Inhoudsopgave van 2021-07-29 - Star

Edward West edward.west@inl.co.za THE SHARE prices of JSE tech stock leaders Naspers and Prosus yesterday recouped some of the massive losses they incurred over the previous two days, which were spurred by China’s clampdown on private sector online education, which affected their biggest investment, internet group Tencent. By midday yesterday, Naspers, which owns 29 percent of Tencent, traded 3.8 percent higher at R2 643.50 on the JSE, while subsidiary Prosus, with its main listing in Amsterdam, traded 3.4 percent higher at R1 226.85 on its secondary listed market. The share prices of both companies had slumped more than 7 percent on Monday and on Tuesday, respectively. The shares closed yesterday at R2 747.44 and R1 267.62. The accelerating slide in Tencent’s share price meant its…

Transnet to lift force majeure soon after forced manual hiatus Banele Ginindza banele.ginindza@inl.co.za TRANSNET said yesterday that it was considering lifting a force majeure after five days of downtime that involved using only systems that could be operated manually to cope with a backlog of trucks, ships and empty dockyards. In a statement yesterday, Transnet said it expected that some applications may continue to run slowly over the next few days, while monitoring systems were brought back in a staggered manner to minimise further risks and interruptions. “It is expected that some applications may continue to run slowly over the next few days, while monitoring continues. All operating systems will be brought back in a staggered manner to minimise further risks and interruptions, the group said. Logistics groups, including the…

Bongani Nkosi bongani.nkosi@inl.co.za A LIQUIDATION application has been launched against an attorney firm accused of failing to pay an advocate it briefed for lucrative Road Accident Fund (RAF) cases. Pretoria-based advocate Anton Knoetze has filed papers at the Polokwane High Court against Chueu Attorneys Incorporated over non-payment of debt amounting to over R3 million. In his affidavit, Knoetze said Chueu Attorneys had used his services for various successful RAF cases since 2013. Knoetze said the debt owed to him accumulated over the years and the firm of attorneys previously committed to paying between R80 000 and R100 000 monthly to settle it. He revealed that while payments were made over a period, Chueu Attorneys stopped paying in January this year. This left over R3m allegedly still outstanding. “Various efforts have…

Shannon Ebrahim Group Foreign Editor SOUTH Africa has reacted strongly to the AU decision to grant observer status to Israel, calling the decision appalling and unjust. The AU Commission took the decision unilaterally, without consultations with its members. “The decision to grant Israel Observer Status is even more shocking in a year in which the oppressed people of Palestine were hounded by destructive bombardments and continued illegal settlements on their land,” the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said on Tuesday. The granting of observer status to Israel was considered inexplicable, given that the AU Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip in May. Once fighting broke out, Faki condemned the “violent attacks in the al-Aqsa mosque committed by Israeli security forces against…

“Write a salad book,” my husband said. A salad book! Was he kidding? What the heck did I know about master salad making or being a chef or let alone creating recipes? Nothing. Turns out, that’s the best place to start. I was a clothing designer for many years. It’s all I knew, really. And I loved it. The pressure, the creativity, the awards, the travel – all of it. I worked downtown in End Street, Johannesburg. Had somebody told me then, that 20 years later I’d be a cook and an author (a what?!) of the popular South African recipe series, All Sorts, I probably would have snapped my spindle in shock. And that’s the thing about the thing, I’ve learnt. It’s not always evident in plain sight, and…

Chulumanco Mahamba chulumanco.mahamba@inl.co.za THE MUCH anticipated first annual SA Amapiano Awards (Saapa) have been marred by a legal battle between the organisers and non-profit organisation Amapiano Awards, which claims that the concept was stolen from them. Last week, the first annual SA Amapiano Awards announced their nominations for the awards that were set to take place in October. The awards which include nominations for popular Amapiano hitmakers, Dbn Gogo and Kabza De Small, were started to give recognition to the artists at the forefront of music culture. The upcoming event has been marred by allegations from the NPO, Amapiano Awards, that DJ Qness Ndlovu stole the concept for the awards from them. Lawyer Kevin Smith of Gani Mayet Attorneys, acting on behalf of Amapiano Awards, issued Saapa organisers, Amapiano governing…

Last year’s Covid-19 hard lockdown exposed the reality of South Africa’s long-standing levels of inequality, deep poverty and food insecurity. And for many, the country’s economic crisis promises no change in the bleak affairs for at least the next few years. According to an article in The World Bank, which was released on June 4, global food prices have risen by 40% since January last year. Maize prices are 66% higher, wheat prices 23% higher and cereal prices 45% higher than in January last year. The figures, coupled with the reality of the high unemployment rate and slow food relief systems in South Africa, paint a dire picture of the situation most South African citizens find themselves in. According to an analysis released in September, 20% of the South African…

Morgan Bolton morgan.bolton@inl.co.za The silver medal achieved by South African surfer Bianca Buitendag is not only a tale of great individual triumph, but one of the stand-out performances of the Tokyo Olympics. Consider for a moment that before the Games, the 27-year-old had not competed in a tournament since 2019, had been unable to participate professionally due to Covid-19 for two years, had quietly gone about her preparation in a local gym in Victoria Bay on the Garden Route and its surrounding beaches, and the magnitude of her achievement can only then begun to be understood. Moreover, as she ventured into the surf of Shidashita Beach, 60km outside of the Japanese capital, she was ranked 17th in the world and was considered to have only the slightest sliver of a…

Willem van de Putte willem.vdputte@inl.co.za Like the Volkswagen Beetle of yore, the Transporter range, or just plain Kombi, is instantly recognisable despite having gone through a myriad changes over the years. The difference is when VW updated the Beetle it missed a retro trick and it didn’t exactly sell in numbers while the Kombi held its own and its popularity continued. I suppose the fact that it’s incredibly practical in terms of carrying people, can be converted into a camping set-up, carries those long planks with ease and seating can be arranged in a variety of different configurations has a lot to do with it. Officially known as the T6.1 range, the one we had on test was the Volkswagen Transporter 2.0TDI crew bus LWB auto in Trendline spec. Under…

Let’s create a virus-free era by closing the vaccination gap between rich and poor countries The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly changed the world globally. There have been more than 193 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 so far, including more than 4 million deaths. On the African continent, more than 6.4 million confirmed cases were recorded, and more than 164 000 people died due to Sars-CoV-2 infection. The pandemic has also caused crucial economic challenges across the world by creating job losses, increasing poverty, social dislocation, loss of life and social insecurity. Countries are endlessly striving to battle and overcome this economic as well as social crisis. It has obstructed the direction of the countries in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) has attached great…

Dineo Faku dineo.faku@inl.co.za DUBAI-based MultiChoice chief executive Calvo Mawela was compensated with a $2.62 million (R38.8m) package for the year 2021, up from $1.59m a year earlier as he benefited from bonuses and incentives, the group said in its 2021 integrated annual report. Mawela took home a $646 000 base salary – up from $571 000 a year earlier – his pension was increased to $78 000 from $67 000 in 2020 and his benefits contracted to $181 000 from $227 000 in the previous year. He was rewarded with $993 000 in short-term and medium-term incentives, up from $726 000 a year with the short term incentive benefit reflecting the bonus paid based on the performance of the relevant financial year. “During…

Liam Karabo Joyce liam.joyce@inl.co.za Many South Africans might not know of Joya Mooi. However, one search on music platforms like Apple Music and a long list of results pop up, from albums to singles. A further search on Google reveals the singer and songwriter has deeper roots in South Africa. Born to an exiled South African father and Dutch mother, Mooi recently released her new single, Remember. She is known for her enchanting vocals that have won the hearts of devoted fans over the years. Her music is a blend of soul and alternative R&B with a strong jazz influence. She exercises self-expression in impeccably creative ways and this makes her even more delightful. With the success of her debut EP Blossom Carefully, her new music is a testament to…

Concerns failure to prevent looting mayhem has put investment for SA, region in jeopardy Willem Phungula willem.phungula@inl.co.za SOUTH Africa and its neighbouring countries could lose R1.5 trillion in foreign investment for failing to prevent violent protests and looting that took place two weeks ago. This was contained in a letter written to president Cyril Ramaphosa by Mathews “MK” Malefane, a foreign investment facilitator for South Africa and countries under the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In the four-page letter that The Star’s sister paper, the Daily News has seen, Malefane explained how hard he was trying to convince foreign investors not to pull their investment because of the past weeks’ unrest. He said he had received a call from the chairperson of $100 billion Foreign Direct Investment for SADC, who…

Itumeleng Mafisa The South African Policing Union (Sapu) has expressed disappointment in the majority of public service unions who have signed the latest wage offer from government. This comes after the majority of public service unions signed the government’s offer of 1.5% increase and monthly cash gratuity this week. Public sector wage negotiations had been deadlocked for months, as unions were reluctant to agree to the wage increase offered by the government. Most of the unions are affiliated to the Federation of Unions of SA, while some are affiliated to Cosatu, excluding National Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and the police union Sapu. The general secretary of Sapu, Peter Ntsime, said: “Sapu wants to voice its disappointment and despondence over the signed 1.5% pay progression with a cash…

Mpiletso Motumi mpiletso.motumi@inl.co.za Mashudu Netshidzivhani started his first salon under a tree in his mother’s yard in Sibasa, Venda, many years ago. Eventually, he began his professional hairdressing career as a shampooist and went on to become head stylist and the owner of several successful salons. He describes his formula for success as “unparalleled enthusiasm, raw ambition, and old-fashioned hard work”. The stylist has collected numerous accolades and awards, with his proudest moment being voted “Emerging Entrepreneur of The Year” in 1997 by the Limpopo Economic Development Agency. Netshidzivhani went on to become a radio host, then a technical educator at a Chicago-based multi-national, Luster Products. This new career path led him to work with other brands, including Ladine and L’Oréal. “I value independence in my work. Being a hairdresser…

Roger Lock | Joburg I’m trying to contact any living relatives of my mother’s cousin. Her name was Winifred (nee Randle) Jeffries and she was born in Norfolk, England. She emigrated to South Africa with her first husband Bert and they had two sons, Anthony and Brian. They lived in Johannesburg. After Bert died, Aunty Win, as I knew her, remarried but I don’t know her second husband’s name. Anthony and Brian Jeffries would now possibly be in their late seventies or early eighties. I would be grateful for any help in making contact with them or their families and attach pictures of Aunt Win with Anthony, and Brian. My email address is roger@rogerlock.com…

Khomotso Letsatsi SOUTH Africa is facing a mammoth challenge with the economy that is performing far below its potential as evidenced by slow economic growth over the past few years and job losses. Despite the economic environment, cities have continued to intensify collection efforts resulting in levels on average of over 88%. Given the devastation on the economy by the Covid-19 pandemic, macroeconomic and the global economic outlook, the South African metropolitan municipalities continue to show resilience. The latest credit ratings by Moody’s on metros should be seen within the context of the increasing pressure that councils are facing in trying to meet debt payments due to falling revenue as a result of cash-strapped consumers who are unable to pay for the services rendered; rates and taxes. While Moody’s…

THE Social Justice and Nation Building project has revealed some truly depressing and disgraceful home truths about cricket in South Africa. It’s been a very forthright exercise. Players and officials have been given a lot of time to explain their experiences, even though the project’s ombudsman, Adv Dumisa Ntsebeza, believes he needs more. He’s probably right too, but Cricket SA, also, at some point, needed to draw a line under the project. It needs recommendations and most importantly for the new Board of Directors, who will take receipt of Ntsebeza’s final report, those recommendations need to be implemented. What the SJN has also done, as a couple of attendees have testified, is thrown a spotlight more broadly on South Africa, particularly socially. One witness this week said if an SJN…

Siphelele Dludla siphelele.dludla@inl.co.za TAXES from corporate South Africa have come to the aid of the government and prevented the country from approaching international lenders for borrowings to finance its large economic recovery package. The National Treasury yesterday presented a R36.2 billion socio-economic relief package to boost activity after civil unrest earlier this month left destruction costing the economy nearly R50bn. Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane said that there would be no additional borrowing to fund this fiscal package, allaying any possible credit ratings concerns over widening debt. Mogajane said the package will be funded by reprioritising the funding of existing budgets of the departments of trade and industry and small business development, as well as revenue overrun. “We are not going to be borrowing at all. This is not in…

Baldwin Ndaba baldwin.ndaba@inl.co.za ANC Ekurhuleni councillor Solly Silawule, who is accused of stealing liquor from a bottle store during the violent protests in Gauteng, stands to be axed by his party. While Silawule has yet to face trial on charges of theft and public violence, his party’s regional executive has already indicated that it will act against the Ward 71 councillor who allegedly brought his party into disrepute. Adding to the ANC’s embarrassment, news of his arrest was not made known by the law enforcement agencies and the ANC itself, but by the opposition party in the Ekurhuleni Metro Council. The DA’s constituency head of Daveyton-Etwatwa Mat Cuthbert and Ekurhuleni DA’s PR councillor Khathutshelo Rasilingwane broke the news about Silawule’s on Monday. In its statement, the DA said it noted…

IN THESE trying times we see thousands of employees landing up in the unemployment queues. Despite the closures of many businesses it is still imperative for employers to follow the proper procedures and structures of both the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA). A contract of employment may be terminated only on notice of not less than one week if the employee has been employed for six months or less; two weeks if the employee has been employed for more than six months but not more than a year and four weeks if the employee has been employed for one year or more. If the employee is a farm worker or domestic worker who has been employed for more than six months then at…

As tough as it is trying to make it in the music industry, it takes much more courage to make a breakthrough in a foreign country, with an unknown audience and in a new language. This is exactly what 27-year-old South African-born singer and songwriter Eli Zaelo has done. She took up the challenge, crushed it and became a household name in Hong Kong, with performances in jazz, blues and R&B in venues across the city. Earlier this year, she released her first R&B Mandarin single titled Aiqing Gushi (Stories About Love), followed by an English single titled Human. In a blend of R&B, house, reggae and African instrumental, Zaelo is looking to make the most of China’s rapidly growing digital music industry, which surged with the pandemic as demand…

JOHN Whitlock | Germiston In reply to the article “Rich rocketman Bezos is no hero” (The Star, July 22). Bezos was not born rich. His mother conceived when she was 17. His mother later married a Cuban immigrant, Miguel Bezos, who adopted Jeff. Bezos graduated from Princeton in 1986 with degrees in engineering and computer science. He founded Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore out of his garage. In the article the writer states: “A real hero would use the money to help alleviate poverty rather than wallowing in the luxury of the Starship Free Enterprise”. A bit of research shows the following. Bezos has just given $200 million to activist Van Jones (CNN) and chef Jose Andres (World Central Kitchen).He gave $10 billion to fight climate…

“FORMERLY a handmade rough shoe of untanned hide sewn without nails, thought to be first made by the Khoi before the arrival of the white man.” So runs the definition of velskoen in the Dictionary of South African English, with citations going back to 1875, rather late in the life of the distinctive shoe. Now Veldskoen Shoes (in beige suede for men and women) has become part of Brand South Africa, worn with short SA flag socks by the team for the opening parade of the Tokyo Olympics. Up to now “vellies” have been mainly part of male footwear; no doubt they will now become an exotic tourist fashion item in Japan. This is an unusual semantic development, for Wellington boots became famous because “The Iron Duke” wore them, long…

Nomsa Mazwai I DID not like the way it made me feel. My bag taken by a stranger and ruffled through. The first time it happened it was so unexpected, it happened so fast and as I walked away from the store I felt dirty, violated, like a thief. The second time it happened, I was prepared. I clutched onto my clutch bag and refused. I had spent the drive to Jabulani Mall rehearsing for my shop at Food Lover’s Market. I rehearsed my speech. “I refuse to be searched. I have never done anything in my life to be searched. I’ve never been arrested.” I had resolved that if they insisted on searching me, they could reverse the transaction and keep their goods. I wasn’t going to be…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the social relief of distress grant (SRD) of R350 would be reinstated until March. It expired in January after more than R16 billion was paid to about 6.5 million monthly recipients since May last year. The announcement was made in the aftermath of the looting and violence that gripped KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng two weeks ago. Looted businesses and shopping malls are trying to rebuild. Some have re-opened this week, however many are yet to do so and this raises concerns about food supply and expected food price hikes. Agricultural economist Dawie Maree had told Independent Media that with the limited food supply and limited availability, prices would increase but added that this would not be a long-term effect on food price inflation. “This…