Inhoudsopgave van 2023-09-01 - Star

SOUTH Africa’s producer inflation moderated further to 2.7% year-on-year (y/y) in July from 4.8% in June, its lowest level since October 2020, mainly on cooling fuel prices, a welcome relief to South Africans that have been confronted with a cost of living crisis. The producer price index (PPI), which measures changes in the prices of locally produced commodities, was lower than the market’s forecast of 3% y/y. Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) said on a month-on-month basis, the PPI was at 0.2% in July from -0.3% the previous month. The coke, petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products grouping, which makes up 22.7% of the PPI basket, detracted -2.5% points from the headline reading in July, versus -0.8 of a percentage point in June. This as petrol price inflation slid by -18.5%…

THE GOVERNMENT is set to unveil fiscal measures to support companies producing electric vehicles in October, David Masondo, the Deputy Minister of Finance, said yesterday. He was speaking at the National Asso- ciation of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam) Show. This as the the government eyes greater localisation to create jobs amid the challenges of new skills being required due to technological advances such as artificial intelligence. “However, whatever the proposals on a new set of incentives to spur the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), we should bear in mind that this comes at a time when the fiscus is particularly stretched, making it difficult to put resources towards every priority,” he said . The measures to support the growth of NEVs should aim to complement the extensive…

If you abuse your sick leave by reporting ill and taking off work when you are not ill, don’t expect the courts to come to your rescue if your employer finds out about your dishonesty and fires you. A recent case that came before the Labour Court and its reference to an earlier case show that taking even a single “free” day off can put your job at risk. An employee of the South African Revenue Service (Sars), Mr M, sent a text message to his supervisor saying he was not feeling well. The supervisor excused him from work and advised him to seek medical attention when, the following day, the employee called in saying he was still sick. On the third day of being off work, Mr M allegedly…

THE Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Lesetja Kganyago briefed Parliament this week on the findings of the Phala Phala report, which was meant to clear the President from the cloud of potential money laundering and violation of exchange control, but has instead sent shockwaves through the nation, created more questions than answers and raised concerns about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reputation. The continued cloud that hangs over the president’s head, has made international headlines and prompted discussions about whether the president should continue to maintain a bank account, given the potential reputational risks – to the banks and to the country – not that a bank account was useful in this situation since the money – $580 000 (about R11m) in cash – was hidden in the…

SANTAM is seeing opportunities in rolling out cover for problems arising from power surges, although the insurance company is worried about widespread and systematic failures in the national grid after it reported a 7% growth in gross written premiums for the half year to June 2023. Although there has been an improvement in power supply by Eskom in the past few weeks, this week, the South African power supply crisis escalated. Santam CEO Tavaziva Madzinga told Business Report in an interview after the release of the company’s interim financials that there was an investment case in providing cover for “the frequency and the cost of power surges”, describing this as “an insurable risk” opportunity for it. “There is a need for it, and we believe that we can provide a…

FORMER Joburg mayor and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said if President Cyril Ramaphosa had been caring, he would have been on the scene where seven children, including an 18-month-old, were among the 73 people who died in a blaze in a hijacked building in the CBD. However, Ramaphosa arrived at the scene in the evening. It has been established that the building belonged to the City of Joburg. Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda confirmed that the building was leased to an NGO for homeless people. It was later abandoned and hijacked. Mashaba said that he was saddened by the tragic deaths of 73 people. He said the incident should be declared a case of culpable homicide. “This was avoidable; it was an accident bound to happen, and in my world, this is…

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the building in Marshalltown that was gutted by an inferno yesterday where at least 73 people lost their lives, is a heritage site, and the state has tried to evict the illegal dwellers on many occasions. Ntshavheni visited the building in downtown Joburg, where more than 50 people were treated for injuries and smoke inhalation. “The technical team of the City of Joburg is going to give you a briefing; you can ask them how many times they have gone to court on this building in particular. It is a heritage site, that is what we are informed, and they have tried to remove the people from this building,” the minister told journalists at the scene. She said efforts to rejuvenate the Joburg…

THE house of a traditional healer, accused of having a hand in the murder of a local chief, was burnt down in an apparent revenge attack. The house, in Matshepe outside Mahikeng, was burnt on Monday. North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said chief Gopane Phillip Motuba, 65, was robbed and killed, allegedly by two unknown men who entered his house through an unlocked front door at about 4.30am on Saturday. He said a case of robbery and murder was under investigation. “Subsequent to the incident, houses belonging to a male villager, suspected to be responsible for the chief’s death, were set alight on Monday. The houses include those used for training and consultation by traditional healers (Sangoma). In addition, two vehicles were torched while a third one was damaged,”…

Award-winning Afro-pop star Vusi Nova will reportedly be parting ways with long-time label Muthaland Entertainment as he shifts his focus onto his own label, Nova Sounds. This news comes as he celebrates 10 years in the music industry. Zimoja reported that according to a close friend of the singer, Nova has also parted ways with his long-time manager, Sipho Nyathela. “He is looking for a fresh start, I guess. He parted ways with his manager and DJ a few months ago and he seems to be in a space of wanting change,” the friend told the platform. Over the few years, Nova has released several hit singles, including Thandiwe, Ndikuthandile, Asphelelanga and Nomakanjani. He has also won several awards along the way, including a couple of Samas. Muthaland founder and…

WELL-KNOWN drug buster and TV host Xolani Khumalo is taking his fight against drugs to the Union Buildings. Khumalo, who rose to popularity through his TV show Sizokuthola on Moja Love, details how the scourge of drugs has compelled him to take a stand. In a video widely shared on social media, he announced that a march would take place on September 15, and implored South Africans to take part. Khumalo said the march aimed to submit a memorandum in which the government was requested to implement a national drug masterplan with immediate effect. “People of South Africa, my name is Xolani Khumalo. We are facing a huge problem with drugs. We have a big problem that is killing our nation. I am urging all of you to see what…

For a little over two decades, 38-year-old Tariq Moosa has been building cars in his garage. This past year, Moosa and the staff members at Chicano Customs in Johannesburg, built and shipped a custom BMW E9 2800 CS named Nkabi, to the United Kingdom, where it beat over 6 000 of Europe’s best cars at the Slammed UK show in Birmingham. IOL spoke to Tariq Moosa about his journey in car building, what it felt like to win at such a high level, and what the win meant for South Africa in the eyes of the international car community. “Building cars was always a side hustle for me. I started when I was 16. The first car I built was an old-school Mini. The Mr Bean shape. I have always…

It’s one thing to hear something that isn’t true. It’s another to believe it. A story that is often created or not entirely true in order to deceive others is defined as a fabricated story. Put simply, there is a difference between misinformation (honest) and disinformation (deceptive). Humans’ ability to think, reason and understand are often challenged by the conflicting information. The belief in disinformation influences decision-making and judgement which presents a significant challenge for the 21st century. Fabricated stories have been recognised as the key contributor to modern events, from elections and votes to the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Other fabricated stories are due to psychological conditions or a history of trauma. We tend to ruminate and adopt repetitive thinking patterns about unpleasant events, using more powerful words…

The rugby world doesn’t like it, but governing body World Rugby have given the Springboks carte blanche to pack the “Bomb Squad” with seven forwards at the World Cup. The Boks had just one backline player on the bench last week when they smashed the All Blacks in London after Willie le Roux pulled out of the game at the last minute, prompting coach Jacques Nienaber to add a seventh forward in Kwagga Smith, with Cobus Reinach covering the backline. The pressure from the Bok forwards was unrelenting and the life was squeezed out of the Kiwis, but some critics, including former Scotland coach Matt Williams, claim the South Africans are abusing the bench system. However, England’s Evening Standard newspaper has reported that World Rugby have given the Boks the…

Namibia have proved consistent in two aspects of their World Cup history – one they will savour, but the other they badly want to change. The southern African nation are rightfully proud of a successful qualifying record, but have lost all 22 matches at the tournament. It is something they will be looking to redress and will be targeting victory over Uruguay in their last Pool A game in Lyon on 27 September as their best chance for a first World Cup win. They meet hosts France, former champions New Zealand and Italy in their other games and have little chance of beating any of them. Namibia are playing at a seventh successive World Cup, firmly entrenched as the second best team from the continent and dominating the African qualifiers.…

Max Verstappen is on the cusp of another new record as he prepares for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix and another step towards a near-inevitable third consecutive Formula One world title. The dominant Dutchman is the red-hot favourite to break the record of nine straight GP wins he shares with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, after drawing level with the German at Zandvoort last weekend. Verstappen delighted an army of home fans at the Dutch Grand Prix with a superb victory in wild conditions which extended his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings over Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez to 138 points. The 25-year-old looks certain to smash his own records for wins and points in a season – 15 and 454 respectively, both set last year. He could…

AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin has called for composure following his team’s first victory of the season. Usuthu needed a second-half strike from substitute Augustine Kwem to edge a resilient TS Galaxy 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, lifting a heavy load off their shoulders. The Durban outfit, despite producing promising performances, had gone four Premiership games without scoring. The pressure to break their barren run in front of goal had admittedly become a concern for both the players and Martin, who tried to hold onto any kind of positivity regarding his side. Now with a first goal and first victory, the Spaniard has called for calmer heads from his team, and is looking to keep instilling his influence and principles on an AmaZulu team seemingly built differently. The…

PUBLIC Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan’s eleventh-hour excuse not to attend a session with the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to explain himself on allegations raised by fired director-general Kgathatso Tlhakudi for his dismissal got Parliamentarians hot under the collar as they said he was not prioritising his appearance to the oversight committee. They questioned the minister’s reason for not appearing before the committee – a medical emergency – when he had been able to attend a lengthy Cabinet meeting earlier on Wednesday and had previously excused himself from accounting to the committee on several occasions, citing various reasons. On Wednesday night, Gordhan sent a letter to committee chairperson Khaya Magaxa indicating he wouldn’t be available for the session scheduled for 10am yesterday as a doctor had advised him that he…

NAMPAK yesterday informed its shareholders that the JSE had approved its R1 billion proposed rights offer. In a statement, the debt-laden group said all suspensive conditions to the rights offer had now been fulfilled. The group sought the rights offer in a bid to embark on its turnaround strategy, which involves the transformation of workstreams, right-sizing initiatives and the asset disposal programme. The offer would be through the issue of new Nampak shares at R175 each. “The subscription price of R175 represents a discount of approximately 23.49% to the 30-day volume weighted average traded price of Nampak’s ordinary shares as at close of business on Wednesday, August 30, 2023,” it said. Nampak said it had received commitments from certain of its major shareholders, to follow their rights in terms…

For most people, getting married is one of the most significant events in their lifetime. A day filled with love and promises of nothing but happiness for all the days to come. And while most couples think about the venue, the dress and the cake, the tax implications of getting married are usually the last thing on their minds. This article delves deeper into the tax implications of getting married, particularly in community of property. South African law recognises three types of marriages which may be registered with the Department of Home Affairs. Civil Marriage It is classified as a legal union between a man and a woman. Currently, civil marriages in South Africa can only be entered into by heterosexual couples. Civil marriage may be classified and registered under…

IMPALA Platinum (Implats) CEO Nico Muller said yesterday that the miner would not slash production due to the drastic fall in platinum group metal (PGM) prices, but said the newly acquired Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) needs dedicated attention. Speaking to journalists in a round- table discussion of the company’s results, Muller said: “I don’t think any major restructuring or suspension of operations is something that’s going to happen within the near term. “I think weve got a number of other options available to us. We also won’t stop operation. If you have a loss on one day, or one month, we would have to have a direction that suggests the inevitability of continued negative cash flows in order for us to make such a big decision because stopping or suspending…

The 25th edition of the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience is under way in Durban and runs until September 10. The long-running festival got of to a great start on Tuesday, with the Centre for Creative Arts bestowing a Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr Lliane Loots, the curator and artistic director of festival since its inception. The award serves as recognition for Loots’s visionary leadership, service to the cultural sector, and committed activism for dance education. Dr Ismail Mahomed, director of the Centre for Creative Arts, praised Loots for her quarter of a century efforts made in very challenging socio-economic conditions. “For a quarter of a century, under challenging funding environments, changing political landscapes, and varying socio-economic conditions, Dr Lliane Loots has championed the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience as South Africa’s…

THE CASE in which the SA Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (Sactwu) sued Independent Media Consortium (IMC), formerly the Sekunjalo Independent Media Consortium (SIM), has been adjourned to Monday. The adjournment follows the emergence of new email evidence that the union’s lawyers want to analyse before continuing with the matter. Sactwu sued IMC for R300 million, which it claims is the capital plus interest on a R150m investment agreement that the union alleges was a loan. The matter ended on Wednesday with Independent Media CEO Takudzwa Hove being cross-examined by the Sactwu advocate Leon Kuschke SC about whether he had pressured the union’s general secretary André Kriel into signing the “loan” agreement. Yesterday, proceedings opened with Kuschke telling the court that they had received emails from IMC attorneys on matters…

Political party leaders and members have rushed to Johannesburg CBD to offer their assistance to those affected by the fire in which 70 people werefound dead, and many injured. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde also offered his provincial government’s services. Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane said: “Those responsible for these buildings must be held accountable. Let us capacitate the law enforcement agencies. Why can’t we partner with private security to assist in inspecting buildings?” DA Leader John Steenhuisen said the party would continue to push for adequate housing and safer living conditions for those living in the inner city of Johannesburg. The Al Jama-ah Party said the incident highlighted the shortage of houses and institutions for homeless people. The IFP in Gauteng said the incident pointed to the…

Off-Centre and Out of Focus - Growing Up “Coloured” in South Africa Nadia Kamies Loot (R399) Fourthwall Books and ESI Press An extract from Off-Centre and Out of Focus: Growing up ‘coloured’ in apartheid South Africa. When I turned 50, I returned to university as a creative writing Master’s candidate, intent on developing skills to share the stories of what it meant to live during apartheid. I had little idea of the journey I would be embarking on. The theme of my thesis – travelling with my family as a way of broadening their perspectives in a post-apartheid society – seemed innocuous. However, the journey became one of self-discovery: questions around shame, identity and a sense of belonging surfaced continually in countries as diverse as Cuba, Greenland and Sweden. While…

Seemingly, some South African officials and the organisations they lead are shameless in the shoddy work they do in uncovering potential/alleged malfeasance by those who are in power. The Governor of the Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago, exhibited this tendency recently when he appeared before a parliamentary committee to answer questions about the bank’s investigations of possible foreign exchange violations regarding the cash stolen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm, Phala Phala. He made bizarre and idiotic statements. Instead of getting to the gist of the matter, the Reserve Bank should be investigating, he was busy focusing on things he had not been asked. Kganyago asserted that the money was a deposit for the buffaloes which a Sudanese businessman intended to buy. But what arrant nonsense is this? This man was interviewed…

Activist and poet Ntsiki Mazwai has denounced leaders who glamorise alcohol consumption, saying that such conduct has a negative impact on society. This is not the first time Mazwai has spoken out about drinking. Known for not mincing words, she is often at the forefront of in-depth conversations and calls out local leaders about their actions. Mazwai was reacting to a video of City of Joburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, which received mixed responses on social media. She shared a video explaining that the subject should not make it into leadership speeches. “Guys I see you defending Kenny Kunene and alcohol, basically. Do you realise that this shouldn’t even be a conversation? Alcohol is not a positive thing. It shouldn’t be making it into leadership speeches. That is like if…

In a country plagued by crime, it is a breath of fresh air when stolen items are returned to their owners by citizens who still believe in doing what is right. This past weekend, Durban resident, Katey Watkin, was pickpocketed at the La Lucia Mall, north of Durban, according to her response on a post about her stolen wallet on Facebook. The post was published on Facebook by Surf HQ, a surfing shop located on Point Road in Durban. IOL spoke to owner Jean-Marc Tostee, who said that a recycling picker dropped off Watkin’s ID card, credit card, and other reward cards that she had inside her wallet. “Calling Kate Watkin! What Luck. I’ve just been handed all your ID cards, credit cards, and shopping cards by one of our…

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is banking on the good memories of the MTN8 last season to fuel them to yet another final – and triumph – this year. Pirates are the defending champions of the knockout competition, which they won in some style last season, having beaten then-champions Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals. And while it became a springboard to their knockout double, having also won the Nedbank Cup last term, it was a competition that duly introduced the Spaniard to ‘The Ghost’ and football fraternity. Riveiro was ridiculed to the level of a “plumber” – an international coach who boasts the necessary qualifications, but has a poor track record – on his arrival in South Africa. Having since turned his detractors to admirers, the 47-year-old…

Molefi Ntseki is not reading too much into Kaizer Chiefs’ recent fall from grace, declaring that history is for historians and the future is for the club. Chiefs are one of the most successful clubs in the land but they’ve defied that image in recent years, considering that they are enduring an eight-year trophy drought. Ntseki is the latest coach tasked with changing their fortunes around but his tenure didn’t get off to an ideal start, resulting in him being pelted with missiles by the fans after their last loss. But since that incident in Mbombela, Chiefs have turned things around – winning their last two matches against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch FC in the Premiership. Speaking yesterday, ahead of their MTN8 semi-final first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB…

Scotland have been nothing if not consistent at the World Cup, reaching at least the quarter-finals in seven of their nine previous appearances, but they will need to produce an upset if they are to reach that stage this time round. Scotland have been paired with holders South Africa and Six Nations champions Ireland in Pool B, reducing their chances of making the knockout stage, but there is little doubt their more fancied opponents will be wary of the threat they pose. They have proven capable of producing upsets, as they showed at Twickenham in February when they beat England. “We’re fit enough, we’ve got the game and we’ve got the players to take on any team we come up against,” warned their coach Gregor Townsend, who pronounced himself particularly…

Luton Town’s long wait to welcome top-flight football back to their snug Kenilworth Road home ends today as they take on West Ham United, seeking their first points of the season. The club, back among the elite for the first time since 1992, had to postpone their opening home match against Burnley as work was ongoing to bring their stadium up to scratch. Heavy opening defeats at Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea were not unexpected for a club that sealed their Premier League spot by beating Coventry City in the Championship play-offs. But anticipation is building for the visit of West Ham, who will become the first top-flight team to play a league match at Kenilworth Road since Aston Villa 31 years ago. Even with a £10-million upgrade to…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is adopting a refreshing approach to the age-old “club versus country” tug-of-war that surfaces each time there is a Fifa international window. On Wednesday, Broos named a 23-player squad to play Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo in friendlies at Orlando Stadium, starting next Saturday. In modern-day football, most national teams draw their personnel from the best available players, and they are usually based abroad. In the case of South Africa, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Njabulo Blom and Cassius Mailula all rank among the country’s best players, and they are all based in the United States. It has happened many times that a player reports ‘injured’ at the start of an international break, but then soon afterwards, he is in action for his club. A few…

Thousands of jobs at risk if proposed Health Promotion Levy takes effect THOUSANDS of jobs in the sugar sector were at risk, warned the SA Canegrowers yesterday as it noted the recently published Draft Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill, which included an increase in the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), due to take effect in April 2025. The association’s CEO Thomas Funke said in a statement: “The publication of the increase in the absence of such consultation is, therefore, a bad faith move by the National Treasury that will have far-reaching negative implications for the already struggling industry, its stakeholders, and workers throughout the value chain.” He said the increase in the HPL, first announced in February last year, was intended to be implemented,…

This is the fourth article in a series on planning for retirement, focusing on the different phases of the journey. Our first article looked at pre-retirement planning considerations, the second looked at navigating the transition phase of retirement, and the third explored the active phase. In this article, we look at the fourth, or passive, phase of retirement and making sure your retirement funding goes the distance. We sometimes hear people say their retirement savings will last for as long as they live – if they’re lucky. While it’s true you can’t predict how long you’ll live, and you can’t predict how investment markets will perform, there are ways to minimise the role of luck in your retirement planning. One of the reasons luck plays a role in whether your…

Personal Finance would like to offer our valuable readers an introductory offer to a three-month subscription to the Independent On Saturday, Saturday Star or the Weekend Argus at a special rate of 30% less than our cover price. Personal Finance appears in the regional print publications every Saturday. Should you be interested in taking advantage of the special offer, please SMS “PDdeal” to 33258 and one of our subscriber consultants will call you back. Personal Finance also has a weekly page in Business Report on a Friday, which appears in The Mercury, The Star and the Cape Times, and a Money page in the Cape Argus and Daily News on a Tuesday and Thursday respectively. In addition, for financial service providers who want to promote their message to Personal…

SANLAM flagged yesterday that it expects an increase of up to 123% in its interim earnings due to the business performing well and boosted by life and general insurance. In its trading statement for the six months ended June 30, 2022, the group said it expected headline earnings to increase by between 113% to 123% to 331 cents to 347c. Sanlam said it recorded a strong performance for the reported period, with all clusters and lines of business performing well. “The main items contributing to the growth in net result from financial services are: Life insurance benefited from positive risk experience, increased asset-based fee income, and improved performance from the credit portfolio backing life insurance liabilities. “General insurance benefited from improved underwriting performance and higher investment return on insurance…

The Gauteng Department of Social Development says it is working around the clock to find alternative accommodation for the victims of the Joburg CBD building fire. Speaking from one of the shelters being prepared for the victims in Bez Valley, the MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, said she and her office had cancelled a council sitting scheduled yesterday after hearing about the tragedy in the morning. “We are here at the Hofland Park Community Centre, which is being prepared to help accommodate the victims of the blaze. This facility accommodates 140 people and will be one of the facilities we are going to use to accommodate women, children, and a portion of the men affected. As a department, we are doing our best…

International movement The Salvation Army said a team is assessing how it can assist the victims of a large fire that engulfed one of the buildings in downtown Johannesburg. The Salvation Army expressed its deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life in the fire. Major Thataetsile Semeno, PR secretary for the Salvation Army, said the church stands ready to provide emergency assistance in whatever way it is able. “We are devastated to learn that yet another building in the city, housing dozens of people, has caught fire. The hardship that will result for hundreds of people who have lost their homes is tragic. The Salvation Army has been at the scene to assess how it can help,” he said. The movement further said that anyone wishing to help the…

CHAOS broke out at the City of Tshwane’s ordinary council sitting yesterday when EFF councillors led a protest against mayor Cilliers Brink, vowing that he would not speak in council in the wake of the dismissals of 122 workers. Workers affiliated to the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) were fired for taking part in an unprotected strike. The EFF councillors demanded that workers be reinstated during a council sitting hosted at Tshwane House Council Chamber. Led by their caucus leader Obakeng Ramabodu, councillors held up placards bearing messages in support of the workers’ strike and wage demands. Their protest turned ugly when they made threats against councillors from the multiparty coalition bloc. Councillors had a physical confrontation, and a DA councillor was seen manhandled and had his jacket and shirt…

The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ordered a man to pay his ex-wife over R472 000 after defaulting on spousal maintenance for almost two years. The matter dates back to January 2022, when the man was ordered to pay R42 000 every month, to maintain his ex-wife and child. According to the ex-wife, between January and April 2022, the ex-husband paid R168 000 and then stopped making payments, which brought the arrears to R472 080 by the end of March. In his defence, the ex-husband said that since May 2022, he has paid over R353 000 towards maintenance. However, there was no evidence to support his claims. After reviewing the merits of the case, Judge Johannes Moorcroft ordered the ex-husband to pay the outstanding maintenance dating back from April 2022…

South Africans have forked out around R350 more for a household food basket in August 2023, in comparison to August 2022. According to the Household Affordability Index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PMBEJD), the average cost of a household food basket increased by R348.75 from August 2022 to August 2023. The index showed that for August 2023, the average cost of a household food basket is R5 124.34. In August 2022, the average cost of a food basket was R4 775.59. From July 2023 to August 2023, the average cost of a household food basket increased by R42.40. The average cost of a food basket increased from R5 081,94 in July 2023 to R5 124.34 in August 2023. One of the major concerns in terms of increases…

After much speculation, the former secretary-general of the ANC, Ace Magashule has launched a new party, adding to the growing list of parties on the centre-left of the political spectrum. The party, named the African Convention for Transformation (ACT), has many similarities to breakaway parties that have been born out of difficulties within the ANC in the past decade or two. Like the EFF that was born after the ANC Youth League president Julius Malema was expelled, the ACT would most likely not have ever been born if Magashule was not expelled by the ANC. In both circumstances, the expulsion followed internal tensions and fissures that the ANC resolved via a disciplinary process and the expelled decided to challenge the ANC for votes a few months before elections. It is…

It is never ideal to run into Australia for a first sparring session, but having left with bloodied noses, the Proteas should be much more battle-hardened for the second T20 international against Australia at Kingsmead today (6pm start). It certainly helps that the home team don’t have days on end to ascertain the extent of their bruises incurred during the record 111-run first T20 defeat, and can get straight back into the ring. “The quick turnaround means we have to put (Wednesday) behind us. It’s another opportunity for us to improve. We don’t want to use the lack of game time as an excuse, but we are looking ahead to Friday because there is a lot of room to improve,” said Proteas opening batter Reeza Hendricks. Although the South Africans…

As “lucky” as he believes Kaizer Chiefs are – and his belief that “God must be a Kaizer Chiefs supporter” – bet on Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena to lead his side on to the FNB Stadium pitch against Amakhosi tomorrow confident he will emerge victorious. The Brazilians visit Chiefs for the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final (kick-off 3pm) at the world famous Nasrec arena as favourites after their DStv Premiership success over their arch-rivals. And while Mokwena said yesterday that not much should be read into that win at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, such has been his team’s form this season so far that he has every reason to be cock-a-hoop. Sundowns have won all six of their league matches, the only side yet to drop points, and…

If Ireland do break their World Cup curse and that swansong is in Paris on October 28, it may well be Caelan Doris, Dan Sheehan, Garry Ringrose or Josh van der Flier vying for individual accolades. But it is almost impossible to see Andy Farrell’s players getting there without Sexton. The perennial World Cup underachievers could not cope with the loss of Sexton and other key players to injury before the 2015 quarter-finals, while the crushing loss to Japan four years ago was played out with their key man nursing a knock in the stands. “Four years ago, if you told me I was going to be captaining Ireland to this World Cup, I half wouldn’t have believed you – but I also would have snapped your hand off for…

Novak Djokovic sailed into the US Open third round on Wednesday in his quest for a 24th Grand Slam triumph, as Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff stayed on a quarter-final collision course in New York. Djokovic climbed through the gears against 76th-ranked Bernabe Zapata Miralles, winning 13 of the last 15 games to ease through 6-4 6-1 6-1 on Arthur Ashe Stadium court. “At 36 years of age, after 20 years of coming to New York, I still have the hunger to play my best tennis on this court,” said Djokovic, a three-time US Open champion. Next up for the Serbian star is compatriot and 32nd seed Laslo Djere after Djokovic preserved his record of always reaching at least the last 32 in New York. “I’m pleased with the way…

Royal AM are slowly coming into their own at the right time after securing back-to-back victories before the international break. ‘Thwihli Thwahla’ managed to walk away with a full haul of Premiership points in a high-scoring 3-2 victory over Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday. Mfundo Thikazi, Ruzaigh Gamildien and Lesego Manganyi scored for the visitors, with Craig Martin and Justice Chabalala replying for Chippa. The Pietermaritzburg-based side, who began the 2023/24 season with a draw and two spectacular losses, seemed to be well out of their depth with a squad lacking many new faces. However, they’ve evidently awoken from their pre-season slumber and reminded the entire country of how dangerous they could be moving forward. Coach John Maduka expressed his delight at his side…

Another game against Kaizer Chiefs, another 10-man finish – and Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has once again placed the spotlight on the officials. Barker infamously let out his frustrations over the referee’s inept performance during last season’s game against Amakhosi when goalkeeper Sage Stephens was sent off. Now, after the 2-0 defeat at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night, Barker has questioned the role of the fourth official in Devin Titus’ sending-off. The young midfielder was handed two cautions within seven minutes early in the second half, with the second yellow only being dished out after a lengthy delay. Barker believes the referee consulted with the fourth official before making his decision. “It’s always difficult coming to these press conferences, not having seen or watched, but in my opinion, the…