Inhoudsopgave van 2025-10-09 - Cape Times

The Minerals Council South Africa has reiterated its warning that the proposed Minerals Amendment Bill, in its current form, could undermine the sector’s ability to attract investment, create jobs and stimulate growth. The 2025 Mineral Resources Development Amendment Bill (MRDB), published for public comment on May 20, proposes significant amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) of 2002. The draft law seeks to formalise artisanal mining, strengthen environmental and community consultation, promote mineral beneficiation, and enhance regulatory certainty for investors. Among the proposed changes are a new licensing regime for small-scale mining, clearer definitions for “community” and “interested and affected parties,” and tougher enforcement mechanisms. The Bill also addresses associated minerals, historic mine dumps, and suggests that petroleum resources may be separated into their own legislation. Speaking…

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have said that Eskom workers are preparing to demand a 15% wage increase, along with higher housing and other allowances, ahead of the upcoming round of salary negotiations with the power utility. NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu confirmed that formal wage talks had not yet begun but said preparations were underway. “The wage negotiations haven't yet started," Mammburu said on Wednesday. The wage talks come as Eskom returns to profitability for the first time in eight years, reporting a R23.9 billion profit before tax in its latest financial results — a sharp turnaround from the R25.5bn loss the previous year. This marked the first return to profitability since the 2017 financial year. Economists have cautioned that a 15% wage hike is unrealistic and unaffordable for…

South Africa’s agricultural machinery market continued its upward momentum in September, signalling renewed confidence among farmers and a broadly positive outlook for the 2024–25 production season. Data from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) shows that 758 tractors were sold in September, up almost 15% from 660 units in the same month last year. Year-to-date tractor sales are now 22% higher than in 2024. While combine harvester sales slipped to eight units in September from 17 units a year ago, cumulative sales for 2025 remain 17% ahead of last year’s pace. "Winter crop predictions, with the exception of barley, are marginally up on last year," said Willie Human, chairperson of SAAMA. "Looking ahead, weather predictions are that a weak La Niña will affect summer and winter cropping areas in…

Advertising has always been about being seen. Yet the uncomfortable truth is that most ads online are not. The latest wave of attention research from Karen Nelson-Field’s Amplified and Connect (part of The Up&Up Group, Africa’s largest independent group of creative companies) shows that up to 80% of digital ads never register with a human audience. For years, the industry has comforted itself with tons of funnel impressions, as if buying them guaranteed impact. What we now know, and probably what you always suspected, is that viewability does not equal attention. This gap is more than a technicality. It is costing brands globally an estimated $200-billion a year. Worse still, it is not just wasted spend. When people half-see an ad or scroll past it too quickly, their brains often…

Alphamin Resources Corporation has announced a robust 26% increase in tin production for the third quarter leading up to the end of September. The company, which operates the Bisie Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is listed on the JSE AltX and the Canadian TSXV markets, reported on Wednesday a total output of 5 190 tons of tin over the quarter, aligning closely with its target of 5 000 tons. As a result of the strong production performance, Alphamin has raised its annual production guidance for the financial year 2025, now projecting output between 18 000 and 18 500 tons. This revision marks an increase from the previous forecast of 17 000 to 18 000 tons, reflecting the company’s optimistic outlook following operational improvements. In terms of…

POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff Cedric Nkabinde had allegedly told KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that controversial business Brown Mogotsi was “very close” to Mchunu. Mkhwanazi disclosed this when testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of political interference in the disbandment of the political killings task team, corruption and misconduct in the police's crime intelligence division. He spoke of how Nkabinde entered the chief of staff position without a comprehensive understanding of what the role entails. Mkhwanazi said Nkabinde told him about his appointment before he was appointed. He had doubts that the former police officer would be able to deal with administrative issues or the strategic role. “My impression is Mr Nkabinde was appointed a minister’s chief of staff and had no clue what…

EASTERN Cape farmer Gregory John Miles could soon find himself having to answer to criminal charges, having been found guilty of making a racial slur against the officers. The NSPCA said the Equality Court also ordered Miles to apologise to two National Council of SPCAs inspectors and pay the animal advocacy group R50,000 NSPCA spokesperson, Jacques Peacock, said Inspectors Singh and Khumalo went to Miles's farm in March following a complaint about the farmer's sheep farm. "The officers found that the premises was empty and as they were leaving, Miles confronted them. During the exchange, he shouted, 'You f*****g c***s want to stop farmers from exporting live sheep.' He then locked the gates and refused to let the men leave," Peacock said. Singh and Khumalo opened a case of…

Singer, actor and entertainer Loukmaan Adams was among the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation for his decades-long contribution to Cape Town's vibrant performing arts scene at the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) Cultural Awards. The DCAS celebrated extraordinary talent and dedication at its annual Cultural Awards ceremony at the Artscape theatre. The event recognised outstanding contributions across arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums, and archives sectors in the province, highlighting individuals who have transformed their communities through creative expression. Dr. Isaac Balie received the coveted Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong dedication to heritage preservation, while Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female ensemble Women Unite, was recognised for her pioneering work in preserving indigenous dance and music, and empowering communities through the arts. The evening's theme,…

“IND-YAAA, IND-YAAA!” This is the chant that will reverberate around Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VCDA Cricket Stadium whenever Smriti Mandhana elegantly strokes the ball through the covers. Drums will beat, trumpets and whistles blown, flags waved, and grown men fully painted in the tri-colours will create a cacophony of noise that the Proteas Women have yet to encounter. Facing India, in a World Cup, at home, is simply a different beast to any other challenge, but one the Proteas are looking to embrace. “It’s always a challenge, but I think it’s also nice,” Proteas allrounder Nadine de Klerk said on the eve of this mouth-watering World Cup clash. “I think we were here last year, and it was also quite a big crowd. So, I think it’s a nice thing…

Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos is a forthright man. It’s a characteristic that has earned him the respect of both his players and the often-fickle South African media during his time in the country. Earlier this week, Broos issued a public warning to Sundowns duo Jayden Adams and Fawaaz Basadien that their lack of gametime at the Betway Premiership champions will negatively affect their chances of making the trip to Morocco for AFCON at the end of the year. Broos has already shown his hand by not including the pair in recent Bafana squads competing in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Belgian-born coach stressed: “For players, it’s important that you play, and not directly where you play. But you have to play, and this is not the case…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has announced a R1.35 billion funding allocation to support early-stage mining opportunities across South Africa and the rest of the African continent. The largest asset manager in Africa with over R3 trillion in assets under management said on Wednesday that this move was aimed at boosting exploration, supporting the just energy transition, and driving inclusive economic growth. The PIC said the funding will target mining projects that are well advanced — from post-scoping to bankable feasibility study (BFS) stage — providing critical capital at a stage often considered too risky for traditional investors. According to the PIC, the strategic allocation will enable it to back the growth of South Africa’s mining sector through indirect investments, primarily via private equity, venture capital, specialist mining funds, and…

A new private-sector proposal has reignited debate about how South Africa might simplify transformation. The concept is simple: companies pay 3% of gross revenue in exchange for automatic Level 3 B-BBEE status — a neat alternative to the complex scorecard system. On paper, it sounds practical. The model offers predictability, reduces red tape and could channel significant funding into the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC) proposed Transformation Fund. For small and mid-sized businesses, particularly those with turnover under R200 million, it could turn empowerment from an administrative task into a straightforward contribution. However, this is not government policy. The idea was developed by Alan Knott-Craig Jr. and his NGO, Kululeka.org, and submitted privately to the DTIC. While Minister Parks Tau has said “challenge accepted”, there has been…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Sub-Saharan African countries to accelerate structural reforms and deepen regional integration to unlock growth potential and create jobs for the continent’s fast-growing youth population. Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of a new policy center ahead of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings next week, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that while the global economy has shown resilience in the face of multiple shocks, deep transformations in technology, geopolitics, and demographics were creating uncertainty — and opportunity — especially for emerging regions such as Africa. “In this multi-polar world of rapid change, policymakers must do much more to capture and deliver opportunity so they can meet the aspirations of their citizens, especially young people,” Georgieva said. Georgieva noted that Sub-Saharan Africa…

In a significant turn of events, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially lapsed on 30 September 2025, ushering in a new era for South African trade relations with the United States. This development comes amidst renewed U.S. tariffs and proposals for a potential, albeit short-term, extension of AGOA, further deepening uncertainty around the future of U.S.-Africa trade interactions. Despite this challenging landscape, opportunities are emerging for South African businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At the recent G20 meetings, two vital Memoranda of Intent were solidified with Brazil and Japan, promising to enhance trade, technology exchange, and agricultural cooperation. John Steenhuisen, South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, hailed these agreements as a testament to the shared vision for food security and competitiveness. Particularly notable is the agreement with…

Google on Wednesday announced a major initiative to support higher education across Africa by offering its premium AI subscription, Google AI Pro for free to university students for 12 months. The offer is available to eligible students aged 18+ in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, providing them with access to Google's most advanced AI tools to enhance their learning, research, and creative work. Through Google’s most capable model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, this initiative will equip the next generation of African leaders, innovators, and creators with fundamental AI literacy. By placing powerful generative AI tools directly in the hands of students, Google is helping to prepare them for a workforce where AI proficiency is increasingly essential. “We are seeing a new wave of innovation in Africa,…

LATE South African ambassador to France and his now widow Philisiwe Buthelezi paid for every single brick of the perimeter wall at his home, said his family in denying KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims that Crime Intelligence slush funds had been used. Mkhwanazi told the Parliament’s ad hoc committee inquiry that Crime Intelligence had secretly built a R600,000 wall at Mthethwa’s home in KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal. The committee is hearing his testimony into his allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi told the MPs on Tuesday that he believes the wall was built without Mthethwa’s knowledge or request. “We are sitting today, the country is in mourning because we lost one of our ambassadors in France. But that ambassador was a Minister…

KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi believes suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was only the signatory of the letter that controversially confirmed the dismantling of the political killings task team (PKTT). Mkhwanazi has accused rogue political forces of sabotaging the fight against political killings and claimed Mchunu wasn’t even the real author of the letter that disbanded the elite task team investigating them. “I don’t believe Minister Mchunu wrote that letter. Someone made him sign it. If the minister was honest, he would say someone made me sign this, I did not write it myself… if he comes here and says it’s him then there will be trouble,” Mkhwanazi told MPs of Parliament’s ad-hoc committee probing corruption in the criminal justice system. The letter signed by Mchunu, dated December 2024,…

FEAR and silence in Gugulethu are hindering justice, says the area’s community policing forum following yet another mass shooting involving three men who were killed on Tuesday. “We are concerned by these incidents that leave our communities in trauma. Some people were coming home from work, there were children, and some were at the shops when the shooting happened. We are unable to move around at ease,” said Gugulethu CPF chairperson Deon Makiti. “Community members are scared to tell us who the perpetrators are. For us to live in a peaceful environment and have a better life, we need to report these criminals. We want these people to be arrested and removed from our society. We urge people to go to the station commander and report these perpetrators,” said Makiti.…

The refrain “I thank God” has been uttered so may times before by footballers – and sports stars in general – that you wonder when it's really heartfelt or just another cliché. Yet, when Sphephelo Sithole said it, you knew he was not just regurgitating a phrase he had picked up from watching post-match interviews. This was a man truly grateful for his faith; a man thankful for a second chance; a man aware that it could well have ended a year ago. Back in the Bafana Bafana squad for the first time since he was stretchered off the pitch in South Sudan in September 2024, the man fondly referred to as “Yaya” could understandably not hide his delight. “I thank God for the opportunity he has given me to…

Deal to acquire Teck gives Anglo access to the Canada-based company’s portfolio of copper mines Anglo American said $50 billion (R858bn) merger terms with Teck Resources would remain unchanged, this barely a month after the deal was announced and after Teck revised downwards its production guidance of its Quebrada Blanca (QB) copper mine. Teck on Wednesday lowered its guidance for the QB copper mine high in Chile’s Atacama desert, as part of a wider operational review, to between 170 000 to 190 000 tons, from previous guidance of 210 000 to 230 000 tons. The deal to acquire Teck crucially gives Anglo access to the Canada-based company’s portfolio of copper mines - copper has become a sought-after mining commodity given its soaring demand arising out of the global energy transition.…

Philip Morris International (PMI) said on Wednesday that South Africa’s new regulatory process for the tobacco industry could mark a turning point for the country’s harm reduction agenda, as government considers how to regulate new smokeless and alternative nicotine products. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, currently under discussion in Parliament, has reignited debate about the future of tobacco regulation in South Africa. Big tobacco companies — including PMI and British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) — recently made submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, calling for differentiation between combustible and smokeless tobacco products. PMI has argued that treating all nicotine products the same would be a missed opportunity to reduce smoking-related diseases, while BATSA said the proper regulation of less harmful alternatives could help…

Countless studies confirm the relationship between poor mental health or even a negative mood and lost productivity, but many of these focus on employees' productivity. What happens if you, as a business owner, are struggling with your own mental wellbeing? If this is the case, the impact on your business can be profound. Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health. Just as no one should continue running a business with an untreated injury, ignoring your mental wellbeing shouldn’t be an option either. A healthy entrepreneur is generally more resilient and better equipped to navigate the challenges they will inevitably face. Here are five ways to put your wellbeing first and help your business in the process: Recognise that burnout is a business risk Entrepreneurs are…

THE South African pro-Paletsine activists detained by Israeli forces for taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission have piled pressure on the government to completely cut trade ties with Israel for its genocide in Gaza. The six activists, including Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, were abducted in international waters while on their way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. They arrived home to a hero's welcome yesterday having been kept by Israeli forces for almost a week. On their abduction, Mandela said more than 8 000 activists were denied access to food and other basic human rights. “Some flights were cancelled here at OR Tambo by preventing many of our comrades from participating in the mission. They were denied entry at Cairo Airport at the second checkpoint. Therefore, we…

BASIC Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has blamed the non-payment of more than 150 000 teacher assistants on the failure of officials responsible for verifying the attendance registers. Gwarube, alongside Department of Labour deputy minister, Jomo Sibiya, jointly addressed the media over non-payment of stipends aimed at helping education assistants yesterday. "Today, I can confirm that as of 10am, payments have started flowing from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to our education assistants. This brings a massive relief to thousands of young people who have been waiting for what is due to them. This delay should have never happened, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that it is avoided in the future." The assistants, mostly young people, were recently recruited by the Department of Basic Education under its employment…

PROTESTING Khayelitsha residents have given the City and the provincial government seven days to respond to their memorandum demanding increased delivery of basic services. Their march to the Civic Centre got off to a rough start when residents and police clashed yesterday. Hundreds of marchers, led by councillors Lonwabo Mqina, Khayalethu Kama, Thando Mpengezi and Ndithini Thyido, arrived at the Civic Centre singing struggle songs. Moments later, tension flared when a few protesters were pepper-sprayed as they tried to walk up the stairs to demand that the mayor receive their memorandum in person. Their demands include the completion of the Kuyasa Retrofit Project, electrification of informal settlements, installation of new and maintenance of existing high-mast lights among others. “We demand the extension of the Kuyasa Clinic and the…

The clear and present danger facing the Proteas on their upcoming Test tour of Pakistan may be the prospect of raging turning pitches and dual spin threat of the hosts, but the return of star left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is ominous. Afridi, who is also commonly known as “The Eagle”, was left behind when Pakistan visited South Africa last year. The 25-year-old, though, seemed to be reaching peak form again in the recent Asia Cup in the UAE and has now earned a recall to the Test squad. “I can't particularly say one thing has happened, but he bowled very, very well in the Asia Cup. And the pace was up,” former Pakistan Test cricketer and renowned commentator Bazid Khan exclusively told Independent Media from Lahore on Wednesday.…

The Bulls have never beaten Ulster in Belfast, and they will face the tricky task of trying to change that statistic on Saturday as they aim to kick off their first United Rugby Championship (URC) tour match on a winning note. After two bonus-point victories in Pretoria, the Bulls sit at the top of the URC log, but they know how quickly things can change if they don’t start well away from home. They had some relative success in Europe last season; however, winning in northern conditions remains a major challenge for South African teams. Following the clash with Ulster, the Bulls will also face fellow Irish side Connacht and former Scottish champions, the Glasgow Warriors — a demanding start to their tour. The Loftus-based side has travelled to Belfast…