Innehållsförteckning för 2025-05-20 från Mercury

Vodacom Group met five-year targets and lifted its full-year dividend 5.1% to 620 cents a share, even though it served 9.2 million fewer customers in the year to March 31. South Africa’s second biggest mobile network operator has also upgraded its medium-term operational earnings growth targets. CEO Shameel Joosub said Monday normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 7.8% to R55.52 billion in the past year and that the five-year target for this metric had been adjusted to double-digit figures from high single-digit figures. “As we draw the curtain on our Vision 2025 strategy, I am proud of the progress we made over five years to deliver on our targets. This was despite a challenging environment marked by a global health crisis, currency volatility, geopolitical tensions, inflation pressures…

Experts say R150 billion worth of exports hang in the balance during the trip This week’s meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and US President Donald Trump is being closely monitored by the international relations stakeholders as they have emphasised its significance for trade relations and the broader South African economy. Reflecting on the economic context, Andre Thomashausen, a Professor Emeritus for International Law at Unisa, indicated that South Africa’s access to the US markets was crucial because the trade balance with the US was nearly 100% positive and in favour of the South African economy. Thomashausen said a total of R150 billion of exports will hang in the balance on Wednesday, a price too big to pay for postures of national pride. “Imports from the US are…

South Africa’s poultry industry would like a seat at the table if there are any changes on import tariffs or quotas on the US imports, even though at this stage, it will be unaffected directly by a cessation of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Agreement (Agoa), said Astral CEO Gary Arnold. Currently, South Africa allows a 70 000-ton duty-free chicken import quota from the US, but this figure barely got filled last year, and there have been no chicken imports from the US this year because of the outbreak of bird flu in the US, Gary Arnold, CEO of South Africa’s largest integrated poultry producer Astral Foods, said on Monday. He said he was more concerned about the potential impact on the broader South African economy of lower exports to…

Despite the AI-fuelled headlines and promises of satellite connectivity, Africa's digital transformation still depends heavily on physical infrastructure: optical fibre cables. As global discussions increasingly focus on novel technologies, it's the unglamorous fibre networks snaking beneath our urban centres that silently determine which economies will thrive in the coming decade. Pieter E Viljoen, CEO of Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (YOA Cable), offers informed perspectives on this critical but often overlooked sector. With a master's degree in semiconductor physics rather than the typical accountancy background of most South African executives, Viljoen exemplifies how first-principles thinking informs both technical manufacturing and strategic leadership at the company's Dube Tradeport facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Physics versus engineering When I mistakenly referenced Viljoen's engineering background, he offered a telling distinction: "Physicists, we have to think out…

In today’s age of individuality and “cutting people off for peace”, many adults find themselves yearning for meaningful friendships. Scroll through social media, and you’ll find countless posts from people lamenting how difficult it is to make friends as an adult. But here’s the thing: building adult friendships isn’t impossible; it just requires effort, growth and a willingness to adapt. While adulting often comes with competing responsibilities and a more selective nature about who we spend time with, the truth is that forging new connections starts with self-awareness and intentionality. Psychologist Linda Baggett highlights in an article with the LA Times, social interactions in our younger years were often facilitated by structured environments, like college or early job roles, which offered a ready-made cohort of peers. Unfortunately, as we age,…

Stress and anxiety are part of life, and most of us have dealt with them at one point or another. Whether it’s work deadlines, relationship struggles, school pressures, or an overwhelming to-do list, they always seem to show up when we least expect, or want them. And often, the worst time they hit is right when you’re trying to fall asleep. If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling late at night, your mind racing with “what if” thoughts, you’re not alone. When stress and anxiety take over, sleep often suffers, and once that cycle starts, it can be hard to stop. Why is sleep important? Sleep isn’t just about recharging your batteries. It helps your body repair itself, boosts your immune system and keeps your brain sharp. Emotionally, it helps…

EFF leader Julius Malema has expressed scepticism about Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's upcoming budget speech, calling for a shift in economic planning. Addressing thousands of EFF supporters marching from the Union Buildings to the National Treasury office in Pretoria yesterday, he said he expects the budget speech on Wednesday to be “another lie”. The EFF march was held to celebrate the party's victory in stopping the VAT hike. The Western Cape High Court's ruling suspended the proposed VAT increase and invalidated the 2025 Fiscal Framework, citing the National Assembly's unlawful adoption of the framework. The EFF and DA spearheaded the legal challenge. Malema predicted that the budget speech will be devoid of plans for job creation, economic growth, or support for state-owned enterprises like Transnet. He said the government wants…

The legality of processes that have denied new asylum seekers access to the asylum system since around November 2023, leading to the arrest, detention, and deportation of asylum seekers without a refugee status determination interview, has been declared unconstitutional. The Western Cape High Court has declared several refugee protection provisions of the Refugees Act and its accompanying regulations invalid. The matter was brought to court by the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, represented by Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR). The Scalabrini Centre and LHR challenged the unlawful practice of arresting and detaining new asylum seekers based on preliminary interviews conducted by immigration officials regarding their entry into the country. They argued that this process effectively bypassed the established asylum application process, contravening the fundamental principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the…

With cold weather conditions expected to grip parts of the country this week, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has assured residents that disaster management teams are on high alert. Cogta MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed that the province is ready to respond to any potential weather-related incidents resulting from two approaching cold fronts. Last year unprecedented heavy snowfall in KZN saw dozens of motorists stranded on the N3 highway for up to two days. At the time a climate expert said the country needed to improve its early warning systems. “The safety and well-being of our residents is our priority,” said MEC Buthelezi. “Our disaster management teams are prepared to respond effectively should any weather-related incidents occur,” Buthelezi said. According to weather forecasts, the cold…

The investment that has been made in the growth of South African youth football paid off on the continental stage on Sunday, as the Under-20 men’s national team won the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Amajita etched their names into the record books of continental football by winning their first-ever Africa youth championship. En route to the title on Sunday night, Amajita beat Morocco 1–0 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, courtesy of a second-half goal by Gomolemo Kekana. That win means Amajita will head to the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile in September as African champions, surpassing the class of 1997 who finished as runners-up. South African youth football has been on the rise recently, with the Under-17 men’s national team – Amajimbos – also qualifying for…

With a stunning victory against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have secured their place in the play-offs of IPL 2025. Following the hard-fought win, head coach Ricky Ponting addressed the Kings in the dressing room, applauding their resilience. PBKS defeated RR by 10 runs in a thrilling encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The triumph was powered by brilliant half-centuries from Nehal Wadhera (70 off 37 balls) and Shashank Singh (59 not out off 30), alongside a match-winning spell from Harpreet Brar, who claimed three wickets to swing the game in PBKS’ favour. This crucial result marks Punjab’s first play-off qualification in 11 years. In his address, Ponting emphasised how the players had adopted a simple yet effective approach throughout the tournament, sticking to their…

The rock bottom for Welsh rugby continues to plunge ever deeper as two of the Principality’s four professional franchises, the Ospreys and Scarlets, refuse to sign an agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) regarding a way forward. The Wales national team is currently sitting on a shocking record of 16 consecutive defeats and one of the major solutions put on the table is to cut one of the four teams to make three stronger sides that will have greater depth. Understandably, nobody wants to be dissolved and the two west Wales clubs mentioned are taking legal advice. The other two Welsh United Rugby Championship teams are not an issue for the WRU – Cardiff went into liquidation earlier this year and have been adopted by the WRU, while the…

Renergen, the JSE-listed owner and operator of the Virginia gas plant in the Free State, is focusing on a listing on Nasdaq in the US, alongside the planning and funding of the Phase 2 expansion of the plant. operations. This was announced by chairman Dumisa Hlatshwayo during the release of the annual results on MOnday. The share price fell by 5.7 to R6.96 on the JSE on Monday afternoon, significantly down from R10.90 a year ago, and representing a free-fall from R35.11 three years ago. Renergen had initially attracted considerable interest among retail investors on the JSE; however, the share price has declined significantly due to numerous delays in the ramp-up to production of South Africa’s first onshore gas production platform. The results showed that revenue increased by 79.7% to…

Corporate governance hinges on a delicate triangle: the board, the board chairperson (chair) and the CEO. When in harmony, this dynamic provides clear roles and decisive accountability. When strained, it breeds confusion, factionalism and failure. Good governance requires clear roles and mutual trust. The board oversees strategy; the CEO manages operations. King IV Principle 7 mandates the board to appoint the CEO, ensuring alignment with strategy and ethical culture, and guarding against external interference. The board chair’s role is pivotal in balancing support and oversight of the CEO. How the chair and CEO relate shapes the board’s culture and success. If the chair and CEO are openly at odds, the board and management can splinter into camps and erode trust. Clarity, unity and open communication define healthy governance. When present,…

The marriage of finance and technology can be a powerful tool for development. But like all successful marriages, finding the right partner is essential. Mobile telephone banking is an excellent example of how communications technology and financial services have been united to broaden the reach of payments, loans, savings, transfers, and even insurance, especially to those without access to formal bank accounts. The question is, can technology transform other sectors in Africa the way fintech has so positively transformed financial inclusion? In agriculture, the answer is yes—but much more can be done. Africa’s agriculture sector—by many measures Africa’s most important economic sector—is a prime candidate for a 21st century renewal. Agriculture contributes at least 17 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP and more than half of total employment, supporting millions of…

After sinking R214 million into expanding and maintaining its quick serve restaurants in the past year, Famous Brands will invest more into Drive-Thru offerings and smaller delivery formats to meet consumer demands at a time revenues have been squeezed. Over the 12 month period to the end of February 2025, Famous Brands - which franchises and operates Debonaires Pizza, Steers, Wimpy and other counters - was affected by increased competition in the food industry and deteriorating infrastructure such as electricity and water. Famous Brands now expects low growth and low consumer discretionary spend within the South African market. However, it foresees tailwinds that include lower inflation, further interest rate cuts, improved business and investor confidence and a better national energy security in the outlook. “Economic headwinds in South Africa have…

zelda.venter@inl.co.za A Gauteng granny who has been hailed as an inspiration, as she is the first black woman to pave the way for others who were in the past denied the right to own land to now rightfully claim what is theirs, will ask the court to officially register her family home in her name. In recognising the rights of all women to own land, the Constitutional Court in 2018 spoke the final word and declared that a piece of legislation created by the racist and sexist apartheid era could not pass constitutional muster. In a unanimous judgment at the time, the apex court declared a section of the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act unconstitutional in a case brought by Mary Rahube, of Mabopane, north of Pretoria. She has…

The South African government has launched a data collection initiative targeting foreign nationals in public service to enhance governance and national security, and to address public concerns about undocumented workers. The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) said it has launched a wide-ranging data collection initiative focused on foreign nationals in a bid to bolster governance and national security. The initiative aims to plug information gaps in existing systems and ensure compliance with national employment standards. According to the department, while the PERSAL system captures most employment-related information, it does not provide the full picture when it comes to foreign nationals working in public roles. “This current request for data is vital, as the PERSAL system, while comprehensive, does not always capture all necessary information for effective policy formulation…

A memorial service will be held today for Dr Alulutho Mazwi, a medical intern doctor who collapsed and died while on duty at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi. The service will be held at the hospital’s Nurses Hall, at 12 noon. At the same time, members of the EFF Youth Command (EFFYC) will stage a picket outside the hospital, demanding accountability from hospital management. This follows allegations that 25-year-old Dr Mazwi, who had recently been diagnosed with diabetes, had requested sick leave, but it was denied despite him reporting that he was unwell. “It cannot be true that you can deny someone sick leave. And then that person collapsed and died on duty while he reported that he was not feeling well,” said EFFYC’s Bantu Faku. Faku added that…

It has become the norm that many employees who leave one job after the other cite failed relationships with a boss or manager as a reason for leaving. Some who have had their health deteriorate, would also cite the toxic environment and unrealistic expectations from their managers as reasons for their deteriorating health. There is no doubt that toxicity anywhere, and at the workplace in particular, has detrimental effects on employee well-being, morale and productivity, and ultimately impacts negatively on organisational performance and the family fibre of affected employees. More often than not, toxicity does not assume a particular form, shape or pattern but has a unique dynamic by virtue of its existence and impact. To understand it, let us explore the story of a young, vibrant and free-spirited girl…

A visit to Lord’s is more than a day at the cricket; it is the culmination of dreams nourished over countless hours spent watching games unfold on TV. The ground, often referred to as the “Home of Cricket,” is steeped in history and offers an array of features, from the Father-Time weather vane to the Members Pavilion and the futuristic Media Centre. Yet, nothing captivates bowlers’ minds like the Lord’s slope. “It is indeed a real thing,” explained former Proteas bowling coach Vincent Barnes in an exclusive interview with Independent Media. “The sheer size of it stuns you when you see it for the first time, especially if you are a bowler who hasn’t bowled there before. Even when you have been away for a while, and you go back…

Veteran athletics coach and educator Christopher White has announced that he will challenge for the presidency of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) when nominations open, citing a need for reform, accountability, and a renewed commitment to athlete development. White, based in Pietermaritzburg and known for his athlete-centred approach, said he had considered leaving the sport altogether in frustration, but was ultimately inspired to act for the sake of the young athletes he mentors – including his own children. “I’ve been involved in athletics for nearly 20 years and, in recent years – particularly the seven years under Sello Mokoena and the last four under Steve Mkasi – things have gone from bad to worse,” according to 42-year-old White. “I reached the point where I contemplated leaving the sport. “But I have children…

American author Mark Twain famously liked to quote former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli on the limitations of using numbers to forecast the future: “There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Leinster supporters would likely agree. Over the four years of the United Rugby Championship (URC), their team has dominated the statistical charts and consistently finished top of the league table. By the numbers, they should have won the title comfortably – yet they fell short in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with the current tournament still undecided. Leinster fans won’t be holding their breath – they’ve been let down by statistics before. Still, a look at the data following the final league round of the URC illustrates why the Bulls are South Africa’s best bet for the title; why the…

The rand is set to drop further in the coming days after breaking R18 to the dollar briefly on Friday thanks to expectations that a National Budget will finally be passed on Wednesday. The rand briefly settled at around the R18.03 to R18.05 range by early afternoon, having opened at R18.01. Old Mutual chief economist, Johann Els, said that he wasn’t surprised that the rand broke through R18. “The rand actually spent most of September and October last year below R18, in other words with a 17 handle, at one stage even going as strong as R17.11 late September last year,” he said. Investec chief economist, Annabel Bishop, said the currency continues to “attempt to break through the R18.00 mark, a major resistance level,” after reaching R17.99 on Friday. She…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has confirmed that it is moving forward with the Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill, which aims to provide a fair process for bank account closures. Following a series of delays that initially pushed the tabling of the Bill in Parliament to January, the FSCA announced on Monday that it is now set to submit the Bill to Cabinet for approval soon. In response to a list of questions from Business Report, the FSCA said the Bill adopts a principle-based approach, in other words, it contains high-level principles that financial institutions must adhere to, to ensure the desired outcomes in the financial sector. “However, it reinforces and extends the principles of fairness for termination of financial products and services already contained in the Conduct…

Last week Grok, the Elon Musk xAI powered chatbot, lost its mind. Someone posted a video on X of a procession of crosses, with a caption reading, “Each cross represents a white farmer who was murdered in South Africa.” Elon Musk, South African by birth, shared the post, greatly expanding its visibility. In response Grok started by debunking such a false claim about white genocide and thereafter (it’s mind was changed) it claimed that there was a genocide in South Africa. The chatbot even brought up the subject even when it was not asked about the matter. What is even more interesting is that this happened a week before the South African President was due to visit the United States of America to meet President Donald Trump who is…

WeBuyCars Holdings management said they had made significant increases and enhancements to their buying and selling capacity during the six months to March 31. The motor industry sales uptick in the first few months of 2025 signals an improvement in consumer confidence and a resilient appetite for mobility, despite broader economic pressures, management said at the release of the interim results on Monday. The group, which listed on the JSE on April 11, 2024, said it would pay a 30 cents a share interim dividend. Core headline earnings increased by 26.4% to R508.2 million after the number of used units sold increased 12.9% to 92 339, while the number of units bought increased 13.5% to 91 392. Management said they expect that enhancements to their internal finance application system and…

IT IS SO sad to read about animals being cruelly treated. As Gandhi said, ‘You judge a country and its people on how it treats its animals’. We can’t hold our heads up in South Africa. We read on a monthly basis about dreadful cruelties to man’s best friend and, of course, other animals such as cart horses, etc. A recent article about Jack a black crossbreed who has known nothing but suffering his whole life, is a case in point. He has lived his life on a chain tethered to misery at a Grassy Park home. I never understand the point of having a dog chained all day. It can’t act as a watchdog as it can’t get loose. But the sad thing is over the years this poor…

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has entered into a multi-million rand deal with the South African Post Office (SAPO) that could help stave off the immediate loss of thousands of jobs at the state-owned entity. Through the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), the UIF will inject over R381 million into SAPO over a six-month period. While the move has been welcomed by some labour unions, an economist is doubtful that it will have any significant long-term impact on improving the fortunes of the post office. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said the implementation of the signed agreement between SAPO and the UIF was aimed at preserving nearly 6 000 jobs and was a “bold and necessary step to protect workers and restore confidence in public institutions”. The UIF and…

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced yesterday that while it has noted the departure of Timothy Omotoso from South Africa, it will still proceed with the appeal on the acquittal judgment. NPA spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said Omotoso is not required to be present in court when the NPA appeal is heard. “The South African legal system does not require active participation or presence of an accused person during the hearing of an appeal by a court. An appeal process requires the involvement of the legal teams of the appellants and respondents, the Registrar of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), as well as the judiciary,” he said. Mhaga said there was no basis for authorities to block Omotoso from leaving South Africa. "Timothy Omotoso is…

Gauteng police have indicated that they are closing in on the suspects linked to the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek who was found raped and murdered on the steps of his home in Fleurhof. This comes as residents of Fleurhof on Saturday marched to the Florida Police Station, calling for justice after the tragic death of the 11-year-old. Addressing members of the community, Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka, the District Police Commissioner for West Rand, indicated that forensic investigations were at an advanced stage and that the suspects linked to Jayden-Lee’s death would soon be arrested. According to police, Jayden-Lee was dropped off by his scholar transport on Tuesday afternoon but never arrived at his home. The following day, his lifeless body was discovered undressed on a staircase within the residential…

Two people were killed and one seriously injured yesterday morning during a violent protest in Diepkloof, Soweto, after being struck by a truck amid chaos that included the looting of tinned fish in a protest over service delivery. According to reports, residents from the Diepkloof hostel looted items from trucks attempting to drive through the area. Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and stones, and set one truck on fire while looting another. The protest was reportedly sparked by ongoing frustrations over a range of service delivery issues and that part of the hostel is privately owned. Earlier, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla urged motorists to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange due to severe traffic disruptions caused by road closures. Both the N12 eastbound and westbound, as well…

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive win at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, reaffirming his title credentials with a flawless drive that left McLaren trailing. The Dutchman’s second victory of the season comes at a crucial time, with both McLaren drivers – Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – unable to match the relentless pace of the defending champion. Norris and Piastri completed the podium in second and third place respectively, but their challenge never truly materialised, as Verstappen surged ahead from the first lap and never looked back. In the end, McLaren were left to pick up what little Verstappen left behind. Here, Obakeng Meletse examines three key talking points from a dramatic weekend in Imola. The call that never came Kimi Antonelli’s retirement on lap…

The break currently being enjoyed by the South African United Rugby Championship teams could not have come at a better time for the Sharks, who find themselves without a fit flyhalf. Last week, the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers all secured their places in the URC quarter-finals, but they are conspicuously absent from this weekend’s Challenge and Champions Cup finals. This affords them a chance to refresh their squads – particularly critical for the Sharks, who must ensure they have a fit No 10 for their home quarter-final against Munster on 31 May. In their gritty 12–3 win over the Scarlets last weekend, the Sharks lost Siya Masuku to a hamstring injury in the 50th minute. He was replaced by Yaw Penxe, who moved to fullback, while Aphelele Fassi took over…

SuperSport United’s fight for Betway Premiership survival heads into a crucial final stretch, with their penultimate fixture set to be one of their toughest – a showdown against Orlando Pirates at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm). Fresh off a deflating 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC, Andre Arendse’s side have little time to regroup. With two season-defining fixtures ahead – starting with the visit of the Buccaneers, followed by a tense encounter against Richards Bay FC at the same venue on Saturday – the stakes couldn’t be higher. Currently 14th on the log and level on points with 15th-placed Cape Town City – who recently snapped a 13-match winless streak with a 2-0 away win over Polokwane City…