Innehållsförteckning för 2025-09-03 från Mercury

Analysts say giant retailer has outperformed other retailers in terms of growth Shoprite Holdings’ annual sales surpassed R250 billion for the first time and it created 8 723 jobs after opening a net 281 stores in the year to June 29. South Africa’s biggest grocery store group, with 2 863 corporate-owned and managed stores, said Tuesday that revenue increased by 8.6% to R256.7bn for the year. Group merchandise sales increased by 8.9% to R252.7bn. Trading profit from continuing operations increased by 16.6% to R15bn. Customer visits increased by 4.4%, and average basket spend increased by 4.8%. The core division, Supermarkets RSA’s merchandise sales increased by 9.5% to R213.5 bn. Diluted headline earnings per share (DHEPS) increased by 15.8% to 1,367.2 cents. The full-year dividend increased by 9.7% to 781 cents.…

Motus Holdings saw a significant turnaround in the second half of its financial year, with better sales, profit margin recovery, and improved operational efficiencies, following focused management actions after a muted first half. Trading for the automotive group in the first half had been marked by economic uncertainty across the group’s operating regions, high interest rates, and intensified competition. The results appeared to be favourably received by investors, as the share price rose 3.87% to R108.43 on the JSE Tuesday morning, at a time when the JSE All-Share Index was down 0.53%. “As we continue to navigate the structural shifts in the automotive industry, our strategies, underpinned by our operational agility, mitigate against cyclicality and position Motus well for sustainable, profitable growth,” said CEO Ockert Janse van Rensburg. The non-vehicle…

Let’s follow Poland and resurrect our pioneering spirit It is not often that I look at other countries with envy, but last week I was thoroughly green with envy because of a city that most of us have never heard of. The beautiful and ancient city of Włocławek in Poland will soon be home to that country’s first small modular reactor. Poland’s state-controlled energy utility, Orlen (PKN Orlen), in conjunction with the privately owned Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) – collectively known as Orlen Synthos Green Energy – has agreed on an operating model that shows how, with synergy, joint ambition between the public and private sectors, and a shared appreciation of the long-term benefits of nuclear energy, major sustainable milestones can be achieved. The site-selection decision follows a year-long negotiation…

Every year, a new wave of smartphones hits the market with slightly better cameras, sleeker designs and minor upgrades that tempt us to trade in our current devices. But the truth is, if your phone is still working well, there’s little reason to replace it so soon. Looking after your handset properly can extend its life by years, helping you save money and reduce electronic waste. Studies show that most people replace their phones roughly every two and a half years, largely because mobile contracts encourage upgrades after 24 months. Yet experts argue this cycle is unnecessary and with the right care, your device can serve you well for much longer. Here’s how to get the most out of the phone you already own. 1. Protect your battery health A…

Following a meeting between Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, it was agreed that the 121 dockets linked to the political killings task team would be submitted to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The meeting took place on Monday after Masemola announced the dockets would be returned to the KZN detectives, a decision that drew criticism and sparked concerns at the highest level of government, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to reports. Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said the purpose of the meeting was to “clarify and affirm” the respective roles of Cachalia, who holds executive authority, and Masemola, who holds operational authority. According to her, their shared objective is to restore public trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and improve morale…

South Africa’s top earners are said to be under growing financial pressure, with new data showing they spend nearly half of their income on debt repayments. According to the latest Credit Stress Report from analytics firm Eighty20, the country’s highest-income credit users, known as “Heavy Hitters”, are allocating 48% of their net monthly income towards servicing debt, the highest burden across all consumer segments. The report tracks consumer credit behaviour across income groups, using data from credit bureau XDS and other economic indicators to paint a detailed picture of financial stress among South Africans. “The overall instalment-to-net- income ratio for all credit-active South Africans was 28% in 2025 Q2”, the report noted. “This means that between a quarter and a third of net income is spent on servicing debt. This…

Ratepayers and opposition parties are outraged at the poor state of the Pietermaritzburg CBD following a crippling strike by workers in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The staff downed tools a few days ago, demanding to be hired on a full-time basis. The strike has left mountains of uncollected refuse in the streets. Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize stated that the strike was now over. “The Msunduzi Municipality is hard at work catching up on the impact of the recent illegal strike, particularly in the areas of cleansing and waste collection for both business and domestic waste. “While attending to our scheduled waste collection programme, we are also simultaneously addressing the backlogs that accumulated to ensure that waste management, as a critical trading service, is fully restored. “The municipality…

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed a discharge application by one of the accused in the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Mthokoziseni Maphisa sought a discharge on all the charges against him. The ruling was handed down on Monday after Maphisa argued that the State had failed to produce compelling evidence against him. He is on trial for murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng clarified the legal framework surrounding such requests for discharge, stating that an accused person can only be discharged if conviction is impossible without their self-incrimination, as the law permits this entitlement. In his ruling, Mokgoatlheng emphasised the need for courts to consider the comprehensive nature of evidence presented during…

Is the DA genuine with its call or simply playing politics? As crime continues to ravage the country, questions have been constantly asked on many fronts. At a macro level, the national government is blamed for lacking strategies to combat crime. This is an indictment of the government and its failure to protect its citizens. At a micro level, the blame lands squarely on the local police stations and their leadership for failing to put proactive measures in place to prevent crime from happening, instead of reacting once crime has already been committed. This situation is compounded by the allegations recently made by KwaZulu-Natal’s Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among other things, Mkhwanazi alleged that some in the top brass of the police force are perpetuating crime instead of combating it.…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos heads into this month’s crunch World Cup qualifiers with a backline that carries more questions than answers. But unlike previous occasions when his selection decisions drew debate, this time his hands are tied. The South African senior men’s national team will face Lesotho “away from home” at the Free State Stadium on Friday, before hosting Nigeria on Tuesday. Those two fixtures will offer Broos’ new-look defence a baptism of fire on the road to World Cup qualification. The Belgian is without several experienced pillars who have underpinned South Africa’s recent resurgence. Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana, Siyanda Xulu and Nkosinathi Sibisi formed the defensive core that helped Bafana to an AFCON semi-final earlier this year. Now, all are absent – either injured, struggling for fitness, or…

English Premier League clubs shattered their transfer spending record this transfer window, with Monday’s deadline day one of the most dramatic in the league’s history. Spending topped £3bn by the time the window shut at 7pm in the UK, according to Sky Sports News, boosted in large part by Liverpool’s record £125m deadline-day fee for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. In fact, it was a transfer window when some of Europe’s top marksmen grabbed a lot of the attention as Premier League clubs flexed their considerable financial muscle. Others, however, will breathe a heavy sigh of relief that the madness is over, with the horse trading leaving a number of clubs decimated and worse off than they were last season. Biggest winners: Liverpool The defending champions were quick out of the…

As South Africa gears up for crucial Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, the Betway Premiership pauses, giving clubs a chance to reset and reassess their seasons. Mamelodi Sundowns, standard-bearers of South African football both on the continent and the global stage, enter the break in third place. Many of Bafana Bafana’s recent successes have come through their key players, underlining just how influential the club has become. For coach Miguel Cardoso, the pause is well-timed. His side has been among the busiest in Africa, juggling domestic and continental commitments, and he now has the chance to fine-tune after what has been a relatively slow start by their lofty standards. The Portuguese coach has openly voiced concerns about the relentless schedule and its toll on his players. Fatigue…

The notion that the Springbok Women would relax for Sunday’s final Pool D encounter against France at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, with their place in the World Cup quarter-finals already secured, was dispelled in no uncertain terms by SA flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg. Yesterday, Janse van Rensburg said the emotions of relief, gratitude, pride, and joy after Sunday’s dramatic 29-24 win over Italy in York are still lingering around the team, but there is also a growing desire and determination for more of the same. SA and France qualified for the playoffs with victories over Italy and Brazil at the weekend, and will now fight it out for pool honours. The Bok Women made history with a number of firsts: qualifying for the World Cup quarter-finals; beating Italy; and…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said that they are making progress in addressing the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa. Steenhuisen, in a statement on Monday, said that the FMD) situation in the country remains a matter of great concern. “I am pleased to report that the outbreaks which afflicted the Eastern Cape in 2024 have not resurfaced in 2025. The last outbreak in the Eastern Cape occurred in September 2024. Following extensive surveillance in and around the affected areas, the Disease Management Area (DMA) was lifted on 4 July 2025,” added Steenhuisen. Steenhuisen said that the affected farms in the Humansdorp and East London areas remain under quarantine, following the lifting of restrictions, and are undergoing final testing to confirm the absence of the FMD virus.…

South Africa’s energy transition is unfolding in the midst of ageing coal stations, constrained grid infrastructure, and an urgent need for new investment. Without coherence and alignment, these pressures risk undermining growth and stability. Last week, we examined the idea of a unifying focus for South Africa’s electricity sector and proposed the phrase: “investing in energy security to enable sustainable, low-carbon industrialisation and universal access to electricity.” We noted that the sector is currently paralysed by contested institutional battles. This conflict is evident in several ways: Eskom’s attempt to claw back R94 billion in revenue following calculation errors by the energy regulator; its obstruction of the unbundling of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA); and Eskom Distribution’s court challenge againstthe issuing of trading licences to independent traders. Against…

TOURISM Minister Patricia de Lille yesterday challenged her detractors for accusing her of protecting corruption in South African tourism, calling on them to provide the evidence to the Hawks. “I want to say if anybody has got evidence that I am protecting corruption, I will advise anybody to take that evidence to the Hawks within the police,” De Lille said. She made the statement in response to the opening remarks by Tourism Portfolio Committee chairperson Ronaldo Nalumango when she appeared before the committee. De Lille was invited to explain her decision to dissolve the South African Tourism board, to give an update on circumstances surrounding the suspension of the CEO, and to explain issues around the forensic investigation report that probed a R4.1 million contract, among others. Also invited were…

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya made history one year ago as she became South Africa’s first female top judge, and overall, she has scored big wins, but the role’s heavy demands risk pulling her away from the court. The next nine years will be about finding balance. This is according to Judges Matter, a transparency project that believes in the importance of the judiciary. As Justice Maya stepped into her role as Chief Justice on September 1 last year, Judges Matter took stock of what she had achieved during her first year in office. The online group noted that she has recently introduced a revised sexual harassment policy for the judiciary and helped resolve a long-standing impasse over judicial independence. However, progress has been slow in other areas, such as implementing…

After a devastating accident, a pedestrian will receive R2.6 million in compensation from the Road Accident Fund for permanent cognitive and behavioural changes. The compensation was awarded for the past and future loss of earnings for the man who was 28 years old at the time of the accident. He was knocked by a vehicle on September 15, 2019. At the time the man was working in Stikland, Parow, in Cape Town, where he had held the position of a general worker since 2017, having assisted in repairing traffic lights that were out of order and required new globes. While he was not permanently employed by the company, his position was full-time, and at the time of the accident, he was serving a six-month probation period. However, his prospects of…

CLOSE to R70 million will be spent on the refurbishment of the old legislature building in Ulundi and to provide pension and medical aid benefits for Amakhosi. The funds will be generated through the cancelling of leases of private buildings leased by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in KwaZulu-Natal, according to the department. KZN Cogta MEC Thulasiwe Buthelezi made the announcement at a joint media briefing with the MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer. They announced plans for the legislature building, the allocation of properties from Public Works to Cogta, and the progress on the audit conducted by Public Works and Infrastructure on government properties. During the meeting, it was revealed that close to 80 properties will be allocated from Public Works to Cogta…

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has uncovered non-compliance with the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) in KwaZulu-Natal, revealing retailers selling expired food, mislabelled products, and failing to display prices. The commission conducted inspections last month in Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg, Durban CBD, Springfield, Inanda, uMlazi, and Westville, working with the South African Police Services and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. The NCC said it inspected food, clothing, and blanket retailers where non-compliant practices to the CPA are prevalent. Inspectors found goods sold after sell-by, use-by, or best-before dates, including meat products. Labelling violations were identified. “The NCC inspectors uncovered widespread non-compliance regarding product labelling. This includes goods without ingredients, product descriptions, country of origin (in the case of clothing) or altered trade descriptions,” the commission said. Products such as mayonnaise, vinegar, and…

The past is the past, and the Springboks won’t rely on their recent victories over the All Blacks, thinking it will help them secure a win on Saturday in Auckland. They want to stay in the present and prepare as best they can for the historic encounter at Eden Park (9.05pm kick-off) against their arch-rivals. It will be the first time since 2013 that the teams face each other at the iconic stadium. New Zealand are unbeaten at the ground since 1994, while the world champions haven’t won there since 1937. The Boks are on a four-match winning streak against the All Blacks and will look to make it a historic first victory in the modern era to keep their run going against their hosts. According to Kolbe, who will…

First ODI, Headingley England: 131 all out (Smith 52, Maharaj 4/22, Mulder 3/33) South Africa: (Markram 86, Rickelton 31*, Rashid 3/26, Baker 0/76) This has been Keshav Maharaj’s winter. A World Test Championship medal, backed up with his coronation as South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year, then honoured with the Proteas Test captaincy followed by his ascent to the lofty perch as the No 1-ranked ODI bowler in the world. The first match of the one-day series against England yesterday was simply an extension of the most storied period of Maharaj’s career. After picking up his maiden ODI five-for on the recent Australian tour, the crafty left-arm spinner added another brilliant 4/22 in just 5.3 overs here at Headingley in Leeds. Along with Wiaan Mulder’s equally impressive 3/33, England were…

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak vowed to make history with the Premier League champions after finally completing his British-record £125 million move from Newcastle on Monday. Isak agreed a reported six-year contract with the Reds after they convinced Newcastle to accept an improved bid ahead of the Premier League’s transfer deadline. The 25-year-old’s arrival at Anfield will increase the expectation that Liverpool are set for a dominant period and Isak is happy to shoulder the burden. “I think it’s a mixture of what the club is building, but what they’re building on top of what the club already is. The history of the club. Me getting the chance to be a part of this, I want to create history,” Isak said. “I want to win trophies. That’s ultimately the biggest motivation…

Intensive energy users in South Africa are sounding the alarm over rising costs and impending job losses, as recent decisions by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) threaten the financial viability of crucial industries. The Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) on Tuesday raised concerns that Eskom's recent settlement of R54 billion electricity price determination could lead to significant increases in electricity tariffs, which already account for up to 40% of production costs for some users. As a result of the miscalculation, electricity tariffs, which were initially set to rise by 5.4% in 2026 and 6.2% in 2027, will instead spike by 8.8% over the next two financial periods to compensate for the Nersa blunder. The new tariffs, expected to take effect in the 2026/27 financial year and into…

We are heating the planet at unnatural rates by emitting excess greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This arises from burning fossil fuels to make electricity, transport people and goods, and other energy needs. Other significant emissions come from food production, waste generation, and the destruction of ecosystems, all of which store carbon in their stable states. Thankfully, these days there is a dwindling number of voices denying the existence of human caused global warming, or on the urgent need to transition to a low carbon economy and society. The big questions and debates now centre around the Who, How and When of taking decisive action. One such set of debates is happening right now, as South Africa readies itself to update its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The obligation to…

Barloworld said Tuesday that an investigation had not uncovered any US sanctions violations in its operations, but there were “apparent violations of US export controls, which the company takes seriously and is addressing.” The international heavy equipment and vehicles group stated that the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), had granted it a further extension, from June 2, 2025, to September 2, 2025, to complete its investigation into apparent US export control violations. The company had submitted an initial notification of Voluntary Self-Disclosure (VSD) to the BIS on September 13, 2024. Unlike many other South African multi-nationals that sold their operations in Russia due to Western sanctions on that country, Barloworld still retains a subsidiary there, specifically Vostochnaya Technica (VT), which distributes Caterpillar equipment and related…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has, today, written to the Chairperson of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), demanding a full, public explanation for the catastrophic R54 billion error made in Eskom’s recent tariff determination. This is not the first such mistake, nor even the first matter taken on judicial review by Eskom. This monumental blunder is not a simple “mistake”: it is a sign of gross incompetence at the heart of our country’s energy regulator. The consequence is that already-struggling South African households and businesses will be forced to pay billions more for electricity to cover for NERSA's failure. The decision to rectify this via a quiet settlement with Eskom, which will see tariff hikes soar to 8.76% in 2026/27 and 8.83% in 2027/28, is a slap in…

VUSIMUZI ‘Cat’ Matlala’s relationship with Brown Mogotsi, his alleged elaborate plan to lure his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, and lump payments he allegedly made to some of his co-accused form part of the evidence that has been gathered by the police. The State said that it has sufficient evidence that Matlala, who has allegedly used fraudulent documents and invoices, is a dangerous mastermind who could easily flee South Africa if granted bail. Matlala appeared on his own for his bail application in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. The application, which is being opposed by the State, was adjourned to September 8. The State is relying on the affidavit deposed to by the lead investigator, who remains anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter. “The State seeks to oppose the applicant’s…

The Samane family and the community of Orlando East, Soweto, have welcomed the sentencing of convicted rapist and murderer, Phethe Simiao, to two life terms by the Gauteng South High Court sitting in Johannesburg. Simiao, 25, was convicted of kidnapping, rape, and the murder of six-year-old Amantle Samane from Orlando East in October 2024. Speaking following the judgment, Amantle’s mother, Ntombizodwa Samane, welcomed the sentence, saying her child will now rest in peace knowing that her rapist has finally been convicted. “I’m sure my child will now rest in peace. This sentence should deter other men from killing and raping our children. Maybe they will stop,” she said. Samane said even though the family welcomes the hefty sentence against Simiao, they were still reeling from the death of Amantle, almost…

The taxpayer will once again have to foot the damages costs of more than R2.6 million awarded to the partner of a Nigerian citizen who was, on the face of it, suffocated to death by members of the police during a raid at his home. The SAPS simply gave a bare denial of being involved in the death of the man only identified by the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, as B. They claimed that he took drugs and simply died after he had a seizure. But a post-mortem report stated that he had no drugs in his system and that he had died of asphyxia. The court, in awarding the damages, frowned upon the evidence of the police officers who were present when B died. It was noted that they…

ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has launched a scathing attack on the SA Communist Party (SACP), calling its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections outside of the ANC-led alliance a “monumental disaster” and a threat to the unity of the liberation movement. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ANC’s visit to the family of the late Dikgang Uhuru Moiloa, Mbalula described the SACP’s resolution to go it alone as not only ideologically flawed. But also politically dangerous, warning that it would fracture the historic tripartite alliance between the ANC, SACP and Cosatu — a bedrock of South Africa’s democratic revolution. “We have reflected at the theoretical level on the implications of this disastrous decision,” Mbalula said. “It is clear to us that there is no ideological basis…

LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has tipped the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season to deliver surprises, with early results pointing to a campaign where no side looks certain to dominate. Five matches in, the table is already throwing up storylines. Sekhukhune United are sitting on top, edging Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference, while perennial winners Mamelodi Sundowns lurk two points behind in third. Defending champions though they may be, the Brazilians have not yet hit their full stride. Orlando Pirates, last season’s runners-up, have also stuttered. The Buccaneers are adjusting to life under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and two early defeats have left them lying fifth and already playing catch-up. Mngqithi, speaking after his side’s narrow defeat to Chiefs at the weekend, believes the unpredictable nature of the opening rounds…

Young sprint star Bayanda Walza was a surprise inclusion in the 49-member SA team for the World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo, Japan, between September 13 and 21, after he had pulled up injured during the 100m at the Diamond League Final in Zurich last week. The winner of the sprint double at the recent World University Games will only take part in one individual event, the men’s 100m, in Tokyo, despite also qualifying for the 200m. He will also not be part of the men’s 4X100m relay team. Athletics South Africa announced the team of 32 men and 17 women for the world champs on Tuesday. It features eight national record holders, including Akani Simbine (100m), Tshepo Tshite (1 500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10 000m), Antonio Alkana (110m…