Table of contents for 2025-04-07 in Cape Times

Stock markets around the world got a bloody nose for a second day on Friday, and the JSE All Share Index slumped 5.26% as investors fretted about a global recession arising out of Donald Trump’s import tariffs and an expanding global trade war. Adding fuel to the fire in South Africa are deepening political risks. There was talk in the US of a review of ties with South Africa given its links with Russia, Iran, and China. Locally, the future of the Government of National Unity also hangs in the balance. The JSE Resources Index slumped 9.77%, the JSE Precious Metals and Mining Index was down 10.37%, chemical companies fell an average 8.88%, companies making in industrial materials index fell 10.03%, while the JSE Healthcare Index fell 6.06%. Even the…

Government plan to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has announced that the government was actively engaging with technological leaders in China and Japan to embrace low-temperature coal-burning techniques paired with ammonia, aiming to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure. This initiative is seen as a necessary step towards repurposing aging coal-fired power stations such as Komati and Rietvlei, while ensuring that South Africa’s energy demands are met sustainably. During a recent session in the House of Assembly’s plenary session, Ramokgopa responded to questions from various Members of Parliament, including IFP’s Nompumelelo Mhlongo, People’s Assembly Wayne Thring, MK Party’s Adil Nchabaleng, and DA’s Kevin Mileham. Ramokgopa emphasised that the core issue lied not with coal itself, but with…

With a stroke of his fat koki pen, US President Donald Trump has done more to harm the dollar's reserve status than anything Xi, Putin or anyone else could do. Although its reserve status was an outcome of agreements struck at Bretton-Woods, the dollar has retained that status because it works really well. That is changing. The "exorbitant privilege” of having the world's reserve currency, described by French economist Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, is essential to America's economy. The dollar’s role allows the US to borrow cheaply by issuing debt instruments like Treasury securities, which are widely held globally. Commodities such as oil, gold and even sugar are priced in dollars, further cementing its centrality in global trade. But these are all fictions, maintaining their ephemeral existence only because of the…

The US president’s “liberation day” tariff policies, announced on Wednesday, have resulted in sweeping border taxes of between 10% and 50% imposed on almost every nation, wiping more than $2.5 trillion (£1.9 trillion) off Wall Street stocks and share prices in other financial centres across the globe on Thursday. At the close on Friday, the S&P 500 had lost 10.52% over the two days. Over the week, the index is down 8.4% and from the beginning of the year, 14.3%. This is one of the worst performances of the index since the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Households, despite worries about rising inflation due to the tariff war, are becoming increasingly nervous about possible higher unemployment in the months to come. This is the opposite of what President Trump has in mind…

The Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has announced the gazetting of a second invitation for applications to the highly acclaimed Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). This follows an unprecedented response since the first processing of tourist visa applications from China and India through this initiative in February, which has inspired calls for expansion from tour operators eager to streamline the visa process and attract more visitors to South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs has expressed its enthusiasm over the overwhelming demand, highlighting the transformative potential these visa reforms can have in generating employment opportunities by welcoming more international tourists. Recognising this momentum, Minister Schreiber has launched a new application window for tour operators to partake in the programme, underpinned by recent upgrades to the online platform that facilitates…

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental clarity and focus is as crucial as taking care of our physical health. One emerging concept in the realm of cognitive well-being is “brain flossing”. Much like dental flossing removes plaque from between teeth, brain flossing is a practice aimed at clearing mental clutter and improving overall cognitive function. What is brain flossing? Brain flossing refers to a set of mental exercises, habits, and mindfulness techniques designed to declutter the mind, enhance focus and boost mental resilience. The practice incorporates meditation, journaling, deep breathing, and cognitive exercises to remove mental fog and maintain emotional balance. By engaging in brain flossing regularly, individuals can improve their memory, reduce stress and enhance creativity. Benefits of brain flossing Reduces mental clutter Just as physical clutter in a…

ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile once again launched an attack on the DA-led Western Cape government, saying it continued to treat black people of the province as second citizens. “...And we can say, without fear or favour, that those who govern in the Western Cape - the Democratic Alliance - they will not care for the poor in this province…They are not putting our people first, and this is evidenced everywhere in black townships here in the Western Cape. “They don’t prioritise services in these areas…and they don’t even come here,” Mashatile said. He said that in 31 years, the ANC has done so much, but the party still needs to do more as “all South Africans must have a better life”. “Hence going forward, especially in our branches, we…

Police say the motive behind the murders of four men in Gugulethu is yet to be established. Detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit launched an investigation following the fatal shooting of the four on Friday, police spokesperson André Traut said. “Police were called to the scene in NY 3A at approximately 8pm, where the bodies of the victims, believed to be in their twenties, were found with multiple gunshot wounds. “Crime scene experts collected evidence, and all available clues are being followed up as part of efforts to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” Traut said. Meanwhile, members attached to Khayelitsha SAPS Crime Prevention Unit arrested a 46-year-old woman and confiscated mandrax worth R 1million. On Friday, the officers were conducting a stop and search operation…

EVERY child deserves the best possible start in life. A healthy beginning paves the way for a hopeful future, yet survival remains uncertain for many newborns across sub-Saharan Africa. Neonatal health challenges in these regions are significant, but with the right focus and action, we can create lasting improvements. The period surrounding birth is one of the most vulnerable yet critical windows in a person’s life. This World Health Day on April 7, we must reflect on the advances we have made while also addressing the challenges that continue to threaten the health of mothers and newborns worldwide. It is, therefore, fitting that this year’s theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” emphasises maternal and newborn health. Newborn deaths account for nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 years…

Gerda Steyn remained nonchalantly calm, that famous smile of hers telling the story of an athlete unfazed — even as yet another ‘adversary’ threw jabs her way. Steyn had just obliterated the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon field, running the third-fastest time — 3:29:20 — ever recorded by a woman in the world-renowned 56km ultra, to claim her sixth consecutive title. All three of the fastest times on the course now belong to her. Yet the woman seated to her right at the post-race press conference at UCT Rugby Fields was describing the queen of the Two Oceans as “lucky”. Shelmet Muriuki, who finished runner-up on Saturday morning — a distant eight minutes and 40 seconds behind Steyn — echoed the sentiments of her Entsika Athletic Club teammate, Nobuhle Tshuma, who…

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has revealed that her department was finalising the long-overdue Township and Rural Economic Development and Revitalization Policy to support township enterprise hubs, zones, and clusters. In 2023, the government commissioned a study on mapping and identification of opportunities in 20 townships focusing on local production and import substitution, infrastructure support, and investment in industrial parks. The study also looked into various aspects such as the economic linkages with other townships and the broader economy, extent of industrialisation, critical challenges affecting economic development, funding and financial instruments. South Africa’s townships still experience poor investment, overpopulation, poor infrastructure, high levels of unemployment, deepening poverty and isolation from mainstream economic centres. Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and…

South Africa stares down a ticking time bomb: over 45% youth unemployment threatens to detonate our future. Our young people—our greatest asset—rot on the sidelines while industries like energy and construction beg for skilled hands. The nation’s growth hinges on a vital, overlooked connection: empowering youth to fuel industrial transformation. This is not a pipe dream; it is a necessity. Breaking the cycle of stagnation demands dismantling structural barriers, embracing technology, and forging a united front across sectors. The stakes are high, but the rewards—a thriving, inclusive economy—are higher. South Africa boasts frameworks like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act, the National Youth Policy (2020–2030), and the Integrated Youth Development Strategy, all designed to skill and employ our youth. Yet, they falter. Research from the Human Sciences Research Council…

The announcement of Grindrod's acquisition of the remaining 35% shareholding in Terminal de Carvão da Matola (TCM) at Maputo port stands as a significant strategic milestone for the company, as outlined by Chairman Cheryl Carolus in the integrated report released on Friday. This decision solidifies Grindrod's established presence at the port and aligns with the group's larger strategy to enhance logistics and export capabilities across Africa and beyond. Despite facing challenging trading conditions throughout 2024, including logistics constraints and cost pressures in Mozambique, Carolus remains optimistic about Grindrod's future, highlighting achievements in critical areas directly related to their operational strategy. "The group achieved notable milestones," she stated, underscoring that the acquisition is expected to facilitate further growth in integrated logistics solutions tailored to customer needs. The report also disclosed that…

THE Western Cape’s R269.5 billion Budget, 95% of which comes from the national government, has been described as false promises and political posturing in light of the DA’s decision to vote against and legally challenge Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s proposed budget. During the provincial budget debate on Friday, Finance MEC Deidré Baartman, noted they had tabled a R269.5 billion budget to be implemented over the next three years, of which “95.4 per cent of our total provincial budget will thus come from the national government, with the rest amounting to own receipts”. However, opposition parties questioned how realistic this is when the DA voted against the fiscal framework in the national assembly last week and then filed papers in court to challenge the parliamentary process that adopted it. The DA’s…

A nightmare journey of more than 17 years came to an end last week for a 36-year-old domestic worker who has been in a battle with the Department of Home Affairs to obtain a birth certificate, so that she could ultimately get an ID document. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, now ordered the department to issue Primrose Medisane with both a birth certificate and an ID document within 30 days. To show its dismay with the department for the manner it treated Medisane over the years, the court slapped the department with a punitive costs order. Medisane told the court that the consequences for stateless women are dire. The women in her family have suffered many human rights violations. Medisane, who was a clever learner at school and wanted to…

The battle of the milks - First Choice vs Fresh Choice - raged before the Gauteng High Court, with the owner of First Choice failing in its bid to interdict its competitor from using the Fresh Choice logo, which it claimed was similar to their trade mark. Woodlands Dairy, a long-standing, family-owned dairy operator in the Eastern Cape, turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to obtain an order against its competitor. It produces an extensive range of dairy products, including UHT milk, which is marketed and sold in outlets throughout South Africa. It sells these products under the name and brand First Choice and it owns this trade mark in South Africa. Sansom Farming CC is also a dairy operator, on a substantially smaller scale than the applicant. It…

Proteas Women’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams believes the upcoming tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and India is the ideal preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year on the subcontinent. The Proteas have been exposed to subcontinent conditions regularly over the last 12 months with tours to India and Pakistan along with the T20 World Cup in Dubai, where Laura Wolvaardt’s team finished runners-up for the second consecutive year. “Yeah, I think the series against India and Sri Lanka, in Sri Lanka, is coming at the right time for the team,” Abrahams said. “It'll give us a good gauge in terms of the progress the batting unit has made in the last 12 months. I think we've been really clear in terms of our mindset and how we…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is looking forward to his team embracing the almighty challenge that awaits them in Cairo when they face Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final second leg on Wednesday. The two sides are deadlocked at the moment after the goalless draw at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town last week. Stellenbosch FC were intent not to concede an away goal and are now confident of dethroning the defending champions. “Our main objective going into the first leg was just to ensure that we are competitive and that we can travel away with either to hold on to something or to still be in the tie. So yes, I thought we equipped ourselves really well,” Barker said. “There are certain areas that we have to improve…

South Africa is preparing for significant diplomatic engagements with the United States following the hefty 31% reciprocal tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, which have effectively nullified the African Growth and Oppotunity Act (Agoa) benefits. This engagement is crucial as the South African government seeks to understand the implications of the new trade policies and formulate an appropriate response. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, on Friday said the initial delays in the visit to the US were strategic, intended to coincide with expected announcements concerning global trade and tariffs. “We thought it was important that when the announcement is made, we assimilate the information and respond accordingly,” Tau said. “Our approach has always been to engage with the US, to find solutions and resolve problems rather than…

Markets on Monday are expected to crash. It is not exactly rocket science. The world hates uncertainty and what is happening right now is uncharted economic waters that no one has sailed before - all thanks to US President Donald Trump and co. This after Trump’s latest tariff bombshell has flipped the global economic script, leaving markets reeling and wiping out more than a trillion dollars in value, and world leaders scrambling for answers. The US, burdened with $36.2 trillion in debt - $9.2trl (R165.6trl) of which needs refinancing this year - has rolled out a bold new play: a 10% universal tariff on all imports, effective April 5, plus tailored “reciprocal tariffs” for specific nations. The White House frames it as a shield for national and economic security,…

Now that Parliament has adopted the Budget, it must honour its promise to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) and personal income tax (PIT) hikes. Whilst none will doubt the Budget’s passing was less than elegant, we should not miss the important gains painstakingly won by Cosatu and other progressive voices, including inside the ANC-led government and Parliament. Government has heeded opposition from the Federation and others that the proposed 2% VAT hike presented a burden that millions of working and middle-class families could not afford when they are already battling to cope with the rising costs of living. Whilst Cosatu has opposed any VAT hike or not adjusting PIT brackets for inflation given workers’ already meagre wages, we are pleased Treasury has shifted from its historical default of blue-ticking criticism…

Agricultural associations have remained concerned about the possible impact of tariff increases announced by US President Donald Trump, which could possibly reach as high as 31% for South Africa. The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that the full scope of the tariff increase was unclear at the moment. Dewald Olivier, the CEO at RMIS, said that South Africa’s preferential trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) was naturally a cause for concern across the agricultural sector, including red meat. “However, it is important to note that South Africa does not currently export significant volumes of red meat to the United States, due in large part to existing technical trade barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations,” he said. Olivier added that the greater concern…

The Department of Employment and Labour has committed to collaborate with the hospitality industry in a bid to strengthen occupational health and safety compliance This comes after the department late last year launched a multi-agency operation in response to growing reports of worker exploitation in the hospitality sector as part of ongoing efforts to tackle cheap labour and employee abuse. During a blitz that was conducted last year on hospitality sector for compliance, a number of restaurants were closed because of non-compliance. The department held a breakfast session on Friday with the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) to strengthen the relationship between hospitality industry and the department in terms of compliance. Fedhasa deputy national chairperson, Monwabisi Thethe, said that Fedhasa felt like a problem child in terms…

A BUS driver is expected to appear in the Piketberg Magistrates court this week on sexual assault allegations involving a 16-year-old school pupil. The safety of school children had been in the spotlight recently after 7-year-old pupil was raped allegedly at Bergview College, an independent school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, while waiting for her transport in October last year. Western Cape police confirmed the Piketberg matter was being investigated and the suspect had been arrested. “Piketberg police registered a sexual assault case following an incident of (March 27, 2025) at 3pm at a farm near Piketberg. This case was transferred to Vredenburg FCS for further investigation. “A 55-year-old suspect was arrested and will appear in the Piketberg Magistrates court on Wednesday, on the mentioned charge,” police spokesperson, FC Van Wyk…

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has declined an application by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to hear an appeal regarding the accounting standards to be used in its audit process. Welcoming the judgment, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the matter has unnecessarily dragged on for too long. The RAF was recently asked during a meeting of the standing committee (Scopa) how long it was prepared to continue getting negative audits while pursuing the matter legally. The SCA judgment comes amid a longstanding dispute between the RAF and the Auditor-General of South Africa (A-G) over the appropriate accounting standards for auditing the entity. Hlengwa, meanwhile, said the A-G has rightly adhered to the Generally Recognized Accounting Practice (GRAP) standard, whereas the RAF insisted on being audited based on…

Ferrari’s hopes of mounting a genuine title challenge took another hit at the Japanese Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton seventh, with both drivers voicing concerns over the performance of their cars. While it marked an improvement on China two weeks ago — where both Ferrari drivers were disqualified for technical infringements — the Italian team still struggled to match the pace of McLaren and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. “There was nothing more in the car,” said Leclerc. “We did a good job with balance and strategy, but it’s even more disappointing when you do everything right and still finish P4. The pace just isn’t there.” Leclerc currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, with Hamilton in eighth. Ferrari already trail McLaren by 76 points in…

Liverpool slumped to just their second Premier League defeat this season as Fulham clinched a shock 3-2 win over the runaway leaders, while Southampton were relegated in record-setting time after a 3-1 loss at Tottenham. In Manchester, meanwhile, a dull derby played out at Old Traford between Manchester United and cross-town rivals Manchester City. Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday left Liverpool needing just 11 points to secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. Arne Slot's men were unbeaten in 26 league games and looked set to take another step towards the title when Alexis Mac Allister's stunning strike opened the scoring. But poor defending allowed Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz to turn the game around for Fulham. The Reds appear to be running out of steam…

It’s not often that a rugby coach dishes out compliments to a referee, but that’s exactly what Bulls boss Jake White did following their 32-22 Challenge Cup last-16 victory over Bayonne in France on Saturday. The Bulls scored four tries at the Stade Jean Dauger to advance to Saturday’s quarter-final against Edinburgh – who beat the Lions 24-12 – in Scotland (1.30pm SA time start). And while 31-year-old English referee Christophe Ridley handed out a yellow card to Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe for a high tackle on Bayonne wing Xan Mousques – which looked a bit worse than it was – White had no complaints. “Referees get criticised so much, but I tell you what I really enjoyed today: that referee reffed like a Test referee,” the former…