Inhaltsverzeichnis für 2026-04-14 in Mercury

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has delivered a significant ruling in favour of a coal mining joint venture involving Glencore Operations SA and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Coal, overturning a decision by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) that had denied millions in diesel fuel levy refunds. The unanimous judgment, penned by SCA Judge President Justice Mahube Molemela and handed down last week, centres on whether the Goedgevonden Joint Venture (JV) was entitled to claim diesel rebates under Section 75(1A) of the Customs and Excise Act. The Goedgevonden JV is a major South African open-cut coal mining operation near Ogies in Mpumalanga, formed between ARM Coal and Glencore (formerly Xstrata). The mine produces thermal coal for export and domestic markets, with ownership split 51% (ARM Coal) and 49% (Glencore).…

Higher global oil prices, resulting from the failed peace talks between the United States (US) and Iran, along with President Donald Trump's announcement of a US blockade at the Strait of Hormuz sent markets plunging on Monday. Bianca Botes, managing director at Citadel Global, yesterday said that while what was initially reported as a constructive negotiation failed to transpire into an agreement, as the US prepared for a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. "Markets are back on edge with Wall Street futures sinking as much as 1%. The dollar and oil prices capitalised on the breakdown in talks, with oil gaining over 7% to trade at $102/barrel," she said. "Gold prices, while still at elevated levels, declined by 0.6% this morning, to trade at $4,718/ounce." In a stark…

South Africa’s agricultural sector faced a turbulent start to 2026, with a combination of animal disease outbreaks, rising input costs, and global geopolitical tensions offsetting pockets of resilience, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz). In its first-quarter review, Agbiz described the sector’s performance as mixed, highlighting both encouraging developments and significant challenges that continue to strain farmers and agribusinesses. A major concern remains the ongoing spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has disrupted livestock farming and export markets. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, on Monday said the situation has been building for some time but escalated sharply following the government’s decision late last year, to vaccinate the entire national herd. Sihlobo added that at the start of the year South Africa had received vaccines, but the cost to…

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries across the globe, South Africa is experiencing a significant shift in the job market. This was revealed in the latest Pnet Job Market Trends Report for March. The report highlighted how AI skills have transitioned from niche to mainstream, significantly impacting various sectors of employment. According to Pnet’s data, the notable increase in AI-related skills from 2016 to 2019 was primarily spurred by technical roles, such as developers and data specialists. Yet, even at that time, there was a 98% alignment in the growth of non-technical talent with AI competencies. This suggested that many professionals were already beginning to familiarise themselves with AI applications, laying the groundwork for the broader adoption we see today. Since the introduction of generative AI tools like ChatGPT…

ASP Technologies, a Nasdaq emerging growth company that listed on the JSE in August with the acquisition of local gas producer Renergen, has warned that it expects to report losses for some time and that it will also require substantial future funding. The producer of enriched isotopes used in medicine, energy, and industry such as semiconductors, and a company that also plans to produce low enriched uranium in South Africa, said in its annual report on Monday that it has incurred significant net losses since inception, and further “significant net losses” were expected for the foreseeable future. “We also have a limited operating history, which may make it difficult to evaluate our prospects and likelihood of success,” the company’s directors warned in the section of the report that assesses risks…

Disgruntled members of the Zulu royal family seeking to remove King Misuzulu from the throne are heading back to the Constitutional Court in another attempt to unseat the king. But the office of the king has raised concerns, saying the relentless legal fight is now personal and motivated by intense hatred for the king. Members of the royal house have applied to the Constitutional Court, asking the court to rescind its earlier decision to dismiss the application they had brought before the court, arguing that the decision could have a profound impact on the handling of succession in the royal house. Twenty-three royals, led by Prince Mbonisi Zulu, are fiercely opposed to the recognition of King Misuzulu by President Cyril Ramaphosa. They argue that the customary and legal processes had…

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) will affirm South Africa’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and prioritising youth development during its participation in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2026. DWYPD Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike is leading South Africa’s participation in ECOSOC, which will be held in New York from April 14 to 16, under the theme “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030”. The department said the forum serves as a global platform bringing together young leaders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss innovative, youth-led solutions to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also said that South Africa uses its participation in forums such as the ECOSOC to amplify youth perspectives and advance its…

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane has made it clear that his side’s push for continental qualification next season cannot be left in the hands of other teams, insisting the team must focus on taking care of its own business as the Betway Premiership race intensifies. While AmaZulu remain firmly in the mix for a top-three finish – and with it a potential CAF competition berth – Zwane stressed after Saturday’s draw with Siwelele that the only path forward is consistency and self-reliance, not scoreboard-watching. “We are not worried about anything. We are worried about ourselves,” Zwane said, reinforcing a message that has become central to his late-season management of a young squad still learning how to handle pressure situations. With six matches remaining, AmaZulu are within touching distance of the…

Fresh off a statement-making performance on the international stage, backstroke sensation Pieter Coetzé will arrive in Gqeberha this week as the man to watch when South Africa’s elite swimmers battle for Commonwealth Games qualification at the Bombela Concession Company SA National Swimming Championships. The five-day meet, taking place at the Newton Park Swimming Pool from April 14-18, is the country’s premier domestic event and the primary selection opportunity for Team SA ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. While national titles are on the line, the bigger prize is a place on the plane – and few come in with more momentum than Coetzé. The University of Pretoria star is riding high after a dominant showing at the recent China Open, where he completed a clean sweep of the…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has lifted the lid on his side’s recent improvement in front of goal, attributing their attacking upturn to growing cohesion and a clearer understanding of their game model. Amakhosi extended their winning run to four matches with a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy on Sunday, continuing a resurgence that has reignited their push for a CAF Confederation Cup spot. What has stood out during this run is not just the results, but the goals. Chiefs have scored eight times across those four victories, averaging two goals per game – a marked improvement for a side that had previously struggled for consistency in the final third. Earlier in the season, their progress was largely built on defensive solidity, with clean sheets forming the backbone of their…

Midway through Manchester City’s game against Chelsea, a City fan pulled out a water bottle embellished with the Arsenal logo and drank from it in exaggerated fashion. The message was clear: their title rivals are “bottling” the championship race, having once looked a sure bet to win their first league crown in more than a decade. And it is getting harder to argue otherwise as a gap that once seemed insurmountable has now been reduced to six points, with the huge match-up between the leading contenders at the Etihad still to come. Should Pep Guardiola’s high-flying, former champions win at home on Sunday, the gap will be cut to three – with a game in hand. The Gunners aren’t quite panicking, but there’s an edginess to their make-up that could…

Sub-Saharan Africa’s fragile economic recovery is losing momentum, with fresh warnings that growth is failing to translate into enough jobs for a rapidly expanding population. According to the latest Africa Economic Update released by the World Bank Group, growth for the region is projected to remain flat at 4.1% in 2026, unchanged from 2025, but increasingly exposed to mounting global and domestic risks. The report, coming on the eve of the International Monetary Fund/World Bank Annual Meetings this week, highlights a combination of geopolitical tensions, rising debt burdens, and structural inefficiencies as key factors constraining the region’s economic trajectory. Chief among these risks is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which continues to drive up fuel, food, and fertilizer prices. These cost pressures are expected to push inflation higher,…

The rising cost of fuel is driving businesses to significantly rethink their labour costs. A permanent workforce is becoming challenging to sustain, and many organisations are shifting toward more flexible staffing models to enable them to scale more easily while maintaining operational continuity. Temporary Employment Services (TES) offer a strategic solution, creating shared value and ongoing advantages for companies and workers. Agility is key to survival With the current level of uncertainty, it has become difficult for businesses to accurately predict demand. Costs are also increasing in all sectors, driven by the fuel price hikes. A large permanent workforce quickly becomes a fixed overhead that cannot adapt when conditions shift, putting pressure on margins and potentially leading to job loss down the line. Operating costs are rising, change happens faster,…

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is gearing up for a demanding 2026 citrus export season, building on the momentum of a strong performance last year that saw export volumes surge by 22%. The State-owned port operator said it has finalised extensive readiness plans in collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure smooth operations during the peak export window, which runs from April to September. South Africa exports a wide range of citrus fruits—including oranges, mandarins, lemons, clementines, limes and grapefruit—to more than 100 global markets during this period. TPT said its preparations have focused on critical logistics areas such as refrigerated container demand forecasting, stack capacity management, vessel berthing schedules, and contingency planning for early or delayed cargo arrivals. These measures are aimed at minimising disruptions and maintaining efficiency across key terminals…

On April 27, 2026, a courtroom will host a dispute that feels less like litigation and more like a reckoning. At issue is not merely a contract or a corporate disagreement, but the philosophical DNA of artificial intelligence itself. Across the aisle will sit Elon Musk and Sam Altman—two figures who once shared a vision, now divided by what that vision has become. In its earliest incarnation, OpenAI was conceived as a counterweight to concentrated technological power. It was meant to pursue research in the open, to ensure that artificial intelligence would benefit humanity broadly rather than enrich a narrow elite. Musk, one of its early backers, has argued that this founding ethos has been compromised—that the organization has drifted from a public-spirited mission toward a more conventional, profit-driven model.…

Emira Property Fund has advanced its investment strategy by acquiring 53.7 million shares in Octodec Investments, or about 20.17% ownership, involving an investment of R891.8 million in a series of off-market transactions, Emira announced Monday in a statement. The shares were acquired from various asset managers, including Abax Investments, Sanlam, and Old Mutual, making this a pivotal moment for both entities. The deal underscores Emira's strategy of seeking meaningful, value-accretive opportunities within the real estate market. The aim was to increase their stake to at least 34,9%, which is below the level where an offer to the public has to be made. "We aim to create substantial value in the long term.” This acquisition was not just about enhancing shareholding; Emira aimed to engage with Octodec on initiatives…

The world’s richest man and business magnate, Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, continues to target and criticise the country’s transformative policies, particularly the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), which he has labelled as “extremely racist”. This is after he alleged that his satellite internet service, Starlink, was denied a licence to operate in South Africa because he is not Black, even though he was born in the country. He described the regulations as “extremely racist” and a “shameful disgrace” to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, calling for sanctions to be imposed on politicians who are protecting the BBBEE laws. For years, Starlink was unable to obtain an operating licence from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) due to the Electronic Communications Act, which is part of the…

Ubumbano Lwezinduna in KwaZulu-Natal has taken aim at the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, accusing him of causing divisions among traditional leaders. In a statement, the organisation, which represents izinduna, levelled a litany of allegations against MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Among the complaints, they argue that the distribution of cars to some traditional leaders has caused further divisions within the institution. The department, however, pushed back against this saying they view the accusation as a smear campaign. The organisation said in a statement, “The MEC’s divisive tactics are a scourge upon our people. We are against the divide-and-rule approach applied to the distribution of tools of trade, including vehicles, which has marginalised certain AmaKhosi. “The MEC has used tactics such as distributing tents and mobile fridges to divide AmaKhosi,…

The appointment of new SARS Commissioner Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu has been described as a “brilliant appointment”, which can only ensure that what has been established by the revenue collection institution continues in the way it was previously done. Nqobani Mzizi, a professional accountant and an academic, while praising the appointment as brilliant, said, “We can only hope that he can improve.” “Based on his (Makhubu’s) presser that happened recently, I’m in full support of his plan to curb the illicit trade of cigarettes and alcohol because there is a huge revenue opportunity that is lost as a result of illicit trade. The second one is cryptocurrency,” Mzizi said. He urged Makhubu to strengthen relations with institutions that deal with compliance on cryptocurrency and cross-border crime, such as the Intergovernmental…

Angry Mariannhill community leaders yesterday walked out of what should have been a SAPS public participation process, saying they could not be part of the process years after failed promises of a permanent police station in the area. The public participation process, which is in line with the draft Equality Court Order and the follow-up court order dated April 3, 2023, involves discussions with community members on how they want to be policed, and the number of police officers they think are enough for a police station that serves their area. In 2024, then Police Minister Bheki Cele had promised a permanent police station would be built in the not-so-distant future, saying land had been procured from the municipality and there was a budget from the SAPS. Community leaders, including…

Liverpool have a mountain to climb to oust holders Paris Saint-Germain from the Uefa Champions League but are hoping the Anfield factor can salvage a bitterly disappointing season. Crowned champions of England less than a year ago, the Reds sit fifth in the Premier League and fell short in both domestic cup competitions. The Champions League represents one final chance of silverware, but it is a long shot after the team were outclassed 2-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Parc des Princes. Six-time European champions Liverpool are still alive in the competition thanks to PSG’s profligacy, and they have overcome greater odds in the past under the lights at Anfield. “It’s down to us to be in the best shape possible to make a special evening…

The Sharks’ United Rugby Championship season now sits on a knife-edge, with their trip to face the Ospreys in Swansea on Saturday (8.45pm kick-off) shaping up as a defining moment in their push for a Top 8 finish. With the play-off race tightening and time running out, the Durban side know that anything less than victory could leave their campaign hanging by a thread. Here are five key potential match-ups that could decide the outcome between the Sharks and the Ospreys in this crucial clash. Siya Kolisi / Phepsi Buthelezi v Jac Morgan The battle of the openside flankers sets the tone for much of what follows. Bok skipper Kolisi brings world-class experience, defensive authority and leadership under pressure. Opposing him, Ospreys captain Morgan has emerged as one of the…

The Lions head into their clash with Glasgow Warriors with fresh legs and a sharp focus, as they look to deliver another spirited performance at Ellis Park and keep their United Rugby Championship (URC) momentum ticking over. The past fortnight has been about mental and physical preparation for what the table-topping Scottish side will bring to Johannesburg on Saturday. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen afforded his squad a week to recover before returning to the grind on the training field. Now, they are ready to channel that break into the upcoming challenge as they aim to maintain or even improve their current fifth-place standing. They will know by kick-off (4pm) what they must do to jump up the log. While Glasgow arrive licking their wounds after a surprise Champions Cup…

Global markets rattled over increasing tensions in the Middle East, sending oil prices higher Global markets have been rattled after Donald Trump announced a US-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices sharply higher and intensifying fears of inflation, interest rate hikes, and a broader economic slowdown. The global price of Brent crude oil jumped 7% to $103 per barrel (bbl) following the announcement, reflecting immediate concerns over supply disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. The Strait of Hormuz, which handles between 17 and 20 million barrels of oil daily, has effectively been constrained since the escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, limiting global energy flows. Trump escalated rhetoric further, warning that Iranian vessels and “fast-attack ships” approaching the blockade would be…

I have long believed that those who have travelled a path are best placed to guide others on it. It was at a recent masterclass at GIBS Business School where Dr Andile Sangqu, the chairperson of Transnet, reflected on the organisation’s turnaround journey. The discussion extended beyond the scale of the challenge and pointed to something deeper about governance when institutions come under severe strain. He described the organisation he inherited in 2023 as one in distress, where fundamental performance signals had deteriorated. The image he used was striking. Describing himself as a very visual leader, he likened the situation to an aircraft in rapid descent, requiring decisive intervention to avoid collapse. Turnarounds of this nature bring governance into sharp focus. They expose the limits of passive oversight and require…

A recent report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has unveiled alarming trends in the landscape of financial cybercrime, revealing that more than one million online banking accounts were compromised in the last year. This escalation is attributed to a notable shift in financial threats towards credential theft, marking a significant departure from traditional malware practices. The findings from Kaspersky’s latest report indicate a concerning uptick in the use of infostealers, malware designed specifically to harvest sensitive information such as login credentials, bank card details, and even crypto wallet seed phrases. These malicious tools have surged, with detections rising globally by 59% in a single year. In Africa specifically, infostealers compounded the risk of financial crime, showcasing a 53% increase from 2024 to 2025, as the sophistication of attackers evolves alongside user…

Sirius Real Estate has increased its rent roll by a strong 18.4% for the year to March 31 following asset acquisitions and strong demand for space in its branded business and industrial parks in Germany and the UK. The JSE and London-listed Real Estate Investment Trust said in a trading update Monday that organic, like-for-like rent roll growth had also been strong at 6,4%. It is the 12th consecutive year where rental roll growth exceeded 5%. Thirteen asset acquisitions were made as strategy moved towards growing defence industry space requirements. “We invested £464 million into primarily resilient, income-generating assets that also offer the opportunity to create value through our platform. Around a third of this was invested into business parks that bolster our portfolio of industrial assets let to defence-related…

Beauty In Black actor, Terrell Carter, is opening up about a childhood so traumatic he says it “sounds like a movie script”. In a raw interview with host Brandi Harvey of Vault Empowers, the actor and singer detailed the shocking circumstances of his birth and the family secrets that shaped his life. Carter revealed that his mother was a child herself, only 11-years-old, when she gave birth to him. She lived with significant physical and cognitive challenges, which made her vulnerable to abuse. “She was 11-years-old when she had me. She was special needs, one leg amputated at birth. She never had all of her organs, never fully developed. And she was molested by my dad, who was in the same family, and he was 26.” Because of her health…

The IFP has vowed not to be taken by surprise again in the upcoming local government elections after its “victory” was scuppered by the emergence of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the last general elections. Party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said the party is paying close attention to findings from surveys and research to ensure that what transpired during the national government elections does not repeat itself. Political analysts concurred with Hlabisa, saying the IFP had appeared on track to outperform most parties during the 2024 elections. Hlabisa spoke of the IFP's ambitions while addressing editors and journalists of Independent Media last week. He touched on the party’s plan for growth, the estimated number of branches, and those joining the party, as well as its work to prepare for the…

The newly elected leader of the DA, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has acknowledged a critical “trust deficit” at the heart of the party’s electoral ceiling, outlining a strategy focused on community presence, governance delivery, and disciplined messaging to position the DA as South Africa’s largest political force. In his first media engagement following his election, Hill-Lewis struck a pragmatic tone, conceding that while the party is widely regarded as a capable governing alternative, it continues to struggle to convert that perception into votes. Hill-Lewis said the party’s primary mission is no longer just participation, but the pursuit of a national majority to implement DA values. He outlined a four-pillar approach to achieving this growth, centred on proven governance and inclusivity. “We have to show that we govern well and that we govern…

The Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court has dismissed suspended Sergeant Fannie Nkosi’s request to be held in a prison hospital wing, rejecting his claims of health concerns and fears of being poisoned. Nkosi’s case was postponed to April 20 for a formal bail application. He remains in custody. The 42-year-old returned to court on Monday for his bail hearing, which the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is opposing. Nkosi was arrested on April 2 during a raid at his home in Pretoria North. He is suspended from the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) organised crime unit, with the suspension taking effect on March 28. He has also testified before the Madlanga Commission. During his initial court appearance last week, the court heard that police allegedly found more than R50 000 hidden under…

Winning back-to-back Masters titles has Rory McIlroy yearning for even more Major success. A year after winning his first Masters completed a career Grand Slam and ended a 10-year Major drought, the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland feels like there is more to come following his sixth major triumph. “I’m not putting a number on it but I certainly don’t want to stop here,” McIlroy said, of his Major win total. McIlroy matched Nick Faldo with six career Major triumphs, one shy of the European record set by Britain’s Harry Vardon from 1896 to 1914. Let the debate begin over Europe’s all-time top golfer. “There’s obviously going to be that conversation, and that debate is going to be hard, but it’s a cool conversation to be a part of,” McIlroy…

It must have been 2016. I recall the setting: Ellis Park, perched above the lower south stand in the then-Touchdown restaurant. It was a Super Rugby clash – likely against the Sunwolves or one of the less-than-impressive Australian outfits – judging by the cavernous stands and the sparse crowd sharing the space with my cohorts and me. Save, of course, for one questionable character in an deceptively-looking expensive-fitting grey suit, entertaining equally questionable company. A “hairdresser”, she claimed to be, and that is the story we’ll be sticking to. He identified himself, quite proudly, as De Klerk’s agent, raving about the then-23-24-25-year-old. His dubious credentials only invited raised eyebrows, but who could blame him for wanting to be close to the source? It was clear even then that De Klerk…

The Betway Premiership title race has entered a decisive phase for Orlando Pirates – and the numbers suggest both hope and danger in equal measure. The past weekend may have seemed like a decisive blow to their title credentials considering the experience of Mamelodi Sundowns. This latest stretch of games may appear a huge hurdle for Pirates, considering four of them have to be away, which is a grey area in the South African context as far as the Big Three is concerned. On one hand, Pirates have been one of the most efficient travelling sides in the division this season, averaging 2.25 points per away match across 12 fixtures, a return that places them among the league’s strongest performers outside their home ground. Their away goal return of 26…

The work is not done. That was the clear message from Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso after his team claimed an all-important 1-0 victory away to Espérance in Tunis in Sunday evening’s CAF Champions League first-leg semi-final. Sundowns earned the vital away goal thanks to a second-half header from Colombian striker Brayan Léon – his fourth of the competition – but the win was soured by a late red card for defensive stalwart Grant Kekana. Kekana was dismissed in the 84th minute by Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal for a high foot close to Espérance striker Florian Danho’s head. The decision forced the Brazilians to defend their slender lead for the remainder of regular time and ten minutes of injury time with only 10 men. Former Bafana Bafana and Sundowns midfielder…