Inhoudsopgave van 2025-10-21 - Cape Times

China's economic growth slipped below 5 percent in the third quarter of 2025, official data showed Monday, the slowest pace in a year in the face of trade headwinds and a stubborn domestic consumer slump. The data was released just hours before state news agency Xinhua announced the start of a closely watched four-day meeting in Beijing with top Communist Party officials focused on long-term economic planning. It also comes ahead of in-person discussions later this month between top Chinese and US trade officials - as well as a potential meeting between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Trump earlier this month threatened blistering 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods from November 1, in response to Beijing's sweeping export controls in the strategic rare earths sector. Gross domestic product in…

Eskom has welcomed the release of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, describing it as a critical roadmap for balancing energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development as South Africa advances its transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources. This comes after Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on Sunday announced that the newly unveiled the IRP 2025 will unlock R2.2 trillion in investment over the next 15 years — a programme he described as the largest infrastructure build initiative in South Africa’s democratic history. Ramokgopa said the investment would be an off-balance sheet intervention, largely funded by the private sector through opportunities outlined in the IRP, which seeks to shift the country’s energy mix toward cleaner sources. The IRP outlines the addition of 11 270 megawatts…

Enko Capital, an Africa-focused alternative asset manager with $1.3 billion in assets under management, has announced the first close of its new impact-focused private credit fund, raising $100 million (around R1.7 billion) toward a $150m target, with a hard cap of $200m at final close. The fund attracted commitments from several high-profile investors, including British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution; the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group; SICOM Global Fund Limited; a leading European impact investor; and a number of African pension funds and family offices. The Enko Impact Credit Fund will provide US dollar-denominated private credit to mid-market companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting established, cash-generating businesses in resilient sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications, manufacturing, renewable energy, and financial services. By delivering…

Africa’s gaming sector is expanding rapidly, attracting attention not just for its entertainment value but for the social and economic opportunities it presents. Across the continent, lotteries and gaming operations are already funding community projects, education and infrastructure, showing that revenue from gaming can have a tangible impact. Yet, Africa continues to face pressing challenges and the sector’s potential is far from fully realised. The question is: how can gaming contribute more deliberately to the continent’s development? The statistics speak volumes. Africa is the fastest-growing gaming market in the world. According to a report by Carry1st, an African gaming and digital content publisher and Newzoo, a PC and console gamer research platform, Africa’s gaming market experienced significant growth, reaching a revenue of $1.8 billion in 2024. Last year, South Africa…

Spear REIT’s distributable income increased by a commendable 5.21% to 43.78 cents for the six months ending August 31, 2025, after a period of notable property acquisitions. The growth in revenue has been even more pronounced, with a 27.47% surge to R395.36 million, and a big reduction in loan-to-value, which fell from 27.09% to 13.85%. The performance highlights a robust operational strategy and keen market positioning in the competitive South African real estate sector. “Robust rental collections, growing letting activity, tenant retention, and hands-on financial, debtors and vacancy management remain the key building blocks for the entire Spear team,” said CEO Quintin Rossi. Occupancy rates stood resiliently at 95.03%, which was credited to successful marketing and letting initiatives within Spear’s core portfolio, setting a firm foundation for ongoing growth. During…

Every weekend, South Africans gather for braais, indulge in rich foods, and often binge drink without a second thought. These habits, seemingly harmless in the moment, can quietly pave the way to one of the world’s deadliest health crises: cardiovascular disease (CVD). It’s the small, everyday choices – what we eat, how we move, and the stress we carry that slowly chip away at our heart health. Cardiovascular disease isn’t just a health statistic; it’s a silent epidemic. Globally, it claims 17.9 million lives every year. In South Africa, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like CVD account for 43% of adult deaths, with nearly a fifth of these directly caused by heart-related conditions, according to the World Heart Federation. But here’s the truth: CVD is largely preventable. The choices we make today…

Billionaire and long-time ANC donor Patrice Motsepe appears to have thrown his weight behind Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi as the preferred successor to party president Cyril Ramaphosa. “South Africa does not need a rich man to be president. There are so many people in this country who are incredible. Enormously talented,” he said, before singling out Lesufi. “Let me start with Panyaza. He is the premier of Gauteng, and that job is a calling. “If you are a mayor of a city or a town, you have a duty to the people that you lead, but you also have a duty to the almighty because there are things that you may do that people don’t see.” Motsepe emphasised the gravitas of political leadership, particularly at the highest office. “So…

South Africa’s future will not be built by policies alone — it will be shaped by the minds that understand them. That is why the Western Cape Provincial Treasury’s annual Essay Writing Competition is more than an academic exercise; it is a statement of intent about the kind of society we want to become. Now in its 18th year, the competition has quietly grown into one of the province’s most impactful youth empowerment initiatives. It challenges Grade 11 learners to unpack real economicconcepts — this year focusing on how changes in the South African Reserve Bank’s repurchaserate affect consumer spending, inflation, and investment. In doing so, it transforms the economy from a distant abstraction into something personal, relevant, and actionable. At this year’s awards ceremony, Finance MEC Deidré Baartman reminded…

A former patient at the Potchefstroom Hospital for a second time lost his legal bid to claim damages from the MEC for Health in the North West Province after a portion of a drip mechanism broke off in his arm. Magiel du Plessis turned to the Mafikeng High Court, where he claimed damages from the Health authorities in the province. He alleged that as his right arm was damaged by the faulty drip, he can no longer work as a boilermaker, as he has to use this arm to operate heavy tools. The High Court earlier dismissed his claim and concluded that it is not the fault of the medical practitioners that the drip was faulty and that a portion broke off in his arm. Unhappy with that finding, Du…

Banyana Banyana’s road to redemption begins this week as Desiree Ellis’ side kicks off their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 2022 African champions are no longer the continent’s queens after finishing a disappointing fourth at the most recent WAFCON in July. That result ended their reign and raised tough questions about the team’s trajectory. The upcoming qualifying campaign, therefore, offers Ellis and her players a fresh chance to rebuild pride and reclaim their place among Africa’s elite. The first leg takes place at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Wednesday (6pm kick-off), with the decisive return leg set for FNB Stadium six days later. The winner on aggregate will move a step closer to Morocco 2026 —…

OBP 2024/25 Annual Performance Report shows a “collapse” of the State-owned vaccine producer The Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) has raised serious concerns about the performance of Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), following the release of its 2024/25 Annual Performance Report, which the organisation says signals a “collapse” of the State-owned vaccine producer. According to Saai on Monday, the report — presented before the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture — shows that OBP achieved only 62% of its performance targets, missed R100 million in revenue, and again received a qualified audit opinion with four unresolved findings. Profit reportedly declined from R231m in 2023/24 to R186m in 2024/25, while vaccine production dropped by 24%. Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai, said these figures reflect a deepening crisis rather than isolated administrative problems. Rossouw said…

One of the challenges of the structural reforms we have been working with the government to deliver is the patience required for the payoff. Reforms take time to translate into measurable economic outcomes, and the lag between implementation and impact can test the resolve of even the most committed stakeholders. For example, the remarkable success in reforming our electricity sector will only really deliver in GDP growth terms when firms are confident again to invest and expand capacity. A stable power supply removes a constraint, but it takes time for businesses to assess the new landscape, secure financing and commit capital to long-term projects. Similarly, an efficient logistics system pays off when companies find they can efficiently supply new global markets and build the plant or expand capacity to do…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said that the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) is proving to be a step in the right direction for the agricultural sector. Steenhuisen on Monday said that the latest figures emerging from the AAMP Progress Report indicate that agricultural production volumes have steadily increased from 11% in 2015–2019 to 13% in 2019–2023. “This growth is attributed to the inclusivity and transformation agenda that the AAMP seeks to achieve. Data indicates that there has been significant growth in production volumes of various agricultural commodities," he said. "For example, maize production has increased from 34% to 65%, soya bean from 72% to 80%, wheat from 17% to 53%, deciduous fruits from 17% to 49%, viticulture from 25% to 62%, and tomatoes from 8% to 94% over…

Last week offered a striking juxtaposition. Entrepreneurial financial services innovator Prince Nwadeyi celebrated his academic paper's publication in the International Marketing Review. It’s research unpacking how insurance brokers in South Africa systematically maintain information asymmetries that keep base of the pyramid (BoP) consumers trapped in suboptimal products. Meanwhile, SME investment asset class builder Joshua Bicknell's LinkedIn update suggested something between resignation and frustration about the capital his organisation, Balloon Ventures, has (and hasn't) managed to secure for backing East Africa's unglamorous SMEs. Two founders. Two different immediate concerns. One uncomfortable parallel. Intermediary issues Nwadeyi's research, conducted with professor of international management and strategy at the University of Sussex, John Luiz, reveals how brokers leverage symbolic work - invoking dignity and cultural obligation around funerals - to reinforce consumer dependence on…

Sirius Real Estate plans to acquire a defence-anchored business park near Munich for €43.7 million (R878.17 m), the owner of branded business and industrial parks in the UK and Germany announced yesterday. The JSE and London Stock Exchange listed group said Monday it has notarised the acquisition of a business park in Feldkirchen, Germany. This transaction means Sirius will have acquired around €340m (R6.9 billion) of income-producing assets across the UK and Germany so far in 2025. This has included properties in Dresden, Lübeck, Munich, Reinsberg, Monchengladbach, Hartlebury, Bedford, Oldham and Chalcroft. “In our first half trading update earlier this month, we noted that we expected our acquisition programme to be more weighted towards Germany in the last six months of our financial year, and this transaction underscores that sentiment,”…

THE ANC will have to “change its ways or it will die”, warned secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. “Our ways and deeds have contributed largely to the low morale among our voters and our people,” he said when addressing the Mpumalanga Provincial General Council at the weekend. He also used his speech to take a swipe at the South African Communist Party (SACP) for its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently. “Comrades, we have suffered a setback, a big one. Our numbers went down to 40%. The NEC asked, ‘What do we call this outcome?’ and said it is a setback. We had to create what is called a Government of National Unity,” he stated, acknowledging the severity of the electoral blow. Mbalula placed the blame squarely on…

THE investigators in the Armand Swart murder case have been assigned 10 officers to ensure their safety after the team received threats and intimidation, according to Witness A who testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday. Witness A, a detective with the SAPS’s organised crime unit in Gauteng, said that they were no longer safe in their homes and at work. They had to drive around with the docket wherever they went. As a result, specialised teams were deployed to guard detectives in this matter and they were moved to safe houses. His testimony was held partially in camera, where the public was able to hear his voice but not see his face. This, according to the commission, was done for the safety of the witness. The witness…

Marking a major milestone in the fight against Ebola, the last known patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was discharged from care on Sunday, starting a crucial 42-day countdown to officially declaring the outbreak over, provided no new cases emerge. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a total of 19 patients have recovered, with no new cases reported since September 25. Since the outbreak was declared on September 4 in the Bulape health zone of Kasai Province, 64 cases have been recorded, 53 confirmed and 11 classified as probable. “The recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared is a remarkable achievement that shows how strong partnership, national expertise and determination have contributed to overcoming challenges to save and protect lives,” said…

TWENTY-SIX MyCiTi buses on the N2 Express routes from Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to the Civic Centre have been damaged by stone-throwing, wire tampering, and damaging of doors in just the last six months. The City said a staggering 56% of their bus fleet pulled out of circulation for repairs have been vandalised through acts of anti-social behaviour by members of the communities who rely on the service, heavily impacting fellow commuters. “As a result, the available fleet is at times significantly reduced due to MyCiTi buses being attacked and abused,” the City said. Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas said authorities have noticed a disturbing trend where vandalism, particularly stone throwing, escalates during the school holidays. “One particularly alarming incident last week saw a bus carrying dozens…

Keshav Maharaj acknowledged the Proteas were disappointed to have dropped four catches but refused to apportion blame after the tourists had to settle for limiting Pakistan to 259/5 on an attritional opening day of the second Test. Captain Shan Masood led the way for the hosts in Rawalpindi scoring 87, with opener Abdullah Shafique grinding out 57 and Saud Shakeel still there on 42 along with Salman Agha. Maharaj and fellow spinner Simon Harmer took two wickets apiece and Kagiso Rabada one late in the day with the second new ball, but it could have been so much better for the tourists had a collection of chances not been put down in the morning and afternoon sessions. It started with the luckless Tristan Stubbs putting down a straightforward catch at…

South African businesses have been given a clear roadmap for international expansion into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the country is actively seeking new trade corridors and investment opportunities. This was during a high-level investment briefing hosted by the Creative Zone by Encor, the United Arab Emirates’ business setup advisory firm, and Azanyah Trade Hub, in partnership with the UAE Embassy in South Africa on Monday. The UAE’s status as a global business and investment hub—offering 100% foreign ownership, a favourable tax environment, investor-friendly regulations, and access to international capital—was presented as an attractive gateway for South African industries such as mining, agriculture, ICT, healthcare, logistics, real estate, and manufacturing. The event brought together senior government officials, investors, corporate leaders, and small and medium enterprises representatives for strategic discussions…

Governance is often a dance between movement and stillness. Decisions, debates and deadlines create a rhythm that can easily overwhelm the deeper discipline of reflection. Yet, within that motion, there must exist what the poets have called a "still point"; a centre of clarity where judgment is not rushed by noise and perspective is not lost to pace. The most effective boards learn to find this balance. They move with purpose but pause with intention. Balance in governance is not neutrality. It is the wisdom to act without haste, to lead without domination and to decide without losing sight of principle. The modern board operates in constant tension between risk and opportunity, regulation and innovation, duty and empathy. These tensions are not flaws in the system; they are its pulse.…

There’s no question that technology companies have been impactful in society. What’s interesting is that their success and impact can be attributed to more than just technology but also their management and leadership approaches. The leadership model applied in some tech companies is becoming a subject worthy of attention. Recently, Yoco announced a leadership transition that also highlighted a move towards a co-CEO model. Two of the company co-founders were appointed as co-CEOs. Both Lungisa Matshoba and Bradley Wattrus while the former CEO, Katlego Maphai, will also remain in some way. It’s an interesting move by one of the most successful technology startups in South Africa. It’s a move that will be studied for many years as this company grows. Yoco is not alone in adopting the co-CEO model. Spotify…

Nintendo has asked suppliers to produce as many as 25 million units of the Switch 2 by the end of March 2026, setting the company up for record first-year sales of a console that’s already reached high-water marks for the global gaming sector. The Japanese company is asking its manufacturing partners to ramp up output, counting on demand to persist over the coming holidays and into the new year, according to people familiar with the matter. Nintendo, which began assembly of the Switch 2 around the end of calendar 2024, may still adjust the final production figures when it gets a clearer reading of demand during the critical holiday shopping season. As of now, Nintendo is likely to comfortably surpass analysts’ estimates for sales of 17.6 million devices in the…

Optasia, an innovative player in AI-enabled micro financing and airtime credit solutions, revealed its plans to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) this November, targeting revenue growth exceeding 50% for its financial year ending in 2025, and over 25% in 2026. The group is also targeting low to mid-twenties revenue growth percentages over the medium term, according to the pre-listing statement released Monday. Optasia is looking to raise about R1.3 billion through a share issuance aimed at bolstering both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Additionally, a further R5bn through a secondary share sale will be procured via a private placement to selected institutional investors. The company plans to offer up to 83.95 million shares, with an expected price range of R15.50 to R19 per share, making up 30.4% of…

Social media is where beauty hacks and health trends collide, often leaving us curious, sceptical or both. From slathering your skin with petroleum jelly to taping your mouth shut for better sleep, the internet loves unusual wellness ideas. The latest trend? Pouring castor oil into your belly button to reduce bloating and improve digestion. This quirky practice gained traction when aesthetic nurse practitioner Miranda Wilson, RN, shared her experience on TikTok. In her now-viral video, Wilson demonstrates pouring castor oil into her belly button and gently massaging it in. Her caption? “POV: You started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion, and your stomach has never been so flat.” The video got a lot of attention. Some people said the hack helped with bloating, period cramps, and even…

CONTROVERSIAL businessman and alleged mastermind behind a series of contract killings Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala has not provided evidence of having suffered any medical condition after spending more than five months in custody. That was the counter argument the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) presented before the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, where Matlala filed an application in a bid to appeal against the decision by the Magistrate’s Court to deny him bail last month. Matlala, whose name has also been linked with dodgy contracts at the Tembisa Hospital, faces accusations of masterminding the failed assassination of his former partner, socialite Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023, an accusation Matlala has denied. The State and Matlala’s legal team presented their heads of argument before the high court yesterday. During his earlier bail application, Matlala…

WITH about 1 500 new breast cancer cases diagnosed in the Western Cape annually, sixty-three-year-old Parow resident Kulsum Abrahams who has been in remission for a decade stands as a symbol of hope, advocating for women to seek help as early as possible. This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, South Africa embraces the theme “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” a call to action to highlight that early detection, support, and collaboration save lives. According to the provincial health department, about 1 500 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually, with primary health care being a critical first step. Abrahams shares that her journey started when in 2014, she experienced pain in her left breast and tests at Tygerberg Hospital confirmed cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, enduring…

The Randwest SPCA (SPCA Randfontein & Westonaria) team recently faced an experience that will forever remain etched in their memories. The SPCA said that one Friday afternoon, cadet Inspector Nolo Molobi received an urgent call from the police asking for help. A man had allegedly committed suicide and his dog, a crossbreed female, was guarding his body, preventing authorities from gaining access. Additionally, no relatives could be reached and there was uncertainty about other animals in the house. This led Molobi and animal assistant Micheal Makumbe to rush to the scene to help. “What they encountered, however, was beyond anything they had ever faced. The trauma of the environment left them shaken and emotionally distressed. Despite the horrifying conditions, they managed to safely rescue the dog,” the SPCA said. The…

There is a “changing of the guard” feel to the 36-man Springbok squad about to depart for Europe, with some World Cup winners relegated to the sidelines and a growing group of youngsters replacing them. Ageing veterans such as fullback Willie le Roux, scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and tighthead prop Vincent Koch have not made the cut, while another two senior Boks, Bongi Mbonambi and Makazole Mapimpi, have been placed on standby. The uncapped Stormers prop Zachary Porthen is the latest young Turk to get the nod from Rassie Erasmus. He joins an exciting new wave of players under the age of 24 in Ethan Hooker, Canan Moodie, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Erasmus is determined to finish the year on top of the World Rugby rankings as the draw…

While Ruben Amorim may have achieved a number of firsts in securing a rare victory at Anfield, it is the nature of the 2-1 win that the Portuguese manager will find most pleasing. It wasn’t just the scoreline – though ending nine years of frustration on Merseyside matters to Red Devils fans starved of recent success – but the measured, controlled way they did it. Under Amorim, United finally looked like a side with a plan and purpose, one they were able to execute with dogged determination. Where previous managers approached Anfield as a damage limitation exercise, Amorim brought courage and conviction, buoyed no doubt by the home side’s faltering recent form. His team pressed in waves, controlled the midfield corridors, and turned Arne Slot’s structure inside out, exposing obvious…