Innehållsförteckning för 2025-07-09 från Mercury

The Vodacom-Maziv deal got a breath of new life after the Competition Commission reached agreement with the parties on conditions that remedy competition and public interest concerns. The matter will now proceed to the Competition Appeal Court on an unopposed basis and the Commission will inform the Court how the enhanced conditions address the concerns it previously raised with the proposed transaction. Vodacom announced in 2021 that it would pay R6 billion in cash and in certain fibre assets valued at R4.2 billion for a 30% stake in Maziv (Business Venture Investments no 2213), the parent company of Dark Fibre Africa and Vumatel. The Competition Tribunal last October had blocked the proposed merger. However, on Tuesday the Commission said it has reached an agreement with Vodacom and Maziv on revised…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen on Tuesday said the department's mission was to build a food system that was inclusive, competitive and sustainable. Steenhuisen highlighted the potential of this sector to generate jobs, contribute to economic growth, strengthen exports, and revitalise rural economies. “On the other side, we confront persistent risks: climate shocks, high input costs, biosecurity failures, land degradation, weak infrastructure, and uneven access to markets and finance,” he said. Steenhuisen added that there was also a human reality behind the figures—of smallholder farmers locked out of opportunity, of families facing food insecurity, of veterinary professionals overburdened and under-resourced, and of a nation that too often reacts to crisis rather than prepare for it. “This budget is designed to change that trajectory,” he said. Steenhuisen said that for the…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has set forth a strategic vision for the National Treasury aimed at achieving sustainable public finances, including wide-ranging spending reviews, while enhancing the effectiveness of revenue collection. The department's budget for the medium term stands at R91.835 billion, reflecting an average growth rate of 6.2% from 2024/25 to 2027/28. The largest portion of this budget of R45.760 billion (49.8%) is earmarked for transfers to the South African Revenue Service (Sars). This allocation marks an R8bn increase over the 2024 Estimate of Expenditure, highlighting the government’s commitment to bolster Sars' operational and capital projects, which are pivotal in recovering the country’s revenue streams. "Part of this increase is to improve effectiveness in revenue collection by enhancing theirability to collect debt through better systems, increasing staff capacity and…

South African businesses are increasingly seeking independence from Eskom due to its reliability issues, and the steady, multi-digit annual tariff increases the utility is imposing. While cost savings are a primary concern, power stability is equally critical, as remaining dependent on Eskom's ageing coal fleet and underperforming mega power stations like Medupi and Kusile is no longer viable. These factors, combined with the global shift to significantly reducing emissions and trying to achieve Net Zero targets, and the ability to provide energy that is clean, available, and affordable, leading the clean and just energy transition has made renewable energy, particularly solar and wind with battery storage the logical path forward. South Africa has made significant strides in integrating renewables through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, designed to…

Volkswagen South Africa's (VWSA) recent agreement to become the sole global manufacturer of the VW Polo—producing both left and right-hand drive models for all markets—offers a beacon of hope for the struggling Eastern Cape Province. This announcement comes on the heels of alarming news from Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), which has indicated that the newly imposed 30% tariffs on exports to the United States may force the company to exit the country entirely. During a briefing by the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Provincial Treasuries, acting Premier Mlungusi Mvalo expressed grave concerns about the potential departure of MBSA. Mvoko said Mercedes Benz had indicated that it would likely leave the country with the composition of the 30% tariffs, adding that this would be devastating for the province's economy. The factory…

The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, has become one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries globally, made famous by celebrities and influencers who desire fuller, curvier figures. This procedure involves liposuction to remove fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs and reinjecting it into the buttocks to enhance shape and volume. While the results can be dramatic, experts have long warned that the surgery comes with serious risks, including infection, complications during healing and even death. Risks and complications: Now, a particularly unpleasant and little-known side effect is making some people reconsider the procedure – a persistent and often offensive odour emanating from the buttocks area, dubbed the “BBL smell”. A musty or sour smell is not uncommon among BBL patients, especially after…

Stats SA has defended the integrity of its official unemployment statistics following a high-level meeting with Capitec Bank CEO Gerrie Fourie, who recently questioned the credibility of the country's 32.9% unemployment rate. The meeting, held in Stellenbosch last week, brought together Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke, senior Stats SA officials, and National Treasury representatives to address comments made by Fourie, who suggested South Africa’s real unemployment rate might be closer to 10%, based on Capitec’s observations of informal economic activity. In response, Stats SA gave what it described as a “comprehensive presentation” of the methodology used in its Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), which it said adheres to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and includes informal and self-employed workers. “Stats SA methods remain robust,” Maluleke said.…

The IFP has reclaimed Nongoma Local Municipality, a move seen as a major political boost for the party ahead of local government elections next year. With the assistance of two EFF councillors, the IFP ousted NFP mayor Mshangane Ndabandaba and ANC Speaker Babongile Sithole through a motion of no confidence on Monday afternoon. The IFP’s Mbekezeli Zondo was duly elected as the new mayor of the rural municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal and the EFF’s Mthokozisi Luvuno was rewarded with the deputy mayor’s position, while the speaker’s position went to the IFP’s Sinethemba Mbongwa. Speaking after the election of the new leadership, IFP deputy secretary-general Mangaqa Mncwango said the party was happy to reclaim the municipality from the NFP/ANC coalition, agreeing that it was a political boost ahead of the elections…

Prior to departing for Zimbabwe after the emotion of scaling their Everest by winning the World Test Championship at Lord’s, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad would have made a mental note of the objectives he hoped his team would achieve in the land of Chevrons. Much of it would have been to get his players back to ground zero, and that the youngsters afforded an opportunity in the absence of several starters from the WTC Final would take their chances to deepen the talent pool that Conrad has to select from for the prospective tougher contests in the subcontinent later this year. The boxes were duly ticked with Conrad pleased his team maintained their high-performance levels throughout both Test matches. “I think the important and the most impressive thing for me…

WHEN Wiaan Mulder’s professional career started, he was still a high school student at St Stithians. His skill was good enough to start his professional career with the Lions. However, at 18 years old at the time, Mulder had a long way to go and entering the Lions dressing room would have been intimidating for any youngster. Mulder needed a mentor, an experienced Lions player that would take him under his wing and show him the ropes as a professional cricketer. Lions captain, Dominic Hendricks, became that mentor for Mulder. In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Hendricks highlighted how Mulder’s preparation was undercooked when he burst onto the professional set-up and how their chat helped him (Mulder) raise his training standards to meet what is required to succeed at…

Tadej Pogacar blew past his rivals in an “explosive” finish to win Stage 4 of the Tour de France in Rouen yesterday, marking the Slovenian star’s 100th professional victory. “That was really pure, classic Tour de France-style explosive,” said a jubilant Pogacar after the stage. Despite the dramatic win, Pogacar fell just short of taking the yellow jersey, which remains with Dutch powerhouse Mathieu van der Poel, who finished second on the day. Reigning champion Jonas Vingegaard crossed the line in third. It was Pogacar’s 18th Tour de France stage win, as the 26-year-old continues his pursuit of a fourth overall title. “There was big adrenaline and a big field of contenders,” Pogacar said. “It was really special today.” The closing 40km of the 174.2km route from Amiens to Rouen…

High tariffs imposed by the US on South African exports from August 1 will be a blow that will further de-industrialise South Africa, kill economic growth, and cause further unemployment, Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt said yesterday. Speaking in an online discussion held by the Motor Industry Staff Association of South Africa (MISA) about the US’s plans to resume its threat of 30% import tariffs for South African goods, Roodt said the tariffs will result in lower investment into South Africa and will impact manufacturing and agriculture particularly, sectors that are among the most capable of growing job opportunities in the country. He said while South Africa’s participation in the US’s Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) later this year was not formally over and uncertain - Agoa allows…

In a time of global uncertainty and fierce industrial competition, South Africa must decide whether it wants to remain an industrialised economy with strategic capabilities – or become a mere consumer of others’ manufactured goods. The answer lies, in part, in whether we choose to preserve and modernise our domestic primary steel capacity. Although the steel industry in South Africa has been damaged by the realities of the past four years, there are some early signs of revival. As the only integrated producer of flat and long steel in South Africa, ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) is an irreplaceable part of that recovery and a national asset. And its preservation is a critical investment in the country’s reindustrialisation, job creation, and economic sovereignty. Primary steelmaking matters because it adds value at…

In her recent budget speech, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy provides a breadth of fresh air towards revitalising South Africa’s not-so-healthy transport system in becoming resilient and efficient, alive to the needs and operating environment of the current and future economy. The Minister's policy speech illuminated a signal of South Africa’s intended transport trajectory and further announced the eminent revision of the Green Transport Strategy (GTS). That is a demonstration of a renewed political will towards the transformation of our transportation sector that is geared towards a just, sustainable, and low-carbon mobility - equitably serving people, the planet and the economy. The budget speech’s reaffirmation of the Department of Transport’s (DOT) draft Just Transition Plan is a promising recognition of the socio-economic and justice complexities inherent in moving toward sustainable…

Orion Minerals’ share price shot up 7.1% on the JSE Tuesday morning after it announced plans to issue shares and raise about R67 million to further its Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM). The funds raised from the placement and share purchase plan will be used mainly to partially fund the development of the Uppers at the PCZM, including ongoing dewatering and site works; for mine development optimisation studies, and ongoing site works at the Okiep Copper Project, the Australia and Johannesburg-listed company said in a notice Tuesday. The funds will also be used for general working capital purposes, including work associated with the finalisation of off-take related funding for the development of PCZM. Typically, company share prices fall when a share issue-for-cash is announced, so the higher share price indicates…

Cerebrium, a serverless AI infrastructure platform founded in Cape Town, has announced a successful $8.5 million (R151.35m) seed funding round, led by Gradient, Google’s AI venture fund, with participation from Y Combinator, Authentic Ventures, and several strategic angel investors and operators. “It’s a remarkable milestone for South African tech, as local founders secure backing from one of the most influential AI investors in the world,” a statement from Cerebrium said Tuesday. The company and its AI platform have pioneered technical advancements that enable teams to build and scale multimodal AI applications without the traditional complexity or cost. Founded in Cape Town and now headquartered in New York City, this new funding will allow the team at Cerebrium to invest in new features and meet surging enterprise demand. The company was…

We all love a good bedtime binge. A familiar show, a cosy blanket and maybe something to sip on, it’s the perfect way to unwind, right? Not quite. According to sleep experts and new research which shows that our favourite late-night viewing choices might be stealing more than just our time. They could be messing with our sleep in a big way. Not all TV is created equal, at least not for sleep A recent study from Premier Inn surveyed 2 000 Brits to find out how their TV habits affect their sleep. The results are eye-opening – the genre of show you choose before bed has a direct link to how well and how long you sleep. It turns out that tuning into calming content like sports documentaries,…

The ANC has urged Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to give a full and comprehensive report to the party on the allegations that he is involved in corruption. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party was expecting Mchunu to provide answers after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims. Mkhwanazi held a media briefing on Sunday, where he made explosive revelations, stating that investigations have unearthed a crime syndicate involving underworld figures, politicians, prosecutors, judges, and senior police officers. He named Mchunu as being one of those involved. Mbalula said the ANC is embarking on a renewal process and would not tolerate corruption and misconduct. “We have not met with comrade Senzo in this particular instance. I am fully confident he will engage with the leadership of the ANC and in…

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, said that the committee remains concerned about the number of foreign nationals in the country’s prisons, and ideally wants them to serve out their sentences in their own countries. Ramolobeng was addressing the media and stakeholders at the Peace and Security Cluster Committee Chairpersons' briefing this week. Ramolobeng began her address by saying that the committee was pleased with the Department of Correctional Services reviewing the Correctional Services Act, 111 of 1998, as it will allow them to provide input on areas that they believe should be amended or strengthened, including Section 73 of the Act, which deals with the management of foreign national inmates in the country's facilities. “We heard during the budget debate that the minister indicated…

A traffic officer serving a 10-year jail sentence for attempted murder following a road rage incident in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, appealed his conviction and sentence, as he argued his passenger fired the shots and not him. Nhlanhla Tshabalala turned to the Pietermaritzburg High Court in a bid to appeal his conviction on three charges of attempted murder and his subsequent sentence meted out by the Newcastle Regional Court. The issue of the doctrine of common purpose came under the judicial spotlight during the appeal, with Tshabalala arguing that he cannot be held accountable for his passenger’s actions. One of the injured people in the other car, Bonginkosi Zondi, testified that on the day in question, he was driving with his wife and another passenger, Dumisani Buthelezi. It was getting dark, and…

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber yesterday announced that the department will increase the pilot project that currently delivers Smart ID and passport services in about 30 bank branches across the country. Presenting the R11 billion budget for the department, Schreiber said they would use digital transformation to integrate the Home Affairs IT platform onto banks’ networks, thereby enabling many more bank branches to deliver the service. “Our target for this financial year is to expand this service to at least 100 more branches,” he said during the budget debate in the National Assembly. Schreiber also said technology reform will enable South Africans to order Smart IDs and passports through their banking app, similar to when buying electricity or data. “We will introduce the option of home delivery for Smart IDs…

We don’t need another commission of inquiry if KZN police commissioner has the proof A few months ago, during an exclusive interview with IOL, KwaZulu- Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, dropped a few bombshells, but stopped short of revealing names – publicly at least. In the interview, Mkhwanazi referred to politicians abusing the police secret fund which has an annual budget of R600 million. The fund is highly secretive with very little control. It’s meant to be used to fund informants, covert police operations and safe houses for witnesses. Mkhwanazi also revealed how some senior politicians and politically connected individuals were claiming thousands per month through contracts with the SAPS. Those politicians were allegedly offering their properties as safe houses. Except, says Mkhwanazi, many of those claiming were actually…

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka fought back from the brink of a shock Wimbledon exit to reach the semi-finals with a gutsy 4–6, 6–2, 6–4 victory over Germany’s Laura Siegemund yesterday. Sabalenka twice trailed by a break in the final set on Centre Court and was just two games from defeat before staging a stirring revival to win in two hours and 54 minutes of relentless tension. The 27-year-old Belarusian is into the semi-finals at the All England Club for the third time, having previously fallen at that stage in 2021 and 2023. Beaten in the Australian and French Open finals earlier this year after claiming the 2024 US Open crown, Sabalenka remains on track to contest a fourth consecutive Grand Slam final. She will face either American 13th seed…

Stuart Broad believes a Test return for Jofra Archer could help England hit back against India, following what he described as a “borderline perfect” performance by the tourists at Edgbaston. England began the series with a commanding final-day chase at Headingley but were outclassed in Birmingham, where India levelled the five-match series 1-1 with a resounding 336-run victory. India captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a mammoth 430 runs across the two Tests, while seamer Akash Deep wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming 10 wickets in the second match. “Look at this series so far: we’ve had 10 Test match days and I reckon India have won nine of them,” Broad said on his podcast ahead of the third Test, which begins at Lord’s on Thursday. “They’re going…

Beginning August 1, the Trump Administration will levy a staggering 30% tariff on all SA products entering the US Industry players have warned of the wide-ranging implications resulting from the hefty import tariffs imposed by the United States on the country’s products. Beginning August 1, the Trump Administration levied a staggering 30% tariff on all South African products entering the US, potentially reversing the many benefits gained under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). Economists and industry leaders are concerned that this sweeping tariff policy, which applies indiscriminately to “any and all South African products,” could spell disaster for key sectors reliant on the US market. Major South African exports to the US include precious stones and metals, motor vehicles, parts and accessories; iron and steel, machinery; aluminium products,…

South Africa is facing a looming economic crisis following the United States' announcement of a sweeping 30% tariff on its exports - a move that has sparked widespread concern among trade unions, political leaders, and business analysts. Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks, on Tuesday said Cosatu is deeply concerned about the 30% tariff announced by US President Donald Trump, because it will have a devastating impact on the economy that has been languishing at 1% growth rate and a shockingly high unemployment rate of 43.1%,. Sectors that will be hard hit include the automotive, agriculture, clothing, chemical and jewelery. "Worryingly, the impact of the impending tariff is already being felt in the Eastern Cape with 900 jobs on the line at Good Year SA and Mercedes Benz "temporarily" shutting down…

The G20 group accounts for 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, and 75% of global trade. The member states are the G7 (the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada), plus Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. We wanted to find out how G20 member states could limit global warming. Our study examined the solar and wind potential for each of G20 member countries (the available land and solar and wind conditions). We then compared this with projected electricity demands for 2050. This is, to our knowledge, the first research of its kind. We found that the potential for renewable energy in G20 countries is very high – enough to supply the projected…

British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) has pointed the finger at local manufacturers for exacerbating the illicit trade in cigarettes. Their claims come on the back of a study released by the company, shedding light on the alarming prevalence of illegal cigarette sales in the country. This issue, which was once largely perceived as a cross-border problem, has now morphed into a serious domestic challenge that threatens the economy and public health. Speaking after the release of a BATSA-commissioned study into the pricing of tobacco cigarettes in South Africa on Tuesday, Johny Moloto, the company’s head of corporate and regulatory affairs said illicit trade in cigarettes was now a domestic concern for the country. “This is no longer just a cross-border issue. This is a homegrown crisis, fueled by local…

Uber Technologies investors are brushing aside potential threats from self-driving competition to bet that the company has plenty of room to expand in the near term. Uber shares have rallied 60% to a record this year as partnerships with robotaxi startups like Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo and growth in new markets have given bulls reasons to cheer after the stock underperformed in 2024. The advance has made Uber the seventh-best S&P 500 performer in 2025. “They’ve done a great job expanding their addressable markets by adding things like grocery, convenience, alcohol,” said Jamie Meyers, senior equities analyst at Laffer Tengler Investments Inc. Such moves, however, haven’t fully assuaged concerns about long-term risks from robotaxi services like Waymo, which is operating independently in three cities - San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles…

I write in response to the recent article published on IOL titled “Ramaphosa calls KZN police commissioner Mkhwanazi allegations a ‘grave national security concern’,” authored by Simon Majadibodu. As a concerned citizen, I wish to commend IOL for covering a matter of such critical national importance. The allegations involving KZN Police Com missioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the response by President Ramaphosa strike at the heart of South Africa’s trust in its security institutions. However, what is urgently needed now is clarity and transparency. If these allegations threaten national security, as the president suggests, the public deserves a full and unbiased investigation free from political interference. The nation cannot afford vague statements or prolonged uncertainty on issues involving law enforcement integrity and government accountability. Moreover, the media plays a vital role…

While US President Donald Trump has hit South Africa with a 30% tariff on exports from August 1, a threat of an even higher tariff looms large for all BRICS nations. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a statement late on Monday, said he had received correspondence from Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa. He said the 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the US which was being contested and was among the matters under consideration by the negotiating teams from both countries. But South Africa could be dealt a bigger blow if Trump follows through with his threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on goods from BRICS nations. According to Trump, the…

A year-long investigation into a mass shooting in uMlazi has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old foreign national believed to be one of the gunmen involved in the brutal murder of six men at an informal settlement in V/6 Section in August last year. According to a statement issued by the Office of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, the suspect, Melusi Dlamini, was arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, on July 4. “Relentless investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit detectives has resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old foreign national for the murder of six people,” said SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda. On the night of the killings, six men were drinking alcohol with three women when they were approached by two men claiming to be looking for…

The Tsomo Magistrates’ Court has handed down a stern sentence to a traditional nurse who has been sentenced to two years of direct imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) on an initiate under his supervision during the recent 2024 summer initiation season. The court has also deemed Siyasanga Sifumba, aged 30, who is already a convicted assailant, unfit to possess a firearm, in a landmark decision that has raised alarm about the safety of boys undergoing traditional initiation. Sifumba’s conviction comes on the back of a horrifying case that unfolded late last year. He was arrested in December 2024 after an 18-year-old initiate was hospitalised due to severe injuries sustained from multiple assaults at the initiation school where Sifumba was entrusted with his care. The…

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has published the academic and historical background of the candidates shortlisted to fill the vacancies for three commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). This move follows calls from civil society for a transparent nomination process, which they said was crucial for public trust in the electoral system. The calls were made by Corruption Watch and My Vote Counts, which believe that a lack of transparency hampered the meaningful participation and commentary and deprived the public of the chance to conduct proper due diligence on appointees who will represent their interests. The tenures of the current chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, and commissioners, Dr Nomsa Masuku and Judge Dhaya Pillay, are expected to end on November 1. The three were appointed by…

Sexual harassment complainant Andiswa Mengo was accused of having “selective amnesia” by former Judge President Selby Mbenenge as he continued his testimony at the Judicial Conduct Tribunal yesterday. Judge Mbenenge is accused of having engaged in untoward and sexually-driven Whatsapp conversations with Mengo over a period of time which he said were “flirtatious” but he has denied that this amounted to harassment. According to him these were consensual conversations with Mengo. Before proceedings concluded yesterday, Judge Mbenenge confirmed that he had opened a criminal case of crimen injuria against Mengo which he said showed his commitment to dispute what he was alleged to have done. This was coupled with an apology. “It is embarrassing to me that clandestine chats between two adults came into the public domain. I regret that…

When you’re a fleet-footed stepper yourself and you’re lucky enough to be seated next to Springbok ace Cheslin Kolbe on a flight, you have to try and take advantage of the situation. And this is exactly what Springbok Women fullback Byrhandre Dolf did after she was booked next to the double World Cup winner on a flight from Johannesburg to Gqeberha, where the men’s and women’s teams will be in action against Italy and Canada respectively on Saturday. Imagine Dolf’s joy when the Bok Women and Springboks traveled on the same flight on Sunday, and she found herself seated next to Kolbe. What made the flight even more special was that Dolf was flying back to the province where she started her rugby journey, playing touch rugby with the boys…

Star Proteas netball duo Refiloe “Fifi” Nketsa and Owethu “Sammy” Ngubane teamed up with former skipper Bongi Msomi to give kids from two Kokstad schools a fighting chance in the coming DStv Schools Netball Challenge. The pupils from Shaya Moya Secondary and Thembalethu Secondary will represent KwaZulu-Natal at the national under-19 tournament at Hoerskool Dr EG Jansen in Johannesburg on July 26 and 27. They were inspired by the Puma ambassadors’ stories of their rise to the top from similarly impoverished backgrounds. They were then taken through their paces in drills and other training exercises on a bitterly cold Monday morning in the small town in the shadow of Mount Currie, southern KZN. For Nketsa, in particular, the clinic represented a full-circle moment as she went to school at Shaya…