Inhoudsopgave van 2024-09-18 - Star

THE NATIONAL Union of Mine- workers (NUM) is seeking the intervention of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe to save the jobs of more than 1 000 workers from Seriti Resources who are facing retrenchment to ensure the company’s mines operate on a commercially sustainable basis. Seriti Resources purchased South32’s South African thermal coal business recently, while it also operates assets formerly owned by Anglo American. The company, which operates large-scale opencast and underground mines, is a big supplier of thermal coal to Eskom. Seriti Resources confirmed to Business Report yesterday that it had started a Section 189A consultation processes on September 16. It said this was likely to affect “up to 1 241 roles, of which 1 137 employees are likely to be retrenched” from its…

Shares in Metair surge 7%, closing at R16.06 on the JSE, after its deleveraging METAIR Investments’ disposal of its division in Türkiye – hit by economic and geopolitical turbulence over the past few years – for R2.95 billion to Quexco, a US investment holding company, adds to a growing list of South African companies that are finding the going tough offshore. The Turkish economy has struggled against inflation and an implosion in its lira currency that according to S&P forecasts is likely to weaken further this year. Metair expanded to Türkiye in 2013, seeking to diversify its operations. Yesterday, the company announced that it had entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Quexco Incorporated for the disposal of its entire shareholding in Metair Türkiye. The disposal will be…

DEPUTY Finance Minister David Ma- sondo has assured the steel and engineering sector of concerted efforts by the government to aid industry recovery efforts through unravelling red tape in State-sponsored infrastructure projects, a higher build Budget, and additional tax drives to shield the fiscus from extensive commitments. Speaking at the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) annual conference yesterday, Masondo – just weeks ahead of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) – said planned infrastructure budgets were set to grow by 4.9% over the medium term, with a focus on energy and transport, as well as the introduced revised public-private partnerships (PPPs) regulations aimed at simplifying the rules governing PPPs. Masondo said this included a differentiated and simplified approach for smaller projects, reducing administrative burdens, and streamlining…

ISIDINGO star Darlington “Papa G” Michaels will be buried in his Soweto hometown in Johannesburg this weekend. The actor, whose real name is Teboho Ndarana, died at age 78, at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Friday after a short illness. It has now been announced that Michaels’ memorial service will be at Soweto Theatre in Jabulani tomorrow from noon. His funeral will be at Uncle Tom’s Community Centre in Orlando West on Saturday, from 9am to 11am. The funeral procession will travel to Westpark Cemetery after the service. Tributes continue to pour in for the beloved actor who became a fan favourite for his portrayal of Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela in the SABC soapie for 16 years after he auditioned for the role five times. His vibrant and charismatic character,…

More than a year after the deadly Joburg CBD gas explosion which caused massive road infrastructure damage along Bree Street (renamed Lilian Ngoyi Street), a popular street and major transport artery in the CBD, remains inaccessible and the reopening of he road is nowhere in sight. IOL reported in August last year that the City of Joburg confirmed that methane gas was the cause of the massive blast. At the time, city Manager Floyd Brink said methane gas was detected, which ultimately caused the explosion. The blast killed one person, injured several others, caused extensive infrastructure damage and disrupted services in the Joburg CBD. Joburg Mayor Dada Morero said the services of the first contractor was recently terminated and a second company has now been appointed. Under the first contractor,…

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has vowed to keep the jobs of about 3 400 teachers across the province by slashing various educational programmes amid a R4.5 billion budget deficit. Chiloane made the remarks while speaking at the Bryanston High School on Sunday, while providing an update on the department’s online admissions for next year. He said they had to come up with alternative ways to secure school teachers posts, as the department is experiencing a budget deficit of R4.5 billion. Chiloane said unlike the reported stance taken by the Western Cape Department of Education that they would not be filling 2 400 teacher posts, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had to come up with alternative solutions to save public school teachers from job cuts, due to the increasing…

WHEN Mia Le Roux was announced as the first deaf Miss South Africa, I was overjoyed as the goal of an inclusive society of the marginalised seemed attainable. Le Roux’s deafness awakened my sense of ignorance to the challenges differently-abled people face during life’s daily routines. September is Deaf Awareness Month, so I was honoured by an invite from iSchoolAfrica to witness how deaf learners at MCK Special School for the Deaf in Lenasia, Joburg, use iPads donated by the initiative to foster an inclusive education for learners in special needs schools. iSchoolAfrica is an initiative that bolsters education technology by creating a tech-incentive environment in classes to bridge the digital divide and enhance learning capabilities for differently-abled learners. The moment my industry colleagues and I arrived, the school’s…

Following the celebration of the roof-wetting of the Centre of Excellence in Disabilities, the Department of Higher Education and Training, together with members from the National Treasury, recently visited the set-to-be world-class facilities, currently under construction at the Unisa Sunnyside Campus. The oversight visit was crucial in ensuring that the project progressed smoothly and that the final product would meet the high standards set by the department and the university. The department officials were particularly impressed by the innovative design of the centre and the commitment of the Unisa construction team to building a first-of-its-kind environment for students with disabilities. The department’s involvement in this project is essential for its success. By providing oversight and guidance, the department can help ensure that the centre is built to the highest standards…

A KwaZulu-Natal woman who submitted scandalous evidence against her husband in an effort to score spousal maintenance has had her application struck off the roll. The woman, who is in the middle of a divorce from her husband, approached the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban and brought a Rule 43 application seeking interim maintenance until the divorce is finalised. The husband didn’t file an opposing affidavit. Judge Rob Mossop, who presided over the matter, noted that the woman’s application was extreme and contained lengthy affidavits with irrelevant allegations against the husband. Judge Massop said the woman attached dozens of photographs, including a picture of a Michael Kors handbag allegedly purchased by the husband, pictures of the husband’s lipstick and semen stained T-shirt as well as messages recorded on a cellphone…

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, many interesting events have kicked off, recognising and celebrating the cultural wealth of the country. This month is dedicated to honouring diverse ethnic communities, promoting inter-cultural understanding, and fostering common experiences. With the braai recognised as one of the much-loved traditions, author and home chef Chantal Lascaris shares some winning salads to complement your braai on Tuesday, Heritage Day. Meat braai: Classic contender “We start with the Omkhulu of the braai: the meat braai. Enter my trusty, tangy chariot, fennel and radish salad. The fresh pop of anise and the crunch of the fennel, paired with the tangy bite of radish, beautifully cut through the richness of the meat, offering a refreshing counterbalance of flavour.” Veggie braai: The Underdog Lascaris explains that…

Manchester City are braced for their Uefa Champions League reunion with Inter Milan at the start of an expanded tournament that will be “so tough” for the 2023 winners. Pep Guardiola’s side beat Inter 1-0 in the final two seasons ago as Rodri’s goal clinched their first Champions League crown on a memorable night in Istanbul. Inter visit the Etihad Stadium tonight in City’s first experience of the competition’s new format, in which 36 teams compete in one table and play eight fixtures each instead of the traditional group stage with six matches. City defender Manuel Akanji is not a fan of the new model because of the extra burden it will place on players in a gruelling season that will conclude with Guardiola’s men competing in the Club World…

CONFIDENCE among consumers in South Africa is expected to remain buoyant for the rest of the year, after sentiment surged to its highest since 2019 in the third quarter, on the back of “a confluence of positive developments”. The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), released yesterday, jumped to -5 points in the third quarter of 2024, recording its second consecutive 5-point increase from -10 points in the second quarter. The 5-point uptick in consumer confidence during the third quarter marks the third consecutive increase in consumer sentiment this year, propelling the CCI from an average of -20 points in 2023 to a 5-year high of -5 points, signalling a striking improvement in consumers’ willingness to spend. Concomitantly, FNB said the deceleration in inflation from 6% in…

IN JANUARY 2004, the Department of Water and Sanitation, under the leadership of Minister Senzo Mchunu, organised a two-day Water Services Authority Summit. The event was a response to the findings of the Blue and No Drop Reports, as well as the Green Drop Progress Assessment Report, which were published in December 2023. The Blue Drop certification evalu- ates the quality of drinking water systems, from purification to delivery to consumers. The Green Drop certification focuses on wastewater treatment systems across the value chain, including municipal, Department of Public Works and private systems. Both certifications assess operations, maintenance, skills, qualifications and the monitoring and control of water and wastewater infrastructure. The No Drop certification measures water use efficiency in municipal drinking water distribution systems. It uses non-revenue water as a…

MANY OF US have made a conscientious decision at some point in our lives to widen our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world we inhabit; if you have, you might well have crossed paths with the shallow philosopher archetype. Whether you are trapped in a conversation at a braai, cornered in the kitchen while making tea at work or are socially inclined to make polite conversation with an acquaintance, the navel-gazing types will undoubtedly attempt to stun you with their “profound” insights, gleaned from the various pop science books, podcasts and film media they have most- recently consumed. We all know the type, as they might, at some point, have asked the question that has piqued a thousand first-year philosophy students’ interest in the subject: “If a tree…

LABAT Africa Group has reassured its shareholders and stakeholders that the company remains a going concern despite the suspension of the company’s shares trading on the JSE. It said yesterday that this action was a matter that the company was addressing with the utmost seriousness and diligence and it was actively working to lift the suspension by concluding the 2023 and 2024 audits and ensuring full compliance with the JSE Listings Requirements. Labat said it had been assured that once this undertaking was completed the suspension of the shares would be lifted. Labat said that following the termination of its previous auditors, the company was actively engaged in the appointment of the auditors with a full announcement in this regard to be made in due course. “The company remains resolute…

Award-winning actress Katlego Danke has paid tribute to celebrated actor Sello Motloung, saying she could not believe the 54-year-old was no more. His family confirmed his death in a statement but they did not disclose the cause of death. “We are devastated to inform you of the sudden passing of Ntate Sello Motloung on Sunday, 15 September. His family are in shock and we ask that you give them space at this time,” a statement read. This year, South Africa’s entertainment industry has experienced several deaths, from screen actors to those behind the scenes. In her tweet, Danke reflected on the deaths that happened in the last nine months. “This is proving to be a very difficult year. A year filled with pain and loss.”…

CONVICTED murderer and rapist Thabo Bester, who is awaiting trial for his escape from prison and related offences, lost his urgent application to have access to a laptop and other devices to prepare for his deportation case as well as for his criminal trial. He turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, yesterday in which he conducted his own application in a bid for correctional services to allow him to use these devices. A feisty Bester argued for a long time about his rights which he claimed are being trampled on and how he is made out to be a monster, while none of the allegations against him has yet been proven. “I am presumed to be innocent until proven guilty… Inmates are also human beings. They can fight for…

Former public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has been described as a man of integrity who stayed loyal to the ANC even when former president Jacob Zuma sacked him as finance minister in 2017. The ANC in Gauteng held a memorial service in honour of Gordhan at the Johannesburg City Hall yesterday. Gordhan, 75, died on September 13 following a short battle with cancer. He had served as minister of finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017. He was appointed as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after a period as deputy commissioner. He also served as minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as minister of public enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of…

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has released the key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey for Mpumalanga, revealing the province has the highest HIV prevalence rate in South Africa. According to the findings, Mpumalanga had the highest HIV prevalence of any province in 2022 – at 17.4% – which corresponds to an estimated 890 000 people living with HIV in the province. Professor Khangelani Zuma of the HSRC, said the study’s overall principal investigator, reported that the survey revealed that in 2022, the province’s HIV prevalence among adolescents aged 15 to 24 years was 7.8% overall, with males having a 1.5-fold greater prevalence (9.8%) than girls (6.3%) in the same age range. Among adults aged 25-49, HIV prevalence was 26.4% overall and…

As the world’s most powerful economies grapple with an ageing population and shrinking workforce, the spotlight is increasingly turning to Africa, poised to become an engine of global growth with its youthful, vibrant workforce. By the end of the next decade, Africa’s population will reach 1.1 billion, becoming the largest workforce globally. The continent’s future – and indeed the world – will largely be shaped by how it equips its youth with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy. At the same time, the concept of a traditional workplace has undergone a profound transformation due to the pandemic. Remote work has emerged as a dominant trend, pushing companies to adapt more rapidly than ever before. To remain competitive in this new landscape, the African workforce must…

It’s been a confusing Currie Cup season. There was initially a danger that it might not even take place at all, mainly due to player welfare concerns. Then there were discussions about when it should take place in an already congested rugby calendar, with the Springbok players in a virtual 12-month cycle due to the July Tests at home and the Rugby Championship in August and September. Eventually it was determined that the Currie Cup would start on July 5 and end on September 21. Teams generally picked their youngsters for most of the competition, but suddenly when it got closer and closer to the play-offs, the best players were introduced as it was seen as great preparation for the United Rugby Championship (URC). The URC is scheduled to begin…

It was only 20 years ago that somewhere close to the border in the North West Frontier, a notice was pinned on a bus stop: “All those who want to play cricket for the Afghanistan team, please meet here in three months’ time.” While the whole truth may have been lost in the romanticism of it all, the growth of the Afghanistan men’s team over the past two decades, which culminated in a first appearance in a major ICC tournament semi-final just a couple of months ago in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, is a truly remarkable story. Rashid Khan, who is back playing his first ODI since last year’s World Cup in India, is an icon of excellence and an illustration of what can be achieved through cricket. There’s little…

JSE GROUP CEO Dr Leila Fourie is cautiously optimistic over South Africa’s economic and political future following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in mid-June and expects that investment demand to start increasing as sentiment improves. Speaking during PSG’s latest Think Big episode yesterday, Fourie said the new government was “much more business friendly … because it’s focused on getting the economy growing across key areas such as electricity, logistics”. Improved demand for investment from both local and international depositors would also lead to companies seeking to raise more capital. The JSE, she said, was outperforming emerging markets and both the Top 40 and the All Share indices are up following the formation of the GNU. Fourie added that South African stocks are undervalued, especially considering positive…

A LANDMARK high court ruling found that business rescue practitioners (BRPs) can’t “have their cake and eat it too”. The case involving sugar giant Tongaat Hulett balances the principles of corporate rescue with the broader societal imperatives of industry regulation. The crux of the matter was whether BRPs could suspend certain statutory obligations during business rescue proceedings. Tongaat has been in voluntary business rescue since October 2022. Its BRPs sought as declarator that they were entitled to suspend any obligation of Tongaat that arose under the Sugar Industry Agreement (SI Agreement) during business rescue, including any local market redistribution payments and related levies that became due during business rescue. They also suspended payment of the redistribution and levies for the first six months of the business rescue. The Sugar…

IN A LUNCH meeting that I had with the Ambassador HE Raimundo Robredo accompanied by Ana María Martinez and Fernando de Castro of the Spanish Embassy in South Africa, we had an interesting, yet intense, debate over European foreign policy, particularly on energy in Africa. Reflecting on the successes and setbacks experienced by Spain when it transitioned away from reliance on fossil fuels, Robredo related his experience of growing up in a coal region of Spain. He painted a rosy picture. Today coal mining in Spain has ceased almost completely and now his region is a tourist destination. A report produced by World Resource Institute titled, Spain’s National Strategy to Transition Coal-Dependent Communities, on December 23, 2021, said: “Since 2010, EU legislation has been a major driver of Spain’s coal…

SOUTH African retailers are re-sizing their stores into smaller spaces, Hyprop CEO Morne Wilken said yesterday, although business confidence had improved under the government of national unity (GNU). Hyprop’s net operating income for the year to June 2024 rose to R1.3 billion, but headline earnings per share in the company dropped 24% to 299.4 cents per share compared to last year. With distributable income per share also lower by 8.6% at 370.4c, Hyprop’s final dividend of 280c per share was 6.4% lower than the previous contrasting period. Last month, Hyprop signed binding sale agreements for the disposal of its sub-Saharan Africa portfolio against the backdrop of intensified focus on its SA portfolio. During the year to June, Hyprop saw SA tenants’ turnover grow by 5.1%, while retail vacancies…

THE UNEXPECTED shutdown and subsequent silence on the state of Koeberg nuclear plant Unit 1 a few months after obtaining a licence to extend operational life by 20 years has raised concerns over the safety of the station as reports emerge that Unit 2, currently undergoing extension of life rehabilitation, would only be granted an eight-year term. This is as it emerged on Monday evening that the Unit 1 had gone offline on Wednesday last week and had been expected to resume operations in five days, but the information had not been disseminated to all stakeholders as Energy and Electri- city Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa assured delegates of the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference that South Africa’s next procurement was shovel ready. The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute…

Sean “Diddy” Combs – the rap mogul whose star has plunged after a wave of sex trafficking accusations and assault lawsuits – was arrested by federal agents in Manhattan on Monday. The attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, said the arrest stemmed from a sealed indictment filed by his office. “We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time,” he said, without providing further details. Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in a statement provided to AFP that Combs had voluntarily relocated to New York anticipating the charges. Combs’s lawyer said their team is “disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr Combs by the US Attorney’s Office”. The…

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane said the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will begin its online application process effective this Friday. Nkabane held an urgent joint media briefing with NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo on Monday. “I am therefore inviting all students sitting for their matriculation this year to take this opportunity and apply for either the NSFAS bursary or loan. “This invitation is also extended to learners from Grade 9, 10, and 11, who would like to enter the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector.” The purpose of the briefing was to provide feedback on the ministerial stakeholder engagement programme, which started last Thursday and concluded on Sunday. These engagements included key stakeholders in the PSET (Post School Education and Training) sector and were to gain…

Microbiological contamination found in three batches of Checkers and OK Foods stores’ Deli branded label hummus has triggered a recall of the 300g and 125g tubs of fresh Deli hummus with a sell-by date between September 10 and October 8, 2024. In a statement on Monday, the retailer said the following products were being removed from supermarket shelves nationwide: Hummus, Reduced Fat Hummus, Zataar Hummus, Red Pepper Hummus, and Caramelised Onion Hummus. “All production at the supplier – which has an FSSC 22 000 certificate for their food safety management system – has been halted. “We understand that customers will be concerned and apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience caused by this voluntary recall. “Customers who may have purchased these products should not consume it and instead return it to…

TSHWANE MMC for Finance Jacqui Uys has warned against regressing the financial gains made by the multiparty government in the metro by means of “political sabotage and grandstanding”. She praised the current administration under DA Mayor Cilliers Brink for making strides in terms of stabilising the financial situation of the municipality. As far as she was concerned the City has made headway in its efforts to growing cash collections. “From January to August 2024, monthly cash collection rose significantly from R2.8 billion to R3.6bn. “This steady increase in revenue has been vital for maintaining and improving municipal services, a sign that the City’s multiparty coalition is rebuilding the City's financial health after the illegal hijacking of the City for eight months in 2020,” she said. By the City’s illegal hijacking…

What started as encouragement from friends while working as a car guard in Pretoria evolved into an academic journey that took Tshinangi Fabrice Kapya from that car park to the University of Pretoria (UP), where he eventually became a lecturer, and now a PhD graduate. Kapya’s incredible and inspiring journey reached a new peak recently when he received his PhD in Industrial Engineering during UP’s 2024 Spring Graduation ceremonies in the first week of September “A few years ago, I was working as a car park attendant at Wonderpark Mall in Pretoria. Despite the repetitive nature of my work, I discovered an unexpected source of comfort: books,” he said. “Whenever I had a free moment, I devoted it to reading... My former colleagues would often catch me reading. They'd say…

All eyes have been zeroed in on businesswoman Lebo Keswa, who has been dishing out startling details about her marriage with actress Letoya Makhene after what seems like an acrimonious split. The pair, who have been married since 2020, seemed head over heels over the years and left many in shock when they revealed their relationship split on social media and it has since been a hit subject. In recent news, Keswa took to social media to reveal that she will share more details about her journey. According to the post shared, the podcast is set to start on October 17 and will be hosted by her. In some of the information widely shared across social media platforms, she claims to have endured abuse as she continues to fiercely spill…

Joyous Celebration, the award-winning choir, is leading the pack of gospel choirs with the most playlisted tracks from gospel choirs across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the last 12 months. According to the data shared by the music streaming giant Spotify, their glittering record illustrates the enduring effect of gospel music consumption in South Africa, with gospel choirs being major incubators for musical talent and impacting the broader music industry. It is explained that gospel choirs are not only breeding grounds for future stars, but also the core of worship music, serving as the backbone of Christian musical expression from local church gatherings to grand cathedrals. Most streamed choirs across SSA in the last 12 months: Joyous Celebration, Spirit of Praise, 1 Spirit & Theophilus Sunday, Lejwe La Motheo Artists Development,…

The Ghost will be crossing fingers and hoping that it’s a case of third time lucky under coach Jose Riveiro in terms of the league championship. Riveiro is in his third season at Orlando Pirates, and he’s had two incredible seasons already, winning four trophies – two MTN8s and two Nedbank Cups. His run endeared him to the club’s faithful and external observer as a cup specialist. He finished as runner-up to Mamelodi in back-to-back league campaigns. Enter the new season and there seems to be an opening for the Sea Robbers to sail back to the pinnacle of local football given the changes at champions Sundowns. The Brazilians have made ample changes to their technical team, with coach Manqoba Mngqithi ascending to the throne after the departure of…