Table of contents for 2026-03-26 in Mercury

SpaceX, the company founded by tech billionaire Elon Musk, will soon file for an initial public share offering in June that could raise a whopping $75 billion for his extraterrestrial ambitions, a report said Tuesday. Citing a person with knowledge of the plan, tech news site The Information said the IPO prospectus would be filed with security regulators this week or next for the long-expected operation. SpaceX, which is also developing a spacecraft for reaching Mars, was valued at $1.25 trillion in early February, when it merged with Musk's artificial intelligence unit xAI. In recent months, analysts had expected Musk would seek to raise $30 billion to $50 billion given the red-hot investor demand for technology firms. The IPO looks set to blow past the biggest public offering on record…

South Africa remains a hotspot for trade in illicit and counterfeit goods despite policy reforms and easing inflation which pushes consumers to seek cheaper products. Tobacco, alcoholic beverages and branded apparel and clothing are among the top counterfeited and illicitly traded goods locally. Illicit trade is costing the South African economy as much as R100 billion annually, with recent indications suggesting that the illicit economy has grown to around 20% of South Africa's GDP. Lettitia Davids, operations manager for Drinks Federation South Africa, said on Wednesday that “law enforcement is under-resourced” with operations at the prosecution level failing to translate to court convictions against those peddling illicitly traded and counterfeited goods. “We have seen counterfeiting in the alcoholic drinks sector picking up. Re-filling of bottles meant for recycling with…

South African workers are seeing modest gains in their salaries, but rising inflation and global uncertainty are eroding purchasing power, leaving many households financially worse off than a year ago. According to the latest PayInc Net Salary Index released on Wednesday, the average nominal net salary reached R21,550 in February 2026, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.1% from January and a 2.2% rise compared to the same period last year. The data, which tracks around 2.1 million salary earners, points to a relatively stable start to the year—but economists warn the outlook is becoming increasingly fragile. Shergeran Naidoo, head of stakeholder engagements at PayInc, said salaries have stabilised over the past two months. However, he cautioned that escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran,…

For South African businesses, the question is no longer whether to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into operations. The case for it has already been made: AI is now a proven driver of productivity, operational excellence and sustained innovation. One of the most important questions you should be asking right now is how to effectively integrate AI across your business without undermining the human talent that makes it work. Clarity of purpose is always a good place to start. AI should never be adopted solely because competitors are using it or because it appears innovative on a surface level. It should solve a defined business problem. For most small and medium enterprises (SMEs), that usually means targeting processes that are repetitive, time-consuming or prone to human error. Some common examples where…

Remgro has warned that its exposure to the Middle East, through healthcare group Mediclinic, leaves it vulnerable to escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, even as it delivered a strong set of interim results. The investment holding company reported a 38.5% increase in headline earnings per share to 931 cents for the six months to December, supporting an 80.2% jump in its interim dividend to 173 cents per share. It also declared a special dividend of 200 cents per share. However, Remgro cautioned that the ongoing conflict in Iran has increased uncertainty in global markets and could weigh on companies with operations in the region. This comes despite a temporary five-day pause in attacks announced by US President Donald Trump. “The Group is directly exposed to the…

A recent study examining the relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health among first responders in South Africa has raised critical concerns. Titled Alcohol Use in First Responders in South Africa: Psychological Distress Factors Related to Harmful Drinking and Alcohol Dependence, the research from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) suggests that the higher the levels of stress and psychological distress among these frontline workers, the more likely they are to turn to harmful drinking as a way of coping. Published in the Turkish Journal on Addictions, it involved a comprehensive survey of over 400 first responders, including 309 police officers and 120 paramedics from the Western Cape. Harmful drinking, defined as a pattern of consumption that results in physical or mental harm, often manifests as binge drinking, characterised…

THE NATIONAL Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the SAPS have confirmed that police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has been served with a notice to appear in court over the R360 million tender, as President Cyril Ramaphosa formally acknowledged the development. The latest incident comes in the wake of the arrest and subsequent court appearance of suspected crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala alongside 12 senior police officers implicated in corruption and fraud at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday. NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said Masemola has been served with a summons to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on April 21. He declined to provide details on the charges. “That’s all we can say, because we can’t talk about the contents of the summons,” Kganyago said. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the…

Italy are hoping to end a 12-year absence from the Fifa World Cup 2026 as one of the planet’s most important footballing nations heads to the qualifying play-offs in the midst of another identity crisis. Northern Ireland come to Bergamo for what promises to be a tense semi-final today as Italy desperately try not to miss a third consecutive World Cup. Gennaro Gattuso led Italy to second in qualifying Group I and has obtained some stability for the Azzurri following the sacking of the volatile Luciano Spalletti. But two heavy defeats dished out by group winners Norway were a stark reminder of how far the national team have fallen since last winning the World Cup 20 years ago – with Gattuso himself in midfield. Since then, Italy haven’t played a…

Former Bafana Bafana defender Thulani Hlatshwayo believes the national team’s settled core and growing unity could play a key role in their preparations for the upcoming Fifa World Cup, which gets under way in June. South Africa are set to feature on the tournament’s opening day, where they will face co-hosts Mexico – 16 years after the two nations opened the 2010 World Cup on home soil. It will be Bafana’s first appearance at the global showpiece since that tournament. Since the arrival of Hugo Broos, the national side has shown steady improvement, becoming more competitive on the continent while also expanding the pool of players available for selection. This progress has been matched by the emergence of local talent, which is expected to once again form the backbone of…

Proteas Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed disappointment as the team suffered a 4-1 series hammering against New Zealand Women in Christchurch yesterday. South Africa won only one match in the five-match T20I series in New Zealand, as the hosts dominated the contest, boosting their confidence with the 2026 Women’s ICC T20 World Cup right around the corner. Wolvaardt highlighted that the team have a lot of learnings to take from the series. “Tough series for us. Tough way to finish as well. I think pretty much outplayed in all three facets today,” Wolvaardt said yesterday, following the team’s 92-run loss in Christchurch. “I think a lot for us to learn out of the series, a lot for us to be a lot better at. “So, looking forward to the ODIs.…

In a significant development, optimism is sweeping through financial markets this morning as the United States has sent a comprehensive 15-point plan to Iran, via Pakistan, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the region. Alongside this diplomatic overture, Iran has responded positively by allowing non-hostile ships to cross the vital Strait of Hormuz, a major waterway for global oil supply. The mood in the markets reflects a blend of hope and cautious optimism. Although Wall Street experienced a decline during normal trading hours yesterday, futures turned positive following the news; S&P 500 futures surged by 0.9% this morning. Meanwhile, Asian indices mirrored this sentiment, rising approximately 2% across the board, as investors digest the potential implications of these diplomatic moves. In a further sign of market relief, oil futures…

The basic fuel price (BFP), the single largest component of South Africa’s petrol price, has come under renewed scrutiny as the government and industry stakeholders warn that global oil market volatility is set to drive significant fuel price increases in April. During a briefing hosted by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (Fiasa) on Wednesday, stakeholders unpacked how the BFP—largely influenced by international factors—continues to shape what motorists ultimately pay at the pump. Fiasa CEO Fani Tshifularo explained that the BFP currently accounts for about 43% of the petrol price in South Africa. Tshifularo said the BFP represents the theoretical cost of importing refined fuel into the country and includes a range of international cost drivers such as global oil…

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transformation, inclusive industrialisation and support for black entrepreneurs, as scrutiny intensifies over its funding decisions and internal processes. This comes after the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) last month presented to Parliament allegations that the State financier was discriminating against black-owned enterprises and deviating from its transformation mandate. Nafcoc claimed that some businesses were aggressively pursued for funding, only to later face harsh enforcement measures when they encountered financial distress. In a statement on Wednesday, the IDC acknowledged growing public debate and stakeholder concerns regarding its due diligence, evaluation systems and broader role in advancing economic inclusion. “As South Africa’s leading State-owned development finance institution, the IDC recognises the importance of these conversations,” the corporation said,…

Economic freedom remains one of the most unresolved questions in South Africa today. Nearly three decades into democracy, political rights have been secured. Yet economic participation, access to opportunity, income generation and the ability to build a livelihood, remains unevenly distributed. Human rights frameworks have historically prioritised civil and political freedoms, and rightly so. However, in a country shaped by deep structural inequality, dignity is inseparable from economic participation. Access to opportunity, income and livelihoods is not merely an economic outcome; it is a condition for meaningful inclusion in society. For many South Africans, that condition remains unmet. There is no shortage of entrepreneurial potential. Across the country, individuals are starting businesses in townships, cities, rural communities and emerging innovation hubs. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contribute an estimated…

South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has announced two senior executive appointments aimed at bolstering its leadership capacity and sharpening its global competitiveness as the country seeks to grow its tourism sector. The appointments come at a critical time for South Africa’s tourism sector, which is working to rebuild momentum and attract international visitors in an increasingly competitive global market. They also come as the SA Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, remains suspended over allegations of financial misconduct. SA Tourism on Wednesday confirmed that Sithembile Ndaba will take up the role of chief marketing officer (CMO) from April 1, 2026, while Ismail Dockrat has been appointed chief operating officer (COO), effective May 1, 2026. The appointments complete SA Tourism’s executive leadership team, following earlier hires of a chief financial officer, chief audit…

Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth has revealed that R6.08 million has been claimed from six textile companies in Newcastle, following a series of labour inspections that uncovered widespread non-compliance with the country's employment laws. Last month, the department found that several factories in Newcastle had employed undocumented foreign nationals and were in breach of labour and occupational health and safety laws, including unsafe working conditions and non-compliant facilities. Responding to a parliamentary question from uMkhonto we Sizwe MP LD Selepe, Meth said the department had already conducted enforcement actions. “The Department conducted a strategic advocacy session on 10 March 2026 with the Chinese employers in the textile industry in Newcastle to advocate for employment laws, and subsequently will implement its interventions from April 2026 to promote and improve…

On March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, ordinary South Africans gathered in protest: unarmed, hopeful, and resolute. By the end of that day, 69 people lay dead. They did not die for technology. They did not die for markets or metrics. They died for something far more fundamental: the right to exist with dignity. The right to be seen. The right for their children to dream beyond limitations. Today, as we reflect on Human Rights Day and approach Freedom Day, we must ask ourselves an uncomfortable question: What does it mean to be free in a world that is increasingly digital? Because for millions across Africa, the struggle has evolved. It is no longer only about political rights. It is about economic participation. It is about digital inclusion. It is…

The Sharks are getting a timely injection of experience and quality for the defining period of the season when Eben Etzebeth returns from a long suspension next weekend. Etzebeth was banned for 12 weeks after being red-carded for eye-gouging Wales flank Alex Mann in the final moments of the Springboks’ 73-0 win in Cardiff in their final Autumn Series Test last November. Afterwards, in a heartfelt Instagram post, Etzebeth made it clear that he was not claiming innocence but felt compelled to apologise to the South African public and explain his actions. He also expressed regret at the example his behaviour could have set for young players. “I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I’m willing to serve a suspension which I deserve,” Etzebeth wrote at the time. This…

Kaizer Chiefs may have endured several set-backs in recent years, with naysayers claiming that they’ve even fallen from grace. But they still have the biggest fan following in the country, making them a dream club for most players. Be that as it may, several players, who’ve played for the club, have cracked under pressure, including a handful this season. Now, with one last batch of matches to play this season, after the ongoing Fifa international break, Mihlali Baleka looks at players who must step up or ship out in the coming months. Khanyiso Mayo (loan ending) Mayo arrived with high expectations at Chiefs this season. But such have been the setbacks – including injuries, form, and an over-eagerness to impress – that he has struggled, scoring only two goals in…

Last weekend may have seen a quiet pause on local greens, but the action was anything but still. Port Natal Bowls enthusiasts turned to YouTube to follow a world-class spectacle as four of our own competed in the prestigious Professional Bowls Association (PBA) pairs and singles championships, sponsored by Fairtree. Hosted at the iconic Durbanville Bowling Club, the tournament drew a field of 64 elite players from across the country and beyond. Among the field was Aron Sherriff, the quintessential Australian treble world champion, adding international flair and intensity to an already formidable competition. With a total prize pool of R430 000, the largest in the modern era of South African bowls, the stakes were as high as the standard of play. Port Natal were proudly represented by Wayne Roberts,…

Mohamed Salah. In a world as crazy as it is today, there are arguably no two more divisive words placed alongside each other. Yet somehow, they united a famous city, and millions of people all around the world. Perhaps due to being a Muslim myself, “Mo” Salah was always more than just a footballer. He showed the world that despite being a devout follower of the Islamic faith, his only act of terrorism was to waltz past opposition defenders through his incredible speed. And the only missiles he wanted to unleash were the ones emanating from his famous left foot that ended up bulging the net. “Mo Sa-la-la-la-lah, Mo Sa-la-la-la-lah, if he’s good enough for you, he’s good enough for me, if he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim…

Country’s crude oil storage capacity comes into focus as global energy markets remain volatile South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves have come into sharp focus as officials confirmed the country is holding significantly lower volumes of crude oil stock than its total storage capacity, even as global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions. During a media briefing on fuel pricing and supply dynamics on Wednesday, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) revealed that the country currently holds about 8 million barrels of strategic crude oil. This is well below the capacity of the Strategic Fuel Fund storage facilities, including the Saldanha Bay terminal, which has a 45-million-barrel capacity and the developing Oiltanking MOGS Saldanha (OTMS) terminal, which can store up to 13.2 million barrels. "The number that…

The global oil shock stemming from the geopolitical tensions taking place between the US, Israel and Iran has sparked new debate on how consumers around the world can navigate the fuel price increases and supply shortages that will arise from it. This comes after fuel prices are set to soar with global oil prices hitting highs of over $100 per barrel. Closer to home, South African consumers are set to fork out an extra five to seven rands per litre of petrol and diesel from next month. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has since set out a range of demand-side actions that governments, businesses and households can take to alleviate the economic impacts on consumers of the disruptions to oil markets stemming from the war in the Middle East. The…

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have significantly disrupted global business travel, grounding key routes and driving up costs for South African travellers, according to Corporate Traveller. The company on Wednesday said that at the height of the crisis on 28 February, major long-haul carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways were forced to halt operations due to airspace closures, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across key transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. While operations have gradually resumed in recent weeks, the travel environment remains fragile. Emirates, for example, has restarted flights, currently operating two daily services from Johannesburg and one from Cape Town, with plans to resume Durban routes soon. According to Herman Heunes, general manager for Corporate Traveller, uncertainty continues to affect schedules. “The…

In the land of Ubuntu, where community and resilience intertwine, South Africans are redefining the meaning of employment. With the saying “I’ll make a plan” serving as more than a mere catchphrase, individuals across the nation are transforming their skills into viable income streams, turning side hustles into full-fledged small businesses. From mending broken fridges to providing online tutoring, ordinary South Africans are taking control of their economic destinies. According to recent research by Old Mutual, a staggering 57% of South Africans now rely on multiple income streams. The surge in side hustles and informal work reflects the urgency of a job market that often seems impenetrable. Unemployment, particularly among young graduates and school-leavers, has left many feeling despondent, but rather than waiting idly for opportunities, they are actively creating…

Pet lovers eagerly gathered around a container to snap photos of meerkats at a Beijing animal fair, each selling for $320, while nearby a raccoon nervously paced in a cage only slightly bigger than itself. Throngs of people from across China packed into the cavernous exhibition halls for the annual pet fair, where exotic animals are a more common sight than cats or dogs. The exotic pet industry is experiencing rapid growth with a market nearing 10 billion yuan ($1.45 billion), Chinese state media have said. Approximately 17.07 million people in China have exotic pets, Xinhua reported last year, and animal rights groups have raised concerns about welfare standards. Unconventional pets are particularly popular among young people, with videos on how to raise them widely shared on social media platforms.…

The Western Cape High Court this week criticised a wealthy husband for his selfishness for saying the wife must first seek financial support from her own parents before asking him for maintenance. Judge Daniel Thulare delivered judgment while the divorce proceedings were still before the courts, awarding R3 000 per month for the minor child’s maintenance and R25 000 per month for the wife’s maintenance. “I find it extremely selfish and lacking in self-respect to hear a rich husband who can afford to maintain his wife, claiming that the wife must first look to her own parents to support her, before she can approach him for her maintenance. It is on the same footing and should be as shameful as a man who can afford to maintain his child, saying…

A coalition of political parties and civic organisations marched through Durban yesterday, calling for mass deportations of undocumented migrants and stricter immigration enforcement. The march, led by March and March, brought together groups including ActionSA, uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP), Patriotic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), with leaders framing illegal immigration as a central driver of unemployment, crime, and economic strain. March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said the demonstration showed rare political unity around a single issue. “To us, it is important to see that South Africans can be united amongst different political parties, today the message is clear: we stand in unison and we say we’ve had enough of illegal immigrants,” she said. Ngobese-Zuma said the turnout demonstrated that “there’s plenty of South Africans who want…

The rights of victims to truth, justice, and an effective remedy have been violated As we commemorated Human Rights Day, we remembered and honoured the victims and survivors of the brutal massacre carried out by apartheid-era security forces in Sharpeville on March 21, 1960. We also reflect on the countless others who paid the ultimate price for South Africa’s democracy, including Nokuthula Simelane, Ramatua Nicholas “Boiki” Tlhapi, Iggy Mthebule, Kehla Nkuta, Ntombikayise Kubheka, Musawakhe “Sbho” Phewa, and so many more. Yet, while countless families across the country sacrificed their loved ones in the struggle for freedom, they have received little recognition, let alone justice, from the democratic state. South Africa’s 1994 transition to democracy was built on a solemn promise: that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) would uncover the…

Max Verstappen says that the Japanese Grand Prix is one of his favourite races, but his chances of a fifth straight victory at the weekend look vanishingly slim as his Red Bull struggles with Formula One’s sweeping new regulations. Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will carry their early dominance into Suzuka, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton their nearest challengers. Red Bull and Verstappen are scrambling to recover from a disastrous start to the season, as are McLaren whose drivers – world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – both failed to start in China due to separate technical problems. Verstappen, the four-time world champion, finished sixth in the opening Grand Prix in Australia after crashing in qualifying. He then limped home ninth and out of the…

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has unveiled a 24-player squad for next month’s international friendlies against Algeria senior women’s national football team, combining seasoned internationals with emerging talent as the team gears up for a pivotal year. The South Africans will face the North African side on April 14 and 17, fixtures that present an ideal platform to fine-tune preparations ahead of a packed calendar. Banyana had initially been scheduled to compete in the postponed 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The competition, which was originally set to be held in Morocco between March 17 and April 3, has now been moved to July 25 to August 16. This 14th edition of the tournament, to be staged in Morocco for a third straight time, will feature 16 teams –…