Índex per 2022-10-21 a Star

THE COMMISSIONER of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), Unathi Kamlana, says it is not in the public interest to have cryptocurrencies, or more correctly crypto assets, operating outside the regulatory net. He was speaking at a press briefing yesterday unpacking the gazetting of the Declaration of Crypto Assets as a Financial Product under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (Fais) Act. The declaration states that crypto assets, which so far have fallen outside financial regulation in South Africa, are now defined as financial pro- ducts under the Fais Act, offering considerable protections to consumers buying or investing in them. “This is a market segment that is growing, and people are choosing to have an exposure to crypto, and given the FSCA’s role as regulators of the financial sector, we…

SASOL’S share price slumped up to 9% yesterday morning after it declared force majeure on the local supply and export of certain chemical products, while its 2023 first quarter sales volumes were down. The chemicals and fuels group said in an operational update that production rates at plants in Secunda and Sasolburg had been impacted by the Transnet strike that ended earlier this week. Sasol’s shares closed 8.08% lower at R289.53 on the JSE yesterday, 34.7% below a 52-week high. The Natref refinery, the only operating oil refinery in the country, continued to function as no disruption was caused to Transnet’s pipeline. Sasol said port and rail activities had recommenced after the strike, and the discharge of containers from ships in the harbour was being prioritised, this after the conclusion…

ANOTHER stab at inefficient and unsafe standards at the Koeberg plant made by anti-nuclear activists Koeberg Action Alliance (KAA) stemming from an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, which was released earlier this year, has been dismissed as out of context by Eskom, the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and nuclear experts. In a statement yesterday, KAA drew attention to an IAEA report from an on-site review in March, which pointed out 14 major vulnerabilities in Eskom’s management of Africa’s only nuclear reactor. Unit 2 of the reactor is currently under refurbishment, which has incurred delays after issues were identified with the steam generators that were meant to be changed in time for it to return to generation by September. Eskom intends to refurbish both units and extend the operational life…

Babita Deokaran, the chief director of financial accounting who was at the forefront of fighting and exposing personal protective equipment (PPE) tender corruption in the Gauteng Health Department, was shot dead outside her Johannesburg home last year. Six men – Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Radebe, Nhlangano Ndlovu, Sanele Mbhele, Siphiwe Mazibuko and Siphakanyiswa Dladla – are alleged to have opened fire on Deokaran through the window of her car. They have been arrested for the murder and are currently on trial. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source said a shockingly new culture had emerged where people who had once been prepared to speak out about corruption were being intimidated or threatened into silence. “Whistle-blowers are facing extinction in this country. Babita was not protected by the state despite them knowing…

The Basic Education Department (DBE) hosted the 22nd National Teaching Awards (NTA) yesterday in recognition of the nation’s foremost teachers and to celebrate outstanding educators. The department said the 22nd edition of the awards has been benchmarked against global teacher award strategies, such as the African Union Teacher Prize, the Commonwealth Education Awards and the Global Teacher Prize. DBE Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, who delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony, said that as the world celebrates Teachers Month, quality education depends on a teacher’s ability to create and enable a conducive environment for learners to thrive. “Teachers are the torch bearers and nation builders who inspire, guide, lighten, motivate and make the world a better place,” Mhaule said. Minister Angie Motshekga said the NTAs were one of…

LEGENDARY songwriter, singer and actress Abigail Kubeka, 81, has welcomed the Special Tribunal’s ruling that exempted former SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng from paying back the R2.4 million the public broadcaster gave to South African artists seven years ago. The SABC and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) approached the Special Tribunal in January last year, with the view of forcing Motsoeneng and eight other executives to pay back R2 425 000 they had distributed to 53 artists in 2016. The artists, who Motsoeneng identified as having not received needle-time royalties before 1996 when South Africa’s new Constitution was approved, were given R50 000 each as a special dispensation for their artistic contribution during the Struggle. The SABC and the SIU sought to have the payments declared…

A PETITION calling for the banning of pit bulls as domestic pets has garnered more 35 000 signatures. The petition, launched by the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation, is now aiming to reach 50 000 signatures. The foundation called for the immediate ban of pit bulls, “following years of vicious attacks on innocent citizens, including young children”. It added that Russia, Finland, Denmark, the UK, Portugal and parts of Germany, China, Brazil and Australia had already banned the breed. In Gqeberha, 10-year-old Storm Nuku was mauled to death at his family home by pit bulls last month. IOL reported that police were alerted to the scene and when they arrived they shot and killed both dogs inside the house. Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said an inquest docket would be opened for…

JOBURG is home to a large collection of public art, including many pieces produced over the last 20 years by a city-led public art programme that continues to grow. Eric Itzkin, the head of Heritage in the city’s Directorate of Arts, Culture and Heritage, says that with a stock of hundreds of artworks already in the public environment, keeping the pieces fresh, appealing and in good nick is no small task. “Fortunately, the upkeep of the collection has gained attention, with some outstanding artworks being restored and enhanced in recent years by the city’s Directorate of Arts, Culture and Heritage,” said Itzkin. His primary focus over a decade has been on preserving and promoting historical sites and buildings throughout Johannesburg, as well as maintaining public art and commissioning new artwork.…

SOUTH Africa’s Thriston Lawrence has confirmed he will defend his Joburg Open title as this international Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament moves to its new home at Houghton Golf Club next month. Lawrence returns to a tournament where he made Joburg Open and South African golf history last year by becoming the first winner in the new era of the DP World Tour. The young South African professional has been a perfect example of the Joburg Open’s status as a tournament that opens international doors for its winners. The victory provided the platform for Lawrence to take his career to the next level as his win also earned him an exemption into his first Major, the historic 150th playing of The Open Championship in St Andrews this…

DURING a state visit to Russia in April 1999, President Nelson Mandela expressed his appreciation for the “solidarity of the Russian people in the South African fight against apartheid and for freedom”. The Soviet Union, a clear ally to the ANC in the prolonged battle against the racist apartheid regime, trained thousands of MK cadres, including Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki. This contrasts sharply with the stance of the US, which, in 1989, declared the ANC as one of the “world’s more notorious terrorist groups”. South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Mandela, remained on the US terrorism watch list until 2008. Historically Russia has been a strong African ally. Apart from the ANC, the Soviet Union supported liberation movements across Africa including in Angola, Mozambique, and Ethiopia, and refused to…

THE Pride will hope for a degree of revenge against the Glasgow Warriors; while Ivan van Rooyen and Co will hope for a more clinical approach, one bereft of any negative, frantic energy that could be detrimental to their cause when the sides meet this weekend in URC action. In their previous clash, last season at Scotstoun Stadium, the Lions lost 13-9. An early try by hooker Jamie Bhatti – the only touchdown of the match – was dubious at best, and set the tone for the rest of the encounter. The Joburgers dominated through the scrums, while the boot of EW Viljoen – hastily inserted at No 10 due to an injury crisis – kept them interested in the game to the last. But poor defending by the Lions,…

JOHAN Goosen is about five or six games short of being fully match fit and at his best, and Jake White feels that the Bulls flyhalf cannot just be expected to “pull the strings” for the Springboks on their end-of-year tour. The 30-year-old pivot – who has 13 Test caps – was somewhat of a surprise inclusion in a 26-man group that will attend a Bok training camp in Stellenbosch from Sunday onwards ahead of the November trip featuring Tests against Ireland, France, Italy and England. While Goosen is highly rated by Bok coach Jacques Nienaber, he hasn’t played much since returning from an 11-month absence due to a serious knee injury. He made his return to the pitch a few weeks ago at fullback for the Bulls against Edinburgh,…

MUCH to the relief of the business sector, the Transnet strike has officially come to an end after two weeks of disruption to operations that are a lifeblood to South Africa’s economy. However, Transnet is now counting the costs and has begun with the implementation of recovery plans across its operations as the industrial action left untold damage to the country’s economy. The South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), which represents more than 300 clearing and forwarding agents, said yesterday that its members incurred logistics costs of nearly R7 billion over the 11 days of industrial action at the ports. SAAFF said South Africa also lost the opportunity of moving R65.3bn worth of goods, with a possibility that some would be moved later but the rest are gone…

CLICKS Group increased retail sales 11.7% in the year to August 2022 after it lifted margins, tightly controlled costs, generated strong cash flows and provided better returns to shareholders. Group turnover increased 6% to R39.6 billion. Headline earnings per share increased by 33.5%. The dividend for the year under review increased 30% to 637 cents per share. Chief executive Bertina Engel- brecht said in a telephone interview that while the 6% might be slightly below what had initially been targeted for the full year, the group posted excellent results considering the headwinds that were overcome. Cash inflows came to R4.3bn and the return on equity increased to 48% from 38.2%. During the year R1.7bn was returned to shareholders in dividend payments and share buy-backs. Engelbrecht said the majority…

Musician and activist Tebogo “Edward Billion” Lerole and a host of other local celebrities, including Mdu Masilela, Kagiso “Gwyza” Diseko, Mr JazziQ, Lethabo “Thabee Happy” Malemone and Keke Mphuti, have pledged to help raise funds for the evicted “Soweto Gogo”. This comes after a video of Gogo Kenaope Violet Mosidi being marched out of her Meadowlands home following an eviction allegedly by the new owner, caused an uproar on social media earlier this month. In response to the video, many organisations and celebrities expressed their dissatisfaction on social media platforms with some, including Lerole, labelling the incident as inhumane. “This world must be coming to an end, how does a 103-year-old Gogo get evicted in full view and nobody does jerk ish? Can someone please tell me this is a…

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is concerned about pupil ill-discipline following numerous incidents among pupils at Gauteng schools this week, including a stabbing and serious fights. The incidents were reported to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE). “We strongly condemn acts of ill-discipline and unruly behaviour by learners at our schools. We must remind all learners, parents and the community at large that our schools are institutions of learning and teaching. “Any form of ill-discipline and unruly behaviour will be met with disciplinary action, and lawful action if necessary,” said Chiloane. On Wednesday, there was an incident reported at Altmont Technical High School in Protea South, Soweto, where a Grade 8 boy was allegedly stabbed in the neck by a boy in Grade 9, outside the school premises. “The injured…

NEW Joburg mayor Dada Morero has warned the DA that the ANC would file another motion of no confidence and win if the South Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of the reinstatement of Dr Mpho Phalatse. Morero was speaking during a council meeting yesterday after being accused by several DA councillors of being in the mayoral seat illegally. Some of the DA councillors were objecting to Morero’s remarks that his party was helping residents of the crime-ridden Eldorado Park community fight drug abuse and the escalation of gang-violence. But DA members disagreed, prompting Morero to say his party would continue to be in power in the City of Joburg despite the pending outcome of the court case in which Phalatse is challenging her removal in which she cited non-compliance…

Bidders Choice will be hosting the online commercial salvage auction of accident-damaged trucks, with bids having opened on October 20 at 8am and closing on October 27 from 11am. Vehicles going under the hammer include: • 2017 Mercedes-Benz Actros 2646 C/C (Chassis Cab) • 2019 Tata 65 Seater Bus • 2016 Man TGS 26.440 • 2016 Isuzu NQR 500 AMT Closed Body • 2020 Mitsubishi Fuso FE8-150 C/C (Chassis Cab) • 2020 Tata 813 Drop Side • 2017 Isuzu NPR 300 Closed Body Viewing is on October 25, 26 and 27 from 9am to 3pm at 1 Hytor Road, Chloorkop. For more information, contact Jan Le Roux on 082 308 6537 or visit www.bidderschoice.co.za. |…

He is redefining modern-day entertainment and has taken the limelight by storm with his charismatic personality. Multi-hyphenate star Lebo Molax shares elating details about his career journey, which has been on an upward trajectory, with hopes to inspire others to also tap into their full potential. Molax is not only an entertainment enthusiast but is also thriving academically as a professional scientist, a qualified hydrogeologist with four science degrees, with a Master’s of Science in geohydrology being his highest qualification. With his journey, he says he hopes that his entourage learns that they sky is not the limit. “I hope people learn that the sky is not the limit. If people could learn that we have got great potential within ourselves. But we have the greatest fear at the same…

The attacks on and killing of police officers should be declared by our legal framework as sabotage deserving a life sentence. That should include anyone found in possession of or illegally using police equipment and the uniform of the men and women in blue. The prerequisite, though, should be to eliminate or minimise the rot in the police force which flows from above. Perched at the top is the government of the day that conservatively renders the country on automatic pilot but effectively on nosedive. The effectiveness and efficiency of the police come from reliable information. And that information is derived from members of the communities. Unfortunately, there’s a trust deficit between them and the law enforcement agency. Community members are frustrated, angry and despondent because they too are victims…

Staff at the Reproduction Clinic of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (Ovah) at the University of Pretoria (UP) Faculty of Veterinary Science joined the SA Guide-Dogs Association (Saga) recently in celebrating the 100th guide-dog litter conceived via artificial insemination since the programme was launched in 2014. Of the 100 litters born since 2014, 98 have been successfully raised. Most puppies were trained as guide dogs for visually impaired people, as support to children on the autism spectrum, and as service dogs to people struggling with physical disabilities. “Since 2014 we exclusively use Ovah’s services to ensure that enough assistance dogs are available,” said Leigh de Beaufort, who is in charge of kennels, puppy breeding and puppy raising at Saga. She says the 101st successful insemination was done recently, and the…

The Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has impounded a Nissan Livina which was transporting at least 20 pupils to school along the Golden Highway. “On Wednesday morning, while conducting a roadside check at Golden Highway and Union Avenue in Eldorado Park, JMPD operations officers stopped a maroon Nissan Livina transporting schoolchildren,” JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla told IOL. “Upon inspection, officers found 20 learners packed in the vehicle. It was also discovered that the vehicle's licence disc had expired and that the braking system was not functioning properly.” The vehicle was “immediately” impounded for number-plate investigation, and the driver was issued with a fine for overloading. “Driver and vehicle fitness is of utmost importance. It is equally important for parents to know what kind of vehicles their children are being transported…

In one of the most heartbreaking pleas, an 89-year-old granny in Occupied Palestine asks, “Until when will this grave injustice go on?”. Her name is Samia Khoury, described by Susan Abulhawa as an author, a Palestinian icon and a friend. In her plea, Khoury sketches what transpired in the early hours of Tuesday, October 18, 2022. About 12 Israeli army and secret service troops stormed her son’s house after forcibly breaking the gate at the entrance of the compound where they all live. They arrested her 16-year-old grandson, Shadi Khoury, and beat him so severely that he was bleeding all over the room and along the path on the way out of the house. Blindfolded and barefoot, they dragged him out without allowing his parents to examine the source of…

RAIN threatens to derail the T20 World Cup when the big guns enter the fray this weekend, with Australia’s opener against New Zealand and an India versus Pakistan blockbuster both at risk of being washed out. Parts of Australia are facing a third straight La Nina weather event with a wetter-than-average summer expected, and downpours are forecast for Sydney and Melbourne from today through to next week. Aaron Finch’s Australia begin their title defence against New Zealand at a sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground tomorrow - a repeat of the 2021 final in Dubai where Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 77 powered them to an eight-wicket win and maiden crown. But the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a “very high (90%) chance of showers” and potentially thunderstorms, with no reserve days for group…

DR HLENGANI Mathebula authored Why we must protect SARB, and this appeared in City Press of October 16. Quoting Ernest Hemingway, 1935, he attributes South Africa’s stagnant economy to mismanagement and corruption, both of which do not apply to the SA Reserve Bank (SARB), which we must protect. In other words, he sees no contribution of the SARB to stagnating of the economy for the past decade and half or so. It is hard to imagine any person with even the simplest understanding of economics absolving the SARB from the economic mess South Africa finds itself in. Recently, even the avowedly right-wing neo-liberal supporters of the bank have condemned its misguided stance as harming the economy. He goes on to write that “that’s why there have been calls by some…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has issued a public warning to women about a dating scam after receiving numerous complaints around Limpopo. Yesterday, the Hawks said according to information received, a dating scam is targeting women who are recently divorced, widowed, inherited valuable assets or have a stable job but are unmarried. “Scammers pretend to be looking for a good wife to marry in a short time. In a short while, they would come up with business proposals where the victims would be promised unbelievable dividends,” said the Hawks. According to the Hawks, these women would also be required to sell all their valuable assets or withdraw all their money. They would then be requested to make a deposit into provided bank accounts in order to start a…

The conversation encompassing blackness has been affiliated with different thoughts and notions that carried misconceptions that still need to be de-mystified. There is no better way to bring about stimulating conversations that impact South Africans than having them in the most inhabitable tone. With Mzansi Magic at the forefront of delivering home-grown content, the television channel has worked with Castle Milk Stout to launch a four-part series, Black Conversations, which prem miered on Mzansi Magic yesterday. Through the “Don’t Fear Black, Savour It” campaign, the brand seeks to unpack blackness positively and in response to embracing blackness, Castle Milk Stout, through this series, seeks to open a platform to discuss blackness openly and authentically. This features South African opinion leaders and media personalities including Celeste Ntuli, Mthokozisi “Mablerh” Cele, Dineo…

A JOHANNESBURG choir group recently won big on an international stage. Early this month the Quava Vocal Group arrived full of zeal in Europe to compete in the inaugural 2022 World Choral Cup, which took place in Barcelona and Calella in Spain. Last Sunday the choir won the jazz and adult choir categories. Quava Vocal Group has cemented its position among the most prestigious choirs in the world after its victory. Thirty-one choirs from 24 countries competed in seven categories for the coveted trophy, and Quava Vocal Group took first prize in both of their categories, which saw them progress to the second round of eight choirs and then, subsequently, to the top three choirs of the tournament, alongside two choirs from Denmark. Quava’s music director, Sabelo Mthembu, was also…

KAIZER Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has conceded that he has been sleeping less since his appointment, due to the pressure that comes with the job. It’s been five months since Zwane was roped in as Chiefs’ new steward, after the club backed him to re-install their winning culture and identity. But “project revival” hasn’t gone according to the script, with Chiefs enduring a bag of mixed results and performances to irk their supporters. They recently appeared to have found momentum over the past few weeks, stringing together three Premiership wins to go eight games unbeaten. But that was a false dawn, as Amakhosi lost 2-1 to Chippa United at home last Saturday, before they drew 2-2 with TS Galaxy on Wednesday. The latest results have put Zwane under immense…

The Pretoria side had just won the Currie Cup final in June last year, and had lost a few players to the Springbok squad. Then they had to travel from South Africa to Treviso, and probably thought they would easily dispatch an Italian club side. But they got a 35-8 hiding in the Rainbow Cup final on a hot European summer’s day. And it was a South African – former Stormers scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage – who led the way with a commanding performance as the Bulls wilted in the sunny conditions. Thereafter Jake White’s team went all the way to the URC final last season, and made a three-match winning start to this campaign. They have gone down to Glasgow and Munster over the last fortnight, but are keen to…

SOUTH Africa’s selectors will leave it until a final meeting at the weekend to decide if Proteas captain Temba Bavuma will start the opening match of the T20 World Cup. Selection convenor Victor Mpitsang, who is in Brisbane where the team is continuing its preparations for the tournament, remains reticent regarding Bavuma’s status, after the skipper’s poor run of form in the T20 format recently. “We obviously haven’t decided on the starting XI yet. We will be travelling to Hobart on Saturday, and then we want to look at conditions. We will have a meeting and get feedback from Bouch (head coach Mark Boucher) before making a call,” Mpitsang said. The Proteas’ last warm-up match against Bangladesh was rained out on Wednesday preventing Bavuma from getting some much-needed time…

CRICKET South Africa’s high performance management is implementing more stringent fitness standards as part of its attempt to bridge the gap between provincial and international cricket. Fitness is back in the spotlight after the DP World Lions all-rounder Sisanda Magala was effectively suspended from his team’s opening two matches in the T20 Challenge competition for failing to meet CSA’s fitness requirements. “We want to drive the same system as the Proteas. Some of the challenges that we face is that when players come from provincial level into the national team, you can see there is a massive gap from a fitness point of view,” said CSA’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe. Magala is one of the country’s top all-rounders in the limited overs formats, but has fallen short of CSA’s…