Innehållsförteckning för 2025-09-16 från Mercury

Bureau says modest rebound in economic growth belies worsening operating conditions The Bureau for Economic Research (BER) has cautioned that South Africa’s modest rebound in economic growth belies the severe pressures still confronting businesses, warning that fragile private sector investment and worsening operating conditions continue to threaten the country’s growth outlook. This follows Statistics South Africa’s release last week showing that gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0.8% in the second quarter of 2025, lifting the probability of full-year growth exceeding 1%. Lisette IJssel de Schepper, chief economist at the BER, acknowledged the unexpectedly positive GDP outcome but warned that such gains do not reflect the realities on the ground. De Schepper said the BER’s latest business survey, which attracted more than 300 voluntary comments from respondents, indicated widespread dissatisfaction…

We’ve had enough time to reflect about the latest products from Apple. It’s interesting to note that the markets have reacted unapprovingly after the launch. After the iPhone 17 launch, Apple shares fell about 1.5% on launch day, then dropped another 3.23% the following day. The share price on that next day closed around $226.79. Combined, that decline erased roughly $112 - $113 billion from Apple’s market value. Apple unveiled a new iPhone that is thinner and smaller than previous models. The titanium-encased smartphone is a third less thick than previous models but has fewer cameras and less battery life than its predecessors. Consumer reaction was more revealing. Many still feel there’s less innovation currently at Apple. Some even feel that Apple is starting to look like the Nokia…

One thing TikTok does better than anything else is turn everything into content. A random recipe, a forgotten song or even a decades-old fashion moment can suddenly be everywhere. And sometimes, that’s not a bad thing. A few months ago, a sound clip of Connie Francis’ Pretty Little Baby from 1961 resurfaced and went viral, filling For You Pages worldwide. It wasn’t even a chart-topper back then, yet today it has millions of listeners humming along. Francis herself once reflected that God kept her alive long enough to see the world finally fall in love with her hidden masterpiece. That’s the magic of the internet: past and present collide, giving us new reasons to fall in love with things that once seemed lost in time. Fashion works the same way.…

THE Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal needs close to R500 million to address the skills shortage, particularly that of specialist doctors. Premier Thami Ntuli said they are engaging with the national government to secure funding to fill the vacancies within the department. He recalled that the provincial government has raised R100 million to fill some of the posts, including those for doctors, but it still needs an additional R500 million to employ more health professionals. Specialist doctors have warned that the situation is likely to worsen in the coming years as these skills become more scarce. They expressed concern that the shortage of specialists has reached critical levels. Ntuli spoke to The Mercury recently about the work and challenges faced by the provincial government, noting that over the last few…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has called for Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga to postpone the proceedings set for Wednesday at Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, citing the party’s court application contesting the Commission’s legality. MKP national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated that the party, along with former President Jacob Zuma in his personal capacity, has filed a court application with the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, challenging the Commission’s composition, with the hearing scheduled for Thursday. The commission is set to investigate alleged corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6. He claimed there was political interference, accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy SAPS Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of conspiring to disband the Political Killings Task Team. Both…

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has defended his government's decision to recall vehicles that were provided to assist community safety structures in crime-fighting initiatives. Ntuli defended the decision, saying it was taken after an assessment that revealed that some of the vehicles were abused and being used for personal errands rather than to assist in crime-fighting. Ntuli raised the issue of maintenance and fuel, which he said was becoming a problem. He said his government was still committed to crime-fighting and creating a safe environment for all the people in the province, and the government was in the process of donating some of the vehicles to safety structures and to police to beef up their campaign against gender-based violence. “The government realised that there were challenges. One of them was that…

Telling the hospital that he fell from some stairs at home, injuring his lower leg and knee, while telling the court that he fell into an uncovered manhole at night, did not end well for an Eastern Cape man, as the court, after hearing all the evidence, chose to believe the hospital records. Baden Schoeman turned to the Gqeberha High Court where he claimed damages from the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality for its “negligence” by not covering a manhole along a sidewalk in the suburb of Windvogel. He accused the municipality of not covering the manhole or cordoning it off, as he said the hole was not visible to him due to the presence of overgrowth and litter. The municipality denied that Schoeman had fallen into the hole, stating that…

Record 15-time champions Real Madrid launch their new Champions League campaign today against Marseille, with Xabi Alonso tasked with restoring Los Blancos to Europe’s summit. Real Madrid overhauled their squad in the summer at a cost of around €170 million (£145m) and appointed former midfielder Alonso to replace veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti. Last season Madrid were humiliated 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, exposing both tactical flaws and a lack of balance in the squad. Ancelotti’s commitment to a top-heavy ‘fantastic four’ of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham often left the defence vulnerable. While Mbappé hit form in the second half of the campaign, sheer star power was not enough. Six Champions League defeats and a trophyless season were compounded by rivals Barcelona claiming…

The Proteas Women’s team are hoping to utilise the ODI series against Pakistan as preparation for the upcoming World Cup on the subcontinent. Laura Wolvaardt’s team face off against their familiar foes in three ODI’s, starting today at the Gaddafi Stadium, with both teams looking to fine tune their gameplans. “This series is crucial for us. Obviously heading to the subcontinent before the World Cup is a massive opportunity,” Wolvaardt told the media yesterday. “I think getting used to the conditions, the heat and humidity, obviously coming from winter back home, it’s a bit of an adjustment. “I think we last played together was five/six weeks ago, so to build a bit of momentum heading into a big tournament like that is going to be huge. “They are a really…

Kaizer Chiefs will welcome Sekhukhune United to the FNB Stadium this evening (7:30pm kick-off) for a Betway Premiership top-of-the-table showdown, with both sides eager to extend their early momentum from the opening round of fixtures. Amakhosi have surpassed expectations so far, heading into this crunch clash unbeaten after five matches. They sit second only on goal difference, level on 13 points with Babina Noko, making this encounter a potential decider for the league’s early pace-setter. The Glamour Boys are seeking to build on last season’s ninth-place finish, and their strong start suggests the team has turned a corner. Signs of improvement are evident, but this contest could be their sternest test yet, particularly after the lengthy international break that interrupted their rhythm. Sekhukhune, meanwhile, have mirrored Chiefs’ approach, investing heavily…

The innocence of youth is a precious asset and new Pretoria Capitals star Dewald Brevis will not allow his record-breaking R16.5 million price tag to alter this golden commodity. Brevis, 22, was the fulcrum of a bidding war between the Capitals and Joburg Super Kings at last week’s thrilling Betway SA20 Season 4 auction in Johannesburg. After playing for the past three seasons at MI Cape Town, Brevis was placed out in the open market and immediately attracted the attention of Capitals head coach Sourav Ganguly and his Joburg Super Kings counterpart Stephen Fleming. The JSK mentor knows all about Brevis’ abilities after bringing him in as a replacement player at the Chennai Super Kings during last season’s IPL. The 22-year-old thrilled the Yellow Army at the Chepauk Stadium and…

Activity in the building and construction industry in South Africa is expected to continue gaining momentum for the remainder of the year due to the upward trend in the value of building plans passed. This comes as mining and materials group Afrimat on Monday reported a sharp rebound in South Africa’s construction sector during the second quarter of 2025, with its Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) showing broad-based improvements across key indicators. Compiled by economist Dr. Roelof Botha on behalf of Afrimat, the ACI measures activity in the building and construction industry. Botha said the latest reading reflected a 6.8% quarter-on-quarter rise, outpacing national GDP growth. According to Botha, the recovery of the ACI was, however, fairly predictable, as the indicators included in the index came off a low base recorded…

High credit costs are emerging as a formidable barrier to economic growth in South Africa, despite the country’s entrenched banking sector relying heavily on deposits for funding. This stark warning from Moody's Ratings on Monday highlights the critical role domestic and international funding play in bolstering the economy, with a particular emphasis on the pressures created by rising interest rates. Lucie Villa, senior vice president for Moody’s, explained that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) repo rate directly impacts the cost of savings and term deposits. The Sarb’s repo rate “influences the cost of savings and term deposits, as well as money market rates” for institutional deposits. “South African banks depend heavily on deposits for funding. This includes deposits from companies and households, and deposits raised from institutions, which are…

Kyle Schutter's LinkedIn post about Kentegra Biotechnology's "$50 million success story" in pyrethrum processing caught my attention last week. Schutter, who runs Kenyan investment platform Kuzana, was celebrating what he called a "boring" company that deserved to be made "sexy again" after visiting their Naivasha facility. But beneath the enthusiasm lies a story rich with historical baggage worth unpacking. Dalmatian daisies Kentegra, a US company operating in Kenya, processes Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium - a modest daisy originally from Eastern Europe and Asia. The species arrived in Kenya via Japan in the early 1920s, introduced by European settlers who recognised the highland's potential for pyrethrum cultivation. Kenya's Central Highlands, with their volcanic soils and cool temperatures, proved ideal for producing flowers rich in natural pyrethrins - the active compounds that make effective…

We’ve all done it: opened ChatGPT for a quick essay draft, work email, or even a birthday toast. It's fast and easy, but are we trading convenience for the ability to think for ourselves? A recent study from MIT’s Media Lab has sparked debate. Researchers found that people who relied on ChatGPT for writing tasks showed significantly less brain activity and weaker memory recall than those who worked without it. In other words, when AI does the heavy lifting, our brains may start slacking off. So, are we heading for what some experts are calling “cognitive debt”, a slow erosion of critical thinking and creativity? Or is this just another moral panic, like when calculators first landed in classrooms? Key findings of an MIT study Over four months, the MIT…

AS gambling tightens its grip on the KwaZulu-Natal’s gambling population, there are growing calls for more stringent regulations, especially for online gaming. Gamblers Anonymous in KwaZulu-Natal has urged the government to take lessons from countries that do not allow online gambling. However, some members of the legislature argue that gambling is an economic activity and should be regulated rather than banned. The discussion on this matter was reignited last week when members of the Economic Development Portfolio Committee in the provincial legislature expressed concern about the impact of gambling on the province's residents. The committee met with the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA) to address this issue and several others. The KZNERA revealed that it had generated close to R700 million from gambling activities over the past year. While committee…

THE liquor industry in KwaZulu-Natal has come under scrutiny amid allegations that the majority of liquor outlets in many parts of the province are being run by foreign nationals. The claims have raised concerns about the proliferation of illicit alcohol, which poses a health risk and results in the loss of tax revenue for the country. The outlets include taverns and bottle stores, which are more than 8 000 across the province. These claims were raised by members of the Economic Development Committee during a meeting with the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA) on Friday. There has already been growing discomfort in some communities with foreign nationals being dominant players in the township economy such as operating tuckshops, very often pushing locals out of business. The members of the Economic…

The long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act (NLTAA), which formally recognises e-hailing as part of South Africa’s public transport system, has been gazetted. While the government states that the law will strengthen safety and fairness in the sector, unions and driver representatives caution that compliance costs may weigh heavily on workers already under financial strain. The Department of Transport announced that the Act introduces e-hailing as an additional service type, ending years in which the sector was treated as illegal by other operators. It requires all vehicles to be licensed, branded, and fitted with panic buttons, while app companies must be registered and face fines of up to R100 000 or two years in prison if they allow unlicensed operators on their platforms. “The panic button for commuters will assist…

The political disagreements between the ANC leadership in KwaDukuza over who should be the deputy mayor, have left the position indefinitely vacant. A source within the party leadership in the region said the party has resolved not to fill the position until after next year’s elections, or the new regional leadership will deal with it after the regional conference. The regional leadership had submitted former mayor Lindiwe Nhaca’s name among the three that were selected for the interview; however, factions within the party could not agree to have her as the deputy. Last month, the council only voted for Mayor Sduduzo Gumede, with no candidate for deputy mayor on the agenda. “The deputy mayor matter is off the table. We are hearing that the higher leadership has decided to do…

South Africa’s food systems are failing the poor: a quarter of our population has limited access to food and one in four children under the age of five is stunted due to chronic malnutrition. This is because food is unaffordable for many households that rely on social grants as their main source of income. For instance, the monthly Child Support Grant of R560, which reaches about 13 million children is 41% below the average cost of a monthly food basket of R5 380.62. This problem is not only about affordability but of quality and accessibility. Cheap ultra-processed foods, consumed by many living in low-income communities, may stave off hunger but they lack protein and essential micronutrients that people need to be healthy. Food affordability, quality and accessibility are the cornerstones…

Liverpool left it late again to preserve their perfect start to the Premier League season, with Mohamed Salah striking a stoppage-time penalty to down Burnley. Manchester City demolished Manchester United, while Arsenal underlined their squad depth in a dominant win over Nottingham Forest. Haaland shows his class Manchester United handed a first Premier League start to Benjamin Sesko at the Etihad on Sunday, with the Slovenian earmarked to fill the side’s desperate need for a prolific marksman. But his threat was easily nullified by the City defence, with Erling Haaland demonstrating to United manager Ruben Amorim exactly what he is missing. The Norwegian would have had a hat-trick but for an astonishing miss when he struck the post between two classy finishes. After scoring five goals against Moldova in a…

Tshepo Tshite faced an anxious wait to confirm his place in the 1 500m final of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo yesterday, eventually securing his spot in tomorrow’s medal contest with a time of 3:36.93. The national record holder’s performance in finishing sixth was the highlight of Day 3 for Team South Africa, who are still searching for its first podium of the championships. Tshite had spoken about the need for patience after qualifying for the semi-final with another sixth-place finish in his heat on Sunday. “I was trying by all means to be as patient as possible. That’s why I didn’t try to make a move early. But remember, it’s like rolling a dice. Sometimes you are going to win and sometimes you won’t get it right. Everyone’s…

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi insists that their recent MTN8 triumph is just the beginning, as the Sea Robbers aim to carry their momentum into a long and challenging season. The Buccaneers secured their fourth consecutive MTN8 title this past weekend, edging Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in extra time after the two sides remained deadlocked during normal time. The victory not only added another trophy to Pirates’ cabinet but also set the tone for the team’s ambitions as they chase their first Betway Premiership title in 13 years. With league action resuming today, the Buccaneers face a demanding schedule. Their return to CAF Champions League football comes this weekend in the preliminary round first leg against Lesotho Premier League side Lioli FC. Interestingly, their Premiership clash against Magesi FC, originally scheduled…

Oceana Group, one of South Africa's leading fishing products companies, has issued a stark warning regarding its financial performance for the year ending September 30, 2025 - a drop of at least 40% in headline earnings per share (HEPS). This would likely translate to a fall of over 367 cents per share from the prior comparative period's 917.6 cents. This expected downturn is primarily attributed to the sharp decline in fish oil prices, which have halved from record highs seen last year. The significant decrease in fish oil prices has been linked to a recovery in the Peruvian anchovy biomass, a situation that has led to a market correction following extraordinary price levels in the previous year. In addition, Daybrook's performance has suffered notably, contrasting sharply with its exceptional earnings…

The recent projections regarding the impact that AI will have on several economic engines across the continent should not be seen as just a statistic, but a call for South Africa to address systemic barriers that have historically held back progress and to position itself as an enabler of this next wave of economic transformation. According to a recent McKinsey report titled ‘Africa’s gen AI potential’, generative AI (Gen AI) could unlock between $61 billion and $103 billion in annual economic value across sectors fundamental to South Africa’s growth like mining, heavy industry, energy and construction. While the report’s projections are compelling, we must caution against viewing technology as a panacea to all our problems. How Gen AI might move the needle We understand that using Gen AI in areas…

OUTsurance Group (OGL) made a striking impact on the JSE on Monday as its share price leapt an impressive 8.4% after a stellar dividend growth announcement brought optimism to investors. The multinational insurance firm revealed it will pay a special dividend of 33.1 cents per share, alongside a final ordinary dividend of 149 cents, resulting in a remarkable total full-year dividend of 237.6 cents. This figure marks a robust 36.2% increase compared to the previous year. The dividend payout stems from OGL's solid financial performance for the year ending June 30, 2023. The company highlighted that a mix of contributory factors led to the special dividend. Among these were the proceeds from its sale of Youi's engagement in Blue Zebra Insurance (BZI) and the ongoing monetisation of non-core assets. Focusing…

The Labubu trend has rapidly gone viral on social media, with pet owners and collectors reacting strongly to controversies surrounding the dolls' alleged demonic associations and safety concerns. Labubu is a character from The Monsters series, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015. The character is a quirky, mischievous figure that has become a cultural icon, particularly in Asia, and now globally through its popular bag charms and toys. Labubu dolls are known for their blind-box mystery packaging and sharp-toothed monster appearance. These dolls have driven massive consumer demand globally, often selling on secondary markets at inflated prices. The trend of baptising Labubu dolls emerged after reports suggested that one or more dolls were modelled after Pazuzu, a demon from Mesopotamian mythology. Some owners sought to “cleanse” their…

The killer of Bond University student Leigh Matthews, Donovan Moodley, could be a step closer to freedom after the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board on Monday approved his release following his 20 year stint in prison. But Tania Koen, the lawyer who represents the parents of Leigh, Rob and Sharon Matthews, said they are still considering their options following the news from the parole board. It is not a given fact that Moodley will be released, as the minister of correctional services will have the final word. The department yesterday highlighted that the parole process for offenders serving life sentences follows several distinct phases. The matter is first assessed by the Case Management Committee, followed by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. Thereafter, recommendations are referred to the National Council…

The mandatory formal letter a credit provider must send to a consumer who is in default of a credit agreement must be sent to the correct address, as chosen by the consumer, before a credit provider can simply forge ahead with legal action. This was once again highlighted by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in a case where a woman, only identified as Mrs NM, complained that she never got wind of court action to repossess her car. She said the next thing she knew, her car was repossessed following an application by Mercedes Benz Financial Services in this regard, and the vehicle was at an auction house, ready to be sold. NM said as she never knew of the court proceedings, she was unable to defend the matter. She…

The City of Tshwane is facing a severe water crisis, with excessively high consumption rates threatening to leave residents without water. The City’s reservoirs and towers have been dropping alarmingly over the past two weeks, with 16 high-consuming reservoirs identified as the main contributors to the problem. Municipal spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the demand in these areas is exceeding the City’s supply capacity, forcing the City to surpass its licensed limit of 662 million liters per day. Currently, Rand Water is pumping 926 million liters per day, 22% more than the permitted limit. Bokaba cautioned residents that a high water consumption is likely to put consumers at risk of having no water at all, even before the hot summer season starts. “It has come to our attention that consumers who…

Cape Winelands Airport is awaiting the results of its final Environmental Application Report, also known as an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), submitted in May, to hear if they have the green light to build what is to become Cape Town’s own 'Lanseria International Airport'. Managing Director of Cape Winelands Airport, Deon Cloete, who was also the former General Manager of Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), presented an update to several journalists regarding the development of another airport for the City. Cape Winelands Airport, previously known as Fisantekraal Airport, has been in existence for over 80 years and is currently used for training and private aircraft charters, with four runways. The airport will have a 3.5km runway, and they have also completed an application for an international licence, as “we hope…

The Springboks’ hold over the All Blacks in the Rassie Erasmus-era is growing stronger with each passing season. After Saturday’s runaway victory in Wellington, where the world champions crushed New Zealand 43-10, they completed their seventh win from the last 10 clashes against their fiercest rivals since 2021. This run includes regular Rugby Championship victories as well as crunch clashes such as the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. For years, it was the Kiwis who dictated the rivalry, with South Africa snatching the odd win here and there. Now, however, the tables have turned in favour of the four-time world champions – and they look intent on extending their dominance. With three Tests scheduled between the sides next season, anticipation is already building for what has been dubbed “Rugby’s Greatest…

High-flying Durban City will look to continue their positive start to the Betway Premiership campaign when they welcome newcomers Siwelele FC to the Chatsworth Stadium this evening (7:30 pm kick-off). City have been among the early pace-setters this season, heading into the international break on the back of an impressive opening to life in the Premiership. Their rise comes after clinching the Motsepe Foundation Championship title last season, which secured their long-awaited promotion to the top flight. After five matches, the Durban-based side sit in a promising sixth place on the log, with eight points collected from their opening fixtures. While five games cannot win you a league title or guarantee a top-eight finish, their ability to grind out steady results has provided a platform. At the very least, that…

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have come out of the international break firing, lending credence to the notion that this could finally be his year to return the Gunners to the top of the pile for the first time since the 2003/04 season of the Invincibles. There were many, myself included, who felt the Gunners were just one quality goalscorer shy of mounting a legitimate title challenge. Enter Victor Gyökeres (give him time). How about back-up for star attacker Bukayo Saka? Noni Madueke provides quality cover on the right, while Eberechi Eze brings plenty of flair down the other flank or even centrally. And what would a transfer window be without the addition by the former midfield strongman of – you guessed it – another central defensive midfielder or two? The already…