Table of contents for 2025-05-12 in Cape Times

US President Donald Trump's administration is aiming to bring the first group of white South Africans to the United States via its refugee program as soon as next week, three people familiar with the matter said, a divisive effort given that Trump has been blocking refugee admissions from the rest of the world. The Trump administration aims to fly the initial cohort of about 50 Afrikaners into Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, two of the people said, requesting anonymity to share internal plans. The group would participate in a press conference at the airport and then board flights to their U.S. destinations, the sources said. The sources cautioned that their arrival had already been delayed a week and that the plans could change. As of Thursday afternoon, a charter…

Mantengu Mining (MTU) has filed a criminal complaint with the Hawks against several executives of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) regarding allegations of share price manipulation aimed at depressing its stock value, claims that the JSE has roundly denied. In a voluntary announcement on Friday, directors of the chrome miner said the filing of the criminal complaint followed about 18 months of investigative work by the company and its advisors. In response to questions from Business Report, the JSE said that the allegations directed at it, its employees, officers, and executives, were false and without merit. The JSE also denied any involvement in, or complicity with, illegal or unlawful activities. MTU had alerted the JSE to its concerns regarding the manipulation of its share price. The company claims the JSE…

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed a worrying outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that is making its way beyond KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) into neighbouring provinces, including Mpumalanga and Gauteng. On Saturday, the department provided an update regarding the spread of this animal disease, which poses a significant threat to livestock farmers across the country. “Two new cases, outside of KZN have been confirmed. One farm in Mpumalanga which was identified as part of trace-forward exercises from a positive auction in Utrecht, KwaZulu Natal,” said the department. “Although these animals showed no clinical signs of disease, further investigations have confirmed that the virus has spread to adjacent camps on the same farm.” The department added that there were no indications that other farms had become infected, but veterinary services were…

Employment Equity is a necessary path to correct three and a half centuries of the most brutal forms of discrimination. This is precisely why the drafters, led by the African National Congress, of South Africa’s Constitution, one of the most progressive and internationally respected, stipulated that government is obliged to utilise its powers to address the legacies of the past and the inequalities of today. Any government which fails to live up to these ideals, can and has been taken to court. Political denialists who prefer a state that does nothing to address the injustices of society, past and present, need look no further than neighbouring Zimbabwe as to the real dangers and costs of such procrastination. This is a mistake that we would be wise not to repeat…

During his nine years living in Tennessee, Fahd, a Saudi national, found comfort and consistency at Dunkin Donuts, where he placed the same order every day. Now back in Riyadh, Fahd is doing something similar, highlighting the Saudi Arabian love affair with all things American that many find surprising. "When I came here, thank God, the same cafe and same order were here too," said the 31-year-old mechanical engineer, who did not want to give his family name. "I started living the same lifestyle here as I did in America." Saudi Arabia, often known for its religious austerity, is home to Islam's holiest sites, and welcomes millions of Muslim pilgrims ever year. It also has -- as just one example -- more than 600 branches of Dunkin Donuts, serving roughly…

As temperatures drop and layers go up, many South Africans ease off their sun protection routine – yet skin cancer doesn’t take a break when summer ends. May marks Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that UV rays remain a threat even in winter. With South Africa among the countries with the highest rates of skin cancer, experts warn that vigilance is crucial no matter the season. South Africa sees over 20,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year, with around 1,500 cases of melanoma, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). While these numbers are alarming, most skin cancers are highly preventable through consistent sun safety habits and early detection. “Skin cancer remains one of the most common and preventable cancers in South Africa,…

MOTHER’S Day got off to a bad start for a number of families who lost their loved ones in a devastating crash in the early hours of yesterday along the N2 near the Mthunzini Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal. According to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, the collision occurred at around 6:47 am and involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-1 vehicle transporting members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC). “On this Mother’s Day, early this morning I received a report from our team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) informing me about a horrific accident,” Duma initially said in a public statement. While Duma initially gave the death toll as nine, authorities later confirmed that one of the bodies had been mistakenly counted twice and…

The City says it is working to mitigate erring vehicles along Kloof Nek Road, which has become notorious for the high number of accidents along the route. On Saturday, October 12, a tour bus collided with two vehicles and a wall on Kloof Nek Road, while on Thursday, September 26, a cement truck appeared to lose control on Kloof Nek Road, colliding with at least 17 cars before slamming into a wall. Last year, the Weekend Argus reported that over a three-year period, more than 365 vehicle-related crashes involving 722 drivers were recorded, which has raised concerns for additional safety measures and a call for drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate announced it is working on implementing measures to assist in mitigating the impact…

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson gave his charges a pass rate after they tamed the Dragons in Cape Town on Saturday to seal a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs with one game to go. The Cape side has their fate in their own hands to claim the fifth place on the log ahead of facing Cardiff Rugby on Friday in the Mother City. It took some grunt up front, especially in the first 30 minutes, to subdue the Dragons, but the Stormers’ firepower was eventually too much for their Welsh opponents, as they ran in seven tries to claim a 48-12 victory. They ticked all the boxes Dobson wanted them to and delivered an outstanding second-half performance to blow the Dragons off the field. Their final clash,…

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is shifting into a growth trajectory following the recent stabilisation of its business operations, as CEO Jabu Mdaki revealed at the Transport Forum in Durban on Tuesday. This rally comes after the terminal operator adopted a multifaceted approach, which is now beginning to yield significant results in the freight and logistics sector. TPT has earmarked a substantial R3.4 billion for new equipment acquisitions in the 2025/2026 financial year, demonstrating its commitment to modernising infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiencies. Key initiatives include a thorough review of loading cycles in the container sector, upgrading rail infrastructure and agricultural capacity at the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal, and the anticipated delivery of a third tippler to Saldanha’s Bulk Terminal operations by October 2025. Historically, underinvestment in equipment alongside adverse weather…

Transnet and the United National Transport Union (UNTU) are gearing up for critical negotiations this week in an effort to stave off a potentially debilitating workers' strike. The discussions come on the heels of an unresolved wage dispute that has led UNTU to indicate that workers could legally embark on industrial action. Last month, negotiations between the two parties faltered, prompting the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to issue a certificate of non-resolution. UNTU general secretary, Cobus van Vuuren, on Friday said that the CCMA convened an urgent Section 150 facilitated session on Thursday, 08 May, to address the ongoing salary and wage dispute between UNTU and Transnet at the Transnet Bargaining Council (TBC). “Recognising the strategic economic importance of Transnet and the potentially devastating impact of industrial…

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has reported a significant upswing in agricultural machinery sales, marking a breath of fresh air for farmers and agricultural experts alike. Latest figures reveal that the sale of tractors and combine harvesters surged in April 2025, reflecting a growing confidence in the agricultural sector. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), noted that tractor sales were up by 5% year-on-year, with 527 units sold in April, continuing a positive trend observed over the past four months. Even more remarkable were the figures for combine harvesters, which soared by 77% year-on-year, with 46 units moving off the shelves. These robust sales have alleviated concerns regarding the quality of crops, particularly in light of heavy rains that have…

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unite 54 nations into a thriving common market, igniting an African industrial revolution with the potential to echo across global trade systems. For South Africa, often regarded as the continent’s economic engine, this is a pivotal moment to lead with intention, conviction and pride. As global powers set their sights on Africa’s critical mineral reserves, lithium, cobalt and a demographic advantage expected to represent nearly 40% of the world’s population by 2060, the AfCFTA provides a path toward prosperity on our own terms. “Africa isn’t just rising; it’s ready to lead,” declared IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. This leadership, however, will depend not on rhetoric but on execution—on the collaborative efforts…

AngloGold Ashanti’s headline earnings soared by 671% to $447 million following a 22% increase in production in the first quarter to end March, good cost management and a rising gold price, the group said Friday. In addition to these numbers that indicate a very strong performance, AISC (all-in sustaining costs) increased by only 1%, while free cash increased by 607% to $403m. The previous guidance for the remainder of the year was reaffirmed. "This is a very strong start to the year, particularly at our managed operations," CEO Alberto Calderon said in a statement. An interim dividend of $63m or 12.5 US cents a share was declared for the first quarter, in line with the new quarterly dividend policy. AngloGold’s share price had traded higher by 2.94% on Friday afternoon…

When we think of nursing homes, we often picture quiet halls, a subdued atmosphere, and a world separated from the bustling lives of younger generations. As we grow older, we inevitably face the cycle of life loss, change, and, for many, the harsh reality of becoming invisible. It’s something often felt but rarely talked about. You may walk down a street, pass by people, and notice that no one makes eye contact or offers a simple smile. It’s as if you no longer exist in their world. Loneliness and isolation in the elderly aren’t just emotional struggles. They’re silent threats to well-being. As people grow older, they lose loved ones, their social circles shrink, and their roles in society shift. Retirement, empty nests, and health issues all of these changes…

Breadline Africa has warned that more than 500 000 pupils still rely on dangerous and unhygienic pit toilets at their schools in various parts of the country. This comes after Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, in a recent parliamentary response to the EFF’s Noluvuyo Tafeni, stated that there are 77 schools with pit toilets and proper sanitation facilities are under construction. The minister said the Department of Basic Education (DBE), together with Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) and the DBE’s implementing agents, have made significant progress in improving sanitation facilities at public schools under the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) initiative. Gwarube stated that out of the 3 898 public schools initially identified under the SAFE initiative, 3 372 required assistance. “To date, of the 3 372 public schools identified with…

The Department of Transport (DoT) is on a mission to find an interim solution to address the issue of reliance on the current driving licence card machine. The department was responding to a statement by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) following the announcement that the machine had been repaired and operations resumed. The breakdown of the machine, according to the department, led to a backlog of more than 700 000 outstanding cards waiting to be printed. Outa said the machine was not a solution to the driving licence crisis because it is prone to regular breakdowns and is bound to break down again. The organisation said the machine also lacks modern security features. Outa said it is still waiting for the department to provide a solution to this problem.…

On International Press Freedom Day, Caroline James published an article about how investigative journalism platform amaBhungane joined Independent Media to challenge a Durban High Court judgment. However, rather than focusing solely on press freedom issues, James opened her piece with a pointed attack against Independent Media’s Chairperson, Dr Iqbal Survé. The article’s arrogant, racist and paternalistic undertone was impossible to ignore. James begins by deliberately insulting Dr Survé, stripping him of his title and referring to him by his first name – something the media never does with figures like Koos Bekker or Johann Rupert. “There are few people who hate us more than Iqbal Survé, the chairperson of Independent Media,” James opens her cynical piece, continuing with: “So why would we spend the limited resources we have fighting to…

The Stormers are still to sit and talk with flyhalf Manie Libbok to work out a plan around his contract with the playmaker set for a stint in Japan next season. Firstly, they wanted the World Cup winner to get back on the field after a knee injury kept him out of action the last couple of months because they will definitely push on his button during the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs. They qualified for the knockouts on Saturday evening after dispatching the Dragons 48-12 in a wet but exciting duel at the DHL Stadium. Although Libbok’s contract runs until 2027 with the Cape side, director of rugby John Dobson said on Saturday he couldn’t say that Manie is ‘definitely staying’ in the Mother City. The flyhalf, who spearheaded…

ANTALYA: After a week where Robin Williams showed that he could go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the game, the young South African’s challenge ultimately faltered on the final round here at the DP World Tour’s Turkish Airlines Open. The 23-year-old shot an even par to finish with an overall 273 (65, 70, 67, 71) 11-under-par. It saw him slip from second place heading into Sunday’s final round to an eventual tied 7th position, which earns Williams $63 690 (approximately R1,157,526.26 million). French rookie Martin Couvra, who is the holder of a historic South African Amateur Championships treble, claimed the Turkish Airlines Open title with an overall 267 17-under-par. “It’s still a great week. If someone told me I would play like this at the beginning of…

This follows a welfare emergency currently unfolding at two of Daybreak’s breeder farms Workers at Daybreak Foods' farms have laid down a series of demands that centre on the immediate termination of Chief People Officer Tshepo Yvonne Mosadi's contract, alongside a comprehensive overhaul of the company's board and management structure. This demand comes as the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) on Friday injected a further R74 million into the embattled farming establishment in a bid to pay for outstanding salaries for April, buy chicken feed supplies, and for specific essential operational expenses. The R74m, which is part of the R250m financial support requested by Daybreak in February, was initially earmarked for capital expenditure. On Friday, the Daybreak Workers Union issued a letter detailing their demands and expressed deep concerns over past…

Once again, US President Donald Trump is dominating global headlines—this time with economic policies that carry broad global consequences. His focus on aggressive tariff strategies has injected sharp volatility into markets, with abrupt sell-offs followed by relief rallies, reflecting the unpredictable nature of current trade dynamics. South Africa, deeply integrated into global trade networks, has not been immune. The South African economy faces both direct exposure and second-order effects from tariff-related tensions, particularly given that two of its largest trading partners are the United States and China. These developments have rattled investor sentiment and highlighted the structural vulnerabilities of an interconnected global economy. In such environments, traditional investment strategies often falter. Hedge funds, however, are uniquely positioned and well-equipped to thrive from such volatility. Their ability to employ active, tactical…

Japanese electronics giant Panasonic, which supplies batteries to Tesla, said Friday it will target 10,000 job cuts worldwide as part of efforts to boost profitability. The cuts, which represent around four percent of the group's workforce of nearly 230,000, will be implemented mainly in the current financial year to March, it said. Panasonic said it would "thoroughly review operational efficiency at each group company, mainly in sales and indirect departments". It will "reevaluate the numbers of organisations and personnel actually needed", a statement said. "This measure targets 10,000 employees (5,000 in Japan and 5,000 overseas) at consolidated companies," and will be executed "in accordance with the labour laws, rules, and regulations of each country and region". Panasonic became a global household name in the latter half of the 20th century,…

The contentious buyout offer for Barloworld has been extended by more than six weeks because some brokers and financial services companies are delaying selling their clients’ Barloworld shares in support of the offer. The stand-by offer for Barloworld shareholders to accept the R23 billion offer by Saudi Arabian firm Zahid Group in concert with Barloworld CEO Dominic Sewela, closed on Friday, again with insufficient shareholder support, but Barloworld’s independent board has extended the offer to June 30. The initial offer for the international heavy industrial equipment and food and ingredient solutions group was first made in February 2024, but shareholders raised issues about transparency, possible conflicts of interest due to the CEO’s participation, and some shareholders wanted a better offer than R120 per share, while the shareholder vote failed. “Barloworld…understands…

Iron is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in our health, contributing to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, facilitating oxygen transport and helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. During a recent interview, Vitabiotics, a vitamin company, spoke with nutritionist Lucia Stansbie, who offered insightful and simple methods for increasing iron levels naturally. One of Stansbie’s key recommendations is to enhance the absorption of iron from food by pairing it with vitamin C-rich items. According to research, vitamin C can increase iron absorption by storing plant-based iron in a form that your body can easily absorb. This is both a simple and effective way for those looking to safeguard their recommended iron intake. She shares that herbs are also surprisingly rich in iron. Offering one…

The KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism MEC Reverend Musa Zondi has assured Ithala customers that they will soon be able to access their money. Ithala bank is expected to resume its operations today following the Pietermaritzburg High Court's Friday ruling which set aside the Prudential Authority’s (PA) decision to freeze the bank’s accounts. The PA had hired the Repayment Administrator (RA) earlier this year to freeze the accounts pending the finalisation of the liquidation application, which is in court. On Sunday, Zondi described the ruling as vindication of the provincial government’s view which had argued that the PA was wrong in freezing the bank accounts despite the bank agreeing to stop deposits in compliance with the non-renewal of the exemption. Zondi said because of the decision to disable the bank’s…

THE Presidency has drawn a line in the sand in the ongoing stand off between South Africa and the US, saying the Trump administration was behind inflaming tensions among the two countries, especially in using the term 'refugee' to describe those who have been invited to the US. A small group of about 54 Afrikaners who were set to leave South Africa yesterday and resettle in the US, said they were left with little choice but to choose a new life abroad. Some of them at the OR Tambo International Airport said they were waiting for a chartered plane coming from the US. Before boarding, they said they were waiting to be vetted for pending criminal cases. Despite the broad refugee freeze, Trump in February called on the U.S.…

NIGERIAN televangelist Timothy Omotoso is scheduled to appear in court today on charges of contravening provisions of the Immigration Act. The Department of Home Affairs officially declared him illegal in the country. Omotoso was arrested in East London in the Eastern Cape on Saturday morning. Omotoso’s arrest comes weeks after he was acquitted on an array of charges including rape, human trafficking and sexual assault. A statement released by Home Affairs on behalf of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster confirmed that an operation led to the arrest. “The arrest follows the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs (Dr. Leon Schreiber) to reject the application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn the earlier decision of the Department of…

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said dropping points against bottom side Southampton in a 0-0 Premier League draw on Saturday will result in a nervy final two games of the season in his side's pursuit of a Champions League place for next season. Southampton's hard-earned point not only means they avoid being the joint-worst team in Premier League history but also a tougher finish for City, who must hold off the chasing pack of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. "The result, of course, it's a missed opportunity today, we know that," said Guardiola, who failed to beat a bottom team for the first time in his nine seasons at City. "It happened. Now, prepare the (FA Cup) final, less time (for) Bournemouth and then Fulham," he added,…