Índice para 2025-09-18 em Cape Times

South Africa welcomed 5.85 million international tourists between January and July 2025, a 14% increase on the same period last year. While the figure brings the country within 1% — or just 33 000 visitors — of its 2019 pre-pandemic peak, analysts have warned that the apparent recovery masks deeper structural challenges that demand immediate attention. According to the BDO South Africa’s Tourism Trends Report released on Wednesday, global tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, growing more than 12%. Lee-Anne Bac, advisory partner for tourism at BDO South Africa, said South Africa’s recovery has been far slower, with arrivals expanding just 5.1% in 2024, leaving the country 13% behind its 2019 performance. "More troubling still, we've ceded ground to our African competitors. Kenya returned to 2019 levels in 2023,…

Tourism and hospitality bodies have responded well following the announcement that Durban and Johannesburg will host Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years commencing in 2026. The Department of Tourism said that Johannesburg and Durban have officially been confirmed as the host cities for Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba, respectively, for the next five years commencing 2026, following a rigorous and competitive procurement process led by South African Tourism. Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, said these events were not just about tourism but were about economic opportunity, job creation, and positioning Africa as a globally competitive destination. Nandipa Zondela, chairperson of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, said retaining Meetings Africa for five more years cements the city’s status as a global player. “This demonstrates Johannesburg’s…

Global trade discussions often remain at a high level, focusing on geopolitics and national strategy. But across Africa and emerging markets, the real-world impact is felt in the liquidity of local markets. For countless businesses, the most pressing challenge is consistent access to U.S. dollars. Now, as new trade policies like U.S. tariffs enter the picture, they risk deepening this dollar scarcity, making it even harder for businesses to operate globally. In this environment, the rapid adoption of dollar-backed stablecoins is not a political statement, but a pragmatic response to a clear economic need. When tariffs are imposed on a nation's key exports, such as on automotive and agricultural goods from Zambia or textiles from Lesotho, it can reduce the inflow of U.S. dollars into the national economy. This puts…

In May 2013, African leaders signed a 50th anniversary solemn declaration during the Golden Jubilee celebration of the formation of the Organisation of African Union (OAU), now called the African Union. The declaration marked the re-dedication of Africa towards the attainment of the Pan African Vision of ‘an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena”. It also launched Agenda 2063, which is the concrete manifestation of how the continent intends to achieve this vision within a 50-year period from 2013 to 2063. The continent is richly endowed with many potentials and resources, with 500 million of its youth aged 18-35 being the youngest globally. The continent’s youth population is projected to grow by over 1billion people by 2050, making…

Mining exploration company Orion Minerals’ share price leapt over 21% after it announced a financing agreement for up to R4.35 billion, along with an offtake agreement, with global commodity giant Glencore. "This is a watershed moment for Orion, with the proposed Glencore funding enabling the company to transition into a producer. I am pleased that an industry major such as Glencore will be working with us to move to a binding agreement over the next four to six weeks,” said Orion’s MD and CEO Tony Lennox. The share price gain of the mining exploration company, which focuses on copper and zinc in South Africa and Australia, rose to 23 cents, representing a rebound after the price had declined steadily from 20 cents a year ago to as low as 12…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has clamped down on four funeral firms that issue funeral policies without licensed underwriters in place and that have, in total, collected more than R67 million in premiums without the required insurance licences. All four funeral companies have, meanwhile, signed undertakings to rectify their licensing status and to comply with the law in this regard in the future. The FSCA recently dealt with each case on its own and conducted investigations in each matter after receiving information that the companies were issuing funeral policies without having an insurer, which is a contravention of the Insurance Act. In each case, the owners of the funeral houses gave their cooperation and fully undertook to rectify matters. In the first matter, TFBS Funeral Parlour in Orkney, North…

KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi warned that the South African criminal justice system is teetering on the edge of collapse, and the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry is crucial in preventing a complete breakdown. Mkhwanazi was the first witness to testify before the Commission at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria yesterday. He emphasised that criminality and corruption pose a significant threat to the independence of South Africa's justice system. He said his concerns about political interference in police work are shared by many within the SAPS and referred to his July 6 briefing where he alleged that now suspended Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu had colluded with “dodgy businesspeople” and criminal networks, including drug cartels, to sabotage SAPS operations. Central to his explosive claims was the…

As the Springboks prepare for their decisive two-Test series against Argentina, confidence in the squad remains strong as the world champions set their sights on securing back-to-back Rugby Championship titles. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for continuity in selection, retaining the core of the squad that thrashed the All Blacks in Wellington. That emphatic 43-10 victory propelled the Boks into second place on the standings, just one point behind Australia (11), and gave them crucial momentum heading into the final stretch. However, the build-up has not been without setbacks. Injuries to key players Lood de Jager (lock), Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), and Aphelele Fassi (fullback) have forced adjustments. In response, Erasmus has turned to hooker Bongi Mbonambi, whose leadership and composure could prove vital against Los Pumas. The…

Stick to the script and we’ll be okay. That’s the message from Paarl Royals Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara. The Royals seemed to endure a shambolic Betway SA20 auction last week. The Boland Park-based team had R14.5 million to fill 13 spots but sat dormant for large parts when the high bidding was taking place for the likes of Dewald Brevis (R16.5 million) and Aiden Markram (R14 million) was taking place. There were times when Sangakkara cut a disconsolate figure at the table when the Royals missed out on another potentially key player. They eventually ended up with six specialists in their squad, which seemed to the outsiders extremely unbalanced. But the Sri Lankan feels this was ultimately all part of the plan for the Royals to exploit their spin-friendly…

South Africa’s retail sales climbed by 5.6% year-on-year in July 2025, the fastest pace in three months, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported on Wednesday. The rebound follows a modest 1.7% increase in June and reflects stronger spending across most categories. Stats SA's deputy director for distributive trade statistics, Raquel Floris, said five of the seven retail trade groups registered gains. "Textiles and clothing increased by 10.0% and general dealers by 3.3% year-on-year. Together, both retail groups pushed overall growth up by 3.1 percentage points," Floris said. "Retailers in food and beverages and pharmaceuticals and medical goods registered a weaker month, both recording a year-on-year decline in sales." Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation recorded 5.2% year-on-year, down from 5.7% previously. Monthly deflation of 0.1% reflected meat and non-alcoholic beverages inflation…

In a revealing look into South Africa's auto financing landscape, WesBank has reported a notable increase in the adoption of balloon payments among vehicle finance agreements. As the financial strain on consumers escalates, car buyers are increasingly turning to this payment structure to alleviate monthly repayment pressures. The latest data indicated a rise from 27% of new finance deals incorporating a balloon payment option in July 2025 to 35% in August 2025. Additionally, the average size of these balloon payments has also surged, going from 33% in July to 37% in August this year. In comparison to last year, the trend appears stable; in August 2024, balloon payments constituted around 35% of finance deals, with an average size of 37% per arrangement. Lebo Gaoaketse, the Head of Marketing and Communication…

The issue of climate change and its associated impacts, especially on African cities, is a critical topic that demands urgent attention. Every day, Africa faces the consequences of something it did not cause. While 7 out of the 10 world most climate vulnerable countries are in the African region, Africa only emits about 4% of greenhouse gases, and in terms of historical contributions the content ranks even lower – according to World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate report 2022. Heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts, which are some of the effects of climate change, are having devastating impacts on communities and economies, with increasing numbers of people at risk across the continent. Africa’s rapidly expanding cities are hotspots of this vulnerability and impact. According to…

Momentum Group delivered record, normalised headline earnings (NHE) of R6.26 billion in the year to June 30, up a remarkable sector beating 41% on the prior financial year, which was already a record year. Operating profit increased by 52% from R3.6bn to R5.48bn, very strong growth for a large insurance-based financial services group in South Africa’s currently weak economic environment. Competitor Sanlam, for instance, reported 20% growth in normalised net results in the six months to June 30, while Old Mutual grew its adjusted headline profit by 29% for the same period. “I am satisfied our results reflect the strength of the diversified portfolio and disciplined execution of our Impact Strategy,” said CEO Jeanette Marais in an online interview. She said that the 2026 financial year is likely to be…

A parliamentary committee wants Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and the department to clarify options available to revoke the permanent residence permit of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group’s Phillip Craig. This was after the legal opinion received by the committee stated that the power to revoke Craig’s permit rested with director-general Tommy Makhode and that there must be evidence that he breached the Immigration Act. The committee sought the legal opinion after it was briefed by the department earlier this year that Craig held a permanent residence permit, with no pending applications for naturalisation. There have been calls to withdraw his permanent residency status because of his advocacy for the secession of the Western Cape, which some deem to pose a threat to national security and public order. The legal…

Five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been arrested alongside two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals for allegedly conspiring to steal a consignment of illicit cigarettes near the Limpopo River. Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the suspects, aged between 26 and 42, were nabbed on Tuesday during a joint operation by the SAPS Limpopo Beitbridge task team and military intelligence. The seven arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. Police said the arrests followed an incident in Artonvilla, along Malaladrift road, where the group allegedly conspired to intercept and steal cigarettes being smuggled into South Africa. During the operation, shots…

THE narrative that former principal of Heathfield High School, Wesley Neumann, is a “defiant, deviant, and that he displayed insolent behaviour” was rejected by his legal counsel during arguments at the Labour Court sitting in Cape Town yesterday. Neumann’s counsel, advocate Vernon Seymour, during his submissions at the Labour Court, reiterated from the voluminous evidence that the narrative painted by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) was in stark contrast to the conduct Neumann displayed prior to and during events that led to his dismissal. Neumann was dismissed after facing four misconduct charges brought against him by his employer in 2020 when he made decisions at the height of the global pandemic, to keep the school closed due to safety concerns for pupils, staff, the school community and his family.…

Cape Ballet Africa makes its debut at Theatre on the Bay with award-winning SALT this month. The acclaimed triple bill SALT returns in full force, featuring original works choreographed by Kirsten Isenberg, multi-award-winning artist, Mthuthuzeli November and Michelle Reid. A standout event on Cape Town’s dance calendar, SALT is being presented at Theatre on The Bay until September 27. These three ballets are poignant, sleek, stylish, celebratory and percussive. Audiences can expect strong athletic pointe work, gravity-defying pas de deux, and beautifully articulated bodies in motion. “We are proud to be making our debut at Theatre on the Bay with our award-winning programme SALT,” said Debbie Turner, founder and Artistic Director of Cape Ballet Africa. “This esteemed venue in such a magnificent location is iconic on Cape Town’s cultural landscape.…

WHEN the Proteas Women’s squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Pakistan and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, there were concerns around the average age of the team. With a team age average of 29, seven of the players, all of whom are generally starters in the team, are above the age of 30, with all-rounder Marizanne Kapp being the oldest in the squad at 35 years of age. Many were concerned whether the all-rounder Kapp, with age not on her side and her recent struggles with fitness, would play the all-round role the world has grown accustomed to. However, on Tuesday, Kapp put all those concerns to bed, having bowled seven overs in the scorching sun, before blasting an unbeaten 121 to guide South Africa women to…

Stats SA says that on a month-to-month basis, CPI declined by 0.2% South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation (CPI) eased to 3.3% in August from 3.5% in July, Statistics South Africa reported on Wednesday. The softer-than-expected outcome has raised hopes for an interest rate cut when the South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on Thursday. Headline inflation edged closer to the Sarb’s new 3% target announced in July, while core inflation — which strips out food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy prices — rose marginally from 3.0% to 3.1%. Stats SA said that on a month-to-month basis, CPI declined by 0.2%. Food prices were a key driver of the slowdown. Overall food inflation fell from 5.5% in July to 5.2% in August, with cereals and vegetables…

Pharmacies, especially ones in rural areas, are often the cornerstone of their communities. Beyond filling prescriptions, they provide medication, medical equipment, and counselling, sometimes serving as multi-service clinics in small towns and outlying areas. When people cannot wait weeks for a doctor’s appointment, or need trusted advice, the local pharmacy is their first stop. In many outlying areas, it is not just the most practical option, but often the only one. With the country’s high and rising burden of chronic disease, this role will only grow in importance. The sector is indeed expanding. In just two years, 2020 and 2021, about 648 new community pharmacies opened across South Africa. By 2021, the total number stood at roughly 3,580 outlets, and nearly 70% of these were independent rather than corporate-owned. That…

Legal matters can be confusing within the business landscape and particularly so for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From contract drafting to intellectual property protection, doing business in accordance with the law can be complex. Mistakes can be costly and can even lead to more serious consequences, such as significant financial loss or business closure. For example, in 2019, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) revealed that 80% of its cases were from small businesses. This statistic highlights the significant legal and compliance challenges faced by SMEs – challenges that can lead to costly financial setbacks for businesses. Too often, SMEs fall outside of compliance not due to negligence but simply because they are unaware of essential legal requirements involved in running a formal business. This lack of…

Africa's hotel industry is undergoing a transformation unlike any seen before, with 577 new hotels and resorts currently under construction across the continent, promising an addition of over 104,000 new rooms. This remarkable surge represents a 13.3% increase, far exceeding global growth rates, and is largely driven by the dynamic sub-Saharan African region. “We’re witnessing clear market signals across sub-Saharan Africa indicating significant expansion opportunities, particularly with the sector's potential to generate $168 billion in revenue and create over 18 million jobs by 2033,” Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development Southern and Eastern Africa at Radisson Hotel Group said. The data underscored a burgeoning optimism in a sector that has often been overshadowed by economic and political uncertainties. Among the most noteworthy stories is Zimbabwe’s rise as a focal point…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and Jacob Zuma will argue today before the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, that the functions of the Madlanga Commission will usurp the powers that are constitutionally and exclusively conferred on both the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the Magistrates Commission. In turning to the court in an urgent bid to interdict the commission, the applicants say it is not about challenging the decision to set up an inquiry per se. It is about the decision to set up a judicial commission of inquiry in the present circumstance where the subject matter of the inquiry includes serious allegations of criminality against unnamed members of the judiciary. The judiciary cannot be both an accused institution and also the investigating institution via one of its members - Judge…

As illicit alcohol continues to deprive many governments of tax revenues and poses a significant threat to businesses and consumers, a Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (Tracit) report has encouraged authorities to enforce strict laws and regulations governing the trade of ethanol to prevent its diversion for illegal and unauthorised purposes. Tracit said this underground market harms the sales and profits of legitimate firms and the economy in general, while also posing major health and safety threats to consumers. The report stated that to safeguard public health and reduce the risks associated with illicit alcohol, governments should enact and enforce laws and regulations governing the trade of ethanol to prevent its diversion for illegal or unauthorised purposes. The most successful ethanol control strategies, according to Tracit, employ a three-pillar…

I was not going to write this review but I just couldn't resist as I witnessed some well-written vituperation being levelled against this year's FNB Art Joburg fair which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in the first weekend of this month. Some of which I agreed with, some of which made me wonder "did I attend the same fair?" From "The artworks lacked authenticity" to "Still Kentridge?" to "Black portraiture felt more algorithm than art" to "Why was Santu Mofokeng's work hung on a pink wall?" and inanities on the commercialisation of culture at an art fair. Kanti what on earth is an art fair na? Cultural analyst, Ashraf Jamal, soberly deduced that this year's fair was more joyous, easier and less angsty. Put simply, there was nice…

Zakithi Nene will be looking to end Team South Africa’s eight-year medal drought at the World Athletics Championships today when he lines up in the men’s 400m final. Nene stormed into the final in Tokyo after winning his heat on Tuesday, the South African one-lap star overcoming two restarts to put himself into medal contention. Nene cruised home in a fast time of 44.20, despite coasting over the final 100m. He has consistently clocked sub-45-second times, with his standout performance being a personal best and world-leading 43.76 in Kenya this past May. He also had a solid Diamond League campaign, finishing second in Rome behind Olympic champion Quincy Hall. However, his time was only the fifth fastest in the semi-finals, with Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshibi emerging as the favourite after…

While the Men have one eye on a breakaway R360 league that could ultimately transform the oval-ball game as we know it, Women’s rugby, particularly here in South Africa, is fighting tooth and nail to break free of its shackles. The Springboks’ heroic performance at the Women’s Rugby World Cup over the past month has firmly cast the spotlight on the game in South Africa. For it was only three years ago that Bok Sevens Women’s coach Paul Delport quit his post in huff, stating “I’m not willing to work for people who don’t care about our Women’s Sevens programme.” He went further by saying “[SA Rugby] don’t give a shit. I’m just resigning because I can no longer peddle a lie to talented young women,” said Delport. “I don’t…