Indice dei contenuti per 2023-07-20 in Star

PICK N PAY’S shares took an almost 9% nose dive yesterday as it reported a decline in sales for the 20 weeks ended July 16, 2022, as it cut promotional spending amid high operating cost pressures due to load shedding. The shares fell 8.19% to close at R35.11 on the JSE yesterday and has decreased by 38.33% in the past six months. In its trading statement, released yesterday, the retailer said Pick n Pay SA sales declined 0.3%, 0.0% like-for-like. The slower sales momentum relative to the 3.2% reported for the second half of the 2023 financial year, was a consequence of reduced promotional activity during the period as Pick n Pay managed the impact of extraordinary operating cost pressures caused by elevated load…

SHOPPERS in South Africa are expected to continue trekking slower and slower to shops as depressed household in- comes plunged retail sales for the sixth month in a row in May. This comes as Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) yesterday said retail sales volumes declined by 1.4% year-on-year in May, from a downwardly revised decline of 1.8% in the previous month. The May print marked the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year declines in retail activity as a number of retailers continued to experience a significant negative impact primarily due to the prolonged power crisis. StatsSA’s deputy director for distri- butive trade statistics, Raquel Floris, said five of the seven retailer groups registered decreases in May, with general dealers and hardware stores the largest negative contributors. The hardware, paint and glass segment,…

Transforming a business idea into a fully-fledged venture is certainly no small feat. For some entrepreneurs, undertaking this mammoth task is a job best accomplished by collaborating with a business partner. While working with a business partner does come with its own set of challenges, in many cases, the pros outweigh the cons. Reasons why partnering up may be the best way forward If there is an obvious skills or expertise gap that needs to be closed in order for the business to reach its full potential, a suitably experienced partner could be the answer. A partner could also bring a valuable network of contacts, industry peers and connections to the table. There’s also the issue of workload and responsibilities to consider – the best approach to tackling an overwhelming…

SOUTH Africa’s consumer food inflation slowed in June, recording at 11.1% from the 12% in the previous month. Statistics SA (StatsSA) yesterday said the annual headline inflation cooled to 5.4% in June from 6.3% year-on-year in May, sinking below the upper limit of the South African Reserve Bank’s monetary policy target range. Annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) slowed for the third successive month, cooling to 11% from a high of 14% in March Most food and NAB components recorded lower inflation rates in June, with the exception of vegetables, fruit, and sugar, sweets and desserts. Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said they were still positive that South Africa’s consumer food inflation would continue to slow during this second half of the year. “The products…

If you’re a movie buff then the Durban International Film Festival is the place for you. The 44th edition, also online, welcomes filmmakers and cinephiles from over the world to get their fill with more than 90 feature films, shorts, documentaries and student films, from today until July 30. Presented by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, the festival celebrates excellence in film-making by unearthing and showcasing films that provide a memorable and enriching cinematic experience for audiences, with courageous tales or new ways of retelling often-told narratives. Whether you are attending in-person or joining online, make sure to catch these top five films. Banel & Adama (includes English subtitles) French film director and screenwriter Ramata-Toulaye Sy will captivate audience with this forbidden love story. The film is…

The Anglican Church and the City of Joburg have mended fences in the spirit of Mandela Day. This comes after a number of complaints from the episcopal leader of the church, Bishop Stephen Moreo, over the dirtiness of the inner city and the area around the historic St Mary’s Cathedral, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu was ordained as a minister. According to church authorities, Tutu later changed his wish to be buried in St Mary’s Cathedral after seeing the decay in Joburg. City of Joburg Speaker Colleen Makhubele, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and students from Wits University, the University of Johannesburg and Hope Restoration Centre’s reformed youth attended to the needs of the church with a clean-up campaign. St Mary’s Cathedral is one of Joburg’s heritage sites and is…

HIGH Court Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng has issued a stern warning after the trial proceedings in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case had to be postponed due to a State witness claiming she was feeling unwell to proceed. The warning came as the court was due to give the defence counsel an opportunity to cross-examine the State’s first witness, Zandile Khumalo, sister of songstress Kelly Khumalo. Earlier in the day, Khumalo had finished recalling her version of events on the day that the Pirates player was shot and killed on October 26, 2014. Just as the court resumed following the lunch adjournment, State prosecutor George Baloyi requested a break as he alleged they had encountered problems with the accommodation provided for Khumalo. After he returned, he informed the court that they were…

Graham Dickason, the father of three girls murdered by their mother, Lauren Dickason, told a Christchurch court in New Zealand that his wife had a long history of mental health problems. Lauren is currently on trial for the murder of their children. During his cross-examination yesterday, the New Zealand Herald reported that Graham shared how the couple had struggled for years to conceive. After the birth of their eldest, Lianè, Lauren sought psychiatric help and was diagnosed with “major depressive disorder and postpartum depression”. She was on medication to manage her mood. Graham also discussed Lauren’s disturbing messages to her friends about killing their children, claiming he dismissed them as jokes owing to her “satirical” sense of humour, the Herald reported. He believed she was venting parental frustrations. In 2019,…

IT IS now hoped that the marathon trial of Mamelodi businessman Vusi “Khekhe” Mathibela and his three accomplices will be concluded in August. The matter was yet again postponed yesterday in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. Yesterday’s brief appearance of the four comes after the court in May provisionally postponed the matter to pave the way further for the trial. Mathibela, Sipho Patrick Hudla, Robert Mutapa and Bonginkosi Paul Khumalo were more than a year ago convicted of the 2015 killing of billionaire businessman Wandile Bozwana, but they are yet to be sentenced. One of the big issues was that advocate Anneline van den Heever, who appeared for Hudla and Mutapa, was ill on numerous occasions. She then announced through her instructing attorney that she was withdrawing from the…

Made here in South Africa at Ford’s Silverton plant for export around the globe, Volkswagen’s Amarok continues to have a loyal customer base. Enough has been said and written about the Amarok sharing the same oily bits as the Ford Ranger save to say that this is a lot more than just a rebadge. By all accounts the arrangement between Ford and Volkswagen is turning out a lot better than the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Nissan with Mercedes’s X-Class that ended in the demise of the latter’s venture into the double cab market. When the Amarok was launched globally in Cape Town the engineers and designers at VW were at pains to explain that it was a collaboration between the two companies and in fact the Americans had learnt…

Mercedes-AMG has officially revealed the new GLC 43 4Matic as well as its first performance hybrid SUV, the GLC 63 S E Performance. The former employs the familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with aid from the electric exhaust gas turbocharger allowing for power outputs of 310kW and 500Nm of torque. The belt-driven starter-generator provides an additional boost of 10kW at lower speeds. Power is sent to all four wheels via the permanent AMG Performance 4Matic system with rear-biased torque distribution, with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission on duty for changing cogs. 0-100km/h is achieved in 4.8 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The GLC 63 S E Performance makes use of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) found on the rear axle, which…

Andre Onana said that he couldn’t the resist the chance to play at Manchester United as the Cameroon goalkeeper prepares to join the Premier League giants after one season at Inter Milan. Onana is set to sign for United in a deal worth a reported €55-million after joining Inter last summer as a free agent and starring in their run to the Champions League final. In an interview with the Gazzetta Dello Sport published yesterday, he confirmed his transfer to Old Trafford, saying he couldn’t wait to rejoin his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag. “I really want to begin this new exciting adventure with a coach who, as far as I’m concerned, is a maestro,” said Onana. “I’m going to play in a great league and for a great…

David Beckham believes Lionel Messi will need time to adapt to Major League Soccer, even though the standard of play is at a “different level” from the European game. Inter Miami co-owner Beckham, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, watched Messi take part in his first training session for the club on Tuesday after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, a former teammate of Messi’s from Barcelona, also trained at the club’s complex, after signing on Saturday, with former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino leading the session. “Leo’s still going to need, no matter how good he is, no matter what his stature is, he and Sergio are going to need time to adapt no matter,” said the Englishman. “They might surprise us, we…

Consumers may not get relief yet as SARB still tipped to increase borrowing costs FINANCIALLY-constrained consumers may have to contend with a further increase in the cost of borrowing as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is tipped to keep interest rates elevated in spite of inflation falling to its lowest in 20 months in June. Data from Statistics SA (StatsSA) yesterday showed that annual headline inflation cooled to 5.4% in June from 6.3% in May, dragged lower by fuel and food prices. Inflation in June sank below the upper limit of the SARB target range of 3 to 6% for the first time since April 2022, and was the lowest reading since October 2021 when the rate was 5%. However, inflation is still higher than the 4.5% mid-point of…

DIVERSIFIED real estate investment trust Accelerate Property Fund reported a strong performance in trading densities across all its key retail centres in the year to March 31. “The group’s continued focus on the settlement of related party matters and property fundamentals in especially its retail portfolio, continued to gain traction, notwithstanding strong macro-economic headwinds,” joint CEO Abri Schneider said in a statement. “Our focus on managing the portfolio fundamentals bore fruit. We (also) managed to improve leasing activities and reduced the cost-to-income ratio,” he said. Distributable income came to R166.8 million prior to once off tax deductible items of R110m, compared with R210m reported for the 2022 financial year, a decrease the group said was predominantly driven by the rise in interest rates since February 2022. “Rental levels across…

Police officers investigating the unresolved murder of Tupac Shakur have searched a house in suburban Las Vegas. The rap legend was shot and killed in Las Vegas in September 1996, but officers recently searched a house in Henderson, Nevada, as they continue their attempts to solve the crime. A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metro Police Department told People “a search warrant was served in Henderson” on Monday. The spokesperson also confirmed that the search was “part of the ongoing Tupac Shakur homicide investigation”. Shakur was just 25 when he was killed in a drive-by shooting, after attending a Mike Tyson fight in Las Vegas. Shakur died six days later and his murder has remained a source of speculation ever since. Earlier this year, Shakur was honoured with a star…

The murder of Independent Media photographer Bongani Mbatha has left his family, friends and colleagues reeling in shock. Mbatha, 51, of Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, was murdered at his home on Tuesday night. When Independent Media visited the area yesterday, his family were too distraught to speak, but neighbours said that they had heard gunshots just after 6pm. A neighbour, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said he had spoken with Mbatha just minutes before the gunshots rang out. “He asked if we could help with his washing, which is something we do now and then. He said that he was feeling cold, so he went to go get his jersey. I walked him out and we stood by his gate for some time until we parted…

One in 10 people aged 65 years and older reported having experienced some form of abuse, new UCT research has found. Financial and emotional abuse were the most common types of reported abuse, according to the study by UCT PhD graduand Roxanne Jacobs. “We found that more than half of the acts of abuse that involved taking money, valuables or other things involved strangers,” said Jacobs, adding that functional impairment of older adults was a significant predictor of self-reported elder abuse. Titled “Elder abuse in South Africa: measurement, prevalence and risk”, the research showed common perpetrators of elder abuse to be non-family, with which the older person had a personal relationship, and family members living in the same home, or not. Jacobs, a research officer at the Alan J Flisher…

GAUTENG hospitals carried out more than 700 surgeries in one day, as part of the Nelson Mandela Day commemorations this week. This was as 32 hospitals across the province saw hundreds of patients going under the knife for surgical procedures ranging from plastic surgery to neurosurgery, urology, orthopaedics, hernia repair, prostate biopsy, and colostomy closures, among others. It was part of an effort by the Gauteng Department of Health to attempt to clear a massive backlog in surgical operations across the province’s health facilities. The department calculated that it had a backlog of 32 000 patients waiting in line to undergo surgeries. As of the evening of July 18, on Mandela’s birthday, 720 elective surgeries were carried out by the 32 facilities. Stationed at Pretoria’s Steve Biko Academic hospital and…

THE National School of Government yesterday closed the three-day BRICS conference that started on Monday, paving the way for the main event that will see world leaders gather in South Africa next month. The conference, held at the University of Pretoria, was meant to drum up support for the summit that will see leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa converge in Durban. More than 1000 delegates from the BRICS countries gathered to discuss Governance and Public Administration Reforms. BRICS was created in 2009 as part of efforts by member states to counter the influence of Western countries on global affairs. Speaking to Pretoria News yesterday, principal of the National School of Government Professor Busani Ngcaweni said the conference was a significant part of the build-up to the…

In 2008, Isabella Kobela had a full-time career as a goldsmith and rough evaluator, but she always wanted to create her own jewellery. With R2 000 and her burning ambition, Kobela took a leap of faith and started her own jewellery business. Today, she is the designer of Isabella Jewellers and Refiners, and her daughter Meiki Ngcengeni takes care of the financial side of the business. The business first produced jewellery, but Kobela soon saw it needed to break into the previously male-dominated world of jewellery manufacturing. Isabella produces and sells jewellery to the industry, manages a profitable refining and recycling business, offers raw materials to wholesalers and even finds time to create and market unique items. But it wasn’t always easy. “It’s a tough industry to break into,…

The apotheosis, by international media, of a self-proclaimed mortal, who had made many mistakes in his lifetime continues to live in our hearts and minds. Ten years have passed, yet, clear thinkers always stop to consider what Madiba might have thought, had he been alive. He would, no doubt, be deeply shocked and hurt by the dismal performance of those he left behind, by the sheer arrogance and foolishness of a generation of people that he thought would emulate and enforce the ideals that he espoused. Madiba’s ANC and the one that we are saddled with today bear no resemblance to one another. When he was released, the ANC had respect, lauded internationally as the party that would take South Africa towards a unified and brighter future. My goodness, what…

Through its first four generations, the Hyundai Santa Fe was content to be one of those softer-looking SUVs with car-like curves in most places. But that all changes with the all-new version revealed this week. Some might say it has taken some inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, but either way it’s clear that the Korean carmaker is aiming it at a more adventurous SUV buyer. Hyundai says the new model was shaped by “big data around the latest outdoor lifestyle trends”. That said, we still don’t know what’s under the skin of the newcomer as this is very much a “take a first look” kind of reveal, with full technical details to follow when the vehicle makes its official global debut next month. As for the local launch, Hyundai…

Open letter to Comrade Mzala Nxumalo Although I know that you are with us in spirit, I have decided to write this open letter to you and send it through the post office to Ngoje, where you are resting. Your spirit remains with us years after your untimely departure. I write this letter with a high sense of pride, knowing that I am interacting with a respected and world-renowned leader. Zwide, you were known for being a hands-on leader. A deep thinker who was fearless. Mkhatshwa, you were a towering author who published clear and solid books. An example is one book which you left for us and many generations to come. Years after your untimely departure, everything narrated in the book is playing out in real life, each day…

The Springbok squad to host Argentina next weekend in Johannesburg has been boosted by the return of scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, but there is no such luck for Ox Nche, who remains on the injury list. The Bok squad reassembled in Pretoria yesterday following a two-day break. Hendrikse had a number of starts for the Boks last year but this season suffered a long-term shoulder injury playing for the Sharks. Last week, he was granted compassionate leave because of a family bereavement. Loosehead prop Nche injured a pectoral muscle on the eve of the match against the Wallabies a fortnight ago and it looks like he could be out for some time. Bulls prop Gerhard Steenekamp continues as a squad replacement for Nche. Otherwise, Bok coach Jacques Nienaber has retained the…

Jonas Vingegaard climbed into a rock-solid lead in the Tour de France yesterday as his main rival Tadej Pogacar lost almost six minutes on the toughest climb of the 21 stages. Felix Gall won Stage 16, billed as the ‘Queen stages with 69km of Alpine climbing, ahead of Simon Yates. Defending champion Vingegaard of Jumbo Visma increased his lead in the overall standings to a crushing 7min 35sec, with Pogacar second and his UAE teammate Adam Yates up to third at 10:45. Ineos rider Carlos Rodriguez slipped to fourth, 1:16 behind Adam Yates and 18sec ahead of twin Simon Yates of Jayco Alula. After Vingegaard pulverised Pogacar in the individual time trial the day before, the Slovenian vowed to fight back, saying he was hoping for bad weather. But the…

Cape Town Samp Army batter Matthew Breetzke is focused on cashing in on the endless opportunities that will come with playing in the inaugural Zim Afro T10 starting today. The Zim Afro T10 tournament will kick off with the Harare Hurricanes taking on the Bulawayo Braves at the Harare Sports Club. The likes of Sisanda Magala, Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira and Junior Dala, to name a few, are all set to feature in the tournament. One of the main objectives of the event, as per founder Shaji Ul Mulk, is to unearth and develop talent in southern Africa. One of South Africa’s most talented youngsters, Breetzke, is set to benefit greatly from a tournament of this magnitude. With the Pakistan Super League owners actively involved in the Zim Afro T10, there…

THE COMPETITION Tribunal is hard pressed to decide on whether to give Lottoland South Africa a further six-month interim relief period to advertise on Google Ireland Limited and Google South Africa after the global search engine excluded it from its landing page to protect itself from non-compliance with the National Lotteries Act and some of its policies. Lottoland SA offers a wide range of lotteries and sports betting. Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi chaired the Tribunal, which comprises Dr Thando Vilakazi and Andre Wessels. Lottoland SA was represented by Advocate Paul Farlam, while Google Ireland and Google SA were represented by Advocate Michelle le Roux. Lottoland SA yesterday told the Tribunal that the exclusionary behaviour by Google on its platform had prejudiced its advertising functions and, though it could not quantify the…

SUPER Group is acquiring 78.82% of UK-based logistics and transport business CBW Group Holdings for £30.3 million (R710m). Super Group, the JSE-listed global logistics and mobility solutions group, said yesterday the acquisition of CBW Group Holdings, which trades as Amco, was in line with their strategy to make selective acquisitions in its core supply chain, fleet solutions and dealerships businesses. It said yesterday the acquisition would complement the group’s supply chain offering, providing opportunities for market share gains across the UK and Europe. Super Group raised a five-year corporate bond on June 29, 2023, of R810m to facilitate the acquisition. Its share price closed 1.78% up at R33.65 on the JSE yesterday, a price that had risen 22.9% over a year. Amco is also a leading provider of specialist…

There is something particular about peace. Even in our small communities or business places, when there is a possibility of chaos and aggression, there’s just something special that makes the one person who calmly chooses peace unique. Actually, the opponents that have readied for battle quickly start changing their mind-sets and feel almost embarrassed about their hostility and decide to go the peacemaker’s way and embrace that person. And I guess that’s what shaped and formed Mandela’s everlasting legacy. Of course, many will argue that the previously disadvantaged are still not yet fully liberated economically, but one can also say it could have been much worse had the alternative violent version been the order of the day post-apartheid. This Mandela Day, 22 On Sloane in partnership with African Bank, spent…

THE RECENT surge in truck arson incidents brings about a concern to the smooth functioning of the agricultural supply chain, particularly during a critical time when some horticultural crops are in season and summer grains are being harvested. These criminal acts not only endanger lives and property, but also potentially disrupt the transport of agricultural products, resulting in severe consequences for farmers, agribusinesses, and the overall agricultural sector. Transporting agricultural goods from farms to markets or processing facilities is an essential part of the agricultural value chain. The torching of trucks may disrupt this crucial link, causing delays, loss of perishable produce, and higher transport costs. Farmers are investing their time, resources, and hard work in cultivating horticultural crops and harvesting summer grains stand to face losses and possibly diminished…

MINISTER for Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala told a panel on unpacking the construction mafia issues, that the government was establishing a special task force to address the growing phenomenon, but also challenged the construction industry to identify and allocate community sub-contracts from early stages of project development. He called for the establishment of a construction master plan to articulate the industry pathway and alluded to the webinar discussion as a significant part of the strategy to be developed for the sector that was yet in silo status. This as the construction industry puts the onus on government to beef up security clusters to meet the increasing challenge, which has cost the economy more than R100 billion in the past five years. Public and private sector construction costs of…

Akon recently joined Revolt’s Drink Champs podcast for a discussion with N.O.R.E and DJ EFN about his journey over the past 25 years. During the interview he discussed a range of topics, including writing his breakthrough single Lonely from prison, Locked Up going viral, working with some of the biggest artists in the world, and building an African city. But it was a clip of him talking about South Africa that’s garnering the most attention online. “And what’s crazy is certain parts of Africa, or South Africa, the white folks are the ones in the ghettos,” he said. “If you go to South Africa, the richest people in South Africa are the black ones. It’s almost like a flip… Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, everywhere you go there’s areas where there’s…

Adopt-a-School Foundation continues its commitment to ensure learners gain access to footwear and to effect change across the school spectrum, providing a schooling environment conducive to teaching and learning. To mark Nelson Mandela Day, which was widely celebrated across the country, Adopt-a-School identified and committed to addressing basic infrastructure needs at Tsakani Primary School in Kagiso, Gauteng. On July 18, volunteers worked together to renovate the school grounds, the Grade R facility, and the play area and provide eyesight testing with spectacles and school shoes for learners in need. Speaking about the day, Adopt-a-School Foundation’s CEO Steven Lebere said: ‘’We have found in various rural and urban school communities across the country, parents are unable to afford school shoes, resources and uniforms for their children. “Many learners continue to brave…

SOUTH Africa is set to have another double cab bakkie option with the announcement that order books for the new INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster open in August. Making its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Quartermaster shares much of its architecture and components of the ladder frame chassis Station Wagon. It’s 305mm longer allowing for a 1.564m long and 1.619m wide loadbay that they say is large enough to carry a standard Euro pallet. The Collins dictionary describes a Quartermaster as an officer responsible for accommodation, food and equipment in a military unit or a rating in the navy, usually a petty officer, with particular responsibility for steering a ship and other navigational duties. It’s powered by the same BMW 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six cylinder petrol or diesel engine…

The world’s best golfers descend on Hoylake near Liverpool in England for the start of the 151st Open Championship today. Here, we look at five leading contenders to win the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Scottie Scheffler (US) Age: 27 World ranking: 1 Major titles: 1 (2022 Masters) The world No 1 has been remarkably consistent all season, winning the Players’ Championship and the Phoenix Open among 15 top-10 finishes in 19 events. He has fallen just short of adding to his sole major at last year’s Masters. Scheffler tied for 10th in his defence of the green jacket, before finishing joint second at the PGA Championship and third at last month’s US Open. The 27-year-old is playing in just his third Open Championship. A third-place finish at…

If Springbok bosses Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are looking for a trump card at the Rugby World Cup, it could be under their noses – or rather, on their bench. I don’t think I am alone in feeling that Malcolm Marx could make a vital difference for the Boks if his second-half cameos became 60-minute master classes. The impact he made last weekend in the team’s losing Rugby Championship effort against the All Blacks in Auckland was another reminder of his supreme quality, and you have to wonder if he is being under-employed by the world champions. As good as regular starting hooker Bongi Mbonambi is, Marx offers more. I get that the Springboks are blessed in having two of the best hookers on the planet, and only one…

The British & Irish Lions will face a joint Australia-New Zealand team in an unofficial “fourth Test” on their 2025 tour, which will include matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, it was announced yesterday. The clash against an ‘Anzac XV’ in Adelaide will be part of a nine-game visit that will also see the Lions take on all five Australian Super Rugby sides. “The British and Irish Lions tour is one of the great sporting festivals – it is a real landmark of Australian and world sport,” said Rugby Australia chief and former Wallaby legend Phil Waugh. “It is an exciting fixture of matches with the Lions taking on our Super Rugby franchises, three massive Test matches, and a marquee match in Adelaide featuring a combined invitational…