Índex per 2024-04-22 a Star

THE INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that risks to the sub-Saharan African economic outlook were tilted to the downside as a result of the impact of the El Niño-induced drought. The ongoing strong El Niño event has been driving drier, hotter weather conditions and below-average rainfall across much of southern Africa since late 2023, resulting in below-average harvests and poor macroeconomic conditions. El Niño has resulted in widespread crop failure looms in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and livestock dying at alarming rates due to a lack of water and vegetation, with more than 9 000 cattle deaths being reported since October 2023. In its Regional Economic Outlook on Friday, the IMF said climate change was exacerbating sub-Saharan Africa struggles, weighing on agricultural yields and labour productivity in an…

SOUTH Africa is losing 30% of power produced by independent contractors due to “ridiculous procurement laws”, energy pundits said as Eskom on Friday signed up for a daily 150MW input from the Kenhardt 1-3 power project. This is as Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa unveiled the Kenhardt solar and battery facility in the Northern Cape owned by Scatec. Kenhardt comprises three projects (Kenhardt 1-3), and has a total combined installed capacity of 540MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) and 225MW of batteries, sporting a storage capacity of 1.14GW/h. The largest battery storage facility comprises one million solar panels and 456 units, each matching the size of a shipping container and weighing 30 tons, and the project’s size spans 879 hectares (more than 1 500 soccer fields), or 10km from north to…

AMONG the crucial reforms that the new democratic government undertook between 1994 and 1998 were the liberalisation of agricultural trade, the privatisation of rural finance, the removal of farm subsidies, and the deregulation of agricultural markets and inputs. Following the reforms was the restructuring of State institutions, which led to the abolishment of Agricultural Marketing Boards and the emergence of Farmer Commodity Associations. Farmer co-operatives were turned into agribusinesses while the Land Bank slowly lost its market share in agricultural financing, giving rise to commercial banks. The closure of the Agricultural Credit Board and the Land Bank’s weakened ability to provide credit to small-scale and subsistence farmers are perhaps the most important reforms that ensured South Africa remains with two agricultures, as articulated by Wandile Sihlobo in his latest…

As the days get colder, many South Africans may find themselves spending more time in front of the TV. Here are five binge-worthy shows to keep you company, and don’t forget the popcorn. The Gentlemen British actors, Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, take the lead in this warped action comedy. James plays Edward “Eddie” Horniman, a formidable soldier who unexpectedly inherits his late father’s estate and the title of Duke of Halstead, bypassing his irresponsible elder brother, Freddy. He learns that the land has become part of a weed-growing empire run by Susie Glass (Scodelario). Eddie must navigate a world of eclectic and dangerous characters with nefarious agendas, while also trying to protect his home and stay alive. In his pursuit, the suave Eddie becomes a cannabis kingpin with a…

Members of the Black First Land First (BLF) have petitioned the Minister of Public Works Sihle Zikalala and his Deputy Director-General (DDG) Richard Sizani to look into the tenders awarded to SKG Africa Group, a company believed to be enjoying preferential treatment by the department in the Eastern Cape. In 2022, Andile Mngxitama accused SKG Africa of corrupt dealings within the tender system at the Department of Public Works. Two weeks ago, he led a team to petition the department over these tenders. “We are here today to call on Zikalala to stop the capture of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) by Jean du Plessis of SKG Africa. Du Plessis has undue influence over the department and has normalised corruption. “We have reasons to believe that some…

The only surviving leader of the 1956 women-led march against the pass laws, Sophia Theresa Williams de Bruyn, was on Saturday honoured for her contribution to women issues during a high tea event at the Nelson Mandela Sanctuary in Houghton, Johannesburg. The event attended by women leaders such as Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Dr Futhi Mtoba, president of the International Women’s Forum SA (IWFSA), Nolitha Fakude was part of the launch of the South African leg of the Sister Accord Foundation, founded by Sonia Jackson Myles to help mentor more than a billion women across the globe. The veteran activist was honoured with an award for her contribution which was presented to her by Jackson Myles who said the award recognised those who led with love and kindness. Speaking during…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to late former leader of the PAC Motsoko Pheko saying he was a lawyer, intellectual and author. He said Pheko, 93, had led the PAC in exile and during the democratic order when he became its member of Parliament. However, Pheko’s interest was not only in the political arena as he had passion for writing and penned a number of books. Pheko was part of a generation of leaders that were in the forefront for the liberation of South Africa. The former PAC leader and Struggle veteran fought for the landless. “His diverse qualifications and interests made Motsoko Pheko an invaluable contributor to human development and the intellectual heritage of our nation and that of our continent whose causes and accomplishments were uppermost in…

CLOUD seeding, conceived by man and unleashed on clouds above Dubai. The scenes of destruction, brought about by extreme weather, merely reinforces that nature has become intolerant of the abuse perpetrated by human beings, who think they can play “God”. What happened in Dubai should be a warning to foolish humans who think they are masters over the natural order... Dubai, a city with infinite wealth and the ability to buy human beings and material things at will, has been dealt a hard slap by Mother Earth... This show of immense natural power was a warning!…

Stormers head coach John Dobson could only apologise after his side delivered their poorest performance in the last three years in the United Rugby Championship (URC) at DHL Stadium on Saturday. It was a display that lacked patience with the ball, accuracy and experience, and eventually ended up with the Ospreys walking away with a gritty 27-21 win. The Stormers now face an uphill battle to secure a top-four spot, and have to build momentum from scratch –and this against a hurting Leinster side. They were thrashed by the Lions in Johannesburg and will head to Cape Town seeking vengeance. There is another late-night kick-off (7.05pm) this weekend, and Saturday’s chilly autumn conditions played into the hands of the Ospreys. It will most likely suit Leinster too, who struggled…

It may be crunch time in the top flight, with the pretenders being separated from the contenders, but Orlando Pirates won’t compromise their identity over results. Pirates have been scrutinised this term as they were expected to build on last season’s success – two cups and a runners-up finish in the league. Those expectations reached fever pitch after new signings, such as Patrick Maswanganyi, became instant regulars and fan favourites. Coach Jose Riveiro seemed to have heeded those expectations, defending the MTN8 while his team played some eye-catching football going forward. But cracks have shown in the Premiership as they dropped points unnecessarily, losing touch in the title race to serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates have revived themselves recently and are in the Nedbank Cup semi-final, while also battling for…

THE COUNCIL for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) says the 2023/2024 El Niño is one of the top five strongest on record, following an assessment of the impact of the phenomenon and other developments in South Africa. El Niño-related climate – which is characterised by above-average tempera- tures and below-normal rainfall during the November-April season – is one of the strongest drivers impacting agricultural production in Southern Africa, as about 70% of the region’s population depends on rain-fed agriculture for food, income and employment. In a statement on Friday, the CSIR said the researchers also observed that global sea surface temperatures and global average surface temperatures breached new records and remained alarmingly high. “In South Africa, the impact of the 2023/2024 El Niño is apparent in the comparison of dam…

Globally, there has been an increase in the consumption of olive oil, influenced by the consumer’s quest for overall health and wellness. In recent years, there has been an inclination by consumers towards healthy vegetable oils in their regular diets. There has been a growing demand for vegetable oils such as olive oil, with specific health claims including high Omega-3, mono- saturated fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants, among others. The rising demand for vegetable oils with such attributes is likely to support the steady growth of the global olive oil market, which was valued at $14.64 billion (R277.04bn) in 2023. Given the global growth of the sector, the further development of the industry through policy and funding is likely to lead to the growth of the sector. This growth…

The SILLY season has just begun the world over as more than 50% of the world goes to the polls in 2024. The frenzy for filling up stadia has become the order of the day. With just about 40 days to one of those crucial dates on the South African calendar, posters of wannabe leaders of the seventh administration litter the electric poles and any advertising space on social media. It is at this time amazing that would-be politicians are abuzz and embrace factual information to woo voters in a typical new date syndrome and then in a predictable manner the sizzling date is promptly abandoned once the politician is in office. This happens so often to the detriment of their policy intent. Election season is in full swing in…

JSE-LISTED Vukile Property Fund has secured R1.1 billion funding in green and sustainability-linked loans from Absa for use in the refinancing of existing debt facilities. A combination of the defensive nature of Vukile’s portfolio and tenant mix, dominance of its assets, and active asset management activities continue to deliver excellent results for the company, despite the sluggish economy putting a squeeze on some tenants. Vukile on Friday said that the fresh financing would be used as part of its “refinancing process for existing debt”, specifically to the firm’s solar PV project, in addition to its sustainability targets. The real estate investment trust (Reit) has identified reduction of carbon emissions, boosting water savings and educating property professionals among its environmental and society initiatives, tied to its sustainability reporting targets and…

The recent announcement of the closure of nine Ster-Kinekor cinemas across the country has been met with mixed reactions online. The cinema company will also be retrenching 236 employees in the process. Three cinemas in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape are facing closure. There are a few others that are under review as well. The company said that in recent months, the business had suffered a significant decline in attendance. “This is largely as a result of a challenging economic environment, prolonged and more intense load shedding as well as the impact of the Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strike where content scheduled for 2023 and 2024 has been moved out to 2025,” read the statement. Most social media users were not concerned about the closures,…

THE plea by former speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, for legal assistance from the Department of Defence and Military Veterans in her corruption trial is unlawful and should be outright rejected, say the DA and a political analyst. On Friday, the Defence and Military Veterans Ministry confirmed in a statement that Minister Thandi Modise’s predecessor Mapisa-Nqakula had requested the department assist with her legal representation costs. The request came as the former speaker faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering after she allegedly solicited bribes from a defence contractor during her time at the helm of the Defence Department. The ministry revealed that the request came via the Office of the Head of Legal Services at the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). It was…

EFF leader Julius Malema has cast doubt on the credibility of the signatures gathered by Mmusi Maimane’s Build One South Africa (Bosa), raising concerns about the verification process for political party signatures required by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). At a media briefing in Johannesburg on Friday, Malema questioned the validity of the 140 000 signatures obtained by Bosa. His remarks have triggered scrutiny of the signature verification process required by the IEC. The IEC mandated that new political parties vying in national and provincial elections submit 60 000 signatures to feature on all three ballot papers. “Systems need to be put in place to verify the authenticity of signatures. The EFF has approached the IEC, requesting that it patch loopholes allegedly allowing political parties to submit fake…

Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland has expressed his disappointment with Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola’s office for failing to provide adequate resources to the country’s legal profession. Judge Sutherland accused the government of indefinitely taking the legal profession for granted. ”The government cannot indefinitely take the legal profession for granted and expect them to donate the resources that they neglect to supply. “The indifference from the Ministry of Justice on this long-standing issue is, at best, disappointing,” he wrote on March 26 to his colleagues and several state departments and entities as well as legal practitioners’ representative bodies in a bid to address challenges with the high court’s Road Accident Fund (RAF) default judgment roll. According to Judge Sutherland, last year the RAF default…

Today is Earth Day and this presents an opportunity for us to reflect on the global climate crisis that has, over the years, led to the ecological crisis we are faced with in South Africa, notwithstanding the fact that the ecological crisis is a global crisis affecting countries in various ways based on their socio-economic conditions. I am not an environmentalist so I will not delve into details about climate change or natural disasters. But from a socio-economic point of view, I am interested in the adverse effects of free market capitalism, the foundation of South African economic policies since the advent of our democracy. The global climate crisis has contributed to deepening the crisis-level socio-economic conditions of black working-class women in the country who are disproportionately affected by poverty,…

The Lions gave themselves a fighting chance of reaching the quarter-finals by beating Leinster on Saturday, but the battle to consistently put in victorious performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC) has only begun. One would think that a bonus-point victory over the Irish giants at Ellis Park would ease the pressure as the Joburgers search for Top 8 qualification, but a string of results over the weekend conspired against them. They did breach the play-off spots after the 44-12 win, moving up to 39 points, but then dropped back down to 11th by the end of the night. There are now three teams – Ulster, Connacht and Edinburgh – above them on the same number of points, with the Ospreys and Stormers on 40 points and Benetton two points…

Polokwane City (1) 2 Ramabu 8, Mashikinya 63 Cape Town City (1) 2 Kutumela 45, Mayo 47 POLOKWANE City are fast becoming the DStv Premiership’s masters of capitulation. The Limpopo outfit were once again their own worst enemies yesterday afternoon when they dropped points in a match they should easily have won. Instead, they drew 2-2 with Cape Town City despite having raced into a 2-0 lead before the hour mark, as they inexplicably allowed the Citizens back into the match. They did the same against Richards Bay, whom they led 2-1 only to lose 3-2, and in their last match they drew 1-1 with SuperSport United when they seemed destined for a 1-0 victory. Mokibelo Ramabu opened the scoring against City yesterday with a well-struck shot that the City…

The TAKEOVER Regulation Panel (TRP) said on Friday that it would launch an investigation into Ascendis Health, following complaints that it has received about alleged irregularities in Ascendis’ management buyout of its minority shareholders. The TRP’s responsibilities include investigating complaints regarding affected transactions and offers to shareholders, to ensure the integrity of the marketplace and fairness to shareholders of listed companies. The TRP said on Friday they had received complaints regarding other shareholders who, “as a result of their relationship with a member of the consortium, are alleged to be acting in concert with the consortium, as well as allegations relating to other instances of non-compliance”. Ascendis’ management said on Friday they welcomed the announcement by the TRP, which had been made by the TRP in consultation with Ascendis,…

Every generation has a duty to right the wrongs of the past and leave the world a better place for future generations. Achieving this starts with those who have been mandated to lead society. In the case of the South African sugar industry, the uncomfortable truth, which we have to confront and deal with, is that our history, regarding the origins of the sector in particular, is associated with colonialism and racism. There is a readily available body of literature on the atrocious practice of indentured labour and its connection to the sugar industry. According to South African History Online, many indentured labourers were shipped to KwaZulu-Natal between 1860 and 1911, to “develop the sugar industry in the province”. Furthermore, Professor Karen L Harris points out that during this time,…

FINANCIAL markets across the globe remain under pressure. The continuous threat of a full-scale war in the Middle East, as well as US uncertainty on the next move regarding interest rates, impose uncertainty and worries on global equity pressures. The latest poll by Reuters among 100 economists found that the majority now forecast that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will not cut interest rates before its September meeting and are in consensus that the Fed now will only lower its bank rate two times this year. This is a change from their previous meeting in March where it was announced that three interest rate cuts would take place during the past two quarters of 2024. The increase in the various inflation rate data for the US, better-than-expected jobs data and…

LUBRICANTS and greases manufacturer Castrol Limited has opened more than 50 auto services centres in Southern Africa, and is now rolling them out to other parts of the continent, particularly to support the development of female workshop owners as it looks to the future with a new strategy. Castrol, part of the BP Group, said on Friday that some of its key focus areas will be to offer solar energy to independent workshops, launch an exclusive loyalty programme for mechanics through FastScan, and extend the Castrol partnership with Renault-Nissan until the end of 2027. According to market research company Mordor Intelligence, the South African lubricants market size is estimated to grow to 419.90 million litres this year and reach 454.14 million litres by 2026, growing at a compound…

Harry Styles’ latest stalker has been jailed and barred from his gigs. The former One Direction singer, 30, was targeted by 35-year-old Myra Carvalho, who was said in court to have bombarded him with 8 000 cards in less than four weeks. It’s now emerged she was sentenced to 14 weeks behind bars after appearing at Harrow Crown Court in London – where she pleaded guilty to a charge of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. A restraining order lasting 10 years was slapped on Carvalho, according to the Daily Mail, which also reported she was ordered not to attend any event where Styles was performing. Carvalho – who was staying at a hostel in Kensington and Chelsea, London – was also told not to contact the singer and to…

The Zululand University-based political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe has defended the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s (MKP) decision to remove senior leaders from their positions, saying there was a possibility that some may have infiltrated the party to spy for the ANC. Seepe was reacting to the latest MKP’s decision which announced that it had removed its KwaZulu-Natal co-ordinator Nhlanhla Ngidi. Without insinuating that Ngidi may have been deployed by the ANC to work against the MKP, Seepe defended the decision. He said the party had acted against its members some of whom may have infiltrated it for wrong reasons. “Understandably, the party’s detractors will try all machinations to frustrate its ambitions. This includes ensuring that it is infiltrated by agent provocateurs whose role ranges from creating internal conflict and bringing the…

TWO of Soweto’s major taxi associations have reached a stalemate, while embattled commuters are forced to seek alternative transport. This comes amid a taxi war between the Nancefield Dube-West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) and the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata) due to operational permits and routes. On Friday, Gauteng MEC for Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, held an imbizo with commuters at Uncle Tom’s Hall in Orlando West, Soweto. The purpose of the imbizo was to relay the MEC’s intentions on invoking Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act. The act allows her to order the closure of routes and taxi associations that incite violence. The war between the associations arose 11 years ago, and has produced fatalities. On April 11, Wata resumed operations despite its suspension, while Nanduwe withdrew operations. Diale-Tlabela…

KAIZER Chiefs defender, Luke Fleurs, was given a hero’s send-off in his hometown of Mitchells Plain on Saturday. The 24-year-old was shot and killed earlier this month following a botched hijacking at a garage in Johannesburg's northern suburb of Honeydew. The soccer star, who hails from Westridge, was waiting for a petrol attendant at a garage when two armed men pulled up in a white BMW 1 Series and confronted him while he was parked in a red VW Golf 8 GTI. The assailants pointed a gun at Fleurs, forcing him out of the vehicle before shooting him once in the upper body. Fleurs was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Six suspects have been arrested and appeared in court after Fleur’s car was recovered in Slovoville,…

YOUNG women who are part of the Huawei Graduate Programme are forging ahead in proving that there is no place for “gender stereotypes” within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Even though the ICT sector remains dominated by men, the Huawei Graduate Programme, in celebrating International Girls in ICT Day, celebrated officially on April 25, showcased some of their brightest female recruits who were making significant contributions and showing how women and girls were just as good as – if not better than – their counterparts. The programme, initiated in 2017, has been a catalyst for empowering young professionals in the ICT industry, recruiting hundreds of graduates from universities across South Africa and broadening and deepening the skills they need to succeed within the tech sector. On Wednesday, Huawei’s…

IN THE poignant words of corporate mentalist Amit Kalantri, the essence of youth fades when enthusiasm, excitement and energy towards dreams and goals wane. Yet, this isn’t merely a personal sentiment; it’s a societal reality, often misinterpreted as political apathy. At the recent launch of the RISE Mzansi #PhakamaKZN Plan in Durban, Nonkululeko Hlongwane-Mhlongo, the KwaZulu-Natal premier candidate, articulated the frustration of young people whose aspirations are stifled by systemic barriers, corruption, and nepotism within the political establishment. The promise of 400 000 to 600 000 new permanent jobs by RISE Mzansi’s premier candidates from KwaZulu- Natal and Gauteng, respectively, underscores the belief that unemployment stems from leadership failure and the prevalence of sexual predators in positions of power. Hlongwane-Mhlongo’s vision for job creation, particularly in sectors like tourism, agriculture,…

Going down 27-22 to Munster was a bitter pill to swallow for the Bulls, but Jake White insists that his team are “still alive” in the United Rugby Championship play-off race. White feels that while Johan Goosen’s second-half red card for head contact at Loftus Versfeld “definitely ... changed the outcome of the game”, the Bulls didn’t play well enough overall, with the URC defending champions more streetwise in every respect in pulling off a memorable triumph. The Bulls have now dropped to fourth on the URC log with 46 points, while Munster are third on 48, behind leaders Leinster (54) and Glasgow (53). The Pretoria side has four more league matches to go – against the Ospreys on Saturday, Glasgow on May 11, Benetton a week later (all at…

RULANI Mokwena was playing on semantics deep into the Tunisian night on Saturday after Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 1-0 defeat to Esperance in the first leg of their CAF Champions league semi-final clash. The Brazilians’ coach took offence at a local journalist’s suggestion that the hosts were tactically the better team on an evening when the opponents from the northern and southern tips of the continent showed just why their defences have not been breached a lot in the competition. “You can praise Esperance without degrading the performance of Sundowns, it is possible,” Mokwena said. “You are telling me Esperance were tactically superior, and that is completely false.” The 1-0 outcome would suggest the journalist was right, the Blood and Gold having managed to beat Ronwen Williams via a 41st-minute…

Liverpool climbed level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage yesterday, thanks to goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota. Liverpool trail Arsenal on goal difference with both on 74 points with five games remaining, however holders Manchester City, who are third on 73 points, have a game in hand. Alexander-Arnold, in his first league start since February 10, curled a stunning free kick into the top corner in the 32nd minute that keeper Bernd Leno had little chance of stopping. Timothy Castagne fired home for Fulham just before the break with a side-footed shot past keeper Alisson. Yet Gravenberch put the Reds back on top in the 53rd minute when he curled a…