Innehållsförteckning för 2025-09-11 från Mercury

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has called on global investors to seize the country’s “immense tourism potential” and help transform the sector into a driver of jobs, growth and inclusive development. Delivering the opening address at the inaugural G20 Tourism Investment Summit in Cape Town on Wednesday, De Lille unveiled eight flagship, bankable projects worth nearly R1 billion in investment-ready opportunities, ranging from the God’s Window Skywalk in Mpumalanga to the Hole in the Wall Resort in the Eastern Cape. The God’s Window Skywalk is looking for R200 million investment and the Hole in the Wall Resort requires R141m. "These are projects from both the public and private sector, with strong return on investment and high community impact. And this is just a fraction of what lies in our…

Decarbonisation is part of broader efforts to be in line with European export demands South32 is pursuing a decarbonisation programme for Hillside, its South African aluminium smelter operation in South Africa as part of its broader carbon reduction emission efforts and to be in line with European export demands for the material. The company said it had temporarily shut down the Wessels manganese mine it runs in the Northern Cape before re-opening it. In March, Hillside was the subject of a claim by an Australian company that charged that the South32 subsidiary had improperly used intellectual property related to metal transportation at the South African operation. Now, South32 has on Wednesday said that it is “engaging with stakeholders to secure a comprehensive low-carbon energy solution for Hillside Aluminium and on…

The Department of Agriculture said on Wednesday that it was continuing to step up vaccination efforts in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, joined by North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, led a targeted cattle vaccination drive in Rysmierbult recently. Steenhuisen warned of the serious consequences if the outbreak is not contained. “FMD is not just a veterinary issue, it is an economic threat. If left unmanaged, it can destabilize rural livelihoods, and undermine national food security. We must act swiftly and collectively,” he said. Steenhuisen's visit formed part of the government's broader strategy to manage livestock disease outbreaks and protect the agricultural sector. Before the vaccination rollout, Steenhuisen and Sambatha met with local farmers, livestock owners, and community…

For many South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), economic conditions in the country have pushed profitability to a critical point. Under these challenging conditions, a recent Small Business Growth Index reveals that more than half of local SMEs are at risk of closure within the next year. The pressure to cut costs has never been greater, but this doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. In fact, some of the most effective cost-saving strategies are those that improve efficiency, allowing you to do more with less while maintaining quality and productivity. Here are five practical strategies to consider: Embrace technology and automation Technology is one of the most powerful levers for cost-efficient growth. Automating routine tasks like invoicing, payroll, and inventory management can save hours of manual work each week.…

Metair’s turnaround continued in the six months to June 30, with operating profit up 27% to R450 million after the supplier of auto components recovered volumes at its key vehicle manufacturer customers and it implemented measures to improve efficiency. Total headline earnings per share (HEPS) (including discontinued operations) rose significantly to 65 cents a share. This compares to a loss of 3 cents per share in the same period last year, which included losses from the recently disposed of Türkiye battery manufacturer, Mutlu Akü. “Our focus on the turnaround process has been on areas within our control, notably structural simplification, operational execution, and customer support. This allowed us to better adapt to market shifts and volume fluctuations while providing agility to be more efficient and flexible,” said the CEO, Paul…

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) will appear before the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, sitting as the Equality Court, on Friday to represent a transgender woman challenging what she deems as discriminatory and degrading treatment she is experiencing while incarcerated at Johannesburg Correctional Centre. The application, brought by inmate Nthabiseng Mokoena, is launched against the Department of Correctional Services, the minister and other officials on the basis that their conduct violated her constitutional rights to dignity, equality and freedom from unfair discrimination. Mokoena argues that the department has entrenched systemic discrimination against transgender inmates by refusing to recognise their gender identity and denying them basic gender-affirming rights. The violations, she claims, include refusal to use her chosen name and pronouns, denial of her gender expression (clothing, cosmetics, toiletries), verbal harassment and…

Illicit alcohol is draining billions from South Africa’s fiscus, threatening public health, and feeding criminal networks, yet industry leaders warn that policy gaps and weak enforcement continue to let the trade flourish. The Beer Association of South Africa, the Drinks Federation of South Africa, and the South African Liquor Brand Owners Association say urgent coordination is needed. They are calling for “stronger enforcement to shut down criminal networks” and for “clear, coordinated messaging so that consumers, government, and stakeholders understand the risks and scale of the problem.” The associations also caution that regulations should not inadvertently drive consumers into the black market. “It’s about balancing regulation with practicality, ensuring policies reduce harm and protect revenue, instead of fuelling the black market.” A 2025 Euromonitor study highlights the scale of the…

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Sisi Khampepe, has announced that it has concluded its consultations with family and legal representatives and other parties who are central to its work. As a result, the commission has set aside a preliminary timetable for receiving oral testimony by November 10, with the filing of witness statements expected to conclude by October 10, 2025. The TRC Cases Commission revealed this on Tuesday after it concluded its pre-hearing engagements with interested parties, including family and legal representatives. Last month, Khampepe indicated at a media briefing held in Soweto that the commission aims to be inclusive and non-adversarial, encouraging contributions from interested parties. Commission spokesperson Lionel Adendorg, in a statement said, “During this constructive engagement with around 60 legal…

In a do-or-die Rugby Championship clash, Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff have backed the next generation of Springbok backs to deliver on one of rugby’s most unforgiving stages against the All Blacks. For some, it might seem an audacious plan by the Boks, especially because they are fighting to stay in the hunt for the Championship title they currently hold. Another loss could put them on the back foot and possibly out of the running. However, the youthful flair, raw energy, and creativity among the backs for the duel at the Cake Tin in Wellington (9.05am kick-off) could prove to be the difference between the sides. During the first Test at Eden Park, the tried-and-tested combinations did not work, and something had to be done to freshen things up…

Txiki Begiristain admits he’ll be supporting Manchester City as a fan now as one of the three clubs he follows from afar. Begiristain was Director of Football at the Blues for 13 years and an integral figure in their rise to becoming one of the biggest clubs in the world. The 61-year-old now plans to spend plenty of time with his family after a long and distinguished career in the game. But he says when he does check out the football scores, City will be very much on his mind. “I have three clubs!” he said to Man City's media team. "One is Sociedad, where I grew up, the second one is Barcelona, of course; and then it’s going to be City. I’ll see how I feel watching. I’m going…

The newly appointed acting CEO of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), Job Stadi Mngomezulu, has halted a contentious forensic investigation aimed at uncovering the source of leaked internal audit documents. The move follows mounting criticism from unions, particularly the Public Service and Commercial Union (PSCU), who condemned the exercise as a “witch hunt against whistleblowers.” Following the leaks, the GPAA wrote to its procurement committee to seek approval for the appointment of Nexus Forensics for R260 000 to investigate how confidential documents found their way into the hands of the PSCU and the media. The terms of reference for Nexus included imaging the devices of suspected employees, identifying staff who accessed or printed the draft audit, and investigating possible contraventions of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act and…

The Agriculture sector is breathing a sigh of relief as it reports a commendable performance in its contribution to South Africa’s GDP, even as experts exercise caution over ongoing challenges. According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), the figures from the second quarter of 2025 indicate a gradual recovery within the sector, albeit more cautiously than expected. Sihlobo highlighted that the agricultural gross value grew by 2.5% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted) during the second quarter, following a robust 18.6% growth in the preceding quarter. This follows an 18.6% quarter-on-quarter growth in the first quarter of the year, primarily due to the improved performance of certain field crops and the horticulture subsectors. Sihlobo said as the close observers of the sector know, the quarterly…

When South Africa’s policymakers and business leaders talk about entrepreneurship, the spotlight usually falls on retail, manufacturing, and technology startups. Yet sitting just off-centre stage is a silent force: service-based businesses. From freelance marketers and local content creators to township writers, designers, consultants, and customer service innovators, the service economy remains both overlooked and undervalued. In truth, it carries immense untapped potential to drive inclusive growth, generate jobs, and reshape South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.The numbers tell their own story. According to the World Bank. South Africa’s services sector has quietly become the backbone of the economy. Back in 1990, it accounted for 52.4 percent of GDP. By 1997, as the country stabilised post-apartheid, that figure had jumped to 60 percent, driven by growth in financial services, tourism, and retail. The…

Pan African Resources ramped up gold production in its 2025 second half-year to June by 28%, with overall output for the full year consequently increasing by 5.6% to 196 527 ounces against a 2026 projected bullion yield of at least 275 000 ounces. Production during the second half amounted to 111 822 ounces, a record for the company which is moving its UK listing from AIM to London’s main market. Through shifting to the UK main market, Pan African Resources - whose shares on the JSE inched up by 0.89% to R18.13 in afternoon trade on Wednesday - hopes to tap into a larger pool of investors and breathe impetus into its stock’s liquidity. Its prospects have been brightened by the ramp up in gold production. Moreover, the company’s Tennant…

More than 198 000 women in South Africa have been victims of abuse at the hands of their intimate partners in just four years. This staggering number was revealed in a written response from the Ministry of Police to a parliamentary question posed by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Asanda Matshobeni. The figures span the period between April 2020 and March 2024 and are based on crimes reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) where a relationship between the victim and perpetrator could be established. Matshobeni had asked how many women had experienced gender-based violence, particularly intimate partner violence, between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024. She also requested a breakdown by race, province, and year. In its reply, the Ministry of Police explained that gender-based violence is…

What began as a family dispute in Mamelodi East on Tuesday morning escalated into an all-day hostage drama that drew in police negotiators, Special Task Force operatives, and worried neighbours — and ended in heartbreak just before midnight. Police confirmed that 32-year-old Constable Thapelo Mashigo, who had been holding members of his family hostage inside a house in Buffer Zone, was found dead along with his 18-year-old nephew after gunfire erupted late at night. The standoff started around 8 am on Tuesday when police from Mamelodi East responded to reports of a family dispute. Witnesses told officers that the constable had fired two shots before police arrived and was refusing to release his 69-year-old mother and teenage nephew. Throughout the day, police negotiators attempted to defuse the situation. Tshwane District…

Nothing lights up a batter’s eyes more in white-ball cricket than a no-ball. They know what’s coming next – a free hit, a golden opportunity to swing freely with no risk of being dismissed. It’s a rare moment of pressure-free aggression. The Springbok Women find themselves in a similar position ahead of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash against the mighty New Zealand on Saturday (2pm kick-off at Sandy Park). This match feels like a “free-hit” for the South African side – a shot at something big, with nothing to lose. The Bok Women have already achieved their main objective at the tournament: reaching the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. That milestone alone has made their campaign a successful one. Now, with no external pressure or…

Proteas Women’s all-rounder Miane Smit, 20, is excited to get her first taste of a senior women’s World Cup following her inclusion as the travelling reserve in the squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The youngster earned her debut national cap earlier this year and has since played a total of five international matches across the ODI and T20I formats. During her debut in Sri Lanka, she blasted a composed 39 against a strong India women’s team and followed up that knock with a classy, unbeaten half-century against a star-studded West Indies women’s team a month later. Her inclusion in the squad paints a vivid picture of the talent that head coach Mandla Mashimbyi sees in her as a future star for South…

The Industrial Gas Users Association of Southern Africa (IGUA-SA) is raising alarms over the National Energy Regulator of South Africa's (Nersa) recent approval of a 4% increase in Sasol Gas's maximum gas price. This decision, which translates to a staggering 20% rise over the year, is expected to exacerbate the challenges facing South Africa's already pressured industrial landscape. In June, Nersa had permitted Sasol Gas to adjust prices quarterly based on fluctuating gas acquisition costs. Following this directive, Nersa confirmed Sasol Gas's adjustment from R87.04 per GigaJoule (GJ) to R90.57/GJ for the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. Various factors contributed to this spike, including rising gas costs from Mozambique, fluctuations in oil-linked derivatives, currency exchange variations, and changes in the US Producer Price Index (USPPI). Nomfundo Maseti, Nersa's…

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk announced Wednesday that it would cut 11 percent of its workforce, as the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy faces rising competition for its anti-obesity treatments. The drug maker said in a statement it would save eight billion kroner ($1.3 billion) by slashing 9 000 jobs, including 5 000 in Denmark, across the company. And for the third time this year, the company lowered its earnings forecast - it now expects operating profit growth of between four and 10 percent, down from 10-16 percent previously. Novo Nordisk said the job cuts were part of a "company-wide transformation to simplify its organisation, improve the speed of decision-making, and reallocate resources towards the company’s growth opportunities in diabetes and obesity". The popularity of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss injections had…

In an industry often synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, 25-year-old Andile Hlongwane is redefining perceptions while crafting her path as a prominent young jewellery designer. Hailing from KwaDabeka Township in Durban, Hlongwane’s passion for jewellery transcends aesthetics; it is deeply rooted in cultural narratives and personal expression. With geometric designs that echo her influences, she is turning her dreams into reality, one piece at a time. Notably, Hlongwane's emerging brand, Topsy Jewellery has gained recognition and was selected to exhibit at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algeria. Speaking with Business Report at her stall over the weekend, she reflected on the rigours of entrepreneurship while remaining optimistic about the learning opportunities that come her way. “It came about two weeks ago, and they said, ‘you must come…

Growthpoint Properties, the JSE’s biggest primary listed REIT, exceeded the top end of its guidance for the year to June 30, with distributable income per share (DIPS) up 3.1% to 146.3 cents, while the dividend was raised 6.1% to 124.3 cents per share. Growthpoint’s return to growth comes a year earlier than initially expected. It entered the 2025 financial year forecasting an earnings contraction of -2% to -5%. Better-than-expected half-year results, driven mainly by the South African portfolio, better finance cost expectations, and a strong performance from the V&A Waterfront, caused a turnaround. Growthpoint upgraded its guidance to between 1% and 3%. A further upgrade in June tightened the range to between 2% and 3%. The same factors contributing to half-year outperformance boosted second half performance. The dividend was raised…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has again come to the defence of deputy ministers, stating that they play a crucial role in assisting ministers in the performance of their functions and responsibilities. Responding during the oral question session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the deputy ministers play a critical role and that they should be given more responsibilities. “Those deputy ministers are distinguishing themselves as real contributors to our governance. And what I also really appreciate is the fact that many of our deputy ministers are working so well with their minister colleagues,” he said. The size of the Cabinet has raised concerns, especially after the 2024 elections resulted in yet another bloated executive, with the total allocation for all new ministries and deputy ministries amounting to R239 million…

THE future of Ithala Bank is looking bleaker following the National Treasury's decision to issue a guarantee to the bank to allow for the orderly transfer of the bank’s deposits to another financial institution. This information was contained in recent parliamentary replies from the National Treasury. Senior officials at the bank said while they have not seen the replies, it is clear that the guarantee is not intended to save Ithala. The Mercury contacted Treasury for comment but it had not responded. The latest developments have raised concerns among the political leadership in KwaZulu-Natal’s legislature, who have been working tirelessly to try and save the development bank. The bank is involved in numerous legal battles with the Repayment Administrator, who was appointed by the Prudential Authority to manage the…

DEPUTY National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya was dealt a huge blow when the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, dismissed his urgent application to return to work and slapped him with a cost order. Sibiya turned to court seeking an urgent order to return to work after National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola issued him with a stay-at-home order pending an investigation. He also sought to interdict Masemola from instituting a process parallel to the judicial commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in parts of the criminal justice system. Sibiya asked the court for an order declaring that Masemola’s decision to direct him to “stay at home, pending an investigation” was unlawful and for it to be set aside. It was argued on his behalf that Masemola had no…

Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya has welcomed the finalisation of a human trafficking and child labour case in which seven Chinese nationals have been sentenced to at least 20 years each in prison. The ruling was handed down by the Gauteng South Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday. In a statement, the Employment and Labour department outlined the sentencing proceedings, saying Judge D Mhango had described the offences as grave violations of human rights and South Africa’s laws. The convicted group, Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian, were in February this year found guilty on 158 of 160 counts, including human trafficking, aiding and facilitating human trafficking, bondage, benefiting from trafficking, and employing illegal immigrants.…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has praised his side’s grit and resilience following their hard-fought draw against Nigeria at the Free State Stadium, insisting it was not about flair but about fighting for every inch on the pitch. The Belgian tactician was glowing in his assessment after seeing his side frustrate the Super Eagles, who arrived with a squad packed with big names but were unable to outplay South Africa’s determined unit. “The best team will win the game and not the team with the best players and I think the proof is there,” Broos said. "So, the performance that my team put up (Tuesday) made me enormously proud. It was not good football but the way they fought for every metre and every ball. This is nice to see…

While it will take a 23-man effort to secure victory in the second Test in Wellington, the Springboks will rely on key players to spark the team against the All Blacks on Saturday. Coming off the back of a nail-biting loss at Eden Park, several senior players will look to improve their performances, while some rookies must step up in key backline positions. We look at five players who need to deliver for the world champions if they are to win at the Cake Tin (09.05am kick-off) in New Zealand’s capital. Malcolm Marx The seasoned hooker admitted that his lineout performance and ability to find his jumpers weren’t up to scratch in the first Test. He lost multiple throws, and a crucial missed tackle from him led directly to a…

AmaZulu FC’s start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season has offered a glimpse of a team in transition, one that is showing promise under Arthur Zwane but still faces questions about how far their youthful energy can carry them in the campaign ahead. Five games into the season, Usuthu find themselves in seventh place on the league table, having collected eight points. Their record reads two wins, two draws, and just one defeat – a marked step forward from where they stood at this stage last season. In 2024/25, AmaZulu had only managed three points from their opening five fixtures, losing four of them despite fielding a squad filled with experienced names. The contrast between then and now highlights the quiet revolution underway in Durban. The turnaround has come after…