Tabla de contenidos para 2025-11-20 en Star

The Fiscal Service Commission (FCC) has urged National Treasury to urgently pursue proactive debt restructuring, arguing that South Africa is missing a rare window of opportunity created by sharply lower government bond yields. Briefing Parliament on the recently tabled Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), FCC head of research Chen-Wei Tseng said the yield on the 10-year government bond has dropped from a peak of 11% to 8.67%. He said this signals that investors now perceive lower sovereign risk, and that government could potentially refinance its debt at a significantly lower cost. Chen-Wei said Treasury could now possibly borrow the same amount as before but costing less, however, warned that such savings do not materialise automatically. "But it does not happen automatically. It needs active market engagement. It's not an easy…

Transnet on Wednesday celebrated a major milestone in its fleet renewal programme as the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive was completed at its Durban manufacturing facility. The locomotive forms part of the 240-unit order that Transnet is building to modernise and expand its freight rail fleet. This as Transnet Engineering positions itself to become a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the continent. Group CEO Michelle Phillips and Transnet board chairperson Andile Sangqu attended the ceremony, hailing the achievement as a turning point for the State-owned logistics company. Sangqu said the board had committed earlier this year to return to Durban once the 200th locomotive was rolled out. “It really gives me great pleasure to witness the launch of the 200th locomotive, which marks a significant milestone in our effort as…

As someone who has spent decades working at the intersection of telecommunications policy, spectrum management, and infrastructure development, I’ve seen firsthand how connectivity can transform lives, economies and entire regions. Yet, despite our best efforts, large parts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) remain digitally excluded. The time has come for us to rethink our approach, and recalibrate our strategies, especially when it comes to satellite connectivity. The recently released report, Unlocking Growth in the SADC: Harnessing the Potential of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Systems commissioned by Amazon, makes a compelling case for why Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems must be central to our digital strategy. The numbers speak for themselves: $16.9 billion in annual economic benefits, $10.3 billion in infrastructure cost savings, and millions of people brought online. But…

Every year, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) invites us to pause and reflect on the ecosystem we are collectively building. It’s easy to get caught up in programmes, reports, and events, but GEW challenges us to ask a deeper question: Are we truly creating a world where entrepreneurs can thrive? This year’s theme, Together We Build, couldn’t be more timely. The momentum leading up to GEW in both Cape Town and Johannesburg showed just how much building has already begun.It all started in Cape Town from 8 to 10 November, where energy around technology and entrepreneurship ignited dynamic conversations. The AI-Driven Hackathon and AI Forum led by our organisation, set the stage for discussions that were practical, forward-thinking, and grounded in real-world impact. AI is not just another buzzword; it is…

The latest report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals a concerning trend: in September 2025, 145 businesses were liquidated, pushing the cumulative year-to-date total to 1180 closures. This marks an alarming 23.9% spike compared to the same month last year, with a 13% increase in liquidations during the July–September quarter. The statistics paint a stark picture of a nation grappling with an increasingly hostile economic environment. The sectors hardest hit by this precipitous decline include finance, insurance, real estate, and business services, with trade, catering, and accommodation following closely behind. Perhaps most strikingly, even major players are not immune; the high-profile liquidation of Murray & Roberts Holdings serves as a sobering reminder that the pressures facing South Africa's economy extend to industry giants. Mounting pressures: why businesses are failing…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has blamed what he called “dark forces that try extremely hard” to pull the country backwards after massive power outages in Tshwane ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. A widespread outage hit the city yesterday morning, just days before the summit this weekend. Lesufi was speaking at a state-of-readiness briefing for law enforcement yesterday, at the FNB Park and Ride space in Johannesburg. The event was led by acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, joined by his deputies Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. The parade formed part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit, scheduled to be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre…

Desperate consumers are increasingly turning to social media “miracle injections” as the demand for quick weight-loss solutions rises, but many of these products may contain hazardous and undisclosed ingredients. Now, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is sounding the alarm, warning the public against purchasing GLP-1 weight-loss products illegally marketed online. SAHPRA said it has identified companies and individuals promoting GLP-1 products on social media while falsely claiming they are authorised by the regulator or partnered with major South African retail pharmacy chains. The Authority emphasised that these claims are entirely false. Following an investigation, SAHPRA found that the sellers are not based in South Africa, despite advertisements claiming the products are shipped from Johannesburg or Cape Town. “SAHPRA investigated and discovered that the sellers of these products…

The mother of a two-year-old who was electrocuted by an electric transformer while playing in an area close to the transformer succeeded in her damages claim against the King Sabato Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape after her child suffered severe injuries as a result. The mother turned to the Mthatha High Court as she held the municipality responsible for her child’s injuries. She told the court that the municipality had a duty to safeguard residents from harm. On June 6, 2022, the child and other children of the neighbourhood were playing in Thole Street, Ngangelizwe, Mthatha, near the transformer. Moments later, the child was found lying under the transformer, unresponsive, with burn wounds on both her forearms and hands. She was admitted to the hospital, where she received treatment…

A former South African Revenue Service (SARS) employee and registered tax practitioner has been sentenced to an effective six years in prison after being found guilty of a large-scale VAT fraud scheme involving falsified tax returns and forged supporting documents. Michael Benson was sentenced in the Bellville Regional Court following his conviction on multiple charges, including fraud, forgery, uttering, and failing to keep proper records. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the offences were carried out over a period of 25 months. NPA regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the court found that Benson had “submitted eleven fraudulent VAT201 returns to SARS, claiming refunds based on wholly fabricated information”. When asked to provide supporting documentation, Benson escalated the deception. Ntabazalila said that he “committed further fraud by producing forged invoices,…

Leaders of the world’s largest economies will meet in Johannesburg on November 22 and 23 for the G20 summit, the first of its kind in Africa. Here are five things to know about the annual meeting, which is taking place at a time of heightened global instability and tensions between Pretoria and Washington. First in Africa Founded in 1999, the Group of 20 (G20) leading economies comprises 19 countries and two regional bodies, the European Union and the African Union (AU). Its rotating presidency will be held by South Africa this year and marks the first time the summit will be in Africa. G20 members represent 85% of the world’s GDP and about two-thirds of its population. South Africa is the only member state from the continent, although the AU…

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola have rallied the troops deployed to the G20 Leaders’ Summit with clear instructions to act decisively against troublemakers this weekend. The acting minister, in the company of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, City of Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, oversaw the G20 Leaders’ Summit’s last preparatory operations during a parade held at the FNB Stadium’s outfield yesterday. Cachalia said that in light of the extensive preparations ahead of the global event, he is confident that this summit will be as incident-free as all the 130 preparatory meetings ahead of the summit. His address comes just hours after leaders of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) declared law enforcement’s…

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has strongly criticised the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, who questioned whether Cabinet officials behind budget cuts to the defence force were “in the pockets of drug dealers”. Mbalula said the thorny issue of funding the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the broader security apparatus must be addressed through proper channels. “South Africa is faced with a difficult situation of outbursts by people in security positions. This general was not speaking in the army, he was speaking at a party or something. I saw him in a very nice suit at a gala dinner. It’s unheard of that generals address gala dinners and talk big things. No man, it should be worrisome,” Mbalula told journalists in Johannesburg. “This country…

Launched earlier in 2024 for the current generation, the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider has proven to be a popular model in the Isuzu line-up, with the brand now having recently introduced a limited-edition 150 units Black Edition model. To launch the stylish bakkie, Isuzu recently invited media from across South Africa to join a three-day road trip from Durban to Johannesburg, cutting through picturesque Clarens. Exterior The X-Rider nameplate has proven to be a hit since its introduction in the previous generation D-Max. The X-Rider Black Edition takes things up a notch, with cosmetic upgrades added to the already popular nameplate. It features a gloss-black grille with red X-Rider badging, dark 18-inch gloss-black alloys with red “Isuzu” lettering on the black centre caps, and black mirror caps. Decals are also along…

Broos will vacate his national team hot seat after the 2026 Fifa World Cup, bringing to an end an illustrious five-year tenure that already includes qualifying for back-to-back AFCON tournaments, as well as next year’s global showpiece in North America. Given that Broos’ shoes will be difficult to fill, a number of pundits and Bafana followers have backed Riveiro to take over the reins from the silver-haired Belgian. Their motivation is inspired by the fact that Riveiro had an equally impressive three-year spell at Orlando Pirates – winning five trophies and finishing as league runners-up three times – before moving to Egyptian giants Al Ahly this season, where his stay was overwhelmingly short-lived. Speaking upon his return to the country yesterday as the Carling All-Stars ambassador – after being the…

The Springboks faced a few tough selection calls ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin, especially after Franco Mostert’s red card was rescinded. With the match set to play a major role in defining their European tour, every decision matters. This showdown at the Aviva Stadium is more than just another Test – it’s a crucial measuring point for Rassie Erasmus and his players as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. It will also decide whether the Boks can stay unbeaten on tour, and whether Erasmus can finally claim his first win in Ireland as Springbok coach. The world champions haven’t tasted victory in Dublin since 2012, adding an extra edge to the occasion. The starting XV is expected to look much like the one…

Test cricket has been on its last legs since I can remember. A niche sport that exclusively keeps British aristocrats and its Commonwealth Asian diaspora entertained. This is, of course, a great generalisation. But one that holds plenty of truth with a format of the game that is already only played by 12 nations being virtually extinct in the once global power West Indies. And yet, I can’t help feeling that Test cricket is arguably in its rudest health. It was never meant to be ‘the world’s game’ – that is the domain of football – that attracts the masses ... It's far too nuanced for that. I have a penchant for scrolling through the archives on YouTube, and often come across Test matches played during the 1980s. This was…

Economists remain optimistic that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) will cut interest rates from 7.00% to 6.75% per annum when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on Thursday, despite consumer inflation rising to its highest level in more than a year. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that annual headline consumer inflation rate accelerated for the second month in a row to 3.6% in October, from 3.4% in September. Though this inflation reading was below analysts' estimates of 3.7%, it was the highest inflation print since September 2024 when the rate was 3.8%. Stats SA chief director of price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said the latest increase was driven largely by transport, recreation and culture, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, as well as housing, food and non-alcoholic…

South Africa’s R1 trillion infrastructure plan could help give the economy the boost it urgently needs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said during the most recent budget speech that government’s fiscal plan will direct more resources to infrastructure. “We will ensure that our goal of public sector investment in infrastructure exceeds the R1 trillion mark over the next three years,” said Godongwana. Michelle Green, credit analyst and chairman of the ESG Committee at Prescient Investment Management, said if this “bold ambition” is realised, it “will translate into a series of transformative projects”. Green noted that these projects will be across energy, water, student housing, internet infrastructure and logistics hubs. Godongwana told Parliament that government will push for private investment through public:private partnerships. “We are leveraging public resources to mobilise private finance…

Lower production from platinum group metals mines in South Africa muzzled global PGM supply in the third quarter although gains from the world’s biggest producers of the metal, including Zimbabwe where Valterra, Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater operate, are expected to lift up supply by 2% next year. The World Platinum Investment Council said on Wednesday that global PGM supply was flat in the third quarter year on year “weighed on by lower South African mine” production. This was after refined volumes from Valterra (formerly Anglo American Platinum) fell in South Africa. This was reflective of “a significant destocking of semi-finished inventory in Q3’24. Implats’ own refined production was however, little changed year-on-year, although scheduled processing maintenance led to a further build in already elevated work-in-progress stocks. “South African production contracted…

Desperate consumers are increasingly turning to social media “miracle injections” as the demand for quick weight-loss solutions rises, but many of these products may contain hazardous and undisclosed ingredients. Now, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is sounding the alarm, warning the public against purchasing GLP-1 weight-loss products illegally marketed online. SAHPRA said it has identified companies and individuals promoting GLP-1 products on social media while falsely claiming they are authorised by the regulator or partnered with major South African retail pharmacy chains. The Authority emphasised that these claims are entirely false. Following an investigation, SAHPRA found that the sellers are not based in South Africa, despite advertisements claiming the products are shipped from Johannesburg or Cape Town. “SAHPRA investigated and discovered that the sellers of these products…

Kim Kardashian’s new legal drama All’s Fair has taken a beating from critics. From low ratings to comments shading her acting, it seems the world wasn’t ready for Kardashian as a TV attorney. But is this criticism fair, or are we just holding her to impossible standards? Glenn Close, one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, defended her co-star in a recent interview with The Guardian: “I swear to God, I’ve seen all nine episodes and it’s pretty f*****g good. It is what it is: it’s juicy and outrageous at times and touching.” Close points out that Kardashian surrounded herself with strong talent and a supportive team, and praises her intelligence and discipline, noting that Kardashian was juggling filming with studying for her law degree. “She’s lovely. Very smart. Very conscientious…

Social media law expert Emma Sadleir says the State should have included a cybercrime charge against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP is currently on trial in the Durban High Court for her alleged instigation of the 2021 civil unrest, which left several people dead and decimated the KwaZulu-Natal economy. Wrapping up her testimony yesterday, Sadleir told the court that the accused should have been charged under the Cybercrimes Act for using social media platforms to foment violence, which is forbidden under this new law. She argued that although the new law was not in force during the 2021 unrest, as it became law in 2022, the accused also posted similar inciting violence messages in 2023. She further stated that after assessing all her tweets, she concluded that the…

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has been shaken by a devastating tragedy after the principal and an administrative staff member at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa were brutally gunned down inside the school’s administration block on Tuesday afternoon. According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the incident unfolded at around 5pm while the principal, a 58-year-old woman, the 55-year-old administrator and other staff members were preparing for a meeting scheduled later in the week. Mabona said colleagues working in a nearby office suddenly heard gunfire and immediately took cover. “When the colleagues eventually came out, they found both the principal and the administrator lying in the passage of the admin block,” he said. He added that emergency services were contacted without delay, but both women were declared dead upon arrival.…

ANC veteran Mathews Phosa has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately dismiss the suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, arguing that this will send a zero tolerance message to those implicated in wrongdoing. In an interview with the SABC on Tuesday, Phosa said this will send shocking lessons to everyone, but it will help clear the deck. “If the commissioner is implicated, he must be fired now; no one must be protected. Now. It will send a shock through the system. There can’t be a middle road; there’s no middle in dealing with crime,” he said. He said: “Indecisiveness is no longer what the President can afford”. Phosa’s statements come a week after the ANC accepted Mchunu’s decision to step aside from the party activities. Mchunu is accused of being in…

The National Lottery Ithuba said they were searching for the winner of the R6million Powerball Plus jackpot. The winning ticket, from the November 14, draw was purchased at a retailer in Lonehill, Johannesburg. The winner spent R15 on a quick pick. Encouraging al players to check their tickets, Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza said: “This remarkable win demonstrates the truly life-changing possibilities the National Lottery offers. From a modest R15 wager, one lucky player has become a multi-millionaire.” Ithuba reminded all winners to keep their winning tickets safe and to contact the Ithuba customer care line should they require guidance. Tickets are valid for 365 days from date of draw. | IOL News…

Rap icon Nicki Minaj praised Donald Trump’s stand on the persecution of religious minorities on Tuesday, calling for an end to faith-based persecution in Nigeria, which the government there denies. Minaj, of Starships and Super Bass fame, spoke out at an event hosted by the US embassy to the United Nations and thanked Trump “for prioritising this issue and for his leadership”. She has previously posted to her legions of social media followers about the killings of Christians in Nigeria, an issue the Trump administration has made a priority. Trump was “calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to exercise their natural right to freedom of religion or belief,” Minaj said alongside Washington’s…

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has passed another major milestone at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, building its two-millionth Polo just months ahead of the model’s 30-year local production anniversary in 2026. The landmark car – a smoky grey Polo headed for Australia – rolled off the line earlier this month, adding to a legacy that began in 1996 with the original Polo Classic. Decades of improvement Back then, the plant produced just over 5 400 units in its first year. Three decades later, Kariega has become one of VW’s most important global hubs for the Polo, building four generations of the hatch and supplying markets across the world. Of the two million Polos built so far, 592 840 found homes locally, while 1 407 160 units were produced…

“Maybe Shuks missed a trick.” It’s not often that Proteas coach Shukri Conrad is not on top of his game, but these were Kagiso Rabada’s words prior to the Test series against India. Rabada was, of course, humorously referring to the absence of his long-time new-ball partner Lungi Ngidi and the value he could possibly add with his cutters and slower balls on the subcontinent tour. Little did Rabada know that Ngidi would be sent an SOS to fly over to India as backup for him after the Proteas’ premier fast bowler sat out the first Test in Kolkata with a rib injury. With the Proteas enjoying two days of extra rest after the Eden Gardens Test finished in three days, Ngidi was able to join the team in Kolkata…

The Springboks will return to Dublin this weekend chasing a victory that has eluded them for more than a decade. South Africa last beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in 2012, and Saturday’s clash (7.40pm kick-off) offers the world champions a chance to end a 13-year wait for success in the Irish capital. They came agonisingly close on their previous visit in 2022, falling 19–16 in a bruising Test that still sticks with Bok winger Cheslin Kolbe. Clashes between Ireland and the world champions have been tight contests in recent years, and Kolbe admits that the Boks’ inability to grab key moments during encounters proved costly. “We came close in 2022, but we didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal, and that definitely cost us,” Kolbe said…

Bleary-eyed Scotland fans woke this morning still pinching themselves after their World Cup dream finally came true, following a night of drama in Glasgow on Tuesday that ended decades of heartbreak. The Scots have not appeared at the finals since 1998 — missing six straight tournaments — but they will be packing their bags for North America next year. Supporters at Hampden Park on Tuesday were taken on an emotional rollercoaster in their 4-2 win over Denmark, pegged back twice before sealing victory in the dying minutes. Midfielder Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a breathtaking early overhead kick, only for Rasmus Hojlund to equalise from the penalty spot. Lawrence Shankland then restored Scotland’s lead in the 78th minute, but Denmark — needing just a draw to qualify automatically —…

Parastatal is owed at least R105 billion in municipal arrear debt as at the end of September Eskom has warned that rising municipal debt remains a major stumbling block to improving its credit ratings, delaying its ability to re-enter capital markets without relying on government guarantees. At the end of September, Eskom was owed at least R105 billion in municipal arrear debt despite the National Treasury's intervention for municipal debt elimination, as this contributes to the power utility’s weak balance sheet. Briefing Parliament on its first-quarter performance for 2025/26 on Wednesday, the State-owned utility currently rated sub-investment grade by Fitch and Moody’s said ratings agencies remain unconvinced that Eskom is making meaningful progress in resolving municipal arrears. Eskom chief financial officer, Calib Cassim, said the agencies consistently cite municipal debt…

For the past decade, South Africa has felt like a country stuck in slow motion: growth barely above population growth, load-shedding as a national pastime, and investors treating us like the problem child of emerging markets. That narrative is now cracking — and 2025 is the year the crack becomes a breakthrough. Think of it as the moment the crow in Aesop’s fable finally feels the water touch its beak. After years of dropping stone after painful stone — unglamorous, unpopular, grinding reforms — the level is rising fast enough for everyone to see. And when markets see momentum, they don’t walk. They sprint. The evidence is no longer scattered or incremental; it is converging into a single, powerful signal: South Africa is becoming investable again. Start with the headline…

According to research by the University of the Western Cape, between 70% and 80% of small businesses in South Africa fail within the first five years. And that’s for real, established businesses. The failure rate for business ideas – before they even get off the ground – is likely much higher. That’s why knowing whether your idea has genuine potential, and recognising the point at which it doesn’t, is critical for any aspiring entrepreneur. Continuing to invest time, money, and energy into an idea that isn’t viable can be costly, both financially and emotionally. That said, not every business idea is destined for failure. Here are five ways to determine whether an idea has the potential to succeed and when it’s time to let go. 1 Test market demand early…

Southern Sun says its hotel occupancies might recover to long-term averages in the medium term, aided by the government's policies that encourage economic growth, the JSE-listed group said Wednesday. Softening inflation, along with South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's grey list, are tailwinds that signal improved investor confidence and stronger economic growth. However, interest rates remain high and constrain consumer and investor confidence, the group’s management said in financial results for the six months to September 30, 2025. October 2025 saw the month’s occupancy reach the highest achieved, surpassing even World Cup levels in June 2010, of 73.3%. Revenue grew by 18%. EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, and restructuring or rent costs) was up 27% on the prior period. Furthering the group’s prospects, Paradise Sun's…

RFG Holdings, the JSE-listed food manufacturing company said headline earnings fell 9.7% to R521 million in the year to September 28 while contingency plans were being adopted to counter higher US tariffs. Group revenue for the company, which is in the process of being acquired by Premier Group in a share swap deal, increased by 1.6% to R8.1 billion, with regional revenue up 4.1% to R6.6bn. The total dividend fell 10.4% to 99.6 cents a share. RFG management said the impact of the increased tariffs on South African exports to the US remained uncertain. However, the higher tariffs had reduced RFG's price competitiveness, and some existing customers were sourcing from producers in countries with a tariff advantage relative to South Africa. “In response to the risk to sales, the group…

Playdate, Amazon Prime Video’s new movie, proves that not even an interesting cast can save an insufferable production. Directed by Luke Greenfield and written by Neil Goldman, I was initially intrigued by the action-comedy’s line-up. The lead roles include Kevin James – a comedy star I once held in high regard – alongside Alan Ritchson, who has earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Jack Reacher in the streamer’s hit series Reacher. As a fan of classic odd-couple buddy pairings such as Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell in Get Hard, as well as dynamic duos in Men in Black, Rush Hour and 21 Jump Street, I was excited to see the chemistry between James and Ritchson. In Playdate, they star as awkward dads Brian (James) and Jeff (Ritchson), who get…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has blamed what he called “dark forces that try extremely hard” to pull the country backwards after massive power outages in Tshwane ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. A widespread outage hit the city yesterday morning, just days before the summit this weekend. Lesufi was speaking at a state-of-readiness briefing for law enforcement yesterday, at the FNB Park and Ride space in Johannesburg. The event was led by acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, joined by his deputies Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. The parade formed part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit, scheduled to be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre…

Motorists will have to budget a little more for their holiday road trips, with increases forecast for both petrol and diesel in December. While 2025 has been a mostly positive year for fuel prices, it will end on a negative note. The latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) points to a petrol price increase of around 30 cents, while diesel is expected to increase by between 70 cents (500ppm) and 85 cents (50ppm). Although the current under-recovery on 95 Unleaded petrol stands at 23 cents, the latest daily data is more than 47 cents in the red, implying that the projected increase could rise to 30 cents or more by month-end. A 30-cent increase would see the price of 95 Unleaded rising to around R20.59 at the coast…

The Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to a 55-year-old man, Lesly Jan Moeng, who was allegedly caught trying to sell a pangolin valued at R160 000. Moeng is facing a charge of possession of a pangolin, a protected species under South African law. His three co-accused – Isaac Leatile Ntsibe, 62, and two police officers stationed at Sun City police station, Mkhanyisi Samuel, 43, and Paulina Mokgaki, 43 – were granted bail of R2 000 each earlier this month. According to Lumka Mahanjana, Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), police received information that Moeng was attempting to sell the endangered animal. An entrapment operation was set up, during which the four suspects, including the police officers Samuel and Mokgaki, allegedly tried to sell the pangolin…

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s Chief of Staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, says he has no list of the four people who accompanied Northwest businessman and activist Brown Mogotsi to a private briefing with the Minister on the Stilfontein illegal-mining crisis, and insists he never knew who they were. Testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee yesterday, Nkabinde said Mchunu had personally instructed him in August 2024, shortly after he took office as chief of staff, to arrange a meeting with Mogotsi and unnamed “local leaders” ahead of a planned ministerial visit to Stilfontein. He told MPs that “the minister provided me with the contact details of Mr Brown Mogotsi from Northwest” and asked him to secure a briefing on the Zama-Zama situation. Nkabinde said he contacted Mogotsi immediately, but the Minister’s diary…

Bolt has announced that over 2 700 South African drivers have adopted its approved dash cams, establishing the country as a global leader in the use of safety technology. According to the e-hailing company, 2 724 local driver-partners are now actively using dash cams to improve safety for both riders and drivers. This places South Africa far ahead of other markets, with Nigeria in second place with 1 596 users and Paraguay third with 1 028. Bolt said the milestone reflects the country’s strong commitment to safer, more transparent mobility through technology. The announcement comes as the Department of Transport officially gazettes the National Land Transport Amendment Act (NLTA), which formally recognises Uber, Bolt, and other e-hailing services as part of South Africa’s public transport system. With regulations tightening, e-hailing…

It’s been a busy year for Volvo locally this year, with three models launched and a new managing director, Grant Locke, appointed to restore customer confidence, strengthen dealer networks and guide the brand through South Africa’s transition to electric mobility. Concluding the year, the Swedish company launched their best-selling XC60 with refreshed styling, comfort, improved user experience and updated design details to bring it in line with Volvo’s growing line-up of electrified vehicles. Exterior There are three trim levels: the Core, the Plus and the Ultra. Volvo has tweaked the exterior with a reworked air intake and aligned the updated iron mark badge with the refreshed XC90, as well as given it darker rear LED lights and new wheel designs. The B5 Core and the T8 Plus trims feature a…

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender and captain Thabo Nthethe is tipping his former side to correct Orlando Pirates’ mistake against St Eloi Lupopo whom they face in their opening Caf Champions League group stage opener at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon at 3pm. It is nothing short of a coincidence that Sundowns open with Lupopo, the Democratic Republic of Congo side that eliminated Pirates – the Brazilians' closest domestic rivals – in the final preliminary stages. Nthethe, a key figure in Sundowns’ historic 2016 Champions League triumph, expects a demanding battle in the opener but remains confident that his former club have enough quality to stamp their superiority. “It’s going to be a tough encounter for Sundowns,” Nthethe told Independent Newspapers. “But I definitely know that they will do their homework…

The synergy between Kaizer Chiefs’ first team and reserve team is still intact, despite the minimal integration of youngsters into top-flight football in recent months following structural and coaching changes. Chiefs were full of fire and confident of turning their fortunes around this season after an intense pre-season camp in the Netherlands, where they had also invited three youngsters: Naledi Hlongwane, Thulani Mabaso, and Kabelo Nkgwesa. But of the trio, only Hlongwane has made his senior team debut, the 19-year-old making his first and only appearance during their 2–0 win over Stellenbosch in the opening Betway Premiership clash of the season. And with the club having since parted ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi – who had been mandated to integrate youngsters into the team - and having signed new “experienced”…