Star -julkaisun 2024-05-09 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

EQUITES Property Fund, the logistics focused real estate investment trust (Reit) on the JSE, has this month started wheeling renewable solar energy on to Cape Town’s grid from a newly established distribution centre in Parow, as the metropole advances on its targets of protecting itself from four levels of load shedding by 2026. The initiative falls under the City’s wheeling pilot project, which kicked off in September last year. Equites was among the first to begin wheeling energy onto the municipal grid, with its current off-taker being a commercial office block on the Foreshore, where Equites was headquartered, Equites CEO Andrea Taverna-Turisan said yesterday. The group’s sizeable roof space facilitates enterprise-scale solar and battery back-up solutions and, according to Equites’ annual report, it was capable of generating 18.2MW from solar,…

SOUTH African fintech company Lesaka Technologies is acquiring southern Africa-focused payments processing firm, Adumo, for R1.6 billion in cash and shares. Lesaka said yesterday it had reached an agreement to snap up Adumo, although it has yet to secure shareholder and regulatory approvals for the transaction. “Lesaka has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Adumo for R1.59bn,” it said. “The purchase consideration will be settled through the combination of an issuance of 17 279 803 shares of Lesaka common stock to Adumo’s current ultimate shareholders plus R232 million in cash.” The cash payment component for the shares will be funded by internal cash resources and external financing, it added. After consummation of the Adumo acquisition, Lesaka will have an ecosystem serving some 1.7 million…

THE BANKSERVAFRICA Economic Transactions Index (Beti), which measures all interbank economic activity processed by BankservAfrica, recovered further to an index level of 134.2 in April, thereby hitting the highest level in eight months. The Beti has almost reached last August’s level and improved by 0.6% on a monthly basis. According to BankservAfrica, the index was buoyed by the suspension of load shedding towards the end of March. BankservAfrica’s head of stakeholder engagements, Shergeran Naidoo, yesterday said this could have had a positive impact on economic activity in April while spending in preparation for the upcoming elections might have also played a role. Naidoo also said a detailed evaluation of the Beti around election dates in South Africa revealed that in six of the nine elections under review, economic activity picked…

REFLECTING on my own musical journey, the nuns and priests made us sing our lungs out in early days of school. I always believed I was a good singer, but my music teacher said that I frequently switched – without warning – from tenor to bass or soprano. In school, I decided to try the Djembe (drums) after my fate was dashed on the singing part and I thought I was pretty good at it. I spanked those Bongos relentlessly! Alas, leaving school and forgetting those skills after many years has made my drumbeats clumsy and totally unco-ordinated. I recall that during one of our music lessons in school, our principal (a catholic priest) noticed I was not paying much attention to the music lessons. I was punished by him…

Absa GROUP yesterday launched a non-banking subsidiary in China, fortifying the growing economic bridge between Africa and China. The China-Africa investment relationship has flourished over the past few decades – China is now the continent’s largest bilateral trade partner. This has been fuelled by Chinese investment in Africa’s natural resources and infrastructure projects, creating commercial opportunities for both regions. Other South African banks have also forayed into China to benefit from the opportunities of increased trade, with, for instance, Standard Bank last year renewing its 15-year-long co-operation partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China for another five years – the partners claim to lead the Africa-China trade and investment markets. FirstRand Bank also has a representative office in Shanghai. “Through this expansion, Absa isn’t merely acquiring a new…

“THE instructions were clear – these guys carrying guns were looking for me. They told both of us to get in the car.” These were the words of ActionSA provincial chairperson and Gauteng premier candidate, Funzi Ngobeni, who with youth leader Hlupi Gafane was abducted during a hijacking in Centurion on Tuesday night. In a video statement posted on the party’s official X page yesterday, Ngobeni, said his day started with an elections campaign in Orange Farm. He ended up in Centurion to fetch a gene- rator for the party’s election campaign. Ngobeni had called Gafane, seeking her help in borrowing a generator. When he arrived at her Centurion home, he was followed by a car. Suspecting that he was being followed, he took a detour only to be attacked…

As various political parties amplify their election campaigns, EFF President Julius Malema also took his party’s campaign trail to Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. While addressing community members, Malema said the EFF was the only party that spoke the language of the downtrodden and marginalised. “Only the EFF speaks for the poor of the poorest. We are an organisation of petrol attendants. There is no prisoner without electricity. You are NOT a prisoner, but you don’t have electricity,” he added. The Red Beret leader said his organisation wanted to produce future farmers in the province as it had much arable land. “This province is rich in agriculture. Re batla le be le di farm. When you are in agriculture, when you own plots and farms, there will not be anyone who is…

A Tembisa, Ekurhuleni woman who refused to vacate her late father’s house was evicted after the new homeowner took her to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg. Lerato Senwamadi, who lived in the house with her three children, has been given until the beginning of August to vacate the house she once called home. Phumlani Shabangu bought the house for R250 000 from Senwamadi’s stepsister in August 2016. In July 2017, the house was registered under his name. Shabangu tried to remove Senwamadi from the property but his efforts failed and he approached the high court. During her defence, Senwamadi said the house belonged to her late father who was married to Sophia Mpolwane and she moved into the property with her children. “We were always staying together as one family…

In the serene surroundings of Jock Sabie Lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, the Rotary District 9400 Conference convened over a brisk two-day agenda rich with insight and inspiration. This annual event, drawing participants from Botswana, eSwatini, Mozambique and South Africa, was not just a meeting but a clarion call to action under the theme “Helping each other to secure our future”. The conference was distinguished by its discussions and initiatives and the special recognition of exceptional individuals. Among them, Dr Thabang Chiloane and Vusi Thembekwayo, named Paul Harris Fellows, Rotary’s highest commendation, were celebrated for their contributions to elevating the profile of Rotary International. Also named as Paul Harris Fellows were Chantelle Bennett, Janet Callard, and Rosalind Cartwright, for their service and dedication to Rotary’s ideals. Author, investor and celebrated speaker…

WHEN Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa’s principal and vice-chancellor, assumed her role at the university, her goal was set to reposition the institution at the top tier of tertiary education institutions in South Africa – and on the continent. In this regard, significant shifts have been made and continue unfolding to reposition Unisa as a notable contributor to society on numerous fronts. With her goal and implementation plans in place, Unisa’s contributions under LenkaBula’s leadership in teaching, learning, research, community engagement, and societal impact have gained international recognition in recent years. The consistent march up the academic rankings serves as evidence. In news that further affirms Unisa’s stature while illuminating her impactful leadership, Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health, recently presented LenkaBula with an award in recognition of Unisa’s unwavering…

Ford has unveiled the new Territory, marking its debut in the compact five-seater SUV category with a vehicle that will challenge many of the norms, particularly with regard to interior space layout being one of the biggest in the segment. “The Territory is an exciting addition to our South African line-up, with a modern design and advanced technologies that will appeal to young, smart and connected customers,” says Doreen Mashinini, general manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “With a commanding presence on the road, exceptional space and practicality inside and an extensive range of high-tech features, we expect the Territory to be a popular addition to the fast-growing small SUV segment in South Africa.” The Territory is also a completely new experience for local fans of the Blue Oval…

Suzuki pips VW in sales charts Suzuki Auto overtook Volkswagen Group SA to become South Africa’s second best-selling car company last month. Although Suzuki edged past the Volkswagen brand in February this year, it still fell short of the Volkswagen Group’s overall sales which also include Audi figures. The April tally saw the Japanese carmaker take second spot overall with 4 891 sales, narrowly beating the VW Group’s tally of 4 758. However, both were still far behind Toyota’s total of 8 541 sales for the month. Despite the gloomy economic times, South African vehicle sales ticked slightly upwards in April, gaining 2.2% versus the same month in 2023. A total of 38 172 vehicles found homes last month, according to Naamsa, with passenger cars (25 972) gaining 6.1% year-on-year…

Strange as it may seem to many, Kaizer Chiefs had reason to celebrate the point they gained from their 2-2 DStv Premiership draw against TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night. For the second game running, the Amakhosi were reduced to 10 men just before the half-time break when Edmilson Dove got marching orders for an over-the-top tackle on Galaxy’s two-goal hero, Sphiwe Mahlangu. But unlike against Mamelodi Sundowns, when they capitulated like a house of cards in the second half to lose 5-1 at the FNB Stadium last Thursday, this time Chiefs did well to hold their own. They actually went ahead shortly after half-time, Ranga Chivaviro completing his brace. That they allowed the visitors an equaliser spoke to their inability to put into practice what…

There is a childhood memory etched on Elroy Gelant’s mind that helps propel him to keep giving his best as an athlete, even now deep into the twilight of what has been a very successful career. It is a memory of his mom. It is actually a memory that no child should endure. But such was the state of our country back then – and it continues to be for many – that Gelant could not have avoided it. “I always remember how my mom used to hold me by the hand as a 6-year-old and walk the streets of George, knocking at the doors of white people’s houses asking for a job,” he said. The sight of his mom begging has helped him to become the celebrated athlete and…

South African star Louis Oosthuizen declined a special invitation to the 106th PGA Championship due to an undisclosed personal commitment, leaving the number of LIV Golf players in next week’s field at 16. The contingent will be led by defending champion Brooks Koepka, a three-time winner of the event who is coming off a victory in LIV’s Singapore event last week. The eight other LIV players who qualified for the event are Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer, Phil Mickelson, Andy Ogletree, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith. Talor Gooch revealed on Monday that he had received an invitation. He will be joined by six other LIV players to receive special invites – former Masters champion Patrick Reed, along with Joaquin Niemann, another South African in Dean Burmester, Adrian…

Getafe president Angel Torres said the La Liga side hope to keep Mason Greenwood for another season, and that he does not expect the forward to return to parent club Manchester United at the end of the campaign. The 22-year-old joined Getafe on loan in September after United said they wanted to avoid him becoming a distraction despite all criminal charges against him being dropped following allegations, which Greenwood denied, of assault and attempted rape. He has scored 10 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Getafe, who are 10th in La Liga. “If it was up to the lad, his parents and the club (Getafe), I think he would continue for another year,” Torres told Radio Marca on Tuesday. “But regarding Manchester (United), the news that we have…

AGRI-PROCESSING giant Tongaat Hulett, currently under business rescue, has to pay R526 million it owes to South African sugar cane growers and other related stakeholders, This is according to a judgment handed down by the Durban High Court this week, bringing the troubled firm in compliance with sugar industry regulations. In January, Tongaat creditors voted in favour of a business rescue plan put forward by an investment consortium called Vision Investments in South Africa that would see unsecured creditors receive between 5 cents and 7c to the rand on their claims. The plan by Vision also mandated Tongaat to pay its obligations under the South Africa Sugar Association (Sasa), including payments to various industry players that included cane growers and farmers. In court, Tongaat acknowledged that it owed…

Viren Sookhun LITHIUM, nickel, and cobalt are three of the key minerals used in the manu- facture of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and all of these minerals are mined in southern Africa. However, the raw materials are exported, and batteries are then manufactured in other countries, with the finished product being shipped back. This is a significant opportunity missed, to not only move countries like South Africa and Namibia up the value chain, but also to create greater economic stability while improving the cost effectiveness and carbon footprint of EVs in the region. Mineral wealth As the global focus is shifting toward creating more sustainable solutions and away from the widespread use of fossil fuels, EVs are an increasingly popular transportation option. EVs run off batteries, and the manufacture of…

Nicola Mawson YOUNG people aged between 25 and 34, categorised as millennials by Pew Research Centre, were a large driver of the surge in online shopping to the value of R71 billion in 2023 – a 29% annual increase. The 2023 rise came after 35% growth the previous year, which took total sales to R55bn. The Online Retail in SA 2023 report released yesterday by World Wide Worx – in partnership with Mastercard, Peach Payments, and Ask Afrika – showed the sector will go past the R100bn mark by 2026 and will also make up 10% of retail sales in SA. World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck yesterday said that at this point online shopping would generate real excitement among retailers. Online retail has now reached 6.15% of total…

MSCSPORTS, an award-winning sponsorship agency, has announced the appointment of Carrie Delaney as their new managing director. This decision comes as MSC- Sports’s co-founder and CEO Neil Jan- kelowitz transitions to the role of group CEO at Mohau Media Group to focus on the group’s strategic growth. Delaney has been an integral part of the MSCSports team, serving as the client services director and contributing significantly to the agency’s success and growth. The company said that with her extensive experience in the field of sponsorships and a deep understanding of client needs, Delaney is ideally positioned to lead MSCSports into its next development phase. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work with renowned clients such as SAB, launching Red Bull into the South African market as well…

SOUTH African Breweries’ (SAB) top- and bottom-line growth frothed over by double digits, following “record volumes” in the first quarter of its financial year. Revenue increased by mid-teens in the three months to March 31, with revenue per hectolitre (hl) growth of high-single digits, driven by pricing actions and continued premiumisation, CEO Richard Rivett-Carnac said yesterday in a statement. “Our performance was led by our premium portfolio, driven by Corona and Stella Artois,” he said. Volumes grew by mid-single digits, which according to SAB’s estimates, meant it was continuing to outperform the industry in total alcohol, beer and in its Beyond Beer segments. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) grew by the mid-twenties, with margin expansion of approximately 350 basis points. “In a tough economy we sustained our…

The beloved Netflix show The Crown – which followed the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II – ended in December 2023. But the streaming giants are thought to be thinking about reviving the programme to cover the scandalous King Edward VII, who is said to have had several affairs, following the success of their film Scoop, which dramatised Prince Andrew’s 2019 Newsnight interview. An insider told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: “The consensus was that the royal drama seemed to wane the closer it came to modern day and retelling multiple stories that so many were familiar with. “But Scoop showed that rather than doing this in a drawn-out, 10-part series, focusing instead on one moment in time seemed to hook people. “If they can repeat that…

The Ichikowitz Family Foundation has announced the results on youth voter intentions from its latest “African Youth Survey’s Special Report” on South Africa, reporting that a good number of young people are registered to vote for change in government. The Ichikowitz Family Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that believes Africa’s potential can be unlocked through education, respect for human rights, a better understanding of Africa’s dynamic history and the conservation of its rich biodiversity. The African Youth Survey commemorates the country’s 30-year democracy anniversary following the end of the gruesome era of apartheid. It also serves to provide the government, society and stakeholders with insight into the aspirations and perspectives of Africa’s young people. As South Africans get ready to mark their “X” on the ballot papers, the report, released…

As South Africa approaches the general elections amid economic woes and utility shortages, many people are experiencing increased stress and worry. This is according to mental health expert and founder of Brain Harmonics, Kerry Rudman. “In times of socio-political and economic upheaval, it’s crucial to recognise the impact external stressors can have on mental health,” said Rudman. The convergence of political instability, economic downturns, and ongoing utility issues has had a negative impact on the mental health of individuals across South Africa. The elections, taking place against the backdrop of economic instability, compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic aftermath, have added another layer of worry for many South Africans. The uncertainty around political outcomes, combined with concerns about socio-economic stability and availability of essential services, has contributed to a widespread sense…

Suzuki South Africa wrapped up the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna in grand style taking all three podium positions in Class A1. Not only that, but the three Suzuki Swift Sports broke their lap record from the previous two years as well. Class A1 is for cars powered by a factory-fitted four-cylinder engine with forced induction (turbo or supercharged). The Swift Sport is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 103kW and 230Nm, sending power to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. All three cars used this year were automatic to level the playing fields for the drivers. Behind the wheel were advanced driving instructor Wesley Greybe and motoring journalists Brendon Staniforth (Maroela Media) and Thomas Falkiner (TimesLIVE). “All three drivers have racing experience,…

Cavin Johnson is hopeful that Ranga Chivaviro’s brace against TS Galaxy is the beginning of a goalscoring spree for the striker, who is yet to live up to his promise with Kaizer Chiefs. Signed by the Amakhosi amid much fanfare following his brilliant showing at Marumo Gallants, where he scored freely last season as the Limpopo outfit shone in the CAF Confederation Cup, Chiefs had high hopes for Chivaviro. But the Amakhosi Chivaviro and the one who starred for Gallants have been like chalk and cheese this season, as the big striker struggled for goals and thus featured sparingly in the team. On Tuesday night, though, he showed just why he came highly recommended as he scored either side of the half-time break to help Chiefs earn a point out…

Royal AM coach John Maduka has attributed his side’s inconsistency throughout the season to the club’s inability to sign players in the past two transfer windows. Thwihli Thwahla were handed a transfer ban by Fifa last year after a contractual dispute with former striker Samir Nurkovic. The club were ordered to pay the Serbian striker – who now plays for TS Galaxy – R12 million or remain blocked from signing new players until they did. Royal AM were also handed a second ban at the start of this year, one which they stated was wrongfully handed out to them and that they would be seeking to overturn via the right avenues. The KwaZulu-Natal outfit could not be reached yesterday for both clarification and progress on these two matters. However, on…

Eleven years after losing 2-1 to German rivals Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League final, Mats Hummels, Marco Reus and Borussia Dortmund have overcome the odds and are heading back to Wembley. Dortmund’s 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital on Tuesday saw the Germans complete a 2-0 aggregate win, becoming the most unlikely Champions League finalists since Tottenham in 2019. In the June 1 final in London, they will face either Bayern again or 14-time champions Real Madrid, who played in Spain last night in their second leg after the first leg ended 2-2 in Germany. Drawn in a group with PSG, 2023 semi-finalists AC Milan and surprise English side Newcastle, Dortmund were tipped by most not to make it out of the group. Despite being…

The chairman of the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee has launched an investigation into Formula One’s rejection of Andretti Cadillac’s bid to become the sport’s 11th team, NBC News reported on Tuesday. NBC published a letter from Republican Jim Jordan to F1 chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali and Liberty Media president and CEO Greg Maffei in which possible ‘anticompetitive conduct’ was mentioned. Liberty Media-owned Formula One ruled out the bid in January, doubting it would be competitive or add value, but kept a door open for 2028 when partner General Motors could provide an engine. Andretti Global is led by 1991 CART champion Michael Andretti, son of 1978 F1 world champion and 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti. The FIA governing body approved the application in October last year…

JANNES Kirsten has had an intriguing last few years. Having made the big decision to leave his Pretoria home and join Exeter Chiefs in England in 2019 – having made a detour via Toyota Verblitz in Japan – he enjoyed instant success. Exeter did the “double”, doing the unthinkable as they won both the English Premiership and European Cup in the 2019-20 season. But after four seasons at Sandy Park, Kirsten opted to return to his roots and rejoin the Bulls from July 1 last year. That excitement, though, was soon tempered by a foot injury in training that led to an extended period on the sidelines. In fact, the 30-year-old loose forward – who is equally comfortable at lock – only made his return to action in the recent…

MAINTAINING momentum and continuity, resting some key players like Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi and fixing some arears that did not work well against Clermont are some of the ingredients of the cocktail the Sharks coaching staff have to blend together within the next two weeks. The Durbanites will face English side Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final in London on May 24, but first there are two United Rugby Championship matches against Benetto in Durban on Saturday (4.05pm kick-off) and Cardiff next weekend. Listening to Sharks assistant and forwards coach Warren Whiteley yesterday, the coaches have resorted to a simpler plan – focus on using each game to get better, starting with Benetton. “What we made clear after we finished our review of the semi-final is that our focus…

SHELL South Africa yesterday said the global company had undertaken a comprehensive review of the downstream and renewables businesses across all regions and markets in line with its focus on performance, discipline, and simplification. In response to a Business Report enquiry yesterday, Shell SA spokesperson Pam Ntaka said the multinational oil producer had decided to reshape its downstream portfolio and intended to divest shareholding in Shell Downstream South Africa (SDSA) as a result of this review. “Considering SDSA’s illustrious history, this decision was not taken lightly,” Ntaka said. “We have made a significant contribution to nation building by powering lives through our products and services, our people, promoting equity and inclusion, and making a positive impact on society through our social investment programmes. We have also built one of South…

Nick van Rensburg I LEARNT from Warren Buffett that we should ignore geopolitics, and this advice worked well until early 2016. Since Brexit and Trump, the advice has become riskier, and even Buffett is struggling with the adjustment. He recently sold $4 billion (R74bn) worth of Taiwan Semiconductor Manu- facturing Company (TSMC) stock due to “political risk” but left his Apple stake intact. Apple, his largest holding by far, has about 25 times the Taiwan invasion risk as his TSMC holding, as Apple “manufactures” more than 70% of its sales in China, with chips sourced from Taiwan. Even the best investors struggle with geopolitical risks in a more populist, multipolar world. Markets have been blind-sided time and again by political and geopolitical events such as Brexit, Trump, Covid and…

IT’S EASY to understand why some busi- nesses appear to be overnight succes- ses. From the outside, it may seem as if entrepreneurs simply stumble on a good idea and are in the right place at the right time to turn that idea into something concrete. In reality, however, many of the world’s most success- ful “overnight successes” were, in fact, years in the making. As Steve Jobs once put it: “Overnight success stories take a long time.”Then, of course, there’s another side of the coin to consider: What happens when an entrepreneur takes longer than necessary to take the plunge? What happens when a dream is deferred and loses its impetus? Many business owners can attest to the dangers of falling prey to procrastination and failing to act, even…

JSE-listed retailer Spar will start trading on the A2X as a secondary listing on May 15, but will retain its main listing on the JSE. In a statement to shareholders yesterday, the retail group said its JSE listing and issued share capital would be unaffected by the secondary listing on A2X. Spar group CEO Angelo Swartz said the secondary listing would allow investors to have easy access to its stock at low transaction costs. “The listing through the A2X secondary-listing platform will also come with improved liquidity and narrower spreads,” Swartz said. The listing will bring the number of instruments listed on A2X to 184 with a combined market capitalisation of around R9.4 trillion, a significant growth from R657 million in trade value when A2X started in 2017.…

CANAL+, the French broadcasting multinational, has acquired a further 4.73 million MultiChoice shares, bringing its shareholding to about 43.54% of the African pay television group’s shares in issue. Canal+ has been aggressively buying up shares in MultiChoice for almost four years after it started building its stake with an initial 6.5% in October 2020. Canal+ aims to be a leading broadcaster in Africa. Canal+ acquired 1.5 million Multi- Choice shares on May 2, for an average consideration of R119.97 per MultiChoice share. On May 3, Canal+ acquired 1.8 million MultiChoice shares for R119.55 per MultiChoice share.On May 6, Canal+ acquired 1.24 million MultiChoice shares at an average R119.98 per MultiChoice share. On May 7, Canal+ acquired 189 584 MultiChoice shares for an average R119.42…

Award-winning rapper Yanga Chief has returned to the music scene after taking some time off to focus on other things such as film-making. The rapper recently released a special single for mothers, Mbali Yam. The musician explained that the song had been sitting with him for a while, but he never released it because he felt it was too personal. “Every time I listened to it, it sounded too personal. With it being Mother’s Day, I am a bit more comfortable sharing it,” he said in a recent interview on Metro FM’s The Touchdown. Speaking to the show hosts, Tbo Touch and Loot Love, the musician spoke about why he took a break from his music career, what he got up too, and now that he’s back, what he plans…

Marlon Wayans lost nearly 60 loved ones in three years. The 51-year-old American comedian explained that it felt “biblical” to have to deal with the deaths of so many close ones in a relatively short space of time. He told The New York Times: “I lost 58 people that I loved in a matter of three years. It felt, like, biblical. I think as a comedian, I’m getting to the good stuff! “When you talk about real-life pain, like parents passing, and you can get through that set and you can still be irreverent, edgy, crazy, silly, thought-provoking and vulnerable, I think that’s growth.” Among those he lost was his father Howell, who died at the age 86 in April 2023, almost three years on from the death of his…

PRESIDENT CYRIL Ramaphosa has painted a rosy picture of South Africa’s last three decades with 20 days to go before the May 29 elections, saying the country had not plunged into a failed state, but instead was a healthy democracy since 1994. However, his assertions were blasted by opposition parties outlining the failures of the last 30 years of democracy since the ANC has been in power, calling it a public relations exercise to win over voters. Ramaphosa was presenting, to the country, a report outlining South Africa’s last three decades of democracy in what the government has titled, “30 years review of SA’s democracy report” in Pretoria yesterday. The report was commissioned by the Department in the Presidency of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, headed by the governing party’s second…

The leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is Jacob Zuma, Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Deputy Commissioner Mosotho Moepya said yesterday. Moepya said as far as the commission was concerned, Zuma remained MK leader for as long as the IEC had not received communication that said otherwise. “It’s not because we are saying so as the IEC, it’s because we are informed by the party itself. When we do these things, we do them in writing, so we recognise Mr Zuma,” he said. Moepya’s comments are consistent with MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela’s statement that informed Independent Media that the only person that could de-register the party was Zuma alone. According to IEC records, Zuma is the registered leader of the MKP. This has been the case since…

CRIME, jobs and service delivery challenges are some of the most pressing issues the people of Dube, in Soweto, raised with ANC veteran and former Gauteng premier Tokyo Sexwale. Sexwale was leading another ANC election campaign in the historical township yesterday. Bongani Mkhatshwa, who was retrenched during Covid-19, said the pain of unemployment affects not only young people, but also older people who cannot find work. “Our children are not working. We as their parents are able-bodied but cannot find work. I could be working but companies are not hiring us because of our age. “In spite of these challenges, we remain hopeful that the ANC will rectify its mistakes, and we are happy to see people like comrade Tokyo campaigning in our midst,” he said. Another resident, Michael Ntshingila,…

A Pretoria woman, seeking increased financial support from her estranged husband for their 2-year-old child, has been informed that she is abusing court processes and has had her application dismissed. The mother, who is currently getting R28 500 for child maintenance, filed a Rule 43 application in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, seeking additional funds. In her application, she argued the maintenance should be more than R35 000. Her husband is in arrears and owes her over R234 000, she argued. Judge Brenda Neukircher said the mother made it seem like the father shirked his financial responsibilities towards the child but he has not because he pays at least R28 500 every month. Judge Neukircher said it was also worth noting that the husband earns R81 000 and receives a…

The Baphiring Tribal Council, in collaboration with the National Skills Fund and under the direction of His Majesty Kgosi EM Mabalane, has launched a new special skills development hub. This important initiative is aimed at empowering the Baphiring community through agricultural development. The launch event will take place this Friday and will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the agricultural landscape of Baphiring. The Baphiring Tribal Council has been actively driving investments and developing the rural area of Baphiring, nestled within Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Bojanala District Municipality. Despite facing minimal development-driven investments, particularly in agriculture, the region boasts fertile agricultural land, rich wildlife and robust infrastructure. Kgosi Mabalane, who also serves as Executive Chairman of Medirwe Investments, has played a pivotal role in revitalising farming practices…

If yesterday was any indication of what the Lions’ plan is this weekend, then Cardiff best get themselves prepared for an all-out assault on their lines using power and pace. The Joburgers had an enjoyable training match, tossing the pill around with glee as they prepared for the Welsh franchise in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park (6.15pm kick-off). An attacking game plan certainly makes sense as the Lions find themselves with little room to manoeuvre in the URC and limited options to consider. It has become a case of offence now being much better than any defence. The disappointing loss to Munster just slightly over 10 days ago has surely assured that, as has the desperation to climb out of 11th and into the play-off spots. There…

World No 1 Novak Djokovic said he believes he will be in top form for the French Open, and hopes to prove that at the Italian Open, which started yesterday. The Serbian told a media conference in Rome yesterday that his focus is on Paris, Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, and he had strategic reasons for skipping the recent Madrid event. “It was not part of the schedule. The plan was to come here. That’s basically it,” said Djokovic at a media conference at the Italian Open. Djokovic, who turns 37 on May 22 – just before the French Open gets under way on May 26 – said he hoped to perform better than he did in his last tournament, the Monte Carlo Masters, where he lost to Casper Ruud…

Kylian Mbappe will not get his dream farewell from Paris Saint-Germain after their shock Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday deprived him of playing his last game for the club in the final at Wembley next month. The 2018 World Cup winner will leave PSG after seven years when his contract expires at the end of this season, with Real Madrid his likely next destination. He had hoped to sign off by leading the Qatar-owned club to Champions League glory for the first time in their history, and they were the favourites to see off Dortmund at the Parc des Princes in the semi-final second leg. But they failed to overturn a one-goal first-leg deficit, with Mats Hummels scoring the only goal on the night…

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has made his case to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper at the coming T20 World Cup, the team’s director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, has said. Samson has been named in India’s 15-member squad as a wicketkeeper-batter alongside Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant, who has also impressed in the Indian Premier League after his return to cricket following a horror car crash. He smashed 86 off 46 balls on Tuesday, but the knock was in vain, with the Capitals winning by 20 runs at home. Samson has been in prime form with 471 runs in 11 matches, and Tuesday’s was his fifth half-century of the season. Sangakkara played down the Pant versus Samson debate in the post-match media conference, but made his choice clear. “It’s really up…

Despite their continental commitments, Mamelodi Sundowns continue to flex their muscles in the DStv Premiership. The rest of the league have struggled to keep up as the men in yellow clinched their seventh title in a row with lots of games to spare. We look at the top four fixtures that were vital to their championship-winning season ... August 4, 2023: Sekhukhune United 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns Ten men set the tone for the season … It was a new season with new opportunities, and having won the league six times in a row, the question was: Who could take the crown away from the kings of South African football? Sekhukhune United were up first at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The defending champions were in full control as they strolled to…

Coaches sometimes call it a “nice” headache to have when all their players in a certain position are fit and firing, and the selection calls become tough to make. That is the position the Stormers management find themselves in with their loose forwards at the moment. Apart from the injury-enforced absence of Springbok Deon Fourie and Nama Xaba, both prolific ball poachers, the Cape side will have to strike it hot with their loose trio combination over the next two matches on tour as they try to claim a knockout spot in the United Rugby Championship. Tomorrow evening against the Dragons at Rodney Parade (8.35pm kick-off, SA time) they will want to set the tone physically for the European tour, and how they can achieve that will all depend on…