Inhaltsverzeichnis für 2025-07-04 in Cape Times

A new report from SwissAid has uncovered the extensive involvement of corrupt officials in the illicit trade and laundering of South Africa’s gold. The report, released on Wednesday, highlights the grim reality that both criminal syndicates and complicit high-ranking officials are exacerbating the country's struggle with illegal gold exports, a trade that has turned opaque due to poor accounting of imports and exports. Further compounding the situation is a thriving informal gold sector through illegal miners known as "Zama Zamas", dealers and buyers. This provides a fertile ground for the proliferation of illicit trade in gold which is then officially exported to destinations such as Dubai in the united Arab Emitates. South Africa used to be one of Africa’s largest gold producers. Currently, large scale gold mining in South Africa…

As South Africa is gearing up to host the world’s leaders at the G20 Plenary Summit in November 2025, one question looms large – how can we leverage the world’s attention to boost job creation and grow the economy inclusively? There are many lessons to be applied in leveraging the G20 presidency for job creation - in particular India’s 2023 hosting offers a compelling job creation blueprint for South Africa. By focusing on infrastructure, tourism, foreign investment, SME development, and workforce upskilling, India created over one million jobs before, during, and after the summit. South Africa can replicate and refine this model to leave a lasting economic impact. Here's how South Africa can maximize the G20 opportunity for job creation. Infrastructure Development: A Boom for Construction and Urban Jobs Hosting…

Entering retirement in good health is a blessing, but it also brings with it the challenge of planning for a much longer life. While being free of illness can create a sense of security, it’s important not to become complacent. Here are ten financial planning considerations if you're healthy heading into retirement: 1. Good health today doesn’t guarantee good health tomorrow: Being fit and healthy now doesn’t eliminate the risk of age-related illness later on, especially as conditions such as heart disease, dementia, and cancer become more likely as you age. Don’t let your current good health tempt you into cancelling or downgrading your medical aid or gap cover. Remember, if you downgrade, you can only upgrade again at the start of the next benefit year. Also, when budgeting,…

Reinet Investments, after days of media speculation, said Thursday that Athora Holdings had approached it about selling its stake in UK-based Pension Insurance Corporation Group (PIC) as part of a wider deal worth about £5.7 billion (R136.4bn). The deal could push Athora, which operates in the savings and retirement services markets in countries including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, into the UK, believed to be the largest retirement market in Europe. The PIC manages about £50bn in assets and has nearly 400,000 policyholders in the UK. Reinet Investments, which is also listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and Luxembourg Stock Exchanges, said the announcement on the talks followed further press speculation concerning the possibility of a sale of PIC, in which Reinet owns an indirect 49.5 percent interest. Reinet, which had…

The Minerals Council of South Africa has raised concerns over the approval by government of an export tax on ferrochrome concentrates and welcomed the Cabinet's adoption of preferential electricity tariffs for ferrochrome smelters. Chrome mining has been one of the best-performing subsectors of the South African mining sector, with data from Statistics SA showing that chrome production increased by an average of 8.4% between 1994 and 2024 on an inflation adjusted basis. This reflects an accelerated pace of growth than the 1.3% recorded for non-gold production in South Africa over the same period. It was against this backdrop that the Minerals Council on Thursday said it was concerned by the approval by Cabinet of an export tax on ferrochrome concentrates. “A particular concern in the Cabinet statement is the approval…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has confirmed that Colleen Makhubele remains in her position as Chief Whip, despite purported suggestions of a petition from other party members calling for her removal. At a press briefing held in Parliament yesterday, MKP parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe said a claim that a letter had been sent to party president Jacob Zuma calling for him to oust Makhubele was false. “There is no letter, there is no petition, in terms of which MPs are calling for the head of the Chief Whip. This is a figment of someone’s imagination,” said Hlophe. “Quite frankly, I would have been the first person to receive that petition. I asked President Zuma as late as last night. There is no such letter. Comrade Colleen Makhubele remains the…

Former Deputy President David Mabuza has been remembered as a dominant politician and committed and humble cadre who dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. Tributes poured in after Mabuza, who served as Deputy President under Cyril Ramaphosa’s first term, died yesterday afternoon, aged 64. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed the news and extended his condolences to the Mabuza family. “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of the former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza,” Mbalula said. “We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by…

EASTERN Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge’s legal counsel put their own emoji expert witness on the stand yesterday at the Judicial Conduct Tribunal where he gave evidence relating to Whatsapp exchanges between the judge and complainant Andiswa Mengo. Dr Vincent Mello an expert in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) specialising in Research and Information Science, gave evidence relating to the use of emojis as it is used in Unicode (a system for encoding virtually all characters used in computers, ensuring consistent representation across different platforms and languages) globally. Mello gave a detailed breakdown of the amount of times certain emojis were used between both parties on the WhatsApp application, adding that cumulatively, emojis were used approximately 189 times between JP Mbenenge and Mengo. It was Mello’s evidence that, according…

As the European Commission (EC) gears up to launch plans for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in early 2026, South African industries are left contemplating the potential ramifications of this new regulatory framework. Affecting key sectors such as aluminium, steel, fertilizers, electrical energy, hydrogen, and cement, the proposed measures aim to mitigate risks of carbon leakage while promoting a low-carbon economy. The EC announced on Thursday that it was actively working on proposals to support producers in sectors identified as vulnerable to carbon leakage. Acknowledging the environmental challenges posed by differing climate policies globally, the Commission is keen to ensure that substantial carbon emissions do not simply shift from the European Union (EU) to nations with less stringent regulations. "The proposal, which is expected to be made by the…

Having recently participated in the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), I left with one burning realisation: South Africa’s digital future depends on how quickly and boldly we reform our ICT policy landscape. The IGF discussions revealed a sobering geopolitical reality: ICT infrastructure is no longer just about connectivity or convenience; it has become a strategic asset, a tool of control, and, in many ways, a modern currency in the global power play. Subsea cables, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, radio frequency spectrum, and hyperscale data centres are now at the heart of geopolitical influence. The Global North is rapidly consolidat ing control over these digital arteries, ensuring that data traffic, internet governance decisions, and emerging technologies remain within their sphere of influence. Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, is heavily…

Understanding “offshore” starts with one simple certainty: nothing in the South African Income Tax or Reserve Bank regulations prohibits South Africans from opening a bank or investment account, or setting up an offshore trust. Placing money offshore is often a prudent financial strategy. Exposure to international assets offers three vital benefits. It hedges against rand depreciation, enables portfolio diversification, and opens up access to a broader range of investment opportunities. In most cases, opening an offshore bank account is advisable early on, especially for individuals who earn income abroad or operate a business with international exposure. Banking offshore is a relatively straightforward way to begin building financial resilience and global diversification. Setting up an offshore trust, on the other hand, is typically a more advanced step. It becomes appropriate when…

Tongaat Hulett’s (THL) three South African sugar mills, Maidstone, Amatikulu and Felixton, which benefited from capital investment since the group went into business rescue, have ranked as the top three nationally for sugar recovery in the current sugar milling season. The recognition indicates the scale of THL’s operational turnaround since entering business rescue in October 2022 - the group said in a statement Thursday its mills were now not only stable, but leading performance across the broader South African sugar sector. Tongaat Hulett CEO Gavin Dalgleish, together with the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs), recently met with grower representatives in a series of engagements. These meetings focused on sharing updates about the company’s progress under business rescue, as well as the improvements seen across its milling and refining operations. The group’s…

Suspended Road Accident Fund (RAF) chief executive Collins Letsoalo has hit back at the judge who refused to lift his suspension, citing nearly 40 points in which he claimed the judge had erred in his judgment. Letsoalo has applied for leave to appeal against last month’s judgment in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. In a scathing judgment, Judge Nasious Moshoanathe said Letsoalo's application was deemed vexatious. He found Letsoalo’s suspension effected by the RAF Board earlier this month to be lawful, rational, and reasonable. While the judge had some harsh words regarding Letsoalo’s earlier urgent application, the suspended CEO will again have to face the judge in court, as Judge Moshoanathe will have to decide on whether to grant him leave to appeal or not. In slapping Letsoalo with the…

THERE are innovative and progressive human settlement experts in our mist that understand both the task of housing and the duty to people, such as former KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Ravi Pillay, who spearheaded a program to upgrade the Shallcross Flats and simultaneously provide ownership of these homes to people. The Shallcross Flats were government housing blocks which were originally built as temporary accommodation. Through sheer persistence by Pillay and the tireless advocacy of local leaders like the late Bob Abhrams, Mogie Naidoo, Ronnie Pillay, Olean Naidoo, Picky Naidoo, the flats transformed from temporary occupancy into permanent ownership and people were given a flat upgrade and their very first title deeds. This was not just a housing upgrade - it was a dignity upgrade. It showed…

A woman who was struck in her right eye with a rubber bullet and had to have it surgically removed will be compensated to the tune of R2.2 million by the Police Ministry. This comes after the North West High Court in Mahikeng granted the damages claim of the woman who had initially sought costs of R3.5m. The woman was struck by an errant rubber bullet in her right eye on July 11, 2019, while doing chores in her yard, as nearby civil unrest unfolded and police attended to the scene. The woman, who was 19 at the time of the incident, and was gaining traction in her entrepreneurial business selling homemade atchar door-to-door with a monthly income of about R3600, lost all function in her right eye, and it…

Murder at the Patel Motel Maulik Pancholy, Zackary Grady and Archilles Stamatelaky Narrated by a full cast AUDIBLE ORIGINALS THIS engaging murder mystery, narrated by a talented full cast, showcases the exciting writing styles of Maulik Pancholy, Zackary Grady, and Archilles Stamatelaky. Released just last month, this irresistible production has quickly achieved an impressive 4.6-star rating on Audible, indicating its widespread appeal to a diverse audience. Setting the scene is a family-run motel in Montana, and the narrative unfolds with Milan Patel, who embarks on what should be a routine visit to his parents. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts to a chilling mystery when Milan’s father dies under mysterious circumstances. I enjoyed the blend of suspense and dark humour, captivating listeners right from the start. The twist on the Agatha…

United Nations says corporations are facilitating system of exploitative occupation The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories has unveiled a report listing up to 48 multinational corporations allegedly complicit in the ongoing war and profiting from the occupation of Palestine. The findings, presented by Francesca Albanese during a media briefing in Geneva on Thursday, accuse these corporations of failing to uphold their legal responsibilities, thereby facilitating a system of exploitative occupation. Albanese's report highlights a troubling landscape where corporations across various sectors—including weapons manufacturers, technology firms, financial institutions, and construction companies—are said to be contributing to what she describes as a “livestreamed genocide.” The findings underscore a broader complicity, presenting a picture where corporate interests overshadow profound ethical considerations regarding human rights violations…

South Africa's private sector economy has signalled a concerning shift towards fragility, as evidenced by the latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The PMI, which serves as a composite indicator of operating conditions in the private sector, revealed a notable decline on Thursday, dropping from 50.8 in May to 50.1 in June. This reading, while remaining barely within the expansion territory, raises red flags as business confidence plummeted to its lowest point in nearly four years. The PMI serves as a crucial economic barometer; readings above 50 indicate an improvement in business conditions compared to the prior month, while readings below this threshold reflect deterioration. This S&P economic indicator corresponds with the Absa PMI released on Tuesday, which showed that the economy remained in contractionary territory for the eighth…

Financial scams are evolving rapidly, and some of the most deceptive ones no longer begin with cold calls or phishing emails, but with what seems like a genuine and personal conversation, says financial services provider FNB. The bank warns that romantic financial scams, often disguised as sincere relationships, are defrauding people of millions. “In a growing trend locally, reminiscent of what viewers saw in the Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler, scammers use charm, digital intimacy, and emotional manipulation to swindle unsuspecting victims out of thousands of rands,” the group says. FNB integrated advice product head Ester Ochse warns that these scams are on the rise, particularly targeting individuals who are active on dating platforms or those who engage regularly on social media. “Romance scams are not just about emotional manipulation;…

South Africans living and working abroad are being urged to take note of recent changes by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) that significantly alter how non-residency for tax purposes is treated and enforced. According to Thomas Lobban, Director of Tax and Legal at Latita Africa, Sars has quietly amended its Notice of Non-Resident Tax Status to now include the specific legal basis - such as reliance on a double tax agreement - for ceasing South African tax residency. While the change appears administrative, Lobban says it marks a crucial shift in Sars’ oversight of taxpayers living outside the country. Coupled with the 2025 requirement for taxpayers to declare their residency status to Sars, this change dramatically increases the risk of residency audits and backdated reclassification, especially for South…

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has cleared former police minister Bheki Cele of accusations of chartering a SAPS helicopter to attend the ANC’s 2024 election manifesto launch in February last year. The DA complained to Gcaleka after Cele was seen arriving at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in an SAPS helicopter. Andrew Whitfield, the DA’s then shadow police minister, accused Cele of making use of the official aircraft as his taxi or e-hailing service to and from a political party event. Whitfield also rejected Cele and the SAPS’s averment that the former minister’s use of the helicopter was in line with his “constitutional responsibility as a Minister of Police”. In addition, Whitfield said should it be found that the SAPS helicopter collected Cele from any location other than its assigned base (and…

The wording 'Wheels' in relation to biscuits came under the legal spotlight after a company selling biscuits under the name 'Wagon Wheels' objected to a competitor wanting to register its biscuits using the name ‘Wheels’ on its packaging. Burton’s Foods turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, as it is opposing two trademark applications filed by Boxer Superstores under the Trade Marks Act, to enable it to use the word 'Wheels' on its biscuits. Burton’s Foods asked the court for an order refusing Boxer Superstores' trademark applications and directing that the trademark applications be removed from the register. Burton’s Foods opposition is premised on the contention that the respondent’s trademark is highly similar to theirs, and that it covers goods that are identical, or at least highly similar. For that…

WHILE the State added a host of new criminal charges against Vuyolwethu ‘Yesu’ Tshukela, bringing the total to 18, the Athlone Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that his exact whereabouts were temporarily unknown. Alleged taxi hitman, Tshukela, was arrested last month in Welkom in the Free State after months on the run, initially facing four charges. These included murder, attempted murder, and extortion. However, the State revealed yesterday that after consulting with a senior advocate, 14 more charges were added. Among them are kidnapping, robbery, assault, intimidation, malicious injury to property, arson, and a second count of attempted murder, this time allegedly involving a security officer. The State prosecutor told the court: “Your Worship, the charge sheet at first appearance only reflected four charges. That has now changed to 14 additional…

Nolusindiso Booi will lead the Springbok Women in her 51st cap when they take on second-ranked Canada on Saturday in Pretoria in one of their toughest World Cup preparation matches to date. The Bok Women selected a core of experienced players for the first of two Tests as they look to up the intensity ahead of the tournament starting next month in England. Only five players in the starting XV have less than 20 caps, but they are all in the double figures as performance coach Swys de Bruin and his assistants look to lay a strong marker at Loftus Versfeld (1.30 pm kick-off). Eight players have experience against Canada, with scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey, tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha, Booi, winger Jakkie Cilliers, flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg, No 8 Aseza…