Índex per 2023-02-23 a Star

THE 2023 BUDGET saw a weakening in the government’s debt to gross domestic product (GDP) projections and fiscal deficits, and with nearly three quarters of debt relief for Eskom on the R350 billion the State guarantees. The government’s gross debt is consequently now projected to stabilise at 73.6% of GDP in 2025/26. Previously the projection was estimated to peak at 71.1% in 2022/23 in October’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. Key credit rating agencies (Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global) already rate South Africa’s debt, as including all Eskom and other State-owned enterprises (SOE) debt that the government holds guarantees over, and so the impact should be credit neutral. Some improvements in fiscal projections did occur, with the Budget deficit for 2022/23 lowered to -4.2% of GDP,…

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godo- ngwana did not rock the boat in his Budget Speech amid a low-growth economy and as South Africans face a cost of living crisis. So to steady the financially strained ship, he announced no major tax proposals. But providing relief was likely to impact tax revenue collection for 2022/23, which is expected to total R1.69 trillion. This exceeds the 2022 Budget estimate by R93.7 billion, and the 2022 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) estimate by R10.3bn. Over the medium-term, revenue projections were R6bn higher than the estimates of the 2022 MTBPS. “The improvement in revenue is due to higher collection in corporate and personal income taxes, and in customs duties. “This partially offset the lower value-added tax estimates,” he said. “As a result, there…

WHILE the renewable energy industry is optimistic that the solar tax incentives announced in Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech would stimulate the industry, there were concerns that photovoltaic equipment was targeted at the high income sector of the population and not catering lower down. From March 1, 2023, businesses will be able to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of an investment in renewables. There would be no thresholds on the size of the projects that qualify, and the incentive would be available for two years to stimulate investment in the short term. “As announced by the President, we will also introduce a new tax incentive for individuals to install rooftop solar panels to reduce pressure on the grid and help ease load shedding,” he said.…

Imagine getting paid to watch movies. For Jan du Plessis, director of M-Net Channels, this was a reality. Speaking to IOL Entertainment ahead of his planned retirement at the end of March, Du Plessis said his time at the channel meant he got to do what he loved, and that was to watch hours and hours of the best movies and television series. Du Plessis cannot count the number of hours of television he has watched, and proudly acknowledges that he has never had a balanced work and social life. “I look back at the 28 years and I was never bored. I never felt stuck, or was like ‘oh my God, I have to get out of here’. “I live on my own. I would just keep watching (movies)…

The Budget shows the police budget increased by R7.8 billion, that of the National Prosecuting Authority by R1.3 billion and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) R100 million. Delivering his 2023 Budget yesterday, Godongwana said the SAPS is allocated R7.8 billion to appoint 5 000 police trainees per year. “The National Prosecuting Authority receives R1.3 billion for implementation of the recommendations of the State Capture Commission and Financial Action Task Force. “The Financial Intelligence Centre is allocated an additional R265.3 million to tackle organised and financial crime. The Special Investigating Unit is allocated R100 million to initiate civil litigation in the special tribunal, flowing from proclamations linked to the State Capture Commission’s recommendations.” The Defence Department was allocated an additional R3.1 billion to enhance security on the country’s borders by procuring…

The City of Joburg, known as the City of Gold, has become a pigsty. It has become common for residents, including visitors, to be greeted by piles of uncollected waste as they get off their taxis to go to work, even though Pikitup, the company tasked with waste collection, has enough workers on a 24/7 rotation. Pikitup is the city’s official waste management service provider, responsible for keeping the city clean and preserving an attractive and hygienic environment for residents and visitors. Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said efforts to keep the city clean are hampered by the dense population in some parts of the city as they rely on the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to assist in this regard. In order to clean such areas, Pikitup depends on JMPD…

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana announced in his 2023 Budget speech that there would be an increase in sin tax, which means a rise in the price of alcohol and cigarettes. Most South Africans are not pleased with the increase in prices, since most of them are already struggling and feel they are not being paid enough in the first place. Godongwana announced that the price of a 340ml can of beer would rise by 10 cents, a 750ml bottle of wine by 18c, a 750ml bottle of spirits by R3.90, a 23g cigar by R5.47, and a pack of 20 cigarettes by 98c. One affected person, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Alcohol falls under sin tax. Under normal circumstances, I’d accept that when the government needs to raise money,…

FORMULA One has rewritten a rule to ensure reduced points are given for shortened races after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched his second title in confusing circumstances last October. The Formula One commission, which groups the 10 teams and governing FIA as well as the commercial rights holder, met in London on Tuesday, before next week’s season-opening race in Bahrain. A statement of key decisions – to be rubber-stamped by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council – included a change of wording “to ensure that shorter races have reduced points even if they don’t finish with a suspended race”. Last year’s rain-hit Japanese race was halted after two laps and resumed more than two hours later, with 28 of the scheduled 53 laps completed. Even Verstappen was unsure how many…

MAMELODI Sundowns are where they want to be – on top of the standings on both the domestic and continental fronts. Not since the establishment of the PSL has a team won 15 games in a row, let alone five consecutive league titles in the top flight. But Sundowns set both records to not only continue their dominance in South Africa, but to take a step closer to winning an unprecedented sixth Premiership title in a row. Sure, there have been a lot of factors that have played into that feat, including the buying power of the club, but kudos should go to the technical team and players. Coach Rhulani Mokwena has embodied his role since taking over the reins late last year, with his preference for wearing cargo pants…

ALL Blacks coach Ian Foster admitted yesterday it was “highly unlikely” that he would be in charge next year, as speculation grows in New Zealand about his future. Foster’s contract expires following this year’s World Cup in France and he doesn’t expect it to be extended. “I think it’s pretty highly unlikely that I will be in this job next year,” Foster told Newstalk ZB radio. “I keep getting asked about it, if I am going to apply, but the question (for me) is what is best for the All Blacks in 2023.” New Zealand Rugby reportedly want to have the All Blacks coaching staff for 2024 finalised by April. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson and Japan boss Jamie Joseph have been tipped as possible replacements. Foster is concerned that debate…

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godo- ngwana said front-line departments would receive an increased allocation of the Budget, above existing baselines. He said this was for moving toward a change in the composition of spending from consumption to investment, maintaining a large social security safety net while striving for sustainable levels of debt. In his 2023 Budget Speech, Godongwana said over the medium term, more than 60% of non-interest expenditure went to the social wage, while spending on buildings and other fixed structures – such as roads and dams – would increase from R62 billion in the current year to R104.2bn in 2025/26. “This is not an austerity budget. It is a Budget that makes tough trade-offs in the interests of the country’s short- and long-term prosperity,” he said. Godongwana said…

Channel O is set to premiere a new music show, titled Deconstructed. The show will take viewers behind the scenes of some of the favourite hits from the most definitive artists in the country. “If you’ve ever listened to a song that was so brilliant, you couldn’t help but wonder what the artist was thinking when they created it, Channel O’s new creative series, Deconstructed, is just the show for you,” the channel’s agency said. It also offers insight into some of the country’s most-beloved musical acts’ creative process – “It’s like being in the studio with top musicians as they craft their musical gems”. The show is produced by 21 FPS Media and the set-up will see artists talk viewers through what inspires their work. They will also be…

Police are investigating two cases of attempted murder after a woman and a male private security guard were shot and wounded outside a crèche in Bedfordview. The incident took place on Tuesday after 7.30am. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the businesswoman had just dropped her child at a nursery school when she was accosted by a gunman who shot at her while she was inside the school yard. “The other suspect/s shot the owner of the private security company who had parked his car outside the nursery school. “It is alleged that the owner of the private security company was escorting the businesswoman during the time of the shooting.” Masondo said both victims were taken to the nearest medical care centre for treatment. Their condition is unknown.…

A pastor has died after going 25 days without food and water while emulating Jesus with his 40-day fast. Francisco Barajah, 39, founder of the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church, died at a hospital in the city of Beira, where he was evacuated in a critical condition, the BBC reported. After 25 days, Barajah reportedly lost so much weight he could not stand up. The BBC said his relatives and church members agreed to take him to hospital where he was diagnosed with acute anaemia and organ failure. “He was rehydrated with serums and an attempt was made to introduce liquid foods, but it was too late and he died,” the BBC reported. According to the BBC, members of the Santa Trindade Church said it was common for the pastor and…

Remember when Panyaza “fog” Lesufi spent millions of taxpayers’ money fogging non-existent classrooms during the time of Covid. His recent speech signifies a man completely out of touch with reality, commissioning additional helicopters to supposedly rid Gauteng of the exploding criminal scourge, building new solar panel farms, placing solar panels on top of hospitals. This man must be a super dreamer, who thinks he can change the world around him. The reality is that under his so-called leadership, his track record has been cumbersome, slow, and without action. The problem with almost all South African politicians is they mouth what people want to hear but have no clue how to physically deliver. Here is a clue, Panyaza. Go back and fix that which needs to be fixed, before sketching on…

AS THE decade progresses, it’s becoming increasingly depressing when manufactures continue to send out media releases espousing the virtues of electrification, and by which date they will stop making internal combustion engines. Fortunately, though, for now, we can enjoy the thrill of a V8, V6 or, in this case, Audi’s magnificent 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in the RS3 sedan. I might be sticking my neck out here but I reckon it’s one of the best all-round everyday cars out there, if you’re a petrolhead. It’s a bit of a sleeper if you will, with four doors, nothing too outrageous in terms of body kit or go-fast stripes to give away that it will get to 100km/h in a brisk 3.8 seconds. Sure, the aggressive grille, air intakes, rear diffuser…

KAIZER Chiefs’ latest foreign weapon Christian Saile Basomboli is poised for a dream debut in the Soweto Derby on Saturday. Amakhosi’s reconfigured attack that includes Congolese-born Basomboli are preparing for a titanic meeting against an in-form Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium. Prior to his arrival in Soweto, the 22-year-old striker had been a prolific goal scorer for Nchanga Rangers over the last two seasons, firing them to the Zambian top flight with 19 goals in the 2021/22 campaign. Basomboli attracted the attention of Chiefs with fine displays in the MTN Super League where he had already scored seven times and announced his arrival in South Africa with a goal and an assist in his first three appearances. The striker is known for his speed, strength and eye for goal, and…

REAL Madrid’s Vinicius Jr is peerless when it comes to inflicting damage on opponents, his manager Carlo Ancelotti said after the Brazilian scored twice in a spectacular 5-2 comeback win at Liverpool on Tuesday. Liverpool had raced into a 2-0 lead at Anfield, but a double from Vinicius levelled the match before the break and laid the foundation for a thumping Champions League, last-16 first leg win. “Vinicius is the most decisive player in world football today,” Ancelotti told a news conference. “There is no player with this continuity of action. He doesn’t stop and keeps going. I hope he can continue like this.” Vinicius has become arguably his team’s most important player after crowning his breakout season by scoring the goal that won Real Madrid a record-extending 14th European…

LIKE a fine wine, England bowler James Anderson appears to be improving with age and the 40-year-old seamer is back on top of the ICC Test rankings for the sixth time in his illustrious career. At 40 years and 207 days, Anderson has knocked Australian paceman Pat Cummins off his four-year perch to become the oldest player to top the Test rankings. Anderson, who has taken more Test wickets than any other fast bowler, played a key role in England’s 267-run victory over New Zealand in last week’s first Test in Mount Maunganui for England’s 10th win in 11 Tests. His seven wickets took his career total to 682 and for the first time since his maiden series in 2003 his average is now below 26. Anderson shows no sign…

THE 2023 World Cup selection door is not entirely shut to players who are not in the immediate plans of the Springbok management team. But they will have to play out of their skins in the next few months to get a look-in from Bok coach Jacques Nienaber and his selection panel. Much like scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies did in 2019 ahead of that year’s World Cup, other players striking red-hot form for their franchises could also be considered by Nienaber, SA director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and the Bok selectors. Back then Jantjies impressed with his form for the Stormers and Western Province, so much so that he could not be overlooked by Erasmus who was the Bok coach then. He followed up his Super Rugby exploits with a brilliant…

ECONOMISTS said yesterday that upward risks to the expenditure profile included a higher-than-budgeted wage bill. This as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said yesterday that he planned to negotiate with trade unions first before signing a wage increase for public sector employees. While the Treasury has in the meantime allocated a 3.3% increase in the wage bill over the medium term, Godongwana during his Budget Speech said that, as for the wage negotiations that had just commenced, the Budget did not pre-empt the outcomes. Meanwhile, public service unions have been fighting for a 10% increase in public service employees’ salaries, and some have refused to engage in new talks regarding the new financial year. Unions have also vowed to fight if a R1 000 gratuity is unilaterally removed, citing the…

Netflix’s upcoming series Unseen has fans excited and ready to watch actress Gail Mabalane take centre stage as the lead actress. On Tuesday, the popular streaming platform shared a teaser of Unseen across its social media platforms. “Cleaning house has never been this deadly. Unseen premieres March 29. Only on Netflix,” read the caption. The actress, who had viewers raving over her performance in Blood & Water, is excited for the public to see her latest work. @CranberryNessa tweeted: “Just making it categorically very clear – where Gail Mabalane goes, I go. Looking forward to seeing the series!” The teaser reveals an all-star cast featuring Rapulana Seiphemo, Vuyo Dabula, Colin Moss, Shimmy Isaacs and Dineo Langa. Mabalane portrays Zenzi Mwale, who hides behind her identity as an unremarkable “cleaning lady”…

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana yesterday announced tax incentives for those who installed solar rooftop panels while making provision for debt relief to Eskom, as boozers and smokers bear the brunt. With households continuously under pressure from the rising cost of living and high unemployment, Godongwana also announced that there would be less of a burden on the taxpayer. “Individuals who install rooftop solar panels from March 1, 2023 will be able to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of the panels, up to a maximum of R15 000. This can be used to reduce their tax liability in the 2023/24 tax year. “Changes to the Bounce Back Loan Guarantee Scheme are also proposed to incentivise renewable energy, rooftop solar, and address energy-related constraints experienced by small and medium…

The youth who bear the brunt of unemployment in South Africa say they were convinced their education would secure better lives for them, but they have been met with disappointment after endless rejections. They mention the rising cost of living, which also makes it nearly impossible to maintain themselves in their quest for jobs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said they are implementing growth-enhancing reforms to eradicate poverty, inequality and unemployment. Last year, Godongwana said that R76 billion was allocated for job-creation programmes over the medium term, but to date young people still highlight unemployment as one of their biggest challenges. Vuyo Peter, who has not had a solid job since he graduated in governance and finance at Walter Sisulu University, said the government needed to do better in creating opportunities…

Although the country is facing a difficult time economically, there was good news for grant beneficiaries in the 2023 Budget. Social grants will be increased, beginning on April 1. The increase was announced by Godongwana yesterday when he delivered his national Budget at the Cape Town City Hall. The Department of Social Development was given the largest slice of the pie in the past year, in order to provide social relief to millions of South Africans from low-income households who were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, the department will receive R66 billion in medium-term funding, with R36bn going towards extending the Covid-19 social relief of distress grant until March 1 next year. Currently, social grant recipients are paid the following amounts each month: On October 1, the child…

Following the clarification by the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) on the allegations of 25 million potholes in South Africa that did the rounds on social media, the Johannesburg Road Agency said it was hard at work trying to fix Joburg’s pothole problem. “The national roads agency would like to clarify that the estimate of 25 million potholes was not derived from Sanral, but was presented at an event in which it participated. “Sanral has reservations about this figure. Given that South Africa has a paved network of 168 000km, 25 million would equate to 149 potholes for every kilometre, which is improbable and unlikely,” said the agency. JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers told The Star it maintains about 14 000km of roads, the majority which are tarred, with about 1…

CATASTROPHIC power grid woes aside, South Africa has been decidedly slow to transition to electric cars, which remain prohibitively expensive, but the country is certainly warming to hybrids. South Africa’s Automotive Business Council, Naamsa, has released comparative sales data for hybrid and electric vehicles and it shows steady growth on all fronts. A total of 502 fully electric vehicles were sold in the country last year, which is a 134% increase over the 218 units sold in 2021 and a 782% increase over the 58 cars that found homes five years earlier in 2018. It seems even fewer South Africans are warming to plug-in hybrids (PHEV), which are often seen as the ideal bridge between ICE and EV for markets such as ours. Just 122 South Africans bought a PHEV…

GOALKEEPERS are usually under-appreciated, but come derby day, the man between the sticks could prove to be the hero or villain for his team. Heading into the Soweto Derby on Saturday, whoever dons the No 1 jersey for both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs must be at their very best. Hosts Chiefs probably have the most talented keepers at their disposal, including Itumeleng Khune, Brandon Petersen, Bruce Bvuma and Bontle Molefe. But such have been their inconsistent performances, coach Arthur Zwane has had a goalkeeping conundrum this whole season. He’s had to chop and change his No 1 due to form instead of eventualities such as injuries or suspensions. At some point, the great Khune looked to be back to his old self, leading as the club captain both on…

QUALIFYING LIV Golf members will be allowed to compete in the 151st edition of the Open this year at Royal Liverpool, the R&A announced on Tuesday. Some of the more notable LIV golfers allowed into the July 20-23 tournament include past Open champions Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and reigning winner Cameron Smith of Australia. Also available to participate are Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau – who finished in the top at 10 at St Andrews last year – as well as former major winners Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, among others. “We have created an exciting schedule of events which takes in many regions around the world and provides the chance for golfers to earn a place in the Open at Royal Liverpool,”…

SOUTH Africa will have to turn up the heat against a formidable England women’s team in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final tomorrow. Here, Ongama Gcwabe picks five players to look out for during an eagerly anticipated encounter at Newlands (3pm start). Sophie Ecclestone England The world’s number one bowler has been in excellent touch at the World Cup so far. On many occasions she has proven why she is the best in the world with her ability to keep opposition batters quiet and to strike at key moments of the game. She has taken eight wickets in four innings, going at an economy rate of 3.81 runs to the over. She is currently the top-wicket taker in SA. As we have seen even in the SA20, the Newlands wicket…

THE Lions are in desperate need of some positive vibes after another defeat, and a tumultuous week that indicates fractures within the union. A victory against Glasgow Warriors this weekend will not cover the cracks that have appeared at the Joburg union, but it will possibly help to take the first steps towards addressing the issues. What will be required in the coming weeks and months is honesty within the entire operation, one that posits questions relating to player recruitment, player development, the make-up of the coaching and management staff, and if entrenched ideas and organisational structures need a relook and a shake-up. Rudolf Straeuli has seemingly started that honest appraisal this week. Yesterday, the Lions Rugby CEO admitted to Independent Media that the franchise’s ambition to reach the quarter-finals…