Table of contents for 2025-07-22 in Cape Times

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has decried the country’s level of preparedness to deal with the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This comes as the agricultural industry is reeling from the economic toll of the ongoing FMD outbreak, with losses that run into hundreds of millions of rand and threatened food security. Speaking at the FMD Indaba on Monday, Steenhuisen said the disease has brought sobering lessons to light, exposing weaknesses in the response system during the most recent outbreak. “What we saw was a response system stretched to its limits, with breakdowns in communication, severe delays in vaccine availability, confusion over movement controls, and an alarming lack of readiness at several levels of government. Farmers were unsure of the measures. Provinces were uncertain of the protocols.…

The rand moved back towards R18.00 to the dollar on Monday as investors remain on edge ahead of the August 1 American tariff deadlines. At 4.50pm the local currency was at R17.73 to the dollar. The rand has seen increased volatility since July 14, when President Donald Trump announced a 30% tariff on US imports of South African goods to start on August 1, according to Trading Economics. South Africa is facing an extra tariff threat from the US as a member of BRICS. Annabel Bishop, the chief economist at Investec, said the rand continues to be led by the US dollar’s movements in the rand-dollar cross, weaker by 1.8% this month, but flat against the euro and the UK pound, with markets seeing some uncertainty on the approach…

South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand at a critical crossroads, grappling with the looming spectre of a 30% import tariff on most goods entering the United States. This decision, signed into effect by President Donald Trump, will come into play on 1 August 2025, raising alarm bells for several sectors, particularly agriculture, automotive, and mining, industries heavily reliant on exports to the US market. The consequences of these tariffs threaten to reverberate throughout the broader economy, with experts warning of potential job losses in the thousands. Miguel da Silva, Group Executive of Business Banking at TymeBank, pointed to the tariff implications as not just an isolated issue but rather a reflection of the shifting geopolitical landscape that South Africa must navigate. “As a nation, we have to rethink…

"Three weeks in Beijing and Shanghai," I tell April Long before the mics come on for our podcast chat. "When?" she asks. "2011," I reply. "Oh," she laughs, "different country." No kidding. I wasn't a car person then, and I'm still not now, but I couldn't help but be floored by Xiaomi's recently unveiled YU7 SUV. Long gets it, though. She's spent 12 years watching East Africa transform, but her journey from a “no-name Chinese town” (her words, not mine) to co-founding an Africa-focused fintech called Pyxis tells quite a story about transformation. Listening to her share gave me a fresh appreciation for what it must be like building in Africa while Chinese, and what locals might tend to overlook in our own backyard. Presidents and pictures Long's Africa story…

Jubilee Metals Group performed strongly through its fourth quarter to June 30, with chrome concentrate production up 19.9% from the same time last year, exceeding annual production guidance. Quarterly production came to 505 578 tons compared with 421 698 tons in the 4th quarter of 2025. Recent increases in platinum group metals (PGM) production offset the impact of recent lower chrome prices. Since May 2025, the chrome price had depreciated by about 11.4%, which, for Jubilee, had been buffered by platinum prices that appreciated by nearly 33%, further supported by a significant increase in chrome production. “Over the past quarter, we have seen large fluctuations in the price of chrome. The company's revenue and earnings exposure to chrome prices have significantly increased in line with the increase in operational output,…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has defended Jacob Zuma against accusations from the ANC and the EFF that their leader is a “sellout” following his recent visit to Morocco. The controversy stems from Zuma's expression of support for Morocco's control over Western Sahara during his visit on July 16, 2025, where the South African flag was displayed alongside the Moroccan flag. The ANC recently condemned the use of the South African flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials, stating it was a “reckless and provocative act” that constitutes a “flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms”. The party demanded that Morocco apologise for the incident and called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest. During the ANC's National Working Committee meeting in Cape…

TWO of Africa’s premier women’s football nations will go toe-to-toe on tonight when South Africa meet Nigeria in a blockbuster Wafcon semi-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca at 6pm. At stake is more than just a spot in the final — the winner secures automatic qualification to the 2026 Fifa Women’s World Cup. It adds another layer of urgency and intensity to a rivalry that has grown into one of the continent’s fiercest. Recent history gives Banyana Banyana reason to be confident. In the last five meetings between the two nations, South Africa have registered two wins, Nigeria have claimed one, and two matches have ended in draws. This includes Banyana’s famous 2-1 group-stage triumph over the Super Falcons in the 2022 Wafcon — the same tournament that…

Over the weekend, excitement rippled through the football landscape in Eswatini as Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, the prominent figure behind the now-defunct Royal AM, officially stepped into her role as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. It surely felt less like a football announcement and more like the start of a new era — one driven by image, ambition, and no small amount of controversy. This pivotal moment unfolded during a spirited gathering at Codec Hall in Ezul wini, south of the capital, Mbabane, where a packed audience listened as Mkhize laid out her ambitious vision for the club. Her address resonated deeply with attendees, making the front pages of local newspapers. Mkhize’s appointment has become a hot topic across the nation, stirring the enthusiasm of fans and football stakeholders alike,…

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has been roped in to mediate the dispute between FlySafair and trade union Solidarity, in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act. This comes as around 200 pilots represented by Solidarity embarked on a 14-day strike at FlySafair on Monday after wage negotiations deadlocked. The pilots are demanding a 10.5% baseline increase alongside adjustments to flight pay and bonuses for the next financial year, and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. They rejected the proposed 5.7% salary increase by FlySafair. Solidarity deputy general secretary of public sector, Helgard Cronjé, on Monday expressed cautious optimism following FlySafair's turnabout to engage in mediation at the insistence of the CCMA. Cronjé said the negotiations could have begun earlier, potentially…

South Africa has positioned itself to take a leading role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation within the global startup ecosystem. This was revealed on Monday by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) at the StartUp20 (SU20) Midterm Engagement Meeting as part of the first-ever Global Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting organized by the International Trade Centre, the UN small business agency, in partnership with the South African government. Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, said the Engagement Group was unwavering in its mission to propel innovation, digital transformation, and policy collaboration. Ndabeni said this initiative aims to forge robust connections between global startup communities, ultimately better equipping local enterprises to navigate international markets.“We have identified five priority areas for the StartUp20 Engagement Group.…

“As others are building walls, we are building bridges” said Saadiq Khan, the Mayor of London as he was wrapping up his historic visit to the African continent. He uttered those words in Cape Town last week where technology startup founders from London and Cape Town were in attendance. He was in Cape Town to boost trade links with London and build on extensive connections between the region and the capital’s growing African diaspora. His delegation was here to seek new opportunities in Africa. His visit was also aimed at bringing together London and South Africa’s dynamic tech sectors, developing opportunities for collaboration between the two cities in driving innovation, attracting investment and scaling transformative technologies. A look into startup companies that were part of the delegation shows that locally…

South African fund managers emerged this month as overweight on local equities, with banks and apparel retailers the most preferred stocks while real estate, healthcare, and telecoms topped the rankings among the disliked ones. Despite the wider preference for local equities, the South African fund managers are worried about subdued corporate earnings per share, noted Bank of America (BofA) Research in its July SA Fund Manager Survey released on Monday. The survey revealed a net 53% of managers overweight on equities and 20% underweight on cash, showing that “they want to buy” equities. “Preferred sectors are banks, apparel retail, software and diversified industrials. Disliked: real estate, healthcare, telecoms… food producers, tobacco and life insurance (defensives) gain ground,” said the report. Nonetheless, for the second month, the fund managers exhibited a…

When we think about cavities, most of us imagine sugary drinks, skipped brushing sessions, or that stubborn sweet tooth. But did you know that tooth decay can actually be contagious? Yes, the bacteria behind cavities can spread between people even through something as ordinary (and affectionate) as a kiss. It sounds surprising, even a little unsettling, but experts say it’s a real and common health issue. Let’s unpack what this means, why it happens, and what you can do to protect your smile and your loved ones’ smiles, too. Tooth decay: it all starts with bacteria Cavities, also called dental caries, happen when certain bacteria in our mouths break down sugars and produce acid. Over time, this acid eats away at tooth enamel, creating holes. According to the American Dental…

THE constitutionality of the City’s decision to link certain fixed charges to property values in its amended Budget for 2025/26 will come under the spotlight when the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) hauls the DA-led administration to court. The organisation has taken issue with the City’s cleaning tariff, the fixed water charge, and the fixed sanitation charge, saying these three items of the budget were in fact property rates imposed outside of the legislation which governs the imposition of such rates. However, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis believes that the court application is an attempt to go back to a system of regressive taxation which hits ordinary families, and the poor, the hardest. SAPOA’s membership currently comprises more than 90% of the country’s commercial and retail property industry, including some of…

THE imminent publication of the Lion Prohibition Notice banning new captive lion breeding sends a clear signal that the commodification of lions for tourism, hunting, and the bone trade is no longer defensible, says the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA). This comes after the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed it is finalising a Prohibition Notice that will outlaw the creation of new captive lion facilities in the country. This step follows recommendations from the Ministerial Task Team and supports the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros. Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George said: “This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation. By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing critical animal…

Their motivation should be driven by a sense of purpose, not desperation In every generation, a call emerges – a call to rise, to challenge the status quo, and to build a better future. Today, that call is louder than ever, and it is directed squarely at the youth. But as we respond, we must ask ourselves: Why are we stepping into politics? Is it simply a way to escape poverty, or is it a path to creating real, lasting change for everyone? Politics should never be reduced to a shortcut to personal enrichment. It must not become a tool for survival or personal gain. It should be viewed as a powerful platform to uplift communities, restore dignity, and build a future founded on justice and fairness. When young people…

Laurian Johannes-Haupt feels when she faced up to the mighty Black Ferns haka at the Women’s Rugby World Cup back in 2010, the women’s game was virtually unrecognisable from the high-impact professional sport it has now transformed into. The Springbok Women’s assistant coach is the embodiment of the change within the game after the 40-year-old swapped her classroom at Athlone High School in Cape Town for a Bok tracksuit on a fulltime basis at the beginning of the year. Johannes-Haupt can now focus all her energies on preparing the Boks for their all-important clash against the Black Ferns XV in her hometown when the traditional rivals meet at the historic Athlone Stadium on Saturday. “We played them in the 2010 World Cup and from where the game has gone to,…

The Currie Cup is set to kick-off on a high note with a North-South derby between Western Province and the Bulls as South Africa’s premier domestic competition starts this weekend. While both sides will have a keen focus on developing new players with a view on the United Rugby Championship (URC), there could be some added spice to this contest in the DHL Stadium - not that it ever needs any. A couple of former Stormers players have been included in the Bulls’ squad for the campaign, and someone who probably did not reach his potential in the Cape due to some niggling injuries and minimal game time, Nama Xaba, is set to captain the Loftus Versfeld troop. URC winning lock Marvin Orie, loose forward Junior Pokomela, and prop Lizo…

Acquisition poised to strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater’s foothold in precious metals recycling market Sibanye-Stillwater has made a strategic move by acquiring Metallix Refinery, a US-based precious metals recycler, for an impressive $82 million (just above R1.4 billion). This acquisition is poised to not only strengthen Sibanye-Stillwater's foothold in the precious metals recycling market but also to drive additional revenue worth approximately R4bn, bolstering its financial performance as it navigates the complexities of the current market. Bruce Williamson, mining analyst at Integral Asset Management, told Business Report on Monday that at spot refined prices, revenues from Metallix’s financial year ending 31 December 2024 production would likely top R4.2bn, which would be fairly significant for Sibanye-Stillwater. “I think that it is strategic for the dominant SA platinum group metals (PGM) miners to maintain control…

The decision by S&P Global to downgrade Transnet’s credit rating was disappointing news for those of us in business eager to see the utility performing better. This downgrade is not just a reflection of Transnet’s financial distress – it is a damning indictment of years of failed leadership, union militancy and a government that continues to bail out state-owned enterprises without demanding fundamental reform. S&P believes that Transnet is burning cash without the prospect of turning around its operating performance and that Transnet Freight Rail will fail to reach its volume targets. The business has high fixed costs, major capital expenditure requirements and significant debt. S&P’s downgrade reflects its concern that its ability to service that debt is weakening. The rating agency’s assessment is that Transnet is “entirely dependent on…

Generative AI is well embedded in the daily lives of millions, but a shift is underway that deserves closer scrutiny. In 2023, most conversations focused on how Gen AI would transform productivity. Streamlining tasks, automating workflows, and accelerating innovation were our bread and butter. But by 2025, the data is telling a different story: the most common use of Gen AI is now personal and emotional support. This may seem like progress. Technology is stepping in to help people cope with loneliness, anxiety, and the pressures of modern life. But there is a deeper question worth asking: why is there such a widespread need for emotional support in the first place? Covid-19 lockdowns left more than an economic and health legacy. Those seismic months fundamentally changed how we interact, work,…

South32, the diversified mining and metals group, exceeded annual production guidance following a 20% increase in copper production and a 6% rise in aluminium. The announcement in an operations update saw the group become one of the top gainers on the JSE early Monday morning, with the share price gaining 7.25% to R35.37. The group warned again it is reviewing its production guidance for 2026 because it is, after six years, still in negotiations with Eskom and Mozambique authorities about a new electricity tariff agreement for its Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique. On Monday, the group said it was assessing the extent of animpairment to be written down on the smelter, due to the uncertainty. "Australia Manganese successfully resumed export shipments in the quarter, marking a significant recovery from…

ONE of the soccer players who recently returned from Spain where some of his teammates remain stranded has detailed how they had to calm the younger ones upon hearing that they would not be returning home. The group of 14 to 19 year olds and their coaches had participated in the Donosti Cup 2025 in Spain. They were told the total fee was R48,500. This was meant to include everything: tracksuit, kit, luggage bag, water bottle, peak cap, food, transport, accommodation, and flights. They were also promised a visit to the Real Madrid stadium. Everything went well, until the day they were set to return on July 16, when they learned they were not going home because their return flights had not been booked. BT Academy has cited delayed visa…

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is forging relationships with dairy farmers during the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. Similarly to beef farmers, dairy farmers are equally concerned about the department's disease investigations for dairy cases that were recently reported in an uMzinyathi vaccinated herd and in uThukela. KZN is one of South Africa’s leading milk producers, thanks to its 16 major dairy factories, including Clover Industries Limited. This represents about 30% of all total raw milk produced in the country. DARD MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa held a solution-finding meeting with dairy producers at Orange Grove Dairy in Dundee. Currently, the department is investigating FMD cases in three dairy farms in the uThukela and uMzinyathi districts. FMD clinical signs were seen on farms. The 2021 FMD outbreak…

New details of the injuries inflicted on 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek were revealed in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court yesterday, during the bail application of his mother, Tiffany Meek. Jayden-Lee was reported missing on May 13. His body was found the following morning. Testifying in court, investigating officer Sergeant Linda Duma said the boy’s family took him to hospital after finding his body, but he was declared dead on arrival. Duma confirmed police noted several injuries to the child’s body, including a cut to the forehead, a wound on the chin and bruises on the neck, arms and right leg. Blood was also seen on his lips. According to a statement read in court, Jayden-Lee was wearing black underwear at the time his body was discovered. His remains were later handed over…

A trademark of the Springboks’ recent success has been the remarkable depth and versatility of their backline. From fullback to scrumhalf, South Africa can call upon different world-class players, each offering unique skills while maintaining a consistently high standard as seen during the four mid-year internationals. It says a lot about the side if players of the quality such as veteran outside centre Lukhanyo Am and Jaden Hendrikse, both World Cup winners, and Jordan Hendrikse are left on the outskirts and unable to crack a nod to be part of a match-day squad. Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus will need to cut a few players for his Rugby Championship squad, despite every player putting up their hand during the matches against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. Fullback At No 15,…

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote says he must still pinch himself at what the team achieved as they arrived back in South Africa with the World Rugby Under-20 Championship title. The Baby Boks defeated the Junior All Blacks 25-13 in the final on Saturday in Italy to claim a second title after years of coming close. Foote and his fellow coaches led the team to a first victory in 13 years. The coach said yesterday, as the team arrived back home, that the feeling of what they’ve achieved, still comes and goes, although it has not fully sunk in yet. “Sometimes the feeling is you can’t believe it, and then you settle down and come here and see the people. It is special,” Foote said. “For now, it doesn’t…