Mercury -julkaisun 2026-04-09 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

President Trump announces two-week ceasefire with Iran, brings temporary halt to hostilities Stocks on the JSE yesterday rose to the highest level in more than a month while the rand also strengthened as the markets reacted positively to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities in the Middle East. The temporary ceasefire had an immediate impact on the domestic market, with the JSE benchmark index surging more than 6% to more than 122,000 index points, the highest since 4 March. Mining stocks led the rally on the bourse, with Impala Platinum rising 16.3% to R268.44 per share, followed by Valterra, which rise 13.1% to R1 598.39 and Northam Platinum at 12.2% to R378.09 per share. Oil prices also fell by…

Banking and financial services group FirstRand’s share price shot up 7.14% after it announced plans to exit from its UK bank Aldermore. The share price traded at R93.21 on the JSE on Wednesday afternoon, indicating a favourable investor response to the group’s plans for Aldermore announced late Tuesday. A year previously, FirstRand was trading at R66.24. It has cut earnings forecasts and blamed a costly and "deeply flawed" British motor finance redress scheme for the plans to exist Aldermore. Provisions for miss-sold UK motor loans were raised by a further pre-tax accounting amount of R11.9 billion, bringing the total provision to R17.7bn. FirstRand’s pre-motor provision normalised earnings guidance remained intact. However, the group now expects full-year normalised earnings post the UK motor provision to contract between 4% and 9%, and…

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing mounting economic risks as global conflicts intensify, with new research highlighting how the war in the Middle East and rising defense spending are placing already vulnerable economies under severe strain. According to analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its upcoming April World Economic Outlook, the region stands among those most exposed to the long-term economic fallout of conflict, both directly and indirectly. In countries experiencing conflict, the economic damage is immediate and persistent. Output typically contracts by about 3% at the onset of war and continues to decline for years, resulting in cumulative losses of roughly 7% within five years. These losses often exceed those seen during financial crises or natural disasters, underscoring the uniquely destructive nature of armed conflict. For sub-Saharan Africa, where…

In South Africa, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy, accounting for over 90% of businesses and employing around 60% of the workforce. With nearly 8 million South Africans relying on these enterprises for their livelihoods, the importance of their success cannot be overstated. Yet, a staggering 70% to 80% of South African SMEs fail within five years, primarily due to cash flow issues, inadequate systems, and a lack of access to sufficient funding. “Many small business owners are unaware of whether their businesses qualify for impact investment or how to pitch their offerings effectively to potential investors,” said Lishoka Ndyamba, Specialist in Socio-Economic Development Livelihoods at Kumba Iron Ore. Recognising the vast untapped potential of these SMEs, Anglo American's Impact Finance Network (IFN), in partnership…

South Africa has emerged as the top-performing market in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region, even as global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions begin to weigh on investor sentiment. According to the latest Bank of America (BofA) equity strategy report, South Africa continues to rank highest among its regional peers, supported by strong dividend yields, improving earnings momentum and relatively attractive valuations compared to historical levels. The BofA’s strategist team, led by Vladimir Osakovskiy, said South Africa’s number‑one position is underpinned by strengthening dividend profiles, supportive valuations relative to history, and a growing concentration of high‑quality materials and financial stocks, even as global investors navigate heightened geopolitical uncertainty. The government has welcomed the recent ranking, saying this recognition represents a strong vote of confidence in South Africa as an…

A new report by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) released this week has indicated a consensus that the fastest way to raise the economic growth rate is to accelerate the pace of economic reforms by the Government of National Unity (GNU). The report by Prof Johan Fourie and Claire Bisseker said that this is one of the core messages from the Pick-A-Bird scenarios developed by the BER. “The BER has modelled three scenarios – the Hadeda, where SA continues to muddle through; the Marabou Stork, where SA descends into a failed state; and the Fish Eagle where growth soars to 3% and 2.4m jobs are created by 2030.” The report added that under the Hadeda, the GNU holds, but coalition complexity and state incapacity limit its ability to deliver…

The Constitutional Court is in the final stages of preparing its highly anticipated judgment regarding the Phala Phala matter, a case that has captivated public attention since it emerged in the wake of a significant burglary scandal at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm. According to Chief Registrar Simoné-Lanique Tjamela, the court's judgment is expected to be delivered within a month, marking a pivotal moment in an ongoing saga that has raised numerous questions about the integrity of public office and the nation's judicial processes. The Phala Phala incident, which occurred in February 2020, involved the alleged theft of millions in foreign currency from the president's private property. The EFF has criticised the delay, noting that more than 480 days have passed since the hearing - far exceeding the judiciary’s guideline…

Former MK Party secretary-general Dr Bongani Mncwango has joined the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), with party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa saying the move reflects growing confidence in the party ahead of Local Government Elections. Mncwango was removed from his position in the MK Party last month. It was previously reported that Member of Parliament (MP) Sibonelo Nomvalo had been appointed secretary-general in his place. Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Velenkosini Hlabisa officially welcomed Mncwango to the party and described his arrival as a significant boost to the IFP’s election campaign. “Today marks an important moment for the Inkatha Freedom Party as we officially welcome Dr Bongani Mncwango, former secretary-general of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party, into the IFP family,” Hlabisa said. He said Mncwango’s experience in both the public and private…

Durban City’s home form at Chatsworth Stadium was disrupted on Tuesday night after Mamelodi Sundowns managed a slim 1‑0 victory against the Betway Premiership newbies. Only Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng could manage to crack the Durban defence in the opening 10 minutes with a well‑taken finish, which allowed Sundowns to collect all three points and remain at the top of the Betway Premiership standings Despite the defeat, Durban coach Pitso Dladla was far from disappointed with his team’s performance, praising their discipline against one of the strongest teams on the African continent, especially in his defence. From the outset, Sundowns showed why they are remain the championship favourites this season, controlling possession and forcing the Citizens to defend deep in their own half. The visitors’ early goal, crafted from quality build‑up…

David Raya was hailed as the world's best goalkeeper by Arsenal's Kai Havertz after the pair inspired Tuesday's 1-0 win at Sporting Lisbon in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final first leg. Raya made a trio of vital saves to keep spluttering Arsenal in the game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. The Spaniard tipped Maxi Araujo's drive onto the crossbar and kept out Geny Catamo's low effort before making another fine stop to parry Catamo's header late in the second half. Below their best for long spells, Arsenal capitalised on Raya's Player of the Match display to end their two-game losing run. Havertz calmly converted a pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli in stoppage time, making Arsenal firm favourites to advance to the semi-finals when they host Sporting in the second…

If it hasn't occurred to George Russell that he should start treating Kimi Antonelli as the biggest threat to his F1 career, then he certainly needs a wake-up call. The 2026 season has seen the Italian teenager make an explosive start, winning two straight races and becoming the youngest driver ever to lead the world drivers' championship. For Russell, who shares the same Mercedes machinery as Antonelli, the reality is sobering: a rookie teammate has begun to outshine him in both points and headlines. Confidence behind the wheel, no matter how strong, inevitably takes a knock when someone in identical equipment is rewriting the record books. Martin Brundle, veteran commentator and former F1 driver, didn’t mince words on Sky Sports F1 recently. “George has to treat Kimi like a peak…

Two key industries in South Africa, agriculture and mining, face significant cost increases in the months ahead, apart from fuel, due to sharply rising world prices of the chemicals used to manufacture explosives and fertiliser. This was according to Omnia Holding CEO Seelan Gobalsamy, who said Wednesday that the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East had already in some countries resulted in the price of fertiliser increasing by up to 70%. He said in an interview that while these price increases may take some months to materialise in this country as existing stock is used up, the group, as a leading manufacturer of fertiliser and explosives in the SADC, and an exporter to 23 countries, had already taken steps to further diversify its sources of ammonia,…

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, yesterday vowed that the government would resuscitate the sugar industry and create jobs, during the relaunch of Gledhow Sugar Mill in KwaDukuza, north of Durban. The mill, which entered business rescue during the 2023/2024 period, is now back on track following a R1.8 billion expansion investment by its new owners. The commitment was initially announced at last week’s Presidential Investment Conference and is expected to revitalise operations while strengthening the broader sugar value chain. The relaunch was also attended by the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA). Godlimpi said that a new investor is contributing advanced technology to a plant, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, with plans to sell spare parts to other factories. He reassured workers that…

The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has introduced new features on its traceability platform, aimed at strengthening trade continuity across South Africa’s red meat value chain as the country continues to battle the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. RMIS said that the upgraded functionality is now live and accessible to producers through its free mobile application. The enhanced system enables farmers to confirm vaccine deliveries by scanning QR codes, record vaccinations for individual animals, and manage livestock movements more efficiently. The organisation said the developments form part of its broader effort, launched in 2024, to build a practical digital ecosystem that embeds traceability into everyday farming operations. The organisation emphasised that the benefits of this system are already being realised on the ground, particularly as traceability becomes a prerequisite for many…

As South Africa navigates its way through a bumpy start of 2026, the importance of cleaning standards is evolving at a rapid pace. For large corporations, hygiene protocols have already transcended being mere operational tasks and have entered the realm of governance, appearing prominently in corporate Risk Registers. However, for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the reality remains starkly different, a continuation of treating hygiene as little more than a ‘grudge purchase’. This shift towards treating cleanliness as a compliance and risk management issue has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the critical nature of hygiene in both public health and business sustainability. Yet, SMEs often lag behind, viewed primarily as operational costs rather than essential components of a risk management strategy. “When margins and cash…

MTN Group, which after six years is still struggling to exit its Middle Eastern businesses, has awarded its directors substantial long-term performance (LTI) awards, with the CEO’s 2025 award more than double that which vested in 2024. This week, the group announced that its President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, had been awarded R39.97 million worth of shares in the company, while other executives received about R120m of shares between them. In 2024, Mupita received R18.43m in (LTI) awards, and the year before, R45.80m, according to the group’s annual report. The long-term incentive shares are awarded based on the group’s success in implementing its objectives over the medium to long term. The MTN board also evaluates its executives’ performance based on shareholder return, operating free cash flow, return on equity, and…

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said there has not been a noticeable increase in vessels taking bunker fuels in the wake of the heightened Middle East conflict. Responding to parliamentary questions from ActionSA MP Malebo Kobe, Creecy said there was an increase in maritime traffic in recent months, but it has not translated into a noticeable increase in port calls as of March 25. “This is attributed to the fact that vessels will only need to make a stop to take bunkers and stores, undertake repairs, and (receive) any other marine services required. It is worth mentioning that the cargo that was not originally destined for South African ports is highly unlikely to come to our ports, especially the liquid bulk,” Creecy added. The minister previously indicated that her department was…

As the second school term commenced yesterday, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education said the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) has been successfully rolled out to schools, with thousands of learners receiving meals from the first day of the academic term. In a statement, MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka said the department was encouraged by the return of learners, educators, and support staff, describing a “renewed sense of purpose and commitment to learning” across schools in the province. The programme roll-out comes after some school nutrition providers had sought to interdict the process. This was due to concerns they raised about the tender process for the new contract for the programme. They alleged that there were irregularities in the process but the department has denied this. Their interdict matter was…

Orlando Pirates are gradually reflecting the qualities and philosophy of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as they have become rock solid in defence and ruthless up front – traits that could prove crucial in the title run-in. A solid defender in his heyday, having turned out for clubs in Europe, Ouaddou vowed to reorganise Pirates’ defensive unit and make therm a formidable force, after they leaked goals willy-nilly last season. He’s done exactly that. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is enjoying his best season in Pirates colours, as he is just three clean sheets away from the record of 19 in a top-flight campaign. While Chaine might get most of the praise, the defence in front of him has also delivered. Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema have kept things tidy in the centre at…

The United Rugby Championship (URC) resumes next weekend, with all four South African franchises still firmly in the hunt for play-off places. While the primary focus will be on securing a full house in the Top 8, the next four rounds also present a valuable, perhaps final, opportunity for fringe players to force their way into the Springbok conversation. A handful of players could yet influence the Bok selectors ahead of the international season if they continue to impress for their respective sides. Here, we take a look at five uncapped players knocking loudly on the Springbok door, each with a chance to strengthen their case over the coming weeks. Haashim Pead (Lions) There may be a long queue of scrumhalves in the current Bok pecking order, but the emergence…

Nobody expected farming to be easy. But the men and women who cultivate sugarcane across the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga are now facing a convergence of pressures so severe that the very survival of South Africa’s sugar industry hangs in the balance. Policymakers in Pretoria would be wise to pay attention and to act before the moment passes. The war in the Middle East has driven oil prices at times above $108 a barrel, sending the cost of both diesel and fertiliser sharply higher. Fertiliser, derived from oil-based by-products, accounts for roughly 20% to 22% of an average sugar farmer’s total input bill and can be expected to nearly double in price. Diesel, meanwhile, is forecast to rise by more than R10 a litre in April, a catastrophic…

South Africa’s efforts to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) have received a significant boost following the release of 20,000 doses of locally produced vaccines by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), reinforcing the country’s biosecurity and agricultural resilience. The milestone comes amid renewed collaboration between government, research institutions, and the private sector, with a strong emphasis on innovation as a driver of long-term agricultural growth. Wandile Sihlobo, the Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land Reform, recently met with Dr Litha Magingxa, CEO of the ARC, to discuss the role of research in strengthening the sector. Sihlobo emphasised that scientific research remains central to the performance and sustainability of agriculture, and that the ARC is key to advancing agricultural research and innovation in South Africa. “The South African agricultural sector has thrived…

In a boost for local entrepreneurs, Amazon South Africa recently hosted its second annual Seller Summit, gathering over 300 ambitious business leaders and the platform's most successful sellers. This year, the summit aimed to empower South African businesses with the latest tools and resources needed to thrive on Amazon.co.za, underscored by the launch of the inaugural Amazon South Africa Seller Awards that recognised outstanding achievements within the community. Robert Koen, Amazon Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed the essence of the summit. Koen said, “This year’s Summit showcased the energy and innovation of South Africa's entrepreneurial community. We’re focused on the ongoing success of our independent sellers as they are fundamental to our ability to offer a broad selection, great prices, and a convenient shopping experience for our customers. This…

THE mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, is a frontrunner to return as the Durban mayor if the ANC win in the upcoming local government elections. ANC members in eThekwini have said that Xaba has brought stability to the running of the metro. The members spoke out amid speculation regarding who would be appointed as mayors in the different municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. The ANC recently announced that it is preparing to host interviews for those who may be appointed as mayors after the local government elections. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said recently the party will formally open interviews for mayoral candidates. Mbalula indicated that the ANC hopes to announce its contenders next month. He reportedly said, "We are formally opening the interviews as agreed by the General Council and the…

Big-hitting South African PGA Tour player Aldrich Potgieter will spearhead the local challenge at The Masters today, with former Green Jacket winner Charl Schwartzel and SA Open champion Casey Jarvis completing the South African contingent for the 60th edition at Augusta National. The 21-year-old Potgieter (2.04pm tee-off) returns for his second appearance at Augusta, having made his debut last year as an amateur. This time, however, he arrives as a PGA Tour winner and will be aiming to mount a serious challenge, with his prodigious driving expected to be a key weapon on the iconic layout. Former champion Schwartzel (2.26pm) has enjoyed a measured start to his season on the LIV Golf League, most recently helping Southern Guards GC side secure second place at the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa…

Mamelodi Sundowns are in a good space right now on the domestic front, which is why coach Miguel Cardoso has urged his troops to carry their energy and momentum into their continental campaign. Sundowns will face Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the CAF Champions League semi-final, with the first leg scheduled for Sunday (kick-off 9pm) at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, Tunisia, while the return leg will be hosted at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday. This will be the third successive meeting between the two clubs in the knockout stage of the prestigious tournament. Three seasons ago, Cardoso’s Esperance eliminated Sundowns in the semi-final, before the Portuguese-born coach led the South Africans to a win over the Tunisians in the quarter-final last season. Cardoso will be eager for his third successive…

Weekend celebrations at Parkhill Bowling Club were in full swing following yet another outstanding Easter bowling extravaganza that delivered thrilling competition, generous prizes, and a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the greens. A total of 28 teams took to the greens, divided into seven sections, where Saturday’s play proved fiercely competitive. Each team fought through the sectional rounds with determination, knowing that only the seven section winners, along with the best-performing runner-up, would advance to the coveted Cup competition. As the tournament progressed into Sunday’s decisive ladder stages, the leaderboard told a story of tight margins and shifting fortunes. Going into the final round, the NIBA-based Hier Kom n Ding side, featuring Brad Robinson, Keith Harcombe, Calvin Hollis, and Kevin Williams, had moved from fourth into top position. Hot…