Innehållsförteckning för 2025-07-18 från Mercury

Trade union Solidarity warned on Thursday that nearly two-thirds of FlySafair’s pilots were gearing up for a potential strike next week due to their dissatisfaction regarding salary negotiations and mounting frustrations over working conditions. Negotiations have reached a deadlock as FlySafair pilots rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase, which will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action. The strike certificate gives union members the right to embark on protected strike action following the required 72 hours’ notice to the airline. FlySafair pilots are demanding 10.5% for the next financial year and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter, Helgard Cronjé, deputy general secretary at Solidarity, said a recent poll revealed that an overwhelming 84% of…

South African Airways (SAA) has declared a loss of R354 million for the 2023/24 financial year while simultaneously announcing a "debt-free, asset-rich balance sheet" that’s poised to support its recovery as a global aviation brand. CEO John Lamola portrayed these results as a snapshot of resilience, highlighting the airline's notable increase in revenue and operational efforts despite external pressures. In the audited financial results reflecting the airline’s second year of operations since its exit from business rescue in April 2021, SAA on Thursday reported that it had generated revenue of R7 billion, a 23% year-on-year increase for the group. However, currency fluctuations and various ‘external’ factors impacted operations, resulting in a net loss of R354m for the year. The group reported a profit of R210m the previous year. The latest…

The automotive sector needs to be carbon neutral and decarbonise with exports going abroad to be competitive. Nedbank and Naacam have done a study to determine carbon readiness in the automotive sector. The survey sought to assess industry awareness of local and global sustainability regulations, the current capacity to measure and reduce carbon emissions and water usage, and the type of support required to meet evolving sustainability expectations. The study 67.9% of respondents indicated that they have some export-related component sales, with EU and UK being the most served export markets. The reliance on particularly European and UK markets is critical to note, as these markets are the most regulated in terms of carbon emission reduction. The study looked at decarbonisation as a business strategy. It asked respondents…

In a world where financial security is increasingly out of reach, establishing a consistent saving habit can yield extraordinary results for South African parents and their children. The secret isn’t how much you save, it’s when you start. Time is the single most powerful ingredient in building wealth. If you have R1,000 a month to invest for your child, and you use the right strategy, you could set them up with more than R100 million by the time they retire, tax-free. Know your goals before you start Saving for your child’s future isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. I suggest splitting the investment between short, medium, and long-term goals: 1. Long-term wealth creation (retirement savings) 2. Tertiary education (access needed around age 18–25) 3. Financial education (smaller, short-term spending goals). Each goal…

Singapore has shown a keen interest in partnering with South African businesses and State entities, signalling a strategic move to position the continent as a vibrant alternative for investors looking to extend their reach into Asia. This interest coincides with South Africa’s government ramping up structural reforms through Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela, which aims to modernise key sectors, including electricity, water, transport, and digital communications. The move towards liberalising the economy has opened the door for public-private partnerships (PPPs), allowing State-Owned Enterprises like Eskom and Transnet to explore previously sealed industries for domestic and international collaboration. Recently, Transnet inked a 10-year contract with United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) for the rail transportation of manganese from its Northern Cape mine to export ports. Additionally, the company has engaged Filipino-based International…

MANDELA Day is a time when individuals, companies, and institutions commit themselves to making a difference, often by dedicating 67 minutes to good deeds that benefit others. For the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), this day is an opportunity to take action through its annual Clear River Campaign, which mobilises efforts to clean rivers across the country. Water is the most valuable resource we have as humans; without it, we would not exist. It is crucial to keep our rivers and streams clear of pollutants and trash, as this has an adverse effect on the towns downstream. The Department of Water and Sanitation embarks on the Clear River Campaign annually to clean rivers but more importantly, the campaign aims to educate communities on not polluting the water resources. The…

In a significant move aimed at revolutionising infrastructure delivery in South Africa, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson yesterday unveiled a partnership with the United Kingdom government. This collaboration is set to harness the skills and expertise of UK companies to address the pressing need for efficient infrastructure projects in the country. The launch event in Durban was attended by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and other UK diplomats, including those based in South Africa. It was described as a historic partnership between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the United Kingdom, aimed at capacitating the department as it works towards using public assets for the public good and transforming South Africa into a construction hub. Reflecting on his department's achievements in a year in…

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has distanced himself from controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, following social media speculation linking him and his wife to the embattled tycoon. “He must go — rot in jail. I don’t know him. I don’t even care about him,” Malema told journalists this week ahead of by-elections in ward 13 in Limpopo. “I’ve never had anything to do with him. So you take petty gossip and come ask me about it? There are serious national issues you should ask me about. I’ve got nothing to do with what is happening.” Malema's comments followed speculation on social media suggesting his wife, Mantwa Matlala, is related to Matlala or uses VIP protection services offered by his company, CAT VIP Protection. Images making rounds on social…

The Department of Health has launched a targeted vaccination campaign to curb the spread of mpox in South Africa, following a gradual increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in 2025. With ten confirmed cases recorded so far this year, including two new infections in Gauteng and the Western Cape, the government is prioritising provinces where cases have occurred. According to the Department, the latest cases involve a 32-year-old from Cape Town and a 45-year-old from Johannesburg. Notably, both patients have no travel history, raising concerns about local transmission. “The vaccination programme will target the most affected provinces, which currently include Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal,” said the Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale, noting that vaccination remains a key tool in limiting the spread of the disease. A total of 10 500…

Opel has completely revamped its Grandland SUV incorporating many of the features first seen in the Experimental concept car and now introduced on a production model. It’s bulkier and more angular than the outgoing model, which was more of a wallflower than extrovert thanks to 173mm of extra length, 54mm extra width and standing 19mm higher. Exterior They have introduced a new execution of the Opel brand face: the 3D Vizor that’s combined with the illuminated Opel Griffin logo made more prominent using Edge Light Technology. Making its debut on the Grandland is the Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD with 51,200 elements for high-definition light distribution. Based on traffic, a camera detects oncoming objects which then cuts them out providing a brighter and more homogeneous light pattern. There’s a funky welcome…

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" That’s certainly how I felt about the Proteas Men’s team. Head coach Shukri Conrad has been responsible for all selections since his appointment and the ICC World Test mace perched splendidly in Cricket SA’s trophy cabinet at their Illovo office is the result. Conrad’s coaching philosophy has fostered an environment where honesty and open communication thrive. Players are able to express themselves with clarity regarding their roles being a cornerstone of the team's culture. Unlike in previous years, where players were often left in the dark following squad announcements, the current setup allows individuals to gauge their standing within the team's future without the fear of unpleasant surprises. This is a refreshing change that strengthens the collective resolve of the squad moving forward.…

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler blamed the wild weather for his wayward driving, but the American still shot a three-under-par 68 in Thursday’s opening round of the British Open to sit one stroke off the early lead. Scheffler, grouped with former Open champions Shane Lowry and Collin Morikawa, was caught in torrential rain midway through his round at Royal Portrush. He managed to hit just three fairways off the tee, but once the skies cleared, he produced two sublime approach shots to birdie the 16th and 17th, ensuring he remained firmly in the hunt for his maiden Claret Jug. “When it’s raining sideways, it’s actually — believe it or not — not that easy to get the ball in the fairway. Thank you guys all for pointing that out,” Scheffler…

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt backed Nick Champion de Crespigny to be the team’s “roving scavenger” yesterday after handing him a shock debut in the opening British and Irish Lions Test in Brisbane. Hard man Champion de Crespigny, who spent three seasons at French side Castres before joining Western Force this year, gets his chance on Saturday with first-choice blindside flanker Rob Valetini not fully fit. His elevation is an eye-opener, preferred to Tom Hooper, but Schmidt said he had no doubt about his abilities. “I keep an eye on the Top 14, having coached there many years ago,” said Schmidt. “Obviously Nick was playing for Castres and they’d been a high-performing team, so when he decided to come back he was immediately on the radar. “The good thing with Nick…

Planned acquisition of MCG by Canal+ reveals minimal overlaps between the two entities The Competition Competition said on Thursday that the planned acquisition of MultiChoice Group (MCG) by the French television powerhouse Canal+ has revealed minimal overlaps between the two entities, given their respective market sizes. However, the proposed merger will necessitate a fundamental restructuring to separate the licensed broadcasting unit, which will transition into a standalone entity named LicenseCo. MultiChoice has been struggling to retain subscribers for its pay television platform, DStv, ven as it seeks to expand its digital footprint through investments in online streaming service Showmax. The acquisition by Canal+ is positioned as a revitalising force for MultiChoice, pending final approvals from regulatory bodies and competition authorities. The Tribunal on Thursday heard from the Competition Commission that…

When President Cyril Ramaphosa launched South Africa’s National Dialogue last week, it reignited a powerful hope - that our fractured nation could come together, once again, to chart a shared path forward. The timing could not be more fitting. As we celebrate Mandela Day, we are reminded of Madiba’s unwavering belief that dialogue is the most powerful tool we have to resolve our deepest differences and build a society grounded in dignity, justice, and unity. But to succeed, this dialogue must do more than gather leaders behind closed doors. It must be fully inclusive, reaching every corner of our country and every voice of our society. That’s not just a political imperative - it’s a moral one. From Soccer to Solidarity: The Lessons of 2010 We’ve seen before what unity…

Education is one of the most important investments parents can make, but also one of the most expensive. Whether your child is in preschool or preparing for university, the cost of education is rising steadily every year. Life insurance might seem like a practical way to plan for the unexpected, but in reality, managing your child’s education costs through a standard life policy can be complex, risky, and admin-intensive. That’s where education insurance, a relatively new solution on the market, can make a big difference. What does it cost to put a child through school? The numbers are sobering. According to research commissioned by Old Mutual, the national average cost of a year in public high school was R31,343 in 2021, with private schools coming in at nearly three times…

Stocks of cash holding company Trencor plunged by 1.9% to R1.06 per share early on Thursday following an announcement that it has fulfilled the final condition required for its impending delisting on the JSE after 70 years and voluntary winding-up. This news follows prior communications in May, June, and earlier this month, which outlined the company’s plans to gradually cease operations while ensuring shareholders receive their due dividends. Trencor is the latest company to announce it is delisting following AH-Vest’s announcement in June to delist from the JSE’s AltX board at a time when the JSE has undertaken several initiatives to make it easier and less costly for small and medium-sized businesses to list. In 2024, there were about 14 company delistings from the JSE, continuing a multi-year trend of…

Ford dealership owners in South Africa have committed more than R900 million over three years on new and upgraded dealerships, reaffirming the local motor manufacturer’s long-term commitment at a time when other manufacturers may be lowering their presence in the market. Ford Motor Company Africa President, Neale Hill, speaking at the opening of a new multi-brand dealership in Paarden Island, Cape Town on Thursday, said this investment was against the backdrop of great flux and uncertainty in the South African vehicle industry. This as seven local manufacturers were facing growing competition from models imported by a fast increasing number of China and Indian manufacturers, particularly in the under R500 000 vehicle market. Many vehicles exported from South Africa will soon also likely face additional import tariffs in the US -…

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has failed to comply with a court order to pay three Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres outstanding amounts that they were owed, including payments from the previous financial year. The Legal Resources Centre (LRC), which represents the three ECD centres, obtained a court order from the Pietermaritzburg High Court compelling the department to pay the three. The court order was obtained on May 26 and the department was given until June 5 to pay the money. The total amount owed to the three centres was R163 859. The LRC said that although the three centres received some payments between May 30 and July 2, 2025, these have been sporadic and incomplete, leaving them unable to plan and budget properly. One of the centres, Sakhokwethu, was…

A Cape Town primary school principal is under investigation after she allegedly obstructed and defeated the ends of justice amid the arrest of a former teacher for sexual grooming of a child and exposing a child to explicit material. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said, “This office can confirm that a criminal case docket is being investigated in which the school principal is the subject. “The charges as outlined by the Directorate of Public Prosecution are obstructing and defeating the ends of justice and contravention of Section 54 of Sexual Offences Act 32 of 2007 — failing to report that a child is a victim of sexual offence.” The investigation follows after a 35-year-old former Grade R teacher was caught after she allegedly sent an explicit video of herself to…

A Pretoria doctor who was found guilty of negligence after he had refused to admit a private patient to the Netcare Unitas Hospital in Centurion, after which the patient was taken to a public hospital where he died, has been cleared by a court. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) conduct committee earlier found him guilty of negligence. He was slapped with a suspension, as well as a fine, which were suspended. However, Dr Norbert Welkovics successfully appealed against the HPCSA’s finding and sanctions against him. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in upholding the appeal, concluded that while Welkovics’ decision not to examine or admit the patient may, in hindsight, be viewed as regrettable, it does not amount to negligence or a breach of professional or ethical duty…

Rescue teams are still searching for a child while three bodies remain unclaimed following deadly floods in the Eastern Cape. The floods caused extensive destruction, resulting in fatalities, infrastructure damage, displaced families and livestock losses. Additionally, water and electricity services were disrupted, and access to healthcare was impaired. The hardest hit by the inclement weather on June 9 and 10 were the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities. Parts of Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani District, Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman municipalities were also affected. The destruction was officially classified as a national disaster. During a media briefing this week, Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said the number of deaths remained at 103, and 100 of those who died had been identified and buried. “One child…

The Msunduzi Municipality has outlined ambitious plans to transform the Pietermaritzburg Airport into a regional hub that will boost local investment, tourism, and infrastructure growth. The airport is exploring additional flights in and out of the City, including to Cape Town and Gqeberha. The municipality said research conducted as part of its plans to expand the airport's operations and capacity, confirmed that there is demand for flights from the airport to these destinations. Currently, the airport handles four scheduled arrivals and departures daily, alongside charter and training flights from two flight schools. Msunduzi mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said: “A research study has been conducted on two possible routes, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, for possible expansion. What we can say is that these have been assessed, and it has been found…

Range Rover has lifted the covers off their most expensive special edition yet, the Range Rover SV Black, offered alongside the Range Rover SV Serenity and Range Rover SV Intrepid derivatives. Before we get into what interior and exterior additions the SV Black receives, there’s now even more reason for rap artists to own one. Sensory Floor They’ll have to be pretty successful given the price tag of R5 269 200 for the standard wheelbase and R5 718 700 for the long wheelbase, but Body and Soul Seats (BASS) and world-first Immersive Sensory Floor technology seem just the thing. The Sensory Floor incorporates haptic feedback through the floor mats in addition to the seats, creating an expansive and immersive listening experience, allowing occupants to physically feel the music. Four transducers…

Banyana Banyana’s formidable trio of captain Refiloe Jane, Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama are headlining the Best Wafcon XI following an exhilarating group stage of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, currently underway in Morocco. The Technical Study Group (TSG), which is overseeing the tournament at Wafcon, unveiled the Best XI on Wednesday night. Set in a classic 4-3-3 formation, this selection highlights the standout performers from an opening round that thrilled fans with a remarkable 45 goals across 18 matches. Jane, deployed on the right midfield, exemplified calmness under pressure, skillfully orchestrating her team’s play with astute distribution. Her crucial involvement helped the Banyana Banyana dominate their group, finishing at the top with a stunning seven goals while conceding only once. Joining Jane are defenders Bambanani Mbane and…

Formula One rookie sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, is likely to be the one to vacate his Mercedes seat should Toto Wolff pull the trigger on a blockbuster move for Max Verstappen, according to Italian media. The F1 world watched with anticipation at the start of the season as Wolff’s gamble on the Italian teenager either threatened to backfire or deliver big. Replacing Lewis Hamilton was never going to be straightforward, but it only took a couple of races for Antonelli to prove he might be championship material. The Italian fought from P16 to finish P4 on debut during a wet Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Since then, he has claimed a P3 podium during a dream race weekend for Mercedes, with George Russell taking the win. Despite showing…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said that rising trade barriers, persistent global imbalances and new geopolitical risks were concerns for domestic economy. Delivering his opening remarks at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, Godongwana said many developing countries, especially in Africa, remain burdened by high and rising debt vulnerabilities. “They face constrained fiscal space and high cost of capital that limits their ability to invest in their people and their futures,” he said. “Technological shifts, especially in artificial intelligence and digital finance, offer tremendous potential but also demand robust governance and coordinated action to harness the opportunity.” Godongwana said that climate-related shocks and extreme weather events were also increasing in frequency and severity worldwide, impacti lives and macroeconomic stability. “The curative impact of these cascading challenges is pushing…

Africa’s financial landscape is experiencing significant transformation, as digital payments increasingly displace cash, and emerging crypto assets challenge traditional notions of money. Previously constrained by low banking penetration, the continent is now redefining financial inclusion, through the growth of mobile money and fintech innovation. This shift is further propelled by the increased internet and mobile phone penetration, the rise of e-commerce platforms and youthful tech-savvy population. However, as the adoption of digital payments grows, the need for regulatory frameworks that promote innovation, protect consumers, and enhance integrity and security of the financial system has become increasingly critical. The Digital Payments Revolution Mobile money has changed the way people handle payments in Africa, with more than 1.1 billion registered mobile money accounts in 2024, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous…

Shares and derivatives each have their distinct place in investing. Understanding the differences between these two financial instruments can help investors use these products effectively to reach their financial goals. Shares An easy way to understand what shares are is to think about the meaning of the word ‘share’. Very simply put, having shares in a company means owning a part of it. An investor who owns a share in a company effectively has direct ownership in the company, granting them rights to a portion of the company's assets and profits and the right to vote in company elections. The investor will benefit from the company’s dividend policy, which contributes passive income to the investor for reinvestment into the market. When considering risk and return, shares typically offer higher…

The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing more than 245 000 public-sector employees, calls for immediate, decisive actions to eliminate ghost workers from South Africa’s public service. Ghost workers are fraudulent entries on government payrolls, receiving salaries without performing any work. This deep-rooted and systemic form of payroll fraud continues to drain billions from public coffers, severely undermining service delivery and robbing deserving South Africans, particularly the youth, of meaningful employment. These fictitious employees are inserted into the system through deliberate collusion between corrupt officials. Recent investigations have highlighted the alarming extent of the problem. In 2024, the Mpumalanga Department of Education uncovered R6.4 million in such fraudulent payments. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s payroll audit revealed nearly 3 000 ghost workers. Similar concerns emerged at the Gauteng Department…

Political parties have supported the call made by the Border Management Authority (BMA) for it to get more funding in order to carry out its mandate. The entity made a case before the parliamentary Committees on Appropriations about its underfunding since its establishment in 2023. Home Affairs portfolio committee chairperson, Mosa Chabane, said they have been dealing with the underfunding of the BMA over the past three financial years. “We have grappled with calls for more funding given the task the BMA has been given and that it has to respond to the challenges that South Africans and all MPs have been raising around porous borders,” he said. Chabane said the entity was saddled with capacity issues in terms of technology and a high vacancy rate. Home Affairs deputy minister,…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is grappling with serious challenges that threaten its effectiveness in combating corruption. These challenges include ensuring the safety of its personnel and whistle-blowers, a financial squeeze due to an increasing caseload, an inadequate funding model, and an ineffectual debt collection process. The issues are highlighted in new research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), conducted in partnership with the SIU, examining the unit's successes and its challenges in combating crime. At a seminar hosted by the ISS in Pretoria this week, SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi talked about the unit's funding woes, citing an unsustainable model due to state institutions owing over R1 billion. The SIU's funding consists of a 47% grant from Parliament and 53% from fees for services rendered to government departments…

Despite the bleak economic outlook, trade wars, and general gloom currently gripping South Africa, Stellantis is forging ahead with its plans to build a plant in the Coega region. Locally, the Stellantis portfolio includes Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Opel, Peugeot, Leapmotors and Abarth. Speaking at a Stellantis Media Connect event in Johannesburg, managing director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mike Whitfield, said the plans have changed slightly, but the earthworks have been completed. Plans changed “Our original plans have changed slightly as we adapt to the incredible disruption that we're not only seeing in the global market, but the local market as well. “Previously, the plan was to produce 50 000 Peugeot Landtrek bakkies per year for export into Africa and the Middle East. “But as we've…

Here we go again! The difference this time at round five of the National Extreme Festival at the East London Grand Prix Circuit this weekend, it’s a race we have been looking forward to with some trepidation. First time For most of us in the Toyota GR Cup Challenge, this will be our first outing around the 3.92-kilometre track with a mix of fast, sweeping corners like the legendary Potter’s Pass and Rifle Bend, and a tight, technical infield with only two real opportunities to pass. When management at Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) sends out a document taking you on a step-by-step guide around the track and suggesting time on the sim racer, you know things are about to get serious. It’s been a track that we’ve put…

To be honest, few would have been surprised to learn that the real Fifa Club World Cup trophy — designed by Tiffany & Co — is destined to remain in the White House in perpetuity. It’s the kind of garish Americana that fits neatly with the current president’s brand: shiny, performative, and tailor-made for a press conference. Another glittering bauble to be paraded as proof of greatness — regardless of who actually earned it on the pitch. “I said, ‘When are you going to pick up the trophy?’” Trump remarked earlier this week, while showing it off at the White House. “And (Fifa) said, ‘We’re never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office. We’re making a new one.’ “And they actually made a…

The Junior Springboks have taken a leaf out of the book of their senior counterparts and will field a 6-2 forward split on the bench for their World Rugby U20 Championship final against New Zealand in Rovigo tomorrow night. The much-anticipated final against the Baby Blacks takes place on Saturday at 8.30pm. Lock Riley Norton will once again lead a familiar-looking side that has featured in most of the pool matches, as well as Monday’s semi-final victory over Argentina. The unchanged line-up means the bench will again feature a Bomb Squad in what promises to be an epic battle between the two southern hemisphere rivals. Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote said the SA U20s have worked hard to reach the final and are excited to face their greatest rivals…

Tadej Pogacar reclaimed the leader's yellow jersey at the Tour de France with an imperious stage 12 triumph on the Hautacam mountain in the Pyrenees yesterday. Pogacar skipped away on an 11km solo ascent of the fabled climb to finish 2min 10sec ahead of key rival Jonas Vingegaard while overnight leader Ben Healy wilted to a 13min deficit on the day. French president Emmanuel Macron was on hand at the mountaintop finish to congratulate the Slovenian Team UAE rider. Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel dug deep after being dropped on the first of three climbs to claw back level, before eventually losing 3min 35sec on the day's 180.6km ride from Auch, finishing seventh. In the overall standings Pogacar now leads the Tour de France by 3min 31sec over Denmark's Vingegaard while…