Table of contents for 2025-08-21 in Cape Times

Stats SA reports that consumer prices surged to their highest in 10 months in July The rand weakened to R17.70 against the US dollar on Wednesday, its lowest in more than one week, after Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported that consumer prices surged to their highest in 10 months in July, putting household food budgets under pressure. Data from Stats SA on Wednesday showed that the annual headline consumer price inflation (CPI) soared from 3.0% in June to 3.5% in July, driven largely by beef prices on the back of ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. The July inflation print marked the second consecutive monthly increase and was the highest rate since September 2024 when it was 3.8%. Stats SA's chief director for price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said annual…

When designing youth employment programmes, companies often focus on the obvious barriers: skills gaps, lack of experience, or geographical constraints. But for young women, particularly women of colour, the challenges run far deeper. Research from the Human Sciences Research Council reveals that young black women face South Africa’s highest unemployment rates, with black African women experiencing unemployment rates 4.2% higher than the national average at 42.4%. This group of women exists at the intersection of gender, race and class, creating a complex web of exclusion that requires us to think systemically rather than symptomatically. The barriers start with unconscious biases about which jobs and environments are “suitable”, or not, for women. I experienced this firsthand as a young civil engineer when my manager consistently denied me construction site experience,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with several Japanese businesses in the renewable energy and auto sectors on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan. This comes as Ramaphosa has embarked on a strategic mission to enhance South Africa's economic landscape and diversification strategy by courting Japanese businesses in light of the recent 30% upsurge in tariffs to the US market. Japan is one of the major investors with more than R90 billion in the South African economy, with 260 Japanese companies, sustaining over 150 000 local jobs. Ramaphosa met with Mitsui, the strategic investor (27.5% stake) in Mainstream Renewable Power, which currently has a 12GW SA wind solar pipeline and reached financial close on a 97.5MW solar farm for Sasol/Air Liquide.…

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of South Africa's economy, contributing more than R5 trillion in turnover, accounting for roughly 34% of the country's GDP, and employing 11.4 million people. These vital economic engines drive innovation, create jobs, and fuel economic growth across the nation. In this context, 84% of SMEs expect their businesses to grow over the next 12 months, 69% are confident the economy will be conducive to growth, and confidence in access to finance has risen to 64%. At the same time, cash flow, economic conditions, and access to funding remain the top concerns, and confidence that clients will pay on time sits at 72%, up 3 points year on year. This signals cautious but determined momentum despite ongoing pressures. In the face of ongoing…

Prosus, the Naspers subsidiary listed in Amsterdam and the JSE, increased adjusted earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (aEBITDA) by robust 54% in the internet group’s first quarter, CEO Fabricio Bloisi said. He wrote in a letter to shareholders at the annual general meeting on Wednesday, where all the resolutions were passed, that revenue for the period was up 15% year-on-year. “We realised $780 million of asset sales in the last four months, showing our commitment to disciplined capital allocation,” he said. He said the JET (Just Eat Takeaway.com) acquisition was approved in five and a half months, way ahead of market expectations; and if JET was included for the second half of the 2026 financial year, Prosus’ revenue could reach between $9.4 billion - $9.6bn and aEBITDA…

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) is reportedly mulling over a return to the National Dialogue process, following an olive branch extended by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG). This comes after several legacy foundations, including the TMF, withdrew from the First National Convention due to concerns over preparation and process two weeks ago. The foundation's withdrawal raised questions about the legitimacy of the National Dialogue process. Controversy surrounded the National Dialogue held at Unisa last Friday and Saturday, particularly concerning its alleged R700 million budget. Several political parties, including the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, the EFF, and the DA, have also refused to participate. Yesterday, TMF spokesperson Bongani Kupe confirmed that all of the legacy foundations had received the letter and were considering it. “We have always said that we are open…

Stellenbosch University (SU) officially opened the Medical Morphology Learning Centre (MMLC) yesterday, establishing Africa’s largest and most technologically advanced facility of its kind. The state-of-the-art centre aims to reimagine health sciences education, moving beyond traditional teaching methods to create an immersive, interactive learning environment. Located within SU’s Biomedical Research Institute at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Tygerberg Campus, the MMLC blends cutting-edge technology with traditional anatomical resources, offering students access to human anatomy through multiple learning modalities. “With the MMLC, we’ve reimagined health sciences education, changing learning from a passive exercise into an interactive immersive journey,” said Vice-Dean for Learning and Teaching in SU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof Karin Baatjes. “This cutting-edge training facility uses the latest technology to transform how students connect…

The line-out is normally where the magic happens for the Springboks. It’s their biggest attacking platform and something they take a lot of pride in. But last Saturday at Ellis Park they were outfoxed by a cunning Wallabies team in their Rugby Championship opener. The Springboks ended the match with a 68.8% success rate in that department, losing several balls on their own throw because of the brilliant competing by the Australians. When you take away the Springboks’ line-out, you take away several options in their attacking arsenal. Their much-vaunted maul is immediately nullified, while their variety of trick plays are also null and void. The strike plays when they go off the top of the lineout are also curtailed. This worked so well in that blazing 20 minutes of…

Africa may not boast the largest economies or deepest pockets, but it has what many regions lack: energy, youth, abundance, and innovation. While the rest of the world gets older and runs out of steam, Africa’s cities are expanding, consumer demand is rising, and resources remain plentiful. What this means is that in the next 25 years, over half of global population growth will emanate from Africa, shifting the currents of investment, infrastructure, and trade. Deep historic and cultural links are keeping the West engaged in Africa, but changing geopolitical dynamics are changing how its economic and strategic importance is viewed. First mover advantage Recognising its potential as a new frontier for global economic growth early on, China was Africa’s first meaningful investor in the 21st century. Over the past…

Youth unemployment in South Africa is at concerning levels, with the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey by Stats SA revealing that the youth unemployment rate has risen to 46.1% in 2025. That’s about 4.8 million young people without work, similar to the previous quarter. But in this bleak environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remain a beacon of hope, not only as potential employers, but as launchpads for the country’s next generation of entrepreneurs. As we look for solutions to this, it’s worth considering how small businesses can support young business owners, and how intergenerational collaboration can drive both innovation and resilience. Small businesses that intentionally create space for younger voices and ideas are often the ones that remain most adaptable in the face of change. When younger and older…

DRDGold’s headline earnings a share increased 69% and the dividend was raised 100% to 40 cents, following a greater level of stability and success during the year to June 30 and a robust gold price. The share price fell slightly by 0.77% to R25.90 on Wednesday morning on the JSE, but in a reflection of investor confidence in improving fortunes at the company, the share price is up over 53% over 12 months. The company, which has the retreatment of mine tailings as its core business, said Wednesday a “new normal” was established at Ergo and its life had been extended. Ambitious growth objectives were being pursued at Far West Gold Recoveries (FWGR). CEO Niël Pretorius said within DRDGold “we talk about Ergo 1 – this was from 2008 when…

Retailer West Pack Lifestyle plans to open three more outlets before the end of the year, it said as it announced it has emerged from business rescue. The group went into business rescue in May 2024 amid several challenges such as the economic aftermath of Covid-19 and an accelerated expansion strategy that stretched the business too thin. At the time, the group owed more than R100 million to different financial institutions such as Access Bank, Absa, and Preference Capital. Wespack Lifestyle Corporate was sold during the business rescue. The private sale of West Pack Lifestyle saw more than 1000 jobs being saved. West Pack Lifestyle currently employs 1000. The retailer's strategy is now centred on franchising, ensuring the group is positioned for stability and growth in a tough economic climate.…

Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has approached the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to challenge his suspension, alleging that Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola admitted to breaching proper procedures when he suspended him. Sibiya's suspension followed explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused him of stealing and concealing crucial murder case dockets. Mkhwanazi also alleged that Sibiya colluded with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to dismantle the task team investigating political killings. In his replying affidavit in the high court, Sibiya stated that Masemola breached police disciplinary regulations by instructing him to “stay at home” during the investigation without following proper procedures. Sibiya argues that Masemola should have allowed him to respond to the allegations before suspending him. “In his answering affidavit, the commissioner conceded he did…

Found as a newborn by a vet in Kenya and adopted by a family from the UK, 31-year-old occupational therapist Becky Chaplin has come full circle. Today, she leads rehabilitation service on board the Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship operated by international charity Mercy Ships. Chaplin’s story is one of resilience, identity, and service. Found abandoned and still attached to her umbilical cord, she was saved by a passing veterinarian and adopted at seven weeks old by a British missionary couple. “Mum said when she picked me up, she felt God was saying ‘this is your daughter,’” Chaplin said. “I’m Kenyan by birth but British by adoption.” Raised between Kenya and the UK, she embraces her dual heritage and uses her unique perspective to bridge…

The battle against gangsterism in the province has taken a significant step forward with the implementation of a robust inter-departmental Anti-Gangsterism Implementation Plan. Spearheaded by the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety, the initiative aims to address the recruitment of minors into gang culture. Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe revealed this following a parliamentary question by the EFF’s Noluvuyo Tafeni, who wanted to know the Department of Social Development’s (DSD) interventions to mitigate the recruitment of minors into gangsterism by gangsters, specifically in the Western Cape. In her response, Tolashe explained that the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety is the lead department in anti-gangsterism strategy and coordinates the annual provincial inter-departmental Anti-Gangsterism Implementation Plan. “Departments report on their anti-gang plans and activities in selected high-gang…

Alexander Isak has broken his silence on his Newcastle United future, claiming his departure is now “in the best interests of everyone” as the £150 million (about R3.5 billion) transfer saga intensifies. The Swedish striker, who finished as the English Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer last season, has been absent from pre-season and missed the Magpies’ opening 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. Liverpool have already seen a £110 million offer rejected, with Newcastle holding out for a British record fee. In a strongly worded Instagram post on Tuesday, Isak said: “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. “That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. The reality…

South Africans will feel the financial sqeeze as the average nominal take-home pay marginally declined in July, according to the latest BankservAfrica Take-home Pay Index (BTPI). The nominal average take-home pay reached R17 144 in July 2025, 1.1% lower than the R17 339 reflected in June 2025 and a significant 6.9% lower than in February 2025. The index which tracks the monthly salary movements of approximately 3.8 million South African salary earners. However, the latest salary payments data reveals the pressure on workers – caught between a weak job market and rising municipal rates. Although the slowdown in 2025 is concerning, the data also points to the current employment trends. “Given that the BTPI is based on the total value of salaries paid into employees’ bank accounts - excluding…

In South Africa, the word hustle often conjures up the image young men selling iPhones and sneakers on Instagram, the teenager washing cars at the corner, or the boys lingering outside a spaza shop asking for R2. Their creativity and energy embody one face of hustling: quick, visible, entrepreneurial activity that thrives on immediacy and modern platforms. This side of hustle is celebrated as a bold response to unemployment and limited opportunities, showcasing how youth reimagine livelihoods in a precarious economy. But hustle has another quieter, less visible, yet far more enduring face. This is the hustle of women, particularly those over thirty-five, who sustain South Africa’s informal economy through daily enterprise. They are the traders at taxi ranks, the women running home-based food businesses, the resellers of shoes and…

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is gearing up for a legal battle as it seeks to protect nearly 700 jobs at Assmang’s Beeshoek Iron Ore Mine in the Northern Cape. The union on Wednesday expressed strong opposition to any attempts at fast-tracking potential retrenchments that stem from the mine’s financial struggles, which are primarily linked to the economic woes of its major client, ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA). NUM’s Kimberley regional secretary, Mosepedi Sanane, signalled the union’s readiness to engage in consultations to explore alternatives to what could be one of the most significant job losses in the region. “The NUM will engage meaningfully in the forthcoming consultations. However, we are clear that we will robustly challenge any attempt at unfair job losses,” Sanane said. “Our members will be kept…

The Science, Technology and Innovation Department has moved to allay fears that the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will further push the unemployment rate higher in South Africa. Speaking at the official launch of AI educational robot teacher, IRIS, in Durban on Tuesday evening, Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina urged people to embrace technology that comes with AI, dismissing the assertion that it will further strain unemployment in the country, as most businesses will reduce their reliance on intensive labour and opt for AI. “It’s high time that we embrace technology, particularly AI. We must change our mindset and accept that life is evolving. As a department, we must demystify the perception that science is for specific people or learned people. We live science on a daily…

NEDBANK became the first to poke holes in the Competition Commission’s case accusing some of the country’s top banks and their international counterparts of being involved in a conspiracy to manipulate the rand. The bank maintained that there was no case to answer as there is not a shred of evidence regarding any wrongdoing against it. Advocate Anthony Gotz SC, told the Constitutional Court yesterday that Nedbank should never have been added as a respondent in the Competition Commission’s referral of the matter to the tribunal. This argument follows the Competition Commission’s appeal following last year's judgment in which the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) cleared 13 banks - including Nedbank - from facing the music in a later trial regarding the rand/US dollar manipulation saga. Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, acting on…

Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), in partnership with Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW) and with support from the GSH Trust, is taking decisive action to lessen the backlog in women’s reproductive healthcare. The first dedicated surgical list for the “Informed Choices for Healthy Futures” project was launched on Women’s Day, providing long-awaited tubal ligation procedures - a permanent family planning option - for women who have been waiting, in some cases, for years. Currently, more than 300 women in the Metro West area are on the waiting list for these elective surgeries, with no definitive date for their procedures. Due to large patient volumes and resource pressure in the public health system, many women have been discharged with only contraception options or referred elsewhere for these elective surgeries.…

The owner of two Pit Bull Terriers and a mixed breed dog has been ordered by the Western Cape High Court to deliver her dogs to the local pound for evaluation after the court found the dogs pose a risk to the public. On three occasions, the dogs attacked visitors to the property and their injuries necessitated hospitalisation of the victims for an extended period. Judge Daniel Thulare ordered that Marais deliver the dogs to Theewaterskloof Municipal Pound by August 26. If the dog owner fails to do so, the Theewaterskloof Municipality was authorised to impound them as set out in the Impoundment By-Law and to process the dogs in accordance with the law. Marais’ attorney, Nazeer Parker, confirmed that he would consult with his client by the end…

A powerful arts exhibition, Cosmic Echoes: Shared Sky Indigenous Art Exhibition, brought together women from the spheres of science, heritage, and the arts to celebrate Women's Day. Hosted by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), and Sol Plaatje University (SPU), the event showcased the collaborative celebration of indigenous people and their wisdom of the southern night skies. The exhibition honoured the contributions of women in science and art, particularly indigenous women who merge traditional knowledge with modern inquiry. Ouma Katrina Esau, a legendary storyteller and preserver of language, was commended for her work in protecting the Khomani San N/uu language. Born and raised in the Northern Cape, Ouma Katrina teaches N|uu from her home, ensuring that this vital part of South Africa’s earliest…

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu wants to nail down his role on Saturday and help put the Springboks in the right areas of the field as they look to overcome Australia in the second Rugby Championship Test. The versatile youngster is part of a six-two Bomb Squad replacement bench for the clash at DHL Stadium (5.10 pm kick-off) and is aiming to replicate his performances from last year’s tournament. He knows the team is on the back foot, however, and that it will take a collective effort to turn their fortunes around. With potential playing spots up for grabs when the Boks head to New Zealand next month for back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks, Feinberg-Mngomezulu emphasised the importance of staying focused on the present and delivering a strong performance against Australia. What…