Table of contents for 2026-04-13 in Mercury

Marathon 21-hour negotiations reach dead end as US Vice President admits to sharp disagreements United States Vice President JD Vance on Sunday declined to address mounting concerns over the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following stalled Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, even as new data points to a deepening crisis in one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints. Speaking after a marathon 21 hours of negotiations in Pakistan, Vance confirmed that the US and Iran had failed to reach an agreement, with Washington insisting on firm guarantees that Tehran would not pursue nuclear weapons. “The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly…

South Africa has taken a significant step to expand its agricultural exports after reaching a new phytosanitary agreement with People’s Republic of China to amend cold treatment requirements for citrus exports, a move expected to improve efficiency and unlock further growth in a key market. The agreement, signed in Pretoria between Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, has been widely welcomed by industry stakeholders, including the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa. Steenhuisen described the development as a major milestone in strengthening trade relations and expanding opportunities for South African producers. “It will cement our position as the biggest exporter of citrus to the PRC,” he said. The Department of Agriculture said the revised cold treatment protocols are designed to improve export efficiency, reduce costs for producers…

The applications of the Lehohla Ledger are vast and versatile. The Ledger demonstrates its capacity as a diagnostic tool for the two decade evasive phenomena from implementing the District Development Model (DDM). I selected three areas in South Africa and generated a schematic of Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA) Map comparing Mitchells Plain, Soweto, and Nobody. This illustrates the diagnostic power of the 2752 instruments derived from my 3000 columns written over a career of twenty four years. These instruments diagnose and provide pathways to solutions that are driven by the quest and pursuit for intergenerational value. Through this South African 'Subterranean Mesh' we interrogate at three distinct metabolic states: the 'Dormitory Disconnect' of the Cape, the 'Relentless Pulse' of Gauteng, and the 'Traditional Stagnation' of Limpopo. Each…

Kumba Iron Ore has made progress on its R11,2 billion ultra-high dense media separation processing plant at Sishen, which aims to secure the life of mine to 2041 and significantly increase the volume of premium grade product, said the CEO Mpumi Zikalala. Writing in the annual report released Friday, she said 37% of the overall project was complete and 90% of all engineering work was done. Critical milestones for the main tie-in of the bulk materials handling systemwere scheduled to be reached for the second half of 2026. On the development of low-carbon steelmaking technologies, the group is working with an Anglo American team – and with industry bodies, suppliers and academia – to research and pilot feed strategies for lower-carbon steel technologies, and to develop a portfolio of…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has entered a new era with the election of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as its new federal leader. Emerging victorious at the party’s historic Federal Congress 2026 in Midrand yesterday, Hill-Lewis succeeds John Steenhuisen, who led the party through its transition into the Government of National Unity (GNU). In a clean sweep for a “new generation” of leadership, Hill-Lewis is joined by Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga, who was elected federal chairperson, taking over from Helen Zille. In a deeply reflective acceptance speech, the 39-year-old Hill-Lewis expressed his gratitude to the 2 400 delegates gathered at Gallagher Estate. He also praised his opponent, Sibusiso Dyonase, who challenged Hill-Lewis for the leadership of the party. He described him as a “rising star” whose “cool campaign” reflected the…

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe, who chairs the ANC electoral committee, has warned of a “serious manifestation of political and administrative dysfunctionality” that is crippling the party, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, noting the crisis is affecting the ANC’s ability to operate and contest elections. He highlighted these systemic issues in a report documenting crises across structures in four provinces ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The ANC faces significant internal and external challenges across several provinces ahead of the local government elections. The issues include provincial leadership instability, fractured alliances and deteriorating service delivery in critical municipalities. He characterised the situation as part of a broader organisational crisis, highlighting deep political and administrative dysfunctionality. Motlanthe said without adapting to change and “whipping the party into shape”, the program of organisational renewal…

South Africa’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) system, which requires physical documents to be submitted to authorities, has come under scrutiny with allegations of bid-rigging and the disappearance of certain documents from bids, with digitisation as a suggested solution. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry recently heard how the City of Tshwane was taken to court by bidders because documents had gone missing from the bid submissions. This was in relation to the now-controversial R2.9 billion security tender, TMPD 02-2016/2017, which included two components: monthly payments for watchman services covering the 22 security companies and ad hoc services assigned as needed to suit the requirements of various municipal departments. The Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, asked Tshukudu Malatji, a Director for Asset Protection Services at the City of Tshwane Metro…

The ANC leadership treats its ally the SACP as enemy number one With the recent commemoration of Solomon Mahlangu, executed by the apartheid regime on April 6, 1979, and the assassination of Chris Hani on April 10, 1993, the contrast between past sacrifice and present political reality is stark. Mahlangu embodied the courage of the working class and youth in the armed struggle. Hani, as general secretary of the SACP, member of the ANC national executive committee, and chief of staff of Umkhonto weSizwe, epitomised the principle of dual membership that bound communists and nationalists in a common revolutionary project. Yet today, the ANC leadership treats its long-standing alliance partner, the SACP, as enemy number one while embracing neoliberal and right-wing parties such as the DA and Freedom Front…

AmaZulu’s fightback to earn a point away to Siwelele in Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash may have underlined their resilience, but it also reinforced a concern that is becoming harder to ignore – that the KZN side are increasingly reliant on being rescued. In the space of a week, Usuthu have dropped four points in matches where they enjoyed enough control to expect more. In a congested race, that is not simply a stumble; it is the kind of gradual drift that can quietly undo a Top 3 push. The 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein followed a now-familiar script. AmaZulu found themselves chasing the game before turning, once again, to the bench for a solution, with Mlondi Mbanjwa delivering a late equaliser after they were reduced to 10 men. On its own,…

Manchester City ignited the English Premier League title race with a second-half blitz that sealed a 3-0 win against Chelsea, as they closed the gap on leaders Arsenal yesterday. Pep Guardiola’s teams produced a devastating spell immediately after half-time, with Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi scoring in the space of six minutes at Stamford Bridge. Jeremy Doku wrapped up a statement victory to ensure City took advantage of Arsenal’s shock 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday. Second-placed City are now only six points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, setting up a seismic showdown against the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. Having beaten Arsenal in the League Cup final and thrashed Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals, City are hitting form at just the right time. A…

Durban City find themselves at crossroads as their eventful first season in the PSL comes to its conclusion. On one hand they have a spot in the final of the Nedbank Cup and on the other, a chance to finish in the Top 8 of the Betway Premiership. That’s two huge opportunities for a team as green as Durban City, both of which come with immense pressure. And for the first time this season, the Citizens have started look like the pressure is getting to them. From failing to create any scoring chances against Sundowns at home, to being outplayed by provincial rivals Golden Arrows, City’s recent form suggests a slide in concentration and energy levels. This was evident in the first half of the Arrows encounter; there was simply…

South Africa’s sugar industry is set to accelerate efforts to diversify beyond traditional sugar production following the signing of Phase 2 of the Sugar Cane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030, with stakeholders placing innovation and new product development at the centre of the sector’s future. The agreement, signed in Durban under the oversight of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi, marks a renewed commitment by government, industry and labour to reposition the sector as a more dynamic and sustainable contributor to the economy. Godlimpi stated that the second phase of the master plan signals a turning point for the industry, moving it away from a prolonged period of instability towards a more growth-oriented trajectory. Central to this shift is a strong focus on diversification, particularly into…

For businesses, last week’s fuel price increase of over R3 per litre for petrol and R7 per litre for diesel, is a direct hit to operating costs, impacting supply chains, production lines and distribution networks. In sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining and logistics, where fuel is a core input rather than a discretionary expense, this is a hit which is difficult to absorb. With more petrol price increases on the horizon, fuel costs can become a trigger for financial distress across key sectors, so early intervention is important to protect the business and preserve value. South African businesses are well accustomed to operating under sustained pressure. Loadshedding, elevated interest rates, civil unrest, constrained demand and margin compression have become embedded features of the commercial environment. The ongoing crisis in…

South Africa’s agricultural machinery sales recorded their first decline in over a year in March 2026, signalling a pause in momentum amid rising input costs and ongoing uncertainty in the farming sector. According to data released by the South African Agricultural Machinery Association, tractor sales fell by nearly 8% year-on-year to 618 units in March, down from 671 units sold in the same month last year. Combine harvester sales also declined sharply, dropping to 29 units from 37 units a year earlier. Willie Human, chairman of the association, said the slowdown reflects a combination of external pressures weighing on farmers’ investment decisions. “On a year-to-date basis, tractor sales are now approximately 2% up on last year. Twenty-nine combine harvesters were sold in March, eight fewer than the 37 units sold…

The South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) recently released its report on its successes and challenges over the past year. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is encouraged by SARS’ steady turnaround and congratulates its 14 500 employees on their outstanding achievements, including surpassing R2 trillion in revenue collections and especially in exceeding 2024’s tax collections by 8.4% or R155 billion in taxes owed to the state. We are proud of these dedicated public servants, most of whom are members of COSATU’s affiliate, NEHAWU. The remarkable turnaround of SARS from being at the epicentre of the state capture project and that was systematically decapacitated, to once again becoming a centre of public sector excellence and ramping up the fight against tax evasion and customs fraud; confirms the state’s invaluable…

In a significant development for the national flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA) has officially accepted the resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola. Effective from the end of April 2026, this decision follows a recent Board meeting attended by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, who serves as the shareholder representative. Creecy and the Board extended their heartfelt appreciation to Professor Lamola for his dedicated service during a transformative period for SAA. He initially joined the organisation in July 2021 as a Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Board, later assuming the role of GCEO in May 2022. Leading SAA through a tumultuous chapter marked by the airline's emergence from business rescue and the continuing fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, Lamola’s guidance has been hailed as…

If you’ve spent much time on TikTok recently, you may have noticed a strange new type of AI brain rot taking over: fruit dramas. These AI-generated short dramas feature odd-looking anthropomorphic fruit characters engaging in a range of ethically problematic behaviours. Many storylines, for instance, are based around affairs, racist attitudes, and the sexual assault of women characters. At face value, the videos come across as so bizarre that they can be hard to take seriously. That is, until you realise they’re amassing hundreds of millions of views. One account called ai.cinema021, which has launched a parody series called Fruit Love Island, boasts over 3 million followers, raising questions about the nature and impact of this peculiar digital content. This content is, at best, a water-guzzling affront to the art…

President Cyril Ramaphosa and former head of the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU), Major General Wally Rhoode, have been accused of contravening the Criminal Procedure Act by failing to report the theft at Phala Phala farm to the local police station. International law Professor Andre Thomashausen said both Ramaphosa and Rhoode could have opened a criminal case at a local police station, allowing police to perform their duties as normal. The remarks came after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) found that the PPU, under Rhoode, abused state resources and invoked Ramaphosa’s name to shield their unauthorised and unlawful investigation into the 2020 theft at the Phala Phala farm. The report identified misuse of state resources, including vehicles, flights and accommodation, for what was treated as a private matter. Travel documents…

Imtiaz Ahmed Cajee, the nephew of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol, delivered a haunting and blistering testimony on Thursday at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into TRC cases, calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in the legal “sideshows” that he says are continuing to traumatise the families of apartheid victims. Cajee, who has spent three decades pursuing the truth behind his uncle’s 1971 death in police custody, told the Commission that watching constant court applications for recusals and legal manoeuvring has a “devastating effect” on families still dying for closure. “I would just like to plead to the President... please take into consideration that we, as victims, as affected parties, must sit and watch these proceedings and it is very painful,” Cajee said, urging the President not to interfere with…

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) lacks the authority to unilaterally investigate or overturn eThekwini Municipality’s 2018 council resolution on the R22 million expenditure for the statues of former President Nelson Mandela and former ANC president Oliver Tambo, according to Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, unless evidence of non-compliance with statutory frameworks is provided. The municipality, defending the spending, maintains that the project was part of a heritage strategy, involved lawful public participation, and did not compromise essential services, thus arguing against any need for consequence management regarding the expenditure or decision-making process. Hlabisa was responding to questions posed by the MK Party’s Adil Nchabeleng, following a public and political outcry that the municipality spent R22m on two statues while it battles with water shortages, sewage spills, collapsing infrastructure,…

Gerda Steyn may have extended her remarkable reign with a seventh consecutive Two Oceans Ultra Marathon title, but the South African icon made it clear after Saturday’s victory in Cape Town that she is far from finished. Her latest triumph reinforces her status as the dominant force in the race, yet Steyn struck a notably reflective tone – balancing deep satisfaction with an honest acknowledgment that time is beginning to creep into the conversation. “The goal (Saturday) for me was first of all to win a seventh consecutive Two Oceans in a row, so for that I’m very happy and I feel like I’ve achieved what I set out to do,” she said. While the result adds another layer to an already glittering legacy, Steyn’s focus is no longer just…

Kaizer Chiefs combined momentum with maturity to finally snap a five-year winless run against TS Galaxy, securing a controlled 2-0 victory at FNB Stadium to strengthen their grip on a CAF Confederation Cup spot. Amakhosi arrived on the back of three consecutive wins and immediately imposed themselves on proceedings, dominating possession and territory from the first whistle. The result sees Chiefs move to 42 points, opening a three-point gap over fourth-placed AmaZulu, while still holding two games in hand – a significant advantage in the race for continental qualification. However, co-coach Cedric Kaze has urged his sides to remain grounded despite reaching this significant milestone, warning that recent progress will count for little without sustained focus. “We need to keep pressure, pressure on everyone, in training, out training to recover…

South Africa’s two major trade unions in the metals and broader industrial sectors have thrown their weight behind Eskom’s 62c/kWh electricity tariff agreement with key smelting companies, describing it as a critical intervention to safeguard jobs, stabilise the sector and support long-term industrialisation. This comes as Eskom last week concluded a 62c/kWh electricity tariff for Samancor Chrome and Glencore–Merafe Chrome ferrochrome smelters after threats to the industry’s survival and jobs. The power utility said the deal will provide it with predictable sales volumes for up to the next five years and protects public investments made in the utility, as well as its ability to support reindustrialization and economic growth. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Solidarity over the weekend both welcomed the development, although from slightly…

South Africans are facing a growing food security emergency on multiple fronts, with skyrocketing red meat prices, combined with transport cost pressures on all food necessitating urgent government action before the situation worsens. A severe Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, which has been widely reported, has led to widespread cattle slaughter across the country, driving red meat prices up and pushing many meat protein products beyond the reach of millions of low-income households. Concurrently, conflict in the Middle East is inflating fertiliser costs, which in time will drive up grain and animal feed prices, impacting everything on supermarket shelves, from vegetables to meat. Additionally, pork prices are rising due to outbreaks of African Swine Fever, resulting in targeted culling. Rising diesel costs, the largest single increase in South African history,…

According to the IMF, the global economic outlook for 2026 has weakened significantly due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, specifically the war involving Israel, the US, and Iran. While global growth was initially projected to be steady, it is now under severe pressure from the largest energy supply disruption in history. n The OECD projects global growth of 2.9% for 2026, down from previous estimates of more than 4.0% due to energy shocks. n Some analysts warn that a prolonged conflict, specifically a six-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz, could tip the global economy into an outright contraction (recession), with world growth falling as low as 1.4%. The announcement by the US that a ceasefire between the US/Israel and Iran was introduced last Tuesday brought some calmness to…

Durban's uShaka Marine World's Wet 'n Wild will be closed for three weeks to allow for maintenance. eThekwini Municipality said the waterpark will be closed between May 4 and May 26 for the planned maintenance programme. "The timing of this maintenance has been carefully planned to coincide with the Waterpark’s low season to minimise disruption to visitors. The work will prioritise several key attractions, including the Waterpark’s three highest slides, the popular 5‑Lane Racer slides, as well as the resurfacing of multiple pools throughout the facility," the City said. Visitors can still visit the tourist attraction for the Sea World, Kids World, Sea Animal Encounters, and Dangerous Creatures sites. In February, the water park was closed following an unexpected pipe burst that led to significant flooding in the plant room,…

Cosmetic injectables have become a go-to for smoother skin and fuller lips, but behind the growing demand lies a troubling reality: more people are falling victim to unsafe treatments and unqualified practitioners. In South Africa, experts are raising concerns about the rise in botched procedures linked to illegal injectors and counterfeit products. What may seem like a quick, affordable beauty fix can quickly turn into a medical emergency. When things go wrong Injectables like fillers and neurotoxins are often marketed as simple, lunchtime procedures. In reality, they are complex medical treatments that require an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. When performed incorrectly, the consequences can be severe. Injecting into the wrong area, or too deeply, can restrict blood flow, damage tissue, and even lead to permanent scarring. In extreme cases,…

The KwaZulu-Natal government has resolved that action should be taken following the governance crises that have undermined the development bank and its customers, putting it at risk of being shut down by regulators. Among the issues of concern raised by the provincial government is the failure of the bank to secure a commercial banking licence. In a statement, Premier Thami Ntuli said the Government of Provincial Unity is working to stabilise the institution. He noted that the Provincial Executive Council has moved decisively into consequence management, focusing on governance failures and institutional accountability. The statement added that at its meeting on 27 March 2026, the Executive Council noted serious governance and fiduciary lapses within Ithala SOC Limited, including: The failure to secure a banking licence within prescribed timelines; Inadequate regulatory…

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, head of department Penny Msimango, and senior departmental management on Thursday led an unannounced visit to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital to address persistent, long queues and service delays plaguing the facility. According to the department, early signs show that new plans are already easing bottlenecks, but some challenges remain. “I will not rest until this hospital gets it right,” Simelane said. The department said that people offered solutions and gave input as they wanted systems that work. “Our patients are not unreasonable. They simply want to be communicated with when there are bottlenecks, not to be left unattended or in the dark, and to receive service that is up to standard,” the department said. “The number one complaint remains waiting time,” the department…

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes that skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will “feel at ease” after leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC) this past weekend – a victory he feels will go a long way in giving the team the confidence to bring their campaign back on track. Sanju Samson’s scintillating unbeaten 115 powered CSK to a massive 212/2 in their IPL clash. He also shared a 113-run stand with youngster Ayush Mhatre, who slammed 59 off 36 deliveries. Jamie Overton picked up 4-18, the best figures of the season so far, using hard lengths well to stifle the DC middle order as they were eventually bowled out for 189. “I think Gaikwad’s captaincy has been very good,” said du Plessis on…

There is an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu creeping into Orlando Pirates’ title challenge – one that points directly back to the painful lessons endured by Kaizer Chiefs in the 2019/20 season. Back then, Chiefs did not implode overnight. They remained competitive, continued picking up results, and stayed in the race deep into the campaign. But as the pressure intensified, small slip-ups proved costly – and Mamelodi Sundowns were ruthless in capitalising. Pirates now find themselves in that exact position. Following their recent slip against Richards Bay FC on Friday, the Buccaneers are walking a tightrope with just six games remaining. The title is no longer in their hands – and that shift, subtle as it may seem, changes everything. In isolation, Pirates’ recent form is not alarming. Across their…

While it will take a collective effort from all four South African franchises to maintain their unbeaten runs in the United Rugby Championship (URC), they will still look to key individuals to lead the charge in their respective clashes. The Stormers, Bulls, Lions and Sharks all secured back-to-back victories in the last two URC rounds, and they will be eager to keep that momentum going this weekend. Here, we highlight four players who could prove pivotal to their teams’ fortunes. Chris Smith | Lions The flyhalf will once again be central to the Lions’ hopes as they look to upset log leaders Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park on Saturday. He has been a consistent figure for the Johannesburg outfit, and that is unlikely to change. Smith remains the…