Table of contents for 2024-08-13 in Star

Renergen, owner of South Africa’s first onshore helium and liquid natural gas (LNG) production facility in Virginia in the Free State, saw its share price shoot up more than 28% yesterday morning after it announced its liquid helium production line was fully operational. “We can now declare South Africa one of a select few countries worldwide to produce liquid helium for the global market,” CEO Stefano Marani said in a statement. Renergen’s share price shot up 28.1% to R11.03 on the JSE yesterday morning after the initial release of the production announcement on Friday in Australia, as local markets were closed on the day. On the Australian stock exchange, the share price went up over 28% to AU$0.99 per share by late Friday afternoon. Renergen has been a favoured stock…

Spatial inequities in the City of Cape Town are compounding the alarmingly high levels of food insecurity. This is according to the State of the City Food System Report released yesterday by University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers Gareth Haysom and Associate Professor Jane Battersby. The report found that accessing food in Cape Town was a constant uphill battle, especially for those who did not have nearly enough to feed themselves and their families. The report argued there was more than enough healthy food in the food system, but food was inaccessible to those who needed it most, Haysom said. The report was one of 15 analysing urban food systems across various cities. Haysom said the research was conducted in northern, western, eastern, and southern Africa, making it the first…

As the Olympics draw to an end, South Africans will remember Akani Simbine the most. In him many will celebrate the triumphs and the potential. The moment that almost got him the medal will keep him in memories long after the Olympics 2024. Many will wonder what if he had one small advantage? I wondered, what if he had a super shoe that could have given him an added advantage? We now know that some athletes have used super shoes at least in some races. Super shoes often include PEBA (poly- ether block amide) foam, a bouncier, lighter foam with a better energy return. Shoes with PEBA foam blends can sometimes feel like they’re propelling you forward. Leading sport brands have released super shoes. ​​Nike released the first carbon plate…

Merafe Resources CEO, Zanele Matlala, said the company and its South African joint venture partner, Glencore, were looking at ways to mitigate power supply, energy costs and logistical constraints impacting mining companies in the country. Merafe mainly derives its revenues and operating income from the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture which produces ferrochrome at a total installed capacity of 2.3 million tons per year. It also shares about 20.5% of the earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) from the South African ferrochrome joint venture project. Like other South African mining companies, the Merafe-Glencore venture has been impacted by high energy costs as well as port and rail logistical constraints. Some South African bulk miners are having to cut production to be in line with Transnet’s capacity to move ore or…

Seven local Afrikaans singers have merged their talents to create an outstanding cover version of Toto’s iconic song, Africa. It’s a beautiful, catchy song that encapsulates the spirit of the continent and South Africa and includes a music video that showcases the Kruger National Park in all its glory. Juanita du Plessis, Franja du Plessis, Liezel Pieters, Ruan Josh and the musical band Jan Jan Jan were brought together by the production company Boerboel Tunes to make it happen. Co-owner of Boerboel Tunes, Stephan Hugo Botha, who came up with the idea, said it stemmed from his love for the legendary song. “It’s one of my top 10 songs and I was born in the same year the original song was released, so I’ll always be as old as the…

DENNIS Ferrer’s Touched the Sky became an instant hit when it was released 17 years ago, igniting dance floors and playlists. With its infectious beats, uplifting lyrics and themes of aspiration and transcendence, the quintessential deep house track from the US DJ and music producer continues to light up the music scene, decades after its release. In a bid to give the song a modern twist and to introduce it to a new generation of music lovers, it has been given an amapiano remix, which features DBN Gogo, Effected, Triple X Da Ghost and Mia Tuttavilla. “This contemporary rendition of Ferrer’s iconic 2007 track fuses the soulful essence of deep house with the vibrant pulse of South African amapiano, promising to captivate dance floors worldwide,” a statement read. The original…

A driver has been fined after he was caught on camera bumping into a female lion in the Kruger National Park (KNP) last week. In the clip, widely shared on social media, the Toyota Land Cruiser can be seen trying to steer through traffic. Two lions can be seen walking in front of the vehicle and they stop. The driver then bumps into one of the lions. In a post on social media, the SA National Parks (SANParks) said action has been implemented. “Please note that the incident of a vehicle bumping a lioness at a sighting in Kruger National Park has been dealt with. Action was implemented as soon as we were alerted of the incident. Thank you for reporting the matter to us,” SANParks said. It further urged…

COMMUNITY members and funeral parlours outraged by poor service at the City of Tshwane’s only crematorium, in Pretoria West, have been assured that work to refurbish the facility is on track. Undertakers have repeatedly bemoaned the fact that they are forced to incur additional costs by using crematoria outside the City. Bereaved families have to bear additional costs for transporting their loved ones’ bodies to a crematorium in Emalahleni, and elsewhere. Deputy Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who recently visited the Rebecca Street Crematorium in Pretoria West, accom- panied by several aggrieved community members, promised that the facility will be operational in December and that its licence application approval was nearing finalisation. She said community members had raised concerns about the non-functional state of the crematorium for a year. “With the date…

This week started on a bleak note for the entertainment industry with the death of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, 52, founder of Crown Gospel Music Awards and UKhozi FM radio personality, in the early hours of yesterday. Mbokazi-Nkambule, known for her lifelong dedication to spreading messages of hope, faith, and resilience, has been remembered for how she connected with people through her passion for broadcasting. The Nkambule and Mbokazi families made the announcement, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support for her when she was ill, in a statement. “It is with a heavy heart that we, the Nkambule and Mbokazi families, announce the passing of our dearly beloved Ms. Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and UKhozi FM radio personality. “She departed to be with the Lord; early…

Gold Fields is buying out Canadian-listed Osisko Mining Inc’s 50% interest in the Windfall project that the two companies jointly control for $1.57 billion (R28.6bn). The JSE and New York dually-listed gold miner said on Thursday that it expects headline earnings per share for the interim period to June, 2024 to be lower by at least 25% compared to the previous contrasting period on the back of lower gold production. However, the company expects to bump up its output in the second half-year period. Now, Gold Fields has set its sights on acquiring the remaining 50% it does not already own in the Windfall project through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares in Osisko. Gold Fields and Osisko entered into the Windfall project joint…

RGS Group has applauded the outcome of the vote on Friday by Tongaat Hulett shareholders as a decisive victory for shareholder activism and corporate governance, benefiting all employees, creditors, stakeholders, and South Africans. This comes as the majority of shareholders of Tongaat Hulett voted against the proposed debt-to-equity conversion that would have handed a 97.3% controlling share of the company to the Vision Group. This decision arises amid questions over Vision Group’s failure to meet the financial requirements outlined in the adopted business rescue plan, a condition that was integral to the proposed deal. RSG yesterday said with this vote complete, it was now time for the Vision Group to lay its true cards on the table and demonstrate its financial capability to implement the adopted business rescue plan as…

Hyprop has reached agreement to sell all its interests in four shopping centres in Nigeria and Ghana, which will complete its exit from sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. The portfolio was sold to Africa-focused commercial property company Lango, in exchange for shares in Lango. The transaction was done due to Hyprop’s long-held strategy to focus on its retail centres in South Africa, particularly the Western Cape, and Eastern Europe. “We are satisfied that we have reached an agreement, after a lengthy process, to find a suitable buyer,” said Hyprop CEO Morné Wilken yesterday in a statement. “These four retail centres are well located and well managed, however, they no longer fit into our broader strategy. The finalisation of the disposal will afford us the opportunity to focus our energy and…

Former Free State premier Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, has been remanded in custody as bail proceedings are set to continue today. Cholota’s lawyer, Loyiso Makapela, accused the State of dragging out the matter unnecessarily. However, State prosecutor Johan de Nysschen said the State needed time to prepare answering affidavits to Cholota’s arguments. Despite his request for a postponement, De Nysschen indicated that the State would be opposing Cholota’s bail bid, because the case is a schedule five matter. In reply to the State’s request, Makapela said it was not acceptable for the State to ask for a postponement. She said her client denied all the allegations levelled against her. Cholota was initially tipped to be a witness against Magashule, and other accused, before she reportedly failed to…

Speculation is growing that the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) could sack some of its 37 members of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature (MPLs). This follows the former president, now leader of the MKP, unceremoniously recalling 18 of the party’s 58 MPs at the weekend. But MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela poured cold water on the claims, saying: “I don’t know of such. I don’t know about any speculation that some of our MPLs in KZN could be recalled.” Ndhlela alleged that the leadership was aware of some party members who were allegedly sent by the ANC to destabilise the MKP. A party MPL told The Star’s sister paper, the Daily News, that their future in the legislature as MKP MPLs was uncertain, adding that they had got wind that some MPLs…

A Stellenbosch community activist has been left battered and bruised after a PSL player allegedly assaulted him with a glass at a local bar in the Western Cape. Eon Hendrikse, 30, has dedicated his life to being a social justice ambassador and community activist and told IOL he is lucky he still has use of both his eyes after the assault. The incident took place at a local pub called Centraal which he frequents. “I am a regular patron at Centraal and never had any trouble before. The place is usually safe and many students from Stellenbosch University also frequent it,” he said. Hendrikse said it was just after midnight on Sunday when he saw the local football star. He previously played for Stellenbosch University but at the weekend news…

Women’s welfare in the workplace came under the spotlight at the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) Women’s Day event at Sastri College in Durban on Friday. The theme was the role of women leadership in the public sector and the role played by the government in advocating the interests of women in South Africa. The event celebrated women excelling in the public service and exploring innovative opportunities for the public sector. Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya said it was important to celebrate women who are powerful and caring, even forgiving men who hurt them. The need for men who protect women is growing, he said, and women need to stop allowing men to get away with injustices perpetrated against them. “You should not allow them…

National Women’s Month, once again – and as tradition requests of us, we remember the women who came before us – who held enough courage to change the South African landscape in a way which allows my generation to speak with the greatest conviction in the face of uncertain times. Warriors of the legendary 1956 Women’s March invites us to not only reflect on the poignant past but also to carve a narrative for ourselves that we can be proud of. This is a time for a (somewhat) young South African woman like me, to use my voice to entrench a narrative which elevates the integrity of women and which reminds history of how brave our lineage of ancestry is. This is also a time in which I remember the…

Thirty years could be a long time and a short time in football. But for Orlando Pirates, it must feel like a lifetime considering their run on the continent. It’s been three decades since the Sea Robbers sailed their ship to the pinnacle of African football, winning the CAF Champions League. But as the winds of positivity continue to blow through the club, the standard expectation from The Ghost is to see the team challenge for everything up for grabs this season. On the domestic front, the Buccaneers are expected to defend both the Nedbank Cup and MTN8, while winning the Betway Premiership and the Carling Knockout cup as well. Those aspirations have got off to a flyer in the MTN8 as they beat SuperSport United 3-1 to reach the…

Sasol, the fuel and chemicals-from-coal group has warned of sharp losses in its year to end June due in no small measure to a R45.5 billion impairment at its Chemicals America business. Sasol said in a trading statement yesterday that headline earnings per share were expected to be between 59% and 77% lower at between R12.28 and R21.95 per share due to challenging market conditions, notably pressure from low chemicals prices and tight margins. The grim outlook sent the share price falling by 2.10% to R127.50 per share on the JSE, a price that is already half the price of a year ago. Abax Investments portfolio manager Mish-al Emeran said the material impairments at Sasol’s Chemicals America business includes all Sasol’s chemicals operations in the US, not only the cracker…

Data from a new Pulse Report, under the auspices of the government-initiated national logistics crisis committee (NLCC) tracking logistics logjams, will provide weekly statistics so that obstacles affecting South Africa’s logistics network can be identified, and the results of interventions tracked. The report comes against the backdrop of Transnet implementing a turnaround plan to enhance competitiveness of its ports, recover rail volumes, and improve operating efficiency, and at a time when South Africa’s roads are characterised by a lack of maintenance and many potholes. The NLCC was established by the Presidency in 2023 to address the state of logistics in South Africa, costing the country around R1.5 billion per day. Jayce Lane, managing director of Crickmay & Associates, which compiled the report, said supply chain corridors’ competitiveness is impacted…

DEMAND for software developers is increasing worldwide, particularly in the technology industry. The scarcity of skilled workers has reached critical levels, with the number of vacancies exceeding 40 million in 2021, according to a report by Software as a Service (SaaS) company, Trienpont International. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projects that by 2030, the shortage of developers worldwide could reach a staggering 85.2 million, posing a significant risk to companies internationally, and potentially leading to revenue losses exceeding $8.4 trillion (about R153trl). Given the high stakes, companies must expand their search for talent beyond their traditional sources and be open to investing in and supporting newcomers to the tech industry. This would mean that capable individuals who are not necessarily trained in software development but show strong potential in…

Italtile, with retail brand CTM, Italtile Retail and TopT, expects its annual headline earnings per share (Heps) to decrease by as much as 10.3% knocked by a weak consumer environment amid increased living costs. “Homeowner confidence remains subdued in light of sustained high interest rates and inflation, and demand is at low levels across the industry,” it said, adding that in the context of low gross domestic product growth and weak consumer sentiment and spend, the building cycle downturn has yet to recover. In a sales update and voluntary trading statement released yesterday for the year ended June, Italtile’s annual earnings per share (Eps) were likely to be between 117.8 – 125.1 cents or between 5.6% and 11.1% down, while annual Heps were expected to slide between 118.7 – 126.2…

Financially troubled clothing and apparel retailer Truworths Zimbabwe has filed for corporate rescue while trade in its shares continue to be suspended from the Harare bourse. The JSE-listed Truworths holds about 34% of Truworths Zimbabwe. In March this year, Truworths said it was different from the Zimbabwean entity in which it, however, also had a board representation. Now, Truworths Zimbabwe has entered into corporate rescue as it tries to wriggle out of its financial troubles. It has been facing major risks and threats to its going concern and viability status over the past few months. “This notice serves to advise that with effect from August 7, 2024, Truworths Limited and its subsidiaries, namely, Topic Stores and Bravette Manufacturing Company were placed under corporate rescue,” accountancy and tax firm Crowe said…

Amid the surge of kidnappings in South Africa, police say they are winning the war. In spite of this, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola revealed that some kingpins are operating outside the country. Masemola also said there was a relationship between kidnapping and drugs and vowed to arrest the perpetrators. Kidnappings, human trafficking and drug offences are currently on the rise. Masemola told anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee on Sunday that law enforcement officers were busy with kidnapping investigations. “Unfortunately, some of the kingpins are not in the country, they are within Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. We have engaged through Interpol, our neighbouring countries where these people are with a view to get them back. “We asked our counterparts to assist us with the paperwork. But in…

Build One SA (Bosa) and the DA have both called for harsher measures against sexual offenders. In a statement yesterday, Bosa leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster said the party had launched a petition calling for the National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO) to be made public and readily accessible, as the current process was not fair to the victims. “Today Bosa launches a nationwide petition advocating for the NRSO to be made public and readily accessible to anyone in the country. “The current protocol to access the Register is a time-consuming process that requires paying a fee of R150 and a waiting period of a minimum of six weeks. “This practice discourages transparency and inhibits the naming and shaming of sexual offenders – a necessary step towards accountability. “We are petitioning the…

Gauteng police arrested four protesters, three men and a woman, after they allegedly forced their way into the Miss SA event at the weekend and started a chant in support of withdrawn contestant Chidimma Adetshina. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed the four were arrested after storming the SunBet Arena in Pretoria and starting a chant. IOL News understands the suspects were protesting in support of Adetshina, who withdrew from the pageant after Home Affairs found prima facie evidence suggesting her mother may have committed identity theft. The announcement was made by Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, that Adetshina’s father was ostensibly Nigerian while the 23-year-old law student’s mother was believed to be from Mozambique. Adetshina made headlines as netizens called for an investigation into her citizenship. Just days…

With South Africa ranked as the global rape capital, a report by inDrive, an e-hailing service provider, raises alarming statistics of violence towards women as a result of nightlife escapades. The second quarter crime stats for 2023/24 showed that women continued to be the target of gender-based violence (GBV) during night time activities. A total of 1 514 incidents of attempted murders involving female victims were recorded between July and September 2023. Additionally, females were victims in 14 401 grievous bodily harm (GBH) incidents reported to the police during the same period. The University of Johannesburg hosted an event focusing on the nightlife economy in a bid to come up with tangible, long-term solutions to GBV, rape, human trafficking and spiking of women’s drinks. As women are most likely…

The Fundza Literacy Trust annual survey has revealed that 81% of its South African female mobisite users who are not studying, either in high school or higher education institutions, are unemployed; while 7.7% had given up job hunting. Fundza is a popular literacy mobisite, with more than 4.1 million users, that aims to increase young women’s access to user-generated and zero-rated reading materials in order to amplify reading culture in the country. Organisers of the mobisite conducted an annual survey for Women’s Day to extrapolate the role of digital platforms in advancing literacy and educational equity among women in the country, including highlighting the economic challenges they face, especially with unemployment peaking. In terms of income, the survey showed 22.89% of users’ main home cash flow was primarily dependent on…

Under the theme “Empowering the Future”, the 4th annual Young Leaders Connect-IDEAL Leadership Summit and Awards 2024 will conclude Women’s Month with the spotlight on gender equity and the future of leadership in South Africa. The event takes place at the Standard Bank Global Leadership Centre in Morningside on August 30. Like previous editions, the 2024 IDEAL Leadership Summit takes place in the morning, followed by the evening awards ceremony in recognition of young trailblazers in entrepreneurship and leadership. This year, the glamorous privately hosted annual event, which honours the role played by female leaders and entrepreneurs, will attract the country’s inspiring women with various women-inspired panel discussions and engagements. According to the organisers of the two-pronged event, the stage is set to celebrate the future…

When Team SA left South African shores for the Paris Olympics, there were not many genuine medal contenders outside of swimming’s golden girl Tatjana Smith. Akani Simbine possibly in the 100m sprints and hopefully Alan Hatherly in the men’s cross country mountain biking. But apart from those select few, South Africa’s medal hopes were slim pickings. Having now delivered a 100% improvement on Tokyo three years ago, with Team SA bagging half a dozen medals in the French capital, rich applause is deserved. Yes, Smith played her part with a gold and silver again in breaststroke. In the process, she became South Africa’s most decorated Olympian ever with four medals overall – equal to fellow swimmer Chad le Clos but of greater value because she now owns two gold and…