Índex per 2025-05-19 a Cape Times

Transnet’s ongoing wage negotiations have reached an impasse, confirming fears of looming industrial action by workers as the United National Transport Union (UNTU) made a clear statement on Friday. After three days of mediation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) through the section 150 of the Labour Relations Act, UNTU reported that no progress had been made, compelling them to consider striking if their demands remained unmet. On Thursday, UNTU completed a ballot process with its members that disclosed a consensus to mobilise for industrial action should the wage negotiations fail. The union said the CCMA has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday. “If no revised offer is forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial…

S&P Global Ratings has warned that South Africa’s general government debt could remain high, averaging an unprecedented 80% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the three years to 2028. This would be much higher than the National Treasury’s estimate of an all-time high debt-to-GDP of 76.2% in the 2025/26 fiscal year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has noted the need to avoid a notable rise in borrowing projections, with 2025/6 likely at 76.4% of GDP, 2026/27 at 76.1%, 2027/28 75.9 and 2028/29 at 75.3%. S&P on Friday, however, said public debt levels will remain elevated than expected given expenditure and revenue pressures, but said the government will continue its fiscal consolidation efforts. “We expect general government debt, net of liquid assets, will average 80% of GDP in fiscal 2025-2028. This is…

As South Africa awaits Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third budget framework this year, local industries are also coming to terms with the uncertainty that 2025 has brought to the international trade environment. Even though the US has suspended the proposed 30% tariff on South African goods for 90 days – instead levying 10% for the time being – the change to existing trade agreements and uncertainty is still harmful to local industries like South Africa’s sugarcane growers. This is a new threat to a local industry already beset by many challenges. The recent extreme, unseasonable rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal has caused isolated flooding and delayed the start of the harvesting season in some sugarcane producing areas. Cheaper sugar imports, often from countries with subsidised sugar industries, are threatening once again to…

President Cyril Ramaphosa made a call for National Dialogue in his address to Parliament shortly after the 2024 elections. Judging by the volumes of fake news and hate speech and more importantly the painful levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality experienced by most South Africans, the President’s call must be supported and expedited. Despite our daunting challenges as a nation, we should not forget the massive strides we have accomplished since our hard-won democratic breakthrough in 1994. Not only we have repealed the numerous racist laws that did so much damage, but the state today spends more than 61% of the Budget invested in uplifting working-class communities. Yet with 43.1% overall and 72% youth unemployment rates, and our status as the world’s most unequal society, we dare not…

Tiger Brands has firmed the future of 3 000 farm workers through its plan to sell its Langeberg & Ashton Foods (LAF) deciduous fruit business for R1 to a consortium of fruit growers, a community trust, and a development finance institution. The deal will secure a future for permanent and seasonal staff who have faced uncertainty after Tiger Brands announced in 2022 that it wished to sell LAF. The deal will also benefit the farmers - the Ashton Fruit Producers Co-operative is made up of producers from Robertson, Ceres, Breederivier, and Klein Karoo. In 2022, Tiger Brands had announced it wished to sell LAF, and options to ensure the viability and sustainability of LAF would also be revisited so that the business could be exited responsibly, given its economic importance…

Salt is the secret ingredient that brings our favourite meals to life. From the comforting aroma of a potjie stewing on the fire to the irresistible bite of ikota, South Africans love flavour, and salt often takes centre stage. But behind the savoury delight lies a silent threat that could be putting your health and even your life at risk. This May Measurement Month, health experts are calling on South Africans to take a closer look at their salt consumption. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading health challenges in the country, yet many remain unaware of its dangers. A large proportion of those with hypertension in SA remain undiagnosed, with estimates ranging from 46% to 50% unaware, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, leaving them vulnerable…

IT IS SO sad to read about animals being cruelly treated. As Gandhi said ‘you judge a country and its people on how it treats its animals’. We can’t hold our head up in South Africa. We read on a monthly basis about dreadful cruelties to man’s best friend and of course other animals such as cart horses etc. The article in Friday’s paper of Jack a black cross breed who has known nothing but suffering his whole life, is a case in point. He has lived his life on a chain tethered to misery at a Grassy Park home. I never understand the point of having a dog chained all day. It can’t act as a watch dog as it can’t get loose. But the sad…

Gauteng police have indicated that they are closing in on the suspects linked to the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek who was found raped and dead on the steps of his home in Fleurhof. "We can only confirm that our investigation is at an advanced stage," said Colonel Mvela Masondo yesterday. This comes as residents of Fleurhof on Saturday marched to the Florida Police Station, calling for justice after the tragic death of the 11-year-old. Addressing members of the community, Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka, the District Police Commissioner for West Rand, indicated that members of the forensic investigations were in advanced stages in uncovering the suspects behind the gruesome ordeal, assuring them that suspects linked to Meek’s death would soon be arrested. According to police, Jayden-Lee was dropped off by…

US envoys in Africa will be rated on commercial deals struck, not aid spent, a senior State Department official said, touting it as the new strategy for US support on the continent. President Donald Trump’s administration wants to eliminate trade deficits, and drive mutual prosperity, African Affairs senior bureau official Troy Fitrell said, according to remarks shared on Thursday. “Assistance involves a donor and a recipient, but commerce is an exchange between equals,” he added at the launch of the policy in Ivory Coast on Wednesday. US ambassadors in Africa had already shepherded 33 agreements worth $6 billion in Trump’s first 100 days, Fitrell said. “Trade, not aid, a slogan we’ve seen thrown around for years, is now truly our policy for Africa.” US goods exports to sub-Saharan Africa amount…

Foskor confirms its vice president for human resources Vincent Matlala has been arrested The State-owned phosphate producer Foskor has confirmed that its vice president for human resources and corporate affairs, Vincent Matlala, has been arrested for threatening a colleague with a firearm at the company's head offices in Midrand. This alarming event, has ignited discussions surrounding the potential corruption undercurrents within the firm, especially in light of recent developments tied to an R800 million bonus employee share scheme. It also comes as Foskor is still trying to recover from shock after Sifiso Mncube, a senior procurement executive at Foskor in Richards Bay, was gunned down by unknown assailants in his car in the suburb of Meer-en-See in Richards Bay in February 2024. In this new case, sources within Foskor have…

As South Africa braces for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third budget speech on Wednesday, a wave of expert opinions reveals a landscape marked by both cautious optimism and pronounced concerns. With rising economic pressures and a growing budget deficit, Godongwana faces the complex task of generating revenue without curbing growth. Old Mutual chief economist Johann Els highlighted the anticipated revenue shortfall following the scrapping of a planned Value Added Tax (VAT) increase. Els estimated a loss of around R13.5 billion for the current year, with an alarming three-year total that could reach approximately R75bn. “This will have to be made up for; Treasury will have to revise their gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast downwards; they have it at 1.9% for 2025, but most forecasts have GDP around 1.5%,” he…

The second coming of Trump on the political platform of the United States with his arse open for would be wiling leakers reminds me of Shylock, the money lender in the Merchant of Venice. But the book comes with entertaining memories. In 1969 at the age of twelve I was in the seventh year of schooling and a year shy away from sitting for the exit exams that would qualify me to enter the five year duration of secondary and high school study. In my class were some distinguished veteran scholars who were aged 25 and 26 years respectively. These veterans had been on it from the day my eldest brother who is thirteen years older than myself set foot in school. They had been in class with each…

Compagnie Financiere Richemont is well positioned for its next phase of development following the installation of a renewed leadership team and governance structure and completion of several management transitions in several Maisons in the past year. This was according to well-known South African businessman and chairman of the group Johann Rupert, who was commenting at the end of the JSE-listed and Switzerland-based owner of several of the world’s leading luxury jewellery and accessories brands’ 2025 financial year to March 31. The share price soared 7.2% to R3574.52 on the JSE on Friday after the results were released that showed full-year profit fell 1% to €3.76 billion, while the dividend per share was raised 9% to 3 CHF (Swiss francs) per A share/10 B shares, from 2.75 CHF the previous year.…

Thousands of protesters gathered at the Castle of Good Hope for the remembrance of Nakba Day yesterday, which marked 77 years of Palestinians' dispossession. They joined tens of thousands who rallied across the world in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s war on Gaza and to mark the 1948 attack on Palestinians, remembered as the Nakba, or catastrophe. The Nakba resulted in the permanent mass displacement of Palestinians after the creation of Israel in 1948. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) said as Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza and the West Bank intensifies - targeting civilians, journalists, medics and aid workers - the world cannot remain silent. The PSC demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. It also called for an end to all arms sales to Israel and justice and freedom for…

For some, jazz is a rhythm that unlocks joy. For others, it is the sound of resistance, a voice when words fail, a melody infused with pain and hope. For me, jazz is freedom. It is a global language that crosses borders, cultures, and time zones, one that speaks of unity, memory, and possibility. The legacy of jazz is inseparable from humanity’s most defining struggles and triumphs. From its beginnings in New Orleans in the 20th century to its arrival and integration with Marabi in South Africa, jazz has always stood as both witness and participant in history. Viewed by the apartheid regime as subversive, jazz was heavily policed, censored, and pushed underground. Musicians and gatherings were targeted, yet the music endured, in townships and homes, becoming a symbol of…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad may have named five fast bowlers in his artillery for the World Test Championship final against Australia next month at Lord’s, but in the case of an emergency he will not need to look too far for backup if required. Lions fast bowler Codi Yusuf has taken the English County Championship by storm, claiming 13 wickets in four innings for Durham, in Division 1. He is currently playing in a four-day fixture against Nottinghamshire, which includes Proteas wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne in their line-up, who was ironically his 100th first-class victim on Friday. Yusuf also struck a handy unbeaten 44 from No 9 against Hampshire. It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the 27-year-old after swapping Florida on the west Rand of Johannesburg for the…

Nasreddine Nabi believes Kaizer Chiefs can still secure a Top 8 finish and has urged the Amakhosi faithful to turn out in large numbers to spur the team on in their final match of the season against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium this weekend. Speaking after Chiefs drew 1-1 with Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane — a result that left them stuck in ninth place on 31 points — the Tunisian coach expressed confidence that his team can sneak into the coveted top-eight bracket. “If you look at the table, it’s a situation that will be resolved in the last game,” he said, referring to the fact that Chiefs are just one win away from sixth-placed AmaZulu and trail seventh-placed Cape Town City by only two points.…

Mamelodi Sundowns have to try to follow the model of the 2016 CAF Champions League winning season when they face Pyramids in the final this campaign. Sundowns will host Pyramids in the continental showpiece final first leg at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday before visiting the Pharaohs on June 1. This will be the second final for Sundowns since 2016, while Pyramids are making only their first showdown on the continent. And so given the gulf in experience, Sundowns are tipped to put that into good use and become only the first SA based team to win the continental crown twice. Coach Miguel Cardoso will also be eager to make up for lost time as he lost last season’s final with Tunisian giants Esperance to outgoing champions A Ahly. Cardoso is…

As South Africa braces for the upcoming budget 3.0, industry experts are closely examining the fiscal landscape, drawing attention to the critical decisions poised to impact the nation's economic future. Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG South Africa, has highlighted a key takeaway: the anticipated increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) will no longer materialise, forcing the government to recalibrate its revenue expectations. Previously outlined in budget 2.0, the revenue anticipated from a VAT hike has now vanished. This development poses significant implications for the government's fiscal targets, particularly its commitment to achieving fiscal consolidation. Without the ability to increase public debt through borrowing to meet expenditure needs, the government finds itself cornered, necessitating cuts across various sectors. The pressing question, as noted by Blackmore, is: “Where will these expenditure…

On May 14, 2025, the Presidency office declared that President Ramaphosa would be travelling to the US for a working visit from May 19 to May 22. He is joined by John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture; Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition; Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister at the Presidency. This comes after a string of topics that President Trump and his administration have brought up, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, and most recently, the allegations of "persecution" of white farmers that resulted in the migration of 49 Afrikaners to the United States. To mend the misinformation about South Africa that has caused misconceptions and to re-establish diplomatic relations…

Despite all the attention on the US trade debate and the South African lack of budget consensus, the worrying unemployment data (32.9%) for Q1, the ALSI on the JSE continue its impressive performance. The index closed on Friday on 92 619, only twenty points away from its record level of 92 638, which was recorded last Tuesday. Not only did ALSI end the week with 0.9% in the green but it is now 9.7% up for the year to date. Foreign buying interests in SA shares, the strong recovery in Naspers and Prosus saw the Rand exchange rate moving close to the R18.00/$ level. Financial shares were the best performer on the JSE last week as the FIN15 index gained 2.7%. JSE ALSI compared with other global indices. (15 May…

Blue Label Telecom investors cheered news of plans to list subsidiary Cell C on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and the share price increased by 11.18% on Friday afternoon. Blue Label’s management said the proposal to list the mobile telecommunication company, which has only recently been restored to financial stability, arose from their desire to restructure Blue Label’s investments and unlock value for shareholders. Blue Label’s share price traded 11.18% higher by early Friday afternoon on the JSE, a price that is already more than double the R4.31 that it traded at a year before. The parent of Cell C said it is considering options and initiatives to unlock value for its shareholders. Over the past 24 months, a strengthened Cell C executive team had returned Cell C to a strong…

Collins Property Group’s share price plunged 12.9% on Friday despite raising distributable income for the year to end-February 2025 to 109 cents from 94 cents and maintaining its final dividend at 50 cents. The dividend payout ratio was lower at 92% versus 95% last year. The dividend for the year came to 100 cents versus 90 cents last year. Loan-to-value (LTV) at 49.8% versus 50.8% was relatively high compared with other REITs. The share closed at R9.64 on Friday. The company directors said however that the LTV was based on conservative valuations, as demonstrated by historically selling properties at or above book values, including lease cancellation fees. Investment properties were only written up by 1.7%, well below the average inflation rate. The vacancy rate fell to 1.8% from 3.9%, and…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the many factors that influence our emotional well-being. While therapy, exercise and sleep are often in the spotlight, one significant factor is often overlooked: what we eat. Numerous studies confirm that food is more than fuel for your body; it’s also a powerful tool for your mental health. The connection between diet and mood is undeniable, with certain nutrients, flavours, and even aromas playing a vital role in supporting emotional wellness. The link between food and mood Your diet has a direct impact on your brain, thanks to something called the gut-brain connection. This intricate system of communication between your gut and your brain means that what you eat influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and…

President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming visit to the US is expected to be a high-stakes encounter with President Donald Trump, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen joining the delegation to help negotiate for the continuation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The meeting aims to reset strained relations between the two countries and secure a favorable trade deal. Ramaphosa and Steenhuisen, who is also the DA leader, will be joined by Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and International Relations and Minister Ronald Lamola. New special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas is also part of the team. Steenhuisen's spokesperson Charity McCord yesterday confirmed that Ramaphosa and his delegation were already en route and would be landing in the US yesterday evening. However…

The Knysna Municipality has activated its Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to coordinate a multi-agency response to the town’s worsening water crisis, with thousands of residents in at least nine wards left with no or limited access to water for weeks. The JOC was formally established on Wednesday under the Disaster Management Act and remains operational as authorities scramble to stabilise supply and manage relief efforts. The coordinated response includes support from the provincial government, the Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management, Knysna SAPS, Fire & Rescue Services, the Knysna Infrastructure Group, and civil organisations such as Gift of the Givers. Two water tankers are stationed in Rheenendal, while 14 trucks in total are operating across Knysna daily between 7am and 11pm, delivering water to residents in defined zones. A prototype…

Arsenal booked their place in the Uefa Champions League as Declan Rice’s thunderbolt sealed a 1–0 win against top-five rivals Newcastle United on Sunday. Rice’s brilliant second-half strike at the Emirates Stadium guaranteed that Arsenal will compete in Europe’s elite club competition next season. Mikel Arteta’s side ended a five-match winless run to avoid a nervous final day next weekend, with the battle for top-five places no longer a concern for the Gunners. Second-placed Arsenal are likely to finish as English Premier League runners-up for a third successive season after failing to keep pace with champions Liverpool. The north Londoners, who were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, have now gone five years without a trophy. Despite another season of frustration, Arsenal still appear the most…

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said his players had given fans a "moment for their life" by beating Manchester City 1-0 to win the first major trophy in the club's history. Eberechi Eze scored in the first half at Wembley on Saturday and Palace dug deep against Pep Guardiola's men to get over the line and secure a first full venture into European football. "We wanted to write history," said Glasner. "I think now we wrote really a big chapter in history." The Austrian said the players had stuck together after a terrible start to the season, when they won just one of their first 13 league games. "I think you can see now what you can get when you are patient as a club and also a big credit…