Innehållsförteckning för 2026-01-19 från Mercury

Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks says sentencing of Steinhoff executive Iwan Peter Schelbert is cold comfort Cosatu has called for better funding of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the judiciary in the pending 2026/27 budget to address the massive backlog of serious commercial crimes. This follows the conviction of former Steinhoff At Work executive Iwan Peter Schelbert, who was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for his role in a R376 million fraud case. Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks said on Friday that Schelbert’s sentencing was welcome but amounted to cold comfort, as key perpetrators in the more than R24 billion scandal had escaped justice due to delays. He criticised the NPA for offering, over the past eight years, “meaningless platitudes to the public that it is busy building a…

When I attended the World Economic Forum in Davos last year, what struck me most was not only the scale of the challenges confronting the world, but the growing realisation among global leaders that the old ways of thinking are no longer sufficient. Davos 2025 was characterised by a sense of urgency — an acknowledgement that economic growth, technological progress and sustainability can no longer be pursued in isolation from one another. In my engagements throughout the week — from formal panels to informal discussions at Africa House — my impression was clear: there is a renewed appetite for meaningful collaboration, particularly with emerging markets, but also a deep concern about global fragmentation. Conversations repeatedly returned to the same questions: How do we restore trust? How do we ensure that…

Financial markets, especially domestically, not only ended 2025 on the strongest levels of growth since 2026, but steamrolled forward during the first three weeks of January. The All Share index on the JSE ended last year 39.1% higher than the end of 2024 on 115 832 points. Since then, the main equity board has increased by another 4.35% to close on 120 170 pointson Friday. This is 44.4% higher than in the middle of January last year. The ongoing strong increase in precious metals, foreign buying appetite for South Africa bonds, lower inflation expectations and optimism around a repo rate cut next month all contribute to this strong bullish movement. The result of this strong appetite for South African assets, as well as the weaker US dollar contribute to…

You’ve had a long day, a pounding headache, and you drop an effervescent paracetamol tablet into a cup of green tea instead of water. It’s convenient, warm and soothing. But here’s the catch: it might not be working as you think. Research shows that the beverage you choose to dissolve your medicine in can significantly impact its effectiveness. And it’s a detail most of us have never even considered. Let’s dive into the fascinating science behind this everyday habit, explore why it matters, and discover how making small changes can improve your health management. The power of paracetamol (and its vulnerabilities) Paracetamol is often treated as the most “gentle” option in the medicine cabinet. It reduces pain and fever, works quickly, and is generally safe when used correctly. Unlike ibuprofen…

Despite the government’s promise to conclude the National Dialogue in the first half of 2026, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has indicated that it may take place after the local government elections. Mashatile said this during the 2026 National Dialogue Steering Committee (NDSC) induction session on Saturday. The two-day induction, held at Unisa’s Muckleneuk main campus in Pretoria, concluded yesterday. The induction took place to formally prepare the 99-member committee for its role in leading a nationwide consultative process, and it followed a handover from the Convention Organising Committee. The steering committee is tasked with outlining the practical roadmap and phased plan for dialogues across the country. The induction session of the National Dialogue team consisted of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), the NDSC and the Secretariat of the dialogue.…

Gift of the Givers is expanding its relief efforts in Limpopo following flooding that has ravaged the region. Ali Sablay of Gift of the Givers said the non-governmental organisation extended its humanitarian response in Limpopo after severe flooding left over 1 600 homes damaged, with many destroyed or submerged. The current number of fatalities is nine. “Relief operations have been logistically challenging, with extensive damage to both national and provincial road infrastructure,” Sablay said. He noted that affected routes include the R527 (Hoedspruit), R40 (Maseke), R71 (Gravelotte–Phalaborwa), R36 (Oaks–Ofcolaco), R578 (Selwana), R526 (R40–Gravelotte), and R529 (Greater Letaba–Eiland). Additionally, the R71 and R40 in the Phalaborwa area remain closed, while major sections of the R524 (Louis Trichardt–Punda Maria via Thohoyandou) have been destroyed. He said that working in close collaboration with…

Sharks coach JP Pietersen praised his players for sticking to a high-tempo game plan that eventually wore Clermont down in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash at Kings Park. There was little to separate the teams at the break, and the match seemed to be heading for another tight finish in ‘The Tank’, but the home team ran the visitors ragged in an eight-try blitz, completely shutting Clermont out in the second half. Pietersen said the foundation for the comprehensive 50-12 victory had been laid in the first period. “It was a nervy start in the beginning, 14-12 at half-time. I think it’s just part of the game. I think the starting team did the job, which was to make Clermont tired and play with a tempo,” he said at the…

Joburg Super Kings had two bites at the cherry, but they have to dust themselves off for what has turned out to be their most important game of the season. JSK suffered a shock loss to Pretoria Capitals on Saturday at the Wanderers when a victory would have sealed automatic progression to the Betway SA20 playoffs. The Super Kings started the game in dramatic fashion, cleaning up the Capitals’ top-order to reduce the visitors to 7/5 before Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford combined to rescue the visitors with a match-winning 103-run sixth-wicket stand. Stephen Fleming’s team now have to lift themselves again for a virtual quarter-final against Paarl Royals at Boland Park on Monday if they are to have any more interest in the competition. “We’ve still got a shot…

Team South Africa will use the global spotlight of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos to project a renewed image of economic stability, reform momentum and investment readiness, as a high-level government delegation prepares to attend the gathering. The delegation will be led by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, and Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni. Their participation comes as the WEF convenes under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”, reflecting growing global concern over geopolitical fragmentation, economic volatility and weakening multilateral cooperation. The government on Friday said South Africa’s engagement in Davos is aimed at positioning the country as a…

The global economic outlook has shown modest improvement heading into 2026, but uncertainty remains high as a complex mix of elevated asset valuations, rising debt burdens, geoeconomic realignment and the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape growth prospects. This is according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Chief Economists’ Outlook published on Friday. While caution still dominates sentiment, the survey points to a measurable easing in pessimism compared with late 2025. Some 53% of chief economists now expect global economic conditions to weaken over the coming year, down sharply from the 72% who held this view in September 2025. The shift suggests a growing belief that the global economy may avoid a severe downturn, even as structural vulnerabilities deepen. "The Chief Economists survey reveals three defining…

In an attempt to save the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has promised to find “something good” for NFP president Ivan Barnes. The two parties met on Saturday, where the ANC listened to the NFP’s concerns, which led to the party’s withdrawal from the GPU. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior party member who was part of the meeting said the discussion centred on what political opportunities existed for Barnes. After its recent withdrawal from the GPU, all the GPU parties reached out to the NFP leadership and requested separate meetings. The NFP had previously cited the backtracking of the GPU partners from an earlier agreement for it to run one municipality in KZN and secure a cabinet position in the Government of National Unity.…

The Western Cape High Court has ruled that the arrest and incarceration of a motorist for speeding was unlawful, as this is not a Schedule 1 offence that warrants such drastic action. Although the offender in this case drove 188km/h in a 120 km/h zone, arresting a motorist for speeding without a warrant is not only unlawful, but unconstitutional, the court said. It further held that exceeding the speed limit does not justify deprivation of liberty under the Criminal Procedure Act. Eastern Cape attorney Hymie Zilwa, who claims he was unlawfully arrested and detained for seven hours by traffic officers, allegedly for speeding, turned to court to sue the Transport and Public Works MEC and the police minister. He also claimed damages for malicious prosecution, although his criminal case was…

THE South African Breweries (SAB) has hit back at Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s proposed total ban on drink- ing alcoholic beverages while driving, warning it will not necessarily reduce consumption but it will shift consumers to the illegal market. While presenting preliminary road safety statistics for the 2025/2026 festive season last week, Creecy announced plans to amend road regulations to ban drinking while driving, citing road fatalities as a major concern. But SAB has argued this move will fuel the illicit liquor trade, threatening the legal industry’s sustainability. SAB spokesperson Lungile Manganyi said the brewery giant had already submitted a stark warning to the Tax Policy Review process, arguing that excessive excise hikes will fuel the illicit liquor trade and threaten the sustainability of the legal alcohol industry. Creecy suggested…

There is plenty of conjecture surrounding which batting position is best suited to Aiden Markram in T20 cricket. The Proteas T20I captain’s most profitable T20 World Cup experience came when he was batting at No 4 during the global jamboree held in the UAE in 2021. Markram struck two half-centuries and averaged 54 with a strike rate of 145.94. Equally, his overall career numbers suggest that he is better suited to the middle order, with Markram having scored 650 runs in 23 matches, with a highest of 56, at an average of 36.11 and a 146.72 strike rate. Yet, that is not where Markram will be lining up at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad wants his skipper…

Thomas Frank is in danger of being sacked after his future as Tottenham manager was reportedly discussed by the club’s hierarchy yesterday. Tottenham fans called for Frank to be axed during Saturday’s dismal 2-1 home defeat against struggling West Ham. It was Tottenham’s third defeat in a row and eighth loss in 14 matches, leaving Frank on the brink of being dismissed just seven months after arriving from Brentford. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero admitted his team are in a “disaster moment”, and reports yesterday said the North London team’s powerbrokers have met to debate Frank’s fate. Only half a season after being hired from Brentford with a reputation as one of the most talented managers in the Premier League, Frank is anxiously awaiting a verdict on whether he will avoid…

The long wait for domestic football comes to an end this week as the PSL resumes following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Mamelodi Sundowns wasting no time in returning to the title conversation. Masandawana host Orbit College at Loftus Versfeld tonight knowing the second half of the season leaves little room for error. Sitting second on the standings with 26 points, Sundowns trail pace-setters Orlando Pirates and must begin chipping away at the gap if they are to defend their league crown. The champions have been typically difficult to beat, suffering just one defeat so far while building a solid platform through control and defensive discipline. With 20 goals scored and only seven conceded, Sundowns have remained competitive even during periods where fluency has dipped. Their…

There is a mixed industry reaction after the Competition Commission of South Africa confirmed that they are investigating alleged cartel behaviour linked to the prime rate among South African banks. The prime interest rate is the benchmark interest rate that banks and financial institutions use to set the interest they charge you on loans and credit cards. Siyabulela Makunga, the spokesperson of the Competition Commission, said that the Commission confirms that it is investigating a matter on prime lending rate. “The investigation commenced in 2021 and it is at an advanced stage. The Commission is looking into establishing whether or not there is a contravention in terms of section 4(1)(b) of the Competition Act.” Daniel Munslow, Absa Managing Executive: Group Communications, said that Absa supports constructive, industry-wide dialogue on matters…

The National Red Meat Producers Organisation said that they welcomed any strategy to try and curb and address the devastating outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. This follows Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announcing last week the Department's 10-year plan to vaccinate the entire herd and get South Africa FMD free. Steenhuisen said that their strategy will be phased over 10 years, beginning with stabilisation and consolidation, before moving toward the eventual withdrawal of vaccination and final recognition of national freedom through vaccination by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Dr Frikkie Mare, the CEO of the National RPO, said while the Minister and Dr Mogajane outlined the vision of what they want to achieve and promised that a detailed plan would be shared, the confusion and uncertainty regarding…

“Breakfast is an essential meal for students, especially considering their growth, cognitive development and academic performance,” said registered dietitian Taryn Bortz. Her view reflects what many parents and teachers observe daily: learners who eat in the morning often arrive at school more alert, more settled and more able to engage with the day ahead. After an overnight fast, the body’s energy stores are low, and the brain, which depends largely on glucose, needs fuel to function well. Bortz explained that eating in the morning helps “restore blood glucose for focus and memory” and provides key nutrients such as fibre, calcium, iron, iodine and B vitamins. A balanced morning meal can also support appetite control and steady energy levels. “The goal is to combine high fibre carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats…

NASA on Saturday rolled out its towering SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft as it began preparations for its first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years. The manoeuvre, which takes up to 12 hours, will allow the US space agency to begin a string of tests for the Artemis 2 mission, which could blast off as early as February 6. The immense orange and white Space Launch System rocket and the Orion vessel were slowly wheeled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and painstakingly moved (6.5 kilometres to Launch Pad 39B. If the tests are all satisfactory, three Americans and one Canadian will head to the Moon sometime between February 6 and the end of April — they will not…

Electricity consumers in Msunduzi have warned they will resist any increase in electricity tariffs after the city was ordered by the Gauteng High Court to resubmit its application along with a cost of supply study justifying the proposed tariff hikes. The cost of supply refers to the study detailing how the municipality arrived at the tariffs. The judgment, handed down by the Gauteng High Court recently and striking down the tariff for the 2024-2025 financial year, has drawn mixed responses. The order has raised concerns that it might lead to the tariffs being adjusted upwards. Last year, the municipality implemented a 13.32% increase from July 1, 2024, after Nersa (National Energy Regulator of SA) rejected its proposed 15.5% hike. The judgment follows an application brought by the Pietermaritzburg and…

WhatsApp messages are at the centre of a growing number of legal battles, and a casual chat can escalate into a defamation claim. This is the warning of legal expert Ann-Suhet Marx, Director and Head of Litigation at Gauteng-based law firm VDM Incorporated. According to her, screenshots, deleted messages, and voice notes are reshaping the country’s courtrooms. “WhatsApp has become South Africa’s most trusted communication tool — and one of its biggest legal blind spots. From neighbourhood disputes to workplace conflicts to high‑stakes business fallouts, WhatsApp messages are now at the centre of a growing number of legal battles.” Marx says she’s seen WhatsApp change from just a messaging platform to a digital “paper” trail, with real legal consequences in recent years, leaving the public “dangerously under‑informed”. “WhatsApp has become…

Aryna Sabalenka warned she was only going to get better as the top seed recovered from a slow start to launch her Australian Open with a straight-sets win yesterday. The world No 1 tamed French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 as she bids to claim a third Melbourne crown in four years. The Belarusian faces Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia or Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan next. Sabalenka, who lost last year’s final, said that the first match of a Grand Slam was always tricky, especially against an opponent she had never played before. Sabalenka has been trying to expand her game, including going to the net more often, and said the variation made her a better player. “I was definitely working on serve and volley. I’m super happy to be…

As rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns dive headfirst into the January market, Amakhosi find themselves under familiar pressure – the expectation to react, to respond, to reassure a restless support base by unveiling new faces. Yet, context matters. And Chiefs’ restraint, for now, may be more strategic than it appears. Pirates have moved decisively, adding Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch and bolstering their depth with Marumo Gallants duo Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane. Sundowns, meanwhile, have predictably dominated the headlines, prising Monnapule Saleng from Pirates and reinforcing with Colombian striker Brayan Leon and Bafana Bafana defender Khulumane Ndabame. It is the kind of activity that naturally sharpens the spotlight on Naturena. But Chiefs are not chasing from mid-table. They are third on the Betway Premiership standings, tucked in behind…

Sunrisers Eastern Cape roared to the top of the Betway SA20 table to eliminate MI Cape Town at a rousing St George’s Park yesterday. MI Cape Town needed a bonus point victory to remain in contention for a playoff spot but were instead edged out by seven wickets. Sunrisers’ Jordan Hermann struck the winning boundary with one ball remaining to send the Orange Army into raptures. New boy Chris Green, fresh from arriving from Australia only two days ago, made an immediate impact with the ball for Sunrisers. The off-spinner claimed both MI Cape Town openers Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen before having the last laugh against George Linde to finish with the impressive figures of 3/29 from his four overs. They would have been even better had…