Inhoudsopgave van 2025-09-19 - Cape Times

Since September 2024 the Reserve Bank has cut rates by 125 basis points The South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 7%, Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced on Thursday, citing rising inflation pressures. The decision that saw four members of the MPC preferring to keep rates on hold while two favoured a cut of 25 basis points, drew mixed reactions from economists, business leaders and labour unions. Kganyago said global conditions remain broadly supportive of emerging markets, with easing monetary policy in the US and UK, a weaker dollar and firmer commodity prices offset by ongoing geopolitical tensions. Domestically, headline inflation has picked up in recent months, mainly due to higher food and fuel costs. “The pressure is coming mainly from meat…

Recent returns on the JSE have mainly been driven by a handful of precious metal miners, sending the JSE All Share Index to all-time high levels and, to a large degree, masking the general economic lethargy that domestic-focused companies and consumers face. Given growth constraints and challenges faced by domestic-oriented JSE-listed companies, the ability to deliver meaningful and peer-leading growth has become more critical than ever. Despite these headwinds, several local champions are demonstrating that companies with multiple (and sustainable) growth levers can not only survive but thrive, consistently outperforming market expectations and being appropriately recognised by the market in the form of premium valuations and generous shareholder returns. While external factors can have a material impact on company fundamentals (and share price performances), in our view, the most attractive…

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has sounded the alarm over deteriorating trade conditions, with its August 2025 Trade Survey showing only 40% of respondents reporting a positive overall trade experience. Released on Thursday, the survey highlights how global trade uncertainty, weak domestic economic growth, and persistently high unemployment are combining to erode business confidence. Sacci noted that trade sentiment had briefly improved in July following interest rate cuts and the monetisation of pension fund investments, which temporarily boosted household disposable income. However, these gains proved short-lived. “The reality of the real economy under considerable stress and its effect on trade resurfaced strongly in August,” Sacci said. In May, 69% of businesses expected trade conditions to improve in the next six months. By August, that optimism had…

While it is entirely within a taxpayer’s rights to contest the outcome of a South African Revenue Service (Sars) assessment, doing so requires thorough preparation. This means ensuring that documentation is accurate, consistent, and properly presented, and that the explanation they provide does not change. Without this, the prospects of success are limited, and taxpayers may face additional penalties alongside the disputed tax. Taxpayers who disagree with a Sars assessment or audit have a well-established process to follow, beginning with a request for the reasons behind the additional assessment. This is often a crucial step, as it clarifies Sars’s reasoning and enables the taxpayer to prepare a formal objection. An objection must be lodged within 80 business days of receiving the assessment, either through Sars’s eFiling system or at a…

South Africa’s agricultural success rests on collaboration and innovation, said Dr Sifiso Ngqangweni, CEO of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC). He spoke at an SA Breweries (SAB) “Cheers to Farmers” event in Rooiwal, Greater Taung Municipality, on Thursday, where the role of local farmers in powering the beer value chain was celebrated. He said the long-term commitment to research and development that they had witnessed in Rooiwal, including the introduction of new barley varieties and advanced mechanisation support, was helping farmers to increase productivity while staying competitive in global markets. SAB, maker of beers such as Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, and Flying Fish, has spent more than R650m on agricultural development in South Africa since 2018 in support of the ingredients for making beer. The beer industry is…

Another three lives have been lost as the Cape Flats continued to be terrorised by gang violence in the last 48 hours. Shootings were reported in Mitchells Plain, Manenberg, Delft and Belgravia. In Westridge, Mitchells Plain, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed a triple murder. On Wednesday night, Ebrahim “Ebie” Karbary, Ganief Tofar and Keagan “Rasta” Mou were gunned down at around 8:20pm on the corner of Bonfoi and Ganzekraal close, Westridge. Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) Norman Jantjes told the Daily Voice that they are worried as there is no end to gun violence in the area. Jantjes said: “We ask the community if they have information to please share it with the police and also to remain vigilant and if they see any suspicious behaviour to report…

When ANC leaders take to the stage these days, clad in oversized suits and exuding gravitas, lamenting the “new scourge” of corruption, it’s almost endearing. Almost. They clutch microphones at rallies and conferences, hands raised in righteous indignation, as if state capture, looted SOEs, and tenderpreneurial gluttony were recent trespassers who barged into Luthuli House uninvited. The script is predictable: the ANC, once the heroic vanguard of liberation, has been betrayed by a few bad apples in the post-apartheid orchard. The myth is neat. It’s comforting. And it’s complete nonsense. Corruption within the ANC is not a new phenomenon. It did not magically sprout in 1994 with the advent of democracy, nor did Jacob Zuma conjure it into existence with a sly smile and a Gupta-sponsored curry. The truth, though…

The Springboks delivered a statement performance in Wellington, dismantling the All Blacks in a manner few could have anticipated. It was a victory that reignited belief in Rassie Erasmus’ plans ahead of the next Rugby World Cup in Australia and kept the Springboks’ Rugby Championship hopes alive. It was also the first real sign this year that the Boks’ evolution is on track, as they combined their physicality and top-class kicking with brilliant decision-making and clinical finishing with ball in hand. But now comes the real test for the Springboks — consistency. It’s time to deliver that sort of performance on a regular basis after a few Jekyll-and-Hyde displays over the last few months. Erasmus has admitted that the constant rotation of his matchday squads could be the reason why…

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has moved to open South Africa’s bulk liquid terminal sector to black empowerment players, while at the same time shoring up the country’s fuel security. Creecy on Thursday instructed Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to renew the leases of existing operators at Durban’s Island View precinct, a critical hub through which about 70% of South Africa’s fuel imports pass. Using her powers under Section 79 of the National Ports Authority Act, Creecy bypassed the normal leasing process, citing national interest. As part of the directive, Creecy ordered that the Central Energy Fund (CEF) — which acquired the Sapref refinery from BP and Shell in 2024 — be allocated 15% of Island View’s capacity, with the option to expand to 30%. The CEF will serve as a…

When South Africans talk about Formula 1, the conversation usually centres on whether Kyalami will host a Grand Prix again, how much it would cost, and whether government can justify the spend. Yet while we debate tarmac and tax breaks, a parallel Formula 1 is unfolding — one that doesn’t require billions in infrastructure or international approvals. It lives in games, esports, digital twins and creator platforms. And it could be worth more to our economy than the physical race. The official lap counts often quoted — such as the 847 million laps run in F1’s video game last year — should be a wake-up call. F1’s digital platforms attract millions of players worldwide, and esports competitions regularly draw hundreds of thousands of live viewers. The grid of the future…

It’s no longer just death and taxes that are inevitable. Uncertainty and volatility have become permanent fixtures in the investment landscape, reshaping how fund managers approach decision-making. In this environment, sound investment strategies are less about chasing perfection and more about applying rigorous processes, identifying opportunities, and learning from missteps. The goal is not to be right all the time, but to be consistently right more often than not. Amplify Investment Partners’ fund managers are tuned into this reality. Their focus is not on market noise but on making informed choices, and just as importantly, learning from the ones that didn’t pan out. Wessel Joubert, investment analyst at OysterCatcher, which manages the Amplify SCI Equity Fund and the Amplify SCI Managed Equity Retail Hedge Fund, draws a compelling analogy from…

Fidelity Services Group, Southern Africa’s leading provider of integrated services and risk solutions, said on Thursday that it has successfully acquired a majority shareholding in SSG Holdings, following all requisite regulatory approvals. This strategic transaction marks a significant milestone in Fidelity’s continued mission to deliver world-class integrated facilities services across the region. This acquisition builds on Fidelity’s track record of strategic expansion, including previous high-profile acquisitions such as ADT South Africa from Tyco (now Johnson Controls International), Bidvest Protea Coin Cash Management Solutions from The Bidvest Group, and key assets from National Security (formerly Chubb Security). Each of these has significantly enhanced the company’s scale, profitability, and service capabilities. Founded in 2014 by the late Jorge Ferreira, SSG has grown into a trusted partner to South Africa’s leading corporates, offering…

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has become the latest company looking to retrench workers, as it considers cutting more than 680 jobs across the country. The beverage company, which has been operating in South Africa for decades, is reportedly planning to close its manufacturing plants in Bloemfontein and East London as part of a wider restructuring aimed at addressing financial challenges. Motshidisi Mokwena, Coca-Cola’s Head of Communication, told IOL that the company was responding to changing industry conditions by making organisational adjustments that could, unfortunately, lead to job losses. "In response to evolving industry dynamics, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa intends to make adjustments to its organisation that, if implemented, may result in some roles being impacted and may, unfortunately, result in job losses". She confirmed that consultations with unions and affected…

A new report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has revealed that Gauteng and the Western Cape are likely to experience more water scarcity due to growing populations - driven by significant in-migration. The 2024 National State of Water report stated that Gauteng, as the country’s economic hub, is the leading centre for both international and domestic migrants, while the Western Cape is the second major immigration attraction centre. Gauteng has a population of about 16 million while the Western Cape is home to 7.6 million residents. The report detailed that Gauteng is projected to reach 20 million residents by 2050, while the Western Cape is expected to reach 8.5 million, a growth not matched by an adequate increase in dam storage capacity. For years, some parts of…

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has accused DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard of breaking the law and inciting attacks against the Crime Intelligence unit. Mkhwanazi made the comments at Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, held at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. The commission of inquiry is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Mkhwanazi yesterday told the commission that Barnard used classified intelligence to launch probes and fuel attacks against the Crime Intelligence unit. He said Barnard was a member of parliament for a long time and ought to understand the rules of how to behave regarding certain issues. “What we see here is a person who has a legal obligation to keep her mouth shut and…

The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has expressed its disappointment with the report it received from the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and its partner entity, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), regarding the collapse of the George building. The committee met with the CBE, CIDB, and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) for a briefing on the outcomes of the forensic report into the George building collapse. On May 6, 2024, the four-storey building at 75 Victoria Street collapsed, killing 34 people. Committee chairperson, Carol Phiri, expressed her disappointment at not having the forensic report after claims by the Department of Public Works that the report contains sensitive information. It said the committee had to review the report in camera first. The CBE informed…

September is Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the traditions, languages and stories that shape the nation’s identity. While celebrations often highlight music, food, dance and clothing, books remain one of the strongest mediums for exploring heritage. Literature gives readers a deeper understanding of history, struggle and possibility. Books preserve oral traditions, document resistance and imagine futures.They connect generations to the pain of the past and the hope of the present. Below are books that capture different aspects of South African heritage and deserve attention this month. I Write What I Like Steve Biko Steve Biko’s collection of essays is central to the philosophy of Black Consciousness. Written in the 1970s, the pieces challenge systems of oppression and emphasise the importance of African identity and pride. Biko’s voice continues…

South Africa will roll out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, a move government says will remove long-standing visa bottlenecks that have constrained the country’s tourism growth. The announcement comes as BDO South Africa’s Tourism Trends Report this week flagged that South Africa’s recovery continues to lag behind global and regional peers, despite a 14% rise in international tourist arrivals between January and July 2025, totalling 5.85 million visitors. Unveiling the system at the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the ETA formed part of government’s “Home Affairs @ Home” digital transformation agenda. The platform replaces paper-based visas with an online process that allows applicants to capture biometrics and receive approvals…

South African policymakers are grappling with how to respond to the growing number of countries adopting Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs), with the European Union’s version set to take effect in January 2026 and similar measures under consideration in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Japan. At a Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) webinar on Thursday, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) director Mahendra Shunmoogam said the government had formally opposed the EU’s CBAM in its recent submissions, describing it as a unilateral measure that undermines global trade rules and the sovereignty of developing countries. "Our position is that we fundamentally oppose CBAM because it violates potentially the WTO Agreement and also the Paris Agreement, which says that countries should not take any actions that impact on the…

A pension fund has reversed its initial decision and will now pay out a death benefit of R798 066,32 to the beneficiaries of a deceased member, following intervention by the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA). This comes after the fund had previously paid only R18 691.26 to the deceased’s estate, citing a lack of contributions during the member’s absence from work due to illness. The OPFA, a statutory body tasked with resolving pension-related disputes, investigated the matter after receiving a complaint from the deceased’s son. The complainant stated that his late father had been employed by Steval Engineering and contributed to the Metal Industries Provident Fund. He further explained that his mother, who has since passed away, had informed him that the benefit would be paid to him…

Google on Thursday announced a new set of investments in Africa, reaffirming its nearly two-decade commitment to the continent's digital transformation. The latest commitments focus on empowering Africa's next generation through AI, unlocking opportunities and expanding on the innovation capacity of young Africans. They cover internet connectivity; youth-led learning and innovation; and skills training. Google is announcing four strategic subsea cable connectivity hubs in the north, south, east and west regions of Africa. This investment creates new digital corridors within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world – ultimately deepening international connectivity and resilience, as well as spurring economic growth and opportunity. This is the latest addition to Google’s Africa Connect infrastructure program, which sees the company build vital connectivity across the continent: including the Google Cloud…

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has committed to prioritising building the capacity of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to be refocused to deal with organised crime. Cachalia said the capacity of the DPCI, as an important investigative structure, was not where it should be at the moment. “Although it does have important capabilities, building this capacity is going to be one of my priorities precisely because, as I have indicated on numerous occasions, organised crime is a growing problem. “I believe that the DPCI should be focused on organised crime. It has multiple mandates,” he said. Cachalia stated his agreement with the National Anti-Corruption Council's recommendation to President Cyril Ramaphosa that the DPCI should be refocused on tackling organised crime. “Obviously, this is a matter that will have…

The City's updated traffic by-law is out for public participation from today, in the first major review of the legislation in 15 years. Safety and Security Mayco member JP Smith said the original by-law was adopted in 2011, and this is the first significant overhaul since then. “Work on the amendments began in 2019 through the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, with some provisions already gazetted in 2022. “The review specifically looks at empowering officers to impound vehicles in instances of reckless or dangerous driving. The by-law is really an attempt to create meaningful behaviour change on our roads,” Smith said. He noted that despite the high number of fines issued in Cape Town, driver behaviour has not improved. “In March, April, May, June, and July, we issued between…

The Cruise Naima Brown Multicast performance Audible Originals AH, THE tantalising world of reality television: where egos are as inflated as the inflatable pool toys on board and secrets lurk as dangerously as the sharks that circle beneath. Naima Brown’s audiobook, The Cruise, blends dark humour with dramatic undertones to remind us that sometimes the most harrowing journeys can lead to profound revelations – especially when revenge is the destination. Bailey Collins – or should I say, Sarah in her former life – has sculpted a brand new identity after being tossed around like a rag doll in the foster care system, thanks in no small part to a mother who had more jail time than parenting minutes. After a childhood marked by betrayal and trauma, Bailey has risen through…

Former England Men’s coach Andy Flower often said that playing spin is all in the head but it's not brain surgery. Perhaps it came as second nature to him, judging by his Test average of 117.14 in India, but it certainly wasn’t for many of the England batters he coached during his tenure. Or for that matter the Proteas’ Women’s team. Combating slow bowlers on the spinning surfaces has long been the Achilles heel for the Proteas, and particularly for in-form opener Tazmin Brits when she started her international career. Brits learnt her cricket in Potchefstroom where the surfaces resemble billiard tables that allowed her to play through the line against the seam bowlers. Strong and powerfully-built, and naturally aggressive, Brits’ had a single-minded approach to the spin bowlers: Block,…