Inhoudsopgave van 2025-06-03 - Cape Times

Airlines on Monday revised down their traffic and profit forecasts for 2025, citing "headwinds" for the global economy, with industry chiefs warning of the risk of increased tariffs impacting the sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates fewer than five billion air journeys will take place this year, compared with the previously forecast 5.22 billion. "The first half of 2025 has brought significant uncertainties to global markets," IATA's Director General Willie Walsh told its annual general meeting in New Delhi. But he added: "Considering the headwinds, it's a strong result that demonstrates the resilience that airlines have worked hard to fortify." Cumulative airline profits will reach $36 billion (R646bn) this year, $600 million less than expected, IATA said. Commercial aviation revenues are expected to remain below the $1 trillion…

In today’s boardrooms, digital transformation is no longer a distant theme reserved for CIOs and consultants. It is a central governance concern; one that demands fluency, not just familiarity. As companies confront the disruptive tides of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity risks and evolving data ecosystems, a sobering question emerges: are boards equipped to govern in the digital age? While legislation in most jurisdictions does not yet mandate digital literacy as a formal prerequisite for directorship, it is increasingly becoming an unspoken expectation among investors, regulators and stakeholders who demand boards capable of navigating complex digital landscapes. A board that lacks digital fluency cannot effectively interrogate strategy, oversee risk, or drive innovation. Digital illiteracy has moved from the margins of boardroom discourse to the heart of strategic risk. The Cell C case…

The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This was according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who noted that while discussions at last year’s Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year's event marked a decisive shift, from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. “In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain’s possibilities, but in 2025, the emphasis was on practical applications, particularly in the realms of stablecoins and AI. The discussion revealed that financial innovation, including digital currencies, is increasingly viewed as foundational to governance and…

Raubex Group’s share price shot up 8.8% on Monday after the infrastructure, development, and construction materials supply group reported a strong balance sheet, a healthy cash balance, and a solid R28.28 billion order book for the year to end-February 28, 2025. “Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions across the globe, and the many local challenges we are all so familiar with, Raubex prevailed to deliver another robust set of results,” Felicia Msiza, the CEO of Raubex, said in a statement. The order book increased by 10.3%. She said their diversification strategy has been a big reason for their strong performance over the past five decades. The share price traded at R44.42 on the JSE Monday morning, having gained just over 25% over a year. Raubex’s results were delayed on May 9, 2025,…

More than 39 years after the murders of the Cradock Four and decades of unanswered questions, the third inquest into the deaths of the activists officially got under way at the Gqeberha High Court yesterday. The families of Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli are hoping this renewed legal process will finally bring closure and accountability for the brutal killings of the four anti-apartheid activists who were tortured in 1985. The family's legal representative, Howard Varney, said that the death of the four young men was meticulously planned by the Apartheid security branch. "According to autopsy reports, Mhlauli died from stab wounds; Calata died from stabbing in the heart; Mkhonto died from a gunshot wound to the head and (was) stabbed in the heart. Mhlauli's body was…

THE DA and FF Plus have been booted from power in the Matzikama municipality after successful motions of no confidence against the speaker, mayor and deputy mayor. The ruling coalition now includes the ANC, PA, EFF and Good Party, who cited the previous administration’s “failure to address community concerns” in tabling the motions. The new speaker of council is the ANC’s Johan Muller who replaces Andreas Sindyamba; the new mayor is Monica Bottom from the Patriotic Alliance replacing Johan van der Hoven; and the deputy mayor is Xolani Tsetu from the EFF after the ousting of Amelia Job. The motions were brought at a council meeting last week. According to the municipality, eight of the fifteen councillors supported the motions. “The municipality remains committed to stability, good governance and sustained…

Manufacturing production in South Africa fell by -3.2% year-on-year in February 2025 according to the statistical release in March 2025 by Stats SA. This follows a decline experienced in January 2025 which was at -3.3%. The biggest contributors to this negative decline were motor vehicles, parts and accessories (-14.9%) followed by petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (-5.6%). Furthermore, utilisation of production capacity declined by 1.4% for motor vehicles, parts and accessories. Insufficient demand and availability of resources have been cited as the main reasons for under utilisation of production capacity in this regard. Within the manufacturing sector, motor vehicles, parts and accessories is significant by virtue of the huge supply chains involved regarding this industry. Furthermore, this industry is the backbone of the local economy in some provinces…

Hugo Broos hasn't become the longest-serving Bafana Bafana coach by listening to outside noise — and that’s why the buck will always stop with him when it comes to team matters. Broos recently etched his name into the national team’s history, becoming their longest-serving coach and surpassing Clive Barker’s record after serving for four years. Things weren’t all rosy at the beginning. Broos even considered resigning during the first few months in the role, following heavy criticism from most quarters. Much of the backlash came after Bafana were hammered 5–0 by world champions France away from home and lost 2–1 to Africa’s top-ranked side, Morocco. However, the tide turned after the talismanic Themba Zwane was brought into the fold and Broos received a vote of confidence from Safa president Danny…

The revolution in Paris that led Luis Enrique’s team to Uefa Champions League glory for the first time is being echoed across Europe, as even clubs that once embodied the Galácticos-era have abandoned efforts to ‘buy’ the top prize in European football. The PSG coach is now reaping the plaudits for building an energetic, youthful and dynamic team that is mesmerising to watch. It is built on teamwork and unity of purpose, rather than relying on the individual brilliance of former megastars, such as Kylian Mbappé, Neymar or Lionel Messi. Youngsters like Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu have Paris fans salivating at the prospect of years of European dominance. The change in direction at PSG, majority-owned by Qatari government-backed investment fund Qatar Sports Investments, is not…

More mergers and acquisitions are expected for the global copper market in which South Africa is emerging as a key player amid a projected supply deficit. There has been a flurry of investment activity in copper in the past few months, with Harmony Gold saying last week that it was acquiring Harmony the CSA Copper mine in Australia for R18.4 billion. Last year, PwC said “the global pursuit of a just energy transition and the need for consolidation are reshaping the landscape of the South African mining” industry. Now, analysts say there is likely to be further merger and acquisition activity in the South African and global copper industry. Zimele Mbanjwa, an investment research analyst at FNB Wealth & Investments, told Business Report that single commodity producers are increasingly setting…

Bringing billionaire Elon Musk’s controversial satellite internet system, Starlink, into South Africa’s airspace is in the country’s national interest because it will help meet its developmental goals, said Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes. During a conference on illicit financial flows, mobilising domestic resources, and financing for development, hosted at SGN Grant Thornton’s offices at the end of last week, Botes said that any trade agreement would be subordinate to the Constitution and must facilitate development. Botes also hinted at government’s policy towards trade agreements with the United States following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with Trump on May 21. He said that the county’s policies are “not subordinate to trade incentives”. The Deputy Minister added: “We can only speak about what our constitutional imperatives…

Over the past few years it’s been predicted that robots will live amongst. In 2025, we are beginning to see signs that they almost here. Some of the leading technology companies are developing their humanoid robots. Tesla Optimus is is a general-purpose robotic humanoid under development by Tesla, it was announced at the company's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021, and a prototype was shown in 2022. What’s interesting about the robot is that the Tesla CEO Elon Musk thinks Optimus "has the potential to be more significant than Tesla's vehicle business over time." There’s a belief that humanoid robots will form part of future workforce and human companions. The Chinese tech company, Xiaomi, has also developed their own humanoid robot, known as CyberOne. It’s a…

A ban on disposable vapes went into effect across the UK on Sunday in a bid to protect children’s health and tackle a “throwaway” culture. “For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine,” junior environment minister Mary Creagh said. She said the government was calling “time on these nasty devices” – a type of e-cigarette which are very popular with young people – and banning sales of single-use vapes or their supply in a crackdown on UK corner shops and supermarkets. Those caught flouting the ban will face a £200 fine ($269), while repeat offenders risk up to two years in prison. Young people and children in particular have been attracted to cheap and colourful disposable vapes, which have snazzy flavours…

In an age where teenagers are growing up online, social media has become more than just a place to connect – it’s a constant mirror, often reflecting toxic messages about body image, beauty and self-worth. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat may seem harmless, but experts warn they are increasingly fuelling eating disorders among vulnerable young people by glorifying thinness and pushing unscientific, and sometimes dangerous, diet advice. For many teenagers, especially young girls, the endless scroll of “body goals” and “what I eat in a day” posts can become a gateway to disordered eating. According to the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists, eating disorders are on the rise, with social media playing a significant role in shaping harmful body ideals. Dr Agnes Ayton, the chair of the Faculty of…

In the first 22 months after the launch of the Children’s Hospital Trust’s Child Protection Project, 566 child protection cases were reported. In recognition of Child Protection Week, the Children’s Hospital Trust is shining a spotlight on the urgent need to safeguard children, not just from abuse but also from the systemic failures that violate their rights. Dr Fatima Khan, the Child Protection Improvement Project Coordinator at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, said: “We are seeing just the tip of the iceberg. We don’t see the children who are fatally injured or those grazed by a bullet or who have witnessed a family member killed and must live with the psychological impact of that.” As the only specialist paediatric hospital in the province, the Red Cross War Memorial…

The Plettenberg Bay Regional Court has sentenced Siyamcela Yali to 15 years imprisonment for the horrific rape of his ex-girlfriend. The incident occurred on the evening of December 4, 2020, when the victim was on her way to meet friends in KwaNokuthula. The court heard that Yali, who had a romantic relationship with the victim that ended eight years prior, accosted her as she left her boyfriend's house. After a brief conversation with a friend, who warned her that Yali was following her, the victim noticed him approaching. When she informed him that he was not the father of her child, Yali violently grabbed her and dragged her into the bushes. Armed with a knife, Yali threatened to stab her if she made any noise. He forced her to undress…

The US must prepare for applications from KhoeSan and Coloured South Africans The recent resettlement of 49 South Africans, described as “Afrikaners”, to the US under refugee status via the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has drawn public ridicule, suspicion, and commentary. While some predict their imminent return to sunny South Africa, the event offers an unexpected opportunity to examine how USRAP’s criteria could inadvertently apply to other historically marginalised South African groups, particularly the KhoeSan and Coloured communities. This article does not support or validate the ideological narratives of groups like AfriForum or Solidarity, who claim persecution under terms like “white genocide”. Such claims are unsubstantiated, racially selective, and morally indefensible. Instead, this article offers a literal and policy-driven reading of USRAP’s eligibility framework, focusing not on its…

The weekend’s United Rugby Championship quarter-finals left the impression that the consistent Bull, Cameron Hanekom, has stretched his legs towards the Springbok No 8 jersey temporarily vacated by the injured Jasper Wiese. Another strong performance by Hanekom in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Sharks will surely secure him the position. In April, Wiese’s season in Japan came to a halt when he picked up a neck injury, prompting a return to South Africa for surgery. The 29-year-old is on the mend, but he is not on course for a comeback in time for the Springbok season that kicks off at the end of June. The Boks warm up with a game against the Barbarians in Cape Town before their first meaningful engagement, the two-Test series against Italy in…

Durban City can start preparing for life in top-flight football next season after a case against the club was officially dismissed by arbitrator Hilton Epstein SC yesterday. City finished top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but their coronation and promotion were halted by the PSL. This came after JDR Stars lodged a case against City for fielding Sazi Magawana, who was alleged not to have been appropriately registered by the club. Cape Town Spurs followed suit, playing their final match of the campaign — against City at home — under protest after Magawana was named in the starting line-up. However, their bid to have City stripped of their second-tier title was dismissed by the PSL’s dispute resolution chamber. - Mihlali Baleka…

Automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts, says Naamsa CEO Domestic vehicle sales in South Africa saw a robust recovery in May with 45,308 units sold, marking an increase of 8 169 vehicles or a substantial 22.0% from 37 139 units in May 2024. "The automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts," Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa said on Monday. "The SARB's latest decision to lower interest rates is both timely and commendable. It directly supports consumer affordability and boosts production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets. While the new tariff measures remain a concern, our industry has proven its resilience time and time again," Mabasa said. Sales overview Overall, out…

The Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released on Monday indicated that the seasonally adjusted PMI decreased by 1.6 points to 43.1 in May 2025. Absa said that the PMI remained in contractionary territory for a seventh consecutive month. The PMI suggests that the manufacturing sector continued to suffer in May, despite some flickers of activity and demand improvement, albeit at extremely low levels. “However, a decline in the supplier deliveries index pushed the headline PMI lower. The business activity index indicated some improvement, increasing by 3.4 points to 43.4 in May. New sales orders also increased, by 2.2 points to 38.3 in May. This was likely due to domestic demand recovering slightly as export sales continued to deteriorate at a rapid rate.” Absa said the supplier deliveries index has been…

When Johannesburg-based South African entrepreneur Prince Nwadeyi was researching his MPhil in Inclusive Innovation at the University of Cape Town, one interview proved transformational. A young woman broke down describing the humiliation of borrowing money to bury her mother, only to face gossip at the funeral about the family's financial struggles. That 2019 conversation shaped Nwadeyi's thesis on information asymmetry and life insurance uptake in township communities. More importantly, it led him to question whether insurance could be embedded invisibly into everyday purchases, eliminating the paperwork, intermediaries, premiums, and waiting periods that keep vulnerable communities unprotected. Last week, Nwadeyi took to Linkedin to share that his holding company, SAG Ventures, had paid out its first claim through a clever FMCG-embedded funeral cover product dubbed Purchase Pal, underwritten by the continent's…

Homeowner sentiment fell only 2 percentage points to 85% in the first quarter, still the second highest reading for Absa’s Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) in a decade, which indicates that the momentum of positive sentiment is likely to continue into 2025. The authors of the latest HSI, first developed in 2015 as an indicator of the state of consumer confidence in South Africa’s property market, said the dip in confidence was likely due to uncertainty around US policy direction and the South African Reserve Bank’s decision not to implement a widely anticipated interest rate cut in March. The index results are broadly in line with the latest FNB Property Market Report that was released recently, which showed there was a continued, albeit modest, upwards trajectory in home values in the…

From viral TikTok fitness challenges to gym class staples, we’re constantly encouraged to try the latest and greatest ways to “get in shape”. But what if some of these trendy exercises are doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to your sex life? Certain popular workouts may be silently undermining your intimacy, according to Anita Fletcher, a sex and relationship expert at Fantasy Co., a brand known for its innovative approach to pleasure. These exercises, often hailed as beneficial, could be causing tension, discomfort, or even long-term issues in the bedroom. So, which workouts are the culprits, and how can you protect your sexual well-being without sacrificing your fitness goals? Fletcher unpacks the surprising risks of four common exercises and offers simple fixes to ensure your workouts support,…

The abduction of Sedibeng District Municipality mayor, Lerato Maloka, has been linked by sources to her media briefing where she announced that she requested the Gauteng provincial government to institute an investigation into corruption in the municipality. Maloka and her driver were hijacked and kidnapped from Alberton on Friday and both were found unharmed and reunited with their families on Saturday night, police confirmed. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said investigations were ongoing and a manhunt for the suspects is underway. Sources claimed a link between the abduction to a media briefing held by Maloka last week, where she announced that she has written to the Gauteng MEC for Local Government, Jacob Mamabolo, and requested a full investigation into corruption at the municipality. She wants the investigation to focus on…

The Western Cape High Court has ruled that impeached former judge, Dr John Hlophe, cannot be part of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), finding his appointment was unconstitutional. In a ruling yesterday, the High Court found that the National Assembly (NA) had failed to properly exercise its discretion in approving his appointment - thereby undermining the integrity of the judiciary. The court held that Parliament’s conduct effectively rubber-stamped Hlophe’s nomination, disregarding the serious implications for the JSC’s credibility and constitutional mandate. The MK Party deputy president was nominated to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) last year but subsequently resigned. “The judiciary is essential to the maintenance of constitutional democracy. “It is declared that the National Assembly may not designate Dr. Mandlakayise John Hlophe to serve on the Judicial…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso was gracious in defeat after missing out on the CAF Champions League title, admitting that Pyramids had upped the ante. Sundowns’ long wait to win a second continental crown continued on Sunday night in Cairo, as they lost 3–2 on aggregate in the final to Pyramids. The Pharaohs completed most of the job at home, at the 30 June Stadium, winning the second leg 2–1 on the night following a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria. Coach Krunoslav Jurčić’s players deserved the victory, as they were at their best from start to finish, capitalising on Sundowns’ mistakes in both goals. Grant Kekana made a poor clearance in his own box, allowing Fiston Mayele to pounce, before Ahmed Samy headed home from close range.…

Those who were there swear there was something sinister simmering in the air above Algoa Bay the night the Springboks hosted Canada in a Pool A match at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Older fans would later say they had experienced the same combative atmosphere on July 13, 1974, when the original Battle of Boet Erasmus took place. That was the infamous third Test between the British Lions and a desperate Springbok. At week earlier, at Loftus Versfeld, the Boks had suffered a record 28–9 humiliation and arrived at Boet Erasmus Stadium in a savage mood. But the wily Lions knew what was coming and had devised a call to arms they named “99”. When captain Willie John McBride sensed extreme hostility, he would scream “99” and each Lion would…