Star -julkaisun 2022-03-18 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

Siphelele Dludla siphelele.dludla@inl.co.za HIGH-earning South African consumers may cut spending on basic necessities this year as the war in Ukraine has pushed sentiment to a nine-month low and turned the economic outlook more bleak with rising prices. A survey released yesterday showed that the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged deeper into contractionary territory amid concerns about the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. The survey by the Bureau for Economic Research, sponsored by FNB, revealed that the CCI fell to -13 index points in the first quarter from -9 points in the previous quarter. This was the lowest reading since the second quarter of 2021, when the social relief of distress grant was temporarily discontinued, the Delta variant surged and lockdown restrictions were drastically tightened. The latest reading also…

Jamal Grootboom jamald.grootboom@inl.co.za American rapper Kanye West decided to come for The Daily Show host Trevor Noah after the latest episode of the late night show. This week Trevor dedicated a whole segment commenting on the ongoing drama around Kanye and Kim Kardashian’s divorce. Specifically the ongoing harassment reality TV star along with her new bae Pete Davidson have been enduring from her estranged husband. Things reached a new high after an alleged leaked text message exchange between the Ultralight Beam hitmaker and the The King of Staten Island star. The messages: “Yo it’s Skete. Can you please take a second and calm down. It’s 8am and it don’t gotta be like this. “Kim is literally the best mother I’ve ever met. “What she does for those kids is amazing…

BidX1 will be offering four brand-new luxury apartments in Sea Point, on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, in an online auction on March 30. They form part of a business rescue sale. The apartments, in a small, four-storey block, comprise a three-bedroom penthouse, two three-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit, with spacious balconies and views of Lion’s Head. The penthouse, with 167m² and 19m² of balconies, plus a rooftop area of 76m², totals 262m². The three-bedroom apartments are 111m² with 39m² balconies and the two-bedroom apartment is 99m² with a 22m² balcony. The modern complex includes a communal roof garden, pool and deck, while each unit has two allocated secure parking bays. The building is well-positioned on the MyCiTi bus route and close to all amenities, including the Sea Point Promenade…

Ntuli joins growing list of prominent black members who left party in recent years Kailene Pillay kailene.pillay@inl.co.za Former DA Youth Leader Mbali Ntuli who announced her resignation from the party and as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature (MPL) yesterday, said she still firmly believed that the current political system and existing political parties were not focused on making South Africa the equitable, just country it needed to be. Ntuli has joined a growing list of prominent black leaders who have left the Democratic Alliance in recent years. In a statement issued by Ntuli yesterday, she said she was taking a break from formal politics to get back on the ground and to help “real change-makers make our country better”. “I am excited about going onto the ground to…

Independent Media Staff MUCH noise has been made by commentators – the professional, government and the armchaired variety – about the Mpati Commission report into alleged impropriety at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). The commission was chaired by retired Judge Lex Mpati and assisted by Gill Marcus and Emmanuel Lediga. Leading the headlines at almost every turn, the name of Sekunjalo, inter-changed with AYO Technology Solutions (AYO). Yet “Sekunjalo” was never included in the commission’s self-declared terms of reference. So, how did the Mpati Commission and subsequent media reporting end up being dominated by discussions around this Group, and its executive chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé, and the commission reporting on “findings” against Sekunjalo? That’s a question we may never really know the answer to. However, what we do know is…

MOVING into Dance (MID), a Joburg-based Afro-fusion contemporary dance company whose shows had not been cancelled in its 44-year history, had to shut down abruptly at the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020. The MID now returns with three spectacular small-scale productions on the Lesedi stage at the Joburg Theatre, to showcase signs that life, art, and joy are making a comeback post-Covid-19. From April 29 to May 1, MID will occupy the Lesedi stage with a triple- bill of Ingress in three live performances. Described as entrance or giving access to, Ingress honours the right to access the theatre space and the impact of the pandemic on the theatre industry, dance makers and their ability to renovate, survive and return. The dance features an international award-winning piece, Road,…

Staff Reporter BANIJAY, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announced it has acquired the exclusive format rights to an original new factual entertainment series from South African production company Rebelintown. Created by African entertainment visionary Jimmy Muteba, Still Got It! sees older people aged 60 to 80 competing in a series of fun and unexpected challenges with the help of the Gen Z crowd, to see which of them has “still got it“. From modelling, songwriting, dancing, gaming, cooking and art to adventure sports, the vibrant older people are put to the test by their younger counterparts. A cash prize is up for grabs by the person who impresses the panel of influential young judges. Titled The Coolest OGs locally, the series made…

Morgan Bolton morgan.bolton@inl.co.za THE Binder brothers enjoyed familiar surrounds last weekend with a short stop in Johannesburg, but there might be very little comforting from Friday onwards in Indonesia. The Mandalika International Street Circuit welcomes MotoGP this weekend to the motorbike racing-mad nation after a 25-year-long hiatus, but there are some major concerns that the newly constructed and unfamiliar track will not hold up to scrutiny. The entire field have only tested at the circuit during pre-season, and then it was reported that the asphalt was lifting, and shooting pebbles and pieces as the bikes rode over them, turning the track – as the-race.com put it – into a “firing range”. The organisers have subsequently and hastily resurfaced the track, but it remains to be seen if it maintains its…

Banele Ginindza banele.ginindza@inl.co.za THE LIFTING of Comair's suspension, which led to its planes being grounded for four days while it sorted out safety issues, has been met with consternation among industry experts, who felt the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has acted hastily. The director of civil aviation said yesterday evidence concluded on Tuesday paved the way for it to lift its suspension with immediate effect after operations were grounded over concerns including an East London incident that involved engine issues and suspect landing gear among others… “The impact of this outcome paves the way for the Director of Civil Aviation to (lift) the AOC (Air Operators’ Certificate) of Comair with immediate effect,” the regulator added. “After a thorough review of Com- air’s documentation, the SACAA has lifted the…

Edward West edward.west@inl.co.za METAIR Investments, the international motor component group, lifted headline earnings a share by 139 percent to 354 cents a share in the year to December 31, its best ever results, boosted by a strong recovery in its energy storage businesses. Chief financial officer Sjoerd Douwenga said the results were achieved despite the low base of the Covid pandemic impact results in 2020, and it had indicated the stability of the energy storage business despite a very challenging environment. Chief executive Riaz Haffejee said, however, they continued to trade in a challenging trading environment, including the supply chain challenges and semiconductor shortages, both of which were now compounded by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He said they sell a small volume of batteries to the after-part market and…

Matt Bomer is said to be in early negotiations to star alongside Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan in Maestro, the upcoming Netflix movie which follows the life of the conductor and musical maestro behind West Side Story and Candide. According to Deadline, the White Collar star, 44, is yet to strike a deal with the streaming giant and the role he would take on is not known at this time. If he does board the flick – which sees Hollywood heavyweights Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg among the producers – Matt will join Bradley in the titular role and Carey Mulligan as Bernstein’s wife Felicia Montealegre. Bradley previously said: “I was struck by Carey ever since I saw her on stage many years ago and I haven’t missed a performance…

AFTER the lengthy suspension of sporting activities following the Covid-19 pandemic, Region F’s sport and recreation directorate held the exhilarating Stadium Dash Decathlon to enthral daredevils in Bertrams in the inner city last Sunday. Hosted at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg Stadium, Ellis Park Arena, and Ellis Park Swimming Pool, the multi-disciplinary event was a marvel to watch. Featuring various track-and-field events, the Stadium Dash Decathlon saw adventure athletes tackle an exciting 6.5km obstacle course made of 26 challenges, including a floating bridge across Ellis Park Swimming Pool, a 6.5m high board jump, and a 2.4-ton car pull at Emirates Airline Park. “Seeing this stadium full brings me joy and makes me realise how important sport is. These kinds of events are very important as they address social ills, promote social…

Staff reporter With unemployment rocketing in Joburg, a venture capital fund in Sandton is affording start-ups and nascent entrepreneurs with high growth potential a platform to get their enterprises off the ground. Geared towards residents of Alexandra, the venture capital fund, dubbed Impact Investment Africa, seeks to support social and environmental enterprises to help them secure measurable economic outcomes. Its executive chairperson, Chris Hart, hopes to build Impact Investment Africa into a formidable venture capital fund. “I am hoping that we can get a strong, robust investment fund that will support entrepreneurs or budding entrepreneurs within Alex to get their enterprises off the ground and remain sustainable,” he said. Hart said entrepreneurs in Alexandra were targeted by automobile manufacturer Ford as potential beneficiaries of the fund because of the township’s…

Anita Nkonki anita.nkonki@inl.co.za POPULAR Amapiano hitmaker Tumelo Tshabalala, known as “Dzo 729”, has achieved a major milestone in his career journey. His smash song Baxolele, which features Young Stunna and Guyu Pane, has been certified double platinum. Baxolele has been doing remarkably well and making waves on music platforms such as Apple Music. His says his success in the music industry does not come as a surprise because he knew from the onset that being focused on what he loves would be rewarding. “I did anticipate positive results because when I started doing music I knew that I was doing what I love. I am happy with this achievement and hope to garner even more.” While this is considered a big accolade for any artist, Dzo 729…

Ebrahim Essa | Durban It has come to my notice that my deposits will incur a fee of R45 if I place notice. I find this bizarre as I get closer to the age of 76, having been with Absa even before United changed to Allied Building Society almost 55 years ago. How can a bank implement what amounts to a penalty for placing notice? Bank deposits are maintained from young, so that one day when life becomes more difficult for old people they have something to survive on. Instead of giving some extra incentive for loyal customers, banks are showing ultra-capitalistic greedy trends that border on criminality. You are helping yourself to money that belongs to the client. When a client opens a deposit account,…

Morgan Bolton morgan.bolton@inl.co.za WITH Andre Warner expected to still be out of action for another couple of weeks due to injury, Morne van den Berg has made the step up and taken the responsibility of the No 9 jersey into his excitable hands with aplomb in recent weeks. While veteran Warner is calm and measured in his approach, Van den Berg is a livewire, unpredictable and indefatigable. Warner has rightly been the mainstay as the preferred half-back due to his experience, but there is something intoxicating about watching Van den Berg go about his business. The comparisons to Springbok and former Lions man Faf de Klerk abound, but with two starts under his belt recently, and four tries to his name in the United Rugby Championship (URC), ‘Krappie’ is slowly…

Philippa Larkin philippa.larkin@inl.co.za THE INDEPENDENT Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) yesterday said it had raised 14.4 billion from the high-demand radio frequency spectrum auction, which would go to the national fiscus. The auction, which ended yesterday, involved six qualified bidders: Cell C, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, MTN, Rain Networks, Telkom and Vodacom. Icasa confirmed in a statement yesterday that there was one unsold spectrum lot of 2x10MHz in the IMT800 Band, which would still be licensed by the authority in future. Mobile giant Vodacom paid R5.4bn, MTN secured the high-demand radio for R5.15bn, Telkom paid R2.1bn, while mobile operator Rain paid R1.4bn. Cell C forked out R288.2 million, with Liquid Telecom paying R111m. Icasa chairperson Dr Keabetswe Modi- moeng said: “This was our inaugural radio frequency spectrum auction,…

Edward West edward.west@inl.co.za AFRICAN Rainbow Capital Investments (ARC), which has investments in tech disruptors such as mobile data company Rain, and TymeBank, lifted intrinsic net asset value 16.6 percent in the six months to December 31 to R8.85 a share. As an indication of the improved position, at the same time a year before, the intrinsic net asset value of billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s main investment vehicle had fallen 7.6 percent. The share price surged 6.37 percent to R6.18 yesterday morning. The price indicates the share is trading at about a 30 percent discount to the company’s valuation of its investments – the discount is much less than previous years though. Cash in hand nearly doubled to R538 million. Debt in the fund increased by 8.6…

Ryncor Auctioneers will be selling a mill in Lichtenburg. Tenders open on Monday and close on April 1. The 19 926m² property, pictured, will be sold as a going concern. It is 230km west of Joburg, and consists of five roller mills with a capacity of 28 metric tons an hour. One of the mills was recently expanded to add to the capacity. There is an intake area with three silos that have a combined storage capacity of 3 000 tons. The mill also has packing bins and warehouses which add to its storage capacity. The property has a weighbridge and an office block as well as a 311.22kW peak solar PV system. The mill has state-of-the-art equipment and has produced maize-meal for well-known South African brands. For more information,…

Itumeleng Mafisa FORMER SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng plans to lay criminal charges against certain individuals at the SABC and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for alleged perjury. This comes after the Special Tribunal on Monday reserved judgment in the SABC’s bid to overturn its former executives’ decision to pay over R2.4 million to music legends. Motsoeneng argued that he had raised the money that was paid to the music legends through a lucrative deal with MultiChoice and had proof of this. The Star has seen the minutes of a board meeting in which the money that was raised by Motsoeneng for the SABC was discussed. Motsoeneng had raised around R20m. He told The Star that R15m of that money was for the BBC’s coverage of the 2016 local government elections,…

Sonri Naidoo sonri.naidoo@inl.co.za EASTERN Cape-born best friends Tarryn Reid, 25, and Clairise Hefke, 27, have been making waves across the globe with their amapiano mixes. The duo are known as TxC and have performed in many countries at nightclubs, lounges, festivals and corporate functions. “We’ve always been into music,” said Reid. “We started being a duo. For everything, everyone always knew wherever the one goes, the other follows, invite or not. As we started growing up, we enjoyed going to clubs and started liking the vibe, and that is how we got known from the club vibe. “We got more interested in the music scene and joined a DJ school. In our spare time we’d play alongside our DJ friends for experience.” The duo grew up in Gqeberha. Reid…

THE City of Joburg, with its excellent collection of libraries spread throughout the regions, is celebrating South Africa Library Week until Sunday. The aim of Library Week is to repurpose the spaces and services of libraries so that they may continue to be effective in the communities that they serve, allowing users to rediscover how libraries continue to remain relevant in society. The Covid-19 pandemic also had an unmistakable effect on library services, and it continues to do so. “Given the impact Covid-19 has had on library services, the theme for this Library Week intends to investigate and interrogate the ways in which libraries are having to reinvent their services and their ability to render those services,” said Nobuntu Mpendulo, director of Library and Information Services in the City of…

Stuart Hess stuart.hess@inl.co.za PACE BOWLING Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed are highly skilful and slippery quicks who will test the South African top order. ‘The Fizz’ as Mustafizur is known, has been around the block in big T20 leagues and handles pressure well, and Taskin has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years. They, like the South Africans, will enjoy bowling on the Highveld, and the key to a series win may lie with how the quicks in both teams go. PROTEAS TOP ORDER The SA top order will be tested by the Bangladesh pacers. Janneman Malan is in form, having made half-centuries in both innings for Boland, while Aiden Markram hopefully regained confidence from his knock of 70 for the Titans in the Cricket SA…