Table of contents for 2025-01-09 in Cape Times

Gemfields is scrambling for a way out of a 15% tax on exports of emeralds from Zambia, saying the levy should be suspended or removed as it was introduced without consultation and deters investment. Last month, Zambia gazetted Statutory Instrument 88 of 2024 which revoked the 2019 suspension of the 15% export tax on precious gemstones. Gemfields has now said that it will engage the Zambian government and canvass for the suspension of the export tax. “The company will engage with the Zambian Government to seek the re-introduction of the suspension of this export duty or to remove it from the legislation given the impact on sector sustainability and investment attractiveness,” said Gemfields yesterday. It explained that the 15% export tax on precious gemstones directly impacted the Zambian emeralds mined…

TPT says shortage of equipment, and weather hampered recovery operations at the terminal Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has said that it was confident that the on-take and assembly of new straddle carriers was on schedule after the December delivery at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 and would be fully operational in mid-January. Last month, the DCT Pier 2 received the first four of 20 diesel-electric straddle carriers for assembly and commissioning on-site. The straddle carriers were handed over to operations to start their endurance testing and are expected to be fully operational in mid-January. TPT yesterday said the terminal was renewing its fleet as part of its recovery plan, having invested in haulers and reach stackers valued at over R440 million earlier last year, and all 20 straddle…

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) has sounded the alarm as South Africans face a daunting increase in food prices at the beginning of January. Following a year-on-year rise of 2.8% in the food basket noted in December 2024, civil society organisations are echoing concerns that consumers will struggle to make ends meet as they welcome the New Year. Mervyn Abrahams, Coordinator of the PMBEJD, yesterday said the start of the year was a difficult period for many families as it marked the return to school for the children. “What we do know is that in December 2024 food prices remained high across the general spectrum in line with the general trend throughout the year of high food prices,” he said. “So, what we observed was that the…

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) yesterday said it was stepping in to facilitate discussions aimed at preventing a significant downturn in the local steel industry as ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) prepares to halt its long-steel operations at the Newcastle and Vereeniging plants, potentially affecting over 3 500 employees. The IDC, which has a 6% stake in Amsa, last year endowed the struggling steel manufacturer with R1 billion to forestall the closure of the Newcastle plant. It expressed deep concern over the proposed mothballing of production facilities, particularly the Amras unit, stating that it is committed to exploring all viable options to avert mass retrenchments. Tshepo Ramodibe, IDC head for corporate affairs, said they were aware of the ongoing challenges within the global and domestic steel industries that have influenced Amsa’s…

Independent political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said it was challenging to comprehend former president Jacob Zuma’s insistence on being a member of the ANC other than as an “irritant” to his former political home. Seepe’s comments followed a letter issued by the Jacob Zuma (JGZ) Foundation yesterday, the date of the ANC's 113th anniversary, urging the ANC to prioritise fairness, consistency, and adherence to its founding principles, ensuring that all members are protected from selective disciplinary actions or factional vendettas. Spokesperson for the JGZ Foundation, Mzwanele Manyi, who is also the Chief Whip of the MK Party in parliament, said in the letter addressed to the ANC that the matter highlights significant procedural and substantive concerns regarding the processes followed by the ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) and the National…

The fourth generation of Suzuki's Swift has landed in South Africa and is already taking the market by storm. The Swift has always been a fun drive, but in its latest guise, the completely overhauled design has made it even more attractive to look at, while changes under the hood give it even more character on the road. It’s powered by a new 1.2l naturally aspirated three-pot, which gives it a very pleasant engine note, fast becoming known as the three-cylinder thrum – it’s music to the ear as you accelerate hard, giving you the impression it’s plodding along with urgency, even when the reality may be different. The redesigned clam-shell bonnet, blacked-out headlight clusters, new grille, and sharper, LED taillights also set it apart from the previous generation.…

The Proteas netball team acknowledge that they will have to reinvent themselves during their exciting tour of Jamaica, despite their victorious African campaign. The South Africans, who finished 2024 on a high as the No 1-ranked team on the continent, travel to the Caribbean to take on Jamaica in the three-Test Margaret Beckford Sunshine series in Kingston. Jamaica recently moved into third spot in the world rankings, behind Australia and New Zealand, after beating England in a Test series. The Proteas and the Sunshine Girls have played each other 18 times, with SA winning on three occasions, most notably in the Netball World Cup in Liverpool in 2019, where they claimed a 55-52 victory, earning a spot in the semi-finals. “It’s my biggest challenge since taking over as coach,” said…

THE SA20 makes its return to the highveld this coming weekend, as Joburg Super Kings and Pretoria Capitals brace for their opening encounters in the third season of the tournament. The Wanderers ‘Bullring’ in Johannesburg will have their first SA20 game on Saturday as JSK are set to host MI Cape Town for their opening game of the tournament, which is set to get under way at 5.30pm. SuperSport Park in Centurion will see the Pretoria Capitals host Durban’s Super Giants on Sunday, as the Rilee Rossouw-led side will play their second fixture of the tournament following their visit to Kingsmead tomorrow. Ahead of their visit to Durban and their first home game this coming Sunday, Rossouw emphasised their intention of playing positive cricket this season. “We want to play…

South Africa’s automotive industry is poised for a potential rebound in the new vehicle market in 2025, driven by stabilising inflation, anticipated interest rate reductions, and relieving energy constraints. This optimism comes on the heels of a challenging 2024, which saw total aggregate new vehicle sales decline by 3% to 515 712 units, marking the lowest annual figure since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest figures released by the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) yesterday revealed a stark contrast between 2023 and 2024, where the vehicle sales dropped from 531 775 units to 515 712 units. However, the latter part of 2024 showed glimmers of recovery, with December marking the third consecutive month of year-on-year sales increase. The industry recorded an uptick of 2.5% in new vehicle sales for…

Modernising power networks through digitisation and innovative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), is essential for utilities and municipalities to improve efficiency and manage the growing complexities of energy distribution. A key element of this transformation is using advanced software, which serves as the backbone for integrating AI and ML into utility operations. However, the financial investment required for such a shift often poses a challenge. By shifting from Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) models to Operational Expenditure (OPEX) frameworks, utilities can distribute costs over time through subscription-based payments for software, reducing the necessity for large upfront investments. This transition facilitates the gradual integration of advanced technologies into their operations, enhancing grid efficiency and reliability. Large electrical utilities typically invest in enterprise-level software like Supervisory Control and Data…

South Africa’s manufacturing sector is experiencing a troubling downturn as the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for December 2024 recorded a contraction of 1.9 points, falling to 46.2. This contraction has largely echoed findings from the S&P South Africa Global PMI, which also indicated a decrease in business activity during the month, prompting economists to voice concerns about possible repercussions for economic growth in 2025. Absa yesterday said that the PMI remained in contractionary territory. “This puts the 2024 Q4 average PMI at 49 points, not significantly different from 49.8 points for 2024 Q3, but above Q1 (47.8) and Q2 (48.1). The manufacturing sector experienced a volatile 2024, with this second consecutive monthly decline in December reversing the upward momentum seen in September and October,” it said. “The business activity…

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa said the visit to the grave site of anti-apartheid activist and the country’s first democracy era Justice Minister Dullah Omar sought to draw inspiration as the party was focused on rebuilding itself. “We are here to draw further inspiration from the life of comrade Dullah Omar, a leader who really has been truly outstanding and who contributed immensely to the democracy that we now have,” Ramaphosa said. He made the statement during the wreath laying ceremony at Johnson Road Cemetery in Cape Town yesterday to mark the ANC’s birthday in the build up of activities for its 113 anniversary celebrations at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha on Saturday. Ramaphosa said it had been a joy to work with Omar during the negotiation process of the country’s…

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) head General Godfrey Lebeya has thrown down the Phala Phala gauntlet, saying his directorate has done all it could in the investigation concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa and the theft of $540 000 at his farm in the Limpopo. In an exclusive round table discussion with Cape Times sister publication, The Star, Lebeya defended his directorate and placed the case, and the failure thereof to prosecute, at the door of the NPA and the National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamilla Batohi. In what became a scandal that rocked South Africa and the world, the investigation began after former SSA Director General Arthur Fraser laid a complaint against Ramaphosa in June 2022. Fraser alleged that Ramaphosa had failed to report the theft of foreign currency…

AS the world mourns the death of former United States President Jimmy Carter, a Durban community that benefited from his philanthropic work through low-cost houses built for the underprivileged in Sherwood, held a memorial service to celebrate his life and humanity. Carter served as the 39th US President from 1977 to 1981 and was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting economic and social development. On Tuesday night, members of the Sherwood community (Ethendeni Ka Habitat) gathered to pay tribute to Carter, who left an indelible mark on their lives. He died on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia in the United States at the age of 100. As an active…

SEASON three of South Africa’s premier T20 competition, the SA20, is finally upon us as MI Cape Town are set to face off against defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) at St George’s Park in Gqeberha tonight (5.30pm). The tournament has had great success in helping elevate local talent and inject much-needed financial support into the sport in SA. Despite having gone through only two seasons, MI Cape Town batter Rassie van der Dussen believes the event has already had an impact in accelerating the development of young talent and providing exposure to world-class standards. “(The tournament) has had an impact, especially in bringing young talent through. If you look at Kwena Maphaka, who’s played his first Test, a guy like Nqaba Peter, who plays for the Paarl Royals... those…

SPRINGBOK legend Eben Etzebeth has won everything on offer at international level, and has adjusted his sights to winning silverware with the Sharks. The 33-year-old winner of two World Cup gold medals told The Times of London’s Ruck podcast that he is motivated to add club honours to what he has achieved with the Springboks. The Sharks will put themselves in contention for the biggest club/provincial title of them all if they can beat Toulouse on Saturday in Durban (5.15pm kick-off), and back it up with a defeat of Bordeaux in France next week. This is the toughest of tasks, because the aforementioned teams are currently No 1 and No 2 in the French Top 14 respectively. “I don’t think I’ve been too successful at club level. I haven’t won…

More than 60% of South African companies see skills gaps as a key barrier to business transformation by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Future of Jobs Report 2025, released yesterday. The report, which has been published twice a year for the past decade, provides insights into the emerging jobs landscape for the 2025-2030 period. It was compiled based on the perspectives of more than 1 000 employers, which represent more than 14 million workers across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies. The WEF jobs report comes at a time when youth employment is a serious issue, with 34.2% of South Africa’s young people between the ages of 18 and 34 not being in employment, education or training as of the third quarter of last year. This compares…

Naspers and Prosus have bright operational and commercial prospects despite shaving off as much as R300 billion in value on the JSE on Tuesday after Tencent was placed on the United States list of companies allegedly aiding the Chinese military. In afternoon trade on the JSE yesterday, Prosus and Naspers appeared to narrow down the previous day’s big losses. This comes after the two companies’ stocks plunged by more than 8% on the JSE on Tuesday. Analysts, however, said yesterday that Prosus and Naspers’ prospects were brighter despite the share losses on the JSE after announcement of Tencent being placed on the US Department of Defence blacklist. Naspers and Prosus hold about 24% of Tencent although they do not have management control of the Chinese fintech, gaming and media giant.…

THE historic Nelson Mandela family residence in Houghton, Johannesburg, was turned into a crime scene yesterday after the arrest of five suspects in connection with a stolen vehicle and unlicensed firearm. The vehicle and unlicensed firearm were found at the premises and these items are now subject to a criminal investigation. The identity of the suspects, who were being held at the Norwood police station, are still mostly unknown. One of Mandela’s grandsons, whose identity is known to Independent Media but has not been made public since he has not yet appeared in court, is alleged to be among those detained. According to reports from Vision Tactical, a private security company, their team, alongside members of the police successfully apprehended the suspects after a stolen motor vehicle was located at…

The Royal AM Football Club is facing a daunting crisis, having attributed the delayed payment of player salaries for December to a preservation order that has placed the club under curatorship amid scrutiny from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This distressing sequence of events has sparked concerns not only among players and staff but also among the club’s primary sponsor, the Msunduzi Municipality, which has invested a staggering R27 million into the team. Club president Shauwn Mkhize released a statement yesterday acknowledging the ramifications of this situation. “Royal AM Football Club wishes to address the unfortunate situation regarding the non-payment of salaries... We acknowledge the hardship this has caused and extend our heartfelt apologies,” she said. Mkhize confirmed that the club is under curatorship, with Mr Jaco Venter appointed…

When Mahindra launched the XUV 3XO they called it the “disrupter” in the compact SUV market and they’re not far off as it slowly starts to make its mark as more consumers take note in an incredibly cluttered segment. It makes up the bulk of their passenger sales by a big margin and with the top spec model we had on test it’s not difficult to understand why. As far as compact SUVs are concerned it’s one of the better looking ones out there which they say was a collaboration between their global network of design studios and its engineering hub at the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai, India. It’s difficult to get away from the inevitable boxy shape, but eye-catching details like scuff plates, roof rails, a floating-effect…

That MG is relaunching the brand in South Africa is no secret considering the number of prominently branded dealerships that have sprung up countrywide, but the question has been just what is the new company going to offer the market. MG’s initial offerings in South Africa include the ZS and HS models. The ZS, a subcompact SUV, has already proven its mettle as an international bestseller with more than 1-million units sold, enjoying huge popularity in Australia and the UK where it actually increased sales during the Covid lockdown. It is priced from R289,900. Available in Comfort and Luxury variants, the ZS features a 1.5-litre petrol engine, advanced safety features including six crash bags and a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and it comes…

The Stormers are gearing up for a massive forward battle with a Sale Sharks pack spearheaded by the Du Preez twins and former Capetonian Ernst van Rhyn. The Manchester team are in the Mother City for Saturday’s round-three Champions Cup game at the Cape Town Stadium (3pm kick-off), and coach John Dobson’s side have to win to revive their chances of advancing in the competition. The Sale forwards have a reputation for their physicality in the English Premiership, and that is some accolade, given that the Premiership has a major focus on set-piece play. Besides Springboks Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez and Van Rhyn, Sale have an exceptional hooker in England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie, while the younger brother of Tom Curry, Ben, is a highly-regarded flanker. But the Stormers will back…

Playing for a greater cause than oneself. Caring for your team member. Honest and open communication. Never being bigger than a game. And all of this being driven by a salt-of-the-earth individual from the Eastern Cape. Sound familiar? It certainly rings true, like the Springboks’ mantra that has seen Rassie Erasmus’ team win consecutive Rugby World Cup titles. It’s no surprise then that the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who boast a similar team value system, have won back-to-back Betway SA20 titles and are gunning for a three-peat when they kick-start the third edition of South Africa’s premier T20 competition at what is expected to be a heaving St George’s Park tonight (5.30pm start). “It’s nice to be used in the same sentence as the Bokke, but I don’t think we're quite…