Table of contents for 2026-04-07 in Mercury

The war has already removed approximately 10 million barrels per day (mbpd) of oil from global markets A prolonged conflict involving Iran is rapidly pushing the global energy system toward a breaking point, with severe oil shortages, rising prices, and mounting risks of a worldwide economic downturn. The price of Brent crude oil held around $107 per barrel on Monday amid reports of a potential Middle East ceasefire. This followed US President Donald Trump issuing a fresh ultimatum to Iran and escalating threats against its civilian infrastructure if it failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran rejected the latest demand, warning that Iran will respond "in kind" to any attack on its infrastructure, and leaving Hormuz effectively closed. The war has already removed approximately 10 million barrels per…

The rapid spread of avian influenza across the United States and Europe has intensified calls for widespread poultry vaccination in South Africa, as industry leaders warn that current containment strategies are failing to curb the disease. According to Poultry World, global experts argue that traditional control methods, particularly the large-scale culling of infected birds, are no longer sufficient to manage the ongoing outbreaks. Professor Sjaak de Wit of Utrecht University of Veterinary Medicine last week likened the situation to a war, stressing that vaccination must be central to long-term disease control. He said vaccination should no longer be viewed as a last resort, but as a critical and sustainable tool, urging regulators and policymakers worldwide to adopt this approach. “Vaccination is not a last resort — it’s a critical component…

There was a moment during last week’s anchor interview with PwC South Africa partner and continental lead for their technology and data consulting business Mark Allderman, where I couldn’t help myself. He had just finished explaining how most African organisations haven’t solved basic data integration, how their AI tools are, in his words, “pretty useless and in some cases risky” without clean data. The implication was obvious. “Well done to you, Mark,” I said. “I see what you did there. It sounds like the tension is alleviated by enlisting PwC to close the gap.” He laughed. “No, but on a serious note…” I was being a little cheeky, but he really wasn’t selling as much as sharing what struck me as a fairly compelling articulation of both a gap that…

MTN Group has marked a major milestone in its fintech strategy with the successful completion of the structural separation of its mobile money business in Ghana, a move aimed at unlocking growth and aligning with local regulatory requirements. The transaction, executed through its subsidiary Scancom PLC, became effective on 31 March 2026 following the fulfilment of all conditions and receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals. The separation was carried out via a statutory merger between MobileMoney LTD, which previously housed the mobile money operations, and MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL), a newly established entity that will now operate the business. This restructuring forms part of Ghana’s compliance framework under the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019, which requires the localisation of mobile financial services. It also aligns with MTN’s broader ambition…

Attraction is more than romance. It’s the unspoken magnetism that connects us, whether with a partner, a friend, or even a fleeting stranger. It’s the chemistry that sparks curiosity, admiration, and sometimes, transformative relationships. But what exactly is attraction? And why does it matter so much in our lives? Most people think of attraction as just romance or dating, but it is actually much more than that. To build better relationships and improve your well-being, it helps to understand the different types of attraction. From platonic attraction (friendship) to intellectual attraction (shared ideas), learning about these meaningful bonds can change how you connect with others. Let’s unpack these six types of attraction and explore how they shape our connections. Does attraction always mean romance? Not at all. Attraction is multifaceted,…

With flu season arriving earlier than expected in SA, health experts are stressing the need for vaccinations. Notably, the influenza season’s declaration comes as the rate of flu cases, monitored by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), increased and was sustained over two consecutive weeks. This year’s onset mirrors the 2025 season, which began on March 24. In addition to flu, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has also commenced, coinciding with the flu season’s arrival the same week. The overlap of these two respiratory illnesses suggests a potential surge in patients seeking medical aid for respiratory issues in the weeks ahead, raising concerns for healthcare facilities that could face a higher burden of illness. Influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, and influenza B are the predominant strains affecting humans during this…

PRINCIPALS and teachers will have to play a significant role to ensure that the schooling careers of young girls are not derailed by falling pregnant. A set of draft regulations that were put forward by the Department of Basic Education and released recently are out for public comment. The regulations highlight the role that must be played by the school and the extensive responsibilities of the school principal. They have been welcomed by social justice experts who state that the regulations will provide guidance to schools in handling pregnancy. However, they warned that this could place additional strain on teachers who are not trained to deal with medical situations. The document on the draft regulations states that the key intention of these regulations is to support learners to remain in…

The Sharks are not having the best of seasons, but their supporters can take solace in the fact that Thomas du Toit will be back at Kings Park in June and is in the best form of his life. Last year, the awards kept coming for the big fellow – he was named at tighthead-prop in World Rugby’s Dream Team; he was named in the English Premiership Team of the Year, and in the award most valued by the players, he was voted Players’ Player of the Year in the English Premiership. At the weekend, Du Toit enjoyed another barnstorming performance for Bath in their come-from-behind Champions Cup defeat of Saracens at The Rec. Coach Johann van Graan had strategically chosen to use The Tank off the bench, and the…

It was a disappointing weekend of near misses for the Stormers, Bulls, and Sharks, as all three teams were squeezed out of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions, respectively. But they did go down fighting, and it was heartening to see players returning from injury shrugging off the rust, while others marked a return to form. We look at five players who raised their hands in South Africa’s losing cause at the weekend. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu The 24-year old provided arguably the play of the weekend with a nonchalant chip-kick to create the try that put his team into a 20-14 lead against Toulon, briefly silencing the Stade Mayol. The French crowd clearly appreciated the Springbok’s silky skills following his second-half introduction. Feinberg-Mngomezulu had been enduring a quiet patch in…

Stellenbosch FC will be seeking to extend their eight-game unbeaten streak in the Betway Premiership when they face off against Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium today. Stellies, under new coach Gavin Hunt, have not suffered a league defeat since last December, with their recent 2-1 victory over Chippa United keeping their hopes of finishing in the top eight alive. Hunt has certainly improved Stellenbosch’s defensive organization since arriving at the Danie Craven Stadium as the former Carling Cup champions have become incredibly hard to break down. However, the Western Cape side are up against a bogey team, with Richards Bay having enjoyed a better run of results in the fixture with six wins across 13 meetings between the two sides across all competitions, including a 1-0 triumph earlier…

Concerns over fuel availability in the Western Cape have intensified after a long-time petrol station owner alleged irregular supply deliveries just days before April’s fuel price increase. Makkie Isaacs, 70, owner of the Weltevreden petrol station in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, says his business—along with several others—has faced repeated fuel shortages despite longstanding relationships within the industry. With over 45 years of experience, Isaacs claims the current situation is highly unusual and deeply concerning. “The concern I have is that Engen is one of the only companies that have not supplied their service stations regularly.” Serving a community of nearly one million people in Mitchells Plain, Isaacs explained that the lack of fuel has created mounting pressure not only on operations but also on safety. He said when the fuel…

The world is reconfiguring and South Africa is more relevant than it has been in years. That may sound counterintuitive at a time when global headlines are dominated by conflict in the Middle East, supply chain disruptions, and rising economic uncertainty. But history teaches us a consistent lesson: when instability rises, capital, talent, and trade do not disappear, they relocate. The question is not whether opportunity exists in moments like this. The question is whether countries are prepared to recognise and act on it. Earlier this week, 1,200 delegates from over 50 countries gathered in Sandton for the South Africa Investment Conference. Their presence sent a powerful signal: global capital is paying attention again. President Cyril Ramaphosa captured this shift directly, noting that in a world of fragmentation and…

As the Easter weekend drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on it from a perspective that extends beyond faith and tradition. It is a period that draws global attention for its spiritual significance and for the enduring institutions that carry it forward across generations. What struck me is how these institutions have sustained continuity for centuries through carefully structured systems of authority, accountability and succession. It is difficult to ignore the parallels between these structures and those that define modern corporate governance. Many of the principles that underpin contemporary organisational design can be traced to earlier institutional forms. The Catholic Church offers one of the most enduring examples. Its structure has remained remarkably consistent over time, anchored in defined roles, layered authority and formalised processes of succession. The…

Here’s the truth about how connectivity is seen broadly: Walk into any boardroom and you will hear comforting numbers, 99.9% uptime and megabits per second north of 100. C-suites might talk about ironclad SLAs. On paper this all looks flawless. But consider this: in the real world those numbers mean nothing to a child in an informal settlement who has no access to a fibre line or to a factory worker whose family is stuck on expensive cellular data that runs out before the month does. If we are honest, the South African connectivity industry has spent years fighting for the same slice of the affluent pie while the majority of the country, people who genuinely need the opportunities that being connected enables, remain priced out, or to put it…

Standard Bank has partnered with Clover and the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) to deploy a specialised chilled mobile vaccination vehicle aimed at strengthening South Africa’s response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The initiative is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges in vaccine distribution—maintaining the cold chain required to preserve vaccine efficacy. The mobile unit enables safe transportation and delivery of FMD vaccines directly to farming communities, ensuring doses remain at the required temperature throughout their journey. According to Standard Bank, the partnership supports the Department of Agriculture’s expanded vaccination programme, which began making vaccines available to farmers in February 2026. The national campaign aims to distribute more than 14 million doses by December 2026, targeting over 80% of South Africa’s cattle population. Liezel Turner, senior manager…

When Zendaya stepped out for the premiere of The Drama, it wasn’t just another red carpet appearance. It was a full-circle fashion moment. The actress chose a striking white Vivienne Westwood gown she originally wore to the 2015 Academy Awards, bringing it back more than a decade later with a fresh, modern edge. Styled with Chopard jewellery and ivory pumps, the look felt both nostalgic and completely relevant. Speaking to Variety, Zendaya explained the thinking behind the choice, drawing on the idea of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. The dress, she said, carried personal meaning, making the decision to rewear it feel natural. In a space where newness has always been expected, her choice lands as something bigger than style. It reflects a growing shift in fashion,…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has criticised online gambling, describing it as an “evil which is not getting enough attention”, given how easily accessible it is and how it is ruining people’s lives. Makgoba said that while Easter should be a time of celebration, renewal and hope, that is a hard sell, given not only the current state of the world but also the political state of the nation, in his Easter sermon at St. George’s Cathedral. The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town addressed the growth of online gambling, the challenge posed to President Cyril Ramaphosa due to corruption among leaders of the police service and the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. “In a recent discussion paper on online and interactive gambling, the National Treasury reported that annual betting…

SOUTH Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, detailed the country’s potential to significantly strengthen economic and strategic ties with India, particularly through the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). Sooklal emphasised that the summit is a chance for South Africa to utilise India’s strength and expertise in sectors like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, promoting mutual benefit and African development. The IAFS, which is supposed to take place every four years, was last held in 2015. “The summit is to see how relations between the African continent and India can be intensified, expanded and maximised,” Sooklal said. Sooklal highlighted the pharmaceutical medical sector as a key focus area. He noted India’s major global presence as the pharmaceutical hub of the world, with many of its companies operating extensively across the…

Tributes are pouring in for legendary South African musician Albert Mazibuko, a founding member of the award-winning choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who has died at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by the group in a Facebook post yesterday and has sent shockwaves across the entertainment and music industry. Ladysmith Black Mambazo was formed in the 1960s by Joseph Shabalala, although his vision for the group’s sound and style was not yet fully realised at the time. In 1969, Shabalala and Mazibuko reformed the group, laying the foundation for the internationally acclaimed ensemble known today. The group performed in numerous isicathamiya competitions but were eventually barred from entering because of their consistent victories. Over the years, they travelled the world, won five Grammy Awards and collaborated with…

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich visit Real Madrid today in the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals high on confidence and looking like Europe’s most complete side, bolstered by the likely return of superstar striker Harry Kane. Record 15-time winners Madrid have endured a difficult season, plagued by inconsistency, but have made a habit of pulling off the unexpected in this competition. Just as it seemed their well of Champions League magic was running dry, Madrid produced their best performance of the season to crush Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the last 16. Despite Madrid’s prestige and troupe of attacking stars – Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde – Bayern are arguably favourites to lift the trophy. “It would be presumptuous to assume…

Orbit College(1) 1 Wagaba 22 Kaizer Chiefs(1) 3 Duba 42, Shabalala 68, Ndlovu 78 Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef praised his side’s mentality after guiding them to a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Orbit College, highlighting a defining response that has strengthened their push for a Top 3 finish. Amakhosi overturned a first-half deficit at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha yesterday afternoon, producing a dominant second-half display to secure their third consecutive win in the Betway Premiership. For Youssef, the nature of the performance – rather than just the result – was particularly pleasing. “I think we expected it to be a difficult game, so we weren’t surprised. The first 30 minutes weren’t here, and after we conceded, we reacted and started playing our football,” he told…

Centuries are the currency of any batter, and Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi has expressed his disappointment in his team’s failure to do so on the recent tour of New Zealand. None of the Proteas batters were able to cross the three-figure mark in either white-ball series, resulting in a 4-1 T20I and 2-1 ODI series defeats. Anneke Bosch made a successful return to the Proteas team after missing the home summer by registering the visitors’ top individual score of the ODI series with 91 in the second ODI in Wellington. Captain Laura Wolvaardt also made two half-centuries in three ODIs, but even the skipper would have been disappointed with her return having been dismissed for 69 on two occasions. Overall, six Proteas made half-centuries, including Annerie Derksen’s 72 during…

South Africa’s fuel landscape has come under renewed pressure, with government stepping in to stabilise supply and cushion consumers from rising costs linked to global geopolitical tensions. In its latest Cabinet statement last week, South Africa confirmed that while the country’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, external shocks—particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—are beginning to ripple through the domestic economy. The war has disrupted global energy markets, placing upward pressure on fuel prices and raising concerns about the broader cost of living. Cabinet acknowledged that South Africa relies on the Middle East primarily for refined fuel products, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Despite these risks, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reassured citizens that there is currently no shortage of fuel. Reports of…

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has warned that South Africa’s agricultural sector must urgently identify alternative export markets as the ongoing Middle East conflict threatens to disrupt trade flows ahead of the citrus export season. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said last week that uncertainty continues to cloud the outlook four weeks into the conflict. He noted that the duration of the war, the extent of infrastructure damage, and the timeline for recovery in affected countries remain unclear. Sihlobo stressed that exporters must work closely with key government departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Department of International Relations and Cooperation, to assess risks and prioritise new markets capable of absorbing excess produce. “For exporting businesses, this is a risk…

The old playbook of periodic vulnerability scans and annual security audits no longer suffices when attackers operate in real time, using automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to exploit the tiniest cracks in digital defences. This is where Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) steps in, not as another cybersecurity buzzword, but as a transformative approach that reshapes how organisations identify, assess, and prioritise cyber risk. From reactive defence to proactive resilience Traditional security methods often work like a rear-view mirror; they show what went wrong after the fact. CTEM, by contrast, acts as a live radar system. It’s about constant visibility and validation, continuously probing the organisation’s IT environment for weaknesses and simulating attacks before real ones occur. In essence, CTEM turns the question from “How did this happen?” to “What…

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has welcomed Eskom’s decision to extend its registration fee waiver for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems until the end of September, describing it as a positive step toward accelerating South Africa’s energy transition. Eskom announced last week that it would extend the waiver deadline from 31 March 2026 to 30 September 2026, while also introducing a prepaid metering option for residential solar users. The utility said the measures are designed to support the safe and compliant connection of systems up to 50kW, as rooftop solar adoption continues to grow across households and businesses. The power utility emphasised that it remains committed to helping customers connect solar systems responsibly while contributing to the country’s shift toward cleaner energy sources. SAPVIA said the extension, coupled…

Orion Minerals has secured a significant vote of confidence in its flagship Northern Cape development after the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) agreed to convert its existing loan facility into equity in the Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) structure. The transaction will see the IDC acquire a 23.8% stake in PCZM HoldCo, the holding company for the Prieska project, translating into an effective 16.7% interest in the mining operation itself. In addition, the IDC will retain a shareholder loan of approximately R272.4 million, reinforcing its long-term financial commitment to the project. The equity conversion marks a pivotal milestone for Orion as it advances the historic Prieska mine toward redevelopment and eventual production, targeted for 2027. The move also simplifies the project’s funding structure by removing the IDC from its role…

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says the ANC is determined to protect South African sovereignty, despite pressure from the US. Mbalula, who was speaking at the Solomon Mahlangu Commemoration in Mamelodi East Cemetery in Tshwane yesterday, said the country has been isolated and subjected to aggression for its support for the people of Palestine. He said, despite this, the government remains resilient. This is after South Africa opened a case of genocide at the International Court of Justice, a move the US government strongly opposes. Following South Africa’s refusal to drop the case, the US has taken several steps ranging from formal legal intervention to rising diplomatic pressure against South Africa. These include the US move to freeze future funding for South Africa in early 2025 as punishment for its legal…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is expected to continue with its work today after a short Easter break, with suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi expected to return to the spotlight on April 14. Jeremy Michaels, the Commission’s spokesperson, said 49 witnesses have testified over 84 days of hearings to date. Michaels previously announced that the commission would break for the Easter recess on March 25, resuming its hearings today. He said that President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the term of the Commission to enable it to hear the testimony of a long list of witnesses who are yet to testify under oath. The commission has yet to announce the next witness. On the last day before the break, Deputy Chief of Police for Asset Protection and…

The Masters green jacket, the symbol of supremacy at Augusta National, is among the most coveted items of clothing in sport – and the hardest to obtain. Rory McIlroy became the most recent recipient of the iconic blazer last year when he ended a 10-year Major drought with a career-defining victory in a sudden-death play-off. Unless he successfully defends his title, McIlroy will return next Sunday to take part in one of golf’s most closely observed rituals: helping slip the jacket onto the shoulders of the new champion. For McIlroy, the past year has underscored both the rarity of the garment and the responsibility that comes with it. “The overwhelming feeling of having this jacket for a year is just how honoured and grateful I am I was able to…

Mikel Arteta has urged a shell-shocked Arsenal to embrace a major test of their character as they seek to recover from a pair of devastating defeats in today’s Uefa Champions League quarter-final at Sporting Lisbon. Arteta’s side suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at second-tier Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, a fortnight after losing 2-0 to Manchester City in the League Cup final. The Gunners had been chasing an unprecedented quadruple until their domestic cup dreams were demolished in painful fashion. The chastening loss to Southampton was only Arsenal’s fifth defeat this season and marked the first time they have been beaten in successive games in this campaign. Arsenal’s slump has plunged the club’s long-suffering fans into a bout of soul-searching. The north Londoners haven’t won a trophy…

TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic has leaned on past heartbreak as motivation after guiding his side into the Nedbank Cup final, with history and redemption now firmly within reach. Galaxy secured their place in the showpiece after a tense semifinal victory on penalties, setting up a clash with Durban City FC. It is a moment that reflects both resilience and opportunity, particularly for a squad looking to write its own chapter in the club’s history. But for Beganovic, the occasion is shaped by experience – and the memory of coming up short. “Yes, it’s my second final and we lost the other one on penalties and it was painful because we presented better football on the day but we kept working and dreaming for another opportunity and we will…