Tabla de contenidos para 2025-06-18 en Cape Times

Merlog Foods has called on the Department of Agriculture to allow the importation of Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) from regions in Brazil unaffected by the recent avian influenza outbreak. This request comes on the heels of the department signing an import agreement with the United States, a move hailed by many industry stakeholders as a crucial step towards enhancing food security in the country. MDM is widely used in lower-cost protein products required by millions of South Africans for food security such as Vienna sausages and polony, and Brazil is South Africa’s primary source of MDM. Georg Southey, manager of Merlog Foods, recently expressed his appreciation for the Department's year-long arrangement with the US that facilitates a responsive trade mechanism in the wake of bird flu outbreaks. “This agreement, which…

Stablecoins - a form of cryptocurrency backed by traditional assets - are gaining traction, with the US Senate set to vote Tuesday on a bill to regulate such digital tokens. But as stablecoins move closer to the financial mainstream, experts warn that weak regulation could leave investors and the financial system vulnerable. What are stablecoins? Stablecoins play a key role in crypto markets, enabling users to trade digital assets without relying on traditional banks, instead using a decentralised register known as blockchain. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, stablecoins track the value of traditional assets - such as the US dollar or gold - enabling greater stability. Tether and USDC, for example, are pegged to the dollar, backed by reserves held by their issuing companies. They are useful internationally because they…

Africa is at a turning point in its energy journey. As cities expand and industries grow, the demand for electricity is rising fast. By 2040, Africa will need nearly 1,200 gigawatts of power, yet 600 million people still lack electricity, holding back development, healthcare, and education. This creates a major challenge: How can Africa expand energy access without locking itself into high-emission fuels? The solution must balance affordability, sustainability, and reliability. While solar and wind power are critical, most countries lack the infrastructure to rely on them alone. Grids must remain stable, industries need steady energy, and cross-border trade requires a consistent supply. Natural gas plays a vital role in this—acting as a bridge to cleaner energy while meeting urgent electricity needs.Africa houses about 7% of the world’s proven…

Supplier of coloured gemstones Gemfields reported total revenues of $31.7 million (R566m) from its latest mixed-quality ruby auction, as 78 of the 90 lots offered were sold, representing a sales rate of 87% by lot and 69% by carat weight. A total of 99 830 carats were offered, with 68 705 carats successfully sold at an average price of $ 461.48 per carat, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. The auction, which included rubies from a newly developed section of the Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) site in Mozambique, featured a standout 36-carat fine-quality ruby. The stone attracted strong interest and achieved one of the highest prices ever for a single gemstone from MRM, ranking third in the mine’s history, Gemfields said. Adrian Banks, Gemfields' managing director of…

Vukile Property Fund, the specialist retail estate investment trust, has upgraded its guidance by 8% for 2026 as it produced a robust set of results for the financial year ended March 31 2025. Delivering on its market guidance, Vukile achieved 3% growth in full-year funds from operations per share and increased its dividend per share by 6%. Laurence Rapp, the CEO of Vukile Property Fund, said, “We are pleased to report strong results in a transformative year, distinguished by accretive strategic growth and capital rotation. This outstanding performance validates Vukile’s strategy, expands its earnings base and positions the business for compounding future growth.” Vukile's, with total property assets now exceeding R50 billion, is evolving into a more international business with growing exposure to hard currency earnings emanating from blue-chip…

THE North West has become the latest province to be hit by a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, prompting emergency containment measures, quarantine orders, and a national industry-wide response to stop the spread of the highly contagious animal virus. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed that two separate incidents of FMD were detected in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, within the JB Marks Local Municipality. One of the outbreaks was flagged by a private veterinarian who observed suspicious symptoms during a routine farm visit. Samples tested at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute confirmed the presence of the virus. The second case was picked up at an abattoir in Madibeng. While the animals showed no symptoms during the ante-mortem inspection, FMD lesions were discovered on the slaughter line.…

A NORTHERN Cape teacher has failed in his bid to regain his job after being dismissed for allegedly calling two students the k-word.Gerhard Louw turned to the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) after being axed for misconduct for allegedly using a racial slur when addressing two black students. Louw was dismissed in November 2024 following the incident during the winter school of that year when seven girls were relocated from the Northern Cape High School hostel to the Technical High School hostel in Kimberley. One of the girls, M, testified that a day after their arrival, Louw, who was the supervisor at the hostel, came out of his residence and was not pleased with the idea of having them stay at the hostel. She testified that Louw approached her while…

THE killing of three people while travelling in an e-hailing vehicle in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain has been linked to ongoing gang violence. Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are following up on all leads in pursuit of the suspects. “Preliminary reports indicate that unknown suspects, travelling in two vehicles, opened fire on the occupants of an e-hailing Honda sedan at the intersection of Merrydale Avenue and Highlands Drive at approximately 11.10am (Tuesday),” said Traut. The driver, whose age is yet to be confirmed, along with a 38-year-old male and a 36-year-old female passenger, was declared dead on the scene. “The motive for the triple murder is believed to be gang-related,” Traut added. Seven people, including the three from yesterday’s incident, have been killed in suspected…

THE identity of the Proteas teams, be it in the white-ball or Test arenas, has always been founded in resilience. But as admirable as the trait is for the team, it has somehow cost the team in many instances. After all, to show resilience, you have to take damage – absorb the first punch, instead of being the one to land the first punch or inflict the damage. In recent years, Proteas teams have worked tirelessly to address this challenge. Little did they know that the international schedule, despite it not being in favour of South Africa in terms of the number of Tests played as compared to the big three – India, England and Australia – would help accelerate their process in redefining the meaning of resilience for the…

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca labelled the atmosphere in his team’s opening Fifa Club World Cup game on Monday as “strange” after the Blues triumphed in front of nearly 50,000 empty seats. The Uefa Conference League winners defeated Los Angeles FC 2-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with only 22,000 fans present at the 71,000-capacity arena. Chelsea’s goals were scored by Pedro Neto in the first half and Enzo Fernandez in the second. “The environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full,” Maresca told reporters. “We are professional... We have to adapt to the situation, to the environment... “It’s important the behaviour of the players, the attitude, and once again, they showed how professional they are.” The Chelsea coach said his team had expected a larger…

Eastern Platinum (Eastplats) said it had detected a cybersecurity incident affecting its internal IT systems on May 27, 2025. Eastplats is a platinum group metals (PGM) and chrome producer with assets located along South Africa’s Bushveld Complex, the world’s largest known PGM resource. Upon detection, Eastplats took immediate containment measures to protect its network and data, it said. Eastplats has since been working with cybersecurity experts to thoroughly investigate the incident's scope and undertake necessary remedial action. "Importantly, Eastplats' business operations have continued without disruption," it said. However, certain files related to its internal affairs were disclosed without authorisation by third parties on a restricted part of the internet. Eastplats said it is actively reviewing these files to ensure ongoing compliance with its legal obligations and to safeguard its commercial…

crisis as rescue practitioners prepare exit Uncertainty surrounds the funding of about R7 billion needed to recapitalise both the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the Post Bank after National Treasury firmly ruled itself out as an option. This comes as the SAPO Business Rescue Practitioners prepare to exit the process, leaving the entity with a R1.7bn paper profit. During a briefing to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Digital Technologies and Communications on Tueaday, SAPO's Group acting CEO, Fathima Gany, expressed the urgency of the situation. Gany said SAPO required R3.8bn to efficiently run its extensive network of 657 branches while integrating necessary digitisation capabilities. "The magic number is R3.8bn. It could be anything else, unfortunately the fiscus doesn't have the ability to give us that and we have to appreciate…

Glencore said it made tax, royalty and duty payments amounting to $157 million (around R2.8 billion) to South Africa in 2024 as it considers dialogue with government and other players as key for the country’s energy transition. In the year to December 2024, Glencore’s total payments to governments in markets in which it operates topped $3.7bn, calculated “in line” with the UK Transparency Requirements. Over the same period, Glencore suffered about $611m worth of impairments in its South African operations, significantly contributing to the company’s $1.6bn in losses to equity holder. The $157m in payments to the South African government for 2024 were accounted for by $111.5m in income taxes, $45.3m in royalties. An additional $1.2bn in “taxes and duties relating to non-extractive activities plus other taxes” was also paid…

In a world where energy dynamics are constantly shifting, Sakhile Ngcongwane, Business Development Manager at SolarAfrica, said that renewable energy is no longer confined to the simplistic installation of a few rooftop panels. For businesses intent on maximising the benefits, diversification is the key. As South Africa's energy landscape transforms, mixed policy signals are raising questions about solar energy’s continuing value, particularly for large energy consumers in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. Ngcongwane offered reassurance: solar still retains its merits, albeit in a more complex role than in the past. While the current stability of load shedding may lead some to believe that renewable energy has slipped down the national agenda, the reality is more nuanced. The carbon tax, initially designed to incentivise reduced greenhouse gas emissions, is stalling,…

The board of Assura plc, which is secondary listed on the JSE, said on Tuesday it notes the announcement made by Primary Health Properties (PHP) on June 13 outlining revised terms of its share and cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Assura. Assura is a UK-based Real Estate Investment Trust specialising in the development, investment, and management of primary healthcare properties. Assura owns and operates a portfolio of over 600 healthcare facilities across the UK, including GP surgeries, diagnostic and treatment centers, and private hospitals. Key amendments to the PHP offer include the potential acceleration of Assura’s quarter three dividend, without a corresponding reduction in the overall value of the PHP offer to shareholders; and a reduction in the acceptance condition for…

The Botswana Accountancy Oversight Authority (BAOA) has launched an independent investigation into PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Botswana’s conduct in the 2018 audit of Choppies Enterprises, the JSE-listed supermarket chain - the latest salvo in an ongoing battle. The audit delays triggered by PwC’s handling of the 2018 financials not only caused Choppies’ temporary suspension from both the Botswana Stock Exchange and JSE, but also precipitated a dramatic share price plunge and significant investor losses. The BAOA holds sweeping regulatory authority with the power to investigate, penalize, impose hefty fines, and even revoke licenses from entities found in breach - making it one of the most formidable oversight bodies in Botswana’s corporate governance landscape. The regulator confirmed it has received a formal complaint from Choppies’ legal team and Justice Zein Kebonang, citing two…

BASIC Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says her department is on track to publish the regulations relating to the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act before the June deadline. Responding to questions in the Basic Education Portfolio Committee, Gwarube said she had on numerous occasions informed the committee and Parliament that the Bela Act was already enacted into law. “The last time, in Parliament, I indicated that when the Act is signed into law, it comes into effect. There is no delay,” she said. EFF MP Mandla Shikwambana had said South Africans were confused about what was happening with the Bela Act and regulations. “You are deliberately playing a political game and using delay tactics. No matter how smart you are to give us answers, the fact of the matter is…

HUMANITARIAN aid organisation Gift of the Givers remained unmoved by attempts to extort some of their teams involved in the mop-up operations in the O.R.Tambo District Municipality in Mthatha where nearly 100 people were killed during the recent floods in the Eastern Cape. The team was busy providing water to flood victims on Saturday when criminals directed them to stop what they were doing and accused the aid workers of interfering with their business. In a statement, the municipality said extortion was not only a crime, but a moral betrayal of the highest order, especially when directed at those extending a hand to the helpless. “To prey on a crisis is to turn pain into profit. It is merciless, and it will not be tolerated. This municipality has consistently…

THE World Test Championship final at Lord’s last week was once again a Proteas fast-bowler exhibition as Kagiso Rabada led from the front, returning a nine-wicket haul to help South Africa claim all 20 Australian wickets. Going into the London encounter, there were a lot of questions with regards to Rabada’s ability to stand up from the drug scandal he faced leading up to the match, and boy did the 30-year-old silence his doubters against the No 1-ranked Aussies. He took five wickets in the first innings, his 17th Test fifer, and followed with a four-for in the second as he narrowly missed out on what would’ve been a great 10-for at the Home of Cricket. In the process, Rabada broke Allan Donald’s Test record (330) to move to fourth…

The 2024/25 Premiership season has been the most fiercely contested campaign in recent memory, and what has truly stood out is the rise of young talent across the league. Many youngsters have not only stepped up, but have also played pivotal roles in their teams’ success. Here, Obakeng Meletse profiles five stand-out under-21 players who have caught the eye, and could be in serious contention for the PSL Young Player of the Season award. Puso Dithejane – TS Galaxy (20) Since swapping Kaizer Chiefs’ youth structures for TS Galaxy, Dithejane has been on an upward trajectory. His contribution has been instrumental in the Rockets’ remarkable turnaround – climbing from the bottom of the table to an impressive fifth-place finish. The young midfielder featured in 27 matches, scoring twice, and displayed…

South Africa's markets faced a turbulent day on Tuesday as they traded on the backfoot, grappling with the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the US Federal Open Markets Committee’s (FOMC) upcoming decision on interest rates. The JSE All Share Index fell 0.7% to 94 695 by 4pm while the rand was weak and traded above the R18.80-mark against the US dollar after reaching R17.70/$1 as the severe escalation in the conflict in the Middle East has increased market risk aversion. Stocks such as Karooooo, Assura and Harmony Gold saw the most declines, falling 4.55%, 4% and 3.3%, respectively. However, the marked US dollar weakness of the second quarter continued to persist amid heightened volatility. The escalation of conflict in the region reached new peaks following a…

I was astounded to see news last week of Transnet’s capitulation to union strike threats, agreeing to give workers 6% pay rises in each of the next three years. This agreement represents a failure of leadership on both sides – militant unions holding the country hostage with strike threats, and management caving to their demands without a fight. While South African businesses slash costs and workers face retrenchments, Transnet workers will get pay rises that are double the inflation rate, funded by taxpayers already struggling to make ends meet. Inflation is running at 2.7% and the economy is expected to only grow 1.4% this year. The news came days after National Treasury had agreed to give Transnet additional guarantees to enable it to manage its huge debt pile. In the…

As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Iran, the shipping industry is watching closely, with major players voicing their concerns over potential disruptions. Shipping giant Maersk on Tueday said that its immediate priority was ensuring the safety and well-being of its staff in impacted locations. “Currently, all our colleagues are safe, and we have activated our business continuity procedures to minimise the impact on our business and customers. We are closely monitoring the situation and assessing the potential impact on our operations,” said Adhish Alawani, Maersk spokesperson. “Currently, we are not experiencing any disruptions. We aim to keep our customers informed and help them with alternative solutions if needed.” Disruption in the Middle East could have far-reaching economic consequences. Malcolm Hartwell, director and master mariner at Norton Rose…

The consequences of climate change amplify vulnerabilities in communities, placing additional stresses on water availability, agricultural productivity, health outcomes, and infrastructure resilience, such as roads and housing susceptibility to severe weather conditions. Too often, when the disaster or distress hits, communities turn to mining companies to provide services and infrastructure. Despite this reality, there remains a disconnect between intention, impact, and outcomes in these interventions. Mining is on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation investment boom. The global population is approaching 10 billion people, and many parts of the world, including us, are pursuing a net zero economy towards 2050 and beyond. With an estimated $100 billion in additional capital investment in the resources sector required each year to meet the demand outlook associated with urbanisation and the decarbonisation of…

Stor-Age Property REIT, the largest self-storage company in South Africa, continued to deliver a strong performance in the year ended March 31, 2025 driven by gains in occupancy and rental rates, lifting distributable income per share by 4.1% and a dividend of 53.56c was declared. Rental income and net property operating income increased by 8.3% and 8.0%, respectively. Same-store rental income increased 10.2% in South Africa SA and by 6.5% in the UK. Net property operating income up 11.1% SA and 5.0% UK. Closing occupancy was 91.8% higher in South Africa up 94.0%and the UK 83.9%. The investment property value was up 6.0% to R12 billion. The number of trading properties increased from 99 to 108, with the total portfolio including developments now exceeding 700 000m² gross leasable area. The…

THE Cabinet will only decide by the end of the year on the potential closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria- two years after a National Assembly resolution to close down the Israeli embassy. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola disclosed this during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday. Responding to a question from EFF MP Virgill Gericke about the steps he has taken in honouring and executing the November 2023 resolution of the National Assembly to close down the Israeli embassy, Lamola said consultations have taken place within the relevant government cluster system to prepare a memorandum for submission to the Cabinet. “In accordance with the constitutional principle of the separation of powers, the authority to decide on the possible closure of…

THE Department of Social Development (DSD) has yet to conclude its investigation into allegations that Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s advisor, Ngaoko Kgatla adviser, has been drawing two salaries from two government departments. Kgatla faces charges of gross misconduct, having allegedly been in contravention of Section 30(1) of the Public Service Act by working or offering services to two departments. Kgatla, who has been appointed as adviser for less than a year, was reportedly charged with three counts of gross misconduct; however, the department has refuted claims about its inaction against Kgatla following a recent media report. Kgatla’s alleged double-dipping is currently being investigated, the Department of Social Development confirmed. In a statement, the department’s spokesperson Bathembu Futshane said they rejected the report by a weekend publication on Sunday, and denied…

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad wears his heart on his sleeve, even though you might not think it after watching him sit quietly in the left-hand corner of the Lord’s balcony. Conrad spoke during the World Test Championship final against Australia about how the coaches like to keep a “poker face” of sorts when addressing the players, in order to keep them calm and focused on the job at hand. The management would have had to employ the best of those faces when South Africa were bundled out for 138 in the first innings, and were 70/2 in the second in the hunt for victory. That is why one of Conrad’s many inspirational lines in the aftermath of the triumph hit home: “Obviously, a lot of teams in different formats have…

Building and maintaining depth has always been one of the biggest stumbling blocks for the Springbok Women’s side. However, under the tutelage of performance coach Swys de Bruin and his assistants Franzel September, Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Bafana Nhleko, they have ticked one box after the other on their way to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. A few blocks must still fall in place over the next month, especially on the field, but the Bok Women are set to head to the United Kingdom in August with their strongest squad ever to compete at the event. The women’s game in South Africa will not only benefit ahead of the World Cup, but also in the long run as well. De Bruin has ensured the blueprint of Springbok head coach…