Innehållsförteckning för 2025-05-19 från Mercury

Transnet’s ongoing wage negotiations have reached an impasse, confirming fears of looming industrial action by workers as the United National Transport Union (UNTU) made a clear statement on Friday. After three days of mediation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) through the section 150 of the Labour Relations Act, UNTU reported that no progress had been made, compelling them to consider striking if their demands remained unmet. On Thursday, UNTU completed a ballot process with its members that disclosed a consensus to mobilise for industrial action should the wage negotiations fail. The union said the CCMA has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday. “If no revised offer is forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial…

S&P Global Ratings has warned that South Africa’s general government debt could remain high, averaging an unprecedented 80% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the three years to 2028. This would be much higher than the National Treasury’s estimate of an all-time high debt-to-GDP of 76.2% in the 2025/26 fiscal year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has noted the need to avoid a notable rise in borrowing projections, with 2025/6 likely at 76.4% of GDP, 2026/27 at 76.1%, 2027/28 75.9 and 2028/29 at 75.3%. S&P on Friday, however, said public debt levels will remain elevated than expected given expenditure and revenue pressures, but said the government will continue its fiscal consolidation efforts. “We expect general government debt, net of liquid assets, will average 80% of GDP in fiscal 2025-2028. This is…

As South Africa awaits Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third budget framework this year, local industries are also coming to terms with the uncertainty that 2025 has brought to the international trade environment. Even though the US has suspended the proposed 30% tariff on South African goods for 90 days – instead levying 10% for the time being – the change to existing trade agreements and uncertainty is still harmful to local industries like South Africa’s sugarcane growers. This is a new threat to a local industry already beset by many challenges. The recent extreme, unseasonable rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal has caused isolated flooding and delayed the start of the harvesting season in some sugarcane producing areas. Cheaper sugar imports, often from countries with subsidised sugar industries, are threatening once again to…

President Cyril Ramaphosa made a call for National Dialogue in his address to Parliament shortly after the 2024 elections. Judging by the volumes of fake news and hate speech and more importantly the painful levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality experienced by most South Africans, the President’s call must be supported and expedited. Despite our daunting challenges as a nation, we should not forget the massive strides we have accomplished since our hard-won democratic breakthrough in 1994. Not only we have repealed the numerous racist laws that did so much damage, but the state today spends more than 61% of the Budget invested in uplifting working-class communities. Yet with 43.1% overall and 72% youth unemployment rates, and our status as the world’s most unequal society, we dare not…

Tiger Brands has firmed the future of 3 000 farm workers through its plan to sell its Langeberg & Ashton Foods (LAF) deciduous fruit business for R1 to a consortium of fruit growers, a community trust, and a development finance institution. The deal will secure a future for permanent and seasonal staff who have faced uncertainty after Tiger Brands announced in 2022 that it wished to sell LAF. The deal will also benefit the farmers - the Ashton Fruit Producers Co-operative is made up of producers from Robertson, Ceres, Breederivier, and Klein Karoo. In 2022, Tiger Brands had announced it wished to sell LAF, and options to ensure the viability and sustainability of LAF would also be revisited so that the business could be exited responsibly, given its economic importance…

Salt is the secret ingredient that brings our favourite meals to life. From the comforting aroma of a potjie stewing on the fire to the irresistible bite of ikota, South Africans love flavour, and salt often takes centre stage. But behind the savoury delight lies a silent threat that could be putting your health and even your life at risk. This May Measurement Month, health experts are calling on South Africans to take a closer look at their salt consumption. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading health challenges in the country, yet many remain unaware of its dangers. A large proportion of those with hypertension in SA remain undiagnosed, with estimates ranging from 46% to 50% unaware, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, leaving them vulnerable…

CORRECTIONAL Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has disclosed that 12 037 foreign nationals are currently awaiting trial in prisons across the country for contravening the Immigration Act. The number of foreign prisoners waiting for trial constitutes 19% of the remand population in the country’s prisons. Groenewald revealed this when asked during a question and answer session in the National Assembly whether he intended to initiate bilateral engagements with the South African Development Community (SADC) countries to deport offenders who were foreign nationals to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities. “Currently, there are no bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries due to the fact that South Africa does not have enabling domestic legislation to regulate and facilitate the transfer of sentenced foreign offenders, including South Africans incarcerated in foreign countries, to serve their sentences…

For some, jazz is a rhythm that unlocks joy. For others, it is the sound of resistance, a voice when words fail, a melody infused with pain and hope. For me, jazz is freedom. It is a global language that crosses borders, cultures, and time zones, one that speaks of unity, memory, and possibility. The legacy of jazz is inseparable from humanity’s most defining struggles and triumphs. From its beginnings in New Orleans in the 20th century to its arrival and integration with Marabi in South Africa, jazz has always stood as both witness and participant in history. Viewed by the apartheid regime as subversive, jazz was heavily policed, censored, and pushed underground. Musicians and gatherings were targeted, yet the music endured, in townships and homes, becoming a symbol of…

Arsenal booked their place in the Uefa Champions League as Declan Rice’s thunderbolt sealed a 1–0 win against top-five rivals Newcastle United yesterday. Rice’s brilliant second-half strike at the Emirates Stadium guaranteed that Arsenal will compete in Europe’s elite club competition next season. Mikel Arteta’s side ended a five-match winless run to avoid a nervous final day next weekend, with the battle for top-five places no longer a concern for the Gunners. Second-placed Arsenal are likely to finish as English Premier League runners-up for a third successive season after failing to keep pace with champions Liverpool. The north Londoners, who were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, have now gone five years without a trophy. Despite another season of frustration, Arsenal still appear the most likely…

A blistering 70 from Nehal Wadhera and a tidy 3-22 from Harpreet Brar propelled Punjab Kings to a crucial 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium yesterday. The victory took Punjab to 17 points from 12 matches, placing them second on the table behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru and firmly in the playoff race. Chasing 220, Rajasthan flew out of the blocks with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi putting the Punjab bowlers under immediate pressure. Arshdeep Singh’s first over went for 22 runs, while Suryavanshi hammered Marco Jansen for 17 in an over, including two sixes. Xavier Bartlett was next to face the onslaught, conceding three boundaries to Jaiswal as Rajasthan raced to 50 in just 17 balls. Jaiswal brought up a…

US envoys in Africa will be rated on commercial deals struck, not aid spent, a senior State Department official said, touting it as the new strategy for US support on the continent. President Donald Trump’s administration wants to eliminate trade deficits, and drive mutual prosperity, African Affairs senior bureau official Troy Fitrell said, according to remarks shared on Thursday. “Assistance involves a donor and a recipient, but commerce is an exchange between equals,” he added at the launch of the policy in Ivory Coast on Wednesday. US ambassadors in Africa had already shepherded 33 agreements worth $6 billion in Trump’s first 100 days, Fitrell said. “Trade, not aid, a slogan we’ve seen thrown around for years, is now truly our policy for Africa.” US goods exports to sub-Saharan Africa amount…

Foskor confirms its vice president for human resources Vincent Matlala has been arrested The State-owned phosphate producer Foskor has confirmed that its vice president for human resources and corporate affairs, Vincent Matlala, has been arrested for threatening a colleague with a firearm at the company's head offices in Midrand. This alarming event, has ignited discussions surrounding the potential corruption undercurrents within the firm, especially in light of recent developments tied to an R800 million bonus employee share scheme. It also comes as Foskor is still trying to recover from shock after Sifiso Mncube, a senior procurement executive at Foskor in Richards Bay, was gunned down by unknown assailants in his car in the suburb of Meer-en-See in Richards Bay in February 2024. In this new case, sources within Foskor have…

As South Africa braces for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third budget speech on Wednesday, a wave of expert opinions reveals a landscape marked by both cautious optimism and pronounced concerns. With rising economic pressures and a growing budget deficit, Godongwana faces the complex task of generating revenue without curbing growth. Old Mutual chief economist Johann Els highlighted the anticipated revenue shortfall following the scrapping of a planned Value Added Tax (VAT) increase. Els estimated a loss of around R13.5 billion for the current year, with an alarming three-year total that could reach approximately R75bn. “This will have to be made up for; Treasury will have to revise their gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast downwards; they have it at 1.9% for 2025, but most forecasts have GDP around 1.5%,” he…

The second coming of Trump on the political platform of the United States with his arse open for would be wiling leakers reminds me of Shylock, the money lender in the Merchant of Venice. But the book comes with entertaining memories. In 1969 at the age of twelve I was in the seventh year of schooling and a year shy away from sitting for the exit exams that would qualify me to enter the five year duration of secondary and high school study. In my class were some distinguished veteran scholars who were aged 25 and 26 years respectively. These veterans had been on it from the day my eldest brother who is thirteen years older than myself set foot in school. They had been in class with each…

Compagnie Financiere Richemont is well positioned for its next phase of development following the installation of a renewed leadership team and governance structure and completion of several management transitions in several Maisons in the past year. This was according to well-known South African businessman and chairman of the group Johann Rupert, who was commenting at the end of the JSE-listed and Switzerland-based owner of several of the world’s leading luxury jewellery and accessories brands’ 2025 financial year to March 31. The share price soared 7.2% to R3574.52 on the JSE on Friday after the results were released that showed full-year profit fell 1% to €3.76 billion, while the dividend per share was raised 9% to 3 CHF (Swiss francs) per A share/10 B shares, from 2.75 CHF the previous year.…

YOUTH and female entrepreneurs have taken centre stage in the drive to create business and employment opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal, with close to 10 000 applications submitted to the provincial government for business funding. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli revealed that the province is banking on women and youth entrepreneurs for its resurgence, adding that funding instruments set up to assist these groups had received thousands of applications during the period of the Government of National Unity. Speaking on the provincial government's almost one year in office, he said, “Banking on entrepreneurs makes sense.” “With almost a year in office, I can say without a doubt that the resurgence of KwaZulu-Natal is truly underway. “The province is abuzz with new hope and optimism. “The KZN Youth Fund and the KZN Women’s Advancement…

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane remains under fire despite making a U-turn on controversial appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) boards. The minister's office said she reserved her comment for now after severe criticism from President Cyril Ramaphosa and ahead of Parliament’s Higher Education Committee hauling her before MPs to account for her decision on the appointments. Last week, members of opposition parties sounded the alarm about ANC politicians dominating the list of at least 22 SETAs as board chairpersons. Nkabane had appointed senior ANC members such as former KwaZulu-Natal MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, Johannesburg Municipal council member Loyiso Masuku and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube as Seta chairs. She also appointed former higher education director-general Gwebs Qonde, the current adviser to minerals resources minister Gwede…

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) in KwaZulu-Natal is demanding answers on how municipalities are spending their budgets following concerns that the spending does not align with service delivery. The spending habits of some municipalities were flagged recently by the Office of the Auditor-General of SA (AGSA) during its meeting with Scopa in the KZN legislature. The AGSA revealed that some municipalities are spending their way into ruin, indicating that some of them often allocate a portion of next year’s budget in the current financial year. Members of the committee stated they are waiting to receive a proper breakdown from the AGSA on how these municipalities are spending their budgets before addressing the matter with the municipalities. Nomalungelo Mkhize of the AGSA office in KZN said, “It is…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad may have named five fast bowlers in his artillery for the World Test Championship final against Australia next month at Lord’s, but in the case of an emergency he will not need to look too far for backup if required. Lions fast bowler Codi Yusuf has taken the English County Championship by storm, claiming 13 wickets in four innings for Durham, in Division 1. He is currently playing in a four-day fixture against Nottinghamshire, which includes Proteas wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne, who was ironically his 100th first-class victim on Friday. Yusuf also struck a handy unbeaten 44 from No 9 against Hampshire. It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the 27-year-old after swapping Florida on the west Rand of Johannesburg for the north-east of England…

The selection of Varsity Cup “nobody” Ntokozo Makhaza and the omission of Stormers star Evan Roos from this week’s Springbok alignment camp speaks volumes about how coach Rassie Erasmus views the selection landscape. On one hand, Erasmus is signalling that he surveys all tiers of the game and that dreams can come true swiftly. On the other, he reinforces that he is unafraid to make bold decisions. It’s a powerful message – one that tells players the South African rugby system is akin to the American Dream: full of opportunity, but ruthless when expectations aren’t met. For Roos, the snub must come down to something beyond form, as his performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC) have been excellent. As Makhaza emerged as the surprise inclusion in the 54-man squad…

Nasreddine Nabi believes Kaizer Chiefs can still secure a Top 8 finish and has urged the Amakhosi faithful to turn out in large numbers to spur the team on in their final match of the season against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium this weekend. Speaking after Chiefs drew 1-1 with Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane – a result that left them stuck in ninth place on 31 points – the Tunisian coach expressed confidence that his team can sneak into the coveted top-eight bracket. “If you look at the table, it’s a situation that will be resolved in the last game,” he said, referring to the fact that Chiefs are just one win away from sixth-placed AmaZulu and trail seventh-placed Cape Town City by only two points.…

Durban City closed out the 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season on a high, defeating Cape Town Spurs 1-0 at Athlone Stadium yesterday. But while City’s victory ensured they finished the campaign at the summit, it also condemned the Urban Warriors to relegation for a second consecutive season – this time to the ABC Motsepe League. Spurs’ fall marks the end of a 26-year stay in professional football, across various incarnations of the club. They finished 15th on the table with just 30 points, joining Leruma United in the drop. Head coach Ernst Middendorp, at the helm for both recent relegations, was too emotional to face the media after the final whistle. Goalkeeper coach Frederik Dreschsler stepped in. “I think this game showed exactly how the season went for us, we’ve…

As South Africa braces for the upcoming budget 3.0, industry experts are closely examining the fiscal landscape, drawing attention to the critical decisions poised to impact the nation's economic future. Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG South Africa, has highlighted a key takeaway: the anticipated increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) will no longer materialise, forcing the government to recalibrate its revenue expectations. Previously outlined in budget 2.0, the revenue anticipated from a VAT hike has now vanished. This development poses significant implications for the government's fiscal targets, particularly its commitment to achieving fiscal consolidation. Without the ability to increase public debt through borrowing to meet expenditure needs, the government finds itself cornered, necessitating cuts across various sectors. The pressing question, as noted by Blackmore, is: “Where will these expenditure…

On May 14, 2025, the Presidency office declared that President Ramaphosa would be travelling to the US for a working visit from May 19 to May 22. He is joined by John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture; Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition; Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister at the Presidency. This comes after a string of topics that President Trump and his administration have brought up, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, and most recently, the allegations of "persecution" of white farmers that resulted in the migration of 49 Afrikaners to the United States. To mend the misinformation about South Africa that has caused misconceptions and to re-establish diplomatic relations…

Despite all the attention on the US trade debate and the South African lack of budget consensus, the worrying unemployment data (32.9%) for Q1, the ALSI on the JSE continue its impressive performance. The index closed on Friday on 92 619, only twenty points away from its record level of 92 638, which was recorded last Tuesday. Not only did ALSI end the week with 0.9% in the green but it is now 9.7% up for the year to date. Foreign buying interests in SA shares, the strong recovery in Naspers and Prosus saw the Rand exchange rate moving close to the R18.00/$ level. Financial shares were the best performer on the JSE last week as the FIN15 index gained 2.7%. JSE ALSI compared with other global indices. (15 May…

Blue Label Telecom investors cheered news of plans to list subsidiary Cell C on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and the share price increased by 11.18% on Friday afternoon. Blue Label’s management said the proposal to list the mobile telecommunication company, which has only recently been restored to financial stability, arose from their desire to restructure Blue Label’s investments and unlock value for shareholders. Blue Label’s share price traded 11.18% higher by early Friday afternoon on the JSE, a price that is already more than double the R4.31 that it traded at a year before. The parent of Cell C said it is considering options and initiatives to unlock value for its shareholders. Over the past 24 months, a strengthened Cell C executive team had returned Cell C to a strong…

Collins Property Group’s share price plunged 12.9% on Friday despite raising distributable income for the year to end-February 2025 to 109 cents from 94 cents and maintaining its final dividend at 50 cents. The dividend payout ratio was lower at 92% versus 95% last year. The dividend for the year came to 100 cents versus 90 cents last year. Loan-to-value (LTV) at 49.8% versus 50.8% was relatively high compared with other REITs. The share closed at R9.64 on Friday. The company directors said however that the LTV was based on conservative valuations, as demonstrated by historically selling properties at or above book values, including lease cancellation fees. Investment properties were only written up by 1.7%, well below the average inflation rate. The vacancy rate fell to 1.8% from 3.9%, and…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the many factors that influence our emotional well-being. While therapy, exercise and sleep are often in the spotlight, one significant factor is often overlooked: what we eat. Numerous studies confirm that food is more than fuel for your body; it’s also a powerful tool for your mental health. The connection between diet and mood is undeniable, with certain nutrients, flavours, and even aromas playing a vital role in supporting emotional wellness. The link between food and mood Your diet has a direct impact on your brain, thanks to something called the gut-brain connection. This intricate system of communication between your gut and your brain means that what you eat influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed rumours circulating on social media platforms that beneficiaries will receive double grant payments in June and that new rules for pensioners are set to come into effect next month. SASSA said these fake reports have been causing panic among its more than 19 million beneficiaries. The agency emphasised that the only grant increases announced were those made in the Ministry of Finance’s Policy Statement in March and that the next official increase is scheduled for October. “SASSA can make it categorically clear that there have been no announcements made for double grant payments in June. These reports are untrue and should be rejected with the contempt they deserve,” said Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA’s national spokesperson. “We appeal to our beneficiaries not to…

More than two years after the devastating April 2022 floods, some residents displaced in Verulam feel they have been forgotten by the government. They claim they were promised permanent housing after the floods damaged their homes in the Thandanani area in Verulam but they are still waiting. They said they were moved to Jabulani Hall and some were later relocated to a nearby transit camp. But they say the living conditions are deteriorating, unsafe, and unfit for human habitation. Phumzile Mkhize, 87, who is staying in a room on the community hall's premises, has lost faith in the government’s promises. “During the day, I’m usually left alone because my daughter is at work and the children are at school. Anyone can come in and do whatever they want. I don’t…

Max Verstappen took a dominant victory at Imola yesterday to celebrate Red Bull’s 400th Grand Prix and end Formula One leader Oscar Piastri’s run of three wins in a row for McLaren. Australian Piastri started on pole and finished third, overtaken by teammate Lando Norris on fresher tyres seven laps from the end, with his championship lead cut from 16 points to 13 after seven rounds. The victory was the 65th of Verstappen’s career, second of the season and the four-times world champion’s fourth in a row at the Italian circuit near Bologna after wins in 2021, 2022 and 2024. There was no race in 2023 due to flooding. “The start itself wasn’t particularly great but I was still on the outside line, the normal line, so I was like…

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said his players had given fans a “moment for their life” by beating Manchester City 1-0 to win the first major trophy in the club’s history. Eberechi Eze scored in the first half at Wembley on Saturday and Palace dug deep against Pep Guardiola’s men to get over the line and secure a first full venture into European football. “We wanted to write history,” said Glasner. “I think now we wrote really a big chapter in history.” The Austrian said the players had stuck together after a terrible start to the season, when they won just one of their first 13 league games. “I think you can see now what you can get when you are patient as a club and also a big credit…