Star -julkaisun 2023-02-16 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

The prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages have risen to their highest in nearly 14 years THE COST OF living in South Africa is expected to remain elevated for the better part of the year as interest rates could increase nonetheless in spite of consumer prices easing for the third month in a row in January. Data from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) yesterday showed that the annual inflation rate slowed to 6.9% in January, from 7.2% in December. Though this headline print was the lowest since May 2022, it was still above the upper limit of the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) target range of 3% to 6%. FNB senior economist Koketso Mano said there should be an upward monthly pressure driven by the lift in fuel prices, as well…

WITH FOOD prices continuing to increase every month, often well above general inflation, the Competition Commission yesterday indicated that it was proceeding with an investigation into the fresh produce market. Statistics SA yesterday confirmed what consumers who buy groceries every month will know, that food prices are continuing to rise. It said annual food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation climbed to 13.4% in January, the highest reading since April 2009, when the rate was 13.6%. Of all the products in the CPI basket, bread and cereals recorded the highest rate in January (21.8%). This was up from 20.6% in December and was the highest reading for this category since February 2009 (23.8%). Data released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBJED) recently also showed sharp annual price increases.…

GLENCORE, the largest natural resources company in the world, yesterday reported a record surge in annual profit, boosted by its coal and trading divisions, as it declared a $7 billion (R125bn) dividend to its shareholders. In its preliminary results for 2022, released yesterday, the group posted an adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) of $6.4bn, a 73% increase from 2021. Glencore’s core profit increased by 60% to $34.1bn and $17.9bn from that amount was reported from coal production. The mining giant said it increased coal output from its own mining activities by 7% to 110 million tons. This was a major contributing factor to the 59% increase in adjusted Ebitda of $27.3bn from its industrial operations. Earnings from coal mining accounted for about two-thirds of…

AGRICULTURAL federation Agri SA has welcomed the government’s decision to place the country under a national state of disaster to address the damage caused by floods in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the North West. It also called for increased support as the rainy weather persists in most parts of the country. The organisation said as farmers faced untold damage to their produce, property and livelihoods, the declaration must be followed by the deployment of resources to provide relief to farmers and to rebuild critical infrastructure damaged by the floods. “In addition to damaging private property, the floods have destroyed critical infrastructure. In parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where floods in 2022 had already caused significant damage, the result is catastrophic,” Agri SA said. It urged…

For the first time, someone has won the Lotto jackpot using the Capitec banking app. The National Lottery Ithuba said one person bagged R22 260 104.70 from the February 11 draw. “After seven roll-overs, Ithuba celebrates its first Lotto jackpot winner from Capitec,” Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza said. “As with all other banking app players, the process remains the same and the winner will be contacted by Capitec to claim his or her winnings,” she said. But it didn’t end there, someone also bagged the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot, winning almost R3 million. The winning ticket was purchased at a Chicken Distributor retailer in Soshanguve, west of Pretoria. “We can’t wait to meet our first Capitec Lotto jackpot winner,” said Mabuza. Ithuba said most winners who played and won the…

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has become the first South African higher education institution to introduce electric vehicle (EV) buses. Yesterday, the university confirmed it had recently unveiled its new fleet of the buses. In what should be South Africa’s first encounter with transport innovation on SA campuses, the university said the new fleet had been well received by staff and students. Masego Panyane, UJ’s media specialist, said the buses were the latest innovation in the university’s effort to lead and embrace green energy and reduce carbon emissions in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 defines green cities as those that are dedicated to achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability, with a focus on minimising inputs of energy, water and food and drastically reducing…

The Gauteng government has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting permission to assist in funeral arrangements for slain South African rapper, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Speaking after visiting the Forbes family, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, said they will assist the family in ensuring that the award-winning entertainer gets a fitting farewell. He said the Gauteng government is committed to providing assistance where necessary to the family. Lesufi’s spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga, said the premier has written to the Presidency, requesting permission. He said it simply means that the South African flag would be flown at the event and that there would be a state representative present. AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, said a public memorial service will be held tomorrow at the Sandton Convention Centre at 3pm. The event will also be live-streamed.…

Umsinsi Wokuzimilela, a Durban “community and natives” group, has challenged KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube to release video footage of their members storming the premier’s house on Saturday night. This comes after media reports indicated these protesters stormed the premier’s home on Saturday night while her children and family were inside. It is also understood this group had gathered illegally outside her home. The illegal gathering and march on the premier’s property has been widely condemned, even by President Cyril Ramaphosa. However, yesterday, in a media statement, the group dared the MEC for community safety and liaison, Sipho Hlomuka to release video footage showing their “violent” behaviour, saying they had conducted a door-to-door campaign to the premier’s home as the premier’s constituency. “Surely, MEC Hlomuka is being misled. Umsinsi conducted a…

The KIA Rio has been an instrumental part of the Korean brand’s success in South Africa and globally, and through four generations it has evolved into a mature hatchback contender. However, generation five will not reach our shores as a spokesperson for Kia Australia told Drive that the next-generation Rio will not be produced in right-hand drive format. A contact at Kia South Africa confirmed that, stating that the model was on its way out, but would still be available for the rest of this year. “This model has come to the end of its ‘life cycle’, and will eventually be phased out of our model line-up in South Africa. However, we can confidently say that we will have sufficient stock and will continue to retail the Kia Rio…

MICHAEL Loftman’s appointment as the new set-piece specialist at Mamelodi Sundowns augurs well for South African football. Sundowns have been dominant this season, so much so that they are on course to claim a treble as they have all but wrapped up a sixth successive Premiership title, are in the Nedbank Cup last 16 and started their Caf Champions League group stage on a high. Their dominance didn’t come courtesy of sheer luck. No! They’ve got statistics to back them up, including scoring the most goals and conceding the least in the league. It’s probably safe to assume that Sundowns’ technical team consisting of head coach Rhulani Mokwena, first team coach Steve Komphela and senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi have got a full grip of matters. So having too many cooks…

PAT Cummins’ Australia team have returned to the site of their humiliating innings defeat and flown in a back-up spinner in an effort to redeem themselves before this week’s second Test against India begins in Delhi. Left-arm slow bowler Matthew Kuhnemann has joined the squad alongside left-arm quick Mitchell Starc for what is likely to be another gruelling trial by spin at the Arun Jaitley Stadium beginning tomorrow. Opening batsman David Warner and company, who were routed for 91 to lose the first Test by an innings and 132 runs, went back to the dusty Nagpur pitch on Monday to practice. Australia’s fragile batting remains the major concern after their second-innings collapse in a single session to trail 1-0 in the four-match series. “We’re still very positive among ourselves that…

AS DRDGOLD yesterday reported an increase in its half-year profit its CEO lashed out at the government’s monopoly on electricity supply as well as the slow pace of transition of the country’s energy footprint to reliable, renewable power. DRDGold said due to power utility Eskom’s struggles to supply enough electricity, it had processed less ore due to power cuts. DRDGold CEO Niël Pretorius said for some time, neglect and corruption had eroded delivery at key State-owned entities, Transnet and Eskom in particular. “It seems as though certain elements within the ruling party – desperate to cling to the State’s monopoly on electricity supply – are frustrating efforts to decentralise and privatise power generation.” He said very little progress had been made to transition to reliable, renewable power for no…

LIFE HEALTHCARE Group Holdings’ share price was a top performer on the JSE yesterday, rising as much as 13.2% after it reported solid trading in the four months to January 31 and that it has received offers for its UK-based AMG business. The private healthcare and hospital group said it had received “several unsolicited proposals” from third parties to acquire AMG. The share price traded at R19.21 yesterday afternoon, still well off the R24.15 that the share traded at a year ago. It closed 13.86% up at R19.31 on the JSE yesterday. AMG is one of the largest independent diagnostic and molecular imaging providers in the UK and Europe, and also owns five cyclotrons in the UK and six cyclotrons across Europe. It operates 236 sites across the UK and…

ONE of the survivors of the Limpopo bus crash that claimed 21 lives and left more than 60 people injured has described the accident as the “worst event” he has seen in his 59 years of life. Jacob Sibanda, who is of Zimbabwean descent, also said it was only God’s choice to keep him alive or take his life – together with the 21 others. The bus collided head-on with a cash-in-transit van that was allegedly trying to overtake another vehicle on the N1 outside Louis Trichardt. The bus rolled off a bridge into a river after the collision, which took place outside the Hendrik Verwoerd tunnel towards Musina on Monday evening. According to law enforcement, the bus was ferrying passengers from Louis Trichardt to nearby villages, including Nzhelele, Tshikombani…

The trial of the three men accused of killing lawyer Pete Mihalik continued in the Western Cape High Court yesterday, in a courtroom without air-conditioning that had everyone hot under the collar. Sizwe Biyela, Nkosinathi Khumalo and Vuyile Maliti are currently on trial, charged with five counts for allegedly killing Mihalik on October 30, 2018. The State has closed its case, with the defence now being given the floor to proffer their version of events. Biyela, who has been identified as the alleged shooter in the matter, underwent cross-examination by State advocate Greg Wolmarans. Biyela said that he did not have the “knowledge” that he was able to call his girlfriend, which he mentioned was his alibi at the time of his arrest, just hours after Mihalik was shot dead…

I am writing to express my concern about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent decision not to accept the resignation of his deputy, DD Mabuza, despite a new deputy president of the ANC being elected – Paul Mashatile. Traditionally, the deputy president of the ANC assumes the position of the country’s deputy president. However, Ramaphosa’s decision to retain Mabuza in the role has caused a rift between himself and Mashatile, which is likely to further damage the already fragile unity of the ANC. This decision risks not only further division within the party but also a potential loss of support in the upcoming general elections. It is vital that the ANC presents a united front to the electorate if it is to retain the confidence and trust of the South African people.…

THE new Raptor has finally arrived on our shores and Ford has managed to keep it at a price less than was initially expected. The bean counters have been hard at work to ensure it comes in at a competitive price keeping in mind the Raptor, although a double cab, stands alone in the segment in terms of what it offers. At R1 094 900 it’s not exactly a bargain but, compared to relative pricing of vehicles in South Africa, it’s right on the money. Compare for example the price of its Wildtrak 3.0-litre V6 diesel stablemat at R953 500 and its SUV Everest Platinum cousin with the same diesel V6 engine at R1 113 100 and it’s pretty much in the ballpark. Now imported from Thailand, there are two…

THE race for a top-two finish in the Premiership has had a lot of twists and turns this season but the Soweto Derby next weekend could be a deciding factor. Regarded as the biggest event on the sporting calendar, the clash between rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates brings the country to a standstill, filling the gigantic 90 000 seater FNB Stadium while millions of fans are glued to their television screens. That euphoria shouldn’t be different when the two powerhouses of South African football renew their rivalry next Saturday, with a top-two spot and bragging rights up for grabs. Chiefs and Pirates are trying to secure Champions League football next season, with Mamelodi Sundowns having all but wrapped up the title. Of course, “form counts for nothing in the…

THE Sharks had a bye week after their United Rugby Championship capitulation to the Stormers, so they have not been short of time to analyse what went wrong and then address it on the training pitch. Here, Mike Greenaway looks at six things the Durban side would have looked at ahead of visiting the Lions on Saturday. Disengage reverse gear The manner in which the Sharks’ set scrum was shoved backward was a reminder of the days in 2021 and 2022 when it was a significant problem, resulting in the wholesale purchasing of a Springbok tight five, give or take a lock. The problem is that there are no Boks to come to the rescue and it will be up to Carlu Sadie and Ntuthuko Mchunu to pull their socks…

THE SA CHAMBER of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) yesterday warned that the ongoing electricity supply shortages would have serious implications for the economy as it hampers confidence and spooks foreign investors. This comes as Fitch Ratings agency also said that the power crisis was the most acute aspect of South Africa’s current economic difficulties. Business confidence in South Africa fell from a more than seven-year high in January mainly due to the adverse effects of the worsening power crisis, after gaining strong momentum towards the end of 2022. Sacci yesterday said that the Business Confidence Index (BCI) dipped by 4.4 index points, sinking to 112.9 points in January from 117.3 points in December. It was October 2015 when the BCI last recorded a level higher than the 117.3…

PAN AFRICAN Resources said yesterday that the reduced gold production over the past six months could primarily be attributed to the performance of Barberton Mines’ underground operations. In its interim financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2022, the mid-tier African-focused gold producer said gold production for the second half of the 2023 financial year was 92 307 ounces (oz) compared to 2021’s 108 085 oz. The group said full-year production guidance maintained between 195 000 oz and 205 000 oz, subject to Eskom’s electricity consistency supply as the power utility still implemented load shedding amid an operational crisis. For the period under review, the group said its profit after tax of $28.9 million (R516.12m) decreased by 37% from…

The office of the Speaker of the Johannesburg Municipal Council, Colleen Makhubele, has called on business and civil society to lend a helping hand to communities and families that have been affected by floods in the city. The relentless rains of the last few days have pounded Gauteng and other provinces. The rains have swept away roads, dwellings and other structures, while also destroying municipal infrastructure. Makhubele said her office and the City of Johannesburg were assessing the damage as part of processes to assist those affected by the floods. “As the office of the Speaker, we are calling on business and the private sector to please assist. Let us not be ignorant of the suffering of our neighbours and the plight of those who live next to us and…

Young up-and-coming entrepreneur Eric Nkole, 18, is looking for an angel investor who can help him kick-start his business of printing and selling T-shirts. Known for washing cars wearing his “calling card” apron, Eric is saving towards his business goals. After arriving in South Africa from the DRC about six years ago, Eric had to sacrifice a few things that could have easily paved the way for him. The lack of speaking English, having a fear of being on stage and talking to people, forced him to drop out of school and self-isolate. Eric was then diagnosed with anxiety, which made sense to him, considering that he has always doubted himself around people. “Anxiety placed me far away from society. I preferred to spend every moment of my life on…

Efforts to stabilise the declining population of African penguins continue with Environment Minister Barbara Creecy announcing that last year’s temporary restriction on commercial fishing around major penguin colonies has been extended to mid-April. This was to combat resource competition between the fishing industry and the penguins, which was thought to be the biggest threat to the species as sardine stock in South African waters remained at low levels. Creecy has also appointed an international expert review panel to advise on managing and balancing the interactions between the small pelagic (anchovy and sardine) fishery and the conservation of African penguins. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) eagerly welcomed the extension of the restriction but urged the minister to extend it until the international panel finalised its…

The Office of the Public Protector has said its queries on the invoices for legal services rendered to suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane are based on “legitimate governance concerns”. PPSA acting spokesperson Ndili Msoki said the invoices have been, and remain, under close scrutiny from the authorities that the PPSA is accountable to, as well as its responsibilities to the public purse. Msoki issued a statement following Mkhwebane’s complaints on Monday to Parliament’s inquiry into her fitness to hold office, citing non-payment as the reason that her legal team stayed away, hobbling proceedings. Msoki said the PPSA was committed, in principle, to fund the reasonable costs of Mkhwebane’s defence in the impeachment proceedings. He said the PPSA had advised at the outset of the inquiry that Mkhwebane must ensure such…

IT’S been just over a year since we first sat down in the comfortable seats of the Ford Raptor SE and now it’s time to bid our Performance Blue long-termer farewell. I’ll be sad to see it go back to Silverton where it was originally put together. There aren’t any more of these one-of-a-kind double cabs coming off the line locally as the plant focuses exclusively on building the new Ranger for local and international consumption. The new Raptor is now waiting in the wings ready to show us what a 3.0-litre twin turbo with 292kW and 583Nm is capable of. On the one hand it’s what fans have been asking for since it was introduced and on the other I kind of liked the 2.0-litre diesel bi-turbo. Look, 157kW…

FORGOTTEN Springbok lock RG Snyman is about to return to action for Munster in what is surely his last roll of the dice for a recall to the Bok squad for September’s World Cup. Snyman, now 28, was a key member of the Springbok team that won the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 but he has not played for his country since. After winning the World Cup, Snyman joined Munster in 2020 and almost immediately he was beset by crippling injuries, including two ACL knee ligament ruptures and — bizarrely — serious burns incurred at an end-of-season party where a bonfire got out of control. But in great news for Snyman, Munster, and the Springboks, the lanky lock has been cleared for selection for Munster’s upcoming matches in March. Munster…

DESPITE living virtually her entire life in Gqeberha, Marizanne Kapp will feel like a stranger when she walks out to face Australia in the T20 Women’s World Cup clash at St George’s Park on Saturday. She will have no first-hand knowledge about the easterly breeze that blows from the nearby ocean over the scoreboard that can assist her natural away swing from the Park Drive End. Neither has she any recollection of the famous brass band acting like a 12th player for the home team. In fact, the Australians would have greater experience having played two of their World Cup matches there prior to Saturday. It seems all rather surreal that after playing 221 internationals, spanning 13 years, across formats for South Africa, Kapp will finally get to play in…

IF the Bulls can just avoid shooting themselves in the foot for a change, they would have a much better chance of finally beating the Stormers. That was the gist of the message from forwards coach Russell Winter ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) derby at Loftus Versfeld (5.05pm kick-off). As things stand, the Bulls are rank underdogs. They have lost their last four games against the Cape side (one home, three away), have won just twice in seven matches across the URC and Champions Cup, and have been without their head coach Jake White for over a month. The Pretoria side will also miss star Springbok attackers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie, who are part of the national group that are resting due to the Rugby World Cup…