Table of contents for 2025-03-27 in Cape Times

The latest household affordability index, released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on Wednesday, painted a grim picture for South African families facing escalating food costs. From February to March 2025, the cost of the essential household food basket increased marginally by R16.14, now totalling R5 329.36, a rise of 0.3%. Over the past year, the food basket's price has surged R51.43, or 1.0%, when compared to March 2024. Representatives from civil society on Wednesday sounding alarm bells as they report that rising living costs were pushing communities further into the grips of poverty and food insecurity. The PMBEJD points out that among the 44 items they track, 22 saw price increases this March, with core staples such as maize meal, rice, cake flour, white sugar, sugar…

South Africa has taken a pivotal step towards enhancing its environmental finance strategies with the recent release of a comprehensive technical report aimed at assessing the international interoperability and usability of the country’s Green Finance Taxonomy (SA GFT). This collaborative effort between the Climate Policy Initiative and GreenCape aims to enhance the South African Green Finance Taxonomy (SA GFT) by addressing its usability challenges and improving global alignment as the world turns to sustainable finance amid escalating climate concerns. In the first edition of the in 2022, SA GFT served as a framework defining the constitution of "green" investments, providing clarity and certainty for investors. Interoperability between sustainable finance taxonomies is essential to facilitate seamless cross-border flows ofclimate finance, helping countries mobilise the resources needed to achieve the net-zero targets…

BankservAfrica's recent Take-home Pay Index (BTPI) for February has provided a much-needed ray of hope for South Africans, indicating that real take-home pay has experienced a significant rise. The report, released on Wednesday, revealed an inflation-adjusted increase of 0.9% from January, bringing the average real take-home pay to R15 799. This figure marked a significant 10.7% increase compared to the same period last year, the most substantial rise recorded in three years. Shergeran Naidoo, head of stakeholder engagements at BankservAfrica, expressed positivity regarding this development. “Real take-home pay averaged at R14 292, up by 3.1% in 2024, representing the first increase since 2020. Should inflation remain well-contained, 2025 will likely be the second consecutive year of positive real take-home pay growth,” Naidoo said. The BTPI highlighted a notable slowdown in…

Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux is making her voice heard bringing a much-needed spotlight to the challenges facing post-polio sufferers worldwide. March 26 is recognised worldwide by post-polio sufferers as the day when the ground-breaking research of American virologist Dr Jonas Salk (1914-1995) announced his vaccine against the deadly disease in 1953. Polio is a highly infectious disease that attacks the nervous system and can lead to spinal and respiratory paralysis, and in some cases death, mostly affecting young children. Le Roux contracted polio in 1967, at barely three-months-old. She said her story, like so many others “is a testament to the lack of care and empathy experienced by mothers and families who were disadvantaged by a racist political system”. “Whereas millions of polio sufferers have been fortunate to receive…

The search continues for the teacher who was kidnapped at Happydale Special School in Algoa Park, Gqeberha on Monday. Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson Ian Cameron said the woman is believed to be the wife of a well-known businessman. The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) meanwhile said it was deeply disturbed and outraged by the shocking abduction. Video footage of the kidnapping has gone viral on social media. It shows the teacher driving into the school parking lot and then being ambushed as she exits her vehicle. The teacher is abducted, and her kidnappers fired warning shots in the air. Yesterday, Eastern Cape police said they were still searching for the teacher. In a statement, the teacher's union said it strongly condemned the incident. "Particularly as it occurred within…

William Kentridge, Gerard Sekoto, David Goldblatt, Zanele Muholi, Sam Nhlengethwa and Sue Williamson are just a few South African artists one can namedrop that are currently on show at this year's “If You Can Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future” exhibition that opened this past Friday at the Tulane University's Newcomb Art Museum in New Orleans. This travelling exhibition made its worldwide debut at the African American Museum, in Dallas in 2023. In 2024 it made its way to the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta. This year it is in New Orleans, with 50 artworks on show. The exhibition is curated by Laurie Ann Farrell from Nando's 27 000+ art collection. "It's quite meaningful to be able to curate an exhibit from such an exemplary collection and…

Western Province captain Kyle Verreynne has not given up hope on his team salvaging their 2024/25 season. Province have endured a torrid summer, particularly in comparison to last season, when they cruised to the One-Day Cup title unbeaten and came within a whisker of claiming the Four-Day Series title in the final at the Wanderers. Instead, this season – apart from earning a T20 playoff spot – it has been tough going down at Newlands, with Province surrendering their One-Day Cup title and finishing last in the 50-over competition. This placed Province at the heart of an intense relegation battle, with coach Salieg Nackerdien emphasising “It can happen to WP if we don’t get a wake-up call” ahead of the resumption of the four-day competition. Fortunately, Province – who were…

I was sick to my stomach this week, almost to the point of gagging. And that’s not because I am currently observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadaan, where I’m required to stay without food and drink from sunrise to sunset. No, it was instead due to the embarrassing situation related to Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s yellow-card controversy that could see the national football team be docked three valuable Fifa World Cup qualifying points. For the uninformed, Bafana fielded Mokoena in last Friday evening’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, despite the Mamelodi Sundowns star having picked up a yellow card in the previous World Cup qualifiers against Benin (MD1) and a second in the following match against Zimbabwe (MD4). Fifa’s regulations clearly indicate…

Labat says the transaction represents a “significant development that will further enhance growth trajectory” Labat Africa Group, which previously focused on cannabis sector investments, is now pivoting to technology, and it has entered into a R2.5 billion royalty distribution agreement with Ubits Technology Solutions. The management team at Labat said on Wednesday that the transaction represents a “significant development that will further enhance Labat's growth trajectory in the technology and AI sectors.” On March 4 this year, Labat successfully completed the acquisitions of 75.55% of Classic International and 51% of Anahmu Investments. These acquisitions aim to strengthen Labat's position in the rapidly evolving technology sector, particularly within AI and innovations. “In line with the new journey of Labat, we are excited to announce that Labat has entered into a landmark…

Despite a decline in the number of international tourists visiting South Africa in February, recent statistics reveal an encouraging trend in the tourism industry's recovery. Month-on-month the rate of growth in travelers, between January and February fell, which is not surprising given that February falls outside peak season. Yet, the year-on-year growth numbers were solid. Statistics South Africa’s most recent figures show that, when measured in current prices, income for the tourist accommodation industry increased by 12.1% in January 2025 compared with January 2024. This, it said, was due to a 4.5% increase in the number of nights each person stayed, and an 11.7% increase in the average income per stay unit night sold. Hotels saw the biggest increase, the print showed. In addition, accommodation income also increased in the…

One of the biggest hurdles for any entrepreneur is securing the right type of funding to turn their ideas into reality or to grow their business. With so many financing options available these days, it can be overwhelming to determine the best fit. The truth is that no single funding option is inherently better than another as each comes with its own benefits, trade-offs and considerations. So, how do you know which one is right for you and your business? Here’s a breakdown of five of the most common business funding options and what they offer. Traditional bank loans Banks have historically been the go-to source of financing for anything, including businesses. A traditional bank loan typically requires collateral, a solid credit history, and a detailed business plan. For business…

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria as they further extend digital and financial inclusion, and they are considering opportunities in other countries on the continent. The sharing agreements target improved network cost efficiencies, expanded coverage and the provision of enhanced mobile services to millions of customers, particularly those in remote and rural areas who do not yet fully enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life. “We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets. To meet this demand, we invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive…

Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber lithium project in Finland and GalliCam project in France have been named among the European Commission’s first list of 47 Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), a landmark move to secure and diversify the European Union’s (EU) access to essential raw materials. Announced on Wednesday, the list highlights the South African mining group’s pivotal role in bolstering Europe’s green and digital transitions, targeting materials vital for batteries, renewable energy, and defence technologies. The CRMA, effective since May 23, 2024, aims to ensure that by 2030, EU extraction, processing, and recycling of strategic raw materials meet 10%, 40%, and 25% of annual demand, respectively. Spanning 13 EU member states, the 47 projects cover extraction, processing, recycling, and substitution, addressing 14 of the 17 strategic raw materials…

With only a week left for parliament to pass the budget, the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has reiterated its rejection of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT). Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the party's first high national command meeting after the last general elections in Durban yesterday, party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu buried any hope that last week's meeting between the party’s parliamentary representatives and the ANC would result in the MKP backing Godongwana on the VAT hike. Shivambu poured cold water on the meeting, saying it carried no weight, describing discussions where serious decisions, like the passing of the budget, could not be made. "We wish to correct the assertion that our party met with the ANC. It has never happened.…

THE ANC in the Western Cape has attributed its defeat which handed Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto WeSizwe Party a historic victory in Saldanha Bay municipality, to “sleepers” among its own ranks, who had campaigned for other parties while wearing an ANC t-shirt. The ANC lost this by-election in Ward 1, in the Saldanha Bay municipality to MK Party member Mzwandile Simon Biko, an ex-ANC member last week. The party had unleashed some of its most senior NEC members including deputy ministers Nonceba Mhlauli and Thandi Mahambehlala led by ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane and NEC member Khusela Diko in the hopes of retaining the ward. However, despite its efforts, the party lost by over 800 votes. While the ANC received 338 votes, the MK Party received 1 197. Ahead of…

The detective investigating the disappearance of Joshlin Smith revealed that the child's mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, claimed her daughter was no longer in Saldanha Bay just a week after she went missing. Detective Captain Wesley Lombard testified at the Western Cape High Court sitting in the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay yesterday. He said he took over the case a week after the six-year-old was reported missing. Joshlin was last seen on 19 February, 2024, at her Middelpos home. Smith, boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and friends Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard were arrested for kidnapping and human trafficking. The state withdrew the charges against Lombaard after she became a state witness. Lombard detailed what happened when he met with Smith and her boyfriend. “Kelly appeared…

My Fair Lady, produced by Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera, was triumphant at the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, bagging five accolades including Best Production. The Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of Cape Town’s theatre industry, celebrated their 60th year in spectacular fashion at a glamorous ceremony at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. Winners across 23 categories were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the performing arts, both on and off the stage. My Fair Lady, produced by Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera, dominated the evening. Leah Mari won Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical, while Graham Hopkins took Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Musical. The production also won for Best Set Design,…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance in their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The victory significantly strengthens South Africa’s position in the race for qualification to next year’s global tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada. Broos was full of praise for his players, acknowledging their tactical discipline and focused approach throughout the match. The Belgium-born coach has worked tirelessly to blend experience with youth over the years, creating a squad capable of competing at the highest level. One of the most notable aspects of Bafana’s progress under Broos, has been the team’s growing confidence. Broos has instilled a sense of belief in his players, which is reflected in their performances. “We are not…

IT is time to sink or swim as the final stretch of the 2024/2025 Premiership season begins this weekend, with super tricky fixtures for all the relegation strugglers, who among them, with a great sense of disbelief, include three-time champions SuperSport United. Other teams in this bracket are Magesi FC, Cape Town City and Marumo Gallants, and with 24 points on the board respectively, Richards Bay FC and Lamontville Golden Arrows, even though they are currently standing at No 10 and 11. Independent Media looked at the upcoming relegation battle fixtures as the once-mighty Matsatsantsa a Pitori begin for the second time life after coach Gavin Hunt, who was sacked on Human Rights Day. Magesi FC v Stellenbosch FC, Saturday, 5.45pm With 23 points after the same number of games,…

Steel industry experts on Wednesday expressed scepticism about the deadlines set for the steel tariff review recently launched by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic), citing its vast scope and the far-reaching implications of its proposals. On March 19, Itac published a notice in the Government Gazette (notice no. 3061 of 2025) informing stakeholders of its intention to initiate the process of reviewing the steel tariff structure. These include breaching the bound rate, introducing control pricing, imposing export duties, and invoking Article 19 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on tariffs and trade. They warn that such measures would drive up tariffs and prices, potentially leading to the collapse of numerous businesses within the sector. Concerns by the sector are that the current review, covering four chapters…

Global renewable power capacity surged by a record 585 gigawatts (GW) in 2024, accounting for 92.5% of total power expansion, but the growth still lags behind the pace needed to triple capacity by 2030, the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) said on Wednesday. The annual increase, detailed in Irena’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025, brought total renewable capacity to 4 448 GW, marking a 15.1% growth rate - the highest since 2000. Solar and wind energy led the charge, comprising 96.6% of net renewable additions, with solar capacity rising 32.2% to 1 865 GW. Despite this milestone, the agency warned that an annual growth rate of 16.6% is now required to meet the 11.2-terawatt target set at COP28 for 2030. Irena director-general Francesco La Camera hailed the progress but underscored persistent…

Africa’s economic growth is too slow for its population boom. With GDP growing at just 3.5% annually while the population expands by 2.5%, the continent is barely inching forward at 1% per capita growth each year. At this rate, it would take 140 years to reach India’s projected 2025 GDP per capita of $11 000 (R200 765.29), 200 years to match China, and 300 years to reach Germany’s standard of living. Something isn’t working. This is not about talent - we have plenty. It’s not about ambition for Africa is home to some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the world. The real issue is that we keep making the same trillion-dollar mistake. We treat startups like traditional businesses and by doing so, we are holding back the very companies…

Metair Investments CEO, Paul O'Flaherty, said on Wednesday that he expected the company’s newly acquired unit Autozone to contribute 5% to 6% in operating margin and help the firm with its expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa. The acquisition of Autozone was among the landmarks for Metair during the full-year to the end of December 2024. Other major highlights for the period included the disposal of Mutlu, with O’Flaherty also extending his tenure by two years. The integration of Autozone is seen as pivotal as Metair explores its growth potential in the after-sales auto market of Sub-Saharan Africa. “Ultimately we want to see how we will position Autozone in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are looking at East Africa downwards and we are looking to do partnerships and joint ventures,” O’Flaherty told Business Report…

With Taiwan's South African office having been recently downgraded from Taipei Liaison Office (TLO) to Taipei Commercial Office (TCO), the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has revealed that while the impending relocation of the Taiwan office has been set in stone, Taipei has indicated that this might take longer than expected due to budgetary constraints. The South African government had initially ordered Taiwan to move its Pretoria office to Johannesburg in October 2024, but talks between the countries resulted in a new date of end of March being set. However, with just under a week to go before the deadline, Taiwan and the South African government are still engaged in a possible change of date due to financial implications associated with this relocation. DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri has…

After living in a dilapidated house with no basic amenities, including doors, the Simelane family in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal can now sleep peacefully after getting a house. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was part of many contributors who ensured the Simelane family had a decent roof over their heads by building them a house. Captain Anelisiwe Tamela of Joint Operations Tactical Headquarters KZN said the 4 South African Infantry Battalion, stationed under the Joint Tactical Headquarters KwaZulu-Natal as part of Operation Corona, has given back to the community with the Simelane family being one of the recent beneficiaries. “The family was selected for assistance due to their dire living conditions; they had been residing in a dilapidated two-room mud house that lacked basic amenities, including doors,” Tamela said.…

Ingredients: 1 pack PnP Beef Burgers (8’s, 800 g) 8 small soft taco tortillas 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup sliced pickles 1/4 cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tbsp oil or butter for frying Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Place a PnP beef patty directly onto the skillet. Lay a tortilla over the patty and press down firmly with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip the tortilla with the patty attached. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat with remaining patties and tortillas. Assemble by adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles to the patty side of the tortilla. Drizzle with mayonnaise. Fold the tortilla into a…

Gauteng police said that 32 of the 50 Ethiopian nationals who escaped after they were allegedly held hostage in a Lombardy East house in Johannesburg, are in police custody. Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed the ages of those in custody range from 13 and 24 years. They are facing charges of illegal immigration, pending further investigations. Earlier, IOL reported that at least 50 foreign nationals allegedly escaped on Wednesday after they were allegedly held hostage. Masondo told the media that the police received a call about 9am from community patrollers reporting that they had seen strange people running in the streets and some were naked. “We then dispatched our crime prevention police officers to go and find out what was happening. When we got to that vicinity,…

Stormers strongman Sazi Sandi says he has soaked up scrumming tips from some of the best in the business in Neethling Fouché, and veterans Frans Malherbe and Brok Harris. The 26-year-old is in line to start against Ulster this weekend because Malherbe has returned to Cape Town due to Springbok resting protocols, while Fouché has joined the squad following the birth of his son. “It’s been awesome to soak up the experience of Frans, Brok and Neethling,” Sandi said this week ahead of Friday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster in Belfast (9.35pm kick-off). “Growing up around them over the last few years has been great. “After a scrum session, there are times when you don’t know what you’re feeling. “They’ll lend an ear and chat with me, and whatever…

Mornay Smith last played for the Bulls on January 10 before last weekend’s clash against Leinster. The 27-year-old tighthead prop hasn’t had much game-time since the arrival of Wilco Louw in Pretoria, who has been a powerhouse in the scrums for Jake White’s team. But Smith – who has been a regular starter in the No 3 jersey for a number of seasons – finally got his chance last Saturday, and came up with the big play that helped his team clinch a last-gasp victory. Lining up for a final scrum where the Bulls needed to secure a penalty in for a match-winning goal-kick, Smith and his fellow front-rowers Akker van der Merwe and Jan-Hendrik Wessels shoved Leinster off their feed to earn the referee’s decision. Centre David Kriel then…