Table of contents for 2023-08-03 in Star

THE COMPETITION Commission wants to introduce an additional charge of price-fixing to Competition Tribunal proceedings already under way against Corobrik and SmartStone Precast. The tribunal is already investigating a charge by the commission that the two firms divided markets between them, by allocating customers in contravention of the Competition Act. However, the commission now seeks to include a price-fixing charge, after it says it uncovered new information during the discovery phase of the proceedings before the tribunal, with the primary evidence arising out of a distribution agreement and minutes of meetings giving effect to the agreement, Katlego Monareng, investigator of the commission, said in a hearing before the tribunal yesterday. The commission had applied, at the request of the tribunal, for an amendment of its initial referral of the case…

Key priorities being targeted are the energy crisis, transport and logistics challenges Captains of industry in South Africa have resolved to collaborate with the government in tackling the country’s major bottlenecks in a bid to attract investment, create jobs and grow the economy by 3% a year. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa met CEOs from various sectors for an update on progress with their efforts in tackling the country's economic crisis. Leaders of Business Unity South Africa (Busa), Business for South Africa (B4SA), and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) yesterday said they had identified three priority areas to turn the tide against the low growth trap. They said the energy crisis, transport and logistics challenges, and crime and corruption were South Africa’s albatross to meaningful economic growth. B4SA steering…

JSE-LISTED South African private schools operator Curro Holdings said yesterday that it expected its earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2023, to increase by up to 45%. Its trading statement for the six months ended June 30, 2023, said headline earnings per share were forecast to rise 26.5%-45.5% year-on-year to 32.3c-37.1c in its results later this month. The group said its Meridian subsidiary had received long-overdue education subsidy income of R25 million during the previous comparable period, which was treated as non-recurring. “This subsidy income was included in the calculation of earnings per share and headline earnings per share,” it said The company will release its interim results on August 21. In its annual results released in March, the group said it had a robust financial performance…

SOUTH Africa’s general insurer Santam announced the rebranding of its app-based digital client solution from JaSure to Santam Switch yesterday. Santam initially acquired 51% of the insurance technology company in 2020 and completed the acquisition by obtaining the remaining 49% equity in June last year. Atang Matebesi, the CEO of Santam’s Client Solutions business, said yesterday that the rebrand accelerated a fully digital solution for Santam and positioned the brand for growth within a younger market segment, while leveraging Santam’s established brand, underwriting expertise and track record as South Africa’s leading short-term insurer. “The Santam Switch identity combines the best of JaSure’s energy and youthfulness with the trust and credibility of the Santam brand to successfully resonate with Millennial and Gen Z consumers,” Matebesi said. As part of its multi-channel…

Last week, some of my colleagues were in Lagos, Nigeria, for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress GEC+Africa boot camp and pitch sessions. These sessions are part of the lead-up activities to the congress, which will be held from March 13-14 next year at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The GEC+Africa 2024 is set to attract more than 1 500 delegates from across the continent, which include entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs). The Global Entrepreneurship Network’s Nigeria team (GEN Nigeria) led and co-ordinated the activities, which took place from July 27-28 in Lagos. With more than 1 000 applications received from Nigeria alone, 17 start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) were invited to pitch and stand a chance to be selected for the final pitch at…

In a bid to address the funding gap faced by historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in South Africa, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled its fourth round of the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (AWS EEIP). Start-ups can apply for up to R7.5 million in seed funding and benefits from the AWS EEIP over 24 months to jump-start their business. The capital will cover hiring and developing the best team, paying for office space and other administrative overheads to support their business growth. This programme is aimed at supporting black owned and led early-stage start-ups in the country by providing them with the necessary resources and funding to jump-start their businesses. The AWS EEIP, part of AWS South Africa’s broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) programme, aims to empower 100% black-owned small and medium-sized…

THE Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) added its voice to other industry players yesterday in condemning the chanting of the words “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer…” by EFF leader Julius Malema at the party’s anniversary rally at the weekend. Agbiz chairperson Francois Strydom said yesterday said Malema’s actions were contrary to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s wishes for a social compact which all social partners could support. It might destroy the progress that many organisations and business have achieved in terms of a common vision, purpose and future for agriculture in South Africa. “We, therefore, call on leaders across the political spectrum to condemn divisive language and promote the spirit of co-operation,” he said. Strydom said South Africans should work together to build the country. “The farming and agribusiness…

Lizzo is being accused of pressuring her backing dancers into eating bananas sticking out of sex workers’ vaginas during a wild trip to Amsterdam as part of a bombshell lawsuit against the singer. Three dancers have alleged that the Good as Hell performer, 35, is said to have also subjected them to endure weight-shaming and sexually denigrating behaviour. Court papers, obtained by Page Six that were filed on Tuesday, show plaintiffs Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams claim they were eventually fired – while the third plaintiff, Noelle Rodriguez, said she resigned over Lizzo’s “stunning” behaviour. The trio say in their lawsuit while on a concert trip with the Grammy Award-winning artist to Amsterdam in February this year, Lizzo invited them for a night out on the town that ended in…

Banyana Banyana’s first-ever qualification for the Fifa Women’s World Cup last-16 was credited to everyone who has contributed to the growth of the team, an ecstatic Desiree Ellis said. Banyana pulled off the unlikely yesterday, defeating Italy 3-2 in their final Group G match at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand to advance to the knockout round of the world championship. Their win, which was also their first in the tournament, was celebrated back home as their partisan fans sent the team congratulatory messages through social media. Their local and travelling fans, including Joy “MamaJoy” Chauke in Wellington, also gave the team a hearty welcome at their hotel after the match, belting out songs, chanting and playing a drum. Speaking during her post-match press conference, coach Ellis said that the…

BAFANA Bafana player Senzo Meyiwa’s childhood friend Mthokozisi Thwala described his brutal assault and torture at the hands of officers investigating the October 2014 murder. Thwala told the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria yesterday that two officers came to fetch him from uMlazi in 2019 under the pretext of having made arrests and wanting him to be part of an identification parade in Joburg. He said along the way he noticed that they had gone past Joburg and were in Pretoria. On arriving at the offices, he said he was left alone in one of the rooms, where two officers arrived and grabbed his phone, demanding to know who he was talking to. “Ya, who killed Meyiwa?” Thwala said the officers asked, and on attempting to respond, they assaulted him…

THE Bluff Showgrounds will host another session of “Under The Storytelling Tree”, on August 19. Dr Gcina Mhlophe will entertain with her iconic voice and storytelling skills. Mhlophe is a world-renowned actress, playwright and author. The session will be presented by Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage, and will be a special day to celebrate heritage through inter-generational connections. Mhlophe said there would be indigenous games, story-telling, book-reading, and ancient wisdom through African proverbs. “Together we will honour great leaders in our rich history, and celebrate the precious gift of life. The Bluff has a very rich history, and I know it will come to the fore as more older people who have lived here for a long time share their knowledge with our audiences,” she said. Mhlophe said the idea for…

According to the chairperson of the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE), Tabea Kabinde, the pace of transformation in the workplace for designated groups is slow – especially for people with disabilities. “Out of 27 532 reports received, covering a total of 7 215 960 employees, only 1.2% are from persons with disabilities. “We are now stretching it to only 2% as a proposed target. Please do not overlook people with disabilities,” Kabinde said. She said this while addressing the Employment Equity Roadshow in Pretoria yesterday. Conducted under the theme “Real transformation makes business sense”, the Employment Equity roadshows by the Department of Employment and Labour, in collaboration with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), create awareness of the recently promulgated EE amendments, sector targets and…

The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ordered a candidate attorney, Onga Ntozini, to repay the R3.6 million he stole from a client which was paid by Eskom in a settlement. Ntozini was employed by Malebye Motaung Mtembu Attorneys when he hatched a plan to misappropriate funds belonging to a client. The company was mandated to represent Grace Nzimande, during litigation with her former employer Eskom. As a legal representative, Ntozini advised Eskom to settle the action instituted against it in the amount of R3.6m, which the power utility agreed to do. Ntozini then drafted a bogus settlement agreement and directed the utility to pay the money directly to Nzimande’s bank account. He then signed the fabricated settlement agreement purporting to be Nzimande and forwarded the documents back to Eskom…

After 15 years as chairperson of Freedom Under Law, iconic jurist Justice Johann Kriegler this week announced that he wishes to step down as a director and chairperson. The board expressed its appreciation for the dedication and unflagging leadership displayed by Justice Kriegler since the founding of Freedom Under Law in 2008. For the lengthy period he has led the board he has been at the forefront of work done to confront lapses in the rule of law across the southern African region. The board said it believes that without his personal bravery and clear moral leadership many abuses of power would have passed without being exposed or challenged. His tenacity has ensured that many of those challenges have been successful. Justice Kriegler served on the first Constitutional Court of…

ONLY a handful of cars have the ability to get the public’s emotions aflutter and when the Ford Mustang is in the mix, well, it’s pretty much top of the pile. Add a Dark Horse prefix and you know it’s likely to be something special. We were fortunate enough to be at the global reveal in Detroit last year where Mustang fans from all over America gathered to see what the fuss was about. Fast-forward almost a year and where better to put it to the test than at the home of Nascar in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Mustang Dark Horse is the first new performance name for the brand since Mustang Bullitt was introduced in 2001. Apart from the obvious exterior and interior changes, its beating heart is a…

Mamelodi Sundowns are braced to win the Premiership title for the seventh consecutive time when they kick the new season off tomorrow against Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane (kick-off 7.30pm). The Tshwane giants have a score to settle with the Limpopo-based club, who surprisingly held them to a draw at the same venue last season. Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena is feeling bullish about the new campaign after the team played a few pre-season games in Europe, following an early-season training camp at the Royal Marang Hotel on the outskirts of Rustenburg. After an unbeaten run in Europe, Mokwena is happy that the team are ready for the new season. “We have worked on quite a few things from the schemes we want to see both in…

The Proteas are hanging on in the Netball World Cup by the barest of margins after a thrilling 48-48 draw with New Zealand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre last night. In almost similar fashion to Banyana Banyana’s heroics at the Fifa Women’s World Cup earlier in the day, when they snatched a dramatic late winner, the Proteas jumped off the canvas to steal a late draw. The home side were trailing the defending world champions by two goals with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock. Young Elmeré van der Berg netted the first basket, before veteran defender Phumza Maweni completed a marvellous interception on the halfway line to set up Nichole Taljaard’s dramatic late equaliser. The Proteas now face Uganda today (4pm) with the hope that…

Emerging market (EM) currencies, including the rand, ran into the eye of the storm yesterday as investors dumped riskier assets for safe havens over concerns about global economic growth prospects after Fitch Ratings downgraded the US government’s top credit rating. The rand fell 0.9% to R18.47 against the US dollar yesterday, down from the previous close of R18.30/$1 and its weakest in three weeks as the downgrade of the US rattled global markets. The local currency also weakened 0.5% to R20.22 against the euro, and 0.5% to R23.48 against the pound. The MSCI index for EM stocks lost 1.9% to a one-week low, while the currency index shed 0.4% to a three-week low, according to Reuters. Mergence Investment Managers chief investment officer Brad Preston yesterday said his model, South African…

GOLD Fields says that it is expecting its half-year profit to decline by as much as 16%, mainly due to lower gold production and higher operating costs. Gold Fields expects its headline earnings per share (Heps), the main profit measure in South Africa, to come in between $0.49 (R8.76) and $0.53 in the six months to June 30, compared with $0.58 for the same period last year. The miner’s gold production is expected to be 4% lower at 1.154 million ounces compared with the first half of 2022, while all-in sustaining costs, an industry measure, are expected to be 6% higher at $1,215 per ounce. The impact of lower gold volumes sold and higher operating costs incurred in the first half were partially offset by a higher gold price, Gold…

OUTSURANCE Holdings said yesterday that expansion to the Republic of Ireland was an exciting opportunity for diversification and long-term growth. An authorisation process had commenced and if successful, a market entry in Ireland was anticipated during the second half of the 2024 financial year, the group said in a trading update yesterday. The group’s earnings for the year to June 30, 2023 are primarily impacted by the performance of OUTsurance Holdings, the 90% held subsidiary and owner of OUTsurance SA, and Youi Australia insurance operations. The group said the results were positively impacted by a significant increase in Youi’s earnings, due to strong premium growth, a material decrease in natural perils claims incurred following more favourable weather exposure, and higher investment income attributed to the rising interest rate environment. The…

APPLE is likely to report a dip in iPhone sales in the April-June quarter as shoppers held out for a new model in a slow economy, making it important for the company to detail how it is using artificial intelligence to augment growth, analysts say. The world's most valuable firm will wrap up Big Tech earnings today, with a likely 1.6% drop in total quarterly revenue, according to Refinitiv – its steepest drop in third-quarter revenue since 2016. iPhone sales likely fell more than 2% in the period, according to 24 analysts polled by Visible Alpha, compared with a near 3% increase a year earlier and a 1.5% rise in the quarter ended March. The quarterly report could mark a break from an upbeat earnings season for Meta Platforms, Alphabet…

As a small business owner, encountering a disgruntled customer or having to deal with complaints is an unfortunate inevitability. In the past, brands could easily get away with ignoring negative feedback, but in the digital age, this is simply not feasible and carries a variety of reputational risks. Review sites like hellopeter.com, user-generated content platforms and in-app reviewing functionality on social media give customers free rein in terms of what they say about your business and how it is seen by others. Opinions left in comments sections, testimonials and referral programmes are the latest evolution of word-of-mouth marketing. Also referred to as “social proof” – the shared experiences and recommendations made person to person remains one of the most prominent contributing factors to how customers make buying decisions. In fact,…

In a recent article in Business Report (July 19, 2023), Hlathi Zak Madela claims that anti-nuclear sentiments are “misplaced” and “devoid of facts”. He cites the US, Canada, Western Europe, the UK, India, China and the Middle East as leading a nuclear resurgence. What he fails to mention, however, is that most of the states (including France) are nuclear- weapons states, despite the use of such weapons of mass destruction being outlawed by the UN. As Pakistan, India, Israel, and South Africa (mercifully in the past) have shown, no nuclear weapons programme would be possible without a civilian nuclear power programme. Far more extravagant, however, is the language of his opening paragraph, which is worth quoting in full: “The negative sentiments and biased arguments devoid of real facts on…

The City of Joburg says it remains unfazed by this week’s downgrading of its credit rating amid a tough economic climate and other rate collection challenges affecting its finances. In a statement issued on Tuesday following the downgrade, MMC for finance, Dada Morero, said that the city was resilient enough to move past the recent challenges. On Monday, Global Credit Rating Company Limited (GCR), an affiliate of Moody’s Investors Service, downgraded the City of Joburg’s credit rating and revised its outlook from stable to negative, highlighting cash flow challenges in South Africa’s economic and financial hub. “Bondholders are hereby advised that the credit rating agency, Global Credit Rating Company Limited (GCR), has downgraded the city’s national scale long-term issuer rating to A (za) from A+ (za), with the short-term issuer…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that it would not be prosecuting ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula over money laundering allegations. “This is in relation to the public protector’s report released on December 19, 2019, that the NPA should look into the allegations that Sedgars Sports funded the Mbalula family holiday to Dubai between December 2016 and January 2017, when he was the minister of sport arts and culture,” said NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana. During the period of December 2016 and January 2017, Mbalula and his family went to Dubai for a family holiday. There were allegations that the trip, worth R680 000, was paid for by Sedgars Sports, however, Mbalula was adamant that the trip was funded from the family coffers. Mahanjana said that the referral from now-suspended Public…

Boulders Beach, more famous for its furry inhabitants than its sandy stretches, has been named one of the world’s best beaches in 2023. The annual list of “The 50 Best Beaches in the World” has been issued by international travel website Big 7 Travel, with Boulders Beach being named the 32nd best beach. “Whether you’re in the market for a secluded sandy stretch or a buzzing beach party, you’re sure to like the look of a fair few of these beaches. Consider this your essential vacation guide,” the website said. It said Boulders Beach was more famous for its inhabitants than its sandy stretches. “A whole colony of as many as 3 000 African penguins nest on the beach. The best time to see them is during the summertime. The…

Former president, Jacob Zuma, has quietly returned to South Africa after undergoing weeks-long medical treatment in the Russian Federation. His return to the country was made known to the public by the Jacob Zuma Foundation, of which he is the patron, yesterday morning, but it did not specify when exactly he returned to the country. “The JG Zuma Foundation is glad to announce that its patron has recently returned from his medically-related trip to the Russian Federation,” it said. “The check-up and observations went well.” The foundation said that Zuma thanked all those who kept him in their prayers. “He wishes to thank all the progressive South African citizens and organisations who sent him good wishes and prayers during this period.” It said his return has to do with the…

No, it was not an Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs local derby but the centenary celebrations of the EFF that saw the FNB Stadium overflowing at the shoulders last Saturday, as in excess of 90 000 fervent supporters packed the stadium. It was a colossal show of strength. And the stagecraft was there too. Like a messiah rising to acknowledge his people, Malema was elevated in mid-air by a motorised podium amid a shower of gun glitters and red fireworks. Now going by the official appellation of the CIC (Chief In Command), the beaming pasha soaked in the admiration and basked in the glory of the moment. Julius had finally come off age and proven his point! And the point was noted by millions in SA and around the…

Isuzu introduced its new D-Max Arctic AT35 on the picturesque Attaquaskloof Pass. The Japanese company’s bakkie new flagship, priced at R1 120 620, is the country’s fourth most expensive bakkie derivative, and falls just R64 000 shy of the new Ford Ranger Raptor. It also costs R241 000 more than the D-Max V-Cross it’s based on. Although it does have some really cool kit, which we’ll get to in a moment, when it comes to performance and technology for the money, the Isuzu simply cannot compete with the Raptor, in our opinion. Isuzu South Africa plans to make no more than 100 of these per year, so there is a big exclusivity factor. Given the success of its predecessor, it’s unlikely the company will struggle to sell its small allocation.…

WELLINGTON: Banyana Banyana stalwart Hildah Magaia said she was quite emotional after stepping up for the national team and her family when they needed her most. Banyana sealed their passage to the Women’s World Cup last 16 for the first time at the Wellington Regional Stadium yesterday after beating Italy 3-2 to finish second in Group G behind Sweden. While it was Banyana’s first win in the World Cup in two editions, Magaia scored her second goal in her debut tournament and earned her first Player of the Match award, having also laid on the pass for Thembi Kgatlana to grab the match-winning strike in the 92nd minute. It was not the first time that the 28-year-old chipped in with a vital goal for the national team, having scored in…

The DP World Lions were thrilled to welcome former Proteas captain Hashim Amla as the team’s batting coach yesterday. Commencing immediately, the three-year partnership will see Amla work alongside Lions head coach Russell Domingo in all three formats of the game. The 40-year-old Amla was a run- scoring machine, with multiple records to his name, including being named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2013. Having played in all three formats of the game, Amla holds the record for the fastest player to score 2 000, 3 000, 4 000, 5 000, 6 000 and 7 000 ODI runs. He also became the fastest cricketer to reach 10 ODI centuries, and in January 2018, he broke Virat Kohli’s record for being the fastest cricketer to reach…

Television footage and newspaper coverage showed that games other than when South Africa are playing have been poorly attended. There were also some horror stories of fans who bought tickets online for over R2 000 and they arrived at the venue to learn that the real value of the tickets was R700. There were also stories in the foreign media about hundreds of pre-paying Australian fans who bought tickets, only to turn up each day without an allocated seat and then assigned random ones wherever there was space. Netball South Africa are ultimately to blame for everything that goes wrong under their watch, and it remains to be seen what action will be taken against them for this sad state of affairs. Netball SA have enjoyed tremendous support from the…

The MTN8 will provide football fans with huge excitement and prospective trophy ambitions in the opening weeks of the new season. The not-so-fancied teams who managed to secure themselves a place among the top eight begin the season with new possibilities of winning a first top-flight trophy or adding to their trophy cabinet. Moroka Swallows, Sekhukhune United, Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs captured the final four places in this year’s MTN8, and will battle their respective opponents in the coming weeks. Here, we take a look at four potential top-eight contenders for the new season. Moroka Swallows Head Coach: Steve Komphela Last Season: Eighth Prediction: Eighth A “revival” of the Dube Birds has seen the club’s board venture off into a busy transfer market to pick up some sought-after names…

INVESTEC said yesterday that all regulatory clearances had been obtained for the merger of Investec Wealth & Investment UK Limited Investec (W&I UK) and Rathbones Group plc. Investec had announced the all-share combination of the two companies on April 4 this year. As a result of the regulatory clearances, completion of the deal and issue of consideration shares to Investec Group was now expected to occur on September 21. The deal completion was subject to the Financial Conduct Authority and London Stock Exchange agreeing to admit the consideration shares to trading on the exchange's main market and there being no material adverse change at either Rathbones or Investec W&I UK. “Completion will mark the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between Investec and Rathbones that will enhance the client…

THE JOHANNESBURG Stock Exchange (JSE) said yesterday that despite an uncertain environment, as its largest market experienced lower trading activity amid continued macroeconomic volatility, it posted a 10% rise in interim profit. In its unreviewed interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2023, the bourse said that group profit increased by 10.4% year-on-year to R492.8 million. Headline earnings per share increased by 11.9% to 607.2c. However, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation were down 3.7% to R604m. Total revenue was up 5% to R1.45 billion, supported by double-digit growth in Information Services and JSE Investor Services (JIS) revenue. “We also saw an uptick in trading activity across our derivative markets. “The JSE increased the proportion of its revenue derived from non-trading activity by 2 percentage points…

“Where in the world has Absa’s Moloko visited besides Seychelles?,“ is the million-dollar question as Absa’s chairman, Sello Moloko, is reportedly on an international roadshow to become familiar with the lender’s assets in other countries. Moloko took the reins as the group’s chairperson in April. Seychelles News Agency yesterday reported that a delegation led by Moloko met with Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan on Tuesday. Moloko said he had been visiting all of Absa Group’s banks, with Seychelles being the second-to-last of these countries that he was visiting. “I have been chairperson of the group only since April and so I wanted to ensure that in my role I get to understand the franchise as much as I can,” he said. Business Report reached out to Absa’s press office…

In a shocking turn of events, Standard Bank, the largest financial institution in the country and the biggest bank when measuring capital, is under intense scrutiny for its aggressive closure of Independent Media’s banking accounts. Independent Media is South Africa's largest newspaper publisher. Standard Bank’s shareholders are the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Coronation Fund Managers. An independent media plays a crucial role in any democratic society by serving as a check on power and is a source of unbiased information. It provides a platform for diverse voices and critical perspectives that may be otherwise marginalised in mainstream media. To close the bank account of any organisation raises serious concerns, but to close those of an independent media organisation is to challenge…

Rugby fans are in for a treat as Springbok player Eben Etzebeth makes his debut on kykNET’s Binnelanders. The popular lock, who towers at over 2m tall, makes an appearance on Thursday, August 10 and Friday, August 11. Etzebeth, who is preparing to take part in the upcoming World Cup tournament in France with the rest of the Boks in September, is introduced in the soapie when he is admitted to Binneland Kliniek after a shoulder injury. Dr Tertius Jonker (Reynhardt Hugo) does everything in his power to make sure Eben’s injury is not serious and that he is ready for France. Naomi (Je-ani Swiegelaar) is in her element to nurse him – a task that Bonnie (Antoinette Modise) would much rather have performed. The ladies have quite an experience…

The City of Joburg has confirmed the recent explosion on Lilian Ngoyi Street was caused by methane gas. Joburg city manager Floyd Brink said the methane gas was detected, which caused a series of events that ultimately resulted in the explosion. He said at a media briefing yesterday that methane, which was lighter than oxygen, had travelled up from an unknown source before exploding. He said the explosion was not from an Egoli Gas pipeline nor a leak. There was also no negligence from any electricity or any department or any intentional action by individuals or intentional release of gas into the tunnel. “The type of gas that fuelled the explosion is methane, which is lighter than air and travelled up along the services tunnel, from an unknown source to…

WHAT are the early signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers? Affinity Health has highlighted the early signs to watch out for in teenagers, and emphasises the importance of seeking professional help and support. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings. “It is important to note that these early signs may vary in intensity and duration from person to person,” said Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO. “Not all teenagers experiencing these symptoms will have bipolar disorder. However, if these signs persist and significantly impact a teenager’s daily functioning, seeking professional evaluation and support from a qualified mental health provider is crucial. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment, accurately diagnose your teenager, and develop an individualised treatment plan.” According to the health…

A thermal drone was instrumental in locating a toddler who had gone missing in Etete on the Dolphin Coast. IPSS Medical Rescue managing director, Dylan Meyrick, said the 21-month-old toddler was reported missing from a homestead in Etete near Shakaskraal on Monday around 4pm. Meyrick said search and rescue efforts were started, but were unsuccessful. He said the search resumed yesterday morning with SAPS K9 Search and Rescue and the IPSS Search and Rescue division involved. “The toddler was located approximately 1km from his home, with the use of a thermal drone piloted by PACSys,” Meyrick said. He said the toddler was found to be in a critical condition and was stabilised by an IPSS Medical Rescue Advanced Life Support paramedic before being transported to an appropriate facility for further…

THE situation has remained volatile in the City of Tshwane with striking municipal workers allegedly using violence and intimidation to demand a 3.5% and 5.4% salary increase in spite of city management warnings that they could lose their jobs. Scores of public servants affiliated to the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) downed tools last week and took to the streets in protest over various issues, chief among them the non-payment of salary increases. The strike, which has been deemed illegal and unprotected by the municipality, disrupted delivery in the metro while denying patients life-saving health care after some facilities were forced to close. In spite of ity municipal manager Johann Mettler obtaining an interdict against the strike this week, the workers continued with the action prompting threats from the…

MARK the beginning of Women’s Month with a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) academic who has become the first black woman to achieve a full professorship in town and regional planning. Professor Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu, pictured, who has a passion for creating cities which are more inclusive, smart and resilient, is making great strides in her field. As founder and chief editor of the Journal of Inclusive Cities and Built Environments, Magidimisha-Chipungu actively advocates for urban environments that cater to the diverse needs of their inhabitants. “I share a vision with many to create positive urban transformation for the benefit of all people. I am an eternal optimist and believe that greatness can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change in our cities and…

“Sparky” radio exchanges between Max Verstappen and his long-time race engineer Gianpiero “GP” Lambiase entertained a global audience during Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix but also raised questions about the rapport between the two. Verstappen, completely dominant on track with his eighth win in a row for Red Bull, said all was fine and the pair had a very good relationship. “Probably 50-50,” he said when asked how serious the comments had been. In a season dominated by a champion now 125 points clear and whose team are in a league of their own with 12 wins from 12 races, any extra spice was to be welcomed. After a sweary radio outburst during Friday’s qualifying, which Verstappen apologised for and which Red Bull motorsport head Helmut Marko compared to a tiff…

Ace goal-poacher Thembi Kgatlana closed out Banyana Banyana’s first World Cup win in the most dramatic fashion with a stoppage-time winner against Italy in Wellington yesterday. Just when it seemed the team was headed for the exit, Kgatlana scored the goal that saw Banyana (53rd on the world rankings) leapfrog Italy (16th) in Group G and join Sweden in the last 16. Apart from her glorious goal, she also exerted pressure on Italy’s defence, and it forced an own goal in the first half. Whenever she was in possession, she was a threat to the opposition and after this performance she can rightly claim to be one of the best players at the global showpiece. Not far behind Kgatlana was goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who at one stage single-handedly denied Italy…

Saudi side Al Nassr confirmed the signing of Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane on Tuesday as the Senegal star prepares to team up with five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. The twice African Footballer of the Year is the latest high-profile player to join the cash-rich Saudi league. “I’m really happy to be part of you guys ... I can’t wait to see you,” Mane said in a video addressed to Al Nassr supporters on the club’s social media accounts. Both clubs announced the transfer involving the former Liverpool star, which German media estimated at around €30 million on a three-year deal, with an annual salary for Mane of €40m plus €10m in results-based bonuses. Earlier on Tuesday, Mane (31) rued his departure with two years of his contract at…

It is the final chance some Springboks have to show their coaches they want to be in the Rugby World Cup squad, but that does not mean they must go out and put their ambitions above the team when they face Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday (9.10pm kick-off). Bok coach Jacques Nienaber will name his 33-player squad for the tournament in France on Tuesday, and this weekend’s Test will be a last-chance saloon for players still hoping to fit into the World Cup picture. Franco Mostert, a 2019 World Cup winner who will wear the No 7 jersey on Saturday, believes they can’t chase solo dreams at the cost of the team against a fired-up Pumas team. “It is the last time you can show the coaches that you…

Golden Arrows are looking to avoid placing themselves on the back foot once again as they prepare for their opening game of the 2023/24 season. Abafana Bes’thende had their most loyal supporters worried in the opening weeks of the last campaign as they won just one of their opening five games, losing their opening two against new boys Richards Bay and Sekhukhune United. According to veteran striker Knox Mutizwa, the technical team, led by co-coaches Mabhuti Khenyeza and Vusumuzi Vilakazi, has placed a strong emphasis on making a bright start. “The coach reminded us that we didn’t start well last season, and he put that in our heads throughout pre-season,” he said. “He told us that we needed to start well this season because if you look at it, we…