Índex per 2023-07-26 a Star

ECONOMIC growth in South Africa is expected to weaken in the near future as the intensified power cuts, elevated interest rates and logistical bottlenecks continue to constrain business activity, putting additional pressure on government finances. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) yesterday said that the composite leading business cycle indicator fell to 1.7% in May, slipping further from an upwardly revised 1.1% decline in April. This marked the fourth consecutive month of declines in the business indicators, as six out of the 10 available component time series decreased. The SARB said the largest negative contributors were the downturns in approved residential building plans and South Africa’s export commodity price index denominated in US dollars. By contrast, the positive contributors were the widened interest rate spread, and the accelerated six-months smoothed…

Country’s growth is expected to decline to 0.3% in 2023 in latest prediction THE INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) has given South Africa’s some reprieve, forecasting that the country’s economic growth would not decline as previously thought in 2023 as adverse risks to global growth have receded since April. In its World Economic Outlook (WEO) yesterday, the IMF said though the ongoing energy crisis would drag economic growth lower this year, avoiding a technical recession in the first quarter of 2023 had given the economy some hope. South Africa’s power utility Eskom has resumed implementing heightened levels of power cuts during peak hours as the current electricity generation struggles to meet rising demand after lower stages of load shedding in June. “In South Africa, growth is expected to decline to 0.3%…

DESPITE Kumba Iron Ore slashing its interim dividend by 20% as its profit fell by 17% on ongoing logistics constraints and weak global steel demand impacting iron ore market, the shares were bullish. The shares rose 11.56% to close at R489.74 on the JSE yesterday as the results came in on the higher end of expectations. In a trading statement last week, Kumba told the market its said headline earnings were likely to be between 14% and 22% lower. In its interim results for the period ended June 30, 2023, Kumba Iron Ore, majority-owned by Anglo American, said interim profit declined by nearly R2.5 billion, and this led the company to slash the dividend to R22.60, resulting in a R7.3bn payout. Normalised headline earnings per share dropped by…

Platinum group metals (PGMs) and hydrogen are virtually synonymous – wherever hydrogen is produced, distributed, or consumed in industrial applications, PGMs are usually involved. These metals, therefore, hold tremendous promise as the world addresses the triple challenges of decarbonisation while ensuring energy security and developing the next generation of high-value manufacturing. The unique chemical and physical properties of platinum, iridium and ruthenium in particular makes them ideally suited to catalysing the reactions involved in the generation of low-carbon hydrogen, moving it at scale, and transforming the hydrogen back into energy for a wide range of end-uses. In order to limit climate change and bring CO₂ emissions to net zero by 2050, the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) has estimated that there will need to be an increase in global renewable…

In a significant boost towards the finalisation of Karpowership SA’s Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMI4P) projects, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) dismissed the green lobbyists’ appeal challenging the condonation granted to Karpowership SA for the late submission of its final environmental impact assessment report (EIAr) in Richard’s Bay. Karpowership SA said yesterday that this followed a similar decision where the department had upheld the appeal of Karpowership SA against the refusal of its Section 47C application for Saldanha Bay on May 23. “Karpowership SA will now move forward with its public participation process followed by the submission of the final EIAr,” it said. Karpowership SA is a South African company jointly owned by Powergroup SA, a 100% black-owned, women-empowered South African company, and…

Season one of Netflix’s thriller Fatal Seduction left viewers on tenterhooks. But in a few days, more of the storyline will be revealed. The series is adapted from the Mexican drama, Dark Desire. Starring A-listers Kgomotso Christopher as Nandi Mahlati and Thapelo Mokoena as Leonard Mahlati, part one looked at how Nandi’s affair with Jacob (Prince Grootboom) goes wrong after he enters the Mahlatis’ lives to avenge a wrong done to his family. Further challenges arise when he is accused by Leonard’s brother, Vuyo (Nat Ramabulana), of killing Nandi’s best friend, Brenda. Meanwhile, after being rejected by Nandi, Jacob has his sights set on a new target, Nandi and Leonard’s daughter, Zinhle. Things get very complicated for everyone involved. According to a press release from the streaming giant, the…

Locally produced independent film Die Hustle is set to premiere in Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Durban and Cape Town after enjoying a successful debut in Johannesburg earlier this month. Written and directed by Ricardo Klaasen, the film tells the story of two coloured boys, Slim and Dimpie, who dream of owning the first shisa nyama in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. But their goal is derailed when they are scammed by a Nigerian man offering a drag-racing opportunity. Aside from losing the money, Slim, played by Jerome du Plooy, well known for his roles on Skeem Saam and Rhythm City, is also dealing with his mother slowly dying of cancer. Meanwhile, Dimpie, played by comedian Nadeem Poen, has a childhood love that is trying to get him closer to God. In comes their old…

TSHWANE mayor Cilliers Brink has hit out at the head of the parliamentary select committee on co-operative governance and traditional affairs, China Dodovu, saying he was “blissfully ignorant of his own contribution to the City of Tshwane’s financial woes”. This comes after Dodovu and the committee expressed strong views regarding the metro’s financial situation following their oversight visit last week to municipalities in Gauteng, including Tshwane. Dodovu said the committee highlighted that the lack of financial management in the City “requires urgent action to resolve”, according to a statement released at the weekend. The committee’s concerns were raised in the wake of the auditor-general’s adverse opinion incurred by the metro for the 2021/22 financial year. Dodovu said: “The main challenge is the lack of appetite to implement effective consequence management,…

The Health Justice Initiative yesterday asked the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, for an order instructing the Minister of Health and the Department of Health to disclose records concerning the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines by the National Department of Health. The organisation in particular wants access to the vaccine procurement contracts concluded with vaccine manufacturers and suppliers, and the records of negotiation with those parties. Judge Anthony Millar was told that by June this year, more than 38 million Covid-19 vaccine doses had been administered in South Africa. Several million vaccine doses were received by directly buying from pharmaceutical companies, through the Covax facility, and by donations. However, the content of these agreements, including the complete details of the contracting parties is unknown and remains a secret, advocate Isabel Goodman said.…

Ingredients 1 cup Guinness or any dark stout beer ½ cup freshly brewed coffee 1 cup butter, melted ½ cup cocoa powder 2 cups treacle sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla essence ⅔ cup buttermilk or milk 2 cups cake flour 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp baking powder 1 slab dark chocolate, chopped Meringue icing: ½ cup white sugar 2 tsp instant coffee ¼ cup water 2 egg whites Pinch salt Pinch cream of tartar Method Preheat oven to 170°C. Line two 20 to 23cm cake tins with baking paper. Combine stout, coffee, butter, cocoa powder, treacle sugar, eggs, vanilla and buttermilk or milk. In a separate bowl, combine flour, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk until a smooth batter…

Warning: This story contains graphic details and may be triggering to some readers. Murder-accused mother, Lauren Dickason, thought the family made a bad decision by emigrating to New Zealand from South Africa, the High Court in Christchurch heard yesterday. The court heard evidence from arresting officer, Detective Micheal Kneebone, which primarily revolved around his interview with her on September 17, 2021, the day after her three daughters were killed. Dickason had been discharged from hospital after a check-up, according to copies of court proceedings by Stuff.NZ. Dickason spoke to Kneebone about her depression disorder, as well as her medication history. She told him that just before she and her husband Graham could emigrate with their three daughters, she went off her medication because she felt functional. She also admitted to…

For the first time since 1994, elections in South Africa are likely to see the beleaguered governing party lose the majority. Come 2024, after 30 years of disappointing the electorate, the ANC faces the real threat of voter retribution. One of their greatest fears is looming large: losing to the IFP. The resurgence of the IFP in the past few years as disillusioned voters turn to a leadership of integrity and strong moral values, is a source of tremendous distress to the ANC. The option of restoring public trust is not viable, for every day brings new scandal, new evidence of corruption and arrogant disregard for the rule of law. Faced with the impossibility of covering up the growing mountain of defects in a party that has entirely lost its…

Wellington: Bambanani Mbane might be playful and loud off the pitch but when it’s time to get down to business, she rolls up her sleeves and gives her all. Mbane is currently in her second Women’s World Cup with Banyana Banyana in New Zealand, having made her debut with the team in the last edition in France four years ago. During South Africa’s 2-1 loss to Sweden in their opening game here, she was her usual best, halting the opposition’s threats around the box and building going forward. It was an impressive performance that proved her growth and versatility, having been partnered with Bongeka Gamede instead of her usual companion, Noko Matlou. Matlou, who watched from the bench on the day, had formed a solid partnership with Mbane that inspired…

Just like the namesake of his starting hooker on Saturday, Jacques Nienaber is looking to redistribute game-time like wealth among his people after selecting his match-day 23 to face Argentina. Revealing his team for the Pumas clash at Ellis Park (5.05pm kick-off) in the final Rugby Championship match of the season, Nienaber explained that Malcolm Marx will receive a rare start in the No 2 jersey. There has been some serious debate in recent weeks regarding the role of the 29-year-old and his teammate Bongi Mbonambi, and who should be the first-choice hooker with the World Cup in mind. Both Marx and Mbonambi have merits for selection, with the latter the preferred starting No 2. Saturday will be Marx’s seventh start in 28 outings since 2019, according to Rugby Pass;…

Co-hosts are: Dr Pali Lehohla, the former Statistician-General of South Africa and BR lead reporter Siphelele Dludla. We will touch on columns in BR’s Energy Today – published on Wednesdays in The Star, The Mercury and Cape Times and online – and get more indepth insights. Our first conversation will focus on infrastructure in a conversation between Crown Prince Adil Nchabeleng, the President of Transform RSA and an Independent Energy Expert, and MthunzI Luthuli, the CEO of Economic Interventions Forum of South Africa. The link to the conversation will be published by BR on Friday. Independent Media’s new Energy Today pages are not only available weekly in Business Report, but also in our weekend titles as well as a monthly Energy Today magazine. We are thrilled to bring you the…

THE COMPETITION Tribunal has conditionally approved the controversial merger of Takatso Aviation and SAA, but was mum on its reasons for doing so. It said yesterday that it would issue its reasons in “due course”. Takatso intends to acquire 51% of State-owned company SAA from the government as represented by the National Department of Public Enterprises. “The tribunal has approved the transaction subject to conditions involving a moratorium on retrenchments and divestiture of the shareholding by the minority shareholders in the Takatso consortium,” it said. There have been numerous concerns about job losses and fiscal transparency. Takatso also had to reassure the tribunal that it would be able to manage SAA optimally without its subsidiaries. The consortium also has to fund SAA’s operational costs to the tune of R3 billion…

SASOL’S share price gained more than 3% yesterday morning after releasing an update indicating it has largely met production guidance for its chemicals and energy products operations. The Energy Business showed “not-able improvements in operational and business performance in the second half of the year to June 30, 2023,” compared to the first half. Higher production volumes were reached at its Secunda operations due to operational stability and improved equipment reliability, as well as increased availability of natural gas. As a result, the upper end of its market guidance of 6.6 to 6.9 million tons was exceeded. In the chemicals business, all three regional segments achieved sales volumes within guidance ranges. Sales volumes in the fourth quarter of the 2023 financial year increased 5% compared to the third quarter, with…

I am not a bomb nor an explosives expert, but what I can’t tell you is that the Bree Street explosion could not be a gas explosion. Something bigger took place, and the authorities are not telling us the truth. The Bree Street explosion has the makings of a bomb-related explosion, which is not gas related. The Bree Street explosion should not be treated lightly and passed off as a mere gas leak explosion. The City, in particular, needs to conduct a proper independent investigation into the causes of the explosion. The early reports suspected a gas leak connected to a series of Egoli Gas pipelines that run through Bree Street, connecting the entire Central Business District (CBD) of Johannesburg. And Egoli Gas has since dismissed those claims in several…

Christopher Nolan’s latest directorial, Oppenheimer, which hit theatres on July 21, has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, but it has also upset many Indian viewers over a sex scene featuring a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, considered a holy scripture by the Hindus. Social media users vented their outrage and slammed the makers. “If this was a scene in a Bollywood film, theatres screening it would have been burned down,” a Twitter user wrote. “Art knows no boundaries, but Oppenheimer’s Bhagavad Gita scene tests the limits of creative expression,” another wrote. Uday Mahurkar from the Save Culture Save India Foundation penned an open letter to the makers of Oppenheimer, saying the scene has hurt religious sentiments. He urged the Union Information & Broadcasting Ministry to take action.…

The elders of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) at the church headquarters in Zuurbekom have slammed Jerusalem faction leader Michael Sandlana for claiming victory over the withdrawal of the succession battle at the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, on Monday. Speaking exclusively to The Star, the chairperson of the church’s executive council, Abiel Wessie, said Sandlana had no right to claim victory in a matter that did not involve him, as the matter was between the two Modise brothers, Tshepiso and Leonard Modise. “The victory is that of the two brothers, as they have united and, for the first time, spoke with one voice, and the court has acceded to their request for withdrawal. So, the matter has indeed been withdrawn, and there is no longer a succession battle. “I…

The Speaker of the Johannesburg Council, Colleen Makhubele, said she was aware of a plot to oust her from Cope. This comes after a fake letter was sent to the IEC and the City of Johannesburg’s city manager, indicating that Makhubele was suspended from Cope. Cope is heading for its national elective congress later this year, and Makhubele’s name has come up among those who could lead the party into the 2024 national and provincial elections. Makhubele said she was not angered by attempts to destroy her political career. Instead, she called for unity among Cope members for the betterment of the party. ‘’I understand that there are those who are not happy at some decisions that have been taken at a national level, and that is fine, but instead…

ORLANDO Pirates soccer player Senzo Meyiwa was found lying near the kitchen facing upwards after he was shot, allegedly by robbers. This was according to a State witness and neighbour of the Vosloorus home of Kelly Khumalo, where Meyiwa was killed in October 2014. Khaya Stanley Ngcatshe was called to testify after the legal defence for the five accused men and the State concluded with the cross-examination of Zandile Khumalo, Kelly’s sister, after almost a week of testimony. Ngcatshe’s evidence was that he had heard a lot of noise in the Khumalo home just after 7pm, which led him to look out the window into his neighbour’s house. He told the court he and his father went outside their home only to witness a young man jumping the wall into…

There is a new man in town who has vowed to combat the growing pandemic of drugs that continues to sweep through South Africa. Sizokuthola host Xolani Khumalo is doing the Lord’s work by cleaning the streets and ensuring that drug hot spots are exposed. Khumalo, who has received numerous death threats, has put his foot down to shape South Africa into a drug-free country despite the dangers of confronting feared drug lords. In the past few months, he has been moving from city to city, busting drug lords masquerading behind high walls and ensuring they account for their actions. Viewers have also thrown their weight behind the popular show, despite recent reports involving a man who died during a drug raid. “We understand that during the bust, which was…

The Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary closed on Sunday with the cutest video, dubbing a baby rhino as the noisiest eater in the world. Baby Cruiser was captured in a 19-second clip while loudly slapping food around his little mouth. “Little Cruiser is now nearly two months old but he is growing very quickly and is already investigating solids! His mom Sibeva might still need to show him how to chew with his mouth closed though… for now, we love, love watching this adorable baby experience life and learn all about the world,” Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary said. Meanwhile, with World Ranger Day being commemorated on Monday, July 31, Care for Wild Rhino said that the K9 Unit plays a crucial role in securing rhinos and wildlife in the…

Switzerland had goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann to thank for securing a valuable 0-0 draw against Norway, who recovered from a shaky start after Ada Hegerberg’s withdrawal, but could not find a breakthrough in the Women’s World Cup Group A match yesterday. Norway coach Hege Riise rang the changes in an attempt to revive the team’s fortunes after the former champions suffered a shock opening defeat by co-hosts New Zealand, but they failed to score for a second straight game. “Today is a big improvement, what we are doing collectively,” Riise said. “We came here with more energy than last time … We created enough chances today. “We have the talent and the great players, but we haven’t scored any goals yet. We lack the victory to be able to be completely…

Manchester City will “fight” to stop Kyle Walker going to Bayern Munich, manager Pep Guardiola said yesterday, describing the defender as a key player for the team. Walker started as a substitute in the Champions League final when City completed a historic treble last month, and the German champions are keen to bring him to Munich. But ahead of City’s clash against Bayern in Tokyo today, Guardiola insisted the 33-year-old was “an incredibly important player for us”. Walker has “very specific qualities that are so difficult to find worldwide”. “I know we are in touch, both clubs. We will fight for him, like I’m pretty sure Bayern (will). I don’t know how it is going to finish.” Guardiola was bullish when asked if Walker would be considered for selection against…

SHARES in Shoprite trended higher yesterday after the retailer said it expected a 16% increase in merchandise sales as alcohol continues to boost its growth and gain market share. The shares closed3.99% higher at R252.54 on the JSE yesterday. Investors were quick to welcome the positive operational update for the 52 weeks to July 2, 2023, in which the group said merchandise sales grew to R215 billion, while LiquorShop sales increased by 30.8%. This after its rival Pick n Pay last week reported a decline in sales for the 20 weeks ended July 16, 2022 – a grim update that the market found a bitter pill to swallow. Shoprite said first-half sales growth of 35.6% was elevated due to Covid-19 lockdown closures in the prior year…

MPACT’S headline earnings per share for continuing operations are expected to increase resiliently by between 30.3% and 37.3% for the six months to June 30, 2023, after it focused on higher margin business. Mpact is a leading paper and plastics packaging manufacturer in southern Africa and recycler of recovered paper and plastic. Basic earnings per share (EPS) are expected to be between 185 cents and 195c, an increase of between 33.2% and 40.4% over a year before, the group said in a trading statement yesterday. The earnings increase was mainly due to an improvement in the plastics business’s profitability as a result of the recent investments in bins and crates manufacture, and consolidation of the preforms and closures operations. Selling prices in the paper business were higher and there…

Citrus Growers Association (CGA) CEO Justin Chadwick said yesterday it was proud to announce the Economic Transformation of Black Citrus Growers (ETBCG) Programme had disbursed R78.9 million to eight successful black farming operations across the country. This was despite a major hike in farming input costs and freight rates as well as load shedding and operational issues at ports. ETBCG, with a kitty of R307m, said the funds were being used towards access roads, land preparation, irrigation infrastructure, farm equipment, vehicles, fencing, packhouse equipment, a de-greening room, generators, a solar system and a sub-station. Chadwick said that over the past three years just more than R161.3m of this funding has been approved and R78.9m disbursed to support black grower citrus operations, creating 78 permanent and 625 seasonal jobs in total,…

An analysis of the history of empires, and successful nations in general, shows that the primary reason for their success was scientific discoveries and technolo- gical innovations. From the Egyptian Empire to the Roman and British empires, scientific knowledge and the innovative genius of engineers to find practical applications and socially beneficial use of such scientific knowledge led to the phenomenal development strides that these nations made. The Ottoman Empire, the Han Dynasty and the Mongol empires are some of the other powerful empires in history whose success had a lot to do with science and engineering. Their technological innovations led to unprecedented infrastructure development, economic boom and geopolitical power. Yes, real economic growth and geo- political power stems from scientific and technological prowess. As an example, let’s consider the…

Saturday Night at the Palace is returning to the Joburg Theatre more than four decades since it debuted at the Market Theatre in 1982. The play’s enduring significance and impact speak to its timeless themes and powerful storytelling that explores the complexities of apartheid and the human condition. Written by theatre legend Paul Slabolepszy in 1981, Saturday Night at the Palace made a profound impact during the height of apartheid with its portrayal of institutionalised racism. The production was inspired by a headline in The Star newspaper in 1981 that read “Bizarre Attack on Roadhouse”, where an encounter between three men – Vince, Forsie and September – at an isolated roadhouse, The Palace, led to tragic consequences. As the play begins, two working-class white men, Vince and Forsie, arrive at…

DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has remained mum amid testimony in the Randburg Magistrates Court by one of the eight “blue-light brigade” assault suspects that the country’s second in command was travelling in the convoy with them. Shadrack Kojoana told the court on Monday that they took their orders from the “commander” who was travelling in the convoy with them. He also denied that they had assaulted anyone from a VW Polo that had been driving too close to them. This contradicts Mashatile’s denial after the incident earlier this month, through his spokesperson, Vukani Mde, that he was in any of the convoy vehicles. “The DP will not be giving running commentary on a court case,” Mde said. The eight suspects, who are back in court today for bail applications, face…

Medical practitioners said it was crucial that as soon as you feel discomfort when sitting down, or you feel like you are sitting on top of something even though you are not, to have yourself checked out for haemorrhoids, mostly known as piles. Dr Bonga Khoza, a medical officer at Harry Gwala Regional Hospital, said it was important to visit a health facility as soon as you suspect that there might be something wrong whenever you go to the toilet to relieve yourself. He said one of the most common signs would be to see fresh blood on your stool or on your toilet paper or toilet bowl. He said these things should alarm an individual to go and be checked. “Doctors in your nearest health facility would examine you…

They were trailblazers and trendsetters before, and Kaizer Chiefs and sportswear brand Kappa have again joined forces from today to launch two captivating new jerseys that will inspire the players and Amakhosi nation alike. Chiefs and Kappa conquered all before them when they first partnered up in 1989, with Amakhosi winning a sensational quadruple of titles in the first year of their sponsorship. The seven-year partnership spanning to 1996 was hugely successful for the club, with Chiefs winning 12 trophies during a dominant era. Now, the exciting reunion between these two iconic brands will renew at the start of the 2023/24 season. Designed to evoke the club’s rich heritage and tradition, the home jersey is predominantly gold, with bold black inflections accentuating the sleek design. The home kit pays tribute…

Nomvula Kgoale basked in the glory of her success at Porirua Park in Wellington yesterday, and even the chilly weather that threatened to dim her spotlight couldn’t deter her. Banyana Banyana endeared themselves to not only the football fraternity, but to the masses after winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time last year. One of the players who left a lasting impression was Kgoale. The 27-year-old is known for wearing red lipstick on match-day – thus subsequently being known as ‘The Lipstick Lady’. Since those exploits – which were recognisable when she took the field and in post-match celebrations – went viral, there have been calls for corporates to make her an ambassador of some of their products. There has been no public declaration whether there…

New Orlando Pirates signing Lesedi Kapinga wants to do his talking on the pitch after he was announced as the club’s latest recruit ahead of the 2023/24 season yesterday. The 28-year-old midfielder, who recently became a free agent, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Buccaneers. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Black Leopards ace expressed his joy at signing with Pirates and vowed to get to work immediately. “I am pleased to join the club. I’m not much of a talker, because talk is cheap. All I’m focused on is to start training and working my way back to playing the game I love,” Kapinga told the club’s website. The Limpopo-born utility player has received a huge boost in his attempts to revive his career, following…

Tatjana Schoenmaker added another accolade to her prolific haul, claiming the silver medal in the 100m breaststroke at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, yesterday. The 26-year-old star reached the 50m mark in fourth place but stormed back into podium contention in the second half of the race, producing a particularly speedy final 25 metres to secure the silver in a time of one minute 05.84 seconds. Lithuania’s 2012 Olympic champion Ruta Meilutyte dominated from the start and claimed the gold in a time of 1:04.62. American Lydia Jacoby, who won the Olympic 100m breaststroke title in Tokyo in 2021 ahead of Schoenmaker, took the bronze in 1:05.94, while her compatriot Lilly King, who holds the world record in the event, missed out on the medals by finishing fourth…

It was a blessing in disguise for Grant Williams that he did not debut for the Springboks back in 2021 when he attended his first camp, but rather showed patience for his opportunity in the green-and-gold. According to the nippy scrumhalf, he is now more mature and understands, and is ready for the responsibility that comes with the role. On Saturday against Argentina at Ellis Park (kick-off 5.05pm), Williams is trusted with the No 9 jersey, and with flyhalf Manie Libbok also in the mix, they will form an exciting halfback pairing. It opens the prospect for some thrilling running rugby in the backline, especially if the weather allows it. Williams will play in just his fourth Test but has impressed with how he gets the Springbok backline on the…