Innehållsförteckning för 2025-08-11 från Mercury

A new study conducted by researchers at Stellenbosch University (SU) in South Africa and Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, has indicated a concerning decline in South Africa’s agri-food trade with the European Union (EU). The decline is attributed largely to increasing trade barriers and ongoing disputes that are reshaping the trade landscape. Published in the journal Agrekon, the study provides a thorough analysis of how the EU’s agri-food import practices are deteriorating the competitiveness of South Africa’s agricultural sector. The researchers categorised agri-food products into four distinct groups: bulk commodities, processed intermediate goods, horticultural products, and consumer-ready goods. Among these, citrus, grapes, wine, apples and pears, and avocados emerge as the top five agri-food exports to the EU. The findings highlight a striking trend, with nearly half of total…

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has announced the launch of phase two of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), a provess that boosts tourism from India and China to South Africa. This adds another 45 vetted and approved tour operators to the existing 65 operators that have participated in the programme since its launch in February 2025. TTOS was conceptualised by Schreiber to address the long-standing challenge faced by tour operators in bringing large tour groups from the burgeoningsource markets of India and China to South Africa. It replaced manual, inefficient and paper-based processes that required prospective tourists to travel long distances justto apply for a visa, which then often took weeks to process and required a return trip for collection, with a new online system whereby…

The All Share index on the JSE recorded once again a record-breaking week. The index reached 101 034 points in intra-trade on Friday, gaining 0.2% on the day. The index improved over the week by 3.2%, advancing by 19.7% for the year to date. Equities are boosted by precious metals as the gold, platinum and palladium prices surged. This despite the introduction of tariffs of 30% by the US Trump administration on a wide range of products imported from South Africa, which kicked in last Thursday. The current debate like the “inability” of the South African government trade negotiators is dominating the media. Despite this noise, South African financial markets are experiencing positive movements. Although with volatility, the Rand exchange rate ended last week flat at R17.70 to the dollar.…

Accelerate Property Fund (APF), which has Fourways Mall as the flagship in its portfolio of retail, office and industrial properties, has massively increased its credit losses to R1.05 billion due to the impairment of a related party agreement of R970.7 million. In the results for the year to March 31, rental income fell by 5.7% to R824.04m. Net property income was down by 8.3% to R494.74m. Including the expected credit loss, the taxed loss increased 103.2% to R1.27bn from a R624.74m taxed loss a year before. The big impairment related to a settlement agreement entered into in November last year, between APF and co-developer of the mall, Azrapart, that had lapsed due to suspensive conditions not being fulfilled in the requisite timeframe. Last month, Azrapart was placed into business rescue…

When most people think of salt, they immediately associate it with flavour-enhancing savoury dishes, balancing sweetness or adding that final touch to a meal. But this humble white crystal, a staple in kitchens across the globe for centuries, has far more to offer than just taste. Salt plays a vital role in texture, preservation, colour and even the chemistry of cooking. It’s one of the most versatile tools in any cook’s arsenal – and when used thoughtfully, it can transform your everyday meals in unexpected ways. Here’s a closer look at the smart, sometimes surprising ways you can use salt in your kitchen beyond simple seasoning: Chop like a pro Chopping onions or garlic? A tiny sprinkle of salt on your cutting board can make a noticeable difference. Salt draws…

The South African Presidency has responded to questions regarding the financial aspects of the upcoming National Dialogue, specifically addressing the anticipated costs of the first National Convention. The convention is scheduled for August 15 and 16. In a statement, spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasised that all budgetary processes concerning the convention are being conducted in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). "Our commitment is to ensure transparency and accountability in all aspects of the convention's funding," he stated. He said the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is diligently working alongside various government departments to coordinate resources for the National Dialogue. "This includes mobilisation efforts aimed at reducing potential costs associated with the event." In a significant development, the University of South Africa (UNISA) has stepped…

The Music Imbizo 2025 returns to the Durban ICC from August 26 to 30, under the theme “At the Root of Innovation is Culture, Creativity and the Power of IP”, and with a dynamic roster of keynote speakers, backed by a powerful coalition of strategic sponsors and partners committed to advancing Africa’s creative economy. Opening the conference with an authoritative government perspective, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Bertha Peace Mabe will deliver the first keynote. Mabe, a seasoned Member of Parliament since 2009 and appointed Deputy Minister in July 2024, holds BA and Honours degrees in Public Administration from the University of Pretoria. Her address will examine national strategies that strengthen cultural industries and leverage intellectual property for economic development. On Wednesday, Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis, a multi-award-winning jazz vocalist,…

Emotions ran high at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in uMlazi this week as staff gathered for the second memorial service in two months to honour a colleague killed in a shooting. The latest victim, Zenzele Innocent Mqadi, 50, a driver at the university, was shot dead on Friday morning while driving to work in uMlazi. “Police in uMlazi are investigating a case of murder following an incident in which a 50-year-old man was shot and killed at Q Section on Friday morning,” said SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda. “The deceased was driving to work on Mayibuye Drive when he was shot at by unknown suspects. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.” This tragic…

A father stands accused of the horrific murder of his four-year-old daughter in Gauteng. The little girl from Eldorado Park died on Friday due to the injuries sustained. A video of the girl allegedly being assaulted and drowned by her father was circulating on social media this week and caused a nationwide outcry. Residents filmed the incident trying to gather concrete evidence against the father, who had been allegedly assaulting the young girl physically and sexually. In a video released on Friday evening on TikTok, a member of Parliament, Dereleen James from ActionSA, conveys the side of residents who apparently filmed the incident. Sitting in a vehicle, James tells the camera she wants to explain what the person who took the video told her. According to her, the individual stated…

Sharks XV coach JP Pietersen praised the resilience shown by his young Currie Cup team in fronting up to the Free State Cheetahs, despite suffering a third loss on the bounce in the competition on Saturday evening at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, west of Durban. “Obviously we didn’t get the result but immensely proud of the team. It’s been tow tough weeks. We stood up today against a well-coached Cheetahs team, fronting up on our home ground in showing the performance that we did today,” the coach said after the match. The home team lost the closely contested match 7-5, with a missed conversion denying them at least a share of the spoils against their more experienced rivals. “The game was obviously won and lost defensively. You can…

Crystal Palace twice came from behind to stun a new-look Liverpool and win the Community Shield for the first time, prevailing 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley yesterday. New signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scored for the Premier League champions, but Palace responded through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr before sealing victory in an error-strewn shootout. Mohamed Salah blazed over from the spot, while Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott were denied by an inspired Dean Henderson as Palace built on winning their first major trophy in May’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. The traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season was given added poignancy following a summer tragedy for Liverpool. Forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva.…

South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) Governor Lesetja Kganyago has warned that preliminary assessments suggested that South Africa's growth was being modestly affected by the United States' tariffs and other external economic factors. Kganyago on Friday said that despite the US being a significant trading partner, it was Europe, China, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that still held the most weight in South Africa's export dynamics. "In South Africa, our preliminary assessment is that tariffs and the other uncertainties in the global economy are causing modest damage to growth while leaving inflation broadly unchanged," Kganyago said. "Our exports to the US mostly consist of commodities − some of which are exempted− and manufactured products such as cars. Some parts of the agricultural sector are exposed, but total agricultural exports…

The Minister for Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, made an important call this past week for the South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) to develop recommendations on how electricity can be made more affordable. Since 2006 when loadshedding first creeped into South Africa, electricity prices have increased by nearly 700%, or a four-fold increase in real terms once consumer price inflation is taken into account. This has bled the meagre wages of the working class, plunging them into suffocating debt and poverty, and impeded their ability to take care of their families or provide a better life for their children. It has stifled economic growth as consumers have had to shift their limited cash towards buying electricity. It has made it difficult for SMMEs to grow or…

ASP Isotopes Inc (ASPI), the Nasdaq-listed company that plans a JSE listing, intends to begin uranium enrichment at the Pelindaba nuclear facility through an agreement with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa). ASPI, which is in the process of a share-for-share transaction with Renergen, the only onshore helium and liquid natural gas producer in South Africa, said in a pre-listing statement on Friday that the agreement is to collaborate on research, development, and ultimately the commercial production of advanced nuclear fuels. The company plans a secondary JSE listing on August 27. “We believe the U-235 we may produce using QE (quantum enrichment) technology may be commercialised as a nuclear fuel component for use in the new generation of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU)-fueled small modular reactors that are currently under…

Researchers from Ohio State University have found that people who live by the ocean tend to live longer than those who don’t, especially when compared to those living in urban areas near rivers or lakes. While many South Africans already seek out coastal properties for lifestyle or leisure, the findings offer scientific backing to the idea that living near the sea could be as beneficial for your health as a balanced diet or regular exercise. Published in the journal Health & Place, the study analysed data from more than 66 000 people, looking specifically at the connection between proximity to bodies of water – referred to as “blue spaces” – and life expectancy. The results showed that people living by the coast were expected to live a year or…

As National Women’s Day was celebrated on Saturday, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya announced the introduction of a sexual harassment policy for the South African judiciary. The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has described it as a historic step in safeguarding the integrity of the courts and protecting the dignity of all who serve within them. The OCJ said this policy reiterates the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to the constitutional values of human dignity, equality and justice. It said this sends a clear message that sexual harassment has no place in the halls of justice. As custodians of the Constitution, judges and magistrates bear a profound responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and South Africa’s own Judicial Codes of Conduct demand nothing less,…

AN AI-powered Living Evidence Map for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) was launched at the weekend. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and the Pan African Collective for Evidence (PACE). The platform is a groundbreaking digital tool developed to support Pillar 6 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP GBVF), which focuses on strengthening research and information management. This launch establishes South Africa’s most extensive, continuously updated, and centralised gender evidence base. It consolidates academic research, community insights, evaluations, and government data into a single, easily accessible platform. The Living Evidence Map is co-produced in partnership with researchers, civil society, and government departments and powered by ChatEIDM, an AI engine that allows users to interact with the…

In a groundbreaking judgment regarding the distribution of death benefits, the Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that dependency must be assessed based on facts at the date of a member to a pension fund’s death, not at the time distribution decisions are made. Every year, South African retirement funds distribute billions of rand upon the death of their in-service members to persons who were “dependents” of a deceased member. These benefits are distributed in terms of Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act. This application related to the equitable allocation and distribution of death benefits held within a pension fund. The Constitutional Court noted that it is particularly important in the context of South Africa’s high incidence of employment precariousness and dependency on a single breadwinner. Pension fund benefits provide…

The Proteas were left to rue a crucial dropped catch in their 17-run loss in the opening T20I against Australia at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin yesterday, wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton admitted afterwards. South Africa had been set a target of 179, after skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to field first. The Proteas managed to peg back the hosts after a furious start, and appeared on course to chase down a modest total until some big hitting by Tim David took the game away from them. David smashed eight sixes in a blistering 83 from 52 balls to lift Australia to a competitive total. South Africa could only manage 169 for nine in reply, thanks largely to 71 from Rickelton. Young speedster Kwena Maphaka starred with the…

The Boland Cavaliers showed their Currie Cup mettle yesterday as they subdued the Lions with excellent defence and a powerful scrummaging and lineout performance to claim a vital 29-10 bonus-point victory in Wellington. After two good wins, the Johannesburg side looked a shadow of the team they had been in the previous games, losing the physical battle, faltering in the lineouts, missing numerous tackles, and spilling their ball at scrum time. It was their counterparts who looked more dangerous, and the shock win in front of their home fans will give the Bolanders plenty of confidence as they continue a bright start to the tournament. Despite losing their captain early in the game, and copping a yellow card in the first five minutes, the Cavaliers started the game off well…

South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin believes an experienced squad, led by the Springbok Women’s most capped player Nolusindiso Booi, can “push them towards the play-offs” of the Rugby World Cup. Booi, capped 52 times, also captained the squad at the previous tournament in New Zealand in 2022 and is one of 19 players in the 32-player squad with previous Women’s Rugby World Cup experience. South Africa, whose modest record contrasts sharply with the men’s team’s four World Cup titles, are in Pool D for the tournament, which will be held in England from August 22 to September 27. They face a stern challenge to progress from the pool stage, with Six Nations runners-up France favourites to top the group. The Bok Women open their campaign against Brazil on…

Koeberg Alert Alliance files appeals against authorisation, demands reassessment Environmentalists and civil society advocates are gearing up for a critical meeting to address the government's contentious decision to uphold Eskom's 2017 Environmental Authorisation for a new 4 000MW nuclear power station in Duynefontein. The decision has sparked intense criticism, particularly due to reliance on outdated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies, which raised alarms about the risks posed by high seismic activity and dense human populations in the area. The green light for the nuclear project comes after environmentalists, led by groups such as the Koeberg Alert Alliance (KAA), filed appeals against the initial authorisation, arguing that recent developments since 2007 necessitate a reassessment. However, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on Friday upheld the decision granting…

South Africa's manufacturing landscape revealed a modest improvement in production capacity utilisation for large enterprises, as new data from Stats SA indicates an increase to 77.7% in May 2025 from 77.6% in May 2024. Economists are interpreting this 0.1 percentage point rise as a positive indication of resilience within the sector. According to Stats SA, six out of the ten major manufacturing divisions recorded increases in production capacity utilisation compared with the same month last year. Notably, the glass and non-metallic mineral products sector led the way with a significant rise of 2.5 percentage points, followed by textiles, clothing, leather, and footwear which saw an improvement of 1.8 percentage points. Three divisions notably surpassed the critical threshold of 80% capacity utilisation in May 2025. The food and beverages sector topped…

A Mark Twain dilemma has beset South Africa in as far as the quest for a national dialogue is concerned. The Foundations which were instrumental in galvanising the idea have decided not to be present at the launch on the 15th of August. Former president Thabo Mbeki had also released a statement a few weeks ago on what would determine the outcome of a dialogue as the credibility of its constituent composition. President Cyril Ramaphosa is going ahead with or without the Foundations. A national dialogue under the prevailing circumstances, especially those of guaranteed incumbency after an election was certainly going to be problematic because interests will have been entrenched. Mindful of this difficulty, on the 19th of December 2024, I penned an article titled, Next year’s elections should…

Zimbabwe and the UK are rekindling diplomatic ties after almost three decades of tension, driven by a global surge in demand for critical minerals that’s led the former colonial power to pursue $1 billion in deals with the resource-rich nation. In June, the UK dispatched Minister for Africa Lord Ray Collins of Highbury to meet Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other senior leaders. The trip marked a rare encounter between the two nations’ officials after years of deteriorating relations, especially under former President Robert Mugabe - a vocal critic of Britain’s 90-year colonial rule of the southern African nation. Collins described his visit as a “mission for economic growth” that would lead to “a win-win situation” for both countries. The British Embassy in Harare echoed that sentiment in the past…

Digital burnout, defined as the mental, emotional and physical exhaustion brought on by excessive use of digital devices, can lead to troubling consequences for children. With the challenges of balancing screen time and real-life experiences, understanding and recognising the signs of digital burnout is more critical than ever. Recognise the signs of burnout: Physical symptoms: Parents may notice frequent complaints from their children, such as headaches or eye strain. Their sleep patterns may also change, with them struggling to fall asleep or waking up tired. Mood swings: Becoming more secretive, defensive or withdrawn. Children may also exhibit irritability when asked to stop using devices. Difficulty concentrating: Excessive screen time can hinder focus and attention in school, leading to decreased participation and performance. Teachers may notice children becoming easily distracted. Reduced…

With 27 police killings in the last financial year, acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, who yesterday visited the families of the two officers who were tragically shot and killed on Friday, has promised that no stone will be left unturned in the search for convicted criminal Jabulani Moyo, linked to the two murders. Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa and Sergeant Simon Masenye were gunned down while transporting Moyo from court. The minister also extended his sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni from Schoemansdal SAPS in Mpumalanga, who was killed on Saturday while responding to a robbery incident in Schoemansdal near Komatipoort. “These senseless acts of violence against our men and women in blue are an attack on the rule of law and the…

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has reaffirmed the independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), asserting that her ministerial oversight does not extend to influence over prosecutorial decisions. “The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development exercises final responsibility over the NPA. This role is administrative and policy-oriented and does not extend to involvement in or interference with specific prosecutorial decisions,” Kubayi said. She made the statement when she was responding to parliamentary questions posed by EFF MP Rebecca Mohlala. Mohlala posed the parliamentary questions following the recent allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. She wanted to know the measures that were in place to guarantee prosecutorial decisions in politically sensitive cases were free from executive interference and undue political influence. In her reply, Kubayi said…

Opposition parties in the embattled KwaDukuza Local Municipality have called on the provincial government to place the municipality under Section 154 as the ANC struggles to replace its fired mayor. According to a parliamentary document, Section 154 obligates national and provincial governments to strengthen municipal capacity, ensuring that municipalities can manage their affairs, exercise their powers, and fulfil their functions effectively. This support may take the form of legislative measures, financial assistance, and technical guidance, all aimed at enhancing local governance and ensuring sustainable municipal operations. The municipality has been without a political head since the resignation of Mayor Ali Ngidi and his deputy, Njabulo Cele, two weeks ago. Attempts to elect a new mayor failed two weeks ago following an apparent revolt by ANC councilors who were said to…

Guinea’s National Elephants and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will face off for the first time in the history of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) today. This match, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in the bustling city of Kampala, will not only add a new chapter to the tournament’s history but also mark an important moment for both teams as they aim to secure crucial Group C points. South Africa will become the 15th different opponent Guinea has faced in CHAN competition, while this fixture will represent the ninth team South Africa have met in the tournament. It will also be Guinea’s third outing against a COSAFA nation, having previously faced Zambia twice. Bafana Bafana’s coach, Molefi Ntseki, acknowledges the challenge presented by Guinea, who are known for their attacking…

As the Springboks prepare to kick off their Rugby Championship title defence against Australia at Ellis Park this Saturday, head coach Rassie Erasmus finds himself navigating some complex choices that could significantly influence the outcome of the match. Among the most pressing questions is whether to deploy his infamous Bomb Squad – a potent bench packed with impact players capable of turning the tide in the second half. For the Bok guru, there are several positions he would’ve thought long and hard about ahead of naming his team on Tuesday. A Bomb or Nuke squad bench is the first to weigh up. Then, there’s the eighth man position with Jasper Wiese still suspended. Wilco Louw and veteran Vincent Koch are in line for the tighthead jersey; however, youngster Asenathi Ntlabakanye…

Durban City marked their first match under their current identity in the South Africa’s top flight with a statement performance, brushing aside TS Galaxy 2-0 at the Mbombela Stadium yesterday. It was the perfect start to the Gavin Hunt-era, with goals from Samukelo Maseko and Mfanafuthi Mkhize sealing all three points for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, formerly known as Maritzburg United. The match began with City showing no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion, despite facing a Galaxy side guided by Adnan Beganovic. Hunt’s charges pressed high and nearly broke the deadlock as early as the 15th minute when Haashim Domingo, lively throughout, almost scrambled home after Trevor Mokwena’s low cross caused panic in the hosts’ box. That warning seemed to spur Galaxy into life. They began dictating the tempo,…

Kaizer Chiefs once again showcased their standing as Stellenbosch FC’s hoodoo team with a hard-fought 2-0 victory in their Betway Premiership match at Athlone Stadium yesterday. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Chiefs, who have been nothing short of formidable against the Winelands team, securing five consecutive league wins against them. The result also meant that Chiefs ended their nine-match winless streak in the league at the end of last season. The capacity crowd was treated to a rousing start with end-to-end action. However, the mood shifted dramatically early in the first half when referee Eugene Mdluli red-carded Stellenbosch debutant Siviwe Nkwali. The young defender made a reckless challenge on Mduduzi Shabalala, who had skilfully navigated through a gap in the Stellenbosch defence and was heading goalwards. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo…