Cape Times 2025-07-10

A legal battle between two bottled water companies that has bounced between various courts for more than two years has finally been settled – with no party emerging as the ultimate victor. However, one of the parties, Oasis Water, is considering claiming damages from three former franchisees in the wake of the ruling. The matter began when water shop network Oasis launched legal proceedings against three former franchisees who Oasis alleged converted Oasis outlets they owned into MANZI outlets in breach of contract. Around 12 separate legal cases were instituted by Oasis. This was followed by the former franchisees – by then rebranded as MANZI Water – alleging that it was Oasis that had breached contract. Their arguments included claims that Oasis was competing with its own franchisees. The dispute…

The National Employers’ Association of South Africa (Neasa) and Sakeliga have jointly filed an urgent application for an interdict against the implementation of the 2025 Employment Equity sectoral numerical quotas and accompanying administrative regulations, as well as calling for the judicial review and setting aside thereof. The Minister of Employment and Labour, Dr Nomakhosazana Meth published the employment equity regulations of April 15. These quotas require employers with 50 or more employees to restructure their entire workforce to reflect national gender and racial demographics of the country. The application challenges the legality and constitutionality of the newly introduced employment equity framework. The legal challenge firstly aims for a judicial review of the procedural acts of the Minister in setting the quotas, which the organisations alledge were fraught with irregularities and…

Foreign policy expert warns that 30% tariff imposed by the US is likely the first in a series of actions US foreign policy expert Michael Walsh has warned that the 30% tariff imposed on South African imports by the United States was likely the first in a series of actions that will be taken against South Africa by the Trump Administration over the next year. This comes as US President Donald Trump this week slapped South Africa with 30% tariffs on “any and all South African products sent into the United States” from August 1 “to correct the unsustainable trade deficits” against the US. Walsh - a non-resident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, an American think tank based in Pennsylvania - said on Wednesday that Trump was…

Minister for Electricity and Energy, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has said that as only R13 billion had been allocated to the integrated national electrification programme over the medium term expenditure period, the allocation would be used as a de-risking instrument to crowd in developmental capital and concessional finance. Presenting the department's Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Ramokgopa said the department was working in close partnership with development finance institutions and the National Treasury in developing an infrastructure finance facility that will enable the frontloading of capital requirements through debt market instruments. "The aim is to mobilise balance sheet financing whilst preserving affordability and fiscal discipline. By using the public allocation as an anchor, the strategy allows for accelerated electricity rollout in high priority provinces and municipalities, greater geographic equity and predictable…

Global intra-regional trade figures show Africa at roughly 16% - a stark contrast to Europe (65%) and Asia (43%). The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to address this disparity by establishing a unified market. For banking and financial institutions considering investing in Africa’s future, this is a pivotal moment to engage in the continent’s economic transformation. The AfCFTA encompasses 54 countries and 1.3 billion people. By 2035, intra-African trade will exceed $140 billion (R2.5 trillion), representing 15% of the continent’s exports. With full implementation, these exports could reach $952bn – a 29% increase. These aren’t mere statistics; they represent real opportunities for businesses. The AfCFTA investment protocol’s holistic approach requires abolishing tariffs, introducing regulatory conformity, open cross-border transactions, and protecting investments and intellectual property while ensuring investor obligations.…

The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) on Wednesday sounded the alarm over impending tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, which could impose a substantial 30% levy on South African exports starting 1 August, should no trade agreement be reached. The call for an exemption specifically targeting seasonal fresh produce underlines the potential economic devastation facing South Africa’s citrus farming communities, particularly if their products become uncompetitive in the American market. In a statement, the CGA expressed solidarity with Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, who welcomed the challenge to negotiate a trade deal beneficial to both countries during his Budget Vote Address on Tuesday. The CGA noted that South Africa must act swiftly in the coming weeks to secure its crucial trade relationships. In his speech, Steenhuisen emphasized…