Índex per 2024-08-14 a Star

Deputy Finance Minister, David Masondo, has committed the National Treasury to help stabilise financially- struggling municipalities deliver basic services, by strengthening the regulations and oversight for appointing competent administrators at municipal level. Masondo said the first task will be to stabilise the performance of local government in addressing the immediate challenges in delivering electricity, water, and other basic services as part of the second phase of Operation Vulindlela. Speaking at the Old Mutual Leaders Forum, Masondo said without these services at municipal level, businesses cannot function and investors cannot invest. In the long term, he said, the institutional structure and funding model for local government will be reviewed to ensure that municipalities are financially and operationally sustainable. “The ultimate objective should be to balance the need for truly local government…

The South African Association of Ship Owners and Agents (Saasoa) has warned that rising shipping costs and longer journey times around the Cape of Good Hope would exacerbate rate hikes. There was no reason to expect any financial relief in the short term. Saasoa, which represents the maritime and shipping industry, said as ships spend more time at sea, more space was required which meant companies had to charter or buy vessels which required additional personnel. Vessels were not readily available which caused freight rates to rise. Another side effect of longer routes was gas emissions as ships had increased speed, leading to a rise in fumes. Peter Besnard, Saasoa CEO, said the Red Sea route for global trade was “enormous”, but for six months to date vessels had been…

The first half of 2024 has not been spared of intensified heat waves, forest fires, floods and drought, with the impacts devastating on workers, enterprises, and communities. These threats are particularly severe for those already facing socio-economic challenges, including women, persons with disabilities, youth, and migrant workers, among others. The country’s economy has long been underpinned by carbon-intensive industries such as coal mining and energy production, providing jobs and livelihoods for many within the coal belt in primarily Mpumalanga. Equally we must accede that it is these high carbon emitting industries that have driven and contributed to our industrialisation both globally and in our own country, and in the same breadth led to environmental degradation primarily in the form of air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions leading to global warming…

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), which has seen an increase in truck congestion on the precincts of Richards Bay Port in the past few weeks, has commenced a collaborative coal haulage service in partnership with Eswatini Rail. This comes as Anchor Capital investment analyst, Seleho Tsatsi, said last month that feedback from thermal coal exporting companies indicated that TFR was currently railing 46 million tons on an annualised basis based in the first half of the year. This, however, remained “well off levels of 70-71 million tonnes just 4-5 years ago and even below last year,” with the recent annual shutdown of the TFR coal line expected to have worsened the situation and resulted in truck congestion at the ports. To mitigate against this, TFR and Eswatini Rail, in collaboration with…

If you missed the two runs of Vincent last year, it’s returning to Theatre on the Square for a limited time. Daniel Anderson masterfully conveys the life of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh through a captivating cabaret. He is supported by Paul Ferreira on piano in this production, a creative joint effort by Amanda Bothma, Jacques du Plessis and Germaine Gamiet. The show explores Van Gogh’s pursuit of artistic satisfaction while seeking human connection. Sadly, his genius was only uncovered after his death, which also highlighted his existential mental health battle. A tormented soul, he used his passion, painting, to gift the world a glimpse of his world. Anderson uses music, from pop and rock to jazz, to convey the artist’s yearning for love and acceptance. Ahead of tonight’s performance,…

The Casual Workers Advice Office has slammed pharmaceutical giant, Dis-Chem, for terminating the contract of a woman with a medical condition. Refilwe Matinketsa lives with a stoma bag, placed outside the body to remove body waste, after she under- went surgery for bowel cancer. She has since been in remission. They are demanding Matinketsa be re-instated. But the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has ruled in Dis-Chem’s favour. In March 2019, Matinketsa started working at Dis-chem. Three years later, she was diagnosed with cancer. She was placed on temporary disability, and in October 2023, went into remission. In November 2023, Matinketsa met Dis-Chem indicating that she would return to work on December 1, 2023. CCMA Arbitration Award documents show Matinketsa would be retained as a picker. But when…

Ingredients 500g potatoes, cubed 50g butter 3½ Tbls olive oil 3 sprigs rosemary 100g mango atchar 300g sundried tomatoes, finely chopped 1 cup red wine 2 tsp sugar sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 500g Russian sausages 550g puff pastry 50g mature cheddar, finely grated, plus extra for topping 1 free-range egg, beaten Method Cook the potatoes in simmering water until tender. Drain and dry. Melt the butter in a pan. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 2 rosemary sprigs. Add the potatoes and increase the heat. Fry the potatoes until golden brown. Drain and set aside to cool. Drain the atchar in a sieve. Finely chop the pieces of mango. Place the sundried tomatoes in a pan with 2 tablespoons oil over a medium heat. Cook until…

Gauteng’s new hi-tech number plates appear to be a step closer to fruition. Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has announced that a prototype number plate recognition system had been developed, and would form part of a pilot project that will be launched over the next six months. “We are pleased to announce that a prototype number plate recognition system has been successfully completed and is now ready for pilot through our fleet management entity: g-Fleet Management,” Diale-Tlabela said during the tabling of the annual budget vote for the department. Following the completion of the trial run, the department would initiate a provincial rollout of the new number plates, she added, although the final timing is not confirmed. The authorities have yet to reveal what these new number…

CONSTRUCTION of the R300 million Shoshanguve Magistrate’s Court is set to be completed in six months, after the project failed to meet its initial deadline in December 2022. Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, who conducted an oversight visit at the project yesterday, attributed the delays to the lockdown imposed by the government during the Covid-19 pandemic The project, he said, was also beset by problems caused by construction professionals who withdrew their labour due to contractual disputes with the main contractor. However, he said, most of the work abandoned by the professionals ended up being done by the department. “And that is what we want to see in terms of professional services; whether you talk of surveyors or any other professional. We want to build the…

DIABETES-related mortality is on the rise in South Africa, and the management of the condition remains suboptimal, even within the private healthcare sector – yet despite the high burden on healthcare resources, numerous cases go undiagnosed. Against this backdrop, the 2023 Diabetes Summit Report and Recommendations were recently presented to the National Department of Health following the 2023 Diabetes Summit held at the University of Pretoria (UP) Future Africa Campus late last year. The summit brought together people living with diabetes, diabetes advocates, healthcare professionals, health authorities, government officials, policymakers, academics, public health specialists, private medical scheme and pharmaceutical company representatives, as well as non-profit organisations, to highlight the challenges faced by people living with diabetes and contribute to improving their well-being. “Diabetes can be prevented, treated and managed. No…

Sihle Ndaba, a former Uzalo actress, has responded to trolls on social media who have made disparaging remarks about her physical appearance, and warned that she will not put up with the harassment. Ndaba reacted on TikTok to a delicate post in which it was implied that she was “dying soon”, which she described as bullying and disrespectful. She said she had posted the video to interact and have fun with her followers. “I don’t like responding to nonsense, but there’s a tendency of disrespecting each other. “First of all, when I posted that video and you can go and refer back to it, it was just a joke. It was just a joke because I want to have fun and interact with you and get to know you guys.…

Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips said yesterday the utility was engaging its funders to renegotiate its debts to longer term as it was hampered by an R1 billion a month interest repayment, which confined legroom. Transnet has a staggering debt burden of R120bn. Phillips said the government was not clear on not providing further subventions which necessitated proactive steps to manage the debt risk. Transnet has seen a decline in profits from R5bn in 2019 to a net loss of R5.7bn in 2023. Speaking at a PSG Think Big webinar, Phillips said debt was still a huge burden for Transnet although the group was in a better financial position with R27bn of the R47bn credit guarantee from the government in hand for the reform and recovery programme. “Debt is a…

Poultry farming remains one of South Africa’s largest agricultural sectors despite multiple challenges, including load shedding, water shortages, and avian influenza. These complexities have led the poultry industry to seek alternative solutions, like solar power to combat the energy crisis, and innovative measures to ensure the hygiene of their facilities. When it comes to tackling the difficulties that arise from absenteeism and staffing shortages, the right Temporary Employment Services (TES) partner is invaluable. A TES partner provides an agile and flexible workforce, with appropriate skills and experience, that is necessary to ensure poultry producers can continue to meet their distribution and retail contracts while ensuring ongoing continuity. A trifecta of challenges Load shedding has proved incredibly disruptive to the poultry sector. During these power outages, the machinery at abattoirs will…

Reforms in the South African energy sector, while proceeding glacially, are setting the scene for clean, private power generation. Finally, too, this is opening the door for a game-changing energy option that has been around for a while but is only now a possibility: wheeling. It’s a devilishly simple concept: imagine depositing cash into one ATM and withdrawing it from another ATM across town. You’re getting the same value out that you put in, even if the banknotes aren’t the same. Wheeling works in a similar way: a generating facility, such as an independent power producer (IPP), feeds electricity into the national grid (for a fee), and its intended customer draws the commensurate amount of electricity at its facility in another part of the country. Provision and use are then…

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) ramped up total infrastructure support by 21% to R72.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2024 as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. In the review period the development finance institution (DFI), which is owned by South Africa, faced slow economic growth, global inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions. Boitumelo Mosako, the CEO of the DBSA, speaking at the results presentation yesterday, said during the past 40 years since the DBSA was founded in 1983 “it has demonstrated exceptional results over time. The DBSA, which was initially only in South Africa, grew to southern Africa and in the past 13 years its mandate was extended to sub-Saharan Africa.“ Some highlights that the DBSA emphasised were a R2.5 billion infrastructure unlocked for under-resourced municipalities; 1…

Kit Harington felt “tired” at the end of Game of Thrones. The 37-year-old actor played Jon Snow in the HBO fantasy series between 2011 and 2019, and has now confessed that he “couldn’t have gone on longer”. Speaking to GQ Hype, Harington explained: “I think if there was any fault with the end of Thrones, it’s that we were all so f****** tired, we couldn’t have gone on longer. And so I understand some people thought it was rushed and I might agree with them. But I’m not sure there was any alternative. “I look at pictures of me in that final season and I look exhausted. I look spent. I didn’t have another season in me.” Harington also acknowledged that the final season of the show featured some “mistakes”.…

A breast cancer patient, whose radiation treatment has been disrupted due to delays at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, has spoken of her pain and suffering. Theresa Schultz, who approached The Star on various occasions in the past about her battle with cancer and failed attempts to get treatment, has again been let down because of a series of radiation treatment backlogs at the hospital. Schultz told The Star yesterday that she had been on the waiting list for more than two years. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage three. My mastectomy was done a while back then I was on the waiting list at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital for radiation treatment as there was apparently a long backlog for radiation. “I finally received a date for August 7,…

South Africa’s towns have undergone numerous changes over the years to erase or wipe off the stain of apartheid. This was conducted by the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC). The goal is to ensure that these new names reflect the nation’s many cultures and languages, instead of the vestiges of colonialism and apartheid. Founded in 1998, SAGNC has subsequently approved modifications to more than 1 500 names, including 85 towns. While some name changes of towns are new, others go back to when the council was founded. Fort Beaufort – KwaMaqoma Somerset East – KwaNojoli Morgan’s Bay – Gxarha Cradock – Enxuba Pomeroy – Solomon Linda Brandfort – Winnie Mandela Mount Fletcher – Tlokoeng King William’s Town – Qonce Berlin – Ntabozuko Maclear – Nqanqarhu…

Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites The aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites in Cape Town has 40 well-appointed rooms and 16 luxury suites. It has facilities that cater to business and leisure travellers alike. The suites have an additional lounge area and a fully equipped kitchenette, making it ideal for guests wishing to maintain their daily regimes, or families who travel during the holiday season. While the rooms and suites each have their own en-suite bathroom and provide every optimum comfort, guests may also make use of services designed to ensure relaxation 24 hours a day. aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites offers 56 well-appointed rooms, which includes 30 Luxury Rooms with Balconies, 10 Bridge Rooms and a selection of 16 Luxury Suites/Studios offering open-plan living spaces or suites that…

EVERY year in August, South Africa celebrates Women’s Month to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. This year’s Women’s Month commemoration, held under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development”, marked the 68th anniversary of the historic march. During Women’s Month the nation celebrates women as active agents of change and social transformation. The commemoration also allows citizens to take stock of achievements and the challenges that remain while mobilising support for the further development of women. One of these women is Yolanda Faro, chief of the Tshwane metro police department. A former Nelson Mandela Bay police chief, Faro holds a National Police Diploma,…

WHILE South Africans are beaming with pride for Mia le Roux being crowned the first deaf Miss SA, deaf organisations have welcomed her reign, commending the pageant for reaching inclusive milestones. Le Roux, a hearing-impaired patient since infant years, has been using a cochlear implant to hear sound. The National Council of and for People with Disabilities (NCPD) welcomed Le Roux, describing her participation in the Miss SA 66th pageant “resilient and bold”. “Le Roux was resilient and committed as she won the pageant. This is a momentous occasion for South Africa, as we continue to embrace inclusivity, diversity and empowerment,” the NCPD wrote on Facebook. In partnership with the Carol du Toit Centre, Western Cape Parliament’s Speaker, Daylin Mitchell, said Le Roux’s victory echoed the call for…

Analysing the socio-economic situation of women more than 100 years ago, American activist Charlotte Gilman observed that a woman “is feminine more than enough, as a man is masculine more than enough; but She is not human as He is human”. The annual crime figures and those from other state departments paint a picture of women under attack. According to National Department of Social Development, more than 18 000 incidents of gender-based violence were recorded between 2021 and 2023. The figures do not include many unreported cases. This is a rude reminder of the less-than-human status allocated to women by chauvinist male folks as reports show a significant increase in murder, attempted murder and assault crimes against women. In Gauteng, the Joburg district reported the highest number of domestic violence…

Unemployment has risen to its highest in two years to 8.4 million. This means the rate of joblessness in South Africa is expected to remain at historic highs if economic growth is not addressed. Statistics SA said yesterday that the official unemployment rate rose to 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 32.9% in the first quarter, as more than 92 000 jobs were lost in the three months to June while the labour force continued to expand. Narrowly defined, this means that one in three of the working-age population in South Africa is now unemployed. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Stats SA showed that the number of unemployed individuals increased by 158 000, reaching 8.4 million, marking the highest figure since comparable records began in…

E-commerce is a key part of global shopping, offering huge opportunities for traders and consumers everywhere. In 2020, a Deloitte study found that more than 70% of South Africans were shopping online compared to the previous year, probably due to Covid-19 lockdowns. By 2022, online spending reached R59 billion. This year, the e-commerce sector expanded to R71bn, accounting for 6% of total retail. Projections suggest the figure could rise to R225bn by 2025, reflecting significant growth in online retail. The e-commerce boom in South Africa, driven by the digital revolution, is causing diverse reactions: euphoria among consumers, excitement among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and panic among established retailers and manufacturers. In the current economy, price sensitivity greatly influences consumer shopping. Brands offering convenience, competitive pricing and variety will be…

Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has highlighted concern over the issue of the government’s free electricity grant support offered to municipalities for the purpose of assisting indigent households. Unfortunately, the free electricity grant never reaches the intended recipients. Ramokgopa said 10 million South African households qualified for the indigent limited free electricity grant but only 2 million receive the grant. That means municipalities have been illegally stealing revenue from households. Over the past couple of months, municipalities have been artificially hiking electricity tariff rates to unreasonable levels. The latest attempt was implemented more than a month ago when the City of Joburg (CoJ), under City Power, hiked prepaid rates by introducing a surcharge of R200, calling it a domestic capacity or service charge for every monthly recharge. This…

HomeChoice International plc (HiL) lifted its dividend 36% to 95 cents a share for the six months to June as its customer base grew 51% and its fintech operations delivered substantial operating leverage in a tough consumer environment. A credible 15% revenue growth resulted in a 36% growth in operating profit at the fintech focused group. Over 89% of the group’s transactions are completed through digital channels. “We are excited by the momentum in both our businesses. With more than 2.1 million fintech customers, a compelling financial services offering, and 2 400 merchants in our digital ecosystem, Weaver Fintech is positioned for sustained high earnings growth. We will achieve this by expanding the product range and cross-selling these products. We are also pleased to see accelerated traction in the turnaround…

Renowned media personality Unathi Nkanyi recently opened up on Podcast and Chill about several matters, including her career change and failed marriage. She explained to co-hosts MacG and Sol Phenduka that she decided to stop making house music, which earned her widespread acclaim, after a chat with her ex-husband and musician, Thomas Msengana, who is best known as Bad Boy T. “The reason why I stopped making house music, the songs you were listening to before we started, was because he came home to me the one day and was like ‘yo, if we want to survive, I’ll stop playing in clubs and you need to stop making music that makes you have to perform in clubs’, and that’s when I stopped making house music and that’s why I make…

A dark cloud is hanging over a number of schools in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape following the death of at least 24 learners who have died as result of suspected poisoning, murder or accidents. Police are investigating the death of three siblings from Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng on Monday. Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Matome Chiloane has sent his condolences to their families, friends and community. Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said that according to information at their disposal, the incident unfolded at around 8am when a Grade 4 class teacher brought a sick boy learner to the sick bay. “Despite immediate assistance, the learner was unresponsive. Emergency services and the learner’s mother were swiftly called. “In a distressing turn of events, the learner’s…

The Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, showdown between former president Jacob Zuma and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) with the SABC was yesterday postponed to tomorrow after the public broadcaster filed its court papers late on Monday. Zuma and the MKP want to stop the SABC using the phrase “Government of National Unity (GNU)” saying it is unlawful and unconstitutional. The case filed on an urgent basis last month was moved to tomorrow after a brief appearance by the legal of the party, advocate Dali Mpofu, who requested a postponement to further study the contents of the SABC’s answering affidavit as well as time to file the heads of argument accordingly. In its papers, the SABC wants the high court to dismiss the case as a waste and abuse of…

Members of the Incredible Happenings Ministry Church, which is led by self-proclaimed prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng, continued with their Sunday service after their structure was burnt down last week. The congregants assembled a temporary tent and gathered for prayer and worship. The church in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, was burnt down by angry pupils after Mboro went to Matsediso Primary School, threatened teachers with a panga and forcefully removed his two grandsons from the school. The incident, captured on cellphone footage, went viral on social media and led to his tent church being razed to the ground the following day. Speaking to eNCA, Gauteng police commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, said a case of arson has been opened. “We are still investigating the case … We are collaborating with the community and those who…

The Funeral Industry Reformed Association (Fira) says a legal storm is brewing over the “dumping of cremated human remains”. Fira said it has warned about the illegal dumping of human remains or excess ash of a deceased person which is not the amount that families receive. It has “evidence” that the amount of ashes received is incorrect as some ashes are scattered illegally either at dumping sites or private property, it said. “The total ashes of a deceased person is 1.8 to 2.3kg after a cremation. A family only receives about 250g. With the remains coming out of the furnace, the coffin is not necessary cremated as a result of a technology not available in South Africa. This poses major health and environmental threats not only to air emissions but…

No sooner had the ink dried on the Press Council’s ruling against Independent Media in the case concerning journalist Karyn Maughan, than Ferial Haffajee of the Daily Maverick published an article brimming with glee over the decision against Iqbal Survé. With unrestrained triumphalism, Haffajee wasted no time in celebrating what she clearly perceives as a victory for the liberal media establishment over one of its most persistent adversaries. Unlike Haffajee, I regard the decision by the Press Council to sanction Independent Media for an article comparing Karyn Maughan to Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl as having exposed the glaring double standards and blatant hypocrisy that pervade South Africa’s liberal media landscape. While Independent Media was swiftly censured and ultimately forced to retract the article across all its platforms, Daily Maverick’s far…

Bayanda Walaza may be primed to take over the South African sprinting baton from Akani Simbine in the future, but right now the 18-year-old Olympic silver medallist is just enjoying life in the fast lane. Walaza teamed up with his hero Simbine, fellow teenager Bradley Nkoana and Shaun Maswanganyi in South Africa’s 4x100m relay team that claimed silver and a new national record at the recently-concluded Paris Olympics. Despite Team SA boasting the experience and calibre of 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk in the squad, coach Paul Gorries opted to call up the Curro Hazeldean matric pupil to the now-famous quartet after 22-year-old Benjamin Richardson pulled up with a hamstring in his 200m heat. Until that stage, Walaza was simply living his best life in the Olympic Village.…