Table of contents for 2025-07-17 in Cape Times

Transnet and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) on Wednesday signed a 10-year contract for the transportation of manganese by rail from UMK’s mine in the Northern Cape to ports for export markets. Through the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 agreement, Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to manganese producers in South Africa for their export volumes. Transnet said the contract with UMK signifies the company’s confidence in Transnet’s ability to ensure efficient access to global markets. Transnet Group CEO, Michelle Phillips said, “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA programme. This agreement is a clear demonstration of our customers’ confidence in the efficiency and reliability of our services. It also bodes well for Transnet’s growth…

Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe on Wednesday revealed the urgent need for R1.7 billion to maintain capital adequacy, following a challenging 18 months in which the bank has already expended more than R500 million of its own revenue to sustain operations. Mbengashe underscored the bank’s necessity for R600m for direct operations, with the remainder serving as a guarantee in alignment with the South African Reserve Bank's (Sarb) regulatory requirements. "With the money we have made, we have spent more than R500m in the last 18 months to two years. We've been able to establish a new call centre, we've got visibility, we are partnering with retailers, we have built in new systems," she said. "We need a little bit more to build on that. The R1.7bn fulfills the sub-regulatory requirements to…

Civil society groups across South Africa are hailing the Department of Social Development's recent moves toward implementing a Basic Income Grant (BIG). This commitment comes on the heels of Minister Sisisi Tolashe's announcement during her Budget Vote speech last week, where she revealed plans to replace the temporary Social Relief of Distress (SRD) with a more lasting income support system. The Black Sash, a prominent human rights organisation, this week expressed its approval of the government's initiative. Black Sash said they have long advocated for a permanent income for those aged 18-59 with little to no income. “It's a bold and necessary step and for many South Africans living below the poverty line offering a much-needed glimmer of hope in deeply uncertain times,” it said. “We welcome the Minister’s announcement;…

In a growing business, your people are your greatest strength, but they can also be your biggest vulnerability if not managed properly. While more established companies have dedicated human resources (HR) departments, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often don’t have the same resources, which can lead to reactive decisions, high staff turnover and inconsistent performance. Fortunately, building a resilient and motivated workforce doesn’t require a big budget. It requires intention, consistency and a willingness to invest in your people in ways that make sense for the scale and culture of your business. Here are five best practices for small business owners looking to build a strong, stable and engaged team. Start with clarity and consistency One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is hiring people without clear roles…

The BankservAfrica Economic Transactions Index (BETI) improved for a second consecutive month in June, indicating a more optimistic outlook for economic performance in the second quarter. The index, which measures the value of all electronic transactions cleared through BankservAfrica's automated clearinghouse on a monthly basis, increased in June to an index level of 139.1, representing a 0.4% monthly growth and a second month of recovery. Shergeran Naidoo, BankservAfrica Head of Stakeholder Engagements, said the improved BETI signals a positive shift in overall economic activity in the second quarter, which could also be reflected in a favourable GDP outcome set to be published by Stats SA in early September. “The uptick in the BETI in June is welcomed, especially given that the economy started 2023 on the back foot, with quarterly…

The EFF contends that President Cyril Ramaphosa does not have the constitutional power to put a cabinet minister on a leave of absence, instead suggesting he should relieve Mchunu of his duties. This is according to a legal letter served on Ramaphosa challenging his decision to place embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave. The decision comes after allegations of corruption were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The EFF isn't the only party questioning President Ramaphosa's decision. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has also indicated that it's drafting papers for a Constitutional Court challenge, and the DA said police were now investigating the criminal charges it lodged against Mchunu The DA also confirmed that a senior Lieutenant Colonel has been assigned as the investigating officer in…

The National Security Strategy for the period between 2019 and 2024 had warned the government that South Africa’s main project of democratic dispensation remained to be ensuring a better life for all citizens. The document released on Tuesday by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said if political emancipation was translated into economic well-being for all citizens, there was a need in turn to understand the direct relationship between security and development. “It must be emphasised that, an absence of security gives rise to low economic development, weak state institutions and an incapacitated state. "The converse also holds true; stability and security create conditions conducive to democracy, economic development, prosperity and the well-being of the citizens,” reads the document. The National Security Strategy observed that South Africans continued to face…

Three South African men have been apprehended in the United States of America (USA) after they were found to have committed various violent crimes, including rape, with one deported by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One of them, a child predator, 50-year-old Barrett Preston Busschau, was deported back to South Africa by ICE in June. This was due to him being convicted of sexual assault, sodomy, and forcible rape against children in 2019. Busschau pleaded guilty and was then sentenced to eight years and 10 months in prison. He had spent 25 years on the run after committing the gruesome crimes in 1993 and was finally caught by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018. In a statement released by the FBI in 2018, it read: "Authorities in…

On the wall of my home office – past the cluttered table, a mess of papers full of stats and books on sport – hangs a poster I designed for The Star in 2017. It never saw the light of day. Although it was submitted to the Lions Rugby Union for consideration and use in their stadium, a simple error on our part – using “Ellis Park” instead of “Emirates Airline Park” – denied its presence at the Super Rugby final between the Joburgers and the Crusaders that day. Its message was straightforward – one that recalled a glorious era in Lions history. “Ackers, thanks for the memories,” it read, with a smiling image of Johan Ackermann in the corner and the text flowing around him on a field of…

The Proteas’ failure to build partnerships cost them dearly as they slumped to a 21-run defeat to New Zealand in their second match of the T20I Tri-Series at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. Both teams were evenly matched at the halfway stage, but a 103-run sixth-wicket partnership between Tim Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs lifted the Black Caps to 173/5 from a precarious 74/5. In contrast, the Proteas lost wickets at regular intervals despite solid contributions from Dewald Brevis (35), George Linde (30), and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (27) to eventually be bowled out for 152 with 10 balls still remaining in their innings. “I thought it was gettable. It was a good pitch. We didn't get any rhythm going, really, with our batting, particularly early on in the batting department. I…

Former finance minister Trevor Manuel has issued a stark warning regarding the pervasive debt challenges facing the African continent. Speaking at the G20 Finance Track meetings on Wednesday, Manuel underscored how burgeoning debt service costs were stifling essential development expenditures, particularly in health and education. Manuel said this usually happened in circumstances where countries have not borrowed more, but the interest rate burden has increased very rapidly. “Debt squeezes out development. It impoverishes countries, actually. It’s the only thing that is really shared by people,” he said. “The expert panel has made 11 recommendations to deal with debt going forward. We need to develop a handle on debt. Part of dealing with debt is also understanding the cost of capital. And there are elements of the cost of capital that…

in the second quarter - Anchor Capital JSE-listed equities continued their upward trajectory in in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), Nolan Wapenaar and Peter Armitage, Chief Investment Officers at Anchor Capital, said on Wednesday. Following on from a strong opening quarter, JSE-listed equities continued their upward trajectory to end 2Q25 up another 9.7%. Year to date, the FSE/JSE Capped Swix has risen by 16.1%, and the MSCI South Africa Index is up 30.3% (in US dollar terms). This puts the JSE as a standout performer in global equities year to date and over the past 12 months. "In April, we were still digesting the double threat of the GNU (Government of National Unity) failing and the Trump administration imposing growth-crippling tariffs across the globe. These factors were primarily to…

As South Africa grapples with a continued weak economic outlook, a noteworthy shift is occurring in the residential property market. The Seeff Property Group has reported that fewer consumers are looking to buy homes, a trend echoed by the latest findings from the PayProp Rental Index. The Index reveals that the residential rental market in South Africa has kicked off 2025 with extraordinary momentum, recording an uptick of 5.6%, the highest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2017. The robust growth was underscored by pushing the average rent to R9 132 across the nation. Notably, February alone saw a year-on-year rental increase of 6%, marking the most significant monthly growth recorded since August 2017. This surge comes against a backdrop of improving inflation conditions—Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation fell…

Africa is brimming with youthful energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, a new generation of entrepreneurs is stepping up to build businesses that solve local problems, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth. These young innovators are not just the future of the continent, they’re already shaping it. But while passion and purpose fuel the journey, succeeding in business takes more than just a great idea. Many young entrepreneurs face real challenges like limited access to funding, navigating complex regulations, and balancing business demands with personal responsibilities. Developing strong skills in financial management, adaptability, and building meaningful connections can help overcome these hurdles and set the stage for lasting success. Whether you're launching your first side hustle, scaling an existing venture, or just exploring…

Mpact’s headline earnings a share (HEPS) from continuing operations will likely decline between 28% and 18.2% in the six months to June 30, even though revenue should increase by about 3%. The JSE-listed paper and plastics packaging group said in a trading statement on Wednesday that HEPS is expected to be between 88 and 100 cents per share, compared with 122.2 cents at the same time last year, in a persistently challenging trading environment. The group said uncertainty in local and global markets had contributed to poor business sentiment, despite that lower interest rates and lower inflation, and consumer demand remained weak. The detailed half-year results are expected to be released around August 4, 2025. Mpact directors said, however, they were making “good progress” on development projects that focus on…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision to establish a commission of inquiry to look into the recent explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Tabling the budget of the Presidency in the National Assembly yesterday, Ramaphosa said Mkhwanazi alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. “These allegations are serious. They are also untested,” he said. “It is, therefore, necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible, and thorough process so that we can ensure accountability and safeguard public confidence in the police service,” the president said. Ramaphosa announced the commission of inquiry to be led by Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga…

A cellphone found in the possession of an inmate serving a 15-year jail sentence for murder - containing pictures of prison officials as well as communications with them - has cost him dearly as he is now locked up in C-Max Prison, in solitary confinement-like conditions. Rotondwa Raliphaswa turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, for an urgent order that he must be removed from this maximum security prison as his rights to humane treatment are being violated. Raliphaswa was transferred to the C-Max Kgosi Mampuru Prison from the ODI Correctional Services Facility in January this year. This was after prison officials, during a routine raid on the cells, found the phone in his possession. He was initially moved to the C Section of the ODI Correctional Centre and detained…

In a world choking on crisis and crippled by false messiahs, principled leadership has become the rarest currency. Dr Iqbal Survé is not a politician, nor does he play to galleries. He is a product of the Struggle, a doctor of the people, and one of the few post-apartheid figures who understood early that freedom without economic justice is a betrayal. In an era where ego masquerades as leadership, Dr Survé represents something dangerously uncommon, clarity of purpose, moral courage, and the spine to act when it matters most. South Africa, like much of the world, is trapped in a leadership vacuum, where opportunism has replaced vision, and moral conviction has been traded for political convenience and infighting, staggering youth unemployment, and a stalled economy have bled South Africa of…

WHEN Banyana Banyana scored four unanswered goals against Mali in their final Group C match of the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on Monday, the world of football surely felt that the team that they have come to know had finally arrived in Morocco but coach Desiree Ellis was more impressed by veteran defender Lebogang Ramalepe. The 33-year-old walked away with a Player of the Match award after two assists and a goal in Oudja to send the defending champions to the quarter-finals against Senegal on Saturday. That match will also be played at 9pm after the match between Algeria and Ghana at 6pm. Ramalepe, one of the legends of Banyana and South African women’s football with over 100 caps for the national team, has played all three…

Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen claimed a stunning victory on Stage 11 of the Tour de France yesterday, outwitting the sprinters to win in Toulouse, while defending champion Tadej Pogacar emerged largely unscathed after a late crash. Abrahamsen, who fractured his collarbone just two weeks before the start of the Tour, was part of a long-range breakaway and held off Swiss rider Mauro Schmid in a tactical final dash. Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel took third, seven seconds adrift. “I like to have pain in my legs – I’ve been like this since I was 15,” said the 28-year-old Uno-X rider, who also earned the combativity award for his relentless effort. Thanks to the team who did everything to get me ready in time. They’re very good people, and I’ve been here…

Eskom executive says utility’s power stations may struggle to meet emissions standards South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has openly acknowledged significant hurdles in achieving the ambitious decommissioning targets set for the Just Energy Transition (JET) by 2030. During a presentation to Parliament on Wednesday, Eskom’s head of generation Bheki Nxumalo revealed that the utility’s existing power stations may struggle to meet the crucial emissions standards due to insufficient technology designed to curb nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx). “The emissions standards post-2030 call for reduction much more aggressively. That’s where the risks are because stations have different technologies. We are now on a drive for emissions abatement technologies post-2030 but its not all of them that will be ready, including Medupi,” Nxumalo said in response to questions from MK…

The South African retail landscape appears to be on a positive trajectory, buoyed by significantly low consumer inflation, the availability of disposable income from Two-Pot retirement withdrawals, and a notable decrease in fuel prices. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that the retail sector continued to strengthen in May, with sales increasing by 4.2% year-on-year following an upwardly revised 5.2% advance in April. Raquel Floris, deputy director for distributive trade statistics at Stats SA, said six of the seven retail groups recorded a positive month, largely driven by textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods. “Textiles and clothing and general dealers continued to shine, with textiles and clothing increasing by 12.5% and general dealers by 3.6% year-on-year,” Floris said. “Together, the two groups pushed overall growth higher…

Entrepreneurship in South Africa, particularly within its vibrant townships and sprawling rural areas, often gets spray painted with a smooth airbrush of unwavering resilience and boundless innovation. Rightly so, because the grit it takes to build a business from the ground up in these communities is nothing short of heroic, an audacious act of the KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Yet, beneath the inspirational headlines and promise of radical economic development, there's a solemn whisper, a silent groan, "Ooh, I'm done with this!" that often goes off in broad day light. It is a lament of the mind and soul where a friend once said, “I’m in pain, but I can’t identify the part of the body that is experiencing this excruciating agony”. This unforgiving pain has no medical remedy,…

Compagnie Financière Richemont SA increased sales 6% to €5.4 billion in the quarter to June 30, 2025, the Switzerland and JSE-listed luxury goods group that trades under brands such as Cartier, Paige and Van Cleef & Arpels said Wednesday. The increase in the group first quarter sales was in spite of a volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical environment in many markets. The growth was led by double-digit increases in Europe, the Americas and Middle East & Africa, more than offsetting Japan’s sales decline against high prior-year comparatives. Sales in the Asia Pacific region remained stable. In Europe, sales grew by 11%, driven by robust demand from local clients and overall positive tourist spend, supported by successful jewellery events. Almost all main markets in the region saw an increase in sales this…

AngloGold Ashanti plans to acquire all of Canada-based gold exploration company Augusta Gold’s shares at a price of C$1.70 per share, or about R1.99 billion, in cash. The price, which implies an equity value for Augusta Gold of about C$152 million, or about $111m, represents a premium of about 28% to the closing price of Augusta Gold's shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on July 15, 2025, the day prior to the announcement of the deal. "We believe securing these properties will not only solidify our leading position in the most important new gold district in the US, but will also improve our ability to develop the region under an integrated plan – with more flexibility, greater access, better infrastructure sharing, and cohesive engagement with all stakeholders," said AngloGold Ashanti’s…

THE City will be footing Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s bill in a case accusing him of harassment and abuse of power in connection with an alleged land use violation The matter, which came before the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court yesterday, relates to an application for a protection order lodged by a resident against the mayor. The matter was postponed to September to allow the presiding magistrate time to consider submissions made and for Hill-Lewis to engage in the process through legal counsel. Hill-Lewis did not appear in court but was presented by his legal team. The resident involved had lodged a formal accusation against Hill-Lewis, claiming abuse of power stemming from a neighbourhood dispute, according to GOOD Party deputy secretary-general and councillor Suzette Little. “According to the complainant, who…

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), marking 30 years with the Ultimate Children’s Celebration over the weekend, was commemorated in a tradition started by Madiba, who believed his birthday was best spent in the company of children. In a tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund hosted the celebration on Saturday at Gold Reef City, marking the Fund’s 30th anniversary. Madiba’s vision of a world where children are valued, protected, and free to flourish came to life when over 200 children from different communities were treated to a full day of play, entertainment, and learning. Part of the festivities were theme park rides, magic shows, storytelling corners, dance performances, and educational games. Gold Reef City provided a safe, inclusive space for children to experience joy and connection,…

After enduring a dog attack and still being forced to continue pulling a cart, Maple the pony has found a new family promising her a life of love and safety. In May, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA responded to a cruelty complaint involving a cart pony that had recently survived a dog attack. Despite her visible injuries, the owner continued to force the wounded animal to pull a cart. SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini was assigned to the case and on arrival found the pony in a shocking state. Her front right knee was swollen and bleeding, covered with a makeshift bandage. She had multiple puncture wounds and lacerations from the dog attack, which had taken place just days earlier, and there were visible wounds on her mouth. Inspector Mfini…

Noordhoek Art Point Gallery is once again going to the (rescue) dogs – and cats – with the return of the much-loved RePAWposed, an unforgettable art-meets-heart exhibition and auction in support of TEARS Animal Rescue. After a roaring success in 2024, the RePAWposed 2025 edition promises more paws, paint, and purpose. Launching this month and culminating in a feel-good, bid-hard auction on August 1, this year’s show is about turning something old into something bold. “This isn’t your average walk-through-and-nod art exhibition,” said Aimee Kruger, artist and co-owner of Noordhoek Art Point Gallery. “RePAWposed is about wild creativity, local talent, and using art to bring hope to rescue animals. It’s uplifting, it’s surprising and it’s a little bit cheeky.” Over 20 local artists will unleash their imaginations on forgotten artworks…

As the sun rises over Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, South African golfer Dylan Naidoo is making his final preparations to tee off in his inaugural major tournament at the 153rd Open Championship. The excitement is palpable as the 27-year-old Gauteng-born golfer steps onto the hallowed grounds of golf’s oldest championship, where he earned his spot following a stunning victory at the SA Investec Open earlier this year. Naidoo clinched his entry into the Open with a dramatic finish at the Durban Country Club, where he displayed remarkable composure on a soaked course to secure his win. His manager, Anders Davidsson, spoke to Independent Media from Ireland, sharing insights into the Naidoo's frame of mind and the electric atmosphere surrounding him. “I’ve been here with Dylan since we arrived and…

Liverpool are considering a sensational £120 million (about R2.82 billion) move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, despite the Magpies’ strong desire to retain the Swedish international, according to reports yesterday. While the Premier League champions are yet to make a formal approach, Isak is believed to be high on manager Arne Slot’s priority list as the Reds look to strengthen their attack following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota earlier this summer. Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022 and has since emerged as a key figure under Eddie Howe. He scored 23 Premier League goals last season, helping Newcastle qualify for the Uefa Champions League for the second time in three years. He also netted in the Magpies’ League Cup final victory over Liverpool at…