Índex per 2024-09-19 a Star

STATISTICS SA (StatsSA) announced yesterday that headline consumer inflation in South Africa fell to 4.4% year-on-year in August from 4.6% in July, with this being the third consecutive month of inflation falling. In month-on-month terms inflation was at 0.1% in August compared to 0.4% a month before. “This is the lowest inflation print since April 2021 when the rate was also 4.4%. Lower annual rates were recorded for several product groups, most notably transport, housing, and restaurants and hotels. “In contrast, inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages & tobacco edged higher in August,” StatsSA said. The data released will be music to the South African Reserve Bank’s Mone- tary Policy Committee, giving them leeway to finally decide on a reduction of the repurchase rate later today. Reza…

The NATIONAL Solar Water Heater (NSWH) programme of the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMRE) that is meant to install 5 million units in households by 2030 hit a snag on the first 82 000 units. This as R324 million in fruitless and wasted expenditure was accrued from extensive storage costs, while many units have been stolen or vandalised in municipal and government facilities. Updating Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Energy and Electricity, the director-general at the DMRE, Jacob Mbele, and chief director for programmes and projects management office, Elizabeth Marabwa, said the department was currently reviewing the responses of officials implicated in a KPMG investigation into the fruitless and wasteful expenditure, which accumulated after 2022 when the department claims to have controlled the high storage costs.…

RETAIL sales in South Africa increased by 2% year-on-year in July after rising by 4.1% in June, Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) said yesterday. The July retail sales print marked the fifth consecutive month of in- creases, with economic activity now expected to ramp up towards the year-end festive season as interest rates de- cline and workers cash-in savings from the two-pot retirement system. Analysts had predicted an increase of 2.8% year-on-year ahead of the release. StatsSA’s deputy director for distri- butive trade statistics, Raquel Floris, said the general dealers retail group, which includes supermarkets, was the largest positive contributor to the print, rising by 4.4% year-on-year. “Other retail groups that recorded po- sitive month include pharmaceuticals, medical goods and cosmetics, household goods, food and beverages and textiles and clothing,” Floris…

THIS PAST WEEKEND was particularly memorable as I had the pleasure of attending my son’s school Entre- preneurship Day. As a mother of a lively five-year- old, witnessing my son and his classmates showcase their creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit was both heart-warming and enlightening. The event was a vibrant celebration of the children’s hard work, which involved weeks of preparation where they, as a class, designed and created products to sell. The school was transformed into a lively marketplace, with colourful stalls showcasing everything from handmade crafts to baked goods. The pride and excitement on the children’s faces as they presented their projects and interacted with visitors were truly inspiring. The day highlighted the importance of integrating entrepreneurship education into primary school curriculum. In South Africa, where entrepreneurship is increasingly…

SOUTHERN Sun said yesterday that corporate and leisure travel demand has rebounded post the May 29 election and subsequent consummation of the government of national unity (GNU), although government activity was still lagging behind. Formerly Tsogo Hotels, Southern Sun has previously said leisure travellers were more resilient to economic headwinds such as high inflation and elevated interest rates. However, like most South African businesses, the company was somewhat affected by the uncertainty that dogged the pre-election season. “There was a slow-down in travel and accommodation demand from the corporate, government and leisure segments in the lead up to the national elections in May 2024,” said Southern Sun in a trading update yesterday. Although the demand for corporate and leisure travel had returned after the elections, the government segment “has been…

BOTSWANA has awarded Giyani Metals (EMM.V) a 15-year mining licence, the company announced yesterday, paving the way for it to become the country’s first battery-grade manganese producer. Manganese is a key component in batteries, and its demand is expected to be driven by growth in electric vehicles, among other clean energy applications. Giyani’s Kgwakgwe Hill (K Hill) project will process manganese oxide material on site to produce high-purity manganese sulphate, making it one of the few battery-grade manganese projects outside China. The Asian country controls 90% of global high-purity manganese supply. The K Hill mine will have an initial annual output of 80 000 metric tons of high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate annually over a 57-year life, according to a 2023 preliminary economic assessment. “The next step is…

In the dystopian world of Uglies, your physical appearance is perfected and the only emotions you feel are positivity and happiness. Everyone loves the soft life in New Pretty Town, socialising with their kind. The only caveat is that everything is fake. Artificial intelligence (AI) rules a regulated world where cosmetic surgery is compulsory for everyone when they turn 16. The Netflix movie stars Joey King and Laverne Cox in the lead. The rest of the cast includes Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Jan Luis Castellanos and Charmin Lee. Directed by McG, it is based on Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel of the same name The sci-fi action flick is set 300 years in the future when the government enforces a mandatory rule for all its citizens to go under…

It’s no secret that rapper and songwriter J Molly has had numerous mental health setbacks over the years which have led to him attempting suicide. Earlier this year, he spoke about having such thoughts every day since childhood. In June, he announced the death of his old self after giving his life to Jesus, declaring that he had been renewed and his new name was Yishai. Reflecting on his life as he turned 26 earlier this week, the Life or Death hitmaker confessed to attempting to take his life over 20 times, eight of them being this year. He took to Instagram to share the stats. “Over 20 suicide attempts, eight being this year alone, and I’m still here. It’s nothing short of an absolute miracle I’m here,” read a…

Former minister of international relations and co-operation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has slammed EFF president Julius Malema over an allegation that she too benefited from the VBS looting. Malema, during an interview on the SABC on Tuesday, said the retired MP received a bond for her house from VBS. In a statement, Pandor said upon returning from an overseas trip, she was greeted by this allegation, which she has strongly refuted. “Upon returning from an overseas trip this morning, I was informed of a baseless claim made by Mr Julius Malema on the SABC last night, alleging that I received a bond for my house from VBS. “I unequivocally deny ever receiving such a bond and challenge Mr Malema to publicly present the evidence supporting this falsehood,” Pandor said. “Should he…

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma’s son, Duduzane, is being primed to join the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and will assume a leadership role. This is according to the sources interviewed by The Star’s sister paper, The Mercury, following the appearance of Duduzane at the memorial service of six MKP members who died in a taxi crash on their way to Nkandla to celebrate Zuma’s wife’s birthday. However, the MKP has dismissed any suggestions that Duduzane will join the party, describing this as pure speculation. Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla (Duduzane’s twin), is already a party member and represents it as an MP, but her brother is seen as someone who has more political experience and can bridge the gap between the party and the country’s business community. On Monday, Zuma-Sambudla was formally…

THE 12th annual Ugu International Film Festival will cast the spotlight on a range of local and international films to be screened at various venues on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast from October 17 to 19. Earmarked for the three-day festival is a selection of films, workshops and masterclasses facilitated and hosted by actors, directors, producers and other film practitioners. Festival founder Senzo Zindela, the CEO of Zindela Pictures, said: “I’ve made it my life’s mission to establish and initiate businesses and endeavours that capacitate local communities while having a global breakthrough impact.” The well-travelled festival founder has had an opportunity to study the best practices in the global film industry. Among those earmarked for the workshops and masterclasses are actors Pallance Dladla, Dumisani Mbebe, Sthembiso Mtshali, who will facilitate the…

A Standard Bank employee, Tsholo Mabule, is fighting to keep her job after the Labour Court in Johannesburg set aside an arbitration award which allowed her to walk away with R120 000 in compensation. Mabule had worked for the financial institution as a customer consultant in Zeerust, North West, since February 1995. A 73-year-old widow, Senna, approached the Zeerust branch in September 2017 with a letter of executorship with the aim of opening a late estate account because her late husband had an investment account and she wanted his estate to be transferred to her account. When she arrived at the branch, Mabule told Senna that the letter she had was not an original letter and told her to provide an original one. Senna then obtained the original letter…

A coast-to-coast cruise across the US is something you’d usually romanticise about, with your mind’s eye likely rumbling into the sunset in a Ford Mustang convertible or something similar. But a so-called ‘hypermiler’ had different ideas and, with some careful coaxing, managed to break a Guinness World Record for fuel economy in a bottom-of the-range Toyota Prius. Wayne Gerdes achieved the feat by driving from Los Angeles City Hall to New York City Hall with an average consumption of 93.158 miles per gallon, which equates to 2.52 litres per 100km. The 5 167km journey took Gerdes through a wide variety of terrain, including elevations of 2 130m, while he also faced unpredictable weather, such as strong winds coming in from the Gulf of Mexico and temperatures soaring above 40°C in…

Haven’t we all, at some point, encountered someone who seems distant, aloof or unreachable? Someone who despite our best efforts remains a mystery, leaving us wondering what lies beneath their reserved exterior. We’ve all been there – trying to connect with someone who seems to be hiding behind a veil of mystery leaving us feeling puzzled, frustrated or even hurt. What if we’ve got this thinking wrong? What if, beneath the surface, is a coping web of emotions and experiences driving their behaviour, a desperate attempt to take back control of their lives? Let us delve into the intriguing question: why do some people come across as distant? In today’s frenetic world, when surrounded by environments that foster unhealthy habits, we notice those who are distant, though they are already…

DESPITE a dramatic late fightback, the Proteas Women lost the second T20 international by 13 runs against Pakistan in Multan last night. The Pakistan Women levelled the series 1-1, with one match remaining in the series tomorrow (7am SA time start). The hosts set the visitors a mammoth 182 as a target, a score South Africa often struggle to reach in the shortest format of the game, especially on the Asian sub-continent. However, it was a challenge captain Laura Wolvaardt and her team welcomed, and they showed it right from the beginning of the chase. Despite losing Tazmin Brits in the first powerplay, Wolvaardt (36 off 25 balls, 5x4, 1x6) and Anneke Bosch (24) showed positive intent as the pair put together a 50-run partnership before the captain fell in…

AFTER indifferent outcomes earlier this month, Mamelodi Sundowns have transformed into a racing certainty to reach the group stage of CAF’s blue-riband club competition, the Champions League. Sundowns suffered back-to-back MTN8 defeats to Stellenbosch FC and then last week bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 win against Mbabane Swallows of Eswatini at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville. Swallows surrendered their home-ground advantage because their Eswatini venue did not conform to the required standards set by CAF. On Saturday evening, Swallows will return to Atteridgeville for their Champions League second preliminary round, second leg clash. The 4-0 deficit after the first leg seems that qualifying for the group stage is a pipe dream for Swallows now that Sundowns have regained their best form, which was in evidenced again in…

The dry bulk terminal has annual capacity to export in excess of 7million tons GRINDROD is looking to benefit more from increased usage of ports in Mozambique by South African exporters and importers due to constraints being experienced by Transnet, prompting the logistics company to bump up its interest in a company that owns a dry bulk terminal in Mozambique by 35% to 100% for a consideration of $77 million (R1.35 billion). The 35% has been snapped up from Grindrod’s partner in the asset, Vitol, which is based in Mauritius. Grindrod will pay $55m upfront and the remainder in quarterly instalments of $1.375m. Logistical constraints are hobbling South African exporters, including bulk miners and other export producers. Some miners have had to cut production after stockpiles of ore and…

BUSINESS Unity South Africa (Busa) yesterday said that it was now encouraged by the government’s openness to engage on the substantive concerns raised by business regarding the NHI Act. This comes after the organisation’s meeting on Tuesday with President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Health, and senior officials from the Presidency and the department to engage on the NHI Act. Big business has remained firmly opposed to the implementation of NHI and it boycotted the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact last month, saying the compact was being used as a decoy to endorse the NHI. Business has been extremely clear in its position that NHI, as was currently envisioned in the act, was unaffordable, unimplementable and unconstitutional, and therefore re- quired urgent amendments. However, Presidency…

TWENTY-FIVE years ago, a Kwa- Zulu-Natal family launched a small enterprise with the goal of becoming Africa’s largest manufacturer of disposable hygiene products. Today, Cleopatra has a significantly expanded workforce and supplies millions of nappies each month to Shoprite, Checkers and Usave supermarkets across Africa. “Now, we’re embarking on what is probably the biggest innovation in our business to date,” said Yuraaz Osman, a director of Cleopatra. “Following the installation of our new high-speed diaper plant, we have just launched Lovies Ultra, making premium diapers both affordable and accessible to consumers from all walks of life,” Osman added. Having started its journey in a 1 500-square-metre facility, Cleopatra now operates from a vast 15 000-square-metre factory and warehouse space. “Since partnering with the Shoprite Group we have grown…

AHEAD of last night’s US Federal Reserve decision on interest rates, local economists were mostly expecting a 50 basis point (bps) cut, with some wavering towards 25bps, with either outcome likely to positively affect the local currency. Bianca Botes, a director at Citadel Global, yesterday morning noted that the rand started the day at R17.59 to the dollar. By early afternoon, it had strengthened slightly to R17.54, just hours before the Fed’s decision. Andre Cilliers, a currency strategist at TreasuryONE, said the local currency was trading at its strongest level this year. “It remains to be seen whether this level will hold and if the rand could push a little further and test the R17.5000 level before the Fed announcement.” The question on everybody's lips, said Cilliers, was whether the…

Miley Cyrus is being sued for copy- right infringement over her 2023 hit Flowers. The 31-year-old pop star has been accused of lifting the melody, harmony and chorus of Bruno Mars’ 2012 hit When I Was Your Man by Tempo Music Investments, who claim to have a share in the latter tune, TMZ reports. The lyrics are a paraphrase of his song but because they were only similar ideas it wasn’t necessary for him to be listed as a co-writer on Flowers. Cyrus’s chorus goes: “I can buy myself flowers. “Write my name in the sand. “Talk to myself for hours. “Say things you don’t understand. “I can take myself dancing. “And I can hold my own hand. “Yeah, I can love me better than you can.” Mars sings on…

ESWATINI’s King Mswati III is facing intense backlash over his latest attempt to strangle media freedom in the kingdom. The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) has slammed the king’s proposed media regulatory bill, which would grant the state control over independent journalism. This move is part of a broader agenda to maintain Mswati’s grip on power, following the June 2021 unrest that exposed his insecurity. The proposed bill would force journalists to obtain state-mandated licences – controlled by a state-owned commission whose members are allegedly hand-picked by the king – essentially silencing critical voices, the state would control independent journalism stifling free speech and public discourse; and lastly it would keep the people of Eswatini in the dark, according to SSN spokesperson Lucky Lukhele. “This blatant censorship would ensure that no…

The DA has launched a petition demanding that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi remove Lesiba Arnold Malotana as the head of the province’s Health Department following his alleged linkage to malfeasance involving state funds. Malotana is under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit for allegedly taking part in an R8 million bribe. The DA is calling for the premier to retain the department’s dignity by removing Malotana from his position. The petition reads: “We are gravely concerned by the ongoing mismanagement of the Gauteng Health Department, riddled with corruption and shocking hospital failures. “We call on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to overhaul the department’s leadership, starting with the removal of the head of department Lesiba Arnold Malotana, who is under investigation over an R8 million bribe.” The DA is also challenging the…

Three South African cities including Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town have been named as cities to watch, according to The Centi-Millionaire Report 2024. The report has been released by wealth and investment migration advisers Henley & Partners and features exclusive data from New World Wealth, global wealth intelligence firm. There are currently 29 350 individuals worldwide with liquid investable assets of $100 million (R1.7 billion) or more. They are called centi-millionaires. These are the three centi-millionaire hot spots to watch in South Africa, with the number of centi-millionaires in each city listed: Cape Town: 28 centi-millionaires Johannesburg: 25 centi-millionaires Durban, uMhlanga and Ballito: 11 centi-millionaires According to the report, these wealth hubs are worth keeping an eye on for companies that operate in sectors such as luxury goods, wealth management,…

Several outgoing ministers and deputy ministers have left the homes that they were given during their tenure in a “dreadful state”. According to the Public Works and Infrastructure Ministry, shortly after Minister Dean Macpherson took office, he found some properties in the Prestige Unit in a disgusting or derelict state. Ministry spokesperson James de Villiers said South Africa owns 97 state homes within its Prestige Unit, valued at around R830 million in Cape Town and R137m in Pretoria. The ministry said when Macpherson took office, some non-returning ministers and deputy ministers refused to vacate their properties. Some also delayed vacating their properties. When the department was finally able to access the homes, it found some of them in a “dreadful state”. It said the kitchen cabinets had been removed in…

The University of Pretoria (UP) recently held its annual Principal’s Concert, captivating hundreds of attendees who gathered at the Aula on Hatfield campus for two nights of enchanting musical performances. This premier event showcased the extraordinary synergy created when the UP Symphony Orchestra, UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble, UP Chorale and UP Camerata come together, along with singers and piano soloists. The Principal’s Concert showcases the university’s commitment to fostering excellence across an array of artistic genres, while reinforcing its advancement of local youth within the realm of the arts. This year’s event was held under the theme ‘Make Today Matter – The Light We Cast’, and combined choirs, an orchestra, soloists, and visual and dramatic arts, taking the audience on a journey from darkness to light through three compelling segments.…

Ingredients 1 x Knorr beef stock pot 1kg stewing beef 2 tbs canola oil 50g flour, seasoned 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, diced 2 stalks of celery, chopped 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes 500g cherry tomatoes 2 cups water 3 sprigs of rosemary or Robertsons Spices Rosemary Dry Herb 1 tbs sugar 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans 100g frozen peas Salt and pepper for seasoning For the mash 4 x potatoes, peeled and halved 50g butter ¼ cup full cream milk 2 tbs wholegrain mustard 2 tbs chopped parsley Zest of 1 lemon Robertsons Spices salt and pepper for seasoning Method Dust the beef cubes in seasoned flour. In a medium-sized casserole pot, heat the oil and brown the beef cubes on all sides, remove and…

With Heritage Day fast approaching, there’s no better way to celebrate South Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry than a showcase of beautifully crafted artisanal goods and handmade crafts in different local markets. South Africa is showcasing its rich legacy and cultural diversity this month by celebrating the numerous African rituals, civilisations, and handicrafts that incorporate Asian, European, and African traditions in different marketplaces. September also marks Tourism Month in South Africa, making it the perfect time for both locals and international travellers to explore what the market – so to speak – has to offer. Heritage Month’s Farmers and Crafters Market every Saturday Wild Coast Sun’s rooftop parking will be transformed into a bustling Farmers and Crafters Market every Saturday in September. During Heritage Month, guests may anticipate a varied exhibition…

Whoever christened it the “Cape Doctor” must have had a rather bent sense of humour, so the prospect of driving a 5-metre-long slab-sided people mover from Gordon’s Bay to the Nampo Show in Bredasdorp in a 50 km/h-plus wind had about as much appeal as a rabid cat. However, the surprise in the trip in the new Ford Tourneo 8-seater came with its almost uncanny stability on the road in that wind that changed direction as often as the winding road through Betty’s Bay and Caledon followed the hilly contours of the Cape. Naturally, there was some steering compensation for the wind, but there was no “rock ’n roll” in the gusts and the Torneo simply blew through the breeze, keeping the occupants comfortable, relaxed and able to enjoy the…

Bentley has unveiled its new Flying Spur sedan, and first out of the starting blocks is the aptly named Speed flagship model that sports an all-new hybrid powertrain. Bentley South Africa says we can expect the new four-door to dock on local shores early in the third quarter of 2025, with pricing to be confirmed in due course. But with the current Flying Spur Speed priced from R6.1 million, it’s going to be one of those situations where if you have to ask … it’s probably out of your reach. Although Bentley is billing this as an all-new generation, it appears to be an extensive update of the existing model, but what lies beneath the skin is certainly as fresh as a cucumber sandwich on a Buckingham Palace summer’s day.…

Virgil van Dijk saluted Liverpool’s “calm” response to conceding an early goal against AC Milan as they bounced back to win 3-1 in their Champions League opener. Liverpool captain Van Dijk had admitted his side looked like they had no plan during a shock 1-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend. And the Netherlands centre-back was concerned again after Christian Pulisic gave Milan the lead after just three minutes in the San Siro. To the defender’s relief, Liverpool stuck to boss Arne Slot’s game plan and equalised through Ibrahima Konate, before Van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai scored to wrap up the victory. Asked if it was the perfect response to the Forest game, Van Dijk said: “No, not after three minutes. But after three minutes,…

DEPUTY Finance Minister David Ma- sondo has urged retirement funds, including asset managers, to rethink how they have done business in the past and assist the economy to achieve high levels of growth. This comes as the debate rages on about the government permitting pension funds to invest 45% of their capital in infrastructure projects after the National Treasury published the final amendments to Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act in 2022. Regulation 28, issued in terms of Section 36(1)(b) of the Pension Funds Act, protects retirement fund member savings by limiting the extent to which funds may invest in a particular asset or in particular asset classes, and prevents excessive concentration risk. It also includes a framework for pension funds to allocate up to 45% of their assets…

IN THE LABYRINTH of investment decisions, even the most experienced investors can find themselves ensnared by cognitive traps. The mental blind spots, known as investor biases, can lead us astray, clouding judgement and distorting reality. It is imperative for investors to recognise and combat the biases to navigate the markets effectively. Let’s shed light on six of the most prevalent investor biases. Confirmation Bias: Picture this: you are bullish on a stock, so you eagerly devour news articles and analyst reports that validate your optimism. You conveniently overlook any contrary evidence that might challenge your stance. This is confirmation bias at play – the tendency to seek information that confirms our beliefs while disregarding conflicting data. Loss Aversion: The pain of a loss exceeds the joy from an equal…

IN TODAY’s fast-paced business landscape, success isn’t just about what you know, but who knows you. With more than 830 million members worldwide, LinkedIn offers more than just networking opportunities, it’s a powerful tool for brand building, lead generation and industry influence. Here are five ways to use LinkedIn strategically for your small business. 1. Build a compelling profile Your company’s LinkedIn profile is the first thing potential clients, partners, or investors will see. Think of it as your digital storefront. A well-optimised profile will convey professionalism and credibility. Start by ensuring that your business’s profile is complete. This includes adding a professional logo, a banner that visually represents your brand, and a detailed description of what your business does. Be concise yet informative – include key services,…

THE MUTLU Turkish division that Met- air is disposing of to US-based Quexco for R1.95 billion had higher debt levels that drove up borrowing costs for the South African mobility and energy company, which is now expecting a June 2024 half-year loss of between 2.7 cents and 3.3c per share. The expected interim loss per share in the company compares to Metair’s per share earnings of 48c in the same period last year. Furthermore, Metair has projected a similar interim headline loss per share for the same period compared to headline earnings per share of 41c in the year earlier for the same period. Metair said yesterday that the Mutlu Group, which forms up Metair Türkiye, “faced a number of challenges, including a shortage of contract workers and…

THIS MONTH the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Africa’s largest exchange, launched a cloud Marketplace in collaboration with DataBP. Business Report (BR) held a Q&A with the JSE to find out more. What is Marketplace? Marketplace aims to transform the JSE’s data offerings. This new digital marketplace will serve as the central hub for all JSE data products and services. The bourse has digitised client contracting for index agreements and introduced Trade Explorer for member analytics services. BR: How this will enhance the investor experience? JSE: It’ll enable easier access to data, and the ability to purchase small amounts of data through the Marketplace with cloud delivery, means data is accessible to more investors and investors in different geographies BR: How does this new virtual storefront…

After an eight-month down trend, South Africa’s consumer food price inflation edged up by 4.1% in August in spite of headline consumer inflation slowing to 4.4% and giving assurances to the SA Reserve Bank to begin its rates-cutting cycle. Statistics SA said yesterday that annual bread and cereals inflation quickened for a third successive month while the meat index increased on an annual basis. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), said yesterday that the products underpinning this mild increase were bread and cereal, meat, vegetables, fish, and milk, eggs and cheese. Sihlobo said that while a slight uptick was expected, they remained sceptical that price increases would be significant in the coming months. “The significant upside risk we have highlighted for some time is the grain-related…

“Panga” Pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng is offering a R5 000 reward to anyone who can identify the perpetrators who burnt down his church, which he said cost over a million rand. Mboro, the leader of Incredible Happenings Church, was released on bail last week after a month in jail for allegedly threatening teachers at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, with two pangas. He reportedly did this so that his son, Revival, could leave the school with his children. The incident was captured in videos that went viral on social media. Following his arrest on August 6, his church was set alight by a group of angry pupils. Mboro is facing 12 charges, including kidnapping and possession of a dangerous weapon. He returns to court on October 21. Mboro was…

Choosing an executor is a crucial part of creating a will, but it’s not as straightforward as it may seem. National Wills Week, running from September 16 to 20, presents the perfect opportunity for people to understand that the executor’s decision carries significant responsibilities and the slightest mistake can have serious consequences. Jocelyn Manda, fiduciary specialist at Professional Provident Society (PPS), explains the potential pitfalls of selecting an executor and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Pitfall: Misplacing the original will before it is lodged with the Master of the High Court can lead to delays, extra costs or even legal disputes among heirs. Solution: Ensure that your will is stored in a secure location like a bank safe deposit box or a fiduciary service provider. This will minimise the…

WITH just six weeks remaining until Manufacturing Indaba 2024, excitement is building for what promises to be a transformative event for Africa’s manufacturing sector. The event will take place on October 22-23 at Sandton Convention Centre, bringing together industry leaders, experts and stakeholders from across the continent to explore and shape the future of manufacturing in Africa. Manufacturing Indaba 2024 provides a unique platform for exhibitors and delegates alike to engage with the latest trends, opportunities and innovations within the African manufacturing sector. The event is designed to foster collaboration, spark new ideas as well as drive business growth through focused discussions, exhibitions and networking opportunities. Why attend? Industry Insight & Innovation: Attendees will benefit from expert-led panel discussions and keynote addresses on the latest trends,…

Women’s Living Heritage Monument Centre not operational after six years THE multimillion rand the Women’s Living Heritage Monument Centre in Pretoria, which was completed six years ago at the cost of more than R200 million, is still not fully operational. This was despite constant political pressure on the Gauteng provincial government to open the facility located at Sammy Marks Square for the public. The project was initiated in 2012 and was to be completed in 2015. It was officially unveiled in August 2016 but construction was only completed two years later. The centre was established with the objective of showcasing the roles of women in the history of the Struggle for liberation in Southern Africa and Africa. Yesterday, the DA conducted an overnight visit at the facility as part of…

TWELVE creative industry entrepreneurs from South Africa, Malawi and Lesotho took centre stage at the French Residence in Pretoria on Tuesday to showcase their innovative businesses to potential investors. The event, part of the Création Africa Days, showcased the best of Southern Africa’s cultural industries — ranging from fashion design to video games, audiovisual production, and music. The event marked the culmination of the Création Africa programme, a R24 million initiative by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs aimed at promoting cultural entrepreneurship in the region. The 12 finalists, selected from over 700 applications, spent five months in an incubation programme designed to enhance their business skills. The initiative provided seed funding and mentorship, preparing them to scale their businesses locally and internationally. The finalists hail from South…

Ingredients 1 kg flour 1 tbsp (heaped) baking powder 1 tin sweetcorn kernels, drained 1 handful soaked and chopped sundried tomatoes 1 handful crumbled feta 1 tsp (level) dried mixed herbs 2 340ml cans of beer 1 tsp salt Method Preheat oven to 190 ̊C. In a clean bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and beer and mix well. Then add the corn, sundried tomatoes, feta, etc. Transfer to a lightly greased medium-sized cast iron pot or large loaf tin. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until golden and fragrant, and a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove the bread and serve immediately. |…

willem.vdputte@inl.co.za VOLKSWAGEN South Africa (VWSA) announced earlier this year that it was investing R4 billion to build a new compact SUV in South Africa from 2027. The vehicle has yet to be revealed, but VWSA has previously confirmed that the company’s Brazilian division was leading its development and that the newcomer would be priced below the T-Cross. Now Volkswagen of Brazil has released a teaser of a new small SUV product that will be launched there in 2025, and with local media reporting that it will slot in beneath the T-Cross, it is highly likely that what you see here is South Africa’s new locally-built ‘third product’ as VWSA representatives have labelled it. Only one darkened image has been released, and after lightening it in a photo editor we…

The Ford Ranger Raptor is unique among South Africans bakkies, for its combination of performance and 4x4 capabilities. And now this high-speed off-roader is available with B4-level armoured protection through Johannesburg-based manufacturer, SVI Engineering. The package not only comes with full backing from Ford South Africa, retaining the manufacturer warranty and any optionally selected service plan, but it can also be ordered directly from Ford dealerships. The suite of armour comes at a cost of R545 121, excluding VAT, and that of course excludes the R1 226 700 asking price attached to the base vehicle. SVI says its discreet B4 package offers “comprehensive 360-degree protection” against handguns, up to .44 Magnum, for the entire passenger cell. It includes 21mm armoured glass, curved to original Ranger specification, and precisely cut Kevlar…

MANQOBA Mngqithi’s middle name is Brilliant. It is an apt name because, damn, the man is brilliant. On an evening when he essentially served the Doubting Thomases with large helpings of humble pie as he led Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over SuperSport United – which showed the Brazilians are once again the team to beat – Mngqithi also handled a media corps thirsty for scandalous news with the brilliance of a man who understands himself. Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro Costa grabbed the goals to hand Masandawana all three points. The coach was asked why it was that he was using the talismanic Themba Zwane sparingly, bringing him on from the bench despite the huge impact he always makes – the journalist actually suggesting it is…

SUPERSPORT United assistant coach Andre Arendse says they will work tirelessly to ensure they plug their holes, including finding a replacement for Bradley Grobler. SuperSport had an unwanted start to their Betway Premiership campaign, losing 2-0 to arch rivals Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday. Matsatsantsa a Pitori kept the champions at bay in the first half, but the substitutes of the hosts, particularly Themba Zwane, turned the game on its head. The result stung for SuperSport as they also had their chances, only to be let down by poor finishing. Speaking in his post-match media conference – after he took over the coaching reins on the night from suspended head coach Gavin Hunt – Arendse lifted the lid on their struggles. The 1996 Africa Cup of Nations- winning…

Despite the occasion and pressure of Saturday’s Currie Cup final against the Lions, the Sharks will stick to the cavalier manner in which they ultimately beat the Bulls in the semi-final. The Sharks outscored the Bulls by six tries to four at Loftus Versfeld last week to advance to the final against the Lions at Ellis Park (4pm kick-off), and assistant coach Warren Whiteley said that the Durban outfit won’t deviate from what has worked for them. Finals are usually tight, tense affairs, but the former Springbok captain believes that the Sharks are on course to play attacking rugby in the United Rugby Championship and beyond – and they will stick to their guns against the Lions. “We’ve worked on our Sharks way and game model, and the players and…