for their help securing the agreement, his office said. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial role, said the deal was the “right move” to bring back hostages seized during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war. Israel’s ensuing campaign has destroyed much of Gaza, killing 46 707 people, most of them civilians, according to…

AT a Niamey market, mother of five Rakia Abdou haggles hard for a sack of rice, a staple out of reach for many in Niger due to record inflation. “The prices of local food are falling but those for imported products are still high,” she said at the Wadata market, lightly coated in dust carried by the wind of west Africa’s Harmattan dry season. It is almost a year since the lifting of heavy sanctions on Niger imposed by regional West African bloc Ecowas to protest against the overthrow of civilian president Mohamed Bazoum in 2023. But constantly changing prices mean that many of Niger’s 26 million inhabitants face the grim daily choice of having to adapt or even go without. Four days after military officers seized power, the Economic…

BEIJING: China has allocated 6.66 billion yuan (aboutR17.4bn) of funds to support rural revitalisation in areas with large ethnic minority populations. These areas have received such central fiscal funds, according to a conference gathering heads of ethnic affairs commissions, which was held on Wednesday. Pan Yue, the director of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, said the funds would support areas with large ethnic minority populations to build on their achievements in poverty reduction and advance rural revitalisation. Greater efforts will be made to improve development policies, laws and regulations concerning ethnic affairs, strengthen local industries and foster handicraft brands unique to ethnic minority groups to boost high-quality development of these areas, Pan said. | Xinhua…

A new year brings resolutions to save and invest, with many unit trusts and investment options available. However, it's easy to get overwhelmed by details and overlook fundamental investment principles. Whether you're already invested for the long term or starting your journey, it's important to regularly remind yourself of these time-tested principles. Know your investment objectives Your investment goals are essential to shaping your portfolio, so it is crucial to have a clear understanding of them. Losing sight of these goals can make it harder to stay committed to your strategy during market fluctuations or times of pressure. Remember, investment objectives are not fixed – they may evolve with changing circumstances. Therefore, it is important to revisit and adjust your portfolio accordingly. To ensure flexibility, document your investment goals, enabling…

BANKSY, Britain’s famous pseudonymous street artist had another secret – a spell in which he coached kids in their art classes, they having no idea who he really was. For years people have tried – and failed – to uncover details about Bristol’s most famous, yet anonymous, graffiti artist, Banksy. Photos of him and stories of people who have met him are incredibly rare. But now a man who got the secretive artist to work with children at a youth club in the late 1990s has given the BBC exclusive insight on the man behind the murals. Banksy is one of the world’s most famous graffiti artists. His work has sold for millions of pounds and his exhibitions have been seen by a lot of people. However, at a…

As the 2025 academic year begins, the IFP extends its heartfelt good wishes to all learners. Education is a cornerstone of personal and national interest and development. As such we are reminded of the vision of our late founder and leader, Honourable Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who believed deeply that education is the ultimate tool of empowerment and liberation. As the IFP, we recognise that education is not only a fundamental right but a transformative force that shapes individuals and societies. In this spirit, we call for an urgent increase in teacher posts to address the crisis of overcrowded classrooms, so as to improve the quality of education being provided to each learner. Every child deserves to have access to dedicated educators who can provide focused attention and nurture their potential.…

THIS week, as I listened to the radio, it became clear that students and families across South Africa were feeling a heightened sense of tension marked by anxiety and anticipation of the soon to be released matric results. The release of matric results has turned into a significant event for politicians, parents, educators, students and the general public. This is because matriculation symbolises a rite of passage, showcasing a student’s academic abilities, resilience, and a gateway to the future. For parents, matric is the beginning of a better future for their children and for politicians, educational managers and educators, the results are evidence that they are doing their jobs well. It’s understandable that students feel pressure to perform well in order to meet personal goals and societal expectations. Meanwhile, educators,…

SOUTH Africa’s International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which follows 15 months of Israel’s extensive assault on Gaza. Department spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, called for the establishment of a “just and lasting peace” that protects and promotes the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis. While the ceasefire was announced late on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the details were still being decided. The implementation of the ceasefire agreement is expected to take place on Sunday. On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said there would be three stages to the ceasefire. The first would be a complete ceasefire within six weeks and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. This includes a release of hostages held captive. The second phase…

Authorities in Plettenberg Bay are offering a R10 000 reward for information leading to the capture of a panga-wielding attacker who assaulted an elderly couple during a morning stroll. The 70-year-old woman and her 73-year-old husband were walking on Challenge Drive on Tuesday when a man attempted to steal the woman’s handbag. CCTV footage captured the incident, showing the attacker, wearing an orange hoodie, running toward the couple with a panga in hand. The video shows the suspect grabbing the handbag and attacking the woman with the weapon as she clings to her bag. Her husband intervenes, leading to a struggle during which the woman is dragged to the ground. The attacker flees with the woman’s hat. A passing motorist stopped to assist the injured victims, who were rushed to…

More than 150 Nobel and World Food Prize laureates have signed an open letter calling for “moonshot” efforts to ramp up food production before an impending world hunger catastrophe. The letter, titled “Hunger’s Tipping Point: An Urgent Call to Transform Food and Nutrition Security”, stated that 700 million people are food insecure and desperately poor, with about half that number not knowing where their next meal is coming from. “And 60 million children under the age of five are stunted – cognitively and physically impaired for life – due to nutritional deficiencies.” The letter warned that humanity is headed towards an even more food insecure and unstable world by mid-century than exists today, worsened by a vicious cycle of conflict and food insecurity. It emphasised the need for investment in…

A REGULAR customer of the Gold Valley Lounge – a gambling establishment in Pretoria – turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, where she claimed damages from the establishment after she said she broke both her ankles and injured her arm when she slipped after using the toilet on the premises. Lephoto Malindi (the plaintiff) blamed Gold Valley Lounge for her injuries, as she said it had a duty to warn patrons that the floor of the toilet was wet and slippery. The gambling lounge is at a shopping centre. In defending the claim, the gambling lounge said a number of people, including the plaintiff, walked over the area where she slipped before her fall, and many more walked over the same area after her fall, and none of them…

King Misuzulu Zwelithini avoided talking about his personal issues at the Umkhosi Woselwa ceremony that was held at Emashobeni Royal Palace yesterday. Appearing in public for the first time after a month-long cultural seclusion, it was anticipated that the king will touch on several issues that had dominated a public discussion leading up to this ceremony. However, His Majesty shied away from the personal issues, choosing to thank amakhosi (traditional leaders) for allowing amabutho (warriors) to be part of the ceremony. In a four-minute address, the king said the event was not for a lot of talking and long speeches, and thanked amabutho for their resilience and dedication. “I wish to thank amabutho and doctors that have not slept working with us until the end of the ceremony. You will…

The National Treasury has moved to assure the retail depositors of Ithala SOC Limited that their deposits will be protected by a government guarantee, subject to the conclusion of the necessary technical work. This comes after the Prudential Authority filed papers in the Pietermaritzburg High Court for the provisional liquidation of Ithala. The Prudential Authority believes this action is in the best interests of the approximately 257 000 depositors of Ithala, as the appointed liquidator will be able to utilise insolvency legislation to recover and distribute their funds to the extent possible. This action comes after the Prudential Authority, responsible for the prudential regulation of banks and insurance companies within the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), appointed a Repayment Administrator responsible for the repayment of deposits. The appointment of the…

Now is the perfect moment to assess the lessons we have learnt, evaluate performance and focus on how South Africa and our Government of National Unity can apply these critical lessons to build resilience, avoid mistakes and safeguard the future of SA Inc. Progress is evident, from a logistics point of view. A growing political maturity is emerging in some critical areas, fostering positive change, boosting confidence and introducing new dynamics. Policy reforms are unlocking new opportunities, opening the way for some of the national institutions to deliver improved operational performance as the nation continues to work towards stabilising the economy. The Presidency has renewed its mandate to the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) for 2025. This in itself illustrates that the crisis in logistics continues, emphasising the need for…

Bulgaria’s parliament yesterday voted to approve a conservative-led coalition government, formed in a bid to end the EU nation’s prolonged political crisis. In its worst political turmoil since the end of communism, the poor Balkan country has seen seven snap votes after massive anti-graft protests led three-time premier Boyko Borisov to resign in 2021. Borisov’s conservative GERB party topped the most recent election in October, and on Wednesday announced it had managed to agree with the Socialists and a populist party to form a government, with the backing of a Turkish minority faction. A total of 125 MPs voted in favour of the new government line-up, while 114 voted against it. GERB secured the agreement after Borisov, 65, gave up his initial insistence to take up the premiership for a…

HONG KONG: Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai testified yesterday that he brokered meetings between former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and US establishment figures, with prosecutors alleging he colluded with foreign forces. Lai, 77, who has been behind bars since December 2020, is one of the most prominent figures to be prosecuted under Hong Kong’s national security law, which Beijing imposed in 2020 following huge anti-government protests in the city. Western countries and rights groups have demanded his release. | AFP…

DHAKA: Bangladesh reported yesterday its first fatality from the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Sanjida Akhter died on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Infectious Diseases Hospital, where she had received treatment since Sunday. The hospital said yesterday that the woman had several underlying conditions, including obesity, kidney issues and lung complications. The death comes days after Bangladesh reported its first case of HMPV infection this season, with the woman testing positive for the virus. The Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) said the woman also tested positive for Klebsiella Pneumoniae, a variant of pneumonia. The patient had no history of overseas travel, it said. The IEDCR said that the HMPV has been identified almost every year in winter since 2017. | Xinhua…

Summer fishing has been absolutely on fire. Inedible anglers have been flocking north to dive into the action, with diamond and Sandie smashes lighting up the waters. The recent rains have brought a burst of colour to the water, setting the stage for some seriously epic catches. Top Tip: As we head into the peak of summer and rays start coming in hot, it’s essential to handle them carefully. With these beastly creatures, a few simple tips can make all the difference. Just like sharks, you want to avoid pulling rays too far from the water – keep them in the wash zone for their safety. Steer clear of their spiracles, and always handle them by the mouth. If you’re nervous, grab a glove for extra protection. When pulling them,…

I have taken flak for writing that our thoughts are more important than our feelings. I have never said our feelings are unimportant or ought to be dismissed or downplayed. You might have noticed constant reminders in self-help-type writings that we have no control over what others think of us. This is so. I want to go a smidgen further. How, what, and when we think of others is of pivotal importance and it is within our control. How (positive, negative, with anger, joy, or judgement) we think of others (individuals, groups, near and far) shapes who we are. What (positive, negative, truth, rumour) we think of others shapes our behaviour. When (rarely, on occasion, routinely, obsessively) we think of others shapes productivity and content. The “how”, “what” and “when”…

The DA in KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the decision by Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) MEC, Martin Meyer, to lay criminal charges against a former senior departmental official. The charges, laid with SAPS earlier this week, come after the MEC dismissed the former Supply Chain Management manager due to gross negligence. This after 29 contracts – to the value of R1.1 billion – were awarded to a single company. When he took office, MEC Meyer made it clear that KZN’s DPWI would adopt a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, in the interests of the people of our province. The MEC’s firm action on this latest matter shows that he is serious about rooting out all forms of corruption within his department. The DA welcomes the speed at which the MEC has dealt with…

As the 2025 academic year begins, the competition for placement in the country’s universities has become tough with hundreds of thousands of applications being made when institutions can only accommodate a few thousand students. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) said it received 693 990 applications (all choices) which translates to a headcount of 358 992 applicants for about 10 900 undergraduate spaces. This is 33 times more than the available spaces. Among the popular courses were Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching, Diploma in Public Relations and Communication, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching, Bachelor of Arts General (Humanities), LLB in Law, Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching, Diploma in Logistics, Bachelor of Social Work, and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. The…

A 51-year-old undocumented Congolese national has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for poaching and money laundering. Francis Kipampa was sentenced by the Middelburg Regional Court, in Mpumalanga, this week. Kipampa was arrested in June 2023 along with 15 others who are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela on January 20. They were all charged with money laundering and poaching. Kipampa was part of a syndicate involved in poaching in the Kruger National Park. It's believed the syndicate members paid Kruger National Park field rangers and their families in exchange for information that would assist them in poaching. A spokesperson for the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation also know as the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, said Kipampa has been awaiting trial from February 2023, while…

Taxpayers have paid a whopping R118 008 977 for the salaries of 498 civil servants who were on precautionary suspensions over the past five years. The officials were suspended for a combined 63 688 days, and at least 291 have had their disciplinary cases finalised, with 207 not completed during the period. This was revealed by Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi, when he was responding to parliamentary questions from DA MP, Leah Potgieter. Buthelezi’s written response showed that a total of 345 civil servants were suspended by national government departments and 153 others by provincial departments. The suspensions are as follows: National department suspended 345 officials and paid R55 029 942. Eastern Cape suspended 30 at a cost of R10 510 887. Gauteng suspended eight and paid R5…

A tow truck driver and a motorist narrowly escaped a crash near Peter Brown Drive in Pietermaritzburg on Monday. A 17-second video clip of the incident shared on social media shows the woman motorist near the front of the vehicle with her hands on her knees while the tow truck driver appears to ward off vehicles. After a few seconds, the tow truck driver, who keeps his eyes on the road, approaches the woman. He then sees a vehicle barrelling towards them and appears to alert the woman. They flee out of the camera’s view before the vehicle crashes into the back of the woman’s vehicle. Mr Towing and Recovery driver Sarvesh Ramkrishen, who described the incident, said they were travelling to Hilton from Pietermaritzburg and saw the first…

The jobs of 106 workers at the Bidvest South African Container Depot (SACD) in Durban are in danger following a retrenchment process announced by the company. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) said its members had embarked on strike action after it could not reach a resolution with the company. The union stated that Numsa and Bidvest were unable to reach an agreement during the Section 189 consultation. It said that on September 27, 2024, Bidvest served Numsa with a Section 189 notice, stating that 106 workers at the Durban office would be affected. Bidvest SACD has a total of 294 employees nationally. Its work is primarily focused on cargo and container management. Numsa stated: “The company, Bidvest, cited the significant downturn and loss of business activity…

IT was a day filled with emotion when a junior judge’s clerk testified about the series of explicit WhatsApp messages which she claimed Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge had sent her. Judge Mbenenge must still present his side of the events, but he denied that he had ever sent her any inappropriate pictures. Andiswa Mengo, who laid a complaint of sexual harassment against Judge Mbenenge, became teary as she testified about these messages, and at one stage, the Judicial Conduct Tribunal had to adjourn so that she could compose herself. Yesterday was the fourth day of Mengo’s testimony. Mengo testified how late one Sunday night in June 2021, the judge president, during their WhatsApp conversations, asked her whether they “could be intimate this week”. She said she…

The SA20 is geared towards being a fun social event as much as it is a cricket tournament. There was a massive crowd at Newlands on Monday night for the Western Cape derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals, with it being virtually the last day of the school holidays no doubt contributing to the good turn-out. But while the action was red-hot on the field, there were also a number of sporting heavyweights in the stands watching the game, including Proteas legend Jacques Kallis, SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith and former Springbok World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar. It seemed as if almost everyone in high society was in attendance, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also present, and this has been the case around the country due to the short…

Britain’s economic growth rebounded less than expected in November, official data showed yesterday, dealing a fresh blow to a Labour government that is battling headwinds. Gross domestic product expanded 0.1% in the month after GDP contracted 0.1% in October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Analysts’ consensus forecast had been for growth of 0.2% in November. The data offsets a slight reprieve for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Finance Minister Rachel Reeves when official data revealed an unexpected fall to UK inflation in December. Britain’s economy has stagnated since Labour won a general election in July last year, which saw the party end 14 years of rule by the Conservatives having pledged to drive growth. But Reeves has faced calls from the main opposition Conservatives to resign following…

SAO PAULO: At least three people were killed and 12 others arrested in a police operation targeting a criminal ring in a slum in northern Rio de Janeiro, local authorities said. The Rio de Janeiro Public Security Secretariat said an operation was launched to combat extortion and money laundering linked to Comando Vermelho, one of Brazil’s most powerful criminal groups, sparking clashes with suspected members. The exchange of fire left three suspected criminals dead while one police officer was injured, local media reported. Residents said members of the criminal group blocked streets with barricades a nd spread oil on the pavement to stop the police, according to the reports. The police operation forced the closure of two primary healthcare clinics in the area and caused several bus lines to be…

DAMASCUS: Spain’s foreign minister raised his country’s flag at their Damascus embassy yesterday more than a decade after Madrid suspended diplomatic activity and as Western countries resumed ties following President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting. Spain closed the mission in March 2012, a year after Assad began brutal repression of anti-government protests, triggering more than 13 years of war. “Raising the Spanish flag again is a sign of the hope we have for Syria’s future, of the commitment we convey to the Syrian people for a better future,” said Jose Manuel Albares at the embassy, where the Spanish national anthem was played. Albares met representatives of the new administration and of civil society. | AFP…