Inhaltsverzeichnis für 2025-08-22 in Cape Times

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) said on Thursday they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in promoting sustainable energy supply and infrastructure development across South Africa. "This marks a significant milestone in accelerating the country’s Just Energy Transition programme as South African ports are an integral part of this programme," TNPA said, noting that this landmark agreement signifies the entities’ readiness to create a more unified and efficient sustainable energy market while ensuring energy security. To ensure the effective implementationof the MoU, governance structures will be established through steering committees with workstreams, each with a specific focus on either technical, regulatory, or strategic aspects. Under this agreement, the partnership will ensure alignment in the licensing and operation…

Today’s employment landscape has changed drastically, with entrepreneurship at the center of this transformation. SMEs and small business owners have become the backbone of our economy, contributing around 24% of GDP. While South Africa boasts a vibrant start-up and small business sector, the critical question remains: how do we sustain this growth while simultaneously driving job creation? As it stands, entrepreneurship in South Africa is a driving force behind South Africa’s economic growth, especially in the small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) sector, which supports over 13 million employees. However, our SMME failure rate is among the highest in the world. To help stop this bleed, we need to develop school curriculums that equip learners with entrepreneurial skills, giving them the tools and confidence to overcome challenges they may encounter…

South Africa's consumers are bracing for more challenging times as the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has raised concerns regarding a significant rise in consumer food price inflation, which surged to 5.5% in July 2025, up from 4.7% in June. This increase, the steepest seen in 18 months, is part of a broader trend reflected in the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) release by Stats SA on Wednesday, which showed an overall CPI increase from 3.0% in June to 3.5% in July. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, on Thursday pointed out the clear acceleration in food prices. He emphasised that the primary drivers of this inflation have been the continued increases in meat and vegetable prices. Sihlobo elaborated on the factors contributing to the rise in meat…

Credit has long had a bad reputation. For years, it’s been associated with financial distress, risky decisions, and debt traps. But South African women are rewriting that narrative. Through careful, deliberate borrowing, many are using credit as a tool for resilience – enabling education, covering unexpected emergencies, and building a more financially secure future for their families. More than 50% of credit granted in South Africa today goes to women. The country’s persistent gender pay gap, compounded by often unequal caregiving responsibilities, has made access to credit critical for many women-led households. Stats SA’s latest General Household Survey reveals that 42.4% of households in South Africa are headed by women. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report shows that women typically earn between 23% and 35% less than…

Zimbabwe-listed hotelier, Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), is expanding into South Africa with the $5.6 million (nealry R100 million) acquisition of a Cape Town commercial property that it intends to turn into a prime hotel. RTG, which runs city and resort hotels in Zimbabwe, said on Thursday that it was in the process of finalising a strategic acquisition in Cape Town through its South African-registered subsidiary, Rainbow Tourism Group (SA). RTG SA has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Elleke Hospitality for this acquisition. Under the agreement, RTG will acquire the seven-storey commercial property located along Buitengracht Street in Cape Town. “The property which is currently a commercial asset, will undergo adaptive reuse and refurbishment to transform it into a branded hotel operated under a leading international hospitality group,”…

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has cleared its chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, of any wrongdoing following his recent controversial trip to Iran. Maphwanya had faced scrutiny for suggesting common goals between South Africa and Iran, and for criticising Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict. This controversy arose against a backdrop of existing strain in South Africa’s relationship with the US. The US has sought clarification from South Africa regarding Maphwanya’s visit. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that issues were discussed during a Tuesday evening call between Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. However, it was not clear if the Iran visit was discussed. The Department of Defence, through its spokesperson…

The Springboks are ready to win ugly, if necessary, in their second Rugby Championship Test against Australia tomorrow in Cape Town. While they’ve steadily progressed on attack under assistant coach Tony Brown, the Boks’ strength has always been their ability to use their forwards in a power game to subdue opponents. From there, space opens up for their backs to work their magic and score tries. More recently, and much to the delight of supporters, they’ve been utilizing a running rugby blueprint alongside their forward dominance. While it has brought spectacular tries, the ease with which they sometimes score has led them to take their foot off the accelerator. That allows the opposition to claw their way back into the game — something that has already happened twice this season.…

Exxaro Resources’ share price shot up over 10% on Thursday after the mining and renewable energy group declared its 45th consecutive dividend of R8.43 per share for the six months to June 30 and following the acquisition of manganese assets for up to R14 billion. Headline earnings a share were up by 13% to R17.24. Revenue increased 8% to R20.6bn. Net cash of R12.4bn increased by 27% year-on-year, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation was up 10% to R5.6bn. The dividend was 6% up on the same period a year before. The share price traded at R182.07 Thursday afternoon, up from R166.10 a year ago. On May 3, 2025, Exxaro announced two separate agreements to acquire manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OMH (Mauritius) Corporation. The price was…

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a National Dialogue on Poverty, Inequality, and Crime earlier this month, it was billed as nothing less than a reset of our democratic project. Forty million rand has been allocated to convene stakeholders from across society to address the country’s systemic failures—from unemployment to corruption to the breakdown of public services. Yet, the reception has been mixed. Two major opposition parties have boycotted the process, calling it political theatre. Civil society voices have questioned whether the dialogue will lead to action or simply more words. Business, for its part, has been largely muted—watching from the sidelines, waiting to see what comes of it. That silence is a mistake. Why This Dialogue Matters to Business South Africa’s economic health is inseparable from its social stability. Investors,…

Growthpoint Properties has signed up with Africa’s first open blockchain-enabled Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) exchange, Fuel Switch, to unlock easily accessible, tradeable clean energy certificates for its tenants. South Africa’s largest JSE-listed REIT’s green energy initiative, e-co₂, goes live in October 2025, when it will deliver its first green electrons to 10 Sandton office buildings, with hydropower wheeled over the national grid from the Boston Hydroelectric Plant, newly developed in the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme in partnership with Serengeti Energy. The e-co₂ roll-out puts Growthpoint well ahead in bringing certified renewable energy into daily business use, and e-co₂ wheeled green electricity would be cost competitive for Growthpoint tenants and has a zero-carbon footprint, so tenants could save money and advance their sustainability goals, said Growthpoint’s Head: Corporate Advisory, Werner van…

Indian multinational automotive group, Tata Motors, has sent its first shipment of nearly 500 vehicles to South Africa after a six-year long hiatus. Earlier this week Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), a subsidiary of Tata Motors—India’s largest automotive manufacturer—announced that they had formally re-entered the South African passenger vehicle market. Tata on Wednesday said that this strategic re-entry was underpinned by a strong alliance with Motus Holdings. Shailesh Chandra, managing director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said that their return to South Africa marked a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ global journey. “We are excited to bring our new-generation of vehicles—designed with cutting-edge technology, uncompromising safety, and modern design—to a market that values quality and innovation,” Chandra said. “With Motus as our preferred partner, we are confident in delivering a superior…

Liverpool can expect a hostile reception when they travel to Newcastle on Monday, amid their pursuit of wantaway Magpies striker Alexander Isak. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Tottenham face off in an early test of their Premier League ambitions. Across Merseyside, a new era begins for Everton on Sunday as they welcome Brighton for the first competitive game at their new 53,000-capacity stadium. AFP Sport looks at the major talking points ahead of the second weekend of the Premier League season. Isak saga hangs over Newcastle vs Liverpool clash Isak is expected to sit out the meeting between his current club and his preferred destination, as a stand-off over the Swedish striker’s future stretches into the final week of the transfer window. Newcastle maintain that the 25-year-old will not leave unless…

As anticipation builds for the MTN8 semi-final second leg clash between arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates tomorrow in Pretoria, coach Miguel Cardoso is keen to manage expectations, downplaying any advantages his team may hold. With memories of a tightly contested first leg still fresh — in which Sundowns secured an important away goal in a 1–1 draw — the stakes are set for a high-octane encounter at home. Reflecting on last week’s performance in Orlando, Cardoso acknowledged the challenges inherent in knockout competitions. “It might be a cliché, but it’s a fact that matches like our competitions with knock-out rounds over two legs are always very tough, both tough,” he stated, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability that define this format. Despite holding the advantage of a home ground and…

thank goodness for small mercies. Like finding a well-placed chair after a day of walking, your feet beating in time with your heart, or that first slurp of cold tap water when your mouth feels like a gravel trap. Or, perhaps, like the blessing of a wedding scheduled on the same day the Springboks lost to the Wallabies at Ellis Park for the first time in more than 60 years. The ceremony unfolded against a waterfall backdrop, and after a short trek up to the reception, the customary speeches regaled us with tales of the bride and groom for much of the match. By the time the formalities had drawn to a close, the Boks had already stumbled to a 38-22 defeat — leaving those of us at the wedding…

SA president praises Japan’s willingness to adjust tariffs for strained partners President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded Japan’s willingness to adjust tariffs for its strained partners, viewing it as a significant opportunity for deeper bilateral tariff cooperation in a bid to bolster South Africa's international trade in the face of evolving global tariffs. Speaking at the South Africa-Japan Business Forum on the margins of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) Summit in Yokohama on Thursday, Ramaphosa said Japan is a key pillar in South Africa's outreach. Ramaphosa made clear South Africa's readiness to engage in strategic sectors such as battery minerals, automotive components, renewable energy equipment, and hydrogen technologies. He outlined how his government has swiftly activated diversification strategies in the wake of recent tariff decisions by the…

The majority of South African consumers who applied for debt counselling in the three months to June were using personal loans to make the ends meet as the cumulative effect of inflation erodes their income. This is according to the DebtBusters' Debt Index for the second quarter, which underscored the harsh financial realities faced by South African consumers amidst continued economic pressure. DebtBusters noted that a staggering 95% of individuals who sought out debt counselling during the quarter had taken out personal loans, while more than half (54%) relied on one-month payday loans. While these short-term loans have become a critical financial lifeline for struggling households, they carry a steep price, with interest rates often exceeding 23% per annum. Despite a slight easing of inflation, families continue to grapple with…

Building a trusted relationship with your financial adviser is key to achieving your financial goals. The intention should be to forge a relationship that is lifelong and continues through generations. To make the most of the services a financial adviser provides, it’s important to work with someone who is the right fit for you, and that starts by asking the right questions. Work with someone you trust Trust is the cornerstone of any successful financial planning relationship, and your adviser should take the time to listen, understand your personal goals, and provide guidance that aligns with your specific financial situation. Equally important is that you, as the client, fully understand the advice being given. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, continue the conversation until you feel confident and comfortable with the…

Restaurant franchise group Spur Corporation is accelerating its store expansion program with the planned opening of 42 new restaurants in South Africa and 14 internationally in the year ahead. “Our brands have not yet reached saturation in South Africa or beyond. We will continue expanding our presence on the African continent and are optimistic about the growth potential as casual dining continues to gain appeal,” said Group CEO Val Nichas on Thursday. Speaking at the release of the group financial results, she said they had already in the year to June 25 expanded their local and international restaurant presence to 724 outlets in 14 countries. The group’s share price surged over 6% to R35.20 on the JSE on Thursday morning, indicating positive investor sentiment to the release of the results.…

Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has served his deputy, Lt-General Shadrack Sibiya, with a notice of intended suspension or temporary transfer, giving him until Monday to respond. This is despite Sibiya’s ongoing case to challenge the decision to place him on a leave of absence. Sibiya was asked to take a leave of absence following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Sibiya was accused of conspiring with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the political killings task team. Sibiya launched an application at the Pretoria High Court seeking to have the decision to have him stay at home, set aside. Sibiya said Masemola’s decision to direct him to stay at home pending an investigation, which he took as part of disciplinary steps relating to misconduct allegations…

STANDARD Bank, identified as the most aggressive litigant in alleged currency manipulation case, has been accused of frustrating the administration of justice. This emerged yesterday when the Competition Commission continued with its Constitutional Court case challenging the judgment of the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) issued last year, in which it found that the majority of the banks do not have to face a trial on the merits of the allegations. Local banks which form part of the appeal as respondents, together with various international banks, are Standard Bank, FirstRand Bank and Nedbank. In June 2020, the Commission had referred the case regarding the alleged rand fixing against 28 local and foreign banks to the Competition Tribunal. The banks were ordered by the Tribunal in March 2023 to file their answering…

The magistrate presiding over the case against two teenagers arrested for attacking three DA members of Parliament, yesterday barred media attendance, stressing that the hearing was a preliminary inquiry. The 16-year-old accused appeared alone in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where the matter was heard in Court H, which deals with juvenile cases. The magistrate said the court still had to confirm the boy’s age and determine whether he would admit to the charges against him. The matter will be transferred to another courtroom for his next appearance. His co-accused, aged 18, remains in hospital under police guard after being shot and wounded. The case was postponed to August 28 for a bail application. NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said: "A minor, 16 years old, appeared at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court…

All Things Undone Chené Lawson Performed by a full cast Audible Originals Released earlier this month, All Things Undone takes listeners on a harrowing yet inspiring journey through the heart of 1850s Mississippi, where an ancient prophecy intertwines with the brutal reality of slavery. This gripping science fiction audiobook, expertly performed by a full cast through Audible Originals, boasts a stellar 4.7 rating and is a little over five hours long – an experience that feels both urgent and reflective. All Things Undone dares to confront the complexities of power, freedom, and moral responsibility. At the centre of this tale is Maribelle, a young enslaved woman fighting for survival amidst the torment of her existence. Her desperate prayers for a better life lead to a fateful moment when a solar…

“I know him, I know him and I also know her.” These were the words uttered by former President Nelson Mandela when he was asked to autograph a 1996 booklet, The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, lovingly gathered over a few years by retired chef Neels du Plooy. Now the much-travelled booklet is on sale on Facebook Marketplace with a price tag of a million rand, which might seem steep were it not for the fact that it has the signatures of 30 iconic South African political leaders and judicial pioneers who crafted our peaceful transition to democracy. Many South Africans got a copy of the beloved booklet when it was released, but while ours have no collector value, Du Plooy’s is sure to pique the interest of…

South Africa is spiralling into chaos under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Here is a leader who has stumbled from one embarrassing crisis to another, fumbling the ball, seemingly fiddling while Pretoria burns. Most infamous among Ramaphosa’s foibles was his handling of the break-in at his Phala Phala home, a scandal for which he has so far escaped accountability. We’ve never gotten to the bottom of the hundreds of thousands of dollars stashed in couches and other furniture that adorn his Limpopo game farm, with investigations and reports into the matter either conveniently clearing the president of any wrongdoing, or having had their adoption and public release blocked by political machinery. I assume one of the shady deals made to include the DA in the Government of National Collusion–…