Tabla de contenidos para 2022-02-10 en Star

Edward West edward.west@inl.co.za SAPPI, the global wood fibre products group, had proven resilient, had recovered fully from the pandemic and was bullish about its prospects in the second quarter of its 2022 financial year, chief executive Stephen Binnie said yesterday. Yesterday morning the share price soared 10.1 percent to R50.01 after results for the first quarter to end-December 2021 were released that showed headline earnings rebounding strongly to US22 cents (R3.40) per share, compared with a US3c per share loss reported at the same time in 2020. The share price has risen more than 38 percent over five months. Sales were up 46 percent to $1.7 billion (R26.25bn), while earnings before interest tax and depreciation allowances, before special items, was up 145 percent to $240…

Philippa Larkin philippa.larkin@inl.co.za This week, Yeonmi Park, a North Korean human rights activist, sounded a clarion call to defend media freedom, telling the world, to “Wake up, while the time remains to fight back” as she supports the voice of famous podcaster Joe Rogan, who is embroiled in a snowballing media controversy. And Rogan, one of the most controversial, yet conversely the world’s most famous podcaster, will set the barometer to what lies ahead. Our new daily cup of Joe. The outcome of this controversy is absolutely critical to media freedom’s path ahead as the democratic world, and corporations, hammer out a new type of social contract, which welds traditional and new media formats into an accountable framework that bolsters trust in information. On February 7, Park (@YeonmiParkNK) tweeted:…

Chulumanco Mahamba chulumanco.mahamba@inl.co.za IN ANOTHER shocking incident of violence against women, an on-duty police officer gunned down his partner, a nursing assistant, at Tembisa Hospital yesterday before turning the gun on himself. Tembisa Hospital was temporarily closed yesterday following the fatal shooting of the nurse in the morning. The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that the name of the slain 30-year-old enrolled nursing assistant was Lebo Monene. It is alleged that the nurse’s partner, a police officer, called her outside the hospital before shooting her and turning the gun on himself. Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said just after 8am, the police officer entered the hospital driving a state vehicle with flashing blue lights and parked in the Accident & Emergency Department parking lot. “The man then called…

Loyiso Sidimba loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za STRUGGLE icon Chris Hani’s widow Limpho Hani and the SACP have told the Constitutional Court that his assassin Janusz b Walus wanted regime change through violence, which could have potentially collapsed the country. Limpho and the SACP were responding to Walus’s latest bid to be granted parole, which the Polish immigrant filed at the apex court and would be heard on February 22. In their written submissions, prepared by their counsel, advocates Muzi Sikhakhane SC and Nomonde Nyembe, they argue that even the court that sentenced Walus in October 1993 correctly commented that his crime was extraordinary in both its execution and implications for South Africa then, and that this continues to be the case now. So weighty were the statements made, so serious was the crime…

Sonri Naidoo Musician and producer Sello “Chicco” Twala has been raising awareness across the globe to support marginalised and exploited artists in South Africa. Twala is known for his collaborations with many well-known artists in the music industry, including gospel singer Nkosana Kodi and legendary singer and songwriter Brenda Fassie. He is also known for adding fuel to the fire in the fight for compensation for retired artists. Recently Twala engaged with broadcasters, a restaurants association, government departments and artists in the US, calling on them to show solidarity, demanding agents pay artists 80% of what they make. These agents were the SA Music Performance Rights Association (Sampra), the South African Music Rights Organisation (Samro), the Association of Independent Record Companies (Airco), and the Independent Music Performance Rights Association (Impra).…

Following a heavy downfall overnight, residents in Mamelodi had an early wake-up call when they were flooded by the Moretele River at around 1am on Saturday. In some cases entire homes were washed away, as in the case of Nelly Msize, who is now collecting what is left. Her house for the last seven years is less then 50m from the water front. Klass Aphane says by the time he woke up, the water was already knee deep. His children’s school textbooks are all waterlogged. Meanwhile, authorities have made arrangements to move stranded people out of the area. Some refused because of the 2019 failure to help them. | Pictures:…

T Markandan | Kloof While the State of the Nation Address is a traditional, annual event to mark the opening of Parliament, there is also much pomp and ceremony and is usually accompanied by a 21-gun salute and some aerobatic display by the Air Force. Unfortunately, fine feathers don’t always make fine birds, for many of those who walk the red carpet are some of the most corrupt men and women who ever walked this earth. The president himself has decided to keep mum about the state looters. Though he knows them, he’d rather fall on his sword than reveal their names. You see, they are a protected species. As card carrying members of the ANC, they have earned the right to enrich themselves at the expense of…

Willem van de Putte willem.vdputte@inl.co.za After 70 years it really needs no introduction, having become an icon on the road and particularly in the bush, where owners and those in the know consider it to be the best in class. And it’s virtually indestructible. To commemorate its 70th anniversary, Toyota have brought out a model that sets it apart from the standard Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser or just Cruiser, as it’s mostly referred to, has become the go-to vehicle for farmers, overlanders and other 4x4 enthusiasts, due to its indestructible ability. The range includes the 76 Station Wagon, 78 Wagon and the popular 79 bakkie in single and double cab. A big part of the Cruiser’s charm is its no-nonsense approach to driving because it’s essentially a utilitarian 4x4…

It seems the time of reckoning for the massive corruption that has hobbled South Africa’s economy is nigh. Two parts of the three-part report by the judicial commission investigating allegations of state capture under former president Jacob Zuma have now been published. The third is due at the end of the month. “State capture” has become the South African term for what is elsewhere called kleptocracy. Here I reflect on Part 2 of the report. Ideally, a review of the complex Zondo Commission Report Part 2 requires a team of three co-authors: a chartered accountant, a political scientist, and a jurist specialising in company law. This review cannot do justice to a summary of a report when part 2 alone exceeds 640 pages. Instead, I will focus on some thoughts…

MIHLALI BALEKA mihlali.baleka@inl.co.za MAMELODI Sundowns’ desire to claim another Champions League title remains intact, but the fact that they’ve recently made signings to help them in that regard doesn’t mean they will have sleepless nights if they come up short this season. After winning the last four Premiership titles, the Brazilians have proven to be no match for their South African rivals. And that’s why they’ve set their sights on conquering Africa again, having achieved that feat in 2016. But African club competition is such that only the fittest survive and that is why Sundowns were again busy in the January transfer market. At home, they tied down the most prized player Teboho Mokoena and the experienced Surprise Ralani from SuperSport United and Cape Town City respectively. And there was…

A full dozen South Africans, led by Justin Harding, will be in action at the Ras Al Khaimah Classic at Al Hamra Golf Course, in the United Arab Emirates, today. Harding is the top SA player on the DP World Tour (DPWT) rankings, effectively the money list, at 12th. Harding, who celebrated his 36th birthday yesterday, finished fourth at the Dubai Desert Classic two weeks ago. He had led for most of the tournament, including by two at the end of round three, before a costly triple bogey during his four-over final round meant he had to settle for tied fourth place on eight-under for the week. Last week, Harding played on the Asian Tour’s Saudi International and finished 24th in a quality field. His strong challenge two weeks ago…

Ashfak Mohamed ashfak.mohamed@inl.co.za THE Stormers are rightfully getting rave reviews after beating the Bulls away, drawing with the Sharks away, and then beating the Durbanites in Cape Town. But coach John Dobson has seen this movie before, and is not falling for it just yet. Steven Kitshoff’s team are the leading South African team in the United Rugby Championship at the moment, which is a bit unexpected, considering all their boardroom problems and lack of star quality on the pitch. Dobson and his coaching staff seemed to have found the recipe for success, and Kitshoff and his teammates are implementing it to a tee, culminating in the 20-10 triumph over Lukhanyo Am’s Sharks last weekend at Cape Town Stadium. They are clear favourites for Saturday’s URC clash with the Lions…

Siphelele Dludla siphelele.dludla@inl.co.za PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa will have to clear a laundry list of demands as he delivers his State of the Nation Address (Sona) tonight, setting out the government’s plans for the year ahead and with pressure on him to rev the economy by strengthening structural reforms, amid rising unemployment and an ongoing energy crisis. “The State of the Nation Address is an opportunity for the president to take stock of challenges faced by the nation, but also of progress made,” the Presidency said yesterday. However, Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop was not as optimistic about Sona’s prospects to stimulate a direction towards economic growth. “The Sona is expected to show little difference in content to prior years, with insufficient reform implementation to drive economic growth past 2…

Tawanda Karombo THE ZIMBABWE Platinum Producers’ Association, which encompasses projects controlled by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Impala Platinum and Sibanye, wants Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to defer a pending 5 percent tax on the shipment of platinum group metals (PGM) that are not beneficiated. Zimbabwe’s Treasury has been granting fiscal and monetary concessions to Zimbabwean miners and this includes new requirements for them to pay royalties and other taxes in local currency. Now, the platinum miners, faced with the pending raw platinum export levy, have written to the government to defer the tax as they ramp up investments to meet local platinum beneficiation demands from the government. Alex Mhembere, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Platinum Producers’ Association, has written to Ncube asking the Treasury to “reconsider” the policy on value…

Given Majola given.majola@inl.co.za SOUTH African mobile telecommunications company Cell C is on a trajectory to have the same like-for-like network as MTN and Vodacom by the end of 2023, says the company’s chief operations officer, André Ittmann. Cell C said it no longer had a network deficit, but would compete based on the services it provided, giving customers more choice. “Great strides have been made in moving forward in our phased approach with the network migration sitting at around 44 percent, with the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape and Limpopo now roaming. “This year will see further progress with North West, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga as we target a 74 percent completion by the end of 2022. Last will be Gauteng and the KwaZulu-Natal metro areas when…

Netflix’s The Power of the Dog led the field of this year's Academy Award contenders, landing 12 nominations on Tuesday, including one for the prestigious best picture trophy. The Power of the Dog will compete for the top prize with science-fiction epic Dune, which scored 10 nominations; drama Belfast, about a family living amid conflict in late 1960s Northern Ireland; deaf community film CODA; and Don't Look Up, an allegory about climate change. Other best picture nominees included Japanese drama Drive My Car, King Richard, about the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams; coming-of-age story Licorice Pizza; thriller Nightmare Alley; and Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. Following is the list of key nominations: BEST PICTURE Belfast CODA Don't Look Up Drive My Car Dune King Richard…

Itumeleng Mafisa WORKERS at the University of Pretoria (UP) downed tools yesterday in protest against changes made by management to their contracts and working conditions. The changes mostly affect security guards, cleaners and staff working in food services. The Star understands the security staff were also demanding back pay for the overtime work they had not been paid for since 2016. The national organiser for the Academic and Professional Staff Association of South Africa, Sam Mphuti, said management had introduced contracts for security and food services staff. The contracts also came with Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) regulations for security guards and the food services staff would be regulated by hospitality industry standards. A spokesperson for the university, Sithembinkosi Tlale, said the union was making some accusations which…

Grilled by EFF’s Ndlozi for intelligence postion, ANC veteran recalls the tragedy Lehlohonolo Mashigo THE death of former president Jacob Zuma’s wife, Kate Mantsho Zuma, still haunts former presidency director-general and ANC veteran, the Reverend Frank Chikane. On Tuesday, Chikane, 71, was interviewed for the position of Inspector-General of Intelligence when the EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi descended on Chikane with questions about Kate Zuma’s death. Zuma’s daughter Duduzile has in the past accused Chikane of smuggling her mother’s suicide letter. Chikane recalled he told Zuma there was a need for police to investigate the matter as it was a case of suicide. “Then when you do a post-mortem, the letter is part of the document and it will be public and those who want to campaign against you, will say you…

Jonisayi Maromo jonisayi.maromo@inl.co.za THE Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has welcomed the sentencing of Brandon-Lee Thulsie to eight years’ imprisonment and his twin brother, Tony-Lee Thulsie to 11 years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related crimes that took place between 2015 and 2016. The High Court in Johannesburg ruled time already spent by the twins in custody, awaiting trial from the date of their arrest, would be considered as time served. They were declared unfit to possess firearms, in terms of the Firearms Control Act. “This is after they pleaded guilty on Monday following an intensive prosecution-led investigation by the members of the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State team within the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (unit) of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation,” said spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale. The twins were arrested…

Anita Nkonki anita.nkonki@inl.co.za MISS South Africa 2021 Lalela Mswane could not stop brimming with pride over the work done by Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, which invested more than R300 000 at Inanda Newtown Comprehensive School in Durban. Mswane visited the school on Monday for the handing over of a renovated consumer studies classroom as part of improving the schooling conditions for learners by the Sun International Group’s Adopt the School Project. In a statement sent to The Star, the reigning queen was delighted at how the project had positively impacted the lives of many young people. Mswane said: “This visit has been so incredibly inspiring to see the impact investment such as this can make in the lives of young people in pursuit of their dreams. I would…

DR THABISI HOEANE | Political Sciences, Unisa THE High Court has ruled that Vodacom must revise its order in its long-standing dispute with Nkosana Makate over who created the “please call me” invention. The last offer by Vodacom was a paltry R47 million, which Makate rightfully refused as he wants billions. This decision by the High Court is seriously flawed and is giving Makate the short end of the stick. What revenue has Vodacom made from this invention by Makate which it has literally conceded? It has been operating this service for 20 years and yet the court has decided that it should offer Makate “at least 5%” of total revenue generated during this period. If there is a concession that Makate is the creator, why he…

Jason Woosey jason.woosey@inl.co.za Maybe I’m going crazy. I’ve had the new Audi S3 Sedan for the past week and although I know what it is, I keep having to remind myself that it’s not an S4. Perhaps there’s a good reason why it keeps tricking me. The Audi S3 Sedan (and its plainer A3 sibling) has evolved into a larger and more mature package. The second generation, launched last year, has grown 40mm in length and 20mm in width but it looks bigger than that. While the front end looks ripped with its oversized grille, the bodyshell appears more elegant than before. Beneath the bonnet you’ll find the familiar 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor and it seems Audi has returned to its policy of detuning cars for our “hot weather” market. Whereas…

Brian Kamanzi Energy commentators in South Africa have supported proposals for market reforms, such as the unbundling of Eskom as the foundation of transitioning to a green, modern and reliable energy system. But they have done so with little reflection on the impacts of these policies, which are now keenly felt in Europe, the UK and the US. The energy crisis in Europe has seen large bailouts for failing private utilities, soaring prices and deepening energy poverty across the region. As progressive organisations and unions in the EU call for a paradigm shift away from electricity markets towards an approach that understands electricity as a public good, South Africa should safeguard itself against the entrenchment of the neoliberal project under the guise of a “just” energy transition. The shift from…

ZAAHIER ADAMS zaahier.adams@inl.co.za FORMER Proteas batter Ashwell Prince yesterday announced his resignation from his position of the Bangladesh batting coach with immediate effect. He will not be part of the Bangladesh touring party to South Africa next month. Prince, who played 119 international matches for South Africa, joined Russell Domingo’s coaching staff in July last year. The 44-year-old was initially signed on a short-term contract for last year’s tour of Zimbabwe before taking up a permanent role that was meant to run until this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. Independent Media understands that Prince has opted to resign in order to spend more time with his young family. Prince is married to Melissa Kistensamy and the couple have three boys. Under Prince’s guidance, Bangladesh have unearthed an impressive crop…

The France international has been widely condemned after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping the animal. Police have confirmed they are liaising with animal welfare charity the RSPCA as part of “urgent enquiries” into the case. West Ham said they “unreservedly condemn” the actions of Zouma, who apologised for his actions but was selected by manager David Moyes for Tuesday's 1-0 win over Watford at the London Stadium. A petition on Change.org reads: “In the UK we have laws against the abuse of animals, laws which should be applicable to everyone rich or poor, famous or not. “We ask that the Metropolitan Police and RSPCA carry out an urgent investigation and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act.” West Ham sponsor Experience Kissimmee - the club’s “official…

Dieketseng Maleke dieketseng.maleke@inl.co.za ANGLO American has announced that the construction and commissioning of the Aquila metallurgical coal mine in Central Queensland in Australia is in its final stage. Aquila mine had achieved its first longwall shear of steel-making metallurgical coal on schedule and on budget, which the JSE-listed firm said was an indication that the project was close to conclusion. Anglo American produces about 3.5 million tons of coal a year at the Aquila site and owns 70 percent of the mine. Tokyo-headquartered conglomerate Mitsui & Co owns the other 30 percent at Aquila. The Aquila mine, near Middle- mount in Central Queensland in Australia, extends the life of Anglo American’s existing Capcoal underground operations by seven years after the company’s nearby Grasstree mine reached the end…

Given Majola given.majola@inl.co.za SMALL-scale growers (SSGs) have received a R60-million pay-out this season to ensure their continued survival, viability and sustainability as part of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030. THE sugar industry already has a R1 billion five-year transformation plan in place wherein it allocates at least R200m on an annual basis, with R142m of this being a commitment to the remedying of inequalities experienced by black (African, Indian and coloured) sugarcane farmers. Joanmariae Fubbs, the Small-scale Grower Master Plan Task Team Convener, said that the master plan had identified the SSGs as foundational for the future of the industry. “The task team has to develop, and implement a preferential pricing (premium payment) structure and mechanism to support current SSGs while longer-term support mechanisms are developed,” Fubbs…

liam joyce liam.joyce@inl.co.za Safta-winning actress Kim Engelbrecht will make her debut in the second season of the hit American sci-fi drama series Raised by Wolves. Engelbrecht joins the cast as Decima, a weapons engineer who is also trying to rekindle a relationship with an android version of her dead daughter, Vrille. Season one of the hit show, which is streaming on Showmax, followed two androids, Mother and Father, tasked with raising human children as atheists on a virgin planet, after Earth had been destroyed in a religious war. The season also introduced Marcus and Sue, an atheist couple who took on the identity of Mithraic believers to escape Earth. In season two, Mother and Father move their brood of six human children into an atheist community on Kepler-22b’s mysterious tropical zone.…

Mashudu Sadike mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za AXED SABC group news editor Phathiswa Magopeni has taken the public broadcaster to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) following her dismissal a week ago. The Pretoria News has seen the application form, dated February 3 and enabling Magopeni to refer the dispute to the CCMA for conciliation. Speaking to the Pretoria News this week, Magopeni accused the SABC of having disregarded its own disciplinary code, and said that there was no investigation report regarding her case. “This was a flawed disciplinary process and the SABC failed its own process because there was not even an investigation report in my case. This proves I was targeted,” she said. She added that disciplinary procedures would consist of a few stages, including an investigation. The SABC disciplinary…

WITH the month of romance under way, the newly opened Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank has announced a variety of offerings to ensure that everyone feels the love this month. The 222-room hotel is kicking off Valentine’s Day with an all-month bed and breakfast special in addition to two RED events: a rooftop session and a Valentine’s Day lunch with a twist. “Roses are RED, violets are blue, the new Radisson in Rosebank has Valentine’s month sorted for you.” Recently opened, Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank is all set to share its first Valentine’s month with guests. The hotel has a range of events and offerings to set the mood whether you’re visiting solo, with loved ones, or simply stopping by to enjoy the vibe. For the entire month of February, locals…

Staff Reporter SOWETO-born actor, film-maker and musician Ntosh Gazi, recently dropped his latest single, Ubusuku Bayizolo. The amapiano star was known for captivating the streets and prominent clubs around the globe after appearing on John Vuligate by Mapara A Jazz. He went on to feature on Diamond Platinumz’s sensational single IYO, before releasing his solo singles. Ntosh has had a hand in a number of local film productions with Mzansi Magic and has also lent his talents to a number of international productions. Last month, he made the decision to leave South Africa and settle in the UK, and says he has built a huge market for amapiano there. “My love for the arts (dance, music, acting and poetry) is what saved me from the streets. “This is what inspires…

James Mahlokwane THE City of Tshwane cannot afford to keep subsidising its debtors at the expense of services and its financial wellness. This was the unwavering messages by mayor Randall Williams and acting city manager Mmaseabata Mutlaneng yesterday. They were leading the second day of the aggressive campaign to disconnect water and electricity supply to businesses and government departments in debt with the city. Williams stood firm as business managers tried to plead with him not to disconnect their services. He stated that the culture of non-payment in Tshwane had created an unsustainable problem and a ballooning debt of R17 billion owed to the city. He said the city owed Eskom (R635 million) but the metro was paying its suppliers such as Rand Water and Magalies Water. But it…

Jason Woosey The midsize Volvo XC60 is the Swedish carmaker’s best-selling vehicle in South Africa and it’s looking set for further success following the launch of the new B5 FWD (front-wheel drive) entry-level model. Available in dealerships from the beginning of this month, the Volvo XC60 B5 FWD retails at R750 000, which makes it R140 000 cheaper than the B5 AWD Momentum model that served as the entry to the range. It also undercuts its rivals, with the locally built BMW X3 starting at R895 658 and the Audi Q5 kicking off at the R852 000 mark. Although it loses the all-wheel drive system, the B5 FWD retains the familiar 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor, which produces 183kW and 350Nm. With a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.0 seconds on the…

ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta described himself as the “solution” in his relationship with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Gabon striker said he left the Premier League club because the Spanish boss had a problem. Aubameyang terminated his contract with Arsenal by mutual consent and moved to Barcelona this month, ending speculation around his future after Arteta stripped him of the captaincy due to a “disciplinary breach” in December. The 32-year-old said last week that Arteta was not happy with him at Arsenal, which contributed to his decision to find a new club. “That’s his opinion, that’s what he said and you have to respect that,” Arteta said yesterday. “I’m extremely grateful for what Auba has done and his contribution. “The way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not…

THE CSA T20 Challenge is underway at St George’s Park with the Titans edging out the Rocks, while Western Province blew away the Warriors in a record-breaking win. Here, Zaahier Adams picks five ‘Plays of the Day’ from the two matches on day three yesterday. New role for De Kock Arguably one of the most destructive T20 batters in the world and is often given the freedom to play the way he wants. It was, therefore, surprising to see Quinton de Kock take on the responsibility of playing the anchor role as he carried his bat throughout almost the entire Titans innings. His 72 off 61 balls at a strike-rate of 118.03 was, though, the foundation on which his team built their eventual winning score of 158/2. The return of…

MICHAEL SHERMAN michael.sherman@africannewsagency.com AL Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane said he was let down by his captain Ayman Ashraf, who was red-carded during the final stages of their Fifa Club World Cup semi-final defeat to Palmeiras on Tuesday. Ashraf received a straight red card in the 81st minute with Al Ahly already 2-0 down. Raphael Veiga opened the scoring for the Brazilian outfit in the 39th minute, before Dudu doubled his team’s advantage in the 49th minute. “(I’m) disappointed with Ayman and the red card. I think he knows himself as a captain, he leaves us with no hope at 10 versus 11, and 2-0 against Palmeiras. A little bit of a lack of discipline with him there. I’m not happy with him,” said Mosimane “We let ourselves down with the…