Inhoudsopgave van 2025-11-20 - Cape Times

The Fiscal Service Commission (FCC) has urged National Treasury to urgently pursue proactive debt restructuring, arguing that South Africa is missing a rare window of opportunity created by sharply lower government bond yields. Briefing Parliament on the recently tabled Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), FCC head of research Chen-Wei Tseng said the yield on the 10-year government bond has dropped from a peak of 11% to 8.67%. He said this signals that investors now perceive lower sovereign risk, and that government could potentially refinance its debt at a significantly lower cost. Chen-Wei said Treasury could now possibly borrow the same amount as before but costing less, however, warned that such savings do not materialise automatically. "But it does not happen automatically. It needs active market engagement. It's not an easy…

Transnet on Wednesday celebrated a major milestone in its fleet renewal programme as the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive was completed at its Durban manufacturing facility. The locomotive forms part of the 240-unit order that Transnet is building to modernise and expand its freight rail fleet. This as Transnet Engineering positions itself to become a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the continent. Group CEO Michelle Phillips and Transnet board chairperson Andile Sangqu attended the ceremony, hailing the achievement as a turning point for the State-owned logistics company. Sangqu said the board had committed earlier this year to return to Durban once the 200th locomotive was rolled out. “It really gives me great pleasure to witness the launch of the 200th locomotive, which marks a significant milestone in our effort as…

As someone who has spent decades working at the intersection of telecommunications policy, spectrum management, and infrastructure development, I’ve seen firsthand how connectivity can transform lives, economies and entire regions. Yet, despite our best efforts, large parts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) remain digitally excluded. The time has come for us to rethink our approach, and recalibrate our strategies, especially when it comes to satellite connectivity. The recently released report, Unlocking Growth in the SADC: Harnessing the Potential of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Systems commissioned by Amazon, makes a compelling case for why Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems must be central to our digital strategy. The numbers speak for themselves: $16.9 billion in annual economic benefits, $10.3 billion in infrastructure cost savings, and millions of people brought online. But…

Every year, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) invites us to pause and reflect on the ecosystem we are collectively building. It’s easy to get caught up in programmes, reports, and events, but GEW challenges us to ask a deeper question: Are we truly creating a world where entrepreneurs can thrive? This year’s theme, Together We Build, couldn’t be more timely. The momentum leading up to GEW in both Cape Town and Johannesburg showed just how much building has already begun.It all started in Cape Town from 8 to 10 November, where energy around technology and entrepreneurship ignited dynamic conversations. The AI-Driven Hackathon and AI Forum led by our organisation, set the stage for discussions that were practical, forward-thinking, and grounded in real-world impact. AI is not just another buzzword; it is…

The latest report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals a concerning trend: in September 2025, 145 businesses were liquidated, pushing the cumulative year-to-date total to 1180 closures. This marks an alarming 23.9% spike compared to the same month last year, with a 13% increase in liquidations during the July–September quarter. The statistics paint a stark picture of a nation grappling with an increasingly hostile economic environment. The sectors hardest hit by this precipitous decline include finance, insurance, real estate, and business services, with trade, catering, and accommodation following closely behind. Perhaps most strikingly, even major players are not immune; the high-profile liquidation of Murray & Roberts Holdings serves as a sobering reminder that the pressures facing South Africa's economy extend to industry giants. Mounting pressures: why businesses are failing…

‘MAKE sure that when you deal with criminals, you are decisive’. That was the order National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola gave his officers deployed as part of enforcing law and order during the G20 leaders Summit in Joburg at the weekend. The police have confirmed that the safety and security operational plan is already being enforced across various entrance and exit points across the province. More than 3 500 newly trained police constables have been deployed across South Africa as part of heightened security measures for the leaders' summit. There will also be specialised courts dedicated to those who seek to disrupt and cause chaos during the summit. Masemola along with acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia were joined by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, City of Joburg…

UNIVERSITY of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) association with Mary De Haas is only limited to the position of Honorary Research Fellow in the school of law, and not a professor. De Hass, identified as researcher and crime activist, appeared before Parliament on Tuesday where MPs lamented her disappointing testimony which they said largely relied on hearsay. During her appearance before Parliament, De Haas provided the committee with the information she received from confidential sources but refused to divulge their names and identities. She also declined to reveal the names even in a private session. This resulted in her testimony being described as “disappointing, unreliable and hearsay” by several members of the committee, arguing that her refusal to disclose the names made her evidence impossible to verify. The Ad Hoc…

The Innovator Trust 2025 edition of the Women in Tech (WIT) Awards has announced an expanded lineup of speakers and panelists who are redefining leadership, creativity and innovation across South Africa’s technology ecosystem. Under the theme “Shaping her Growth. Code It. Shape It. Scale It.”, the event takes an “unflinching look” at how women are rewriting the code of Africa’s digital economy. The newly confirmed voices are expected to bring depth, insight, and industry-shaping expertise to this year’s programme. Joining the already heavyweight business lineup, these additional leaders represent a powerful cross-section of South Africa’s digital, creative, entrepreneurial and corporate environments: • Aphiwe Tafeni (Founder and CEO, Olem Business Boutique) • Chipo Mushwana (Executive of Emerging Innovation & Payments, Nedbank Group) • Dr Roze Phillips (African Futurist, Business Strategy Advisor…

Launched earlier in 2024 for the current generation, the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider has proven to be a popular model in the Isuzu line-up, with the brand now having recently introduced a limited-edition 150 units Black Edition model. To launch the stylish bakkie, Isuzu recently invited media from across South Africa to join a three-day road trip from Durban to Johannesburg, cutting through picturesque Clarens. Exterior The X-Rider nameplate has proven to be a hit since its introduction in the previous generation D-Max. The X-Rider Black Edition takes things up a notch, with cosmetic upgrades added to the already popular nameplate. It features a gloss-black grille with red X-Rider badging, dark 18-inch gloss-black alloys with red “Isuzu” lettering on the black centre caps, and black mirror caps. Decals are also along…

CELEBRATED on November 20 each year, World Children's Day raises awareness about the rights and welfare of children while also highlighting the enormous challenges they face. One of these challenges is cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy refers to a group of permanent movement and posture disorders caused by injury to or abnormal development of the brain early in life, leading to difficulties with movement and coordination. Although the brain injury does not progress, its impact on movement and function may worsen over time without sustained and coordinated treatment and care. Globally, the prevalence of CP remains relatively constant in high-income countries but is considerably higher in low-and middle-income countries where perinatal complications (complications during late pregnancy to the first week or month after birth), limited access to skilled obstetric care,…

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender and captain Thabo Nthethe is tipping his former side to correct Orlando Pirates' mistake against St Eloi Lupopo whom they face in their opening Caf Champions League group stage opener at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon at 3pm. It is nothing short of a coincidence that Sundowns open with Lupopo, the Democratic Republic of Congo side that eliminated Pirates – the Brazilians' closest domestic rivals – in the final preliminary stages. Nthethe, a key figure in Sundowns’ historic 2016 Champions League triumph, expects a demanding battle in the opener but remains confident that his former club have enough quality to stamp their superiority. “It’s going to be a tough encounter for Sundowns,” Nthethe told Independent Newspapers. “But I definitely know that they will do their homework…

Economists remain optimistic that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) will cut interest rates from 7.00% to 6.75% per annum when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on Thursday, despite consumer inflation rising to its highest level in more than a year. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that annual headline consumer inflation rate accelerated for the second month in a row to 3.6% in October, from 3.4% in September. Though this inflation reading was below analysts' estimates of 3.7%, it was the highest inflation print since September 2024 when the rate was 3.8%. Stats SA chief director of price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said the latest increase was driven largely by transport, recreation and culture, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, as well as housing, food and non-alcoholic…

South Africa’s R1 trillion infrastructure plan could help give the economy the boost it urgently needs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said during the most recent budget speech that government’s fiscal plan will direct more resources to infrastructure. “We will ensure that our goal of public sector investment in infrastructure exceeds the R1 trillion mark over the next three years,” said Godongwana. Michelle Green, credit analyst and chairman of the ESG Committee at Prescient Investment Management, said if this “bold ambition” is realised, it “will translate into a series of transformative projects”. Green noted that these projects will be across energy, water, student housing, internet infrastructure and logistics hubs. Godongwana told Parliament that government will push for private investment through public:private partnerships. “We are leveraging public resources to mobilise private finance…

Lower production from platinum group metals mines in South Africa muzzled global PGM supply in the third quarter although gains from the world’s biggest producers of the metal, including Zimbabwe where Valterra, Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater operate, are expected to lift up supply by 2% next year. The World Platinum Investment Council said on Wednesday that global PGM supply was flat in the third quarter year on year “weighed on by lower South African mine” production. This was after refined volumes from Valterra (formerly Anglo American Platinum) fell in South Africa. This was reflective of “a significant destocking of semi-finished inventory in Q3’24. Implats’ own refined production was however, little changed year-on-year, although scheduled processing maintenance led to a further build in already elevated work-in-progress stocks. “South African production contracted…

NATIONAL Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) head Shamila Batohi has intimated that some of the high-profile cases that suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke pursued were politically motivated. She made reference to the case of the institution of racketeering charges against former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Major-General Johan Booysen and members of the Cato Manor Unit. It is claimed that while there was no evidence linking Booysen and the team to racketeering, Chauke persisted in seeing them prosecuted. Batohi also referred to the matter regarding the failure to continue with murder and other charges against former Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli. In this case, she said Chauke protected him from being prosecuted while there was strong evidence against Mdluli. Batohi, however, conceded before the Nkabinde Inquiry into…

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has passed another major milestone at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, building its two-millionth Polo just months ahead of the model’s 30-year local production anniversary in 2026. The landmark car – a smoky grey Polo headed for Australia – rolled off the line earlier this month, adding to a legacy that began in 1996 with the original Polo Classic. Decades of improvement Back then, the plant produced just over 5 400 units in its first year. Three decades later, Kariega has become one of VW’s most important global hubs for the Polo, building four generations of the hatch and supplying markets across the world. Of the two million Polos built so far, 592 840 found homes locally, while 1 407 160 units were produced…

Bleary-eyed Scotland fans woke yesterday morning still pinching themselves after their World Cup dream finally came true, following a night of drama in Glasgow on Tuesday that ended decades of heartbreak. The Scots have not appeared at the finals since 1998 — missing six straight tournaments — but they will be packing their bags for North America next year. Supporters at Hampden Park on Tuesday were taken on an emotional rollercoaster in their 4-2 win over Denmark, pegged back twice before sealing victory in the dying minutes. Midfielder Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a breathtaking early overhead kick, only for Rasmus Hojlund to equalise from the penalty spot. Lawrence Shankland then restored Scotland’s lead in the 78th minute, but Denmark — needing just a draw to qualify automatically —…

Jose Riveiro is chuffed to be tipped by some to succeed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, but he argues that it’s not up to him to decide — which is why the masses should continue celebrating the team’s trajectory for now. Broos will vacate his national team hot seat after the 2026 Fifa World Cup, bringing to an end an illustrious five-year tenure that already includes qualifying for back-to-back AFCON tournaments, as well as next year’s global showpiece in North America. Given that Broos’ shoes will be difficult to fill, a number of pundits and Bafana followers have backed Riveiro to take over the reins from the silver-haired Belgian. Their motivation is inspired by the fact that Riveiro had an equally impressive three-year spell at Orlando Pirates — winning five…

The Las Vegas Grand Prix arrives at a pivotal moment in the championship, with Max Verstappen needing a big result to keep his title hopes alive. The good news for the Dutchman is that the fast, low-grip street circuit suits his driving style perfectly at a time when every point matters. With the Dutchman needing a maximum haul to revive his title prospects, a full 25 points under the neon lights would go a long way towards restoring momentum. Crucially, the styling of the circuit and the expected cool desert conditions favour Verstappen far more than they do the McLaren pairing he is fighting in the standings. Las Vegas is defined by long straights, low-downforce set-ups and heavy braking zones. Drivers must commit aggressively into corners, rotate the car quickly…

Test cricket has been on its last legs since I can remember. A niche sport that exclusively keeps British aristocrats and its Commonwealth Asian diaspora entertained. This is, of course, a great generalisation. But one that holds plenty of truth with a format of the game that is already only played by 12 nations being virtually extinct in the once global power West Indies. And yet, I can’t help feeling that Test cricket is arguably in its rudest health. It was never meant to be ‘the world’s game’ – that is the domain of football – that attracts the masses ... It’s far too nuanced for that. I have a penchant for scrolling through the archives on YouTube, and often come across Test matches played during the 1980s. This was…

Parastatal is owed at least R105 billion in municipal arrear debt as at the end of September Eskom has warned that rising municipal debt remains a major stumbling block to improving its credit ratings, delaying its ability to re-enter capital markets without relying on government guarantees. At the end of September, Eskom was owed at least R105 billion in municipal arrear debt despite the National Treasury's intervention for municipal debt elimination, as this contributes to the power utility’s weak balance sheet. Briefing Parliament on its first-quarter performance for 2025/26 on Wednesday, the State-owned utility currently rated sub-investment grade by Fitch and Moody’s said ratings agencies remain unconvinced that Eskom is making meaningful progress in resolving municipal arrears. Eskom chief financial officer, Calib Cassim, said the agencies consistently cite municipal debt…

For the past decade, South Africa has felt like a country stuck in slow motion: growth barely above population growth, load-shedding as a national pastime, and investors treating us like the problem child of emerging markets. That narrative is now cracking — and 2025 is the year the crack becomes a breakthrough. Think of it as the moment the crow in Aesop’s fable finally feels the water touch its beak. After years of dropping stone after painful stone — unglamorous, unpopular, grinding reforms — the level is rising fast enough for everyone to see. And when markets see momentum, they don’t walk. They sprint. The evidence is no longer scattered or incremental; it is converging into a single, powerful signal: South Africa is becoming investable again. Start with the headline…

According to research by the University of the Western Cape, between 70% and 80% of small businesses in South Africa fail within the first five years. And that’s for real, established businesses. The failure rate for business ideas – before they even get off the ground – is likely much higher. That’s why knowing whether your idea has genuine potential, and recognising the point at which it doesn’t, is critical for any aspiring entrepreneur. Continuing to invest time, money, and energy into an idea that isn’t viable can be costly, both financially and emotionally. That said, not every business idea is destined for failure. Here are five ways to determine whether an idea has the potential to succeed and when it’s time to let go. 1 Test market demand early…

Southern Sun says its hotel occupancies might recover to long-term averages in the medium term, aided by the government's policies that encourage economic growth, the JSE-listed group said Wednesday. Softening inflation, along with South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's grey list, are tailwinds that signal improved investor confidence and stronger economic growth. However, interest rates remain high and constrain consumer and investor confidence, the group’s management said in financial results for the six months to September 30, 2025. October 2025 saw the month’s occupancy reach the highest achieved, surpassing even World Cup levels in June 2010, of 73.3%. Revenue grew by 18%. EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, and restructuring or rent costs) was up 27% on the prior period. Furthering the group’s prospects, Paradise Sun's…

RFG Holdings, the JSE-listed food manufacturing company said headline earnings fell 9.7% to R521 million in the year to September 28 while contingency plans were being adopted to counter higher US tariffs. Group revenue for the company, which is in the process of being acquired by Premier Group in a share swap deal, increased by 1.6% to R8.1 billion, with regional revenue up 4.1% to R6.6bn. The total dividend fell 10.4% to 99.6 cents a share. RFG management said the impact of the increased tariffs on South African exports to the US remained uncertain. However, the higher tariffs had reduced RFG's price competitiveness, and some existing customers were sourcing from producers in countries with a tariff advantage relative to South Africa. “In response to the risk to sales, the group…

THE ANC believes that corruption-accused Malusi Gigaba’s decision to ‘step-aside’ from his responsibilities strengthens the party’s efforts to rebuild trust and reinforce accountability. Gigaba, who also serves as co-chair of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday facing a charge of corruption. The ANC NEC member faces corruption charges relating to three Transnet contracts he signed during his tenure as public enterprises minister. Authorities are investigating wide-scale corruption linked to Transnet’s multibillion-rand locomotive procurement programme, including a controversial R54-billion locomotive deal. Earlier this month, Gigaba visited the offices of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in Lynnwood, Pretoria East. At the time, IDAC confirmed he had not been arrested and would not appear in court that day. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame…

SENZO Mchunu’s chief of staff Cedrick Nkabinde is still in the dark about why his boss specifically wanted controversial North West and ANC-aligned businessman Brown Mogotsi to brief him on the a crisis of illegal miners at Stilfontein. Continuing his testimony at the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Nkabinde said Mchunu had, on August 24, 2024, instructed him to make arrangements for him to go and visit Stilfontein. The South African government, in particular the police, were under scrutiny over the deaths of about 78 illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine at Stillfontein last year. Nkabinde said he only met Mogotsi once when he facilitated the meeting on behalf of Mchunu, who has since been placed on enforced leave by President Cyril…

Two municipal employees, completed the three-day mountain biking race Wines2Whales in early November to raise funds for St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care. Regan Bagley and Jermaine Carelse, who are usually at the frontlines keeping the public safe with background in law enforcement and firefighting respectively, said they were driven to take on the challenge of Wines2Whales by the commitment of the St Joseph’s staff, whom they describe as “The Avengers”. St Joseph’s is a 175-bed facility that provides free, transitional care to children from vulnerable communities across the Western Cape. Referred by hospitals and healthcare providers throughout the Cape Metropole, these young patients face chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy, infectious diseases, brain injuries, neurological disorders, and cancer. At St Joseph’s, they receive expert multidisciplinary, rehabilitative, and restorative care—bridging the…

It’s been a busy year for Volvo locally this year, with three models launched and a new managing director, Grant Locke, appointed to restore customer confidence, strengthen dealer networks and guide the brand through South Africa’s transition to electric mobility. Concluding the year, the Swedish company launched their best-selling XC60 with refreshed styling, comfort, improved user experience and updated design details to bring it in line with Volvo’s growing line-up of electrified vehicles. Exterior There are three trim levels: the Core, the Plus and the Ultra. Volvo has tweaked the exterior with a reworked air intake and aligned the updated iron mark badge with the refreshed XC90, as well as given it darker rear LED lights and new wheel designs. The B5 Core and the T8 Plus trims feature a…

Holding public officials personally liable is long overdue SOMETIMES you need to pull on the thread. That is how it felt when Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke announced a ‘significant milestone’ to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Auditor General on November 14, stating that she had issued her first certificate of debt against Allan Losaba, the municipal manager of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West. These actions make Losaba the first public official to be held personally liable for financial losses since the Public Audit Act gave the Auditor General strong powers in April 2019. The Auditor General issues the certificate as a ‘last resort’ after all attempts have failed in addressing the material irregularity with the accounting officer and their executive authority. It all started…

As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their maiden appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a coach who previously led them to continental glory advises Amakhosi not to set overly lofty expectations. Few know better than Muhsin Ertugral the pressure that comes with being at the country’s most glamorous club, the Turk having coached Chiefs on multiple occasions. “Of course, at Chiefs you are always expected to win things,” Ertugral said. “The history of the club dictates that there is pressure automatically. “But, for this one, I think everyone needs to be realistic and not look at winning the competition as the ultimate goal. I would say to the management: ‘don’t put too much pressure on this young team that is being built’.” Do not misinterpret that to mean the…

The Springboks faced a few tough selection calls ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin, especially after Franco Mostert’s red card was rescinded. With the match set to play a major role in defining their European tour, every decision matters. This showdown at the Aviva Stadium is more than just another Test — it’s a crucial measuring point for Rassie Erasmus and his players as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. It will also decide whether the Boks can stay unbeaten on tour, and whether Erasmus can finally claim his first win in Ireland as Springbok coach. The world champions haven’t tasted victory in Dublin since 2012, adding an extra edge to the occasion. The starting XV is expected to look much like the one…