Indice dei contenuti per 2025-08-26 in Cape Times

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has moved to fortify its fuel security amid the country’s ongoing energy challenges, with CEO Mpumi Mpofu warning that South Africa’s heavy reliance on fuel imports remained a risk to airport operations. Acsa has in the recent past faced significant disruptions to flight operations at its airports as a result of fuel supply challenges due to a variety of reasons, the latest being the shutdown of the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref), which caught fire on 4 January. Speaking at the release of Acsa’s financial results for the year ended March 2025, Mpofu on Monday said the company had ramped up its jet fuel storage capacity to 10 days as a safeguard against supply disruptions, which have previously caused significant operational setbacks. Mpofu…

For too long, governance has been reduced to the production of paperwork, compliance checklists and board reports. Many boards take comfort in approving strategies, signing off policies and publishing annual reports as if these activities, in and of themselves, are proof of effectiveness. Yet an uncomfortable truth remains: outputs alone do not guarantee that governance is working. The real test of governance lies not in the number of policies approved or reports filed, but in whether those actions translate into meaningful and measurable impact. In other words, governance maturity is not about outputs but about outcomes. King IV reminds us that governance must deliver four intended outcomes: an ethical culture, good performance, effective control and legitimacy. These are the benchmarks against which boards should ultimately be judged. Outputs are easy…

At some point groceries will be delivered at your doorstep without ordering but based on years of shopping data collected by retailers.The so called smart trolley, or the Xpress Trolley, by Checkers and Shoprite is an important step towards such a future. It started with the rewards card that has also been collecting data about shopping habits and behaviour. Consumers have not yet seen the full effects of this development within the retail sector. The latest product by ShopriteX is another shiny thing launched by a group of innovators within the Shoprite Group. They have designed the cart to let customers scan items as they shop, see a real-time running total, pay directly on the trolley, and receive in-store navigation and personalised promotions. It is claimed that all of…

ADvTECH, South Africa’s largest private education and human capital group, reported healthy enrolment, moderate fee increases, improved debtors control, and better margins in the six months to June 30. Normalised earnings per share increased by 16% to 113 cents, revenue increased 10% to R4.68bn, and operating profit increased by a healthy 14% to R982 million. An interim dividend of 45 cents (2024: 38 cents) per ordinary share was declared. Enrolment increased 13% to 105 701 students. Schools Rest of Africa enrolments were up 40% year-on-year to February 2025, while tertiary full qualifications enrolment increased 14%. Half-year headline earnings per share increased by 15% to 112.7 cents. “We continued to build competitive advantage by investing in technology to enhance teaching and learning…ADvTECH delivered another strong set of results,” said the CEO…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that unlawfully obtained contracts at the Tembisa Tertiary Hospital will be cancelled following the discovery of more than 111 officials implicated in four corruption syndicates. SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi said there are disciplinary processes currently underway where several syndicates linked to the corruption at the hospital have been uncovered by its probe. The probe follows the murder of whistleblower and employee of the Gauteng Health Department, Babita Deokaran, in August 2021. Mothibi added that assets worth billions of rand will be seized and recovered in the process. “Our investigation has uncovered more than 111 officials who have been colluding with these syndicates. There might still be more. We have sent all (the information) to the Department of Health. We expect that action…

South Africa’s driving licence woes are far from over, but the Department of Transport (DOT) says it expects the backlog in cards to be tackled by the end of the year. South Africa relies on a single machine to print licence cards. It has been operational since 1998 and prone to breakdowns. The most recent of these took place in February 2025, rendering the machine inoperable until May as it was being repaired by its original manufacturer in France. The effect of this printing backlog is still being felt today. Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi told SABC News recently that even though the Drivers' Licence Card Agency (DLCA) has printed over 800 000 cards since operations resumed in May, there was still a backlog of 539 000 cards. However…

THE Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court staff and members of the public were left in shock after shots rang outside the building, claiming the lives of two men following their court appearance. The court was under lockdown as staff and the public had to wait to leave the building after police secured the area. Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Norman Jantjies said two people were killed and a bystander sustained injuries. One of the murder victims initially survived the shooting and was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, but later succumbed to his wounds, he said. Jantjes said: "Both men are members of the Fancy Boys gang." Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said: “According to reports at about 11:15am the two victims who made a court appearance in…

The Springboks will be at full strength for their two-match trip to New Zealand, with Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Willie le Roux medically cleared. Kolisi has recovered quicker than expected from a knee knock that ruled him out of last week’s second Test against the Wallabies, while flank Du Toit has been passed fit after a concussion. The Boks depart for New Zealand on Tuesday, giving them time to recover from jet lag before facing the All Blacks in Auckland on 6 September and in Wellington a week later. The matches will be pivotal as the team seeks to defend the Rugby Championship title they won last season for the first time since 2019. Coach Rassie Erasmus has stuck largely with the squad that faced Australia.…

President says country will continue to engage with partners in the Global North, and Global South President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the nation will persist in its strategic engagement with partners from both the Global North and Global South. Ramaphosa’s remarks came in the aftermath of a fruitful engagement at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, highlighting South Africa's commitment to bipartisan approach to international relations and diversifying its export markets. In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s economic diplomacy was centred on securing market access, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development. Drawing inspiration from leading Pan-African advocate Kwame Nkrumah, Ramaphosa said South Africa will continue to engage with partners in both the Global North and Global South. “Our approach is…

Every year, headlines highlight South Africa’s growing IT skills shortage. From software developers to cybersecurity experts, the conversation is often dominated by the scarcity of qualified professionals. But this narrative, while not entirely inaccurate, risks missing a more urgent and empowering opportunity. Instead of simply counting vacancies and lamenting the lack of talent, what if we shifted the conversation to how we are using the skills we already have? A narrow focus on scarcity breeds stagnation. We should instead shift our focus from the lack of skills to also asking whether existing talent is being deployed effectively and whether businesses are missing opportunities by failing to nurture potential and tap into untapped talent pools. The skills gap may not be as insurmountable as it appears if organisations start approaching talent…

In a notable display of resilience amidst challenging market conditions, Italtile has declared a special dividend of 98 cents per share for the financial year ending June, showcasing its strong cash reserves that exceed operational requirements. This dividend marks a significant increase from the 78 cents special dividend declared in the previous year and accompanies an ordinary dividend of 50 cents, inching up from 49 cents last year. Collectively, the special and final dividend amounts to 148 cents, reflecting a 16.7% increase from 127 cents per share in the preceding year. Following the announcement, the share price surged by 5.7%, reaching R10.99 on the JSE on Monday morning. Lance Foxcroft, CEO of Italtile, who was interviewed by BR, attributed this positive performance to a steadfast focus on customer experience, which…

The future is here! Imagine a pod-like shower that seems straight out of a science fiction movie, but it could soon be part of our daily lives. This is thanks to Japan’s latest invention, the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki, also called the “human washing machine”. Developed by the Osaka-based company Science Co, this AI-powered bathing device is built for both convenience and wellness. It uses advanced water jets, microscopic air bubbles and a smart system that adapts to your body’s needs. The machine could change the way we think about personal hygiene. More importantly, it could hold life-changing potential for elderly people and caregivers around the world. How does the machine work? The process is simple but futuristic: You step into a capsule-like pod, which fills halfway with warm water. High-speed…

ANC veteran and former International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor says the party has lost its glory and South Africans now look at the once-revered liberation movement with "disdain, horror and shame". Pandor made the remarks while delivering a lecture during the centenary celebration of former ANC Women’s League president Gertrude Shope on Sunday. Shope, who died in May this year, was a former Member of Parliament and veteran activist. She would have turned 100 this month. “Ma’ Shope would have been dismayed at our faltering progress,” Pandor said. However, Pandor said Shope would also have been deeply troubled by widespread corruption and the erosion of values among leaders. “She knew of the corruption that has dragged down the revolutionary morality of our leaders. “She was aware of our…

THE Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has been ordered to pay millions to a man who suffered brain damage during an attack by unknown assailants on a train. In April 2016, between Philippi and Lentegeur Stations, a 19-year-old man, only identified as LM, was attacked by unknown assailants on a train operated by Prasa. He is a former construction worker who due to his brain damage, is unable to work again. An advocate from the Cape Bar who was appointed to act on his behalf, as he is unable to manage his own affairs, turned to the Western Cape High Court to claim damages from the rail operator. LM sustained serious injuries, including head injuries with fractures as well as severe traumatic brain injuries. He further…

Australian tours are renowned for the birth of future superstars. West Indian legend Brian Lara announced his arrival on the world stage with his maiden Test century at the SCG back in 1993 when he struck a majestic 277 in the New Year Test. It was a seminal moment in Lara’s career, who later named his daughter Sydney. Thirty-two years later the cricketing world may yet have heralded the next global phenomenon in Dewald Brevis after the Proteas' recently completed white-ball tour Down Under. The 22-year-old has been touted as a prodigy ever since breaking the record for the most runs at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean three years ago. After a few years of finding his feet in the T20 Leagues around the world, Brevis shattered…

Ruben Amorim’s much-vaunted rebuild at Manchester United could be a false dawn for the former giants if he does not heed the lessons of the past. There is little to criticise in the Red Devils spending nearly £200 million on attacking reinforcements Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this transfer window, given United’s paltry return of 44 goals in 38 league games last season. Fans should be concerned that United are signing new players before clearing out those who have underperformed, do not fit Amorim’s tactical system, or are simply not in his plans. Many supporters had hoped his arrival would bring a revival reminiscent of the Ferguson era. The Portuguese coach insists he cannot put his project on hold for players to leave. Fair enough. But this impatience…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has appointed Job Stadi Mngomezulu as acting CEO of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) after seconding him from the National Treasury. This decision comes in the wake of Godongwana placing Kedibone Madiehe on precautionary suspension with full pay, effective immediately, as her tenure has recently come under sharp scrutiny over allegations of procurement irregularities. Moreover, Godongwana announced that the Office of the Accountant General (OAG) unit has commenced a detailed forensic investigation into all allegations of financial misconduct at the agency. The GPAA is a government component which reports to the Minister of Finance and administers the pension affairs of approximately 1.7 million government employees and pensioners, as well as the affairs of their spouses and dependants. The agency has been rocked by allegations of…

In November 2025, Johannesburg will host the G20 Summit — the world’s most influential gathering of political and business leaders — alongside the second Future of Jobs Summit™. This rare convergence of global attention and local action presents South Africa with a once-in-a-generation opportunity: to commit to and co-create one million new jobs by 2030. The idea is not unprecedented. When India hosted the G20 in 2023, they turned the moment into a national economic accelerator, creating over a million jobs in under two years through targeted industry investment, fast-tracked infrastructure, and SME empowerment. South Africa can follow — and even surpass — this example if we act decisively, align our national priorities, and work in true partnership across business, government, and labour. The Power of Co-Creation Co-creation is not…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and workplace chat tools are transforming how organisations operate, communicate, and manage workloads. For middle managers, this shift is particularly profound. Tasks that once dominated daily management responsibilities, such as analysing performance, creating reports, and managing projects, are rapidly being automated, challenging middle managers to urgently redefine their roles. Shifting from oversight to insightHistorically, middle management acted as the bridge between senior leadership and frontline employees. They were responsible for translating strategy into actionable steps, tracking progress, and ensuring teams stayed aligned. Today, AI and chat technologies are changing that dynamic. Digital platforms can deliver real-time insights, automate scheduling, and generate reports with a speed and accuracy that greatly reduces the need for hands-on oversight. Meanwhile, chat tools enable faster, often direct communication between different levels of…

Sasol’s share price shot up over 10% on Monday after headline earnings a share increased by 93% for the year to June 30, as it began to deliver on its Capital Markets Day (CMD) commitments it had outlined in May, and it reported less write downs. “We have delivered pleasing results in areas within our control particularly margin realisation, managing cash fixed costs, and optimising capital spend. These actions are building greater resilience… they give us confidence in …enabling us to reinstate dividends and support investment in future growth and transformation,” said CFO Walt Burns. The share price was trading at R119.80 on Monday afternoon on the JSE, continuing a steady recovery since the CMD, but it was still below the R147.96 that it was trading at on the same…

There’s a new trend among couples that’s shaking up the way they think about love, intimacy and boundaries: it's called “soft swopping”. This practice allows partners to have fun with others while agreeing to one important rule: no penetrative sex. In simple terms, it's a way for couples to explore their feelings with others but still keep some special things just for each other. Urban Dictionary describes soft swopping or soft swinging as that “form of consensual non-monogamy where couples explore sexual activities with other people, but without engaging in intercourse or penetration”. Recently, “interest in soft swopping has skyrocketed, particularly following the release of the Netflix docuseries, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. People started searching for this trend more than ever earlier this year, likely sparked by discussions…

The recent meeting between Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) and the US Embassy could be a signal of disregard for President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet, with experts saying this is not a good sign for diplomatic clarity. On Friday, the TMF announced on X that it had a meeting with a representative from the US Embassy to prepare for a visit from a delegation from the US. “Today, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation met with a representative from the US Embassy in South Africa to prepare for a delegation from Washington DC that will be paying a courtesy visit to the Foundation next week,’’ said the foundation. The foundation’s spokesperson Anga Jamela refused to comment and share details about the upcoming meeting. However, it is believed that the two had discussions…

The ghastly pictures of famine coming out of Gaza are reminiscent of the pictures of emaciated Jews who survived concentration camps during the Second World War. That, within a few generations, the descendants of concentration camp victims can perpetrate a mass starvation strategy on top of a genocidal military strategy, while the world watches on TV and does nothing, is an indictment on all of humanity. The vast majority of the world’s Jewry do not associate themselves with Zionism or barbarity, and most do not live in Israel. But they, too, will be scarred by the slipping of the mask of cultured and resilient humanity that Israel has sought to symbolise and project for nearly 80 years. Israel’s actions today will fuel anti-Semitism for generations to come. Benjamin Netanyahu is…

AN ATHLONE primary school learner was involved in an attempted abduction incident last week after the perpetrators said she had to get into their car, claiming her mother had sent them. Welcome Primary School issued a statement on August 19 informing parents of the incident the previous day, saying it is a great concern, however, they are grateful the learner is safe. The school said: “A Grade 5 learner from our school reported that she and her friends were followed by four men in what she believed to be an orange Renault. The men continued to follow them until they reached St Theresa’s Primary School. “When the learner separated from the friends, the men approached her and persistently tried to convince her to get into their car, claiming that her…

Former South African cricket icon AB de Villiers has dropped a major hint about a possible return to the IPL in a different capacity, expressing his desire for a coaching or mentoring role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the future. De Villiers spent the majority of his IPL career at RCB. The wicketkeeper-batter started his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 and played for them for three seasons before joining RCB in 2011. The South African legend, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, said that while a full-time professional commitment to the league is unlikely, his bond with RCB remains strong. If the Bengaluru-based franchise feels there is a role for him to be associated with the team, he is ready. “I…