Table of contents for 2021-05-14 in Star

Dineo Faku dineo.faku@inl.co.za MINERAL sales had jumped by an astounding 46.9 percent year-on-year in March to R75 billion, Statistics SA (StatsSA) reported yesterday, boosted by the wave of record commodity prices and on expectations of an increase in global economic growth. StatsSA said production was 21.3 percent higher, the first annual growth since last February. StatsSA said that platinum group metal sales were the biggest contri- butor to the windfall after surging 76 percent and contributing 26.1 percentage points. Gold sales jumped 61.3 percent, contributing 7.2 percentage points, and iron ore sales increased by 48.3 percent and contributed 6.9 percentage points. StatsSA said “other” non-metallic minerals were up 72 percent and contributed 2.2 percentage points. Seasonally adjusted mineral…

Sandile Mchunu sandile.mchunu@inl.co.za TIGER Brands’ share price rose by more than 7 percent on the JSE yesterday after the South African packaged goods company said it expects a double-digit growth in earnings for the six months to end March as it cut costs. The share price leapt to a day-high of R221.90 a share in the morning. The group released a second trading update and revised up its earnings for the period. It now expected its headline earnings per share (Heps) from total operations for the six months to end March to surge by between 48 percent and 55 percent or by between 235 cents a share and 269c, and higher than 489c reported last year. Its earnings per share (Eps) from total operations was likely…

Emily Blunt has shot down speculation that she and her husband John Krasinski will star in the Fantastic Four reboot and described the rumours as “fan-casting”. The couple had been reportedly involved in the Marvel project as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman and Reed Richards/ Mr Fantastic but the Sicario actress has dismissed the speculation, saying on The Howard Stern Show: “No one has received a phone call. That’s just people saying, ‘Wouldn’t that be great?’” Asked by Stern if she considered herself to be better than superhero movies, Blunt said: “It’s not that it’s beneath me. “I love Iron Man and when I got offered Black Widow I was obsessed with Iron Man. I wanted to work with Robert Downey Jr – and it would’ve been amazing ... but I…

Leaked document reveals irregularities in R500m tender to refurbish schools in province Sifiso Mahlangu sifiso.mahlangu@inl.co.za The Star is in possession of a leaked document sent to MA Sesing, the Free State provincial accountant-general, requesting a condonation of the irregular expenditure incurred in for the Kagiso Shanduka Trust tender. The letter, which was meant to be secret, also asks MNG Mahlatsi, the chief executive of the Free State Treasury to condone the tender. According to a forensic investigation by audit firm PwC, the Kagiso Shanduka Foundation was part of a R500-million tender to refurbish Free State schools, but came short of good workmanship. Also, the tender was not appropriately advertised and didn’t follow due process. Condonation is a process where the Treasury would disregard an earlier investigation or finding assuring…

Mpiletso Motumi mpiletso.motumi@inl.co.za TODAY marks the last day for applications for the Google for Start-ups Accelerator Programme. The three-month programme will start later next month and will include three intensive virtual-training bootcamps, mentorship and Google product support. The programme is open to applicants from 17 countries across Africa, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal. South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The aim is to support the growth of start-ups through their crucial growth phases. For Google’s new developer scholarships, Android, Web and Google Cloud scholarships are being offered to beginner and intermediate developers resident in Africa. A total of 40 000 scholarships will be offered to developers, spread across Mobile and Cloud development tracks. The top 1 000 students at the end of the training will earn a…

Anna Cox anna.cox@inl.co.za WHAT can the City of Joburg do to get tourism back? This was the question posed by the city’s member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for the department of economic development, Lawrence Khoza, at the first of a series of meetings held with the Sandton Tourism and Business Association. He said that business needs to stop blaming Covid and work to create a differentiated offering. The MMC’s department is working to unlock investment in different areas to create new tourism avenues, such as medical, mining and sport tourism, he said. His office is working to engage with the private sector to develop tourism as they recognise the challenge in getting the economy functioning on every level again. Sandton tourism, however, is picking up, said Sandton Central…

Sne Masuku sne.masuku@inl.co.za THE Department of Arts and Culture is in the process of recouping an amount of R421 000 out of the R4 million paid to popular Ukhozi FM DJ after it had bungled payment to fund his initiative in 2017. DJ Sgqemeza, whose real name is Sipho Mbatha, received more than R400 000 in funding from the department for his City to City Motivation Tour project in 2017. However, during the payment process, the department said its employee had erroneously paid R4m into Sgqemeza’s business bank account. Yesterday, drama unfolded at the SABC studios when the Ukhozi FM DJ was served with summons. Efforts by the department’s lawyers to serve him with a summons have been unsuccessful on many occasions since March last year. The department’s…

SONRI NAIDOO UNIONS across the globe joined to celebrate the 2021 International Nurses Day. This year the day was commemorated under the theme “Nurses Challenges amidst Covid-19”. Nurses were recognised in a virtual seminar hosted by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu). The chairperson of the union, Lulamile Sibanda, said nurses were the “backbone” of the healthcare industry. He said nursing was the largest profession in the world, expected to provide 24-hour care to patients and ensure nursing care and primary health care was available in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics. He said although nurses were carrying this big mandate they were still victims of slave wages, workplace violence, overworking due to short staffing, long hours and workplace hazards. “Nurses are among the lowly…

MOHAMED SAEED | Pietermaritzburg Despite the current virus-testing times we are living through, by the grace of the Almighty, Muslims were still able to fast, pray in the mosques and successfully and spiritually complete Ramadaan. As Muslims are about to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr; a celebration that takes place every year after a month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting during Ramadaan, sadly, Eid celebration, like last year, will not be the same again this year due to the unprecedented virus. Eid celebrations during a pandemic is very different from what it used to be. However, Eid will bring joy and some good times in everyone’s lives. While Eid is a time for families to happily spend time and enjoy the moment together, it is also one of great sadness for those of us…

Ashfak Mohamed ashfak.mohamed@inl.co.za SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has questioned the lack of transformation in senior franchise and provincial teams after only a handful of unions managed to achieve their targets last season. Most of the provinces who competed in the 2020 Super Rugby or PRO14 season, Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup failed to achieve the desired 45% representation for “generic black” players, and 22% for “black African” players. In fact, only the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Province unions reached the 45% generic black target, with only KZN and Eastern Province attaining the 22% black African mark. With the generic black target, there were obviously better results, although it was still short of the required totals. In the early 2020 Super Rugby tournament, which was called off in March due…

Philippa Larkin philippa.larkin@inl.co.za LONG4LIFE, the investment group started by Brian Joffe, said yesterday it had decided not to declare an annual dividend for the year to the end of February, in light of the Covid-19 disruption as it repositions and bolsters the company to take advantage of the more stable markets and economy in the future. Last month, Long4Life announced it was undertaking a review of its corporate structure and strategic focus, in order to maximise shareholder value over the medium term, with a possible delisting from the JSE or the unbundling of certain focused assets. The national lockdown in South Africa had knocked its business. Its earnings per share and its headline earnings per share decreased by 26 percent to 31.9 cents for the period, and revenue…

Dineo Faku dineo.faku@inl.co.za JSE-LISTED financial services group Liberty Holdings yesterday reported a spike in mortality claims and announced plans to assess its pandemic reserve at the end of next month on the possibility of a third wave of Covid-19. Liberty, whose subsidiaries include Stanlib, Liberty Life and Liberty Two Degrees, flagged that significant uncertainty related to the evolution and impact of the pandemic. “The reserve will be assessed at June 30, 2021, taking account of the possibility of further waves and other developments relating to the pandemic,” said the group in its operational update for the quarter to the end of March. Liberty established the R3bn pandemic reserve a year ago as a means of assuring clients that Covid-19 claims and costs, which could arise in future, would be adequately…

Alyssia Birjalal alyssia.birjalal@inl.co.za Steve Harvey took a chance when he brought his popular game show Family Feud to South African shores, but it seems to have paid off as the second season makes its way to e.tv. Family Feud SA started on Sunday, May 9, and runs until October 31. The game show sees two families compete to name the most popular responses to win cash and prizes. The questions in the show are from answers received from a survey of 100 South Africans. The family scoring the most points walks off with the money and goes through to the next round. “Hollywood told me it can’t be done, so the highlight for me was proving them wrong. “The quality of TV here is so good, the experience of filming…

JAMES MAHLOKWANE james.mahlokwane@inl.co.za Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, yesterday slammed the parents who literally threw Laerskool Theresapark principal Dorothy Mabaso out of her office. “This is completely unacceptable. We cannot allow our principals to be treated like this. We strongly condemn this behaviour,” Lesufi said. “We are investigating the allegations levelled against the principal and school governing body. We will communicate the outcome once the investigations are concluded. “We must express our disappointment at the scenes of violence and intimidation at the said school that we witnessed on video clips shared with us this morning. It is unfortunate that parents resorted to such conduct in a school environment, exposing our children to such unpalatable behaviour. “We would like to implore parents to address their grievances amicably without disrupting teaching…

STAFF REPORTER THE Facebook Community Accelerator Program opened for applications earlier this month. Community leaders from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are urged to apply for the program as it offers participants training, mentorship and up to $50 000 (R707 415) in funds to invest in an initiative that extends their community’s positive impact. The aim of the Community Accelerator is to help leaders of Facebook communities to harness the power of their community to turn ideas into action. The selected leaders will spend five months learning from experts, coaches and a customised curriculum so they can strengthen their community. Lessons include community identity foundations, leading action-oriented programs and sustainability. Participants will also receive early access to new Facebook products aimed at helping communities better manage and activate their…

Mpiletso Motumi mpiletso.motumi@in l.co.za LG Electronics has signed a three-year partnership agreement with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. This strategic partnership has stemmed from a mutual philosophy that focuses on changing lives for the better. Both LG and Kolisi have become synonymous with their social efforts and constant innovation. “LG has a way of making sure that people can access the best technology to ensure the ultimate peace of mind,” said Kolisi. “Their ability to use this technology to not only better lives but give people more time to focus on what’s important is something I am proud to be a part of,” he added. Said LG SA president Deuk Soo Ahn: “Siya’s dedication to giving back to communities, continuously reinventing himself to be the best is truly inspirational…

ZELDA VENTER zelda.venter@inl.co.za IT HAS taken three years, but former minister of social development, Bathabile Dlamini, has eventually paid the costs awarded against her personally by the Constitutional Court in 2018 for her role in the social grants crisis. The Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) which represented Black Sash Trust and others during the legal battle, confirmed that the former minister had paid R650 000 in total – her 20% portion of the legal costs which the Concourt at the time said she was personally liable for. She was ordered to pay a portion of the costs in an effort to protect the social grants system. In September 2018, the apex court handed down a historic ruling, holding a sitting minister personally responsible for failure in carrying out…

MASHUDU SADIKE THERE was a celebratory atmosphere in the Polokwane CBD yesterday when hundreds of people came out to witness the trophy parade by the 2021 Nedbank Champions Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). Vhadau Vha Damani, who are based in Polokwane, clinched the bragging rights and the R7 million prize money after they narrowly eclipsed Chippa United 1-0 in an exciting cup final in Bloemfontein last Saturday, to win the first ever major trophy for the Limpopo side. They have also booked a place in next season’s CAF Confederations Cup in the process. This is the second trophy in recent years for the province, after Baroka FC won the Telkom Knockout in the 2018/19 season. The homecoming celebrations kicked off at Meropa Casino, where MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture…

In October 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that “corruption has cost South Africa as much as R1 trillion”. This is a staggering amount of taxpayers’ money that was wasted, at a time when it is most needed. According to the South African Revenue Service, of the R1.25 trillion it collected in the past tax year, the main source of revenue was personal income tax. Considering 22 million South Africans collectively gave R528 billion of their hard-earned money to this proverbial pot, we must demand better outcomes. The new auditor-general, Tsakani Maluleke, released a press statement on March 31, calling on our government to “ensure sustainable audit outcomes”. In the 2019/2020 general report on national and provincial government spending, Maluleke emphasised accountability failures must be dealt with more seriously. The same…

Mphahlela M Rammutla | Pretoria Many believe the impoverished community of Steynsburg, under the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, is being rejected and neglected when coming to development and service delivery. The community lives below the poverty line and is characterised by a high unemployment rate, high level rate of crime and high percentage of youth idling with no direction. It was a relief to learn that Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural development Mcebisi Skwatsha has roped-in other stakeholders to hear the life struggles of the people. The deputy minister brought five more deputy ministers, three member of executive councils, mayors and non-profit organisations who rallied behind his course to bring services and development to the Steynsburg community during the outreach…

MIHLALI BALEKA Comment ORLANDO Pirates’ aspirations of finishing in the top three in the Premiership are blurry but they will know that progression to the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup ahead of Raja Casablanca could salvage their season. After being the first top-flight team to win silverware via the MTN8 late last year, many pundits tipped the Buccaneers to put up a strong fight in the remaining competitions – the league, Nedbank Cup and Confederation Cup. But Pirates have been inconsistent in their domestic campaign. They have failed to string together at least three away wins in a row, despite an impressive run at home. That has driven them further behind the chasing pack as they trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 14 points. That deficit of being out of…

Sandile Mchunu sandile.mchunu@inl.co.za STEINHOFF International said yesterday it would oppose an urgent liquidation application filed by former Tekkie Town executives in the Western Cape High Court. The Tekkie Town executives have requested the matter to be heard on an urgent basis on May 24. The standoff between the two parties is a result of the December 2017 accounting scandal, which led to a more than 95 percent decline in Steinhoff’s share price following the admission to irregularities. Steinhoff acquired Tekkie Town for R3.2 billion in 2016 from founder Braam van Huyssteen and former executive in exchange for Steinhoff shares. Steinhoff has made €943 million (R16 billion) available in a form of proposed settlement against the claimants, which also includes former Tekkie Town executives. “Steinhoff will oppose…

RAY MAHLAKA, a Business Maverick reporter, appears to have deliberately ignored critical hard facts when he published his “story” on the Daily Maverick platform yesterday. Mahlaka “reported” on the Sekunjalo Group’s presentation to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance (SCoF) this week. To better understand the facts and the various perspectives, Business Report will publish online Sekunjalo’s full presentation, which dealt with matters arising out of the Mpati Commission Report dealing with alleged impropriety at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Sekunjalo, along with some of its investee companies, together with MMI Investments, which also registered legitimate concerns about the commission, had been invited by the SCoF to speak about their concerns. Dispelling several of the hitherto accepted “truths” sprouted by various members of the establishment to date, Sekunjalo’s presentation highlighted key…

Jamal Grootboom jamald.grootboom@inl.co.za The POST by hip hop artist iFani, real name Mzayifani Boltin, regarding not being a celebrity anymore has caused a debate on Twitter over whether he is – or ever was – famous. Taking to the micro-blogging website yesterday, the Iingoma Ezimnandi hitmaker posted that he’s glad that he’s no longer considered a celebrity, where he stated that he was empathising with what Black Coffee is going through. And while he initially included AKA, he recanted that statement. He said: “I’m so glad I’m not a celebrity anymore. I feel for Nkosinathi. “I feel for Kiernan. No, wait, sungxama ... I feel for Nkosinathi qha.” The rapper last dropped a solo project in 2013, however, he’s been featured in various songs over the years. A heated debate…

TUNISIA, Norway and China have requested another emergency UN Security Council meeting be scheduled tomorrow on the worsening hostilities between Israel and Palestinians, despite ongoing US resistance to the body taking a role in the conflict. The session would be public and would include participation by Israel and the Palestinians, diplomats said yesterday. The council has already held two closed-door video conferences since Monday, with the US, a close Israel ally, opposing adoption of a joint declaration, which it said would not “help de-escalate” the situation. According to a diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity, the idea of a third meeting in less than a week was pushed by the Palestinians. The goal of a new meeting is “to try to contribute to peace … and to have a Security…

Anna Cox anna.cox@inl.co.za THE City of Joburg roads are not only crumbling from the exterior with potholes, but from the interior as well. Several city roads in the southern suburbs are now sinking due to illegal mining by the zama zamas who are digging under roads to mine for gold. The Wemmer Pan Road, one of the main roads from the city’s CBD to the southern suburbs, and which is also widely used by pedestrians, is collapsing and now has craters and damaged storm water drains. Councillor Faeeze Chame said she was alerted by residents about three weeks ago about a major collapse in the road. “Myself and councillor Michael Crichton went to go and see for ourselves. The miners are digging directly under the road which is swiftly causing…

SAKHILE NDLAZI sakhile.ndlazi@inl.co.za THE Urban Dictionary defines black tax as “the extra money that black professionals are expected to give every month to support their less fortunate family and extended families”. This is the topic that author Marcia Ramodike, 24, from Mamelodi seeks to explain in her second edition of From An Empty Pride To A Full Price. When asked what inspired her to write the book, the unassuming author, who originally hails from Tzaneen, said black tax was something that almost all successful young black people had to deal with. The second-year law student at Unisa said that, surprisingly, much of what had been written about black tax had focused on the negative aspects thereof. For example, the financial struggles faced by many black professionals have been blamed on…

THREE-TIME champion Lee-Anne Pace made an eagle at the 16th hole yesterday on her way to a two-under-par 70 in the first round of the South African Women’s Open at Westlake Golf Club in Cape Town. That gave her a share of the lead with Lydia Hall of Wales, and the pair had a one-stroke lead over 2009 champion Tandi McCallum and fellow South African Nicole Garcia. Sweden’s Johanna Gustavsson and India’s Tvesa Malik shared fifth on even-par. “It was one of my goals to have a good start today,” said Pace. Although she turned in at level par after starting her round on the 10th, it turned out that two-under was more than good enough. “I did know it was playing tough, and thought that anything around level-par or…

Morgan Bolton morgan.bolton@inl.co.za THE Lions’ depth at flyhalf will be under severe scrutiny this weekend when they face the Stormers in the third round of the Rainbow Cup. Jordan Hendrikse – 19 years old and recently returned from a Baby Bok alignment camp – has been handed the coveted No 10 jumper for tomorrow’s all-important clash at Emirates Airline Park (kick-off 2pm). His selection by coach Ivan van Rooyen is not all to do with form, but also one of necessity as veteran Fred Zeilinga battles a slight injury. Said Van Rooyen of the selection, yesterday: “Fred is struggling with a slight groin, which is a bit of a niggle. That is not the reason why we picked Jordan though. Jordan brings something else for us – nice, big, exciting,…

Wynona Louw wynona.louw@inl.co.za So, this weekend the Stormers will have a chance to get back on track when they face the Lions in their third Rainbow Cup match of the season at Ellis Park tomorrow (kick-off 2pm). After disappointing results against the Sharks and the Bulls in their first two matches, John Dobson’s side know that securing a win this weekend is absolutely vital seeing as they only have three matches remaining in the competition after this one. It’s been close until now, and they could certainly have gone the distance in the first two weeks of the competition and come out victorious. But it didn’t work out like that, and now, one can only imagine that they would be extra motivated to make the most of this fixture. So,…