Inhoudsopgave van 2025-08-05 - Cape Times

The rand stabilised around R18.00 to the US dollar on Monday following a turbulent weekend when it fell to its lowest level in three months at R18.36/$1 on Friday. The volatility came after investors assessed the grim implications of potential higher tariffs on South African exports to the United States, a move that could significantly impact the nation’s economy. The looming 30% tariff on South African goods—scheduled to take effect on August 7—has raised concerns over the viability of a number of critical export sectors. With US imports including an array of products such as cars, iron, steel goods, wine, and citrus fruits, the ramifications of this tariff could reverberate through multiple layers of the South African economy. The US ranks as South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner, following China.…

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has announced optimistic news for consumers as ample grain harvests are likely to ease food price inflation concerns. Agbiz chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo, on Monday shared that South Africa's projected summer grains and oilseed production for the 2024-25 period has risen by 2% since June, reaching an expected 18.74 million tons—a significant 21% increase compared to the previous year. Sihlobo highlighted the annual uptick across various crops, driven principally by favourable summer rains and expanded planting areas. “There is an annual uptick in all the crops, mainly supported by favourable summer rains and the decent area plantings. This ample harvest will likely add downward pressure on prices, which bodes well for consumer food price inflation,” Sihlobo said. However, he acknowledged that while…

Australia’s long-held ambitions to tap its abundant renewable resources and vast uninhabited landmass to become a global green hydrogen leader are fast unraveling. Despite strong government backing and significant private sector interest, at least seven big hydrogen production projects have been delayed, scaled back, or canceled in the last year. Chief among them was BP Plc’s decision last week to exit a $36 billion (R468bn) facility in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which had targeted starting production this decade. Around the world, project withdrawals have accelerated as developers struggle to secure customers willing to pay a premium for the fuel. Costs remain persistently high, unlike the sharp price drops seen in solar and wind that have boosted their competitiveness. That’s raised concerns about the feasibility of using renewable energy…

Lately, I’ve been attending AI events, however, very few of them are answering my deep questions about Artificial Intelligence. One of them focused on food and AI, another about a device as an AI companion and the most recent one of them by a global tech giant. At the Food Indaba I was deeply impressed by just the idea of hosting an event about AI and food. One Chef who was a participant in the event highlighted the need to introduced African cruising into AI. The Chef felt that menus about Umphokoqo, umgqusho do not exist in the AI landscape. It was, therefore, his mission to ensure that African menus can be found in AI. At the Food Indaba, Prof Marivate Vukosi delivered a keynote address that highlighted the importance…

The humble roll of toilet paper has been a steadfast fixture in our bathrooms for as long as we can remember. But in an age of environmental awareness and a push for better personal hygiene, its days might be numbered. There is a growing movement away from the traditional dry wipe towards a more thorough, eco-conscious clean. Around the world, a simple yet game-changing bathroom innovation is gaining traction: the bidet shower. Also known as the Muslim toilet shower, this small device offers a more comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to paper. Bidets can reduce toilet paper use by up to 75% The change isn't just about a gadget; it's about a complete shift in how we approach a daily ritual. It’s also a key feature of the high-tech washlet…

The children of the former Constitutional Court Judge Yvonne Mokgoro, who passed away in May last year, turned to the court in a bid for the Master of the High Court to accept what they said is the last will and testament of their mother made in 2021. Judge Mokgoro made an earlier will in 2014, but her children told the Kimberley High Court that the earlier will fell away as she made another will seven years later. While both wills are basically the same, the only difference is in clause three of both wills. In the 2014 will in reference to this clause, the late judge left her share in a property to her life partner, Naledi Monyeki. In terms of her 2021 will, she left her share to…

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli is navigating a storm of criticism following allegations that he spent nearly one million rand of taxpayers money on an official trip to New York in September 2024. What set tongues wagging was the allegations that the figure disclosed as the amount spent on Ntuli's trip (R600 000) was significantly higher than previously disclosed figures. The supposed discrepancy is what sparked outrage among opposition leaders and taxpayers alike. In response to the claims, Ntuli's spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, defended the integrity of the trip, describing the allegations as “malicious” and asserted that they were aimed at distorting the truth. According to Mbatha, the premier’s trip was endorsed by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council, focused on participating in an urgent international conference on climate change. Mbatha explained that…

THE South African government has accused the Donald Trump administration of negotiating in bad faith in their engagements to strike a deal that will avert the impending 30 percent tariffs on local products. Trade and industry Minister Parks Tau and his international relations counterpart, Ronald Lamola said the US failed to honour an agreement to sign a confidentiality agreement that had been agreed upon. As a result, South Africa is now looking to expand its trade relations with Asia and the Middle East, while continuing to engage with Trump’s administration over the hikes set for later this week. “We waited for the US to sign the confidentiality agreement after we had signed our agreement. We got to a point where there was an agreement to unlock the discussions. However, we…

The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 60 motor vehicle accidents and 21 pedestrian vehicle accidents over 48 hours this past weekend - a near 100% increase compared to the previous weekend. The PECC recorded 1 825 incidents over the weekend including 648 medical incidents, 34 fires, 96 cases of assault, 53 cases of domestic violence and 81 motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents. “These statistics are a grim reminder of the challenges we face with road safety. With the current wet weather over the city, odds are that the rate of incidents will remain high. Our enforcement services work around the clock to be visible and to address transgressions," said mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith. “Just in the last week, traffic officers recorded more than…

THE Constitutional Court has afforded a broader interpretation to the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA) to include not only the right to reside on land, but also associated uses such as grazing and cultivation. This followed an appeal before the apex court by three brothers against a Supreme Court of Appeal judgment which denied them the right to graze cattle on the land they are staying on. The SCA judgment followed an earlier Land Claims Court (LCC) judgment, which ruled in favour of the Mereki brothers. They are occupiers in terms of ESTA and reside on a farm owned by a trust in the North West Province. The trust bought the farm in 2003 and the mother of the brothers previously occupied the farm and used it to…

Will he? Won’t he? Liverpool’s attempt to sign star striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle – in a second blockbuster deal of the transfer window for the league champions – has become the trending transfer saga. By all accounts, the lethal Swedish finisher has informed the Tyneside giants that he wants out, after refusing to extend his contract, with Merseyside his preferred destination. He missed out on their recent pre-season tour of South Korea, prompting fears among Newcastle fans that they had seen the last of the lanky striker in the iconic black-and-white kit. It is clear his head has been turned by the attentions of the Reds, who have embarked on a massive spending spree expected to top €500m by the close of the window. Yet Liverpool’s recent £110m offer…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the country’s commitment to maintaining market access in the face of the United States' recent decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports. This significant shift in trade policy highlights the urgency for South Africa to navigate increasingly turbulent international trade waters and adapt its export strategies. In his latest newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa articulated a dual approach: not only will the government engage with the US to ensure mutually beneficial trade relations, but it will also accelerate the diversification of its export markets by boosting intra-African trade. Recognising the US as South Africa's second-largest trading partner, Ramaphosa acknowledged the measure's potential to disrupt industries heavily dependent on exports to the US, thereby affecting thousands of jobs and the country’s fiscal stability. "Our…

The government is feeding South Africa’s chickens to eagles swooping in from the United States. Not for the first time, the country’s poultry industry is being sacrificed to secure a trade deal with the US. Worse, it is happening without consultation with the industry on the details or implications of what it is proposing, or possible alternatives. No trade deal has yet been concluded, and there is little information about what South Africa is putting on the table. Yet, as it attempts to avert the 30% tariffs on all South African exports that President Donald Trump has threatened, the government is hinting at yet another blow to the country’s poultry producers. A statement by trade minister Parks Tau gave little away. Outlining what South Africa had proposed – so far…

South Africa’s biggest paper and plastics packaging business and recycler Mpact maintained its interim dividend at 30 cents a share despite lower profit as it is confident of an improved performance in the second half. This was according to financial director Hannes Snyman, who, along with CEO Bruce Strong, was interviewed at the release of the results for the six months to June 30. Underlying earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation fell by 14.5% to R625 million and operating profit lower by 25.5% to R315m. Headline earnings per share decreased to 93 cents from 128.1 cents. Strong said the lower earnings were primarily the result of persistent and lagging demand in South Africa due to the weak macroeconomic environment, traditionally lower sales in the first half in the plastics business,…

The South African automotive industry is reeling from the announcement of a potential 30% tariff on automotive exports to the United States, expected to take effect in the coming days. This move by President Donald Trump has sparked warnings from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of up to 30 000 job losses, with industry leaders voicing deep concerns over the implications for the nation’s economy. Renai Moothilal, the CEO and Executive Director of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam), on Monday said that they were deeply concerned about the potential impact on South African automotive exports to the US. “In 2024, South Africa exported R28.7 billion worth of automotive products to the US, of which R4.4 billion was attributable to automotive components,” Moothilal said.…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) says taxpayers cannot afford to pay for two ministers in one portfolio as it accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of violating his oath of office and failing to uphold the Constitution as required by that office. This was after Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister. MKP leader, Jacob Zuma, has also given Ramaphosa until 10am on Friday to resign. In a letter dated August 4, Zuma said he will take action against Ramaphosa if he fails to adhere to the demand. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya said they were aware of the letter. “The legal team will deal with that letter,” he said. The letter from KMNS attorneys, who act on behalf of Zuma, comes after…

THE Presidency has dismissed as disinformation the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor’s (DRL) report that attacks on farms were not ordinary crimes. The findings lack credibility, says presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who also accused Donald Trump’s administration of ignoring reliable information in order to sustain a disinformation campaign against South Africa. The bureau had undertaken a visit to South Africa as part of the President of the US, Donald Trump's executive orders to learn more about the rural farm attacks and the breakdown of the rule of law. The bureau said local “sources” reported 296 farm attacks and 49 murders in 2023, adding that victims were disproportionately elderly, isolated and faced delayed police response. It said the SAPS also reported that the number increased to…

The national rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act (AARTO) has been officially gazetted, after President Ramaphosa signed the Proclamation on Friday. According to the Government Gazette issued on August 1, most sections of the act will come into effect in major municipalities across the country on December 1, followed by the remaining municipalities on April 1, 2026. The remaining sections of the AARTO Act (26 to 28), which are believed to include the dreaded demerit points, are set to take effect on September 1, 2026. A total of 69 municipalities will implement AARTO from the beginning of December: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni, Mbombela, Polokwane, Durban, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Bloemfontein, Qgeberha, East London, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George and Beaufort West. From April, the rollout will extend to 75…

Two guests in their sixties survived a brutal panga attack and robbery at Chamonix Wine Farm in Franschhoek. Police are now appealing for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. This comes after two people were attacked on a private farm along the R45 in Franschhoek in June and escaped with minor to moderate injuries. In the latest incident on Saturday, three masked suspects entered the premises and attacked the two victims with a panga and fled with undisclosed items. Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said: “Franschhoek police registered a house robbery case following an incident on Saturday, August 2 at 1.35am at a farm near Franschhoek. “Both of the victims aged 60 were assaulted by three unknown assailants whose faces were covered. They were taken to a…

Community members have called for justice to prevail in the matter of a mother of a three-year-old boy who was captured on video allegedly trying to force her child to smoke drugs from a broken bottle. This comes as the Johannesburg Magistrates Court postponed the case against the mother alongside three other accused, who are facing charges of attempted murder, child abuse, and child neglect, to Thursday. Last week, the four suspects were captured in videos that went viral on social media trying to force the toddler to smoke from a broken bottle allegedly laced with drugs. Yesterday, Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane indicated that the suspects have been able to secure legal representation while the State requested a postponement to verify the residential addresses of the accused.…

Steve Barker, the Stellenbosch FC coach, said his side’s tactical savvy allowed them to emerge victorious in a pulsating five-goal thriller against AmaZulu in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday in Cape Town. The hosts, Stellenbosch, conceded two goals due to errors and concentration lapses, but the team recovered well to score “well-worked” goals. Barker highlighted his squad’s ability to respond effectively and secure a place in the next round of the tournament. “We found a way back into the game with a well-worked goal and then followed up with a good free-kick from Sanele Barns,” remarked Barker, reflecting on his side’s performance. “It was a tough match; we had to dig deep.” The match was physically demanding, with players visibly struggling with cramps as it extended into extra-time — a…

Over 30 000 jobs likely to be impacted by the unilateral US tariffs on SA products About 30 000 jobs in various sectors are likely to be impacted by the unilateral 30% import tariffs to be imposed by the United States on South African products, which is set to come into effect before the end of this week. This was announced on Monday as the government seeks to craft an export diversification strategy leaning heavily towards China's R20 billion market through the offered China-Africa Trade partnership and a special industrialisation memorandum of understanding exclusively with South Africa. Simphiwe Hamilton, the director-general of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), confirmed that thousands of jobs were on the line in a variety of industries that export goods to the…

When an employee leaves an organisation, most leaders focus on succession, handovers and HR paperwork. But behind the scenes, another risk often goes unchecked: the “shadow employee”. Retaining access to company systems long after they’ve left, these ex-staff members pose a serious cybersecurity threat that can lead to data breaches, financial loss and reputational damage, even if everyone parted ways with smiles, hugs and pizza. According to a recent study, 89% of former employees keep valid logins, while 45% retain access to confidential data after departure. Most disturbingly, almost half admitted to continuing to access company systems after leaving. “The shadow employee phenomenon is more common than many realise, particularly in organisations with high staff turnover or fragmented and cloud-based systems,” said Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist…

Ongoing shareholder troubles at JSE-listed Eastern and Central Europe property group MAS continued on Monday after its major shareholder, Prime Kapital Investments (PKI), launched a voluntary offer to acquire MAS shares not already held by it. The offer comes barely a month after MAS shareholders overturned resolutions by PKI at an extraordinary shareholder meeting regarding the sell-off of MAS’s assets and the payment of a special dividend with the proceeds. Just a week ago, a previous bidder for MAS, South African REIT Hyprop, withdrew its offer because MAS and PKI, as the main shareholder, refused to provide documents about a development joint venture (DJV) between PKI and MAS. PKI stated on Monday that their current offer is not contingent on PKI gaining control of MAS. The only condition is that…

Despite significant investments in public transport, South Africa’s transport system remains unjust – and its burdens fall heaviest on black communities, especially black women. This is according to a new study conducted by Professor Marianne Vanderschuren and Dr Tanya Lane-Visser of UCT’s Centre for Transport Studies. The findings have been published in the journal African Transport Studies. South Africa is already the most unequal country in the world, according to the World Bank. The study was set out to assess whether the same inequality permeates the country's transport systems. Drawing on data from the South African Household Travel Surveys from 2003, 2013 and 2020, the study explored how factors like income, race and gender affect mobility, access and safety. The findings are troubling: over the past two decades, more metrics…

Ten members from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) are expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court today on charges of theft and corruption. Police in Gauteng arrested their colleagues yesterday while they were on duty. The arrests follow a raid in June. Spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), Lizzy Suping, said the arrested officers were involved in a multi-disciplinary operation by law enforcement initiated by the Premier of Gauteng. “The accused officers raided a shop at number 7 Hermila Avenue in Edenvale, where they seized cigarettes and took cash amounting to R35 000 and three packs of headache tablets (Panados) to the value of about R5000. "They arrested the cashier for trading in illicit cigarettes and the other…

The complexities of his political journey and its impact on South Africa HARRY Themba Gwala died a frustrated man and under suspension from the SACP for not “listening” (not being obedient). “The Lion of the Midlands” as he was fondly known would not heed a call from Nelson Mandela for people to throw their guns into the sea, feeling that the call comprised his people especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. At the time people were dying frequently at the hands of Inkatha and SADF. “Foreign Minister Pik Botha admitted yesterday that he had authorised the channeling of state money to Inkatha” (Don Nelson, 1994:46). That is one example. However, with this stance Gwala became more respected and loved in those violent torn areas than Mandela. Gwala joined the trade union…

NEW Zealand head coach Scott Robertson named one uncapped player in his squad for the Rugby Championship, which kicks off this month with back-to-back Tests against Argentina yesterday. Waikato Chiefs flanker Simon Parker was included for the first time and will be in contention for the All Blacks’ opening match against the Pumas in Córdoba on 16 August. “Simon Parker had an impressive Super Rugby season with the Chiefs and brings a valuable skill set and physicality that we are looking forward to working with,” Robertson said. “He has the ability to play blindside or No.8 and has gained experience in a number of New Zealand representative teams, so we believe he is ready for the step up.” Robertson also named three uncapped players as injury cover — prop Tevita…

JOHANNESBURG - It would have taken someone with strong convictions to have placed a bet against Laura Wolvaardt walking away empty-handed from the recent Cricket SA Awards. The Proteas Women’s captain has been a perennial winner at the annual end of season ‘Oscars’ since her international debut whilst still a schoolgirl at Parklands College almost a decade ago now. Wolvaardt, along with star allrounder Marizanne Kapp, had to look on as a new brigade of Proteas such as Nonkululeko Mlaba, who claimed four prizes on the night including the coveted SA Women’s Cricketer of the Year, and Annerie Dercksen (ODI Player of the Year) stole the spotlight. But instead of being disappointed about missing out on personnel accolades, Wolvaardt was excited by the youthful energy being infused into the Proteas…