Índice para 2025-04-17 em Cape Times

The Vision Group announced on Wednesday that it has received competition approvals for acquisition of all Tongaat Hulett’s assets in Zimbabwe. Under the transaction, Ball Foundry has been given the nod by the Competition and Tariff Commission of Zimbabwe to acquire Triangle Sugar Corporation, which holds Tongaat Hulett’s operations in Zimbabwe. Prosper Ziyadhuma, an official with the Zimbabwe CTC, confirmed this to Business Report on Wednesday. “We had given them an intended decision as indicated in the notice they provided,” Ziyadhuma said. Vision Group, whose principals include Mpumalanga businessman Robert Gumede and Zimbabwean business executive Rutenhuro Moyo, has beneficial ownership in Ball Foundry, which is incorporated in Mauritius. “The purchase consideration will be settled by way of a set-off against a portion of the lender group claims. Triangle Sugar is…

South Africa’s tourism and hospitality sectors are poised for a vibrant Easter weekend, with expectations high for a significant surge in both domestic and international visitors. The launch of the 2025 Easter Campaign, led by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille at the scenic Atlantis Dunes in Cape Town, marks a renewed push to showcase the country’s diverse attractions, from breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences. “Affordability remains a priority. Travelers are looking for more budget-friendly accommodation and experiences, making initiatives like Sho’t Left vital in ensuring more South Africans can explore their own country” she said. De Lille added that lesser-known destinations are in demand. “More South Africans are seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, opting for places with fewer crowds and deeper cultural experiences. “ Personalised travel experiences are key.…

The Clicks Group plans to open up to 55 new chain stores and an equal number of pharmacies this year as it continues on an ambitious expansion plan. This move comes despite facing a challenging economic landscape marked by increased value-added tax (VAT) and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly related to the country's trade relations with the United States. Clicks said on Wednesday that it remained “committed to its medium-term target” of 1 200 new stores after it opened 29 new pharmacies to date in the current financial year. The chain opened its 950th store in February and extended its national pharmacy footprint to 740. The pharmaceuical group's positive outlook is despite the looming geopolitical risks that could affect South Africa’s economic performance weighed down by depressed consumer spending. “The trading…

The National Development Plan (NDP) envisions that by 2030, 90% of South Africa’s 11 million needed jobs will be created through small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Recently, the government launched a new Spaza Shop Support Fund, adding to the many funding options available in South Africa. However, according to a report by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), only 12% of South African SMEs have access to formal funding channels. This limited access to finance remains one of the country’s leading causes of business failure. Capable entrepreneurs with promising businesses are often held back simply because their credit profile doesn’t reflect their potential. Whether you're just starting or have been operating for years, here are six ways to strengthen your business credit profile and improve your chances of securing funding.…

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops stationed in Goma may soon be forced to evacuate the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by land, leaving all military assets behind. This comes after the closure of Goma International Airport due to escalating conflict in the region. The SANDF troops were deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). Concerns intensified following the deaths of 18 SADC troops - 14 of whom were South African - during clashes with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The M23’s capture of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, has severely disrupted humanitarian efforts and heightened the urgency for troop withdrawal. In response to the deteriorating situation, an extraordinary SADC summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, last month terminated SAMIDRC's mandate. The planned return…

A US District Court has given the go-ahead for an Anti-Terrorism Act lawsuit against Africa’s telecoms giant, MTN Group, just a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas as the country’s Special Envoy to the US in an effort to mend relations between the two countries. LegalBrief Africa said yesterday that the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York has allowed a “high-stakes Anti-Terrorism Act lawsuit" against MTN Group, to advance to the discovery stage.” It stated: “MTN Group has wasted no time in submitting an appeal, setting the stage for a precedent-setting legal battle that could rattle court and boardrooms alike for years to come.” The court action comes as Jonas’ appointment has been slated by some commentators because he labelled US…

AS accused Steveno van Rhyn faced tough cross-examination at the Western Cape High Court, much of the focus turned to Judge Nathan Erasmus, who paused proceedings to offer firm guidance on how questioning should be handled, emphasising fairness, simplicity, and comprehension. Judge Erasmus addressed concerns about Van Rhyn’s low level of education, reminding the court that the accused did not pass Standard 4 (Grade 6) and may struggle with complex legal phrasing. “I am very conscious of your level of education,” Erasmus told Van Rhyn directly. It doesn’t mean that you are not intelligent enough, I just don’t want you to trip up because of the court setting or that we are using long sentences and big words, because your life is on the line here, literally.” This came after…

He didn’t want to say too much about facing fellow Springbok lock Jean Kleyn just yet. But Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé is confident that they can fix their lineout issues ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Munster in Limerick (6.15pm start). Nortjé is the ultimate lineout guru in the mould of a Victor Matfield with the way in which he analyses the set-piece. Bulls coach Jake White has often stated how Nortjé studies the lineout hour after hour on the pitch and his laptop to fine-tune the operation. But things didn’t always work out in last weekend’s 34-28 Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Edinburgh, where the Pretoria side wasted a number of attacking opportunities by failing to secure their own throw-ins. “It was frustrating. Our lineout is a…

The sand had run out on the clock. The UCT Ikey Tigers were set to be crowned the inaugural Varsity Cup champions. They were about to erase years of suffering inflicted by old foes Stellenbosch University, aka Maties. The fact that the coronation was happening at Maties’ citadel, the Danie Craven Stadium, before their passionate home supporters all clad in the famous maroon added significant gravitas. There was just one play left: an Ikeys scrum on their tryline, with the visitors leading 10-9. The ball is shifted to the base for Ikeys captain and No 8 JJ Gagiano – who would later earn global fame by scoring a try for the USA Eagles against Australia three years on at the 2011 Rugby World Cup – picks up. But instead of…

In March South Africa's business environment reflected a sustained improvement in sentiment that began in June 2024, driven by stronger economic prospects. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) Business Confidence Index (BCI), released on Wednesday, climbed from a low of 107.8 in May 2024, during the national elections, to a high of 125.8 in February 2025, before slightly easing to 123.5 in March 2025. This March 2025 figure still marked an 8.8-point improvement over March 2024, with the first-quarter 2025 BCI averaging 123.1, compared to 113.9 in the same period of 2024. Sacci said, "The most positive short-term impacts on business sentiment in March were caused by increased tourism and exports, and lower inflation. Fewer imports, a weaker rand against the major trading and investment currencies, and…

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) will temporarily halt the production of the popular Polo and Polo Vivo models for one month as Plant Kariega in the Eastern Cape as the plant will instal and upgrade facilities throughout its production areas. The global auto manufacturer on Wednesday said vehicle production of the VW Polo and VW Polo Vivo was halted from 14 April to 12 May to allow teams to perform the required work on the line in areas such as Body Shop, Paint Shop and Final Assembly, in preparation for the third model that will be manufactured from 2027. The upcoming upgrades are a continuation of prior installations completed during the annual shutdown in December 2024, where approximately 60% of the necessary changes were implemented. This included the installation of 38…

PwC shut operations in nine Sub-Saharan African countries last month following a strategic review, the Big Four accounting firm said, in response to a media report that said the company exited over a dozen countries to avoid scandals. PwC, which operates as a global network of locally owned partnerships, has shut operations in the Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo Republic, Republic of Guinea and Equatorial Guinea, it said in a statement, published on its website on March 31. The accounting firm directed Reuters to the statement in response to queries on a Financial Times article published earlier in the day that said PwC had exited multiple countries that were deemed too small, risky or unprofitable. The decision came due to mounting differences…

race to raise awareness of male fertility decline To raise awareness about declining male fertility an innovative Los Angeles, American startup will host the world’s first sperm race on April 25 at the Hollywood Palladium, aiming to raise awareness through a microscopic competition billed as both sport and spectacle. Sperm Racing, the organisers behind the event, have raised $1.5 million (R28.28m) from venture firms including Karatage and Figment Capital to stage the race, which pits sperm samples from rival universities UCLA and USC against each other on a 200mm racetrack mimicking the human reproductive system. The event, expected to draw over 1 000 spectators, will feature live-streamed visuals via high-resolution cameras, play-by-play commentary, leaderboards, instant replays, and betting. Eric Zhu, the co-founder of Sperm Racing, in a statement. “Male fertility…

CHIEF registrar of Deeds, Carlize Knoesen has stuck to her guns amid growing pressure to withdraw a circular which mandates the inclusion of racial, gender, citizenship, and nationality information in all land-related transactions through a newly-introduced Form called LLL. Knoesen said the circular was intended to establish precisely “who owns South Africa” in terms of a land audit and to assist the government in its land reform and transformation efforts. The information contained in Form LLL that relates to race, gender, nationality and citizenship, will not be disclosed in any deed or document lodged for registration or execution, but instead would be used “only for statistical and land audit purposes relating to land ownership in South Africa”, said Knoesen. The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality’s (Free SA) and…

The Department of Higher Education is currently developing a funding model for the long promised University of Policing and Crime Detection after the ambitious initiative has seen little progress since its announcement five years ago. The establishment of the crime detection university, aimed at bolstering the capabilities of the South African Police Service, was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2020 State of the Nation Address, where he highlighted its potential to enhance the quality of policing and specialised crime investigation in the country. Responding to parliamentary questions from Rise Mzansi MP Songezo Zibi and EFF MP Mandla Shikwambana, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane revealed that only feasibility studies have been conducted thus far. Both Zibi and Shikwambana asked Nkabane about the commencement of the construction and the scheduled…

Stellenbosch FC’s 1-0 victory over AmaZulu on Tuesday evening came at a major cost, with striker Ashley Cupido expected to be out for “a minimum of six weeks” and miss this week’s trip to Zanzibar for the all-important CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against Simba FC. Cupido hobbled after just 10 minutes when his hamstring went “pop”, and was replaced by South Africa Under-20 forward Langelihle Phili. Stellies coach Steve Barker conceded that Cupido, who worked tirelessly leading the frontline in the quarter-final against Zamalek in Cairo last week, would not be on the flight to the East African island. “Yeah, it looks like it’s a bad hamstring, so unlikely that he’ll (Cupido) be available,” Barker said. “He says he felt it pop. “Unfortunate for us, especially with Bradley Mojela still…

Andre Onana will be recalled for Manchester United’s season-defining Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon after his costly goalkeeping errors in the first leg, manager Ruben Amorim confirmed on Wednesday. The 29-year-old Cameroon international, who was to blame for the two goals that United conceded in last week’s 2-2 draw in France, was axed for Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle. Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir played at St James’ Park, but Amorim told his pre-match press conference that Onana would be back in goal on Thursday (9pm kick-off), saying he was confident he would be “really good”. “Onana, he will play tomorrow,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference. “As a coach, and also as a former player, I try to do things that can help a player in this…

Outlook for global trade has deteriorated due to a surge in tariffs, trade policy uncertainty, says WTO The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has warned that the volume of world merchandise trade could shrink as much as 1.5% this year, shaving off billions from the global economic growth as a result of the United States’ trade war with China. In its April Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report published on Wednesday, the WTO Secretariat said the outlook for global trade has deteriorated sharply due to a surge in tariffs and trade policy uncertainty (TPU). This comes after US President Donald Trump on 2 April announced a two-tier tariff structure: a baseline 10% tariff applied universally to imports from all countries with the exception of Canada and Mexico, and additional country-specific "reciprocal"…

Donald Trump believes it is up to China to come to the negotiating table on trade, the White House said Tuesday, after the US president accused Beijing of reneging on a major Boeing deal. "The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don't have to make a deal with them," said a statement from Trump read out by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. "There's no difference between China and any other country except they are much larger," she told a briefing. Leavitt's comments came after Trump said that China had "reneged" on a major deal with US aviation giant Boeing. This followed a Bloomberg news report that Beijing ordered airlines not to take further deliveries of the company's jets. China growth Trump has slapped…

The legacy of influence and growth through branding has been a cornerstone of business identity, evolving over time to resonate with loyal customers while attracting new audiences. This dynamic process enables businesses to reflect growth and transformation, with entrepreneurs who understand the shifting tides of markets and consumer preferences gaining a competitive edge in scaling and positioning their brands. In South Africa’s vibrant business landscape, branding has emerged as a powerful strategy to revitalise growth, reconnect with customers, and maintain relevance in a competitive marketplace. A prime example is Checkers, valued at $1.358 billion (R25.6bn), which surged to the top brand in South Africa in 2025 due to strong domestic perception, accessibility, convenience through innovations like Checkers60, and consistent competitive pricing. Similarly platforms, like Zulzi, are reshaping township delivery dynamics,…

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Mpho Mkhumbeni, an inmate serving a life sentence for murder, died an unnatural death due to pepper spray exposure at Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in the Free State. Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale briefed the media yesterday on the findings of a departmental investigation into Mkhumbeni’s death. Mkhumbeni was convicted of murder on November 4, 2014, and admitted to MCC, operated by private security contractor G4S on November 28, 2014. DCS said it was formally notified of the inmate’s death by the contractor on March 12, 2025. He had reportedly collapsed in his cell and was rushed to the facility’s internal hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival by a medical doctor. “However, conflicting accounts soon emerged from further reports…

THE review of safety protocols at institutions of higher learning will help address the alarming trend of weaponising and militarising campuses, says Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane. She made the remarks when visiting the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthata, Eastern Cape where a student was shot dead and two more wounded during a protest over accommodation-related issues on Tuesday. They were marching to a residence manager’s place when shots were fired. The university initially claimed the deceased may not have been a registered student. However Nkabane confirmed yesterday that indeed the deceased had been a recipient of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The student has since been identified as 24-year-old Sisonke Mbolekwa from Matatiele. “According to NSFAS records, the last payment to…

As the Easter long weekend approaches, South African authorities are bracing for a significant influx of vehicles on the nation’s roads. In response, traffic officers will be deployed continuously on major routes, enforcing regulations and conducting regular vehicle checks to ensure the safety of all road users. With anticipated traffic volumes peaking today and tomorrow, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy is urging motorists to adopt safe driving practices. “Wear your seat belts, reduce speed, buckle up babies and children, don’t text while driving, instead use your hands-free kit and your voice to give instructions to your phone,” Creecy said. She noted that more than 76% of road accidents and fatalities occur in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Limpopo provinces, 80% of accidents stem from human error, including speeding,…

Nolusindiso Booi’s name will be etched into the Springboks’ history books this weekend as she becomes the first South African woman to reach 50 Test caps, when the national senior women’s team face Spain. Captain Booi made her debut for the Bok Women 15 years ago against Kazakhstan and will receive her 50th cap on Saturday, when she leads the team onto the Campo de Rugby Amorós Palao in Elche, southern Spain. By contrast, the Springboks’ most-capped player, Eben Etzebeth, began his career in 2012 and has thus far played 131 Tests for the country. Booi’s 50th appearance in national colours is a significant milestone for the Springbok Women and their ongoing development, reaffirming SA Rugby’s commitment to growing and nurturing the women’s game. “(Booi’s) humility, how she serves the…

Unai Emery believes there is more to come from Aston Villa as they exited the Champions League with pride after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. The French champions prevailed 5-4 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals thanks to their 3-1 first-leg lead, but lost at Villa Park for just the second time in 19 matches. Emery’s men nearly produced one of the most memorable Champions League fight-backs in history. From 2-0 down on the night, they needed four goals to force extra time, and were only denied by a series of stunning saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma after strikes from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa. “I’m very proud of everything we did. To get to this level is the next step forward that I…